Weekend Getaways: I'm For Them!

John and I just returned from a weekend spent in San Diego.  If you were sitting in my living room, and if the year were circa 1970, we'd just pull out the projector and show you the slide show (and maybe we'd eat fondue!) Instead, you'll have to scroll down to see the photos and read the commentary.  As for snacks, I'm afraid you're on your own--but if you're near San Diego, I'd recommend Extraordinary Desserts and/or HeavenSent Desserts.

On the way to the wonderful bed-and-breakfast, Vintage Sol, we just had to stop at Disneyland.  We visited City Hall to pick up "Happy Anniversary" buttons, and wore them proudly.  A cast member volunteered to take our photo near Sleeping Beauty's castle.

We rode a few rides:  Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, Big Thunder Railroad, Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh, Star Tours, and Indiana Jones.  We ate lunch at the Blue Bayou, and were seated at a waterfront table.

We also sat and got our silhouettes cut--something we had never done before.  It was fascinating to see how quickly the artist cut our likenesses. 

Check-in time at Vintage Sol is between 3:00 and 4:00, so we left Disneyland after lunch and headed toward San Diego.  We've stayed at Vintage Sol before, and it is now "our" place to go.  It consists of a private courtyard and a tiny little guesthouse.  The owner is an artistic genius.  Though some of her decorating style runs bolder than mine, the end result is a delightful, welcoming retreat.  I always come away inspired to be more creative. 

This is a view from the courtyard looking toward the little house.

I'm amazed at how the eclectic decor goes together.

The huge birdcage holds the prettiest little finches.

The fountain gurgles a relaxing melody.

The inside provides kitchen, bed, and bath in a compact space. (Ignore the sloppily-made bed and suitcases sticking out from under the bed--that's our doing, not the owner's.)

Here's a view from the inside looking out toward the courtyard.

Even the bathroom is packed with whimsical touches.

I love this little wall clock, made with all sorts of everyday items.

Breakfasts at Vintage Sol delight the eyes as well as the taste buds--I started eating before I remembered to take a photo!

During our stay, we visited the USS Midway and heard a WWII Navy veteran talk about his experience on Omaha Beach on D-day.  We also strolled through the ArtWalk at Little Italy, perused an antique store, and window-shopped for windows, doors, old hardware, light fixtures, etc. at Architecture Salvage. 

Friday night we went to the San Diego LDS temple. It is an absolutely stunning building.  We always try to attend a temple session sometime during the week of our anniversary.  Though we don't always visit the same temple, the feeling of peace inside is the same.

Saturday night we watched "Greater Tuna," a play put on by a local theater company.  We enjoyed the production, a portrayal of small-town life in which all the characters are played by only two actors. 

Today, we attended church in San Diego, then came home. 

My unsolicited advice to all married couples is to regularly take just-the-two-of-you weekend vacations together.  I know it takes some logistical planning, especially when the kids are young, but it is a nice time to enjoy each other's company without interruptions or distractions.  You'll come home refreshed and better able to tackle the daily obligations of life.   

Thankful thought:  Thanks for youngest son and daughter for holding down the fort while we were gone, and for surprising us with a freshly mowed and edged yard when we returned!