To co-opt yet another campaign slogan for days of yore; “I feel your pain”. What is striking me most about all of California so far on this trip is the services that have been furloughed and the crap that has accumulated. The streets are dirty, the landscape is dying, the festivals are downsized and not as vibrant. It all feels “less than” and somewhat diminished. The economy here is really hurting and the lifestyle that has typified California for decades seems like a bad Hollywood movie now. Not that “the lifestyle” was all that responsible or something t be sought after but it was home for us for a long time and for me, since the 70’s and I miss that carefree, sunny disposition that was so typical of everyone you encountered.

The Animals:
To everything – turn, turn, turn
There is a season – turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together

I will continue to “gather my stones together” and watch for further signs of “turning” as I continue south.