Back in the USSR...er, the UK

JET LAG STINKS!

I arrived worse for the wear in London and Alex took me back to the house in Wycombe for a sleep, after which we drove to Wales to spend time with my parents in-law, as well as my sister-in-law (Sarah - they're ALL called Sarah!!), brother-in-law Dave and our niece and nephew, Catrin and Steffie. We celebrated Sarah's and my birthday's at a local Indian place with one of the most delicious curries I've ever had. This time I had ghoa chicken - which was delicious and VERY spicy yum!

My in-laws are retiring to a home that is being built in Wales, but they are living temporarily in their cottage in Burryport - so Alex and I slept in the bunkbeds usually reserved for the kids.

We did get to the local TESCO, one of our favorite shopping haunts, and the surrounding shops at the Parc Trostre in Llanelli. In between trips and meals, I slept quite a bit. I HATE jet lag!

Unfortunately, I suffered again quite a bit from jet lag. Credit for the photos in this video go to Alex who took them while I slept.

We then headed off on the next leg of our UK tour, and drove back to Wycombe to spend time with our dearest friends there, and to attend Alex's graduation ceremony at Henley Management College. Next entry...

This is a long video...

We are family

Back to Scituate ...
On Sunday my parents, brothers, neice and nephews had brunch at the Mill Wharf in Scituate to celebrate Mother's Day and my birthday (argh!). We continued our celebration at my parents' home in Scituate and I wrapped up my trip with another whirlwind trip to Marshall's and the local Stop-n-Shop for a bit more shopping (I have found that I need to bring back albacore tuna to Holland as the tuna here, to me, is questionable...and reminds me of cat food - yuck! I also had a request from Alex to bring back several cans of corned beef hash.)
As you all know, the exchange rate is pretty outrageous, so during my US trip most of my shopping was for clothing for our planned trip to Portugal in July. There are a few other things that we simply can't find here - things you wouldn't think about, like a little utility rug for the floor in front of the kitchen sink, and lamps that have switches where you want them but don't cost a week's wages. I would do some more shopping in Wales for the same reasons.
It was fabulous to spend time with the south shore crew.
Overall, the trip was just great but I do wish I'd had more time.
On Monday evening I boarded the overnight flight back to the UK...and more jet lag!

The first video below is 'the short' - the other for those who have been enjoying the longer and more complex films. The longer versions are very well received by my more immediate family. I appreciate your input.

Born in the USA

On Monday, May 13th I hopped on a plane to the US for the first time since we've been away. It was an evening flight and I arrived late in Boston, rented a car and drove to Scituate. I was exhausted but pleased to see Nancy and excited about seeing other friends and family during my very few days there.

Nancy and I spent some time doing mother/daughter things - shopping, eating, shopping, and eating...and it is always nice to stay with Nancy and Joe because I'm treated like royalty - the spoiled little chickadee.

I had a tricky few days to try to fit in as many visits with other folks as possible. I now understand the guilt many people feel on such trips. There are just so many things you can do and people you can see. I spent a couple of days with Nancy, then headed to Chelmsford to spend an evening with Brenda, and then on Thursday I met my uncle Denis for lunch - where I began to feel some severe jet lag. Literally, during our lunch I just ran out of gas. I barely touched my soup. The obvious red flag was that I didn't drink my wine ;O) Fortunately, Denis was more than sympathetic to my plight, and sent me home to his farm in Stow for a sleep. Later than evening he woke me so that he and my other aunt Nancy and her dad could go for a nice meal. As wonderful as the company was, I was still jagged - and had club soda with lemon for dinner and hit the bed hard when we got home.

Denis took me to breakfast at a local diner the following day, and after yet another nap, I got myself up and packed and back on the road. Denis and Nancy - thank you so much for your understanding - and your guest bed!

This time I headed to Hollis, New Hampshire to stay with my friend Anna, and we joined some other friends that evening for a very fun few hours of eating, drinking, dancing and just being silly. It was tough to get up the next morning, but Anna's dog Spike made sure I did! Anna and I spent the day doing girlie stuff and then I headed back to Scituate...a separate entry.

Thank you Anna and crew for everything.

This is the short video - the second is the long version...

Going Home for the First Time

This is a view from our seats at Adams Park, Wycombe's stadium.
My favorite WWFC fan :)



In mid-May Alex and I headed out for a trip to the UK and I a trip to the US. This would be the first trip home for both of us since our relocation and we were anxious to see everyone.

Since we had load of things to take with us to bring to my in-laws, we drove to Dunkirk and took the ferry across the channel to Dover. This was exciting for me as I'd actually be in five countries just over the course of the weekend. We drove through Belgium, Brussels and France where we boarded the ferry and arrived at the gorgeous white cliffs of Dover. What a sight.

We spent some time with family and friends, and Alex and I went to a Wycombe Wanderers football game at their local field, Adams Park, in Wycombe. Football is always a buzz for me as the energy at most games is nothing like that of any other sporting event I've attended. We had to bypass the local pub which had been overtaken by the opposing team, Stockport County. It isn't really as dangerous as it used to be - but when you're outnumbered by loads of drunk 'away' fans who are in your territory, unless you want to risk something 'kicking off' it is wise to just keep walking. Beer is served in the stadium only until the game starts. Fans are separated at the gates so that each team's supporters are together. It can get pretty rowdy and it is an awful lot of fun to be there (particularly if the weather is cooperative - which it was). In any event, we drew, one all - which was a disappointment as Stockport had beaten Wycombe at their last game. It was still a great game and something I'd recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to do.

On the Monday I got on a flight to the US to visit my US family and friends for a few days, before returning to spend some time in Wales (specifically Burryport) and to attend Alex's graduation from Henley College where he received the MBA that he worked on for six years! These trips will be documented in separate entries.

On to America...