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I just spent 10 days in Long Beach. I was there to see friends and family, and had a wonderful time. It was hard to say good-bye -- as it usually is. While there, I remember what I love about the area, and was so happy to spend quality time with everyone.

But when I woke up this morning and was at home, I breathed a big sigh of comfort. At the moment, my apartment is feeling a little small and a little cluttered and a little messy, but it is home ... and that makes me happy.

Happy home things today include:

* the dog park, of course. at the moment I can see about 7 people and 5 dogs running their heads off. oops - here comes another woman with 2 dogs. the "greeting" period is always interesting. the dogs usually stop what they are doing and go over to sniff a greeting to the newcomer. the dogs at the dog park just exude a happy vibe that is so fun to look out and see.

* my new cherry red, 6 3/4 quart le creuset dutch oven with sauteed mushrooms happily cooking away.

* my kensington track ball.

* a new delivery of blue bottle coffee today

* my own pillows

* the music as loud as i want it (listening to this at the moment)

* picking up groceries at Rainbow Grocery today. a reminder of one of the great things about this crazy town.

* the fact that i could get into my pajamas right now if i wanted to and no one would know ...