Things I have learned about my local supermarket

1. Do not linger by the gelato counter too long if you don't intend to buy any. The cheery guy behind the counter will happily give you so many samples that you will feel obligated to buy a scoop.

2. The cheese counter has the coolest sense of humor

3. Buy some meat and someone will cook it for you to eat at the wine bar

4. Samples are happily shared to everyone even if you go by them more than once

5. The good beers are hidden in the back for those who are worthy enough for them

6. Their donuts are terrible unless you have taste for sawdust or recycled newspaper

7. The unassuming coffee bean roaster is much more knowledgeable than you would think. Those probably aren't prison tattoos.

8. Try not to drive here

2nd -- A move to the beach

I've moved from the busy hills of Hollywood to Venice, CA and I can't complain.

I've got the Pacific Ocean as a neighbor and we're on very good terms.

The weirdos that reside here manage to make me feel more normal.