This is where I sit and write in the casita.

Friday mornings I am part of a zoom call with about 20 people. We never have that many at once, but usually around 10 make the two-hour call. A friend of my husband’s asked me to join. He thought I’d be a good fit for the group. Why? I’m not sure.

Interestingly, there are only two women in the group — including me. Also, I’m the youngest by at least 10 years. The oldest is 101 years old and sharp as can be. Demographically, they are highly educated, successful individuals. There are two neurosurgeons, several attorneys, a guy who ran a bond desk, and another who ran a hedge fund. The other woman is a mayor of a Southern California town.

Then there’s me. A former stay-at-home mom, former PR employee with an undergraduate degree and current blogger.

What’s the purpose of the zoom call? To determine “What is the truth.”

We discuss current events, politics and religion. All the stuff you’re not supposed to talk about. Yet, with our contrary views, everyone is civil and we are learning a lot from each other. At least I am.

One of the things I’ve learned about is Israel and Judaism. The majority of the group visits Israel annually and are deeply religious Jews. My daughter’s best friend growing up was Jewish and I learned a lot from their family about Orthodox beliefs and practices. But this zoom call is giving me an intensive history education in the nation of Israel from several scholars and teachers in our group.

Needless to say, today will be eye opening reviewing the events of the past week.

God bless everyone! Have a safe and happy weekend.