MUCH NEEDED VACAY

The week after Mom passed away John and I went to San Diego on a trip he had won through Platium Services. It was good to get away and clear the head a little. We went on a dinner cruise the first night we were that Platinum had set up. It was so pretty. We visited the awesome San Diego Zoo. And we met Dave Hays a wonderful Iowa alum whom Jason lived with when he did an internship at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla (he was going to get out of sports all together - that worked at well, didn't it LOL.) San Diego is such a clean city, it was just nice to get away from all the snow. Here are some pics from the trip.
We stayed at the Manchester Grand Hyatt right on the ocean. This was the view from our window:

First here was our hotel

Then the view out of our window

After we soon got there we went for a stroll along the waterfront and had lunch with some of John's co-workers and wives.

This man was sitting these rocks on top of one another - weird how he could do it

For some reason I really liked these coral trees ~ unique shape

The gang John, Barbara Ivey, James Ivey, Carol Balsar and Craig Balsar

That night was the dinner cruise ~ great time


Carol and me

John & Craig

Sunday evening was the Awards Banquest which is always very lovely

Some handsome lads

However the lassies shined brighter


John receiving his award

The tables were done in deep purple and lavendar ~ quite stunning



On Monday we took another walk along the waterfront and met Dave Hays at the Fish Market Restaurant for lunch ~ delish ~


I loved this sculture so I had to have a picture of both John and I with it

I liked this dragon too

This statue is the picture that appeared in the New York Times right after WWII, obviously a sailor kissing a nurse (it reminded me of Mom & Dad since Dad was in the Navy.) It will eventually be moved to Central Park in New York City.



The famous Mr. Dave Hays

On the way back to the hotel we stoped to visit the USS Midway the longest commissioned aircraft carrier in US history

Some of the sights we saw making our way back to the hotel:

A boat (the first small one) called "Three Boys" ummmmmm just reminded me of something

Another cool sailboat

That night we ate at the Kansas City Bar-B-Q where Goose played the piano in the movie "Top Gun." The ribs were subperb

Debbie and Dennis Brinkman went with us

The next day it was on to the Zoo

How can you not love a panda?

This guy was so funny

The Leader's Dinner was at the "Strip Club" a great steak place where you cooked your own and the sides were excellent

Debbie and Steve

Carol and Craig

It was a great trip and next year we are off to JAMAICA!!!