The Valet Drop Off Area as seen from 5C in the parking lot at the Grove
Good Morning, God!
We are social beings and so congregating is what we do. So, perhaps it is no surprise that I wanted to go to the Grove for dinner. The Grove is a new outdoor and upscale shopping center. It was built right next to the old Farmers’ Market that existed from even before my childhood. Suz scoffs at the Grove — calling it a cross between a mall and Disneyland.
But, it was Suz who pointed out that it now serves the function of an old-world plaza — a gathering place for the community. As I looked around, God, I could see her point. A Christmas Tree was being put up — while several yards further on, a Halloween Pumpkin Patch was being dismantled. Little children in Halloween costumes were still wandering around. All of this activity was going on somewhere between the Apple Store and Nordstrom.
I had wanted to eat at the upscale French restaurant — but, Suz felt she (we) were too exhausted to appreciate it. So off we went to the Farmers’ Market area to order cactus salad. They were OUT of cactus salad which was both a disappointment and a relief. The contrast between the slick new age Grove and the tacky (but, mostly, clean) shops and food stalls of the Farmer’s Market was stark!
Suz pointed out that the most popular food stalls were the all-you-can-eat Brazilian place and the Singaporean food stall. This was NOT the Farmers’ Market of my childhood, God, but rather a Global Eatery. And, if I hadn’t been so tired I would have loved to browse and take photos.
My photo this morning is of the 1% using the valet parking. We had to walk by Rolls Royces, Land Rovers and Bentleys on our way out of the parking structure. Truly, God, the Grove is a meeting place for all ethnicities and all social classes.
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
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