Coming Full Circle

Our last full day in the UK was Monday. The forecast was for a mostly rainy day, but as my daughter told my grandson, 'if we don't go out when it rains here we'll never go out'. So out we went. It does rain a fair amount in England, but it's generally manageable in that you can go about your day if you have a proper jacket, proper footware, and a brolly or hood. 

As we were driving along my daughter asked me if it felt weird for me to be sitting in the passenger seat while she sat on the 'wrong' side of the car and navigated roundabouts and single track lanes and new places and parking. 

Yeah. A little. 

Teenagers. Sigh. 'Twas a sweet season. Mostly lol. 

We moved to the UK when Daughter1 (on the left) was fifteen. She actually first learned to drive here at the age of seventeen, on a manual no less, sitting on the right side, driving on the left. We hired an instructor and he pulled into our driveway and she climbed into his small slightly dinged car and he told her to go. She had not the first clue about how to make that vehicle go. 

Never in a million years could I have imagined that one day she'd be living back here again, driving me around the English countryside with three kids in the backseat, yet here we are. When I look at this moment I'm struck by how very much God loves us and knows exactly what we need in our current circumstances to make us ready for the future He has planned. 

On Monday we visited Wimpole Estate, a country house begun in 1640 that sits on 3000 acres of park and farmland now owned by The National Trust.

Absolutely fabulous. 

Wimpole is listed in the Domesday book of 1086. At that time there was a moated manor house with a 200 acre deer park around it. The estate was held by the Chicheley family for 250 years beginning in 1428 with Henry Chichele who at the time was Archbishop of Canterbury. 

The last of his family to hold the house was the politician Thomas Chicheley who was responsible for the 'new house' completion in 1650. It changed hands a few times through deaths and marriages and financial strains and such until finally in 1938 George and Elsie Bambridge purchased the home. Elsie was the daughter of Rudyard Kipling and used her inheritance from him and the royalties from his books to make some much needed refurbishment to the house and grounds. 

She did an excellent job. 

We had the nicest day here and all of us agreed this was one of our favorites. There's what's called a home farm on site with rare breed farm animals and the property is spectacular. So very well maintained and cared for.  Protected too which is always good in an era of development. 

I love a black barn, and these had that charred look-

They have a great layout in the barnyard and stables for you to get close to the animals. 

Baby pigs y'all! Just two days old and I totally get why Fern had a fit and would not let her father take Wilbur for 'fattening up'. 

Sheep are always my favorite and there were whole herds in the pasture and some in the barn too. 

There were also all sorts of chicken breeds we'd never seen before, cows, ducks, donkeys and enormous Shire horses which are beautiful too. They're a rare breed and the farm is working to keep the breed alive. 

The property is extensive but they've cut beautiful pathways all around and you can even walk out into the pasture where the sheep roam. 

And then there's the house, which is stunning. We were able to visit upstairs, the main level, and the basement too, which had quite the Downton Abbey feel. 

The library was amazing-

And of course they have their own chapel-

There are several cafes and a restaurant on site and we had lunch in one of those. There was a small drizzle or two throughout the day, but for the most part the rain held off and that's so often how it is here. It was a wonderful way to wrap up our stay in this beautiful country. 

My blog is where I 'dump' things...thoughts, pictures, opinions, memories and hopes. I know these posts have been the equivalent of inviting people over to see slides from their holiday, and I appreciate you following along. I do have a few stray thoughts that I'll mush into one more post before resuming regular life here. Have a great day everyone! 

Tuesday Monday Blogging

If you're here looking for this week's Hodgepodge questions you'll find them one post back. 

When Monday is Tuesday it throws us all off, right? Linking with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday today because at least we're all on the same page with these shorter weeks. 

We're wrapping up a seven day visit to Cincy where we've been in charge of one set of grands since first thing Friday morning. They've been in charge of us? Whatever. It's been fun and the littles have been so good. 

We aim for a some sort of outing in the morning hours because Little Miss takes a solid afternoon nap and ain't nobody missing that. The boys have some quiet time in the playroom then, where they listen to a story on their Yoto player while working on their various lego projects and hubs 'rests' on the couch while I do a quick pick up, get dinner organized, and sometimes blog. 

The mancub is a lego master and is happy to help little brother if he gets stuck or forgets a step. Thank goodness, because the world of legos is mostly new to me. I raised daughters and can get a shoe on a Barbie foot in record time, but don't have a lot of experience with legos. I see the appeal though. There is something so satisfying about putting together a model from literal square one. 

There are wonderful parks and playgrounds in this town, and we've hit up several that are close to my daughter's home here. The kids don't really watch television and we try to stick with that household policy. We do put a movie on to watch together most afternoons because we're not the parents lol. 

Also, we're not thirty something an.y.more. 

Note to young parents everywhere...keep doing those squats and planks because one day you'll be twice your grown children's ages and will find yourself awkwardly climbing in and out of a mini van's third seat, getting up from a 'criss cross applesauce' kind of seat on the floor, squeezing yourself into a tunnel slide made for five year olds, and lifting wriggly toddlers in and out of a bathtub-crib-carseat. You’re gonna need those abs. 

Our first day here with the kids we took them to a neighborhood park. Little Miss spied a balloon stuck in a tree and this has been the topic of her very animated conversations several times a day every day since. 

There'a another park nearby, close to a small airfield, and we spent some time there one day too. The boys love the playground at this park, but honestly we chose it mostly because on our drive into town hubs spied a B-29 parked there and wanted to see it up close. Turns out you could go inside so he took the boys and they had a ball. 

It was sunny-ha! Little miss and I sat on the sidewalk (the squats! the planks!) and watched the world go by from the shade of a big tree. 

Today is Memorial Day, and while there was no parade or backyard bbq we did spend the morning visiting a farm that's part of the park system which felt patriotic in it's own way. How fortunate we are to have time with family, to see the flag fly against a bright blue sky as we enjoy the outdoors, to laugh and share and make memories with the people we love. Thank you to the soldiers who have made it so. 

We had the farm practically to ourselves, if you don't count the pigs, sheep, cows, goats, horses and chickens. Oh, and the geese. Can't forget the geese. Baby geese, momma geese, and a whole lot of goose poop, which continues to be a hot topic for discussion amongst the boys. 

We walked around a pond filled with turtles and algae, and hubs, who knows a lot about a lot, provided our science lesson for the day. 

Because the park was so empty a girl working with the horses brought one out for us to pet. Meet Hammer-

Of course we made a stop at the playground here too, built in the shape of a barn. The boys had a ball running and chasing and sliding and climbing. 

Little Miss always trying to keep up with the big brothers. 

She is too cute for words. 

Pretty sure her favorite thing about having us here is we bring the dog. He has been the absolute best distraction for her, and the first word out of her mouth every morning, and at the end of every nap time, and probably twenty or thirty times a day is 'Hunley!' 

The next word out of her mouth is always Pawpaw, but after five grandchildren I'm used to that-ha! 

Pawpaw is the man of a million faces, sound effects, tricks, and hijinks that keep everyone laughing and happy and forgetting for a moment mom and dad are not in the house. He steals that nap on the couch when he can, but when he's on he's on and all the grands adore him. 

What else have we done since we arrived? Well, we've showered every day, and that feels like a bit of an accomplishment. I mean three kids under six means you have to plan when that will happen so go us! 

Everyone has eaten and slept and played so well together and I'm grateful for the routines mom and dad have in place that make stepping in for out of town parents pretty seamless. I've made easy dinners most nights, but last night we ordered out Thai food. Two years spent living in South Korea has left an impression on their palates so we ordered what they will tell you is their favorite foods-

Sushi for the mancub and pork gyozo for Max. 

Tomorrow we have a little outing planned, will order pizza for dinner 'cuz we're tired, and will greet the parents when they pull in the drive. 

We've had such a sweet time with this high energy, tender hearted, funny, smart, busy bunch this week. I always leave with a newfound appreciation for my girl and how she manages everyone's needs with grace and patience. How she keeps her eye on the ball and what matters for eternity. 

We'll head out the next day and I know it will feel good to be home.

And also that we'll hate to leave.

In the words of my four-year old grandson...'It's bittersweet.' 

Skilled At The Hodgepodge

Welcome to the weekly Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post and then be sure to leave a comment for the blogger before you. That's what good neighbors do. Here we go-

1. What obligation do you believe you have to your country? 

Respect the law, participate in the democratic process (vote!!), support our military men and women in whatever way I'm able, which includes standing for our National Anthem when it's played, pay taxes, be a good neighbor, care for the natural beauty found all across America. 

2. October 12 is National Farmers Day? Do you know any farmers? What do they farm/grow/raise? Are there any farm stands where you live? Do you shop there? 

My paternal grandparents were farmers and had acres and acres of land just outside of Denver. As kids we loved visiting out west...that's me on the left and my younger sister on the right and the cows just doing what cows do. 

We loved playing in the barn with our cousins, chasing the cat who could be counted on to have kittens on a regular basis, 'swimming' in the big metal trough, breakfast cooked over an open fire on day trips up into the nearby Rocky mountains, and the great big clear blue Colorado sky. 

I live in the country now, and surprisingly there are not a lot of farm stands here. Not like we had in NJ where I could travel a couple of miles in any direction from my home and have my pick of fresh produce. I do frequent the couple nearby but they aren't bountiful in the way I would like. Fortunately Daughter1's in-laws have what I guess you might call a 'gentleman's farm' and they keep us stocked in tomatoes, okra, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and my favorite-fresh eggs. 

3. What's a skill you think everyone should have? Tell us why? 

Basic personal finance, simple cooking and housekeeping skills, and the ability to think critically. Why? Because these are things we use every single day, and life is harder than it needs to be if you can't manage the basics. 

4. Favorite thing you've purchased this year? 

All things wedding related. 

5. What's your favorite place to visit in the fall? 

The woods? Not sure how to answer this one. A drive into the nearby mountain town for lunch maybe. We have a lot of evergreens around the lake but there are beautiful fall colors nearby. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Y'all. These two cutie patooties who married nine months ago and have been living way way way up north in The Keystone state have taken a job promotion and will be moving to....drumroll please...

The great state of Tennessee.

Yes, the very same state Daughter1 and her family call home. 

After 11 years of living hundreds and then thousands of miles apart these girlies who are the best of friends will now be living within two hours of one another. 

And much much closer to us too!  Daughter2 wrote a post sharing her thoughts about it all, which you'll find here -(Big Changes). 

Happy Wednesday everyone!

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 437

It's that time again...here are this week's questions for the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the universe. See you there! 

1. What obligation do you believe you have to your country? 

2. October 12 is National Farmers Day? Do you know any farmers? What do they farm/grow/raise? Are there any farm stands where you live? Do you shop there? 

3. What's a skill you think everyone should have? Tell us why? 

4. Favorite thing you've purchased this year? 

5. What's your favorite place to visit in the fall? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Farming The Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post, then go say howdy to your neighbor on the list. Happy October y'all!

  

1.  Have you ever spent time on a farm? Tell us a little bit about it. Have you ever grown your own pumpkin? Been on a hayride? Driven a tractor? Milked a cow?

My dad grew up on a farm near Denver, and growing up we spent some time visiting my grandparents there. I knew I'd written about it somewhere on my blog and when I searched discovered I'd asked the first part of this question just two years ago. 

I aim for no repeats here in the Hodgepodge, so oops. 

Also, I mentioned it here and here too which confirms what I already knew, and that is

-this blogger ain't what she used to be!

Anyway, a few things I loved about the farm were-playing with my cousins, following the farm cat around, swimming in the farm tub, climbing trees, and the feeling of freedom and wide open spaces the farm provided. Farming is a lot of hard work and not a job you can 'leave at the office' so I have great admiration for farmers.  
I've never grown my own pumpkin or driven a tractor, but I have milked a cow and been on many a hayride. 

2. What's something younger you would like about you now?

That I raised daughters who love to read, cook, talk, and take care of people. Daughters who are so much like me yet are also not like me in the most magical of ways.

3. What are three things you'd like to do more often? Three things you'd like to do less often?

More often? Hold my grandson, have a cup of tea with my mama, and hang out with my girls any old time I felt like it. 

Less often? Pay bills-pay taxes-watch what I eat

4. What's on your nachos?

Speaking of watching what I eat-ha! I can take or leave the chili on nachos, sometimes I think it makes them too messy, but definitely add plenty of cheese, chopped tomatoes, and jalapenos. And don't forget the guacamole. 

In fact you could skip the nachos and just bring me the chips and guac. 

5. What's the most random thing in your purse or wallet? Does it need to stay there?

I pared down my purse at the beginning of summer, so not a lot of extras in there right now. I am carrying around tickets to a fundraiser we're attending later this month and I definitely need to put them somewhere safe. Safe and in a location I'll remember when it comes time to attend the actual event. ahem. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

My mother-in-law has been here visiting this week so we've been out and about every day. Also, I'm getting PT three times a week for my ankle not my rib which, by the way, is better but not perfect and my smashed finger is also finally on the mend in case you were wondering. Did I mention my smashed finger? 

We're traveling this month, twice!!, and I still need hotel rooms for two different spots, a rental car reserved, and a rough itinerary. My house needs dusting, vacuuming, and sprucing and we likely need to purchase outerwear, rainwear, and footwear for one of those trips I just told you about, plus the zipper on our go-to suitcase is on the fritz so there's that to think about as well.  Also the world. The WORLD! 

And then of course way down the list there is this poor neglected blog that I sometimes wake up in the night thinking about all the thinks I want to tell you about but see above. October is not for sissies. 

Here's my happy thought-The dimple! The hair! The smile! 

Every little thing is gonna be alright.  

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 324

My October calendar is chock-a-block full of company, travels, events, and appointments but let's not worry about that today. Today let's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then jump back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1.  Have you ever spent time on a farm? Tell us a little bit about it. Have you ever grown your own pumpkin? Been on a hayride? Driven a tractor? Milked a cow?

2. What's something younger you would like about you now? 

3. What are three things you'd like to do more often? Three things you'd like to do less often?

4. What's on your nachos?

5. What's the most random thing in your purse or wallet? Does it need to stay there?

6.  Insert your own random thought here.