California Misconceptions

 I wanted to talk about some of the misconceptions that I've heard over the years about California.  Some of them are understandable, and some are just humorous.  So, here are a few, and if you have any other questions, do ask, and I'll try my best to answer them for you.

*California never gets snow.

I wanted to start with this one, because I had a blog friend who would comment every time I shared snow pictures and say she was so surprised that we got snow.  The truth is, the state has mountains in some areas with heavy snowpack.  Some of the places we get the most snow are Lake Tahoe, Pollock Pines, Grass Valley, Mount Shasta, Lassen Mountain, and my area!  Also, the Sierra Nevada mountains get some of the heaviest snowfall in the country.

*Southern California has never seen a snowflake and doesn't get the seasons.

While northern California tends to see more vibrant colors during the fall season, So Cal also gets some pretty colors as well.  Jess' area has a beautiful autumn season.  And Yes, it snows in So Cal!  Some of the areas it snows is Mount Baldy and Big Bear.  Nel is only about 20 minutes from the snow line, and she tries to take Mia up there every winter to enjoy the magic.

*Everyone in California surfs.

This one made me laugh because I am from a family of surfers.  I think everyone in my family has surfed at one time or another, except me.  I'm not a fan of sharks.  While surfing is a fun sport to do in California, only some people are into it, and many have never surfed a day in their life.

*It is always warm, so everyone wears tank tops, shorts, and flip flops.

Northern California, especially San Francisco is cold, windy, and foggy.  Even in So California, coastal fog and temperatures drop, which is called June Gloom.

*Tie-dye skirts, Boho-Chic, and Bleach-Blonde hair.

In the cities, one is dressed in high-fashion clothes, streetwear, and lovely attire.  In small towns, one is dressed in jeans, pretty blouses, and fashionable jewelry.

*California is all beaches and palm trees.

There are deserts, mountain ranges, lakes, forests, coastlines, and countryside.

and my favorite...

*California is just LA and San Francisco.

California is long, and there are many wonderful towns north and south and in between. The Central Valley produces a large percentage of the nation's fruits, nuts, and vegetables.  Northern California has mountains and rivers and logging and mining history.  Other major cities exist such as San Diego, Sacramento, Napa (wine country), Santa Barbara, and Carmel.  Because So Cal and northern Cal are different in their own way, each one appreciates the other, and likes to spend time visiting each other as often as they can.

And onto other things this week.  I got some Chinese take-out (kung pao chicken and rice), and my son made some shrimp to go with it.

Have you ever gotten two fortune cookies in one wrapper?  I thought that was neat.

My November calendar page made me smile.  I remember my kids playing in the leaves during the autumn season.

This wonderful month of November always starts with Francesca's birthday on November 1.

Along with that comes a very special All Saints Day on November 1.  There is something deeply moving about the paths that the Saints walked.  Their profound stories and journeys are incredible.  I have about 30 Saints that I'm familiar with and love.

Looking out my kitchen window - this tree is so pretty at autumn.  It starts to change colors very early, and it's still trying every day.

Happy November, friends!