Note: This was our last update to our friends middle of this year. So here’s the blog version.

It’s almost a year since we left Edinburgh yet it feels like yesterday. We’ve been blessed by God with a smooth transition from British to the North American way of life. Well, sort of!

I am settling well in my job, and equally Neil is beginning to enjoy doing immunochemistry in his work. Likewise, we’re enjoying having time together in the evening playing tennis or just relaxing together – a luxury we never had in Edinburgh as Neil’s job takes him all over England.

Fresno is a good hub for travelling as it sits in the middle of California. On the East side are the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and on the West is the Pacific Coast.

We had few opportunities to start venturing out of Fresno.

Highway 1 is one of the most scenic road I ever travelled. However, it is a contradiction and a revelation of humanity’s strength and flaws. Strength as it conquered the once impenetrable frontiers of the West Pacific coast and flaws a you can pass by communities of immense wealth contrasted with communities on subsistence existence.

Monterey

Judy at Pismo Beach

Neil at Pismo Beach

May 2009 - Pismo Beach, South Central Coast. It is part of a 200 mile stretch of Mediterranean like shore. It is 2 1/2 to 3 hours drive away but a very relaxing place to enjoy the Pacific ocean.

Brits are coming! Alameda 4th of July grand parade

July 4 – Independence day parade in Alameda. Yes, Brits are still welcomed!

Well, summer is here where temperature can climb up to 3 digits. California life-work hard and enjoy the sunshine whenever you can. Cest la vie!