"What are the three terrors of the fire swamp?"

Well, in California they are freeways, fires and of course earthquakes. If one doesn't kill you the others will.

Well, the traffic you get used to. You get used to either avoiding it or you find a constructive way to pass the time while you commute. I've seen many a commuter reading the paper or chatting on the phone. One very busy and enterprising man was reading the Wall Street Journal, that was resting on his steering wheel, while chatting on his Blue Tooth and tapping away at his lap top (with an amazingly dexterous right hand), that was precariously perched in the passengers seat, all while sipping his Starbucks. Now that's what I call multi-tasking.

This weekend we sort of experienced fire. Waking early on Sunday to the smell of smoke from the Moorpark fire several miles away. You couldn't be outside for too long for the smell, and anything or anyone foolish enough to spend too much time outdoors soon developed sore burning eyes and was soon covered in bits of black ash. The sky stayed a creepy darkeling orange most of the day and we could only envy those whose skies looked very blue to the north.

As for earthquakes, well we wait, like all Californians for the fabled big one. Anything short of that you'll find most of us will just sleep through.

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Shower, shmower. With a kitchen sink this size who needs a tub.




Hi friends! I'm doing great!




I know it's in here somewhere.....

"Helloooo....hello.....llo....oooo"




OJ anyone?


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Well, no furniture yet, but maybe next week. I have a new gas efficient car. S is driving my beloved beast the short distance to work and back. My Honda will get me back and forth to San Diego to see the girls and kids more economically, but not as happily.

The other day I went to Target to get some items for the house and when I got out to the parking lot I had a hell of time trying to pack everything into the car. It was a close thing, but the other choice would have been to go back into the madness in the store and return some items. So I crammed everything in. It helps to come from a long line of pack rats. But it was a rude awaking to the capabilities of my new car. I love my new car, but I hate it.

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Ummmm, I have to buy actual gifts for the nieces and nephews this year AND wrap them. I cannot use the excuse of living in France to send out the easy gift cards, the little guys want actual boxes with paper and fun things inside..... I hate shopping..... I hate the holidays..... I really hate malls this time of year..... Enough whining?