10. The Weather.
Now, this might seem a bit strange, considering England's reputation of gray, rainy days. But I must say, there is something to be said for just learning to deal with it and just make the most of your day. And I must say, I quite enjoy the mild 70 degree temps that come along with it. Check back with me when the fall hits.... I may be singing a different tune!
9. Hearing people talk.
I simply adore the accents out here. From the formal to the casual... I anticipate Mallory picking up one in school- won't that be precious?
8. Roundabouts.
Now, if I had written this blog just one week earlier, this item would be NO WHERE on my list. But I must say, I do love not having to stop, go, stop, go like we do in the states at all those traffic signals. While they are overwhelming at first, and I have not gone NEAR a roundabout in London yet, I like the idea of just "carrying on with it" and not having to sit on the brakes so often.
7. The Countryside (what I have seen so far, anyway!)
I just adore seeing all the various livestock as we travel back roads. Sheep, Cows, Chicken, Geese, Ducks, Pigs, Horses....and Mallory loves seeing them all, too! We keep a round of "Old MacDonald" going just about every car trip to and from base. And seeing all the crops and fields being plowed; which leads me to my next item....
6. The Produce.
We have been to a few different markets and found the most gorgeous fruits and vegetables. Every village has a Market on Saturdays (just about), and then on another day during the week. Bury St. Edmunds are on Wednesday and Saturday. So far, the English Strawberries have to be my favorite thing. They are so much smaller and sweeter than we get in the US. Mallory calls the itty bitty ones (about the size of a raspberry) "Fairy Berries!"
5. (This is for you, Grandpa Texas....) THE FLOWERS!!!!!
Oh my goodness! I have never seen such beautiful gardens with such an array of flowers in all different colors, sizes and shapes. And so many houses have such gorgeous flower pots and baskets- I have never seen anything prettier (except for my father's house in Texas, of course!) I hope to have my own pretty windowboxes before the summer ends.
4. All of the gorgeous churches, houses and other historical sites just around the corner
It is just breathtaking to see a five or six hundred year old stone church every day as you drive off base. Or a gorgeous barn, or a thatched-roof house. The first week or so here, I kept feeling as if I was on a movie set. As time passed, I just felt smaller and smaller- seeing all the history alive here in this country makes me feel a bit insignificant- like a speck of dust in a way, just passing through. I plan to take advantage of all the sites and learn as much as I can about England while we are here.
3. How pedestrian/bicycle friendly all the small villages are.
In our little village of Moreton Hall, there are dozens of walking paths that go through trees, past meadows where your dog can run, to playgrounds where kids can play, and to the little village town center, which includes a post office, community center, school, church and small grocery store. You can walk to do almost anything you need. And from Moreton Hall, you can walk about a mile through the gorgeous Abby Gardens into the city center of Bury St. Edmunds, which is also incredibly pedestrian friendly. We see dogs and children out everywhere, and so many people on bikes! I can't wait to get our bike trailer and hit the trails with Charles and Mallory!
2. Our Squadron!
The 493rd Reapers and Reaperettes have way surpassed any expectations we had. Being welcome with open arms over and over again has made this transition practically seamless for our family. I am honored to be a part of the squadron, and look forward to the next three years with a huge and happy heart!
And, the Number One thing I love about being in England......?
1. Being together again as a family!
Nothing compares to being with Charles again; holding his hand, waking up together, eating dinner together, seeing him interact with Mallory. It is like we are falling in love all over again. This assignment is such a blessing for us, and I look forward to all the wonderful adventures that lay in store for us out here!
Now hurry and plan a trip out here so we can share them with all of YOU!!!!!
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