HOME is where. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . one's heart beats faster, then settles quietly and allows the memories

 to flood back. At least that's how it always feels for me when I step down on to

 the bricks, concrete, grass of my hometown in England.

It never changes, it is a feeling I've had for almost sixty years, each and

 every time I've been fortunate enough to go home. I've lost count but think

it must be around fifty times I've 'crossed the pond' with England in my 

sights. 'Going home' has been a very important part of all the travel I've done.

Seeing new places around the world has been wonderful, but heading back

to where I began is always the special trip. It's the one I need because loved

ones are there, thankfully still many in person, others gone but the sweet

memories of times with them come back to mind more clearly when I'm

treading the streets and lanes of childhood and teenage years.

I breathe differently. . . . . the sea air perhaps, along with the green 

countryside, both give me a lift which feels like my true home.

View from our Torquay hotel room across Tor Bay to Paignton.

Torquay -- Princess Theatre & Victorian Fountain.

Thatcher Rock, Tor Bay.

Across the bay to the fishing town of Brixham where my father was born.

Torquay, Inner and Outer Harbours on a summer evening.

 

Inner Harbour, Torquay - St. John's Church.

Torquay rooftops and a sculptured frieze depicting 

King Neptune and sea creatures.

Old and new buildings. . . . . . .of course you know which are my favorites.

Another view from the hotel.

We're now back from the road trip to Eastern North Carolina which was

 really good despite my hesitancy in leaving home again so soon after an

 overseas trip! I have a lot to do here and, after celebrating the

Fourth of July, followed by Bob's birthday on the fifth, I'm hoping to 

catch up with everyone, write more posts on the UK trip, leave comments 

on your posts etc.

Then there's the garden which has run wild and is longing for attention as

 the rains apparently didn't come while we were away . . . . . but it looks

 promising for the days ahead with some late day showers at least.

Enjoy Independence Day.

A beautiful day viewing the Ring of Kerry. . . . . . . . . .

Did I tell you I LOVED Ireland?

Of course I did, and here are some of the beautiful spots we visited 

whilst enjoying a perfect sunny day in the South West. . . . . . . .  

. . . . . . . around the famous Ring of Kerry.

View of the Skellig Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Skellig Michael, the largest island 

Hopefully I'll have a chance to return again some day, there's so much

more to see!