Did you know that this week is San Diego Beer Week?  We didn’t either until tonight when we ventured to Sea Rocket Bistro. They, as well as other restaurants in San Diego, are holding special events all week.  At Sea Rocket those include beer themed movies, special beers on tap/cask and a $30 special meal.

As I mentioned before, I'm a bit of a coffee newbie. So I thought I'd try-out some of the local coffee shops and let you know my impressions.

For each coffee shop I'll order the same thing (a large mocha) and try to connect to the WiFi with my laptop and iPhone. I'll report the results here.

This is obviously VERY historic.  So maybe we aren't talking about things quite this old.

But one of the more interesting debates (for fuddy duddies like me, anyway) is about who can do what with his or her property and under what circumstances.  Everyone under the sun has argued both sides of this point, and I suppose it really matters in North Park because we have some pretty good looking old homes...like this one

Well...here are all the groovy things I did in North Park this week...

Had a yummy quesadilla for lunch (homemade tortilla!!) at the NP Farmer's Market yesterday. Mmmmm! Tip; the chicken tacos (TJ street-style) are also delicious, and she sells homemade tortillas by the bag.

Checked PO Box mail at the Post Office. (*editor's note: A signature campaign is underway to try to save this location, to help, contact liz@northparkmainstreet.com.)

Finally visited The Olive Branch on North Park Way. It's my favorite new store; a green building supply company which caters to home owners. The co-owner, Lynn Wilson, is so fun to talk to...if you're into that kind of thing. She knows a lot about the green products they sell; kitchen counter tops made of recycled glass, wall insulation made from recycled denim, every color of linoleum you can imagine. In case you didn't know...linoleum is back, and it's green! This store is a blast.

Filled my water bottles at The Water Lady on University. She's a trip. I'm always entertained by what conversation she strikes up with her customers. Today she liked my hair cut and color...and asked if I have any grey I'm covering up. Somehow when she asks, it's not offensive.

Picked up prescriptions at Walgreens; totally love that drive thru pharmacy...especially at midnight when I'm in my slippers and no bra. Excellent invention.

Picked up trays of appetizers from Albertson's Deli on Mississippi. (Great place for affordable catering-style platters.)

Had dinner with a friend at Vo's Cafe; love the owner, Francois. It might just be a little "shack", but his rear patio is a hidden little sanctuary. Check it out.

Bought late-night groceries and a bottle of wine at Parkside Market on Thorn. Handy place...and the new owners now stay open 'til 9pm...wahoo!

Worked on my drought tolerant landscape in the front yard. Got rid of the grass recently. Came home one day to awesome soft agave cuttings from neighbors on the porch. Now that's cool!

Checked out a book I've been waiting for at the North Park library.

Went to North Park Hardware for just the right nails for my house project. So excited when I don't have to make that horrid trek to Home Depot.

Threw a party in my backyard Saturday night.

Washed my car at the all-time most affordable car wash; Spot Free Rinse Car Wash on University and Mississippi; $6.00 for a perfectly adequate cleaning. Can't beat it. (Tip; don't drive in until the sign says "enter" - when you do, it jams up the whole system. Embarrassing!)

Can't think of many reasons I needed to leave North Park this week...except to earn money, of course.

Monday Night.        We decide to go eat at the Ritual Tavern.    If you haven't been there yet, go! awesome food and awesome people!   They try to use all local ingredients and have great craft beers.   Heck, they even make there own condiments (the ketchup is great!)         Anyway, we get there and lo and behold...Closed on Mondays.      Where to go instead.         On the way up we noticed that Apertivo was closed, so that was out.    We weren't sure about the new West Coast Tavern yet. . I've never been to Urban Solace (my lame reasons being that a) i liked North Park Deli b) everything seemed to contain cheese or butter ((i avoid dairy))   but i have heard good things.   The building looked great!   They did an awesome face lift from the last time i was in there.      Service was awesome.      Truly awesome.      Linda got the steak special, it came out a little raw so the server graciously took it to get some more fire.    She brought it back with a new set of sides 'so they'd be warm'.   In addition to avoiding dairy i try to avoid meat....the problem is that i'm a sucker for a good burger.    I've had my share of burgers in the neighborhood and i have to say this one is top notch  (not quite a Lefty's burger but still great).