A VISIT TO EDINBURGH CASTLE BY MILA

MILA

Today's blog post features a special guest writer – Mila, my granddaughter, a curious and talented nine-year-old. She's currently in Edinburgh Scotland with her family. They spent Easter Sunday exploring Edinburgh Castle and this is Mila's story: 

2:24PM: WALKING AROUND IN A LARGE GRAVEL AREA WHILE WAITING TO GO INTO THE CASTLE.

             

2:26PM: WE GET ICE CREAM.

AROUND 2:30PM: WE GET INTO THE CASTLE AND GRAB A MAP.

2:52PM: I GO WITH MY MOM TO MY PERSONAL FAVORITE, 
ST. MARGARET'S CHAPEL

ABOUT 3:00: WE SEE TWO OF MY FAVORITES, THE DOG CEMETERY AND THE
FORE WELL, IN WHICH I DROPPED TREE PEBBLES FOR MY SISTER, WITH A VERY SATISFACTORY RESULT.

3:49PM: WE GO TO A PLACE CALLED THE GREAT HALL

4:45PM: WE LEAVE AND GO TO A CAFE

5:00PM: I GO BACK WITH MY DAD AND WE SEE THE CROWN JEWELS.

ABOUT 5:20PM: WE GO TO THE GIFT SHOP AND I GET A MOOD RING AND A PENCIL.

QUEEN MARGARET (ABOVE)
[ST MARGARET'S CHAPEL IS THE OLDEST BUILDING IN EDINBURGH CASTLE. 
BUILT IN ABOUT 1130, THIS CHAPEL WAS PROBABLY PART OF A GREAT STONE TOWER. IT IS DEDICATED TO THE SAINTLY QUEEN MARGARET, WHO LIVED IN THE CASTLE IN THE LATE 1000'S]

NEW ZEALAND – SPECIAL TIMES WITH MILA

            “Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons.”

                                                                    -Author Unknown

     Our family journey to New Zealand this past November included our 3 1/2-year-old granddaughter, Mila. We felt blessed to have her along. Ron and I found that in some ways she was easier to travel with than our own children were—probably because her parents were never more than a cell phone call away.

     Here are some special times that Mila and I had together in this child-friendly nation, south of the equator, and 6,500 miles from home:

    

     On Mila's first morning in New Zealand (Ron and I arrived two days earlier) we headed out early to find the Up Cafe for breakfast. She asked for my map so she could pretend to help me find the way because I told her I was a little lost as usual. Once we found the restaurant, she ordered hot chocolate which she drank by the spoonful. It took over an hour to finish, and she did not want anything else to eat. Perhaps we could count the two marshmallows that came with it as breakfast.

    

   When returning from Silo Park, located on the waterfront in Auckland, we arrived at the pedestrian lift bridge, Wynyard Crossing, just as the gate was closing. Mila quietly sat down on a nearby embankment and watched intently as the bridge lifted for a passing boat.

    

   Whenever Mila and I were out together, she immediately gave us each an assigned name for the day. Most often, she was Elsa and I was Anna—characters from her favorite Disney movie Frozen. One day, when we were at a playground in Queenstown, Mila told a little Chinese girl that her name was Elsa, and then she held out her arm and told the girl's little brother to freeze when he was misbehaving. I just hope she doesn't use fictitious names when she's trying to make new friends in her neighborhood.

    

New Zealand is a wonderful child-friendly nation. In addition to numerous playgrounds, the restaurants often have little play areas or shelves full of children's books and toys. I also noticed that the locals took time to stop and visit with Mila. The museums often had areas dedicated to children. The world famous Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, with its many discovery centers for children, provided hours of creative play for Mila and a much needed break for her parents.

    

We stayed at a lot of nice places on our journey. However, if Mila were to choose her favorite, it would be, without a doubt, the Red Tussock Motel in Te Anau. This is because of the little swing set (the kind that we had in the 50s and 60s) with just two swings and a small slide that she spotted immediately. I think it was the first time in her life that she had her own private swing set that she could enjoy to her heart's content.

     We returned to Auckland at the end of our journey shortly after Thanksgiving and the beginning of the Christmas season. As Ron, Mila, and I were walking along Queens Street on our last day, Mila noticed the colorful animated window display at Smith & Caughey's. This is the oldest and most loved department store in Auckland. They decorate their windows annually for children to enjoy. This year it was based on the children's book A Pirate's Night Before Christmas. Grandpa read the script to her, while they happily walked along, looking at each of the displays, as the music played. For many Aucklanders, it's not Christmas until they've experienced these windows in all their glory. “So come all ye pirates, joyful & otherwise. .” by author, Philip Yates.

     Mila still remembers the window display in Auckland because she mentioned it last night while we were watching the San Diego boat parade. It also had a santa pirate theme.

    I wonder how many other events from her 30 days in New Zealand she will remember through the years. 

SKATING WITH MILA AT THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO

                         SKATING BY THE SEA

     
   Once a year the Hotel Del Coronado constructs an outside skating rink. It is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the vintage 128-year-old hotel. The setting is superb and it attracts thousands of skaters every holiday season..

    

This year we decided it was time to attach the double-bladed skates to Mila's tennis shoes, and let her whirl around the rink for the first time. She wore her winter jacket, warm hat, and mittens that are rarely needed in San Diego. The two and 1/2 year old Mila was content to skate the entire session on this mild winter evening with just a few short cookie breaks. She seemed to be enjoying herself, despite the fact that she clutched her mother's hand for dear life the entire time.

    

It didn't take long for Mila to observe that her skates were not as cool as the others—she asked for a different pair. I think she was eyeing her mother's white leather skates with the shiny silver blades.
    When we left the rink, she announced that she was a good skater. Is it just possible she will follow in her mother's footsteps and become a competitive skater? If she does, she can say that she started skating at two and 1/2, which is well documented by the dozens of photos and videos that her father took that day.

    I wrote a post about my skating excursion to the Hotel Del Coronado three years ago, it almost seems like yesterday—time goes too fast. There have been a few changes since then: the cost has increased to $25; there is no reduction if you bring your own skates; and the sessions are a half-hour shorter. However, the holiday music, twinkling white lights, and comfortable temperatures still prevail. Most importantly, I now have a granddaughter to share the experience with.

     Here is the December 2013 post: Skating by the Sea at the Vintage Del Coronado Hotel.

COOKIE BREAK BY THE SEA

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

ANNA, MILA & SUE

DOWNTOWN PARKS & SPECIAL PLACES WITH MILA

    

San Diego County Administration Center

  One of the most impressive and noteworthy downtown buildings is the San Diego County Administration Center (1600 Pacific Hwy.). It was built during the Great Depression with funding from the Works Progress Administration and was completed in 1938; often referred to as the Jewel of the Bay because it fronts San Diego harbor, it's particularly stunning after dark when the lights are on. The style is considered Spanish Revival which is identifiable because of its smooth plaster (stucco) walls and semi-circular arcade above the entry way. The Beaux Arts influence is apparent from the mosaics, sculptures, and grand entrance. A massive statue “The Guardian of Water” by Donal Hord stands at the front entrance. This pioneer woman holding a water jug is one of my favorites.

Waterfront Park

       I love this building, however, the real reason for a visit today is the magnificent 12-acre County Administration Waterfront Park located on the grounds to the north and south. Recently completed in 2014, it is the largest downtown park after Balboa Park. With fountains, open grassy areas, gardens of drought tolerant flowers, picnic areas, playground, and large mosaic sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle, it is truly a children's paradise.

With a park like this only a ferryboat ride away, and a granddaughter who is at the “love parks” stage, I was excited to take Mila on another excursion. She is now 22-months-old and still loves to go places. Mila managed to convince me that she needed to bring her two dolls, Stella and Raggedy Andy, with her to the park today (I have enough trouble keeping track of her without worrying about losing a doll.) It turned out fine, because she clutched the dolls tightly most of the time and was proud to have “two friends” with her at the park.

       We arrived at the Broadway Pier at 9 a.m.; Mila and her dolls rode in the stroller as I walked along busy Harbor Drive. She looked quite small compared to the huge cruise ship that was docked at the harbor for the day. We passed the Maritime Museum with its historic Star of India, B-39 Submarine, and Steam Ferry Berkeley. After a few blocks, we crossed Harbor Drive to visit the Waterfront Park. Unfortunately, all of the famous water fountains were closed for maintenance. We hope to return soon to see the fountains.

      

"Dragon" by Niki de Saint  Phalle

We then walked to the south side of the building where the playground equipment, picnic tables, and interactive water pool are. It was a rather quiet Wednesday morning in March, which was good because protecting Mila from all the other active children in a park can be a challenge. There is a large circular hill that kids can climb up on, and then large slides to get down on. It is made of that cushy shock absorbing surface that you find in the latest parks around the country. The slides were large and fast. Mila. Andy, Stella, and I went down the large double slide together a couple of times. I decided not to continue because I almost fell at the bottom, and was afraid that I might end up on top of Mila. We'll leave this slide for another day. There were a couple of toddler swings that she enjoyed. The nearby interactive fountains that kids are allowed to play in were also closed for maintenance. This was probably just as well because she would have been tempted to jump in, and I didn't bring a towel or dry clothes along—that will wait for another day too.

       At this point I was ready for a break, so we walked south to the Headquarters at Seaport Village, and stopped at my favorite downtown Starbuck's. This worked well, because Mila's mom had sent snacks, and she was delighted with the Starbuck's milk. I enjoyed a coffee. We sat together on a high stool and watched people.

      

Next, I decided that we should find out what the small Children's Park is all about. It was another six blocks further south and located directly in front of the Children's Museum and across from the convention center. It is a pleasant, fenced-in little park; however with all of its rope climbing, it is designed for children older than Mila. She had the most fun observing the frequent MTS Red Trolleys pass by on the nearby train track.

      From here we headed down toward the 5^th Avenue Ferry landing, which is near the Convention Center. I kind of expected Mila to fall asleep in her stroller along the way, so I could relax, read, and perhaps have some lunch, but no such luck. I guess downtown is just too exciting.

       We arrived at the ferry landing just in time to catch the 1 p.m. departure which was quite full. I decided to try to get on and let the driver help with the stroller. Unfortunately, they were using the small ferry that does not have a ramp and her stroller needed to be lifted in. This is one of the very rare times I have used her “baby SUV” stroller. It's too big and heavy to be practical in my opinion. We have a small, light-weight stroller that I usually use that can be folded and lifted easily while I am still holding Mila. Anyway, we made it on, but the captain was not very happy with me.

       We were the first ones off and then Mila, who had been clutching her two dolls during the entire day, accidently dropped Raggedy Andy. I thought it had fallen right into the water, but by some miracle, it got caught between the ferry and the dock, preventing the disaster. I bent over and picked it up for her.

       Well, we survived the trip, and I think I needed a nap at the end more than she did. Next time, we will ride a Red Trolley to Old Town. She'll love it and so will I.

Maritime Museum

Cruise Ship - San Diego Harbor

Related Posts: Special Days with Mila at Balboa Park
                                   July 24, 2015

                        Visiting Balboa Park with a Special Person

                                  November 27, 2014

SPECIAL DAYS WITH MILA AT BALBOA PARK

MILA AT BLACK DOLLS EXHIBIT-MINGEI MUSEUM

First of all, I need to brag about this girl. She is a delight to take to Balboa Park. She sits up in her stroller and looks at everything. I think it's the eyes and the cute pudgy cheeks that cause dozens of “how cute she is” comments from passers-by. She takes everything in and is clearly having a good time.

On this visit, the first stop is the rose garden that happens to be at its peak on this 23^rd day of March. I don't think this is her favorite event for the day, but she is content looking around while I thoroughly enjoy the spectacular Inez Grant Parker MemorialRose Garden at its best. With more than 1,600 roses and 130 varieties, it is easy to see why the display has been the recipient of many awards, including the Great Rosarians of the World Rose Garden Hall of Fame in 2014.

Next, we meander over to the Prado restaurant where I decide to take a chance on the table at the entrance so there will be lots of activity for Mila to observe. I am a little uneasy about putting her in the highchair and trying to enjoy a meal with her in this restaurant, but it turns out fine. My salad comes quickly and she is intrigued by the ice that I put on the table (this was suggested by another customer as she walked by). Thank you, lady, whoever you were.

Black doll Exhibit

The Mingei International Museum is featuring an exhibition called: Black Dolls—From the Collection of Deborah Neff. I have been looking forward to seeing it with Mila and this seems like a good day to give it a try. There are 125 handmade dolls on display and I'm not sure what Mila thinks about them, but her eyes are big and it's fun to be with her. I hope she enjoys playing with her dolls as much as I did when growing up. I heard that little girls aren't playing with them as much as they used to. (This exhibition has ended, however, there is an interesting book featuring the collection entitled: Black Dolls: Unique African American Dolls, 1850-1930 from the Collection of Deborah Neff.)

The volunteer guard at the exhibit said that he enjoys his grandchildren too. He said that he enjoys them more than his own children.

I agreed, it is quite different. I told him that I hope I did ok, because I can't remember that much about raising my own kids.

He said his turned out well so he must of done a good job.

I guess I will have to settle for that because mine are doing well too. I told him that when I am with my granddaughter I totally focus on her—that is different than with my own, when there was always something else that needed to be done at the same time. Grandchildren and children are a blessing.

I stop for a coffee-to-go and the young man comments that Mila looks like she is a fun child to be with and he is right on. She just enjoys everything. He asks how old she is (nine months), and said that he finds it interesting to think about the new generation and what their future might be. We agree that there will be some good and bad that she will have to deal with. I guess that is about as optimistic as anyone can be about the future of this world.

Fortunately, Mila fell asleep in the stroller for her much needed afternoon nap. It also gives me a chance to read and relax in the park.

                          * * * * *

It's July, and I am still bringing Mila to the park on Tuesdays. Things have changed now that she is walking and is not always content to sit in her stroller. I guess you could say it's a little more exhausting. She moves fast and I have to hold on to her. However, when she walks and waves at people along the way it's precious. She doesn't discriminate—everyone is her friend, including the dogs.

On other visits we've watched the Merry-go-Round, however, today I decide it's time to take her for a ride. We ride on one of the horses together, and I hold her tightly on my lap. Around we go.It makes me dizzy, but she has fun.                                         

There is always someone singing or playing an instrument in the park, which is another great source of entertainment for Mila. Today she sees another little girl standing up and dancing to the music so she decides to join her.

We sometimes visit the WorldBeat Center, and today there happens to be a children's summer camp going on. Watching all those kids drumming, chanting and moving is probably the highlight of Mila's day.

TIME TO REST 

She doesn't fall asleep in the stroller like she used to. Instead she falls asleep in the car seat on the way home. Then I relax in the parked car outside her home while she finishes the nap.

Related Post:  Visiting Balboa Park with a Special Person

VISITING BALBOA PARK WITH A SPECIAL PERSON

SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

      This Thanksgiving I am particularly grateful for my family and a new six-month-old granddaughter who has touched our hearts in so many ways. I am looking forward to many Vintage Journeys with her.

      I met my daughter, Anna, and baby, Mila, at one of my favorite places, BalboaPark—they arrived late because Mila fell asleep in her crib. That's fine, because she enjoys life more when rested. The San Diego Air &Space Museum is one of many museums located in the park, and is free for residents on this Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Since its full of colorful airplanes, it seemed like a good choice for a six-month-old.

MILA AT AIR & SCIENCE MUSEUM

    Mila was her wide-eyed and observant self as I carried her around the museum, and showed her some of the cool airplanes on display. I want to believe that the bright-red airplane flown by Emilia Earhart made an impression on her, but I have to admit that she liked watching the other children and adults more than the planes. I still loved showing her the replica of the red Lockheed Vega 5B that Amelia Earhart flew as the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic in 1932.

      The San Diego Air and Space Museum is recognized as one of the country's premier aerospace museums. It's located in the historic Ford Building which was built in 1935 as an exposition hall for Ford Motors. In addition to a collection of over 120 aircraft, it is home to the third largest aviation archives and library in America. It's a great museum to visit with its many shiny planes and spacecraft, some of which are hanging from the rafters. It is surrounded by a painted mural which depicts the history of human transportation. The actual Apollo 9 Command Module spacecraft capsule, with the exterior left in its original condition, and a working flying replica of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis are my favorites. We will return someday to visit the fun kid-zone 3D/4D movie theater plus all of the hands-on interactive exhibits. Let us continue to believe that the best generation is still ahead. 

      I will be ever grateful to readers and the opportunity to write a blog. I get much satisfaction from writing and hope that I can make someones day more enjoyable.  

OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE
SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

APOLLO 9 COMMAND MODULE

BELL AH-1E COBRA

SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS