The top ten reasons that I love my little town!

I used to imagine living in a big city.  One full of lights and excitement.  Finally, at age 23 I had gotten my chance.  It was 2005 and I moved to Seattle with big plans to bring my daughter out there and start a new life in the big city...That only lasted a few months!  I moved back to my little town in California, where my daughter was waiting for me in the care of my parents, so that I could give her something that the big city could never offer.  Now, at age 30 and with another child, I have come to appreciate the little town that raised me.  So I decided to list the top ten reasons that I left my big city dreams behind.

1. Everyone knows who I am here:  Once, my daughter was walking downtown with her dad who rarely comes up.  Before the day was through I had received over ten phone calls about my daughter being seen in town with a man they didn't recognize.  I felt so safe!
2. There is only one stop light.
3. I am surrounded by trees and the beauty of nature.  I rarely worry about air quality (unless there is a fluke forest fire.)
4. I leave my car unlocked, with the keys on the floorboard and my purse on the seat, and it is all there when I return to it.
5. My garage is open right now and I never have to lock my door...ever.
6. The newspaper police reports typically contain headlines like "Man knocks over trash cans, police are called."  
7. I can get free coffee, free meals, personal credit at boutiques and I have never ever paid to park anywhere.
8. Three times a year the main street is closed off for street fairs, and wine drinking is encouraged.
9. I pay 1000 dollars a month for a four bedroom house with a rose garden in the back yard.
10. My children are safe here.  It's like 1955 but with better cars! 

I could never imagine leaving now.  Sure, the taste of the city still whets my palate.  The idea of having more than one option for nightlife can be appealing at times.  I have to drive over an hour to get to the nearest in and out burger...But I wouldn't trade the sound of frogs and crickets at night for the sound of sirens for all the money, fun or food in the world.  I will grow where I was planted, and what a lovely little garden it is!