No Restaurants to Review: What to Do? What to Do?

The last restaurant I reviewed was only about 2 weeks ago.  It was Beshok  Ramen in Carlsbad.  I'm still thinking about how delicious the soup was.  Rich, intense broth with an abundance of noodles, sprouts, egg, and pork.  Well, I won't be going there any time soon, if ever.

I know we will recover from this catastrophe, but will things ever be the same?  How many of our favorite restaurants will have closed, never to be seen again?  It's hard to know.  Most small establishments are like most people, living paycheck to paycheck.  Will no interest loans and government help be enough to keep them alive?

It's still too early to tell.  We still don't know how long cases are going to increase daily, and how long it will be until we see the curve start to flatten.  I think of restaurants like Market and Pamplemousse.  Can they possibly do enough take out to keep them afloat?  I don't think so. 

Ron has not been out of the house in over a week, so last Friday we decided to get out for a while.  Dan was with us (our wonderful caregiver).  Ron wanted to go to In and Out for lunch in the car.  We went to the Vista location, and waited about 25 minutes in line.  They have a fantastic system set up, with one person taking your order before you get to the window, then payment at the first window and food at the second window.  It was a treat, and we ate in the parking lot of the restaurant.  We plan to go to another drive through on Friday, maybe some place a little nicer.  I'll have to research and find out who's doing take out.

Difficult times call for innovation.  My lunch bunch group was scheduled to go out next Tuesday, but instead, we have all added Zoom to our phones, and we will sign is as a group and have lunch together.  Not quite the same as last month's fantastic visit to Brussels Bistro in San Clemente, but it will have to do for now. 

Keep safe everyone.  This is not a hoax.  Listen to health professionals, not politicians who have their own agenda.  Facts matter.

How To Keep Your Sanity During The Coronavirus

As it appears more certain that social distancing, school and restaurant closures, and just about every form of entertainment will continue for quite a while, we all have to find our own way of keeping productive, fit and involved.  So far, my plan is working for me.

I have always been very organized, making "To do" lists and the like, and I am continuing to do that now.  I have a daily schedule of things I want to do, in no particular order, but if I do everything I put on the list, I will have accomplished a lot and another day will be put to bed.

Here is a typical day for me:

7:30am  walk pepper
8:00 make breakfast and coffee and enjoy while reading on line NY Times and e-mail. 
8:30-9:30 read (just finished The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich and am now reading Deacon King Kong by James McBride)
9:30 get Ron up and dressed and get his breakfast
10:00 help Ron arrange work for the day (he's doing tax returns)
10:30 Watch a Netflix show (just finishing Pandemic, a six part series.  How appropriate!)
11:30 Make lunch and eat
1:00 Take Pepper on a 3 mile walk
2:00  Free time-write a blog, talk to friends, text, clean garage, drawers, closets, etc.  (I'm working on the garage right now)
4:00  Play on line bridge on BBO with a friend (I could do that for several hours, but I don't)
5:00  Watch news
5:30  Make dinner and eat
7:30  Another short walk for Pepper
8:00  TV time with Ron and then bed

That's a pretty full and productive day!  Lots of exercise, some interaction with social friends by text or on line bridge, entertainment and conversation with Ron, and some cooking

I'm doing a lot of cooking these days.  Today I made a brisket, pickled beets, chicken salad, and a batch of oatmeal cookies.  I will take some food to my old, single neighbor who is not doing well.

We will all get through this.  Keep yourself busy, find new was to interact with others, find new things to do.  I'm texting a lot with my 8 year old granddaughter, which I don't usually do.  Stay safe everyone.

Generate Hope: Help For Young Girls

I went to a fund raiser for Generate Hope.  It was inspiring.  Here in San Diego sex trafficing is rampant.  Most girls that are lured into prostitution are age 14-16.  It takes years, if ever, for them to escape the horror.  Generate Hope is helping girls recover from the trauma of sex with up to 10 partners a night for years.  They need to rebuild self esteem and ultimately start a new life.

Most girls are lured into prostitution at a very young age.  They are often girls that don't feel they fit in, and are looking for someone to love them.  The sex trafficers spot these girls at malls, in front of schools, or at the movies.  They are often getting attention from a young man for the first time, and they love it.  Within weeks they are into prostitution.  They are told that they need to prostitute themselves to help pay for expenses.  (most of them run away from home to be with the boyfriend).

This all leads to an abusive relationship from which it is hard to escape.  In the past few years, Generate Hope has helped over 100 young girls recover and rebuild their lives.  Over 12,000 girls are taken in this way in the San Diego area every year.  Sex trafficing is very lucrative, second only to illegal drugs in profitability of underground businesses.  Our Newcomers group  raised over $14,000 for Generate Hope, which will go a long way towards helping these young girls.

If you've visited the ladies room at an airport in Southern California you have probably seen big signs in the restrooms and in individual stalls urging girls that are in a situation that they want to escape from to call for help.  Great idea.  This is such a serious problem.  It breaks my heart to think of beautiful young girls in middle school being lured into a horrible life.  Hopefully Generate Hope and other organizations that work to end sex trafficing will continue to fight the fight.  Unfortunately gangs, learning of the amount of money that can be made, have gotten in on the activity.  I hope laws are tough on these people that take advantage of young girls.  They must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

How To Enjoy Life In The Age Of Coronavirus

We live in such trying times, and now along comes Coronavirus to make life just a little more difficult, a little more stressful.  I see a variety of responses to the people around me.  Some are hunkering down in their homes, ordering food and supplies from Amazon and hardly leaving their homes.  These people are fearful of dining out, going to movies, sporting events or any activity that involves leaving the house.

Then there are those who, although they believe the Coronavirus and its consequences are real, they choose to live life as they always have.  They have decided not to wear protective gloves, constantly use hand sanitizers or restrict their normal activities.

I fall in between these two extremes.  Yes, the virus is real, yes, if you have underlying medical conditions you should be super vigilant, yes anyone over 60 should take measures to protect themselves.  My biggest change has been hand washing.  I am now washing and sanitizing frequently.  That is something I didn't always do.  I try to enter and exit automatic doors as much as possible.  I try to keep my hands off my face, and I do try to stay away from big crowds.  Am I going to give up playing bridge, going out to restaurants, going to the movies going to parties?  NO, NO, NO! This pandemic may last for months.  We cannot wish for miracles that are not going to happen.  We need to take basic precautions to protect ourselves, but we still need to enjoy life.

I probably wouldn't take a cruise right now, or fly internationally.  I'd be afraid that even if I were healthy I might not be able to get back to the U.S.  For those that are gutsy and have a "what will be will be" attitude, there are some great bargains out there for hotel travel and cruises!!

The Joy of Walking

Fran sent me a funny article recently on walking.  I laughed as I read it, but then started thinking about how wonderful walking really is.  You can do it anywhere, anytime, no equipment needed.  You can do it at any age, until you can no longer walk. 

Fran and I have  been walking together for almost 20 years.  I used to live in Del Mar, she lived in Solana Beach, and we would meet regularly, maybe three times a week, usually for a beach walk.  There is nothing better.  When I moved to Carlsbad and then Oceanside, we continued to walk, but only once a week, and changed our regular location to Encinitas, where we again enjoyed walking the beach.  As time went on we had knee replacements, general aches and pains and other commitments that made getting together sometimes difficult, but we made it happen more often than not.

Walking is good therapy, whether with a partner, group or alone.  We walk and talk about just about everything.  We get good advice from each other too.  No therapists required for us!  I walk my dog everyday too.  We have a 2.3 mile loop around our community that I walk all the time.  I think, plan and just enjoy the beauty of Ocean Hills.  I also listen to books and podcasts.  I get a lot of audio reading done while walking. 

Recently I've been having lots of back and hip pain, but walking helps.  Just 20 minutes of walking and my back and hips are stretched out and I feel better than had I taken a pain reliever.  Walking clears your head, gives you a chance to be alone with yourself, think, plan, dream.  It's a remedy for much of what ails you, both physically and mentally. 

Tomorrow Fran and I will walk at Moonlight Beach.  It should be sunny and 75 degrees in the middle of winter.  How lucky we are.  We will chat about family and friends, plan future fun things to do together, then find a place for lunch.  You want to know where to eat in Encinitas?  Just ask me or Fran.  We have tried them all, but usually end up at The Taco Stand. 

What Are King Tides?

King Tides is not a scientific term. It was first used in Australia and New Zealand, and is now used America to describe the very high tides that occur several times a year.  This year, the king tides occurred from January 10-12.  Educators along coastal regions offered walks and talks to educate the public.  This is NOT the time to go swimming.  You boogie boarders, wait a few days and wait until the surf returns to normal.

The king tides occur when the Earth, Moon and Sun are aligned at perigee and perihelion, resulting in the largest tidal range seen over the course of a year. So, tides are enhanced when the Earth is closest to the Sun around January 2 of each year. They are reduced when it is furthest from the Sun, around July 2.

I was in Solana Beach on Sunday to observe the king tides.  Boy, was I surprised.  I was expecting huge waves, but that is not what I saw. 
The waves were normal, maybe 3-4 feet, but the tide came all the up to the cliffs.  The king tides are high tides, and have nothing
to do with the size of the waves.  Lots of surfers were out on Sunday morning to enjoy the surf and the long ride in.













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Restaurant Openings in North County San Diego

It's hard to keep up with all the restaurant openings and closings, but here are a few spots you might like to know about.  I have not been to any personally, but will try several of them for sure. 

In Oceanside, Orfila Vineyard and Winetasting  might be a place to try for good wine and a light dinner.  The vineyard is in Escondido, and they have now opened a tasting room and pub in Oceanside, near the pier.  Light meals and good wine, how can that be bad?

Live Culture Cafe in Leucadia may not be for everyone, but those looking for healthy foods prepared with live bacteria cultures will surely try this small, 25 seat restaurant.  Kombucha, sandwiches on sour dough bread made from live yeast cultures and live culture yogurt are just some of their offerings.

Town Hall Public House in Vista took over where Flying Pig used to be.  The new gastropub is more casual, and prices are lower.  It is southern inspired, and being only 10 minutes from my home, I will give it a try.

The Henry has opened in Coronado.  I LOVE this place.  The Henry in Phoenix is one of my favorite breakfast and lunch spots when we visit there, and I'm sure The Henry in Coronado will be great.  It's a bit of a drive to go there, but maybe I'll try it out when the weather gets nice.

3Ten Churro Bar is a place I will definitely try.  It's in the Mira Mesa West Shopping Center, and it's a dessert bar, operated by the people from The Broken Yolk.  All kinds of churros is their specialty.  Yum.

International Smoke in Del Mar is a new addition to One Paseo.  It's a globally inspired menu, with foods prepared with fire, grilling and smoking techniques.  Falafel, curry cornbred, Wagyu shaking beef and St. Louis style pork ribs are just a sampling of what you might try.

There are lots of new openings in Little Italy, North Park, Liberty Station and Ocean Beach, but I concentrated on places that are close to MY home.  I hope you get an opportunity to try some. 

An Evening With Ruth Reichel

I've been reading Ruth Reichel for as long as I can remember.   Chef, food critic, magazine editor, author and lecturer has been involved in the American food scene since the 1960's.  She was born in 1948 in New York City, the daughter of German immigrants, who became one of the most influential people in food and culture in our country.

She is on tour now, plugging her latest book, Save Me The Plums.  I saw her interviewed, followed by a Q and A, in La Jolla last week.  It was an interesting evening for a foodie like me.

Ruth married in the 1960's and moved to Berkeley with her husband.  The culinary revolution of the 1970's was just about to take off, and Ruth was there and became part of it.  Alice Waters was there, and as Ruth told us, her favorite restaurant in all the world is still Chez Panisse. 

Ruth spent most of her career as food critic for the LA Times and the New York Times.  She talks in many of her books about the great lengths she would go to eat at a restaurant undetected.  She would use disguises, as she felt this was the way to get a sample of what the restaurant was really like, not what they would do special for a food critic. 

She was also the editor of Gourmet Magazine for many years, until the closing of Conde Nast (parent company) in 2009.  She had never managed a large group of people before, but Gourmet was desperate to land her as their new editor, and she took the job.  She knew nothing about magazine editing, but with the help of supportive staff, she learned and lead.  Unfortunately the magazine could not survive the technology of the 21st century.  The owner of Conde Nast, Si Newhouse, did not change with the times, and could never fully commit to a digital presence. 

Ruth lives in the Berkshires today and continues to write and lecture.  She is a delight to listen to.  What a treat to hear from one of the leaders of the culinary revolution!  Now I may have to buy her new book and read it.

Why Do So Many Restaurants Serve Bad Coffee?

It's not a problem finding a good cup of coffee in San Diego.  The problem is, most of the good coffee is served in cafes or coffee houses, not in restaurants.  Starbucks, Peets, Coffee Bean, Bird Rock, Better Buzz and Philz are just some of the many coffee houses serving great coffee.  Now, go to a coffee shop, a place where they serve breakfast and lunch, and try to find a good cup of coffee.  That's a challenge.

Several years ago I decided that if I ordered a cup of coffee in a restaurant and it wasn't good, I would send it back and have it removed from the bill.  Now when I order coffee I always ask, "Is it good, because if it's not, don't bring it."  I usually get one of two answers:  1.  Well, it's really not very good, or 2.  It's pretty good, and I'll bring you a cup and if you don't like it, I'll take it back.  Almost never does a server unequivocally tell me the coffee is good.  Two exceptions:  Shorehouse Kitchen in Carlsbad  and Breakfast Republic in Encinitas both have great coffee. 

Other favorites that I frequent for breakfast do not have good coffee, so I stop at Starbucks first and bring my Starbucks to breakfast.  The Broken Yolk,  The Tamarack Pie Shop, 101 Diner in Encinitas (one of my favorite breakfast places, but the coffee is no good).  I could go on and on.  Why can't they make a good cup of coffee?  Restaurants could add 25cents to the cost of the coffee and buy good coffee.  I just don't get it.  I also don't get why anyone drinks bad coffee when good coffee is just a few steps away.

No restaurant has ever asked me not to bring my Starbucks into their restaurant.  I don't think they will, but if they do, I will have a lot to say.

Partial Cliff Collapse in Del Mar

This wasn't the first and it won't be the last cliff to collapse in the North San Diego.  Just a few months ago, part of a cliff collapsed in Encinitas, killing several people.  The collapse in Del Mar occurred after 48 hours of heavy rain washed away part of the cliff near the Del Mar train station..  The station has not been used in years, but the rain washed away part of the train tracks, so service between Del Mar and San Diego was closed temporarily.

I have recently read a great deal about climate change, and one thing is for sure.  The cliffs along La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas will someday be gone.  We don't know when, it could be 10 years or 50 years, but erosion will eventually take them down. 

I watch little children play on the beach below Fletcher Cove, and even with signs that say "Unstable Cliffs," parents still allow their kids to play close to them.  It's just a matter of time.  Perhaps some of these areas should be closed.  The area in Del Mar where the partial cliff collapse occurred is frequented by children and adults.  There's a park nearby, and walking paths below the cliffs that are in constant use.  I know.  I lived there for seven years and used to walk that area all the time.  I hope another tragedy doesn't have to take place like what happened in Encinitas to get people's attention.  In my opinion, areas with unstable cliffs above should be closed to the public.  It's just tempting fate to have people walking and playing where a cliff could collapse.

On Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, my mom was taking the train home from Oceanside to Los Angeles.(the Del Mar train closure took place on Saturday so she was not affected).  As we're driving to the train station my mom says, "I hope the rain didn't wash out any of the train track."  The next day, part of the train tracks in Del Mar  WERE washed out.  Smart lady.

Talk To Me

I walked into Starbucks in Solana Beach one Friday morning and was greeted by a nice young man who leaned forward and said, "Talk to me."  That greeting immediately put a smile on my face.  He took my order, and when my phone was scanned for payment and my name came up, he called me by name.  I told him how enjoyable he had made my ordering experience.  He was happy to hear that.

I told him that it was so nice to see someone who loved their job, and strived to be the best at it.  He thanked me, and said that I was probably his 200th customer of the day, but that he was my 1st barista of the day, and that my interaction with him should be as good as the first person he served this morning.  He made the experience so enjoyable that I felt compelled to write this blog.

No matter what your job is, it's your choice to make what you want of it.  You can be a star at any job you do, and this young man certainly has made himself a barista his customers will remember.

Arts Alive and Lucha Libre:The Perfect Combo

One of my favorite annual events in San Diego is Arts Alive at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.  It takes place in April every year, and only last a few days.  The participating florists select a painting from the museum to interpret in a floral arrangement.  This year was as spectacular as ever, with roses found in most arrangements.  Katie and I spent Sunday morning at the museum, saw every arrangement, and enjoyed it thoroughly.  All that walking around the museum made us hungry, so by accident, because we couldn't find a parking place near our first choice for lunch, we ended up at Lucha Libre in Mission Hills.

Luche Libre means free fighting, and refers to the type of Mexican profession wrestling that the Rojano Brothers, who founded the restaurant, grew up enjoying.  They thought the name fit the theme of the restaurant, which was to bring vibrant and exciting food to San Diego.  They wanted to offer a unique twist on typical Mexican food.  First, they offer about 7 different sauces, for dipping in tortilla chips or putting on tacos and burritos.  Chipotle, fruit, mayo based sauce, and several typical salsas in varying degrees of hotness.  Perhaps the most interesting taco and quesedilla were the mole ones.  Chicken or beef with cilantro and mole.  Katie enjoyed that one.  The fish taco was great, as was more typical beef and chicken, filled with ingredients like cheese, avocado and salsa.  From the TJ menu, one might like the hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with katsup, mayo and fajitas.  All the food is delicious.

Luche Libre has several locations in San Diego.  Try it for a twist on typical Mexican food.  What a fun day with Katie, who invited me to join her at Balboa Park.  I enjoyed lunch at a restaurant new to me, and enjoyed the beauty of gorgeous floral arrangements at Arts Alive.

How Farmers Markets Have Changed

I love spending time browsing farmers markets.  They're no longer just a place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.  Fran and I spent a Sunday morning walking to the Encinitas Farmers Market on Vulcan, and when we finished our time there, I realized just how much farmers markets have changed.

It must have been about 30 years ago that farmers markets started popping up everywhere.  We lived in Los Angeles at that time, and my favorite markets were the Westwood market and the Santa Monica market.  They both encompassed several blocks of fruits  and vegetables, some bakery items, often some fresh caught fish, and maybe a booth or two of freshly prepared food  if you were really hungry.  Fast forward 30 years and you will find farmers markets every day of the week within a 15 mile radius of where you live.  We all have our favorites.

Since we moved to the San Diego area in 2003 I have been to many markets, but my favorites still remain.  Encinitas on Sunday morning and Little Italy on Saturday.  The Little Italy market is vast.  Blocks and blocks of fruits, vegetables, spices, drinks, dried meats, fresh fish, crafts like jewelry, paintings, and wood work items.  Fresh food and prepared food are in abundance.  So many new products, new foods, that were not available (actually no one even had heard of them) years ago.  A booth called Salt Farm, with dozens of varieties of salt.  Who heard of that years ago?  It was kosher salt or plain salt, that was it.  Microgreens are everywhere.  I never heard of them years ago.  Kombucha?  Still not sure what that is.  Companies like Brodino Broth Company make bone broth, an item never in existence until a few years ago.  Pour over coffee?  Another new creation.  Lots of coconut products from companies like Aloha Spreads, from yogurt to peanut butter spread.

The very best part of farmers markets is the prepared foods.  Booth upon booth of every ethnic food imaginable.  Last week we saw a booth selling Kenyan food, Egyptian food, crepes, paella, grilled sausages, great Mediterranean platters, and so much more.  Next time you have a few hours and want to enjoy a great lunch and do some shopping, visit your local farmers market.  It's so much fun!

A Visit to a Magical Place: Ilan-Lael Foundation

Several months ago Fran and I visited the Oceanside Museum and enjoyed the exhibit of the multi-talented and creative artist, James Hubbell.  When I found out his home and foundation was just an hour away, I looked into visiting.  Luckily, I was able to arrange a private tour for a group of Newcomers.  25 enjoyed a spectacular of sights and stories about this great talent, James Hubbell.

In Hebrew, Ilan-Lael means tree that unites the physical and spiritual.  Hubbell named his home Ilan-Lael because it so beautifully describes his art.  I would call it organic.  From the placement of the original home on a hill, where they discovered how the light and wind would effect it, to the tile on the bathroom sink, to decorative sculptures around the pool, every decision in design is thought through.  Everything has a function.  James and Ann Hubbell bought the property around 1960 and built the main house, a tiny house, built in the pueblo style.  As the family grew, more buildings were added, and today there are 11 structures, including a small chapel and a large arts area from which the foundation is run.

Hubbell was influenced by African art, Gaudi's work in Barcelona, and Frank Lloyd Wright, and you can see all of this influence in his work.  On the day we toured the home, James Hubbell was, as always, at work in his studio.  He is 88 years old now, and still works every day.  Yes, he has other artists and artisans do the heavy lifting, but he is the inspiration behind everything.  Stained glass abounds, one window or ceiling more beautiful than the next.  Mosaic work is everywhere, from the pool, to bathrooms, to pathways outside.  Sculpture, yes, lots of sculpture.

Hubbell does not consider himself an architect, but he worked closely for many years with Richards (not sure of his first name), a well known architect who designed many homes in San Diego.  I took a few pictures which do not do justice to just how beautiful and special Ilan Lael is, but I encourage you, if you ever have the opportunity to visit Ilan Lael, do.  You can thank me later.

The Fascinating Art of Fred Tomaselli

Fred Tomaselli is an American artist who grew up and started his career in the late 1970's.  He was born in Santa Monica in 1956, and studied his craft at Cal State Fullerton.  Drug culture interested him, and much of his early work centers around the drugs.  As he expanded his horizons, he became interested in nature, the human body and birds.  His work is exquisite, so intricate, so precise. He depicts abstract patterns, human figures, and forms from the natural world into psychedelic visions and mesmerizing patterns. Regarding the use of over-the-counter and controlled pharmaceuticals, street drugs, and hallucinogenic drugs, Tomaselli explains, “these chemical cocktails embedded in the paintings can no longer reach the brain through the bloodstream and must take a different route to altering perception. In my work, they travel to the brain through the eyes.”
Tomaselli describes his work as a “search for transcendence.” The artist states, “art is really about perception and mine have been changed through visiting other realities.” Tomaselli’s work is highly influenced by personal life experiences and the AIDS crisis.

On a cool Saturday morning, Fran and I visited the Oceanside Museum of Art, where we visited an outstanding exhibit of the works of Fred Tomaselli.  I found it so interesting to see how he has evolved, gone from collages depicting drugs and surreal scenes, to collages dealing with nature, the human body and birds.  He loves birds, and has done some beautiful works of birds.  If you have an opportunity to visit this exhibit in Oceanside, you will be delighted.  Enjoy a nice day out at the museum, then lunch at one of the wonderful lunch spots nearby.

Rogers Gardens For The Holidays: Nothing Better

Every time I've visited Rogers Gardens I have come away fulfilled.  It's the nursery in Corona del Mar that is so popular people come from miles away.  It was Fran's birthday, and we knew that Rogers Gardens was decorated for the holidays, so we made a visit there, and included lunch at their fabulous restaurant, The Farmhouse.

Whatever you're looking for in the garden, Rogers Gardens has it.  Succulents, shade plants, indoor plants, decorated wreaths, centerpieces, and big pots and other hanging plants.  It is truly fabulous.  At Christmas time they have room upon room filled with holiday items, from snow globes, to holiday books, to expensive nutcrackers, to tree decorations and trees!

After spending over an hour checking out the gardens and of course buying a few items, we headed to The Farmhouse for lunch.  If you go, be sure to reserve a table several weeks in advance.  It's a warm, inviting room with no walls, so you're looking out at beautiful landscaping.  We enjoyed a truly wonderful meal.  I had a sunchoke soup, garnished with goat cheese and microgreens.  Then I enjoyed a harvest salad, with raisins, persimmons, tomatoes, cucumber and pistachios in a light vineagrette.  Fran had an absolutely delicious burger with fries.  Judy had a rare tuna sandwich, with Asian coleslaw, and Janie ordered a grilled vegetable salad, with just about every vegetable from the garden included.  Of the three desserts we ordered, carrot cake in a mason jar was our favorite.

Next time you're looking for a fun filled day, just an hour from San Diego, take a ride to Rogers Gardens.  There is so much of interest to inspire you.  I took several pictures of items they charge hundreds of dollars for, that crafty people could make at home.  I'm not very crafty, but I have some crafty friends that can help me out.  We had a wonderful day celebrating Fran's birthday on a warm November day.

Scripps Encinitas: State of the Art ER

Several months ago I attended a lecture put on by Scripps Encinitas.  They were inviting donors and community to hear about what's new in medicine.  The topic of the evening was Dr. Erik Topol, and digitized medicine.  It was fascinating to find out that the IPhone will be the key player in the "new" medicine, and that many applications are already being used.  I met Lindsay Peterson at this event.  She works in fundraising and community outreach, so I asked her about conducting a tour for my Newcomers group.  She was happy to oblige.  Thanks Lindsay, for putting together such an interesting and informative tour.

Scripps is a non profit hospital, and just celebrated its 50th birthday.  We were lucky enough to tour the new Leichtag Critical Care Unit, part of the ER at Scripps Encinitas.  Our guide was Dr. Lovell, past chairman of the ER, and an ER doctor for 30 years.  He was personable and informative, answered all our questions, and then some.  He told us that ER services are growing at 3% per year.  I don't know why that is, but what it means is that ER facilities are busting at the seams, even the new ones.  One of the goals at Scripps Encinitas is to have no ER patient wait more than 30 minutes for treatment.  It's a lofty goal.  We noticed no patients in the waiting room.  They have three triage rooms, and patients are admitted at the front desk, then taken to a triage room as soon as possible.  One thing was noticeable-QUIET.  The waiting rooms, halls, in fact everything, is very quiet, even when they're busy.  Doctors do not wear pagers, and very rarely do you hear any announcements over the PA.  Each doctor and nurse has a monitor, which is a method of silent communication, thus reducing noise.

I asked about the use of IPhone technology (Dr. Topol) at Scripps, since Dr. Topol is on staff at Scripps.  Dr. Lovell told us they are using the IPhone for certain situations, and they are giving faster and better care.  Another new development, is the use of a "hospitalist."  This is a relatively new position.  It's a doctor who handles care for groups of patients.  The main doctor oversees treatment, and the hospitalist manages the care of many patients.  The purpose is to eliminate was and save time and money.

Finally, Dr. Lovell spoke about Scripps Encinitas nationally acclaimed rehabilitation center.  Their brain trauma center is second to none, and was used early in the Iraq war for recovering soldiers.  Even though the construction on the new ER has just been completed, they are already full.  Their expansion will add two more operating rooms.  When more expansion takes place is unknown right now.  Just know that you have a state of the ER in your own backyard, and if you ever need it, they're there to serve you.  Let's hope you don't need them!

A Day At the Art Institue

The Art Institute consists of 50 campuses throughout North America, teaching students such things as culinary arts, fashion design, web design, photography, interior design and graphic arts.  We spent a morning touring the San Diego campus, then had lunch at their student run restaurant, Palatte

Judy and Tema, members of our Newcomers group, planned the event.  We had an informative tour of the school first, followed by lunch.  We saw students working in computer labs, sewing garments in the fashion school, and cooking candy and cupcakes in the kitchen.  We even got to sample a delicious almond cupcake, just out of the oven.  The students and teachers were so warm and friendly, it made me feel they were one big happy family.

On Wednesday and Thursday the students enrolled in a specific culinary course prepare and serve lunch and dinner to paying customers who visit their student run restaurant.  The students write the menu, order the food, do all the prep and cooking, serve the food, and of course clean up the mess.  The students that we met today are ready for the professional world, based on the meal they served us to day.  We had a green lentil salad with butternut squash, artichoke hearts, cheese and vinagrette.   I loved it.  My main course was gnocchi with mushrooms.  This meal was not for anyone on a diet, but the calories were worth it.  Dessert was a hazelnut rolled cake filled with chocolate.  I cleaned my plate.  Prices are super cheap, but the food is as good as you'll get at any fine restaurant in San Diego.  One of the students told us that for Valentine's Day they offered a 9 course tasting menu for $45.  Can't beat that!

We all left happy we had discovered something new, and vowing to return for another gourmet meal very soon.  Another nice  new feature of the school is the courses they now offer to the public.  Many cooking classes, photography classes, and fashion  design classes are now offered.  Check the website for further information.

Next time you're in Mission Valley on a Wednesday or Thursday, try the Art Institue of San Diego for lunch or dinner.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  Besides, you'll be giving the students the experience they need to make it in the culinary world.

First Impressions Of Ocean Hills

We moved into Ocean Hills on March 11, so we've been just one month.  We'd been thinking about this move for quite a while.  Ron was ready for it.  I wasn't so sure.  It took a while for me to come around.  I had a million reasons why I didn't want to move there, but over time it became more and more attractive.  My biggest resistance was the location (the only thing that won't change), but I decided the positives outweighed the negatives, so here we are.

For those who don't know, Ocean Hills is a 55+ community of 1632 homes in Oceanside, near Melrose and Cannon.  It looks like a Greek village, with white washed homes, rolling hills of grass on the 18 hole executive course, beautiful landscaping.  Did I mention that it's quiet?   IT'S QUIET!  I take Pepper out for a short walk around 8pm and there's usually not a sole on the street, walking or driving.  Ron is sleeping better than he ever has.

My first impression of Ocean Hills is how friendly the people are.  There's not a grouch in the community.  Even before we moved in, neighbors were coming over to introduce themselves.  As I walk the loop around Ocean Hills most every morning everyone smiles and waves.  They may not know you, but they smile and say hello.  Next, many people are very active.  I went on a 5 mile hike yesterday with about 25 members of the community, with ages ranging from 60-85.  Everyone is busy.  This morning as I walked the loop I came upon two walkers and a wheel chair walker.  Even though the man could no longer walk, he was out in the fresh air in his electric wheelchair, walking with friends.  I thought to myself, "This is great."  I have also noticed a willingness by new residents to get involved.  There is so much to do here that if you're bored, it's your own fault.  A weekly schedule is published each week, which includes some of the following:  yoga, zumba, sit and get fit exercise, tap dance class, ballet class, line dancing, square dancing, ballroom dancing, golf, water aerobics, pickle ball, tennis, bocce, hiking, woodworking shop, bead making class, art class, sailing club and photography club.  This is just a portion of what is available!  It's like a cruise on land.  I am trying out various activities to see what I like and don't like, and to meet as many people as possible and see where I fit in.  I'm not sure where I fit yet.

Yes, there are some negatives.  As I said before, location has always been an issue for me.  It is 18 minutes north east of our old house in Carlsbad.  That means that I must add 20 minutes to most of the things I used to do and places I used to go.  I love the Encinitas Y, and it's a 25 minute trip to the Y.  For most people, that would be a deal breaker, but I enjoy my workouts  and my social visits at the Y so much, that I am keeping my membership and trying to get there three times a week.  I am just not ready to give that up.  Also, my favorite dog park in Encinitas is out of the question.  It's just too far away.  Walking with Fran from the Lumberyard is also quite far, but we will work that out and find a more central location.  I'll say it again, location is the biggest drawback, but this is requiring me to more organized and plan my week more efficiently.  The other negative is rules.  There are lots of them, and I am trying to conform.

Overall, we are enjoying our life at Ocean Hills.  We have tickets to see The Kingston Trio next month, and we are also going to see a comedy night show of comedians from the Comedy Club in LA.  Lots of fun stuff to do without ever getting in your car.  So far, it's all good.  I'll keep you posted.  Thank you, Regina, for keeping after me about moving here.

All Dog Parks Are Not Created Equal

I am sad to report that as of January 10, 2015 Cricket's Corner, the dog park adjacent to Rancho Coastal Humane Society, has closed.  Their closure coincides with the opening of the new Encinitas Community Park, at Santa Fe Road and the 5 Freeway.  Ever since I got Pepper in November of 2011, I've been a regular at Cricket's Corner.  It was there that I met two women who have become great friends, and Pepper met some wonderful dogs to run and tussle with.  Over the course of the years, I have been to many dog parks, and I can tell you they can be as different as night and day.

Some dog parks are dirt, others are grass, still others are wood chips or artificial turf.  Believe it or not, dogs have a preference.  Pepper loved Cricket's Corner, a mixture of dirt, grass and shrubs, and he loved running around.  The new Encinitas park is all grass, and he just LOVES that.  He runs and jumps like a puppy!  Our local park, the beautiful new Alga Norte Park in Carlsbad has a dog park with wood chips.  Pepper hates it.  We go there and he sits on a bench next to me.  If I do get him to get up and move around, he gets sticks caught in his hair and dust and dirt in his mouth.

One thing I loved about Cricket's Corner was that only neutered dogs were allowed.  This led to less fighting.  Most public parks do not have such restrictions, and you may find aggressive dogs there.  At the new Encinitas park I have found the nicest mix of dogs, and people.  Owners watch their dogs, and get involved if there is any aggressiveness.  I go there with confidence that Pepper is going to have a good experience.  I have also enjoyed the people I have met there.  Old, young, children, grandmothers, everyone is having a great time, everyone is friendly and every one is keeping an eye on their dog.  I've been to parks with aggressive dogs, usually big dogs.  Often they will run together like a pack, and if there is a small dog like Pepper who wants to play, they pick on him and he ends up running for cover.  Often they will get too aggressive and hurt him, and owners will tell me their dog is just playing.  I try to stay away from parks where inattentive owners do not control their dogs.

I've probably been to at least 10 different dog parks in North County, and I can say that the new Encinitas Community Park is superior to them all.  The surface, the dogs, the people, and the hours make this my park of choice.  What am I going to do when I move to Oceanside?  It will be about 30 minutes away, instead of 10 minutes away.  That means I will rarely go, and Pepper will have to find new friends at a local park.