Life and Times in SoCal

Well, we've followed the stay at home order for the last 13 weeks. It has been frustrating to say the least. However, I have now started back to work, but as usual nothing is easy as I work in Dallas TX. So I'm social distancing through the airports but almost sat on other peoples laps during the flight, but hey at least I get to wear a mask!!

The other sad part is both Dominique, Jordan and their respective families should have been coming out here for a vacation from June 21 fo 2 weeks but had to cancel due to COVID!!!! It would have been Dominique's first visit to us whilst we've lived here and we couldn't wait to take her, Hugh and Taylor to all the cool places in SoCal, hopefully this time next year we can try again.

Julie is just in the point of changing jobs, Leaving Albertson's and soup making to Stir foods who are a salsa, humous and dips company based in Orange. 

Probably like most people at home during these strange times we have actually spent more time talking with family. One of the highlights of the weeks has been enjoying a family quiz at the weekends, Julie's family on Saturdays and mine on Sundays. The questions have been challenging and very funny in some cases (together with some of the answers)! We even got into the habit of taking a group picture after the quiz. Bit of a rogues gallery really!!

You maybe asking "what's with the big yellow duck"? Last year Julie saw it in the local pool shop and said that would be great in the pool. However, Meg & Alfie had just got us the big Avocado so I said we didn't need both. This year when I thought we have visitors I decided to buy it. so come on over and ride the duck!

As I sit writing this, I can also say that my Step Daughter, Abbie and her husband, Brock have just welcomed their first child, a boy, a grandson for Julie and a step grandson for me, Welcome little man, we can't wait to see you in person. 

We were also planning to be in the UK at the end of August, however we have had to postpone that due to the travel restrictions, so sadly we will have to wait to see all the family until either later in the year of next year. 

One thing i have discovered since the stay at home order is that a keg of beer (5 gallons) only lasts about 11 days, I think it was evaporating but Julie seems to think I drunk it! Still the local BevMo and Total wine have them in stock to swap, thankfully.

Finally, I have just submitted my N-400, my application to become and American Citizen. I now have to wait and then have an interview to make sure I'm a suitable person to become and American. I have to answer questions on my background and on the history and civics of the USA , all this just in time for 4th of July, America's birthday. Who would have thought a kid from the edge of Eastmoor would get to live the dream in the USA?

Until next time 

Paul