pink-ball tree

Mystery solved!

I asked on a previous entry, here and on Facebook, if anyone knew the name of this beautiful tree. No one did, at least not off-hand, but you pored over your plant catalogs and books, and dug through the darkest recesses of your memory banks, in search of its common or Latin name. You even donned your Google Goggles. (A Nancy Drew accessory, if ever there was one!)

I  appreciate that you hopped into my roadster, that you searched for clues with me. 

Thanks to my friends at Rogers' Gardens, I can now identify this as a Pink-Ball Tree, aka Dombeya wallichii. I'm posting its name here, in case I forget. I also thought you might enjoy closing the circle on this mystery ðŸ™‚

Friday Five: Treasure-hunting on Balboa Island

I'm up for a beach walk anytime, especially since we live so close. My camera and I don't do it justice, but I thought I'd post a few pictures of our trek to Balboa Island last weekend, where we ushered in the New Year.


Here, where sun-soaked, extravagant "cottages" overlook the waterfront, wealthy homeowners provide upscale accommodations for all their guests.  


Even so, it's the humble, hidden treasures that most often strike my fancy. What I wouldn't give to have that glider on my front porch, rusted metal and all! It takes me back to sun-splashed days with Nana, sipping lemonade and gulping books…. 


Anyone know what kind of tree this is? It looks like it might be a member of the hydrangea family, but I'm pretty sure it's a non-native plant. Whatever it's called, it's gorgeous!


With so many treasures here, no wonder a pirate ship rolled in!


When I came upon this porch sign, I whispered a silent amen. These beachside walks are such treasures, more so after my sister's death. They teach me to look for grace in every moment, to breathe expansively in the now.