happy – Page 20 – Cool San Diego Sights!

Memories of summer on a chilly San Diego morning.

The sounds and sunshine of summer linger on a building in downtown San Diego. — Sunshine and the sounds of summer linger on a building in downtown San Diego.

Yes, San Diego has sunny, temperate weather for most of the year–many say our city has the best weather in the whole wide world. But, you know, these mornings in December can seem a bit chilly. At least to me. So I was thankful to spot some warm art this morning at the corner of Fourth Avenue and C Street.

Memories of summer linger on . . .

Musical notes and birds fly among tropical palm trees. An image on a utility box warms the city as winter nears. — Musical notes and birds fly among palm trees. As winter nears, an image on a utility box warms the heart of the city.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Sculpture of girl remembers Ellen Browning Scripps.

Bronze sculpture of young girl dipping finger into shallow basin of water. The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial is located at the La Jolla Recreation Center.

During my recent walk around La Jolla, I paused for a bit to admire a beautiful bronze sculpture at the La Jolla Recreation Center. The life-size likeness of a girl dipping a finger into a basin of water is officially called the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial. Created by artist Mary Buckman and dedicated in 1997, the gentle artwork remembers a very important figure in San Diego history: Ellen Browning Scripps.

If you live in San Diego, you surely recognize the name Ellen Browning Scripps. She and her brother created a vast business empire as newspaper publishers. During her life she gave most of her wealth away to good causes. She spent much of her life in La Jolla. Indeed, she lived right across Prospect Street from the present-day sculpture; her old residence is now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla.

This sculpture by Mary Buckman is dedicated to the memory of Ellen Browning Scripps. June 28, 1997. A beloved sculpture by James Tank Porter occupied this site from 1926 until its disappearance in 1996.

People enjoy a nearby bench at the La Jolla Recreation Center on a sunny December day.

Inscription on the bench is from Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings. — Inscription on the bench is from Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses. I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.

A beautiful work of art remembers San Diego journalist and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps.

Here are several photos I took at a later time…

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I wrote a short story about a girl gazing into a fountain. Would you like to read it? To feel a mixture of joy and sadness, click here.

Merry sights at the La Jolla Christmas Parade!

A merry sight along the La Jolla Christmas Parade route!

Today I enjoyed watching the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade! After walking a bit around La Jolla, I settled onto the curb and watched Christmas-themed floats, vintage cars and marching bands celebrate the merry season.

It’s a wonderful parade that I hadn’t seen before. Very glad I did this year!

Here are my best photos. Read the captions to follow along.

The Community Christmas Tree is hung with lights and ornaments at the La Jolla Recreation Center park. A festival would be held here at the Christmas Parade’s conclusion.

This Community Christmas Tree is dedicated to the people of La Jolla this day, October 27, 1984, by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club.

As I walked down Girard Avenue, I spied some colorful Christmas cookies in a shop window! — As I walked before the parade down Girard Avenue, I spied some colorful Christmas cookies in a shop window!

In the parade staging area, various floats and groups were assembling before the scheduled early afternoon start.

A kid checks out the bright red OMBAC Fire Department engine, which is seen in many San Diego area parades.

Everyone is getting into position for the big Christmas parade in La Jolla! — The participants are getting ready for the big Christmas parade in La Jolla!

I saw these folks driving a vintage car to the staging area while I walked back to the parade viewing area.

In 2016, the theme of the La Jolla Christmas Parade was Christmas in the Future. A special newspaper was printed up for the event by the La Jolla Village News. — In 2016, the theme of the La Jolla Christmas Parade is Christmas in the Future. A special newspaper was printed up for the event by the La Jolla Village News.

While people gathered along the parade route, these four guys in Santa hats came strolling along. They were singers!

A musical quartet belonging to the Pacific Coast Harmony of La Jolla serenades people along the parade route! Great voices!

Pre-parade entertainment included some lion dancers coming down Prospect Street.

Residents revel in a time-honored tradition. 2016 is the 59th year of the La Jolla Annual Christmas Parade!

Just before the parade started, several vintage airplanes flew overhead. They were billed as the Antique Aircraft Flyover. — Just before the parade started, restored old biplanes flew overhead. They were billed as the Antique Aircraft Flyover.

The La Jolla Christmas Parade gets started! It is sponsored by The Dr. Seuss Foundation. The popular children's author lived in La Jolla. — The La Jolla Christmas Parade gets started! It is sponsored by The Dr. Seuss Foundation. The popular children’s author lived in La Jolla.

Biplanes continue to pass overhead as enthusiastic parade groups march and dance on by. — Cool aircraft continue to pass overhead as enthusiastic parade groups march and dance on by.

Here come the costumed Sons of the American Revolution parading down Prospect Street!

The Stella Maris Academy won Best Overall award. Their float featured an astronaut, a Christmas nativity scene and music lyrics. We believe the children are our future... — The Stella Maris Academy won Best Overall award. Their float featured an astronaut, a Christmas nativity scene and music lyrics. We believe the children are our future…

The La Jolla Presbyterian Church had Joseph, Mary, shepherds, an angel, and two live camels!

A young elf hands out Christmas candies to people watching La Jolla's joyful holiday parade. — A young elf hands out Christmas candies to people watching La Jolla’s joyful holiday parade.

A horse and carriage and folks dressed in Victorian garb for Christmas.

Here comes a Girl Scout Troop and a friendly dog.

I guess robots will celebrate Christmas in the future! — I guess metallic robots will celebrate Christmas in the future! Or wait. It just occurred to me those might be gift-wrapped boxes.

Here come the Sweetwater High School Red Devils!

The Red Devils band marches by playing Christmas tunes!

Just a fun float featuring a surfboard and Dr. Seuss characters. Like many, it was created by a local business. I've photographed the guy in the crazy Darth Vader outfit at other cool San Diego events! — Just a fun float featuring a surfboard and Dr. Seuss characters. Like many, it was created by a local business. I’ve photographed the guy in the crazy Darth Vader outfit at other cool San Diego events!

The La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club was spraying Christmas snow onto the onlookers with their stocking covered fire truck! — The La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club was spraying snow onto the onlookers with their Christmas stocking-covered fire truck!

There goes The San Diego Golden Retriever Meetup Group with lots of canine pals!

Another cool sight at the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Searching for Santa at December Nights!

This might be Santa and Mrs. Claus walking happily through Balboa Park during 2016 December Nights. At least, there's a good chance. Right? — This might be Santa and Mrs. Claus walking happily through Balboa Park during 2016 December Nights. At least, there’s a good chance. Right?

I went to December Nights this afternoon hoping to photograph Santa Claus. December Nights is one of the largest festivals in the United States that celebrates the holiday season, so one would suppose Old Saint Nick might drop on by. This year I headed home before dark, before the glittering Christmas lights turned on, and before the really huge crowds!

Because I left before nightfall, I missed seeing jolly Bill “Santa” Swank spreading good cheer at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Check out his book Christmas in San Diego! It’s all about the history of Christmas in our fair city. I feel very honored that Cool San Diego Sights has a bunch of photos in it!

Now, did I have any success locating the real, actual, honest-to-goodness Santa Claus this afternoon at December Nights? You be the judge!

Over 300,000 people are attending December Nights this year. Surely good old Santa Claus is present somewhere in this crowd.

Look! Over there! I think I see Santa wearing sunglasses! Oops. Just a vendor selling treats during December Nights.

These fun but sadly inanimate Santas are made of beads! — These fun (but sadly inanimate) Santas are made of beads!

You guys aren't Santa. You can't fool me! You're elves from the North Pole. — You guys aren’t Santa. You can’t fool me! You’re elves from the North Pole.

With so many Santa ornaments and gifts everywhere, one might conclude that Old Saint Nick is actually a very astute businessman.

Oh, goodness gracious! A fan man Santa Claus waving arms like a silly goof! Nothing is sacred anymore. — Oh, goodness gracious! A “fan man” Santa Claus waving his arms like a silly goof! Nothing is sacred anymore.

I see the image of Kris Kringle toting a sack of presents just about everywhere. So the actual guy has to be around here somewhere. — I see the image of Kris Kringle toting a sack of presents just about everywhere. So, logically, the actual guy has to be around here somewhere.

I've seen this Santa before. He hangs out in Balboa Park every holiday season. But his sled doesn't actually fly. It's all a complete fake. Impostor! — I’ve seen this Santa before. He hangs out in Balboa Park every holiday season. But his sled doesn’t actually fly. It’s all a complete fake. Impostor!

Tried to fool me again! That isn't Father Christmas! It's Snoopy! — Tried to fool me again! That isn’t Father Christmas! It’s Snoopy!

If Santa Claus actually looks like this, I'd really like to meet him. Now that would be quite an amazing experience! — Now if Santa Claus actually looks like this, I’d really like to meet him. That would be quite an amazing experience!

Multiple possible Santas! Oh, wait. They all are cloggers, waiting to perform at December Nights. Santa only clogs chimneys. — Multiple possible Santas! Oh, wait. They’re all cloggers, waiting to perform at December Nights. Santa only clogs chimneys.

I might not spot the actual real Santa, but this December Nights is rather fun. These folks are singing their hearts out in front of the big Spreckels Organ Pavilion Christmas tree. When the lights come on at night, Balboa Park becomes a magical wonderland! — I might not spot the actual real Santa, but this December Nights is rather fun. These folks are singing their hearts out in front of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion’s annual Christmas tree. When the lights come on at night, Balboa Park becomes a magical wonderland!

If Santa had a dog, it would probably dress like this. It gets chilly up north.

Perhaps this is why I haven't positively identified the real Santa Claus. He might be at the beach in San Diego getting some sun. — Perhaps this is why I haven’t positively identified the real Santa Claus. He’s probably kicking back at a San Diego beach getting some sun.

I'll just have to make do with Santa Mouse. — I’ll just have to make do with Santa Mouse.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

San Diego Marines collect Toys for Tots!

Marines stand at pedestrian entrance to Navy Pier, welcoming people to the Toys For Tots event by the USS Midway Museum.

Most of you reading Cool San Diego Sights probably can’t make it out to the Toys for Tots event today. It’s being held in downtown San Diego, on the pier next to the USS Midway Museum. But if you’d like to make a charitable donation to the cause, please go the Toys for Tots website.

I headed on down to Navy Pier for a few minutes to see what was going on. Not only did I spy Santa and Mrs. Claus, but a dancing green elf, and some very generous people. Toys collected (and donations made) help less fortunate children to have a Merry Christmas. Thank you United States Marine Corps!

Toys and donations are being collected by San Diego Marines next to the USS Midway. Santa will be parachuting onto the aircraft carrier throughout the day!

This funky elf is present to lend a helping hand and a laugh or two!

Donated toys will fill this United States Marine Corps truck. A banner on its side commemorates the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are present again for the toy drive! I saw them here a year or two ago! — Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting again for the toy drive! I saw them here a year ago!

San Diego Marines collect toys for the less fortunate, to be distributed by charitable organizations during Christmas.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Thanksgiving wisdom on a fence.

Just sharing some Thanksgiving wisdom. I spotted this chalk art on a fence during a walk up Fifth Avenue.

Give Thanks. Don’t let the things you want make you forget the things you have.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Gratitude expressed by random people in a park.

What are you grateful for? Random people write their thoughts. They are grateful for life, family, school, warm socks, waking up to sunrises, and people who smile for no reason. — What are you grateful for? Random people in Balboa Park write their thoughts. They are grateful for life, family, school, warm socks, waking up to sunrises, and people who smile for no reason.

I stumbled upon a heartwarming sight in Balboa Park–just a few days before Thanksgiving.

A couple named Gratitude Gal and Gratitude Guy were greeting people who were walking down El Prado. The smiling pair carried a dry-erase board. People were invited to write down a few things in life for which they were grateful. Many of those random people did.

Thanksgiving is three days away. But it seems to me that every single day is an appropriate time to give thanks. Happiness is a choice.

A random person walking along happily writes down a few reasons why they are thankful.

Gratitude Gal and Gratitude Guy collect messages of thanksgiving on a dry erase board in Balboa Park.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Last chance to enjoy Anthony’s at the waterfront.

Time is running out. Anthony’s Fish Grotto on San Diego’s waterfront will be closing at the end of next January. The restaurant has produced fond memories for millions of people over the course of its 70 year history. You have one last chance to enjoy this wonderful, unique place before it’s torn down.

Next year, the Brigantine will introduce a new restaurant at this scenic location, right next to the Star of India. I was told by a gentleman who sells art on the sidewalk nearby that the new Brigantine building is now under construction, and will be brought in across San Diego Bay on a ship or barge. That would certainly be a sight to behold!

Late yesterday morning I walked down to the Embarcadero to devour some french fries and a yummy tuna melt at Anthony’s outdoor Fishette. I sat on the wood deck dipping my fries in tartar sauce and breathing in the fresh air. I simply gazed out at the water. Pleasant visions floated on the sparkling blue, including a visiting cruise ship and San Diego Yacht Club sailboats. Between licking my fingers, I took a few photos.

Anthony's has been a fixture on San Diego's Embarcadero for 70 years. But their lease ran out and the Brigantine will soon build a new restaurant at this location. — Anthony’s has been a fixture on San Diego’s Embarcadero for 70 years. But their lease ran out and the Brigantine will soon build a new restaurant at this location.

I've stood in this line many times. This is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. — I’ve stood in this line many times. This is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.

Eating seafood on benches inside a protected area of the informal outdoor Fishette, over the gently lapping water of San Diego Bay.

Funny sign over the Fishette soda machine shows two fish in love.

I'll attest that Mama Ghio's secret tartar sauce is a tasty concoction! — I’ll attest that Mama Ghio’s secret tartar sauce is a tasty concoction!

Anthony's Fish Grotto opened in 1946, right after World War II. I remember eating here many times as a child. — Anthony’s Fish Grotto opened in 1946, right after World War II. I remember eating here many times as a child.

Another photo of the small casual Fishette. I prefer dining outside, but many enjoy the more formal Fish Grotto, which occupies the interior of the building. — Another photo of the small casual Fishette. I prefer dining outside, but many enjoy the more formal Fish Grotto restaurant, which occupies the interior of the building.

In my opinion, some of the best seats in San Diego.

A gull was watching my fries. — A gull was patiently watching my fries.

Activity on San Diego Bay included a refueling cruise ship. Those guys in the boat fishing were being watched by a sea lion. — Activity on San Diego Bay included a refueling cruise ship. Those guys in the boat fishing were being watched by a circling sea lion.

Here comes the Maritime Museum of San Diego's historic Pilot boat, out on a harbor tour. Those sailboats racing in the distance belong to the San Diego Yacht Club. — Here comes the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic Pilot boat, out on a harbor tour. Those sailboats racing in the distance belong to the San Diego Yacht Club.

I love this place. It will be sad to see it go. (In this photo you can see where the Fish Grotto's dock used to be. It was destroyed in that El Nino wind storm that I blogged about in early February.) — I love this place. It will be sad to see it go. (In this photo you can see the concrete posts where the Fish Grotto’s boat dock used to be. It was destroyed in that ferocious El Nino windstorm that I blogged about in early February.)

Another beautiful day on the Embarcadero. Time marches on.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

A turkey is discovered lurking in San Diego!

A turkey (or two) is lurking in San Diego. It seems that Thanksgiving is fast approaching! — A turkey has been recently spotted lurking in San Diego.

A turkey has been discovered lurking in San Diego! I have photographic proof!

Perhaps the bird in question is Turkey Lurkey, because the lurking bird is an especially quirky turkey whose movements are murky! I’ve spotted the funny fowl everywhere! Either that, or Thanksgiving is fast approaching!

I spotted a turkey drinking coffee as I walked down a sidewalk. — I spied a turkey drinking coffee as I walked down a sidewalk.

This turkey likes to say gobble, gobble. A bird of few words.

This happy turkey dressed like a Pilgrim has taken to the sky to welcome y'all! — This happy turkey dressed like a Pilgrim has taken to the sky to welcome y’all!

Is this Turkey Lurkey? Because I caught this turkey lurking, so that would make perfect sense. — Is this Turkey Lurkey? Because I caught this beady-eyed turkey lurking, so that would make perfect sense. Right?

A sneaky bird has grabbed ahold of a grilled cheese sandwich. Save some for the hungry food court customers! — This sneaky bird has grabbed a grilled cheese sandwich. Save some for the hungry food court customers!

A funny turkey on a shop window wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere!

Pottery pumpkins smile outside a gift shop in San Diego's festive Old Town. — Pottery pumpkins smile outside a gift shop in San Diego’s festive Old Town.

I see pumpkins! Everywhere! It must be mid-October in San Diego!

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Big ones and little ones! It must be October. — Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Big ones and little ones! Grocery stores are overflowing. It must be mid-October.

A fun display of pumpkins and Autumn characters on a street corner in Little Italy. Halloween is on the way! Boo!

A beautiful arrangement of flowers, pumpkins and gourds graces a rustic Old Town boardwalk.

More golden Autumn colors suggest it's time to harvest the good things in life. — More golden Autumn colors suggest it’s time to harvest the good things in life.

A pumpkin and warm flowers on an antique cart in Old Town San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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