I've arrived in Chicago more or less in one piece--the last few minutes of my flight were actually a bit harrowing, a number of stomach-dropping lurches and ominous waggles. I'm pretty sure that the pilot had to abort his first attempt at landing and come around for a second pass, because the ground was very close and then it wasn't so close anymore. There was a kid a few rows behind me who every time we lurched would scream and laugh, as if he were on a roller coaster.

California weather seems to have followed me--rather than the usual dog-day mugginess it's in the 70s and crystal clear out.

There are a lot more minivans and Toyota Camrys on the road out here and slightly fewer monster SUVs. And gas is about 20 cents cheaper.