70th Anniversary SM Chase Pieces “Revealed”...

Well, a couple of people have discovered what the Chase and Super Chase pieces are for Breyer’s 70th anniversary edition of Stablemate blind bags are and Alborozo isn’t either one of them.  I know I don’t usually post on Thursdays...wait...it IS Thursday, isn’t it?  Hahahaha...but if I waited until next Wednesday to blog about, it will be old news.  Besides, I have what I hope is a fun and unique topic for my next Wednesday post.  No hints, though, you’ll just have to tune in to find out what it is.  Teehee.

So, we don’t know which is the Chase and which is the Super Chase, but I’m really hoping the first one is the Super Chase because I don’t really care for the mold, neither Traditional size nor SM a size...

Mini Brishen...

Several people have likened it to a hood ornament because of its shiney-ness.  When I first saw it, my thoughts went to the metal horses you used to be able to win at Legend City in Phoenix.  Legend City was an amusement park on the Phoenix / Tempe border that was open for only 20 years from 1963-1983.  They had a lot of fun rides such as a Log Flume, a sky ride, a car ride plus an arcade area.  One of the games in the arcade was a horse racing one where your prize was different sizes of these little copper horses.  I wish I still had one of the many I’d won.  Anyway, as you played more and beat more people, you could trade up to a larger horses and one of them was a silver horse and that’s what the Brishen reminds me of, even though the prize horses weren’t nearly as shiny as mini Brishen.

The other Chase piece is the one of the two I want the most so it’ll probably be the Super Chase, knowing my luck.  It’s a blue and yellow Florentine Indian Pony...

I’ve seen a lot of comments about the yellow appearance and people saying they hope it’s not as yellow in person.  Some people don’t care.  I don’t care.  And while technically this Indian Pony is considered a decorator, it is what I consider a “realistic decorator” because, color aside, it resembles an Appaloosa pattern.  

I don’t know if I’m going to try to find an entire case to buy and then sell the extras / models I don’t want or what.  Since this IP is a chase piece, finding it for sale at a reasonable price on the secondary market will not be cheap.  The one in the photo is on eBay and is already commanding a pretty penny.

Well, that is it for now.  Make sure you tune in next Wednesday for a new feature that is different from the one I had yesterday...mostly.  Oops.  I’ve said too much.  Until then...

"Regrets" In the Hobby...Or...the Horse Not Purchased...

I try not to have any (or many) regrets in life, let alone the model horse hobby, but every now and then, it happens.  I hear it often on the famous podcast and the model horse message boards, but usually about a resin that was missed out on.  I can't imagine collecting something that is such a limited production that you'll likely miss out on it more often than you'll get it, but sometimes that happens with Original Finish models as well.  And I'm not talking about models that were gone before you could buy one or didn't know of its existence until it was too late.  No, I'm talking about ones that you had your hot little hands on, but for whatever reason, ended up not buying.

A perfect example of that would be the Lady Phase Mother Lode model from 2013...

Mother Lode was released as a Collectors Club special offer on the Breyer Website.  It came in the 3 different color patterns shown above and each one had a different run number.    The solid gold one had the highest run of 80, followed by 10 each of the other 2.  I think they were $80 each and it was luck of the draw which one you got...you couldn't pick which one you wanted.  I don't think the number of each color was known initially.  I actually had one in my cart, as I collect / conga the mold, but I decided NOT to buy it.  When I first saw the sale, I thought it was $80 (or was the price $70?) for all three, not per and I thought that was too expensive.  I didn't know much about micro runs at the time and even though I now better understand the value of them, I don't buy them just because they're such short production.  I still only buy if I like the model / mold.  In the months following the epic release, many were put on the secondary market for usually around $400.  If you found one for less than that, you were lucky.  Now, 7 years later, they aren't often put up for sale.  There is one currently on MH$P, but the asking price is $800.  So yeah, I totally regret not buying one back then.  Not because of the value, but because I wish I had gotten one.  I especially would've liked the paint.  Not because it's a run of 10, thus making it more valuable than the solid, but because it's my favorite of the 3.  I would've been happy with any of the 3.

My only other "regret" is Rialto.  Rialto was a web special from 2018 with a run of 350 pieces.   I entered daily for the chance to buy one and actually ended up being one of the winners, but when the time came to actually buy him, I found myself a little short on money.  I had the money, but it would've left me a bit empty in the wallet so I passed him on to someone else for cost.  I have been trying to find one ever since, but keep running into the same problem:  either there's none for sale or...

Cost.  Eeek!  I'm not sure why some people think they're worth that much money, but that's their choice to try to sell them for that amount.  I will keep looking and hopefully, one day, I will find one for a price I'm willing to pay.  I'm still looking for an Acadia and the only one I've seen for sale currently has a very large price tag as well.

I did manage to snag a "web special" of sorts and thus starts my test of showcasing a model in my collection.  I don't remember all the details, but in 2014, Vintage Club members received a Stablemate named Sonny...

Sonny is on the Draft Horse mold and is gold florentine with white points.  I wasn't a member of the Vintage Club but for Christmas of either 2015 or 2016, Breyer offered some random models up on their website and I managed to get this one.  I know, I know.  I need a better background, but it's what I have to work with at the moment.  I'm surprised I still have him in my collection.  I think a couple of people offered to buy him off of me, but that was quite awhile ago, when he first became available to non-Vintage Club members.  He's cute.

There's a popular thread on Model Horse Blab where you can share models you have recently bought.  I don't check it very often.  I rarely participate other than to say how much I like a recent acquisition.  It's been awhile since I've boughten anything and I usually share it here anyway.  The thread sometimes reminds me to look for the models I am wanting, like it did today.  But someone also posted a photo of a Companion Animal that I didn't even know existed and said she got it from a website I didn't realize had Breyers on it so I went over to look and got excited when I saw there was another...until I saw it had already sold...likely to the Blabber who posted about it...

So cool!  I think Breyer needs to bring the Companion Animals back as a stand-alone purchase rather than as part of a set with a horse, but I guess I should take what I can get, huh?   I  wish I had known about the existence of this dog before and that Mercari had people that sold Breyers sooner.  Oh well.  That's not really a "Hobby Regret" since I didn't know about it's existence until today. 

Anyway back to buying models.    I've been wanting Paint Me A Pepto since he came out, but with BF being just a few weeks away, I should probably save my pennies for that, huh?  But I should also keep an eye out for one of my want list models such as Rocket, Acadia and Rialto.

Well, I guess that's it for now.  I hope everyone is doing well.  Til next time...

Breyer Test Run and Mid-Year Releases...

I know I'm a little "tardy to the party" on these, but that's okay.  I can live with that.  hahaha.

So...a couple of days ago Breyer posted a new Test Run on their website.  A vintage-inspired appaloosa Ruffian...

 Exclusively for Breyer Collector Club members.  Breyer test run models are initial decos painted up to see how a particular color might look on a particular sculpture.  Or, they may be created to test out a painting technique or new colorway.  Not all test run models are used, and they may vary over time as different painting techniques are developed and tested.  Each model has a fixed price and interested members enter a random draw for the ability to purchase the test piece.

Sculpted by Susan Carlton Sifton, Ruffian (mold #597) is certainly one of our fan favorites.  Originally created as a portrait model of the legendary racing filly of the same name, Ruffian has worn a variety of coat colors since her debut in 2006.  This model's vintage-inspired appaloosa coat bears a bit of a resemblance to another model - our BreyerFest 2011 Early Bird model, Perrault!  With her combination of splatter spots and modern shading techniques, this lovely lady is the definition of "something old, something new"

Although in great condition overall, as a true test model, the Vintage-Inspired Appaloosa Ruffian is not 100% perfect.  She does have a handful of shiny marks in her coat from being moved around over the years.  This mare is a fun and unique piece of Breyer history.  

That's annoying.  I guess by putting the wording in between the two photos after uploading the photos, it's caused the margins to mess up and I apologize.  I'm sure it probably doesn't bother anyone but me.  hahaha..

So anyway...what do I say about this model?  I'm surprised by the rather significant price jump from all the other test runs in the past, but apparently that isn't deterring many people because I have seen several say they are entering for her and others asking for extra entries.  I don't collect the mold so, higher cost aside, it's not something I'm interested in entering for a chance to win.  Hey.  At least they're including shipping and handling with it, though.  hahahah.  I don't think there have been any Test Runs that I have really liked enough to spend the money to enter, but I don't know if they'd be able to come out with one.  There's several molds I do conga, but it would have to be a pretty amazing color or something for me to want to part with such a big chunk of change, especially when I don't even like spending $200 on a model.  I'm a bit cheap, I guess.  Anyway, I wish luck to those who enter for her and I hope she goes to someone I know.

Recently Breyer posted some pictures of the mid-year releases.  Not all of them, I don't think.  Most of the photos were of CollectA models and I don't collect those so I'm not going to bother with putting them here.  hahaha.  Let me start with the non-model item.  They're called Mane Beauty Styling Heads.  They are...interesting, to say the least.  When I was much younger, I always wanted one of those Barbie styling heads.  I *may have* gotten one at some point, but I want to say it was second hand and all the stuff wasn't with it.  I don't remember.  But I think I probably got tired of it pretty quickly.

Of course, I can have a pretty short attention span so even if I had all the supplies that went with the Barbie head, I probably would've gotten bored with it just as quickly.  The Horse heads would fall to boredom, too.  I mean, there's only so many ways you can style the mane before you'd be like "now what?" you know?  But for little kids, I don't know.  Maybe really young girls might like it.  I know I saw on Blab some people saying they would've loved it as a kid and some even would now.  I think one or two said they even planned on getting one for their kids.

Next up are a couple of the models.  I will only be sharing the ones I like.  Why?  Because it's my blog.  hahahaha.  Should I show my favorite or 2nd favorite?  I don't want to call it least favorite because it really isn't "least" just not my first choice.  Yeah.  I'll share that one first.  I don't know if I'll get either one and I will explain why, but it should be pretty obvious.

First up is Checkers.  The exciting sport of Mountain Trail combines the thrill of natural obstacles fond on wilderness trails with top-notch horsemanship skills.  Owned by Mountain Trail pioneer Mark Bolender, Checkers has won the overall high point and National Champion titles in 2008, 2009, and 2010 - all while being ridden without a bridle!  Checkers is an American Quarter Horse gelding, with a registered name of Sir Rugged Chex.  His grandsire is the famous Rugged Lark!

He's a nice enough-looking model, but he looks too much like Harley D Zip...

He's not a bay like Harley and doesn't have the same facial markings and lacks one of the hind socks, but he looks enough like Harley that I probably won't get him.  I think I have mentioned before that I don't have an Idocus because I got the Ravel model first and the two were too similar-looking.

Next up is Adiah HP.  Adiah is a dressage champion with a colorful coat and is 3/4 Friesian and 1/4 Dutch Warmblood.  She is owned and bred by Hidden Promise Sport Horses and trained by Jim Koford.  In 2017, Adiah and Koford won the US Dressage Finals Grand Prix Freestyle and in 2018 they came back and won it again, in addition to the Grand Prix.  While she may be an unconventional Grand Prix dressage mount, Adiah's collection, work ethic and happy attitude have helped make her a star.

Adiah hits my interest points for models in that shes a paint and she's on the Totilas mold.  It always tickles me when they change the gender on a model.  Totilas is a stallion and Adiah is a mare so the mold had to be changed...recast maybe...to take those parts away.  hahaha.  But the problem with this model is this...

Change a few of the paint markings on Adiah and you have Enchante.  Not very original.  I haven't decided 100% that I WON'T get Adiah, but they really look a lot alike so we will have to see.

And finally, there's the new Stablemate Surprise 70th Anniversary series.

I don't know where these will be available.  My WalMarts don't seem to like to carry the current ones anymore.  I would prefer to have access to feel up the bags, but if I can't find them in person, I may have to go the Ebay route since I really only want the Indian Pony.  *maybe* the Croi Damsha, but probably only the Indian Pony.  What makes this set even more extra special is that there's a Chase horse, which is in 25% of the displays and a Super Chase horse, which will be found in only 12%.   The Chase horse is an Alborozo, judging by the silhouette, but we don't know what the two chase pieces will look like.

My blog has been getting spammed lately.  An anonymous poster has been leaving the same comment every time.  Saying the post is amazing then asking if I know my true name meaning or some such thing.  I get notifications whenever a comment is left so I delete them when they show up, but it's annoying.  I don't want to block other potential legitimate commenters by requiring a registered account, but it's starting to get annoying.

Breyerfest is just around the corner.  What, 3 weeks now?  Or is it still 4 weeks off?  I don't know.  I haven't done the math.  I submitted my lists for what models I am interested in.  If you bought multiple tickets you were allowed to either submit a master list or do individual selections.  I chose the individual models to lessen the chance of duplicates, which would be a possibility with the master list method, even with them saying they'll do their best to prevent that from happening.  I only want 4 models and only really 2 of those 4 and so thought doing the individual lists to be the better way to go.  I haven't decided if I'm going to get any of the Store Specials.  I will make that decision probably the day of.

Well, I guess that is it for now.  Something I want to ask real quick first.  If anyone is still reading this, is there any sort of topic you would like me to post about?  I try not to duplicate what other bloggers are doing, but...is there certain content you'd like to see?  I kind of like what one person does and that's to highlight one model from her collection each week.  I don't know.  Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well.  Until next time...

Uh-oh...A blog post...on a MONDAY????

That could only mean one thing...there's been a reveal.  And boy what a reveal!

We are only 6 weeks away from BreyerFest weekend and we have saved one of our favorite reveals for last: Series 1 of our new Best of BreyerFest Stablemates sets, where we've taken some of your favorite raffle prizes from previous BreyerFests and made them in miniature!  This set will be available to all BreyerFest ticket holders as part of the offerings in our Fling! Souvenir Shop.

Included in this year's set will be "Kochab", done on mold #5729 sculpted by Josine Vingerling, which has been done as a miniature North Star, the Saturday Raffle Model from our Salute to Horse Heroes in 2019.  Kochab is the second brightest star in the Little Dipper, second to Polaris - commonly known as the North Star.

Also included will be "Gale", done on mold #5602 sculpted by Kathleen Moody, which has been done as a miniature Windswept, the Saturday Raffle Model from BreyerFest's Summer Carnival in 2006.  We know this little one will sweep you off your feet!

We are also excited for you to bring home "Durham", done on mold #5607 also sculpted by Kathleen Moody, which has been done as a miniature Carlisle, the Saturday Raffle model from our British Invasion in 2012.  Just like Carlisle, Durham is also a "cathedral city" in the north of England and boasts a massive cathedral and castle that date from William the Conqueror.

As well, you'll get to bring home "Victoire", done on mold #5622 sculpted by Jane Lunger, which has been done as a miniature Que Sera Sera, the Saturday Raffle model from Vive la France in 2015.  This little one has no time to just let things be and will surely take this place as the winner of your collection!

And last, but certainly not least, we are pleased to round out this series with "Viaje", done on mold #5721 also sculpted by Jane Luger, as a miniature Viajero, the Saturday Raffle model from BreyerFest's Global Gallop in 2008.  This little traveler can't wait to find his place on your shelf.

Happy Monday!

What a great line-up.  I only actively conga the first one, Kochab, but I like the colors and markings of all the others, especially Gale and Victoire.  If I am able to, I will probably buy the set.  The one I like least is probably Durham.  The color and pattern just kind of bug me.  Maybe it will look better in person, eh?

Well, I guess that's it for now.  I would talk about the current affairs going on, but I don't want to give any additional "media" to the domestic terrorists that are destroying cities all over the country, all in the name of justice, but justice isn't about looting and burning things down.

So, until next time...

A Sneak Peek Reveal and a bit of a deviation...oops!

It's Wednesday so we all know what that means.  Are you excited?  hahaha.  I didn't think so.

Anyway...

Breyer did a rather quick Sneak Peek to Reveal this week.  It was only shown on Monday and revealed today.  Maybe that's standard...I don't remember.  Sometimes we have to wait more than two days so it can be confusing.

So, on Monday Breyer showed us just a tiny square...

A lot of people were convinced it was Corbin, the new Irish Draught SM...I just sat back and laughed and all the people who were so certain.  But you know what?  They were right.

Give a warm Irish welcome to our BreyerfFest Fling! Pop-up Souvenir Shop Stablemate model, Eire!

Eire is Irish for "Ireland" and has been derived from the name Eriu, the ancient matron goddess of this incredible island nation.  Inspiring visions of rolling green hills, this eye-catching Irish Draft, mold #5740 sculpted by Eva Rossiter, has been done in green on a clearware model, with a shimmering gold interference and Celtic knotwork shamrocks on both hips.  And if that wasn't enough, this handsome fellow has been topped off with a high-gloss finish.

We hope this stunning little fellow will get your Irish eyes smiling!

I have Corbin and I like the mold so I would like to conga him, but I'm not so sure about a green clearware with shamrocks.  At least it's just one shamrock on each side rather than all over, but I don't collect decorators that aren't a realistic pattern.  I might buy him, though, because he's a clearware, which is kind of neat.  I still have some time to decide.

But that brings me to an "issue" I have.  Space.  I am in serious lack of it, but I'm having a mind-set right now where I want to BUY BUY BUY.  Stablemates aren't a huge issue, it's the bigger ones.  The Traditional size and, to some degree, Classics.  But mostly Traditionals.  I have several that are still in their boxes because I have no room to display them.  I probably would if it weren't for my other passion: Pusheen plush.  Don't know who Pusheen is?  Are you living under a rock?  Hahaha.  Pusheen is an internet sensation that is based on a real cat.  The cartoon version is an overweight grey tabby who really likes food.  Food of all kinds.  She was owned by the family of the cartoon cat's creator Claire Belton.  People who are fans of Pusheen can be amazing.  Guys and girls of all ages and nationalities love this cat and the "fun" people take their plushies out and take pictures...

In addition to plush, there's also merchandise such as shirts, water bottles, a quarterly subscription box and office supplies...

But the larger plush tend to take up a lot of space, too, so my collection of plushies fight for shelf space with my models and if I hadn't fallen down the Pusheen plush hole, I would have more room for horses.  hahaha.  Like with my models, though, I have become more picky about the Pusheen plush I buy.  They come in a variety of sizes from about 2 inches to...I think 2 feet tall.  I don't have those jumbo ones, though.  I wouldn't mind one, I just am not willing to spend the money on one.  Anyway, I try to only buy the 6 inch or smaller ones.  And like Breyer, they come out with new plush quite frequently and like Breyer, I don't have the desire to collect them all, space issues aside.  So I only buy the ones I really like and try to wait and see if it comes out in the "clip" size, which is the 6 inch ones.  It's called a clip because there's a clip on it that you can use to attach to a bag or backpack.

Boy, this blog post took a different direction.  I could talk for quite awhile about Pusheen, but this blog is about model horses.  hahahaha.

I guess I will end this here, then.  If anyone is still around, thank you.  Til next time.

Sneak Peek Reveal and Model Categories Explained...

Splish Splash!

It was hard for us to disguise that the most recent sneak peek from earlier this week was this year's crystal model, owing to the fact that the snippet we shared was, well, completely clear.  WE hope you are as excited about this reveal as we are!

Say hello to Kelpie!

Kelpie-like images on stone carvings have been found in Scotland and date back to 6th century Picts.  In Scottish folklore, kelpies are shape-shifting water creatures that inhabit lochs and pools of water and are most commonly described as horses that can adopt human forms.  While the origins of these creatures remains mysterious, some folklorists have suggested that these water spirits were manifested to keep children away from danger.

Our BreyerFest Kelpie has been done on a miniature 5" crystal version of Bouncer, originally Traditional mold #707 sculpted by Kathleen Moody.  Clear as water, we know our Kelpie will make a sparkling addition to your collection.

Keep your eyes on the BreyerFest Blog!  WE are inching closer and closer to BreyerFest weekend and we still have so much more to reveal!

Well...I think this is quite clever.  The name and history behind the Kelpie is perfect for the crystal model and I can actually envision a shape-shifting horse looking at this model.  I also like that they used Bouncer.  I think it was a perfect choice!  I don't actively conga Bouncer, only having 2 as mentioned in my previous blog entry, and I don't collect the crystal models, but this guy is tempting so I might try to get me one.  We shall see.  I have a feeling my eyes are getting bigger than my wallet.  hahahaha.

So, another thing Breyer has done is explained the difference in the models that will be available during Breyerfest Weekend this year.  Since it's being done virtually this year and a lot of people are being able to "attend" for the first time, there's been a lot of questions about the different models available for the different types of tickets.  I can certainly see why people are confused.

I won't go over all the details because that would just be redundant and a lot to type out when it would be just as easy for you to go read it on the BreyerFest Blog, but I'll give the basics here.

Store Specials are a collection of limited editions that would normally be available to anyone with a ticket.  They will be released throughout the weekend to accommodate different time zones.  Anyone can buy these.

Warehouse Finds aka NPOD
These are models they have collected throughout the year from the warehouse and archive room.  They are generally samples or found inventory of models no longer in production, just like you might find at the NPOD (Ninja Pit of Death).  They will be offered as grab bags with different price points and will have 1-4 models.  These will be limited and you can only buy one per account and only available to 3 Day Ticket Holders as an added benefit.

The Fling! Shops
On-site, these souvenir shops carried SWAG and limited edition event themed models - Greenman, MacKenzie (the plush) and 3 other items not yet revealed.  These are available to all ticket holders.

Special Run
Boudicca, Hamish, the Slainte Surprise, Ash, Grighid & Beltane, Oak, Epona, Thorn, and Lugh and exclusive to 3 Day Ticket Holders.  The Celebration 3 Day ticket holders will NOT have access. 

Something that I am confused by, though, is the "Single-Day example" of shopping the collections.  It says that if you purchased 2 Friday tickets, you can shop the limited edition collections two times on Friday.  You will not have access on Saturday or Sunday.  If you purchased one Friday ticket and one Saturday ticket, you can shop the collections once each day.  I just looked at the ticket page and it says you can purchase other limited edition models and swag.  Okay.  I think I get it now.  I was also confused because it mentioned specific days, but nothing about if you bought a 4 Pack so I was wondering if these were different tickets, but no.  I don't know why the BF blog only mentioned specific days, but on the ticket page it says more about it and talks about the 4 pack. So we're good.  hahahaha.

I am thinking about having a giveaway on my blog Breyerfest weekend.  I haven't decided yet, though, if I will or what I will do / give away.  Obviously something model-horse related.

Well, Monday is Memorial Day in the US and so I have a 3 day weekend.  Yay.  A co-worker friend and I are going to do a special thing at our local zoo called Cruise The Zoo where you get to drive your own car through a specifically laid-out loop of the zoo.  It wasn't cheap, but she said she would pay half.  It was my idea, though, so I'm not going to push it.  We both like the zoo and we miss it being open and even though we won't get to see a lot of the animals, it should still be fun.  I hope everyone has a great weekend and Til next time!

Breyerfest Sneak Peek...

Breyer surprised us this morning with another Breyerfest sneak peek. 

Summer is coming!

We posted a lot of information on the blog yesterday, so we thought we'd lighten things up this morning! 

This sneak peek needs no introduction.

Can you guess who this little treasure is?  Check back soon on the BreyerFest Blog for the reveal!

Well, what is obvious is that it's the crystal model.  I don't remember them showing a sneak peek before of the crystal model, but I could be wrong.  Wouldn't be the first time.  I haven't boughten any of the other crystal models.  They sell out quick and as a store special, are a little more difficult to obtain through a pick-up person than a Special Run.  And none of the past models have been done on molds I am super nuts over so I've never bothered.  The only way I'd buy this one is if it's on Lady Phase, San Domingo or Idocus.  Maybe the Appy Performance Horse or Stud Spider, too.  Yeah.  Just those.  Those have become the "main focus" of my collection currently.  No.  I take that back.  I'm also actively collecting Valegro and Totilas.  Anyone else?  hahaha.

So far, the guesses I've seen have been Forever Saige, Sham (although unlikely since he's a SR) and "maybe the Marwari".  Trying to ID a solid plastic horse is difficult enough, I can't imagine even attempting to ID one that is see-through.  It's hard to get an idea of the orientation of the model.  They've already revealed horses upside down and sideways.  Breyer is trying to make it very difficult for us.  I have also seen speculation that maybe they are doing something sneaky about the surprise models and that maybe they're the 4 molds shown on the different Breyerfest t-shirts.  I hope not.  Though I guess it doesn't really matter since I only loosely conga the Bouncer mold.  I have two: Brooksides Pink Magnum and Icicle.  I'd hoped to add Bilburry, but I didn't win.  Bummer. 

So...I've tried to keep "the real world" out of my blog.  I want this to be "hobby only" and have only vaguely referenced what is going on outside my house.  Mostly comments about my office space.  As we all know, things are slowly starting to reopen.  Some places more slow than others.  Some of the reopenings have made no sense to me because other things that make more sense remain closed.  Like, why are you allowing restaurant dining rooms or hair salons to reopen, but not the zoo?  Anyway, so yesterday I found out that the Cabrillo National Monument has reopened.  Just the monument, though, and the grounds around it.  The lighthouse remains closed as does the gift shop.  This is one of those "huh?" type moments.  I understand the lighthouse since it's a confined space, but not the gift shop.  The gift shop is pretty large and would be easy to enforce social distancing.  Certainly a lot more than the monument itself, which, when busy, sees a lot of people standing in close proximity.   And if the monument can open how come the zoo and Wild Animal Park won't be opening "for awhile yet"?  Anyway, so today I was looking around the web and decided to check the website for my favorite hotel and I saw this...

Reopening June 24th!!!!!  Needless to say, I was quite happy.  I looked up a random date and the room type I get is VERY affordable.  I am going to plan for a trip in mid-September and hopefully the zoo and WAP will be open by then.  If it's not, I will cancel the trip because while I enjoy sitting at the monument and listening to the fog horn in the bay, it's not enough to justify the expense of the trip.  I haven't been to San Diego since 2014, I think.  Maybe 2013, I forget.  I used to go 3 or 4 times a year, but mom moved in in 2010 and that kind of brought an eventual halt to trips, especially as her memory started to decline.  This will be my birthday trip that I didn't get to take last week and while I'll only be gone overnight, I plan to make the most of it.

Okay.  I guess that is it for now.  I hope everyone is doing well.  Til next time.