A Walk through Wimpole

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

One of my favorite English manors so far. The interior boasted a soft color palette, a fine art collection, library shelves full to the brim, and linens to die for. And teacups. I always notice the china.

{this moment}

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

more moments here

Sunday drive

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

We took a little spin this afternoon and I thought I would share some snaps.

I do so love red geraniums and lace curtains. There appears to be a tiny German flag over the door. I am wondering if that explains? At any rate it made me happy and a little homesick for Germany.

"Fast food" has not caught on in Europe. There are some fast food chains in the big cities but everywhere else you sit and eat on real dishes. If it's "fast" then some of your food may have been premade or some containers may be disposable. By and large you will sit and eat. Then you will return your tray with your dishes and flatware. That is 'fast' food dining, as compared with served meals.

A common sight on Sundays. I am glad I was ready with my camera this time!

a wing and a prayer

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Johnny Cash is ringing in my head lately. "I've been everywhere, man. I've been everywhere." I haven't actually been everywhere. It just felt that way some days.

We got word that last week in the States that my husband needed to be in Germany shortly after we returned. We made some last minute plans and I went along for the ride. Seemed a little crazy but it was good actually to have a short time out.

I have to tell you though that the flying is still not easy. There is nothing glamorous about my life the night before a flight. Giant bundle of nerves. There were actually a number of things about this trip that stretched me way, way out of my comfort zone. I keep thinking eventually it's going to get easier. Meantime I am just doing it scared. There should be a medal for that. A big one.

Just sayin.

Actually the reward this time was beautiful Deutschland in springtime. I have missed those tiled roofs and deep forests. I had one whole day to do with as I pleased. A friend took me to breakfast. Then I went to the American bookstore and realized it has been years. YEARS and years since I have been to a bookstore with absolutely noone waiting for me. I lingered long over shelves that wouldn't likely have made the triage when people were waiting outside.

We are home again and catching up. We have had a series of challenges to meet here as well but are trying to just use that same approach, one thing at a time, even in the absence of feeling personally prepared and equal to it. A dear friend had just the right words tonight. Just wait on Him and be courageous, said she.

Courageous. Yes. Because courage isn't the absence of fear after all. It is acting in spite of it. Wishing you same for all the brave things that may be asked of you today as well.

The Inklings road trip

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

A post Christmas gift to our Inklings. Road tripping to Oxford. Magdalen College. Old books. Dinner at Eagle and Child. Oxford is not to be missed. You can keep London. I am still not sold. <g> But this. THIS was a trip.The only thing I don't have good photos of was Tolkien's grave which was an adventure in itself.

We left Oxford proper just before dark. The cemetary was ten minutes away and was to close 30 min after we found it. One gate in and out. In the States this would have been no problem. A celebrity grave would have been guarded and lit it like Broadway. Here? Well, for one, celebrity has a whole 'nuther meaning and you get no special treatment. And no special marking for visitors to find you by.

We began in the center of the cemetary and each took a path outwards trying to match the picture we had with one of the hundreds of headstones before us before complete darkness set in. It got a little eery after tripping over gravesite planters with candles sending off shifting shadows. Finally we found him – or them. Tolkien is buried with his beloved in a very simple nondescript grave. It was a bit overgrown and covered with a bit of memorabilia left by grateful readers. On the headstone someone had left a tiny lego Hobbit.

Perfect.

a look at London

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

We have begun an incredible year. I hope to tell you all about it soon but for now I am running with 'a picture is worth a thousand words.' For certain they are better than the words I could manage this week!

Cintra

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

So, really, I never did post the pictures from Portugal? Well, that's just not right. Looking at these makes me take back everything I ever said about four seasons.

Someone get me back to Portugal please. : )

tipsy

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Kim Halloran-Fry

What to say about the village of Lavenham? Well, it is famous for it's half-timbered houses perched at precariously wonky angles leaning over streets or into neighboring houses. "Everyone" said we should see this. "Everyone" does not speak for my older children, who said, yep. They are tilted.

This one, saying "hmm, what could POSSIBLY be around that corner? yesssss! Another crooked house!"

There were a lot of such corners.

yeah.

And then it was like, Mom. Mom? For real now. Can we go get something to eat? We promise the awesomeness of tippy houses is forever seared into our memories. Muah. Let's eat.

So we did.