The Bard's Hometown

Hello, everyone. I am not sure if those of you in Galveston are even finding time or availability to check this, but I hope you are all doing well. We think of all of you often.





This past weekend, Benny, Ariell and Pelagia went to Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. We had a lovely time. It is very touristy. Shocking, I know! But there are lots of buildings surviving from 15th and 16th century. They are beautiful. On a whole, we prefer Banbury (and Banbury has buildings from that period too, but not nearly in the quantities!), but we were very glad we went. Besides, just the train ride there, though only about 45 minutes, was well worth the trip.

Oh, and the last photo was taken in front of the house that Shakespeare was born in.

Much Love,


Ariell

Safe and sound somewhere in Texas

We have settled into our third RV park, trying to get closer to Galveston. We are in Brenham at the moment with plans to move to League City as soon as possible. League City will probably be our home for awhile, close to Richie's school and Dickie's work. Galveston is in bad bad shape, they will not have power restored for a least 4 weeks. Tony did get to go to our house and we do have a house, and we are very grateful. We did get about 3 to 4 feet of water, which means we have lost half of our possessions. It really has not registered for me, not until I see it. I just can't imagine what my house must look like after the storm surge! My mom's house is also flooded, only she has lost 100 percent of her possessions. My brother, who works for a power company managed to get inside and he was overwhelmed by the destruction.
I have friends whose houses burned to the ground or where totally washed away. Possessions are nice and some essential, but all my family is safe and sound and both Dickie and I will still have jobs.
Please put us in your prayers.....we need patience, strength, wisdom and a little luck.
I will send pictures as soon as I can,
Love,
Alice

A little happiness...

Hello, everyone. With all the worry and stress of the last few days, I thought I would post some more photos. Some were taken here and some before we left. Obviously.

We are well. Benny is still really busy struggling to just keep up with all the work. He went on a retreat with the first years for a couple of days last week. Unfortunately, that put him even farther behind in getting ready for this week. It is sort of like being thrown in the ocean when you have only ever seen a river before... just similar enough that everyone assumes you know what you are doing, but in reality like nothing you have ever encountered and you are certain you will drown. Poor Benny!

Pela and I keep ourselves entertained with walks and a couple different parks. And, hopefully, our boxes will arrive this week and give us more to do.

Well, I hope this finds everyone well. We would love to hear from you all once everything settles down.

Much Love,
Ariell, Benny and Pelagia

Yikes Ike is headed our way!

Well GISD has cancelled classes for Thursday and Friday and we are packing as I type this blog. With the threat of maybe a Cat 3 or 4, we will be taking the RV and heading north. We have a space reserved in an RV campground just north of Huntsville and are trying our best to leave tonight. Richie and Dickie are working hard to board up the windows and glass doors. We have the gas tanks topped off and plenty of food. Please say a few prayers that our house and animals make it through with little or no damage. Also, pray that we don't get caught in a horrible traffic jam like the one during Rita.
We will let you know how we are doing as soon as we get settled.
Lots of love,
Alice, Dickie, Richie and Sidney

Hello, finally!

Hello, everyone. Sorry it has taken so long, but things are done differently here... We have settled in well. Benny started school this week... it's really, really different... He loves it, but he has had a difficult time so far. They don't coddle anyone over here, teachers included!

That all sounds so negative! We really do love it. There is always a readjustment phase when it is such a big move. You would think we would be pros at all this by now, but everywhere has its own challenges.

Alright, I am going to talk about what we love... It is so simple to find local and organic and vegetarian foods! It is awesome and it's cheap! There is a market twice- yes, twice- a week! There are tons and tons of little stores. They aren't as keen on big boxes here! They recycle a lot! We decorated our flat with old antiques from charity shops. Really cheap! Speaking of, they love charity shops! They are everywhere and represent all types of charities, mostly local. They walk a lot more. They are so friendly. Truly, the South has nothing on them. (you know the stereotypes of the English being painfully polite...) Oh, and we are going to Oxford, hopefully, next weekend and we are looking at either Edinburgh or France for Christmas. So, who's in?

Okay, before anyone buys a plane ticket... We did get bed bugs. (Although, I hear they are getting bad in parts of the States too.) But, yes, they are horrible, disgusting, foul little things! I hate them. But I think they are gone now. Oh, and the flight over is a killer! Awful! But if you must make the trip (and everyone should!) Virgin Atlantic treats you like you are staying at a nice hotel. They were wonderful!

Well, hope you are all well. It is so nice to have this forum to keep better in touch (thanks, Alice).

Much Love,

Ariell, Benny and Pelagia

Gretchen Wins!!!

Gretchen is the winner of the best blogger! She has sent pictures of her beautiful university and also of Ariell and Pella. Thanks so much Gretchen, I just love seeing those magnificient buildings. Now everyone else needs to get on the ball and send some stuff, especially those Europeans!! I have not heard a thing about how Areill and Benny are doing, hopefully they will get this blog and send some great pictures for us to see. Thought everyone would get a kick out of Richie dressed for his Jr/Senior prom!

Can't wait to hear from everyone.

Love,

Alice

Some pics I had of Ariell and Pela on their last day in San Antonio