Dear Santa Barbara

We are approaching our two week anniversary of being together and I just want to go over a few things to ensure that this relationship continues to blossom and grow.

First up - the weather. Seriously? This week I have had a number of people out and about (the librarian, the school administrator, the optomologist) apologize to me about how hot it has been. According to the car thermometer it hasn't gone over 80 with very little humidity. Are they just delusional or is this as hot as it gets?! If so, carry on. It is nothing short of amazing and I think I could get used to it I am used to it. Don't change.

Moving on...pace of life. Institutions you are trying to get hold of you inform you that they will get back to you in 48 hours. Eye glasses take up to 10 business days to come back. Driving license should be coming in the mail sometime in the next 3 and 8 weeks. Now I'm used to New York minutes, so please forgive me for a little eye rolling at the speed of how fast things work here. I will try my best to take a deep breath, smile and go with it. But really?!

Which brings me to my next point, are people naturally this happy or is there some medication I am missing out on? Overly friendly and helpful is perhaps not my natural state, but seems to be for those at the SB Y, Bed, Bath and Beyond and at Costco they even offer to load your car without ulterior motives. Please accept it will take a while for my natural cynicism to be destroyed by all the sunshine and good.

I am very excited about our future. There have been many good firsts so far - Costco selling booze - huge plus. Visiting the beach and enjoying the experience (I was able to sit and read my book - so that helped - Will was only close to being swept out to sea once and soon recovered thanks to a helpful stranger pulling him from the water). Visiting the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) without wanting to end it all as the staff were remarkably helpful and cheerful. And we have so much more to do - the zoo, the museum of natural history, State Street.

So, lets carry on and see how it goes- lets face it we are kind of stuck with each other. I will work hard at staying relaxed, wearing shorts and driving slowly - none of which comes naturally but will try. I'll get used to it and please forgive me my occasional slip back into East Coast/Britishness. Maybe one day it will come naturally!

Love Rhi