santa monica = bliss

i'm staying in my friend conrad's santa monica apartment as we get ready for alex's spine surgery. it is heaven to be in southern california. even S. (my foster daughter) who has lived in new york since age five commented on how happy everyone seems. its true. people are friendly at the car rental agency, the grocery store, the bank and coffee shop. plus i have amazing friends here. i can't wait to get out of ithaca!