California dreaming

I'm working on my first big story in awhile, and am stuck for a bit in northern California. I really love seeing new parts of the U.S. I've never been to the Bay Area before, and the only thing that would have been better about my trip so far is if I'd gotten to rent a car and drive out here instead of flying. America is real big. I get most misty-eyed patriotic about this weird, sprawling country when I actually see it.

What I'm Writing:
This piece about Arkansas politics.

What I'm Reading:
On the two Michael Sams. How do you run an election when the laws keep changing? Reading Lena Dunham is like babysitting a brat. Who poisoned the Orkin fortune? My favorite podcast turns us all into detectives. How to walk.

What I'm Researching:
The End of Men. Y'all, it's as bad as I thought it would be.

What I'm Recommending:
Eat all of the pumpkin things.

Cute Animal Pic of the Week:
Otto, the neighbor cat, stops by to say hi every day. I miss him almost as much as I miss Samps. I'm pretty sure Otto is just my cat now.