The Week of Thanksgiving is Finally Here!

By: Rose Beasley

Mmmmmm….. just sitting here day dreaming about scrumptious mouthwatering turkey, home made pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and all of the fancy fixings that make Thanksgiving a delicious dream come true! Turkey Day is one of the most festive and loved holidays of the year. However, it can also be one of the most stressful days of the year for those hosting the happy get together.  Tradition does require being on your feet all day in a hot kitchen preparing every little bite from scratch. However, modern times, extended families and empty shelves at the grocery store can throw a monkey wrench into even the best laid plans.    

While planning decadent desserts and side dishes to costar alongside the turkey is a beautiful tradition, it is important to remember that Thanksgiving is also about spending time with family and friends. This is why you can take a breather from being covered in flour and indulge in a feast from a local dining establishment. If you’re interested in Italian eats or all about American classics, you’ll be delightfully satisfied with options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking for dine-in or take-out options, these eateries open Thanksgiving will offer easy and no-fuss ways to stay happy and energetic throughout the day!

Some restaurants open Thanksgiving in San Diego, CA

 

20|Twenty

20|Twenty’s prix fixe menu highlights pan-seared bass and cabernet-braised short ribs with celery root puree plus traditional favorites like slow-roasted free-range turkey, cornbread stuffing and giblet gravy, and pumpkin or chocolate pecan pie. Call the restaurant for pricing or to make a reservation.  Visit Website

 

VAGA Restaurant & Bar

Turn over your Thanksgiving to chef Claudette Zepeda and the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas for a five-course feast. Some meal highlights include caramelized onion rolls with honey kosho butter, “deviled” eggs, stuffed dates, root vegetable croquettes, and turkey roulade with corn and chorizo stuffing. Cost is $135 per adult with optional wine pairings.  Visit Website

 

 

L’Auberge Del Mar

The Thanksgiving menu at this Del Mar restaurant features Cypress Grove goat cheese and sweet onion tart, heritage breed turkey or Snake River Farms aged prime rib, and California olive oil cake. Cost is $85 per guest. There’s also a separate three-course children’s menu for $45.    Visit Website

International Smoke Del Mar

Del Mar’s International Smoke is serving a multi-course feast including Parker House rolls, curry pumpkin soup, persimmon salad, roasted cauliflower skewers, and a maple-roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Adults are $88 and children $30. Takeout is also available and orders must be placed by Sunday, November 21; the meal is $320 and serves four people.  Visit Website

 

 

Urban Plates

Urban Plates has options for takeout or dine-in this Thanksgiving. Selections include turkey plates for one featuring ready-to-eat herb-roasted turkey breast, stuffing, gravy, cranberry relish, bread, and one side. There are also family feasts and side dishes to order a la carte.   Visit Website 

 

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

San Diego Mission Bay Resort has a three-course meal for Thanksgiving. Highlights include butternut squash bisque, Diestel Farms turkey served three ways, and bourbon pecan pie tart. The priced fix menu is $65 per person and $25 for children 12 and under.  Visit Website 

 

Parc Bistro-Brasserie

This Bankers Hill restaurant is throwing its Thanksgiving festivities from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The three-course price fix menu is $64.95 a person and includes jumbo shrimp cocktail, rack of lamb cassoulet, wild mushroom ravioli, and pumpkin mascarpone pie. The restaurant also has a Thanksgiving to-go package serving two to 10 people.  Visit Website

 

Coasterra

Fill up with all your Thanksgiving favorites at Coasterra’s holiday buffet. The all-you-can-eat feast includes winter squash soup, Caesar salad, prime rib, roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and more. It costs $64.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids six to 12.  Visit Website

 

 

George’s at the Cove

George’s is offering two eating options for Thanksgiving: eating at the restaurant from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on roast turkey, turkey sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts-apples-onions, gravy and cranberry sauce ($32 per person), or carry-out pies, gravy, or the restaurant’s turkey sausage stuffing to enjoy at home. Visit Website

 

 

Serea Coastal Cuisine

Hotel del Coronado’s Serea is planning a three-course prixe fix menu for Thanksgiving. The menu features a white truffle lobster bisque, smoked turkey, bruleed pumpkin pie, and more. Family-style options include a roasted two-pound lobster, smoked tri tip roast, and a butternut squash lasagna. The cost is $125 per person and $45 for children. Visit Website

 

 

Before heading out to any of these restaurants, it is recommended to call the restaurant to double-check its holiday hours, in case anything has changed.  Given the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic this year some restaurants may have adjusted operations to include curbside pickup and contactless delivery.  Regardless of whether you prepare your own traditional feast or opt for celebrating restaurant style, remember to be thankful, generous and happy! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

 

 

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November Fun in San Diego!

FUN THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER IN SAN DIEGO!

 

San Diego is a wonderful place to live regardless of what season it is.  All four seasons provide sunny skies and beautiful views for everyone to enjoy.  However, there is more to love about this place than just the fabulous weather. San Diego is a thriving metropolis of over one million in population and located in beautiful south west California. Fun fact: San Diego is the most southwestern city in the United States, located around 120 miles south of Los Angeles and adjacent to the Mexican border. The city is rich in culture, perfect for scenic photography, and offers plenty of exciting activities for families, couples, and single travelers.

While all year is the perfect time to visit our fine city, the holidays bring a magic that makes everything lighter, happier, and more exciting. We celebrate the month of November with festivals, parades, musical events, and so much more.  Listed below are some of the best activities that occur this month.

SAN DIEGO BEER WEEK

When: November 5-14, 2021
San Diego Beer Week is a ten-day celebration inspiring people to drink local, craft beer and promoting San Diego’s thriving brewing culture with multiple events happening across the county.

DEL MAR FALL RACING FESTIVAL

When: November 3-28, 2021
It’s time for an encore! Four weeks of elite Thoroughbred racing, fresh events and musical performances to keep the good times rolling.

SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL

When: November 11-14, 2021
Featuring dozens of events, hundreds of domestic and international wineries, the celebration of craft beer and spirits, local culinary legends and nationally recognized celebrities, and a Grand Tasting Finale on the stunning Embarcadero.

SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

When: November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is a holiday waiting to be made, with seasonal shopping, festive food and drinks, and stunning live shows. Don’t forget to stare in awe at all the beautiful Christmas lights and displays.

VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY

When: November 13, 2021
Join the Mt. Soledad National Veteran’s Memorial as they honor the Army, Navy and Airforce Nurse Corps. with a virtual ceremony.

HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND

When: November 20, 2021 – January 8, 2022
Experience the magic of the Holidays at LEGOLAND with music and twinkling lights and the world’s largest LEGO® Christmas Tree. Enjoy live entertainment with LEGO Friends Live in Heartlake City, Santa’s elves singing in Fun Town and a life-sized LEGO Brick Santa and Reindeer that make for a perfect family photo.

SAN DIEGO JAZZ FEST AND SWING EXTRAVAGANZA

When: November 26-28, 2021
The San Diego Jazz Fest over Thanksgiving presents a variety of traditional jazz music, from ragtime to hot jazz to swing to rockabilly at the Town & Country Resort and Hotel in Hotel Circle. Jazz bands and musicians from across the U.S. will perform.

ESCONDIDO VETFEST PARADE AND FESTIVAL

When: November 13, 2021
Veterans Day Parade down Grand Ave followed by a VetFest and Art Show at American Legion Post 149 in Escondido.

SILVER STRAND HALF MARATHON, 10 MILER & VETERANS DAY 5K

When: November 14, 2021
Run, Walk, Skate, Roll, ElliptiGO during the Silver Strand Half Marathon, 10 Miler & Veterans Day 5K with the waves of the Pacific Ocean on your right.

EBENEZER SCROOGE’S BIG SAN DIEGO CHRISTMAS SHOW

When: November 19 – December 26, 2021
San Diego has another show in its Christmas stocking with this fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. All the traditional elements of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol are intact—including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future—but with a comic local twist.

MOTHER GOOSE PARADE

When: November 21, 2021
The Mother Goose Parade is San Diego’s East County’s annual holiday kick-off celebration featuring whimsical floats, clowns, bands and equestrians.

SKATING BY THE SEA

When: November 22, 2021 – January 2, 2022
This spectacular ice rink is located seaside on Windsor Lawn and features stunning views of the Pacific and Coronado beach.

JULIAN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AND TREE LIGHTING

When: November 27, 2021
Feel a nip in the air and maybe catch a glimpse of snow capped mountains as Julian celebrates the season with the lighting of the town’s living Christmas tree.

SANTA TRAIN NORTH POLE LIMITED

When: November 26 – December 18, 2021
Once aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited, the holiday fun begins with Christmas carols, The Night Before Christmas, cookies, hot chocolate and Santa.

The festivities listed above are just a few of the exciting and wonderful events taking place in San Diego right now. To learn about more events you can visit www.sandiego.org

Tis the season to simply enjoy life and countdown the weeks left in this year in style.

 

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Swimming and Breast Cancer

The month of October brings the colors of autumn, cooler temperatures, and the fun and games associated with Halloween.  However, October also brings an outpouring of the color pink because it is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast. Breast cancer can occur in women and rarely in men. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Each year in the United States, about 255,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.Treatment depends on the stage of cancer. It may consist of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Cancer and the treatments associated with it can cause massive exhaustion leading to bed rest and/or drastic reduction of physical activities as advised by doctors.  However, new evidence encouraging patients to exercise during and after their treatments continue to emerge as more studies focus on the quality of life and health benefits that can be achieved from continuing physical activity. Among the recommended activities is swimming!

 

The Effects of Swimming During and After Chemotherapy:

 Swimming is an excellent source of aerobic activity that uses the resistance of the water for the swimmer to move through. Furthermore, horizontal posture of the swimmer results in moderately increased stroke volume, improved cardiac output, and lower heart rates. Also, because the swimmer is not fighting gravity, an increase in exercise-related blood pressure does not occur. Swimming can offer numerous cardiovascular benefits for the patient recovering from the debilitating effects of chemotherapy. Swimming provides an excellent means for the cancer patient to increase mitochondria, red blood cells, capillaries, and blood volume, resulting in an increase of oxygen delivery to the human organ systems. Improvements in energy and cardiovascular function are just some of the many benefits to regular swimming. It is important to note that because immune systems are also compromised, timing of the swim workouts is important. To swim when the pool is crowded, particularly during flu and cold season, may not be ideal. Choosing a time of day where fewer people are in the pool may be preferred.

The Effects of Swimming During and After Radiation:

Precaution to swimming: patients undergoing radiation should receive clearance from the radiology oncologist before initiating a swim program. Some patients experience skin irritation as a result of radiation treatments. The chlorinated water may exacerbate those problems. Also, radiation patients are restricted from exposure to the sun.  Protective clothing may be needed if using an outdoor pool. Also, if the oncology team allows the patient to swim, precautions to protect skin from sun and chemicals should be employed. Most radiation patients will probably choose to engage in light aerobics, instead of swimming, during radiation treatments for the reasons mentioned above.

The Effects of Swimming After Surgery:

With the mounting evidence that resistance training improves healing and range of motion (ROM), it still presents the question of  how does swimming fit into the equation of rehabilitation for the injured chest or arm muscles. The simple act of moving through the water provides a form of gentle stretch and resistance. During the freestyle stroke, the patient can initiate a controlled functional stretch. This action helps to strengthen and elongate the damaged muscles, which can help heal old injuries . Whether the patient is recovering from breast-altering surgery or lymph node removal, gentle stretch and resistance exercises help to improve strength, flexibility, and ROM . However, ALL post-surgical patients need to employ various modifications in their exercise programs.

In conclusion, there are still physical activities safe enough for current and recovering breast cancer patients to remain involved in.  However, every case is different and it is EXTREMELY important for all patients to check with their doctors before beginning or continuing any activity – including swimming! This weekend delivers the much anticipated Halloween and the end of October. As you are out celebrating with your family and friends amongst the colorful costumes and decor, be sure to notice the shades of pink before they are taken down.  October may be ending but the fight against Breast Cancer is only beginning.

For more information on Breast Cancer research, charities, and mammograms visit the following sites:

Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20352479

Breast Cancer Foundation – https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

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Overcoming Aquaphobia

The month of October is always focused on fear.  This is understandable because it is the time of the year when we celebrate Halloween.  The stores are full of costumes and candy, new horror flicks hit the movie theaters, and haunted houses and trails pop up all over town. Excitement over the thrill of being scared takes the community by storm as everyone eagerly anticipates the frightening surprises in store for them on the final night.

Being scared, in the right setting, can be a lot of fun.  There have even been a few scientific studies that suggest getting a good scare can even be a good stress reducer.  However, that is meant in a go visit a haunted trail with friends kind of way.  There are real things to be afraid of in this world that will only make life more stressful. In fact, there are many fears people face every day known as phobias.  These phobias are basic activities, places, and things that we all face on a daily basis.  Some of us find them normal while others become very distressed by them.  One such phobia is aqua- phobia.

You may have aqua-phobia if you find that any source of water causes you an excessive amount of anxiety. This can include a swimming pool, a lake, an ocean, or even a bathtub. Aqua phobia is often mistaken for another phobia called hydrophobia. Even though they both involve water, aqua phobia and hydrophobia aren’t the same.Hydrophobia is an aversion to water that develops in humans during the later stages of rabies

 

Some of the more common symptoms of aqua-phobia include the following:

• an immediate feeling of intense fear, anxiety, and panic when thinking about water
• a persistent, excessive, or unreasonable fear when exposed to water
• recognizing that the fear of water is excessive or out of proportion to the actual threat
• avoidance of water
• sweating
• rapid heartbeat
• tight chest and difficulty breathing
• nausea
• dizziness or fainting

While the causes of specific phobias aren’t well-understood,  there is some evidence that phobias can be genetically inherited. If you have a family member who has a mental health condition, such as anxiety or other phobias, you too may be at risk of developing a phobia.  Aqua-phobia is often caused by a traumatic event during childhood, such as a near-drowning. It can also be the result of a series of negative experiences. These typically happen in childhood and aren’t as severe as a traumatic experience. Science also suggests that changes in brain function may also play a role in developing specific phobias.

Having a fear of water is no fun.  After all, there are so many fun and exciting ways to experience the world through water. Scuba diving, water skiing, fishing and of course – SWIMMING!!! Phobias can be hard to overcome but it can be done. To receive the right form of treatment, a licensed mental healthcare provider must evaluate the person’s symptoms and diagnose their specific phobia.

For more information on the subject you can visit sites like mayoclinic.com and medicalnewstoday.com .

 

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The Importance of Understanding Beach Flags

The beach is a beautiful but dangerously ever-changing environment. Although it can be fun for the whole family, it can also be unpredictable. This makes it very dangerous to people who are unaware of the hazards that can occur at times. This is why highly trained and educated lifeguards use a system of flags and signs to inform visitors of the important safety regulations they need to know.

The most important flags on the beach are the red and yellow flags. These show the supervised area of the beach and that a lifesaving service (life guards) is operating. However, it always pays to be sure before entering the water. If there are no red and yellow flags in sight it is still a good idea to check with the lifeguards about current water conditions.

Safety signs are put in place to warn you about the permanent and occasional hazards that are present in the environment. Some of these signs are permanent for long term hazards. However, others are put into place each day by the lifeguards to show you the current hazards present on that day in a specific location. These hazards include rip currents which can change locations on different days.

Another factor that is never completely predictable, despite meteorologists best efforts, is the weather. Frequent beach goers know that the weather can change in the blink of an eye. It is extremely important to stay in the know with what each flag means to ensure a safe beach day for you and your  family.

The following example is an excellent way to better understand the flags and their meanings. Think of the flags like traffic lights. When a green flag is flying, conditions are calm, but swimmers should still exercise caution. Larger waves and rip currents are still possible.

Types of Beach Flags include:

A yellow flag means rough waves and moderate rip currents. While it implies conditions are not life-threatening, there is potential for dangerous undertow and swimmers should be cautious.

A purple flag is flown when dangerous marine life has been spotted. Dangerous marine life could mean anything from jellyfish to sharks and swimmers should use extreme caution keeping a close watch on their surroundings.

Red flags are the most serious, warning swimmers of high surf and strong currents. A red flag should not be taken lightly and swimmers should use extreme caution. Two red flags closes the beach to the public and swimming is prohibited.

If you don’t see a flag, that does not mean the water is safe. Swimmers should always be aware of their surroundings and stay alert while in the water. If you see a flag and are unsure of what it means, ask a lifeguard or look for a sign indicating the meaning.

 

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Fall swimming fun for the whole family!

Fall swimming fun for the whole family!

Did you know apples and pumpkins float? They float because they are less dense than the water. They  are buoyant. Some cities like Chandler, AZ offer fall pool activities. At the Mesquite Groves Aquatic  Center, they have The Pumpkin Dunk. It is a floating pumpkin patch where families can get in the heated  pool to search for their favorite pumpkins. Later there is a costume contest. Registration and fees are required. (It appears the event is full this year… ) But I say make your own fun! If you have a backyard  pool …plop some pumpkins and apples in the pool. Make it a fall activity for all.  

With adult supervision let the kids swim and search for their own pumpkin. Then have a safe carving  area and decorate the pumpkins. Save the pumpkin seeds, clean them, and put on a cookie sheet, add  salt or cinnamon and sugar for a baked delicious treat. Make it a game as too who can find the most red  and green apples in the pool. Later clean, peel and slice the apples using kid safe utensils. Then everyone  can make an apple pie or apple crisp, to enjoy.  

Remember the ABCs of Water Safety…  

A=Always swim with Adult Supervision. 

B=Barrier, have a fence around the pool with a self-latching lock. 

C= Swim with Coast Guard approved life jacket, know CPR.

 

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New Partnership with American Camp Association

The Swimming Swan is proud to announce a new business partnership with The American Camp Association (ACA)!

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Just as their membership is diverse and their programs distinct, so are the children who participate in their camp experience. The mission of the American Camp Association is enriching the lives of children, youth and adults through the camp experience

As an organization we value the world, the people who live in it, and the contribution each individual can make. These are not separate values, but concentric circles. The values that are important to us as an organization are the same as those we strive to instill in the children we guide.

We believe that the camp experience is essential to every child’s growth and education. Through our membership in the ACA, we contribute by working together to promote and articulate our association as a leading authority in child development. We contribute to the lives of the children and adults who participate in our programs and to their families and our communities, and, in turn, we encourage them to contribute to those who are part of their lives and to the world in which they live.

We believe in all the children and adults who come to our camps. They are the reason we exist. Through positive child development and partnering with parents, we encourage children to value their uniqueness and to understand and appreciate their part in the larger community. We help children develop self-esteem, character, courage, responsibility, resourcefulness, and cooperation. Quality camp experiences help children develop the healthy emotional and social skills necessary to grow into strong, considerate, competent adults.

We believe that each of us plays an important role in the stewardship of our environment—both natural and manmade. We help children grow into committed, responsible citizens by teaching them to appreciate, respect, and care for the world in which they live.

A few services The Swimming Swan provides the ACA camp members are the following:

• Swimming Lessons
• Lifeguard Services
• Red Cross Training and Certification Programs 

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