It’s been a while since I started a post with a date , at least 2 years . I suppose this whole blog really started out as on open diary on living in LA . 
Much has changed since then , but still the callings and connection with home ( Melbourne) are strong . We are in a fortunate cycle of Aussie friends that are visiting or that have recently visited , it’s been fun . 
‘Ole mate ‘got a reprieve , I unblocked him , I felt guilty as his love child Tim was revisiting .I thought I at least should give him a chance . 
It started off ok but it wasn’t long before his relentless intrusions became unbearable . He started visiting daily ,again . One afternoon he asked if he could borrow my phone as for some reason his wouldn’t connect to a certain number . He made a call to his ex father in law who had obviously blocked his number ( sound familiar?) . He talked for 15 minutes , after hanging up he said if there were any extra charges that he’d sort it out . ” Why’s that mate ?” I asked . “Oh , the guy I talked to lives on the Canadian and Alaskan border , I knew I’d surprise him ringing from another number .” Ole Mate replied . I looked at him in disbelief . One morning whilst out for a run my phone went into melt down . Ole Mate had taken it upon himself to give my number to a ‘friend ‘ that could help us with ‘issues ‘ without ever bothering to ask . He thought we needed advice from someone he knew .I was shocked when I listened to my voice mail , the body quivered with a quiet rage . I let him know by message that this was unacceptable. He replied with a long winded message via voice mail that accused me of having low intelligence for not accepting his unsolicited advice . I laughed …….” you’re blocked buddy .” He still haunts the area ,hoping to ‘accidentally ‘ run into me. It hasn’t happened yet . It’s been a peaceful 4 weeks . Well , at least where he’s concerned .
Tex has started high school ( year 9 ) at Mira Costa , he broke his ankle skating , which has terminated his prospects with the football ( grid iron ) team . Frankly I think he’s relieved , the idea of playing any sport holds no interest for him . It’s a pity , high school life in the States revolves around their sporting teams .Tex is well equipped to excel in a few of them , still even then you need grades at C (70%) and above to participate, meaning there’s no guarantee. As I’ve said before , it’s a tough system over here . 
Leroy is floating along just nicely , he has an excellent grade 3 teacher that will equip him for middle school in 2020 . 
Emma’s doing her thing and that leaves me . I’m busy , for the first time since moving here . The new gig demands a lot of my attention . I enjoy it , it’s in my field of interest . Still there are things to American life that take getting used to . The labour laws are vastly inferior to the Australian system . I came into my new job with low expectations and a willingness to start from the bottom , that hasn’t changed . I’m trying hard , gaining traction but the frustrations of explaining to others what my remuneration is ……. is well ……. yeah let’s just say I’m the equivalent of a 1st year chippy …sometimes .
For the next month it’s gonna be busy . It’s Macca ,Corin and little Finn this week 
The Deutchers next week , another old work mate John in October and then Kathy and Gemma after that . Until then , cheers from LA. Go Tigers ( that kills me , and I will say that I think Collingwood are good things , thank god I live here for the next 2 weeks ) .
aussiehowieinla 