When I started this blog, I thought I was going to make money with my travel website. Since then, I discovered that it cost me far more than I made, even though I got some terrific deals for myself. Now, I think, I'll just tell you about my own travels and maybe suggest some mini-vacations.

When I was selling real estate, it was difficult to get away for very long at a time. The only real vacation I had during that ten year period was when I went to the British Isles. Other than that, I'd take an afternoon for myself or, on occasion, a whole weekend and call it a vacation.

If you live in southern California, one of the best things you can do for yourself is take a drive up (or down if you live north) to Ventura. This community by the sea has everything from expensive seaside condos to little, old Victorian style houses. Some of the houses have been converted to restaurants and other businesses, and one old church on Main Street is now a funky, beautifully decorated bed and breakfast.

The highlight of a day in Ventura might be lunch on the pier, or it could be finding a bargain at one of the many thrift stores. There are scads of antique shops, great restaurants, and colorful characters wandering the streets.

I'm going to Ventura, myself, this weekend, and will report back to you on what I find there.