Hi Janie - I'm in Walnut - about 20 miles east of LA. I'm a third generation Californian, my Mom was born here, as well as Dad & HIS Mom! We're actually on to the 5th generation (at least) now too! One of my sisters lives in Northern Calif., south of San Francisco, and the other one lives in Australia, but is in the process of selling & coming back here. I have 1 niece, 2 nephews, and 6 great nieces & nephews! Whew!
I too have a great group of friends, some since the 5th grade even. When we were emptying out Mom's house a coupld month's ago (she's moved into assisted living now), my friend Bill came to help, along with my nephew & his daughter who is 7. She was asking about family, & I explained to her that some of our family we are born into, and some, like Bill, we CHOOSE to be in our family. She thought that was pretty neat (me too!). That's how my quilting friends are too - part of my CHOSEN family. Well, That was a ramble, wasn't it? I'd better get back to work! lol