Have A Great Summer Everyone

Hey Folks. Thanks for all of the great responses. I really feel very confident with this move. My Mom, and almost my whole family (aunts/uncles), have been out there for over 20 years. They are located in So. Cal. in Del Mar.

About five minutes from my Mom's home is a little area called Fairbanks Ranch/Rancho Sante Fe. It reminds me a lot of where I live in Connecticut (only in relation to the horse farms, not the 20 million dollar palatial estates). I would have to hit the lottery about three or four times in order to afford Fairbanks Ranch. But, if I could afford it, I would be there in a NY minute.

I live in a little Connecticut town called "Newtown". It was established in 1705, and is some of the only remaining unadulterated ares left in Fairfield county, which is the furthermost southeatern portion of CT.

I am on 7 acres, up on a hill, surrounded by 140 acres of cow pasture. It is truly God's country. There is not a single day that I awake and not Thank the powers to be for the beauty which surrounds me. Potions of Connecticut are absolutely stunning.

Unfortunately, changes abound. It is just not the same as I remember it to be, and needless to say, never will be. Development is a double edged sword. Because of our proximity to NYC, and the unaffordability of lower Fairfield county, encroachment is inevitable. The "New York energy" and fast pace is entering into the equation. Ultimately, the "New England Country Feel" is slowly diminishing creating a pace I don't particularly relish. Plus...the weather SUCKS!

I found a great little town in California about 15 miles inland in SanDiego county, called Temecula. It is probably some of the most beatiful but unusual landscape I have ever seen. A mixture of desert flora, and deciduous trees. Along with mountains, really cool rock outcroppings, and horse farms. Lots and lots of horse farms. I find a certain serenity in watching the cows and horses grazing. Hey, some people love watching the ocean. What can I tell ya'?

I was also going to mention the grazing sheep, but I figured I would be opening the door to a lot of verbal abuse and degradation. I'm already waiting for the farm animal jokes to start. I know how you guys can be. And that's one of the things I love most about this site. :>)

Thanks again for your responses, Ed.

Justin, you got it. I figured I would start a thread once getting settled in hopes of getting together with some of you folks. I tried it here. I was attempting to try it in a relaxed social setting like a dinner in a restaurant or something. Maybe even Mexican food and shots of Patron' Silver. (I love that stuff but don't drink very often).

I really love that whole area. I may even consider purchasing another dirt bike to really get the taste of the desert and wooded areas. I am aware that you need to proceed with caution in Cal as far as the whole off-road thing is concerned, but I respect that. Here in Ct. it is a dirt bike "free for all".

I will be in contact for sure. Maybe an evening of California Merlot, Vermont smoked cheddar, and Brazilian jazz guitar being played through French audio gear.

Or, there is a place in the center of Temecula called "Mad Madelyn's. It makes some of the absolute best burgers I have EVER had, as the owner raises all of the cattle on his own farm in Temecula.

Oops, I forgot. It's California. Maybe instead, a Tofu burger with some organic lettuce leaves, hybridized grape tomatoes, and a Mango/Kiwi smoothie?

Talk about diversity.