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February 27, 2015

Strolling Through Little Italy, San Diego

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Touted as a "hip and historic urban neighborhood," 
San Diego's Little Italy is a great place to explore.
Since it was in close proximity to our hotel,
we decided to walk there for breakfast one morning.


This mosaic depicts the Italian culture of the area, including 
its origins as a tuna fishing village and the bocce courts in Amici Park.

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We wandered down India Street, the center of activity.
I loved this triptych mural of Venetian gondoliers.

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The ornate wrought iron, cherub and gilded pillars at this entryway caught my eye.

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Green checked tablecloths and cozy outdoor seating drew us to Cafe Zucchero...

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...and this fabulous Belgian waffle was my reward!

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A group of paisans, kibitzing in Italian.

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The mosaic globe fountain at the Piazza Basilone.

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We happened upon the Little Italy Mercato (mercato = market in Italian),
an event that takes over the neighborhood every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A farmer's market with handcrafted wares and lush fruits & veggies!

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February 25, 2015

Lovely Art Quilts by Bozena Wojtaszek

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Handcrafted quilts are beautiful,
and art quilts, stitched together with decorative flair, are especially so.
Bozena Wojtaszek, of Poland, is a self-taught quilter.
Her contemporary creations are exquisite, often embellished with embroidery & beading.

I've selected several of my favorites and paired each one with close-up photo
so that we can appreciate the detailing and the fine craftsmanship of this talented artist.


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Watch this short YouTube video of Bozena in action!



Bozena's links:





Images used with direct permission from Bozena Wojtaszek.

February 23, 2015

The Bob Hope Tribute in San Diego

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Bob Hope. (1903-2003)
Comedian and star of film and television,
but probably most warmly remembered for the many times
he traveled overseas with the USO to entertain our American troops,
often during the Christmas holiday when servicemen were far from their loved ones.
Bob brought smiles, laughter, encouragement and appreciation
to thousands of men and women in the armed forces.

The city of San Diego, California is "thanking Bob for the memories"
with a spectacular and moving memorial called
A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military.


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Amid a group of beautiful coral trees along the shore of San Diego Bay,
is a life-size bronze statue of Bob at the microphone.
He's facing a group of 15 bronze likenesses,
designed to collectively symbolize those soldiers
who fought during the times of Bob's USO tours and who
represent the branches of the military as follows:

World War II: Paratrooper, Fighter Pilot, Marine Corps Sergeant, 
Navy Pilot Lieutenant, Army Nurse, Navy Machinist Mate

Korean War: Infantryman, Sailor, Marine

Vietnam War: Artilleryman, Air Force Mechanic, 
Coast Guard Squadron One, Navy Medic

Gulf War: Soldier in Desert Storm, Air Force Staff Sergeant


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The sculptures were done by Eugene Daub and Steven Whyte. 
Speakers provide recordings of Bob telling his classic jokes and one-liners.

Notice the aircraft carrier in the background; it's the USS Midway Museum.


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We dropped in next door for delicious fresh-caught seafood dinner
at The Fish Market, complete with an amazing view of the bay.

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A 25 feet tall bronze statue, Unconditional Surrender
is also adjacent to the restaurant.
Its sculptor, Seward Johnson, based his work on
a V-J Day photo by Victor Jorgensen, shown below.

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Leaving the restaurant just at sunset, we couldn't resist 
heading back over to the memorial for another look and more photos.

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Bob Hope received many awards recognizing his humanitarian efforts.
In 1997, on behalf of all United States soldiers, Bob was made an honorary veteran.

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February 21, 2015

A Day at Pacific Beach & Crystal Pier – San Diego, CA

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While enjoying our sisters get-away in San Diego,
we decided we needed some beach time.
Heading north, we came upon Pacific Beach.

Nothing like sand between the toes as a quick fix for mid-winter doldrums!
Somehow, seeing the ocean made it official.
Remembering that there were below-freezing temps with loads of snow
back home made it that much sweeter.

Although the skies were overcast that day, we were quite content
to listen to the pounding waves and take it all in.
There isn't a better way for me to relax than to sit on a beach 
and become mesmerized by the ocean!


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Fun browsing in this surf shop.
Came away with turquoise earrings & a pair of floral print Toms!

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Time for lunch...

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Awesome to eat outside with this view!

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Grabbing coffee for a stroll on the pier.

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Crystal Pier has cottages to rent.
It's actually called the Crystal Pier Hotel!

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Other posts on my San Diego adventure~

Website links of interest:



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