Back in SoCal

After a brief diversion to the Pacific NW, we threw ourselves into setting-up house mode. Anyone who has tried to sustain the virtues of a life without auto ("lets do more walking") upon returning from Japan or Europe will understand the challenge: limited public transport with roads designed for the steady flow of 1+ ton vehicles, not pedestrians. I specifically recall our romantic folly after we left Tokyo and, when walking to a local market in Ithaca, NY, were splattered by cars whizzing by, as we raced across a highway to get to sidewalk.

In that spirit, we bought a mini-van.

All the things we swore we'd never do - like drive one of these - but for some of us that denial started with not getting married in the first place, then putting off having kids, not cooking, etc. Postwar affluence, careerism, Cold War feminism, etc were all contributing factors, but we're deep now in all of the mentioned and loving it. The Odyssey is actually fun to drive.

Until our dining patterns coalesce, we've been using the breakfast bar for quick eats.

And we settled on a couch.

Comfortable, 2/3 cheaper than major retailers, and found just down the street!
Met-up with some Lausanne students: Jeff and Elle joined us at Malibu Seafood - a great roadside institution always serving a fresh catch with a sashimi-quality selection. We look forward to having folks over to the house, but, like most things out here, the social interaction takes conscious work to achieve; the traffic patterns of work, school, and play don't overlap much. Generally a tough situation for family or church life.

At least when measured within a 2 or 3 generation span, the richness of our Tacoma church life seemed partially owed to the fact that livelihood was less tied to a specific intellectual skill-set; when people lost or switched work, they found something in the area. In recent history, Tacoma also had a smaller % of college-educated, compared to, say, neighboring Gig Harbor; less transient, perhaps, too, as a result.
But folks like us move - sometimes great distances - to find work, then cobble together the rest of the social picture later. However, following familiar patterns can help. To that end, got Michael & Jack registered for swim lessons rightaway at a neighborhood club for the 3rd year running.
This place serves up great easy fare and, I'm not joking, the best chicken tenders and cheapest gin & tonic you'll ever have! Watching the boys swim while sipping a G&T ranks up there among summertime activities. A simple stand, really, but there is food intelligence there, unlike the upscale Marmalade Cafe, where I couldn't get a decent pancake. Built with "Tuscanesque" lavishness in its decor - heavy drapery, thickly wrought iron - I think the restaurant was built around a concern for ambience first; food second (or third). Sorry, for griping.

Southern California is an ideal climate, once you get past the annual fires, floods, and imminent danger of earthquakes. I was struck at seeing the scorched earth in Malibu Canyon from last year's fires. The area is beautiful, but for me the question has always been access to beauty.

Topography helps, because a hilly area affords views whenever you turn a corner to get your groceries, but it's different when you have to travel to temporarily experience a beautiful setting, only to return to your subdivision. More griping!
Michael made a friend (Noah) to argue over some Star Wars detail. The valley population north of LA is 1/3 Jewish and we've enjoyed having great deli food (bagels!) around, although the quantity of free pickles you get at your table seems skimpy compared with delis on the East Coast. And I'll never forget the strawberry iced bagel I once saw at a Tacoma coffee stand. They tried turning it into a doughnut.

I represented the division at the kick-off Academic Fair. Balloons, music, food, and people milling about reminded me of the Puyallup Fair, and then it hit: FAIR! Only I wasn't pushing hot tubs or miracle knives, but academic majors. No giveaway frisbees or tote bags either.

Classes begin tomorrow!