Hadrian's Wall

At the end of my London week I joined my former classmates on a weekend Roman Britain class trip up to Northumberland. There we learned more about the ancient Roman occupation and so much about how it affected Britain, even into the modern day. To prepare for the trip we read the book "Power and Stone" written by my instructor, and dear friend, Alice Leader. This historical fiction novel was written specifically for the junior high Roman Britain curriculum at the American School in London. It sheds light on what life could have been like along Hadrian's Wall for both the Romans and Brigantes. So while we can thank the Romans for the brilliant transit infrastructure, we can also give them credit for importing male-dominating social rule.


Alice, our fearless Leader!

Hiking along Hadrian's Wall was the main event on this weekend trip. The setting couldn't be more dramatic as much of the wall is built atop a cliff, and even in good weather it's a pretty harsh environment. While I have found myself lost for inspiration to blog or photograph in my new environment, this trip definitely reignited the flame.




























The Robin Hood Tree of Kevin Costner fame




























The group


Our inn




St. Paul's in Jarrow, where the Venerable Bede (who wrote The Ecclesiastical History of the English People) was a monk




Bede was here

Back to London

I don't think it's any secret that I miss London. I know moving is hard and the adjustment is always rough, but this is different. Way different. I've never ached for a place the way I do for London. I often refer to what I'm experiencing as the post-London blues or some other rather euphemistic term. Truth be told what I'm experiencing could probably be officially diagnosed as depression. So there you have it. No more softened, vague descriptions. I'm not really throwing myself a pity party, just calling a spade a spade.



We've been back in the US for over three months now, and this indication has yet to even begin to fade. My heart still aches and tears still flow.



I was fortunate enough to make a soul-soothing return visit to my city last month. It was truly one of the best weeks of my life. An entire week of reconnecting with dear friends and the city I love. I love my husband for giving me this time and space, and my mother-in-law for shouldering the load at home in my absence. Thank you to you both.


Afternoon tea that easily turns into evening tea with dear friends!


Little Venice in autumn on my walk after getting my hair done (still haven't found a hair girl in my new town!)


Blue Barclays bikes all over town, a new addition to my city


Lunch in China Town with good friends


Well hello there, Selfridges!


Grosvenor Square


Dinner with some of my favourite people


Until next time . . .

A New School, Again

This year the first day of school rolled around right in the middle of our move. We hadn't yet moved into our new house, and still living out of suitcases (thus the wrinkly clothing!) in our temporary house we jumped into a new year. We arrived so late in the summer that we were in fact lucky that the kids were able to begin school at the start of school, but also fortunate the kids got into the same school. They actually didn't even get into the assigned neigbourhood school, but rather another school in the district across town. For Dallin this will be his fourth school in as many years. Poor kid has done a remarkable job settling in and going forward with a positive attitude, each and every year. And with junior high right around the corner, next year he'll claim five schools in as many years.


Big 5th grader


Our 2nd grader


So happy to be at the same school (mom is too!)





This year Trevon no longer has to watch in envy as his older siblings head off to school. Trevon is in preschool! And he is loving every minute!