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Although I have been here for forty years which is a lot longer than when I lived in England. I still regard HOME as England. Although as I reflect, in all honesty I feel I have the best of both worlds ENGLAND and AMERICA, two beautiful homes. When I leave England, I tend to say “okay it is time to go home”. These visits are always filled with emotion but at the end of the day to have the experiences of both countries has only enlighten my life to live it to the fullest!
This last trip home was indeed special. Like everyone else in the world the pandemic put on hold a lot of celebration!!! It was our time after two cancellations to bring us all together as family in one place which was Bristol where I was born and lived for 20 years plus.
My sister ANGELA lives in the outskirts of this town and it was all her outstanding efforts that she brought the whole family together for an outrageous gathering for us all to remember for a life time! The hospitality gene seems to be in the family!
As we all journeyed to Twickenham, from London, I was full of wonderment and excitement looking at the beautiful countryside which I was hoping to share with the grandchildren but they were now fast asleep!!!
We arrived at our destination and there it was the most amazing folly of a building that seemed like a miniature castle. Grey stone covered with ivy, paving stones and manicured green garden with large wooden doors that took us through the entrance! It was surrounded with towers that were rooms all uniquely special!!!
Four days of living in a “castle” for thirty plus of us! The kitchen had a large round table in the middle that sat 20 guests, it felt a little like the knights of the round table which was outrageously fabulous with all the family coming and going for breakfast at each of their own paces. We would serve ourselves breakfast with all the foods my sister had on hand for us. Coffee and toast, not a problem, sausage, eggs, beans, bacon, not a problem Yogurt and oats not a problem!
We got to try the local British hand pies, I absolutely LOVE a pie and have dreams if doing a pie shop here in America! We had a high tea in the garden and we sipped tea and champagne in excess. We are quite competitive as a family so no gathering happens without family games, walking and golfing. We had pig on the barbecue with all the sides.
Then we had the BIG party where we all dressed to impress ……oh what a night of food, booze, entertainment, dancing and dancing and laugher beyond laughter!!!!
It is always with sadness when we part as we all splinter out to go in different directions but as my sister always says “we created another memory we will never forget”. And we did …………