San Diego

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In July, we had a special treat. Jim & Tina had to go to San Diego for a Human Factors Conference. They needed a babysitter...so...Since we lived in San Diego for almost 10 years, and we would get to see and spoil Ethan for a full week, we were sold. The week was full of firsts and fun. See Below.

While Jim & Tina were busy at the Marriott doing their thing, Virg & I walked a short distance to Seaport Village where we found a carousel. Seaport Village was built by an old friend of Virginia's Sister, and he said that one of his best aquisitions was this carousel that he found in Coney Island. It has been completely refurbished, including the pipe organ that plays the music. What a thrill for us, and for Ethan, his first carousel ride, and we made the most of it.

We also took advantage of the street artists and had Ethans portrait drawn. Well, the results were a nice looking little boy, but not close to Ethan..

What a wonderful way to spend our days: beautiful weather, sights, and Ethan. San Diego and Seaport Village came together that week, and we took advantage of it! Views of the gnarly trees framing San Diego bay, the Navy ships, Coronado Bridge in the distance...


	During one of Tina's breaks, we strolled through the Gaslight district. This area of the city used to be a combat zone. Today it is completely restored and full of vitality. With the contrast of the hotel towers and the old architecture of the Gaslight, it was something that none of us had expected.

Lunch at Anthony's with Ethan, what a treat!

Special Moments

A day at the beach, at the Hotel Del Coronado Beach. It was Ethan's first time in the ocean. Eating sand? It must be the salt that he liked so much... it didn't seem to do any harm.

We connected with Mike Van Tuyl, an old friend through Virginia's sister, Lou. Mike has been in love with boats for years. He lived in Las Vegas where he designed and built many of those huge neon monsters on the strip. On Lake Mead, he bought and sailed a 40+ foot Yamaha racing sloop. Moving to Seattle, the "Riches to Rags" was trucked there as well!

A year or so in Seattle, Mike was fed up with the lack of sun and constant rain. He sailed the "Riches" to San Diego, where he has been ever since. For almost 15 years, Mike lived on the "Riches" and worked for H&S Yachts. He has progressed to Service Manager for H&S.

So, as we called him, we discovered that he recently moved off the "Riches" into a condo, to become a landlubber;. He also volunteered a night run on a 45 foot yacht. Could we say no? Of course not. Another unforgettable experience in San Diego.

L to R: "The Boat" / San Diego from the bay / Skipper Mike (Cap'n Ron) /
Sunset and the Coronado Bridge

L to R: Main Cabin / On the Bridge / Mike and Virg

We met with Tina's oldest friend, Jenny Parker; also her parents Buck and Patty. They came down to Seaport Village for lunch. A great time talking about old times (and for Buck and I, discussions about the upcoming election)


	L to R: Parkers, Sayers & Brunettis / Tina, Ethan & Jenny / Virg, Buck & Patty


	Updated August 10, 2001 Email to: tuku@tuku.com