Really California is a great place!

  All of you midwesterners admit it... you think of CA in kind of negative terms.  Too much smog, too much traffic, wealthy crazy actors, no seasons, flaky people, daily earthquakes, too expensive, all houses cost too much, etc. Well, I know where you are coming from because I came from there too! California seemed like a foreign country and the people seemed like a different breed.  Just want to say don't knock it until you've tried it. Now I am only speaking for the San Diego area but it really is normal here! As our weekend guests expressed, " I did not expect to fall in love with CA." Now to correct some of those misconceptions... The air is clear, skies are blue and the temperatures are amazing! While the middle part of the country roasts and swelters we enjoy 70's during the day and high 50's at night with a gentle cool breeze straight from the ocean. We used our AC  only once and that was for 2 hours ! That was only because I was cooking and baking and we wanted it comfortable for our dinner guests. There is a lot of traffic but it is no worse than Chicago and you just have to allow for it. We purchased a beautiful home here and didn't spend anymore than we would have in the suburbs of Milwaukee. Our property taxes are less than almost all the Milwaukee area. Gas costs more but I spend less for food. Produce is very inexpensive especially at my favorite Mexican grocery store: bing cherries $0.99/lb, head of leaf lettuce$ 0.69, container of cherry tomatoes $0.99, peaches $0.50/lb, mangoes and avocados $0.50 ea, watermelon $0.15/lb, sweet corn 7 ears for $1..... need I go on?!  Our gas/electric bill was $40 last month since we don't need the AC or the heat. Our water bill is hefty since we purchase water from CO I hear.... but everything grows here so if you irrigate your yard all the gorgeous flowers, palm and citrus trees make you smile! People have been very friendly and I truly think that in general people here are happier probably because of all the beautiful sunshine. We live 1/2 hr drive from the ocean ( only 10 miles as the crow flies).  What a delish option to chose to take your daily stroll along the coast! We are not on a fault line here so no quakes so far- and the midwest has been getting quakes! There are seasons here just not as drastic. It is summer here which means no rain at all until probably November. So plan that outdoor event and don't worry- it will not rain and the sun will shine. Mosquitos? No nasty squeeters here. I have seen 2 flies.... We do have a red eyed devil bird that keeps trying to get in our windows but Dave is trying to feed it a little lead breakfast....

  In conclusion, did we ever think we would live in CA? No. Did we chose to live in CA? No. Are we glad we are living in CA? Yes- aside from the fact that certain people need to move here to make our life complete....and you know who you are!!!