Life and Times in SoCal

So, its been 12 weeks since my mom became a snowbird. First of all its been a pleasure having her here with us for Thanksgiving, Christmas, My 60th birthday and New Year. She slotted in to our lifestyle very quickly and has even enjoyed some of the TV programs we watch! although she still watched “Coronation Street” and “Emmerdale” regularly. She together with Julie also kept a big secret from me. My brother Chris and his wife Wendy came out to surprise me for my birthday, to say I was speechless was an understatement! I really did enjoy them being here although it was only a week it was still great. 

Whilst mom was here she joined the local line dancing troop in Corona and she had a great time, all the regulars enjoyed having her there even though its a slightly different kind of line dancing than what she is used to. In the UK the dancing is focused on foot work but here they also “wave their arms about”. Still she liked going and enjoyed the companionship she got there. 

Julie and mum travelled back to the UK on February 11. I’m not sure mum was fully looking forward to it as she seemed to be well settled here, I hope had a great time? Julie has gone to the UK also to welcome her 2nd grandchild He was born on February 13. Julie Just made it back in time to be there!

So as Julie is now in the UK I’m now a “single” man, I haven’t done that in over 20 years! Nothing really different I'm still going to work every day, I just have fend for myself when I get home and at weekends, but I’ve given myself a list of stuff to do so shouldn’t be bored too much! If I am, I may go and get a dog!

I have decided to have the first 2 weeks as quiet weeks focusing on getting stuff done around the house that I’ve been putting off and sorting out plans for our summer of music. As I’ve previously mentioned Julie and I like to go to concerts, (not festivals, I couldn't bear to be in a tent, why pay a load of money to live like a homeless person!) so far we are going to see Sting and Van Morrison in Vegas, probably Coldplay in Vancouver Canada and I’m trying to get tickets to see Richard Starkey (Ringo Star) in San Diego. Plus whoever else comes along to tour in the area. Incidentally U2 may be doing a short residency in a new venue in Las Vegas called the Sphere, So may go to see them too.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

I’m going to be traveling back to the UK in mid March but as usual I will be only be back for a few days as I have lots to do at work and we don’t get the vacation time like you get in the UK, I get less than 20 days vacation per year, compared to when we were in Ireland that is less than half of the amount! Still after 12 years I have now gotten used to it.

I have now submitted the relevant papers for my son, Jordan and his family to come and make a life out here in the good ol’ USA. I have applied for a family sponsored Green-card and also a work visa (H1-B) through my business. hopefully he will get the H1 this year but its a bit of a lottery so who knows! 

As I mentioned above my brother Chris and Wendy were out at Christmas for my birthday and they are now coming back in May, firstly to Hawaii then back to SoCal to spend a few days with us at Jevins Resort and Spa! 

As I write this it’s the end of February and the weather is cold! I know I’ve mentioned it before and I know it’s not as cold as the UK, although I think right now the UK is slightly warmer than here it is still COLD! We live just below the Cleveland national forest and Santa Ana mountains. the maximum peak is only 5000 feet above sea level at its highest about 6 miles south of us but on 2/23 we had snow on top of the bit I can see and thats only 1000 feet above sea level. I have had numerous weather warnings on my phone telling me to stay indoors and make sure, if I do go out I have plenty of layers on and incredibly to inform people of how long I intent to be out as there is a danger to life! I kid you not, there is also a severe rain/flood warning that if we live in the Santa Ana river basin to move to higher ground! You couldn’t make it up.

As always thanks for reading

Paul & Julie

Feb, 2023