dear Ca.

Dear California: I can't believe that our year with you is over...it all went by in  a flash.
I am going to miss...
* your gorgeous year-round amazing weather
* your lush and raw natural beauty that has kept me in awe this whole year
* being 15 mins. away from the Pacific Ocean
* the 101 things there are to do around here...zoos, beach, antique stores, mountains, on and on
* The amazing people that I have met ...the friendships I have made
* walking out my backdoor at any time and picking big fat roses from our garden

* all the art and theatre and culture...love!!
* the food!!! There are the most amazing world cuisine restaurants over here. Anything you want...Indian, Persian, Nigerian, Mexican, Italian etc etc...
And I will definitely not miss:
*driving on the interstates. Okay...can we just say ...craaaayzeeee!!!
* the abject racism toward Mexicans. Yes...I know we have to control the borders but...I have witnessed a lot of really ugly racism toward other human beings who pretty much want the same things we all do; to be treated with basic dignity and respect. Simply no excuse for it.
* the cost of living...it's through the roof over here.

(Tara waving goodbye to the ocean)

So...dear Ca. thank you for keeping my family safe this year, for showing us your magic and wonders...we will be back to visit!!
*********************************************************

                                                   (Pattie's Xmas party last Sunday)
* I had such a great time at Pattie's get-together...I just wished I could have stayed longer!! I am really going to miss these wonderful ladies...they are over the top wonderful. That's what I am really going to miss in Ca. the most...all the wonderful people I met.