It's a new car for everyone

One of the things we were trying to coordinate before our journey out here was how to get Ed's Volt here.  He had driven his corvette here when he came out in January.  So we had to get my Volt and his to California some way.  The original plan was for Ed to fly to Colorado then drive his car to California, but since we were planning on making this a mini vacation this turned out to be impossible.  Ed has just started with this new company in January and had no vacation time built up to lolligag across the country like we had planned to do.

The next plan was to park the car at Mom and Dad's house and ask them to drive it out later in the summer, then we would fly them home.  That was a great plan until my parents decided to make us an offer on Ed's Volt.  Problem solved!  Mom and Dad get a new car and we don't have to worry about getting another vehicle to California.  My only draw back to this was that with just my Volt, which is a 4 door and Ed's corvette, if my car breaks down then we don't have a family car.  Ed was thinking ahead I guess because when we arrived out here we were greeted with a brand new Tesla.

Our new Tesla is named Jasmine and is a pretty blue color.  The Tesla is an all electric vehicle that we can drive for around 310 miles on one charge.  It only takes about 40 minutes on a super charger to fill it all the way up.  This car is also one of those 'self driving' cars, which takes some getting used to.  The first time I drove it the car steered me back to the left when I started to go over the line.  Then when you get too close to the car in front of you it brakes for you.  Too scary?  Too safe?  The jury in my head is still out on that one.  However you can turn this feature off, which is what I prefer.

So I'm going to include some things I've had to re-learn in California.  The first is how to pump gas.  California gas pumps have a locking nozzle that firmly attaches to your gas tank, this prevents the fumes from getting out.

The second thing I discovered is that I need a lot of apps in this state just to survive.  (This could also be due to the fact that I'm new around here and have no clue where anything is).  I've downloaded apps to find dog parks, EVgo charging stations, plus a bunch of businesses that are only available through an app to schedule appointments, pay for amusements, etc. etc.

Lastly I have had to relearn how to do everything with less.  When Ed moved out here in January we sent him in the corvette with limited supplies, this was due to space constrictions in his car.  Of course he did somehow manage to get his golf clubs out here ~smirk~

In his apartment Ed had 2 bath towels, 4 forks, 3 spoons, 8 butter knives, 2 steak knives, 3 coffee cups, 2 glasses, 3 small plates, 2 big plates, 3 salad bowls and a spatula.... that was it in the kitchen.  When we came out in April these were some issues:

Sleeping on a pillow with no pillow case

Sheets coming off the bed because there was no mattress pad cover

The kids having to fight over who gets the bath towel and who has to use the hand towel when they go to the pool.

Ed and I having to share a fork for dinner that first night

Making a green salad in a cooking kettle (I had wanted a new set of cookware, so I went ahead and purchased it and had just sent it to him directly)

Using a steak knife to cut veggies

I informed Ed that this was like living in a frat house and then made a sizable purchase at Target.  This was enough items to make him comfortable as he lived that Bachelor life.  When we arrived with the entire crew that was a different story.  So another trip to Target was in store for us a few days after arrival.  There was silly little things like a salad bowl, more towels, more glasses, and a whisk that I am proud to say I have also twice now used as a potato masher.  We are all about the multi purposing tools that are MacGyver'd out of necessity in this residence.  

Lastly I'm going to throw out a useful tip.  If you find yourself trying to sustain yourself in between places as we find ourselves (I'm talking to you Kari G).  Whole Foods is about the most expensive grocery store you'll find, at least out here.  However, they do have very small herb and spices in small boxes for $1.99.  I'm also going to start using them for those oddball spices.  You know the ones that you bought for that special recipe that you wanted to try, and that is the only time you've ever used it?

That's it for tonight.... the next time I write I'll fill everyone in on the house sale and purchasing a new home.

TTFN