G’day chow dawgs we are still whittling our way through October 2020 . The holding pattern continues , the coronavirus numbers are still high at 850 thousand in California and more cases locally than the whole of Melbourne .I still laugh to myself when friends inform me of news and revelations on Trump or covid that I haven’t heard here . It says a lot about the news content that we receive ….or don’t . Our kids are still learning online and will continue to for a while yet . We have been offered hybrid alternatives with half the time home learning and the other half in school but it seems unwise when the numbers continue to creep up in our little corner of LA . So far home schooling has been more efficient , especially with Leroy in a pod of 4 other kids . The pod has worked well so far . With a teacher hired by the 5 families to monitor the kids whilst they navigate zoom schooling . It’s been a real advantage .
We have a small social network that has kept in touch ,although lately we’ve kept to ourselves a bit more . The surf has been a regular theme . We’ve been lucky to have some waves over the summer ,although not great , it has really been the 1st time we’ve had summer waves since we came here . A family down the lane way moved in just before the pandemic hit . Fate would have it that they were Aussies . Dan , Mimi and little Fox have slowly became acquainted . Dans a surfer , we’ll often surf together out front . Sometimes it’s Tex , Dan and myself trading waves …..the Aussie connection . It’s been a blessing and a lucky circuit breaker during the lockdown . Dan and Mimi are architects , previously living in Singapore for 10 years . Dans very handy , particular and a measured guy , traits of an architect . He has been very helpful with fixing dings , lending boards and being someone who Tex can try and impress in the water ( Dans a handy surfer ) . We’ve been to each other’s place for a beer or two and little Foxy regularly comes over to visit Leroy and his LEGO collection . I’ve been making some mean sausage rolls during the lockdown , sending some down the lane way to our Aussie neighbours . We’ve traded pies and treats that we’ve ordered from specialty Aussie shops that we’ve found over here . We’ve been away on a surf trip already and we’ll getaway with all the families later this week to celebrate Emma’s birthday .
I still shake my head most days at things that we see here . The shootings on TV , the maddest presidential countdown , the covid response , the political adds , the poor quality of adds and the large quantity of them drive you mad . Some of the work place practices still astound .
On the way to a private client I drove past painters working off triple stage ladders , some 5 storeys high on a major road . I shook my head in disbelief …. this would never see the light of day in Melbourne .Things are done differently here ….. work place safety isn’t held in the same regard .
Anyway dawgs , it’s still pretty warm . The ceiling fan goes on most nights . I’ve been surfing in board shorts most of the time …..never thought I’d see myself doing that. I’ve been watching the Saints from afar with a lot more contentment ….no matter where you live your day is a lot better when your team is winning . The Lakers are leading game 6 as I write , they should close out another title , not that I care too much as I’ve declared myself a Clipper . Yeah , I never liked basketball , but shit I’m starting to appreciate it more . Anyway chowbaggers , it’s time to sign off ….I’ll be posting a bit more in the weeks ahead ….things are happening over here
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