After every house sit, I post an overview of it on my blog. Here’s the one about our time in San Diego.
When Mark and I were selected for this recent fall/winter house and pet sit in San Diego (this was the ad), we were very excited. We love San Diego – the climate, the sights, the activities, the friends we have there – and looked forward to a healthy balance of restful, exciting, social and productive times. For three full months (later extended by two weeks)! It seemed like a nice, long time to settle in and get things done. Suddenly, it was all over. 3.5 months… gone in a jiffy.
This house sit was unusual in many ways. We arrived four days earlier, as Mark was scheduled to fly back east for health check-ups the end of October. I became a roommate of Diana, the owner, for a few days before she left. It was a perfect transition for both of us, and for the two sweet Italian Greyhounds, Frida (12) and Elvis (10). The following ten days, I took care of them, the house, the yard and the mail by myself, while working on my book and exploring the area by bike on weekends.
San Diego skyline from Harbor Island
Once Mark returned, we settled into a nice routine: neighborhood walks, work until 3pm (6pm EST, where our business is located), and a sunny, hour-long dog walk to Liberty Station in the afternoons. We managed to eat lunch in the yard every day, and relax or socialize with friends in the evenings.
During the weekends, we went on longer excursions, with or without Frida and Elvis.
The dogs were very easy to take care of; their doggy door was a godsend. Sweet, yet fragile, they enjoyed being covered up by blankets and snuggling up with us in bed.
December was a funky month. It started pretty normal with a Christmas atmosphere in the air and neighborhood.
Then, we received the news that Mark’s mom had a stroke and our world was shaken up. We managed to have a fun Christmas dinner with friends and an enjoyable weekend in the desert over New Years, while the owner’s parents had a family reunion at the house.
Then, early January, Mark and I jumped on a plane to help take care of his parents back east for three weeks. We made sure there was a solution for the house and pet care during our absence. If our replacement (a friend of the owner) would not have been available, I would have stayed behind. Luckily, people were flexible and the situation became a win-win for everyone involved.
Upon our return to San Diego, Frida and Elvis were ecstatic to see us. The affection was returned. We were happy to have left the freezing temperatures in New England behind, and resumed our habits of walking to the store and the green parks, soaking up the sun during our time off, working on the camper, spending time with the dogs, and picking up the work pace.
The location of the house was good and bad. We enjoy walking everywhere and leaving the car untouched. But, we lived under the flight path of San Diego International Airport, and it was loud; the noise of the engines shaking the windows and chandeliers at times. The planes mostly took off right above the garden or the house. When it was foggy, they landed and we could almost touch them.
The last couple of weeks of this tumultuous sit flew by, as we wrapped up our life in San Diego, cleaned the van, saw friends for the last time, and prepared the house for its owner’s return. Because of the “unstable” situation of my in-laws back east, Mark and I did not book a follow-up house sit. Until our last week in California, we had no idea what was next…
Best feature(s): The set-up of the house is environmentally friendly, with recycle cans, a compost bin, and barrels for rain collection. The garden offered spices, dandelion greens and kale. The location was ideal to walk and bike almost everywhere. We all loved the doggy door.
In the yard
Best gadget(s): The washing machine’s grey water system was set up to help out the sprinkler system in the yard.
Sun-drying the laundry, just like on our sailboat
Surprise(s): This was the first time Mark and I had to cut a house sit short. The home owner, her family and her friends were all very supportive and flexible, which was greatly appreciated.
Downside(s): The plane noise. The silver lining: no alarm clock was needed!
The owner’s review of us for this house sit can be read on the top of this page. A creative approach. ?
To read about our other completed house sits, click here.
I’ll finish this post with a video about a plane landing over our yard in the evening. San Diego International is the busiest single runway airport in the United States and third-busiest single runway in the world. Hundreds of planes take off and land every day; sometimes every minute, sometimes there is a gap of 5-15 minutes between deafening sounds. Curfew is from 11:30pm to 6:30am, but frequently, we could hear them depart or arrive in the middle of the night.
February 28, 2018 at 11:56
What a crazy time! One vivid memory from my time in San Diego was being near the airport. Loud doesn’t begin to cover it. I can’t imagine living so close to it and having to hear those planes all day every day.
March 1, 2018 at 12:51
I assume people who live there get used to it. They’d have to. We never managed to draw out the noise completely. Inside, it was doable for me to write and for Mark to work. Newer houses might be better insulated. He needed a headset for customer calls. When we talked to our parents on the phone, they could sometimes hear the planes as well. Outside, the conversations had to stop each time a plane passed over our heads.
February 28, 2018 at 12:27
Wow, that plane was close! It was quite an eventful house sit and Frida and Elvis are absolutely adorable ? It was lovely the review was written in their voices and it sounds as if they would be delighted to see you back ?? xxx
March 1, 2018 at 12:52
The landing planes were always that close, Xenia and for the departing ones, the noise lasted longer, since they were going slower. The dogs were awesome! We’d love to see them again!
February 28, 2018 at 12:51
Great post, Liesbet, and thanks for all of the photos of San Diego. I was there for a few days many years ago but was presenting at a huge conference and was very nervous about it, so I don’t remember much other than the really wide streets. I’ve seen the statue of the sailor kissing the girl, but a few years ago in Sarasota, Florida. I think they move those pieces from city to city.
You and Mark are just amazing. It’s virtually unheard of for anyone to get consistent five-star reviews, even if deserved. There’s almost always someone who wants to deduct a star or two in the belief that there is always room for improvement. Yet you guys are clearly to the exception to that. Kudos for being the world’s best house and pet sitters.
March 1, 2018 at 12:58
I have another friend who told me she has seen that statue all over the world. I wonder whether there are a few duplicates? Or, maybe it is this one that travels around… I’d have to look it up if I think about it later.
Thank you for your kind words about us, Karen. These house sitters (and dogs) must all be very generous. 🙂 That being said, I am happy about all the 5-star reviews, but would be disappointed if someone “only” gives us four, wondering what we did wrong. Did you know yet that we are perfectionists? We do believe in and enjoy what we do at these homes and with all the animals, so it’s certainly a good fit right now.
February 28, 2018 at 12:59
Hi Liesbet! What a great video–it says it ALL. Many good benefits but I’m not sure I could handle that noise as well as you both did. Looks like you had a great sit. Want to come sit with Kloe this Christmas for 3 weeks. She/we would love to have you!!!!
March 1, 2018 at 13:01
It was a great sit, Kathy. Part of winter in San Diego can’t be beat and we loved the location for many reasons. But, as with everything in life, there are always trade-offs. The good thing for us is that we can enjoy all these places, knowing that it isn’t forever. 🙂
We’d love to take care of Kloe and be in the desert over the winter, but we have no clue yet where we will be the end of the year, or the end of the spring… Keep us in mind, and I will keep you up-to-date about our plans.
February 28, 2018 at 14:13
I love the dog’s Christmas outfit! The garden sounds wonderful. Great photos, as always. It does indeed sound like a tumultuous time. I hope you guys have managed to get some rest and recovery time and that Mark’s mom continues to heal.
March 1, 2018 at 13:03
She is continuing to heal, Lucy. Thanks for asking. We will check in on her in person again in the summer. Like a boat, and a camper, every house sit is a compromise! 🙂
February 28, 2018 at 14:35
Well, glad it was a good experience and you bonded with the dogs. But wow, that noise every minute? I couldn’t do it.
March 1, 2018 at 13:04
We often wondered how the neighbors could handle it, Alex. We never found the answer, except that they grew up with it and/or got used to it. These planes are 100% part of life in this area of San Diego.
February 28, 2018 at 14:45
Since I’m up at 4:00 a.m., the plane wouldn’t have been an issue, but boy, it is loud! Thanks for sharing your completed sittings, Liesbet. Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it?
March 1, 2018 at 13:05
Time always seems to fly, fun or no fun, Jill. 🙂 I can’t believe you get up that early! Does it hurt? What time do you go to bed? You must have some incredibly productive mornings.
March 1, 2018 at 13:47
LOL! No, my body is used to it, so no pain involved. I usually go to bed by 9:00 or 9:30. I like to beat the rush hour traffic into the city. 🙂
February 28, 2018 at 15:16
That plane is indeed loud and to listen to that all day long would definitely get old. Glad it was a good housesit (everything considered) and hope you’re enjoying NM.
March 1, 2018 at 13:08
We had better and worse days, Ingrid. When we arrived back to San Diego after three weeks of cold in New England, we could easily handle it. When we had extra stressful and annoying days with work, it drove us crazier than other times. When we had a non-important conversation over lunch, we couldn’t care less to pause between sentences. But, when we were having an entertaining exchange of words during walks, we’d look up with a grimace of annoyance.
NM at 5000 ft is a bit too cold at the moment, but we will enjoy it more the coming weeks and months. Hope Arizona keeps you entertained and warm!
February 28, 2018 at 17:22
Yikes! Even though I grew up close to the airport, it’s hard to really “appreciate” the noise unless you hear it for yourself! So glad that we live well away from the flight path now. I’m happy that I was able to meet Frida and Elvis in person (in dog?) – they are so cute. Very fragile, but friendly and full of personality.
Paul and I miss you and Mark and hope you’ll be back house sitting in San Diego one of these days (a little farther from the flight path, though 🙂 ).
March 1, 2018 at 13:09
We would enjoy more time in San Diego, Janis, so who knows? Maybe when you and Paul decide to venture abroad for a while? 🙂 Missing the climate, the pups, and you guys, of course!
February 28, 2018 at 17:44
Hi, Liesbet – This post is an excellent reminder that despite the best of plans, life is always full of surprises. I am glad that everything worked out for everyone. I look forward to discovering your next adventure!
March 1, 2018 at 13:12
Isn’t that the truth? It is because of all those surprises that we try to plan as little as possible in life, and not too far ahead of time either. 🙂 Our current house sit is pretty settled and not too exciting so far. Having one old dog and a more active one (and freezing temps) restricts us a bit in what we do.
February 28, 2018 at 18:04
I absolutely love Italian greyhounds, and these two are adorable. Their owner sounds very friendly and appreciative, and I’m glad you had such a nice, long, positive stay (with one unfortunate trip away and some airport noise). I’m not particularly bothered by most noise, but this sounds a little rough because of its relentlessness. Hope your future plans are coming together!
March 1, 2018 at 13:15
Hi Lexie! Mark and I did not have any experience with this breed and learned a lot. Italian Greyhounds are so very different from any other breed we have pet sat. Eye-opening. So sweet, funny and easy. Did you know that some people in California call them IGs? Very hip!
Yes, the owner has become a friend and is an amazing person. We have met so many wonderful and interesting people through house sitting. Another big advantage of the lifestyle.
Future plans? We will be in New Mexico for another three months, split over two house sits. After that, it might be time for a “real” adventure. 🙂
February 28, 2018 at 21:05
The best part of this post for me, are the photos of the greyhounds, so graceful and refined all snuggled up in bed with you and as well, on the beach. You guys are obviously any dog owners dream house sitter and animal caretaker!
I am wondering how the dogs, being on the more fragile side of dog-hood respond to the airplanes with the accompanying noise and house shaking. Does it upset them or are they used to it? I am definitely not a fan or airplanes overhead all the time as it makes my stomach nervous whenever we fly and when we are NOT flying, I would rather not think about being in a plane all the time, haha.
Love the sustainability of this household. The sun drying of laundry and the reuse of grey water. Great that the owners were so flexible and it all worked out for everyone.
Peta
March 1, 2018 at 13:23
Oh Peta, Frida and Elvis were just the cutest when they were snuggled up! We covered them with blankets every evening. Before lying down, they always dug the blankets around and nestled themselves in them, burying their noses.
That is a very valid point you are making about these kinds of dogs and the plane noise. Elvis is actually a very nervous dog since being a puppy and he takes a pill a day to calm down. He and Frida are totally relaxed and don’t seem to be bothered by the planes at all. Knowing Elvis’s history that did surprise me. But, no issues. They sleep through the noise and don’t even budge. They have gotten used to them, just like the neighbors. You would not do well in that area of San Diego!
I figured you would appreciate the way this household is set up. You and the owner would have a lot to talk about and in common. She is all into sustainability and growing food organically on a personal and a work level. I enjoy hanging the clothes outside and letting the sun do her work. The climate was perfect for that, but towels and heavier material had a hard time drying, since the yard was mostly in the shade.
March 1, 2018 at 13:06
It sounds wonderful apart from the planes and, far worse, the interruption when Mark’s mum was ill. I hope she is progressing well.
March 1, 2018 at 13:27
She is doing better every day, Anabel. Thanks for asking. Soon, she will have her feeding tube removed and only require outpatient help. They might remain on the ground floor, though, once she is back to normal.
March 1, 2018 at 15:22
Good to hear things are improving.
March 1, 2018 at 13:51
It is amazing how fast three and a half months can pass by. I appreciated reading about the homeowner’s sustainable lifestyle. In places that I have lived, I have made changes that move in that direction (organic vegetable garden; installing hot water on demand; home energy assessment). However, I have moved every few years, and every time we have to start over.
Jude
March 1, 2018 at 16:09
Hi Jude! I can imagine it is always a lot of planning, work and energy (and money) to make an existing house more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Kudos to you and your husband for trying each time, and again.
Speaking of on demand hot water, our current house has it. Taking a shower is amazing, and washing your hands when it is cold out. No more wasted water. But… we find that the cold water tap is warm and, to get cold water (for the dog bowl), we now need to run the “cold” water for a bit. But, maybe that issue has to do with something else. It’s definitely a first for us!
March 2, 2018 at 03:25
You must get used to the plane noise if you live there permanently. At least I hope so, otherwise that would get really old. The pups are adorable. Love their holiday outfits. And is that a picture of Banyan that I see?
March 3, 2018 at 10:43
I think people who live there permanently do get used to these planes. The owner of our house and the dogs spends about half of the year in Australia and suffers from the noise as well, every time she comes home. Yep, that’s Alex and Dave in the top photo. Great people and friends!
March 2, 2018 at 16:17
Congrats, Liesbet, on another successful house sit in San Diego even though you had to cut it short. Glad to read everything worked out for everyone, and your MIL is doing better every day. I look forward to reading your upcoming post.
March 3, 2018 at 10:45
Thanks, Natalie! So many things happening in our lives as always. Hard to only write and post one blog a week. But, I need the rest of my time for the memoir… 🙂 And, for taking care of dogs and homes.
March 3, 2018 at 09:41
So nice to read your reflections of San Diego, Liesbet. That airplane noise would drive me crazy! I’m glad everything worked out for you and Mark. It was fun getting together with you and Janis in December. School is keeping me busy but I’m still reading a few blogs. I’ll pm you for the home exchange links.
March 3, 2018 at 10:47
I have been missing you in the blogosphere, Terri! But, you seem to be very busy with school and I hope you are still enjoying all of it! Jealous of your signs of spring in Sacramento already! 🙂
March 6, 2018 at 18:41
What a tumultous time. I hope Mark’s parents are stable now. Will you be needing to go back to spend more time with them. We love Sand Diego too but wow to that air traffic. the video definitely brought home the point. I’m not sure any ear plugs could quite deal with that!
March 7, 2018 at 08:06
I actually bought ear plugs the first day (only realizing later that there was a jar of them in one of the AirBnB rooms), but they didn’t do much, as you indicated, Sue. Still a great sit and a wonderful city. We don’t mind returning one day. Mark’s parents are alright. They live on the ground floor now, which is much easier for both of them. We don’t plan to go back for them, but will need to head back for other reasons in July, the latest.
March 6, 2018 at 21:50
Gorgeous photos as always Liesbet, although strangely enough, the video reminded me of the tiny village of Erps-Kwerps right next to Zaventem airport!
March 7, 2018 at 08:07
I have heard about Erps-Kwerps on the Belgian news, probably in relation to the airport noise complaints in the area around Zaventem. Now I totally understand how the people there feel. 🙂
March 9, 2018 at 07:36
During the early 1990s, I briefly lived under the flightpath of Heathrow airport. In the early 2000s I lived on top of part of the Bakerloo London underground line. When I first moved to Brighton (on the South Coast of England), it was the seagulls that kept me awake. I eventually got used to all three and found myself blotting them out, but it was the sound of the seagulls that I found most challenging. I often had nightmares of Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds.’
You stay in San-Diego looked brilliant, Liesbet. I can see why you enjoy staying there so much.
March 11, 2018 at 11:23
Wow, Hugh, you have some experience living in loud and “shaky” homes. I can imagine that the constant screaming of the seagulls could drive anyone crazy. In San Diego, the crows could do the same. Usually, when it is nature, I have an easier time ignoring the noise. At our current house sit, all is quiet, which is nice. Each new temporary home is a trade-off, though. 🙂
Last year, Mark and I did a long-term house sit near the town of Bodega, where “The Birds” was filmed, and a real-life statue of Hitchcock greeted us. Funny, you bring that up.
March 12, 2018 at 04:24
Bodega sounds amazing, Liesebet. Were there many birds flying around the town? I think I’d be constantly looking over my shoulder. However, I have heard news reports of seagulls attacking holiday makers for food, but I think it’s a problem caused by humans feeding birds the wrong sort of food or leaving their rubbish on the ground instead of taking it away with them. I just stick to seeds and fruit and only feed them during the winter when it’s cold and the ground is frozen.
March 12, 2018 at 14:27
No birds around the town of Bodega, Hugh! When birds and other wildlife are being fed by humans, they will start to rely on it, expect it, and demand it… Here in the US this has led to many issues (with bears for example) and animal deaths, because of their dependency or getting too close to humans.
March 13, 2018 at 01:31
It’s a lesson I don’t think we will learn until it’s too late. However, I’ll keep on feeding the birds that visit me in my garden until I know spring has finally arrived and they can fend for themselves.
March 14, 2018 at 09:59
I think feeding birds in the garden is a category in itself, excluded from the “wildlife feeding” troubles. 🙂 I love watching them come to the feeders in winter, at the houses we take care of.