Life's Lessons

For the second time this year Jane and I were faced with the reality of the cycle of life as we lost our bulldog, Molly. Like Sophie, Molly was an important part of our lives from the time she was just a few weeks old. For most of her life Molly suffered from one ailment or another, never proving as healthy as her sister Sophie. So it came a little surprise when faced with a serious health issue Molly's system was not strong enough to fight back.

The interesting lesson for both Jane and I was how unprepared we both were when forced to separate from such an important part of our daily lives. "She was just going to the Vet for some tests to determine which new medications we need to buy" repeated over and over again in our minds. We each found ourselves looking toward the door just in case Molly decided to 'need to use the outside facilities', only to find the doorway permently empty. I've found myself rushing through my morning shower and shave and to get downstairs to feed Molly and spend time together only to be reminded at the staircase landing that Molly is not waiting in the kitchen for our morning ritual.

Many very intelligent people have written on death and dying, on the topic of loosing something very dear to you and how to deal with the pain and loneliness. One thing they all seem to have in common in their message is something I'd like to pass on to you; if you care about some one, be it human or animal, take time daily to appreciate them. Before you know it they might be gone.

Vacation on Coronado Island

This year instead of going to our timeshare in Puerto Vallerta, Mexico, we traded for a week closer to home, Coronado Island. Our vacation home was in the Coronado Beach Resort ( http://www.coronadobeachresort.com/).

This resort is located across the street from the famous Hotel del Coronado which has much history and quite a few amenities. On a history walk we took we learned the hotel was built by 300 Chinese workers who were brought south from San Francisco where they were building railroads. The original land owners had railroad in their background and used a railroad architect and workers from their previous business ventures. It took only 11 months to complete the major portions of the hotel, a feat I doubt we would see today. You can tell the influence of their railroad background in the ceiling of the hotel's Crown Room dining hall. The hotel was one of the first structures to have electric lights, a sure draw for guests in that day. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_del_Coronado)



We also enjoyed the amenities at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort as it was part of the package at our resort. With great pools and discounts on food and drink we were truly in heaven. (http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Coronado-Bay-Resort/Overview.aspx)



Jane and I enjoyed long walks along the beach and bike rides all over the island. One day we took the ferry across San Diego Bay to downtown. It had been years since we had been downtown so it was fun to see the changes. Another day we traveled south along the Silver Strand beach to Imperial Beach.





As with all vacations this one was way too short. We are back home now preparing for our long work week ahead.