The seasons turned from Spring – to a nice green Summer.
Tyler, my nephew, turned 2 years old. His birthday was on the 23rd, party on the Saturday following, and I remember my goal for that day (being home for just a day) was to wrap his present. He is such a funny kid and is soooo tall. He is as tall as the 3 year olds and it very “solid”. He is such a good kid and is always making us laugh. The other day we ran into him at the supermarket. We said goodbye and as him and his mum walked to the top of the isle and I went to the next one I could hear him shouting, “JAMIE!!!!”
3 weeks after my surgery, Chris had to have dental surgery at a hospital in Cambridge. He was quite a trooper and didn't have any complications. He just stayed in for a few hours and when he got home he had the best nurse money couldn't buy – me.
This is our new pet, Freda (named by Chris). She has made her nest in the rain gutter outside our window. She has caused me a lot of worry (in England it RAINS and I was nervous for her eggs) but I called the local bird welfare agency and have been assured that she will be fine and interestingly enough, was told pigeons are protected by law and if I move her or her nest I could get charges pressed against me. I have rolled up a towel to stop the heavy flow of water to her nest and so now I have to wait (and enjoy). She will incubate for 2 1/2 weeks and then it will be a further month before the babies fly the nest.
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Yesterday while I was babysitting the twins (who we affectionately call “the Germans” – because they are) Chris decided to come with me and we all went on a walk to the church nearby and also the old cemetery. Even though it isn't too far from our own flat, we have never been to the cemetery. I often take the twins to the church grounds and let them enjoy the trees (meaning branches, conkers, seeds, dirt, etc.) and the wide open space - I enjoy the scenery. The cemetery was so old and run down – the stuff of horror movies. There were broken headstones, vines, big trees, and old graves. The kids, of course were drawn to the big, fallen branches.
Gates to the cemetery.
Some of the many headstones and the lovely flowers at the church. As one of the twins said yesterday, “It is lovely weather.” Here in England – we take advantage of it. It was, a very nice day.
The twins with their branch (we had to “downgrade” before we left). Views of the big trees and old graves with the church standing in the background.
Striking angel statue on the headstone of an eleven year old child. The grave was over 100 years old.
One of the many public footpaths through the fields. The twins love to “go have an adventure” and explore these pathways.
The grounds of the church and the HUGE trees. You can tell its been hot, the grass is usually a lush green from all of the rain – not so far this summer.
The church. So beautiful. Sometimes I just sit back and find it hard to believe (even still) that I actually live in England.
The twins in front of the church. It has been such an amazing blessing to work for this family. I have known the kids since they were 18 months old, and have become their regular babysitter. They have taught me so much about adapting to a different culture (their parents are from Germany) but keeping traditions from home. I love to hear them in deep German conversations with each other.
So, I guess life goes on – even when you feel like it might not. All I have to do is look around at all the good things I am surrounded by and life doesn't seem quite so dreary – rain or not.
