Why???
That seems to be the universal question when I tell people I’m leaving California’s central coast to move to Missouri. But they all understand the answer: for family. What they don’t know is that Missouri is a beautiful state, the people are nice…I mean really nice. My parents are getting older and I want to spend time with them while I can — I left Missouri for California 34 years ago, so…it’s time. The worst thing about Missouri is the winters. When I first moved to Los Angeles in 1981 I thought…what took me so long? And…if everyone has a choice, then why doesn’t everyone live in California? And it was a blast…33 years in Los Angeles, and the last year-and-a-half in Pebble Beach. Pretty good. (Someday I’ll insert a link here with more details).
And now I’ve really done it. I’ve quit a perfectly respectable job in a beautiful coastal town, and am packing up my car… (You can’t ride in my little red Prius…my camera and my dog and my car will free us) (sorry, Miranda) …and hitting the road. But you’re only middle-aged once, and since it’s so easy for a pudgy middle-aged woman to find a job…why not??? (Oh, yeah…I need a job when I get to Kansas City). But first…a roadtrip…Carmel to Seattle, then across to the Palouse, then…???
obsessive hobbyist 
Hi Stephanie, Great to read your account of where you’re going and your future is beckoning you. You’ll have fun where ever you are. Keep posting pictures of you and Panda. Be safe! Good memories of traveling together. Gayle
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Hey, Gayle! Thanks so much and I was thinking of you guys because I’ll be so much closer now — maybe we’ll actually get together again. I really want to explore the midwest and east coast, now that I’ve conquered the West! Take care!
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