Another friend has moved out of state, Amanda to Idaho, a couple of months ago Vicki to Ohio, and now Carol to Colorado. Once again there was a lot of stuff to sort and throw away, items to take to the thrift shop and plenty of stuff to pack. My friend stayed with me for three nights before I took her to the airport Friday morning. Our “widow’s club” met at her house every Thursday night for a Hallmark movie and snacks. It was a fun evening to kibitz about the movie and just talk. Now we are moving to my house. I don’t have all the TV equipment she has so we’ll have to watch a DVD instead of a recorded movie.

It seems that a lot of people are moving out of California! Moving companies can almost call the shots financially, and while in-town movers are more available, out-of-state drivers aren’t. According to the paper, 1,700 businesses have moved out of California. With the unemployment handout ended, hopefully many will now be seeking work. Restaurants have either closed or cut their hours due to lack of help. There are “We’re Hiring” signs all over town. I know families are looking for a better way of life and a less expensive way to live. I love California, and as a widow, over 80 and retired, it doesn’t affect me, but I know many families that it does. I pray the mass exodus will slow down soon. We have a beautiful state, but unless the economy is stimulated, the tax hikes are going to fall on the people who have remained and if that becomes a burden, more will leave. I know my friends all had good reasons for moving, but it’s still sad to see them go.