The display consisted of 1776 American flags positioned along the pathways of the park. Each flag carrying an inscription identifying the particular individual being remembered and honored by the donors who funded the flag installation.

Further information about this event and the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor may be found here.

I don’t know how a walk along these paths would affect you, but for me it seemed to move my focus a little further from me toward others, what they have done and are doing.

What are your thoughts

After some research, it seemed that the moon-rise would be visible on the eastern horizon just after sunset.

To locate just the right setting with suitable foreground objects, I visited the west side of the Newport Beach Back Bay on several evenings prior to the event date to ascertain the moon trajectory during its early ascent from the horizon.  From the Castaways park view, the moon trajectory was to far to the south to be near any foreground objects to give the moon perspective.  From the Galaxy Drive park view, the trajectory was too far to the north.  The final decision was to take the photographs from the rowing shell staging area of the Newport Aquatic Center

The photograph shown below is a composite of two images from the set of 114 images that were recorded.  The first of the two was exposed for the ambient light of the background objects and the second of the two was exposed for the much brighter moon.

Since the moon was moving and the time between exposures was several seconds, the image of the moon had to be repositioned in Photoshop to precisely align with the moon position in the background image.

I am open to suggestions for improving the above image.  Please leave your comments below.

While visiting the center, I discovered that they offer a wide variety of water sport programs for all ages and experience levels.  They even have hourly membership programs so that the public may utilize their facilities and equipment.  More information is available at the  Newport Aquatic Center web site.

Designed in the Nantucket Colonial style and inspired by the great homes of Bel Air, this stunning, custom built, 5,077 sq ft home has four wood burning fireplaces and a timeless design aesthetic with ten foot soffited ceilings, extensive cased openings and wainscoting with crown molding.

Known by many as one of the truly exceptional homes in all of Newport Heights, this home features a gracious outdoor entertainment area with a fireplace, fountain and lush landscaping inspired by a true English garden.

With a formal living room and fireplace, formal dining room and a gracious gourmet kitchen adjacent to an inviting family room, this home offers an ideal layout for entertaining. Upstairs the home features a grand master suite with fireplace, beautiful marble bath with whirlpool tub, walk in shower and his and hers vanities and closets.

There are also four large bedrooms each w/ walk-in closets and an exceptionally detailed library/family retreat.

This home is classic and truly stunning!

If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Newport Heights community and would like to view this or other available homes, please call me at 949-395-9966. I would be pleased to set aside time to assist you with your search and transaction. Thank you ~ Allan Heller

There will be more than 300 boats on display plus numerous vendors of the most recent advances in marine accessories.

More information may be obtained at the Newport Boat Show web site.

From the street, the home is all but hidden offering complete privacy. Yet from the water one sees a spectacular retreat nestled along the natural curve of the cliff.

2495 is the only Ocean Blvd. address with a private dock, a sweeping grass yard at waters edge, & a pool overlooking the glorious harbor.

Three levels of stunning ocean-view living space include a formal living & dining room, a gracious California-style kitchen that opens onto a spacious family room & dining area, a master suite with separate office & bathroom, 3 additional bedroom suites, outdoor decks at each level & a wonderful bonus room perfect for a personal gym.

Every room of this extraordinary residence offers breathtaking views of daytime boats, late afternoon sunsets & the twinkle of evening lights on the water..

If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Village of Corona del Mar and would like to view this or other available homes, please call me at 949-395-9966. I would be pleased to set aside time to assist you with your search and transaction. Thank you ~ Allan Heller

Corona del Mar’s newest home by Nicholson Companies features a Santa Barbara design reflecting sophistication & style with its slate flooring, stunning architectural details and designer selected finishes. This custom residence is comprised of 4 BR, 4.5 BA, family room, elevator access to all levels, roof top deck with Catalina ocean views, wine room & more.

The perfect integration of indoor/outdoor living with the ~ Nicholson signature ~ walls of glass opening to dramatic living wall & water features.

The chefs grade kitchen features Quartz Caesar Stone counter tops, professional series Sub Zero and Viking stainless steel appliances surrounded by custom crafted cabinetry & custom hand painted back splash.

The large master retreat has beamed ceiling, Venetian plaster fireplace surround & private balcony. Rich travertine & marble accent the master European spa inspired bath.

A 3 1/2car garage, lush landscaping,Tuscan urn fountain, fire bowl and abalone shell embedded patio complete this home.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Village of Corona del Mar and would like to view this or other available homes, please call me at 949-395-9966. I would be pleased to set aside time to assist you with your search and transaction. Thank you ~ Allan Heller

The property is situated such that the living room and master bedroom enjoy a nice view of the Newport Harbor jetty entrance and the ocean beyond. In addition, the west facing home is filled with abundant light throughout the day.

This luxury estate offers 4,365 inside square feet with another few thousand of outside living space. Walls of glass open to a secluded front patio area with views of the entrance to the harbor, spectacular fireplace and a built in bar-b-q.

The master suite includes a spa tub, inviting fireplace, fabulous ocean vistas from the private master terrace. The rooftop deck provides stunning panoramas of the sea, the coastline and Catalina Island.

The home was created with interesting architectural features such as arched doorways and stylish finishes throughout, including furniture grade cabinetry, extensive use of stones, granite and a carved stone fireplace.

All of this with the sounds of the waves breaking in the background and sunsets that you will never forget.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Village of Corona del Mar and would like to view this or other available homes, please call me at 949-395-9966. I would be pleased to set aside time to assist you with your search and transaction. Thank you ~ Allan Heller

Below is a brief excerpt from his presentation.

You may read the Jeff Collins take on that conference by visiting the link at the bottom of this post.

But Thursday, Thornberg said, “I’m probably the most optimistic that I’ve been about the economy in the last eight years.”

Thornberg cited a host of indicators pointing to improvement. Durable goods orders, industrial production, imports, exports, rail car loadings and hotel occupancy rates all are up. Home and consumer delinquency rates are down.

Commercial real estate vacancies have peaked and are starting to come down, he said.

Personal income in California is up 6.5 percent. Business inventories declined just as consumer demand took off, which will spur production. Hiring, a lagging indicator, is starting to heat up, and “that’s going to continue,” he said.

The threat from the Euro debt crisis is overblown, he maintained. At worst, it will cause a mild recession in Europe, which won’t be enough to bring down the world economy.

From Ex-Doomsayer: ‘It’s a great time to buy a home’ – Lansner on Real Estate : The Orange County Register.

Please let me know your thoughts.

14th Annual Camellia Show
Hosted by the Orange County Camellia Society

Saturday, January 21, 2012

1st time exhibitors welcome!

Bloom placement 7 to 10 am

Open to the public 1 to 4 pm
&
Sunday, January 22, 2012
11 am to 4 pm

Mini show for one and all…experts will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer all questions regarding camellias.

From Sherman Gardens

Please let me know your thoughts.