Page 43 - Newsletter_Fall_2022

small sticker with a photo of The Continuing Saga of Billy Renate did enjoy teaching more enjoy the dog walking
the type of meal we had re- Tardy ‘70... again, though the anticipa- experience.
quested. I had a fish (salmon), On and On We Go To 2022 tion each time is causing her a We had a lovely trip to Poland
and Tom had a cow (tender- surprising bit of anxiety now. -the border is about 30 min-
loin). Our names were also Dear Friends, Teaching works like a real utes away- and it felt imme-
written out in cursive on a How has 2022 been so far tonic for her soul and she real- diately different. Less clean,
thin piece of wood and placed for you? Still Covid free? Still izes that this got her through different types of shops and
on our napkins, which were living with restrictions and all those grey weather years we went to a wonderful café
fanned out on each place masks? We’ve spent all of in London in the past. She overlooking the river, which a
setting. The tables were dec- the winter in the UK (unfor- doesn’t miss her working life, woman runs from her home.
orated with beautiful white tunately), 4 lovely weeks, while I really do miss playing We had a huge slab of unusu-
flowers! Very elegant! There though, in the motorhome my part in a community and al creamy caramel cake which
was a long table with photos after Christmas; 2 in Chertsey don’t do as well with life on was quite tasty. Unfortunate-
of those gone on before. Very at a Weir with a daily trip to the road. ly, the prices had doubled
touching!!! We each also had a the pool for Renate, building In the spring, we volunteered since our hostess went last,
white box at our place setting up her stamina and 2 weeks at Ananda-Haus in Branden- probably due to Covid and
that had a chocolate elephant in Edmonton Green where we burg, East Germany. It’s some- the Ukraine war. We loved the
inside. They were for Shel- started to enjoy good access what similar to the retreat countryside there, so many
drick Wildlife Trust, which to central London. It is one of centre we volunteered at in beautiful woods, lakes, rivers
is a non-profit organization the Turkish areas of London Belgium about 18 months and canals full of little cafes
in Kenya renowned around and we had a great trip to the ago, but much smaller and no and restaurants which still
the world for its successful local Hammam (Sauna/steam nasty boss. We had our first look very Eastern bloc; very
orphan-elephant rescue and etc) where we lay on heated weekend with a yoga/Nordic 70s, as well as the people’s
rehabilitation program. It was stone, and they proceeded to walking/sauna group, only 9 attire and manner. We stayed
a wonderful reception, and peel our skin off with a rough participants’, so totally easy there until the end of May. We
the music was by a group of luffa and then soaped us with and we were real support staff loved watching the change of
young men who were friends much foam. We followed that to the employed person, just the season from winter into
of Lindsey. It was great music, with a visit to Kervan Sofrasi as it should be in a volunteer- spring and enjoyed the coun-
and you could sing along, (Table at the Caravan) and ing situation. Unfortunately, tryside, soft rolling hills, fields
dance or just enjoy listening. enjoyed Turkish delicacies. our hostess was Covid positive and woods were a delight for
At 10:00 pm we all went out- It was a bit of walking down 2 days after we arrived and our eyes.
side and got sparklers to light memory lane since we lived we’re grateful that we were This summer has been filled
and wave at the newlyweds near there for 5 years about 8 spared contagion, by all our with our annual stateside
as they got into their limo to years ago. Then we went back vaccinations and good for- family visits. This year’s travel
drive to the airport. It was to Southeast London staying tune. Our presence helped her began in Atlanta, visiting my
an incredibly fun ending to a comfortably and conveniently recovery as we were able to daughter and her 2 boys, then
spectacular weekend of wed- with a wonderful friend and take over some of her duties. off to Baltimore to visit my
ding festivities. The deluxe got earnest about renting out We did some gardening and oldest son’s family and finally
passenger bus picked us up Renate’s apartment. Another fed the 5 outdoor cats every connecting up in the County.
and took us back to our B&B. great friend redecorated the
lot and the day after he’d morning. I took Kayla, the We spent three weeks in Houl-
We left the B&B for home at finished, we had 8 viewings dog, out for 2-3 walks a day; ton and had the distinct plea-
10 am. on Sunday. It was hard booked that afternoon; 5 she has so much energy even sure of visiting my 93-year-old
to say goodbye to Charlie, showed up and a lovely though she’s already 10 years mom, the many high school
Steph, and Michael, but I am couple from Hong Kong, in old. Almost the same age as friends that surround her
so thankful we were able to banking, took the plunge myself in human years, but and officiating at my sister
attend the wedding and see and moved in 10 days later. It fighting fit’. We also walked Nancy’s wedding. The visits in
childhood friends. The ride couldn’t have been smoother her along the canal today in the States are usually such a
home was nice, clear weather or quicker! We’re very for- glorious sunshine without a whirlwind of activity but this
and lots of chatting about the tunate. This gave us time to cloud all day. Renate finds her time we had a real chance
weekend we had enjoyed so delve into London life with harder to walk as she pulls to settle in for the visit in
much. theatres, movies, a Bob Marley on the lead so strongly. She Houlton. Following the Maine
Cynthia Milton, ‘70 Rep exhibition, meeting friends, fights with other dogs, goes visit, we were off to London
dinner at great restaurants after the deer in the woods briefly before heading over to
and Renate taught a few yoga and doesn’t listen when you Germany. My youngest son
classes. If the weather would call her, thus she wrenches met us in Bavaria and joined
have been more accommo- Renate’s arms as she grips on us for a week of sightseeing
dating, we would have really the lead. At the canal, Renate and attendance to a massive
enjoyed our stay. can let her go freely and can Renaissance festival, complete
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