April Is For...

:: surprise snow showers
:: washing all the linens
:: building lincoln log catapults
:: curled up kitten tails in sunlight pools
:: still toasty fires
:: sleep overs parties with stove top popcorn
:: camping out in the living room
:: cat cuddled naps
:: funky coffee cups
:: catching up on bookclub books

More Time By The Water

On our last day in VA, we headed just a little further down the state to Virginia Beach. OH how we love the ocean!! It has been far too long since we were ocean side. The water was freaking freezing and pinked our skin, but the temps were high and the company wonderful.

We made the long drive home yesterday and it feels good to be back. We are falling right back into the comfort of our routines. It is colder here than the water at VA Beach, but as I walked to the car this morning to grab a few things still not unpacked, I took a deep breath of the cold. It felt really good. Really really good.

There is no place like home.

Sun & Snow

While there is word that it is snowing back home in New York, we (the kids and I) are in Virginia enjoying sun, friends, and celebrations. My best friend Kelley, I mentioned her here before, is turning a ripe and fabulous age she rather I not mention. I wouldn't miss it for the world! And now we are in the throws of one of the best spring breaks EVER.

Be home soon...

It Is Good To Be Back

It keeping with my tradition of having Monday posts be random, I give you random/stay-with-me-forever memories from my trip to England. I will have more highlights from the adventure throughout the week as I dive into detail about the things I did. Until them, I hope this whets your whistle (and FYI: whet was one of Charlotte's vocab words for spelling.)



:: I started my trip flying west to go east and, in doing so, I got to chase a sunset. I have never seen a more amazing sky.
:: I don't sleep well on planes, and learned it is really difficult, but I *can* stay awake for approximately 36 hours before I lose the ability to control my eyes rolling into the back of my head.
:: I can officially say I have ridden in a car going 100mph.



:: There were sheep and pear trees on the farm in Lemington Spa where Artisan was held. Best bead show venue ever.
:: This trip gave me the chance to meet people most US people are never going to get the chance to meet in person and I am so glad to have had the opportunity.
:: It rains every single day in England, excepts on Wednesdays, and I think that may be an actual fact.




:: You can have a good laugh even when wet through to your underwear if you try and it makes for even better memories, they are more tactile memories when they are soaking wet.
:: I like fish 'n chips, but I think I already knew that.
:: Historically old things can actually change in 18 years, and the way in which is usually how expensive they become. Windsor Castle was free to visit in 1992, it wasn't in 2010.



:: A Starbucks' Peppermint Mocha tastes even better when there is a castle wall outside the window.
:: I take my tea with milk and one sugar.
:: Some of the places you read about in books are even more amazing in person. And no, visiting a cemetery isn't really as morbid as it would seem.



:: I think I will forever wear my rain boots/wellies when I wear my blue tutu.
:: It is possible to get from Oxford Circus Station to Westminster Station during the height of rush hour to catch Big Ben at sunset and be back in Croxley Green by 7:30pm to get the kids on time.
:: It is really hard to be a Mom from 4000 miles away when things go wrong, but I learned to trust that there are others here that are more than capable.




:: I kinda like Chicken Malayan Curry, and the bread with the coconut milk is delish. I should give coconut more of a chance.
:: If the sun comes out in England, you should always try to plan it do so on your last day there.
:: Even if you can't afford to pay $600 for a round of golf, they will let you buy a pint and sit on the patio at some world famous golf courses.



:: Seven days can happen in the blink of an eye and I truly hate goodbyes.
:: Absence really can make a full heart grow even fonder and the best hugs in the world come out of kids at full steam run in an airport.
:: It is feels so good to be home.