Landed

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Such a long absence,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've needed time to sift the events, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the thoughts, the feelings in my mind<br /><br />While in the UK,<br />I had no idea what my reflections would reveal from this side of the move...<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAic9EjbmPFZHdST6FK-wfJgAB2qr4FD5sQaZgDpmIhS-e5XzH40kZIa-npZuStKFHKjopvP1uAth3Kaj76sIEmFus76VaW2iwC1m9bVG2zex4QgTBuQv_iP1B1SYTlz6oDx6pYaF_9S1T/s1600/10494801_10202948862735348_8044306423667349667_n-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAic9EjbmPFZHdST6FK-wfJgAB2qr4FD5sQaZgDpmIhS-e5XzH40kZIa-npZuStKFHKjopvP1uAth3Kaj76sIEmFus76VaW2iwC1m9bVG2zex4QgTBuQv_iP1B1SYTlz6oDx6pYaF_9S1T/s1600/10494801_10202948862735348_8044306423667349667_n-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Heathrow Airport</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our move back to the US was a rocky one with unforeseeable mishaps:<br /><br />- all our checked-in luggage was 'lost' for one very long week</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- tracking online, we saw Hurricane Arthur pass over the ship that carried our house contents<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- our pets were delayed in US customs due to a bomb threat evacuation</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- and more things broke than ever in this move</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Feeling like we were starring in 'The Truman Show', we can laugh about it now<br />Sort of :)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHPPeK3GVRY65nTLuRoAyrQwPLSf5X7Whh-EwQ56FpPP7xvMBRk-nxpF4yHiyS6moldUevJkJirSBr5qeMO-C1K-Wh5PGXWYz2zk0rBc3mmREUzwVkXKh3w3HhgTB1WdkRz-8bIpzoKQe/s1600/DSC02895-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHPPeK3GVRY65nTLuRoAyrQwPLSf5X7Whh-EwQ56FpPP7xvMBRk-nxpF4yHiyS6moldUevJkJirSBr5qeMO-C1K-Wh5PGXWYz2zk0rBc3mmREUzwVkXKh3w3HhgTB1WdkRz-8bIpzoKQe/s1600/DSC02895-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Surprisingly,</div><div style="text-align: center;">those first weeks in the US I didn't miss England</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I felt sad that France was less accessible<br />(go figure!)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, I often find myself lost in reminiscing about England</div><div style="text-align: center;">- London, birdsong, public footpaths, picturesque villages, </div><div style="text-align: center;">our beautiful drive to school, friends -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It feels like I broke up with a boyfriend I loved dearly</div><div style="text-align: center;">but now I need to move on<br /><br />They say the longer you stay abroad,<br />the longer it takes to resettle back 'home'<br /><br />So we felt it was the right time to leave,<br />especially for the kids</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Living in the UK was a dream come true with the opportunities it provided,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the lifelong friendships created,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the growth that would have been difficult<br />to achieve had we never left the US<br /><br />We have no regrets about raising our kids abroad<br />during some of their formative years<br /><br />I can't wait to hear their reflections when they are older<br /> and see how it molded them as people<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSVurNFGvFxe-eJFZ1hv6bQGWhvN2gfurQsOF5xCCBE0ccp6_2sKhYoYIJAfH-UQLxMJTCtZS6C3yToWzBdMDgKmnF3XpgJohoIZGPwImFkJPXmI1lvms06IvcsZ7mhs5StrDIfDeUAn_/s1600/DSC02873-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSVurNFGvFxe-eJFZ1hv6bQGWhvN2gfurQsOF5xCCBE0ccp6_2sKhYoYIJAfH-UQLxMJTCtZS6C3yToWzBdMDgKmnF3XpgJohoIZGPwImFkJPXmI1lvms06IvcsZ7mhs5StrDIfDeUAn_/s1600/DSC02873-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I feel we are entering not a new chapter in life,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but a whole new book</div><div style="text-align: center;">where everything feels foreign </div><div style="text-align: center;">in this US timezone I've never lived in before<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unexpectedly, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I exhaled when we moved back to the US where the laws make sense to me</div><div style="text-align: center;">(subconsciously a tiny part of me was afraid I'd break an English law I didn't know about)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I felt a tiny bit vulnerable and self-conscious about being a foreigner</div><div style="text-align: center;">My accent would always label me 'The American'<br />no matter how long we lived in the UK<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And there was so much I didn't understand on a deeper level:<br />processes, cultural references, mindset</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel like we belong here,</div><div style="text-align: center;">although we don't yet belong<br /><br />I imagine it will take a while before we feel we live here,<br />not just visiting<br /><br /><div>With some local day trips around the area,</div><div>I am starting to see what is here</div><div>rather than what is not<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbMuOPZCqvVwU2Qm5vTAYaAssPIxuFLQFClKHIcrdaOHd65WsADLWMGbOwi2V3Xp_Z7PEXpzERJxyOuORmPgxTMqfL0Mskji6MQBfbXY4JfT4nQnhbGUHEPRk6CCMKYkXQpSPX9Wu0d3x/s1600/DSC02498-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbMuOPZCqvVwU2Qm5vTAYaAssPIxuFLQFClKHIcrdaOHd65WsADLWMGbOwi2V3Xp_Z7PEXpzERJxyOuORmPgxTMqfL0Mskji6MQBfbXY4JfT4nQnhbGUHEPRk6CCMKYkXQpSPX9Wu0d3x/s1600/DSC02498-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nowadays</div><div style="text-align: center;">I still walk up to my car with a moment of hesitation</div><div style="text-align: center;">- do I get in on the right side or the left? -</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I'm occasionally surprised when I hear American accents</div><div style="text-align: center;">(as I often thought in England, 'oh, visitors!')<br /><br />It took a while to shake the nagging low-grade worry from the UK<br />that I might not find a parking spot I can fit into<br />or that I might not have proper change to buy a parking ticket</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here, I'm surprised strangers ask me where I'm from</div><div style="text-align: center;">because they detect an accent, they say</div><div style="text-align: center;">(which must be a slight difference in intonation or word choice)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But then due to a lack of English accent,</div><div style="text-align: center;">people are confused when I say I moved here from England</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I must say 'I moved here after living in England for 4 years'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 'English' part of me feels that answer is way too wordy and </div><div style="text-align: center;">divulges more personal information than I want to part with,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but that is where the follow up questions lead anyway<br />so down that road I follow<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5i1RZK-yb6wxnXDUyHvbsvrNdWvnesccZfbBGY77TM9t3f00_W9-cvPOoTFQjyqzOetuMaPwIchJFS9bOo-IcFEXN4zIZ5EqCqikts6WQzLaCKz0oVE0XVJhDHWe06WxfTgPWRph59ZY/s1600/DSC02524-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5i1RZK-yb6wxnXDUyHvbsvrNdWvnesccZfbBGY77TM9t3f00_W9-cvPOoTFQjyqzOetuMaPwIchJFS9bOo-IcFEXN4zIZ5EqCqikts6WQzLaCKz0oVE0XVJhDHWe06WxfTgPWRph59ZY/s1600/DSC02524-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Having lived in 4 houses over the last 5 years,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I find myself hesitating to spend money on this house in case we move again<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although we bought this house without intentions of moving,</div><div style="text-align: center;">that nomadic life of 'we might need to pick up and go' still lingers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have loved decorating our new 1950's house</div><div style="text-align: center;">All my bottled up creative decorating energy has been released</div><div style="text-align: center;">and it feels good to stretch those legs that have been in rental houses for the last few years<br /><br /><div>Lately I discovered some fantastic home decor blogs</div><div>which provide daily visual inspiration<br />and I have tidied up how I receive blogs through <a href="http://www.unroll.me/">UnrollMe</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Internet shopping has allowed me to put the house together fairly quickly,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which has been crucial for feeling settled<br /><br /><div>To set up house, we bought new electronics and appliances with US plugs<br />With the benefits of streaming and downloads,<br />we won't buy a DVD player or stereo system this time around<br /><br /></div><div>I still need to shed the scarves and sweaters for a warmer weather wardrobe</div><div>And I must buy a pair of sunglasses!</div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest change I've noticed from living in the US 4 years ago</div><div>is the technological advances:</div><div><br /></div><div>iPads have replaced some cash registers<br /><br /></div><div>Some businesses accept Google Wallet for transactions<br /><br /></div><div>Slide your credit card at the gate when you enter a parking garage<br /><br />Simple mops and brooms are hard to find<br /><br /></div><div>And even soft drink dispensers have a new look<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTJyDxkHiPdHD5XIcYGUStuV4a6DPRbU_uhrJWX73z2-Qm1x-wjTGk6DcqXB0zNfz9TJOg8i00vxnmcrilltpGhaDfXEJ2VPmONgwka9tMmk2Ka3BtDU7YkyhoWZ8Y_nnp-ltPIIvcrWL/s1600/photo+3-029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTJyDxkHiPdHD5XIcYGUStuV4a6DPRbU_uhrJWX73z2-Qm1x-wjTGk6DcqXB0zNfz9TJOg8i00vxnmcrilltpGhaDfXEJ2VPmONgwka9tMmk2Ka3BtDU7YkyhoWZ8Y_nnp-ltPIIvcrWL/s1600/photo+3-029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you must know,<br />I can't get enough iced tea!<br /><br />And not to brag,<br />but I can get a week's worth of laundry done in half a day<br />(happy!)<br /><br />It is refreshing to have the sounds of American football<br />on the TV all weekend, not just at dinner time<br /><br />And we're back to<br />going to professional baseball games<br />with yummy oversized brats and sauerkraut<br /><br />Proudly I now have <b>another</b> driver's license under my belt<br />(needless to say, it was much easier than the 3-part test in England)<br /><br />Nonetheless<br />I naturally I have my intense 'missing England days'<br />and I would visit again in a heartbeat<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST1JirpQAhyphenhyphenfYpo60hW-fg7KxtwKs-9QAr_8SCwqeKgTAwDeFhYB-ayoxfAEK5M8GAAJQLuxm0c7ZAw_-o5M2FPvKeli6TBUTOwhIFs5ucmCh5YUeQxELOlswMdboMr72_ZxAojtwDc7F/s1600/photo+3-028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST1JirpQAhyphenhyphenfYpo60hW-fg7KxtwKs-9QAr_8SCwqeKgTAwDeFhYB-ayoxfAEK5M8GAAJQLuxm0c7ZAw_-o5M2FPvKeli6TBUTOwhIFs5ucmCh5YUeQxELOlswMdboMr72_ZxAojtwDc7F/s1600/photo+3-028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blogging was an integral part of my experience in England</div><div style="text-align: center;">as it motivated me to do and see more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It has been an amazing experience to e-know so many of you</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I even met some virtual blogging friends face-to-face</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I intend to keep this blog online</div><div style="text-align: center;">(still thousands of pageviews weekly!),</div><div style="text-align: center;">the title of my blog lends itself to stay in the UK</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One day I might start up a new blog</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I haven't identified something I really want to get down on paper</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So for now,<br />thank you so much for reading<br /><br />My heart is happy we connected somehow<br />in this crazy internet world</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I love you guys!<br />Wishing you all the best</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- all photos my own -</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>

Landed

Such a long absence,I knowI've needed time to sift the events, the thoughts, the feelings in my mindWhile in the UK,I had no idea what my reflections would reveal from this side of the move...London Heathrow AirportOur move back to the US was a rocky one with unforeseeable mishaps:- all our checked-…

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In Flight

<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Today our family’s flight path takes a new turn<o:p></o:p></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">as we settle back in the US<o:p></o:p></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT5Uo-NQvnvCY9G-bV6r4VLbeljovxD45QREl_aZYTN13G4pQ2-NM2ROXHiQcbTzDviZAQqkGLZ9YWaiOGE3p-frkptU0_wzgrKgN5b4HTLOKVjVbO_ND_4DV2RYOyewXrmu8ociELvFU/s1600/DSC00735-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT5Uo-NQvnvCY9G-bV6r4VLbeljovxD45QREl_aZYTN13G4pQ2-NM2ROXHiQcbTzDviZAQqkGLZ9YWaiOGE3p-frkptU0_wzgrKgN5b4HTLOKVjVbO_ND_4DV2RYOyewXrmu8ociELvFU/s1600/DSC00735-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The literal flight path will take us over Greenland’s icy waters<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">and then deliver us to our summery new hometown<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">which I imagine will feel foreign for a while<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">On the calendar:<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Driver’s license test<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> 4^th of July rodeo<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Summer camp<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Visit family<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Life is filled with transitions<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">and this is just another opportunity to practice our adaptability</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_h9ygUFC795wWsNhXb25crV5zaCExDiHBOlG2PbTl9EhPBwhzOW5MqjV5UOtwV5c2W2QxQPJn1f6-sTKUlRsWFd9uzpY1jiWUxOyr0IknzAHKmp1e0s-vEvI5ZkYzU3hTSzwc5GKfNm0/s1600/DSC09914-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_h9ygUFC795wWsNhXb25crV5zaCExDiHBOlG2PbTl9EhPBwhzOW5MqjV5UOtwV5c2W2QxQPJn1f6-sTKUlRsWFd9uzpY1jiWUxOyr0IknzAHKmp1e0s-vEvI5ZkYzU3hTSzwc5GKfNm0/s1600/DSC09914-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">See you on the other side<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">:)<o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos my own -</span></i></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

In Flight

Today our family’s flight path takes a new turn as we settle back in the USThe literal flight path will take us over Greenland’s icy watersand then deliver us to our summery new hometownwhich I imagine will feel foreign for a whileOn the calendar:Driver’s license test 4th of July rodeoSummer campVis…

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Reflecting On England

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">What can I say...</div><div style="text-align: center;">so much we have learned </div><div style="text-align: center;">and so much we will miss</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for joining my journey!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlcfIaZ81Cjcve-W_wTmC1lTN1sRchpAv3l3xmvuEhZ9n9P_lm5GM19Dmn_mvH-uiShm5VtWRkse26ChUrYHSIf3YezNoMGToWyAEm3CsqJIp4tiymy7nltNWYHg2oDXPDXVcEYe0HFXO/s1600/DSC01507-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlcfIaZ81Cjcve-W_wTmC1lTN1sRchpAv3l3xmvuEhZ9n9P_lm5GM19Dmn_mvH-uiShm5VtWRkse26ChUrYHSIf3YezNoMGToWyAEm3CsqJIp4tiymy7nltNWYHg2oDXPDXVcEYe0HFXO/s1600/DSC01507-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so thankful you have read and commented on my blog</div><div style="text-align: center;">which in turn encouraged me to keep documenting our time here in words and images</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I start to look at England from a rear-view mirror perspective,</div><div style="text-align: center;">here's some of my thoughts about this wonderful country<br />we have been lucky to call 'home'...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">THE WEATHER</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enabling green grass and lush landscapes year around,</div><div style="text-align: center;">rain is an important fiber of the English culture<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCkR4-FslX-emfkC43YXmcGkJkHJHFXMh5Y6WgGObGTRug_VbT5uWoUNA_TlnBFRUGpwpzFo7AfJqh216Kl3xjyw3jVe_oRngj-6GmjMiz6ZTDP9PS9ruvCEs9-Om4wPbdqlSQVu-uwLL/s1600/photo+5-044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCkR4-FslX-emfkC43YXmcGkJkHJHFXMh5Y6WgGObGTRug_VbT5uWoUNA_TlnBFRUGpwpzFo7AfJqh216Kl3xjyw3jVe_oRngj-6GmjMiz6ZTDP9PS9ruvCEs9-Om4wPbdqlSQVu-uwLL/s1600/photo+5-044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Providing not only a conversation starter,</div><div style="text-align: center;">rain has created a hearty crew who holds events rain or shine</div><div style="text-align: center;">and 'just gets on with it'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Molding fashion,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you find adorable wellies and umbrellas at the ready for rain</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the sweater-scarf-leggings-boots combo is put to work </div><div style="text-align: center;">at least 9 months of the year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With rain comes rainbows and</div><div style="text-align: center;">the probable cloud cover provides soft lighting for photos</div><div style="text-align: center;">The mild weather is predictable with occasional 'sunny spells'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fog has been infrequent</div><div style="text-align: center;">but always a treat</div><div style="text-align: center;">as it drops a totally different lens to a wintry landscape<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD5afXb7mMIIuHpEAlWQWiKunXzRRehx_Iv36SInMeKx4txMXRw1pCk7wRI7vaav3CngY6UTz_0SBCTYWMree_fsS-0QU_zf3TzYq4y8_q7VrCPWaXJFj0ce9loIIVqyitz2Ps2y_Rzi5/s1600/photo+4-027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD5afXb7mMIIuHpEAlWQWiKunXzRRehx_Iv36SInMeKx4txMXRw1pCk7wRI7vaav3CngY6UTz_0SBCTYWMree_fsS-0QU_zf3TzYq4y8_q7VrCPWaXJFj0ce9loIIVqyitz2Ps2y_Rzi5/s1600/photo+4-027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wintertime is short but very dark,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and later we're rewarded by insanely long hours of daylight in summertime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In general</div><div style="text-align: center;">the clouds and rain are like a cozy blanket</div><div style="text-align: center;">It makes me say, 'Ahhh, that's my England'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">THE OUTDOORS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With all that rain and mild temperatures,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this island has the most wonderful conditions for growing things<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTL5JgEy7xGjfRZWXUIxF_c0feIwGsPMINytmv6P4Jh_30D9P6_FeLZhnXdMUIA3ZqZ92J3pvYY3PTnUq6t8FxMKly2cv9PMydX2nUN5BqKxp6AW_ebqjcn9rb99IX3daWRE1KpnL9ZVO/s1600/DSC01226-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTL5JgEy7xGjfRZWXUIxF_c0feIwGsPMINytmv6P4Jh_30D9P6_FeLZhnXdMUIA3ZqZ92J3pvYY3PTnUq6t8FxMKly2cv9PMydX2nUN5BqKxp6AW_ebqjcn9rb99IX3daWRE1KpnL9ZVO/s1600/DSC01226-004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dancing wildflowers are left to grow along the roadside</div><div style="text-align: center;">and walls of greenery guide you down the lanes </div><div style="text-align: center;">in the form of hedgerows and tree tunnels</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture-perfect crop fields are just as beautiful</div><div style="text-align: center;">as the countless public gardens that dot this verdant country</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Garden nurseries sell not only flowers and plants</div><div style="text-align: center;">but pots of tea, lunch and dessert</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With public footpaths zig-zagging the country,</div><div style="text-align: center;">there is no shortage of local hikes</div><div style="text-align: center;">and dogs can frolic off-leash to their waggy-heart's content<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTRxfMXM3TAXy2G9zdycDmhyphenhyphenZhGeoPjx9-5N8VofDYLFeZr8Q4tKpKgwgnMyFRwwnR-fST5u3n4g-AUTumBk-FLd1dA38BISJJQ3Pq8qSX2-qnrb_dSnn7D_DNfCi-lrTlcW_6TCrUJco/s1600/DSC09680-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTRxfMXM3TAXy2G9zdycDmhyphenhyphenZhGeoPjx9-5N8VofDYLFeZr8Q4tKpKgwgnMyFRwwnR-fST5u3n4g-AUTumBk-FLd1dA38BISJJQ3Pq8qSX2-qnrb_dSnn7D_DNfCi-lrTlcW_6TCrUJco/s1600/DSC09680-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Without the danger of bears, mountain lions, or poisonous snakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">children can run around more carefree than we are accustomed to</div><div style="text-align: center;">(there are venomous adders, but rare)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, how we will miss... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">being woken up at 5 o'clock by birdsong</div><div style="text-align: center;">old car horn sound of a pheasant call</div><div style="text-align: center;">bike pump sound made by the Great Tit</div><div style="text-align: center;">skinny little legs on the sweet and revered English Robin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">wandering solitary fox</div><div style="text-align: center;">spinning tail of a newborn lamb</div><div style="text-align: center;">gorgeous haze of bluebells in Spring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">shocking acid-yellow rapeseed<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sJstuZ9UP_YBY5sKGosCISu9LvRmIxyVqHaucll4AKESzn5h8EKdp9YnRe4139aWXDfRjzYpNpW-y7qHuqhHse9fLsVbq5IM182poVwETnT2WjGuCmPtX94LG2YftFfWlfsD-lwVjytY/s1600/DSC01696-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sJstuZ9UP_YBY5sKGosCISu9LvRmIxyVqHaucll4AKESzn5h8EKdp9YnRe4139aWXDfRjzYpNpW-y7qHuqhHse9fLsVbq5IM182poVwETnT2WjGuCmPtX94LG2YftFfWlfsD-lwVjytY/s1600/DSC01696-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">rich blue of a British summer sky</div><div style="text-align: center;">fairytale-like toadstools in autumn</div><div style="text-align: center;">magical hoar frost in winter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like many Americans,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am quite smitten by the English accent</div><div style="text-align: center;">and surprised how it varies greatly</div><div style="text-align: center;">depending on class, education, and location<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3NsxMd8q9DIecES4ttlDlk32YOxjC8hZlVm4RdKC3SSBbs5udAwun1YZJT-aHa708uKOfCfr_uYTQZ3rcqeWbV50UEBoo2izwbWGIu7p8To9domPTSbL_nL9sz832vYA1i0GjkoZgYR7/s1600/DSC01270-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3NsxMd8q9DIecES4ttlDlk32YOxjC8hZlVm4RdKC3SSBbs5udAwun1YZJT-aHa708uKOfCfr_uYTQZ3rcqeWbV50UEBoo2izwbWGIu7p8To9domPTSbL_nL9sz832vYA1i0GjkoZgYR7/s1600/DSC01270-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've started to notice which type of accent is spoken in radio commercials</div><div style="text-align: center;">which provides a whole different level of information to the listener</div><div style="text-align: center;">as to what the advertiser wants to convey</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While the English are not boastful,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they'll remind you of their original ownership of the English language</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And yet<br />they have pronunciation inconsistencies that make me look like a real heel</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as Cliveden - should be Clive-den but is pronounced Cliv'den -</div><div style="text-align: center;">and other pronunciation rule derailments such as Thames and Leicester</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I imagine the English use a larger percentage of their dictionary than Americans</div><div style="text-align: center;">and they have an impressively extensive vocabulary for landscapes such as</div><div style="text-align: center;">moor, tor, fen, fell, dale, vale, copse, lea, common, green, heath, and beck</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is even a wordsmith game show on BBC radio</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that the public will correct grammatically incorrect signage</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How I wish I had taken a photo of a notice placed in an elevator/lift I saw a few years ago</div><div style="text-align: center;">Someone had used a pen to make about 4 grammatical corrections on the sign</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was taken down that night<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But I did get a photo of this one at my local post office...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-54WQ673aSJRpzcPJKsDsmKAl-CDmv9uNW-kxO3ZvFBLSnMebDhnwmiY1CjeqdIKDEByn7Lbjxfkh0CWykUU3eMKbEqpwCtWQA8TpXZUmHpPdhFAGwqHcYL67m4y6R0FHCf5hnQU__hD/s1600/photo+1-0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-54WQ673aSJRpzcPJKsDsmKAl-CDmv9uNW-kxO3ZvFBLSnMebDhnwmiY1CjeqdIKDEByn7Lbjxfkh0CWykUU3eMKbEqpwCtWQA8TpXZUmHpPdhFAGwqHcYL67m4y6R0FHCf5hnQU__hD/s1600/photo+1-0061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone attempted to scratch out the 's'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On a side note,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I find it fascinating that the French has an official authority <span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">(<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Académie française)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">determining the usages, vocabulary, grammar, and dictionary of the French language</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">FOOD & DRINK</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's cut the the chase:</div><div style="text-align: center;">man, how we will miss our country pubs<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hN3n7RQlXn227fJQ9STk_Kv71tb9QkUDpds1hq4FBke3ds4lX-S_415ECgGdTCbMKyhrKhyS8-eb0ITVDZaHokOBVUlFlezcz5KdJRSs0VJLsBbuoc4Vv962N-mmD7xVjaYLheF6MlRD/s1600/photo+2-031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hN3n7RQlXn227fJQ9STk_Kv71tb9QkUDpds1hq4FBke3ds4lX-S_415ECgGdTCbMKyhrKhyS8-eb0ITVDZaHokOBVUlFlezcz5KdJRSs0VJLsBbuoc4Vv962N-mmD7xVjaYLheF6MlRD/s1600/photo+2-031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Imagine a 17th-century pub with a warming fire in the fireplace</div><div style="text-align: center;">and board games stacked nearby just waiting to be played</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfection!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A warming drink may include </div><div style="text-align: center;">a pot of tea</div><div style="text-align: center;">hot chocolate</div><div style="text-align: center;">(warmish) pint of beer</div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter Pimms</div><div style="text-align: center;">or mulled wine</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happiness is sitting outside on a sunny day at a pub</div><div style="text-align: center;">while the kids play on equipment or hide-and-seek</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Quiz Night' is on Fridays</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday Roast each week</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dog and family friendly</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pubs are the heartbeat of many villages</div><div style="text-align: center;">and there simply is no equivalent in the US<br />or possibly elsewhere in the world outside the UK/Ireland region</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With so many cool pubs to discover,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you never have to go to the same one twice<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46PNVfnbm9j_CmUP3So-0aO8zR5hbjbb_9J4Xf7CMhw0kjYuyCrsMjh6jPK0GYN42vCZwYTj3OlGGB9I3osIt0WIMAThDUZUwNa9IjMpKMk1W3r-yVPSLSN1TSkG8wXYLFzBLwSnjWRsg/s1600/DSC00105-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46PNVfnbm9j_CmUP3So-0aO8zR5hbjbb_9J4Xf7CMhw0kjYuyCrsMjh6jPK0GYN42vCZwYTj3OlGGB9I3osIt0WIMAThDUZUwNa9IjMpKMk1W3r-yVPSLSN1TSkG8wXYLFzBLwSnjWRsg/s1600/DSC00105-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While England gets a bad rap for food,</div><div style="text-align: center;">delicious Indian take-away is as common as Chinese take-out in the US</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The London food scene is amazing, delicious and diverse</div><div style="text-align: center;">and is constantly evolving with clever new ideas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From liquid nitrogen ice cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">to Alice In Wonderland tea,</div><div style="text-align: center;">from pay-per-minute cafes<br />to sushi on conveyor belts,</div><div style="text-align: center;">London has it all</div><div style="text-align: center;">and we're spoiled for choice</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our sweet tooth will be missing a lot of British favorites:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">millionaire shortbread bars</div><div style="text-align: center;">lemon drizzle cake</div><div style="text-align: center;">treacle tart</div><div style="text-align: center;">sticky toffee pudding</div><div style="text-align: center;">honeycomb crunch ice cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">first of the season British strawberries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And those unforgettably named dishes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Toad In The Hole, Bubble & Squeak</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In place of syrup,</div><div style="text-align: center;">who knew squeezing lots of lemon juice and sprinkling sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">all over pancakes would be a new breakfast favorite?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tipped off by a French friend who knows her food, we found another love</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>good local bread</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">- so soft, so light, with lots of holes inside to capture the butter -<br />yummmmm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aside from rain, tea also is an obvious integral part of England</div><div style="text-align: center;">Offered in homes and schools, by hairdressers, and at medical appointments</div><div style="text-align: center;">'a nice cup of tea' is another emotional cozy blanket in England</div><div style="text-align: center;">to either welcome or soothe<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5tQXZkK9IulYI_rYHJK4ToOOe985OfklCTQXqq6uTZe15QSio4wtwvbBJI7L4z_W7LoB9EIZnhIixPYfh74BqRzsaZFtymEQF5rK7RU6tdY8FVCvTPkCq3ITD7pJkTvqnNKNTr3OOHQo/s1600/photo+4-049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5tQXZkK9IulYI_rYHJK4ToOOe985OfklCTQXqq6uTZe15QSio4wtwvbBJI7L4z_W7LoB9EIZnhIixPYfh74BqRzsaZFtymEQF5rK7RU6tdY8FVCvTPkCq3ITD7pJkTvqnNKNTr3OOHQo/s1600/photo+4-049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Interestingly</div><div style="text-align: center;">'cream tea' is more regional than I would have expected</div><div style="text-align: center;">with its clotted cream and scones</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I stumble upon one, I bring out my happy dance</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">THE DRIVING</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As intimidating and silly the driving exam seemed at the time,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I actually am thankful I had to go through the process</div><div style="text-align: center;">or shall we call it 'a right of passage', hmm?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I definitely became a much better driver</div><div style="text-align: center;">thanks to the exam, the driving lessons,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and fellow drivers who honked at my missteps<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNnGghprDyKmkViKyHIXN-tgwP1i9i2hfxCEK_TjzIDMEUAeiWK4Ecv_LN_HLvgzlPcyktIbR9hnU1hootFPx4ZXQquoYBXNkYMu1-0Ba_N0D5E-gCvyAvAU21CCn493YdzDRHhFloLlf/s1600/DSC09400-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNnGghprDyKmkViKyHIXN-tgwP1i9i2hfxCEK_TjzIDMEUAeiWK4Ecv_LN_HLvgzlPcyktIbR9hnU1hootFPx4ZXQquoYBXNkYMu1-0Ba_N0D5E-gCvyAvAU21CCn493YdzDRHhFloLlf/s1600/DSC09400-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the continuous driving enabled by</div><div style="text-align: center;">roundabouts and yields (no stop signs)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I appreciate 'creative parking'</div><div style="text-align: center;">in any direction on sidewalks</div><div style="text-align: center;">made possible by low kerbs/curbs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speed limits that change on digital signs </div><div style="text-align: center;">are a brilliant idea on the highways/dual carriageways</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You gotta love the single lane roads that call themselves a double lane</div><div style="text-align: center;">- smile if you know what I'm talking about -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I can just hear the crowd go wild</div><div style="text-align: center;">when I totally nail one of those challenging parallel parking spaces</div><div style="text-align: center;">- that is some serious satisfaction, my friends -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">TRAVEL</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While we have the same number of school days as our American counterparts,</div><div style="text-align: center;">our holiday breaks are much longer<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIFqmlJyB27Ae3YH-VcgfPnPx2zYV3Nocy5rUI1K60dn6QDf1JHGyiM75H_nG3Y3ea5yquDC7ODMPkmgw5a3tNPjuZhrZpl4SCCaR8K_btsiQ4ezpzben2rnbaUEfE0PGNVL_O9R0fpbo/s1600/photo+3-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIFqmlJyB27Ae3YH-VcgfPnPx2zYV3Nocy5rUI1K60dn6QDf1JHGyiM75H_nG3Y3ea5yquDC7ODMPkmgw5a3tNPjuZhrZpl4SCCaR8K_btsiQ4ezpzben2rnbaUEfE0PGNVL_O9R0fpbo/s1600/photo+3-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ireland</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the US, it felt like nine months of solid school</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the UK, </div><div style="text-align: center;">it feels like we are on break, just finished a break, or about to have a break</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Consequently, English schools finish the school year in late June or July</div><div style="text-align: center;">making the summer holiday quite short</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And with two magnificent international airports nearby,</div><div style="text-align: center;">many destinations are just a direct flight away</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Due to our location,</div><div style="text-align: center;">many countries are in a nearby timezone</div><div style="text-align: center;">meaning jet lag often is of no concern</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Travel is affordable-ish</div><div style="text-align: center;">with discounted airlines and most hotels open to some bargaining</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We will definitely miss all the mental breaks from school</div><div style="text-align: center;">allowing us quality family time even when we didn't travel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Feels like healthy living</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">MISCELLANEOUS<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few other oddities I will miss:<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0LKtYrFJFj1MJwfMXtRodWDg6PMvjSossaAbbs5lWKSZXSpMTFy-PlkI3b9ByWre12tYs310hli6922uXOJo5CsO_i110sp604I7NWAzZ2vsOhXJSzJKQAf_DaMR40Q8cywwQjq8vTjZ/s1600/photo+3-021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0LKtYrFJFj1MJwfMXtRodWDg6PMvjSossaAbbs5lWKSZXSpMTFy-PlkI3b9ByWre12tYs310hli6922uXOJo5CsO_i110sp604I7NWAzZ2vsOhXJSzJKQAf_DaMR40Q8cywwQjq8vTjZ/s1600/photo+3-021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For portable toilets, that slogan is priceless!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* on/off switch on wall outlets</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Panto season at Christmastime<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* LBC and BBC talk radio - giving me more insight into the English mind</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* contest radio winners who respond with a simple 'thank you' or 'I'm. so. happy.' </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* upcoming Scottish independence vote and <span style="background-color: white;">UK General Election</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Refreshingly, voting happens with little fanfare and no endorsements signs</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry to miss feeling the pulse!<br /><br />* English synonyms for so many American words<br />My vocabulary has definitely expanded<br /><br />* little things such as the European '7' with a line through it,<br />the date written in a different order,<br />writing in upper case letters almost exclusively,<br />formally beginning emails with 'dear' and ending with 'kind regards'<br /><br />* the density of so much to do, see, learn, and photograph<br />so close to home<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNu_cMFhBxIfMtrij8AAz0NJJRNbio_DyQHDjl1vEaLqOaWti8IwwaZ2k1dyNDG3_Sd61mqJ07nc9lr9j00hqUmxmu7Act8AERnYe80sNWnYNL5RKiwL5XqU_NsZVa-uo4nqW-WF1MP8_/s1600/photo+1-053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNu_cMFhBxIfMtrij8AAz0NJJRNbio_DyQHDjl1vEaLqOaWti8IwwaZ2k1dyNDG3_Sd61mqJ07nc9lr9j00hqUmxmu7Act8AERnYe80sNWnYNL5RKiwL5XqU_NsZVa-uo4nqW-WF1MP8_/s1600/photo+1-053.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While the time is right on many fronts for us to leave,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we are returning to the US as new, improved 'us'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm definitely a lot smarter having absorbed English history and culture</div><div style="text-align: center;">and grateful to learn a different way to do life and raise a family</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would I live in another foreign country again?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Although it has its challenges, yes, definitely yes</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all images my own -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Reflecting On England

What can I say...so much we have learned and so much we will missThank you for joining my journey!I am so thankful you have read and commented on my blogwhich in turn encouraged me to keep documenting our time here in words and imagesAs I start to look at England from a rear-view mirror perspective,…

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British Library Tour

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Interesting<br />that in the world's largest holding library</div><div style="text-align: center;">you are unable to check out a book</div><div style="text-align: center;">and need special permission to touch one</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I had visited this library before,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I went back for a proper tour just a few weeks ago<br />(there isn't much to see on your own, so a tour is a must)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWw9Q9lKmydU5rWhsWr48jax5SgKW_LXMV2Tu6-9uDxx-VIEI3fcbXU1bABIXtTTs4El8t1KjL59YOSO4Tw5UWjjGhTvWdgficu57Q3TvfvnX2HHo2bgHH-ZjXV5lpw7FnrUd_RWQjqCj/s1600/photo+4-041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWw9Q9lKmydU5rWhsWr48jax5SgKW_LXMV2Tu6-9uDxx-VIEI3fcbXU1bABIXtTTs4El8t1KjL59YOSO4Tw5UWjjGhTvWdgficu57Q3TvfvnX2HHo2bgHH-ZjXV5lpw7FnrUd_RWQjqCj/s1600/photo+4-041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the UK and Ireland</div><div style="text-align: center;">a copy of every publication is donated to the British Library</div><div style="text-align: center;">for the sake of archiving the printed word</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Besides books, the British Library archives</div><div style="text-align: center;">store catalogs, maps, games, stamps, playscripts, and musical scores</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moving images as well as sound recordings</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as music, animal sounds, and regional accent samples are stored as well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Three million new items are added to the collection each year,</div><div style="text-align: center;">some of which are donated from other countries in different languages</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Miles of shelving are added annually to accommodate new additions</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While the main library is in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">other branches are in Oxford, Cambridge, Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales, and Dublin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Contrary to most libraries,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the British Library organizes their books according to book size</div><div style="text-align: center;">because the Dewey Decimal System would be too time consuming for reshelving books</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When a book is returned</div><div style="text-align: center;">it is placed at the end of the shelf next to books the same size</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnpcBH7f0Vyopj9WGR-xnwaMQOuPg6PnRKNI5Atf6Qk29c0bh0g9fyZwedXsQruOZwoke-L6XXWU8XgsuYSnSBugA9FaHoYYDF5GbL9C1sV4ffGRMkBgNx7pg9ZoPQiA8honUuE-ujW-W/s1600/photo+5-038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnpcBH7f0Vyopj9WGR-xnwaMQOuPg6PnRKNI5Atf6Qk29c0bh0g9fyZwedXsQruOZwoke-L6XXWU8XgsuYSnSBugA9FaHoYYDF5GbL9C1sV4ffGRMkBgNx7pg9ZoPQiA8honUuE-ujW-W/s1600/photo+5-038.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King's Library and public tables</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If one wants to look at a particular item,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a registration process must be completed</div><div style="text-align: center;">and permission is granted based on genuine scholarly purpose</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is mostly university students, professors, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and industry researchers who are granted access</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As nothing can be checked out,</div><div style="text-align: center;">items only can be viewed in monitored reading rooms</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Magna Carta is the most requested item (and denied)<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb3V168RS0Y6zzqnXmprJRo1Y1M9XvkTV6i27QonYozf2iRjrquDDE60sjYWov7dqRfQYVDnASGarUdrFrCWe0KNYCRqqSoSFMTIg5RR3Pwz2OtpQnRnrv__6TczEm-8uyTahExDXMytO/s1600/photo+3-035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb3V168RS0Y6zzqnXmprJRo1Y1M9XvkTV6i27QonYozf2iRjrquDDE60sjYWov7dqRfQYVDnASGarUdrFrCWe0KNYCRqqSoSFMTIg5RR3Pwz2OtpQnRnrv__6TczEm-8uyTahExDXMytO/s1600/photo+3-035.JPG" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When an item is requested, it goes through a system between the walls that reminded me</div><div style="text-align: center;">of luggage at an airport with trays on automated tracks<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahIz6SWN6KtVQA7LW5VA_er4nIgAJ73zVXT74IjBELIc_CDg0FZYoaqL4SgF26P3soq5zA-IFB6Gjr95mqbUZo7-niPZDByRdQFECG41xmGmBfA5jaCM9FH9JN3iktL6SG-RS3T0RqDdF/s1600/photo+1-046.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahIz6SWN6KtVQA7LW5VA_er4nIgAJ73zVXT74IjBELIc_CDg0FZYoaqL4SgF26P3soq5zA-IFB6Gjr95mqbUZo7-niPZDByRdQFECG41xmGmBfA5jaCM9FH9JN3iktL6SG-RS3T0RqDdF/s1600/photo+1-046.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seventy people work in the basement 80 feet below ground</div><div style="text-align: center;">where items are stored on 20-foot high bookshelves</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lowest level of the building is filled with pumps</div><div style="text-align: center;">since the basement rests below the water table and River Thames<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The King's Library holds King George III's collection</div><div style="text-align: center;">which is considered one of the most important from his era</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Originally donated to the library when it was part of the British Museum,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the collection is now housed in a customized area with a clever fire plan<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BJzNHAFozjQBplVCe6nbRVXLz6GYOY6qHNEVIMl8u7k_sgfnSifTlEATQnvtNApS1DSbGMdz_hSeMhyOArnUA_a3rF60laRKnBTMQYMjZgtAZpdbKxTklUZVyDcx9TENd_T1dl1hP5lo/s1600/photo+5-041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BJzNHAFozjQBplVCe6nbRVXLz6GYOY6qHNEVIMl8u7k_sgfnSifTlEATQnvtNApS1DSbGMdz_hSeMhyOArnUA_a3rF60laRKnBTMQYMjZgtAZpdbKxTklUZVyDcx9TENd_T1dl1hP5lo/s1600/photo+5-041.JPG" width="586" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King's Library</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In case of fire elsewhere in the library,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a fire retardant gel would fill the space between the double glass panes</div><div style="text-align: center;">and King George's collection would be pulled out of the skylight to safety</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since water would create a lot of damage to books in case of fire,</div><div style="text-align: center;">other precious books are stored in an emergency blast freezer corridor</div><div style="text-align: center;">This means a vacuum sucks out air and blasts the area with cold air (-18<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">°</span></span>C) to freeze books</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then those books are transported to freezer holds in area grocery stores for safekeeping<br />Sounds like a movie!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next time I would love to attend Conservation Studio: Behind The Scenes Tour</div><div style="text-align: center;">Offered monthly, this will be on my list for next time :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- all images my own -</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Link: <a href="http://www.bl.uk/whatson/tours/index.html">British Library Tour</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored tour)</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

British Library Tour

Interestingthat in the world's largest holding libraryyou are unable to check out a bookand need special permission to touch oneWhile I had visited this library before,I went back for a proper tour just a few weeks ago(there isn't much to see on your own, so a tour is a must)In the UK and Irelanda c…

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The Lake District

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">For the long holiday weekend</div><div style="text-align: center;">we took a quick zip to the Lake District, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the largest and most visited National Park in England </div><div style="text-align: center;">located near the Scottish border</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu0hYcKV_E5n2Hy2CZZAEEE92btx8ym8ZgAyc1l8KnGM68CzHVYTysetLEXqPfrnMMvY_GYZSmKt2p4WrE1VLoIogKwJi8jxKpPvVDTnWvM3r26VeoGE3pRDh2G2YamkPhXt8mNzXjbhF/s1600/DSC01358-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu0hYcKV_E5n2Hy2CZZAEEE92btx8ym8ZgAyc1l8KnGM68CzHVYTysetLEXqPfrnMMvY_GYZSmKt2p4WrE1VLoIogKwJi8jxKpPvVDTnWvM3r26VeoGE3pRDh2G2YamkPhXt8mNzXjbhF/s1600/DSC01358-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see how this area has inspired so many authors</div><div style="text-align: center;">including William Wordsworth and Arthur Ransome</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLIZCSakYFI319qtz6zDSNdcXkCJa0IX-k7bx4jpiq7YDr74fgI0sRCXm1zzSYvF_9nw7uWFs6XB54hT80uKdXqK_2COhlXyzzOTNWae_Uga7naMtnCakpXgTFpUvmRXYXBPQhlKIStyZ/s1600/DSC01325-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLIZCSakYFI319qtz6zDSNdcXkCJa0IX-k7bx4jpiq7YDr74fgI0sRCXm1zzSYvF_9nw7uWFs6XB54hT80uKdXqK_2COhlXyzzOTNWae_Uga7naMtnCakpXgTFpUvmRXYXBPQhlKIStyZ/s1600/DSC01325-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The area is known for its </div><div style="text-align: center;">long, thin lakes</div><div style="text-align: center;">hills (known as 'fells')</div><div style="text-align: center;">verdant countryside (indicating it rains a lot) </div><div style="text-align: center;">and hardy Herdwick & Swaledale sheep</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLxLtUP0ph8oTfg2IyRDyU4LkC9cwMc52AY8MWge0mtSgjSGAKYWJr9uTyGJ5cYwsFv5jUXDzBdqCcOqZwTzfVxejEbWNlWyMJBB26lmDseuJGU9j4I-aU2_YIDx55M7LnOYzB_LEpnOb/s1600/DSC01383-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLxLtUP0ph8oTfg2IyRDyU4LkC9cwMc52AY8MWge0mtSgjSGAKYWJr9uTyGJ5cYwsFv5jUXDzBdqCcOqZwTzfVxejEbWNlWyMJBB26lmDseuJGU9j4I-aU2_YIDx55M7LnOYzB_LEpnOb/s1600/DSC01383-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aren't you in love already?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVRNQj_usLKdcXCsMDj4ILACC-59Qw23zkCwSePnVNLeyxva96RBJ4zN-U6tfP01t-3OT5QTptFft_yEgpc51Sx_k6D6IEV5RapfSh1HrbNlwy7VHkLpTEepbZ-0vj3xnIKyx4tFS65SW/s1600/DSC01574-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVRNQj_usLKdcXCsMDj4ILACC-59Qw23zkCwSePnVNLeyxva96RBJ4zN-U6tfP01t-3OT5QTptFft_yEgpc51Sx_k6D6IEV5RapfSh1HrbNlwy7VHkLpTEepbZ-0vj3xnIKyx4tFS65SW/s1600/DSC01574-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGvx4Gtmi80pEYKt10F9f7e39-4BlRttCadiPzwrslSZScYMG0c3tRyzuQKC0_NfBaiCykr8tWzqUj5irYiw_TWhWM1lNWs8s2xOOgq3_hMT9EYeNXhYjn2OBBplE8SPNerpPVtxNrqEj/s1600/DSC01443-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGvx4Gtmi80pEYKt10F9f7e39-4BlRttCadiPzwrslSZScYMG0c3tRyzuQKC0_NfBaiCykr8tWzqUj5irYiw_TWhWM1lNWs8s2xOOgq3_hMT9EYeNXhYjn2OBBplE8SPNerpPVtxNrqEj/s1600/DSC01443-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRhaC0sX5XymVtvPklK9katG4MXC1LWNw02AzXDg2rX4G88SsR_ybUIVZDnVW0wzXTTtEaG2kk5eTRGVa9y50MepAiZ2GmPdTIuxqVOa8eUNXrUYjlqrOZh7Yvp5cB8F8__mdU6UxBTNt/s1600/DSC01413-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRhaC0sX5XymVtvPklK9katG4MXC1LWNw02AzXDg2rX4G88SsR_ybUIVZDnVW0wzXTTtEaG2kk5eTRGVa9y50MepAiZ2GmPdTIuxqVOa8eUNXrUYjlqrOZh7Yvp5cB8F8__mdU6UxBTNt/s1600/DSC01413-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We visited Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse, <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top/">Hill Top</a>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which was a real highlight</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We saw local village locations that appear in her books</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as this letter box</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I1QdCZ9hXUc91XCJgJSlKoUQ0uI-sjt9m1VlFOfy1GYd0RDTaAs-BVK9U-kHJoABgCgDsHZzsKoxRqZQOc_qsSeSLY8MWf-YgiRNZxKcpIi5DyQQzFQ4yWhc6M9ex9V0ROd_Ybo82jpw/s1600/DSC01455-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I1QdCZ9hXUc91XCJgJSlKoUQ0uI-sjt9m1VlFOfy1GYd0RDTaAs-BVK9U-kHJoABgCgDsHZzsKoxRqZQOc_qsSeSLY8MWf-YgiRNZxKcpIi5DyQQzFQ4yWhc6M9ex9V0ROd_Ybo82jpw/s1600/DSC01455-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Victoria was the first to put her 'royal cypher' on new postboxes<br />Here, 'GR' indicates this letterbox was placed during the reign of King George V (<i>George Rex</i>)<br />Queen Elizabeth II's royal cypher is EIIR (<i>Elizabeth II Regina</i>)<br /><i>Rex/Regina</i> is Latin for king/queen</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />So glad we fit in this last trip!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well worth the five hour drive :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all images my own -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

The Lake District

For the long holiday weekendwe took a quick zip to the Lake District, the largest and most visited National Park in England located near the Scottish borderYou can see how this area has inspired so many authorsincluding William Wordsworth and Arthur RansomeThe area is known for its long, thin lakesh…

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Living In The Space Between

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Last week the movers packed up the container</div><div style="text-align: center;">and took everything we own to the dock to be shipped out tomorrow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I admit I was a bit misty-eyed as the truck's doors were locked and secured</div><div style="text-align: center;">with homemade artwork and favorite acquired treasures inside</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So many memories packed into one container!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDGAuEbo5DPZsqTAPCUy_l6p_66HPb2cBiU2-3Opz_XWxE-T7f5w0nc6-AxayFNzPbAfoMQ5tMnfiV5cn5QeSGTnfsToDi-7YsiGCAmTbwSjXm5g87XKq4FezTZX6gsgtj5-nndE7eFeL/s1600/photo+4-042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDGAuEbo5DPZsqTAPCUy_l6p_66HPb2cBiU2-3Opz_XWxE-T7f5w0nc6-AxayFNzPbAfoMQ5tMnfiV5cn5QeSGTnfsToDi-7YsiGCAmTbwSjXm5g87XKq4FezTZX6gsgtj5-nndE7eFeL/s1600/photo+4-042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Appropriately</div><div style="text-align: center;">the shipment is due to arrive the US port on the 4th of July</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In advance</div><div style="text-align: center;">we had to power wash our bikes to remove all dirt</div><div style="text-align: center;">and rid of items that were raw, untreated wood</div><div style="text-align: center;">in order to pass successfully through US Customs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are hoping for a speedy customs clearance </div><div style="text-align: center;">so we can get our lives unpacked and settled in quickly</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With our furniture gone,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we are living like university students once more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Using moving boxes as night stands</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two twin beds pushed together</div><div style="text-align: center;">Interior design magazines for ideas in our future home :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeRsVBdIRjiOQBOdDr-c6K8DWhn7c5MtZqYIm0gy7eamzy-mbdVkHWemknV7xWZecd_cbyVeJHSilP_5bELexzNIfUbOvXdXWDUuZHMj7a7YvSm_oshQgJkai8XREFypwzrfOMNKzswVx/s1600/photo+5-040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeRsVBdIRjiOQBOdDr-c6K8DWhn7c5MtZqYIm0gy7eamzy-mbdVkHWemknV7xWZecd_cbyVeJHSilP_5bELexzNIfUbOvXdXWDUuZHMj7a7YvSm_oshQgJkai8XREFypwzrfOMNKzswVx/s1600/photo+5-040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For a few more weeks we'll use rental furniture</div><div style="text-align: center;">- 3 beds, 1 sofa, 1 table with chairs -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We sold all electrical items with UK plugs,<br />got rid of our light bulbs, </div><div style="text-align: center;">purged liquids</div><div style="text-align: center;">(incl nail polish remover, cleaning supplies, liquid medicines),</div><div style="text-align: center;">and soon our cupboards will be bare<br /><br />We'll do some creative cooking with the few ingredients we do have on hand</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It has been a monumental clean out</div><div style="text-align: center;">performed previously just 4 years ago</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is exhausting but then somewhat liberating<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmiMtco1jl_63jXjPO6c1tVTH-YUv_mAWzlWOzMZo-BOIjLDTEMYy49SNfjtj6OKq1DwfggvOzBohX3Wgl6qf7X9eDw4h6wQHzEN_xd-qUk93PnWZa416NnnRbOuI2WlbE0w5wcY1bjbh/s1600/2014-05-16+02-17-024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmiMtco1jl_63jXjPO6c1tVTH-YUv_mAWzlWOzMZo-BOIjLDTEMYy49SNfjtj6OKq1DwfggvOzBohX3Wgl6qf7X9eDw4h6wQHzEN_xd-qUk93PnWZa416NnnRbOuI2WlbE0w5wcY1bjbh/s1600/2014-05-16+02-17-024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For our last days in England<br />we will sleep in a hotel, and the pets will be in boarding</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The house gets a required 3-day professional cleaning</div><div style="text-align: center;">before an inspector comes through with her check-list</div><div style="text-align: center;">(always a daunting day when she comes through)<br /><br />Feels so strange...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheese in the frig will expire after I leave</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fliers announce events I cannot attend</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leaves grow on trees that I won't see fall this autumn<br /><br />I will miss my beloved toadstool and conker season<br />Guy Fawkes Night too<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyAZBKo04ib9_lrtnkAcDUvH2-6k7UNV6zWb1tyvx91BBfp6ggbXhzn1e_rC7qgpQMaKE2cMzJxg22InbVZo05c2MfZw4Dy6V-afl32hv6JCk7gmo8isJFaWpGCqDoaRX0yU_8RzIccQJ/s1600/DSC01146-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyAZBKo04ib9_lrtnkAcDUvH2-6k7UNV6zWb1tyvx91BBfp6ggbXhzn1e_rC7qgpQMaKE2cMzJxg22InbVZo05c2MfZw4Dy6V-afl32hv6JCk7gmo8isJFaWpGCqDoaRX0yU_8RzIccQJ/s1600/DSC01146-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Oddly, my calendar is empty from the next month on<br /><br />Once we return to the US</div><div style="text-align: center;">we will attend events we aren't even aware of yet<br />and we'll fill the refrigerator with food once more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Thanksgiving will be celebrated traditionally once again</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />It's hard to stay in the moment</div><div style="text-align: center;">when the moment feels so unstable</div><div style="text-align: center;">- I'm neither here nor there -<br /><br />Passionately<br />missing my friends and my life here already<br />while excited to be reunited with friends & family back home<br />and set up our new life</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the space between<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos my own -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Living In The Space Between

Last week the movers packed up the containerand took everything we own to the dock to be shipped out tomorrowI admit I was a bit misty-eyed as the truck's doors were locked and securedwith homemade artwork and favorite acquired treasures insideSo many memories packed into one container!Appropriately…

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Downton Abbey Film Locations

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Highclere Castle is the primary film location</div><div style="text-align: center;">for ITV's popular <i>Downton Abbey</i> television series</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Highclere Castle is open to the public select days each year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU05MDiYP2ecrILd4wdTMloML8S-nb_elcTvDkh7W8NDxYeN0Le7_nOkSs6RW6OeLzuruYLJ392169_8g2jLORYFOoVNdaq_uMhRBo2tTsaRhosEyZnXgHeFezGXnyuis-MledUL70VwK/s1600/Downton_Abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU05MDiYP2ecrILd4wdTMloML8S-nb_elcTvDkh7W8NDxYeN0Le7_nOkSs6RW6OeLzuruYLJ392169_8g2jLORYFOoVNdaq_uMhRBo2tTsaRhosEyZnXgHeFezGXnyuis-MledUL70VwK/s1600/Downton_Abbey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Downton_Abbey.jpg">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although I won't have a chance to visit Highclere Castle, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I recently had tea at Byfleet Manor </div><div style="text-align: center;">(aka Lady Violet Crawley's house in the series)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not too far from London,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this private home opens to the public for tea parties, special events, and pre-arranged tours</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjIgZkojn8jwAB1MGM9ur8dVucy28gfe3-FEc9DCJJ6q55zq1t7kbGGz3OaqLdbsnLi1OPjiONGMM4y1Hi_pJEvsh-wZWllxz1D6iDRyywX7CLgEwDApR_JCx3N-b2jLmWOrwVQXdYhSq/s1600/DSC01231-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjIgZkojn8jwAB1MGM9ur8dVucy28gfe3-FEc9DCJJ6q55zq1t7kbGGz3OaqLdbsnLi1OPjiONGMM4y1Hi_pJEvsh-wZWllxz1D6iDRyywX7CLgEwDApR_JCx3N-b2jLmWOrwVQXdYhSq/s1600/DSC01231-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The original portion of the house was built in 1670</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the location of a previous palace belonging to Henry VIII</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two wings were added later</div><div style="text-align: center;">and each lived in by different residents today</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Hutton family resides in the middle portion,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which is used for filming</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qNNxyT5MS6RhuFXb6ZG9u_58KLrrfd2U-sVvWZiaehxCGaoBsq6UpVjtRtUauJW-TtD47-qtW4IL0X-xypDbTiMTIEWg-TtctBEkL5oFAjhBUK16H3CqLYFAe-N2g-rSw9lCerG3o_CA/s1600/DSC01247-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qNNxyT5MS6RhuFXb6ZG9u_58KLrrfd2U-sVvWZiaehxCGaoBsq6UpVjtRtUauJW-TtD47-qtW4IL0X-xypDbTiMTIEWg-TtctBEkL5oFAjhBUK16H3CqLYFAe-N2g-rSw9lCerG3o_CA/s1600/DSC01247-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most filmed room for 'Dower House' of Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A great story unfolded thirteen years ago...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With a newborn in her arms,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Julie Hutton watched in horror as her dog ran off and bit a man </div><div style="text-align: center;">who turned out to be a judge</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you would expect, </div><div style="text-align: center;">a policeman came knocking at her door to take the dog away</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The policeman took pity on the emotional new mom and did not take the dog,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and impulsively the Huttons bought Byfleet Manor with its fenced yard</div><div style="text-align: center;">(which she saw in a flier) </div><div style="text-align: center;">in an effort to save their pet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It worked - the dog was saved</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eJx1FINeNHcVnQhu4iBGP5vxkmVR_6MMYu30YXvKGrg_hjYhDoMV1bjDrgFm34cn7dOdLJs71S0GROjQCIKNXzHcDYEHfCb24Ecwy8sR7sWm6_WlhyphenhyphenU2XlzAvGrR4BebcKsbopSXsOaa/s1600/DSC01237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eJx1FINeNHcVnQhu4iBGP5vxkmVR_6MMYu30YXvKGrg_hjYhDoMV1bjDrgFm34cn7dOdLJs71S0GROjQCIKNXzHcDYEHfCb24Ecwy8sR7sWm6_WlhyphenhyphenU2XlzAvGrR4BebcKsbopSXsOaa/s1600/DSC01237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Years later, a stranger knocked on their Byfleet Manor front door </div><div style="text-align: center;">and asked if the house could be used for filming a television show</div><div style="text-align: center;">(<i>Downton Abbey</i>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They said yes</div><div style="text-align: center;">and interestingly all 'Dower House' scenes for the season are filmed in just one day</div><div style="text-align: center;">(plus one day to clear out the room and another day to put it back together)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNJ8QnTUneKrM93vQ77q_9MfxedTphkf8-gf_qERDigq7KUB2wb7hKSr5UX8OiUxF5e5V68oqGizvvCec50AqEOPSLiw_ewHCsMX7wjrFxONTTdVs4htqC_FIYLoahSvo1_eBVx_DbDub/s1600/DSC01238-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNJ8QnTUneKrM93vQ77q_9MfxedTphkf8-gf_qERDigq7KUB2wb7hKSr5UX8OiUxF5e5V68oqGizvvCec50AqEOPSLiw_ewHCsMX7wjrFxONTTdVs4htqC_FIYLoahSvo1_eBVx_DbDub/s1600/DSC01238-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a peek at the Hutton's beautiful garden within the 24 acre property</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyRzuRkAkAh35NVdv_mfyepxJwkvJuAgba0EnxqPPxYAFnBnwbGGgbGc6TI-sB7HGBbEt9DGHHIfYIy0xBIenVhMCwvMmgHkf7E7WxRfC8dPs9lTrosCvGVfpUATYZeKVRw2udg8vzHLv/s1600/DSC01250-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyRzuRkAkAh35NVdv_mfyepxJwkvJuAgba0EnxqPPxYAFnBnwbGGgbGc6TI-sB7HGBbEt9DGHHIfYIy0xBIenVhMCwvMmgHkf7E7WxRfC8dPs9lTrosCvGVfpUATYZeKVRw2udg8vzHLv/s1600/DSC01250-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and one of their pet pigs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo9KGAN9uRZcO7fROKwDB_imTknMwBLd49rorqOk92K8duvfEtN8cOaoDhUFdDJjjYwsjhfl7FIHMDI6z8B34b8t-NhFJS0DQqa3H_elFfJObaCt7LTxHwyL-TDmXyERJxUbHUMLJ_5yp/s1600/DSC01260-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo9KGAN9uRZcO7fROKwDB_imTknMwBLd49rorqOk92K8duvfEtN8cOaoDhUFdDJjjYwsjhfl7FIHMDI6z8B34b8t-NhFJS0DQqa3H_elFfJObaCt7LTxHwyL-TDmXyERJxUbHUMLJ_5yp/s1600/DSC01260-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I find this animal lover's story to be a great reminder -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When life sends you a lemon,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it could be for lemonade</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- images my own, excluding first one -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Links: <a href="http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/">Highclere Castle</a>,<a href="http://www.byfleetmanor.com/"> Byfleet Manor</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Downton Abbey Film Locations

Highclere Castle is the primary film locationfor ITV's popular Downton Abbey television seriesHighclere Castle is open to the public select days each yearwikipediaAlthough I won't have a chance to visit Highclere Castle, I recently had tea at Byfleet Manor (aka Lady Violet Crawley's house in the ser…

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