To everyone whom I have not yet replied to:

Please know that I feel I am truly blessed to have the problem of having a long list of family and friends who have sent me messages of love and support, whom I very much need to write back to! I think of you all every day, and feel awful for every day that goes by that I haven't gotten back to you. I truly will write when I get a chance (and will be much relieved when I am caught up!). Thanks again for everything!

Much love,

~Holly 

Happy birthday, Bill!

Love,

~Holly, Ryan, and Larry 

Happy birthday, Kris and Brian!

Love,

~Holly and Ryan 

Toto, we're not in Harrogate anymore! However, since I can't make up my mind how I want to do my shiny new blog, I will continue here for a little bit longer.

Lots has been going on in the short time I've been back in the States. I just need some time (when I'm not completely tired) to get it all down.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, enjoyable, bountiful Thanksgiving! 

Dear Mark and Heather,

Happy belated birthday! I hope you both had wonderful days!

Love,

~Holly and Ryan 

In September I hosted my book club's monthly meeting. My selection was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This was the first - and last! - time I hosted anything at the house. Because of that (and my love of Harry Potter), I wanted it to be special.

It was exactly that.

It was an evening filled with wonderful food and lively conversation. Everyone brought something that added to the party - er, meeting!

At the end of the evening, Diana (one of the ladies in the book club) gave me the best compliment when she said, "You have a warm and welcoming home." That truly meant a lot to me. That's exactly what I want my home to be.

~~~~~~~

My last day and evening in Harrogate was spent with friends. Ryan and I went to Carissa's for lunch with her and with Sarah (and all our various kinder). Carissa made an impressive spread of Thai food, and pastries. She also gave me the perfect going away gift: a photo of the three of us and our friend Rachel during a night out, a bottle of local cherry wine, and home baked cookies! (We had fun drinking the wine after lunch!)

We had a great time eating and chatting and just hanging out while the kiddos played. Having a nice, relaxed lunch with two of my closest friends was a perfect last afternoon at Menwith Hill.

In the evening, I took my last run with the Harrogate Harriers. It was so hard to leave! I had a great time running with my friends, and didn't want the run to end.

When I got back to the apartment where Larry and Ryan and I were staying, my friend Joan came by to say goodbye.

What has really hit me during this time of transition, is how truly blessed I am to have so many great friends. The love and support that I've gotten from my friends on both sides of the pond has been nothing short of amazing. I am truly grateful for it.

~~~~~~~

So now we've been in the States for a week. We're almost over our jet lag.

We spent the first couple of days visiting Larry's mom and husband in Indio (near Palm Springs), then spent a couple of days visiting his dad, grandma, and uncle in Las Vegas. We got to my parents' house in Palmdale yesterday. Larry flew to his new duty station at Ft. Meade in Maryland, and arrived there safely today.

I'll be starting a new blog to go with this new chapter in our lives, and will post a link as soon as it's up.

Thank you so much, to everyone for your love, support, friendship, and prayers! It means all the world to me, and makes all the difference.

Hello! Larry and Ryan and I made it safely to California. We got up around 4am UK time, and after 25 hours of traveling, got into Larry's mom's house in Indio, Ca. We went to bed around 9:30pm (CA time), and were up at 3am. Well, Ryan was up at 3am, so we were, too!
It's surreal to be back here. I still kind of can't wrap my brain around it!
I miss my Harrogate/Menwith friends, but am looking forward to seeing family and friends here, too.
Keep in touch, and I will keep you updated on what we're up to, and where we finally settle.

ps - I'll write more in detail about my last day or two in the UK, and our trip a bit later.

Happy birthday Brice!

~Holly, Ryan, and Larry 

"Time!"

I feel like Bilbo Baggins!

It's after 10pm, and we're still finishing up packing, and still need showers! The cab is coming at 5am.

But that's how it always is.

I envy those uber organized folks who can enjoy their last night somewhere in peace.

Today was surreal. I don't have the time to do it justice, but I feel I had a perfect send off.

Seven hours left in Harrogate.

Cheerio!