How on earth did it get to be July 21st? At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I think time travels at a different speed here. On permanent fast forward. Wow. As I write this our house is in a state of organized chaos, as the packers are due to arrive on Thursday- three days from today. Tom is off to London for the day to do our final clearances. He's taken our transformers, so our North American appliance use is down to the computer, and that's it. Before it gets packed away and sent into the ether between here and there, I thought I better tie myself to the chair and manically type off a few paragraphs --bringing you all up to date on the past month and a half before we set off on the next phase of our adventure-- the move home.
More Visits and Visitors, Shane's 1st Communion
I hate to admit it, but I had to get my old fridge calendar out to remember June. The scary thing is there was not a single blank day in the entire month! The month started with the biggest deadline of the entire year- The Dreaded DRP (Defence Research Paper, aka Tom's Thesis) was due on the 2nd. After a few frantic last minute corrections (something about forgetting the 'abstract' and recognizing the fact an hour before it was due), Tom handed it in about 10 minutes early. We were ALL glad to have that off our shoulders. We hadn't seen Tom for a month! As it was the biggest and last official graded item on the course curriculum, it was a huge relief. There were a few celebratory toasts, and if I remember correctly we all went out for dinner as well.
Tom left for a 'Learn to be a CO' course in Winnipeg on the 8th. This left the kids and I to deal
with a field trip, Dr's appointments, Beavers, Brownies, Horseback riding lessons, gymnastics, communion prep classes, play rehearsals and UK diabetes week all by ourselves. Then, on the same day Tom came home, Marilynn and Holly arrived from Canada, and Trevor, Jessica and Rebecca arrived from Ireland. It was an instant full house, but we had a great time. We all had a wonderful visit and then were off to Shane's First Holy Communion the next morning.
Tom left for a 'Learn to be a CO' course in Winnipeg on the 8th. This left the kids and I to deal
with a field trip, Dr's appointments, Beavers, Brownies, Horseback riding lessons, gymnastics, communion prep classes, play rehearsals and UK diabetes week all by ourselves. Then, on the same day Tom came home, Marilynn and Holly arrived from Canada, and Trevor, Jessica and Rebecca arrived from Ireland. It was an instant full house, but we had a great time. We all had a wonderful visit and then were off to Shane's First Holy Communion the next morning.He did really well, and was very serious about the whole thing. After the main event, we joined 
the other families and some special friends for a barbeque at the cricket house. When we got home all of the kids worked together to present a great play to the adults. Tom got it all on tape... to put on Youtube when they're all famous actors... Trevor and the girls had to scoot off to make their evening flight, but unfortunately George W was in town, creating airline havoc. From what I hear
the girls were real troopers, and enjoyed an unexpected night at a hotel (and day off school!) before heading home.
Marilynn and Holly spent a little more time here, visiting London and a bit of the local area before heading home on Wednesday the 18th, which, incedentally, was the day that Gerry and Erin landed on our doorstep. What was really neat was the fact that the night they arrived there was a 'Blues Brother's' party at the college. All suited out with their sunglasses and briefcase, they headed down to the party to check it out. 
11 years...
the other families and some special friends for a barbeque at the cricket house. When we got home all of the kids worked together to present a great play to the adults. Tom got it all on tape... to put on Youtube when they're all famous actors... Trevor and the girls had to scoot off to make their evening flight, but unfortunately George W was in town, creating airline havoc. From what I hear
the girls were real troopers, and enjoyed an unexpected night at a hotel (and day off school!) before heading home.
Marilynn and Holly spent a little more time here, visiting London and a bit of the local area before heading home on Wednesday the 18th, which, incedentally, was the day that Gerry and Erin landed on our doorstep. What was really neat was the fact that the night they arrived there was a 'Blues Brother's' party at the college. All suited out with their sunglasses and briefcase, they headed down to the party to check it out. 
11 years...
June 21st marked our 11 year anniversary. An evening at our favorite restaurant, The White Hart, was in order. We booked a babysitter and had a well deserved night out alone-- Gerry and Erin had moved on that morning. The sticky toffee pudding was divine, once again. Something I will miss.
Watchfield School International Week
June 23-27 was International Week at the kids school. There was food, games, dancing, clothes and presentations from just about every country represented at the school. Our Canadian contigent cheated a bit- our 'food item' that we brought in was maple leaf cookies- directly from the Superstore in Ottawa (thanks Val!). After the non-stop pace no-one really wanted to bake anything. We also did a small presentation for the school, with our 8 Canadian children proudly singing O Canada in both official languages.
Watchfield School International Week
June 23-27 was International Week at the kids school. There was food, games, dancing, clothes and presentations from just about every country represented at the school. Our Canadian contigent cheated a bit- our 'food item' that we brought in was maple leaf cookies- directly from the Superstore in Ottawa (thanks Val!). After the non-stop pace no-one really wanted to bake anything. We also did a small presentation for the school, with our 8 Canadian children proudly singing O Canada in both official languages.On Wednesday, Tom (at my urging) escaped to the school to watch the children at a concert that all of the internationals had produced. As he was running late for a meeting, he scooted off quickly afterwards. A little too quickly, it turns out. His bike hit a rut in the pavement, he flew off and landed on his shoulder-- breaking his right collar bone in the process. After a quick run to Swindon Hospital to confirm that it was in fact broken, it was obvious he wasn't going to any meetings for the next week!
Summer Fayre
I had to put a little note about the school summer fayre in as it was a cultural experience in itself. You wouldn't think there would be that much difference between Canadian School Fairs, and British Fayre/Fetes, but wow, what a difference. Firstly, the event is a huge money making endeavour, designed to earn money for the school fund (run by the PTA). Secondly, there is alcohol everywhere! The kids bring in 'bottles' (from shampoo to champagne) the week before in to school (where they sit for the following week in exchange for a day of no uniform. These bottles are then raffled off in a 'Tom Bola' (not sure of the spelling on that one) to the adults at the fair. There is also beer, Pimms (a summer cocktail) and wine available throughout the evening. Although North Americans may frown at it, the Brits embrace it and the evening becomes a party for the whole family, including those of us who are working at stalls throughout the evening. Different, but definately fun!
Summer Fayre
I had to put a little note about the school summer fayre in as it was a cultural experience in itself. You wouldn't think there would be that much difference between Canadian School Fairs, and British Fayre/Fetes, but wow, what a difference. Firstly, the event is a huge money making endeavour, designed to earn money for the school fund (run by the PTA). Secondly, there is alcohol everywhere! The kids bring in 'bottles' (from shampoo to champagne) the week before in to school (where they sit for the following week in exchange for a day of no uniform. These bottles are then raffled off in a 'Tom Bola' (not sure of the spelling on that one) to the adults at the fair. There is also beer, Pimms (a summer cocktail) and wine available throughout the evening. Although North Americans may frown at it, the Brits embrace it and the evening becomes a party for the whole family, including those of us who are working at stalls throughout the evening. Different, but definately fun!
North American Barbeque 
Rather than have both a Canada Day event and an Independence Day event, the North Americans on the course join forces to organize a huge party and barbeque together. Tom was the head Canadian organizer on this one, so we were heavily involved. The event was held on the 28th ( the day after the summer fayre at the school!) and our prayers were answered- it was a wonderfully sunny day. There was something for everyone-- bouncy castles, face painting, a magician, a band, and of course lots and lots of Keiths, Labatts, Kokanee, and American beer too.
Tom's broken collar bone didn't hold him back from playing a few tunes on his trumpet (or from holding a cold beer...) with the band. As you can see from the pictures, there were lots of people (estimate was about 500) and everyone from North America and otherwise had a great time.
Rather than have both a Canada Day event and an Independence Day event, the North Americans on the course join forces to organize a huge party and barbeque together. Tom was the head Canadian organizer on this one, so we were heavily involved. The event was held on the 28th ( the day after the summer fayre at the school!) and our prayers were answered- it was a wonderfully sunny day. There was something for everyone-- bouncy castles, face painting, a magician, a band, and of course lots and lots of Keiths, Labatts, Kokanee, and American beer too.
Tom's broken collar bone didn't hold him back from playing a few tunes on his trumpet (or from holding a cold beer...) with the band. As you can see from the pictures, there were lots of people (estimate was about 500) and everyone from North America and otherwise had a great time.Legoland
Somehow we managed to find the time to take the family to Legoland in Windsor, near London. It was a fun day, until it started to pour rain. I don't think I've ever been so wet. We (sort of) kept our sense of humor, though, and went on as many rides as we could, between downpours.
Tea with the Queen
Tom and I were fortunate enough to receive official invitations to the Queen's Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace on July 8th. We took a risk and decided to drive in, as our invitation came with a parking pass. Surprisingly enough, we drove right up to the palace- parking about 80 metres from the gates! We did arrive a bit early (Brenda's timings, of course...) and had plenty of time for a quick picnic in the park before we went up to the gates. Tom's uniform ensured us quick passage through the gates (I guess uniforms make the London public edgy or something...) so we were one of the first ones to go through the palace and out onto the Royal back yard. Everything was very elegant, but surprisingly relaxed. Lady guests are required to wear a hat, and the men were in formal wear (I saw a few top hats) as well. We didn't quite get to meet anyone royal, but we did get to see them VERY close. We were in the front row of the crowd, and the Queen walked only feet in front of us, as well as Prince Philip and Prince Andrew (and several other royals whom I'm afraid I didn't recognize). The tea was hot, the cucumber sandwiches were light and refreshing, and the little chocolate bonbons had embossed crowns on them. What impressed me the most about the day was the lack of visible security. I'm sure they hand pick their guests very carefully, but the royals mingled with the crowd (all 8000 of us) almost the entire time. There were, of course, several people with earpieces on, and a few men dressed in black on the roof of the palace...but very few ropes or visible weapons. We strolled on royal grass, ate royal treats, and went to the royal port-a-loos for two hours in the sunshine. It was a day to remember for sure.Normandy
The last 'field trip' for Tom's course was a three day whirlwind tour of the Normandy battlegrounds and beaches. Tom left the day after the Garden Party with his division. From what I hear it was fun and informative, but quite compressed. I did, however hear something about a trip downtown, and a VERY late night at the bars of Caen....
The Purple Ball
Wow. The British really know how to throw a party. With tickets at about $100 per person, we expected a classy evening, and had a vague idea of what to expect...but wow. From 19:30 until 02:30 we hardly stopped! First of all, it's always nice to get REALLY dressed up. I in my full length gown and Tom in his mess kit. The kids were so excited from this alone, and the fact that we were going to a real 'Ball' that they could hardly breathe. Then there is the fact that everyone else is really dressed up too, and that you know the vast majority of the people there. Thirdly, with all of the entertainment possibilities, food possibilities and just general splendour, how could you not have a good time?
We held a 7 foot (baby) python...
Watched the fireworks, ate, and ate...
Ate, and ate, and ate...Went on the ferris wheel...
And the bumper cars...
Chatted with friends...
and even danced a bit. And when 2 o'clock rolled around there was champagne, orange juice and breakfast waiting for us! What a great night. Need I say more?
Music and Fireworks
The last official social event was on Thursday the 17th. It was basically a picnic in the park with the Royal Marine Band playing, the Parachute display team, and a huge, wonderful display of fireworks. We were all a bit drained after the constant stream of social activities (Tom's course ended with a display of the Red Arrows- Britains Snowbirds)...so it was nice to just sit, eat, drink and visit with friends. The fireworks were out of this world. It was an amazing night!The end...or the beginning?
The kids have one and a half more days of school and the packers come in two days. Then we 
begin the long process of packing, loading, marching out and then, at last, a little well deserved family vacation. We're spending a few days in Cornwall on the beach before we catch our very big boat to NYC. We take possession of our beautiful new home on the 11th.
begin the long process of packing, loading, marching out and then, at last, a little well deserved family vacation. We're spending a few days in Cornwall on the beach before we catch our very big boat to NYC. We take possession of our beautiful new home on the 11th.The kids report cards were, as always, glowing. They've all excelled in the British school system. Delaney and Shane had fun in their school play, Robin Hood, earlier this month- both of them were in the chorus. Kate competed in her gymnastics competition with style. Delaney, once again, is a published author (I'll post the link when I can find it...) after a wonderful article about her Brownie pack's 60th year was published in the latest Bower Brook Magazine.
You would not believe how hard it is to leave this place. I have made so many wonderful friends, learned so much about other cultures, and have truly enjoyed our year here. If we could stay longer, we would. The military beckons us onward, though, and so we must say goodbye and continue our adventures elsewhere. The end of one chapter leads to the beginning of another...and so, reluctantly, I will close this book for now. See you on the other side. Brenda
