Day 2 of my San Diego adventure began quietly but delightfully with my daughter’s yummy breakfast sandwiches on just out of the oven bagels with a bowl of fresh strawberries.  We got some wonderful mother-daughter time in, just hanging out and chatting until my son-in-law returned from work, mid-morning.  Then, the chatting adding another dimension.

I really love spending time with these two amazing people.  We share a lot of life, love and humor and are incredibly comfortable in each others’ company.  The dynamic was only augmented with the addition of my daughter’s friend and former co-worker as we dined at Stacked, then finished our day (not to mention my 10,000 steps!) at Sea World.

Despite the controversy from a film which has the audacity to call itself a documentary, I still find the place well worth the time and effort, and believe that their main purpose: to educate people about the care we need to take of our oceans and other waterways, is highly valuable.  They give children and adults a fun, interesting way to learn about an important part of our environment, and our responsibility for keeping it safe for the animals and plants which call those waterways home.  Much of this is accomplished through guided interaction with some of the animals.  At one point, we got to play with the dolphins; tossing them balls and other toys which they chased around the pool before bringing them back to be tossed again.  The girls particularly enjoy the rays who they told me have “boopable noses”.

Although there were many high points, my favorite part of the day was the end when we saw the Shamu show.  My daughter exclaimed delightedly that the show they had in the evening was much like the ones she remembers from years ago.  The three whales who performed tonight were energetic and playful and much loved by their trainers.  When one came up on the  ramp to receive strokes, cuddles and of course, fish from the trainer, their bond was incredibly endearing to watch.  I know that, as it is for my daughter, it will be a favorite place for me to visit when I come to see her.  I hope these visits will occur fairly often, though not often enough for her to tire of me as a house guest!

Sleeping in a house with a rambunctiously affectionate dog, a sweet, mellow, lovable cat and two kittens who not only possess an endless amount of energy, but who have yet to be retrained to express that energy during daylight hours is quite a change from my house where all of the animals know and appreciate bed time as a time when everyone snuggles together on the bed, and, yes, sleeps!  I was alternately awakened by the dog snuggled up against my back on the bed she was expressly told to stay off of, and the two kittens playing WWF on my feet, with, I might add, their little kitten claws extended.  The only saving grace is that my daughter trimmed their claws shortly before my arrival.

I did eventually get enough sleep to function normally, though it was due, in part, to the unnaturally early hour I retired.  I also recharged my battery with my daily meditation while my son-in-law showered and my daughter ran some errands.

Tonight, as the dog is corralled in the kids’ bedroom and one of the kittens managed to remove her bell, I expect to get a little more sleep, even if said kittens get locked in the laundry room.  Tomorrow is a busy day with errands to run, cats to take to the vet (yes, all three!) and the Brad Paisley concert tomorrow night.  We can also begin our day somewhat leisurely (none of this awake at 7 AM crap!) as my son-in-law doesn’t have to do his best to creep out the door at the crack of dawn!  (Which is especially nice as he can now join us for the concert!)

All in all, the first night and day of my visit have been everything I could hope for and more!  And now, to sleep so I can enjoy all that tomorrow will bring.

My gratitudes tonight are:
1. I am grateful that people are willing to put forth the effort to teach us about our responsibility to our planet.
2. I am grateful for time will spent with three fun, intelligent, responsible, amusing young adults.
3. I am grateful for revised sleeping arrangements which will make me less of a playground for the furries.
4. I am grateful for the time and flexibility to take mini vacations.
5. I am grateful for my renewed commitment to the job I gave myself permission to undertake late last year.

Love and light