It’s been a lovely week in England. We finished up our road trip in the south and returned to London for a few days to rest and regroup.
We had so much fun staying on the coast, first in Hastings and then in Walmer. We loved the temperate weather and having a seagull alarm clock. The famous chalk cliffs are shrinking and the pebbled beaches are nice. We really liked hiking around the cliff tops.
I got to travel to this part of the country more than two decades ago with my sister. It was one of my first big overseas adventures and it was so memorable. It was fun to share some of the places that Jana and I visited with Nathan this week. We spent a day at Dover Castle, which is a 900-year old castle built atop the cliffs that has lasted through many dramatic events in history. The castle is cool, but one of the most interesting parts of the site is the tunnels that were originally cut into the cliffs during the Napoleonic wars, then used in WWII as a hospital and logistical center, then well into the Cold War as well.
We also got to spend a day in Canterbury. We took a punting tour on the River Stour, traveling under the very low bridges and beneath the historic buildings. We went to Canterbury Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and martyrdom site of Thomas Beckett. We took an amazing tour there and learned so much about the stained glass. We then spent a couple more hours strolling around the church and the town.
Now we are in a seventh-floor apartment to the north of London. It feels crazy that this has become our “home base” this summer. We return here to do a bit of “normal”: laundry, shopping, church, piano. It gives us a moment to rest and recuperate, but also a chance to enjoy our favorite big city. I was excited to take Nathan to see Hadestown, which I got to see with Alex and Hanna a few years ago. We saw this crazy one-woman retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, which was surprisingly good and a lot of fun. Then we got to see Sean Hayes’ amazing performance as Oscar Levant in Good Night, Oscar.
It is truly wild that this is our third summer of traveling. If you have been here for all of it, thanks for coming along for the ride. I write the blog to have a journal of this strange phase of life, but having people reading it keeps me from quitting, so thank you! We are gearing up for our last two weeks of being abroad. Enjoy your week!
She’s Here!
Hi! We’ve had a good week here in Northern Utah. The weather is warming up a bit, there are buds on the trees, and…oh yeah…we have a new granddaughter! Daisy Ray Bauserman joined us about 10 days early on Friday night. Lauren had a crazy day of contractions and running back and forth to the hospital on Thursday with no progress. Then on Friday night, little miss didn’t waste any time and was born just before 10 pm. There was a bit of a hiccup in delivery when Lauren’s blood pressure dropped (and of course, so did baby’s) due to an extra dose of pain meds in her epidural. But she recovered and was able to deliver normally, despite being extremely medicated and numb. Miss Daisy’s a cute little thing and looks an awful lot like her big sister. Needless to say, we are tickled with our newest addition.
Marching On
Hello from beautiful Utah and Happy March! We had a good two weeks in Missouri, playing with kids and helping out. After two long driving days later, we are resting up in Utah for new adventures coming up! Although Nathan was fighting illness the whole time, we had a...
A Very Merry Birthday
We’ve had a good week here in Ohio and West Virginia. Nathan is still in a battle with a cold virus, but it’s been great beside that wrinkle. We’ve played with the kids, done some projects around Lauren’s house, and even found time for a trip to the dentist (Bo :)). We just happened to be around while he was off with his brothers and dad on a hunt, so it was a bonus to be able to help Lauren. She’s in her last month of pregnancy number four, so things are getting exciting! Despite being 8+ months pregnant, she prepared me a spectacular birthday dinner, making ramen from scratch (including handmade noodles) and a glorious flourless chocolate cake. I was spoiled to get fancy chocolates from my hubby, texts and calls from lots of people I love, and plenty of grandkid giggles and hugs. It’s been a good one! We’ll be picking up and moving on tomorrow…Missouri is next!
Dover!! The cliffs. The castle. The tunnels. Do they still pump the smell of Sunday dinner (toast beef and potatoes) in the kitchen area? So many memories! And our adventures in driving! You were so good that day. Can’t wait to hear about seeing Sean Hayes! That is cool.
They do still have the dinner smells in the mess and then some not so nice smells in the OR! I didn’t remember that from last time–you have a good memory! That trip was pivotal for me.
Wow! 3rd summer of traveling? That’s incredible! I love your blog. Don’t quit! 😊