I moved to Mill Valley 40 years ago, but I didn’t know the city. Why? Well, for the first 37 years, I worked outside of Marin and was rarely around during the weekdays. I never took a moment to notice or even consider what life was like during the week in Mill Valley.
I retired three years ago. Being home during the week introduced me to a different city, one in which I was not familiar. I felt lost. That needed to change.
My first challenge was dealing with weekday traffic. My heart would pound as I waited for traffic, stuck at a near standstill. Who knew? When schools are open, Mill Valley traffic changes. Short drives around the area become long drives. Harried drivers crowd the streets, making almost every street treacherous. This insanity occurs twice daily during drop-off and pickup. I quickly learned the schools’ bell schedules and obsessively avoid the areas around the schools when the kids are coming or going.
Babies are everywhere in Mill Valley. I imagine in my previous work-life schedule I didn’t see them all. Or perhaps there are just more of them? Either way, babies can be seen in carriages pushed by either moms, dads or nannies. The problem is they are pushed in the streets. Sidewalks are not always an option because they’re often blocked and/or difficult to push a carriage on. I missed all the baby action when I worked. Arriving home well past baby bedtimes made certain carriage pushing was not on my radar. So, if you want to see some Mill Valley babies, get out during the day — just be careful driving!
There are five shopping markets within a 5- to 10-minute drive from my house. Each one has its subtle or not-so-subtle differences. Often, I find myself going food shopping for only a few items. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a quick trip. Fruit and vegetables are best in one store, but for the best meat, fish or bread, one must go elsewhere. To some, that might appear eccentric, to me, it means you’re an inspired shopper with time. Tip: Whatever market you’re in, stay clear of the deli during the crazy lunch rush.