The difference between the OC and Dutchess County

is palapable, but not absolute. Rhinebeck was founded in the 17th century; our corner of the OC developed in the 1970s. Plastic surgery is not at all prevalent here, so middle aged people look more middle aged, rounder around the middle, less apt to bare a midriff at the drop of a hat. This is comforting to me. People take yoga here for the final relaxation, which may last twenty minutes. People in the OC take yoga for upper body strength: almost everyone in the OC has very pronounced triceps.

But there are some similarities. There is, for instance a "fiesta" at the Dutch Reformed Church in Rhinebeck that promises "Jesus" and "Fire" in the same sentence. Protestantism just isn't what it used to be... You have to keep upping the ante. I have never been the to Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, but hear that it is almost a Cirque du Soleil atmosphere. Spectacle and religion have never been more comfortable with each other.