We have been trying for years to join one of the free historical tours offered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography. "Led by knowledgeable volunteer guides, these one-hour tours are held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month and showcase the most notable features of our beautiful campus, including the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier."

As much as Ritter, the philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps and her brother, the newspaper magnate E.W. Scripps, were architects of the fledgling institution. She secured the 170-acre parcel on which Scripps Oceanography now stands, funded the construction of its first laboratory, its iconic pier, and Ritter’s residence, and bankrolled its early operating expenses.
The history is just so incredible that I can only share with you the stuff that actually made me quite emotional! Scripps Oceanography’s connection with the U.S. military began shortly after the first world war and its status as the first oceanographic center in the United States positioned it to take on a leadership role in the prelude to World War II. Scripps became a hub of the University of California Division of War Research in 1941. That center’s primary tasks focused on predicting surf and swells and giving U.S. submarines the advantage in undersea warfare.The George H. Scripps Memorial Marine Biological Laboratory, known as the Old Scripps Building, is a historic research facility on the campus. Built in 1909-10, it is the oldest oceanographic research building in continuous use in the United States and the historic center of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It is architecturally significant as a work of Modernist architect Irving J. Gill and for its early use of reinforced concrete. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1982 and now houses Scripps administrative offices.

George Henry Scripps (1839-1900)

History abounds! Steve stands before Ritter Hall (1931) which is home to the Charles David Keeling Lab. It was here that measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide, known as the "Keeling Curve," were developed, providing early evidence of global warming.

We had admired the Director’s House when we were wandering on our own. How wonderful to actually be able to tour the indoors. Completed in 1913, it was built for first director William E. Ritter, and served as a home for early directors and scientists before housing offices for the California Sea Grant Program and now serving as a university engagement space.
The house is often associated with the influence of Julia Morgan’s blueprints and was built during the founding era of the biological station (renamed Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1925), a period characterized by "high thinking and modest living". Notable residents and guests included Arctic explorer Harald Sverdrup and ichthyologist Carl Hubbs, who once famously counted whales from the roof. Guests included Charles Lindbergh, local benefactors, and prominent scientists. We were walking in the footsteps of greats.
We excitedly ended our tour on the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, an icon and a vital research facility. Spanning 1,084 feet in length, the pier was designed to provide a seawater system for laboratory experiments and the public aquarium, and it became an essential platform for daily oceanographic monitoring, including water sampling and salinity measurements. In addition, it serves as a launching pad for small boat and scientific diving operations.
Due to the sensitive nature of ongoing research, access to the pier is generally restricted to authorized personnel. This walking tour is the only way to get on the pier. Boy did we feel special.



The pelicans were out on patrol today. The brown pelican is a major conservation success story, having recovered from near extinction due to DDT pesticide contamination and habitat loss. Listed as endangered in 1970, the species rebounded significantly and was officially removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in 2009. Yahoo!

Present-day research at Scripps Oceanography investigates nearly every facet of the natural world from volcanoes to microbial aerosols in the sky. How comforting to know that it is here helping to save the planet. I had to share the apt sentiment seen on someone's desk... "Very little is needed to make a happy life!" So true.

Today, the United States Postal Service will issue the Sunflowers Forever stamp. This new, single-design stamp, available in booklets of 20, features a stylized illustration of four sunflowers in shades of gold and brown against a pale yellow background. Designed by Greg Breeding with art by Nancy Stahl, they celebrate the native plant. I think they also celebrate Day #14 of my Birthday Month.

"If you’re someone who finds comfort in warmth and believes brighter days are always ahead … the new Sunflowers stamp is for you." This is especially true if you are a Solanthophile (n.): someone who is irresistibly in love with sunflowers, especially because of their positive vibe and aura. And while not found in a dictionary, I like the idea of the word."
"If I wasn't created as a human, I'd want to be a sunflower, for to me, there is nothing as cheery or as bright in the world. This majestic bloom stands in a field taller than those plants which surround it. Its brilliant yellow petals are visible from great distances, allowing happiness to begin, in wonderful anticipation. Its face, no matter its circumstances, is always turned toward the sun, seeking its warmth and goodness. Its seeds number in vast quantities, allowing new sprouts to grow over large areas, spreading its cheeriness easily and freely. It is a sunflower that I'd want to be, if, of course, I wasn't me." -Denise Haerr

As I mentioned yesterday, after seeing the movie Solo Mio, I have a renewed love of all things Italian. What fortuitous timing to have a lunch date today with Mary Ann.

We share a birthday month yet haven't had the chance to celebrate in 3 years. As a matter of fact, today's luncheon was only the second time meeting up since we said arrivederci after having first met on an Italian travel adventure.
From January 6-18, 2003, I joined a group of fellow travelers for an Italian Escape! The trip, hosted by teachers at Mt. San Jacinto Community College, was organized by EF Educational Tours. While Steve stayed home with the boys, I went abroad for twelve amazing days spent with some pretty amazing people. Mary Ann being one of them.
We reminisced briefly about that friendship forming trip. Most of our mealtime was spent covering so many other diverse topics (past adventures, grandchildren, volunteer activities, and things to come). Il tempo vola! We made a promise to not wait so long next time! What fun.

What better curative elixir than the company of a dear friend! Cindy and I were supposed to be frolicking about in the Channel Islands National Park today but circumstances have made us postpone that adventure until next month. Since she had the time off work anyway, she came to Temecula for a mini staycation.

Last night, while Steve prepared a delicious salmon feast, Cindy and I played several rounds of Rummikub (I lost each time). Catching up, giggling, and gaming... what fun.
Today, we went back to our old stay-at-home Mom roots for a movie and lunch at the Mall. Oh my gosh, it has been forever!
I have a new Notting Hill (1999)... A movie I will undoubtedly watch again and again. One which will inspiring me to book a return trip to Italy. I appreciated this review of the movie, "Solo Mio is a silly comedy but also has a gratifying moral about romance, newfound friendships, and finding yourself. While not the prime focus, the film establishes that it’s okay to be independent. Making new friendships is fun, but make an effort to enjoy your own company. Vacations make an excellent learning spot."

What a restorative combination: a fabulous film, dining al fresco, and comfortable time spent in the company of an old friend. I'm feeling more like the old me every moment! Day #12 was a huge success.

My friend Lynne must have a stash of mail I have sent her hidden in various locations around her home. Every now and then she returns a stack of missives to me, thus evoking previously forgotten postal memories.

What makes this one from 2005 extra special was the postage stamp I used. For my 43rd birthday, Steve had custom stamps made. How fun! I had totally forgotten this special gift until Lynne's return to sender pile arrived. Sadly, this opportunity was discontinued in 2010. I'd love to have my face being postmarked to this day!

I wanted to take a brief moment to explain my absence here. Those who know me know that I tend to do things in a very BIG way. Unfortunately, this is not always good when prepping for a colonoscopy!

Without sharing more than necessary, I have spent the last four days of my Birthday Month on a rollercoaster of medical challenges and emotional upheavals. In my quest to guarantee my procedure prep was thoroughly effective, I ended up consuming too much water and not enough electrolytes, resulting in hyponatremia. I then found myself in the ER, followed by a long stay to get everything back in balance.

Did you know that March is also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?

Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. It can affect any age, gender, or fitness level. No one is immune to being diagnosed with colon cancer. In most cases, colorectal cancer occurs in people ages 45 or older but can affect younger patients as well. That is why every year in March, the disease is spotlighted in hopes of inspiring more people to get checked starting at age 45. Here's my Public Service Announcement!

Today is the first day of my Birthday Month. Knowing I wanted to do something truly unique Susie agreed to join me at Carlsbad's Barrio Glass Works for our first ever hands-on experience working with hot glass.

Our class was the Intro level - Make Your Own experience. "Experience the movement and beauty of hot glass. A hands-on experience assisted by Barrio Glassworks team members. Friends and family are welcome to watch and photograph." Oh you better believe our men were there to photo document the entire adventure. What fun!