Dec. 27, 2018
June and Tony picked us up on December 23 to spend the Christmas holiday with them, in Bramley. Thursday started off with Tony, Rick and I walking 6 miles, round trip, to get a Starbucks coffee. I got a 2nd coffee and made it worth my while. Now, walking that far for a Starbucks should be listed, in the Guinness World Records. Also, I believe we should all get free Starbucks for a year!
Before we reached Guilford, for our coffee, we were walking along a footpath and came upon about 6 young ladies, on horseback. They were all decked out as well as their horses in Christmas apparel. As we pulled aside to give way, they were wishing us Merry Christmas. Then all of a sudden the last horse began to bronc. On the third bronc the rider went high into the air and came down on her backside and hit the back of her head. I thought the horse was going to come down on top of her and we all kind of went forward as if to try and get the horse to go a different direction and protect the girl. Then I think we all realized the horse missed her but now was facing us. We all stepped back for safety. Then the horse took off into a shallow gully. Rick took off trying to grab the running horse. A rider dismounted and went to help Rick. Tony was left to tend to the horse that the rider left. I was taking care of the girl who was injured. We were lucky that some citizens of Bramley were also walking along the path and one used to show and groom horses. She took over for Tony.
Another rider took off to help with recovery of the scared horse as it has crossed the busy road. Rick returned and we assisted the girl to the parking lot where her family was coming to retrieve her. The rest of our journey was fortunately uneventful.
Christmas Day
We started the day off with a much shorter, but more stunning walk. This trail was behind June and Tony’s home. Our only excitement for this adventure was a lost, large black dog. We never saw it but passed several people out searching for it.
For our First and I would assume last English Christmas celebration June made a delicious ham and turkey dinner, with roasted potatoes, gravy, carrots, brussel sprouts, sausage rolls and English stuffing. For desert, we enjoyed lovely mince pie and Christmas Pudding with Brandy sauce and cream. Now I would classify the English stuffing as a desert. It was unbelievably yummy.
What I have observed here in England is that the British pride themselves on the presentation. Everything thing they do is done in such a sophisticated manner. June and Tony are the epitome of British elegance. Every meal is done with such precision.
We will never forget how they have opened up their hearts and home to us. We would be hard pressed to ever meet another couple as kind and thoughtful as them. I know we have enjoyed their company and life stories. I could never get tired of hearing about their lives. I know we will stay in touch, but we will definitely miss them visiting us and having us over to their gorgeous home.
No Ordinary Trip 