Mission San Juan Capistrano On A Sunny California Work Day

Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on November 1, 1776. It celebrated 240 years on November 1, 2016! 

When somebody hit the power pole down the street from my friend Veronika’s place of business, she took the opportunity to take a mental health day since they had no power in the office. She took her bike to the Mission in San Juan Capistrano… teasing me with the photos below. 

Mission San Juan Capistrano was named after an Italian saint. St. Giovanni da Capistrano (John of Capistrano in English) was born in 1386. Through most of his early adult years, he lived a secular life outside the church. He attended law school, and became a magistrate, and then a governor over Perugia in 1416. Only a few years after becoming governor war broke out in his land. He was assigned as an ambassador of peace to Malatesta, but when he arrived, they threw him in prison. While he spent time in prison, he began to think more about spiritual matters.

Eventually, he decided to give up all material things, and surrender his life to serving God by joining the Franciscan Order. Upon taking the vows of service, John spent time learning theology and the art of preaching. After receiving his priesthood, he traveled all over Italy, Germany, Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Russia preaching forgiveness and penance. On his journeys, he preached to great crowds.

It was said that when John entered a town to preach all business stopped. The people of the community dropped all that they were doing to hear him speak. Catholic administers also highly valued John’s passion and energy in reforming the church. He was sent all over Europe by the Pope and other important leaders to continue positive changes.

While in Frankfurt, Germany in 1454, he was asked to give advice about the crusade against the Turks. Not only did he provided insight into the upcoming battle, he joined it! John accompanied the famous Hunyady throughout the campaign: he was present at the battle of Belgrade, and led the left wing of the Christian army against the Turks. Soon after battling the Turks, John caught the deadly bubonic plague and died on October 23, 1456. John was beatified in 1694, and canonized as a saint in 1724.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is known worldwide for the Cliff Swallows return each year. Father John O’Sullivan started the legend and celebration of the Cliff Swallows in the early 20th century. Cliff Swallows migrate from South America to North America in the spring and summer for breeding. Although San Juan’s legend claims these migrating birds return promptly on March 19th it is silly to assume this true. Cliff Swallows are wild animals and migrate according to weather patterns; therefore, do not always return the exact day each year.

Anza Borrego Desert Bloom

By Stacey Kuhns

Ed Miner and I decided we were going to drive to the desert to see the amazing blooms everyone was talking about. We left Henson (Service Dog) at his favorite place (day care) at 7 a.m. and took off for Anza Borrego.

 Would we ever do it again? Hell no! The drive is pretty, especially since everything is so green now. We got to Borrego and stopped on the side of the road to check out some flowers. They were pretty but definitely not the massive bloom everyone was talking about. 

When we got to the intersection to turn into the Visitor's Center, we knew this was probably a mistake. They had all their rangers out on the roads trying to control the crowds and answer questions. We were allowed to drive up to the Visitor's Center, since I am disabled, so Ed could drop me off but the rangers were pretty mean and would not let him turn into the parking lot. They said it was full. So, he dropped me off and went to go park (over a quarter of a mile away). I was pissed because when I walked into the parking lot, there was plenty of parking and Handicapped parking spots available. 

I called Ed and told him to turn around but he said there was no way he could as it was a nightmare with all the cars. I sat in the shade at the center and listened to a volunteer talk about where the best blooms were (3 times through the talk before Ed was able to get back to find me). It was very very hot (I do not do sun and heat well at all). 

We decided to go right to one of the areas they recommended seeing so we had to hoof it back to the car. It was a very long way for me and I was having a difficult time. When we got back to the car, the line of traffic on the road leading to the Visitor's Center was insane. Luckily, we were heading in a different direction. We made it to the place they recommended (Henderson Canyon Road). We were pretty underwhelmed. (You have to either stay in the desert or know the exact time to get there to see the best bloom. Otherwise, within a few days, the heat and caterpillars have decimated the flowers). 

It was pretty, don't get me wrong, but no variety of color (other than yellow and white) and it was sparse. If you take a picture looking out over the desert, it looks beautiful, but if you look down, it is pretty sparse. Anyway, we stayed for a bit. Glad I packed water, sandwiches and apples because the few restaurants and food cart places were jammed. 

Vintana Wine and Dine Review

A Classy Eating Establishment in the Penthouse of the Escondido Lexus Dealership

Paul and I had a lovely dining experience at the Vintana Wine & Dine over the Lexus Dealership in Escondido. We were join by our friends Gregg and Cindy.

Our quartet arrived for a 5:30 p.m. seating and the restaurant was mostly empty. However, it filled up quickly and I would recommend reservations to avoid a wait. I used the very efficient ‘OpenTable!’ website to secure our reservation. They even email us a confirmation number complete with restaurant address, and links to menu and directions.

If you have not been to this eatery, it is well worth the effort. The restaurant is spotlessly clean. We were seated by the window. It was refreshing to look over the Escondido skyline. You do have to ignore the Dick’s Sporting Goods sign. However, as darkness fell, the water fountain below our window entertained with a lighted water show.

The menu fits on just one page but offers a good diversity. I opted for the Signature Offering “Island Prime's Filet Trio.” The long slim plate presented three separate three-ounce filets with different preparations utilizing seasonal mushrooms, bone marrow butter, asparagus, crab, béarnaise, garlic, blue cheese. My meal was absolutely perfect and gluten free. I highly recommend this dish.

Since this restaurant is a Wine and Dine, we selected a bottle of wine, a Lapostolle Casa Merlot, for the table. The merlot was a saturated ruby red in color and tasted of fresh berries; a perfect compliant to our main course. It was from the half-off wine menu and very reasonably priced at $14. Our waiter chuckled when he informed me that price was for the bottle because I was of the erroneous belief that it was the price per glass!

I must mention our waiter, Rick. He was very attentive without hovering. He also presented a very pleasant interactive personality. Rick was able and willing to answer all our questions with knowledge and humor.

We topped off our evening by sharing deserts. The deserts were only ten dollars and there was plenty for two. Paul and I divided the “Daily Trio of House-Made Ice Cream or Sorbet” and Gregg and Cindy enjoyed the Chef Deborah's Potted Brownie – One word Yum!

On a political note - A 2% surcharge is added to all Guest checks to help cover increasing costs and in the restaurants support of the recent increases in minimum wage and benefits for their dedicated Team Members. I will leave it at that.

I would rate this restaurant a Five Stars Out Of Five. The food and service was impeccable. The cost was not economical, but compatible with the quality of the product. The atmosphere proved conducive to a leisurely evening catching up with friends – before we knew it, three enjoyable hours had passed.

Restaurant Hours:

• Dinner: 5:00pm nightly
• Lunch: 11:30am - 2pm
• Brunch: Sat & Sun 10:30am-2pm
• Please call for holiday hours

Happy Hour:

Daily: 2pm - 6:30pm
Lounge and Lanai Only

Dog Training Kindred Spirits Dog Training

by Stacey Kuhns

When I first thought about obtaining a service dog, I did a lot of research. After going through many organizations and talking to many people, I finally spoke with Petra Burke of Kindred Spirits Dog Training, in Vista. I am so thankful I touched base with Petra and the rest of the amazing women at Kindred Spirits.

I have had dogs since I was a little girl and have been through a myriad of different dog training programs, including just training my dogs on my own. I have never experienced anything like I have with Kindred Spirits. If you have a puppy, or if you have a dog in need of training, Kindred Spirits is the ONLY place I would recommend. Kindred Spirits Dog Training is located at 3343 E. Vista Way, Vista, CA, 92084. They can be reached by calling (760)630-4824 or they can be contacted through their website (www.kindredspiritsk9.com).

Henson and I started training at Kindred Spirits at the beginning of July 2016. I was so impressed with the classes and the training methods employed by Kindred Spirits. It was like nothing I had ever seen or experienced in dog training and most of all, it is very effective. The women who train us and our dogs are passionate about what they do. They are willing to help with any problem you can think of that would come up with your dog. They current on all dog-related topics, including the best foods and treats for your pet. 

Liz Palika is the founder of Kindred Spirits. She has been training dogs for over 30 years and she knows her stuff for sure! Petra Burke, co-owner of Kindred Spirits, has been training with Liz for 30 years. Combined, they are a force to be reckoned with in their combined knowledge of dog behavior. Kate Abbott is also a co-owner of Kindred Spirits. My boyfriend and I believe she is the true 'Dog Whisperer." I swear she works with a dog for two minutes and that dog does whatever she wants it to do. It is an amazing thing to watch. Dawn McMahon and Petra were the first people I met and who sat with me for an hour, answering all my questions about obtaining a service dog. I broke down in tears during our talk and Dawn's dog, who was training to be a therapy dog at the time, came right up to me and pressed himself against my face. It was amazing. Dawn has been wonderful in working with myself and Henson during the training classes. There are a number of other wonderful trainers and volunteers who work at Kindred Spirits. I have not had the pleasure of working with all of them but I know in time that Henson and I will most likely get to work with them and we look forward to that experience.

If you are working on skills at home, learned in a training class, and things are not going well, the trainers are there to help, through e-mail or over the phone. They also offer one-on-one training and training in the home. Their classes are fun, interesting, and never boring for you or your pet. They offer a variety of interesting classes, but I recommend that any dog owner should take their Puppy and Basic training courses. (You can thank me later for this amazing advice). 

The best thing about the Puppy training classes is the extra puppy play night offered during the week. If you take the Puppy classes, please, please go to every puppy play date. It will make a huge and positive impact on the socialization of your puppy. (I personally think it should be a requirement for graduation, but that is just my opinion). Oh, and just a word of caution, puppies can get messy at puppy play.

I plan to be in training with Kindred Spirits for at least another year or more and am looking forward to every future class and session we have coming up. Henson also enjoys the training and has picked up the positive behaviors I would expect from a well-trained dog, and in record time. I am so proud of the progress Henson and I have made and could not have done it without Kindred Spirits.

Related Posts

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2. Training a Service Dog....My Journey So Far
3. Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill
4. Dog Friendly Areas in North County San Diego
5. A Struggle with a Light at the End of the Tunnel
6. Slave to My Future Service Dog
7. Reflecting on this Mother's Day
8. A New Journey Begins

Fun Family Time at Bates Nut Farm

Post by Oma Loves U.

Over 90 years ago, Bates Nut Farm got its start in Valley Center growing walnuts. The walnut tress are now gone, but they still sell nuts from all over the world. Every year they provide a pumpkin patch - Over 50 years of fall traditions and memories have been created at the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch. Family and friends enjoy the tractor hayrides, straw maze, petting corral and Snows Pony Rides.

Grab a wheelbarrow and pick from variety of pumpkins: Big Macs, Ghost, Cinderella, Jack O’ Lantern, minis, squash, gourds and other fall décor. In addition, weekends at Bates include live entertainment from 12:00 -3:00, BBQ, kettle corn, food trucks, rock climb, bounce, slide and other family friendly events. Check our calendar for details and schedule.

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Including a Tasty Stop at The Round Up BBQ Grill

 

Looking for Something to Do in San Diego on the Weekend? How about Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw?

On Sunday morning, my boyfriend Ed and I were deciding what we could do for the day. Decisions are somewhat difficult as we have Henson, my six-month-old pup with us. Ed looked on a website that talked about 50 dog friendly places to go, and one of them was the Palomar Mountain Observatory, home of the 200-inch Hale Telescope. Decision made!

We packed what we would need for the dog and ourselves and off we went. We took the curvy scenic route up the mountain, which was about 16 miles from Escondido area. There are plenty of pullout spots on the ride up to enjoy the scenery or to get out of the way of some very crazy motorcyclist. Ed and I ride, but safely. On Sunday, there were hundreds of speed bikers screaming down those curves and it was frightening, not going to lie. First time that has happened though. We have ridden up to Palomar numerous times and it is always peaceful and pleasant. This time, we were in a car since we had the dog.

If you do pull off to the side of the road, just keep an eye out for poison ivy as it is very abundant in places. We stopped once to enjoy the view, the trees, and to watch a group of three hawks circling and calling overhead. 

The observatory is easy to find. Just keep following the signs. There is a large parking lot (but keep in mind, there are no gas stations on the mountain). The observatory area closes around 4 p.m. so be sure and check times and weather conditions prior to making the drive. There is a small museum and gift shop right near the parking lot entrance, as well as a large picnic ground. Everything is clean and the path to the observatory is paved. The fall colors were emerging on the plants and it was lovely. There was also a wonderful breeze in the area.

There are some shaded benches near the observatory with pretty views over the hills and mountains.

Once you get to the observatory (a fairly short flat walk), be prepared for steps up to the entrance and 70 steps inside up to the actual telescope mirror and the information area. There is an entrance around the back for the mobility impaired but it was not attended when we were there and there was no bell to ring or anything. So I enjoyed myself outside, sitting on a bench looking at the beautiful views around me while Ed explored inside.

We then left Palomar and instead of turning back down the twisty grade, we veered left towards Lake Henshaw. An easier ride and also very picturesque. (Signs leading the way to Lake Henshaw out of Palomar are easy to spot and follow.) Also a note, there are no dog friendly restaurants or much of anything in the way of places to eat on the mountain.

There are two main paved lookouts with parking lots on the way down to Lake Henshaw. The first one is partway down Palomar Mountain and provides a wide-sweeping view of the area. Lake Henshaw can be seen in the distance (which is easier in the winter as there is more water).

The second viewing area is practically on top of Lake Henshaw and overlooks the entire area. It is gorgeous in winter but not bad in summer either.

We then went for a lunch/dinner at one of our favorite places. Yes, it is out of the way and from the outside, does not look like much, but the chef is amazing. We have never had a bad meal or bad service there. And they have the best appetizer wings, hands down, which come in a variety of flavors. Everything is delicious and we were allowed to come in with the dog in their front enclosed patio seating area which overlooks Lake Henshaw.

Fried pickles with a spicy sauce. So good!

Mushroom Swiss burger.

Roasted tomato flatbread. So wonderful. Flavors from the roasted tomatoes and light homemade tomato sauce just burst in your mouth.

The Round Up BBQ Grill  is located at 26439 CA-76, Santa Ysabel, 92070. They are open from 11a.m. to 7p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7a.m. to 7p.m. Friday through Sunday. There is a store attached to the restaurant where you can pay for access to Lake Henshaw, which we will plan for next time. There is always something cool and interesting to do in San Diego County.