We are the four cousins, our three mothers were sisters. Sue (79) lives in Teignmouth, David (78 today) in Torquay, John (70) in Southwest France, and yours truly (78) in Raleigh, North Carolina. Getting together has taken three years due to the pandemic, however yesterday we managed to do it. . . . . .. and in brilliant, hot sunshine we hugged and kissed like never before!
Supper last night with John (today he's flying home to France) at our favorite fish 'n chip shop SALTWATER in Torquay.
Off to meet up with a really 'old friend' this afternoon - at a quaint tea room overlooking the bay. Jackie and I have known each other since before birth!!! Our respective mothers actually met at the maternity hospital before we were born! We've remained good friends all these years and always pick up where we left off last time. . . . . . .as only best friends can!
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I can almost smell that fish and chips from here.
ReplyDeleteFresh fish right out of Brixham - best tasting ever!
DeleteWhat a lovely time you are having! Fun to meet up with family after a long while, enjoy every moment ,Mary.
ReplyDeleteSo far it has been perfect Barbara - the weather, seeing family and friends, and visiting familiar but much missed places just around Tor Bay. I feel very blessed to have had this great trip home.
DeleteSounds like such a lovely, lovely time for you, Mary! How great that your brother was able to come from France, too. Cousins are often the first friends and have a wonderful connection throughout life. I know that I value my cousins very much, although we don't get together as often as we once did.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy that sunshine - chilly rain here, again.
Bob looks very debonair in his borrowed hat!
A perfect visit in every was Lorrie. Bob says hello from under the hat brim!
DeleteMy mother's two sisters lived in the same street as my mother and I too grew up very close to my cousins. But in time we all married and moved homes, some overseas, and the closeness changed.
ReplyDeleteYou four were very wise getting together this year, while you are all fit enough to travel and have fun.
Yes, my brother and cousins made great efforts to ensure we could spend time together - the years are passing quickly now and it was lovely sharing memories of the old days and making new ones.
DeleteOh, that's sweet! And you had beautiful weather for your reunion! How nice!
ReplyDeleteUnexpected heat and days of sunshine have been lovely.
DeleteSo glad you were able to get there and are enjoying your time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny.
DeleteWhat a lovely reunion/
ReplyDeleteVery special and enjoyable Polly.
DeleteSo pleased you are having a wonderful time catching up with friends and relations in good weather.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
DeleteThis is delightful! I bet there were tears, too, when you all hugged and kissed after years of not meeting.
ReplyDeleteAnd John is on the phone in spite of the food already being on the table, and his sister and brother-in-law with him...? I thought only young people do that kind of thing :-D
John's wife remained in Southwest France and was calling about their irrigation system problem (they have a natural spring). It has been SO hot there and their potager is loaded with vegetables which require watering to keep them going!
DeleteOh Mary, what a thrilling day you have had, meeting up with your kinfolk. Yes, I can see family resemblance too! I have a big smile on my face just looking at you all. How precious it is, after enforced separation by the pandemic. We must treasure family when we can. PS We are very excited our daughter and family are coming to Australia from Canada - soon! xo
ReplyDeleteTrish it's been fabulous here seeing family and friends. . . . . even making some new friends. . . . . . so glad to hear your family will be able to visit soon too.
DeleteHow wonderful that you were able to reunite with your cousins! That fish and chips looks sooo good.
ReplyDeleteBest fish and chips - we've returned several times to that same restaurant because the fish is so fresh and beautifully cooked - and it's right across the the street from our Hilton hotel!!!!!!
DeleteDearest Mary,
ReplyDeleteSaw your post on my final day in Limburg but was too busy to actually read or comment.
Oh, I've enjoyed the bonus of lovely weather so intense; unreal!
As chaotic and stressful my trip started, the BONUS time was super and I will never ever forget.
Like you, getting together with special friends and dear family is a bliss.
So happy you and your brother got to meet and also your cousins.
My friend Ellie and I have remained very close over 57 years. We also together went to visit friend Mariëlle whom I know for 62 years but we kind of separated due to different study directions. We re–connected and it was just like we never were apart!
This is so good for our souls and it is the framing of who we really are, those that shaped our character most.
Big hugs and enjoy your remaining days.
Did fly back home yesterday without problems, chaotic at Schiphol Airport but at least no flights cancelled and even if they lacked the courtesy that Delta knows to offer, I managed.
Entrance in New York JFK was very friendly and customs was nothing, only the long line for yet another security check and then an even longer walk to my departure gate for Savannah.
Did arrive 35 minutes ahead of schedule and was already outside at the curbside and called Pieter with his driver Mike, where they were. They'd gone inside to use the restroom and didn't spot me at the baggage carousel. Surprised that I'd been ready to get into the car...
Kitties were very happy!
Hugs,
Mariette
Glad you made it home safely Mariette and that despite the COVID quarantine you enjoyed your extended stay and visits with old friends etc. We'll be on our way back soon and with the test rules changed we can fly out of Heathrow without concerns.
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DeleteWhat wonderful photos and memories. It's been too long since I had fish and chips. Maybe it's time for a visit to England soon.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing to have a birth friend? I love that you have a special friend like that. The fish and chips looks soooo good. Love the hat on your Bob. What a wonderful reunion of dear ones together again.
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful!
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