Tag: happy

Golden memories: A tribute to Anthony’s Fishette.

People walk along narrow outdoor deck of Anthony's Fishette, a popular casual dining spot for half a century in downtown San Diego.
People walk along narrow outdoor deck of Anthony’s Fishette, a popular casual dining spot for half a century in downtown San Diego.

Their 50 year lease is almost up. Anthony’s Fish Grotto on San Diego’s Embarcadero will soon be no more. They are to be replaced in 2017 by the Brigantine seafood restaurant. A golden era that produced many wonderful, irreplaceable memories is coming to a close.

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve lingered in ecstasy at Anthony’s outdoor Fishette, which is adjacent to the more formal indoor restaurant. Except when I was a child, I’ve never eaten in the restaurant. But outside, on the deck, inhaling the ocean breeze, listening to the cries of circling seagulls, squinting into the sun and feeling its warmth on my face–I’ve devoured acres of tasty french fries and oceans of fish.

Millions of people around the planet have golden memories of the place. This is my small photographic tribute to Anthony’s outdoor Fishette. I stopped by for a delicious grilled tuna melt sandwich late yesterday afternoon.

Over the years, many of the people who have worked at Anthony’s Fishette gave me a friendly smile or hello. To them, I say thank you.

You have until January 31, 2017 to enjoy this true San Diego tradition and treasure, and to say thank you.

Front of Anthony's Fish Grotto as seen from Harbor Drive. In early 2017, this iconic San Diego restaurant will be demolished.
Front of Anthony’s Fish Grotto as seen from Harbor Drive. In early 2017, this iconic San Diego restaurant will be demolished.
Smiles are typical at Anthony's Fishette. So is sunny outdoor pleasure and yummy seafood.
Smiles are typical at Anthony’s Fishette. So is sunny outdoor pleasure and yummy seafood.
A photo through glass of the small boat dock and blue San Diego Bay as a glowing sunset nears.
A photo through glass of the small boat dock and blue San Diego Bay as a glowing sunset nears.
A reflection in window of Anthony's Fish Grotto of the setting sun. A golden era is coming to a close on San Diego's waterfront.
A reflection in window of Anthony’s Fish Grotto of the setting sun. A golden era is coming to a close on San Diego’s waterfront.
Possibly the best outdoor seating in all of San Diego. Just above the lapping water, with a sweeping, wonderful view.
Possibly the best outdoor seating in all of San Diego. Just above the lapping water, with a sweeping, wonderful view.
Passing by Anthony's Fishette one fine January day. I've walked past perhaps a thousand times.
Passing by Anthony’s Fishette one fine January day. I’ve walked past perhaps a thousand times.
Countless millions of fond memories have been made here.
Countless millions of fond memories have been made here.

…

Join me for more wonderful San Diego sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Cool street art faces around North Park!

Let's be friends. Two cool faces on a transformer box in North Park.
Let’s be friends. Two cool faces on a utility box in North Park.

I’ve got so many fun pics from a walk around North Park that I need to break them up into separate blog posts. Here’s a collection of cool street art faces! I took these photos as I strolled along University Avenue and 30th Street.

Hey dude, don't trip! More fun artwork on two other sides of the box.
Hey dude, don’t trip! More fun artwork on two other sides of the box.
A happy sun shines on a sidewalk in San Diego's cool North Park neighborhood.
A happy sun shines on a sidewalk in San Diego’s hip North Park neighborhood.
Two faces rise from one neck in this unusual utility box street art.
Two faces rise from one neck in this unusual utility box street art.
Cool people wait in line. This graphic can be found outside Lucha Libre, a popular gourmet taco shop.
Cool people wait in line. This graphic can be found outside Lucha Libre, a popular gourmet taco shop.
More cool urban art featuring several unique characters.
More colorful urban art featuring several unique characters.
Abstract faces look at each other.
Abstract faces look at each other.
It's hot! A warm welcome on a sign at North Park's Cardamom Cafe and Bakery.
It’s hot! A warm welcome on a sign at North Park’s Cardamom Cafe and Bakery.
Lurking in a North Park alley--it's a graffiti SpongeBob SquarePants! He seems to be blowing a jellyfish bubble!
Lurking in a North Park alley–it’s a graffiti SpongeBob SquarePants! He seems to be blowing a jellyfish bubble!

…

Join me for more cool sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Inflating balloons for the Holiday Bowl parade!

Getting a balloon ready for today's Holiday Bowl Big Bay Balloon Parade in San Diego!
Getting a balloon ready for today’s Holiday Bowl “Big Bay Balloon Parade” in San Diego!

The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade kicks off this morning at 10 o’clock on Harbor Drive near the County Administration Building!

At this very moment, folks are busily inflating the many fun balloons that will be parading down the Embarcadero to the delight of thousands of onlookers.

I can’t make it to the Big Bay Balloon Parade this year because I have to work. But I did get some cool photos that you all might enjoy!

People were out early this morning filling balloons with helium in the parking lot north of the County Administration Center.
People were out early this morning filling balloons with helium in the parking lot north of the County Administration Center.
A truck hauling helium, and numerous big balloon wait ready to be filled.
A truck hauling helium.  Numerous big balloons await, ready to be filled.
This fun-looking one is inflating!
This fun-looking one is inflating!
Looks to me like Humpty Dumpty. With all that gas inside, I think he'll bounce should he fall.
Looks to me like Humpty Dumpty. With all that gas inside, I think he’ll bounce should he fall.
A balloon has been wheeled on a platform across the parking lot, waiting its turn to be inflated.
A balloon has been wheeled on a platform across the parking lot, waiting its turn to be inflated.
Meanwhile, on Pacific Highway next to the County Administration Building, marching bands have begun to arrive for the parade! Highland High School came from Ewing, Missouri!
Meanwhile, on Pacific Highway next to the County Administration Building, marching bands have begun to arrive for the parade! Highland High School came all the way from Ewing, Missouri!
Band members get off the bus with instruments.
Band members get off the bus with instruments.
The balloon-filling had just begun when I walked by. Then I had to rush home to share my pics!
The balloon-filling had just begun when I walked by. Then I had to rush home to share my pics!
It's a happy gingerbread man rising in the blue San Diego sky!
It’s a happy Gingerbread Man rising in the blue San Diego sky!

…

Join me for more cool sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Fun murals on the North Park parking garage.

A carefree girl rides a scooter on the side of the North Park parking garage.
A carefree girl rides a scooter on one side of the North Park parking garage.

Here are some fun images I photographed during my recent walk through North Park. A number of murals decorate the multi-level parking garage located just south of University Avenue, between 29th and 30th Streets.

I performed all sorts of internet searches to learn more about this artwork, but have come up with nothing. Perhaps someone out there knows something.

Anyway, I really like these simple, light-hearted graphics! They definitely add to the cool vibe of North Park. It looks to me like a very imaginative artist had lots of fun creating them!

Because these photos were taken from a bit of a distance (and some were faint), I had to adjust their brightness and contrast quite a bit.

UPDATE!

Silly me.  The artist’s name is on one of the images.

These were created by Blair Thornley.  Sponsored by the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Diego.

A couple of unique characters out for a drive. Fun murals decorate the sides of North Park's multi-level parking garage.
A couple of unique characters out for a drive. Fun murals decorate the sides of North Park’s multi-level parking garage.
This cool guy is riding in some sort of vehicle painted with the word Paradigm. If it's a manual transmission, I suppose he must engage in paradigm shifting.
This cool guy is riding in some sort of vehicle painted with the word Paradigm. If it’s a manual transmission, I suppose he must engage in paradigm shifting.
Looks like some sort of hip creature carrying a tray of glasses, and some spoons. I like the style of this artwork.
Looks like some sort of hip creature carrying a tray of glasses, and some spoons. I like the style of this artwork.
This one seems to depict a restaurant hostess taking a call while sitting atop her workplace.
This one seems to depict a restaurant hostess taking a call while sitting atop her workplace.
Three more fun murals. If I recall, these are on the north-facing side of the garage.
Three more fun murals. If I recall, these are on the north-facing side of the garage.
A bird in a bib ready to chow down.
A bird in a bib ready to chow down.
An amusing box-dog about to eat some letters in a bowl. I love it!
An amusing box-dog about to eat some letters in a bowl. I love it!

…

Join me for more cool sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Fun photos from a Sunday walk in Balboa Park.

Tourists are shown magic by a fun busker near the reflecting pond in Balboa Park.
Tourists are given a magic show by a busker near the reflecting pond in Balboa Park.

I took a Sunday stroll through Balboa Park. Here are some fun pics!

Duck enjoys the pool of water at the San Diego Museum of Art's outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.
Duck enjoys the pool of water at the San Diego Museum of Art’s outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.
Kid with painted face examines Man in White. This cool busker appears to be made of marble. He was entertaining surprised visitors on El Prado.
Kid with painted face examines Man in White. This cool busker appears to be made of marble. He was entertaining surprised visitors on El Prado.
Kid walks through a hula hoop on a stretch of grass.
Kid walks through a hula hoop on a stretch of grass.
Guy shows some people his stuff in the Plaza de Panama.
Guy shows some people his stuff in the Plaza de Panama.
Folks wait on a bench for the free Balboa Park tram, which I call the green caterpillar.
Folks wait on a bench for the free Balboa Park tram, which I call the green caterpillar.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is having a food drive inside their front entrance. Stop on by!
The San Diego Automotive Museum is having a food drive inside their front entrance. Stop on by!
Happy dogs, walkers and a cool guitar-playing musician on a sunny Sunday in San Diego.
Happy dogs, walkers and a cool guitar-playing musician on a sunny Sunday in San Diego.
Who doesn't love colorful, twisted balloons and gigantic soaring bubbles?
Who doesn’t love colorful twisted balloons and soaring bubbles?

…

Join me for more cool sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Residents and businesses Deck the Halls downtown!

Santa and kid enjoy a special Deck the Halls neighborhood block party in downtown San Diego.
Santa and a happy kid enjoy a special Deck the Halls neighborhood block party in downtown San Diego!

I was walking home from the Fifth Avenue trolley station this evening when I stumbled upon downtown San Diego’s fun Deck the Halls holiday block party! I’d forgotten it was taking place today!

Lots of folks were out among bright Christmas lights, greeting one another, tasting food served up by various local eateries, and listening to holiday music provided by the San Diego Symphony. The special event, I learned, was put together by Clean and Safe, which is a service of the Downtown San Diego Partnership.

It appeared to me that everyone was having a great time!

It's the Deck the Halls Brass Quintet performing holiday music! Good times were had by local residents and businesses on one block of B Street in San Diego's financial district.
It’s the Deck the Halls Brass Quintet performing holiday music! Good times were had by local residents and businesses on one block of B Street in San Diego’s financial district.
A number of nearby restaurants were serving up yummy treats for all comers. Christmas lights lit up the night.
A number of nearby restaurants were serving up yummy treats for all comers. Christmas lights lit up the night!
These smiling folks told me the event was put together by Clean and Safe, a service of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Thank you guys!
These smiling folks told me the event was put together by Clean and Safe, a service of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Thank you guys!

…

Join me for more cool sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Singing Christmas carols in San Diego’s Old Town!

A group of old-fashioned Christmas carolers in Victorian costumes brings holiday cheer to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
A group of old-fashioned Christmas carolers in Victorian costumes brings holiday cheer to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Look what I stumbled upon yesterday during an afternoon walk through San Diego’s history-filled Old Town. Folks in Victorian costumes were roaming about, singing Christmas carols!

I learned this group is composed of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park staff and volunteers. They were having a great time spreading Christmas cheer, pausing to sing at the various museums, restaurants and shops around old San Diego’s picturesque central plaza.

I was even given a cool little book filled with Christmas carol lyrics. Thank you guys!

Merry Christmas!

Carolers smile, laugh and enjoy the day in front of a reconstructed building at Old Town San Diego's central plaza.
Carolers smile, laugh and enjoy the day in front of a reconstructed building at Old Town San Diego’s central plaza.
I was given this Caroling Lyrics Booklet. Songs include Jingle Bells, The First Noel, We Three Kings, The 12 Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls and Silent Night.
I was given this Caroling Lyrics Booklet. Songs include Jingle Bells, The First Noel, We Three Kings, The 12 Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls and Silent Night.
The colorful group of Old Town roving carolers heads to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is decked out with festive wreaths.
The colorful group of Old Town roving carolers heads to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is decked out with festive wreaths.
After entertaining some surprised diners, the group heads through the Cosmopolitan Hotel, much to the delight of one server!
After entertaining some surprised diners, the group heads through the Cosmopolitan Hotel, much to the delight of one server!
Singing traditional Christmas carols around the old fountain in the outdoor courtyard of Casa de Estudillo.
Singing traditional Christmas carols around the old fountain in the outdoor courtyard of Casa de Estudillo.
Now the Christmas carolers are in the Wells Fargo History Museum next to the original 1867 Concord stagecoach! Several people listened outside the nearby door and applauded.
Now the Christmas carolers are in the Wells Fargo History Museum next to the original 1867 Concord stagecoach! Several people listened outside the nearby door and applauded.
A crowd gathered as Christmas carols were heard outside the Threads of the Past Living History Activity Center. One quilter joined in the public singing!
A crowd gathered as Christmas carols were heard outside the Threads of the Past Living History Activity Center. One quilter joined in the public singing!
Joyful, uplifting Christmas carols are sung as customers leave Toby's Candle and Soap Shop.
Joyful, uplifting Christmas carols are sung as customers leave Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.

…

Join me for more cool sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Read the joyful history of Christmas in San Diego!

Bill "Santa" Swank has written a really great book about the history of Christmas in San Diego!
Bill “Santa” Swank has written a really great book about the history of Christmas in San Diego!

I was privileged today to meet Bill Swank. Perhaps you’ve met him, too. Since 2002, Bill has been the volunteer Santa Claus at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during Balboa Park’s popular December Nights. He’s a friendly good guy who effortlessly spreads cheerfulness and joy.

Bill Swank is probably best known for being a leading expert on baseball and the San Diego Padres. He’s written numerous books about baseball history. His knowledge is so deep, the San Diego Historical Society has called him our city’s top baseball historian.

His most recent book, published earlier this year, is titled Christmas in San Diego. If you love both Christmas and San Diego, I know you’ll treasure this book. It’s loaded with history, local traditions and hundreds of fun, very unique photos. (Six photos from Cool San Diego Sights are in the book! How cool is that?)

Bill “Santa” Swank believes the true meaning of Christmas is found in the Golden Rule. His excellent book also proves another important truth: that human hearts are warmed when we are generous and kind. In the book you’ll see community-spirited Santas through the decades bringing joy to many generations, lifting the spirits of all.

From Christmas Eve way back in 1775, to the present day, Christmas in San Diego covers over two hundred years of local history. You’ll find out how both famous and ordinary San Diegans have celebrated the holiday season, and learn a good deal about many historical places and events. Personally, I love the parts concerning unselfish Santa Claus volunteers who’ve participated in a surprising range of charitable activities. Touching young and old alike, with a twinkle-eyed smile and merry Ho, Ho, Ho!

I was privileged to shake the hand of Santa Claus today. Read Christmas in San Diego, and you will be able to peer into Santa’s heart.

Fun photos of 2015 December Nights in Balboa Park!

Everyone has a great time at the 2015 December Nights celebration in San Diego's glorious Balboa Park!
Everyone has a great time at the 2015 December Nights celebration in San Diego’s glorious Balboa Park!

Saturday was the second day of the December Nights holiday event in Balboa Park. (It’s 2015, and we’re coming to the end of Balboa Park’s centennial year. It has been a real blast!)

I walked around randomly and took a bunch of photos during the afternoon, while it was still light outside. This year December Nights was just as wonderful as ever! At night, the lights came on and the scene was pure magic!

Tens of thousands stream into Balboa Park from across the Cabrillo Bridge. December Nights is one of the largest holiday festivals in the United States.
Tens of thousands stream into Balboa Park from across the Cabrillo Bridge. December Nights is one of the largest holiday festivals in the United States.
This nice lady in an information tent usually works at the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
This nice lady in an information tent usually works at the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
Folks in Santa hats enjoy dancing at the Gator by the Bay stage in the Plaza de Panama.
Folks in Santa hats enjoy dancing at the Gator by the Bay stage in the Plaza de Panama.
Lots of unique Christmas gifts were out on display for purchase throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.
Lots of unique Christmas gifts were out on display for purchase throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.
Of course, you can buy mistletoe from this guy near the Natural History Museum!
Of course, you can buy mistletoe from this guy near the Natural History Museum!
One of many fun images near the Old Globe Theatre that celebrate local author Dr. Seuss' classic book How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
One of many fun images near the Old Globe Theatre that celebrate local author Dr. Seuss’ classic book How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Kids by the Botanical Building paint a huge community canvas during December Nights.
Kids by the Botanical Building paint a huge community canvas during December Nights.
A close-up photo of the colorful holiday-themed work of creative kids!
A close-up photo of colorful holiday-themed artwork painted by creative kids!
Poinsettias of many colors fill the amazing Botanical Building.
Poinsettias of many colors fill the amazing Botanical Building.
Mother duck and ducklings are a bit wary of all the excited humans crowding about the reflecting pool.
Mother duck and ducklings are a bit wary of all the excited humans crowding about the reflecting pool.
One of the Santas in Balboa Park will be stationed here in the Casa del Prado once night falls.
One of the several Santas in Balboa Park will be stationed here at the Casa del Prado once night falls.
Children file onto a stage on the Casa del Prado patio. Joyful dancing could be seen here throughout the day.
Children file onto a stage on the Casa del Prado patio. Joyful dancing could be seen here throughout the day.
Another Santa Claus will be stationed here in the evening near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
Another Santa Claus will be stationed here in the evening near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
Some fun holiday decorations on an artist studio in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Some fun holiday decorations next to an artist studio in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.
Christmas presents dangle from a tree in festive Spanish Village during December Nights.
Christmas presents dangle from a tree in festive Spanish Village during December Nights.
Many glittery, colorful Christmas trees could be seen throughout Spanish Village.
Many glittery, colorful Christmas trees could be seen throughout Spanish Village.
A funny Jungle Bells banner near the entrance to the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.
A funny Jungle Bells banner near the entrance to the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.
The one and only light up cotton candy! Just wait until it's dark!
The one and only light up cotton candy! Just wait until it’s dark!
Folks are buying goodies at the cookie shack near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during December Nights.
Folks are buying goodies at the cookie shack near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during December Nights.
Another Santa will be seated at the organ pavilion, welcoming many kids.
Another Santa will be seated in the colonnade at the organ pavilion, welcoming many kids.
In mid-afternoon, the Peninsula Singers community choir was performing on stage beneath the giant Christmas tree.
In mid-afternoon, the Peninsula Singers community choir was performing on stage beneath the giant Christmas tree.
These folks enjoying a December Nights concert are dressed for the season.
These folks enjoying a December Nights concert are dressed for the season.
Deep friend bacon, cheesecake, candy bars, candy and cookies! Yikes! This stand is by the ride-filled fun zone, in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Deep friend bacon, cheesecake, candy bars, candy and cookies! Yikes! This stand is by the ride-filled fun zone, in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
These guys preparing food are in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
These guys preparing food are in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Performers in folk costumes behind the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages stage during December Nights in Balboa Park.
Performers in folk costume wait behind the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages stage during December Nights in Balboa Park.
Traditional costumes, holiday food from diverse nations and cultures, and lots of crafts were found around the International Cottages!
Traditional costumes, holiday food from many nations and cultures, and cheerful crafts were found around the International Cottages!

…

Join me for more fun sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

Santa Claus parachutes onto an aircraft carrier!

Santa Claus is ready to leap from a helicopter onto the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum on San Diego Bay!
Santa Claus is ready to leap from a helicopter onto the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum on San Diego Bay!

Santa has been known to make some pretty grand entrances. But this one takes the cake!

Jolly old Saint Nick paid a visit to San Diego today, and arrived by air as usual. He dropped in by parachute, landing atop an aircraft carrier!

A Toys for Tots toy drive is being held on Navy Pier next to the USS Midway Museum. Bring two new toys and you’ll receive free admission to the very popular museum. The Marines have a huge truck they need to fill up! Santa will be performing a whole bunch of parachute jumps throughout the day. Bring the kids!

To learn more about the Toys for Tots program, and how you can help, please check out my blog post from several days ago.

Look! Here comes Santa Claus! I guess Rudolph and the other reindeer are getting lazy. Or maybe they're just resting up for Christmas.

Look! Here comes Santa Claus! I guess Rudolph and the other reindeer are getting lazy. Or maybe they’re just resting up for Christmas.

Old Saint Nick nimbly descends from the blue sky in order to greet the nice boys and girls of San Diego. Beats using a sooty chimney.
Old Saint Nick nimbly descends from the blue sky in order to greet the nice boys and girls of San Diego. Beats using a sooty chimney.
Santa doesn’t need a tailhook when landing atop a huge aircraft carrier. Just a sturdy parachute!
Santa doesn’t need a tailhook when landing atop a huge aircraft carrier. Just a sturdy parachute!
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the USS Midway Museum are collecting toys today at Navy Pier. And Santa will be parachuting several more times! Just for fun, I suppose.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the USS Midway Museum are collecting toys today at Navy Pier. And Santa will be parachuting several more times! Just for fun!
A guy checks out an ejection seat during the Toys for Tots toy drive on Navy Pier. I wonder if Santa has one of those on his sleigh?
A guy checks out an ejection seat during the Toys for Tots toy drive on Navy Pier. I wonder if Santa has one of those on his sleigh?
Marines collect toys to help spread holiday cheer, with downtown San Diego's skyline in the background.
Marines collect toys to help spread holiday cheer, with downtown San Diego’s skyline in the background.
Here's smiling Santa, with Mrs. Claus! Spectacular entrance! They wished me a Merry Christmas! And the same to you! Ho, ho, ho! Stay jolly!
Here’s smiling Santa, with Mrs. Claus! Spectacular entrance! They wished me a Merry Christmas! And the same to you!

…

Join me for more cool sights on Facebook and Twitter!

Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!