First impressions of Palmdale.

Driving in on the 14, I was struck by the beauty of the wide open spaces. Down the valley and in most of Ventura (save beaches and parks) such things to do not exit. The wonder of god's country. Of land that has not been raped and pillaged and left to be what it is.

The texture of it all struck me. The shapes of the mountains curving against the sky. All the native plants and chaparral with their forms cast against a backdrop of so many colors. Straw yellow dead grass, dark forest green plants, sand brown, and more earth tones than I know the names of with a sky blue crayon sky with white long stretched out cotton candy clouds.

When I got to the hotel and started meeting people, I was no longer VENTURA MALIBU STANDARDS manatee fat needing to lose weight or put on make up, etc. I am average weight here at 165 pounds and 5'7” if not on the thinner side in some cases.

My 2001 Dodge Neon that I have repeatedly been told is crap, is nice car here. Average.

I did notice most white girls assume I want to pay RETAIL and eat expensive food. Pizza, chicken hot wings, happy hour. All very popular. Stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, the mall, Pier 1, all popular. I asked about thrift shops they tell me how horrible they are. I had to beg them tell me where the Goodwill was. It is amazingly clean and well stocked. Better than most in LA.

I asked a girl if they had any places with tofu or vegan food, she looked me like I was on drugs and proceeded to tell me about her favorite restaurant that had “everything” that is everything “animal product” wise.

I am meeting an usual number of drop dead GORGEOUS black men. Not losers. Dressed to the 9s. With nice cars. Good personalities. Charm and manners. AND really nice black families. I am wondering what industry draws them here or if it is the lack of discrimination.

Also the young military guys are obvious, they are the ones who run to hold doors, offer you a hand, walk in packs, and are extremely polite.

If you talk to people here, they talk back. In good way, you make a comment and they expand upon it. They do not act like you are trying to pry the missile launch code sequence out of them.

The first thing I noticed about Palmdale was how nice the people were as well. It was a shock to me coming from the San Fernando Valley.

I have forgotten how big and beautiful it can look to an outsider. I think I just take it for granted now. Thanks for the reminder and, on behalf of the residents and your city government, WELCOME! Let me know if you'd like to have lunch or anything next weekend.

Oh, and one of my best friends and co-workers tries to eat vegan as much as possible. I will ask her for suggestions for you.

My dear departed grandmother married a
wealthy guy and moved to Palmdale.
They were very happy until he died.
He left her everything.
Except.
Turns out they were not married because
his wife had been in an institution
for 20 years.
So the kids came along and my grandmother
lost the $70 million :-(
Except that great house in Palmdale.

Beautiful country.
'High' desert I think they call it.

Yes, it's called the High Desert. Also called The Antelope Valley. Terri, wait until you see the whole valley explode with poppies this Spring. It's amazing.

My mom is a poppy freak. We drive up here to see them all the time. I just never stopped and got to know anybody before.

I am way up North in Redding. Personally, I prefer the quiet, less fashionable side..though everybody knows I love to make an entrance. It depends on what you are looking for. Me? I like stability. Simple routines that bring us together at the end of the day.

Hey, good luck. Welcome to the Sunshine State.

rt