Barely North of the Border: San Diego, California

We came to San Diego to visit the final of Kirsten’s three cousins.  Here Anika hands Kirsten’s Cousin Jennifer the last of the three bottles of maple syrup that we brought from Vermont to give to these three.  So, we did it!  We completed the cousin trifecta.

Unfortunately, we visit Jennifer and her son Marshal also shown here, (along with Cousin Laura who just keeps popping up everywhere we go), at a tough time for their family.  Jennifer and Jackie Crowe’s son Weston had been cancer free for almost 6 years since his initial battle and was found in the last week to have two masses in his lungs determined to be cancerous.  As he just started his chemotherapy yesterday – the family was a bit preoccupied to be able to hang out with us much.  And this is how it should have been.  We missed them of course – but appreciated having this nice dinner with Jennifer and Marshall (and Laura).  But, their time needed to be focused on Weston.  We all have been thinking about and praying for Weston. (Yes, dogs can pray – remember what dog spells backwards!)

We still enjoyed our visit to this beautiful city.  And Jennifer gave us great beach recommendations.  We all had a chance to take our first dips into the Pacific Ocean today.  It was wonderful. 

I even got to frolic at this dog friendly beach called Del Mar. 

Look at me with my new dog friends.

We also went to the La Jolla Beach community where there were these dog-like water creatures.  They barked sort of like dogs – but they sure seemed slippery…

The campground we stayed in was very nice and only 8 miles from the Mexican border.  Dave in particular liked shopping at the local grocery store El Super where all the signs were in Spanish, Mariachi music blared over the grocery speakers, and where he got to pick up inexpensive treats grown just across the border including avocados, key limes, poblano peppers, and fresh cilantro.  Sounds like the makings for some yummy guacamole tomorrow.  I wonder how that tastes on kibble…  He also picked up a prickly pear cactus fruit – I have no idea what he plans on doing with that!

Well, we head north now to Sequoia National Park and then to Yosemite National Park.  Neither of these places have internet connections so it may be a while until I make my next post. 

So, until then…

Big wet kisses, Mookie, “The Bloggin’ Dog”