Yet another sunny day in paradise.

This winter has has amazingly sunny weather. Yes, there was a couple of weeks of freezing weather and the night time temperatures are still cold, but every day has been sunny and bright. And not so surprisingly, lack of rain has led to a severe drought (worst in the history, someone said). But Davis is still green, lawns get watered to muddy pits and water gets wasted... because water is still ridiculously cheap (at least compared to countries where I've lived before) and for instance, in the apartment complex where we live, water is included in our rent. So far the impact of the drought on our lives has been not going skiing in Tahoe due to lack of snow but I'm really dreading next summer and the real trouble; crop losses, water use limitations and increased cost of living.

Also, we've managed to get outside Davis a few times in the past weeks, and I've been baffled by the billboards around Sacramento. Firstly, it seems weird to me that atheism is something that needs advertising. Do people pick their religious beliefs from billboards? I guess using real people and their lack of belief expands the understanding that there are everyday people who do not have religion... something that is blatantly obvious to me.

Secondly, would you shop at a grocery store that advertises themselves only with a phrase "Where else can you have marshmallows for dinner?" Is advertising towards kids not restricted here? Are there adults that would choose that store because of them suggesting marshmallows for dinner? Does that not scream "this not the place where you should be shopping for food!" I just do not understand.