Halloween in Coronado

It's halloween, and here are a few of the sights I photographed this morning on the way home from church. 

The top two photos were taken in the plaza at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Adella Avenue. 

The third photo was taken at the Coronado Lawn Bowling Green.  I thought this man looked like Harry Potter with a leaf blower, so I asked my husband to pull over, and "Harry" obliged me with a pose.

Sunset At Tidelands Park

These palm trees at Tidelands Park remind me of two very long legged people standing by the San Diego bay.

Tomorrow is Halloween, do you have your costume ready?

Flowers of Coronado

I shot these flowers on my walk this afternoon to give you an idea of Coronado's year round blooms.

Lords Of The Manor

These ducks were surveying their property this morning at the Coronado Island Marriott.  I adore their attitude of entitlement as they waddle about the resort!

Mr. Pumpkin Head

Every year I kick myself for not planting pumpkin seeds in the summer.  The result is we buy an attractive but costly pumpkin from some patient soul with more forethought than I.

Farmers' Market

Pomegranates



Gourdes



Hibiscus



Carrots and white radishes



Autumn brought many of the typical fruits and vegetables to our Coronado Farmers' Market this afternoon, with the addition of a some California favorites, like little hibiscus bushes that bloom all year round here. 

The Old Ferry Landing

The original Coronado ferry landing was located on the intersection of First Street and Orange Avenue.  The ferry transported travellers and their vehicles from 1886 until 1969 when the Coronado Bridge opened. 

The old ferry booth was preserved and still stands on this site which is now Centennial Park.

Today we have a convenient and enjoyable ferry reserved for foot traffic just a couple blocks down First Street from the original site.

Coronado Autumn Coastline

As the sun makes its annual Southern migration, Coronado's coastline is even more beguiling.  Some days it is less colorful, but that's when you can really hear yourself think... mentally create...grow.

Still Water

It's a quiet, overcast morning here in Coronado as we prepare to drive over the bridge to a soccer game in La Jolla.

Have a great weekend!

More To Explore

The sign on this telescope says There's More To Explore, and I just love that sentiment... there's always something more to explore, isn't there?  Even when we think we know a place (or person, or job), there's always more we can discover.

These photos are from the Sun Deck at the Hotel Del Coronado yesterday.  The second picture is the view from the telescope of the Pacific Ocean and Point Loma off in the distance.  You can see the entrance to the San Diego Bay on the far right.  The bay then continues to curve to the right, dividing Coronado and San Diego, until it is behind the Del. 

Sun Deck In The Morning

The skies cleared this morning just in time to meet friends for coffee on the Sun Deck at the Hotel Del Coronado.  After a couple days of rain, this outdoor get together was even more enjoyable.  Then again, a visit to this historic seaside resort is always a treat!

Rainy Day Mocha

On chilly wet days there's nothing like a hot mexicali mocha from Cafe Madrid outside Bay Books in Coronado.  Their mexicali mocha is a little less sweet than a regular mocha, but more flavorful with a hint of spice.  Delicious!

Rainy Coronado Tour

It's cool and rainy today in Coronado... not our specialty, but these tourists didn't seem bothered by it!  I prefer to curl up with a hot cup of tea and a good book.

My dogs are suspicious of the rain, and refuse to go out in it.  They're definitely California pups.

Don't Drink And Fly

I love this yard all year long, not just because they keep it in perfect shape, but because of the wonderful decorations they put out for each holiday.

"Don't drink and fly" is prudent advise, particularly coming from the retired fighter pilot who lives here!

Autumn Is In The Air

I wonder who thought to stack these pumpkins so nicely in a grocery store parking lot, next to a barbecue stand.  It's gorgeous!  Just proves there is beauty all around if we take the time to look.

Behind Bars

I found this heart melting bunch outside Boney's Bayside Market today.  The contrast of their little angel faces behind bars made them an easy choice for today's post.

The first photo is of either Chuck or Norris, two brother cats that look exactly alike to me.

The second photo is Harley, a male cat with hypnotic eyes.

These sweet cats are all up for adoption through PAWS (Pacific Animal Welfare Society) of Coronado, a fabulous organization that facilitates the adoption of homeless pets, and promotes public awareness and education regarding animal welfare issues.

Did you know that one unneutered male cat, and one unspayed female cat equals 420,000 cats in just 7 years?  I learned this reading about PAWS' "A Litter Free Coronado" program.  Get those kitties fixed!

The Coronado Yacht Club And The Shores

There is a lot going on at this end of Coronado- in the foreground you see boats docked at the Coronado Yacht Club, then just behind the masts is the red peaked roof of the Boat House restaurant, and in the background are the tall contemporary buildings of The Shores condominium complex.  If we could leap over the the condos, we'd land right on the beach next to the Pacific Ocean.  How's that for location?

Surrey At Sunset

What could be better than a sunset surrey ride with your family?

The Heart of Coronado

In the heart of Coronado is Spreckels Park, with it's playground and multipurpose gazebo where many village events take place, and across the street is the Coronado library; a quiet, friendly haven.

Shades of Coronado

Sometimes you have to be creative to find a quiet little beach all to yourself, and these folks succeeded.  This photo was taken between two popular restaurants at the Coronado ferry landing.

Jet Ski

I shot this yesterday on the San Diego Bay.  Doesn't it look like they're having fun?

Looking Up

               

 

Sunday is an appropriate day to turn our eyes upward and admire the view.

Coronado Bikes

Let's face it, riding a bike is much more fun than driving a car.  Don't you love to feel your hair whipping in the wind?  Why not go for a bike ride this weekend!?

City By The Bay

"When the lights go down in the city,

and the sun shines on the bay...

I wanna get back to my city by the bay..."

~ "Lights," by Journey

I took this photo tonight just after sunset.  I never tire of photographing the San Diego Bay from Coronado!

Thanks For Visiting

The sign says "thank you for visiting", but really means "come back soon!"

Foot Prints In The Sand

I'm in a contemplative mood today, so walk with me a moment.

Some days our beaches are alive with sunseekers, families carrying loads of supplies, barely clad young adults, checking each other out then glancing away, retired folks in no rush, and mom's like me who cannot bear to put the camera down.  You name it, they're all here on a warm day.  Those are fun times to "people watch," but what is left after everyone is gone? 

Foot prints.

Every type from the tiny dents left by toddlers' feet to great big daddy feet.

Then when the day is over, the local fauna comes out, looking for bits of food left behind.  Those are the foot prints I photographed above. 

The top photo was taken by the San Diego Bay at the Ferry Landing in morning light.  The bottom photo is Coronado Beach in the early evening.  Funny, I never noticed the difference in sand color before.

Coronado At Night

My husband and I went out for a lovely seafood dinner at the Brigantine last night, and left the restaurant to find this romantic scene.  Coronado is a peaceful,quiet town in the evening... just the way we like it.

For those of you who love a good book, Steve Martini has written eleven thrillers about a fictional criminal defense attorney named Paul Madriani, which takes place in Coronado and San Diego, since his move from Sacramento.  His fictional office is just to the left of this photograph.  I confess I have not read his books yet, but they are on my list, after I finish my book club book, "The Forgotten Garden", by Kate Morton.

Just Ducky

Today was kind of a slow grey day, but I did find (and mildly inconvenience) this family of ducks near the Coronado Bridge.  They were in a cute little row when I spotted them, but as I approached, they paddled off in the San Diego Bay.  Oh well, c'est la vie.

Puppy Love - My 100th Post!

I cannot think of a better poster-child for my 100th blog post than this dapper English Bull Dog pup who came to his first soccer game yesterday.  At nine weeks old he was a big hit with the players and families, who jokingly called him our team mascot.  He belongs to another player's family, but they generously allowed the rest of us to cuddle and coo over this darling "old soul."

Children, puppies and Autumn days are a few of the wonderful, but fleeting, gifts life offers everyday... don't let them slip by without enjoying them thoroughly!

Wedding at Tidelands Park

I came upon this lovely wedding location today while waiting for my son's soccer team pictures to be taken.  I haven't seen as many weddings held at Tidelands Park as the more popular Centennial Park or Spreckels Park in Coronado, but this is nice.  I wish the bride and groom a lifetime of happiness together, and pray that no soccer balls interrupt their ceremony!

Coronado Candy Factory

The weather is still a little gloomy today, so I stopped in front of the Coronado Candy Factory for a vibrant photo.  This little shop on Orange Avenue is a jewel with it's freshly made chocolates, caramels, and much more.  I popped in for a chocolate turtle, still cooling on the rack.  Absolutely divine.