Life and Times in SoCal

December 2023

Hello all, thanks again for reading my blogs. I appreciate the feedback either directly or via Julie’s Facebook page. Well, what’s been happening? It is getting very close to Christmas and my birthday. We are gearing up for some Christmas visitors, Abbie, Brock, Pip and Otto are coming to spend Christmas with us and we cannot wait. This will be the first time we have had any of the kids and grandkids with us for Christmas since we’ve lived here. I am looking forward waking up on Christmas morning to see twinkling eyes and excited noises, and that’s just from Julie, I have no idea how the boys will be!

We have booked to go on the Polar Express, yeah, I know it’s supposed to be in snow, which there is not a lot about in SoCal, but we know Pip will really enjoy going on a train and seeing Father Christmas with all the joy of the holiday season.

We were back in the UK during November, Julie had to be back for 3 weeks to help look after her parents. I was back for the planned 1 week. It’s the first time we have travelled back and forth separately. This time we flew Delta Airlines in their Delta One Suites. It was ok but I think I prefer the new layout in Virgin Atlantic, yes there is a little less storage space at your seat, but the seat is much more comfortable, otherwise it’s still the same old grind getting to LAX and then to family from London, lucky my brother arrange to pick me up so no rental car for me. I got a car service for Julie to and from her parents and used the same service for me to get back. It was a much more relaxing journey. 

Julie and I ended up having a 2-center holiday with us both being in different locations. She spent her time on the Wirral while I was in Wakefield. We did manage to get together for 2 nights and had a couple of nice meals. 

Whilst I was in Wakefield, I went to Stockeld Park with Jordan and his family which was very good, Koby loved playing on the climbing equipment, and we all enjoyed the festive light show and of course the maze! I’m surprised I’m not still lost in there! It was great fun though and made better by the fact I didn’t have to drive so could enjoy a beer. We also went to a restaurant chain called Hickory’s, this is themed on Southern US foods and décor. I must admit it was fun and the beef rib I had was fantastic. They also sold Stone IPA which as regular readers will know is brewed not far from our house. It would have been perfect if they had Stone Delicious IPA but maybe next time.

We had originally planned to have our last night in London. We were due to stay at The Goring in Belgravia but as we were basically independent travelers this had to be cancelled. When we travel back, we class this part of the journey as our “holiday” as it’s the only time we get to ourselves, but alas we didn’t get that this trip. Additionally, it always surprises people to find out that the last time Julie and I had a regular holiday was in the June of 2010. I know people say “but you live in a holiday destination” but that’s just it, we LIVE here. We still go to work, do the washing, do the shopping, take the trash out, etc. 

For over 15 years I’ve promised Julie, I would take her to Australia, so I have decided I am determined to do that as soon as possible hopefully as soon as next year! Marie if you're reading this we will let you know.

Finally, it’s Christmas again, funny how it seems to turn up quicker every year. It’s been a funny old year, lots of visitors, lots of music and lots of laughs. And some sad things as well. As we prepare for 2024 and all the undoubted shenanigans of the upcoming Presidential Election, I have a feeling it will be another great year. My objectives are to get Jordan and his family out here to start his American adventure; to hopefully see some more of our great country not just Vegas and as with this year some home improvements to keep Jevins resort and Spa at the standard our visitors have come to expect. It’s going to be a great next few years. We have we the FIFA World Cup here in 2026, and the summer Olympic games in LA in 2028. These two global events means that the whole of SoCal benefits from more investment which means more jobs and a better economy for all of California residents, yeah, I know its 2 years away, but it will go fast.

Julie has made her Christmas cake and I have again been feeding it brandy for the past 3 months. I can’t wait to have a slice with usual accompaniments. We have the trees up and the house decorated for the holidays. As you may recall I took delivery of a Tesla Model Y back in December 2020 and now it has to go back. I decided to continue with a Tesla and I have taken delivery of a Tesla Model Y Performance in Blue with white interior. As much as it's the same model as the previous one it is almost a different car, the build quality is a lot better the finish inside and outside has improved and the software is much better. I decided to not get the Full Self Drive option as I didn’t use it enough to justify the increased cost. So far my impression of the new car is favorable. 

As always stay safe and be nice to your nearest and dearest and Merry Christmas.

Ciao

Paul & Julie