We have landed ...

We have arrived in Scotland. Landed in Edinburgh picked up our rental camper and hit the road. We have had no internet access only wifi through our phones so it has been impossible for me to update our blog. I have taken lots of photos and now I have to make sense of them all and make some hard choices. Looking back on photos is a good way of sorting through what is important and what isn't. My one big disappointment is that we did not bring a 'real' camera and only using my iPhone X. The picture quality is good, but only for up close. I really wish that I had a camera with a 'real' zoom. But I am making do with what I have and this is what I have so far.

I love these taxis ... so British. There is a fibre glass window between the driver and passengers, the driver speaks to passengers through an intercom. I guess being a taxi driver is a dangerous occupation.

It has been a long flight ... 6 hours from Newark to Edinburgh. Lars and Roxcy slept most of the way, still pretty tired when we got here. I knitted this hat for Lars when he was little ... it still fits him. Not sure what that means ... maybe my knitting is too loose or Lars' head has not changed in size?? It suits him though.

Pretty money ... Every pound is $NZ2, the last time we were in the UK every pound was $NZ3. I do think the British pound goes a long way. Mike & Chris very generously gave us money to help out with Lars and Roxcy ... it has been very helpful.

Here is our Spaceship Camper van ... very compact! This has been such a good idea ... we pull into our camp ground, hook in our power and settle in for the night/s. So much easier than fussing around with a tent. It is 'very' wet here this summer ... I have many family memories of putting tents up in the rain ... finding them leaking and then packing them up the next day. Everything is damp when camping in the rain.

This is the inside of our camper ... Pete and I sleep on mattresses on the floor and Lars and Roxcy sleep on mattresses that are set up on top of the back seats and small table. It is not 'quite' like our beds at home, but we are getting better at sleeping like this. I really hurt my back before we left VT and it was very, very painful for me for a few days. This reminds me of our trip around the States in '96 with our children. We had a VW Vanagon that we slept in ... all 6 of us. It was so much fun. We listened to the Lord of the Rings on tape, a CD of the Eagles and Joan Osborne, What if God were one of Us across the States. Lars & Roxcy have their electronic devices loaded up with movies and books. They also have books to read. We have a ritual every evening that goes like this ... 3 things that we enjoyed, prayer and a movie. Chris has created a treasure hunt for both of them and they have to tick things off their lists as they do them. Chris is great like that ... full of ideas to help keep Lars and Roxcy interested.

There was an animal safari park next to our first camp ground so we took the children to see it. There were giraffes, lions, tigers, rhinos etc. We had a funny conversation with Lars about the Rhino's horn it went something like this. 'That Rhino's horn could really cause some damage, even kill you.' Lars' response ... 'no, it would just crumble'. Pete's response ... 'oh really Lars. How would you like one of those horns rammed up your butt??' I thought it was so funny.

We had a feed of Fish & Chips on our first night. They come in cardboard boxes here, a little like pizzas. I asked Roxcy what she thought of them ... she said 'they are disgusting!' I guess we wont be having them again.

We tagged along behind this beautiful Ferrari for a few miles. The roads here are narrow and used as main thoroughfares for all traffic including big trucks. Feels a little suspenseful sometimes when these big trucks are driving towards us and there is not a lot of room on the road. There are a lot of BMWs, Peugeots, Volvos, Renaults and Land Rovers on the roads here. We have seen 2 Alfas, some Japanese cars, the odd Porshe and Jaguar. Pete feels very confident about our choice of BMW ... it seems that they are seen as very reliable here, a go to car for daily use.

You Take the High Road ... I'll Take the Low Road

We are packed ... we have three bags between us, the grey packs are Pete's and mine. The last 8 days have gone by quite fast. We have enjoyed some heat and rest. Mike and Chris have very generously put us up at The Inn ... it is very comfortable there. The closer we get to leaving the more nervous I get ... I do hope that Lars' and Roxcy will enjoy themselves. It is a big thing for them to be willing to leave their Mum & Dad for nearly 4 weeks and travel with us round Scotland. I admire their bravery and sense of adventure. 

Roxcy bought a mascot for our trip ... Nessie, The Loch Ness monster. We are meant to make sure that she is in every photo ... I hope I remember. 

Last minute instructions from Mum & Dad ... it really is happening now. Everything seems like a good idea in the planning. Roxcy will really miss her MuM.

It takes about 2 hours to drive to Boston ... there is so much tension around leaving to catch a flight. I am not sure what that is about?? Maybe it is trying to work with a finite time frame ... so many things to remember, money, passports, and e-tickets, did we download them?

I know this is a grainy shot taken in haste, but I could not resist putting it up. Anyone who has been a parent will totally get this ... the love, the pride, the excitement and the little sign of separation anxiety, 'I hope they will be all right'!. It is all there. We all get this because we have been in that exact place ourselves ... many times as a parent. This photo says it all. Does that separation anxiety ever go away?

The last goodbyes ... Roxcy looks so sad from behind. She was so brave!

We flew out of Newark New Jersey. Had about a 2 hour wait here ... and waited for our plane to Scotland.

I finished my book on the flight to Newark ... the joy of reading for pleasure and the guilt. I felt like I should be reading books on attachment and catching up on all my professional development reading. I would not really recommend this book ... an average read but it had me hooked and the ending was satisfying. A quick and easy read.

Here we are seated on the plane, with Nessie on Roxcy's shoulder, waiting for take off. It was a quick flight but comfortable, a small plane ... 6 hours. Just a bit longer than the distance from SF to Boston.

Scotland here we come!

Life in Paradise

It is hard to believe that we have been here for a week. Tomorrow ... Thursday we fly out with Lars and Roxcy to Scotland. Things are starting to heat up for us ... plans are in the making. Chris has done a treasure hunt for Lars and Roxcy of things that they must try, taste or see in Scotland. There have been many discussions around Haggis and what it is made of and who is going to try it and who is not. We even talked about blood pudding!!!! For those of you who know me I am a foodie so I am looking forward to tasting some traditional and new Scottish food. 

Pete's Grandma Gibson (Meg), who immigrated to New Zealand from Scotland in the very early 1920s when she was 20/21, is the reason we are heading to Scotland. As I mentioned Pete has had a longing to revisit Scotland and his roots for a very long time. Grandma Gibson arrived by boat in Wellington and went up to New Plymouth where she met her husband Gordon Shepherd. They used to get around on an Indian motor bike. I think Gordon was very smitten with Grandma with her brown eyes, strong face, olive coloured skin and sense of  independence. They married and had three children ... Margaret Jean, Hugh and Isabel. Isabel died when she was 9 months old from TB, in ChCh. Grandma missed her right up until the day she died, she asked for her ashes to be buried with Isabel, which is where they are now.

Grandma and Gordon were married for 10 years, he spent over half of that time in a TB Sanatorium in New Plymouth. Grandma left NP with three young children to come to ChCh for work and would travel up to NP to visit him. She was living in ChCh with her brother, Mother and Father, Margaret and Hugh when her husband died. I can't help but think how devastating that must have been for her, she got a telegram at work informing her of Gordon's death. Her parents and her brother came out to NZ when Gordon became ill to help Grandma support her children. It must have been a big sacrifice for them to leave their homeland and travel far across the world to a place that did not know at such a late stage in their lives. They were an adventurous, loving and close family. That would have to be the motivation for leaving the home of your birth and heart. Tomorrow we head off to visit all the places that Pete heard about from Grandma when he was boy. 

I find Grandma's story very moving. I remember her as being strong, witty and fun to hang out with. I really wish she was here so that we could share our adventures with her. She and Marg would be so pleased that we are taking Lars and Roxcy to her homeland. We fly out of NY @8pm and arrive in Edinburgh @8am ... a 6 hour flight. The temperature there today is 13C.

We have had a fun time here resting and enjoying the heat ... loving being with Lars & Roxcy who are so pleased to see us and hang out with us. Here are some stand out moments for us over this last week.

We never get sick of this view ... Paradise Pond. 

I am no fan of Canadian Geese. They scare me ... especially when they have babies. They keep a firm guard on their space and will attack if they feel under threat. We bumped into them on our walk, there were quite a number of them.

There are some very cool old cars in the States

Lars turns 10 while we are Scotland so we had a pre-birthday celebration. 

Lars sporting some of his fishing gear ... felt a little like 'de ja vu'. The last time we were here Lars got fishing gear from us. Dressed to kill.

Mike & Chris have bought a 'huge' TV with surround sound ... sounds better than a Dolby Stereo system at the movies. The picture is amazing. They love having family movie nights. We watched 'Where Eagles Dare' as part of Lars' pre-birthday party. Clint Eastwood, one of the cast, was sooooooo good looking!! He did not need to say much, his looks said it all. This of course is Richard Burton who apparently was drunk a lot of the time while filming and liked to spend time in the wood shed with his love interest? I love the cabinet Mike has made for their surround sound system.

This girl has quite the sweet tooth. We caught her grabbing fists full of cake and she would not be stopped.

Roxcy gave us a magic show ... when she laughs her whole face lights up and so does the room. She is a very enthusiastic magician with a great future in the industry.

Mike & Chris have joined an early morning bootcamp ... 5am. I joined in with them for a morning and ended up tweaking my back. It was fun though. There were about 7 of us there plus the trainer.

Chris has got lots of really good positive messages around their house for Lars and Roxcy. This is Lars's dream for his 'Big Life Summer '. I love this and the power of creating a positive life and belief in themselves. I can't help but think of the Mary Oliver poem The Summer Day ... the last two lines read ... 'Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' I often wonder about my own life as I grow older ... I remember feeling like we had heaps of time ... now I realise that life is fast and furious. I want to end my life feeling like it has been wonderful, challenging and rich with loving relationships and experiences.

Roxcy's dream for her 'Big Life Summer' ... sparkling and organised. 

I count 7 bikes in this photo and they are all Mike & Chris'. There is also a tandem, Lars and Roxcys' bikes and a very cool orange bike with a Brooks seat that is not in the photo. I could be mistaken but I think Mike really likes bikes.

Meet Alexa ... you speak to her and she replies. You can ask her to play any song that you like. She is very polite, especially if she does not completely understand you. I am amazed by Her ... wasn't that the name of a movie with Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson? Yes it was and it was kind of creepy. 

Time to finish our packing, going light again. Get to bed early and and rise early for all of those last minute changes that happened in our sleep over night. 

Away we Go ....

Saying Goodbye to Alice

I hate goodbyes! I find them harder and harder ... I am not sure why? I notice my breathing changes, I start to get agitated and teary!! The hardest goodbyes are always to our children and grandchildren. Maybe I don't need a reason ... saying goodbye is a good enough reason to feel sad. My biggest concern is 'will I see you again?' A hang over from the CTV collapse I think.

Marmite and Melted Cheese Bagel

It has been a while since we have been through Auckland's International Airport ... it has really changed ... very up market these days. I was impressed with the new layout and food hall where I had my last marmite and cheese combo for a while. It was yummy!

We finally arrived in SF after a long flight ... the plane was cold and we just could not get comfortable or warm. Next time I am going to look at booking extra leg room or 'Economy Plus'. We have to catch a connecting flight to Boston, I try to book a flight that will not have Mike having to drive through the middle of the night or early hours of the morning, which usually means we have a long wait at the airport.

Hanging Out at Starbucks

We found a Starbucks and hung out there using their free wifi. I love doing Clueword puzzles, they can get addictive for me and I can end up spending hours doing them, so I was entertained for a while ... Pete hung out at a table listening to podcasts and charging his devices. 

I am always going in the wrong direction or walking on the wrong side of the footpath when we are in the US. I seem to be walking into the foot traffic head on ... this was very helpful for me, I could have had a head on going into the restroom the wrong way.

We flew Alaskan Air ... very nice. WE caught their red eye special, their last flight at night and arrives in Boston first thing in the morning. It was a lovely morning flying into Boston. 

We got a real surprise when we opened the boot of Mikes car and Roxcy & Lars jumped out at us. We don't get to see them often  enough but when we do it is 'always' a treat. They are always so pleased to see us ... I am very grateful that we are able to do this. We love spending time with our children and grandchildren. Lars really enjoys hanging out with Pete ... they talk cars, mountain biking. Lars is into American history at the moment and we are being educated in the American Tea Party and Paul Revere.

Selfie time with our Roxcy ... she has the most beautiful smile, her whole face lights ups. I have mentioned in previous blogs how Roxcy loves her Mum. When we got back to Windsor and Roxcy saw Chris' car in the drive she squealed with joy and came running towards me saying 'I haven't seen my Mum for the whole day!' ... then she ran off to see her Mum. 

We made our usual visit to the ice cream store and bought ice creams. Their taste has not changed but the size of their ice creams have.

Roxcy's ice cream was almost as big as her face. In the past when we have bought ice creams for Roxcy she would never finish them ... someone else, usually Mum or Dad would end up finishing it. My Grandad would have said to Roxcy, 'your eye's are bigger than your belly!' Roxcy ate the whole ice cream ... impressive!

Checking out Lars and Roxcy back yard play ground, trampoline, fort, flying fox and a gymnastic beam for Roxcy. Jason came over to say hi. Pete has already made a date to join Jason in weight lifting while we are here.

Mike has always been a visionary ... never to be deterred. He moved over to the States with Chris after they were married ... the first few years were challenging but they have really done well. Mike has built a Property Management and Maintenance Business and Chris has a great job as Manager, Creative Productions at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital. They bought and renovated a house, have two beautiful children and have built a community and life for themselves here in Windsor. They have worked really hard to get where they are. Mike is looking at buying this space and he has something in mind for it. I have always really liked how Mike works with possibility and looks at all avenues to make something happen.

We really like it here in Windsor. It is very peaceful and restorative. Life is slower. You can walk to most places easily from Mike & Chris' house. People know each other and stop and chat on the street. There are no big stores here, just the essentials. We find it easy and simple. 

Roxcy lost her front tooth the day we arrived ... a big moment in a child's life. A sign of moving from a littley to a biggey. The tooth fairy visited and left her $2 ... inflation. On our way out to the Lyall's pool today Lars and Roxcy were chatting in the back and this is how it went ...'Roxcy, no offense, you look super ugly with that tooth gone.' Both Chris and I were gob smacked ... I did not know whether to laugh or sound shocked. Roxcy wasn't at all phased, she did no believe him and said that she looks different not ugly.

Family pool time at the Lyall's pool. It was so warm.

We are taking Lars & Roxcy to Scotland with us on July 4 and it is Lars' birthday July 10, so we had an early birthday party for him at the Escape Factory and had pizza for dinner. We had a lot of fun. I was a little concerned about where it might all lead, we never did well as a family at Monopoly.

It is hard to believe that we have been here for just over 24 hours. We have gone from winter to summer ... short days to long evenings. Wood burners and heat pumps to air con. Three layers to short sleeved t-shirts. Socks and shoes to jandals. This is our evening walk back to the Inn and catching the evening light.

Three More Sleeps

Two of my BFFs asked me to keep our travel blog again ... blogs seem so outdated now with Instagram but I am feeling the pressure.

This is for you ...

We fly out to the States in 'three more sleeps' ... to see these guys.

Lars & Roxcy 

Our Divine Miss Marigold

Our last visit to the States was 2017, it seems like a long time ago! We are spending two months with these guys. We fly into SF, catch a connecting flight to Boston, 'Red Eye Special'. Spend 8 days in VT and then we fly out to Scotland with Lars & Roxcy for a month, then back to the States for a month.

Scottish Thistle

Scotland has been a dream of Pete's for a long time. It seems like a hard choice for me ... time with family or Scotland ... but I am trying to live in an 'and/also' world rather than an 'either/or' ... picking up Lars & Roxcy seemed like a good 'and/also'. On our return to the States we will take 'our divine Miss Marigold' on a road trip of her own with Lars & Roxcy.

There always seems so much to do before we even start to think about packing. Packing is a headache! We are trying to go light! Scotland and the US are both in the middle of their summer but their summers are very, very, different. The temperatures today read as follows ... Windsor, Vermont is in the high 20sC, Scotland is 12C today ... a mild winters day for NZ. Everyone we speak to about Scotland say the same thing .... expect lots of rain. We are not deterred or discouraged, I learnt at Outward Bound many years ago that the weather does not determine the outcome. So we are heading off on another adventure. Pete is planning our route as I type this entry. He has done the research ... Grand Tour episode ... spoken to friends and he has our trip planned in his mind. He is starting to get excited and for any of you who know Pete, when he is excited he starts to jump about the house squealing ... there is a noticeable increase of that happening in our house at the moment.

 Travelling Essentials when visiting family far away

There is order in Chaos ... I think/I hope so??

We are working up to the 11th hour so we are feeling a little pressured and looking at the above feels a little overwhelming ... no doubt I will be culling my load a few times between now and Wednesday.