Greenwich, England
Who knew? So far, at every point in our trip I have been reminded of England. First the Marks and Sparks dress, now this. I saw this sign on our way into the town where Hubby’s parents live. One day soon I hope to take my family and share England with them. To be able to show them the school I attended, the house where I used to live, the castles I used to climb around and the parks we used to picnic at. I have such wonderful memories, and sometimes I ache a little when I think about going back. If only the airfare for six wasn’t so expensive. Well, I’ve got my change jar going, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we can take a trip. At least until then, I will have these small bits of England here.
Hey!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and was very surprised to see a photo of that sign.
I think I live near that sign!
Oo Jennifer. I want to send you a hug. You’ll be back one day and when you do you’ll have to let us all know you’re coming so we can meet you and have Tea! Lots of love, Amanda xxxx
Your post made me think of the poem by Robert Browning:
Oh, to be in England
Now that April’s there,
And whoever wakes in England
Sees, some morning, unaware,
That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf
Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf,
While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough
In England – now!
And after April, when May follows,
And the whitethroat builds, and all the swallows
Hark! where my blossomed pear-tree in the hedge
Leans to the field and scatters on the clover
Blossoms and dewdrops – at the bent spray’s edge
That’s the wise thrush; he sings each song twice over,
Lest you should think he never could recapture
The first fine careless rapture!
Ooops I left off the last stanza … but I hope that was enough!
Where in Illinois are you visiting?
My daughter is visiting family in Illinois over the summer and I think she’d be interested in seeing that sign.
Have a lovely weekend.
Em xx
If you ever feel homesick read my blog. I live in the New Forest and I just love it here. Meanwhile my sons are desperate to move. One wants to live in San Francisco and the other anywhere else than England. I wish you well and remember home is where the heart is – one day you will be back but enjoy yourself now. Thanking of you. xx
You are from England?????
Cathleen, not exactly. I grew up there as my dad was in the U.S. Navy and stationed there during my childhood. I do feel like I am from England, even though I’m American.
If it makes you feel any better, it is really raining.
What a neat sign to find! I hear you about the cost of airfare – we’re dying to go back to New Zealand {it’s been a while} and visit family soon but by the time we plan on going we’ll have 5 tickets to purchase. Yikes!
oH do come soon wont you? We shall all be waiting to show you lots of things and to sit down over a nice cuppa!
Sarah x
Hi Jennifer, I’m glad we have a link through the 20 Minuters group. I live in the High Peak district of Derbyshire – it is really lovely. If you have seen the `keira Knightly Pride & Prejudice then “Pemberley” is actually Chatsworth House – about 20 minutes drive. The opening scene of her standing on the rock is Stanage Edge a great climbing venue very close too. But I have lovely memories of your country and long to visit again!!! Perhaps one day we will pass in the air!
love for now, Val
Hi Jennifer – like the other Brits have said, when you do make it over here you will be very welcome to drop in on us in the Norfolk countryside! Whereabouts did you go to school?
I have wanted to visit America for many years and have never done so , despite my sister-in-law living there, but later this year I’m going to achieve my ambition( at the grand old age of 50!)
Can I add …. don’t just visit England – head north and visit Scotland too (I’ll have the kettle on!)
Sounds wonderful. Hopefully your change jar fills up very quickly.
Ruth
Hi Jennifer,
Just found your site and have been feeling the same way lately. I grew up in Ireland and haven’t been back since college. I have an ache in my heart:( Now I have 2 daughter, 4 and 1, and I’m just dying to show them everything. It’s to the point where I’ve decided that nothing is as important as getting there in 2 years, so I’ve started a savings account and by golly we’ll get there, even if I don’t buy one new thing for the next year or so:) Maybe it will be my challenge to see how much I can really save, hehe!!