~ THIS MOMENT ~

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

             :: Soulemama ::

The previous 16 posts

Hey there everyone!
The previous 16 posted labeled Labor day / Newport beach are suppose to be all one post, but since I'm having Internet issues I posted from my iPhone and it all comes out as separate postings. I do apologize for this crazy madness.

Have great rest of your day!!!!

:: Labor Day ::

This is how our holiday started, in Riverside we had thunder storms, and even though I love the rain, and we need it so badly, I was not looking forward to the hot muggy day. With temps. at around 95 in the forecast, it would be a day to stay inside. NOT!!!!

So we got ready, and drove the short 30 or 40 miles or so to the nearest beach city, Newport Beach;

Newport Beach California

Labor day marks the end of the summer here in the US.

So Mr.W and I decided that Newport Beach would be our best bet.

We started our day kind of late. So by the time we arrived at the beach, went for our traditional walk from Via Lido village to the Pier and back it was dinner time.

We sat down to a delicious dinner at The Bluewater Grill, one of our favorite places to dine.
From our table you could see the Cannery village restaurant, and some very beautiful and exclusive condos.

The area is offers lots of great dining, a theater, where you can watch Indy, foreign or very well chosen current films.
There are even Gondola tours you can take around the marina, complete with Italian music, champagne, wine and cheese.
Many romantic marriage proposals have taken place on these rides.

It was indeed a beautiful and very relaxing day for us. Even though it is something we often do on weekends for some reason this was extra special.

Bird of paradise

These abound everywhere in Southern California.

Walking from the pier to the main street.

The side streets of Balboa are lined with cute little seaside cottages, many are summer rental, others are permanent residences for the locals.

What to eat:

The Oceanside diner is one of many places where you can grab a quick bite. They serve traditional breakfasts, and quick yummy lunches.
And the staff is great!!!

Of course I could be a bit bias, since the handsome young man just happens to be my youngest son Ryan. He works at the diner
And standing next to him is his girlfriend Andrea, who works around the corner at the "Treats" shop.

So if your ever in town just pop in and say hello.

Yum!!!!!

Things to do:

Something else to do in the Fun Zone

A very old Ferris Wheel

Under the big boat.

Catalina Flyer

This huge catamaran does daily trips to Catalina Island. Another great way to enjoy the day.

Bike rental

One of the many things to do in the area. A beautiful ride from pier to pier.

Balboa ferry

A quick and easy way to get across the harbor to Corona del Mar.

You can ride in your car or as a passenger. Nice.

Labor day marks the end of summer

A beautiful sunset over the Pacific ocean. :)