So true, so true, dmlove. I Interestingly, though, the stationer (unlike the druggist & the hardware store) moved into more $$ digs, and seems to be doing well!

But if we're going to start bemoaning all the changes in this area, we also have to bemoan the changes in our beloved SF, too...which is a very different place than it was 20 years ago. Not to mention 40 years ago!

And I hesitate to complain, as I watch our property values remain strong at a time when communities all around us are suffering (did you read about Shoreview in last night's paper?)

The nice thing is: places do have souls...which, if they're strong souls, remain intact...no matter how much civilization messes with their bodies!

By the way, islandpaddler (sorry we have gotten SO OT) and lise, Burlingame Avenue is called "the Av" by just about everyone, but especially the teens (as in "going to the Av")

I'm a little concerned about the huge condos/apts going up just north & south of us on ECR - the one next to Hong Kong Flower Lounge, and at 2nd Ave in San Mateo. Have you driven past the others farther north to Tanforan & beyond - gads!! - there's lots of them being built.

Seems like El Camino is getting more crowded all the time.

LucyV - We're on Occidental in San Mateo. If you're west of ECR, we're just 5 mins (or less) apart by foot.

Also, I think downtown San Mateo has improved quite a bit in the last 5-7 years. I go to Draeger's almost daily - which is like grocery shopping at Nordstroms.

Stu Dudley

dmlove, that's definitely true for the kids (even when I was one of 'em!)

Additionally, for those of us who have lived here forever, Burlingame Avenue is Burlingame. E.g., if I am asked for directions to Burlingame, it would never occur to me to direct somebody to Broadway Avenue, unless s/he specifically asked for it!

(Sorry to go off on these tangents, but, as is obvious, I love my home! )

Stu, I agree w/you about San Mateo's improvements. And I very much agree about Draeger's -- I consider it not just a grocery store, but also a museum -- my entertainment!

And yes, we live very close by; I often walk my dog past your charming house (which I had always loved, before I even knew you lived there!) I think I may have mentioned elsewhere...your wife and I were in a Pilates class together: she is a gem of gems, I really mean that.

Stu, Lucie lives around the corner from me (literally), and now I think you do, too. How close to the San Mateo-Burlingame border do you live?

We're 8 houses south of Barroilhet - which is the SM/Burligame border. Old house, 3 huge Canary palm trees in front, and currently scaffolding all over the house - we're getting a new paint job.

LucyV - which Pilates class do you go to???

Stu Dudley

I can't believe we live in different places together!

Stu, I may need the name of your painter. We do indeed live about 4 blocks from you.

Kal, we've already been over this. Your memory, however, appears to be selective, about which I should start a thread, titled "How come Kal doesn't remember me?"

(dmlove & Stu, ignore that comment...it's a reference to a current harmless thread in the lounge...)

I remember Lucies one thru four but I just can't seem to recall LucieV.

[-(

Lucie, ask him if he also remembers preparations A through G

Why, Faina. I have absolutely NO idea what you are talking about.

Hey, Faina: is this Kal guy Jewish? He has the exact same sense of humor as my father had -- cornball, ever-so-slightly sideways, and irresistible. If Kal is the kind of guy who laughs at his own jokes, then he must be my father reincarnated.

I do remember Compound W but not X Y Z.

Jewish?....lemme look.

I know and love Draeger's too! As Lucie knows, my niece and her husband live in Sam Mateo between Crystal Springs Rd & El Camino. I'm about ready to move out there too!

Hi,

Island Paddler here.

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm enjoying your discussion and finding it great fun.

islandpaddler, thanks, I was afraid we had driven you off!

Suki, seriously? Even semi-seriously??? I'd love to have you for a neighbor!

Only semi-seriously since we both have jobs that will keep us here for another 10 years probably. But, hey, you never know what the future may bring. And I know Mateo's first name isn't "Sam." Oh, and I would love to be your neighbor too, Lucie.