Life, Liberty, and Some Patriotic Balloons

When Jim Trembley started decorating his Brittan Avenue yard with holiday decorations in 1997, he had no idea he's soon become San Carlos' beacon of patriotic spirit---and he has a menagerie the 10-foot red, white and blue balloon characters to prove it.

From Christmas and Valentie's Day to St. Patrick's Day and Fourth of July, Trembley has the balloons, lights, and other assorted decor to wishes neighbors and gawkers a happy whatever-day. 

Trembley, whose Brittan Avenue home has been in the family since it was built by his wife's grandfather in 1965 (the first home to be built west of Alameda de las Pulgas) says he keeps the spirit alive as a tribute to his brother who passed away after starting the tradition at his nearby home.

"My brother bought his first balloon from the company that provides Macy's with their decorations," Trembley said. 

And so it began....

Trembley, who has two kids---one in high school and one in middle school, says the kids' friends love it and his wife tolerates it.

"She rolls her eyes when I start setting them up. She won't say it, but I know she likes it too," he says. 

"I ask her if she'd rather have a husband out playing golf all day or setting up balloons in the yard."

Trembley's Christmas display rivals those on Eucalyptus Avenue, the street known for its over-the-top holiday lights display.

"I'm considered an honorary member of the Eucalyptus group," jokes Trembley.

And when Jewish friends gave him grief about not having any decor to celebrate  Chanukah, he dutifully split his lawn in half---one side Christmas, the other Chanukah.

"I'd put up Kwanzaa balloons if they made them," Trembley added.

In addition to the four 10-foot patriotic balloons--an eagle, an elephant, Uncle Sam and a bear, the home is adorned with red, white and blue lights.

On this hot summer day, Trembley is out watering his garden and notes the only downside to having huge balloons squatting on your lawn in the summer is that it turns the grass beneath the large-bottomed characters brown. 

Anyone needed a dose of patriotism and whimsy this Fourth of July should take a cruise up Brittan Avenue and say hello to Jim and his flag-waving inflatable friends.