I am at a quandry, regarding how to best make use of short trips in the area. One one hand, I am considering a condo in the historical Piedmont hotel. I ponder both the headache of ownership, but also the opportunity to invite friends. Both the beach and redwoods surround Santa Cruz, but the drive is a tad long. Would it be a joy or headache? If not the Piedmont, maybe partial ownership of a condo in Watsonville? On the other hand, I am considering renting (or buying) into Washington Commons. With the Piedmont and Washington Commons, I have some hope that I would be connected with residents, even if only limited. It would be more than a condo, but an ongoing relationship with fellow residents. Finally, there is another option of renting a hotel once a month and exploring the wonders of Northern California. This K shape stock market, where the wealthy are thriving creates a social conumdrum.