MERRY CHRISTMAS & CONGRATULATIONS TO BEN

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!  I really appreciate your taking time throughout the year to follow my "Vintage Journeys". 

In addition to our holiday celebration this year, we had the added benefit of honoring our son, Ben, who recently graduated witha BS degree from the University of Ashford. Friends and family took a short break on Christmas Eve for a champagne toast to Ben. Here is the proud "Vintage Mom" speech: 
"We all know that achieving a college degree is not an easy feat--it requires a lot of perseverance and determination--we are very proud of Ben for this achievement.

Unlike most of us, Ben has managed to accomplish getting his formal education while at the same time experiencing life in many other ways.  He has traveled the world including nine visits to Iraq, toured with a band throughout western and eastern Europe, visited every state in the US and most provinces of Canada--along with Central America and Argentina.  He has played guitar and back-up singer in a traveling band, been a sound technician to numerous groups, set up stages and managed national and worldwide tours.  In addition, he has done it all with class--impressing many along the way with his good nature, hard work and humor.  Never does Ben let the ways of the world influence him--he does it his own way.



BEN IN SADDAM HUSSEIN'S CHAIR

Currently he is employed by Americorp, managing projects that allow underprivileged people to live in their dream homes.  We have to believe he is on his way to far greater accomplishments in the future.  Ben has done a great job of keeping life interesting while moving on to bigger and better things as needed.  Ron and I will continue to learn from our children which is one of our greatest blessings."


 

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS IN CORONADO

 

SANTA
 HOTEL DEL CORONADO  IN BACKGROUND





GRAHAM MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN

This is the first year I've had the privilege of living
 in Coronado to enjoy the holiday season. 

Coronado takes pride in organizing numerous events--mostly free for residents and visitors. There are Christmas parades (on land and water), concerts, glittering trees and decorations everywhere.  The Hotel del Coronado is a fascinating place to visit any time of the year, however, it is spectacular at Christmas. They build a very popular outside ice skating rink directly on the Pacific Ocean.  To give you an idea of all that is going on here, I just counted 29 holiday events listed in The Coronado 2012 Holiday Guide.  I have not had the time to experience all of them but so far my favorites have been a leisurely weekday visit to the Hotel Del (built in 1888) to observe the lovely Christmas decorations, watching the Christmas Boat Parade from our apartment window with friends, and viewing the beautifully decorated trees along Orange Avenue.  The variety of  homes and churches built in the early 1900's add to the magical charm of Coronado.  

DECORATED VINTAGE HOME

I do love it here, however,  the best part of  Christmas will be the celebration in Minnesota with family and old friends.

ANNA  IN VINTAGE RACOON COAT

(As usual I will need to wear my moms'  vintage racoon coat on Christmas Day--it fits so well in Minnesota.)

LIVINGSTON HOUSE-1144 ISABELLA AVENUE

 


VINTAGE HOME CORONADO

SANTA AT THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO

CORONADO VINTAGE HOME





SNOW????? IN SAN DIEGO

This December day started out with a pleasant commuter ferry ride from Coronado to downtown San Diego. Followed by a not so pleasant walk up Broadway to Balboa Park--passing Horton Plaza, dozens of tattoo shops, unusual folks, City College and finally the Park. Unintentionally, I managed to take the least scenic and longest route to Balboa Park. The purpose of the trip was to meet with my daughter, Anna, and to take her niece, Sophia, skating. Anna picked me up at the Park. We drove to Westfield UTC Mall for skating. This was a good choice because the rink was wide open--a skaters delight.

The last time Anna skated with Sophia, it required two adults to hold her up which is why I was recruited for this excursion.  After one trip around the rink, it was clear that this little four-year-old was on her way to skating with the help of one hand and then no hands.  A very remarkable young lady--just like her skating instructor, Anna.  However, what I found fascinating was Sophia's falling down and putting her finger on the little bit of snow that built up from the skaters.  I realized, of course, that she was intrigued by the snow because she lives in snowless San Diego. 

Later, when I returned to Coronado by ferry and met my husband at the Landing he was amused by a long line he had just witnessed.  Children and parents were waiting to play and slide on the "Mountain of Snow" (four feet high).  Yes, in Coronado they ship in tons of snow for the kids to play on for a few hours in order to celebrate Christmas.  It is sponsored by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and part of the Annual Open House. 

Just for the record, the forecast for Maple Plain, MN tomorrow is as follows:  "Intermittent snow showers, especially early. High 33F. S winds shifting to WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 70%.
1-3 inches of snow expected." (I just heard they had over ten inches of snow.) 
 Could there be a greater appreciation for snow out here in San Diego? Is less better? For now, I think less is better. 

SNOW IN CORONADO

SNOW MOUNTAIN

 

EARLY MORNING VIEWS FROM MY WINDOW

 

CORONADO BRIDGE AT SUNRISE

 

 

 Fortunately, I am an early riser so I can enjoy these lovely views of San Diego before the city lights go dim.  One of the special treats is viewing the gigantic Christmas tree at the Marriott across the bay - it absolutely glitters and reflects off the nearby buildings and water.  This is  followed by a lovely sunrise over the Coronado Bridge. 

Here are  photos taken this morning: 

CORONADO BRIDGE

 

DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO

DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO