Farewell, California!

The day of our departure has arrived, at long last. We are heading to Michigan for two weeks before we begin our trip round the world. Everyone is experiencing the usual range of emotions that accompanies any big change. We plan to settle in Michigan once we return from our journies, but California will always have a special place in our hearts. Bill and I met and married here in the Bay Area back in the late 1990’s, and we’ve had great tours with the Coast Guard both here and in Southern California. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our three years here in the Oakland Hills, thanks to the many fine groups of people we have had the joy of knowing.

For Bill, this has been a wonderful place to finish his Coast Guard career, serving as the attorney for the Pacific Area Commander. Bill started his career with the Coast Guard here 21 years ago, and it was a real honor for him to be able to finish out with many of the people with whom he worked back then. He took great delight in his incredibly hardworking and gifted staff of attorneys and assistants, and will miss the camaraderie and friendships that the service provided.

We all enjoyed the vibrant, supportive family communities at Montclair Elementary School and Little Fawn Play School, where our children have grown and thrived. Thanks to Ms. Seltzer, Ms. Pearson, Ms. Brookes, Ms. Erin, and all the other teachers and staff at Montclair, and Heather, Sara and Rocio at Little Fawn. What a wonderful, caring group of teachers!

We will truly miss our association with Girl Scout Troop 32871 (thanks Jennifer and Suzanne), The Montclair Soccer Club U10 Angry Birds Team (thanks Nick and Stacy), and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Orinda (special thanks to Pastor Hubert, Marcia, Laurie, and Joyce Ann).

And so, to all our friends in California, adieu, adieu, to you and you and you, and in the immortal words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch!