Feb 15 and 16
John woke early as he has many times before in this trip. He would have to say goodbye to both his families within 24 hours and because one never knows what the future might bring he was very sad and sentimental. However, he knows that he has been blessed to have been able to take this trip around the world - our precious, irreplaceable Gaia. He has been blessed to have such loving friends who gave him great places to stay, good food, and wonderful companionship as well as so much more: Gerald, Cathy, Hans, Pris, Derek, Sue, and Janice. He has been blessed to belong to two fantastic families who gave John not only a home but also love, kindness, support, and validation. He can never repay them enough. Thank you especially to Linda, Val, Alan, and Sandra who took such great care of John. Your hospitality, generosity, sense of humour, and love were "just what the doctor ordered."
Thank you also to his cousins, Dennis, David, and Mick and their partners and children (please forgive our not naming them as there is just so much space and John is afraid he will miss someone) who took him out and joined him in his celebration of homecoming to England. Thank you to his cousins who came to see him: Paul, Carolyn, Rachel, Stuart, Alan, John, Carol, Susan, and their partners and children. You have shown John that he will always be English just as he will always be Canadian. You are all welcome to come to Canada!
Thank you also to Rachel S who has lived in John's place and taken wonderful care of his cat, Jack. None of this would have been possible without your help. Thanks so much for the updates and pictures.
Finally, thanks to all of you who have read my blog these last few months especially my dear Gail and my good friend, Janice. Your many comments throughout these months have showed me that people who care about me were following my adventures. Thank you also to my silent but wonderful friends and family who have emailed me about the blog and my colleagues who have read it.
Later this morning John flies home to Canada. I will carry his stuff as I have done since the very first day when he was fogged in, in London, Ontario. Once again, I will take care of his laptop, without which none of this could have been shared. He will carry me with pride and I will serve him well.
Goodbye and God Bless!
The Red Backpack
John and I leave you with a few scenes from the trip.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Getting Together
Feb 14
John spent Valentine's day with his family. Linda had spent two days in preparation for a family get together.
John woke around 9am and went down. He was stil full from the excellent meal the day before and said that he would rather wait for lunch than have breakfast. He did enjoy a cup of tea and a look at the paper.
Then he took a shower and got spruced for the coming gathering of the clan. He had just finished when Rachel, Nick and the kids arrived. Rachel immediately started helping her Mum while Nick got the children ready to go for a walk and to take Snowy along. Among other items of apparel they needed their 'wellies' (wellington boots) as it might be muddy. John asked if Nick needed any assistance walking two children and a dog. He said, no, but John was welcome to come along if he wanted. Well, with wet hair and no wellies John declined with thanks.
Just after Nick had left a call came from Alan saying that his wife Donna was not well enough to come and could someone pick up Stuart, his son, and bring him to the festivities. Nigel agreed. But there was a problem. Nick had parked behind Nigel and walked off with his car keys. Rachel ran off after the little group to retrieve the keys.
She made it back quite quickly. So quickly, in fact, that John was surprised because he had offered to go with Nigel and was not in fact ready. He quickly got his shoes on and followed Nigel out, while Rachel was reversing their car out of the driveway. John hopped in and Nigel was off.
They went through the village and onto the A12 on their way to Harwich less than an hour away. John was able to ask Nigel some questions about British soccer that he had been wondering about for many years - how the system works, the organization of the various leagues (champion, FA, other divisions), the arrangement of the overlapping play, the number of games per week and so on. Nigel had played soccer and he is an avid fan of Colchester's team so he was happy to share his knowledge even though John is, by geography, a fan of Milwall and Chelsea, though he didn't know it until this trip to the UK. He also enjoyed the changing weather and scenery of the trip.
The two arrived at Alan's and John went inside to meet Donna while Nigel waited outside and talked to Stuart. Alan and Donna, an American, had lived in the US when John was last in England and that was where Stuart was born. So this was John's first chance to meet her. It turns out that she is a truly gifted artist. John was very impressed by the range of her work and the different media that she used, from acrylics and watercolours to pen and ink. Unfortunately, Donna was really not well and it was clear why she couldn't come to the get together and that even John's short visit was taxing to her. It was only right that Alan was going to stay by her side.
John said that he hoped Donna would feel better very soon, that he was very glad to have met her and to take good care. Alan thanked John for coming. The journey was such a little thing to do.
They set off, with Stuart automatically offering John the front seat. Like his Mum, Stuart is also a gifted artist but in music. He is a drummer in a band, has a degree in music theory and wants to become a teacher. He and John talked a little about getting his educational qualifications but John had to admit that he doesn't know the British system well enough to give good advice to his first cousin once removed (or is it second cousin, John never knows). However, John was impressed by Stuart's attitude to teaching - how he wants to share - and it reminded John of himself as a younger man.
They arrived back in time to see a dining table covered in dishes fit for a king with desserts in the kitchen. The table was a work of beauty: the meats all sliced, the salads ready to be scooped, the multiple pickles, the Scotch eggs, the variety of cheeses, and crackers, the various breads, and the array of scrumptious desserts. Rachel and Linda were still hard at work on the last couple of details. Auntie Stella, Dennis, Adele, Lillie and Joel were already there. They were playing with their younger cousins, Josh and Bella. Barney was there too.
Now Barney, though 'fixed,' is in love (lust?) with Snowy who is likewise neutered. He followed her everywhere. In frustration with constant rejection he started getting her toys out of her box. Then he fiercely defended them. Even Dennis had to be quite forceful verbally to make him behave.
Hillary, Terry and Rebecca arrived soon after. David, his other son Tony (who had been away at a boxing match the day before) and Carolyn and Barry arrived a little later than that.
John had got out his iPod speakers and was playing the assembled group some Canadian music and happily adding to the din created by adults talking, children playing, and dogs growling. Stuart, though, was listening and knew the vast majority of groups John played. He even knew John's current favourite group, Arcade Fire. John tried to find his "My Name is Joe and I am Canadian" rant but was unable.
Then it was time to eat. The children were called to the table first and John thought how appropriate that was, to have the children served first because they get hungrier more quickly. Then John and the others went up to make their choices. John had roast beef, ham and chicken along with a couple of regular salads and potato salad along with delicious pickled onions of a type you rarely see in Canada. He went back for seconds too!
The house was peaceful as the assembled group 'chowed down' before starting the merriment over again in three rooms - the kitchen, dining room, and lounge (living room). Throughout the afternoon and early evening John moved from room to room as did others to talk to each person as best he could. Afterwards he wished he had been able to spend more time with Aunt Stella.
Then it was time for dessert and John was delighted to have the first big scoop of a trifle made by Hillary. It reminded him of the trifles made by his Mum. In fact, as the afternoon wore into the evening, he wished that his Mum and Dad could have been there too, along with his aunts, uncles and cousins who could not be there.
John asked David if he would like to play with his videocamera and take some candid shots. David said, "Sure!" This gave David the chance to renew his old teasing habit of taking Linda's picture without her consent, he used to do it many years ago using super 8 movie film. This time he even caught Linda saying a naughty word, Ar%%h&l*s when she realized he was filming her. It made John smile to know that he had been able to help recreate a treasured family moment. hahaha
John also played David some funny songs from Weird Al on his iPod.
Soon, too soon, it was time to be over. Dennis' family were the first to leave followed by David's. Carolyn gave John two of the biggest, strongest hugs he has ever had (to make up for all those he has missed over the years) and promised to come to Canada when she and Barry could. It was sad to see them all go but John was deeply happy that he had had the chance to see so many wonderful people once again.
He helped Stuart, Rachel, Nick, Nigel, and Linda to clean up though the others did the majority of the work. Rachel and Nick said that they would be happy to take Stuart home on their way as the children needed to get into a deep sleep before being carried into their beds (it's not a good situation when they wake up after having a short powernap in the car!).
It was not long until the cutlery and dishes were in the dishwasher and the other things washed and dried. They all had a short visit before Rachel, Nick, the children and Stuart left John with Linda, Nigel, and Snowy in what seemed an empty house. Little Josh seemed particularly sad to know that his playmate, John, would not be there the next time he comes to his Nana's house.
Tomorrow John leaves in the morning for Val's for one last night before flying back to Canada resuming his life, and ending the travels of me, his little red backpack.
TRB
John spent Valentine's day with his family. Linda had spent two days in preparation for a family get together.
John woke around 9am and went down. He was stil full from the excellent meal the day before and said that he would rather wait for lunch than have breakfast. He did enjoy a cup of tea and a look at the paper.
Then he took a shower and got spruced for the coming gathering of the clan. He had just finished when Rachel, Nick and the kids arrived. Rachel immediately started helping her Mum while Nick got the children ready to go for a walk and to take Snowy along. Among other items of apparel they needed their 'wellies' (wellington boots) as it might be muddy. John asked if Nick needed any assistance walking two children and a dog. He said, no, but John was welcome to come along if he wanted. Well, with wet hair and no wellies John declined with thanks.
Just after Nick had left a call came from Alan saying that his wife Donna was not well enough to come and could someone pick up Stuart, his son, and bring him to the festivities. Nigel agreed. But there was a problem. Nick had parked behind Nigel and walked off with his car keys. Rachel ran off after the little group to retrieve the keys.
She made it back quite quickly. So quickly, in fact, that John was surprised because he had offered to go with Nigel and was not in fact ready. He quickly got his shoes on and followed Nigel out, while Rachel was reversing their car out of the driveway. John hopped in and Nigel was off.
They went through the village and onto the A12 on their way to Harwich less than an hour away. John was able to ask Nigel some questions about British soccer that he had been wondering about for many years - how the system works, the organization of the various leagues (champion, FA, other divisions), the arrangement of the overlapping play, the number of games per week and so on. Nigel had played soccer and he is an avid fan of Colchester's team so he was happy to share his knowledge even though John is, by geography, a fan of Milwall and Chelsea, though he didn't know it until this trip to the UK. He also enjoyed the changing weather and scenery of the trip.
The two arrived at Alan's and John went inside to meet Donna while Nigel waited outside and talked to Stuart. Alan and Donna, an American, had lived in the US when John was last in England and that was where Stuart was born. So this was John's first chance to meet her. It turns out that she is a truly gifted artist. John was very impressed by the range of her work and the different media that she used, from acrylics and watercolours to pen and ink. Unfortunately, Donna was really not well and it was clear why she couldn't come to the get together and that even John's short visit was taxing to her. It was only right that Alan was going to stay by her side.
John said that he hoped Donna would feel better very soon, that he was very glad to have met her and to take good care. Alan thanked John for coming. The journey was such a little thing to do.
They set off, with Stuart automatically offering John the front seat. Like his Mum, Stuart is also a gifted artist but in music. He is a drummer in a band, has a degree in music theory and wants to become a teacher. He and John talked a little about getting his educational qualifications but John had to admit that he doesn't know the British system well enough to give good advice to his first cousin once removed (or is it second cousin, John never knows). However, John was impressed by Stuart's attitude to teaching - how he wants to share - and it reminded John of himself as a younger man.
They arrived back in time to see a dining table covered in dishes fit for a king with desserts in the kitchen. The table was a work of beauty: the meats all sliced, the salads ready to be scooped, the multiple pickles, the Scotch eggs, the variety of cheeses, and crackers, the various breads, and the array of scrumptious desserts. Rachel and Linda were still hard at work on the last couple of details. Auntie Stella, Dennis, Adele, Lillie and Joel were already there. They were playing with their younger cousins, Josh and Bella. Barney was there too.
Now Barney, though 'fixed,' is in love (lust?) with Snowy who is likewise neutered. He followed her everywhere. In frustration with constant rejection he started getting her toys out of her box. Then he fiercely defended them. Even Dennis had to be quite forceful verbally to make him behave.
Hillary, Terry and Rebecca arrived soon after. David, his other son Tony (who had been away at a boxing match the day before) and Carolyn and Barry arrived a little later than that.
John had got out his iPod speakers and was playing the assembled group some Canadian music and happily adding to the din created by adults talking, children playing, and dogs growling. Stuart, though, was listening and knew the vast majority of groups John played. He even knew John's current favourite group, Arcade Fire. John tried to find his "My Name is Joe and I am Canadian" rant but was unable.
Then it was time to eat. The children were called to the table first and John thought how appropriate that was, to have the children served first because they get hungrier more quickly. Then John and the others went up to make their choices. John had roast beef, ham and chicken along with a couple of regular salads and potato salad along with delicious pickled onions of a type you rarely see in Canada. He went back for seconds too!
The house was peaceful as the assembled group 'chowed down' before starting the merriment over again in three rooms - the kitchen, dining room, and lounge (living room). Throughout the afternoon and early evening John moved from room to room as did others to talk to each person as best he could. Afterwards he wished he had been able to spend more time with Aunt Stella.
Then it was time for dessert and John was delighted to have the first big scoop of a trifle made by Hillary. It reminded him of the trifles made by his Mum. In fact, as the afternoon wore into the evening, he wished that his Mum and Dad could have been there too, along with his aunts, uncles and cousins who could not be there.
John asked David if he would like to play with his videocamera and take some candid shots. David said, "Sure!" This gave David the chance to renew his old teasing habit of taking Linda's picture without her consent, he used to do it many years ago using super 8 movie film. This time he even caught Linda saying a naughty word, Ar%%h&l*s when she realized he was filming her. It made John smile to know that he had been able to help recreate a treasured family moment. hahaha
John also played David some funny songs from Weird Al on his iPod.
Soon, too soon, it was time to be over. Dennis' family were the first to leave followed by David's. Carolyn gave John two of the biggest, strongest hugs he has ever had (to make up for all those he has missed over the years) and promised to come to Canada when she and Barry could. It was sad to see them all go but John was deeply happy that he had had the chance to see so many wonderful people once again.
He helped Stuart, Rachel, Nick, Nigel, and Linda to clean up though the others did the majority of the work. Rachel and Nick said that they would be happy to take Stuart home on their way as the children needed to get into a deep sleep before being carried into their beds (it's not a good situation when they wake up after having a short powernap in the car!).
It was not long until the cutlery and dishes were in the dishwasher and the other things washed and dried. They all had a short visit before Rachel, Nick, the children and Stuart left John with Linda, Nigel, and Snowy in what seemed an empty house. Little Josh seemed particularly sad to know that his playmate, John, would not be there the next time he comes to his Nana's house.
Tomorrow John leaves in the morning for Val's for one last night before flying back to Canada resuming his life, and ending the travels of me, his little red backpack.
TRB
Sunday, February 14, 2010
English tea
Feb 13
This was to be the day that John was to meet even more of his cousins. He got up still full from the excellent meal of the night before. When he went down to the kitchen, Linda was there and asked him if he would like a cup of tea. He did. She asked him if he would like breakfast. He didn't. Nigel came down and joined them.
After drinking tea and reading a bit of the paper, John went up to get ready for his day. His cousin, David, was going to pick him up about 10am and take him for a driving lesson to build up John's confidence in driving through the narrow lanes. In the meantime, John had time for email and the blog.
Shortly after 10, David called to say that he was unavoidably delayed due to business and would be along in a couple of hours. No worries, thought John as he settled down to read more of the paper and watch a BBC program called Click about new technolgies. In this show they were talking about Apple's new iPad computing device, mid way between and iPod and a laptop. They decided to forget the driving lesson because John has only one more journey, most of it on divided highway, back to Canterbury.
Soon, David was at the door and ready to go. It was wonderful to see David again. He was the same nice man that John remembered from his last visit to England in 1987; the very same friend John had played with at his Nanna's house when they were only toddlers.
They got into David's very cool Saab convertible (roof up in winter) and zoomed off to David's home in a village a few miles away by divided highway and local road. On the drive they talked about old times and family. It was no time before John was feeling very comfortable. It was as if the past 23 years had not happened.
They arrived at David's house in a nice subdivision and went in. A woman said hello to John and gave him the warmest hug. It was Carolyn, another cousin - David's sister who lives in London. He shook hands with Barry her husband and hugged Hillary, David's wife. He also shook hands with a fine young man, named Terry, David's oldest son and his fiancee, Rebecca. Here was yet another branch of John's family and he felt the same warmth of connection as he had with Linda's branch.
Hillary offered John a cup of tea and he was happy to accept. Then it was time to get organized into two cars (John travelled with David and Hillary) for the drive down to another branch of the family who live on Mersea a small island connected to the mainland by a short causeway. It was a picturesque drive through fields and villages that were quintessentially English.
They arrived at Mick's, another cousin and head of the third branch, five minutes before the time he had booked tables at a local pub/restaurant. So, soon after greetings were exchanged with Mick, his wife Val, and his son Simon, they once again fitted into multiple cars to travel the short distance to the restaurant very near the beach. They were to meet, Mark, Mick's other son at the restaurant.
It was not that big in the pub area and the other patrons looked up when the huge Barnett retinue walked in: Mick, Val, Simon, Mark, David, Hillary, Terry, Rebecca, Carolyn, Barry, and John. However, their tables were through the pub part and in the restaurant seating area in the next room.
It was a very nice restaurant and Simon asked his son, Alex, who works in the kitchen to come out and be introduced to John. Mick suggested a beer that John should try, which turned out to be close to his favourite back home, Upper Canada Dark.
Since it was lunch rather than dinner, everyone decided just to order a main course without an appetizer. Just as well because some of the mains were huge. John, on Val's suggestion had ordered bangers and mash. His plate was full when it arrived. Three huge English sausages, the three biggest onion rings John had ever seen, mashed potatoes and gravy with a bowl of veggies on the side. The sausages were so good - they were pork with a little zing of pepper. And the gravy was beyond excellent.
Conversation was good all around the table. It was a little more subdued than at other times when the English sense of humour was running rampant but it was fun and witty, nevertheless. One aspect that John found particulalry interesting was based on Mark's career. He worked as an engineer on Princess Cruise Lines, and indeed worked on the Pacific Princess, the famed Love Boat, of the TV series of the same name. He regaled the group with stories of his time there. He now works in software.
Soon after, Simon had to leave to pick up his wife, Shelley and his daughter, Holly.
After the rest had finished eating, the men got up to pay but David and Mick sent John and the others back. John thanked Mick and David for their generosity. As they left John captured some nice scenes of the harbour for the blog.
Back at Mick's it was time yet again for tea or coffee. John chose tea. The group sat around Mick's living room talking and reminiscing. Mick and Val showed pictures of their grandchildren and various items of interest for all. Various times, Mick was called to the phone to deal with an emergency at work.
Mark had asked to have the TV on to keep one eye on the rugby match, France versus Ireland. Unfortunately the French won 17-3.
Then another competiton show came on that captured people's attention. It is the one where contestants have to go on obstacle courses and often fall into the water under the various contraptions they have to negotiate their way, over, through or around. There were peals of laughter as various contestants tried to jump onto and across a large series of huge rubber balloons and most often bounced off into the water.
Simon, Shelley and Holly came by. John had met Shelley when he was last in England but Holly was not yet born. It is strange John thought how fast times can fly. Here he was meeting a young woman who had not been born when he was last here and Simon was middle aged. John remembered Mark and Simon about three years old holding onto Val's hand.
The room, due to simple body heat, became very hot. John thought it reminded him of Melbourne even though it was cool outside and there was no heating on in the house.
Around 8:30, the visitors started to make a move to go and they headed back. Timing was important to ensure that the causeway wasn't flooded by a high tide that can close the road to all but the biggest trucks.
John drove back with David and Hillary again. David who has always been a professional driver negotiated the dark, narrow roads with ease.
Upon arriving back at David and Hillary`s, David got out some memorabilia, such as a painting of their Nanna Barnett and a wolf cub album with David on the cover while Hillary made tea. David also brought out a precious container with pictures of his Dad (John`s other uncle Ted) as a prisoner of war in WW2. Talk turned to old times at 33 Brunswick Court where Carolyn and David`s Mum and John`s Dad had lived as children. They talked of their grandmother and their aunts and uncles and the good times they had had playing together as children when they visited. John was sad not to have the chance to see his cousin Diane, who is David and Carolyn`s older sister.
Too soon, it was time for John to go back to Linda`s and John said his farewells, happy to know that all would be coming to the family get tgether the next day. When David dropped him off at the door, John went in and had a short talk with Linda and Nigel about his day and headed up for bed after declining Linda`s kind offer of a cup of tea.
TRB
This was to be the day that John was to meet even more of his cousins. He got up still full from the excellent meal of the night before. When he went down to the kitchen, Linda was there and asked him if he would like a cup of tea. He did. She asked him if he would like breakfast. He didn't. Nigel came down and joined them.
After drinking tea and reading a bit of the paper, John went up to get ready for his day. His cousin, David, was going to pick him up about 10am and take him for a driving lesson to build up John's confidence in driving through the narrow lanes. In the meantime, John had time for email and the blog.
Shortly after 10, David called to say that he was unavoidably delayed due to business and would be along in a couple of hours. No worries, thought John as he settled down to read more of the paper and watch a BBC program called Click about new technolgies. In this show they were talking about Apple's new iPad computing device, mid way between and iPod and a laptop. They decided to forget the driving lesson because John has only one more journey, most of it on divided highway, back to Canterbury.
Soon, David was at the door and ready to go. It was wonderful to see David again. He was the same nice man that John remembered from his last visit to England in 1987; the very same friend John had played with at his Nanna's house when they were only toddlers.
They got into David's very cool Saab convertible (roof up in winter) and zoomed off to David's home in a village a few miles away by divided highway and local road. On the drive they talked about old times and family. It was no time before John was feeling very comfortable. It was as if the past 23 years had not happened.
They arrived at David's house in a nice subdivision and went in. A woman said hello to John and gave him the warmest hug. It was Carolyn, another cousin - David's sister who lives in London. He shook hands with Barry her husband and hugged Hillary, David's wife. He also shook hands with a fine young man, named Terry, David's oldest son and his fiancee, Rebecca. Here was yet another branch of John's family and he felt the same warmth of connection as he had with Linda's branch.
Hillary offered John a cup of tea and he was happy to accept. Then it was time to get organized into two cars (John travelled with David and Hillary) for the drive down to another branch of the family who live on Mersea a small island connected to the mainland by a short causeway. It was a picturesque drive through fields and villages that were quintessentially English.
They arrived at Mick's, another cousin and head of the third branch, five minutes before the time he had booked tables at a local pub/restaurant. So, soon after greetings were exchanged with Mick, his wife Val, and his son Simon, they once again fitted into multiple cars to travel the short distance to the restaurant very near the beach. They were to meet, Mark, Mick's other son at the restaurant.
It was not that big in the pub area and the other patrons looked up when the huge Barnett retinue walked in: Mick, Val, Simon, Mark, David, Hillary, Terry, Rebecca, Carolyn, Barry, and John. However, their tables were through the pub part and in the restaurant seating area in the next room.
It was a very nice restaurant and Simon asked his son, Alex, who works in the kitchen to come out and be introduced to John. Mick suggested a beer that John should try, which turned out to be close to his favourite back home, Upper Canada Dark.
Since it was lunch rather than dinner, everyone decided just to order a main course without an appetizer. Just as well because some of the mains were huge. John, on Val's suggestion had ordered bangers and mash. His plate was full when it arrived. Three huge English sausages, the three biggest onion rings John had ever seen, mashed potatoes and gravy with a bowl of veggies on the side. The sausages were so good - they were pork with a little zing of pepper. And the gravy was beyond excellent.
Conversation was good all around the table. It was a little more subdued than at other times when the English sense of humour was running rampant but it was fun and witty, nevertheless. One aspect that John found particulalry interesting was based on Mark's career. He worked as an engineer on Princess Cruise Lines, and indeed worked on the Pacific Princess, the famed Love Boat, of the TV series of the same name. He regaled the group with stories of his time there. He now works in software.
Soon after, Simon had to leave to pick up his wife, Shelley and his daughter, Holly.
After the rest had finished eating, the men got up to pay but David and Mick sent John and the others back. John thanked Mick and David for their generosity. As they left John captured some nice scenes of the harbour for the blog.
Back at Mick's it was time yet again for tea or coffee. John chose tea. The group sat around Mick's living room talking and reminiscing. Mick and Val showed pictures of their grandchildren and various items of interest for all. Various times, Mick was called to the phone to deal with an emergency at work.
Mark had asked to have the TV on to keep one eye on the rugby match, France versus Ireland. Unfortunately the French won 17-3.
Then another competiton show came on that captured people's attention. It is the one where contestants have to go on obstacle courses and often fall into the water under the various contraptions they have to negotiate their way, over, through or around. There were peals of laughter as various contestants tried to jump onto and across a large series of huge rubber balloons and most often bounced off into the water.
Simon, Shelley and Holly came by. John had met Shelley when he was last in England but Holly was not yet born. It is strange John thought how fast times can fly. Here he was meeting a young woman who had not been born when he was last here and Simon was middle aged. John remembered Mark and Simon about three years old holding onto Val's hand.
The room, due to simple body heat, became very hot. John thought it reminded him of Melbourne even though it was cool outside and there was no heating on in the house.
Around 8:30, the visitors started to make a move to go and they headed back. Timing was important to ensure that the causeway wasn't flooded by a high tide that can close the road to all but the biggest trucks.
John drove back with David and Hillary again. David who has always been a professional driver negotiated the dark, narrow roads with ease.
Upon arriving back at David and Hillary`s, David got out some memorabilia, such as a painting of their Nanna Barnett and a wolf cub album with David on the cover while Hillary made tea. David also brought out a precious container with pictures of his Dad (John`s other uncle Ted) as a prisoner of war in WW2. Talk turned to old times at 33 Brunswick Court where Carolyn and David`s Mum and John`s Dad had lived as children. They talked of their grandmother and their aunts and uncles and the good times they had had playing together as children when they visited. John was sad not to have the chance to see his cousin Diane, who is David and Carolyn`s older sister.
Too soon, it was time for John to go back to Linda`s and John said his farewells, happy to know that all would be coming to the family get tgether the next day. When David dropped him off at the door, John went in and had a short talk with Linda and Nigel about his day and headed up for bed after declining Linda`s kind offer of a cup of tea.
TRB
Saturday, February 13, 2010
First and Second Gears
Feb 12
It was a dreary overcast day when John looked out the window. It was the kind of day you want to spend poodling along in first gear. He was glad that Susan and David did not have to make such a dreary drive but wished that David felt better. As a result, John didn't have anything specifc planned during the day though he was very much looking forward to taking Linda, Nigel, and Aunt Stella out in the evening to thank them for their kindness and great welcome.
He quickly remembered it was Linda's birthday and retrieved her card to take downstairs. Josh and Bella were already there and Rachel had baked her Mum cupcakes, each with frosting and one big frosted letter on top of that. They spelled out "Happy Birthday, Nana xx" It must have taken some time to decorate.
John had a shower, then had breakfast with his tea and afterward played with Josh and Bella. It's funny, but with children around the hours sort of melt away. He read the paper, wrote and uploaded the post for yesterday with its video. He also tried to keep out of the cleaner's way, too. She seemed like a very nice person.
In the afternoon, John went along with Linda to let the children play on the playground equipment in the park close by. John shot video of the chidren running, climbing, balancing, swinging etc. Once again, the children loved to be on camera. It was a little trying when Bella, once again, refused to leave the park but the offer of seeing herself on 'television' helped her to change her mind. All in all, though, they are very good children.
Once back in the warm, John and the two children watched the video together - little Bella pointing at herself on the screen and cooing, "Bellaaa" with the biggest smile. John was smiling too.
Then the day switched into second gear. Rachel came and picked the children up, Nigel got home from work, and Linda went and picked up Aunt Stella. Linda had asked John if he could do it but he was a little concerned about driving on such narrow roads, especially in the dark. He lost his driving confidence a bit the day before on the local (as opposed to major) roads.
When Linda arrived home with Aunt Stella they left, with Nigel at the wheel, for "The Railway Tavern" for dinner. It is a typical albeit beautiful English pub with good food and a happy ambience. People were standing around talking and laughing in a relaxed easy fashion. Linda got the group a table while Nigel generously got the first round of drinks. John accepted only on condition that the rest of the night was on him to thank them for everything. Nigel accepted reluctantly but graciously and ordered a local brew for John that was 'just what the doctor ordered.'
They surveyed the menus. John chose a delicious carrot and parsnip soup to start and a tasty lamb dish (pieces of lamb in a tomato-based gravy with roast potatoes and veggies) for his main course.
As they were finishing their mains came up another cousin, Paul, and his partner, Beverley. It was so great to see him again and to meet Beverley! John had last seen Paul when he, Aunt Stella, and his late Uncle Bernie had visited John's Mum and Dad in Nova Scotia in the 1980's. When Paul was up getting drinks John told the group he had taught Paul something when he was in canada and was going to test him.
Thus, when Paul came back, John said he had a question. Paul said ok and John asked him what he had taight him back then in Nova Scotia... and lo and behold Paul got it. John had taught Paul how to throw a forward pass with a Canadian football. Then John asked, "how DO you throw it?" And Paul said completely correctly, "You have to put your fingers on the laces." It was astounding that after nearly thirty years he had not forgotten! Good teacher? Great student? Both? hahaha
The dessert menu arrived and John thought to himself that he shouldn't have any because he was so full. The easiest thing to eat was simple ice cream so that is what he ordered. He didn't think he would get three huge scoops. Nigel gallantly agreed to take two of the scoops so they would not get wasted.
When the bill arrived John was very happy with it. It was far less than he had expected. He hoped that Nigel had not paid for all the drinks surrepticiously. John asked what if anything he should leave as a tip. Ten pounds, twenty pounds? Paul and Linda both said, "Five pounds" in unison. John felt yet again the warmth of family. They didn't want him to overpay and so were looking out for him.
Too soon Paul and Beverley had to leave but it was wonderful to have seen Paul again and to have met Beverley. Paul made a promise that if he ever does come to North America he will definitely come and see John.
It was, at last, time to leave the establishment. On the way out, Nigel pointed out that the pub was right on the river and has a brand new patio deck right on the banks of the river, all ready for the spring season. It will be beautiful there and likely will be so popular it will be hard to find a table.
They drove Aunt Stella home and John walked her to her door. Then it was back to Linda and Nigel's home. The day had everything: slow, lazy, reflection, fun, great food, family. What more could a person want, thought John as the clock neared midnight.
TRB
It was a dreary overcast day when John looked out the window. It was the kind of day you want to spend poodling along in first gear. He was glad that Susan and David did not have to make such a dreary drive but wished that David felt better. As a result, John didn't have anything specifc planned during the day though he was very much looking forward to taking Linda, Nigel, and Aunt Stella out in the evening to thank them for their kindness and great welcome.
He quickly remembered it was Linda's birthday and retrieved her card to take downstairs. Josh and Bella were already there and Rachel had baked her Mum cupcakes, each with frosting and one big frosted letter on top of that. They spelled out "Happy Birthday, Nana xx" It must have taken some time to decorate.
John had a shower, then had breakfast with his tea and afterward played with Josh and Bella. It's funny, but with children around the hours sort of melt away. He read the paper, wrote and uploaded the post for yesterday with its video. He also tried to keep out of the cleaner's way, too. She seemed like a very nice person.
In the afternoon, John went along with Linda to let the children play on the playground equipment in the park close by. John shot video of the chidren running, climbing, balancing, swinging etc. Once again, the children loved to be on camera. It was a little trying when Bella, once again, refused to leave the park but the offer of seeing herself on 'television' helped her to change her mind. All in all, though, they are very good children.
Once back in the warm, John and the two children watched the video together - little Bella pointing at herself on the screen and cooing, "Bellaaa" with the biggest smile. John was smiling too.
Then the day switched into second gear. Rachel came and picked the children up, Nigel got home from work, and Linda went and picked up Aunt Stella. Linda had asked John if he could do it but he was a little concerned about driving on such narrow roads, especially in the dark. He lost his driving confidence a bit the day before on the local (as opposed to major) roads.
When Linda arrived home with Aunt Stella they left, with Nigel at the wheel, for "The Railway Tavern" for dinner. It is a typical albeit beautiful English pub with good food and a happy ambience. People were standing around talking and laughing in a relaxed easy fashion. Linda got the group a table while Nigel generously got the first round of drinks. John accepted only on condition that the rest of the night was on him to thank them for everything. Nigel accepted reluctantly but graciously and ordered a local brew for John that was 'just what the doctor ordered.'
They surveyed the menus. John chose a delicious carrot and parsnip soup to start and a tasty lamb dish (pieces of lamb in a tomato-based gravy with roast potatoes and veggies) for his main course.
As they were finishing their mains came up another cousin, Paul, and his partner, Beverley. It was so great to see him again and to meet Beverley! John had last seen Paul when he, Aunt Stella, and his late Uncle Bernie had visited John's Mum and Dad in Nova Scotia in the 1980's. When Paul was up getting drinks John told the group he had taught Paul something when he was in canada and was going to test him.
Thus, when Paul came back, John said he had a question. Paul said ok and John asked him what he had taight him back then in Nova Scotia... and lo and behold Paul got it. John had taught Paul how to throw a forward pass with a Canadian football. Then John asked, "how DO you throw it?" And Paul said completely correctly, "You have to put your fingers on the laces." It was astounding that after nearly thirty years he had not forgotten! Good teacher? Great student? Both? hahaha
The dessert menu arrived and John thought to himself that he shouldn't have any because he was so full. The easiest thing to eat was simple ice cream so that is what he ordered. He didn't think he would get three huge scoops. Nigel gallantly agreed to take two of the scoops so they would not get wasted.
When the bill arrived John was very happy with it. It was far less than he had expected. He hoped that Nigel had not paid for all the drinks surrepticiously. John asked what if anything he should leave as a tip. Ten pounds, twenty pounds? Paul and Linda both said, "Five pounds" in unison. John felt yet again the warmth of family. They didn't want him to overpay and so were looking out for him.
Too soon Paul and Beverley had to leave but it was wonderful to have seen Paul again and to have met Beverley. Paul made a promise that if he ever does come to North America he will definitely come and see John.
It was, at last, time to leave the establishment. On the way out, Nigel pointed out that the pub was right on the river and has a brand new patio deck right on the banks of the river, all ready for the spring season. It will be beautiful there and likely will be so popular it will be hard to find a table.
They drove Aunt Stella home and John walked her to her door. Then it was back to Linda and Nigel's home. The day had everything: slow, lazy, reflection, fun, great food, family. What more could a person want, thought John as the clock neared midnight.
TRB
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Day of Many Things
Feb 11
John did not expect a day that would be filled with such diversity of things. So, this will be a long one!
Once again, he felt well. He had talked to Gail the night before and they had had a good conversation.
This morning, like the last one, was frosty and icy as it had snowed the day before and overnight but there was blue in the sky. John had not expected this kind of weather. He had predicted that it would be overcast with light drizzle every day. So, this was a nice surprise.
And because it was icy, John thought.... Well, truthfully, John didn't think! He decided it would be a good day to go out for a drive. The sunny sky filled him with confidence and he still has a full tank of gas that he doesn't seem to be able to use up and he doesn't want to take the car back with a lot more fuel than he started because it is very expensive here (1.11 pounds per litre). Furthermore, Alan (in Kent's) GPS phone, called a SatNav here, would bring him back to Linda's no matter where he went. And he drives through Canadian winters, doesn't he?
After having breakfast and tea, he went out to look over the car's controls more carefully. Once again he was impressed with the little car. The only control that still stymied him were the two levers (the turn indicator is where the winshield wipers should be and vice versa - many times on the way here John had told the other traffic that he was changing lanes by turning on the wipers).
So he set out to see the countryside, stop the car in picturesque locations and take some beautiful video. He turned right coming out of the subdivision. He doesn't know why he chose right but it took him to one of the villages. As he drove he noticed there were fairly big trucks parked wherever it was convenient for them and the cars and other trucks had to take turns passing by. Well, that was ok. He motored on and the road led to the A12. Ok, John thought, it would be nice to see the divided highway on a good day and practice handling the car where there was a lot of room. He headed towards London, intending to take an off ramp somewhere to see the countryside.
Everything was smooth and John's confidence rose even higher. Smiling, he took an off ramp near Chelmsford and drove away from the city. For those who know the area, he thinks it was the A414 towards Maldon, another famous British fighter base in WW2. He came to a nice little village but the SatNav didn't seem to be working. The battery wasn't dead but the screen kept telling him it couldn't connect to the Internet. So, he stopped and turned it off and then on again and all was once again, fine.
Strangely, since it was programmed to go to Linda's, it did not tell John to turn back the way he had come but rather to continue on the road. Good, John thought, this little device is very clever. He drove through a country lane that gave him spectacular vistas but had no, and I mean, NO shoulder. The road was lower than land it ran through. Right beside each narrow lane was a metre or so of grass on land (the edge shaped like a cliff) one foot or more higher than the road itself so you could not drive up onto it. And right next to that were the hedgerows. John realized that he really couldn't stop to take video. So he drove on a little disappointed but still enjoying his time.
The GPS told him to turn right. No problem. The sign should have warned him when it said, "One Lane Road with Passing Bays." But the map said it was only 0.3 miles back to the A414. No worries. John just hoped he wouldn't meet another car and have to back up to the closest passing bay. And he would only go 30.
The A414 was closer and closer. He went over a ridge and there in front of him down in the hollow ahead was a white car sitting in the road and a tow truck hoisting a van onto its bed. He hit the brakes.... nothing. He hit them again.... Nothing! He was getting closer and closer. Too close! He stood on the brakes and realized that the ABS brakes WERE working, chattering down the sheet of ice that called itself a road.
His car stopped close enough for John to see the many rust marks on the other car.
Once stopped he thought he might wait the minute until the van was hoisted but then realized no one was sitting in the car in front. It was just a barrier to stop other cars from crashing into the tow truck. And the tow truck did not seem to be making any progress towards hoisting the van. So John turned in the driveway of a lovely house and went back. The GPS had him turn right back onto the original road and it intersected the A414. He needn't have even had his close encounter of the vehicular kind. Shaken, but not stirred, John continued on.
(note from TRB to John: Stop with the stupid jokes when you're dictating!)
The A414 led him back to the A12 and he decided he would follow it but take a slight diversion to a village where his two uncles and families had lived. But first he had to pass through the village closest to Linda's where it was narrow, so he took a turn left to try to bypass the main road. OMG, the streets were half the width of the main road with cars parked on both sides and there was still traffic.
No one blew their horn at John but he did see angry looking drivers who seemed to be shouting in their cars at him. Let's just say they had faces like pitbulls chewing wasps. John realized that because of his extra care he was probably adding 10 seconds to their various journeys. This sort of bad impatience behind the wheel is a bad British trait. They even have TV commercials about it asking people what would life be like if people teated each other the same way when walking.
Anyway, he was soon back on the main road in the village weaving in between the delivery vans parked everywhere. He took the turn to the village and set off cross country again. Once again, it was pretty and he thought of one of his late uncle Stan who had been the volunteer fire chief and who must have ridden these roads - and of the memorable time in 1960 when he took John and his Dad on a drive in his car and had let John turn on the siren.
He arrived in the village and facing him was a huge transfer trailer of the size they have in Australia blocking 80% of the narrow road. John thought, "I just can't win!" as he drove on the sidewalk within centimetres of a house to pass by. He saw a sign to the other village close to Linda's and followed it, arriving back determined to tell the world his story.
He spent much of the afternoon with John and Bella. He videoed them and showed them what they look like "on TV". They turned out to be, like most English chidren, natural stars and were able to easily follow his director's instructions. Along with Linda they went to a playground in the chill wind. Josh turned out to be an expert climber though not quite four and both enjoyed the slide. The two had so much fun that they resisted leaving although it was getting much too cold for them to stay in the biting wind from the North Sea. Bella resisted loudly and sat on the ground. Linda had to pick her up in her harness before she would walk again.
Bac kn the warm, Susan, on his Mum's side called to say that she had to cancel lunch for Friday as David, her partner, was ill. He had come back from a work trip with a virus with the exact symptoms as John had experienced when arriving here. They had a great conversation and agreed to stay in touch from now on by telephone was well as email.
Soon, Snowy came home. Now John has forgotten to tell you of Snowy, Linda and Nigel's pet white West Highland Terrier. She is a lovely dog but loves to play and roll in the mud and so she does not look snowy often! hahaha She had been out to get shampooed and clipped and was stunning when she arrived home. The video below shows her.
Linda told John that his cousin Dennis was picking him up to take him to dinner at his house. Dennis arrived just after Rachel had come and picked up John and Bella and they set out.
It was great, John thought, to let someone else drive, as Dennis confidently and quickly negotiated all obstacles. Dennis volunteers with a service that helps people in the wee hours on the weekends - they work with with the ambulance service and help people who are hurt, sick on the street, drunk, homeless, whatever. He volunteers one overnight every month.
They went to the best Fish and Chip shop in the city where Dennis lives and Dennis bought cod and chips. When they arrived at Dennis's home he took John in to meet his wife Adele, and their two children, Lillie and Joel (named after John's Dad). What a charming family! Both children are intelligent, creative and obviously filled with talent, enthusisam, and curiosity about everything. John did not ask their ages but thinks that Lillie is in her last year of elementary school and Joel is a couple of years younger.
Adele makes greeting cards and John asked he if she could make one for him to give to Linda as Feb 12 is Linda's birthday. She graciously agreed. Although they said they would not take John's money, he insisted because the resulting card would not be a gift from him to Linda if he had not paid for it. Adele reluctantly agreed to acdept payment.
They sat down to dinner. John had a big piece of fried cod with home made french fries and mushy peas. John had never had mushy peas before but they talk about them on Coronation Street so he had wondered. Adele had them, along with regular peas, and salad. Dennis said you have to have them with mint for them to be good. They WERE good. John was stuffed at the end of dinner.
Joel showed John his room and his lego. He is really into lego these days and Lillie told John about her school and what is happening there. Along with Dennis they headed up to the attic where Adele makes her cards and they showed John all kinds of neat stuff - including a bow and arrow that Dennis bought from apygmy hunter when he spent nine months driving from England all the way to South Africa many years ago.
The interaction with the children was wonderful as they did their best to make John feel welcome. The only being not entirely convinced of John's good intentions was Barney, their wire haired dachshund. He was very friendly and liked to be stroked but guarded John, and his toes, closely.
After dinner they talked about a lot of things like Internet Safety, what Canada is like, what is going on in their lives and they saw where John lives using Google Earth.
Adele had by now made the card and was putting on the last bit of decoration when Linda and Nigel came to pick John up. How can we transfer the card without Linda seeing, ran through John's mind. Dennis had given John the previous weekend'a newspaper with a story of a man whose father had gone to BC some fifty years ago. When John was getting up to put on his jacket and shoes he dropped the paper onto Adele's lap as if he was giving it back. She instantly knew what he was doing and deftly slipped the card into the paper and folded the paper up. As they were leaving she gave him the folded newspaper back. John was pleased that their exchange had worked so well. Linda did not seem to notice anything amiss. It was hugs and handshakes goodbye and John was off in the comptent hands of Nigel, driving with the same confidence as Dennis had before.
After arriving back at Linda's, John had tea and big piece of low fat fruitcake before heading off to bed thankful for such an awesome day.
TRB
John did not expect a day that would be filled with such diversity of things. So, this will be a long one!
Once again, he felt well. He had talked to Gail the night before and they had had a good conversation.
This morning, like the last one, was frosty and icy as it had snowed the day before and overnight but there was blue in the sky. John had not expected this kind of weather. He had predicted that it would be overcast with light drizzle every day. So, this was a nice surprise.
And because it was icy, John thought.... Well, truthfully, John didn't think! He decided it would be a good day to go out for a drive. The sunny sky filled him with confidence and he still has a full tank of gas that he doesn't seem to be able to use up and he doesn't want to take the car back with a lot more fuel than he started because it is very expensive here (1.11 pounds per litre). Furthermore, Alan (in Kent's) GPS phone, called a SatNav here, would bring him back to Linda's no matter where he went. And he drives through Canadian winters, doesn't he?
After having breakfast and tea, he went out to look over the car's controls more carefully. Once again he was impressed with the little car. The only control that still stymied him were the two levers (the turn indicator is where the winshield wipers should be and vice versa - many times on the way here John had told the other traffic that he was changing lanes by turning on the wipers).
So he set out to see the countryside, stop the car in picturesque locations and take some beautiful video. He turned right coming out of the subdivision. He doesn't know why he chose right but it took him to one of the villages. As he drove he noticed there were fairly big trucks parked wherever it was convenient for them and the cars and other trucks had to take turns passing by. Well, that was ok. He motored on and the road led to the A12. Ok, John thought, it would be nice to see the divided highway on a good day and practice handling the car where there was a lot of room. He headed towards London, intending to take an off ramp somewhere to see the countryside.
Everything was smooth and John's confidence rose even higher. Smiling, he took an off ramp near Chelmsford and drove away from the city. For those who know the area, he thinks it was the A414 towards Maldon, another famous British fighter base in WW2. He came to a nice little village but the SatNav didn't seem to be working. The battery wasn't dead but the screen kept telling him it couldn't connect to the Internet. So, he stopped and turned it off and then on again and all was once again, fine.
Strangely, since it was programmed to go to Linda's, it did not tell John to turn back the way he had come but rather to continue on the road. Good, John thought, this little device is very clever. He drove through a country lane that gave him spectacular vistas but had no, and I mean, NO shoulder. The road was lower than land it ran through. Right beside each narrow lane was a metre or so of grass on land (the edge shaped like a cliff) one foot or more higher than the road itself so you could not drive up onto it. And right next to that were the hedgerows. John realized that he really couldn't stop to take video. So he drove on a little disappointed but still enjoying his time.
The GPS told him to turn right. No problem. The sign should have warned him when it said, "One Lane Road with Passing Bays." But the map said it was only 0.3 miles back to the A414. No worries. John just hoped he wouldn't meet another car and have to back up to the closest passing bay. And he would only go 30.
The A414 was closer and closer. He went over a ridge and there in front of him down in the hollow ahead was a white car sitting in the road and a tow truck hoisting a van onto its bed. He hit the brakes.... nothing. He hit them again.... Nothing! He was getting closer and closer. Too close! He stood on the brakes and realized that the ABS brakes WERE working, chattering down the sheet of ice that called itself a road.
His car stopped close enough for John to see the many rust marks on the other car.
Once stopped he thought he might wait the minute until the van was hoisted but then realized no one was sitting in the car in front. It was just a barrier to stop other cars from crashing into the tow truck. And the tow truck did not seem to be making any progress towards hoisting the van. So John turned in the driveway of a lovely house and went back. The GPS had him turn right back onto the original road and it intersected the A414. He needn't have even had his close encounter of the vehicular kind. Shaken, but not stirred, John continued on.
(note from TRB to John: Stop with the stupid jokes when you're dictating!)
The A414 led him back to the A12 and he decided he would follow it but take a slight diversion to a village where his two uncles and families had lived. But first he had to pass through the village closest to Linda's where it was narrow, so he took a turn left to try to bypass the main road. OMG, the streets were half the width of the main road with cars parked on both sides and there was still traffic.
No one blew their horn at John but he did see angry looking drivers who seemed to be shouting in their cars at him. Let's just say they had faces like pitbulls chewing wasps. John realized that because of his extra care he was probably adding 10 seconds to their various journeys. This sort of bad impatience behind the wheel is a bad British trait. They even have TV commercials about it asking people what would life be like if people teated each other the same way when walking.
Anyway, he was soon back on the main road in the village weaving in between the delivery vans parked everywhere. He took the turn to the village and set off cross country again. Once again, it was pretty and he thought of one of his late uncle Stan who had been the volunteer fire chief and who must have ridden these roads - and of the memorable time in 1960 when he took John and his Dad on a drive in his car and had let John turn on the siren.
He arrived in the village and facing him was a huge transfer trailer of the size they have in Australia blocking 80% of the narrow road. John thought, "I just can't win!" as he drove on the sidewalk within centimetres of a house to pass by. He saw a sign to the other village close to Linda's and followed it, arriving back determined to tell the world his story.
He spent much of the afternoon with John and Bella. He videoed them and showed them what they look like "on TV". They turned out to be, like most English chidren, natural stars and were able to easily follow his director's instructions. Along with Linda they went to a playground in the chill wind. Josh turned out to be an expert climber though not quite four and both enjoyed the slide. The two had so much fun that they resisted leaving although it was getting much too cold for them to stay in the biting wind from the North Sea. Bella resisted loudly and sat on the ground. Linda had to pick her up in her harness before she would walk again.
Bac kn the warm, Susan, on his Mum's side called to say that she had to cancel lunch for Friday as David, her partner, was ill. He had come back from a work trip with a virus with the exact symptoms as John had experienced when arriving here. They had a great conversation and agreed to stay in touch from now on by telephone was well as email.
Soon, Snowy came home. Now John has forgotten to tell you of Snowy, Linda and Nigel's pet white West Highland Terrier. She is a lovely dog but loves to play and roll in the mud and so she does not look snowy often! hahaha She had been out to get shampooed and clipped and was stunning when she arrived home. The video below shows her.
Linda told John that his cousin Dennis was picking him up to take him to dinner at his house. Dennis arrived just after Rachel had come and picked up John and Bella and they set out.
It was great, John thought, to let someone else drive, as Dennis confidently and quickly negotiated all obstacles. Dennis volunteers with a service that helps people in the wee hours on the weekends - they work with with the ambulance service and help people who are hurt, sick on the street, drunk, homeless, whatever. He volunteers one overnight every month.
They went to the best Fish and Chip shop in the city where Dennis lives and Dennis bought cod and chips. When they arrived at Dennis's home he took John in to meet his wife Adele, and their two children, Lillie and Joel (named after John's Dad). What a charming family! Both children are intelligent, creative and obviously filled with talent, enthusisam, and curiosity about everything. John did not ask their ages but thinks that Lillie is in her last year of elementary school and Joel is a couple of years younger.
Adele makes greeting cards and John asked he if she could make one for him to give to Linda as Feb 12 is Linda's birthday. She graciously agreed. Although they said they would not take John's money, he insisted because the resulting card would not be a gift from him to Linda if he had not paid for it. Adele reluctantly agreed to acdept payment.
They sat down to dinner. John had a big piece of fried cod with home made french fries and mushy peas. John had never had mushy peas before but they talk about them on Coronation Street so he had wondered. Adele had them, along with regular peas, and salad. Dennis said you have to have them with mint for them to be good. They WERE good. John was stuffed at the end of dinner.
Joel showed John his room and his lego. He is really into lego these days and Lillie told John about her school and what is happening there. Along with Dennis they headed up to the attic where Adele makes her cards and they showed John all kinds of neat stuff - including a bow and arrow that Dennis bought from apygmy hunter when he spent nine months driving from England all the way to South Africa many years ago.
The interaction with the children was wonderful as they did their best to make John feel welcome. The only being not entirely convinced of John's good intentions was Barney, their wire haired dachshund. He was very friendly and liked to be stroked but guarded John, and his toes, closely.
After dinner they talked about a lot of things like Internet Safety, what Canada is like, what is going on in their lives and they saw where John lives using Google Earth.
Adele had by now made the card and was putting on the last bit of decoration when Linda and Nigel came to pick John up. How can we transfer the card without Linda seeing, ran through John's mind. Dennis had given John the previous weekend'a newspaper with a story of a man whose father had gone to BC some fifty years ago. When John was getting up to put on his jacket and shoes he dropped the paper onto Adele's lap as if he was giving it back. She instantly knew what he was doing and deftly slipped the card into the paper and folded the paper up. As they were leaving she gave him the folded newspaper back. John was pleased that their exchange had worked so well. Linda did not seem to notice anything amiss. It was hugs and handshakes goodbye and John was off in the comptent hands of Nigel, driving with the same confidence as Dennis had before.
After arriving back at Linda's, John had tea and big piece of low fat fruitcake before heading off to bed thankful for such an awesome day.
TRB
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Out and about in Essex
Feb 10
John spent the part of the day/evening writing and uploading a couple of posts to the blog. He was happy to talk to his cousin Anita because he had not been up to a visit the previous day. Anita has a holiday house in Newfoundland and loves Canada. Her daughter has been attending MUN (pronounced MUHN) the Memorial University of Newfoundland. They agreed that they should make a point of seeing each other sometime when she and her family are all in Canada. However, it is a three-hour flight with a connection in Halifax so it will have to be planned. Perhaps John thought, he could see his children and grandchildren on the way to Newfoundland. John was very happy to talk to Anita and to realize that he does have a cousin in Canada...when she is there!
After watching some TV with Linda and Nigel John retired to bed. He also took one more Panadol to ease the fever and drank two huge glasses of Orange Squash to rehyrdate himself. He felt quite good when he turned in. In fact, he knew he would be able to sleep well because Nigel had adjusted the radiator in his room and turned it off. John was able to get under the duvet in a cool (in both senses of the word) room.
His night was perfect and he got a great sleep, waking up not only refreshed but feeling 95% himself again. Ok, maybe 97%! It had snowed the night before and there was still a dusting left on the ground and it made the scene outside really attractive.
He went downstairs and saw Linda who asked him if he would like some toast. Oh Boy! Did he ever! He had two slices of toast with the most delicious strawberry jam washed down with tea. That was the moment John knew he was better. John was happy to help Linda by cutting up some of the veggies for dinner because he knew he would enjoy eating them later.
Linda and John then went over to Auntie Stella's to take her to the hospital to get an Xray taken. Linda drove through the local villages and John was able to see how the design of the buildings differed from Kent to Essex. The three passed by a village where two of his uncles had lived (and of course Linda and Stella) and saw some of the places he remembered as a boy when he had visited them there.
When they arrived at the hospital John felt good that he could help by taking his aunt in while Linda parked her car. His aunt has difficulty walking and John was able to have her on his arm while getting to the XRay department. John thought to himself that being part of two wonderful families (his Mum's and his Dad's) is, indeed, a blessing.
After the XRay was taken they drove to a local big box store area and Linda picked up some groceries while John had a long and enjoyable conversation with Aunt Stella. It turns out that they see the world in similar ways and that felt good to John.
After that Linda took her Mum home and drove John back to their house by a different route so John got to see more of the local countryside and villages.
The chicken was smelling sooo delicious!
Well, the roast chicken dinner tasted so delicious. When Nigel and Linda called John to the table he was astounded by the smells and the look of his dinner. He may have been hungry but this was great: roast chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, all the veggies John had cut up and peeled and more! In fact he cannot remember all that there was but it included cabbage, carrot, swede, green beans, zuchini, and well as I said he was so hungry and it was so delicious he gobbled it down without noting precisely what he was eating but the tastes were incredible. He thought how well he has been fed... first by Alan in Kent and now by Linda!
In the evening he read about the history of the local villages from Roman times to the present. Then he asked me to write this blog entry.
Suffice it to say that John is now 100%
TRB
John spent the part of the day/evening writing and uploading a couple of posts to the blog. He was happy to talk to his cousin Anita because he had not been up to a visit the previous day. Anita has a holiday house in Newfoundland and loves Canada. Her daughter has been attending MUN (pronounced MUHN) the Memorial University of Newfoundland. They agreed that they should make a point of seeing each other sometime when she and her family are all in Canada. However, it is a three-hour flight with a connection in Halifax so it will have to be planned. Perhaps John thought, he could see his children and grandchildren on the way to Newfoundland. John was very happy to talk to Anita and to realize that he does have a cousin in Canada...when she is there!
After watching some TV with Linda and Nigel John retired to bed. He also took one more Panadol to ease the fever and drank two huge glasses of Orange Squash to rehyrdate himself. He felt quite good when he turned in. In fact, he knew he would be able to sleep well because Nigel had adjusted the radiator in his room and turned it off. John was able to get under the duvet in a cool (in both senses of the word) room.
His night was perfect and he got a great sleep, waking up not only refreshed but feeling 95% himself again. Ok, maybe 97%! It had snowed the night before and there was still a dusting left on the ground and it made the scene outside really attractive.
He went downstairs and saw Linda who asked him if he would like some toast. Oh Boy! Did he ever! He had two slices of toast with the most delicious strawberry jam washed down with tea. That was the moment John knew he was better. John was happy to help Linda by cutting up some of the veggies for dinner because he knew he would enjoy eating them later.
Linda and John then went over to Auntie Stella's to take her to the hospital to get an Xray taken. Linda drove through the local villages and John was able to see how the design of the buildings differed from Kent to Essex. The three passed by a village where two of his uncles had lived (and of course Linda and Stella) and saw some of the places he remembered as a boy when he had visited them there.
When they arrived at the hospital John felt good that he could help by taking his aunt in while Linda parked her car. His aunt has difficulty walking and John was able to have her on his arm while getting to the XRay department. John thought to himself that being part of two wonderful families (his Mum's and his Dad's) is, indeed, a blessing.
After the XRay was taken they drove to a local big box store area and Linda picked up some groceries while John had a long and enjoyable conversation with Aunt Stella. It turns out that they see the world in similar ways and that felt good to John.
After that Linda took her Mum home and drove John back to their house by a different route so John got to see more of the local countryside and villages.
The chicken was smelling sooo delicious!
Well, the roast chicken dinner tasted so delicious. When Nigel and Linda called John to the table he was astounded by the smells and the look of his dinner. He may have been hungry but this was great: roast chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, all the veggies John had cut up and peeled and more! In fact he cannot remember all that there was but it included cabbage, carrot, swede, green beans, zuchini, and well as I said he was so hungry and it was so delicious he gobbled it down without noting precisely what he was eating but the tastes were incredible. He thought how well he has been fed... first by Alan in Kent and now by Linda!
In the evening he read about the history of the local villages from Roman times to the present. Then he asked me to write this blog entry.
Suffice it to say that John is now 100%
TRB
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Feb 9
John was exhausted after the night. Rarely had he felt so bad physically - an aching body, a severe headache over the entire front and top of his head and a stomach constantly rumbling and gurgling. And lying in the bed, his feverish mind raced over the various worries in his life. Nothing seemed good. He wished he had taken Linda up on her offer of Panadol for pain and a stomach settling drug.
He had been up several times in the night and had tried to drink fluids to avoid dehydration but fluids swept right through him. He listened to trains pass by and looked at the ceiling. The he would turn over in the bed just to feel a cooler pillow. His hands felt very hot.
When morning came, he went downstairs and Linda gave him the drugs and she said she was ok with him going back to bed. She has been so understanding and that has made it so much easier for John. Finally, with the aid of the drugs he slept. He woke at 12:30 but continued to lay down because he felt very weak. He finally got up at about 1:20pm and came down. He was surprised and happy to see his Auntie Stella, Linda's Mum, there (along with Rachel's children that Linda takes care of three days a week). Stella was married to John's late uncle Bernie.
They had a very good conversation about a lot of things until Auntie Stella left. Tomorrow John is going to go along with Linda and Aunt Stella to the hospital where Stella has to undergo some tests.
John wanted me to write this now because he doesn't know how he will feel later even though he is feeling a bit better at the moment.
TRB
John was exhausted after the night. Rarely had he felt so bad physically - an aching body, a severe headache over the entire front and top of his head and a stomach constantly rumbling and gurgling. And lying in the bed, his feverish mind raced over the various worries in his life. Nothing seemed good. He wished he had taken Linda up on her offer of Panadol for pain and a stomach settling drug.
He had been up several times in the night and had tried to drink fluids to avoid dehydration but fluids swept right through him. He listened to trains pass by and looked at the ceiling. The he would turn over in the bed just to feel a cooler pillow. His hands felt very hot.
When morning came, he went downstairs and Linda gave him the drugs and she said she was ok with him going back to bed. She has been so understanding and that has made it so much easier for John. Finally, with the aid of the drugs he slept. He woke at 12:30 but continued to lay down because he felt very weak. He finally got up at about 1:20pm and came down. He was surprised and happy to see his Auntie Stella, Linda's Mum, there (along with Rachel's children that Linda takes care of three days a week). Stella was married to John's late uncle Bernie.
They had a very good conversation about a lot of things until Auntie Stella left. Tomorrow John is going to go along with Linda and Aunt Stella to the hospital where Stella has to undergo some tests.
John wanted me to write this now because he doesn't know how he will feel later even though he is feeling a bit better at the moment.
TRB
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