Settling In

I'm back in California after three weeks with my daughter's family in South Carolina, including the new baby boy Walker and her 17-month old son Foster. Wow. What activity. I taught Foster to climb up on the couch by himself. We all were sorry after that. . .now, he is on top of everything!

My biggest challenge in the last week here in CA has been purchasing a "new" car. I finally decided on a 2006 C230 Mercedes. I tried to buy a Prius, but prices in CA had escalated beyond reason with the current gas crunch. Besides, those of you who know me understand how attached I am to my car. I've driven a Mercedes since 1975; I know how the car handles, and I feel safe. Besides, it has a sunroof! :-)

Settling back into my office at the university is even more difficult. I miss my Cyprus routine and my friends there. But, it is ever-so-nice to be recognized on my campus here. I feel welcomed back!

Fortunately, too, the California weather has been incredibly fine. 70s/low 80s. Beautiful place this is!

Perhaps another adventure I've had recently is my venture into the E-Harmony world. That is a stitch--and worthy of a blog entry all its own.

Another accomplishment in the past two weeks: I passed my motorcycle skills classes and can take the written exam for my motorcycle license in CA. That has been on my "to-do" list for at least five years. I'm not a Harley-girl, but I love the openness of the big bikes on the road. Yes, yes, yes. I will be careful. I will not ride on the freeways. I will not weave in and out of traffic. First, I have to get a helmet, then a bike, then some good boots. Oh, yes, and the black leather pants (how could I forget those--it would be my only excuse EVER to wear black leather pants!). And, I promise, no tatoos.

I'm thinking about buying a Honda Rebel. . .I read on-line where it's the cycle of choice for women. I rode a Suzuki in training. Who knows. As I told one of my classmates, I have to find an old guy who's willing to ride with me before I take off on adventures. Most of my friends think I'm nuts. But, for the record, I have two older brothers who have motorcycles--and they still ride. One even races. Who put the age-limit on fun?