Some British ladies taught me how to knit this year! One of my fun weekly activities in Cambridge was the Visiting Scholar's craft group. I basically knit only two different things while we were there – flowers and coin purses – but I made lots of them (for gifts).
I think knitting is really making a come-back. Starting with this photo:
Kate Middleton, Britain's new princess-to-be has my England-coat in white! The degree of separation between me and royalty has just decreased (slightly).
Dan and Meg came to visit us at the beginning of the summer. That also happened to be during THE VOLCANO DRAMA of 2010. Yes, in a moment of true foresight they booked tickets on ICELAND air with a stop off in Iceland. Needless to say the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull put a damper on their plans. It's a long story but they were delayed by about 2 days and Iceland air ended up flying them into Paris instead of London, where we had been supposed to meet up and take the train over together.
As a result Brandon and I took the train to Paris ourselves and had a couple of romantic days alone.
That's not us.
But that is.
And so is that.
Perhaps (or definitely) their visit is best summed up by the poetic card that Meg sent me after they returned home. Here is a "guest post" by Meghan illustrated by images (and lots of them) from our time together!
______________________
Hey let's go to England! ... so they did...
by Meghan Fordice
The journey began in September 2009 when you hopped on the plane with a layover in Iceland.
Shortly after A and J arrived, then Mom, Dad and Pooloo, then M and D came two days delayed attempting to fly the same route A and B did. What? A volcano? ... I think I just saw a Stegosaurus!
On to Paris and its crude yet magical wonder filled in each and every pastry bite.
There was laughter, tears from laughing, sore backs, a little vomit, more pastries and LOVE.
(we stayed here)
Onto that Eurostar and Chunnel!
(in the Chunnel)
Breathtaking beauty throughout the French and English countryside.
Pubs, pigeons, people and foreign places. London's home comfort and beauty and Cambridge's quaint peace and beauty.
Pure voices and English boys choirs. Immaculate chapels and college grounds. Academia at its finest; and yet a sense of peace, relaxation and exploration.
Adventures, food, photos, jesters, punting, cobblestone, friends and wine.
Oxford and Ely ... places of side adventures, explorations, history, philosophy, books, authors, tea and dreamt of journeys. The blessings of beautiful sunshine and safe travels.
(Oxford:)
(at C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien's table)
(Ely:)
Thank you for taking us on a journey over there. Your time and love and hospitality goes a long way. Someday we hope to host you two in an unknown land. We love you so much and can not wait to see you soon.
