Palace,
 I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, Canoga Park. Lived there my whole childhood,  bounced around Reseda, Northridge, Encino my early adult years. Haunted several bars in the area. Then ended up taking a job in Newpark/Thousand Oaks area, so I moved to Ventura and lived at the beach for 2 years before meeting my hubby. He convinced me to move to Utah(yikes!) with him, So I too have been mountain bound for the last 18 years. You say you moved "up here" in the woods. Where is "up here"
 Did you frequent Malibu and Zoma beach? Spent my childhood  and teen years at these beaches. I do miss being able to go to the Ocean anytime I want, but don't think I could ever live in SO Cal again. I'm thinking maybe, Hawaii, Bahamas, that kind of beach would be a great place for an ANer to retire, don't ya think?
Patti UT
Mary, Dec 10 might work, my hubby travels much for work so I have to coordinate with him, as I have kids, school, activities, etc. Back in Sept a bunch of No Cal ANers got together in Seattle and met up with Llarry from Austrailia from the forum, I was sorry I missed it. I would come for the weekend. I'll check flights. Can you promise me a warm, sunny weekend? LOL, It's getting kind of cold here now. We've already had several mild snow storms. My family live down there, they say it's been really warm.