Guess Their Passion

Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA

Making Lemonade out of Lemons

Our economy may be in a world of hurt but this little gal was making a killing on her lemonade stand. By the time I came back with 50-cents, she had already made over $22, including tips...

Smiling in Sunny California

Winter in California: there is good reason to smile about the weather!

Balboa Island

Balboa Island -- One of the many advantages of living in Southern California is our weather. A few days ago our mountains received about 2-feet of snow (about a 40-minute drive from home in Pasadena, CA), and today, in less than an hour from home, I went scuba diving in 80-degree (f) sunshine!

Although Orange County is sometimes associated with glitz and excess money, it is also known for it's simple charm and friendly people.

Balboa Island has changed very little since I was first pushed in a stroller down Main Street. Forty seven years later, Dads (above), home of the "Original Balboa Bar" is still there, as is many retirees who have made the Island their home since the 40s.

Ruby (left) and her husband have been on the island since before I was born. She and her husband built their second home behind her in 1972. Ruby said the lot they built on used to be a volleyball court. With lots selling for over $2 million, there are not too many million-dollar volleyball courts to be found anymore.

Alfy

Orange County, CA -- During a walk around Balboa Island, I couldn't help but hear a weak, yet endearing bark from behind a fence. A small, cartoonish dog with stiff legs and a gray face was militantly defending his land. Some people laughed as they walked by, ignoring the impish canine. I couldn't resist stopping.

I soon learned from Alfy's "mom" that he is ten years old and has endured 2 surgeries. Alfy won my heart and vote for "Best Face" in February of 2009.

Balboa is a small, congested yet charming island of multimillion-dollar cottages built between the early 1900s and late 1940s. Many homes have been built and rebuilt since, leaving no more than a few lots about the size of a double-wide. One lot was selling for $2 million. More to come on Balboa Island...