Winchester

How would you like a job working six hours a day for six years, wearing diving equipment that weighed more than 198 pounds? PLUS, the water you work in will be murky and thick and ever so dark!

That is exactly what this guy, William Walker, tackled. In the early 1900's, it was found that the cathedral was sinking. Yep. Sinking. So, this dude "dug out the peat deep under the walls, removed the beech rafts from under the foundations section by section, and laid bags of concrete to create a new, solid base underneath the cathedral." Incredible. I know, right!! He was quite a hero.

I think this would fit perfectly under the umbrella of unfavorable jobs.
Water and darkness. Not a great combination.
I was fascinated by this story while visiting the cathedral.

My first  glimpse of Winchester. I know it sounds a bit morbid, but I was very excited to get inside. The grave of a very famous author lies within the cathedral. One of my favorites. Jane Austen. The writer of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility,
Did you know only four mourners attended her funeral? Four. Just four. Three of her brothers and a nephew. Her beloved sister, Cassandra did not attend. "As women were not expected to attend funerals, Cassandra's last glimpse of the coffin was from 8 College Street. She 'watched the little mournful procession the length of the Street' and it 'turned from her sight.'

Jane Austen died about 4 a.m. on Friday 18 July 1817. "Her pillowed head resting on her sister's knee." Grief. There is no greater emotion. Cassandra writes "...I have lost a treasure, such a Sister, such a friend as never can be surprassed-..."

Jane Austen grave.

It felt a bit surreal to be standing over her grave. Under all that stone lies a very talented and beloved author. Nowhere on this epitaph does it mention Jane as a writer. It is said "Jane Austen would have been surprised and amused to discover that, today, her grave is the most frequently visited in Winchester Cathedral."  I believe she had no idea just how much her work would have an affect on millions of readers around the world long after her death.  She died in 1817 and is known today as one of the greatest writers of all time. Now there is a definition of legacy.  

Close to her grave is this plaque. Written  are these words:

"JANE AUSTEN, known to many by her writings, endeared to her family by the varied charms of her Character and ennobled by Christian faith and piety, was born at Steventon in the County of Hants Dec. xiv, MDCCLXXV, and buried in this Cathedral July XXIV, MDCCCXVII. 'She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness.'
(Prov. xxxi, v. xxvi).

I would have liked her. We would have been friends!

Next to the gold plaque hangs this sign.
What a pleasure it was to be able to spend hours in this cathedral. I dreamed of one day visiting. Dreams really do come true.

 My neck was strained from looking up! WOW is all I can say.

Incredible. I didn't want to leave.

The crypt in the cathedral. You can't go in because obviously, it's flooded! It floods regularly. The crypt is the oldest part of the cathedral. 1079. Old. "The crypt was not designed to house the dead but to raise the east end of the cathedral, to make it like the 'holy hill' on which Jerusalem and its Temple were built."
This  sculpture was a gift from artist,  Antony Gormley.  "The sculpture is an encouragement to be still for a moment and to 'sound' the hidden depths of our own spirit."

Be still. Good advice while visiting.  A great place to ponder your place in this big wide world.

I hope you enjoyed this very mini tour of the cathedral. Visit Winchester if you plan to visit the UK. There are other graves, chapels, the Winchester Bible, The Great Screen, and so much more.
You will learn lots and lots of history!

(Information and quotes come  from the guidebook I bought at the cathedral. I tried to write in my journal, but buying the book was so much easier! I have been leafing through it since returning home. If you go, buy the book!)

TJ

As I made my way across the parking lot last Sunday afternoon, the only sounds I heard were the crunch of pebbles beneath my shoes and the faint whisper of one voice to another confirming they brought enough Kleenex.

This was a day I hoped would never come.

One by one we filed into the church. Someone handed me a small leaflet.  I found a spot in a pew towards the back.  I glanced at the program in my lap and then it hit me. He really did die.

TJ was a distant relative of my husband. I remember meeting him years ago at a family reunion. He had a bigger than life smile.

In May of 2010, I heard he was diagnosed with cancer. I know there is some technical term for the type he had, but it was a form of leukemia.  I'm not sure what possessed me, but I felt  I needed to go and see him. I went to Regions hospital and found my way to the oncology department. I didn't spend a lot of time with him, but basically I just told him I would be praying. I meant it.

Ironically, just weeks later I was back at that same hospital.  My mother- in- law was sick. We weren't quite sure yet what we were dealing with, but it didn't take me long to figure out I was on the same floor I had been on while visiting TJ. The oncology floor. I knew right then my mother- in- law had cancer. We buried her three weeks later.

I followed TJ's story from the get go. He was a great communicator through writing. I liked that. He had a Caring Bridge site and wrote the most amazing posts.

"Making a journal entry on your own caring bridge site has been very difficult for me as it is something you never plan on doing. ...spend some time with your loved ones, and just smile..."

He also wrote a book!

It is raw and real. I'm so glad I have a signed copy.


As I sat in the pew waiting for the Celebration of Life to start, I felt like I was intruding on a private moment. Up front, I saw his father bending over the casket, weeping. I imagined his thoughts.

Can I give you my breath? I can't breathe.  Please wake up. Don't leave me.   Don't shut the lid because if it closes, then that means he's gone and I can't see him...

The service began with Hallelujah chorus. The tears started flowing. It was so inspiring. But then, that's who TJ was. Inspirational. It was said of TJ that he "had a determined will. Always there making a contribution. He inspired many."
His parents and family and friends can be so proud of TJ. He was one incredible man. I'm so sorry for their loss.

This picture of TJ was on the inside cover of the program given at the funeral. I am positive he heard the words, "Well done good and faithful servant."

TJ's obituary:
http://www.keehrfuneralhome.com/obits/obituary.php?id=610969

He will be missed.

Where to begin...

Where did the time go?

Can't  believe I am back now a week from  holiday!  Finally, I am feeling  back to normal. Jet lag really got me this time. I've been feeling a bit like  a baby who has her days and nights mixed up. I forced myself to get back on my time schedule. What I really wanted to do is sleep! Have you ever experienced jet lag? Wow. I didn't expect such a hard re-entry!  But, it was all worth it!
   

Yes. It was more than I imagined.

I will start at the beginning.

Remember the journal I told you about before I left? Yep. Full. I completely filled every single page.  I started writing the minute I got on the plane.
Flight tracker says 40 minutes to land. Happy place, here I come. And then, through the clouds...

my first glimpse.

I'm here!

I had plenty of time to snap a few photos.  We spent a bit of time in queue. That's my new word. Queue. It simply means 'in line.' Passport control moved pretty slow.  Apparently, they didn't get the memo an extreme Anglophile had arrived, and was anxious to see the outside of Heathrow airport terminal! SIGH...

Pinch me. I really was in England.

Want to know more?  Follow along in the coming blogs!

Claire

Meet my niece, Claire.

Saturday, she turned 15. What better way to celebrate than to take her to tea!

My sister tagged along,  too. We had a lovely time sipping chocolate raspberry, caramel pear, and chocolate safari teas.

I especially loved the lavender shortbread cookies! I ate two! Oink oink! Linen tablecloths and napkins made Claire feel special. Everything was "fancy."

Claire is really good about putting her phone away while I am with her. We discussed school, her friends, and what she was doing later in the day to celebrate. She also told me I should open my own tea shop! My sister and I pondered the idea. It's still brewing! That would be a fun venture. Definitely a nice dream. Perhaps one day!

Such great memories that will bond us for life.  I wonder if my sister realized she got in the photo too...See that mirror in the upper left corner?  Yep--that's her taking our picture!


NOTE: I am taking a certain trip across a certain pond in just a few days!  As you can imagine, I'm thrilled!   Each day will be filled with wonder.   I have my journal  ready to write about new adventures.

In order for me to be in the moment, I will be taking a break from my blog.   I don't want to miss a thing.   I managed to look around me this past week and low and behold, I got a rainbow and a sign that spelled P E A C E. Amazing the things that catch your eye when you are really awake.

With that in mind, I look forward to all that lies ahead. Travel does that. Takes us out of our comfort zone and lands us in the middle of places and dreams we could never imagine.
I am traveling with my best friend (hubby) and also some very dear friends. They are really good at helping me see life through a different lens. I am in great hands.

I know I will learn so much and can't wait to show you when I return. I will be taking thousands of pictures (lucky you!) and hopefully will tell you lots of stories starting back here on July 11.

Cheers!



 

Don't understand

This year, the National Park Service turns 100!

I've been privileged to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  Yes I did. Whoo hoo. I hear your oohs and aahs. And yes, it was hard. Really hard. I still can't believe I actually made it ALL THE WAY down and back up.  A huge feat. One of the hardest things I have ever done. It's a mental game.  If you ever try,  be prepared. Did you listen when I said it was hard? It's worth repeating. You could die trying. Literally. You must train and read all you can about the trails. One slip and you could head over the edge. There are no guard rails. The Grand Canyon deserves respect. Do your research.

Yosemite is breathtaking. Hubby and son climbed Half Dome. My son is pretty athletic. Even he said the climb took every muscle he had. The cables about did him in. Again, respect the mountain.

We've bicycled the carriage roads in Acadia. Climbed the Beehive too. I have no upper body strength, and proved it on that trail. I did make it to the top. Barely!

Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon. You must see them all. Some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world lies within the National Parks.

Last year, hubby and I went to Yellowstone.
We saw some pretty spectacular views. Here's a peek...

Okay people.
Here's my point about 'Don't Understand.'

See those animals in the above photos?  Can you say W-I-L-D?  It may look like they are harmless and just want to play. Well, they'll play alright. They will toss you in the air like a rag doll. Don't EVER get close to one. They will show you who is boss. Trust me,  it's not you.

While at the park, I  witnessed some  foolish  people.  For starters, I heard a woman ask a ranger, "So, what time do you let the animals out in the morning?" I made eye contact with that ranger. I knew what he was thinking. I bet you can guess too.  He just shook his head and replied,  "Maam, this isn't a zoo. These are wild animals and they come and go as they please."
Yep. Foolish.

Just yesterday, Yellowstone was in the news.  See that photo above of the geysers? They look hot, don't they? What gave it away? Maybe the steam? There are signs EVERYWHERE along this boardwalk that warn you about the geysers. Words like : STAY ON THE TRAIL or  STAY AWAY-BOILING WATER....Get the picture? Most do. But not everyone.
That article I read about Yellowstone? Yeah--someone fell in one of the geysers.
I'm shaking my head. Do you see why I just don't understand?
You are not invincible.  You may think an animal is cute. Or, wonder just how hot that geyser can get. Think about what you are doing. Don't approach an animal and stay on the trails. The rules are there for our protection. Your life could literally be in danger.

Ever touch a hot stove? Hope not, but it  really is hot and it really will hurt you.  There  are deaths in the National Parks. Many deaths every single year. They sell books called Death in Grand Canyon and Death in Yellowstone. They fly off the shelves. I've seen it. Such fascination with those books.

PEOPLE. Enjoy  the parks. They are a treasure and my memory bank is overflowing with sweet memories. But, you must respect  mother nature. She will win every time.  

Taking off soon

Won't be long now. The flying experience is close at hand.
You've heard the phrase "packed in like sardines."

And, I'm sure the thought of having no leg room makes you wish you had the superpower to fly.
Oh, and the restrooms? Don't even get me started. "Rest" is not exactly the word I would use. I try really hard to hold it!

Ever got a  seatmate who chats the whole flight? Or worse, an annoying chap who uses your shoulder as a drool rag?

My personal favorite...watching those passengers who really believe their carry on will fit in the overhead!

Remember that crying kid in the gating area? The one you prayed wouldn't be sitting near you?  Yep. For the next hours, he's your entertainment.

The flight is all part of the journey! Sometimes I am more than thrilled I brought my Bose headphones!

Found some unique tidbits on my destination airport. Read on.
http://londontopia.net/travel/lhr-10-interesting-facts-figures-london-heathrow-airport/

Remember the movie, Love Actually? Love the opening scene.

I'm thinking I need a bottle of Chanel No. 5. Read to see how fast the stuff flies off the airport shelves!
 

Vickie

Summer is officially here.

Can't you just smell that campfire burning?  I love fires. I got as close as I could get without burning the rubber on my shoes!
This day ranked among the greats.
I got to spend Memorial Day with one of my really good friends.

Meet Vickie.  She's the one in the green sunhat!

 She's a hoot. We met each other a long time ago. At least 17 years now.  We met at "craft cult." Seriously. That's what our kids call it. Craft cult.  10 women who vary in craft expertise.  We have a fearless leader. Name is "Martha." Lets just say she outshines us all.

We try to get together once a month at this "cult."   Making crafts is always the goal. Some finished products are better than others, but we always manage to laugh and drink a bit of wine.

Anyway...that's where I met Vickie.  "Martha" came to us one meeting and said she has this gal she thinks would fit in nicely with our group. That's how it works. You have to get voted in!  She was right. Vickie is awesome!

Hubby and I drove  to Vickie and Craig's cottage for the day. A cute little place in the north woods. Best part? It's on a lake.

 We went for a ride in their boat. Water sprayed our sun kissed faces just enough to let us know the lake was a bit too chilly yet to jump in.  Fish swam right along side us.  So did this creature...

Good thing I didn't have any food in my hands. This determined heron would have plucked it right out of my fingers!
Thoughts of retiring in these parts tempted us as we floated past some pretty charming "cabins." One place had a huge big screen TV on the side of their garage. We considered dropping the anchor and settling in to watch, but it was just too nice  a day!

 We made our way back to our little piece of heaven. Notice the adirondack chairs. And did you notice Vickie loves red?  Red roof, red screen door, red banister, red curtains, red planters.  So fun. The day was so relaxing. We ate, laughed, and talked about the latest movies and books we have read. We hated to leave.

Vickie is a great cook, wonderful friend (even if there are times she tells me to "suck it up!") and is constantly filled with joy.  She is definitely one of the persons I turn to when I need a pick me up. She is my honest, trustworthy, so filled with wonder, beautiful friend.

I hope you have at least one such friend too.