Here is something lighter and happier. A Friday Five that hits home.

1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life?
I've lived in only two houses, both in the Bay Area.

2. Which was your favorite and why?
My current residence. It's my plot of ground.

3. Do you find moving more exciting or stressful? Why?
Moving is exciting, at least on paper. All of the possible furniture layouts could keep me entertained for hours. The physical act of moving is much more stressful and prone to injury.

4. What's more important, location or price?
Location! Price determined where I live today, but location is where I want to be.

5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)?
If money and guilt over extravagance didn't matter...

I envision a winding path through lush gardens and fountains leading up to the front door. A place with high ceilings and cozy corners, where sunlight and shadow play off the walls, an environment that would foster creativity and comfort.

It would have a music room, with a wall of sound and maybe a small stage for private performances. It could be a full multimedia room, with a wall that slid away to reveal a flat panel screen to view movies, sporting events or play video games.

I picture a library, think Beauty and the Beast, with a reading area that extends into a semi-circular cove with floor-to-ceiling windows that adjust to the daylight and can be opened to a patio that overlooks the beach.

I envision an espresso bar stocked with syrups and coffee beans from around the world. It would be next to the gathering room with a burgundy-clothed pool table, sofas and a grand piano in the corner.

sigh I've gone on long enough and I could daydream further, but I'll stop now.