Lasting impressions

All good things must end at some point, and so to must this latest adventure. This trip was unlike any I have taken in my adult life because for a change it was less about discovery and more about bonding. Memories of England fill my mind, but the lasting feelings will revolve around our visit with the Griffins. I learned that no matter how many miles separate you or how much time has passed since you last saw each other, good friends can pick up their friendship as if nothing had ever parted you. I loved watching Nate and the kids play non-stop, and mind you, Nate may not really remember them ever being in the states. Drinking wine with Ian and Maria felt so natural and normal even though it has been more than two years since we last did that. When you truly look at it, this was a trip about strengthening a friendship -- not about sightseeing. It may be years before our paths cross again, but two truths are now evident. We will see each other someday, and we will act as if we had just seen each other the other day. That is friendship.

However, I can't end this log without giving a highlight of some of my fondest memories.

• Watching Merope walk out of the school and instantly recognizing her.
• Having Hope great us at the door with that shy little shrug she does.
• Having Gus walk in and immediately want to play.
• Hiking the hills of sheep, rams, and over-protective cows.
  
• Searching for Sylvia Plath and visiting the Brontes on the same day.
• Wading in Trafalgar Square.
• Fish and Chips every night (Nate's favorite)
• Seeing Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey all at the same time.
• Traveling the River Thames.
• So much history in London -- Especially the gravings of the condemned.
• The HEAT -- My kingdom for an air conditioner!
• Fancy ladies passing out -- the Queen despairing about what the heat is doing to her...lawn.
• Knowing what it feels like in Hell -- it's the 20 mph hot train to Oxford.
• The friendly postman in Oxford -- Nate's new buddy.
• The search for Doc Martens.
• The view from the Roman baths -- ancient Rome, Medieval England, and Victorian England all in one little view.
• Overpriced pizza in a priceless plaza.
• Shakespeare's town -- goosebumps at every turn.
• Having a pint in a tavern from 1623.
• Driving on the left!
• Blackpool beach -- Donkey rides (and droppings) and the ocean.
• The emergency room in Rochdale -- nationalized health care at its finest!
• Friends who are more like family.

It was a great trip, and I'm looking forward to our next adventure. Nothing is ever dull when we're around; even if it doesn't seem like we're doing much. Isn't life grand!