It's been a long day and night and day and now night has fallen again.  The American election began mid-afternoon our time. The boys went to football practice, we all ate late and prayed, finally turning on the 'telly' after the little girls were down.  Aidan really wanted to fill out the electoral college map and begged to stay up.  Kieran crept into the living room with him.  I went to bed after one.  My husband came up a few hrs later without waking me so I had an idea of how it all shook down.  As predicted approximately 50% of our American friends are pleased as punch and the other half are devastated. Such is the division in our homeland these days. 

We moved through a busy today nevertheless. Moira met with her worldviews class. Aidan and I ran errands. Alannah was called for a job interview.  Four children went to dance. Driving home in the dark I heard the BBC newscaster announce, "As President Obama begins his next four years in office we will take a look at what that means for us."  Her colleague piped up and said, "So what DOES that mean for us?"

"well, um…" she said, "Business as usual."

"Righto then," he responded. "Kate and William went undercover to attend the opening night showing of the new movie…" 

My friend Umit has been promising to take me to a nearby village which boasts a cluster of antique shops. We headed out with our friend Maria on a very cold, rainy Saturday afternoon stopping first at a local farm store on a large estate.  Many of these old properties are open to the public and have some sort of retail attraction now to bring in revenue. This one was was overflowing with natural foods – wines, local cheeses, sweets, olives and a marvelous chest full of meat and ale pies. 

(vintage Dickens set)

From there we drove on to the village edge and pulled up to a rambling, low-slung barn conversion.  We were greeted by a mannerly black lab who peeked his nose out at the rain and then followed us back into the shop, having wisely decided against venturing out.

I was thrilled to find racks of vintage clothing and shoes and took notes for the girls, whom I have promised to return with.  The hats were in mint condition – felted wool creations molded into exquisite shapes, sporting feathers and ribbon trim still in excellent condition.  

China is everywhere you turn here although it's not a bit like German china which tended to be primarily transferware in rose or green or blue.  Here you have a riot of color and pattern and are hard pressed to find more than a couple pieces that match.  The bone china is all similar in weight and style however and looks gorgeous massed together. 

(this peasant girl caught my eye, reminding me of the German countryside we left behind)

By the time we finished rummaging it was late afternoon and we had a half hour drive home.  That warranted ducking out of the drizzle into the tea room.  We ordered a pot for the table and the ladies had scones served with a tray of clotted cream, jam, and whipped butter.  I found myself taking cream with my tea though I never do that at home.  

(here with a friend on either side – what better place to find oneself : ))

Do you remember these? : )  My Gram had a set of salt and pepper shakers like these.  Made me smile to see them here. 

I leave you with one more P.S. –  a British sentiment for today. You no doubt have seen the iconic Keep Calm and Carry On signs.  I love them.  I think I love this one even more.  

If you hope to truly change the world, however you wish to see it changed, it begins and ends with this. 

Be cheerful.  Be resolute. 

Carry on then. : )