Eloise and me: One Particular Harbor

I often catch myself dreaming about the warm sand between my toes, and the cold salt water splashing on my face as the waves come crashing down. I love the beach. There is something so peaceful about the way I feel at the beach, I can't help but dream about it each day.

"At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by tides, and follow the sun." - Anonymous

For about the past 5 years, I have brought this book with me to the beach with high aspirations of finishing it. Year after year I find it increasingly harder to open my book on the beach. My heart tells me to watch the waves as they dance by, to smell the salt in the air, to gaze at the ground where the water meets the dry sand and the sun glistens brilliantly. I sit and watch the smiles on the faces of those I love, and the days fly by. By the time the week comes to an end, I suddenly realize I haven't even opened my book.

My brothers also give me some 'gentle reminders'. "Haven't you been reading that book for like 5 years" they say. Well this year I actually read the book. It was wonderful. I learned many priceless lessons. This copy belongs to my Mother. Her Mother gave it to her back in 1979, with a special note inside the cover like she always does. It makes me smile.

The beautiful Harbor.

I adore this place. I adore our traditions here. Every year as we make it across the Harbor bridge, my Dad turns on Jimmy Buffet and we all sing along.

Simple, yet, irreplaceable memories.

The Wedge

Rather intense games of Bocci Ball.

"U" can say OBSESSED!!

Of course the men built a block U in the sand instead of a sand castle.

I wish I could say that I helped build it.......but my magazines and Famous Amos cookies sounded much more relaxing that day!

These two thoroughly enjoyed every stare, comment, and converstation arising from the U.

Like little kids, they giggled and couldn't contain their emotions as beach goers kept coming to take pictures in front of it. (It did take them a full day to build)

Balboa Pier

(Kimball isn't too fond of being lifted over the edge)

Kimball got a hold of the camera... hence the angle. However, I do love the shot he captured of these two with the ketchup and mustard ha ha.

Rubys Diner. A Newport Staple.

Riding beach cruisers. I feel the cool ocean breeze tickle my face as I slowly pedal down the boardwalk into the calm night. The scent of the ocean mixed with the smoky dinners being grilled on porches, fills my senses. It feels as though I am gliding on the ocean, with the moon tied to a string behind my bicycle. It glistens as it lights the path, every inch of the way.

I love the feeling.

Kimball just loving his ride with Bumpa and Mimi.

Probably listening to Celine Dion....... no... maybe Spice Girls?

Fashion Island

Balboa Island.

Just the usual, Diet Cokes and Hippo cookies.

My favorite store on the island.

These two are always Beach Buddies.

The Crab Cooker

Rogers Gardens.

The most beautiful garden store. My mom loves to wander through the gardens every year.

I had to take pictures of these amazing plants. The color being so brilliant, almost looked fake.

Of course we had to stop at Sprinkles

Love these two so much!

Balboa Bars on the boardwalk. Doesn't get any better than this.

"Seaside Donuts"

Ever since I can remember, the Seaside Donut shop was a highly anticipated element of our Newport vacation. Not only because the fresh buttermilk doughnuts are hands down my favorite treat in the world, but because of the friends we have made there.

We spend every night laughing, talking, and waiting for the FRESH buttermilk donuts to be done, well into the wee hours.
I am willing to bet there's not a better donut made.

All year long I dream about these fresh donuts.

Probably the coolest guy ever!

He is the happiest person you'll ever meet. He works all night long, making fresh donuts, ham and cheese croissants, and making people smile. He then walks home to his condo on the beach.

"Thanks a latte", or, "You 'donut' want a donut" he says.