Four Months in England

Stormy night we had in Weymouth! I was awake till 3 a.m. reading a novel, so was aware of the heavy rain pelting the windows with the sounds of the wind. Perfect background noise while reading a novel. Wonderful! Today it's still cloudy and a bit breezy, the sea surface is going from right to left, probably just the wind skimming the top of it causing the effect, a silver blue melding with the grey of the sky at the horizon. Beautiful in its own way, and the smells are so fresh. Since I last posted, a couple of previous concerns came through for me: 1) British bank account and credit card successfully opened, 2) Sainesbury delivery account opened, the first grocery delivery is happening at this very moment. Such a pleasant man hauled my grocery order up a flight of stairs to the building entry and then up another steep flight of stairs inside the building to my apartment. I can see why he is fit and looking very healthy. Interesting work history he has ... began as a mail carri

First month has flown by, truly it has. It seems as if I've been here longer than a month, however.  And I'm so glad I've much more time to go. I don't feel I've scratched the surface. A couple glitches, however.  First, I needed to take a real estate document to the American Embassy in London to be notorized by the U.S. Consulate. I'm merging the empty lot next door to the theatre complex in Cambria, making it part of the already developed lots. It has been approved by the County and now needs my signature to file. Well, it might have to wait till I return to Cambria, it seems. There are no appointments available, according to the consulate information on the web site, but I'm going to telephone them anyway, to see what can be done. I don't understand why San Luis Obispo County won't accept a regular notary here in Weymouth. They would in the States. Glitch number one. Glitch number two ... I'm still waiting on a bill from the telephone comp

I don't know what it is, but I set such high expectations on myself, set such goals that it becomes a detriment at times. It must be a carry over from corporate days, when we had to list our daily, weekly, monthly goals and meet them, no carry-overs. I have to keep reminding myself that I don't need to do that anymore.  My only commitment this six months in England is to write a book. That's all. I don't have to think about anything else. And when I get back to the states my main thrust will be to get the 2017 entertainment schedule up and running at the Pewter Plough Playhosue.  But that's not till Janauary. So why am I beating myself up because I don't want to do what I planned for today?  The answer:  QUIT PLANNING!!! So as I sit here and watch the lawn bowlers and look out over the ocean dotted with tankers, fishing boats and sail boats, as I see the town center beach filling up already (I can see it from my balcony), and I tell myself I should be out ther

Beautiful day here today, sun is bright even at 4 p.m., sailboaters are in the bay, the beaches are full of sunbathers and swimmers ... Wonderful day out there! I'm having an afternoon cup of coffee, waiting for Martin and Ali to come and put my desk (table) and chairs together, need a drill. Table knife and nail file didn't do the trick, that is the extent of my tools. So they are coming to my rescue soon. I blew the fuse on my plug converter this morning, when I plugged in my Magic Bullet.  Oops!  Kitchen appliances are best to have UK plug apparatus. So I can either buy the UK version of the bullet, or just do without.  Haven't decided. But now I need to pick up a couple converters for my other electrical devices.  Tomorrow.  Today's Sunday, am not going anywhere. Last night I had a very interesting time at a pub in the harbor. Met some real characters, to say the least. One lives in his refurbished navy ship docked in the harbor. 50ish fella, who imbibs very

This morning started out to be clear in some places, cloudy in others.  At least that's what it was when I woke up and checked the weather reports.  But by the time I left for the cafe down the lane it was beginning to rain. Didn't rain long though. It was nice and cool.  Perfect for me. So I took a stroll next door to the cafe, after having a meal, to the kiddies park. There's a miniature golf range, a sea life display, a child's train that goes from the park to the Town Center along the promenade, adults ride it too.  And some other things ... A sand park, a stream, looks great for people with children.  I  couldn't believe how many people were there at 10 a.m.  Loads of them, literally, bus loads.  On a Wednesday. This is a family town, it is.  And dogs. Tons of them both - children and dogs.  I saw one cat today when I went to the cafe ... A beautiful calico, she/he let me pet her/him.  It had been raining and she was wet. Then I walked the promenade along t

Well, one thing for sure ... Mondays follow me wherever I go.  I feel the same on a Monday thousands of miles away, as I feel on Mondays in Cambria.  It's my do-nothing day.  Although I did have a purpose in hanging around the apartment today, was waiting on the BT man to hook up the Internet.  Success!!!  Done!!! Now I'm feeling normal again. Here is the view from my balcony tonite at 9 pm.  So calm and beautiful.  Not cold either.  Not cold for me, that is.  Last night I was out walking in it ... Went to a local pub called THE PARK to try and reach the Internet, which was a very good idea.  Worked so much better there. But like I said above, I won't need to do that for that reason anymore, since I'm all set here at home.  BUT ... It was an interesting evening at THE PARK.  I was the only woman there except for the barkeep.  I sat back by myself, using my phone apps and watching the patrons, and listening.  Love to eavesdrop. So, a nice looking guy, 63 as it tur

Okay, Day 1 & 2 are missing ... I haven't been able to get to wifi till now.  My Internet has not been installed at the apartment, so my dear friends Martin and Ali are allowing me to use their wifi at their guest house.  It appears that BT will not not be installing my Internet till July 22 now.  So, I'll just be posting from wherever I can till then.  There is a coffee shop not too far from my apartment that has wifi too, I'll certainly try it.  It's much more comfy here though, at my friends. My apartment is very nice, I've already moved the furniture around, is that a surprise?  Lol lol. And I've made a list of a few things I'll need to live comfortably. A small desk-table is in order, for my writing in front of the window with the sea view.  Top of my list. Ali took me food shopping yesterday at Morrisons, a supermarket here.  But there's a small grocery within walking distance that I'll use in between big shopping days.  I need to buy a

Spending the first night away in Santa Maria, CA ... Not very far from Cambria, but for a reason. This gets me closer to an early morning departure tomorrow. Would have been too early to come to Santa Maria Airport from Cambria.  BUT ... When I return on Dec 21, I'm flying from LAX to San Luis Obispo, shorter distance for friend to pick me up. However ... This has been a very special day spent with Jay and Hannah Powell here in Santa Maria.  In addition to seeing the Fourth of July fireworks, we've had wonderful discussions about spiritual transitions and beliefs and some fabulous food to boot. Great day! Terrific way to start my six-month adventure! Thank you J & H for opening your doors to me. Got some good books to read ... One by Micheal Newton - Journey of Souls  ... The Spirit's Book by Allan Kardec.  Heavy duty reading in Kardec's book.  Eager to start it.  AND I have two others of fiction that Hannah recommended.  Can't wait. So between reading a l

Hallelujah!   House and garages are basically empty, furnishings in storage. Only throw-aways left, and Kelly E. will take care of that, probably one more load to the dump and that's it!  He is such a worker!  A wonderful person, too.  But I bet he's glad I'm leaving for awhile, so he can tend to his other clients. lol lol  I truly understand why Jim was so fond of him and trusted him implicitly.   So ... now I'm taking a rest at Barbara's, since the water isn't on at the Drake house, which makes it difficult to use faucets and toilets while working.  lol lol But like I said, I'm done with the house. Yippee! Walking a bit bent over, however, back is suffering. I will go over later this evening and pack my bags for the trip, left it all there to sort through and decide whether to take 2 or 3 bags.  In the meantime, I'll go through what I have here at Barbara's and take it over when I go.  What I don't pack I'll put away for when I return n

Well, let me clarify this ... today or tonite is Saturday night.  So that means one more day, Sunday, till I leave Cambria on Monday, July 4. But I'm not leaving the States till July 5. So if you've heard the scare about July 4 departures from LAX, that doesn't pertain to me.  I'm leaving on July 5 from LAX.  No fear here.  I'm blessed. Always have been. My only fear is having everything out of the house and garages by tomorrow night.  Truly.  I'm working against time, that's my only thought, only tomorrow to accomplish all I need to be able to leave on Monday morning.  AND that is scary at this point.  It's making me nervous. Today I had a wonderful time at the Authors Event and afterwards with my lady friends (Babs, Linda, Barbara and Lucille) .... and then later I met with other friends to bid farewell to ... Dinah and Christopher Brazelton and Giovanni and Viv at the Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough ... had a great evening with them too. S

Now I'm getting nervous, wondering if I'll be ready to leave on Monday ... of course there is no choice in the matter, I have to be ready.  Lordy, Lordy! Will pack my luggage tomorrow, Sunday, and take care of last minute details ... my car, etc.  I'm undecided whether I'll take two bags or three.  It may be decided for me when I begin the packing.  lol lol Today, Saturday, I want to be able to walk away from the house, leaving nothing behind.  That's the quandary, will everything be done?  I think it will, it should be. Won't know till I go through two last mini-piles in the garage this morning. Need more bubblewrap, however, and maybe another bin or two.  Have to return Charter equipment to Templeton office, must not forget.  This afternoon maybe? I also have a book event to attend today ... Cambria's Authors event.  That takes a chunk out of my day.  Probably should not have committed to it, but I did, must go.  Selling my novels. HOWEVER ... I&

Good Morning, All ... Up and at 'em ... returning the 20' UHaul truck at 8 this morning, Kelly and Henry did two full loads yesterday, and there are only a few items left which Kelly will haul on his trailer today.  I'm picking up some more bins to pack incidentals and more bubblewrap for my Capodimonte table lamps.  Today I'll snap photos of my empty house, you aren't going to believe it.  I don't.  From what it was, to what it is. Next we have to reorganize the storage barn somewhat, so the theatre players group can get to their props for the upcoming productions remaining this year. Right now it's an obstacle course ... lol lol Soooooooo ... my dear Britain, the day is arriving, I'm almost there!  July Fourth I leave Cambria!  In my mind's eye I'm already on the coach ride from Heathrow to Weymouth.  Haven't done that ride since 2014. I'm so ready!  The last two trips have been to Europe, one this last December 2015, and one in A

FOUR MORE DAYS ... not counting today and the departure day ... I will leave Cambria and return on December 21.  I am having high anxiety!  Big time!  Last night I was so tired after another day of moving contents of the house to storage, although I wasn't doing the actual lifting and moving, my two guys were.  Still it was as if I was doing it right along with them. Could be the additional packing and shuffling things around that I was doing at the same time.  Just as it will happen again today.  Most all be done today! Today the focus is on what's left, including the furniture. My oh my!   But first, I have to drive to Morro Bay and pick up the UHaul truck for my guys to use for the BIG stuff.  In 30 minutes I'll be on the road. Just wanted to send this along for an update. The Dollar to British Pound is $1.35 this morning ... I'll convert my currency when I arrive in Weymouth.  Just did some research and the fees are less for conversion by using USA debit cards a

WEYMOUTH, HERE I COME, IN LESS THAN A WEEK! Oh my ... it's getting so close to D day, departure day.  So close.  Next Monday.   Today I did more packing of the odds and ends that are left in the house, while Kelly loaded the first of the bins and boxes to be moved to the storage barn. We had a final inspection appointment with the Fire Department at the Pewter Plough Playhouse, so with Kelly's loaded trailer and my loaded car we made the appointment on time and passed with flying colors.   I'm so glad that's done.  It's taken four inspections to pass.  No more till a year from now, they inspect once a year.  This one was a toughie, for things had gotten so far out of hand that it has been a nightmare fixing everything to code on top of all the improvements we've made since 2014.  No one was overseeing the maintenance of the building the past few years, Jim wasn't good at it, neither was James. So it fell to me, the theatre tenant wasn't on top of

Day 3 was actually written for June 25 ... noticed that it wasn't posted till past Midnight and became June 26.  So that was wrong.  Today is June 26. This morning Barbara Roche and I drove to Paso to pick up a futon bed that was on sale, perfect for my new digs when I return in January.  I was afraid it wouldn't be available six months from now.  Its metal frame is the same color my walls will be painted, and will be against one of the walls in my TV room ( although I'm thinking of TVs in both rooms, I have 2 big flat screens, may as well use them ... lol lol ).  Anyway couldn't pass up this bargain.  BUT ... they were out of stock. So we went to the "Cowgirl Cafe" in Paso and had lunch instead.  Then we came back and ordered it online at the same reduced price ( $98 - free shipping ) and it will be delivered this Friday.  Was meant to be!  Yippee, I have a bed that fits!   The usual mattress & box springs would take up too much room in my small sp

Can't believe it's only eight more days to departure ... just can't believe it! Tonight I attended the Champagne Opening of the latest production by the Pewter Plough Players ( who are changing their name at the end of the year to suit their new venue in Morro Bay ) and tonight I realized all the work there is left to do in the coming year.  For them, the players, and for me.  Me in absentia. And then, yes, I'll be producing all the plays next year ... quite a challenge, but one that I know I can handle ... I mean I had one of the best mentors ever:  Jim Buckley, the founder of the Pewter Plough Playhouse.  I've learned from one of the best.  And I know I can make him proud, as well as several other mentors I've had over the years in theatre. I have quite an endeavor ahead of me, I know, in addition to my next six months in England to write a novella.  I have two tenants at the Pewter Plough Playhouse who share the PPP complex, and who will interface with

This morning I woke up thinking I should take a day from the dirty work (garage packing and disbursing) to take care of incidentals - paperwork, communications, arrangements - and all the critical stuff that needs to be done now, cleared from my brain.  Too much stirring around up top is overwhelming.  So that's what I'm doing today, removing some of those thoughts, 9 days before I leave. At the top of the list were my airline tickets.  I use Orbitz.com.  My round trip is composed of two tickets - one from LAX to London Heathrow $580, one from London Heathrow to Moscow to LAX $585.   In order to get the more convenient departure times, I chose these even though on the return flight I will have a six-hour lay-over in Moscow.  Yes, Russia! But on thinking about it, I have been wondering if I could change my December return flight to the USA, bypassing Russia, that's a really long time to be traveling.   Well, these are the rules - I can cancel the December return flight,

This evening, after a grueling morning of more packing and finally succumbing to the physicality of it, feeling the bodily pains and finally admitting I am truly tired and overwhelmed after weeks of packing the house in order to move everything to storage next Tuesday and Wednesday, I am facing the final days of winding it up and preparing to leave for England ... at last! Yes, at last!  So the countdown seriously begins, time is short.  Today is the twenty-third of June ... the thirtieth is a week from today, last day of June next Thursday, the day I close up the house that will be waiting for its next owner. Then four days later, on the fourth of July, I leave town to begin my trek for a six-month sojourn in Dorset before returning to Cambria to take the helm of the Pewter Plough Playhouse and produce a full 2017 Season of plays and entertainment. More excitement!  In the meantime I'm hoping the exhilaration of seeing one of my dreams come true - living on another continent