Yes, California really is that expensive

It costs a lot to live anywhere nowadays, but Southern California takes that notion to a whole new level.

Perhaps our biggest motivator for moving back home was California’s affordability (or lack thereof). According to World Population Review, the Golden State ranks third among the most expensive US states to live in in 2024.

Connecticut is also pricey (it falls in the top 15), but once you live in Southern California, most of the country feels like a discount.

From Los Angeles to San Diego, the entire region of Southern California is well above average regarding median home price, yet another metric of unaffordability.

We definitely felt the strain of struggling to pay the rent in one of the most expensive areas in the nation.

I prefer the quieter, slower pace of New England

We lived in Orange County, one of the most densely populated counties in the nation, just south of Los Angeles, one of the most populous cities in the US.

It was very rare to find any sense of escape or solitude in the immediate area. Traffic and light pollution were constant.

Meanwhile, in Connecticut, there are far more small towns where things close at 8 p.m. It’s normal to drive miles without passing another car.

Those may be drawbacks for some people, but it’s peaceful to me.

We missed being close to family

Another major draw to moving back to Connecticut was the proximity to our families.

My husband and I were both born and raised in Connecticut. We had no immediate family on the West Coast.

Although we built a chosen family with dear friends over the years in California, we felt a near-constant undercurrent of homesickness. This was only exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Flights to the East Coast were also expensive, which caused us much financial stress whenever we visited home (see my point above about how expensive it is to live in California).

The weather in California was beautiful, but it became monotonous

I would never suggest someone move across the country only because of the weather. However, it became a factor in why we grew tired of living in California.

The warm, sunny weather is as lovely as everyone says, but after growing up in New England, I realized I much preferred the changing seasons.

Fall, for example, is my favorite time of year in Connecticut. But in California, the fall only means more heat — sometimes this season has the hottest days of the year.

Every September, I grew jealous of my friends on the East Coast enjoying cooler temperatures and hot lattes while I was melting.

As relieved as I am to be back home, I would consider moving back to California one day

There are a lot of things in California I miss — the beautiful and diverse landscape, the low humidity (especially in the summer), the major attractions (I was about 30 minutes from Disneyland), the rich variety of cultures, the food, and my friends.

California became our home in the years we lived there, and I still feel like we barely scratched the surface of all the state has to offer.

So, if opportunity knocks, I’m very open to heading back west.

In the meantime, however, I’m very happy with my decision to return to Connecticut. The slower pace, relative affordability, and proximity to our families have been huge gains since moving back.

And if I do find myself back in California one day, I will be making the trek back to New England every fall.

Connecticut’s Gretchen Walsh set a new Olympic record and won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

Walsh swam in the women’s 100m butterfly semifinals and set a new Olympic record with a time of 55.38.

RECORD ➡️ 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡.

Gretchen Walsh goes 55.38 in the 100m butterfly semifinals for a new Olympic Games Record!@TeamUSA | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/O9PR4uCRcf

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— USA Swimming (@USASwimming) July 27, 2024

She already held the world record title with a time of 55.18 seconds. She is now holding the three fastest times in the event in history, according to NBC Sports.

The 100m butterfly final is on Sunday at 2:40 p.m. ET.

Walsh also swam in the 4×100 freestyle relay final and won a silver medal.

Walsh grew up in Greenwich. Her sister, Alex Walsh, is also competing in the Paris Olympics.

For many, life’s second-act may look more like a snail’s pace kind of day at the beach with a little sunshine and a lot of relaxation. It’s meant to be the ultimate period of switching from overdrive to, well, no drive. Right? For Michael and Merrily Connery, however, they did shift gears, but instead of slowing down, they swapped the go-go-go of city-life for spectacular stony views and fields of potential. From the ground up, along the southeastern, Connecticut shoreline, the Connery’s built a wine lover’s paradise.

With style akin to those in British Vogue, the 70-something year-olds traded rows of offices and long careers in law and real-estate, for rows of vines and wine glasses. The creation of Saltwater Farm and Kingdom of the Hawk vineyards became the fruits of their labor during ages when most yearn for a powerful remote and comfy recliner.

Once Upon A Time

The couple met in college while living in Washington DC in the 1960s. After marrying, and moving around between DC, Cincinnati, and Bridgeport, Connecticut while establishing their careers, they settled upon the hustle and bustle of New York.

Many years later, in 2001, they stumbled upon 108 acres on the water in Stonington and began dreaming. The dilapidated, World War Two-era private airplane hangar soon became the home of Saltwater Farm Vineyard , the couple’s first endeavor into the world of vinting. They restored the hangar and began planting vines.

Being familiar with the North Fork of Long Island, which boasts a similar climate, the couple had an idea of what could grow in the rocky soil on their Connecticut property, however sought expertise. “Once the CT Department of Agriculture deemed our soil suitable for growing vines— where there were once fields of hay,” said Michael, “We then sought guidance from Steve Mudd, who’s considered the ‘godfather’ of growing grapes on Long Island.”

The rest is history…

Along with wine maker, Gilles Martin, part of Sparkling Pointe on Long Island, the Connerys’ began making wine suitable to the terroir and climate. The venue soon became popular, not only for wine-tasting, but as a sought after site for weddings.

With one thriving vineyard and event space, and nearly 20 years under their belts, they were ready for another project. In 2018, they purchased 50 acres of open land in North Stonington—a few miles from Saltwater—and opened Kingdom of the Hawk. With eyes always on design, the couple reimagined the idea of a classic barn for their latest vineyard. Steel beams, vaulted ceilings, concrete floors and its now iconic archway, are all nods to their first foray into wine at Saltwater Farm. The dramatic new structure is a showcase of sleek, contemporary architectural design, and surrounded by vines and the area’s rugged rocky vistas.

It’s no surprise that both vineyards check many boxes for weddings of all shapes and sizes. The venues strike a balance between intimate and expansive, and appeal to many with their natural, minimalist aesthetic and stunning views.

Pop the Cork

Kingdom of the Hawk produces a selection of Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blanc, several Rosés, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, a Bordeaux-like blend of Cab Franc and Merlot. They also create another red blend, their Raptor Red, made with four different grapes.

Given the proximity to the shore, and the rich, locally-sourced options, the couple often pair their wines with seafood.

“Our Sauvignon Blanc is delightful with Ninigret oysters,” mentioned Michael. Or, with a lightly chilled Pinot Noir, we enjoy salmon from J & R Seafood, whether pan sautéed, grilled or baked it pairs perfectly,” said Merrily. “A favorite recipe with corn, tomato and shrimp is perfectly complimented by our Pinot Noir Rosé; and we are fond of a variety of Merguez lamb sausage which cries out for our Raptor Red,” she continued.

Diving into the world of making wine may not be the first, second, or any choice for people of “retirement age,” a construct many today, however, are choosing to flip on its head. But for the Connerys’, who’ve chosen to spend this time creating beautiful, community spaces for moments of celebration or just being one with nature, they couldn’t image this chapter being filled any other way. “Watching people enjoy themselves at our vineyards…” said Merrily, “We’ve come to realize is probably the best measure of success.”