Back in the U.S. I really should have updated my blog while I was over in England but I was on vacation and really didn't want to.
As ever, it was a hectic trip. All our trips to England seem to be non-stop but this time it was "good busy." I saw some family members I hadn't seen in years, ate some food I really missed, and was reminded how anti-american the british media is (I'll do a separate post on that later.)
But the trip was one of the best I've had for many reasons. My parents recently moved back to England after a 31 year absence. It was strange to see them in their "natural environment." They seem to have settled back into UK life remarkably well considering how long they've been living the expat life. There was the occasional hiccup, like my mother's battle with the vacuum cleaner, but other than that it seems to be going well. It was nice to be able to stay with them and base ourselves from their house in Slinfold.
Mike and Mindy's reception in Sunderland was fantastic. "Northerners" are famously warm and generous people and Mike's family are the epitomy of that notion. I was able to meet people who I had heard so much about yet never met. There were several occassions when I was introduced to someone and they would say "Ahhhhhhhhhhh I remember you when you were about 6!" or "Ahh yes, Alex, Mike's partner in crime!" It was a fun few days up in Sunderland, I left with very fond memories.
As always, it was wonderful to go back to Burnt House and see my grandmother. It's always been a second home to me and it never changes, no matter how long I'm away for. My grandmother, as ever, was in wonderful spirits. We ate like Kings while we were there...except for Deanne who could only eat things that were either liquid or very flat. (See her entry for details.)
I think the most surreal aspect of the trip was seeing my (ex-girl)friend Sarah. Deanne and I had lunch with her and her boyfriend. I hadn't seen her in four years and even though we have been in touch via email, it was still strange seeing her.
We had a small family reunion at a Wood Fair (yeah I know, don't ask.) 11 members of my family were there, which is the most I've seen together in a very long time. All we were missing were my Aunt, two cousins and of course my brother and we would have had the whole family there. With all three of my grandmother's children now living in the same country, a first, it seems likely that a full on family reunion might be in the works.
I also was able to see my Grandfather and Uncle from Somerset. We met them at the VERY grand Royal Air Force Club in London. It was great to see them, and even better to hear that my uncle might be paying us a visit in California in the future.
I'm leaving out a bunch of details about our trip because they need their own posts but suffice to say the trip was a much needed respite from daily life. I took a ton of photos which are all up on the site.
Stay tuned for more updates....