Why People are Happier in California

Although I love living in Maine, where the laid-back lifestyle encourages simplicity and kindness, the whimsical nature of the Bay Area makes me smile more.

For example, where else besides San Francisco do people dress up their cars?

Or paint their houses in cheery colors?

As Liam's cousin Shauna explained the color of her house, when you live in the fog belt you can't really paint your house grey.

Plus, the food choices, including a gourmet ice cream cake bought at a high-end grocery store for Cormac's birthday (yes, that's a giant, chocolate curl on top)

And a rose garden with more varieties than you thought possible

Well, you get the idea -- things are more colorful in many ways in San Francisco, but maybe it's just because I'm always on vacation there.