It feels like I’ve been away for a lot longer than a week but simply said…I’m glad I went to England but I’m glad to be home. It was a roller coaster ride but as I recover from jet lag and process everything that happened I can honestly say it was worth it!
Pearl Close (home of my grandparents)
Each morning my Mom and I went to visit my grandparents. My mom had already been there for a week and had a great routine going. We cleaned the house, ran errands, and prepared their lunch before heading out for a couple of hours. The tasks were minor but definitely things that can be overwhelming to someone that has only been home from hospital for 10 days and slowly recovering.
The weather was the typical English winter. Cold, wet and cloudy. We did have a couple of sunny days which is when I got out the camera and took some photos of the town that my Grandparents live in called Chilton.
Local farmers on horseback riding through town
My mom and I were staying in a cozy little cottage on a farm in Kirk Merrington. It had 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with a kitchen that felt like home away from home. It was a great retreat from a long day. Several night we just stayed in and watch telly! It’s a lot roomier than it looks and the view out back was very peaceful yet beautiful.
Meadow Cottage (our home away from home)
View from the back patio of Meadow Cottage
We were able to do a little shopping, and visit my favorite city, Durham, which has a cathedral that’s over 1000 years old! Yes, that’s right. It was originally built in 1093. It was a very cold day and we only spent an hour or so walking around town after meeting my aunt and cousin for a coffee.
Mom in one of the narrow street of Durham’s city center
I know that I will look back on this short week and remember it fondly. Not only for the time spend with my grandparents but also the time spent with my Mom. No one would guess that they are her in-laws and to me the term sounds silly as they have always treated her as their own daughter. My only hope is that my Gran continues to recover and having seen the caregivers and medical staff attending to her, at the house, I know she’s in good hands. It’s just a reminder of how important life and family is and how we can’t always take the little things for granted.
I will return next week with some projects I’ve been working on while away and the February giveaway is almost here! Yikes! I better get crafting!