We changed climates yesterday, exchanging an obscenely hot, dry environment for the coolness of the California coast. I felt almost too cool—but not quite—upon our arrival in Berkeley. When, after we drove a few blocks, we entered an Indian restaurant, I knew we had arrived at the intersection of joy and nirvana. My very spicy lamb dish offered proof that truth and beauty do, indeed, reside in northern California.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and into the evening in conversation with my sister. During a pause in the dialogue, my sister prepared an evening meal of cheese, crackers, veggies, meats, and assorted other goodies; precisely the kind of meal we needed.
The drive from Lodi/Stockton to the Bay area reminded me how much I have grown to appreciate low population density environs. No matter how appealing the amenities of city life, those benefits pale in comparison to the peace and soft tranquility of life in a semi-rural setting. While I enjoy the benefits of urban life, I am willing to trade the peace of the “country” only temporarily.
Today, I want to relax some more. Just soak in the cool temps. Ahhhh.