"I long...to be at home wherever I find myself."

I think that a place really becomes a home the first time that you leave it. Because it's the knowing you'll be back there--no matter where else you go--that makes it so significant in your heart. I have so many homes. England has become one of them.

And it changed so much while I was gone.

I stepped off the plane and immediately noticed the warm, no-jacket-needed weather, and wanted to jump around in circles from joy, but decided against it so as to not freak out airport personnel and fellow passengers. But I was extremely thrilled that the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and there were people on the tube in flip flops and tank tops.

Once I arrived at Stansted, I took the lovely and costly Stansted Express to Tottenham Hale (that's said "Tutnam," for all you Americans who were saying it phonetically), and then the tube from Tottenham Hale to Vauxhall. From Vauxhall, I was, theoretically, supposed to take the train to Surbiton. But I think I got so excited to finally be home that I completely distracted myself, hopped on a train that I thought was going to Waterloo but was actually going to Guilford, had to get off at the next stop which was Clapham Junction, and then hop on a train to take me to Waterloo (only because I couldn't find the board that told me where the next train to Surbiton would be leaving from). Eventually, I arrived at Surbiton. 

I was astonished and overjoyed on my bus ride from the train station, as adults and children alike chatted and laughed to one another as though they had not a care in the world. It is truly remarkable how a little bit of warmer weather can do an entire city such good. The flowers are beginning to bloom, the trees are greening, and the daffodils are springing up--attempting to catch up with the ones in Ireland, I think. I am falling in love with this place all over again. And coming back to the hugs, smiles, and tea of Debs and Drew made me sure that I had found my way to home again at last. To think that I was only gone for two weeks! I cannot imagine leaving this place for good come June. Oh dear. Moving on! 

I am in the process of editing pictures. I think I will be up all night. And then I have a paper to write (yes, Grandmother, I have my priorities quite straight), many emails to respond to, and a package to track down. Nevermind the unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, and social catching up that needs to be done. 

Just to keep you busy while I am busy, here a few preview photos that I've played with so far...

Right, well, that's all for now. Should keep you temporarily satisfied!

Love,

lvp

*Blog title quote: Maya Angelou