MyWorld: Leaving Mountain Meadows

Yesterday you read about the sale of our condo in Pomona, California. Yes, it's a terrible time to sell, but we did it in four months. That's almost a record these days. Nothing else seems to be selling here in Mountain Meadows. There are both townhouses and single-family homes available. The tract was started in 1984 and we were original owners. I just knew someone would want and love our place. It has a large lot with a grassy area on one side and a hill of eucalyptus trees in the back. At night you can hear the owls and in the morning the song birds.

Across the street from Mountain Meadows is Bonelli Regional Park with camping, picnic, golf, hiking, biking, swimming, boating and horseback riding right at your doorstep. There's also the Raging Waters theme park and the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds (FAIRPLEX) close by. It's a quiet haven in the midst of bustling city life, who wouldn't want to live here. Both the 10 and 57 Freeways are nearby, handy for those traveling to Los Angeles or San Bernadino County for work. So, if you are looking for a gated, private community, there are several home and townhome floorplans to choose from. Our Realtor Ty can show you his listing or any of the other models available for sale.

We've loved our home, but it's time to jump in our U-Haul truck and take I-5 all the way north to Bellingham. We finished packing with the help of our good friend David. We timed it just right. We aren't rushed, yet we don't have lots of time to kill, just enough for a celebratory dinner with David and our neighbors Bob and Marie. We are going to a great little Italian restaurant named Charlie's Cafe Bistro at 2445 Foothill Blvd in La Verne. I can hardly wait.

We are planning a four day trip so that we can see the sights along the way. I'm sure there will be stories to tell along the way, so stay tuned.

If you want to see more exciting places from around the world, go to the "That's My World" website. -- Margy

READ MORE - MyWorld: Leaving Mountain Meadows

Los Angeles Real Estate Distress and Elation

As reported recently in the Los Angeles Times, the Southern California real estate market has gone from boom to bust, almost overnight. The causes are many: the loan crisis, overbuilding, unemployment, foreclosures and the looming recession. Home prices have fallen over 35% in some areas, with projections to fall through 2009 to about 55% off peak prices.

You may have been wondering where I've been for the last week. Usually, when I am away from the Internet I'm up the lake at our cabin, but this week that's not the case. Wayne and I are in Southern California cleaning out the condo we just sold. We sure picked a "good" time to put our property on the market, didn't we. But I guess we were one of the fortunate ones. We found a buyer. A lot of thanks goes to our Realtor, Ty Wallace, with Coldwell Banker. He really worked to find us not only a buyer in these hard times, but a good buyer.

We've been cleaning and packing for three days and have one more to go before we hit the road in our U-Haul truck. By chance, we found the best U-Haul location in the world. If you ever need a truck, trailer or moving supplies go to the U-Haul Center Holt Avenue (1512 W Holt Ave @ Dudley Avenue in Pomona, CA -- 909-629-4103). Matthew gave us excellent customer service and a great deal!

We will be heading north soon with all of the things we want to keep for either Bellingham or Powell River. But firest, we took the opportunity to downsize. All usable items went to the Salvation Army. They still do home pickups. You can reach them at 800-728-7825 to make the arrangements for any location. For the leftovers, we called Fast Freddie's Hauling for a dump run - you call, he hauls. You can reach him at 909-331-7119.

So, our distress about not being able to sell our condo has changed to elation. Now all we have to do is wait for the closing (with our fingers crossed)! - Margy

READ MORE - Los Angeles Real Estate Distress and Elation

Mexican Food Southern California Style

Wayne and I love living in Powell River, BC, but there aren't many places to get really good Mexican food there. When we return to Southern California, we head straight for El Merendero No. 1 at 1910 Fairplex Drive in La Verne. They have the best Mexican food around. The portions are large, but it's the flavour that's huge!

You can eat inside or under their covered front patio. Inside you can order beer and wine, but outside you can get a cool breeze and people watch. The choice is yours. We love to go to El Merendero for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but our favourite is breakfast. Wayne's loves the huevos rancheros and for me it's the chorizo and eggs. That way I can make my own little breakfast tacos with the warm tortillas that come with the meal. The breakfast burritos are also a great choice.

Walk up to the window, check out their extensive menu board, and order. Of course, you can take your food home, but stay awhile and enjoy the fun people, good service and great food at El Merendero No. 1. -- Margy

READ MORE - Mexican Food Southern California Style