Back to California - Respite from Winter

When we originally planned this year's trip to California to visit good friends Gary and Betty and Bill and Brenda, we thought we were going late enough in the year that the great California weather would be inconsequential. Not so. Not only are we still up to our armpits in snow in Ontario, but it has remained bitterly cold. In fact, as we boarded our American Airlines flight for LA, the snow began and we spent 15 minutes on the runway being de-iced. So when we stepped out into the California air, we immediately felt relief from Canada's cold. We quickly started getting caught up with Betty and Gary and stayed up late swapping tales and sipping California nectar to help us acclimate to the time change. Next morning, the sun was shining, we opened up the door to the balcony and it was warm. Betty wouldn't agree with the warm, but for us is was almost shorts weather.

Betty and Gary are still living in their Brentwood apartment which is a great location, while they continue to finish what will be become their first home in 20 years. They have a condo on the 2nd floor which is actually the first floor of residences of five floors and 23 total units and it's got the famous zip code of 90210 - Beverly Hills.

The building on Burton Way, a stone's throw from city hall, is called Le Faubourg St. Honore. It was built in the 1980's and has a most impressive foyer.

Today, while we visited the condo, the workmen were installing trim. We could get a good feel for what this place will be, but there's still a lot of work to be done.

Their unit is on the back corner of the building and looks out on a fairly quiet side street - quiet in Beverly Hills terms. They have lots of windows, so the place is very bright.

Realistically, they hope to move into the new digs by the end of May. Here's hoping!

Following the condo visit we went to see a new possible project, also in Beverly Hills. This house, on a corner lot, was listed for a little over two million and looked like it had great potential. Of course all of the beautifully fragrant roses are in bloom. Next step will be to see whether or not they can get it for their chosen price. We'll stay tuned.

After lunch at In and Out Burger and visits to both the Wine House and Costco, who have a fabulous selection of wines and liquors, we came back to Brentwood, awaiting the end to Gary's work day. Betty decided to cook tonight for dinner with cards to follow. It was a beautiful day in paradise and we're already perking up.