>>/8717/
> I hope it is more from comfort and stability than loss and/or cynicism.
Depends on who you ask, I guess. 
> Well, it's not all sunshine and roses
Yes - but it's not all sunshine and roses anywhere. However, in America it feels like one can look up from the drudgery and hopelessness of the present, and feel an optimism - that alone is quite a bit, when it's relatively unique.
> the death of Kmart 
The worst part is remembering places you went, and being unable to go back to those places. There was a playbarn I loved as a child, and it got demolished and a pub was built in it's place - my brain assumes that I can go back there, since it was a physical place and I remember where it was. Places in the natural environment don't change that violently on their own typically, so I think that kind of modern impermanence helps create the feeling of alienation we all feel.
 >>/8718/
> Actually, seeing you brought a little smile to my face, if you can believe that.
I'll have to come back more often, then!
> Actually, I do hope you stay for a second longer this time before disappearing/going back to lurker mode.
I intend to, we'll see what happens.