A foreign land

Since being in California, we've faced several "culture shock" elements. So I thought I'd share them with ya'll to give you a window into our new life in SoCal. It will probably take several posts otherwirse this one would be way too long! First, let me being by saying that I am so glad we did not end up in the Inland Empire. Because it is similar weather to Phoenixut but it's UGLY, old and dirty. Our lil town is quaint and beautiful and the weather is wonderful. It has a community feel to it in the midst of the LA metro area. The one similarity however, is the overpopualtion. There is no just going somewhere real quick. The traffic around our house is not too bad most of the time but there are always lines and places are crowded. I think I've discovered the reason for the overpopulation. Our neighborhood dates back to 1930's. Our house is mostly all original but that will take me on a rabit trail so I'll save it for another post. Most lots though the original structure has been torn down and in it's place a set of condos or townhomes has been erected. In some cases, people will build a huge house and sometimes just remodel the original. Which makes for an interesting combo in one neighborhood. It's amkes our walks interesting because every house is different and each yard is unique. It seems like every month something new is in bloom. Alana and I take walks almost every morning and go explore the sights. But it's interesting to note that the power, water and lot that was originally for one family now has an average of 4 families! No wonder we have water and power shortages and it's so overpopulated!