Happy Holidays

We hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. It's been awhile since I posted because of health issues. I had been having a difficult time with my heart since March and tried everything to prevent surgery, but it came down to a heart valve replacement and a bypass surgery on October 31st. After 6 days in the hospital, Jim brought me home to recoup and recover (I don't know how anyone can get well in a hospital). Needless to say open heart surgery knocked me on my butt for 3 weeks, but am getting much better, almost back to normal. In fact I walked a total of 9 miles through out the day yesterday (I'll let you know why later). Never plan to go through that experience again.

So since I was recouping, we stayed home for Thanksgiving which we normally take the RV over to Indio. Then we were planning to go over the week between Christmas and New Years, but the weather was not conducive to having a good time, so stayed home again.

But to reward all our home project completions this week (wash windows inside and out, trimming palm trees, etc.) we came up to Phoenix to hang out for a couple of days. Got into town yesterday morning and started out at the Phoenix Zoo. It was a perfect day in the mid 70s for a walk around the zoo to visit all the animals. It's a fairly large zoo, much bigger than Tucson, but smaller than San Diego. But a very pleasant experience.

 Hung out with the Giraffes for a bit.

Then onto the Cheetas.

And some days you just to let it all hang out! (Jaguar)

After spending 3 hours of walking at the zoo, we checked into our hotel (Sheraton Grand Downtown). We went for another walk around downtown. I had always wanted to go to an NBA game, so had purchased pretty good tickets for a reasonable price for the Suns vs Toronto game last night. The hotel is about 7 blocks from Talking Stick Arena, so walked there and back.

 We sat in section 103 (center) row 14 seat 1,2. So had a pretty good view. Didn't want to spend a fortune on tickets, so this was a real deal. Totally enjoyed the game and since the Suns won (which was a total surprise) it was doubly nice. I'm glad we went but don't need to go again, the terrible music was too loud and the people kept going up and down the isle so could not see the game. Watching from my recliner at home is still the best seat, but glad we went for the experience.

Started out with a big breakfast this morning at the hotel so that should keep us going all day today. Another day of walking. Stay tuned for the next report.

Escape Day Two

Friday morning brought the usual early morning overcast, but with a promise of another nice day here in San Diego. After breakfast at the Club Lounge we headed off to the Zoo to catch all the animals (both human and mammal) before the stampede. First we start at the hotel we are staying at.

 Thought we would get to the zoo before the animals took their morning naps, but guess we were just too late. This lion had his breakfast and was fast at the zzzzzz's.

 This guy was wide awake and looking all around for something to get into mischief with.

 Here's the chief overlooking his tribe.

 Another napper after his morning breakfast.

 Panda's are just so cute.

 After spending 3 hours at the zoo, getting lost on their numerous trails, seeing all the animals and having a hot dog, it was time to move on for another adventure.

 We took the 2 hour harbor cruise on the Adventure ship. It was a pleasant sightseeing cruise, although a bit chilly. The winds picked up in the afternoon and out on the water cooled it right down. Below is a Southwest flight landing at the airport just next to the bay (and our hotel).

 We were treated on our cruise to have the opportunity to see the USS Carl Vincent Aircraft Carrier coming into the bay to dock. It is just returning after a 6 month tour at sea. As most of you NCAA basketball fans know, the beginning of last season, one of the opening games was played on this Aircraft Carrier when it was in dock. It was between North Carolina and Michigan State and I believe that North Carolina won.

We were treated to many wonderful sailing boats out on this beautiful day. Notice the men up on the front mast.

 Of course, we got thirsty enjoying all the beautiful scenery.

After getting off the cruise ship, we took the shuttle back to the hotel. But what a ride we had, it took over 50 minutes that should have taken only about 15 minutes. The driver thought he was a fabulous tour guide, but in reality he was a bit strange. His mouth never closed for more than 2 seconds to take the next breath and he talked so loud that the person in the car next to us could hear. Instead of just taking the stops on the route, he kept circling around and going back to the stops again. But we finally made it back to the hotel. I'm almost afraid to take the shuttle again, but believe me if this driver is ever present again, I will not step foot on that bus!

After that experience, we definitely needed a wine down time on our deck overlooking the fabulous view.