A Permanent Home???

It is a mind-boggling new place, the place we now live. Yes, it is intended to be a permanent residence. I think about 5 years is permanent for Katherine and I. For most of our life together we have been gypsies, wanderers who have tried many locations and many challenges. So where is this mind-boggling new “permanent location?” Redwood City, California.

Redwood City is 24 miles south of San Francisco. The claim to fame here is: “Climate Best by  Government Test.” Apparently the U.S. Government gathered weather and climate data for every location on earth for years. In 1925 it was proclaimed that three locations share the title of “best climate on earth.” These locations are the Canary Islands, the African Coast of the Mediterranean and Redwood City. Thus, since that time, “Climate Best by Government Test” has served as Redwood City’s motto. The average high temperature from April through October is 77 degrees and 63 degrees for the balance of the year. The average rainfall is about 20 inches. The sun shines nearly every day.

The home we chose, or more aptly stated, as is often the case, the home that chose us is in an area intersected by a network of waterways off of San Francisco Bay known as Redwood Shores. Our town- home graces the edge of one of those waterways. We have many neighbors but the most interesting are the birds, waterfowl, and wild animals. Resident geese graze on the lawns and obstruct traffic; squirrels scamper up and down trees; jack rabbits sun themselves at the foot of our deck. One morning I watched 2 adult raccoons clamber down a tree outside our window. Another morning a 4 foot gopher snake startled us as we walked on the nearby Bay Trail. My favorite visitors are the long legged Egrets that hunt delicacies as they wade by the window where I sit to write. It is a mind-boggling re-attachment to nature after two years in Manhattan and three months in San Francisco.

Our home grew from 700 square feet in Manhattan and San Francisco to 2000 square feet in Redwood City. New furniture became a necessity. A shopping spree for additional furniture has resulted. Today’s delivery will fill all rooms but one. Oh that’s right, there’s a new computer desk with a hutch in the garage waiting to be assembled. Yuk!

Living in California is a mind-boggling experience for me. Being a Washingtonian I always resented Californians. They invaded or as we said, californicated our beautiful state. They used our freeways, bought property, built houses and taught us the California stop. Now I am one of them. I find most to be friendly, liberal and thoughtful. It does feel strange to be here though. I’m still getting used to seeing the hated garb of Stanford, Cal-Berkley, the 49ers and the Giants instead of the Huskies, Cougars, Seahawks and Mariners. Perhaps I will adjust but then maybe not.

Stan the Man