The Edge of Dover Castle

I was flipping through photos of our trip to Dover Castle and came across some that give a little bit of perspective to the type of fortified location it had.  Dover is known for its cliffs (the White Cliffs of Dover) and thus gives it a bit of strategic advantage during a battle.  Looking down one can see that there is a built up area of defense in the top photo.  The castle buildings themselves are surrounded by built up areas, too.  I don't think I'd want to climb up to an area and see the below tower peeking down on me.  I probably wouldn't have made it this far in the first place.  

Reflecting on this makes me think about the defenses we put up as people.  Emotional defenses, and sometimes physical defenses.  We don't want others to get too close, or we've been hurt in some way and feel we need protection.  Oftentimes this will manifest itself as a distance (i.e. not sharing what's really going on in our lives) or simply not being available to answer a phone, text, email or other call.  While these defenses are sometimes a necessary protective mechanism to help us get through difficult times or relationships, don't forget to let loved ones back into the circle or at least let them know what's going on at some point.  Something as simple as "I've got a lot going on and will connect with you again soon," lets people know that they are not being forgotten or ignored.

Why I Love England

Just a month before moving, Brian and I took the ferry from Calais, France to Dover, England.  We were on the road to another destination when we saw this gem by the side of the road and decided to pull off and see what it was.  Above is a church that is typical of the area; old, likely Anglican, with a cemetery attached.  Although we couldn't go inside the church, we were able to walk the grounds.  Just next door is the Canterbury Castle, a stone ruin structure that was fun to climb around and imagine its history.  There were some markers that told a little, and for a moment my mind was lost in an imagination-filled "memory" of the place.  Just like many other historic spots, I drift off into another time and wonder what life was like.  There is just something fun about discovering places along the road, off the beaten path.  

More...Men?

Brian and I visited Dover Castle (England) just weeks before we moved back to the US from Germany.  This was one of our last stops, and it is certainly bittersweet to know that it will be a while before we visit again.  I *wish* I had known how much history was there; my cousin that visited earlier in the summer would have certainly liked to see everything in Dover.  The entire day can be spent at the Castle!  Anyway, the first photo I want to share with you on the subject of Dover is this World War I era poster:  "Rally Round the Flag--We Must Have More Men." British (and American) women's roles in WWI were largely limited to nursing.  Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry and Voluntary Aid Detachment were three such ways that a British woman could serve as a nurse.  Don't worry, ladies; we had our own posters on both sides of the pond.  I don't have any of my own photos to share with you, but if you search for them online; they're there.  

Our Kitchen Has Arrived!

Yesterday was exciting! Brian and I received our "unaccompanied baggage" or express shipment of household goods. What this means is that a quick, small shipment of around 500 pounds arrived. We had most of our kitchen supplies in this shipment, as well as the large computer (hooray!) and small television, and a few miscellaneous items. Now we just have to wait on the household goods shipment, you know, all of our furniture and stuff!
So you are probably wondering what we are doing with such an old fashioned kitchen, no? This isn't my kitchen; mine looks like most other everyday regular kitchens.  Okay, in the excitement of everything, I have been going through photography files looking for something to print large format, frame and donate to a local fundraiser auction. Certainly not pictures of an old residence in the Loire Valley of France, but I saw that and had to make the connection to the arrival of our household goods. Yep, people used to have to cook in these big, old, cold and scary places. Aren't you glad your kitchen is furnished with modern appliances?

Waiting...

Right now Brian and I are waiting....waiting on our unaccompanied baggage, waiting on our household goods, and waiting on my car to arrive. It's all part of the moving process and we've been fairly patient so far, with a few moments of frustration. I'm also waiting on God's direction for what I am to do next. I'm in the process of job searching but also planning to return to volunteer work, as well. We're also waiting to get into a routine, and I know that having our things and my being settled will help with that. So, that leaves you, readers, with waiting for more photos to be posted. Trust me, there will be plenty...just have to be patient and wait!

And a Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

May the new year be filled with God's

blessings and peace for you and yours!

Merry Christmas!

This is a couple days late, but Merry Christmas! I hope you all enjoyed your family and friends...Brian and I have just moved back to Texas and I plan to continue sharing our adventures with you as soon as I get access to my photos once again. Take care and I'll see you guys soon!