SAN DIEGO ZOO

We finally rented a nice car, and got my new Garmin GPS up and working. With a whole free day before us, Paul and I decided to visit the world renowned San Diego Zoo! This is a positively amazing zoo, with fabulous animal species to see: from reptiles to elephants, gorillas to giant turtles.

But also it has breathtakingly beautiful flora: Palm trees, lush rain forest foliage, and flowers everywhere. Many of the animal environments have their own waterfalls. Most of the animals here seem very happy, enjoying a natural environment with others of their own kind. This zoo actually manages to breed endangered species and returns them to the wild.

There are walk through aviaries with stunning brightly colored birds of all sizes. My favorite was the Hummingbird aviary.

The reptile houses were fascinating, with the 10' long, 350 pound Komodo Dragon (Monitor) as its crowning glory. What an amazing creature! But he was also cautious about showing himself to us, so my photos aren't very impressive.

Polar bears rolled and played in obvious contentment. Sea otters played and showed off for us observers. The Pandas are a favorite to the visitors. We had a special treat seeing a silly Panda that had fallen asleep high in a tree! Very cute. We even got to see Meerkats (who had been born in the zoo and recently came from the nursery) up close.

Waterfowl was everywhere. Paul had to drag me away from the aviary that housed the Harlequin ducks in the coolest "waist level" pond. We could literally reach out and touch these birds (tho we didn't)

We rode high above the Zoo in a tram, and got a better feeling for how huge an area this zoo really encompases.

SAN DIEGO WITH Z KRIPKE

After 4 years, we finally stopped talking about visiting Z in San Deigo, and DID it!! Oh, and what fun we had, dogs included. :)
On two or three days notice she planned the most fabulous visit.

Day one: Fun at the dog show. We got to sit ringside and see the Chihuahuas (I have a big soft spot for Chis), Poms and Papillons. Z had the schedule all planned perfectly. Then a fun trip through the vendors. Z is AMAZING. She looks and acts so young. I could hardly keep up with her and had to ask her to slow down a few times, lol.

Our dogs acted as if they had grown up together. They cuddled up in Z's stroller and fell asleep. Bella enjoyed it so much I decided she and Breezey just had to have one of their own. So of course, Z accomodated us by finding a great little pet supply store with strollers. We left with a lovely aqua one. :)


We dined on the famous fish tacos....as fabulous as advertised. :) Then off to the beautiful University for a walk with the girls. The art and architecture here is breathtaking.

The TTouch seminar was next. What an eye opener! I was very impressed with the knowledge and compassion this gal had. We certainly learned much in our 4 hour session. Several dogs had remarkable positive reactions to her work, including Breezey.

Z and Dan's home is so warm and welcoming. I felt comfortable and at home immediately. I really hadn't planned on spending the night, but our rental car never showed up, so Z cheerfully put Bella, Breezey and myself up in her bright and spacious guest room. Dan's stunning blown glass pieces line the shelf under the windows. I admired each and every unique and colorful piece. Dan and Z offered me any piece I wanted! I chose the gorgeous vase he had created that day: a glittering amber piece infused with aqua dichroic glass. It is a treasure.

Day two: After a breakfast of home baked bread, fruit and coffee, Z asked if I would like to make some dichroic glass pieces of jewelry. I adore working with glass, but have never tried this. OH what fun! I could really get into this hobby, for sure. I can't wait to see what comes out of Z's kiln. I had some neat glass to work with, including some laser etched Paps and butterflies that Dan had made with his laser etching machine.

We drove to the RV park to pick up Paul, then spent the day with Z as our tour guide of San Diego. La Jolla bay is breathtaking, truly. Today was especially fabulous because of the huge waves. We got out and walked the dogs in this inspiring place.


Again, the dogs (this time including Anniebelle) enjoyed each others company and were very compatible. Zena even chose to ride in the carseat with Bella and Breezey.

I was so proud of our little Bella. She had such a good time, relaxed and happy no matter where we were or what we were doing.

We still have Wednesday's Papillon Picnic Club walk in Balboa Park to look forward to. I just can't wait!

TWIN PEAKS DESERT SCENERY

I had been wanting to just take a liesurely drive in the desert and take scenic pix since we arrived in Brenda. Paul and I took advantage of this beautiful day on the desert right after a rain storm. No dust at all. It was a gorgeous clear day near twin peaks.