The Simple Life Can Be Grand

I wouldn’t exactly lump the community of Hidden Hills in with the rest of the Valley (“Provence in the Valley,” by Barbara Thornburg, Style, July 2). I can do without the 10,000-square-foot house and all the energy it takes to heat, cool and maintain it, the built-in outdoor pizza oven and the private chef. Instead I will do my best to reduce my energy consumption, turn my thermostat down and fire up the grill in the backyard of my home. Get real.

Carey Okrand

Via the Internet