California Livin'

As of this month, George and I have been Californians for officially 1 year. With fabulous weather and great friends, it has been a pretty easy place to love. Here are a few of our favorite things...

1) Yummy farmer's markets bursting with fresh produce!!

I realize that I am getting completely spoiled by the variety and quality of locally grown organic produce. I know that we aren't always going to have these options and so I don't feel the slightest bit guilty indulging. We frequent the weekly farmer's markets in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and, when we can, San Francisco and have participated in CSA (community supported agriculture), where we split weekly shipments of produce with some friends. And I love it all!!

2) The trees... palm trees, redwoods, and all the ones I love but don't know the names of! :)

This is silly, but when we first got here it took me a while to get used to seeing palm trees - that I previously equated only to tropical resorts - growing in our neighbors yard or along the highway. It used to make me feel like we were always on vacation.

3) Mountains and their views... when the fog lifts!

We all know that for George, being so close to snow skiing would be higher on list, but we both love being close to mountains. They just have so much beauty and are so good at reminding you of how small you really are. It is such a treat to have them surrounding us.

4) Having beaches less than 30 minutes away!

Although we don't go to the beach nearly as often as we should I still love having them so close and having that always be an option for a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon. A beach is always good for relaxing, unwinding, and reconnecting.

5) Our friends!!

Of course, our California experience wouldn't be nearly as wonderful without all the incredible friends and amazing people we've met here! The beauty of this area is undeniable, but it is our friends here that have made California lovable. Thanks guys... and gals! (no pic here, because you've seen all their lovely faces on previous posts)