Thursday, October 4, 2012
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Happy Fall Everyone!!! It sure has been a long time between posts. That is probably because almost everyday I wake up, it is time to go to work. On Saturday, September 22, 2012, I boarded a plane with my father at the Bob Hope Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Airport headed to Big D. That's right, Dallas, Texas. My dad and I continued a tradition we had put off for a couple of years of going to see the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. We were going to see them play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the home opener in Arlington. After the Cowboys meltdown against da Bears on Monday night, we soon realized that it was the right decision to go see them the week before. Following stops in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Amarillo, we touched down at Dallas Love Field. Once we checked in to our hotel, we visited one of our famous stops in Texas, Whataburger. Our next stop was the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas. This beautiful cathedral is a sight to see. Upon entering through the doors, one cannot help but marvel at the stunning architecture and the brilliant stained-glass windows. On Sunday, two hours prior to kick off, my dad and I arrived at Cowboys Stadium. I did not realize that we were going to be in the Club Section. All I can say, is thank God for the covered dome and air conditioning because it was a scorcher. While the game, itself, was not pretty, the Cowboys did come away with a 16-10 victory. The feeling of being around so many Cowboys fans along with the sights and sounds of the game are what bring me back each year. Afer the game, we headed out to Colter's BBQ for a hearty dinner consisting of brisket, ribs, and my favorite, their cheese potato casserole. Our last day was spent visiting with Dallas Fire Station 50 and some sight-seeing in Downtown Dallas. Our last stop was the Original Market Diner for lunch. Located almot underneath an overpass, the diner can easily be missed. I had a smoked turkey and cheddar melt. This sandwich sure delivered on flavor. I would definitely recommend this diner for a quick, tasty lunch. My only wish was to have more time to see the all sights the lone star state has to offer. So long Big D! We'll see ya'all next year!!!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
San Diego Getaway
Around this time every year, my wife and I venture out to the San Diego area to attend the Firehouse World Expo, mainly to get a view of the latest in firefighting vehicles and equipment. Our first stop on Monday was the historic town of Julian. Being that it also happened to be the President's Day holiday, the area was packed with visitors. One of our favorite places to visit is the Miner's Diner, an eatery 
that started off as an old fashioned soda shop. While the food was decent, the atmosphere is what makes this shop unique. Dozens of old time soda bottles and signs line the walls and take you back to a much simpler time when soda shops were the hot spots in town. Tuesday took us to the San Diego Convention Center for the Firehouse World Expo. At times, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning being around all those shiny, new fire engines. My wife and I met the California State Firefighter Association's newest mascot, Dollie, a 1 year old dalmation. Dollie was full of energy and a willing participant in photographs. Once we had finished with the expo, my wife and I departed San Diego for our next destination in Dana Point. Along the way, in Oceanside, we came across Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is known as the king of the missions. The architecture and historical artifacts throughout the mission were breathtaking. Once in Dana Point, Lupe and I headed a few minutes north into Laguna Beach where we took in the sunset at Heisler Park. We ended our day with an outstanding dinner at The Cottage Restaurant in Laguna Beach. Located along Pacific Coast Highway, the Cottage Restaurant is a converted landmark home that opened its doors over 45 years ago. I chose the Filet Mignon while my wife had the Chicken Picatta. The filet mignon was perfectly cooked, and the chicken picatta was bursting with the flavors of olive oil and mushrooms. It is getaways like this that make my wife and I yearn for the next opportunity for a road trip.
that started off as an old fashioned soda shop. While the food was decent, the atmosphere is what makes this shop unique. Dozens of old time soda bottles and signs line the walls and take you back to a much simpler time when soda shops were the hot spots in town. Tuesday took us to the San Diego Convention Center for the Firehouse World Expo. At times, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning being around all those shiny, new fire engines. My wife and I met the California State Firefighter Association's newest mascot, Dollie, a 1 year old dalmation. Dollie was full of energy and a willing participant in photographs. Once we had finished with the expo, my wife and I departed San Diego for our next destination in Dana Point. Along the way, in Oceanside, we came across Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is known as the king of the missions. The architecture and historical artifacts throughout the mission were breathtaking. Once in Dana Point, Lupe and I headed a few minutes north into Laguna Beach where we took in the sunset at Heisler Park. We ended our day with an outstanding dinner at The Cottage Restaurant in Laguna Beach. Located along Pacific Coast Highway, the Cottage Restaurant is a converted landmark home that opened its doors over 45 years ago. I chose the Filet Mignon while my wife had the Chicken Picatta. The filet mignon was perfectly cooked, and the chicken picatta was bursting with the flavors of olive oil and mushrooms. It is getaways like this that make my wife and I yearn for the next opportunity for a road trip.
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