Day 15: Bluejays, BB Guns and Rule Z

Better late then never.  Yesterday I had quite a full on day.  The night before I didn't get much sleep because of people coming and going from other hotel rooms.  I also found out what the nightly constant buzzing was.  On the outside wall, the wall where my head was resting on the other side, there is a huge neon sign saying "Econo Lodge" which gets turned on in the night.  Nice.

I got up, handed over my room keys, and headed to the beach.  I bought myself some fruit and juice and then just sat for about 40mins as a glorious morning rolled in.  Quite possibly the best day (or morning) of my time in Monterey in terms of morning weather.  As I sat there I thought about the last five days.  Ok the hotel room was pretty naff, but that was more to do with other guests and the traffic from outside, which when you consider I was right next to the exit and entrance to the Freeway, should be expected during a car show week.  The staff were nice and pleasant and rooms clean (except for the shower).  But all that aside, I was able to see some amazing places and walked miles in very different terrain.  I also had the pleasure of meeting Bishop Mary, Brian and the team, and sit in on two very interesting (and scarily familiar) committee meetings.  It made me realise that although we are oceans apart, the Church still has the same goals, makes the same achievements, and encounters the same problems.  Its given me much to consider, and I wonder what I can bring back with me to work when I return.  Definitely going to suggest going for breakfast before a meeting!

The Trustees Meeting was good.  Very educational, and again I was welcomed so warmly.   At each place I've been I've been made to feel so comfortable that its been very easy to relax.

After the meeting I followed Mary Blessing back to her home in Scott's Valley.  We didn't really get a chance to chat before hand because she was taking the minutes of the meeting, and then we dashed off.  The drive was nice, interesting.  Again I was fascinated by the changing environment (whilst keeping my eyes firmly on the road ofc).  We started in sand dunes, then into what I guess is wetlands (insert joke here please Vi :)), before hitting fields, then gradually growing forests until we reached the Redwoods.

A bit of sad news.  Mary received a call on the way home that one of her parishioners had passed away.  So she dropped me off at the house before going to the hospital.

I love the house!  The house is amazing!  I'll try to describe it, but I don't think I'll do it justice.  Its a 70s house (I think), built in the side of a steep hill surrounded by redwoods.  There is a communal pool just down the road, and neighbours are all close, but not overlooking each other.  You walk up steps round to the house (carefully because they aren't safe - a workman fell through one step recently), which sits above garage.  Its not really a shape... Its got lots of corners, rounded corners, several balconies and lots of windows.  Its kinda beautiful.  Inside there is what I'd describe as a central room (with a wall made completely of mirrors) and all other rooms coming off it, with several tiny rooms where you wouldn't expect them.  Out the back there are several platforms of decking all going up the steep hill, covered in Redwoods.  Apparently racoons and skunks make their homes there.  I really do love this house.  If I can find something similar in England then I'm going to be all over it!

I met Cristy, Mary's daughter, who is very cool.  She's spent a lot of time in England and gets our humour so it was so nice to just hang out.  That evening when Mary got back, she took me out to dinner with her husband Jim (whose really got a good sense of humour) and two of their friends from England.  We had Japanese food!  Never had it before, but it was nice.  I might have to try some more when I get back home.

So after a long day I kinda crashed and slept really well.  Today I'm going to explore the area in the morning, and then go to Apple... yes the Apple offices!  Then after we're going to watch the new "Jobs" film about Steve Jobs.  I can't wait!

p.s. if your wondering how the title relates to any of this, its simple a few words that I noted down from the Trustees Committee meeting... thats all I'm going to tell you :)