from here to there and back again

2003-03-27T22:27:00.000Z

2002-11-30T20:30:00.000Z

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And so, I came home again....
flying out of the USA on Thanksgiving was interesting. The obly AmericansI saw were the staff in the asirport.. everyone else were tourists etc, as real Americans don't fly anywhere then... they have done their travelling already!
Heaps of security, but none for me, for a change.

Long flights.... and then, in NZ and Oz... such little security! Even tho my luggage was xrayed in Oz, because I declared candy- there was no sense that I was "related to terrorists" etc... the feeling you get ALL the time in USA airport space.

I LOVED hearing the accents again... in the LA lounge... there they were- the Aussies.

I am an Aussie at heart, I think, who loves the UK, enjoyed the continent of the north America, and who travelled round the world- and back again, and had fun.
There and back again.

2002-11-27T22:21:00.000Z

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Wednesday....

For lunch, L took me to the dearest English Teahouse.... full of dainty sandwhiches and scones... but oh, suddenly I felt homesick for the REAL thing.... lovely as the USA is- the UK was wonderful! It touched my heart in a way no other place could do. Anyway, this shop had a great ammount of pretty floral UK china, teapots etc for sale. We drove around some regions then too, finding a part for L's computer, and getting lost... suburban sprawl here is the same as anywhere really. The tourist stretches are great; the rest is ho -humish big town.
Then on to the airport hotel in which I am to spend the night- and the final farwell to a dear friend. Lots of farewells to folk over the last few months- people who really matter to me now.... Heaven will need to fulfill my requirements- a place where you never need to say "goodbye".
But, as I walked back inside after the hugs- and found a Work Centre (with free access to internet), I was sure of 2 things- sometimes earth is a place that resembles heaven in many ways- especially when relationships with people are involved, and then, now- it is good to have set my face towards home.
I want to hear people say that peculiar sound that only Australians say... the ER sound as in "butter" or "Brisbane".

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Over the last 2 days I posted this thread in both the internnetboards I belong to... I repost it here, more for my records than anything else... And it seems appropriate for Thanksgiving Eve.

"Going home with a thankful heart!
So long Singapore, Sydney, UK, Canada and USA- and thankyou for the hospitality so many of you gave to me over my past 3 months of travel...

I wanted to say something to the many folk who met me these past few months... please read, BUT don't feel you have to respond... this is just my way of responding to my need to say "thanks". And a thread seemed an easier way to do it- so that no-one was left out.

Thankyou to the folk, dear folk, who over the last 3 months, befriended me- an internet friend- in real life... who had me stay in their homes,who drove me places, who picked me up (sight unseen) from stations and airports, who looked after me when I was sick, who wined and dined me, who showed me their favourite places in their neighbourhood, who prayed with me and for me, who laughed with me, who hugged me, who talked to me on the phone, who did my washing, who sometimes made kind plans to meet me (but things sadly fell through), who taught me to eat strange but wonderful foreign foods- who did all or some of these things with me or for me. Thankyou so much- from my heart, with my love.

Thankyou for sharing yourselves and a little of your world with me. It was fun. I saw fabulous places, and met wonderful people. I have a heartful of memories, 2 full suitcases, and heaps of undeveloped film. But it is the heartful that is the most important.

And if I can ever return the favour- well, make your way to my neck of the woods...

With love as I return to Australia tomorrow,
Rowen"

2002-11-27T05:34:00.000Z

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Still Tuesday:

Tonight we went out to an indian place, where I was given my own Thanksgiving Dinner, albeit both early and unusual... but lovely! I had Indian my first night at Silwe's in london, and now- my last night with friends here.
Such interesting conversation. L and her husband are fascinating people- clever, aware, interested and compassionate.

I have been so fortunate- to meet so many of the dearest folk- from Sydney through to San Francisco, over the past 3 months.

I have fallen madly in lust with a fruit called pomegranites... and will look for them at home.

Lovely weather- cool, clear blue skies that go on forever... a halfway point between there anyway, and home.

Sad and glad that this time is almost up... one thing I have noticed... the absence of deep-down stress... long service leaves are a damm good idea! plus theymake all foreigners envious, and this is a good thing! lol

I quote the diary bit that L wrote about me, but in her own blog....

" Row came along to Crim today and had a fantastic time (at least I'm pretty sure she wasn't kidding when she said so). She didn't bother with Civ Pro, though, which was probably wise. She's also had a ball discovering all of the things one can eat in California that are unavailable, or at least exceedingly difficult to find, in Australia, including burritos, banh mi, pupusas, and -- [at this point I realize I can't move to Australia until they figure this one out] -- pomegranates. The two of us came home from The City today and tucked into a pair of pomegranates with all the fervor and delight of kids licking the bowl after Mom made cookies"

2002-11-26T21:22:00.000Z

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Well, today, Tuesday has been fascinating!

Again, I came into SF with L, using a variety of transport systems... we went into her law school, where I attended a lecture on duress- interesting topic, extremely good lecturer- passionate, funny, clever....
Then Vietnamese sandwhiches for lunch- and now this...
I am mostly going to write this now, so flok are aware of my next movements. Following the messed-up of my Detroit-Vancouver ticket, things changed around several times re flights. But now, all is stable, and the Brisnbane folk know when I come in. I will spend tomorrow night in an airport motel, and then flight out Thanksgiving morning. I am not likely to have much internet access after all this, until I get home Saturday... but, as said yesterday, I will continue this diary for a few more days- to record the home flights- just in case anyone is interested.
Sf has been a beaut place to visit, and the friends here just lovely!

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Upon reflection, I rather like keeping a diary online... even if it doesn't necessarily go public. Blogging is a practice growing in popluarity today, so who knows!

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When this diary started I included a prayer I found in a Celtic liturgy book... I posted it here, because I liked it, but it was lost in the early crash this site had... so I will include again here.... You see, I couldn't find a prayer for long-service leave , so adopted this instead.

Blessing for a sabbath:

May you enter trustingly into this sabbath space
May you enter quietly into this sabbath rest
May you enter joyfully into this sabbath play.

Let your body unfold in this sabbath
Let your mind unwind in this sabbath
Let your spirit extend in this sabbath

May it reveal its secrets to you gently
May it embody its truth in you authentically
May it release new life in you abundantly

So go with gladness into this sabbath
Go with gratitude into this sabbath
And may the God who rests on the sabbath
look at her labours in you
and proclaim "It is very good!"

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And finally, a very good recipe I got, from Yavanna, back in Cornwall... it is yummy.... (NOTE, in the USA, fresh coriander is called cilantro)

"The recipe you wanted! Vary the amounts depending on the number of people you want to feed.

Boil some nice wholegrain brown rice. Rinse in hot water and set to one side.Steam some green beans, or any other green veg you fancy.
Put a tablespoon of olive oil and a couple of tablespoons of butter into a frying pan. Add some crushed garlic (as much or as little as you like - but minimum two cloves I'd say), two teaspoons each of coriander and cumin, pepper and salt (I put in slightly more because I like strong flavours).
Heat the spices/garlic gently in the oil and butter mix. Add a tin or two of drained chickpeas and heat through.
Add the rice and beans.
As a last minute garnish you can add fresh chopped coriander ! Et voila! "

2002-11-26T05:47:00.000Z

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monday was fun... I spent the day with S, from yesterday... He wrote an account for the board we belong to, so I thought his account was geographically correct- and I post it here.....
(S gave up a day of work for me! how generous...)

"So we had an excellent time today. After I met Row and Laurelin, we saw Laur off to her school while Row and I took a cable car from the Market St turnaround to Aquatic Park. Row was quite thrilled as the cable car mounted Nob Hill, swung around to Russian Hill, then plunged down to the park.

We strolled by the water a bit, then checked out the shops in Ghiradelli Square. Stopped by The Cannery for a bit then walked through Fisherman's Wharf where got a walkaway crab cocktail from a vender. No, silly the cocktail doesn't walk away on its own legs, you walk away eating it! Then it was off to get tickets for a Bay Cruise. While we waited for the cruise to depart, we had In-and-Out Burgers. A first for me Then we cruised under the Golden Gate Bridge and circled Alcatraz. They had cool headset that played a narration that told you what you were seeing

After that we strolled back to the Cannery, and hired a cab to take us down the crookedest street in the world--no silly, not Wall Street in New York, crooked as in making lots of turns! Then we had the cab drop us off at the top of Coit Tower where Rowe didn't exactly delight the ticket seller by paying for her ticket entirely in change. We checked out the stairway gardens of Greenwich and Filbert Streets and actually saw the wild flock of parrots--ruby headed conures--that live on Telegraph Hill. We strolled down to Grant Avenue, sipped cool sodas at the Caffe Trieste in North Beach and ambled back through Chinatown, where we took buses to hook up with Laurelin back at her college! "

And then home via Costco, and a most delicious doughnut shop- Krispy Cremes.
I leave here soon and return to Oz. I will keep this diary here until I get home, in case it needs headlines, like "Clergy stuck in Auckland for 65 hours" or something.

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Yesterday, someone on line- Yavanna from Cornwall, asked me what I'd leant from all this... and I said that the goals were accomplished- ie, the heartful of memories, and the working out if I was a nice person under years of professional nicess... plus I thhink I have discovered I am a witty person, and the type that can go out into the world, and face it, and DO adventures! Yeah, me!

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lost, in SF... a pair of specs. like last time... last week in California... last few days... lose the damm things! However I have already contacted my optometrist... my sister's brother-in-law... like last time, it will be covered by insurance, but bugger! The annoyingness of this over the next few days...

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I quoted a line of poetry yesterday... my sister emailed a little more...

I only know one more line than you:-
"Today I have seen all I wish
For I have seen ten thousand fish

I suspect Ogden Nash but I'm not sure"

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R emailed me too- (from Wenatchee)

"Rowe, I just read your online diary of your visit
here. So sweet!!! How fun to hear things from your
point of view--I'm so glad you had a good time!"

Lots of good times really.
But I want to go home I think, full of memories, but desirous of my own familiar life once more.

2002-11-24T16:27:00.000Z

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San Francisco.......

Sunday was the best of days!

We left home about 10, and picked up Stormcrow from the KD board, driving off to brunch- where Belegund joined us. I met ALL these folk last time I was here- and indeed stayed with B... so much rejoicing. B left us then... we drove down the coast to Monteray- a resort famous for its aquarium... and boy, was the fame well-deserved. Expensive to get in, but worth it....
Heaps of displays in tanks, including one several stories high... but the new display was this fabulous jelly (fish) centre, where art, music, glass sculpture, science and jellies were displayed.The animals swam serenely about, exquisite in their colouring, and deceptively fragile-looking beauty. Sizes varied. Lights were used as part of the display; gentle music played... one fascinating TV screen showed what we called "jelly porn"! Long scenes of animals swimming, interspersed with scenes of ballet dancers, in many floating costumes and draperies, and one nude, swimming, with scarves drapped around her. then back to the jellies, gently undulating... Amazing photography and editing.
Sea otters swam in a tank; oodles of fish and the like. I remembered a poem from somewhere in my youth... "today I have seen ten thousand fish" is all I can remember... but it was true.
We then drove back to SF along a lovely coastline, stopping off in the Artichoke Heart of the nation to buy deep-fried artichokes (yummy), and then passing through the Garlic Heart... and the smell permeated out through the region.
Finally we went to The Outback.... a pseudo Aussie restaurant chain... the food was nice, but any pretensions of real links to Oz were crap... apart from an imaginative use of place names as food titles. Hal, another poster, joined us for dinner- and a merry time was had by all.
but all good times come to an end...

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Finally, I get to meet L's famous chinchillas... her 2 pets... soft, furry and adorable creatures... they live in the study in a large cage.

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Again, hosts full of gracious hospitality and love, and adesire to have me happy and relaxed. I am so fortunate in the gift of friends- internet buddies included.

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Saturday... Wentachee to San Francisco:

We had a lovely drive from Wenatchee to Seattle Airport... through heaps of mountain passes - all without snow... R dutifully phoned to see if the way was clear- and it most certainly was. There was snow high above us, and down low it was expected, but not yet... The road went through some beautiuful forest country- just lovely.
We drove hru' the town used for the TV series Northern Exposure... just the same as on TV... (Town = Rosslyn). Then past the hills used for TwinPeaks series too. We had a break at Rosslyn, buying lemonade from 2 little girls, ans wandering the streets, recognising landmarks.
At Seattle, they had the most incredible checkin procedure, involving 4 desks, and security Xrays etc. My large suitcase had "dense" material therin, so was marked for opening... BUT we discoverd the keys were back in Wenatchee.... so they used hacksaws! Absent-minded me qualities finally kicked in!
Finally, here I am in SF- the last week of the trip...
Laurelin and her husband are so welcoming...we had fab. El Salvodorean food for ddinner, and then went on to a Tea House, where I drank a mix of grape juice and tea... will have to try and work it out when I get home.
Lots of laughter and "remember whens"..

2002-11-22T19:56:00.000Z

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Friday...
The theory was I could have done anything today- the reality was I chose nothing... Yeah! (Spent some time today making SF plans, and going home emails.)
R wrote in my present tonight- the extended dvd of The Lord of the Rings..."Blessings on the great quest of your life. We may not run into elves or orcsm but our adventures are marvellous none the less. You have the stirit of Strider, the courage of Frodo and the heart of Sam. I'm so glad to call you friend." Well, tis true about the non-likelihood of elves- but we do sometimes find angels!

I have met a lot of angels the past 8 weeks.

Thursday...
went for a walk; worked on my theory that at any time of the day, one can watch Star Trek (the newer version) on TV here; went to Costco's with R... At night we went out to friend's of R'd for dinner and TV (the American Survivor- wierdly fascinating) - but the company was fun, and loved meeting an Australian with a cute accent. The house was high on the hills near here- fab. view.
R gave me an Xmas gift- the new extended version dvd of The Lord of the Rings- which she bought at Costco's. So sweet- seeing that it was that book which spurred us on to become friends!
Soon I will fly on to SF and then- after a week of fun- will go home....the time is ripe I think, for new beginnings, and new resumings... I will miss the adventure- but I have accomplished my goals, and know quite well that life goes on...

2002-11-21T23:31:00.000Z

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Wednesday....

R came home to pick me up at lunch- we went downtown, where I did some walking around the streets -"Art on the Avenue" project... quite interesting. Then I was walking to the museum, when suddenly I was haled on the street. I almost fainted with shock, for this is not something I have come across the last few months- who would know me to hale me? Anyhows, it was a woman from the Book Club... and we walked companionably up the hill. I entered the museum- quite interesting, if small townish, but with one of the best model railway exhibitions I have ever seen- of the local scene, that goes through the mountains. And then a long walk home, as I meanderd through the streets. As long as you know which mountains are closest to your house, it would be hard to get lost here. Cool, grey weather.
Then, last night we went up to Leavensworth to have dinner. I love clams- nicer than mussels. It was coooollllld outside, but cosy in the pub. Such pretty Xmas lights.
R is a very dear person, and I am so glad we are friends. She is a very "out there" Christian, so we have had great conversations, and she has good taste in Christian music.

2002-11-20T07:14:00.000Z

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It was a lovely day....

I caught a local bus up into the mountains- after dressing warmly... intrigued that it was part of the local service- 1 hour trip for a dollar... I got out at the little German town I mentioned ealier- Leavenworth. (It is just under Steven's Pass, and is usually white by about now... surrounded by the tallest mountains, and forests). The town is SOOOOO sweet. All Xmas lights and decs, tho' no snow yet. Just crisp and cold. Full of the cutest shops selling everything quaint- like ummmm, Montville, Threadbo, and the German place near Adelaide combined. Even an Australian shop- where I bought some reasonably oldish chocolate- still it was nice to see it all. But arts and crafts galore, and I finished off my Xmas shopping. The parks were green and decorated; the German pub where I bought lunch- it all added to the charm. Full of tourists of course, but as most folk loved my accent and asked what it was, I can only assume that not many Aussies make it here. But, an angel shop, a Xmas dec shop, scents, clothes, antiques- the works. I heard so many Xmas carols- felt all of a sudden that I needed to go home soon, and be soppy with family and friends! The yummiest sausage lunch, and then, later, when I realised I'd missed the 3 pm bus down, a German apple cake afternoon tea. Now here was the first place I have ever bought tea out- and boy, they did not know how to make it. Americans are not into "normal" tea at all- however they took my instructions well.
At 4 pm it was dark, and the lovely lights were on all over. I caught the bus down, past windy hill trails, rivers in chasms etc... When we arrived in town, it was about 5 pm, and very dark and cold. R had assured me it would be safe to walk home- and indeed I felt so.

Service is good here- and bus drivers so helpful- advising me where to get off and on, and how to find places.

I wish I was an artist- to describe how beautiful this place was, in pictures... the mountains and snow, and this little village nestled in an alcove...

Then tonight, R took me to her Book Club. It was great- about 5 women from her church. They were all welcoming of me. Fortunately I had read some of George MacDonald, and could talk a little, but I need to read a lot more of this Congregational minister, in the UK, in the late 1800s, who wrote fiction, poetry, and non-fiction- and whose work sounded fascinating.

Home to bed- deserved and needed!

2002-11-18T17:34:00.000Z

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Monday in WA, Wenatchee...

What a lovely afternoon. R drove me downtown, as she returned to work, after popping home for lunch. I went first to the Visitor Info place- friendly folk got me all fixed up with leaflets and the like. Then I wandered through the historic downtown area, filled with interesting plaques (describing the wherefors), and heaps of arty/antique/craft/book/local produce shops. Totally charming. I bought a few odds and ends, but mostly looked, finishing off in a genuine-looking soda fountain shop, with iced tea- a habit learned from Anna back in Ohio. I will definately come back here this week, and re-potter!
Then I walked home- 35 mins or so... brisk walk- it was cold. Through the streets, and a park, where I kicked fallen leaves. Fall is definately over- the trees are bare, and the grass is frosted dead. They are just waiting for the snow now.
But a good walk leads to reflection time- no matter how much I enjoy the continent here, I MISS the UK. Anna and Robert were right, back in Oxford- I AM an Englishwoman at heart and in habbits.

Sunday:

R and I saw the others off home, and pottered around for a while. R felt better today than she had, after her back injury, so we went off grocery shopping- where she would ask me to choose items- and honestly, the choice was mind-blowing! Then we drove around the town, and up to the lookout. The valley is surrounded by mountains, and they get taller and taller until they are big enough for snow, and then they go on getting taller....
Later in the day, we went to Costco's shop (talk about choice), and got the extended version of Lord of the Rings, which we viewed later- fabulous. Also bought dinner.
Dear R is the same sweet person I saw in LA, but she seems happier here. I think she is much more of a smaller town person than a city one.

2002-11-17T18:01:00.000Z

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From one town to the next...

Saturday... I needed to get to WA to see Rosie- my host for the next week. A back injury prevented her from spending the weekend here with us. As we explored the alternatives, W volunteered to drive the 5 hours south. As her car is a little ill at present, I volunteered the hire of one, so it was all arranged accordingly. What a generous offer on her part. She is the loveliest of people!
We set out at 2, in pouring rain, stopping to get doughnut holes (Tim Bits) from Tim Horton's (famous chain of shops here). We reached the boarder in about 45 mins, and stopped there, going inside the building... W forgot her daughter's ID, but they let her through. I had the usual forms to fill out. We had decided not to mention the internet connection- as a red flag to a bull apparently. I was asked how I knew someone in WA- I mentioned I had met her in LA ... then how did I know someone in LA? I vaguely mentioned I was a clergy person and met all sorts of folks... And that was it. But 2 things- when were these questions devised?, (surely in this day and age, people know folk all around the world, even without the internet), and damm, I couldn't remember Rosie's last name- even though I stayed with her before AND communicated regularly over 3 years.... And at least the clergy bit, as a means of knowing her was correct- that had caught her interest originally, all those years ago. However, at one stage, W- who had also met R, muttered aloud something about R V being a damm good bud.... But the thing that tickled us so, was all this time W carefully carried and sheltered the Tim Bits!
Then, off we drove... puring rain for the first few hours, mostly through towns. But then- in the darkness of 4.50 pm, we hit the mountains and moonlight and SNOW! It was exquisitely beautiful. We stopped for a drink in a tiny German-inspired township- lights of Christmas and all. Totally beautiful. We sang, and talked, and ate, and explored our lives for 5 hours in that car- such fun. What an adventure that drive was!
We got into R's house about 7.30. No snow here, but bitingly cold. And recieved a right royal welcome!
I am so glad I met W and her daughter.

Friday ... We had a lovely dinner of fondue... savoury, then chocolate, and white chocolate on pears is divine. Then we collected a friend of W's, popped into Walmart- I think that shop is remarkably interesting- then went to the late night showing of the new Harry Potter movie, which came out today. We thought it was fabulous! (But not at all suitable for young children). Home- late, cold, wet.

Thursday was pretty quiet... I love doing nothing at times, during these holidays.

2002-11-14T17:09:00.000Z

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Fall in Vancouver...

An interesting week in all....

Wednesday was just a lazy day- I needed it! The apartment is pretty and comfortable... the 2 folk here friendly and welcoming... the Aussie gifts successful.... cool and wet outside. W is a scrabble person too!

Tuesday was a long day... I checked out of the hotel, took the mini-bus thing to the airport and checked in. I discovered I would fly to Vancouver via Fort Worth, Texas. If you know the geography of the USA, you will realise this is bizarre... Anyway, I was chosen to have my luggage searched- the folk were pleasant, and thorough, and actually very good in packing it all back in. Then 2 hours south, 4 hours in Texas, then 4 1/2 hours north... The airport was boring- at least UK ones have shops. The USA ones have food courts....
I finally got in to Vancouver, where I met willow. We drove an hour or so to Chillawack, wheree I met 11 yr old T, and then went thankfully to bed.

Monday.... I went with BFM to Detroit Airport and said farewell to her. They were sooo good in hosting the meet and the fun was enormous! Anyway, at checkin I discovered my flight no longer existed. They had not let me know this, even tho they all had my email addy. After some stressful coversations, they booked me in the next day, but told me I was respomsible for finding a place to sleep. Fortunately, the Info Desk had a good deal with the airport hotel, so I booked in there. It was kinda nice really- all comfort and smoothness, but I was MAD. Anyway, I spent a little while looking at the airport shops (bleah), the hotel foyer ones (bleah), and then the TV in my room. As it was late by the time this was settled, and wet and cold, it didn't seem worthwhile doing anything more exciting. Besides, I needed to recover from my weekend!

2002-11-11T01:55:00.000Z

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Rememberance Day long weekend, continued...

Sunday was wet, windy, )tornado-y elsewhere in the state), but still mild. We stayed indoors until the afternoon took us out to Stel's horseriding lesson, and then shopping in the mall. Stel is so sweet- reminds me of Hannah and Emma at home... she gave me her room, insisting payment only in the borrowing of my new scarf...

Anyway, lots of laughing, and talking... and then the farewells as Hallah, Elevensies and co left. We went out to dinner then, and now home- to listen to Australian and local cds, play board games etc.

BFM has been a great host. Ditto her husband. The 3 girls are lots of fun. As to the others- great company. So much fun.
Hallah is the first native American I have ever met... a few fascinating talks...

Tomorrow = Detroit Airport, and back to Canada- Vancouver- a motel actually.
And my poor head must cope with yet another change of currency- the bag of Canadian notes is in my suitcase. I'll put the USA bag back in there in the motel.

Some reflections-

# I think I am a witty person. Good with some impersonations. But generally quite funny. I never really thought about it before, but as I have spent the last few months, meeting folk, and finding out more about ME- well!

# One of my aims for this time away- and I wrote them here somewhere, was to see if I am a nice person- under all those years of being paid to be "nice"... and I think I am. I like the person I know I am...

# My vision of heaven... Never having to say "goodbye" again.... One of the things I have done over and over to people these last few months... people I really like and rspect- and leave far behind me in time and place. Heaven WON"T be like this!

# Again, the delight of belonging to an international internet community or 2... and meeting AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL friends in RL after virtuality... Mind you, 2 of the folk this weekend I hardly even knew online- but they wanted to travel down to a meet and to discover me! But the fact remains.....

# I have to pack up yet again. Bloody suitcases...

2002-11-10T01:38:00.000Z

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Rememberance Day long weekend....

Friday-
We drove to BFM's house, in Ohio... lunched in a good Asian place... got lost a bit... said our goodbyes, sadly... AND the next part of my trip began.
Farewell Athens, Ohio. Hello Findlay.

Saturday-
The house is full... 4 KD posters and another in the house, plus 3 visiting posters and 2 kids.... I am going to simply quote the post I made at the website KD owns-

"me
Elevensies
Hallah
BFM
Stel
Bloodfire
Gror
Stardust
(and assorted families)

Today we laughed, walked, ate scrumptious icecream at a shop, played games, listened to Hallah play the guitar, watched TV, ate lots of food, introduced Rowen to rootbeer, leant about Aussies and Ohioans, listened to Steve Irwin impersonations, admired a Frodoll, watched THE movie, made friends with each other, had a good time, and- did I mention this already? - laughed!"

2002-11-08T15:51:00.000Z

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THURSDAY...

At night, we went to the opening of a Photographic Exhibition at the Kennedy Museum (lovely old building, on site owned and restored by the uni, and was once the old Asylum.) This was put on by the same group that he family have been involved with for some years now... A photo group of people with a pyschiatric illness. The quality was stunning. We met a whole bunch of the artists themselves, and had cheese etc- which Emily loved! After signing the guest book, E raced into a gallery and proceeded to dance in its empty space, telling me about the need for "personal space" therein- not bad knowledge for a 5 yr old! It really was a good night.

E is smart I think, but also, her kindergarten year (our preschool) does stuff that back home would be done in Yr 1, so when I watch her, I think of the 6 yr olds I know- doing number facts, spellings, cursive etc.
She says she will miss me, and I her! True.

I have had a great time here in Athens. It was truly lovely to spend time with the family here.

FRIDAY...
I pack- uuugghh! I want to go somewhere, and unpack for ever and ever and ever! Maybe it is good to be facing the journey home over the next few weeks! (Byt tragic too!)
We will drive to Findlay, where I will spend the long weekend with BFM and co.... a KD meet is planned for the time, with lots of folk to meet and whose company I will enjoy.

I HATE packing!

An Indian summer here now.... lovely warm Autumn day.

2002-11-06T18:13:00.000Z

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Wednesday...

the local press tells us that between 25 and 30 thousand folk were at the party downtown, Saturday night. No wonder it seemed like a lot! I don't think I have ever been in such a crowd before. (Count at 11 pm)

We had Wendy's burgers for dinner last night.... A had a meeting to go too, so it seemed easier really. There are SO many take-away food places in the US, and even in Canada. (The burgers were nicer than McDonalds.)

Emily continues to do the accent thing. Plus, Katie brought home an intelligence test from the university to do on E for an assignment. Now E has this game with me- "You do the answers and I'll play the mommy!"

Christmas stuff is out and about. When I left home, winter was just finished, and yet I'll be home by early Advent.... Goodness, how the year flies.
This was in a catalogue yesterday.... It tickled my fancy.
"Three Wise Women: You know what would have happened if there had been three wise WOMEN instead of three wise MEN, don’t you?
They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the Baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and given practical gifts. And there would have been Peace on Earth!"

Katie is worried that I may be bored here- but I am not. Sure, it is quiet here, BUT I wanted some quiet time on my long service leave. I knew it wouldn't be available in the UK, or even elsewhere in this continent. BUT this is needed- as a time of resting after all those long years of working, and being always available and kind. Furthermore, I will go home in time for a hot Xmas... and if that is not busy, I don't know what is then. I am really enjoying- pjs on until lunch... playing on the computer... 120 (approx) TV channels... etc!
(Besides E comes home after 3, and then there is NO peace anywhere for some hours!)

2002-11-05T15:11:00.000Z

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Tuesday
I loved this new item in the local newspaper yesterday... how the police were called in to deal with a suspiciously-behaving groundhog in some public space in town! Gotta get those darn groundhogs!
It says a lot about this region, that such an item is in the press. Athens is a university town, in an Appalachian region- and the population is either one or the other. And it is the other who go shopping in red flannels, torn jeans and have a thicker-than-thick accent.
Speaking of accents- last night Emily and I played accents. For a 5 yr old, she is remarkably quick at picking them up, and can do a variety of regional American ones, and loves the real Oz one too. She is a very dear little girl!

2002-11-04T14:04:00.000Z

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Monday.
As autumn has progressed, I keep thinking of this...

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run.

(Keats, John.....
"To Autumn ")

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Athens, OH 0...10 C
Brisbane 18...27 C

2002-11-03T22:14:00.000Z

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The weekend:

SATURDAY-
Well, the snow never came, but the morning temps., below 0.c, mean frosts, frozen puddles and flowers in the garden- and a cold shopping expedition on Saturday. A, Emily and I went to the Xmas Fair at E's school, then to the Farmers' Markets, then to the Mall.... shopping in such cold weather, in and out, with a 5 year old was rather tiring!
In the afternoon, we pottered round the house. E declares I must come and live in the house for ever, bringing my belongings here, so that Grandpa can store them all in the garage, along with mummy's and Anna's... Grandpa thought it rather funny when we told him this. Apparently I must live forever in the spare room, and play with E tirelesly... I asked her what about Emma and Kate, back home with Alison in brisbane, and she looked rather blank, and then announced it didn't matter- I could visit them occasionally! So much for me planning my life out....
Late at night, A and I went onto town. The University Halloween Party is famous apparently amongst the nation's uni students. Thousands of young folk dress up and the whole CBD erupts into party-mode... bands, bars, police (mounted at that) take to the streets... A cross between- oooh... New Year/ Ekka last night/ B and S ball back home maybe. Anyway, the tourists go in to. A and I went in to look, and then meet Anna and friend and have a drink. The crowd was ENORMOUS, still relatively sober at that stage, and the costumes ranged from stunning to bizarre! It was all very interesting. Twice we were caught up in this press of bodies, unable to move. Anna was simply dressed, but then she is post-grad... I think younger folk were more into the fun of the crowd. I had this lovely blackberry alcoholic drink.
From the ridiculous to the sublime... Silwe emailed me this-

Yes, St. Albans is a cherished memory... Not least the beauty of the Cathedral and the wonderful shrine which touched me so very very deeply. I'm so glad that is something I could give to you on your travels...and even to Pearl who had never been. To have had that building restored to its full beauty was a symbol of 'man's' faith and the devotion to that which is above all of us. Whatever your beliefs might be...as long as you believe. :)

SUNDAY
At home... cooking, playing, cleaning up the back verandah- all the pots of flowers and ponds are emptied, prior to winter snow. E loves to make the Snowflake pretzels I make with Emma and Kate back home.
I have made the phone calls to my next lot of hosts. It's kinda funny... To me my trip is winding down a little. To these folk, the excitment of my visit is in the anticipation, and my arrival...Eg Laurelin mentions my impending visit to San Francisco in the equivilent of this on-line diary... ooooooh, maybe I am famous! (joke)

2002-11-01T21:21:00.000Z

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Oh dear... 3 computers in this house and I am still behind in the diary....
Anyway-

Friday: I went with Ade today to Marrietta, the town where she works- about an hour's drive away- to the school in which she is a physio. I read until lunch, was was a Departmental Potluck- nice food. Her co-workers were very pleasant, and said lovely things about her. Then we pottered around some shops, then home... Tis sunny, but cold today, yet no snow... Brrrrr... the autumn leaves are beautiful in the sun. At Gabes, A bought my Xmas present- Rockport shoes for $20. Considering their great value in Oz, and the extreme usefulness of the ones I am currently wearing, this is a really good gift. She bought some for herself too. We could go out dressed as sisters!

Thursday: I went to one of the malls in town- had an American pretzel. They are so nice- I can't think why they are not sold in Oz. At 5.30 pm, with Emily in a witch's costume, we braved the outdoors for the legally-defined hour of trick-or-treating. She was accompanied by all the women in the house, and a car, and grandpa stayed behind to deal out sweets here. Firstly we did the street, then we drove on into town, to an area that they knew would be good, with folk they knew. It was a blast! Heaps of little kids and families, houses lit up, and best of all- some adults in the houses were dressed up too. A couple from A's church, and a doctor friend. He especially- came out and hugged me etc. Lots of laughter, and people were interested to know this was my first time. Emily got heaps of loot! Some houses were great- the occupants had gone to enormous trouble.

Wednsday... A day of nothing, which was needed really. The quieter pace of life here is a good change after the busy past weeks. At night I went with A to a meeting of local mental health consumers/families etc. We watched a very good video about a family with a significant stressing factor in their midst.
I am enjoying talking with K and A, and playing with Emily. She wants to know everything about her twin cousins back in Brisbane- same age etc.

2002-10-30T14:55:00.000Z

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TUESDAY was cold... cold....cold... down from the average by about 20. f... wind chill factor in the 30s f.... What is it with the weather? UK has an Indian summer when I arrive, and then North America gets ccccoooolllldddd! Still they are predicting snow later this week, and it will be a cold trick-or-treating.
I took Katie out to lunch in a place a little like Sizzler's at home. It was a very wet and grey day, but the food was fine. Then I picked up the first few lots of photos I had devoloped... most will wait til I get home, but these were the films that included my niece Caroline in Scotland, and I figured her family would like to se them. Ah, but the total lot brought back mrmories.
I spent some time helping A on the computer. It still seems kinda funny that I apparently know so much!
My great-niece continues to be really cute. She loves to hear my stories of my Brisbane twin nieces, who are the same age.
American TV is fascinating- such a lot of choice- lots of it pathetic... but interesting. Full of the Washington sniper thing of course, and occasionally, the terrorist issues. (Oh, forgot to record, I think, that when we did the service in Sherbrooke, that I prayed for Australia's Day of Mourning that day.)
The Autumn trees here are lovely to look at, and provide some colour against the grey sky.
One month to go.
It was cold today!
Really.

2002-10-28T21:06:00.000Z

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Monday ...

I also miss- normal showers and toilets. I am howver getting to the stage now, that whilst I realise that every bathroom will be totally different from the previous- but now, having seen them everywhere, I can usually work out how they all work. (Everyone takes me inside to explain how their particular and peculiar setup works. Or, I have been know to stand there, thinking "Heck, I have been to uni for 9 years, and hence refuse to let this damm shower beat me, let alone never finding out how this loo flushes!")

Today, I wandered around town, getting a hair cut, exploring, and going to a church soup lunch affair- part of a programme on women and religion. Good Hindu speaker.

Athens is very much the university city- students everywhere.

Put some film in at the new Walmart- huge store; personal greeting when you walk in. It's a huge chain of large cheapish stores, and a recent article in a newspaper at home slated it for its multi-national image thing. It also mentioned it will never come to Oz, because we are too small or something.

2002-10-28T01:59:00.000Z

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Autumn in Ohio:

1. Sunday morning was rather slow given the night before... Katie, Anna, Emily and I had brunch at the Golf Club- lovely autumn trees down the hills there. Then we cooked at home, watched movies, played with Emily etc. Tonight was fun- A's church had a Halloween Potluck Supper- lots of themed food, and then the pumpkin carving. I had one to myself, and watched others to understand what one did. A has these nifty little carving tools, so it was easy but messy. The variety of pumpkin used is a soft-skinned one- it was good to complete it tho, and I felt proud of my handiwork. Welcoming folk at church, several of whom I had met before.
I know Halloween is a little-thought-of festival at home, especially in churches- but here it is part and parcel of the community's year.

2. Saturday night- Anna and Katie took me into a bar in town- my tour of the world via publife is obviously continuing. It was a band from days-of-yore in the university, and so quite a group of folk listening were my age or thereabouts. The music was good- I even joined the group dancing on the floor. We sat with some of Katie's post-grad. fellow-students. Late night. Taxi home, just with K, as A went out with more friends. It was sweet to see their touching concern for my well-being during the evening.
Summer-time ended tonight.

3. Reflections...
I miss (apart from folk)-
my bed
my phone
garage-shopping with Vanessa
change of footwear

I do not regret buying (over the last 5 years)-
a decent camera
warm camping-type socks
camping towel
small day backpack
Brit Rail pass

SMALL BREAK TAKEN SO I COULD LIE BESIDE EMILY, AND PERSUADE HER SLEEP WAS AN OPTION.

4. I have a small devoted follower, I think!

5. My asthma is heaps better here. Absence of damp? Air pollution? Who knows.

2002-10-26T18:48:00.000Z

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Dearie me, a whole week without comp.access....
so here goes-

1. Saturday... lovely to greet my great-niece... shopping at Farmers Markets, pottering etc...
Cool, but dry.
Again, totally exquisite trees.

2. Friday... Dorval airport again...Farwell to V and N- V will be in Australia soon, but will miss me, tho she will catch up with the others... a hideous long wait to check in... then USA customs- such a bother... a plane to Chicargo- no food... a rush thererin- no food time, let alone time to find a source of USA cash... then smaller plane- no food or drink + major turbulance... then Columbus at about 4.45 pm...
Adrienne and Anna met me in pouring rain- my plane used steps and tarmac again- 2 years ago, snow, this time- major wet!
Then much needed food and drink in a large mall, and shopping around... left for Athens very late- long day, long flights that seemed to take a long time to go what is really a short distance...
But great to be with my sister and co.

3. Thursday- we drove into Montreal. Whilst V and N spent the afternoon with cousins, I walked through part of the Old Town area, in the inner-city.... lovely craft markets, where I bought a wooden tea box, with the money given me as pay for the Sunday ay church. Being paid for the supply was unexpected, so I wanted to buy something unique to the area. Then into the 18 miles of undergound shopping mall- and I only saw a bit, at that. Amazing place. Warm inside. And also the beautifully ornate Cath. Cathedral- the Basilica. Old and glorious- even if slightly over the top for my taste. 9000 pipes in the organ. Ornate gold leave etc- but lovely really. I did the English tour- "Now you are about to begin to see the altar which is in front of your very eyes right now"- our guide's English was a little convulted.
Then to friends for the night- as Friday was early start a tthe sirport for me. Friendly folk- she is from Redditch, and he is French Canadian. Fancy place for dinner- superb Asian food- a kind of fried spinach leaf in mine. V/N and friends were so generous- never once did I pay for anything here.

Some reflections-
# Halloween decs everywhere- some tacky, some charming.
# The frustration of being in a VERY French-speaking area... but once they heard my accent in shops, everyone was helful- customers around me, staff and all. V and Nand co- all bilingual or more- but obviously not with me. Fascinating, but frustrating. I could read and understand a fair bit, surprisingly. (No French since high school)
# The absolute kindness of Vand N- their generousity of heart was stunning! And great to be with family I knew and loved- so many stories of each others' lives. Also, liked their stance on social justice etc.

4. Wednesday... V and I drove up the the closest ski run- not much snow, but enough to make it beautiful... the Autumn trees are SOOOOOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL everywhere. We walked through the forest, exclaiming in delight... Then afternoon tea with an artist friend in this sweet pine/quilt type house in the country.
Cold.

5. Tuesday.... V's house was finally finished with the redecorating process, so all 3 of us put the furniture back- and voila- lovely house! Long and cold walk. Then a lovely dinner party with folk from Church- to meet me, and celebrate the house. Great food- we were good cooks.

6. Monday- snow everywhere- very excited indeed. Long walk with V. V had some meetings that afternoon, so I pottered among the shops in the mall. Vietnamese Restaurant for dinner.
COLD.

7. Sunday morning saw light snow falling, but not settling. We drove to V's United Church of Canada- where I preached and did the Kids' Talk, and she led the liturgy, as the minister was off sick. I had written the sermon back in August. Lovely, welcoming response- but one small boy argued the point in my children's talk- "It doesn't snow in Australia!" He knew that because Steve Irwin never was filmed on skis- "so there".
Lunch followed- part of an emphasis on local produce in the area.

8. Saturday- rain everywhere... Art Gallery, walk in the CBD area, drive around the city- the university, some churches, an old monastry...

9. Friday saw me saying my goodbyes to Anna, admidst many hugs. As they are coming over at Xmas, this was not as sad an occasion as it may have been. I caught a taxi to the coach station, and then the coach to Heathrow... such lovely scenery again, and a sense of farewell to the UK... Then the palaver at the checkin- but I discovered I was upgraded to Business- such luxury for 7 hours!
We landed at Dorval, Montreal, where finally, it was out and hugging my cousins, Vivianne and Nickos... then the car and a few hours to Sherbrooke. It was super-cold, and snow flurries were predicted- but none eventuated.

10. Thursday ended in a lovely way. Welsh Dragon (Ship of Fools) took me out to dine in Oxford. The Dective Morse Bar- where she gave me the most delicious cocktail- the Aussie price would have been about $30. Then a cold wet walk down the road to a Scottish Seafood Restaurant, where we dined on soup et al... then she drove me home, and we hugged- really she was the nicest person, and we had met several times. She liked the Aussie socks I gave her.

2002-10-17T13:01:00.000Z

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THURSDAY JOTTINGS....

1. Monday was a "perfect day"- according to those of us who went to St Albans.... Silwe, me and Pearl- another KD person... who was lovely.....
It poured with rain, and was bitterly cold, but who cared?! We travelled by a complicated series of trains, to the village, which was totally charming, full of old buildings of such adorableness... we walked into town, then down to the park to a very old pub for lunch, passing 15th century buildings on the way- as was the pub.... Then we walked to an old Roman ruin, and explored the theatre and town site therein. Then up to the cathedral... WOW- SO beautiful.... such a lovely atmosphere of age and worship.... we went our separate ways in there. I found the best loo- built into the walls of the church proper, old massive door and all... so there I was sitting there, doing what needed to be done- when the organ began to play... then a soprano behan to sing.... then the choir.... and by the time I got out, folk were listening- crying.... candles lit.... And outside it was cold and dark... Such is the Light of the world...
Then back into town- to a pub to dry out- to the station- on the train to London- where we siad the goodbyes.... Silwe has been so sweet to me, and Peral- single, 40, Anglican lay preacher- funny as anything.... that was sad... then I crossed London by train, after working out what route to take....
It was cold, wet and windy.
It was a "perfect day"

2 Tuesday
Cold wet windy.... train to Oxford... cold wet windy farewell to London.... nice to see Anna again...

3. Wednesday
Inner-city- cold and grey.... pottered.... out for a farwell dinner with Anna... to Cubdeston- the dearest little pub.... winding our way through the country -side in the dark.

4. Thursday
Cold and clear. I can see my breath. I am wearing gloves. My nose drips. Inner- city again... Saying goodbye to a dear city.

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The UK is a charming place- messy, untidy, bad service, slow trains, weird maps with half the towns missing, grubby- but full of the most endearing and enduring charm.
I am so glad I came here.
It will be sad to say farewell- to both folk and country.

2002-10-14T08:39:00.000Z

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As I begin to leave the UK, some reflections....

1. Thanks to you, and you know who you are-

The dear folk who... looked after me in the UK, Italy and Singapore... who fed and watered me (and took me to pubs)... who housed me... who looked after me when I was sick... who made sure I had a very happy holiday here... who taught me basic English survival tricks ("This is a pound coin!")... who picked me up, took me around in their car and got me lost!... who taught me trains... who hugged me and shared their lives with me.... who listened to my stories of Oz, and told me of their world... For so many things indeed.... Thankyou.

2. I guess I had 3 major aims for this time abroad- * to have a heartful of memories by the end of it- (AND that is well on the way to being achieved)... * to discover if under all these years of being "nice" I am ACTUALLY a nice person, or if it is really just a professional front, built up over the years- and I think I am discovering the answer well enough. * to think about all the material covered in my psychotherapy course- to think deep and meaningfully- and I am doing some of that- in bits and spurts!

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Forgot to note, in the Plymouth section, that Yavanna did a tarot card reading on me... most interesting.

Silwe and I will explore St Albans area today, then home to Robert's unit, then Oxford tomorrow... tis so much easier to get to Heathrow from there, than from parts of London- plus I like the small towns much better than here....

2002-10-13T17:08:00.000Z

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REMEMBERING THE PAST WEEK...

Tuesday saw me in a taxi...and the driver called me "maidy", "my lovey", and "my dearie" a dozen times... so cute, the Devon accent. Then I caught the train to Chard, changing at Exeter- a station I now knew from before... And then , after miles of lovely scenery, including this fabulous sea-side country, I arrived at Crickern- and found Auntie Joyce, and her daughter Shirley- who I had never met. We drove home, said goodbye to Shirley, and then drove into Chard to explore- such a sweet little town, full of lovely old buildings, and a stream running down the middle of the main street. That night, after dinner, we looked at old photographs of family- and again, this feeling of "family". Btw, we drove past where "To the Manor Born" was filmed.

Wednesday... J and I drove to the Reservoir Park reserve, a huge parkland/forest area fulled with dense autumn trees, the lake and birds galore. Very "Wind in the Willowsish". A good bird hide extended out into the lake... the weather was cold, windy- the scenery exquisite. Then Shirley picked us up, with her grand-daughter Ellie in the car, and we drove to Lyme Regis- a lovely and oolllldddd town... some Georgian elegance, and then some much older. "Persuasion" and some other films were shot there, and I can see why- such olde worlde charm, and fishing village... We had fish and chips for lunch, and pickled eggs and clotted cream icecream. Then we walked out along the front path down to the quay, and across the harbourside, onto the sand and back to the car... shops of antiques, fossils, shipwrights...Just a lovely, lovely, lovely place- wild and windy. A lovely drive home through such pretty countryside.
Today I could say Autumn is coming.

Thursday... I walked into Chard in the morning- a WI market, and an antique one too. A friend of J's came over for lunch- Betty... after lunch, we drove to Ille Abott, where Jand B went to a church meeting. J is the lay pastor here. I walked around the tiny village, exploring the lovely Anglican church, eating apples and blackberries, writing cards etc. I stopped to take a photo looking down the street to the church- only to discover later that this was the town's official postcard view as well. After dinner, we walked to Shirley's son's house... Christopher and Amanda. Ellie welcomed me, knowing me as "Row" from Lyme Regis. She is 3 and George about 6. Mindful of little girls'interests, I sang the frog song, and held them in my thrall! The whole night. They were the friendliest family. Because of this cross-generational family thing, they are closer to me in age than J. A cold walk home.

Friday... We drove to visit Rene and Jim- an other elderly aunt. It was nice to meet them... And Anthony my cousin. I am unlikely to see R and J again, realistically speaking. They were pleased to see me. Home via fish and chips... It was so kind of Aunt J to have me stay, and introduce me to family and family history.
Then the train to London, rushing to get to East End and Robert's unit by daylight. But I found my way across from Waterloo to Lymehouse... then back to Holburn, where I met 2 Ship mates, who walked with me to a great Ship mate meeting... 22 folk in a pub near the museum... It was enormous fun.... including 2 folk I met elsewhere... lots of talking, laughter... This was arranged as per a usual meet plan- it was great to be included. Home late and tired.

Saturday... up and into Trafalgar Square... once again- how do you recognise folk you have never met before, but know well? Well- a brown choc coat, and my pink bag... good markers. Amber and Tinuva from KD- the former had flown down to meet me from Manchester, the latter trained it from Surrey.... Anyway, we lunched, talked, laughed, and went on to the Natural History Museum... WOW! What a place! So interactive and amazing... then to Harrods- double WOW! What a shopping place... so big- so stunning, so crowded... Then Tinuva made sure I knew how to get home- she was so sweet... then they departed. What a great day!

Sunday... I met Silwe... my host in London from before.. We went to Greenwich Markets, and pottered around. It is now WET and COLD- very autumnal indeed... very interesting village atmosphere... We saw the Cutty Sark ship, and a dear old church.... then back to Robert's for warmer clothes... then Silwe's for the night. Needless to say, Anna and Robert are not in residence at present, but in Wales until tomorrow. So here I am, in Silwe's living room- the internal heating is on; the rain is loud; the mulled wine delightful. Silwe is a dear sweet host...As the night is wearing on, the mulled wine, cider and indian food by the fire makes us less tolerant of the weather outside!

2002-10-07T15:07:00.000Z

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I had a great day today! I did nothing. Absolutely nothing. I did nothing extremely well, and enjoyed myself thoroughly.

Tomorrow I train myself to Auntie Joyce's, in Chard, Somerset.

I do like the occasional day of nothing!

2002-10-06T20:28:00.000Z

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A few days to catch up on....

FRIDAY:

Lanen dropped me in town earlyish, as she had to go away that weekend. I popped everything in the Railway Left Luggage, and pottered around by myself, finding a PO. Gosh, but they queue here- once to buy necessary stationary, then once again, for stamps. Then I went by taxi to Caroline's uni apartment, where we then walked up to the Mile again, and found a great lunch place. Mindful of both uni students' budgets and the likelihood that I was richer than her, and their difficulties in cooking, I took her to this (mostly) vegetarian restaurant, where she excitedly ate heaps of vegetables and the like. It was expensive, but I kept thinking that this was what aunts did, even tho I had had no experience of aunts myself. But it was fun, and the food was good. She wanted me to assure her mum that this meant she had had at least one good meal in Scotland since she arrived! Again, typical student! We then wandered down to the Early Childhood Museum, where I'd gone previously, but this time all 5 floors were open, and it was totally fascinating. I took Caroline's photo everywhere there, and must remember to get that roll developed even if the rest waits until I get home. Finally she walked me to the station, where we got he bags, and then I bussed it to the airport. My timing was tight for the evening, and my plane was an houe late leaving, but it finally got into Heathrow, and then my Britrail pass came out- express tp Paddington, then on to Plymouth.

The station was dreadfully crowded, ditto the train, but an orchestra was playing, and I discovered yet again, that the loos were pay only. So in the few minutes I had I decided a gin and tonic was higher in the priority list than loos- and finally gor on at 7.30, found a seat- miracle, and finally a bathroom. There was standing room only the first 4 stations, so I was indeed lucky. At 11.15 pm, the train pulled into Plymouth, where I met Yavanna- last seen and hugged heaps in Sydney. We drove home, dined, and went rather late to bed.

Reflections-1. Than God for the very good shoes I bought- the only pair I have here... they are so good. 2. Public loos are an inportant part of travelling- where, how they operate, what do they cost, are they safe, and ultimately- Is a G and T better in the end!? 3. I find European time difficult to follow. 4. Lanen and partner were so lovely to me. 4. It was truly delighful to see Yavanna again!

SATURDAY:

Y and I drove up to the Hoe (the beach cliffs) and looked out- fabulous scenery.

Then Poppa and family arrived from Bristol- yeah! How wonderful to see them yet again- 3rd time this holiday. I am glad they are happy here- but will miss them in Sydney... still it just means I have more friends here now. Sam is a dear- loves Baa Baa Black Sheep very very much.

Then Moggy arrived- last seen in Bristol- second time this hol, bringing with him Elfea (Finnish student at uni in Wales). All were from the |KD board. Surreal joined us, and some friends of Y's- and we laughed, and talked and laughed and ate and drank.... Y took us out to dinner. We drank even more- discovered I can do a great Oz accent once the evening goes on, and I relax. I can teach a darn good broad accent if pressed.. Nobody was drunk- just very merry. Moggy and Elfea relaxed; we enjoyed each other's company. Again, I say to myself- If it wasn't for the internet, I would never find myself in the company of locals and tourists- having one of the best nights I have had in years. Home late- bed even much later, having discovered that, honestly, people my age just can't stay up for ever. M, E, S, and I stayed here with Y.

Pasties were yummy.

Highlight of night.... ~Poppa has often said he wants to write a novel. They are very into acting and musicals. Pspoke of his belief in the validity in a musical version of Four Weddings and a Funeral, and sang us his idea of the opening number- the famous "F F F F" lines from the movie. As often happens- all was quiet in the building, when he told us this. Our merriness ensured all heard and laughed....

SUNDAY:

We drove to Tintaganel today.... through sea mist and hill and dale... through to a mist-free coast- so incredibly beautiful. The shops were rather touristy- but the place itself is enchanting. Absolutely. And wild and windy.

A " cream" tea for lunch- mmmmm clotted cream, and then home through this spectacular countryside again.
We talked lots about everything...
.
Then the Bristol folk left, then Surreal- just us now. This is the beginning of the UK farewells- telling folk that I care for "goodbye"... Especially folk who did a lot of travelling to see me time after time....

My vision of heaven- aa forever place where you need never say farewell to folk you care for- never ever.

2002-10-03T22:31:00.000Z

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Another great day!

We went out this morning, driving to town, and ended up pottering round the shopping precinct known as "Haymarket"- for obvious historical reasons... now it is full of cute arty shops. Then we drove to a Starbucks, and met a friend of Lanen's for lunch. She was from Melbourne originally, and enjoyed chatting to an Aussie.
Then Land I walked into the inner-city area, passing the loveliest of elegant Georgian houses- like those in Bath. We found a stop for the Bus Tour, and so ended up touring the Old and New Towns- the inner-city area as a whole.... very fascinating. Then, into an olde-world Scottish department store, for a cup of tea, and then L left me to find my way to the Ship of Fools Meet for dinner.
As I was early, I meandered through the famous Royal Mile of shops- where we had been previously, only to have the unexpected- RAIN and cold wind. I was unprepared, as was everyone else- heck, no rain for the last 6 weeks apparently. But I found shelter in a steep little close, where halfway down I found a darling pub, about the size of my living room... a pub called "The Halfway"- most appropriately. Everyone knew everyone else, but I was welcomed warmly by curious locals... Finally, to the Doric for dinner.
7 ship folk came, which was lovely- all friendly, and happy to meet me... it was a fun night. Some had come in from Glasgow, whilst others were from Edinburgh itself. As ever, we laughed, talked, drank...
When I needed to phone L, 6 phones were offered.So L came in from a concert she had sung at, and we went home. As home is a good 30 mins out of Edinburgh, out along the beach area, it was good to get the lift, and that our plans co-incided in E itself.
Once again- a chance to meet lovely people!
Tomorrow, I will spend the day in town, meeting Caroline, as L and S go off to Blackpool... in the afternoon I will fly to London, and then train it to Plymouth. It will be a late night, but the theory is that I will sleep a bit on the train....
Edinburgh has been a lovely few days.
L and S are great folk to stay with.
oh, and fish and chips- like we had a few nights back, is called a "fish supper".

2002-10-02T20:35:00.000Z

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What a great day....

1. Food experiences:
# Haggis is lovely. A stuffed sheep's stomach, cooked at home, with some added salt, and eaten with-
# Black pudding- blood pudding is black, fried, and the rind is like black plastic. You don't eat that, of course... it comes in slices, and add salt. Better still eat with-
# Mashed potato, and mashed parsnips! Yummy!
# Deep fried battered mars bar is best left alone... a waste of good batter on one hand, and a good mars bar on the other... still, a Scottish cultural experience! Lanen and I shared one, and we need damp cloths to clean up the melted chocolate.
# Pilchards on toast- a very nice dish at the quaint little Tea Shop where we lunched. Remarkable only because I had never seen such a menu item before- but most satisfying anyway.
# Scottish fudge which was delightful.
# I picked rasberries from the garden here this morning. Lovely!

2. Tourist experiences:
# Edinburgh has hills... and qaint steep streets, some of which have only stairs. Lovely stone buildings.
# John Knox's house- all my church history came back to me. Fascinating place.
# A dear wee village with a 12 th century church on the main street, along with Scotland's oldest pub. Lots of "kirk" signs here around the churches.
# Roslyn Chapel... A famous chapel- again so old- but aren't they all?! The most intricately carved stone work that I have ever seen anywhere. We walked around with hthe guide book finding dear little things, tucked in and around the stone work. The place is being restored, and is topped by scaffolding, and a roof, to enable the stone to dry out. Caroline and I climbed up the scaffolding stairs- what a magnificent view. What a LOVELY and HOLY place.
# Roslin Farm is where Dolly the cloned sheep lives- not that we saw her, but we drove past the farm on the way out to the chapel.
# Cute little shops in town- all wool, pewter, and celtic silver.

Folk:
# Lanen is such a great hostess- with a delighfullly wicked laugh. Steven is kind too. Their joy in my enjoying the haggis was so sweet!
# Caroline is my newly- arrived American neice... a uni student... it was good to pick her up and take her out to the chapel, and catch up with her new life. Her apartment is nice, and she seems quite happy, tho missing the dog and her neice- her parents miss out here on the list!

The weather:
Everyone keeps telling me that this is sooooo unusually warm and dry, tho the rain is spitting a little tonight, and the temp tomorrow is supposed to be 16. c... a tad colder.

2002-10-01T19:30:00.000Z

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It was not the best way to start a wee holiday in Edinburgh....
Lanen, (KD website) picked me up at the airport... it was great to meet after all theses months of msning. We got the suitcase and the backpack, and it was she who said "Ummmm, the pack is open...". Well, the personal CD player was gone, plus my favourite 15 cds..... Hmmmmm, I am seriously pissed off about it. Anyhows, we pulled ourselves together, and reported the theft... and now the insurance will kick in. We decided I handled it in a mature fashion.
After all, what else could I do? The deed was done.
The camera was safe, hidden under the dirty laundrey bag.
I can always track down the cds, when the payment comes through. (Bother, but they were darn good cds)
I have heaps more sympathy now for my brother- recently all their sound gear and cds were stolen, and for Jo- house robbed... but BUGGER! Also, it will take awhile... BA will deal with my travel insurance... and the paperwork... but at least I can get that started when in London...
Ah well... you go away for 3 months- the law of averages would suggest that something goes wrong... and it wasn't the camera, purse, travel wallet, jewellry....

Monday saw me pottering around Anna's house- she was home sick... then walked into town... did "The Oxford Story"- an interactive display thingy of Oxford's history...quite fascinating... Then bought a suitcase- mine was dead. It was old to begin with, but I thought it would last... and it would have got to the US ok... but this was reduced to 1/3... a good bargin for a light suitcase, and it's price converted most reasonably into Aus dollars. I walked it home by the river... Then dinner with Beethoven from the Ship website... She was lovely. We went to The Eagle and the Child first- the Tolk and CSLewis pub... but it had finished its dinner menu, so we wandered down to a French place- and, not surprisingly, talked and drank cider.... It was a great night!

Tuesday... up early on the bus to Heathrow- even tho it was 30 mins late- which caused panic... we got in fine... and do to Edinburgh. Lanen drove me into the city, doing the tourist thing really well. We parked by the most lovely Victorian station I have ever seen, and then walked up this long and steep hill to the Castle, which was amazing, beautiful, old and glorious... did quite a few buildings there...WOW! The crown jewels, the Royal Apartments, the chapel, the shops... Lanen has a historical tourist card, which means 2 free entries to lots of places... The view was stunning, and I kept telling myself that "I really WAS in Edinburgh!"
Then St Giles Church (lovely), a pretty Xmas ornaments shop, an interesting Children's Toy Museum, a kilt taylor, and- best of all... buskers- wild kilted drummers and pipers, all hair and muscles... How Scottish is that?!
Then home- after the muffler was repaired- boy was it noisy as we drove thru town... to the little seaside village... where we picked up Lanen's husband... fish and chips on the hill overlooking the whole area- golden lights across the water and the mountains... I walked into neeetles- ouch my leg... looking at stars and fields- yeah, but I miss the night sky here, and also space... a good end to a rather bumpy day...
Sympathy re my theft is welcome...
Oh, just remembered... we walked along the beach, whilst the car was repaired... sand and still water, late afternoon sky, and a fascinating mix of Victorian buildings, amusement parlous, Wimpy bar and the like.... The trees are turning here- but the Indian summer continues.

I look forward to seeing Anna and Robert later on my trip- they are the nicest of folk... oh, and another remembering.... Last Sunday, Anna and I walked down to the allotment she shares with a friend... a bunch of garden spaces you can rent... where she gardens vegetables. We collected some for dinner. This began during the war years, when folk, with no gardens, were encouraged to garden for victory.... pretty place... chatty folk... blackberries to snack on...

2002-09-30T12:02:00.000Z

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To sum up the last few days...
btw, I realise now that some computers just cannot cope with this format, so, over the next few weeks, if this diary is not up-dated, that may well be why.
1 month down, and 2 to go- can't really complain about that.

Friday was fun....
At lunch I met 2 lovely folk from the Ship of Fools website- Miffy and Rachel... we lunched in the Covered Markets, then walked R back to Trinity College, where we had a quick look round. The Chapel was beautiful.
Then I walked to Christchurch, and paid to go inside. The Chapel there is the Cathedral, and is gorgeous. The Hall is quite majestic- the grand entrance stairs were used in the Harry Potter movie, and I think parts of the hall were too.
Then I walked home- the house is close to the city- about 15 mins into town, and mostly walking along the Thames...

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Saturday...
We drove into the Cotswolds region... stopping at 2 towns, whose names I need to check with Anna... but we pubbed att he first at the Falkland Arms- a very old pub indeed. Even the loos looked historical, with wooden seats and panelling... and as I walked out of the bathroom, I picked blackberries from around the door. Anyway, the cider was insipid, but the amble through the village was cute enough to make up for it. Then on to the second town- much bigger. A Cheese Festival was on, so we sampled a little, and then lugged the picnic set onto a public pathway to a field, and then ate lunch. I was rather stressed- as asthma and sprained ankle (courtesy of Bath) do not lend themselves to this- but the picnic was great. Robert picked a heap of blackberries in the field (and made apple and berry pie for dessert). Back in the town, we looked at cute shops, popped into the pub, and whatnot. Good cider! A friend of A and R's came to dinner- works in Lion's Publishing- interesting to talk to.
The towns we drove through were adorable- lovely, old, vine -covered, honey- coloured stone... We passed pheasants, lovely flowers, streams...
The trees are changing colour. Yes, it is still an Indian summer, but occasionally one sees a glimpse of autumn.

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Sunday...
At St Matthew's, I sang, with Anna, in the choir. It was Harvest Festival. We sang a number of things- including that lovely Rutter anthem of thanksgiving. How English is that!?
Rutter...
Church choir...
Harvest Festival...
Church of England...
UK!!
The folk were so friendly and welcoming, either remembering me from last week or meeting me for the first time...
We lunched in the lovely autumn sunshine, in the back garden, and talked non-stop for ages... Both serious and silly. It has been SO GOOD to spend time with them.
It was good to have a quieter time... I think Edinburgh tomorrow will be the start of a busy few days- but fun ones. I will miss A and R but due to changing circumstances will see them again before I leave the UK. Yeah!
oooh, saw a squirrrel run face down a pole to the river, drink, run back up, and jump a good few feet to overhanging branch- clever little thing.

2002-09-27T10:23:00.000Z

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Thursday was lovely...

After lunch, of leftover venison sausages, from dinner the night before (like very gamey chicken, but nice), I walked down to the Thames, called the Isis here, for historical reasons, and took the ferry ride to Abingdon and back. It took about 5 hours, and was lovely. We went in a boat, commissioned in 1912, and took 2 locks... the second is the deepest single lock in the UK, as the river drops about 9 feet through it. Very interesting to see how the lock affair actually works, with water swirling through the plumbing.
As we went, it got colder- we birthed again at about 6. 45. Still light of course, until well after 7, but the autumnal chill is evident. As you can use the ferry as a tour, or as a regular means of transport, I ended up being the only passenger on the way home.
It was the most beautiful of country scenery. I looked for hobbits blackberrying... and Alice Liddell listening to stories told by her friend...and Mole looking for a place to berth the rowboat with Ratty... I saw 2 homes that could have been Toad's stately manor, and any number of foresty places...
Oxford is full of literary references- amreading a Morse story at present- and recognise places therein. And Kenneth Graeme is buried here in town.
Ah, but the boat trip was truly wonderful!
When do you stop using superlatives when keeping a diary of your travels in the UK?

Friday... Had my hair cut today, at the barber shop where Anna goes- very good, and they were most complimentary re Michelle at home- must remember to tell her.

As I went boating on the Isis, thinking of Wind in the Willows, I remembered that funny song from the videos, that Deb and the girls used to sing to me long ago...

Thursday really was lovely!

2002-09-26T08:33:00.000Z

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Evensong at Christchurch Cathedral:

Last night I went to this with Welsh Dragon, (from the Ship of Fools website). All lovely and dark, with candles and lamps, and lovely stained glass windows that the evening light still illuminated.
It was the men's choir- and it was beautiful. There was a woman priest.
I think this is up there on the top five list to date... St Clements in Rome, Coventry and Worcester Cathedrals, Shakespeare's birthplace, and now- Evensong in Christchurch.
Spirituality and a touch of literature- says volumes about my interests in life.

I hope I always remember just how glorious it really was. And it struck me- choirs have been singing Evensong in here for centuries.

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During and after dinner, Anna and I talked and talked. Robert is in London at present.
I told her that her wedding provides me with a measuring stick as to great weddings- and so far it is her's and Robert's, and Kay and Spencer's... 2 weddings that were not just good liturgy, but fun, and with both folk involved dear friends of mine. She was touched!

2002-09-25T14:01:00.000Z

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What I did on Wednesday....

1. After breakfasting with Anna, I walked as usual into town, and visited the weekly Open Air markets (all kinds of stuff) and the Covered Markets (lots of stalls). Then I wandered down to Alice's Shop... The original illustrator of Alice In Wonderland... Tenielle (can't think of spelling at all) took this shop as his inspiration for the Sheep's Shop in the stories. Alice, in RL, lived across the road, and Carroll was in Christ Church College. Such a quaint little shop, full of Alice-y things, plus a teashop, where I lunched. Then I took a bus tour of Oxford, and MY what a lot of history! Such a city!

2002-09-25T09:47:00.000Z

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2. A link to the past.... finally got round to reading and doing stuff with my emails. From Rome, www/qleap sent me this list of what we did, with Italian names all sorted out. My thanks to her. (I was in Rome on my second weekend)

FRIDAY
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Places: Villa Borghese (park)
Pincio (sunset "balcony")

Food: Melon + Prosciutto
Lasagne
Tiramisù

SATURDAY
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Places: San Pietro (St Peter square+basilica)
Castel Sant'Angelo (round castle next to StPeter)
(narrow streets with fruit stalls)
Piazza Navona (painters, funtain of the rivers in front of church)
Pantheon (concrete dome with hole)
Montecitorio square (House of Deputies)
Piazza Colonna (big white column)
Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain, throwing coin)
Piazza Di Spagna ("Spanish Steps")
Colosseo
San Clemente
Foro Romano (Forum, next to Coliseum)
Piazza Venezia (Vittoriano, "typewriter")

Trastevere (night walks, concert in front of Santa Maria in
Trastevere)

Food: Croissant + lemon iced tea
Gelato
"Caldarroste" (-> roasted chestnut)
Olive all'Ascolana (-> fried stuffed olives)
Fiori di Zucca (-> fried stuffed pumpkin flowers)
Pizza

SUNDAY
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Places: Monte Mario (hill, Zodiac cafe)
Santa Maria in Cosmedin (with Mouth of Truth)
Circo Massimo (elliptic shaped meadow)
EUR ("new" area, artificial lake)

2002-09-25T09:25:00.000Z

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3. I was sent this info by Angela my cousin... as well as connecting me to the UK side of my family, being my father's neice, she drove me around to the Australian side too- My mum was born in Gympie, Queensland, Australia, but her family was from the Redditch region...

I include this because I know that some of my family will be reading my web-site...

BIRTS

William Birt = Ann Collins Warder

They had 4 children

Priscilla, Louisa, Julia , Victoria Birt

***** Julia had-

Walter Birt

Bap. 11 June 1865 Tardebigge – I saw the font ( in the loveliest of churches, in the beautiful hill side)

AND Frederick William Smithsend Birt = Sarah Ann Cole ... b. 2 July 1854 at Vine Cottage, 9 Foley Gdns,

Stoke Prior – I stood outside (the cottage)

**** Fred had 2 children-

William Warder Birt and George Leonard Cole Birt = Kate Younger

b. 1 Nov 1877 b. 26 Dec 1882

***** George had 3 children-
Noela Audrey Birt, (my mother) and my uncles Len and Vivian

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4. Bristol was fun... Poppa and co have a farm house some way out of Bristol, so after the train pulled in, and I phoned his wife, J, I caught the bus into town, and walked along the Avon... then back to the station, where J picked me up. We drove out to the farm- lovely place... they rent one of the farm house homes... cows, berries, hills... SPACE! I miss space here...
J is such a lovely person, and little S a dear little boy... they left me at home and drove back to town for Poppa. They have a van only, J being in the antique business. As J is just learning how to use the fan-forced oven, her instructions were uncertain... there was a lot of smoke and fire alarms... but finally I figured out how to de-activate the main alarm. Felt kinda silly.
Poppa had arranged for Moggy to visit after dinner- he owns the KD site- and it was great to meet him! He is a Bristolian, and the poor man had to sit with 3 loud Australians., as our conversations moved from bizarre topic to bizarre topic...
The night, in bed, as I looked out of the window, I saw stars. I've missed stars...
Next day- Tuesday... J, S and I drove to Chipping Sodsbury, a dear little village famous for its old-world way of life (and the dearest houses), and for having J.Rowling live there for some time. (She is the Harry Potter author). We had lunch there, and drove then to Bath.
I've given my heart to Bath... we were driving, talking- then turned a corner, and I went " Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" The most gracious of houses- 1000s of them... all Georgian- all Jane Austen and Georgette Hyer... terraces up the hills, beside the river... We parked the car, and walked into the inner city, passing but not entering the Abbey and Baths (too expensive and not enough time), but we went into some dear little shops, including the Jane Austen one, and a bunch of shops on the bridge itself, over the Avon.
Bath is perfectly adorable.
Then back into Bristol, and the train home to Oxford. I looked out across the hills to Wales....
Anna had come home from London, and we walked to the local pub for dinner.

5. . Some reflections-
I am so glad I met Poppa and family back in Sydney, last year. They really are the nicest folk, and I am glad I will see them later, in Cornwall with Yavanna. as they are making an effort to meet up with me over the UK. In some ways they are a lot like many of my friends- eg Anna and Robert, John and Deb.... I seem to find the similar folk as friends- articulate, compassionate, funny...
It was a great experience to actually stay in the countryside, and see just a tiny slice of that part of the UK.
The double bed was good- I miss mine.
Stars were a lovely sight.
Oh, and did I mention- I like Bath!

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6. A note about Oxford.... walking throughh the inner-city pedestrian zone I listened to a brass quartet play outside a little church on Monday. They played hymns and classical music. Around the corner I walked past the Oxford Islamic Study Centre... walking on cobble stones... and said to myself "Yes, I REALLY AM in Oxford... in the UK... in the northern half of the world!" Today, there was an African a cappella gospel group of singers, dancers and drummers... awfully good.

2002-09-23T10:42:00.000Z

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MONDAY ENTRY... from an internet cafe in Oxford, on the way to Bristol for the night... after walking to town via the pretty river walkway, and finding shops, and buying much needed items...

Note to self- when you take old socks and similar on a 3 month trip away, there is a likelihood they will persish on the journey, and new ones are necessary!

*** REMEMBERING REDDITCH
Angela sent me notes about this last week, and I think I'll paste them here, because their detail is more than even I remember! (I have added comments in brackets)

1. Mon 16 Sept Birmingham Cathedral, Art Gallery - pre-raphaelites,
Rackham`s department store for toasted tea cake. Train to Redditch incl. past Cadbury`s.

2. Tues - Redditch town centre: outdoor market on Church Green, indoor shops, elevenses at Drucker`s, cornish pasty eaten in Coventry
and still warm.Coventry Cathedral. Back to Birmingham and black taxi to canal and posh pub. Chicken Cobbler for tea. (lovely stewy thing with something akin to dumplings on top)

3. Wed - Forge Mill, National Needle Museum, also Bordesley Abbey Museum.
Sainsbury supermarket. Stratford: Shakespeare`s Birthplace, river boat
seeing church where Shakespeare buried. Afternoon tea in ye olde tea
room. Drove past Anne Hathaway`s cottage. Drink in the Moat House pub in
Alcester.

4. Thurs -Out at 7.45am to take County Councillor to County Hall.
Worcester Cathedral and walk along the river. Stoke Prior: Vine Cottage, the
Navigation Inn & chip butty, remember flash of church behind lots of
trees - (all do do with family history). Avoncroft Museum, plaice &
chips.

5. Fri. - Rik Mayall video of Redditch (funny BBC satire), Tardebigge Victorian market, pub.
Foxlydiate pub for lunch, treacle pudding. Coughton Court. (lovely grand old house)
Motorway;M5, -Droitwich to Worcester. Ristorante Carlo at Studley, trout. (great Italian place, my first trout)

****** REMEMBERING SATURDAY
I was picked up from Angela's in the morning, by Amos- a Shipmate from the site, and driven to (sp) Ombudsley for a meet... again in a pub... I DO believe that my holiday is basically a pub crawl of the UK!... Anyway there were a table of lovely folk- again laughter andtalking... then Welsh Dragon offered to drive me to Oxford, which was great.. We met Anna and Robert in a lovely riverside pub.
Angela and Ian were the kindest of hosts...
Anyway, so are Anna and Robert- after staying with them in their London apartment, it was good to see them in their natural environment. We have so much commonality in our lives, and I worked out that Anna is my 3rd long-standing friend, and Robert ties in 4th place with Jo... but Anna reaches back to 1977...

**** REMEMBERING SUNDAY.
We went to the Booys' local Anglican church- St Matthew's... very similar to a family UCA service at home... very low Anglican compared to those services I have been to at home...
Then I caught up with Silwe, Elwen and Gorbag- previosly met in London, from the KD site- in Elwen's Oxford house now... lovely vegetariarn lunch, all the more so because Poppa and family visited from Bristol. Now Poppa is a dear KD poster from Sydney, now living here- and I think they are the dearest people... so I made arrangements to go visit them Monday/Tuesday in Bristol- when A and R will be in London...
After I got home, A, R and I walked into town, by the Thames and through some college walkways- what a beautiful place this town is... and then, as A says- " We spontaneuosly burst into curry", in an Indian restaurant on the way back.

My father is not at all well now... many phone calls across the Atlantic this weekend, and to my sister in the USA. I know a lot of folk are reading this... we would value your prayers...

2002-09-19T20:39:00.000Z

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ack....... computer problems here meant a most delayed start to the posting week....

Anyways.....

WEDNESDAY
Today we travelled to the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey.
The history of needles is actually fascinating, and the museum was great. The abbey display was interesting too.
Then we drove to a large supermarket, and I enjoyed wandering the aisles, looking at brands.
Finally, the best bit of the day we drove to Stratford-upon-Avon, where we parked the car and walked into the central part of town heaps of tourists, like us- eager, and then we explored the Shakespeare educational complex- and then his childhood house- where he lived and grew, and touched many of the same surfaces where he did- and where tourists have done since about 70 years after he died… Dickens for one. It was soooo amazing to stand in the place and think Shakespeare was born here!
The garden was lovely- filled with the plants he mentions in his writing
We walked down to the river and had an enchanting boat-ride in a little ferry down through the town and parkland, watching white swans and Canadian geese watch us. Then into a dear little coffee shop for toasted teacake (think Shingle Inn as a model, only its atmosphere was 400 years old, like the building). I bought a pink sugar mouse- a famous item in English children's books of our youth (eg Xmas stocking filler)- too sweet, but good to see- then we got into the car, and drove home via Ann Hathaway's Cottage (closed for evening), and a lovely old pub for drinks

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TUESDAY.

Today we trained it to Coventry. We walked through the local shops first- buying cornish pasties for lunch (stowed in my backpack). Then again we walked through Coventry inner-city area to the cathedral. This was truly the most remarkable place. The original was destroyed in WW2... bombed. They kept the shell of it, making it safe for folk to use and visit, but built the new one next door... this is famous now for its focus on peace, justice, reconciliation and the like. As modern cathedrals go, it is beautiful, but as you look through its windows to the shell of the world, the mere beauty turns to breath-taking glory. The presence of God is very clear in the place... The art work is grand, the stain glass remarkable, the huge tapestry above the altar magnificent... and then next door in the old cathedral, you walk around the memorial places, the remaining stones and walls... each section is dedicated to a section of the community- artists, teachers, home-makers and so on... We bought drinks in the cafe there, built beside the remains of the first church there in the grounds- some 1000 years old... just a jumble of grassy stones now... Then we walked through the cathedral area- old homes and such... You try to imagine just how devastating the bomb raid was... and how amazing it is to see the new cathedral built.

We walked through another couple of churches in the area too... old, beautiful too... old graves...

Then, the train back to Birmingham, where we caught one of those famous English taxis (like in the films), down to the lovely area around the canals- where this most amazing network of waterways twist and turn through the region. We walked around there, and drank in a rather classy pub... before walking back into the station and home to Redditch.

SOME REFLECTIONS...

1.Coventry Cathedral touched my heart in a most marvellous way. It and St Clements' Church in Rome have been so poignantly touching- as they demonstrate the power of God, and the people of God, as history and theology and liturgy wind their way down through humankind...

2. It is good to be with extended family here...We grew up knowing about the English family- the aunts and their families... but being apart from them because of distance. Yet here I am now, with cousins... Angela casually tells me stories about my forebears- and it makes them so real... they DID exist, and because of them we do too... Generations and family trees come alive...I am staying with another cousin in Canada- it will be interesting to see if this sense of family awareness is present with her too, as she comes from the Australian side of my family.

3. So much green- flowers, trees, grass, rolling hills... so much of it.... And such cute, quaint OLD buildings, everywhere you look.

4. Coventry Cathedral did indeed touch my heart!

###MONDAY

.... This was great. I trained through some fascinating countryside after leaving Exeter. Angela (cousin) met me in Birmingham... 8 years since last we met (in central Queensland). We walked through the town to the Art Gallery- some of the best pre-Raphelite paintings in the world are there... Rossetti and such like. They were indeed fabulous! Then we walked to the cathedral- small, quaint, compact...

There are lots of open spaces and malls (Oz meaning of word here) flower beds, fountains, and statues. We enjoyed toasted teacake- local speciality, for afternoon tea....Then we trained it to Redditch, where they live. It was good to met Paul again- now a young man, and Ian, (husband) for the first time. Paul has a strong accent (regional). They are most hospitable indeed.

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2002-09-16T07:26:00.000Z

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Entry for Saturday....

This was a great day, with the largest Ship of Fools Meet I have attended- and the most fun.
By lunchtime, the following had showed up- Chorister, Sean and Bron, Atlanta (Devon folk), RobMiller (Ireland)- and me...
We talked and laughed...
At afternoon teatime we went into the city and found starbelly at work in his shop. We kidnapped him, and his wife, and went to a lovely pub- where one can view a skeleton, supposedly found therien and dated back to the Great Death. Chorisiter then left.
We walked over to the Cathedral- where there was an installation service happening- for senior choir members... the singing was fabulous! After it finished, we looked it over again.
Then down to the Quay area, where FL joined us. (He had driven down from somewhere closer to London) The local icecream is yummy...
Then dinner in another pub, somewhere else by the beautiful river... glorious sunset; great food. Then we walked to the dearest little pub- 'The Bridge', dated on the outside from the 16th century, but rumoured to have been built to house masons building the cathefral in the 13th century. It was tiny and so quaint... Having had heaps of gin and tonics already, I chose a local soft drink made of elderflowers- such a delicate taste.
Then finally home... where we helped Sean in drinking his alcohol collection- before they move back to Oz in a month. Not being keen on whisky, I am exploring the local famous types of cider.
Bed late and merry.

Sunday...
The day began at 3 am, with sudden ear pain, that kept me awake, rocking in agony, and fimally waking 9nurse) Bron for help.Painkillers and heatpacks saw me fall asleep 2 hours later, but first thing on the agenda was a visit to the NHS Walkin Service at the A and E Dept at the Royal Exeter hospital. They told Bron and I that the wait may be up to an hour or 2- but 15 mins after the Triage Nurse assessed me, I saw a doctor for treatment. Due to mutual UK-Aust. Health Agreements, treatment is free.
Much fortified, we walked home, met the others and drove out to Newton St Cyres... the dearest little village not far from here, where we lunched and drank... I am addicted to G and Ts I think, and local cider, tho a pint glass is awful big... We also had Tigglets- a famous but not-that-good Ship of Fools drink...
Then we walked around the village, by the dearest station, over the rail bridge, up onto a public path thru a farm... As we stood at the top of a hill, in a recently-harvest barley field, looking at the fields and rolling hills around us, I thought "Heck, I REALLY am in the UK!" What an exciting thought...
Then we dropped Rob off at the coach stop, and came home for dinner. I tasted perry- pear cider- yummy.
Sleep late again!

Rob had the loveliest accent and was so funny! FL was generous, dry and kind. The women were friendly. Sean and Bron are the nicest of hosts.
The Definition of a Ship of Fools meet... An Irish man, an English man and an Australian walk into the pub...

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If I didn't belong to an internet community, such fantastic opportunities to meet such lovely folk would be unavailable to me.

Must dash... Redditch train is calling...

2002-09-13T11:31:00.000Z

SECOND ENTRY OF DAY!

Thursday.... Caught the Dockside train into the city, and a few more trains to Paddington... where I caught the train to Exeter-St David's. Beautiful scenery, comfortable seat... such greeen country-side... so much like those calenders the English aunts sent so long ago...
I met Bronwyn (Ship of Fools) at the station. We bussed it to town, and dumped the bags at the SPCK where starbelly (Ship) works, and then explored the inner part of Exeter. The Cathedral was - was-was- my words aren't enough to explain it... breath-takingly beautiful, old... lots of little chapels, tombs, plaques... so old.... so....
An icon-painting was at work in his studio in a chapel- lovely work.
We lit candles for some folk we knew, in the Mary chapel.
We found the cathedral refactory and enjoyed lunch, and then just walked.... and walked....ruins, churches, quaint shops.... pretty place indeed. Finally home, to Sean, and to dinner and a well-earned sleep.
Again, some more sweet folk from an internet community....

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thoughts about bedroom windows:

1. In Singapore I could see blocks of apartments, street cleaners, treees... it was hot and humid outside. If I opened the window I could smell the strangeness of a different world- a heady mix of pungent spices and incense... It permeates everywhere. An in-flight magazine ran an article about the smells of certain cities. They didn't mention Singapore. They should have.

2. In Silwe's, from the bed, I could look out on to a patch of blue. Pigeons would fly past, and I could hear the shouts of children playing on the road below.

3. The bedroom window in Rome was shuttered, but cool, green light made its way in. The thing that struck me here, was hearing the bells of Rome ringing, ringing, ringing through through the window.

4. At Anna and Robert's, I slept on the floor of the living room... the curtains were open as were the balcony doors... River sounds came through distinctly, and light of night-time and then morning London. Beautiful, airy light.

5. Here in Exeter, I can see hillls from the window, as the house is on the edge of town.

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Ah, but it was really good to see Anna and Robert again.
They were generous, welcoming...
Robert says I am wittier than I was when I was younger. I think it was a compliment! They are too!
Then he congratulated me on my self-control, bringing up the 'I threw a glass of wine on him' incident, yet again! We laughed. We can't remember when or why, but we think it was at a Caroline party long ago... Still, I found myself looking reflectively at the mug of tea I was holding!

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Today was quieter, but enjoyable. Poor Sean was sick in bed, so after lunch Bron and I walked along the Exe River, through the parks and few streets- we finally arrived at the Quay, an attractive place with pubs, boats, antique shops etc. A historical part of town. We walked on to examin the medieval bridge ruins, then found the St Mary's Church building, using the famous St Mary's Stairs to climb the hill. We then walked into the town centre and caught a bus back to the park near their house and then walked home, finding and eating blackberries along the way. Quite a long walk in a lovely area.
The perfect weather continues.
My health is improving somewhat, thankfully.
Nice to hear that folk are actually continuing to read this!

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2002-09-13T11:30:00.000Z

FIRST ENTRY OF DAY!

Moving and being sick tend to limit diary - writing, so I have a wee catch up to do.....

Last entry was sick Monday... Anyway, by Tuesday I'd recovered enough to go out with DaveC, from the Ship of Fools website. He was so kind... we met then lunched at Covent Gardens- now no longer a flower/fruit market but an up-market shopping complex... then we walked to Trafalgar Square, then down by St Martin-in-the-fields Church, then past the guards in White Hall, then through St James Park, over to the palace, then up tp the Abbey, then Parliament house and Big Ben, then over the river (break for tea0, then down the South Bank complex, then over the river, then back to Holburn Station, where we said goodbye. A long afternoon of walking, talking, and looking. We didn't go on any tours, but I think I will come back to the Abbey. Dave made a great guide. But his legs were longer than mine, and his lungs not labouring with cold and asthma! Still it was fun!

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I moved to Anna and Robert's London apartment that night, catching a taxi from Silwe's. Even though he stopped twice so I could phone Robert for help, the cost was reasonable, as the 2 suburbs are not far apart. They live in a lovely unit, 4 floors up, directly on the Thames... a bit like a huge New Farm area, for those who know Brisbane... We dined out, and caught up with Anna...
And then we talked. Boy, did we have lots to catch up... all those years of knowing each other so well, and then their years away... I think I'd forgotten how much I missed them when they left Brisbane. At one stage one of them commented as to how I couldn't hide anything from them, as we knew each other so deeply. Well, not quite true, but pretty close.
Wednesday morning, I watched some of the 9th 11 programming on TV. It gave it a sense of immediacy that we missed in Oz, as the tragedy happened in the middle of the night, whereas here it was daylight, and personal...
Then I walked through Lyme House (suburb), along the East End river paths, just looking, thinking, admiring... telling myself that it was indeed the Thames I was walking beside...
Dinner that night- I was taken to a dear little East End pub, built directly overlooking the water. Steak and kidney pie seemed so authentic in this Cockney place...

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2002-09-09T15:53:00.000Z

Here I sit, in a London apartment, with a London head cold...Decided all I would do today was - nothing! Sneezy, sniffly, coughing nothing, and very restful it has been too.

So, ROMA!
Well.....
St Clements was the best... it began with a spring, and followers of Mithras built a temple there. Time passed, and the world changed, and they built a little church there, over the spring. Centuries passed; land changed, and 2 more churches got built in the valley, on top of the older sites... and then today, the excavations, under the lovely, vaguely modern church began ... so you go into this exquitely decorated church, and then you go down below, and down deeper still on narrow stairs, and you can get right back to the stream and Mithras, down in the cool, damp dark.
Centuries of worship have hallowed the place. The feelings of reverential age stir the heart...

Things I will remember about Rome:
1. The AGE of everything!
2. St Peter's... so magnificant, such artwork, the many many many people there
3. Nuns and priests everywhere, from all over the world
3. The religious shops, selling such a heap of stuff, some of it beautiful, some crap... but lots of it.
4. Churches everywhere- tiny, large, bustling...
5. Narrow streets everywhere, between buildings of great age (shops, eating places, apartments), and often beautifully painted, or adorned with statues and similar
6. Tiny weeny cars... think mini-minor and then go smaller... seeing them navigate streets and park is an education.
7. Incredible food... many flavours of gelati; olives stoned, stuffed with sausage, rolled in breadcrumbs and fried; ditto pumpkin flowers; real pizza; fresh croissant for breakfast; iced lemon tea (Rome was hot); eating qleap's great cooking at her home (lasagna)
8. qeap translating everything... like at the chemist, as we sorted out my cold, or in restaurants.
9. the fabulous restaurant we went to Saturday night, which was followed by a long walk through streets and squares, looking at the nightlife, and discovering a rock concert.
10. Fountains everywhere
11. A Sunday decision to go walking, quietly by the lake- and discovering the world championships of dragon-boat racing... and yes, the Aussies were there... we watched quite a lot...
12. qleap's delight in the chocolate bilby.
13. Her friendship and company... what a gift she is to me!
14. Her parents, smiling and helpful.
15. The nuns at my convent... speaking no English... needing qleap to help us... funny, sweet and absent-minded...
16. Beautiful gardens, trees, river..
17. Coming home, and needing to persuade the airport clerk that my luggage should be checked in- she was quite keen on me carrying everything, even though it was too much... arguing later with one, as he tried to tell me that my husband was coming in later- only to finally agree with me that maybe there were other passengers on the flight with the same surname... all in broken English and gesture...

And maybe that is enough to begin with. I need qleap#s help with some place names, and I want a rest, what with these English sniffles. It is wet and cold here today.

Last night, when I got home (to Silwe's) I met 2 more KD folk... Gorbag and Elwen... friends of Silwe's. Again, lovely to meet folk, and put people to names and personalities!

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2002-09-06T21:12:00.000Z

ROME TONIGHT!

Gatwick Airport seemed huge. I sure feel at home and rather bored in these places now, and the trip has only just begun. However I found my way there- first foray alone into wilds of London.

Then I arrived here, to meet qleap- my KD friend in Rome. For once I was met at an airport.... I know it is a huge imposition to make folk come out thus- but it was so nice to be met, instead of waiting for somwone, especially in a strange country. Thanks, qleap.
She drove me to the convent in which I am staying... part of a bed and breakfast plan called "Bed and Blessings", and thankfully, she did all the translating there- small room, but comfortable.
Then we drove up to a park called Villa Borghese... it was once owned by Borgheses family... to the lookout called Pincio... we watched the sun set over Rome and looked across the city. qleap pointed out the landmarks. Then we wandered thru the parklands, talking and laughing... So much to say after months of regular msn on the computer... to meet face - to- face!
qleap has long expressed an interest in the Oz marsupial "bilby"... the kind-of replacement for the Easter Bunny-(in an effort to preserve the creatures)... so I gave her a chocolate one from last Easter, which I'd carefully kept and carried around the world for her.
We had dinner here at her home.... real Italian food (cooked by her), in an Italian household, looking out across the night city.
qleap speaks excellent English. Her family were charming, and it was interesting to watch her translate rapidly.
I am fortunate to have been blessed in lovely friends, met through the 2 communities I belong to.

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2002-09-06T07:28:00.000Z

Something caused the site to crash- a real bummer. However I kept backup, and have re-created the site... the dates are correct, even tho they were all re-posted today.

2002-09-06T07:26:00.001Z

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5TH SEPTEMBER

LONDON at last:

However to finish the Singapore list-

Other things to remember ...
1. Shrines in taxis; cheapness of taxis; numerous taxis.
2. Flight boarding pass reads ....'Rev. R. Harris..... SIN'

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So, I am in London now, with Silwe from the KD board. Today I took off my pjs only to shower... sleep, rest, doing nothing... I needed this. Yesterday, after arriving, we talked, laughed, walked in Epping Forest, and went to the local pub.
I saw white swans (only black in Oz), holly trees growing wild, squirrels and blackberries (which we tasted). Beautiful weather here today.

Silwe is lovely- so good to finally meet the author of all those wonderful, wise and compassionate emails and posts....

ROME tomorrow...

Nice to see some folk reading this! Thanks for the comments in emails and phone calls.

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2002-09-06T07:26:00.000Z

3RD SEPTEMBER

Things I will always remember about Singapore...

1. the 9 hour delay in arriving, and the bloody boringness of Sydney International Airport... the groan when we had to leave the plane and return to the lounge... the cheers when we finally got on a plane and left Oz... the arriving in Singapore at 3 am as opposed to 9 pm... the taxi in the night... my poor hosts letting me in... my immediately falling asleep in bed...

2. the friendliness of my hosts- Tom and Voctoria - such lovely hospitable folk

3. the welcome and the patient friendship of Melody from the KD website- over 2 days...

4. Sentosa Island... the monorail, the "monkey crossing here signs", the first Asian meal in an Asian country- I mean, how authentic is that! The exploring of Singapore's past in an interactive museum, the lush greenery everywhere, the fun of getting to know Melody!

5. Exploring with Victoria and Melody... so many shops, people, cars, people, shops and cars... walking by the river, hawkers in front of the many many restaurants, China Town exploring, the huge shopping centre with an incredible food court (Oh my glory- look at that....), China Tea served traditionally at the Tea Chapter Shop, diner under the night sky and huge trees- with every kind of food stuff, people (eaters, sellers, cooks, waiters) from all cultures, the recognising of some names and places etc from yesterday's history lesson at Sentosa, luch with Tom and Victoria at a japanese place, the seeing of sliced turtle meat, the eating of stingray (hmmm) and the glory of black pepper crab (so messy to eat)

6. bed at the end of the first day... 7 pm deep sleep- how good that was...

7. the realisation that this was an alien place... SO different... so exciting... so far away from all I have ever been or known before.

8. the people, the cars and the shops!!

9. the heat and the humidity... the unsuitableness of my clothing (shorts would have worked well)

10. And finally again.... my hosts and Melody... T and V... to remind me... T is Liz's godson; L is Jenny's sister... in 1999 T stayed in my house in Rockhampton, in my absence... and I was the lady "who owned the Vicar of Dibly" videos.

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London plane tonight...
Stage 3 of the journey begins....

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2002-09-06T07:25:00.001Z

1ST SEPTEMBER

Saturday was great too... perfect weather, ferry across the harbour, the zoo...

The focus of the day was meeting the Sydney folk who belong to the KD community, online- a fun bunch of folk, all generally younger than the 4 of us who travelled in...
So we laughed and talked and took photographs galore.
It has been years since I was at the zoo... and it was fascinating, especially the giraffes, bears, and mir-cats. The boat ride there and back was glorious.
We dined at a great Italian place, still talking and talking and talking... Finally, bed- another majorly late night....

This morning, nunc picked me up from my holtel, and we drove to her (high) Anglican Church at Waverly for a choral Eucharist service. The music was exquisite. Nunc herself sang in the choir, played the pipe organ for part of the service, and the choir sang an them she wrote. Fabulous acoustics. I read one of the lessons- as a UCA woman clergyperson, that was as far as I could go, but was certainly made to feel very welcome indeed, even to processing out. A light lunch followed the service, and again, there was a warm welcome, quite different in nature to the cold wind and rain. Hail from an early morning storm lay on the grass, and wind blew wildly- crushing the daffodils and snowdrops in the church gardens. Finally we made our way through to the International Airport, had coffee and now here I am... waiting a delayed plane to Singapore.

I guess everything here has been fun... But maybe meeting Yavanna was the most exciting... after all those early morning msn chats on the computer and sharing so much of our lives... several times a week, for months and months and months... She is real, and it was soo good to meet her in person!

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knowing that my trip plan section herein crashed along with the rest, I add it again here...

The UK SECTION
my itinerary…

1. August 29, Thursday … I fly to Sydney… leaving Brisbane at 5.40 pm, and arriving at Sydney 7.10 pm.

2. September 1, Sunday … I will fly to Singapore, leaving Sydney at 3.40 pm and arriving Singapore at 9.35 pm.

3. September 3, Tuesday … I will fly to London at 11.35 9m, and will arrive in the UK at 6.15 am, on Wednesday 4 th

4. September 6, Friday … I will fly to Rome at 1.25 pm arriving there at 5.05 pm.

September 8, Sunday… I will leave Rome at 5.20 pm, and arrive back in London at 7 pm.

5. September 8- 11... a combination of London and Exeter.

6. September 16 until September 21, I will stay in Redditch

7. September 21 until October 1, I will stay in Oxford

8. October 1, Tuesday, 11 am, I fly to Edinburgh. The plane arrives at 12.15 pm.

October 4, Friday, I fly from Edinburgh, at 4.15pm, and it arrives 5.35 pm, London.

9. October 4 to October 8, I am in Cornwall.

10. October 8 to October 11, I stay Chard, Somerset.

11. October 11- 18, I will be in London.

12. October 18, Friday, I fly out to Canada, from Heathrow at 5.05 pm..

NORTH AMERICA HERE I COME!!!

1. Friday, October 18, I arrive at Montreal, Dorval, at 7.10pm.

2. . Friday, October 25, I leave Montreal, at 11.45 am, and fly to Chicago. From there, at 1.52 pm, I fly to Columbus, Ohio, arriving at 4.07 pm
 I travel to Athens, Ohio

3. . November 8, I travel to Findley, Ohio.

4. Tuesday, November 12, I leave Detroit at 4.03 pm, and fly to Dallas and then, leaving Dallas at 7.24pm, I arrive in Vancouver at 9.54pm.

5. Sunday 18 th November, I travel to Seatttle.

6.. Friday 22 November I fly to San Francisco

7. Thursday November 28, I fly out of SF at 3:15pm, and fly to LA, arriving at 4.33. I then fly out of LA at 8.15pm. I arrive in NZ at 6 am, Saturday 30 November. s. I leave NZ at 7.45 am and fly to Brisbane, arriving at 8.15 am.

AND SO I AM HOME AGAIN!!!!! on a round - the - world ticket...

2002-09-06T07:25:00.000Z

30ST AUGUST

Leaving Brisbane was an amazing time.... it was hard to believe it was real at times.... but the fact the the Brit Rail pass was not in town was panicky enough, without taking my car in for repairs, losing the mobile phone and finding it when I got home- I rang it and it was answered by the car folk... but fortunately a good friend drove me back there to retrieve it. Then still others drove me to the airport- it was so exciting...
AND, it was BEGINNING!

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Sydney...
lots of fun!

P met me in Sydney... we went out to dinner and talked and talked and talked and talked... altho we see each other but once or twice a year, it is always lovely to make the re-connection... Realised would need to get new backback repaired (broken clip... grrrrr )

Yesterday was a great day indeed.... Repaired bag in a Dickensian shop way below the surface of Sydney's inner city....Met several friends from the 2 web communities I belong to, including 2 special folk from KD, from the UK- Yavanna and Surreal. Seeing them at the airport was fabulous- they were really there!! Amberion arrived from Adelaide, and we went back to their hotel for dinner, talk, hugs and photographs- and heaps of "just looking" to see how real they were....
Lunch with nunc, from the Ship of Fools was fun too- we raced around inner Sydney, and finally got hold of the missing Brit Rail pass which caused me such grief when it failed to materialised at my agents in Brisbane. However she arranged for us to get it here. We walked around the Rocks and the ferry part of the harbour, talking heaps.

(Because some info was mislaid in the crash, I intend to rewrite it now....
I am one of those people who belong to internet communities, and some of the people therein are my friends. During my travels I have/intend to meet some.

I belong to 2 such communities.... The Ship of Fools, and khazaddum.com.

Those I hope to meet are...(using screen name to protect identities). I will be stayting with some, and simply meeting others.

KD- Amberion, Yavanna, Surreal, j-girl, mylalla, ardwinna, xyala, Silwe Ellesssan, Gorbag, Pearl, Elwen, Lady Idril, www/qleap, BFM, Maz, Gnor Grimlisson, Belegund, Laurelin, Tapestry/willow, Rosie Gamgee, Haldomee Banks, Tar Elion, Melody.... (more to add)

Ship mates- Nunc, moth, Sean, Bronwyn, Dave, Alan Cresswell, Beethoven, Dolphy (more to add)
At least this way, there is a record kept...)

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2002-09-06T07:23:00.000Z

27th AUGUST

I am still buuuuuussssssssyyyyy!

More stresses..
1. Sister's accident... -, BUT
2. Will be seeing her soon...+
3. Father needing a nursing home; me about to leave the country... -

Ah well....

But, on the plus side, I found this today... considering all the thinking I've done about this trip, and the reflection in Spiritual Direction, it seemed appropriate...

Blessing for a Sabbatical

May you enter trustingly into this sabbath space
May you enter quietly into this sabbath rest
May you enter joyfully into this sabbath play

Let your body unfold in this sabbath
Let your mind unfold into this sabbath
Let your spirit expand into this sabbath

May it reveal its secrets to you gently
May it embody its truth in you authentically
May it release new life into you abundantly

So go with gladness into this sabbath
Go with gratitude into this sabbath
And may the God who rests on the sabbath
Look at her labours in you
And proclaim, “It is very good”

(Nicola Slee, from an Iona book…)

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2002-09-06T07:21:00.000Z

Something caused the site to crash.... botheration. However, I kept backup and can recreate.... tho the dates will look odd, they are actually correct.

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31ST JULY
My god-daughter, Hannah, spent the night here, and was most intrigued by the whole on-line experience. She asked if she could leave a note..

OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE GOING TO ALL THESE PLACES!!!! oh I'm hannah by the way and just in case you have forgotten I'm your god daughter (well half neways) neways back to the topic YOU'RE GOING OVERSEAS YOU'RE GOING OVERSEAS OHHH YEH !!!!! see now Im jealous its not fair that I'lI only get to go to Canada and you get to go to all these other places! lol, yep its gonna be great so I hope you have the best time in the world because I know if it was me I would! LOL ooh and don't worry we won't do nothing bad to the house whilst you're gone...lol..well really someone else is staying in it so we wouldn't even be able to, hey lol...well I LOVE YOU and have a great time and keep in touch and don't find some really cute guy from newhere to far away and never come back because we'll miss you too much ! ok we LOVE YA DARLIN'!!! (L) Han Han!!!!
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