There's been an awful lot of datelines recently that have not read Pittsfield. But we actually have been home, enough to experience our first real, plowable snowstorm. And I think we missed another one yesterday that folks in DC, Baltimore, and NJ may have enjoyed.
But here we are in Blackheath, a suburb on the south side of the Thames. There's something to be said about quality of life. Almost storybook here, what Joe and Leonor have found. Or, cinematic, since at times we've felt like we're on the set of Love Actually. Did you know that was my favorite movie?
So far, and we're only a few days in, we've gone to a Christmas concert, a ballet class, a rugby practice, Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral, a tea shop, a cafe, a pub, a farmer's market and a double-decker bus. Three days.
And we bumped into Daniel too. Ok, it was prearranged, but it was wonderful to see him here. He's working hard in his class, and it sounds hard. He joined us for a pot roast dinner at the local pub.
We actually started the fortnight out in Washington, at the end of a fantastic Thanksgiving with Margaret and Andrew. On our way home, we stopped in Princeton where we saw Peter who filled us in on all happenings in his family. He took us on a tour of the campus that saw us spending time around Grandma and Pop's stone in the chapel. Then the biggest tuna melt sandwich I've ever eaten. And I did eat the whole thing.
Three days at home was too long so we took off for Boston. After some medical appointments and tests (all good), we had a quick chat with Kathleen who tracked us down, thanks to the fob monitor they give you when you check in. We spent two nights in Boston to take in a swim meet and you'll never guess who swam. Not me. But Mary did, per usual, and she left with her usual cache of ribbons.
Another three days back at the ranch before we headed over here.
We heard from Annie and Sankar who are back at their ranch (I think that's what I'm going to call it now.) They recounted a funeral ceremony they attended that turned out a little harrowing with a flash flood by the river.
A lot of Christmas preparations at this time of year. We have not gotten a tree yet but seen two trees fully decorated in DC and London. I think I saw on line a joyful scene outside Jeff and Melodie's house.
We head back this week so we'll still have a few days to catch up on the decorations and preparations front.
Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas.
Love from way over here.
