Here it is another weekend and I'm still chasing my tail! The heat of July is upon us, and yes it's unbearable for me. Late afternoon storms have brought some relief to the shrubs and flowers struggling as they always do at this time of year.
But my deeper thoughts are about home.
The one across an ocean.
The one where I recently visited
The one by the sea where the gulls fly overhead as the fishing boats bring
back the daily catch.
Where the clouds temper the heat of the sun.
Where friends of many years hug me as always and say they miss me.
Where family of an entire lifetime show their enduring love in many ways.
My roots are there in that corner of an island.
Overlooking the bay and the English Channel beyond.
Until I can return again I have the photos, recollections, memories.
I'll do a few more posts about the trip to England so as to share more photos.
I didn't take a camera other than my phone this time.
Less to lug about with a painful shoulder issue, but not as good
quality photos perhaps!
Have a super weekend wherever you chose to spend it.
I miss the longer Summer days enjoyed in Devon.
Waking to bright sunshine at 5 am, strolling around the harbour
on those long, beautiful evenings when the sun didn't set until
almost 10 pm. . . . . .and no mosquitoes. Heavenly!!!
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Dearest Mary,
ReplyDeleteOh, how I feel your sentiments about the heart–ache for once more amputating yourself from the area we grew up. It is emotional and as we age, it takes a lot longer to digest it...
But indeed, I just LOVED to be waked up by sunshine at 5:00 AM—unheard of over here.
Also the very long daylight made it feel odd for wanting to go to bed at our Southern USA time. It is so very different.
Your photos will no doubt be very good ones; knowing you and it depends on the mind behind the lens for capturing the special moments and beauty.
Wishing you both a happy weekend. We had awful weather yesterday and again today. Thunder, heavy downpour and our three bridges got badly whacked... by tree trunks, branches and whatever came in the torrential waters.
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette, so sorry you sustained damage from the heavy rain storms - fortunately we fared much better with no wind blowing all those heavy rainfalls over the weekend. The southeast summer weather can be brutal - quite scary at times.
DeleteSo TRUE!
DeleteMary, I made my first ever trip across the ocean in May on Queen Mary 2! Fell in love with England, as I suspected I would. Travelled by train from London to Bristol (John Wesley’s New Room), Oxford (tour led by Stuart Holloway), Petworth (to meet Cherry Menlove), and Stourhead (Susan Branch picnic). How I want to return!! I love your pictures!
ReplyDeleteThat sounded like a really special trip Nellie - so glad you crossed the pond on Queen Mary 2 and then enjoyed so many interesting moments in England.
DeleteOn one of your recent posts, someone asked in their comment about you returning to England for good. Would that not be an option for the two of you, Mary?
ReplyDeleteNo dear, far too late in life to do such a move. One has to consider so many things, and Bob, being an American citizen, wouldn't be able to live there even if he wanted to! I'm fine with my life here - now almost 60 years - I just get homesick and wish the UK wasn't so far away, haha!!!!
DeleteIt is beautiful where you grew up. Would you guys ever think of moving there?
ReplyDeleteSee my above reply Penny - I'm here for the long run needless to say!
DeleteCheer up Mary - we are now in the middle of a heat-wave, which I am sure you would not like, and most of us have no air conditioning!!!
ReplyDeleteI really feel for you without A/C Rosemary - and it's getting even hotter this week from what I'm reading and what my Devon family are saying! Take care.
DeleteYour phone photos are top shelf to me! The bathing huts are adorable. One day I'll summon the fortitude to brave an English beach just to sit in one and soak up the ambience!
ReplyDeleteI recall sitting in one some years back and being served homemade dandelion wine by the gentleman in the beach hut next door! That seemed so English and fun. Hope you get there, do that some day dear Pip.
DeleteThere is immense delight in returning "home". Your photos are lovely. Those long days are here, too, and I find I have more energy in the summer and sleep a bit less. I feel for you with the intense heat; it can be so draining. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorrie. Here's to great weather and sunny days on your lovely island.
DeleteOh Mary ..... you sound very homesick ...... thats what happens after a trip back doesn't it ? As much as it's so lovely to see family and friends after such a long time, it makes it even worse when you have to leave them all . I'm sure you are getting back to ' normal ' now and you can always visit again. Your photographs are amazing ..... I never take a camera anymore , just my phone. I think phones take really good photographs now. You wouldn't believe the weather here at the moment ..... up in the 30C's and might hit 40C at the weekend ..... too hot for us Brits ! Take care Mary, look after that shoulder and plan another trip back to Blighty ! XXXX
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head dear. Missing mostly my family over there now that we are aging, and one just never knows how many more times we will actually be together. Travel itself is harder, but we will always be looking forward to another time of course. . . . . it's what keeps one motivated! I did buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max specifically for the camera and am pleased overall with the photos. Be cautious in that expected heatwave - hope you at least have fans if no A/C!
ReplyDeleteShoulder not so bad now, but herniated disc in lower back causing severe right leg pain - trying another injection later this Fri. so hoping for relief - may not be dancing but perhaps walking will be easier! Oh to be young again, haha!
Your home pictures from across the sea are beautiful. It seems there is sort of a blue theme going on when you see them all together. Interesting that you didn't carry a big camera with you this time. I really question when we go out to see sights whether I want my heavy camera. My recent trip I took my phone and little snap and shoot camera. Since I broke my phone on the trip, I was glad I had to snap and shoot camera too.
ReplyDelete