[manaboutown]

To not be a downer I did not bring this up initially; my two closest nearly lifelong male friends passed away a few years ago. One I had known since the second grade. Obviously they can not be replaced and I do not expect or hope to do so. I know their widows miss them far more than I do. Furthermore, several other friends are ailing or challenged in one way or another. That is just the way it is within my age group and I accept it. My brother has had spinal issues that required him to stop playing tennis which he had done since age 10. Fortunately he can still play golf.

It feels my opportunities to make new friends near my age where I now live, although they are available, are few in number. Moreover, my friends and acquaintances are spread out over the Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura County areas. It is not very easy to visit and spend time with them. People in SoCal seem to move around a lot within the area.

It felt like during the two months total time over three visits I was able to spend in TV that it was easy to meet people with whom I enjoyed spending time, there was plenty to do and everything was convenient. Those are major upsides as I see things today.

Like KathieI I would sure miss the Southern California weather though. I consider it to be the best in the world. But it might be worth it to have a great social life right at my front door, so to speak.