Life and Times in SoCal

Fall 2021

Well, hello again, I know it’s only been a short while since my last post, but I thought I would chat with you all again.

As I mentioned last time Julie and I were hoping to go back to the UK as soon as possible to see family both old and new.

We did manage to get back, we landed in London on September 18. Although we had planned this return, the week before we flew my father passed away, so it made it more important than ever to get back and support my family and have them support me in this very sad time.

His funeral was in accordance with his wishes and fitting for a man who never sought out being the center of attention. My brother managed all the arrangements along with his wife and my mom. Both he and I read a eulogy at the service. It felt good to remember my dad as we did. Later the immediate family gathered at my mum’s house to support each other and celebrate his life and his impact on all of us. 

Dominique and her family made it across from Ireland to pay their respects and although it was great to see them, the first time in almost 3 years, I would and I’m sure they would have preferred a happier occassion for a reunion.

Earlier in the trip we managed to meet our new grandson Pip and he was a joy. He is growing up so fast and he is no longer a baby but a full-grown toddler! He is learning to sign and taught both Julie and I some sign language! so now we are tri-lingual, we speak English, American and sign!

We also spent time with Julie’s family, her sister and her husband are in the middle of remodeling their house, literally knocking it down and rebuilding it! I must admit I cannot for one minute imagine doing that myself, all respect for undertaking a project like that and living in a caravan on a building site!!

In the middle of the week, I had the honor of attending my youngest daughter, Megan’s graduation from college – she calls it Uni, but I’m an American now and we call it college! It took place in the magnificent York Minster; it was one of the highlights of a sad trip to see her and her partner Alfie “make the walk” to collect their certificates and to become officially Bachelor of Science Graduates.

The COVID requirements of both the US and the UK made travelling different, we had to get tested before travel then on arrival then before we flew home. All this was relatively easy to do and if this is going to be the new normal then so be it, it’s a small price to pay to continue to travel and spend time with loved ones. 

As regular readers will recall, various members of my family have been trying to get out to see us all year and indeed the year before, without any success due to the travel restrictions both from the US and the UK. However, I’m pleased to say that now the US is open for travel my mom and Aunt will be with us from November 13.

Both Julie and I are very excited about this. I’m not sure the US is ready for my mum and Aunt though! I’ve warned the Yardhouse that they need to get some more beer in readiness for their visit!

They will also be here for Thanksgiving so it will be a first for us to have family here for Thanksgiving together with our wonderful neighbors and their kiddos. 

One thing that we discovered whilst in the UK was the vast amount of non-alcohol beverages, beer and spirits – mostly Gin to my eye, were available in abundance. Whilst I have always been very suspicious of alcohol-free drinks, that being the taste, I was very impressed with the Tanqueray Gin and various beer offerings. In particular Guinness, as someone who has drunk more than their fair share of the black stuff in St James’ Gate Brewery Dublin, I was very impressed with the alcohol-free version, I would challenge anyone to tell the difference! We can’t wait to get some of these offerings on this side of the pond!

One of the highlights of the trip was being able to pick Koby up from school. Jordan, his dad, had not told him we were in the UK, so he was very shocked to see us waiting for him when school finished. He was a little bit shy until he got used to seeing us in the flesh rather than through a screen! After that he was all systems go! He only started school earlier in the month and he is enjoying it immensely. 

Overall, our trip back was a mixture of sadness and laughter. I’m sure my dad would have been happy that we all came together to celebrate his life and no matter what, I think he would still be supportive in our move eleven years ago to the US, as I said in his eulogy, he wanted better for his kids than he had, as we want better for our children than we have. A life is there to live, and a world out there to explore. 

To all reading this, please stay safe, be kind and show the people special to you how you feel.

Paul

Corona CA.

October 19, 2021