If I didn’t know better (and now I do because I looked it up!) I would think that we’ve just moved in to Norman Rockwell’s old neighborhood.  While he DID have a son named Jarvis (little known fact) that is the only connection that Norman and I seem to have.

Still, if he would have moved to Pleasanton, California, he would have had even more inspiration and material to work from!

We are LOVING this place!  Last night we walked the three blocks to Main Street to the park where a “big bands” music concert was going on.  Hundreds of people were there with picnic dinners with blankets spread out on the grass.  Kids were running around happily, everyone was smiling and laughing.  It was idyllic.  Mr. Rockwell couldn’t have painted a better picture.  The local ice cream shop/dairy was open and there was a line of dozens waiting for their soft serves.  Such a wonderful, relaxed vibe.

This morning we again walked downtown to check out the farmer’s market and pick up some produce.  Once again, everyone there on bikes and walking to peruse the weekly event.

The downtown is lined with trees and baskets and buckets of gorgeous flowers.  People are eating outside.  Everyone says hello.  It really is amazing.

Mark put it well this morning – “I keep feeling like I need to pinch myself!”  That about sums it up.

I haven’t put on any makeup in days and am happily barefoot with skirts and tank tops.  No hoopla.  No fanciness.  Just good old  American simple.  People greeting their neighbors with genuine interest and care with no sense of competition or fear.  Front porches with people on them.  Back yards with people in them.  Long walks with lots of stops to “smell the roses” and meet new neighbors along the way.  Seriously.  I am in heaven. 🙂

Tonight we will have our first barbecue and have invited several of our neighbors over.  Mark will try out his new outdoor kitchen and we’ll get to use the outside entertainment area for the first time.  I can hardly wait!  Grilled burgers and brats with strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Now that, Mr. Rockwell, is my picture of Americana!

Please come and visit and we’ll introduce you to this sweet place!!!!

(I wonder if the Cleaver’s live close by???)