Vegetarian in Happy Hunting Grounds

Well, I drove my parents to the airport today.  I'm not really at all interested in writing about our goodbyes, so instead, I'll share the fun of the day.

We had a little detour to our journey.  Our path took us directly past Cabela's and my dad requested a stop.  It was a needed stop because both Mom and Dad needed new sturdy shoes.  However, it just struck me as really funny that I, vegetarian for six years now, actually really liked Cabela's!  I will clarify, that's because I like fitness clothes and the more natural products for shoes, and the camping and outdoor sports equipment.  (I really must start learning how to use more of it!)  I still don't care for all the camouflage and hunting gear, but I did really enjoy the stop.

Mom and I also made good use of my phone camera and the scenic displays in the store!

It ended up being a good break in what could easily be a very tearful trip.  We also had a good chuckle when we left the store to continue our trek.  It was snowing!  Dad was wearing shorts in preparation for being in the Southern Hemisphere!  

Life is about to change again...

My first twenty four days back in the USA have been a fast blur of catching up with family, doctor's appointments, unpacking, getting a phone, and trying to squeeze in as much family time as possible with my parents.  It has been a special time, although it has been tinged with sadness.  At times, I've wondered if perhaps this is a better way to live life.  We have known, as much as we can know, how much time we will have to spend together.  Although unforeseeable events do happen, we have still had looming departure dates to remind us to cherish, to cuddle, and to love.  In each moment, we are trying to take mental pictures, to use every sense to make the memory last.  I want to learn to live like that even if there isn't a plane ticket in the future.

There have been a few actual pictures taken to keep the memories near and dear.  I was able to hold my cousin's newborn sweetie.  My dad got to feed his granddaughter her first bite of ice cream.  And I loved seeing the love that my aunt and uncle have for their tiny little granddaughter.

Now, once again, I'm sitting in a room filled with suitcases.  This time, I'm not the one who will be using them.  Instead, I have a different role to play, the more difficult role that my sister has fulfilled for all of us.  I'll be the one driving my parents, the one returning with an empty vehicle.  

My apartment will now be "my" apartment for the next three months, rather than "our" apartment.  I realized, with shock, that this will be the first time I have lived completely on my own.  I've house-sat on my own before, for one month, but this feels more permanent.  No family, no housemates, no roommates, not even a pet.  (I really, really wish I could bring my puppy to live with me, but there is a strict no pet policy.)  The picture isn't as dismal as I may make it sound.  I know quite a few people in the area, I have several new friends I'd like to get to know better, there is a sweet family living downstairs, and best of all, family is just around the corner.  I have this feeling that I'm about to be stretched just a little bit more, in a new direction.  

Saturday morning with Anna

My sister needed a babysitter for a little while Saturday morning, and we got the job :)

Dad, Mom and I had a wonderful time with this little one.  She crawled everywhere, giggled a lot, and absolutely charmed her grandparents as always.  

Little playmates

On Thursday, I was able to get together with Amy and her boys.  After an afternoon of "chin-wagging," Amy drove me up to my apartment, where Mom and Dad were visited by Joy and Anna.  We learned that Amy's boys are really good at playing with a little girl.  They were very sweet with her.

A Paws with Friends

I am blessed with many friends, but there are two very special ones that I've been thrilled to see.  They've been friends for years and while they aren't good at writing letters and skype seems to confuse them, they were very happy to see me.  Really, they are happy to see anyone who doesn't ring the doorbell.  That's only because they don't like the doorbell, not a dislike of meeting new people.  

Mischief 

Patches

When I was eleven or twelve, I wrote that I wanted another Jack Russell Terrier on my Christmas list.  We had one at the time, and a Rhodesian Ridgeback.  My parents surprised my sister and I with a tiny little pup, who stayed inside a Christmas stocking for all of two seconds.  The bow around her neck lasted mere minutes.  Within a half an hour (and that's being generous with the time) she had terrified our big Rhodesian Ridgeback and also peed on the one carpeted area in our house.  Mom decided then that our naming discussion was at an end, and she was dubbed "Mischief."  

Patches is our "American" Jack Russell, since we got her after returning to the USA.  She earned her name for her few patches of brown on her mostly white body, but age is catching up with her too.  Her brown patches are giving way to more white hairs, but she's still a spunky pup at heart.  

Patches rather likes licking things, and tonight my computer got a little bit of her affection as I worked.  Mischief is snoring next to me.  I love my little friends.  It is so good to take a "paws" and be with my puppers, as I call them, although technically, Patches is my sister's dog and Missy is mine.  I've missed having a puppy (they are still puppies to me even though Mischief is about sixteen years old) sleeping next to me on the sofa in the evenings.  I have a soft heart about most animals but especially to these special dogs.  

East to West

I had my first opportunity to share with a group on Wednesday.  My mom accompanied and we drove two hours to a small central PA town.  I wanted to show the diversity of London (and to dress up!).  I decided to wear a red salwar kameez.  After all, when else will I get to wear one????

I had to laugh when I realized what a sight I would make, climbing into my brother-in-law's truck in a salwar kameez.  It was definitely a picture worthy moment!

We stopped for dinner along the way, pulling into a Burger King because we didn't have enough for a proper sit down meal.  I put on my longer black coat so I wouldn't stand out too much.  A very nice (chatty) woman named Verna took our order. 

As we walked out, Verna came running after us.  "I haven't seen anyone wearing pants like that since I was in high school," she said.  Mom and I chuckled and I unbuttoned my coat to show her my entire outfit.  She oohhed and ahhed over the pretty design.  I'm glad we could brighten her evening of work.

My evening talk went very well also.  About 45 people came, which surprised me.  Most were of an older generation!  One woman came to me afterwards to thank me for my presentation.  She said, "It was so interesting but I'm so angry at myself!  I kept dozing off but I really wanted to hear what you were saying!"  

Anna Banana

Anna is a gem.  She's absolutely adored by our entire family, but it's complete deserved.  At ten months old, she's already got lots of personality and a sweet joy for exploring!

She proceded to untie both shoelaces. 

Fluffy Rain

It snowed.  What a welcome home.  Mom, Dad and I all needed to run some errands in the morning.  While we were out, big fluffs of snow started falling.  By the time we settled in at the apartment, the grass was covered.  It continued all through the afternoon.

I think snow is beautiful and I can enjoy it when I know I get to stay inside.  The windows in the apartment's sitting room look out over a little forest area.  It was really soothing to see just trees and snow falling on the branches.

My view from my bedroom

No airports were closed because of this snow.  I didn't need to trudge through the snow to get to a bus stop to wait.  These are benefits of being in Pennsylvania rather than London.  I'm trying to remember to look for the good points, rather than just notice the differences.  

I found a little International grocery specializing in Asian foods and breathed a sigh of relief.  I had been to this one before, and after a few wrong roads, Mom and I rediscovered it.  The man who runs the stop is Tamil, and he seems really sweet.  I think we'll be seeing a lot of each other.  It's nice to know that I can find my aloo paratha and paneer without going too far from home!    

I've also found more vegetarian options in the main grocery stores, with a greater variety than were available three years ago.  A company called Dominex makes a very tasty eggplant burger and another company called Morning Star makes a variety of meat-free products.  I bought some of their meat-free sausage links to try.  

It feels strange to be back in Pennsylvania, but I'm trying to remember to give myself time to acclimate.  It helps that there is an electric kettle here at the flat, so all my tea needs are being met! :)  Today, I drove the car on my own, which felt so strange after only ever being a passenger in London!  

In the three years I was in London, I did return to the USA several times.  Because of that, I didn't expect to notice so many changes when I moved home.  I think that's why I feel a bit disoriented this time.  Life here has changed, but I have changed as well.  

Week One

I left London one week ago.

That doesn't seem possible.  I am settled in an apartment, currently sharing it with my parents until they leave to go back overseas.  It's nice to have the company.  I think I will miss my housemates even more once my parents leave and I'm back to living single again.

I finished unpacking my bags last night, finding space for clothes and decorations and such.  I told my parents we should count how many suitcases are in this apartment.  I'm sure it would be a record for three people!  My parents have the master bedroom, I'm in a second bedroom, and the third is currently the suitcase room.

Day One back in the US of A was spent with my little niece Anna.  She's a cutie.  Unfortunately, she was sick and was spending the day with her Gran.  I also got to see my sister.  Day Two, my Dad and I drove to see my grandparents, aunt, and cousins and also make a trip to the Doctor.  Day Three, my parents and I made a trip to Boston for the weekend to see a special someone. :)

Leslie was a great host and tour guide.  We all had a really great weekend.  I made fun of the Boston accent, but I actually do like it.  Boston is a pretty city too.

Mom looking at Old Ironsides

Leslie at the Bunker Hill Memorial 

Dad at Old Ironsides Canon Deck

Celtics Game for one of Leslie's friends birthday

Boston

Monday, we drove back to PA, arriving in the early evening.  Now that the "hellos" are said, it's time to start the settling in process.  I need to do some grocery shopping today and find my American checkbook.  I have to renew my drivers license!  I need to sort out a contract for a phone, considering I'm still using my UK number.

At the moment, it seems very natural to be here.  It still seems more like a visit than an actual move.  Unpacking was helpful, but goodness knows I've packed quite a few times in the last few years.  I'm really glad I have an easy schedule for the first two weeks back in the USA.  It helps to ease into being back in this country.

Goodbyes at the airport

Good times at Cafe Rouge in Heathrow yesterday.  It feels like ages ago.