Day 1 of new chapter

It was quite fortuitous that I had booked a separate event to participate in on this day, which is my first day past my previous company.  As part of the Fuellers, I attended an all day Energy Conference at Mansion House, which is where the Mayor of London lives.  I met many people who are affiliated with the energy sector, so it was a great networking event. 

I even got to meet Prince Edward, who was a guest speaker at the event and was mingling afterwards where I got to exchange niceties with him.  Quite a thrill!

Last day with big blue

Today was a big day, because finally I could reveal to my co-workers that it was my last day of employment with the company. I was pretty emotional, and with many different emotions: happiness, relief, excitement, giddiness, numbness, and also sadness. I was sad because I wasn't allowed to (for some reason which nobody could really explain in adequate detail or terms) plan my departure or let anyone know before my final day had arrived.  That was painful to live through, but at the same time I can also admit now (about 4 months later as I write in early April 2026 and prepare to backdate this post) that I had been really struggling to maintain a positive attitude (which is very unlike me) and it did feel like things were coming to a head.  So what I mostly felt was immense relief, as though a massive heavy burden had been taken off my shoulders.  

Anyway, here is a photo of me with my two coworkers, A and J.

And now what? I will give myself the month of December off to enjoy the run up to Christmas, and then in January 2026 I will start working on figuring out what my next incarnation will be!

Thanksgiving in the village

I landed back at Heathrow on Saturday morning and made my way back home in time to rest and then get ready for the Lawrence's Thanksgiving Party at the village hall.  They definitely take things to another level!

The only casualty of the evening was when we were clearing things up and Sara tripped in the darkness, broke her glasses and got scraped up!  No permanent damage, but it was sad that of all people, she was the one to get a bit banged up.

Back to reality

Right, the party is over and now its time to head back to England.  Its fine, I'm fine with it. I'm just bursting with happiness and love for my family, and for the universe's gift to me that I got to go home for this precious stretch of time.

I started my final day with a run around the canyon in the early morning colors.  It was warm and glorious.

And all too soon I had to say goodbye to my loved ones and get on the plane

Meanwhile, it was also a special day because new puppy Rocky arrived into Eric & Kristin's life!

Goodbye California... for now... I did love that we flew right over Tecolote Canyon, with all the familiar landscape wrinkles and cliffy faces.  So beautiful in the sunset light.

Thanksgiving 2025

This morning started with a Church service.  Being sat in a pew in the high ceilinged CS church in Goleta ignites the childish, immature tendancies that otherwise lay dormant in my being.  All the old pain of trying not to laugh at inappropriate moments came flooding back to me.  But in all seriousness, it was really nice to see familiar faces and speak out loud about what I'm grateful for, though I wasn't able to get through my words without tears.

Then we all converged on 585 VL at Eric and Kristin's house for the main event. 

 

 

Here are: Kristin, Michael (friend from church), Billy, Rhiannon, Evan, Eric, Mom, Bob and me

It was every bit of good as I hoped it would be, and I don't mean just the food.  Thanksgiving is the best holiday in the world, and I'm so grateful to be here.

Beautiful moments

I'm just so incredibly grateful to have been able to get out to Santa Barbara to be with my family. I'm absolutely buzzing with love and happiness and gratitude.  Here are some photos...

This is Rhiannon walking to work at K.Frank in Montecito. Can you spot her?

Now here is Mom, Eric and me

And here is Denise, Polly and me when we met for breakfast at Jeannine's

And around the house at 601 VL, with Earl Grey the cat in front of the Very Old (and hollow) Sycamore tree, which is still very much alive, and a view of the backside of the house from the old veg patch and gingko trees.

Mom and the EKG family and I all went for dinner to Woodstocks in Isla Vista, which was quite a treat.

And of course tomorrow is the big day for Thanksgiving! Look forward to that.

UCSB campus

and Goleta Beach!  Kristin and I went for a run together around the UCSB campus. It has been a lonnnnnggg time since I've been poking around here! So much has changed, but the coastline and mountains have not.  Its so beautiful here.

The original BBQ built ins that inspired the same in Chelwood Gate and Danehill!

More Santa Barbara

It was fun and interesting to stay in Rhiannon's flat and share her bed with her.  I treasure these moments!  In the morning we walked down to a coffee shop for coffee and breakfast, in the bright sunshine and warm temperatures. I was in heaven walking down Chapala Street with my girl and I hope I remember this feeling for the rest of my days. 

Later Rhiannon went to work at the gym, and I hung around for a bit then went elsewhere. It was great to see her "in action" although she didn't like me taking her photo...

Later on Saturday eve, I went out to dinner with Polly and Amy, which was a real treat.  Polly had quite a narrow window she was available so we made the most of that, then Amy and I went on to another place for 'afters'.

When I got back to Rhiannon's flat, her housemates were in full party mode as they were hosting "Friendsgiving".  I joined in the fun for a bit and then headed to sleep.  It was great to meet some of her friends in person.  Sunday morning we went out to breakfast at a place where one of her housemates (Kate) works.  They had amazing food, and we sat outside in the sunshine to enjoy breakfast together.

We walked up and down Cabrillo Blvd for the Sunday Arts Market

And later went back to chill for a bit before I moved over to the 585/ 601 VL compound.  Here are some photos from Rhiannon's cute flat which includes an outside terrace.

 

We had dinner with Eric, Kristin, Billy and Evan over at Mom/ Grandmas house.

Its so wonderful to be with family.

Santa Barbara, at last

What a treat it was to fly into Santa Barbara! It was a beautiful sunrise in Seattle, followed by a lovely flight down the west coast and into SB.  Rhiannon picked me up at the curb, and it was so amazing and special to reunite with her!  

We drove around and ran some errands, then met up with Mom/ Grandma Debi for lunch in Camino Real.  I had thought to make my arrival a surprise for her, but she found out ahead of time, and that was fine too.  I am just so grateful to be able to be here surrounded my these extremely precious and special people in my life.

Then we went to Rhiannon's house and hung out for a bit before getting ready to go out on the town with Ellie and her mom Anne.

We had a brilliant night which was really fun and memorable, and all too quickly the evening came to an end.  I would so love to spend more time with Ellie and Anne, and obviously with Rhiannon too!