my lucy > she thinks she is one of them

This is one of the things I love about California.  The sound of the geese migrating.  It reminds me of home.  We didn't get this in Vegas...  Also, if you decide to run like this - plan on running through a ton of poop (once she started running, there was no turning back - so we made the most of it)!

Reason #109 > grocery stores

A reference was made last night on "Breaking Bad" (we bought the first 5 seasons) to Albertson's.  Not saying all Albertson's are bad, but the one we went to in Vegas was horrid.  I would cringe everytime buying meat or veggies...

I love the grocery stores here! I don't necessarily love grocery shopping...but atleast the stores are clean, food is fresh, I have options (Whole Foods, Costco, Safeway, Nob Hill, Lucky's, Farmer's Market) all within 5 miles, and best...all the workers are nice! (most)!  Lucy and I have to load up today.  Wish us (me) luck! When Lucy starts to act up I dart it to the bakery and grab a donut for her...Shhhhh!!! Hey, it works!

Reason #108 > Tennis after dark

...and NO mosquitoes

Reason #107 > Evenings in the backyard

After a night out of Mexican, we decided to keep the party rolling with some beer and a little competition of bean bags.   As Patrick swept me, I couldn't help but notice that everyone on our block was outside in their backyards enjoying the awesome evening weather!  Bill next door, barbequing something that smelt glorious, poked his head over to see the commotion we had going (very Tim & Al).  Tara and Tom were climbing their brand new play ground in the backyard with Karin, whom kept yelling out and waving to the masses running, jogging, walking, biking the Iron Horse Trail.  And so on and so on... I love that everyone here really takes the time to enjoy the beautiful weather.  The perfect evenings.  Windows are open, doors are ajar, and people are always in and out.  It is so refreshing to have this very communal feeling.  We are all here to enjoy life, and it is always better when we can enjoy it knowing our neighbors are doing just the same!

Reason #106 > my new Yatzee!

I love playing tennis - I love the sport - and I love the fact that I'm meeting so many great women! I joined a league since moving here, and couldn't be happier!  I love being on the court regardless of win or lose...

The best part of living in Las Vegas was my Yatzee group I met with once a month.  Yes, Really.  The women were so cool, so down to earth, so welcoming, and my best friends to say the least.  Even though some of them had a solid 40 years on me, I always looked forward to the first Wednesday of every month.  So far with tennis, I have enjoyed the women I have encountered...but maybe more, I have enjoyed the time after our matches drinking wine and eating the goodies brought by the home team.  Something about it reminds me of Yatzee.  Although it will never add up, or be the same....Tennis for right now puts a smile on my face - It puts that little extra jump in my step.

I hope all the ladies back in Vegas are doing well - oh so healthy - and still laughing (atleast the first Wednesday of the month)!

Reason #105 > I feel like I'm on vacation, then realize I live here

As we took a nice long evening walk yesterday, I told Patrick that I want to stop in every store and eat at every restaurant - in a way saying that we need to do this all before we have to leave... But we don't! We don't have to leave! We can go to all the stores and try all the restaurants whenever we want! (well, not really - I do have a budget).  Many towns (cities) we live near offer so much.  I really do love it here!!!

Reason #104 > There is so much Green!

Speaking in so many terms here in CA - But I'm talking the color.  I love all the green trees, the green grass, the green homes, you name it - I Love It!  This past week has had record highs for this time of year. Resulting in some of the green turning to a blah tan.  I don't normally say this, but please Rain!  I don't want my green to fade away so soon!! Thank you CA for making my new home a reflection of my Beautiful Wisconsin (summer Wisconsin that is). 

Reason #102 > Everyone is Nice!

I have lived in CA now for 2 months.  Only once have a encountered a nasty clerk (@post office).  I cannot say how much I do not take for granted the kindness of everyone that I have crossed paths with.  Whether it is a clerk, a person behind me in line, people at the park, or tables sitting next to us in a restaurant - no one is afraid to strike up conversation, give a compliment, ask a question, or just chime on in with their opinion.  I love it! It was not like this in LV.  If only everyone really knew how grateful I am....

Reason #101 > farmer's market

Reason #101 why I love California > the Farmer's Markets!  Today I went to the San Ramon farmers market with my new friend Gianna and her sweet baby Eliza (I hope I spelt that correctly).  It was a nice little break from home - put me in good spirits - enough, to attempt making grilled cheese...   

Reason #100 why I love California > fresh morning air / patio doors

After living 4 and a half years in Las Vegas, NV - I am elated to be here in California.  So many things things you forget about or take for granted - to me life in Las Vegas is just, dull.  Coming from Wisconsin, I have an appreciation for the small things in life.  Fresh air, communal living, family, small festivals, local music, and warmth (in so many ways).  Now here in CA, it is all coming back.  Not a day has passed since we moved here in March that I haven't given a Reason why I love California.  Hence, the reason I start at #100.  As I mentioned mornings have been beginning earlier and earlier in the Garrett household.  This week I began opening the patio door while Lucy drinks her bottle - I Love the Fresh Morning Air - of course, coffee in hand.