Here are some pictures from my fabulous week on Coronado Island, which came courtesy of a raffle I won at the Adults with Congenital Heart Defects Association conference last year. Mom and I swapped out the chilly Colorado condo for sunnier San Diego skies. It was a gorgeous and much needed vacation. Thanks to the Coronado Resort for a fantastic staff.
Sunny Beach Day
This was taken on Day 3 of my stay, when Steffie took the train down from Hollywood to keep me company since I am a right old scaredy-cat about staying in new places by my lonesome. Dropping her bags at the door, she demanded food and beach. The sushi was great and the beach was even better. We had marvelous weather for it being February. Perks of being in Southern California!
Military Aircraft – Coronado Island
I knew that we were close to Camp Pendelton and a bunch of military based areas but wow, I had no clue just how present the military is down there. Aircrafts like the one pictured above were flying overhead when Steffie and I were enjoying a walk along the beach.
Reflection of the Hotel del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado is its own long overdue post, but I was pleased that I was able to capture this reflection of one of the first luxury resorts ever built. The water was too chilly for my liking but my feet enjoyed the cool, slippery feeling of water and sand as Steffie and I strolled along the shore.
Seashells by the Seashore
I understand the compulsion to make gaudy seashell home furnishings out of these gems of the ocean – seashells are so much fun! Searching for that perfect shell is a childhood past time that just never gets old. Steffie and I both collected a few specimens. Also, it should be noted that the sand is amazingly soft, not unlike velvet on my feet. Coronado is an incredibly clean beach as well.
Sunset on Coronado Island
All of the sunset’s were glorious – though I unfortunately waited until the last evening to take my pictures and it was overcast. Still, the sun put on a good show by breaking through the clouds as it descended into the west.
All in all, it was a sensational trip and I’d recommend Coronado Island to just about anyone.
I hope everyone had a tasty Passover or Easter – or both, as in my case. I’d have to say that Passover was the more enjoyable of the holidays for me because I spent it at a friends house and didn’t feel compelled to hide from as many people as I did on Sunday when I was surrounded by family. I’m thinking next year I want to hide from Easter altogether and either go on a trip or out to eat with friends. Easter brunch and a movie! If I had my way (and I will one day) I would scrap Easter altogether and celebrate May Day instead. There are more pagan elements appropriated than one can shake a Peep at; may as well ditch the religious elements I don’t believe in and just fully embrace the renewal of spring festivities.
Anyway – here are some photos – mostly of Passover, but one Easter pic managed to hop in there.
Deviled Eggs
I love deviled eggs and I love making them. Expect recipe up on Wednesday. These were a big hit at Pesach and again on Easter when I made another batch.
Macaroons
A cousin from out of town took her fresh batch of cookies on the plane with her! These were incredibly, especially the chocolate cookies.
Gefilte Fish
You love it or you hate it – there is rarely an in between. I’m of the latter persuasion, but the adorable Star of David plate was a gift presented to the hostess of the evening and I wanted to snap a picture for her mostly.
Matzah
I would snack on this shit ’til the second (…or first?) coming of Christ.
Seder Plate
This is the centerpiece at the head table. The items on the plate are representatives of what Pesach is all about, like the bitter herbs dipped in salt water represent the bitterness of the years the Jewish people spent in slavery and the tears of the slaves.
The Story of Passover
This is a very lengthily but enlightening print-out we read from each year. It reminds me of my childhood when my parents were actually good about going around the table at Thanksgiving and making everyone present say what they are thankful for. I miss that. Anyway, highlights of this tradition include getting to wear cute novelties that represent the 10 plagues of Egypt (I had a finger puppet lion to represent wild beasts *mrow*), shots of wine (okay, sips but you know), going around the dining room to name the things we would like to take with us on our journey through life and the things we’d like to leave behind, and of course my friend and her mother singing Go Down Moses as deeply as their vocals allow.
Matzo Ball Soup
The highlight of my Pesach. Mama Lisa’s matzo ball soup. If this had been the only feature of the evening I would have still walked away a happy woman. I could have just eaten 3 of these fluffy pieces of heaven and been content.
Until next year – Shalom!
I only have one picture to share from Easter:
Rice Crispy Eggs
I made a batch of Rice Crispy Treats and used plastic Easter eggs to mold them into a more holiday appropriate shape. I dusted and drizzled some cocoa sauce on some and added sprinkles. Fun and scrumptious.
Haven’t done one of these in a while, and I’m copping out a bit because life has just been incredibly stressful. I have my (hopefully) last pre-op test today and won’t have to make the haul to the west side until my surgery in early November. By the way, if you’re interested in guest posting for my blog during my recovery, I’d appreciate it.
The Beach at Camp del Corazon – This is where I go every year for the last eight years. I am a volunteer at Camp del Corazon, a camp for kids 7-17 living with some sort of heart complication. Obviously, I can relate to my campers, so it’s kind of a healing cleanse for myself too. You see the lifeguard chair above, kayaks in the distance and boats from the yacht club that parks there every year. (We’re not exactly friendly with one another, more like forcibly cordial). I’m lucky; girls camp sees this view from our open-air cabins.
The Climbing Wall at Camp del Corazon. I’ve gone on this wall…twice, maybe. Maybe. I don’t like climbing walls because I’m not very apt at pulling myself up on small bits of hardened plastic. I’ll go up if I have scared campers who insist on seeing their counselors hike it up first, but I usually try to encourage my campers to go up multiple times (as well as my co-counselors) before I even put on a harness. I’m not scared of heights, I just lack the physical strength needed to accomplish this.
This is the courtyard at the Getty Villa, a companion museum to The Getty that specializes in Ancient Roman, Greek and Etruria times. It’s a very easy-going museum and perfect for people who like statues (like me) and mythology (like me) and gardens (like me).
Lower Glanmire, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland. I’ve been thinking a lot about returning to Ireland. More like escaping to Ireland. It breaks my heart that I am in a situation where I cannot leave the country for more than 28 days at a time. Otherwise, I’d have signed up for WWOOF ages ago and not looked back. Luckily, I have friends who are heading there next summer. I may either join them (read: crash their party) or go in the fall.
Draculaura in a teacup. What a shock I would stick this one in. Actually, I’m proud enough of this photo that I added my user name on it for the lazier thieves. Draculaura was the first Monster High doll/character I fell in love with and she is the perfectly cute model for doll shoots like this one. I’m (obviously) no graphics maven, so getting rid of the background was kind of grueling, hence the pride for this picture.
In fifteen days, I’ll be once again headed here, Seattle, Washington. I have a lot of chilly-weather clothes shopping to get done (not to mention a carry-on suitcase) in the meantime, though. Yes, everyone is laughing at me but better a bundled up Rachael than a constantly bitching and shivering Rachael. Cold be damned, though, I’m coming for the geeks, friends and food. It’s going to be a fantabulous time!
I am back from my week in South Lake Tahoe. It was a fun time, but I am glad to be home once again. I didn’t get everything accomplished on my To-Do list, but I am not complaining in the least. Most of my time was comprised of: eating local and home-cooked fare, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, wading through the lake, wave runner (!) riding, reading, puzzle-solving and hunting down Monster High dolls at the local K-Mart. Y’all, I found Spectra Vondergeist on the second run! Can you believe that? If you’re having a hard time finding her, check K-Mart. Once I mentioned this to my friend Anne here in SoCal, she went to our local K-Mart and viola – Spectra!
Here are photos from my vacation:
View from the condo’s backyard
Car from the classic automobile show
Mika, the long-haired German Shepard, ready for her hike and dip at Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake, my favorite of the lakes in the Tahoe area.
Fallen tree, knotty, upturned roots we came across during our hike up to Fallen Leaf Lake. It was a light, gorgeous hike. We had an energetic dog and a three-year old in tow so it wasn’t strenuous. It was quite out of the way, sparsely visited by only locals.
A dragonfly resting on a stick at Pope Beach. This was Tuesday and all of Natalie’s family gathered for a large picnic on the beach. We made sandwiches and had spreads and chips.
YES! Through the power of connections via Natalie’s cousin-in-law, we got to rent a wave runner for a whole hour. It was fan-freaking-tastic! Let me tell you; my stomach was in knots because I was scared about being in control of a machine I’d have to drive. I don’t drive vehicles for many reasons, and my car anxiety was hitting me head-on. I had Natalie drive first and the feeling of being a passenger alone was exhilarating; and I finally mustered enough courage to drive myself. OMG. Now I want to live in a town with lakes for streets and zoom zoom to my neighbors on my Wave Runner to borrow a cup of sugar. I really want a Wave Runner now. Someone want to buy me one for Christmas?
The Tahoe Queen – a gorgeous riverboat that tours the lake and goes to Emerald Bay where we caught glimpses of Vikingsholm and the stone Tea House on Emerald Island.
A parent and child parasailing next to the Tahoe Queen.
Salt-cod, veggies and real aioli, cooked by a Frenchwoman. I want to marry this dish.
Appetizers: mini pizza bites and authentic French rose wine (which I have to say is far superior to American rose).
Natalie and I kayaking on Echo Lake. It was a bit windy, but we made it a ways out. I was game to go further, but I am glad we turned around when we did because the way back was strenuous as we were going against the wind.
1000 piece cat puzzle Natalie and I completed in a couple of days. There were 2 pieces missing.
Reflection of a glorious sunset in the canal behind the condo. This was my last evening there.
My favorite picture. Gorgeous sunset on my last day.
Overall it was a lovely time, and a nice reminder that there are beautiful, spacious areas of California still left to enjoy.
I didn’t know if going to Niagara Falls would be cliche and boring for my native Canadian friends – but to my delight, they not only insisted I see this World Wonder but they, too, were very excited to go. In fact – both of my friends spent their honeymoon time at Niagara and look forward to many more visits. We had two amazing meals that day, but those are for another post, so here are my best snapshots from the Falls themselves:
I believe the direction my friend Zuzu dictated was, “Look luxurious.”
You are actually looking at a gorgeous rainbow on the ground. It was amazing and I nearly busted my camera trying to capture this image because the mist was so overwhelming. We even bought plastic ponchos to help protect us. Our clothes anyway. I’m glad I upgraded my camera because this shot alone was worth the investment. I love rainbows.
This was an area actually down a ways from the main Falls. It is usually torrential whirlpools, but the water was calmer that day.
There were so many rainbows that day. It was a real treat.
Least we not forget, Niagara is also a major tourist attraction…which means it is to be exploited by a mile long avenue chock filled with cheesy, overpriced attractions and gloriously tacky souvenirs! Ladies and gents, welcome to Clifton Hill:
The sad part is he had a very bad Indian accent.
And finally, the creme de la creme of my Niagara Falls pictures, a picture of a giant Hershey Kiss with my friend Zuzu photo-bombing in the background as she lovingly caressed the Hershey related products:
One year ago today Steffie and I embarked on an incredible journey that took us over our own fair and vast land, across the Atlantic Ocean and over to Ireland – a country neither one of us has any claim of ancestry. While I missed my boyfriend about 4 days in, I was very tempted to part ways with Steffie at the end of our two week journey and tell her I’d join her in another weeks time, please give my regards to my family. In truth, I never wanted to leave. I had found my soul home. I long to return, though there are other destinations that I must achieve before I can go back. I hope everyone is listening to our podcast – which gives a recounting of our trip. It’s been fun to record – be on the lookout for part two this week. Right now, here are my favorite pictures from Ireland with corresponding descriptions to let you know the story behind them.
Steffie is avoiding eye contact because she knows I am about to ask for a lick. We are in Kinsale, this very upscale seaside community known for their culinary expertise. It is before noon, which bums me out since the Fishy Fishy Cafe would not be serving lunch until our tour was well on its way out of town. Despite the AM and overcast windy weather, Steffie decided to get a scoop of the most expensive ice cream ever. I, frugal Scrooge that I am, was going to be a stubborn cow and say no, I will not pay that amount for a single fucking scoop. However, upon hearing Steffie boast how great it was, I was filled with regret. She let me have a single lick. It was pretty damn good.
I took this photo from the bus. It was once a 1600s residence that got a Georgian face lift a century or so after it was originally built. I really want to go and seek out ruins and forgotten old residences like this the next time I venture to Ireland. It’s places like this that make my day. This one was my favorite from all of the random ruins we past while on the road. I just wanted to stop, get out and go play.
Seeing the Cliffs of Moher was huge for me. It was part nostalgia (The Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride) and part deep-rooted desire to be completely awestruck and truly feel how small I really am as one person. I feel that Ireland has a lot going on to make one feel this way; that we’re all just part of a big, grand scheme and we’re all incredibly fortunate to be part of it.
Murdering Hole. Need I say more?
After a long day on a self-guided tour of Killarney, I snapped this shot of the sun on the water from the window of our bus. I don’t care about the glare and lens flare, I love this picture very much.
No, the quality isn’t great but that isn’t the point – the point is that this was taken at exactly 11:00pm GMT. Yeah. PM. That’s when the sun went down in County Mongahan. And people dared to ask us why we visited this part of the country. THIS IS WHY.
This was our home for three nights. We are eternally a grateful to Andy for loaning us this bit of shelter for the duration of the 2010 Flat Lake Festival. Andy, you are a prince and the next pint is on us.
Thanks for insisting we visit the Jameson museum, Steffie. I didn’t have whiskey on my alcoholic palate until now. With ginger ale, please. Yum.
Truly, my only goal while in Ireland was to roll/romp in a field of wildflowers. I achieved this in Dublin, at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Love.
Thanks for the recommendation, Cillian. It was a grand evening.
Sunset over the River Lee in Cork City. We were coming home from one of our day tours. Magic, magic, magic. The perfect city.
I picked up this little flower to press but unfortunately it got lost :/ Still, a nice shot to remind me of a wonderful day.
My absolutely favorite picture, taken by Steffie as we were flying into Cork Airport. I use this picture on the information side of all of my business cards.
If you have the slightest desire to see this beautiful land, go. Make it happen. Get a jar and start putting in all of your loose change. Open a savings account and start squirreling away every spare cent you can. It will all add up, trust me. It’s all worth it. See all that you can, talk to everyone you meet and have the time of your life. Ireland is a soulfully strong and deeply artistic country. You will never regret going.
You’re going to see a number of animals in this edition of The Flickr Files because I was at the Pet Expo last weekend and fell in love with absolutely every animal I set eyes on.
Both of these precious chihuahua’s were rescued from an extreme hoarding situation and due to lack of dental care, had to have most of their teeth removed. The end result? Chronic adorable tongue lolling. They’re super sweet if you click the picture and go to Flickr you can get the info on their new caregivers, NO STRAY LEFT BEHIND. I think, even though I’m overall not a big fan of small dogs, I do love chihuahua’s enough to adopt one (in the future).
I bought Mister J and I a Groupon pass for Pacific Park, this semi-carnival at the Santa Monica pier. What I did not realize is that the 1922 carousel is not part of the park even though it is on the pier, and therefore our passes did not include it. While I accepted this bummer news, Mister J saw the disappointment in my eyes and insisted on paying the money for us to have a ride on the carousel (he knows how much I love them). While we waited our turn, I pointed out the two lonely non-equestrienne animals: a ram and a triceratops. Giddy as a second grader who just watched The Land Before Time for the first time, Mister J was willing to knock over any four year old to get to that triceratops. Luckily it was an incredibly slow day at the pier and no children were present during our ride.
This is Sugar Plum the nine year old male black cat. He was on loan out from Rancho Cucamonga animal shelter trying to find a home. I don’t know if he did, but I blasted his information all over the internet and tried to coerce my friends into adopting him. It was communicated to me that he would be the victim of overcrowding if he did not find a home and would be killed. He was so sweet and loving; purring and nudging me as he kneaded his towel. I would have taken him home right then and there if I were the one paying the rent. Alas, I’m not. I want this kitty to have a happy ending but I remain too chicken shit to call the shelter and inquire about him. I fear the worse. It does not help that I met him on the anniversary of coming home on an emergency flight to be with my then dying male black cat, Mr. Destiny, and felt just as helpless. If you are interested in helping Sugar Plum please get in contact with the shelter ASAP: SHELTER INFO.
My view of Mount Rainier flying home from Washington last July. I’m still a little annoyed that Virgin American Airlines were supremely unprofessional in the way they handled my request for an aisle and then stuck me with the last possible seat (window way in the back) but I otherwise would not have been able to snap this gorgeous picture. Washington is one of the most – if not the absolute – gorgeous state I have visited. If it weren’t so goddamn gloomy I’d consider moving there.
This is Rock, just one of the amazing dogs featured in the Ultimate Dog Challenge show at the Pet Expo. I was lucky enough to have a grass seat right up front with all of the four year olds whose parents couldn’t be bothered to get there early for a bleacher seat. I managed to snap many awesome midair photos such as this one. Although, admittedly, the entire time I was watching this show I had the beginning to the film Flight of the Navigator on loop in my head. Remember that awesome movie? Anyway – I’m glad that I did not miss this demonstration so props to my pal Will for giving me the heads up.
A little snail buddy slithering outside my apartment. I don’t know why I love snails so much, I just do. Perhaps it’s due to my grandmother’s deep hatred of them for eating her garden and paying my brother and his friends five cents per killed snail? I guess I feel the need to make up for years of snail tyranny at the hands of my family. I can’t even eat them. I’ve come close, but I just can’t do it. They’re so cute, and this is by far the best picture I have ever taken of one. Do take a look at the larger size.
Help me, Jeebus, I discovered Fluevog shoes. OK, well, Michelle first put Fluevog in my face through her tweets, but there really is nothing like slipping your feet into a handcrafted shoe that costs more than my paycheck. I really want these – Ida Clark – and the cranberry colored Malibran Mary Janes. Size 9/12 for anyone who really wants to impress me with their devotion.
Steffie is obsessed with these little cake pops. She went for birthday cake while I indulged in rocky road.
Sunset in South Pasadena. Mister J and I were waiting at the bus stop on our way home from Menchi’s Frozen Yogurt where we were celebrating his passing the California written exam (which you have to take to switch your driver license over to a California license). I prefer when the sunset is drawn out over the evening. Winter is soon a distant memory.
The pillow was not in fact placed here for the benefit of Kermit, but to protect the wood of our cedar chest that is an antique crafted from a great-grandfather of mine. This matters not to Kermit, of course, as he is just happy to have a soft surface to nap in the spring sunshine. He is a difficult cat to live with, but I love him best at these moments.
This dog, along with three other dogs, live next door to my aunts’ house. The bamboo my aunt N. recently tore down now leaves the perfect neighbor snooping view for our mutual four-legged friends to enjoy. I am a huge fan of St. Bernard’s and I just want a big, fluffy cuddle-bug like Daisy here. I’d probably get a mix, though, because purebreds are wrought with health issues. I’m predicting that Daisy, along with her adopted German shepherd brother, Diesel, will soon jump over that tiny ass fence.
Out of the four dogs next door, two of the dogs are named “Pixie” and “Daisy”. My aunts’ dogs names? Pixie and Daisy. Hahaha. The Pixie’s came together already named but when they adopted Daisy above, the neighbors were desperately trying to come up with a name and my aunts were out of town…but the name “Daisy” kept ringing over and over in the matriarchs head. So another Daisy was named – and only after aunts came home did she remember where she had heard it! D’oh, but funny!
Taro Macaroon
The first macaroon I can honestly say that I enjoyed. I don’t understand their price, but this taro flavored treat was a true delight. I’m also warming to taro flavor, which is like a sweet yam. It may be a while before I start on taro flavored boba slushies. This macaroon was purchased at the White Rabbit truck and I swear it tastes 100x better than I can take the picture with shit lighting.
Spock Munny
I think these guys are called Munny? These guys in the window look like a hybrid of Lego/Play Mobile and Munny by Kid Robot. I don’t know which it is, but it’s cute, it’s Spock and has mouse ears and I love him. He’s on Melrose Avenue in a window front if you ever want to visit him.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
I don’t know what it is with my family and pumpkin but my sister and I are the masters of pumpkin related desserts. She made this heavenly pumpkin cheesecake for our Oscar party. I had to stop myself from going back for thirds. Cheesecakes are relatively easy to bake, providing you have a cheesecake pan that isn’t a bitch to work with. I think next fall when pumpkins are in season I’ll have my sister make this again out of fresh pumpkin puree.
Sky Watching over Los Angeles
I took this picture while wedged in the backseat of a truck driving down the 60 freeway. You can see the downtown area of Los Angeles just peeping from the right-hand side corner. It was a good day visiting my friends in Whittier, playing You Don’t Know Jack, meeting my friends’ new puppy, eating Mexican food and hauling a wardrobe I’d been coveting since my grandmother first purchased it. My friends are the best.
