Thursday's Agenda + Random Odds and Ends

Child #4 (7 years old) had me sign this before she went to bed last night. So, we all know what subject I'll be tackling after school today. Is there really a Santa Claus? Yikes. It was tricky, but I managed to skate through Christmas without having THE talk. I'm guessing that pesky, hopped-up-on-sugar Easter Bunny has stirred this particular pot again. Drat. I'm not ready to let go of my last Santa believer. Motherhood is so not for sissies.

Other random things (and I mean ra-ra-ra random) I'd like to clear up in this post:

1. For our anniversary DH and I went out for Cajun salmon. BUT on the weekend, we're going for sushi. And that means everybody's happy. Thank you for all the well wishes.

2. Last time I went to The Whaley House, I was the one and only person there. But, I did NOT see a ghost. Probably they were all out shopping. There's some very fun shopping in Old Town.

3. I do not homeschool. I'm not smart enough.

4. Katie Couric (the fake one) will be back to pull off a brilliant interview with Liz Gallagher, author of The Opposite Of Invisible. And....I have an ARC to give away. (Or keep for myself) When? I have to check with Liz.

5. Our dog, a toy poodle, eats baby food for his dinner. Turkey + rice.

Happy Thursday, everyone!!

My Town Monday: Haunted House in San Diego, CA

The Whaley House, located in historic Old Town San Diego, is THE most haunted house in California. Quite possibly in the whole USA. In 1964, Regis Philbin and a friend tried to spend the night in the Whaley House. They were so spooked by the ghost of Anna Whaley, who appeared in the form of a ball of light, that they bolted in the dead of night. Granted, Regis doesn't have a huge rep for courage, but even the US Department of Commerce agrees the house is haunted.

The Whaley House is a two-story brick building built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, a businessman. Before its construction, guess what was located on the grounds? The town gallows. Now, you don't have to be a ghost hunter to guess you're probably going to run into some paranormal problems in this location. Sure enough, Yankee Jim Robinson, hanged from the gallows on the back of a wagon in 1852 for theft, haunts the Whaley House with heavy footsteps.

Other ghosts you might hook up with during your visit include: Thomas Whaley (usually on the upper landing), his wife (in the downstairs room or in the garden), a woman in a long full skirt, a redheaded girl between 9 and 13 years old (in the kitchen), a spotted fox terrier. Plus, there's an overall sense of being watched. And the smells of cigar smoke and lavender perfume. Not to mention the sounds of singing, giggling, a baby crying.

I've been to the Whaley House several times. It's a great little museum. Slightly more expensive to visit in the evening. You can wander through at your leisure and see the various furnished sections of the house, including the courtroom and theatre. I love Old Town in general. So, if you're here and at the Whaley House, give me a shout. We could always meet for Mexican.

Is the Whaley House in I So Don't Do Mysteries? Yes. Because it's the perfect place for Sherry's mother (a ghost) to stay when she comes to San Diego.


And, thanks to Travis Erwin for coming up with Home Town Monday. He has a fun post today on Amarillo, TX.