California Dreamin'

Hudos (that's 'huge kudos') to my local Whole Foods for keeping their produce bins plentifully stocked with California artichokes. I love them! My mom tells a funny story about an uncle (or was it my Dad?) who when served an artichoke for the first time, asked what the 'shrub' was on his plate. And I'll never forget one of my favorite Little Rascal episodes, 'well, it may choke Arty, but it ain't gonna choke Stymie' ... hardly 10 for a dollar (HA), only in Castroville, right.

And the strawberries, Driscoll of course, are organically amazing (read carefully people)! I can't keep them in the house long enough to get my fill. All things Driscoll brings back such fond memories. I spent many Tahoe summers with 'these berries' - thank you CC and TC.

Maybe there's a Be Kind to California movement going on in Jersey, because even Sickles featured Cowgirl Creamery cheeses last week. And if you don't know what I'm talking about and you're even remotely fond of cheese, you have totally missed the boat. Quickly, get thy self to a cheese shop (or click the link above and join the Cheese Club). Trust me, I do know what I'm talking about. I didn't work at The Mouse Trap at El Paseo without learning a thing or two about cheese.

If the food isn't enough to make me wish for all things California, a quick visit to San Diego put me over the edge. I used to think that if I ever had the chance to live in San Diego it had to be within walking distance to the ocean. Now, I'd be ecstatic with one of those lovely terracotta roofed, stucco bungalows in the valley (although a pool would be nice). I still can't believe that my kid gets to live in La Jolla, row on Mission Bay, and call one of my favorite places 'home', at least for a few years. Freshman Admit Day was awesome! Now I know where Andrew will be when he says he's heading to RIMAC or that he had a burrito at Goodies. It's not that I was flipping out, it's that I'm visual and wanted to be able to 'see' where he'll be. It's good, no it's really great. He's so ready to just be there and take it all on. I'm so proud of him, and I miss him already.

Spring is here - sunshine, warmth, flowers - bugs ... oh well, it's really beautiful and makes me happy. And hey, only 61 days until summer!

xoxo,
P