For the past couple of days I have been visiting Fresno, where I lived for almost 30 years before moving to the bay area. I came to say some goodbyes. Everybody is sad to see us go, but excited for our big adventure.

It was hard to say goodbye to my 96-yr-old father (sorry to always refer to you by your age, Dad, but it’s so impressive). I showed him how to use Facetime and Words with Friends, and we practiced. My father loves technology (he wears an Apple watch!) and he told me he plans to celebrate his 100th birthday, so I have confidence I will be seeing him for quite a while longer.

My old friend Theresa had me over for breakfast, and had French music playing when I arrived. My friend Vernie sternly told me to stay away from the troublemakers in yellow vests, and hugged me hard with tears in her eyes. Today I sold my beloved car to my brother. I was sad to leave it, but he is good to his cars and I know it will have a happy life (silly, yes). I had my favorite pastrami and swiss sandwich for lunch (thanks, Geno’s).

Hopefully, the people who have promised to visit us in France will actually do it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have friends to stay with in France who will show them around the Loire Valley?

Now I’m on Amtrak heading back home. Gliding through the beautiful Central Valley is making me melancholy. I moved here from Michigan with my parents at age 13 and began a new life, making friends and learning the California way of doing things, which wasn’t so difficult.

Now here it is 50 years later and I’m about to start over in almost every way. The challenges and difficulties, and the joys and discoveries, are waiting for us in France.

We leave two weeks from today. HOLY COW.