So the morning of 1 February 2009 brought 6 London Harfields together over breakfast - yes 6 ... All a little apprehensive as the final day dawned, but all woken by the text from then father of 3 Mr J Mead with the wonderful news of the arrival of their baby girl. Now we knew we could leave..... St John`s showed us their usual warmth in the morning service, and we were wondering if to leave; we had a medico lunch in Blackheath and all wanted to leave; we met the wonderful Talitha and really didn`t want to leave; another service and we had to leave; a final meal with The Halls and they wanted us to leave; and finally the day was over with saying goodbye to 2 Harfields and too many feelings about leaving....
All the Harfields awoke to the sound of their mobile phone alarms (we had set all 4 in case we overslept) the resulting cacophony did its job and within moments 2 excited children were jumping up and down on the bed and disturbing the senior Harfields who were slightly slower to awake. This was not usual behavior for our 11 and 13 year old. The reason was not our impending journey half way round the world... it was because it was snowing! We had managed to book our flights on the day of the worst snowstorm in London for some 20 years.
Questions filled the air... would the flights be on time? would we be able to get to the airport? would the airport be open? Can we go and make a snow angels? The last question was obviously from Sarah!
We forced ourselves out of bed, got washed and dressed and headed for the car. After 10 minutes of scraping and clearing snow we found the car, got in and started to warm the engine. A practice that would be second nature in the cold winters of Detroit. The snow was 6 inches deep and still falling. We climbed in the car and I slowly tried to drive out of the drive.
We were in a front wheel drive Chrysler voyager (borrowed) and as I put my foot on the accelerator the front wheels span and we made no headway... snowed in and suck before we had even left the flat! I got out and scraped the snow from under the wheels and tried again to no avail. We still didn`t move. Then I realised that I had to release the hand brake to attain any forward motion! Our adventure was about to begin
As this was not the case for the Harfields.
Day 1 was taken up with travelling - where is Minniopolis any way as this was where we changed planes.
Day 2 lets go out for lunch.
Day 3 `oh we have to wait for the Social Sercurity Office to contact the Imigration Deptment to check we are aliens before we get a NUMBER; even though we have just been through imigration on the way over and it was imigration who stamped our pass ports...` This social sercuity number will change our lives when we get it.
Day 4 No creating seas or animals no we just wanted to open a bank account. Something with our name and address on it to prove we are here. 2 and half hours and that was just explaining why we are here. But we have a bank account, with a little money in it and a savings account, but no statement or credit card.. Those come in a month!
Day 5 Felicity got a little board with all this messing around and found a school and went to it! But I do feel that my little girl may need more clothes if she is to choose a new outfit every day. As for Oli, he just went to his school for an hour to do a maths test, just to prove he is the son of an alien.
Day 6 The Winter Blast in down town Detroit showed us bits of the city we would never have dreamed of!
Day 7 No resting when you have a church of 900 to meet!
SH
Well what a week it has been! Sarah has been busy organizing the children into schools and has left me the simple task of sorting out my Social Security Number and the driving licenses... which should have been very straightforward until some little thing they call the Patriot act...
Increased security is something that we are all having to learn to live with but sometimes you can be caught on the wrong side of the system through no fault of your own.
I went along to get my SSN which will allow me to, amongst other things, pay taxes... I was in no hurry! Neither it would seem are the American government! When they say everything in America is bigger they also mean the quantity of red tape! I have a visa in my passport which says that I am allowed to live and work here, that was enough for the border officials to let us all in, but it is not enough for the Social Security office. They have to check that I have a visa and merely showing it to them is not enough. How do they check? well first they send an email and if they haven`t had a reply within 14 days they resort to writing a letter! Someone give these people a telephone!!!! Now you may wonder why this is important to a self employed person like me as no-one (apart from the tax man) is interested in those 9 digits. Without a SSN you can`t get a drivers license and without a drivers license you don`t exist. If you want a mobile phone, a bank account, a gas supplier, a library card, rent a house, etc they all want to see your license.
After much research we finally discovered that you can get a license without a SSN but you need about 17 documents proving that you are who you say you are, that you should be here, that no-one minds you being here, and amongst the pieces of paper they ask you to produce to prove the above are a mobile phone bill, a gas bill, a tenancy agreement and a bank statement!!!! If the right hand only spoke to the left hand this would be so much easier.
Anyway we are now 3 weeks in to this trip and still no paperwork. I still haven`t got a SSN and we still haven`t got drivers licenses... but we are getting closer. We found that we could get our driving licenses with other paperwork and we thought we have finally got it all together. Mainly by renting my brothers house so we had a tenancy agreement (that also means he can throw us out legally). But we were foiled again as the tenancy agreement has to be from a company not an individual, but it does not say that on any of the paperwork.
The very nice lady at the secretary of states office finally worked out that we could use a gas bill in my brothers name, his birth certificate, my birth certificate (showing the same parents) and a marriage cert to show Sarah was also attached to the clan, and I had to take my brother as well! Just in case and partly for the hell of it I asked if we would need anything else. `Without a touch of the irony that the Americans are not famous for she said `make sure your brother has his license with him`
So tomorrow we will return again to the office with all of the above. And hopefully leave with a drivers license. That is as long as we manage to pass the written test!
Andi it has been snowing again!
And then we have to do a driving test!
But we have a car (Chrysler Voyager) which is the same as the car that drove us to Heathrow airport 3 weeks ago! And we have mobile phones (in Colin`s name) and all of this would have been next to impossible without the family being here to help.
Someone go and ask Rakki and Sarah Bogen if arriving in the UK are as much fun as this!
So in front of me is a computer screen, doing 6 different operations, opening facebook, checking bank accounts in the USA and the UK, seeing who is on skype, checking emails for Goodyboxes in the UK and updating this Blog. To my left is Keith`s iphone which is busy syncing with the computer I am on, updating contacts, music and the like.
Beyond the computer is a very sick Oliver, with a temperature of 100.6 (I`ve never had a thermometer before its amazing), just able to lift himself out of bed long enough to run to the bathroom or watch the highlights of the 7 Nations games.
Upstairs are my nieces watching a little tv while their very busy mother Elizabeth, organizes music group rehearsals for church tonight and catches up on a bit of studying.
The lovely Colin, (the reason for this whole adventure) whom is the only Harfield earning money at present, is at the office doing something musical.
Youngest Harfield, Micah (2 years) is playing at Nani`s house
Outside it is raining, and Keith is in the car, not ours I hasten to add, thinking of his website updates, magic props to be made and developed and marketed; while picking up Fizzy from a friends house - a friend I have never met so I am trusting her judgment!
So a little insight into Winter Break for 9 Harfields
So have you ever seen 6 members of one family ranging from 5 to a little older going to the Nail Bar - a 3 hour nightmare for many, but really Mary Andrews you would have enjoyed it! We started with pedicures for the Liz and I, a time to site in a massage chair and a good time to catch up on life in the household, who is going to cook, which children need a little extra work - usual girlie banter. And while that was happening Felicity, and her cousins Eden and Elise had their toes painted, cuticles tamed (I dont know what one does with a cuticle), hands massaged and spent a lot of time discussing nail varnish colour and which nail art should go on which finger. Oh and a little time for having the odd smudged nail re-painted. All under the watchful eye of their grandma `Narnie` - Liz`s mother who is a master at the nail spar, and knows how many coats one should have and how long to spend under the nail dryer... an experience for all!
So here we have a combination of Detroit and London Harfields.
Colin is the youngest of the original English Harfields, born in crawley, fell in love with an american and moved to her home land. A very wise young chap,, but a little bemused why his older bro would want to come and live with him, when they never spent any time in the UK together, and are now together 24/7
Next the lovely Elizabeth Harfield, the only true american in the bunch (well with a bit of egyptian thrown in!) While studying, bringing up children, running worship and having her nails done: Liz sails above the constant hubbub!
Keith next, the Alien of Extraordinary Ability, and the reason we are all together. Three `m`s can describe this gentleman - A man of mystery, magic and missing his eldest son!
Then there is his little lady,....a woman that would like to look like Barbie and buy shoes all day.
There are 5 kids between us - who would you like first - lets go youngest to oldest.
Micah - 2 years old and the cutest and the loudest of the bunch, no not even Sarah can scream like that. A little man who has come into the world to get it to revolve around him. And with that smile who can resist him.
Elise - 5 years old and just the sweetest little lady, always ready to save a fluffy animal or two from destruction. Loves life, everyone in it, and taking her orange vitamins.
Eden - 8 years old and the most grown-up of the American Harfield collection. Always sensible, organized and keeping us all in check - especially on the school run when I dont know in which direction we should be going.
Fizzy-girl. The London girl of 11 who in 3 weeks has kept up with all her friends in London, on skype and facebook, made numerous friends had 4 play dates and a sleep over and is better at putting Micah to bed than us!
Oli - loves the fact that thanks to his wonderful aunty and cable TV he can now keep up with the rugby. The pneumonia was a set back but it was his own fault for lying in the snow wearing his boxer shorts!
Well I am in Mexico somewhere - not sure where - think it may be Acapulco! The story so far... Arrived at the airport in Guatemala with no upsets or hiccoughs, or hiccups if you prefer that spelling. Got my bags, through customs to the usual melee of people waiting for friends and family. My next task was to look around for the man with the piece of paper with my name on it, or sometimes the ship name, or sometimes the port agents name. I look... I see nothing that looks like me so I wait patiently. The flight was delayed for half an hour so he may have gone off for a comfort break. I keep waiting and keep looking and the crowd gradually gets smaller. There are not many planes flying into Guatemala so they do not wait long. I feel a little exposed so I wander back into the airport to get the paper out and phone the port agent and check the name. My phone has no signal! Have I got international roaming or am I just in a dead area. I am certainly not going to walk out of the airport to find a better signal. Not in Guatemala! There are now only about 5 people holding up cards and I look at them again and see the words Silverseas in small letters on a sign. My spirits raise. I look again to see my name spelt so badly that I only vaguely recognize it. Who is Ceeth Hartfeelds? I feel a great sense of relief but the journey is not over yet. But I am at least in the safe hands of the Port Agent who is responsible for getting me to the ship. I get to the Cab and meet another entertainer (Piano player called Craig, nice guy, we are getting on well). He tells me that he found the Cab straight away but was beginning to panic as they put him in the car, started the engine for the AC and told him to lock the doors and not open them for anybody!!!! It is so good to travel! Now, due to the 30 minute delay of the flight and the 30 minutes that it took me to discover the Guatemalan spelling of my name, we are on a tight schedule. It is 3.15 and the ship is due to leave at 5.30 and we are about 2 hours from the port. And there is a traffic jam the size of Guatemala city in Guatemala city! We leave the town an hour later and hit the open road. We are obviously running a bit late and the driver is pushing the pedal to the metal. I look over his shoulder to see the speedometer showing 145 (Kilometers - thank goodness) I am holding on tight and checking that the seat belt is working. Craig, my Piano playing friend, and I are swapping cruise stories and we have decided that the last thing we see may be each other! I look over the drivers shoulder again and we are now doing 160! At about 5.15 I see a sign that says Puerto and realize this nightmare is about to end. Phew! We pull in and there is a man looking very hassled. He says `quick I need your passports` and we hand them over, hoping that he is not just some guy nicking passports! He had to take them to immigration to get them stamped so the ship could leave. We get out of the cab and are hassled through the customs search procedure. They insist on looking in every case but the search is so cursory that I could have hidden anything in my bag. I am sure that they were primarily checking for the quality of the packing and folding of the contents of my bag. At last we get to see the ship. The beautiful Silver Shadow (mind you a Saga cruise ship would have looked good after that taxi ride). A porter comes for our luggage and we get on the ship and before our feet have left the gang plank they are rolling it in and casting off the ropes and we sail away. Just made it! The ship is amazing, the food is wonderful, the service is first class, my suite (yes suite) is as big as some of our flats. (King size bed, bathroom with Bath. walk in dressing room bigger than the bathroom, Lounge area with 3 seater settee and an arm chair) Oooh and the best bit... a fully stocked mini bar that is free! But I am not going to fall foul of the mini bar trick. No champagne! Where is the number for room service? The next Day... A day at sea during which I prepared for the first show which was last night. It could not have gone much better. It is good to be working again.
Its scary out here by my self, no friends, every one picking on me....JUST JOKING, its great. Mummy said I should put something on a blog, so here I am. Reading all the messages and laughing at how silly everyone is being. Especially my friend Mr Hall who I think is writing under a different name.
I went on a shopping spree, in a big and fancy mall, its weird how they call them malls, not shopping centres. Bought lots of bling - which is jewelery for those who dont know.
Every day I have to pledge allegiance to the flag - I know the words almost off by heart - but I dont understand why they dont mention the Queen, but I like the fact they mention God and beauty for Justice for all!!!!!!!! My two favorite subjects - art on a Monday (always having a laugh), and TV, (we have a massive projector down stairs in the basement where we live).
I found out my cousins are funnier than last time we were here. Food hasn`t changed, but more cookies. Church is hipper and hopper but miss colin cliff`s little lectures and hearing all about Mr Godens long lectures!
Love you all, keep writing messages
More of Fizzy`s world soon
So I guess there is only one Travelling Harfield at present and you have heard from him this week.
A lot of people ask what have I been up to this week, with my husband away, my children at school and not even my own house to dust – and you know what a regular duster I was! Well technology plays a big part in my day. As the London Goodybox office is 5 hours behind I awake to my iphone showing me the emails I need to deal with, I can see all the orders, check cost and new products on the market, pay suppliers, order stock even run a virus scan on the computer in London from Detroit! I can communicate with Kathryn everyday (that’s slightly more often than I communicate with my mother!) From my iphone, I read the top stories in the UK Times and Telegraph (and your right Mr Fullbrook, there has been a lot of news on Jade Goody). I also thought of downloading news and business reports from 2 very different points of view from 2 US news channels. But no reason when I have Mr Basham to call!
Then of course my week is taken up with school life, which is so different for both O & F – I hope you enjoyed ‘Fizzy’s World’ on the subject. School runs are a new addition – after the pneumonia episode for Oliver I feel that making him wait for the bus at 7.30am in temperatures well below freezing may not be a good idea at present. Oliver & I have been busy looking at high schools and a very different educational system from the UK – he has to have a rough idea of the elective subjects he will study for the next 4 years, regardless of the compulsory science, english, maths and global history/geography.... This has helped him make a rough plan for his life at the age of 13. It is fantastic, as Oliver is the only Travelling Harfield to have a written life plan, (although Felicity would say she knew what she wanted to be from an early age),... I’m so jealous.
The major aspect to my week has been looking at somewhere to live. It has been a logical progression involving maps, discussions with friends of Colin & Liz, googling and coffee. We started with the idea of living near the schools we wanted the kiddies to attend – so I looked at 3 areas, each has at least 2 high schools for Oliver and 3 middle schools for Felicity – yes alot of schools. And my conclusion is – each area has good schools.
So the next criteria on choosing an area was a house – well the one thing that Metro Detroit has is ...... an abundance of houses to rent or buy. Should be no worries there.
The next criteria for locating the Travelling Harfields was - a park. I thought it would be nice to be near some open spaces – well having stepped outside daily in temperatures of well below freezing, (I yet again question why my brother would want to live on top of a mountain in the Alps, when he has weather like this), I feel that life in Detroit may be spent inside for 5 months of the year. Sooo no need to be near a park.
And lastly the final criteria for the idea home, is to be near ............ the relatives – and since we are living with them – there seems no need to move.
It took me a week to work through that!
And lastly this week I have had time for coffee, with some lovely ladies who have invited me into their homes. And I have to say the quality of coffee is extremely high out here you’ll be pleased to hear Mrs Basham and Mrs Hall. And in fact there are more variations of coffee beans, methods of grinding them, ways of peculating them, creams and milks to add to them than I have ever come across. But more about coffee houses and shopping trips another day. Obliviously I have not had a chance to investigate the Peppermint Tea angle for Mrs Cave, but I am on the case.
And so week five is nearly over, and all that remains for me to say is, - Daddy the shop keepers tell me spring is coming because they have their stock of easter eggs, and plastic chicks. I always thought that you could tell spring was coming ‘cos the lambs were arriving. I hope Ivy and Dennis have found their way to this site. And Matt, get your flight booked, I need you to organise me, drink wine with and Oli needs his big bro to kick a ball with; and of course we need Leanne as there is a bit of shopping to be done. You can bring Mr Owens but only if he tells me all the best games for my iphone.
Just wanted to let you know, those of you who are worried and keeping up on the Harfield live stock.... Tort-the-Oise is awake. Yes I have been informed by my niece, that on arrival to Putney from her gap year, she found my beloved Tort awake after his winter sleep. He is residing in a `baby bath` in the kitchen of a very nice residence and hopes to be checking out the beautifully manicured lawn soon.
Any news on the Guinea pigs or the geckos..........
Oh so much to tell you all since our last update...... Its been a whole week - and loads has happened. I just dont know where to start....
But right now its Friday night, Keith is going out with `the boys` to check out a club. A venue that some members of Rockpointe hope to use for an evening of entertainment for fund raising for a project they are supporting. (Not sure that sentence would win marks in a GCSE exam).
And I am taking the kiddies over to another lady`s house for a movie and tortilla chip and popcorn night (not sure would win awards for most calorie balanced evening).
But it has all been a busy week so much to tell you!
Baseball is apparently not like cricket! The bowler is not a bowler he is a pitcher. The batter may bat but he is a hitter. And rather than running in straight lines they run in circles and end up where they started. If that is where they wanted to end up they could surely have just stayed still and saved all the energy!
Why am I learning all this? Well Oliver has joined Little League which is a baseball league for kids, which in turn means as his doting father I have taken an interest! He had to go for an evaluation to be put into a local team and before he went I thought that it would be good if we got to grips with the game.
As I was away for a few days on a cruise Oli went for his first practice with Paul Sanchez (a friend from church and Oliver’s maths teacher) and his son Jake. I went the second time and I have to say I was very impressed with my son.
After some instruction I stood at one end and fed balls into a machine which hurled them with frightening speed at my poor boy... and all he had to defend himself with was a baseball bat! He did a sterling job of hitting the balls back at me and almost hit me on several occasions. Time and time again the balls flew away and came straight back... I think he may have found his true vocation... or maybe it is just an easy game to play. I thought that, but maybe I shouldn’t have said that!
2 minutes later I was wearing a helmet and holding the bat and at the wrong end of the cage and trying to remember how to bat when playing ‘rounders’, surely this is similar. The balls came down and I swung wildly, after about 4 or 5 balls I surprised myself by hitting one, then another... then Paul said as I’d got my eye in it was time to set it to the adult speed!
Another ball was dropped in the chute and before I could swing... actually before I could blink, there was a resounding thud as the ball hit the protective cushion behind me and fell to the floor. I imagined what it would be like if it hit me and another ball went bang. I started swinging and hoping and after 3 or 4 I made contact. It was a very thin contact but I touched the ball and thought ‘I can do this!’ The next ball sailed past my head, but the one after that I caught on the sweet spot of the bat and it flew back down the pitch towards the machine and the person who was loading it. They ducked and my job was done. I quit while I was ahead. After all this was for Oliver not me! To be honest my shoulder hurt and I could still feel the vibrations all the way up my arm!
We left and I was feeling proud of Oliver’s hitting ability. He hardly missed a ball out of the 200 or so that he swung at and he had never played the game before.
The evaluation was this morning and quite a lot of kids, some from Oli’s year group at school were there. Once again I was a proud father as they went through their paces. Fielding: Oli was as good as any of the others with his catching mitt (not glove... I’m learning). Pitching: needs work, but he pitched a few good ones even though he has never done it before. Batting: He only missed one!
The Little league season starts in a few weeks, which gives us a few weeks to decide which professional team he should play for when he leaves college.
Just thought I’d wish you all a Happy St Patrick Day – yes these guys know how to celebrate in style, green beer, green cakes, the younger kids have leprechaun catching projects, everyone is looking for 4 leave clovers and all the kids wear green to school. I can’t wait to see what they do for our patron saint of Wales with a leek!
Just thought you should know Bene and Rach, that we can’t come back yet as it would cost us too much with the current baby and wedding boom – what are you all up to at St J’s... and we are also waiting for baby Talitha to get over colic, I don’t know how those Mead’s are coping.
And GMM (Grandma Midge for those who dont know) you know if Jeremy came back from France you couldn’t cope with the food bill, and if Caroline came home, you would not have enough tiny tiny pots for her to clean out and as for me, well the noise level would be overwhelming!
But I have noticed that the Brits have a lot in common with the Micheganites (that may be the name of the locals and a tribe in the bible?) they all talk about the weather – and it changes here at a speed unknown to man.
Note from Keith... actually they are called Michiganders!
Just to add confusion to this update, my sister-in-law’s mother, the one who took us to have our nails done, has invited all of us to celebrate a Christmas dinner with her today as she hasn’t taken down her Christmas decorations yet!
Finally Mat-u-man you can’t steal my best friends...... I want them back!
Hi... it’s the time you’ve all been waiting for!
It’s the one the only Oli Harfield
I’m sorry this entry has been a bit late (it’s because I`m sooooooooooo busy these days). So I guess I have to tell u the real story. Life’s been very different. I’ve had new school (easy) church youth group (awesome) and friends at church and at school are all really cool. So far I’ve played sports (baseball) which has been great fun and a good laugh. I’ve been to music concerts with church, this was really awesome, was very entertaining and the gospel preacher was extremely funny. I’ve been loving watching the rugby and football because of my greet aunt. Listening to my English music has always reminded me of home. School has been a laugh and going home on the yellow school bus has been fun. But I’ve made a few errors when talking to people like using the word rubber instead of eraser (for those who don’t know, and don’t worry i was one of them, it means condom) so everyone started laughing when i asked quite loudly “can i borrow someone’s rubber for a minute or two". After acting like an idiot for about 10 minutes someone finally told me. The one bad thing about school is that i have to stay at the same lunch table every day so it’s hard to meet people.
And Benny and Rach I’m sorry but we might be here a bit longer (hope you find a drummer as good as i was). Dont worry god mother I`m better now!
Just for those of you who care, we can now give you a picture of Felicity`s pigs, via a mobile phone in Croydon, thanks to Rev & Rev Shephard!
Not much news this week, apart from Oliver has made the Clinton Valley Little League baseball team, and is trying out for the school `track` squad!
Felicity has been to a junior magic club lesson and has taken up the flute.
Keith is off to vegas and has a social security number, a venue to put on a show and a partner to work with on the project, and is re-learning how to cold-call agents.
And I am learning to juggle.....life
Coping with the morning rigor of deciding what to wear is a problem that most women grapple with but they usually don’t start doing that till they leave school – School uniform is a wonderful thing! But here in the land of the free (providing you have health insurance) you can wear what you like to school every day. Back at All Saints Primary the kids had the odd casual day when they did not need to dress up. The USA equivalent? Well how can you dress down if you don’t dress up? They manage it in the form of pyjama day!
In my opinion what these young 11 (going on 17 year olds) don’t need is a lesson in how to be a teenager. ‘Can’t be bothered to get dressed – well go to school in your PJ’s!’ Whatever will be next ‘why get out of bed? You can tune into the lessons over the internet!’
But on Friday all the girls and boys at Felicity’s school did just that – They all turned up in what they wore to bed, but I suspect, judging by the new shiny nightwear in front of me, none of it had ever been worn before!
Another successful day of learning I’m sure! But Felicity had a great time and fun was had by all.
A couple of days later (Saturday morning) I took Felicity for her second trip to the local magic shop where they run junior workshops. This week they were learning the cut and restored rope and at the end of the session they run ‘show and tell’. A chance for the kids to do a trick, for the other members, if they are brave enough. My wonderful girl had something prepared and stood up and did a beautiful performance. Where does she get all that amazing confidence and charm? I blame the parents!
And it is not only Felicity who is taking after the parents. OJ (although we don’t call him that anymore, not after the Simpson affair) has signed up for yet more sports! Regular readers will know of his baseball exploits in Little League but now we have to add another Americanism to our lives -‘Track’. Which I understand is what we used to call ‘running around and jumping’!
Now I think Oliver must get his sporting prowess from me as I am a well known fan of the gym, actually all this writing about exercise is exhausting me! But you can’t do any sports in an American School without a medical. It is at times like this that I really miss the good old N.H.S. So we took OJ at a cost of $26 for a ‘physical’.
So in 8 weeks we have a son in Junior High (eighth grade) doing Little League, Track and learning guitar. A Daughter in Elementary (sixth) wearing Pyjamas, learning the Flute and performing to a roomful of tomorrows magicians!
The point of this story is that Kids are amazing and an object lesson to us all. They are not worrying about what is going to happen next month and next year, they are getting on with it, and enjoying it. Living their lives to the max. Another week and more excuses to be proud of my children – but now we need to get on with some work. And I’ve got a driving license – but more of that next time.
OK so Sunday night - Keith in Vegas, kids in bed - mine and the nieces and nephews - Colin and LIz out and what else to do except have a small glass of wine and tell you that we just had a Weather Warning of 4 inches of snow tonight...... the buds are on the trees and the robins are singing, its easter in a week and we were in tee shirts today - how confusing is this weather system!!! Just to add to the confusion, we had a test for the hurricane sirens on Saturday, the test happens once a month. I still have so much to learn about the weather alone.
I know that I need to get some more pictures on this blog but life is a little busy - still trying to decide where to go for `spring break` thats Easter Hols to you British lot. O & F only get a week off school, but we do have about 3 months in the summer!. We thought we may go and see the boys at the White House (I read that the chap out here has been to visit your chap and they had some good chats!) - but it turns out Washington is a 9 hour drive, and there are only so many story tapes we can all agree to listen to. So may stay `local` and visit this amazing state.
Well thats it - I`ll tell you more about my insights on weather soon. Happy Holidays!
Update on it`s way. We`re off to Frankenmuth! Happy Easter to all! And of course we are thinking of Matt and Leanne on their first wedding anniversary. Where has the year gone guys?
So a quick rundown on the Travelling Harfields Easter 2009! Good Friday started with an early morning meeting with a local newspaper editor who wants us to do a column about coming to Detroit and why we chose this location – do you think we will have anything to say!!!! Lunch was fantastic with 18 loosely connected relatives – I’m sure we were connected in some way. We then made ‘Easter Gardens’ with all the kids – a tradition we seem to have carried on from Good Friday’s at St J’s and in the woods at Cwm Broch. Good traditions travel well – but we did need to buy plastic grass as the Detroit grass hasn’t grown enough to pick after the snow that only stopped on Monday! And a good Easter Garden would use a couple of stones to make a ‘tomb’ – but no stones are available in the manicured gardens here so plastic cups were used – oh the disposable world we live in! And in the evening we went to a baptism service for 26 people... it was a very social day!
Easter Day – started with a call from our family in Wales at 7am our time... Tort the Oise is doing well and has his own heat lamp – never would have got such mod cons in Charlton. Then on to the Easter service – and we knew people and were greeted by name! Only another 1000 people in the congregation to get to know!
Us 4 Travelling Harfields then journeyed to the German town of Frankenmuth............... for bratwurst and deep fried chicken for lunch, a pleasant walk round a very well decorated town! (See pictures).
The day finished with the old Gore tradition of rolling Easter eggs down the stairs – not as significant as the tradition of making Easter Gardens – but just as much fun! A tradition that nearly died this year, as the American’s don’t seem to sell large chocolate eggs, only chocolate bunnies – but yet again my sister-in-law saved the day by finding some Cadbury ones!! A double result... eggs to roll down the stairs and some real English chocolate!
Welcome to my second update..... WOW ..... at the moment I am learning about Mexican dictators. Let me tell you how interesting it is...... .........................................Now moving on, can officially say I have learned about sex education and puberty 3 times, in 2 countries. And I have realized that neither in England or America they tell you what happens to the boys (but that’s a good thing). The biggest and most exciting difference about this subject is that in America they give you free stuff and coupons!!!
I have made many new friends and will continue to make new friends hopefully. I’m teaching my cousins about the wonderful life of fairies and computer games. I had a Mexican fiesta (better than learning about the dictators), did some Mexican craft and ate Mexican food.
The picture is of me fishing at Camp Tamarack – I dont know what the fish is but I caught 2. The older man in the picture is my Headmaster, Mr Suggs who helped me get the fish off the hook. We fished with LIVE worms... never touching a worm again.
Keep those interesting stories coming, I love them
So no up date but check out the links.... you can do it! Technology means we can do all sorts. Plus the photos of The Boy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfiU3wlmvNU This is Fizzy at the school talent show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQUjBtJtgUw This is Eden also at the school talent show
(oh yes and the dads are in there too!)
One of my better titles I feel!
Well guys things seem to be hotting up back in Blighty, and we really appreciate all the news we get via blogs, facebook, emails and the odd phone call. We all love chat. And Mattuman and Lee come soon pleeeeeeeeeeeese.
We are 3 months in and the last few weeks have been tied up with red tape – although we have Goodyboxes.co.uk (always good to plug the business I feel), and the odd property back in the UK we have NIL POINTS on the old credit score in the USA. And landlords would like to rent properties to those with a job, and a regular pay slip, and a stable income as well as those who don’t speak funny. And we don’t cover any of those bases. So in fact it has been harder to rent a house than we thought. YES as surprise to us to! So we are still in our lovely basement, where we all sleep so much better as its so dark (NOTE to new parents put babies in the basements they sleep better). We have everything we need, and often come up into the bright sun light which is a blessing. We often comment about our lives being similar to that of Anne Frank – (NOTE TO GRANDPARENTS Colin and Liz do let us out honest).
I am still getting use to all the differences (will I ever become anglo-american instead of anglo-gob smacked – oh I am getting better all the time with these one liners). Fizzy girl has just completed her project on ‘Career Focus’. This entailed an extreme amount of research into what she wanted to do with the rest of her life – followed by a written report; presentation to the class covering what to wear for the chosen profession, wages, degrees to take, personality traits she would need. She (and other Six Graders) then went out to lunch with local business owners, who shared their experiences. So many comments I’d like to make at this point – like what am I doing for my career, how come she gets to dress up for lunch; but anyway, Felicity received 52 marks for this assignment out of 50!!! HOW DOES THAT WORK?
So little quiz for you all… what career did Fizzy-girl choose?
Well its time to go and have a little glass of wine and catch up with the lives of the other Harfields in this house – sometimes its so busy its hard to remember what we have all been up to. But lovely Elise is a good chatter while playing Uno, and its great to hear about her day at kindergarden, and Micah is chatting so much now. We are trying to get him to talk with an English accent. At the age of 3 he can now say in perfect pigeon English ‘can I have a glass of chocolate milk and a cup of tea’! Our work here is nearly done! Love you all
S x
Quick news flash...... we have a nice ranch style house, move in on Thursday (bungalow to you Brits!) People are being so so nice - they are offering us furniture and kitchen stuff and oh so kind. Apparently its the `season for garage sales`.... they come in seasons so we maybe able to pick up a bike or two etc.
Sarah B - I now look at you in a new light - how did you move countries with a baby, set up a home, have more babies and manage to live without Panera Bread (fantastic) WOW what a woman. I think of you every time I go to Dunkin D`s - which isn`t often as they are very bad for you, but that doesn`t mean I dont think of you... oh big whole I`m digging. What I love is just how helpful people are, always willing to give advice - everyone wants a chat! And really EVERYTHING IS so BIG
Jane B - you spell your name wrong every time you write on the message board or have I been spelling my middle name incorrectly all these years. And you can advertise anything you like on this blogg - its like a little community thing.
GMM - I`d be more settled if you came out and tried to sort out the food thing - too many products and I dont know what to do with any of them. And Fizzy says `Grandma Midge it is hot - you wont need a vest`.
THANK YOU Kathryn and Rachel for my Pilgrimage Tee shirt - look at you lot with your fancy designs!! Rach speak more clearly to my God Son - he may not understand your accent! People here say I have one, so you must too.
Keith is a way for the night at an Amish village, with a bunch of magicians, all going to a magic flee market !!!! So much I could say.....
And sort out that Flu thing in Blackheath so Ruth can come and see us lot!
LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH
S xx
When it comes to naming towns this one was definitely at the back of the line! But if you look it up on the internet you will see that it calls itself the ‘magic capital of the world’! A brave claim for a one horse town just north of Amish country, which is where my little adventure was bound.
I was picked up by a couple of magician friends and promised an Amish chicken dinner. On the journey I was told we were meeting another friend there… a dwarf called Danny. And as he told me, ‘a recent survey of dwarfs found that 6 out of 7 of them weren’t happy!’ You learn something new every day!
The four of us filled ourselves on a salad (for starters) chicken, meatloaf, stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and green beans… As much as we could eat, and an enormous slice of pie for desert – all for $15.99 each – Delicious… these Amish sure know how to cook! Then I discovered that they were Anemones or Mennonites but no-one was sure of the difference.
Loads of horses and carts, men with suspect looking beards and women in wimples (is that the right word???) And while we were there we were invited to join them for a family lunch next time we visit – they truly are amazing people with an interesting lifestyle.
Then on to an overnight at a cottage on the side of a lake, a late night with mucho vino and card tricks, which was only spoiled by the fact that the main reason for our trip was a magic flea market and we had to get up at 7AM the next day to be there! It’s a place where we all get together and sell our old magic and buy other peoples old magic – magicians have been recycling stuff for years. Collectors items swap hands and some people manage to get a bargain or two (Ask Michael Mode about the collapsible sword he picked up for $5).
Great fun was had and I managed to buy Felicity a couple of new tricks to help her on her chosen career. Then we had the best bit… A chance to take some pictures in front of some funny signs… COLON!!!! LOL!!!!
PS If you were offended by the small jokes you should meet Danny – they were all his!
Well people am I going back to my roots? Went out and did some street shows last week! Haven't had so much fun in ages. Can't wait to do it again.
Thought you would like to see some photos to prove that I can still cut it! :)
We made it.... we are out of the basement and into the light!! 4 months in and we have a home - and due to the love and care of all around we have furniture, beds, kitchen stuff and even a tomato plant!
As I type this we have a sort of network that sort of works but lets not dwell on that for too long - I dont think American technology wants to talk to English technology or visa versa - but then what do I know!!!
'Schools out for summer' - catchy words for a song - on 11 June. And then 3 months of summer school! No only kidding. We are so excited that the lovely Basham Family - all 6 of them - are coming as far as Toronto to see us! And I believe Mr Mills is coming as far as Vegus to see Keth....... And the amazing Ed Wollett is bringing Doc Ruth and Daddy Wollett for a week or so AND of course Mattu and Lee Lee are coming. Yippppppeeeeeeee. So a great summer for all. And maybe a bit of swimming and tennis too (and thats just courses for Keith!)
Must down load this before the net work crashes - love you all - what you up to for the summer peeps?
I know we haven't written since the start of June - but moving countries is quite a thing but moving house within a new country is taking a little time too. I promise we will all give a little account of our first weeks in the new home. And there have been so many exciting events to share - just how the house has been furnished with the help of so many; both O & F have graduated; we have met the neighbors (no opening of wine YET but I'm hopeful). AND just wanted to say how excited I am that my mummy has booked her flight from Wales to the USA in Sept. YIPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEE no more cooking... no of course I'll do the cooking Mums!
S xx
Ok so life has been busy – we have been in the Troy house for a couple of weeks and time flys – as it does in everyone’s lives – doesn’t it!
We were honoured to be invited to your first Graduation Party courtesy of the lovely Amacucci Family. Their son Jeff graduated from High School, and a huge party with over 180 people attending, commenced. Keith did a little show, the kids hung out at the pool and I learned how important it is, on these occasions, to have a huge graduation cake with loads of frosting (icing to you Brits).
Graduation is massive over here – you graduate from Kindergarden (nursery); Elementary (Primary); Middle School (? Start of Secondary); High School (? End of Secondary School) – keep up on the translation there will be a quiz. So as Felicity has done parts of her education twice, she also ‘graduated’ twice. As you know she left All Saints Primary School in July 2008 with the ‘Blessing of the Lord’, a candle and a bible. Well in June 2009 Felicity graduated from Collins Elementary to the words of (a goddess) Milly Cyrus – There is always going to be another mountain, your always going to want to make it move, doesn’t matter how fast you get there, just what’s waiting on the other side............’ and a very nice scroll containing her diploma!! Plus of course the graduation cake.
Oliver didn’t have such a grand ceremony to commemorate his 2 months at Middle School. But he did come away with a Year Book – with pictures of staff and students over their time in Middle School, clubs, sports, dreams and aspirations. There is of course the famous quote documented in this Year Book quoting Oliver’s goal for 10 years time to be, ‘King of England’ – I really need to explain about blood lines alternatively kissing frogs!!!
So school is out – and the summer commences..... bring it on!
Hello Oli Harfield here. Yet again that old woman in my life has made me do some writing. I know it’s all you guys have been waiting to hear cos mine is obviously the most exciting. Sooo life has been interesting..... I’ve been playing sport, going to parties and having a good old summer while everyone in England is still in school. The baseball team won the championship so now I’ve moved on to ‘soccer ‘. And I’m playing at 4pm and its still 80 degrees f. Most of the time I’ve been playing with the Varsity team - sixth form to you lot. And I feel a bit small even though all the burgers have made me grow 2 inches.
3rd of July went to a pool party wearing union jacks and surprisingly I didn’t get thrown in. I stayed over and played and intense game of ‘hide and go seek’ till 2am and came back with lots of bruises and mosquito bites.
So that’s life and it’s going good – and I’m looking forward to spending my 14th birthday with Ali Basham. And going to see my bro in New York.
Well its past my bed time – but thought I would just fill you in on a few thoughts before I go to bed! Keith has gone cruising to Iceland! Tomorrow morning, Oliver & Felicity and I will take a 4 hour road trip across Michigan to a lovely place called ‘Beauty on the Beach’. We are all so excited to catch up with our good friends from Blackheath, Lindsey and Richard Basham and their 4. Oli will be celebrating his 14th birthday, as always, with their son Ali – who was born on the same day (the tradition of spending birthdays together has been going on for about ... oh ... 14 years – and one we are pleased will continue this year.) Felicity is so excited to see their daughter Fiona – I’m not sure we will see much of the 2 girls who have been apart for 5 months now.
These last few weeks, incorporating July 4th has been a funny time for all for us – lots of reminiscing of life in Blackheath – very odd going to firework displays on 4th July when its so warm not like the annual 5th Nov in the cold and wet of the Heath. We are aware that we are missing Conway’s wedding, Holiday Club and the annual return of O’Boyles and Englefields, my niece, Emma’s graduation from Cambridge, along with excitement of GCSE/A results/D of E – all this has been in our thoughts – but mix that with the excitement of seeing Matt and Leanne, all the Wooletts and meeting new neighbours (who really dont drink as much as the Meads), Felicity taking up the flute and going to ‘band practise’, American Doll Parties, Keith going to see the lovely Mr Mills play poker in Vegas and all four of us traveling to Holland Michigan to see Keith work. All this brings a wide variety of feelings to 4 people in the Land of the Free.
And the point is Sarah? We are thinking of you all – but having a good time too.
So much to say.... but just leaving for NY so enjoy the photos. Bashams are now with Mickey Mouse - they are gluttons for punishment.
P.s will update the map when I've worked out where we've been.
Updating this on my iPhone while sheltering from the rain and watching Oli eat pizza for breakfast! Keith did an amazing lecture last night among the largest private collection of magic we have ever seen. Also in the basement was a 32 seater theatre. Come on blackheath friends your slipping!
So on to Baltimore today for another lecture.
And someones 12th birthday tomorrow .
6 London Harfields are together again but this time in New York. Yipeeeeeeee. Empire state with a salt beef on rye here we come
Well 11 Harfields went to Niagara and made a little video! The link is below! GMM we made this on your Birthday - so we were thinking of you. And Granddad Dennis how could we forget you! And Grandma Ivy congratulations on being married for loads and loads of years to Grand-dad Dennis. And GPB - the world is aware of RN7 - or in case the world doesn't know its ' remember November 7th' - another great event!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMXvllC3iuU
p.s. now try the link!
So I spoke to my father tonight who said that it was a long time since our last update – and he was right. I just don’t seem to be able to, or find the time or something to write. But it’s now 4am and here I am. Am I the only person without a normal sleep pattern? Hands up whom else can’t sleep and lays awake thinking about stuff.....
Well I feel that I must go over a little of this summer – with only 2 weeks left of the 3 MONTH summer hols – where has the time gone. Oh I’m sounding more like old people all the time. I must recap on the week with the Basham family – not sure where you are now Lindsey, Oz or Thailand – but it was a fantastic week we spent on Lake Michigan. Celebrating Oli and Ali’s 14th Birthdays with Richard driving a speed boat all day, while the rest of us were ‘tubbin’ behind; go carting; running up sand dunes – so good for the thighs so I was told by someone which a death wish; piñata bashing, which is such fun for young and old; late night fires and marshmallows on the beach. What more could you want for your 14th birthday? It really was an action packed week – and the kids had a ball as they always do. Obviously Rich, Lindsey and I did a lot of adult reading – I discovered the joys of vampires in the book ‘Twilight’ - always good to bond with the youth over a good read! But I can read grown up books too! At least I’m not still reading Tarka the Otter Jerry! And I’m sure the main vampire character reminded me of someone....
There are the photos of driving on the dunes too. I have a real affinity with sand dunes – it could be growing up on Poppit Sands, or the time we drove with the Englefields on that white knuckle dune ride in Dubai. But I certainly conquered all fears when driving the family up one!
As you can imagine it was a wonderful wonderful hols but missing Keith who was lost to the open seas of Iceland. For the first time I was somewhere hotter than Keith!
I am a bit late in writing this… you are getting it from memory… but so many happy ones of our fantastic summer trip.
Day 1 - leave Detroit drive to Pittsburgh – 5 hours in the car!
Day 2 – Leave Pittsburgh and drive to Philadelphia – another 5 hours in the car and ending up doing a lecture to a group of magicians who were meeting in the 30 seat theatre in the basement of some ones house. And that only took up about a quarter of the space – the rest of it contained his magic collection – I could have stayed there all week just looking at the books, props and posters that make his amazing collection.
Day 3 – Head for Baltimore and another lecture in a magic shop where there is a pig called Baby! Vietnamese pot bellied in case you are interested.
Day 4 – Head for New York.
Day 5 – The bit we had all been looking forward to – picking up Matt and Leanne from the airport. The London Harfields were all together again. The worst thing about our fantastic adventure has been missing Matt and Leanne.
New York is an amazing city. From the highs of the Empire State to the lows of Ground Zero. Central Park, The statue of Liberty, Trump Tower, the M&M store (that was for Sarah) and FAO Schwartz (also for Sarah!) and Monday Night Magic (well I had to do my first off Broadway show). We had a wonderful few days just talking and sightseeing and catching up. Recommendation - if you are ever there make sure you check out ‘rice to riches’ a shop that only sells rice pudding! In many different flavours (or should that be flavors?) – Yumm!
Then another long drive to Niagara Falls where we met up with the Detroit Harfields – that made 11 of us in one place! And Niagara survived the attack of the Harfields and the falls are still falling! Family is an amazing thing and I am so proud to be a part of this one. They are all amazing from little Micah (3) up to little old me (51!) and put us all together and there is laughter and joy all around. Check out the pictures to see some of the things we did and saw. Recommendation - if you ever go to Niagara make sure you ride the Maid of the Mist – it’s a classic; but Niagara on the Lake is the place to stay.
After a couple of days there we drove back home to Detroit. A 1600 mile round trip. And the day after we got back the car broke down! I was actually quite happy that it happened as if it had happened on the road it would have been a major disaster. The car had a short circuit that burnt out the computer and the part was on back order so it took 9 days to fix!!!!!
Matt and Leanne were with us for a much too short two weeks and we enjoyed every moment (apart from taking them to the airport to fly home). But they had a chance to see what life here in Detroit is like and we worked out a master plan to get them a visa… Apparently… if Matt and Leanne have a baby while they are here the baby will be a USA citizen and Matt and Lee will have to stay and look after it! A good plan but I am way too young to be a Grandad!
Ok I haven't finished the accounts of the summer and yet Oliver and Felicity started school today. But I must just drop you in some pics of the lovely Edward Woollett, before I even start on blogs about September. Not very good pics I'm afraid (only from my iphone, Richard can you send me some). You will see that Ruth has already done an update on this blogg, of their holiday, on the message board - very efficient.
When dear Doc Marchant arrived with cadburys and a recording of holiday club - there were tears. We loved seeing you all and how much some of you have grown - the kids I mean. Its funny how you talk about 'people back home' however settled you are. I'm sure Mrs Englefield and Mrs O'boyle would agree. So please keep the emails, messages and cards coming. OH AND ONE MORE THING - EXTRA BROWNIE POINTS TO MARGARET PARSON AND MARY ANDREWS FOR SENDING OLI AND FIZZY BIRTHDAY CARDS. Your amazing.
Ok so on with the Doctors visit - which was busy, as life is - so funny cos one of Olivers books to read this summer was 'Tuesdays with Morrie' - an American classic I believe. Come on hands up who has read it. Well its a great book and we watched the film tonight too. But there are some words of wisdom about being busy and there I am going on about it - another great insight is 'when your in bed your dead'. You can tell my reading has moved on since teenage vampires.
Now where was I .... Keith away, took Oliver to the hospital, trying to write press releases for the new show.... NO NO ..... look at the pics of the Woolletts. For me some of the highlights were, Keith, Ruth, Richard and me (or is it I) sitting in the garage at about 11pm listening to the hurricane sirens going off, and waiting to catch a great picture on Richards camera of some lightening. Never seen lightening like it - not even in Cwm Broch in the top field. There was even a dinner of USA Doctors meeting the UK Doctors - great fun, food and doctor stories from 2 countries - always interesting for us non medics. Another high light was watching 3 hours of baseball. The final ball in the final innings was, not only, the only ball that counted but it also ment we had to eat our way through 3 hours of uneventful play..... cricket comes to mind... Oh look at me - can up set sports fans in 2 countries.
No, obviously one of the nicest thing was just hanging out with old friends who we haven't seen for 6 months.
Thanks for coming dear friends!
So just read Roger Medhursts blog, who is traveling to see his son in Oz. It inspired me to stop work and give a quick up date. Busy morning and only 10am here. Oliver and Fizzy-girl are out the house by 7am so I've cycled, washed, cleaned, cooked, made the beds.... yes Mother arrives today!!! Yipppeeee Very excited about showing her around, meeting all the wonderful friends we have made and Colin said he may even put something a little quieter on the play list for Sunday's service!! ;)
K is traveling and lecturing somewhere about 10 hours away - NY way. Felicity has started school and has found a couple of chums to walk to school with. Its still early days - lots of these kids have got established friendships (been to kindergarten etc together) - but she, as we all hope and pray and know will 'get there'. She is taking up 'band' this term with the addition of the flute to her abilities.
OJ shut his finger in a door the day before High School. This was at about 11am by 5pm the blood under the nail had turned black, he was in so much pain even 6 hours later, it was a holiday over here and Keith was away. So I had my first experience of an Emergency Department in the American Healthy system. I just have to share with you a few things that made me laugh - as we arrived at the A & E, I drew up looking for parking and this nice security many asked if I wanted my car valet parked; TV's in every room and cubicle; lovely female doc who stuck the needle in Olivers finger to release the blood was delightful and just as worried about me as well as him. All just the same as back home...... ok ok you syncs I haven't got the bill yet, I know!
Well must go - off to pick my mummy up - dont worry Sis I'll deliver her back in one piece and Daddy do something outrageous while she is away.
Hi everyone.
I just wanted to say a big thankyou to everyone for your notes and letters. It is so good to hear from you. And also to those who send us facebook messages. And now we have Rogers exploits in Oz to follow, and with the englefields in Dubai, the O'Boyles in Tailand, St Johns is taking over the world one country at a time! Which is as it should be :)
I have just got back from another lecture tour which was another 1500 miles of driving in 5 days. First lecture was connecticut which is a beautiful part of the world and about 11 hours drive from here - I did the drive over 2 days and went through some staggering countryside. Acres and acres of incredible forrest which look amazing... well they will do in the fall (ahem autumn) when the leaves change. Let's just say if I see another tree...
The lecture was great and the next day was a day off so I popped down to Queens in NY to catch up with an old friend from the UK. Beer was drunk and talk of happy days at home was exchanged.
As I was driving on to my next port of call I saw the whole of the New York sky line, and the statue of Liberty, an awe inspiting sight. Could not help but think of our visit there with Matt and Leanne a few weeks ago. We miss you guys so much.
I had to drive down to Deleware for lecture 2 - 'The first state' (that is what all the signs say) and In the audience there was a magician who was one of my heros when I first started going to magic conventions... now he is coming to see me! I still can't quite believe that the magic clubs over here are welcoming me and so keen to get to see my lecture, and I am glad to say that the lecture went very well.
Then it was on to Baltimore, for a second time, as I had lectured there about 2 months ago at a different venue. There were people in the audience there who came back to see me a second time (they either liked me a lot or have bad memories!) and they even bought friends! The venue was sold out and was a huge success. I don't like to blow my own trumpet but I seem to be getting a good reputation over here! I am now getting asked to lecture at conventions which are much bigger events and they want me to do a lecture and perform in the gala show. The future is beginning to look very exciting.
At the end of the lecture I had a 9 hour drive back to Troy. My intention was to drive for about 3 hours (till about 2AM) take an overnight break in a hotel and finish the drive the next day. I was aiming to get a hotel about an hour shy of Pittsburgh but friday was 9/11 and there was a rememberance ceremony near there as that is where the third plane crashed, consequently all the hotels in the area were booked. After stopping 3 times at various roadside hotels with no rooms free I drank a can of red bull and drove straight home!
I made it home at about 8.30 in the morning (9 and a half hours and 550 miles later) and couldn't get in as the house was all locked! I hammerred on the door and it was eventually opened by my mother-in-law! Tempting as it is to make a joke at this point I have to say I was too tired so I went to bed.
Thank you and goodnight!
So the welsh Fanny Craddock arrived (thats a bit like Jamie Oliver without the accent) and was so excited by boxes of cookie mix.... as you can imagine all Oliver wanted was a good old roast chicken – with stuffing brought from the UK. And true to form GMM (Grandma Midge) produced a roast that any grandson would have been proud of.
Great to have Mother here – I think she is enjoying her self. We have put her to work on many projects. We are busy booking out a theatre tour www.madmagicandmental.com so she has researched the thousands of lovely historic theatres in Michigan (well quite old any way). We may have investigated a few malls (obviously the credit card is locked away); enjoyed a coffee – although I think even Grandma surprised herself when she ordered a Carmel Apple Latte!!
School for both O & F has got off to a busy start – O still playing soccer 4 nights a week and Fizz has made the Cheer Leading squad – with 2 hours of training a night – gym, fitness, running and a bit of spelling (I cant explain it its all very new – wait for the youtube clip!)
Fall is hotting up here – really temperatures are still in 80’s but the leaves are changing. Sis how is the tortoise – don’t let him hibernate yet it cant be that cold in London!
Promise I’ll put an update soon – just off to Parent/teacher conference at Athens High School
The lovely folk over here all seem to decorate the OUTSIDE of their houses on every occasion. Yes you lazy lot - the outside of their houses for every season, every holiday, even when you have a baby!
So we wouldn't feel left out Grandma Midge bought these two characters to celebrate the arrival of Fall. (GMM is the one with the glasses!) Pumpkins next!
I know this is a short note but I am working on Oliver and Felicity to do an update so watch this space!!!
LOL
(thats 'Lots Of Love' not 'laugh out load' for you techno wizards)
Keith and I would like to thank you for your kind thoughts and words. As many of you know, Keith's father died on 26 September of heart failure. Leaving his lovely wife Ivy, 4 children dotted around the world and 14 grandchildren. At 80 and married for 57 years, the funeral was a real celebration of Dennis's life.
Keith and I flew to the UK, zoomed to Portsmouth and I was back in Detroit withing 5 days - dont worry Oli and Fizzy were well looked after! I know Ivy would appreciate your continuing prayers.
More cheerful update soon
x
Hi everyone
I'm crazy.... just go and watch the 'movie' section of this blog, to see me and my friends in action. In one of the clips look at the girl on the back row - she does an awsom jump.
For the first time ever in Harfield History I got an A in English - some of you know how amazing this is.
Freezing my butt off - dont ask why we're wearing mini skirts - and watch out I can kick higher than ever.
Jake - so good to hear your having same schooling as me. the kid is Ed Woolett - my other god mother's son. She came to visit and now its your turn.
So Oliver comes home from High School a few weeks ago, and informed us that ‘there is a dance at school, and everyone is going’. Keith and I think ‘dance = disco (for those from the 80’s) = rave (for the young ones) = very dangerous there will be guns. Bad call Oli’.
Then Oliver comes home a few days later ‘would like to go to the dance and we have to wear a suit, invite a girl and pay for her ticket and buy her dinner before the dance’. Keith and I think, ‘rats its going to cost us money – very bad call Oliver’!
After Oliver asking everyone on Face Book (that’s how the world of today knows what is happening in your life 24 hours a day – no Grandma Midge you cant join your grand children wouldn’t want you to know!)We find out that the dance is called Home Coming – when all the past years graduates go back to their old High School and watch one of the last American Football games of the season. Personally I don’t think my Secondary School in Wales would allow me to go back – and I’m not sure if Keith knows where his is!
Next day Oli tells us that he had to vote for 2 boys and 2 girls from his year (he’s a Freshman – that’s 1st year of High School – am I teaching you to suck eggs?) To be part of the Home Coming Court, then there are 2 members of the Court in the Sophomore year (next year up), and in Juniors (lower 6th form for you oldies) and lastly Home Coming King and Queen in Senior year. Now those songs by Billy Joel and Beach Boys about Homecoming King and Queen make sense!
Following day Oliver comes home from school and tells us he does need to buy a suit as he has been voted by his year onto the Court, but he will get free tickets, and he has to be in a parade, and we have to go onto the pitch at half time as his parents and carry roses and this really is rather a bigger deal than we realised. Keith thought ‘way to go Oli!’ I thought ‘what shall I wear’!
Then Fizzy chips in and says she knows all about the parade, as she is in it with her cheer team and she needs ‘candy’ to throw to the crowd.
SO........ are you still awake!? Keith and I get to the parade, there is Oli sitting on the back of a Mustang – car not horse – with the other members of the Court, throwing candy with all the Troy District dignitaries; there is Felicity throwing candy and cheering. And watching, proud as punch, taking photos, picking up all the best candy that the kids are throwing at us are Keith and I.
The match was good, don’t understand what happened but I believe we lost and we walked onto the pitch at half time to lots of cheers. Well Oli did.
The day after, the Saturday, Oli had a mate over – they got all dressed up with button holes etc and went over to another friend’s house, where about 15 kids gathered for photos and then onto dinner followed by the ‘dance’. He’s only 14.... Oli’s final comment of the night, ‘DJ wasn’t very good’. Keith and I thought ‘that was such fun, boy these guys never do anything small’.
Busy... quiet... busy... quiet... That is how my life seems to go! Can’t seem to get on an even Keel.
In the last month we put on our first theatre show (check out www.madmagicandmental.com) which I am happy to say went very well, then I rushed back to the UK for a couple of days and got on a cruise ship in Southampton (P&O Ventura, one of the big ones, 3000 passengers) 3 days at sea, one day on Tenerife, 5 days at sea, morning at St Lucia (in the glorious Caribbean... it was raining!) and then home. A few days later I was off doing another show with my new occasional partner, and next weekend I am performing at a magic convention, followed by a comedy club... then nothing for a few weeks!
And in a few weeks it all happens again... A couple of local shows, fly to UK, off to Caribbean, back to UK, a few Christmas shows... then quiet again, well I doubt if it will be quiet because it will be Christmas and we are looking forward to seeing all our friends and family again.
Meanwhile life in Michigan for the rest of the family carries on. Oli and Fizzy get up early to be at school (7.30 and 8.00 respectively) where they are doing soooo well and making us very proud. I will let them tell you about their grades when you see them. Sarah is somehow managing to be superwoman, managing goodyboxes back in London, managing 2 kids in a new school system which I still don’t understand, and she is also managing me!
My next job is to get my new products all made up for 3 magic lecture tours next year and put my lecture notes on DVD – All I had to learn from was books – Am I showing my age?
Who is this amazing girl who is on all the advertising for the new intake at St Dunstan's College, London????
Some of you may remember that we were out here last Halloween, surveying the lay of the land - and making some tough decisions. Well a year on life has changed!
So many celebrations for this festival - including Felicity's first concert. And we spent 31st October, as we had done a year ago, with Colin and Liz and the cousins all 'tricking and treating'. Sadly Keith wasn't with us, work called! But he was there in spirit!!!!! Get it spirit, Keith, Halloween, - oh I'm waisted on you lot!
Chaps & Chapesses
I'm sorry we really have been a bit rubbish in updating this blog lately. Life has become a little busy, with so many changes; its hard for me to keep up with life, not to mention telling you lot. I promise that I will do a big up date this week and tell you all our news. For now I'm going to bed, its been a long old Thanksgiving weekend, Keith has flown to Hawaii and we will next see him in the UK around 18 Dec. Oliver has gone to bed, reciting the capitals of all the States which he has to learn for Geography - I'm not sure I know all the States so cant even go there with their Capitals. And Fizzy has gone to bed wondering if to join the Competitive Cheer leading team (even though she made the tryouts), that practices 4 nights a week for 2 and half hours.... I think going back to swimming may be the way to go.
Love you all and reallllllllllllly enjoy your comments and emails and so excited if not a little apprehensive about Chrimbo...
Sunday night, a little glass of fizz and a blog update, snow is coming down outside, O & F are in bed, K is safe and well somewhere near Tobago, Matt and Leanne should be all wrapped up in their new flat - what could be more perfect.
I have just updated a few high lights of the month of November and it has made me realise, as always, that the verse we were given when leaving the UK has been most appropriate. 10 months on and many many things have happened. I can’t quite believe we’ve kept this blog going for one thing. Keith has been gone for almost 3 weeks and that has been hard. I hope where ever in the world he is he may update this blog (hint hint). The kids and I join him in London on 17 December. We are all so so excited, and for many reasons. One being, that I haven’t seen Keith for 3 weeks (oh did I mention the 3 week thing!!) But also, so excited to see Matt, Leanne and my Mummy and Daddy; and to see so many good friends in Blackheath. Let’s hope we can make Beer and Carols at the British Oak! And of course the people who we had our final meal with in Blackheath 10 months ago, get to host our stay. Simon and Sue just remember we are your BFF's!
But we will be back to Troy (very close to Detroit, check it out on the net, especially the kids schools.) And have lots to look forward to in 2010, ski school for the kids, Felicity’s first Music Ensemble and Competitive Cheer Leading Competition; Oliver hopes to join the school UN and rugby team. We already have a list of New Years Resolutions! Oh and new shows for Keith of course – which I must start booking.
Looking back at the photo’s, Thanksgiving was a blast; along with the parade; decorating the house for Christmas really was a special time. And today, Oliver, Felicity and I had lunch with Colin, Liz, Eden, Elise and Micah. They will be spending Christmas and New Year in California with Liz’s father. And it will be strange not to be with them as we have spent so many incredible times with them this year.
For us Traveling Harfields, we will spend Christmas this year, with my parents, at my sister, Caroline’s house with my most amazing mother-in-law Ivy. For our London friends, we really hope to see you over the Christmas Holidays and for our USA friends – we will be back!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
S x
Look at me keeping up my new years resolution to write this blogg weekly. 6 Jan and I haven’t broken that resolution yet.
We are back to snowy Michigan from even snowier London and what a Christmas it was. In 15 days, us 4 Harfields saw 13 members of family, 3 God Parents, 1 Accountant, 2 Lawyers, an Embassy, spent small amounts of time with members of over 30 families, worshiped in 2 churches, saw the New Decade in with 3 vicars, 1 trainee vicar, 3 doctors, 1 nurse, the lovely Rose, and a random who works in TV (that’s you jonnie!); sang carols in 1 pub, walked dogs, lost and found and lost a hamster but not a single partridge in a Pear Tree to be seen.
We had a ball zooming round and seeing folk, but so many more to catch up with – we will be back in the Summer so don’t worry still lots of time to drink wine and chat about life, hung Parliaments, Charlton, and who will win the World Cup (although it will be a done deal by the time our summer holiday comes – and may the best team win!!) Either way, Oliver gets a hard time with the luck of the first round.
But why think of the summer yet – we are back in Michigan with lots of friends and things to look forward to and new places to see.
.
Thank you again to all who fed us, looked after us, gave us cars, hair dryers and potato peelers. HAPPY NEW YEAR dear friends and family around the world.
its Friday night..... Oliver and Felicity went skiing at 4pm this afternoon and I pick them up at 10.30pm..... Keith is off the coast of Mexico cruising....... and the house is nice and clean and I've watched 4 episodes of Gavin and Stacy. Oh what a jolly life I lead. What is the rest of the world up to?
So many of you were worried about our flight and what would happen at customs after the ‘almost’ bombing on a flight to Detroit on Christmas Day – very thoughtful of you. And as you were all worried I just thought I would tell you about a potato peeler I have. It’s a long story, about Matthew needing a potato peeler to make mulled wine at St John’s church and borrowing one from the Lovely Mrs Cave, who has every useful item known to man. Matt couldn’t return said peeler to Mrs Cave, after making a very nice mulled wine for the carol service, and so gave me the precious item to return. I cherished this item, guarded it with my life and put it in my large pink stripy hand bag. With the festivities over and the packing for the return trip to Detroit commenced - the folds in the large handbag devoured the peeler.
So we went through the scanner at Heathrow and all was well. Then they announced that all passengers on USA flights would be searched and could we split into lines of women and men. As Felicity pointed out, just like toilet ques, the women’s line to be searched, was longer than the men’s. We went onto the body search and nothing to be found there – not even interested in the wire of a certain person’s bra (but Keith doesn’t like to talk about it). Are you keeping up?
Well as I was asked to un pack my hand luggage, I remembered I had the famous Cave Potato Peeler. I also had a game of Rappido in my hand luggage which contained a lot of playdo. You can tell we travel light. The lady searching our hand luggage was so surprised and overwhelmed by checking all the playdo, that when I mentioned I also had a potato peeler in the bag she just laughed. Playdo fully checked – deadly weapon un touched!
As usual this was funnier in my head!
Sx
It is coming to the end of 2 long weeks without Keith and I could have done with him here. I think with the 35 foot waves he had on the crossing from LA to Hawaii he would rather have been elsewhere too. Just booked flights for him in March, ranging from Kansas City to New Orleans heading to Las Vegas with work ranging from working at a Magic Convention and lectures on magic to presenting at trade shows – using magic... running theme here.
So work is ‘getting there’ but lots of projects still to be worked on; memory techniques in schools, magic workshops, theatre shows. Life is never conventional!
And neither is life here with Oli and Fizzy. Last night was spent at a ‘hair spray party’ for Felicity. Where 30 girls from the Larson Middle School Competitive Cheer Leading Team hired a room at the local gym, practiced their routines, ate pizza (as staple diet here in the US) and put each other’s hair in rollers (remember those Mother!) all covered with lashings and lashings of hair spray. All girls slept in their rollers with the full effect being quite magnificent for the Cheer Competition.
Saturday morning found us all in Pontiac (named after the Native American Chief and stolen by the car company) for a huge competition. I have never seen so many girls all sparkling and pristine. And boy could these girls cheer and shout and jump and tumble and fall and stuff.
And in true American style we sang the national anthem and all the parents cheered for their kids – some mothers even had pictures of their daughters pinned to their shirts!
Another first for the Harfields. So proud of the girl – she really has thrown herself into this new life.
And to top it all WE WON!!! Check out the video elsewhere on the blog (called ‘Felicity cheer leading’) Go Larson, Go Blues!!
Just doing a little product trial and have discovered Smucker's. They are the Brits equivalent of Robinson's. You know the jam people!!!!
Well as the pic shows they have mixed 'grape jelly' with peanut butter. Its amazing. The other pic is of the strips of peanut butter and then the strips of grape jelly - jam to some of you!!!
So so so funny and sooo bad for you and soooo tasty and such pretty colours and soo much sugar and oh it made me laugh
Still trying to up load the VIDEO of the cheer competition - technology!!!!!!
Well you asked for so here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn41aGsuriY
Video evidence that a Harfield is a champion cheerleader. Sorry about the shaky picture, I think Sarah was a bit excited when she filmed it.
Enjoy!
Keith
Huge event here the Music Ensemble. F did a duet and a solo. And of course her teacher is none other than the one, the only, the great Mrs Elizabeth Harfield. Big hand please
just to let you know it has started to snow.....as the first flakes landed, I recieved an email, from the Head of the Troy School District, to say that a big storm is coming and we can check 11 different sources to find out if/when the schools will close.
These chaps are so intouch with technology, if the schools close as the storm gets heavier I with get a text and email, I can check Twitter or Face Book, it will be broadcast on 4 local TV stations and 3 radio stations.
So excited - bring on the snoooooooooooooooooooooow
S xx
So just as the weather men said, we had 6 inches of snow since my last update. And it was entitled a Snow Day. As that is how it is described by the kids when they get a day off school.
Obviously the rubbish men were still collecting the 'garbage' at 7.30am, and most of the neighbours had used their snow blowers to clear the 'sidewalks' and their drives by about 8am. It was only the Harfields who spent a lot of time messing around with shovels and brooms and putting more snow on the pavements than taking it off!
A jolly day had by all - a little chilly though at 27 degrees f!!!!!!
Well it is still below freezing outside and the snow is still thick on the ground but that is not going to stop the Harfields! We went to Felicitys school to hear her play in the school band... and I have already edited the video and put it on you tube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMuu7_f7jsQ
If the link above is in blue you can click on it, if not copy it into the address bar at the top and it should work.
We are all off to Crystal Mountain on a long weekend skiing tomorrow. Very excited! Not exactly the French alps or the Rockies but it is only 3 hours drive and we can't wait...
Can't wait to see if Sarah and I can still snow plough down the nursery slopes while Oli and Fizz show off on the black runs!
We will tell you all about it and put up some photos next week.
So as a few have pointed out (Mandy, Rach and my Father!) there has been little about Goodyboxes. Well I exchanged contracts on Thursday and will complete on 26th Feb. A very strange time as some of you can imagine. 10 years of growing and creating a business can be a little hard to let go of.
Now I could go on a bit here, but I have to pick Oli up from Axiom (church youth group) in 10 mins and I dont think even I can reminisce and be deep and meaningful AND blow my own trumpet for that long! - No comments please.
Its been a great little earner, got the old creative juices flowing, got the old grey cells working and EVEN been fun for others too - I hope Rosie (Saturday girl extraordinar) and even Kathryn would agree.
This week will be a little tough - lots of 'i's to dot and 't's to cross - and if the linkything between this USA computer and the London computer go down - someone will hear a lot of moaning - Colin!
So thanks to all those who have brainstormed new ideas, tried new products - especially the chocolates, packed boxes, re-packed boxes, checked spelling on mail shots, created brochures, helped at trade shows and listen to me go on.. And of course Keith for doing my VAT.
Sorry I dont have a family business to pass on M, O & F - but you could take on your Fathers trade! I'll let you know how the week goes.
We had about 7 - 10 inches of snow yesterday. Keith is in Philly or somewhere, O & F had the day off school and did lots of lazy things like cooking and clearing their rooms and watching some fantastic old movies, oh and playing in the snow.
But Colin & Liz built the most amazing 9 ft snowman. I believe Eden, Elise and Micah gave a helping hand. They really are creative geniuses - and now we have left their home I think they were looking for someone to fill the gap!!
so Keith is in Tennessee at a magic convention called Pigeon Forge which is a 'dry town'. How we laughed at that one! He didn't know till he got there.
And I know he hasn't done the video of the Auction - we are on the case. And I have some more great photos of another 'dance' called Snowcoming that Oli went to. But you'll have to wait for that too.
Spring is coming and the snow is melting and me and the kids went to the local Nature Reserve to learn about making maple syrup. Such fun, only a few weeks of the year they can do this. And they can only collect from 40 year old trees. But when the trees come out from their 'dormant' winter state and the water starts to flow back up the trunk with the sun coming out. It really is a short period of time. You know me, I love a bit of nature - could be due to growing up 'int coountry'. You must be able to work on the maple's in Cwm Broch parents!
And notice their foxes are different here - nothing like the fox known as 'foxy' that is now pregnant at Cwm Broch. Either that or Mummy is feeding her too much.
Obviously one of the bonuses to the day was trying the maple syrup and then having to buy some and head home to make waffle to check it was as good as we remembered - from an hour before!
Then a friend of Fizzy's came over in the evening so we could have a girlie trip to see Alice in Wonderland with the lovely Mr Depp. I think Lewis Carroll may be turning in his grave but Disney made some money from it!.
Oh and Fizzy's friend Maddie (see pics of sledging and carving pumpkins) had her hair cut today. Not unusual you say, but she had 10inch cut off for the charity 'Locks of Love'. The hair will be used to make wigs for children with a variety of issues. Amazing - the charity is very popular round here. Do we have that back in the UK?
An interesting day - yes I'll get the pics up of the Auction! Just wait
LYL
S x
Let me just give you a run down on my Friday night - just to point out that life is nearly normal - similar to the jolly UK.
Its Friday night - school is over for the day. Keith is gigging in New Orleans. Fizzy brought a friend home after school to work on a project together, while I spent the an hour on the phone to the lovely Mrs Stephenson in Blackheath. Then drove to pick Oli up from High School and Fizzy to her first swimming/life saving lesson here in the USofA. Then drove her on to a friends house for dinner. Drove back home to check Oli and his 7 mates who were having a boys video night, drove onto a spend a very nice evening discussing the book The Element. As well as learning about what is going on locally here in Troy. Women are such a good source of information! Back to pick up Felicity and home to kick out the boys.
Yes, the obvious difference is the driving - but hey it can not all be the same!
Oh the joys of parenthood, teenagers and good friends. Life is good and Mattuman and the lovely Leanne arrive in 3 weeks. Yipppppeeee.
1. Keith is still away and this is the longest we have been apart in our 19 years of marriage.
Tuesday March 9th – Kansas City, MO
Thursday March 11th – Tulsa, OK
Saturday March 13 – New Orleans, LA
Tuesday March 16 – Houston, TX
Wednesday March 17 – Austin, TX
Thursday March 18 – San Antonio, TX
Saturday March 20 – Midland, TX
Sunday March 21 – Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
2. I went to 'Zumba Gold' - the latest thing in dance classes. A mixture of aerobic exercise with salsa, cha-cha, samba, tango, flamenco, calypso, hip-hop & belly dancing. I thought 'this will sort out my life!' Only problem was the 'gold' bit means its for golden oldies. There were women there of 90 shaking their plastic hips and that is quite something to watch!
3. I was given an Amish Friendship Bread mixture this week by a nice lady from Church. For 5 days I have to 'mush' the bag it is in as the mixture grows and rises. What is wrong with bringing a pie round! On day six you add more flour and sugar. Keep mushing for another 4 days. On day 10 you add more milk, sugar, flour, salt, baking soda and a instant vanilla pudding mix. I think you throw it away on day 11, after dividing it up and giving some to 3 people you dont like. These Amish......
4. Well I found these old pic from 2007 when me and my bro and sis and families got together. Not really new, but very special
So have been mushing this batter for a long time now - 10 days and baked it tonight having taken enough batter/mix for 3 more potions... I mean mixture to hand on to any new friends I may want to kill off. This is a bit like a cooking chain letter. Do we have this in the UK even though we dont have any Amish. Are there any Amish in the UK.... are they a bit like the Celts!! ;)
Just going to cool down the bread and put it in the kids pack lunch. That should get them through the day.
If I ever saw my husband I would get him to do an update. 2 weeks now and its killing both of us off. He leaves Dallas tomorrow (last day of the lecture tour) for a week at a trade show in Las Vegas.... dont say anything Mother!
S xx
So Keith was on a cruise.......and I went to Canada for the morning with another school mum, Linda. It took 30 mins to drive from Troy to Canada - it was freezing and I took pics of Detroit.... very odd. BUT the main reason for going was to buy Cadbury Easter Eggs - the USA likes their Easter Bunnies... well you know I am a fan of the Easter Egg. I bought a variety of 12 easter eggs....... none of them made by Cadbury's - a great place to go for coffee though!
If I was any good at keeping this blog I would have written while Keith was away for three weeks but I didn't. So we will skip forward to Easter to matt and Leanne coming and how excited we all are. They arrived on Good Friday in time to see felicity baptized by her Uncle Colin. Many tears shed and her testimony was wonderful. Easter day spent rolling eggs and making Easter gardens- see blog up date from a year ago- very similar. But obviously with matt and Leanne plus the Detroit harfield's and us travelling one there were 11 harfield's. And now I'm lying in bed typing this on my iPhone in an appartment in Chicargo waiting for matt Leanne Oli fizzy and Keith to wake up so we can explore the city. We do love these road trips. Stopped at an interesting Amish community on the way here. Amazing.
Well must wake the sleeping babes. It still amazes me the diversity of this country and that we drive as far as wales is from London in this huge country but we have crossed a time line! Why dies that amaze me......
Jane saw the pics of mr goddens 21st. So good to see them all grown up but where did the time go!
So the neighbours arrived and we decorated eggs as that is what one does at this time of year...... this is Maddie's family - see the pics of Fizzy sledging.
Matt and Leanne arrived later this day and Felicity was baptized. Oh and then Chicago - the city - and saw Billy Elliot!! So the kids learned about the miners and Arthur Scargill.... so funny teaching them a bit of history I REMEMBER!!!!
This fantastic city also houses the American Girl Doll shop.... you can get your doll kitted out in the latest sports wear, anything for the stables, books about famous Girl Dolls (yes there is a Felicity doll), take your doll to the hair salon and for a mere $25 have her hair cut and platted - many styles to choose from. Oh and finish the day off with a visit to the restaurant for tea where there is a seat for your doll. Yes yes Oli and Matt felt a little out of place (but I think rather enjoyed it)!!
And of course the famous 'bean' by Amish Kapoor - look out for him at the Olympics..... well his work anyway.
ERRR think thats it for now on this one. Dont ask how we felt saying good bye again to Matt and Leanne.....
So Fizzy-girl joined the local theater. Amazing little place 5 mins away from our home. Run play after play after play - and a very busy youth programme. The director and producer (2 very committed ladies - may have been committed after this production) - directed 4 performances with 42 young people from aged 6 to 17 years. 60 ish auditioned for singing, speaking and dancing parts. THESE KIDS are talented and worked their socks off!
The Girl had 3 parts and many costume changes and the results are below.... 2 weeks after getting the parts she had a brace fitted - the gap in the teeth got wider, the lines needed to be over pronounced but the SHOW MUST GO ON!
p.s. Keith is doing a fund raiser for this theatre in May... www.madmagicandmental.com
So I don't want to read yet and no one next to me to chat to and no movie yet.... So on my iPhone I just wanted to up date the blog and say I'm popping home to see my mummy and daddy for a week in wales and taking the lovely Ivy too. Very excited about seeing the family fox and be around for this amazing election oh and see a few OLD friends. Just think of Keith as he gets up at 6am to get the kids to school. Actually don't worry about him worry about the truely wonderful Oli and Felicity!!! Matt get the wine in the fridge!
So I went home for 10 days - and was an extremely enjoyable adventure it was. And so good to see all the Grannies in such good health. So 3 x 80 year olds (OK OK Mums your nearly there); Keith's Mum Ivy joined us, there was the fox that ate excessive amounts, my lovely lovely Sister, who has so many amazing qualities including going up ladders and fixing drains (who would have thought it!), lots of walking and being chased by the cows..... I feel my mother defended Ivy and I admirably!. Do see the movies - not my best effort but I'm getting there - watch out Spielburgh, I have an app on my iphone!
Oh and then a couple of days in London with the dear Bashams, Caves, a few Halls and some Meads - and lots and lots of OLD friends at St Johns and a coffee or two with some All Saints folk too. Thank you all as always.
One of the high light was seeing Ivy feed 'Foxie' as she is aptly named; seeing the results and the unfolding of a very interesting time in British Politics but above all spending the night with Matt and Leanne, in their very tidy home, and raiding their fridge and wine supply.!! ;) Slightly surreal sitting with the fantastic young London Harfields, speaking/viewing on skype Keith, Oliver and Felicity back in Detroit!
Back again in 7 odd weeks and will be interested to see how the Con/Lib/Dem mix will be working. In the meantime back to sunny Detroit!
This clip (copy and paste to your browser) is from Family Summit which is held every Sunday morning before the kids go off to Children's Church and the adults go to.... adult church!
Its a bit like St John's Holiday Club - drama, bible story, games etc - yes lots and lots of work but an amazing team - directors, tech team, lights, sound, script writers etc. Yes I maybe in the dramas - but can I point out that the camera puts on at least 80 lbs and when I'm pouring the milk they are not my arms!!!
K in Alaska - and loving it. I'm having fun trying to sort out a NY lecture tour without getting him driving 6 hours a day!
http://www.facebook.com/dmsanti?ref=ts#!/video/video.php?v=1456055439830&comments
So thats how long it has been since I last updated this little baby. A great blogger I make. And so good to hear from Keith's Aunty Joy in Scotland - glad you are tuned in. And for those of you how dont know, that is Keith's Mothers sister. And Keith's mum, the lovely Ivy is off on her first flight since Dennis passed away and at the great age of 80 is going to see the lovely Joy in Scotland. Oh yes all generations of the Harfields get around!
So in 4 weeks, since I got back from visiting the Grannies in the UK, Keith has been to Alaska (dont ask about the whales) and completed a 9 date lecture tour in Canada and Washing to State to fantastic magical audiences.
We now have the new web site completed www.keithfields.com - please look at it and send me any typo's you know how good my spelling is. We have data bases for lecture tour contacts, magic conventions (of which Keith has 2 this summer - and the kids and I will go too), a database of theatre contacts for www.madmagicandmental.com a little show we have put together and touring with. And then there is the schools lecture on Memory Skills for Middle Schools (thats 11 - 13 year olds).
Oliver has nearly completed a year at Athen's High School - finals this week - had 14 lads over to see the England v USA game - a brave move I thought - especially since we had England flags, napkins, badges and even tattoos everywhere (thanks to Mrs Mead).
Felicity - oh the lovely Felicity - playing her flute at recitals and concerts at the High School, sorting out the worlds problems and going to visit any friend possible who as a swimming pool - its hot here and she should have been a dolphin.
A good time had by all - but so so so excited about our visit to the UK in July - with trips to Wales, with bonfires and visits from the Bashams (the people who came to visit us out here last year) and France to see my big bro, sis in law and niceees and climb an Alp or two, a Covent Garden street entertainers reunion and time in London it will be a good month, and of course the ordination of the one the only MRS CAVE - I will be wearing a hat!
People as always play a huge part in our lives - and many have been such a blessing over here - with Keith away for about 80 days in the last 5 months - my lovely book group have been a great source of coffee and wine oh and we read a book or two. And a new walking buddy Linda has been a giggle. But the bigger picture is 'what about the oil and who's going to win the world cup'!!! LYL
A variety of shots of different aspects of our week in France. Dont think we caught our breath until the end! Just wait until you see the video of the zip wire adventures! But I'm in wales trying to upload these and my parents computer is a little slow to say the least!
So can you spot our nieces Beth and dare devil little Lottie, sis in law Jackie and you cant help but notice Brother Jerry!
Next stop London
Yes there will be an update soon. I'm in st Louis at a magic convention with 250 magicians and doves. It's been an amazing 2 months and people have been so kind in every situation and country we have visited. Got to go and see David acher from French Canada lecture on stage magic with giant balls!!!!!
On our way back from magic convention in st Louis and the car has broken down. It's 89 degrees outside. We are in a one horse town 4 hours away from the kids and it's Sunday afternoon. Just seen the horse go by let's hope we can find a macanic. Just about to pray and think how it could be worse!!!!
Well hello everybody.
This is the second time I have done this! The first time ended a few minutes ago when I accidentally hit delete instead of return and lost it all!
So here goes with take two...
What a summer it has been! The kids are now back at school after their 11 week summer break and we are getting back to work but more of that later.
Our summer started with a week of R&R for the kids before our fantastic summer vacation, London, France, Wales, then London again with so much to tell so I will start at the beginning...
We arrived in London and had a night with Sarah’s Sis and family who kindly lent us their car. Then we were thrown in at the deep end with 3 days to catch up with as many people as possible and attend the Rev M Cave’s ordination. So good of Margret to throw a party after it and invite so many of our friends! And we had a chance to catch up with Matt and Leanne as well. But those 3 days were just the start. On day 4 we headed for the Alps.
Drive to Stanstead, fly to Turin, rent a car – ahh now hear is a tip... never say to your wife that we only need a small car or you will get the smallest car in the world! I’ve seen clowns with bigger cars. You can’t get 2 adults, 2 teenagers and 4 cases in a fiat 500 (or cinquecentomintotinythingo!) and then expect it to drive up and down mountains! But we made it with bags on our laps and by using first gear up the steep bits.
Sarah’s brother, Jerry, lived up to his outdoor image by organising a nonstop white knuckle schedule – Via Ferata, rock climbing, zip wiring, white water rafting... well you may have seen some of the pics as we put them up on here a few weeks ago (dated july 5th). All in all an amazing time with the French gores and the French cousins who are growing up fast and growing up French – I no longer understand their facebook status updates – probably a good thing! Food was eaten, wine was drunk, and.. well just go and look at the pictures!
The only Hiccup on the French leg was the email we got from our landlady giving us 30 days notice to move out. Her job had moved her back to MI and she wanted the house back, we weren’t going to be home for another 27 days so it wasn’t going to happen!
The next week was spent at Cwm Brock, still one of my favourite places to be. And as it was Olivers Birthday the Bashams came and rented a house nearby. We met the Bashams in Hospital the day Oliver (and there son Ali) were born and have spent every birthday together since then. Last year they even came to stay in Michigan, this year not so exotic... Wales! And as a special birthday treat last year they rented a speedboat. This year we dressed in wet suits and jumped off cliffs! It seemed like a good idea at the time – but ask Lindsey how much she enjoyed it! I loved it. Cwm Broch was full of socialising and drinking and eating (thank you GMM and GPB) but it had to end and we headed back to London.
On the way back we picked up my Mum and headed for our official London residence, the Halls house, Our wonderful friends who always seem to go on holiday when we are in London (are they trying to tell us something?), but they let us make our home in their home. So do we take it for granted and have dinner parties with 15 friends every night – of course not, there was a maximum of 14! We had a wonderful week seeing so many people who we miss so much. Thank you all for being our friends – you know who you are. And I have to confess that I shed a few tears when I left. Sarah and the Kids stayed a few extra days as I had to go to work (well a cruise from Iceland, through Norway and back to Dover).
Sarah, Oli and Fizz stayed in London for another week and we eventually made it back to Michigan. Time to sort out our housing problem? Of course not! We were only there for 2 nights before we were off again!
Colon – The magic capital of the world! A place where 600 people live and the population doubles during Magic Week. I was lecturing to the magicians and doing shows throughout the week and we all had a wonderful time. Put a roomful of magicians together and you never know what is going to happen. The coke cooler had coke in it, the beer cooler had beer in it and the Gatorade cooler had a real live gator in it! Oh how we laughed!
We got back from Colon and had 3 days at home and during that time we managed to find the perfect house at the perfect price. It was one of only 3 on the market in the right area and the right price so we feel so blessed. More about it later as we then had to go to another magic convention!
We left the kids at home (with a friend!) and headed to St Louis – a 9 hour drive – and the mid west magic jubilee. More lectures, shows, close-up shows. A fantastic time where we made new friends and caught up with some old ones. Apart from the car breaking down on the way back (must join AAA, must join AAA) all was good. Even the car got fixed on a Sunday afternoon for 50 bucks, so all really was good.
And at last we were home. Time to move to our wonderful new house with nothing to worry about for a few weeks. No! I had to go to the dentist and have 12 teeth out before we could move. Something I am not going to dwell on! Ask me if you really want to know! And a visit from the Stevenson’s, friends from London – I love our life but it just doesn’t stop!!!!! Then we got round to moving.
Now we are in our new house and it is truly wonderful. 50% bigger than the last place. A stone’s throw from the park, walking distance to the schools, and we have at last got a proper office and a spare room. So what are you waiting for? Come and visit?
Especially if you are the Halls as it is the least we can do after all the wonderful hospitality you gave us. Let us know when you are coming so we can book a holiday.
Keith
You see, we do have London friends who come and visit!! I just didn't take many pics of them. If I could work Keith's camera I'd be dangerous
S x
Updating the map on this thing seems a little pointless - but it makes a pretty pattern. Spent the weekend in Pittsburgh with the old Detroit Harfields who must now be the Pittsburgh Harfields! Lovely to see Colin and Liz and their three wonderful kids. Did a great 'duck' tour of Pittsburgh - you know the boat that is a truck. Have seen them all over London but never travelled on one. Tour guide very helpful - so have many ideas of things to see next time we visit - Andy Warhol is a must! Think the next visit to Pittsburgh will be Christmas, as not sure we will be home for that festivity. Anyone want to look after some Grannies at Christmas!? And of course while we were here lots of cheese sandwich were consumed as they were 18 months ago when we lived with Col and Liz in Detroit.
During a spare 'chill out' moment that you CAN take when there are 9 in a house, I looked back over my diary to discover that over this month, we moved house, said 'good bye' to Colin and Liz, had various tea and dinner party's, got the kids back to school, Keith had a little dental work, the lovely Stevenson family came to visit and Oli started playing JV tennis for his school. And Felicity was here usual social and delightful self - seeing the youth of the neighbourhood. BUT then I looked back even further and found that 2 years ago we came over to Pittsburgh at this time, to see if we wanted to move there. HOW odd is all that. Maybe you dont find it so, and your life has changed just as much with college, marriages, baby's, jobs and kids. Or maybe you have reached a time in your life when you just want it all to stop moving and you would like to get off!
The point is.... we are just not in control.
But our life is a little slower now - K not travelling until mid october when he is on a lecture tour in NY; I'm working on one for him around Chicago in March and Florida in April. Book group starts up again for me, after the summer break (any jolly good British reads one recommends!!). Plus being involved in school and Church, K is performing at several festivals before Autumn hits. O & F are both playing tennis but talking about the ski season already. And I guess I should start decorating the house for Autumn, Thanks Giving and then Halloween. Sorry did I just say our lives had got a little slower? Love you
S x
Funny thing how Sundays now take on a whole new form. Fizzy and I up at 6am to make it to church for a rehearsal of the family service. Me in the drama, felicity running lights. As the rehearsal ends the first morning service starts and again Felicity runs lights for the childrens worship time. I drive home and pick up Oliver who doesn't feel the need to sit through a rehearsal at that time. Quick breakfast and back to church to praybefore the family drama. Drama and the message given then I go to the main service, Oli runs one of the cameras in the main service, fizz helps lead a small group of 7 year old girls. Church all done and then off to lunch with friends. And no Sunday roast most folk go out to eat. The three if us head home to collapse and watch a movie - Keith has just started a 2 week lecture tour stopping to see Colin and Liz in Pittsburgh and ending in NY. Then at 6.30 the kids go to youth group - similar to a small concert and I head to a coffee shop where I sit with my latte write this Blogg and think how funny things are.
Just wanted to give you a few pics of The Boy at homecoming this year. Read last years entry to see how he made the Home Coming Court. But boy do these kids dress up - but who wanted to be a little different!
and then I'll update with' the wood pecker issue', 'the corn maze hike', 'fun in the apple orchard' and 'who is scared on the haunted hay ride'. I better get writing
So just a little reminder what it was all about! 20 years of great adventures started with this pictures. Didn't bring many with me to the US but I think thats enough!!
What do you think? Grandma Ivy, who will be a great grandma took it her stride, Felicity was bouncing and Keith and I were speechless at this most amazing news. Yes Matthew and Leanne are expecting their first baby in May 2011. For all you Brits in British Land you need to look after them as we are not around. And for all your Americans, you need to look after us as we are not around!!!
It is truly fantastic news - a little scary how excited Keith is about sharing a bed with a Grannie - but I guess that is too much information for this blogg.
As I type this, its Friday night, Oliver and Felicity are away for the weekend with the church youth group. Not sure how many youth there will be but I dont think there will be much sleeping! Keith is on his way home from a local magic convention, with a few new tricks up his sleeve!! And I have been to my book group to discuss the new best seller - The Help - which I know some of the girlies in London have already read. Spent all day with Fizzy's year group sweeping the leaves for the local residences - as a bit of a community care project....
Love you all from Grand MaMa Harfield
Busy trying to get out the door to go to a 'Power Flex' class at the gym with my darling husband..... funnily enough he is not too keen. Dont think us Harfields have gone totally mad - its just we have gone totally blobby!!!
So this morning I made the annual Delia Smith Christmas cake - hoping that molasses would replace black treacle as I couldn't find any. And mince meat for those good old British mince pies - never heard of here....... again I have made a substitute in the recipe - lard instead of suet.... I wonder if it will work. I realize not a very vegetarian recipe but Delia has always worked for us.
But as many of you may have realized the most important date in the diary is Thanks Giving in 3 days.... better go and buy a turkey, which is often cooked in a bag over here - to help with cleaning of greasy pans. No more fighting over the washing up I feel! A family past time here in the Harfield Household.
Oh Keith's arrived - off to the gym!
OK everyone... I know you were all shocked to hear that we are going to be grand parents (and very grand ones we shall be!) but here is the latest news and it comes with a warning... GET OFF THE ROAD.
Oliver is having his first driving lesson as I write this!
And the amazing thing is he could have been driving 6 months ago but it didn't fit in with his busy schedule of tennis, homework and social engagements. But the good news is that he will be taxiing us around from now on :)
And he is also getting awards from school for academic excellence! I think he must have been switched at the hospital as he is not taking after either of us!
Proud parents... you bet!
I am off to find the sun on another cruise ship on saturday so feel free to email Sarah while I am away. In the meantime contributions to the 'buy Oliver a car' fund are always welcome hehe.
Love to you all.
Keith
If I don't do an update - I will have forgotten what I've been up to and if I want to keep this blogg going for a family memory, of this adventure of ours, then there will be a lot of gaps! Oh just like my memory.
Well today's update actually spans a month and is all about ME............. So from the odd pictures I installed with this update - I'll give you a run down.
I do a fair bit of walking - many reasons, like I've found a great walking buddy, Miss Linda, as Fizzy calls her. Maybe cos that's her name. Anyway we walk in all weathers - 11 degrees F yesterday in the snow..... yes I complain! But in November while in the woods saw this cute little snaky thing. OH ALSO I WALK 'COS MICHIGAN IS BEAUTIFUL. Really people, the views of Creation are magnificent to behold.
Then we have photos of the first baby shower I've attended (although I do have memories of Rachie Mead doing a little something back in Canberra Road). And lovely Liz came back, tea was served, everything was blue, as baby Robinson is going to be a boy, lots of birth stories, present list at various shops, an invitation to buy a child hood favorite book (I bought Mick Inkpen - Percy the Park Keeper - so hard to find here) and we wrote on Diapers..... nappies to the Brits - odd idea but the thought is it will give you something to read while changing. But we didn't play any games - which some felt was a blessing! I'll let you know about Baby Shower games at the next time I'm invited to one!
Keith and I were taken on a historical tour of a Market area of Detroit, which was the centre for many small and thriving industries. Now just wiped out - especially the brewery's. Got in a little pic of tile and art gallery. Even though the buildings are all derelict they still keep the outside in tact.
And then another new experience - A Christmas Cookie Swap. Been in Troy for nearly 18 months and still enjoying new aspects of life in the New World. So the Book Group Girls got together (only 3 in the pic) and they had a Cookie Swap. I believe the idea is that one entertains so much at Christmas, with usual fair, one holds a cookie swap to have different items to add to your table. I thought I'd just take half a dozen mince pies (made the mince meat a few weeks ago, if you haven't read that one!) and we'd all try one! NO NO I was told to bring 6 DOZEN........a whole night baking a mixture of cookies and mince pies and brandy butter and I was exhausted. But came home with Bark (white chocolate with candy cane in); cookies stuffed with dates (really really good - reminds me of something my Grandmother would make); Snoodle Doodles - I just loved the names; an amazing cherry, walnut and chocolate tri colour feast of beauty; and a very very sweet chocolate something or another. So now have a house full of cookies and that brings me back to why I need to walk. Which is where I started.
So love you all - as you can see I'm having a jolly time - and Merry Christmas
S x
We leave for our Christmas hols tomorrow in snowy Pittsburgh. Presents packed, fish fed, Keith's flights for Mexico changed to leave from Pittsburgh on 27th so I'll drive back..... Oliver hoping to get his driving permit tomorrow so he can help drive ....... Felicity will be hiding in the back.
Missing family and friends back in the UK and in Troy but will be with family in Pittsburgh so does that make it even on the missing thing..... no I didn't get it either.
Hope that presents, cards and best wishes have arrived in the post from us Harfields. If you didn't get a card, then just enjoy these Christmas photos.
Love you all and Happy Christmas
It's 10.50pm 19 degres f (I have no idea what that is in c), 5 inches of snow on the ground and I'm in the school car park waiting for 'the teens' to come back from a night of skiing while listening to Phil Collins on the radio. Spoke to Matt tonight about babys and work then went to abig old comedy club with friends. Has my life really changed? Weather is just as bad as UK, still going to the same sort of places, still listening to same type of music, all three of our kids have just grown up a bit more. So what's new. Just the fact my snow angel us a little bigger than before.
I guess the change is in Keith and I, the accents we now listen to and the fact that dear old friends back in London and sweet new friends here in america are so special to us, and we appreciate both old and new so much more. Stick with us into 2011
People before I had arrived home from collecting the skiing Harfield Teens, Keith had read my blog up date - see the one what I rote on 14 Jan. He said I sounded a little melancholy..... I said who doesn't sound melancholy when sitting in a car park, watching penguins it was so cold when listening to Phil Colins..... so I apologise to those of you who may have been worried about me; or when the kids re read these blog entries as a memory of their childhood, that you should think your mother was unhappy. I AM, as ALWAYS particularly up beat, having a jolly time and will give you more info on life over here asap. I am aware that my picture of the Drive My Nativity do need to be seen!
Love you all
S x
Just on my way out to a networking drinks party in a quaint town called Birmingham! But before I go I looked out of my office window and see the snow coming down. Around my window are the lovely cards we received this Christmas of drawings, prints etc of different aspects of London, Blackheath and England. I love these cards - keep them coming and while I'm on the subject, thank you to all the Scottish relatives for your updates on the growing clan up there. And Robert and Judy how wonderful to hear from you - could you get your daughter and my bridesmaid to write a little often, in fact just a little would be nice..... oh she will not be happy with that comment. Henrietta as always you are faithful whatever country you are in. As for Mandy Coombes...... You all make me smile.
Now I must go 'and put my face on' as my mother would say before ever going out the door! Do think of dear Oliver and Felicity who I have just rushed home from school, taken to have their braces tightened, thrown some pasta at them and am now on my way out. Oh what a terrible Mother I am.
Later dudes and dudettes
S x
p.s how excited is everyone about the Royal Wedding - should I give O & F the day off school?
SNOW STORM UPDATE February 1, 2011
The City of Troy has activated an emergency operation plan in preparation for the upcoming storm. A large accumulation of snow, high winds, blowing and drifting snow, and extreme low temperatures are expected. As a result, all City facilities will be closed on Wednesday, February 2. This includes City Hall, the Library, Community Center, Nature Center, and the Museum. The Community Center will be open tonight (Tuesday) until 10:30 PM. Closures for the remainder of the week will be updated on the City of Troy website at www.troymi.gov
Although City hall will be closed, staff required to provide essential services within the City in response to any storm related issues will be maintained.
All Fire Stations will be manned during the course of the storm.
Police Department personnel are prepared to respond to any issues related to this storm. There may be delays in response to non-emergency or routine calls for service during this period.
The Department of Public Works is ready to respond with 10 trucks when the storm hits later tonight. They will work until 7:30 AM. 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, 20 trucks will work a 12 hour shift. This rotation will continue until the major streets are cleared.
It is expected that the storm may cause power outages from the high winds and heavy snow. DTE is prepared to respond.
Residents are encouraged to remain at home during the storm. Neighbors and relatives of the elderly should try and maintain contact with those individuals during the storm, especially in the event power outages occur, to insure any response to life threatening or medical needs is communicated to the Police Department.
In order to allow for efficient and safe snow plowing operations, citizens are encouraged not to park their vehicles on the public streets during the next couple days.
For POLICE and FIRE Emergencyβs---Call 911
wow I haven#t updated in ages and Mandy just told me the site expired.... how can I keep a record to write a book of our adventures if I loose the blogg. Thanks Mandy, and yes I'll do an update VERY SOON. But just going out to dinner with Keith and Oliver. Felicity is on a weekend retreat with about 1000 other kids and I have been at a Business Referral conference all and and I NEED FOOD.
Will write soon - I think winter ended today so need to put up the last of the snow photos
S xx
So I updated the photos, and the comments. Its been an amazing journey since christmas and we haven't left the state! Goody Boxes is behind me, a big part of my life that I wont forget, but now working on Keith Fields LLC, booking lectures, keynote speaking, magic conventions and Keith's magic inventions are going out like ..... things that go out very fast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1k1YmcMEkA this is causing a lot of excitment in the magic world, along with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk75GcIiSak . Met lots of new and exciting people - the lovely Michael Mode and the Sushi boys keep Keith in check - lots of magicians who get together and eat .....sushi and talk about magic. Yes well what can I say.
Still longing for my MOTHER and SISTER and BROTHER to come and visit..... but life is busy in Wales, I know I know..... Oliver's driving is going well, Felicity has chosen her classes to study at High School in the 'fall' but is looking forward to her Eight Grade Dance when she leaves middle school - and is entering the Talent Show at school next week. She thought she would do a little of her father's act..... she is going to 'wing it'. Where did she get this confidence from?
I am really enjoying networking and booking shows and going out to lunch!! But soooo excited at the thought of Matt and Leannes little one arriving in May.
Oh and Colin and Liz, Eden, Elise and Micah are back in Detroit for a while until a new job develops..... oh yes its been a busy time.
ok ok so how can I keep a life record if I dont record! That is quite funny... 9.48am and there is a smattering of snow on the ground as I look out of our office window... odd really as we were up to 60 degrees a few weeks ago - and have just heard that London is bathed in sun as is Wales... more surprises!
I know I'm not here to talk about the weather. How has your life been since I last wrote - am I talking to myself (again) well mine has been a little bit interesting (I reply). Do you want a brief version..... YES
OK OK
1. Colin and Liz have moved back to Michigan.... I know I know what is God playing at. They left Pitsburg with a heavy heart but a feeling that God had something else in store and so they choose to walk away.... And YES we are loving having them back. We have celebrated Micah's 5th birthday, had a few meals together and done a lot of chatting.
2. Now you might not know this (I know everything I hear you cry). But there was some thought that my lovely Tort, now in the hands of my very very loving and caring Sis and Bro-in-law may be lost. He hibernated quite early last year and as the whole of Putney was dug up looking for him we feared the worst.... Just spoke to the lovely Caroline and HE IS AWAKE and 'beating the bounds' of their garden. Yipppeeee
3. Lastly, we are fostering Buddy Boy - a black lab cross wolf. 10 months old - lovely (I hope he only arrived last night) and we will be getting him ready to adopt by a family soon (I hope).
Thats it.... well apart from Felicity entered the school talent show with a great magical performance, Keith has written a new book, Oliver is now huge and him and Buddy Boy are bigger than me. Oh and I'm jolly happy with everything!
S x
Its Spring Break - thats the Easter Hols without Easter!! And we are on the move - been a busy few weeks, the release of Keith's book 'If Ever A Wiz There Was' is printed and orders going wild, which is a real blessing and affirmation of just how wonderful my Wiz is.. or was... and that means something so different over in the USA! Its pitch black in this hotel and I'm about to wake the family as we are exploring Gettysburg today. An amazing town with loads of history and very well preserved. I am secretly proud of O & F at just how much American History they have learnt in 2 years, but dont tell them, or their heads will get bigger and they will want an ice cream whilst we walk the battle fields! So DC tomorrow, but first
WAKEY WAKEY!
S x
p.s. Buddy Boy is doing well with a foster family this week and we have had two offers to adopt him already..... he has only chewed one shoe so far and that was Micah's so that doesn't count, it was small and looked like a bone. If he goes, then Oliver wants to foster a beagle.....
From the history of Gettysburg to the delights of a Philly Steak Sandwich in famous Jim's Steak Dinner in Philadelphia - oh yes and the sights of the Liberty Bell and a very informative tour of Independence Hall where Washington and the boys signed that very very important Constitution document - not on the 4th of July - would you believe it! A lovely day but laced with sadness as we heard of the death of a dear juggling friend we had the pleasure to get to know. Jim Oakly passed away rather quickly. We were only out with him a few weeks ago. Gosh life changes so fast.
Awaiting the family to wake up so we can see the American History Museum, Smithonians and Lincoln and Washington Memorials, White House and much much more. In the mean time have been playing with the disk from Felicity's camera and have uploaded some of her shots. A little more work needed on the photo's but you get the idea. National Gallery and Space and Air museum were great - always good to see the Wright Bros plane, followed by the lovely Amelia Earhearts plane (and watched the film in the evening too - but that had something to do with Richard Gere). Amazing to see the Constitution and Washington's signature. The cherry blossom is out and it a beautiful clean city - with well organized sights and great signs that say 'no guns'..... its amazing what you notice!
Saw the flag - the original one (that is what I was describing in the title!!!). President Lincoln was sitting on a big chair (a Felicity comment). It was great to see all the sights from Night At the Museum 2 - no just kidding. A very very memorable week of history of the country we are enjoying being a part of. And funny to think that back in the UK there is a baby shower going on for a future Harfield. So how do you down load pics....
3inches of snow5 days ago but the sun is out today and we are off for a walk with new dog 'Lady'. Similar to all our other dogs - black, cute BUT this one doesn't chew and has shorter legs! Buddy found his forever home with a lovely family who adopted him after only 3 weeks with us. But it was enough time for us to fall in love with him and for him to create a little disarster area with a plant!
Sadly we have not made any Easter gardens this year as is a little tradition with us. We did dye a few eggs though..... well some of us did! And I did get to enjoy a lovely meal with all of my sister in law's family on Good Friday. K at the Dickens theatre all weekend in Delaware performing his one man family show. So more chocolate for me.... And now that Cadburys is over here......
Only 7 days to the wedding - how excited are we all?
To hear news of jobs for Col and Liz
For Keith to come back from a rough crossing - Florida to Cork-but amazing shows
To find out what 'feather bowling' is - I'm going tonight!
To find out if we will get a Green card
But most importantly .......
Waiting to hear news of Baby Harfield.....
Is there really anything else to say, except that Matthew and Leanne have had a baby girl named Amalie Rebecca. Do we need to know birth details - I think not - least to say that it was a little fraught when our grand daughter got a slight infection and needed to stay in for 5 days. But all home, well and so so excited. We are back in the UK for 3 weeks, based in London and longing to see Grandparents, family and friends, but most of all wanting to see this wonderful new person.
But not to be out done by his big Bro - Oliver too is a father... yes his ducks have hatched and we have 2 lovely ducklings wandering round the bathroom.
Felicity is a very excited Auntie - also excited that she is Graduating from another school... and is looking forward to her Graduation Ceremony and mini prom!
Wonderful Grandpa Keith (really?) is on the high seas heading to see his big Bro in Holland followed by 4 weeks with Amalie, Leanne and Mattu. 3 more weeks of beautiful Michigan, where the sky is blue and all our friends are getting ready for summer and we will join them.
As you know lovely Felicity is graduating from Middle School, and to celebrate this event there is a graduation ceremony: a new dress has been purchased, a trip for a manni and pedi has been booked, and a pink streak in the hair should finish the ensemble; a graduating party will take place - of which I am on the decorating committee................... and as many of you know my drawing talents are second to none if you want a picture of a rabbit or a mouse. So for months wonderfully talented women bake and cook and organize and make things for 200 students who will be moving to High School. Whereever you are in the world the work force of women and their energy is abounding when it comes to their children. I am overwhelmed by the women of this district - not only at their ability to accept me and my meager offering but also to 'give back' to the community.
Anyway the theme of the event has been chosen - I cant tell you its a big secret, and I may be shot if word gets out that I have blogged on the matter. None the less I was asked to make 8 pixie sticks...... yes I had to google them too - followed by 20 large cardboard cup cakes. Using the talents the Lord has given me, I delegated the tasks of painting, cutting etc to a small group of alcoholics.... I mean women who would be happy to par take in a glass of wine in exchange for their creative tallents.
Well first we had to research the cup cake market.... and I think the photos show how well we researched. Then we make said cardboard cup cakes. Again I feel the photos do great justice to our evenings labours. But what the photos dont show, is that the cardboard cup cakes where sprinkled with real sweets - a genius of an idea.
But here is where the efforts failed. As 100 degree heat in the garage, where the cardboard lay for 2 weeks AND the troupe of ants, took their toll on my creative genius. Thus reminding me why I should leave committee life for those with a greater brain than I.
S x
OK people so I had to pinch these from 'another source' If Auntie Joy in Scotland could send these to Ivy that would be brilliant - I am not a great daughter in law but hope to be a better mother in law..... oooh a mother in law so grown up.
So three weeks on and all is well. Mother and baby doing well, I believe Leanne may even attended a coffee morning or two; house purchase happening; Keith in Holland with Allen and Ellen and various Scottish/Dutch Harfields; Colin and Liz around here somewhere - wow there are Harfields everywhere.
Saturday 25 June is the day to pray for please. My Bro and family arrive from France to London as we celebrate his 50th; My parents up from Wales as we celebrate my Mothers xxxxx; Ivy flys in from seeing her Sister in Scotland; we arrive from USA; Keith arrives from Holland; Amalie gets to meet her extended family on mass and my poor Sis and Bro in Law get to host all 18 of us for lunch. What a giggle.
So the project was to write the lyrics for a song about some aspect of American History. Not only did Oli and his chums write the words (well one jolly fellow by the name of Dick Ward was the main writer and dont listen too closely Mother) but they decided to put together a parkour video to go with it.... maybe not some of his best work but I'm an open minded Mother....
and how do you upload videos on this there blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXVUXyqlKcE
I have to zip back in time and just put up a few photos from May and early June - having just gone through my pic from my iphone I realise I have missed a section of our adventure that makes me smile. I also realise that 2 years ago my iphone 3g was the best thing since sliced bread..... what was the best thing before sliced bread. Well now the pics are old and grainy and I await the arrival of the rumored iphone 5 with excitement - Keith awaits the arrival of the iphone 5 with financial dread! So just a few photos to play catch up!
Am I the only person who delays things that are important to me.... I'm sitting here wondering why I haven't uploaded these photos when memories are so important.Β In the back of my mind I think how the lovely Mrs Coats and Mrs Cave put together a book for their eldest kids when they turned 18, and how many friends here in the USA keep their family memories by 'scrap booking' and my organised Sister awaits her summer hols atΒ Cwm BrochΒ to put together each years worth of photos into albums.Β And I keep thinking, well I have 'the blog' and I just have to down load it and give it to Oliver when he runs away from home, or goes to Uni, (which ever comes first) and say 'remember the happy times'Β But there wont be any 'happy times in less I up date this jolly site!So London - 3 weeks.Β We were all so excited to spend the days with Leanne, Mattu and of course our grand-daughter and thats all we wanted to do!Β O & F were a little nervous and not sure what to expectΒ of seeing friends - a year is a long time in the life of a Teen and lots changes.Β K and I were wondering how we would fit it all in - and of course we didn't!Β And as always are indebted to friends who made unnecessary efforts to find us board and lodgings and feed us.Β So much has changed and yet friendships remain.Sadly Felicity's camera has died - so we are back to the old iphone for pics
WOW marathon on up loading pics. Did rather well I feel.
So Saturday morning and we have been back a month - in which time Keith and I have been to the Magic Get Together in Colon, such wonderful friends there who we only met last year but feel well and truly at home; Felicity has finished 'summer school' taking the required high school course of Health in 3 weeks (she is so up on STD's) and is now training twice a day for swim squad. Oliver is training for tennis, 3 AP courses, thinking of Uni's plus training for the Olympic Sleeping Team, (a sport which his grandfather excelled in!); Colin, Liz and I have been on the most amazing Global Leadership Training Summit (run by Willow Creek Association in Chicago) - so we are ready to take over the world - on a serious note, some truly great speakers on leadership within business, church, politics etc and that summary really doesn't do it justice; Keith has performed and lectured for 400 children's entertainers in Tennessee and met up with a wonderful British entertainer from Blackheath, Dave Andrews, Grandma Ivy seems ever chipper in Portsmouth when I speak to her, and my parents are a little sad as a large bough has fallen off their 300 year old 'elephant' tree in their valley... makes no sense in less you have been to Cwm Broch...
Meanwhile, We have had BBC news live on 24 hours a day in conjunction with Face Book wondering what was unfolding in London - we only left 4 weeks ago and the place looks like a bomb has hit it. From my tiny world view, it seems that community has worked well together and prayers from around the world and a little police work seems to have got the place sorted....not sure what order to put those contributing factors in!
ok ok I'm on the case of finishing off the summer, and then some very exciting news. I just wanted to add pics of Oliver's 16th Birthday Party which seemed to span two continents and may occasions. Starting with a night out with old pal Ali Bash in London's south bank to see some par cor.... followed by flying in the USA for the midnight showing of Harry the Boy Potter and then the 'lads cook your own supper and have fun on a bouncy castle' party. What more can a lad want. And our pool seems to be a little green that night.... didn't look like that with Felicity and the lovely girlie's.
And of course Happy the Hound arrived and went, and the cousins arrived and went, Ms Gomez arrived and went and the pool and so here it all is
So lets up load these pics and then news of Mothers visit... and more.... guess who else is coming to see us!!!!
I was asked at a recent coffee morning with the Principle/Head Mistress of Oliver and Felicity’s High School (yes can you believe it, even the Head Teachers have coffee mornings over here – I am so in my element)... well I was asked if I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up ....
‘of course, now at the age of 40 odd (very odd) I knew I always wanted to marry a magician, and live in America ‘.
So think how much more you know at 80 – why 80 is that magic age when you really do know all the answers, when you have seen so much of life you dont have to exaggerate; at 80 you’ve seen man on the moon, colour tv, amazing fashions that you can buy from around the world – in EVERY size; at 80 Adam and Eve were a reality who you invited for dinner; and at 80 you can still care about everyone, still want everyone to be happy, cook amazing food, travel the world, make others laugh, still really really enjoy buying clothes, enjoy seeing and meeting new people AS WELL AS have dreams of getting a letter from The Queen in only 20 years. AND thats why it was such a delight, honor and pleasure to spend 3 amazing weeks with my Mummy here in Detroit!
What I love about this blogg is the way I suddenly feel compelled to write about things that happened a while ago... not only am I living in the passed but I'm writing about it. But the seasons are moving fast, in fact our lives seem to be moving so fast that if I dont write about it I feel I'll miss chucks of this New World.... plus the fact that I've just found some funny photos that I want to get in here...so guess which festival we are getting ready for. AND notice how there are a few extra photos sneaked in - lovely Leanne, sends us photos and funny videos on a regular basis - such a delight, when I grow up I want to be a good daughter in law just like Lee Lee
... to up load photos of Mary and Carolyn's visit from Blackheath, and trying to do the accounts for Harfield businesses both sides of the pond, and then there is the tour in California to sort out for April, and trying to sort out christmas cards and trying to keep up with our dear friends, Rob and Tracy Bowden and their son Drew, who are keeping a blogg of Tracey's illness, they made us so welcome when we first arrived in the USA and Tracy is my book club buddy (except she actually reads the books) - Rob really values prays and for the community to know whats going on so I thought I'd put it here! tracybowdenjourney.blogspot.com/2011/11/journey-so-far.html ; and trying to blog about the great visit I had from my sister and yet I dont seem to be doing any of these things - I'm also trying to be quiet as Keith is filming a new magic video in the house with another magician today, think its time for another coffee to keep me awake after going to a concert in down town Detroit with OJ last night... well was it a concert, there were bands with real instruments on the bill, but the last 'act' I use the word loosely was David Guetta... who had a light show and lots of 'record decks' - at least he didn't have much kit to set up.... so enough trying lets do some work HARFIELD........... maybe I'll do some Christmas shopping instead
So here we are London, wales and Portsmouth for Christmas 2011 and to see the New Year in. Second trip to the Uk this year and as alway it's been full of friends family and fun. God is good. We started this adventure after a 7 hour flight with a 3 hour medical to complete the last process to obtain Green Cards. This colorful card will give O, F and I the ability to work and live in the usa without Keith! Both Oliver and felicity would have had to leave at 18 when they became adults. So after Β£1000 of jabs and checking and pricking and poking it is official..... We are healthy.
Next day was the interview at the usa embassy another 3 hour process. Lots of swearing ..... To tell the truth! And then the wait.... So while we waited to get our passports back and for the paper work to be completed we spend a couple of wonderful evenings with baby Amalie and Matt and Leanne. Plus a little soirΓ©e with old Blackheath friends. Then off to portsmouth and Keith's wonderful Mother, ivy. Who we scooped up and took to wales to my folks. Many walks, cups of tea and large meals made this stage of Christmas complete. Plus of course midnight mass in welsh but that goes without saying! The arrival of Amalie and her parents plus my wonderful sister en famalie on boxing day was the icing on the cake. As the pics will show. This iPhone needs charging so hold this thought!
Well done on holding your last thought from the last entry - since then we spent a lovely New Year in London, seen many many friends, God children, had some wonderful meals provided for us, seen many sights of London AND have flown back from the UK with our GREEN CARDS. Keith is now in Hawaii!
The Green card thing is really special - it opens many doors for the Teens and it means that we can stay as long as we like. These Americans are so nice.
But there is another episode that I haven't written about and that is Colin and Liz - Keith's brother and Sis in Law.... but first the end of England photos
Before I forget.... Keith puts out an article to his mailing list of fellow entertainers every month, motivational or a review of a new convention, trick etc. Folk sign up to his mailing list from his web site. This one went out 2 days ago and has received extremely positive reviews... I'm rather proud of the old fellow. He writes....
I once heard the following introduction...
'To be a great entertainer you need three things.The first is class - there needs to be something about you that sets you apart, and this act has got class.The second is guts - Show business is a tough business, and this act has got guts. The third and perhaps the most important thing you need is a truly great act, and this act has got guts!
Oh how we laughed!
There is often truth in comedy and there is more than truth hidden in this introduction, there is great wisdom for those who have eyes to see. And the theme of today's thought is the importance of GUTS.
Guts, grit, pluck, bottle, nerve, spirit, chutzpah, mettle, gumption, and for my American friends, spunk! You need it all and you need it in abundance.
Remember back to the first time you went on stage or performed for a few friends - it took guts.Why? Because you were doing something new, doing it for the first time.The first time I walked out onto the hallowed cobbles of the Covent Garden buskers arena I needed guts. I was a new magician on the street and my first street show was an audition to get a licence, all the other buskers, as was the tradition, would line up in the front row to see how good you were.
The first time I walked onto a stage at a comedy club to do a try out spot - in my case the now defunct Tunnel Palladium in Greenwich London, it took guts.There were 250 people squashed into a bar and on that day I discovered that adrenalin was actually brown! And that I needed more than guts, I needed a better act than I had!
But it was guts that kept me going.I went back to the street and tried out new material and learned new techniques and a few months later did my second try out spot, this time at a different club - The Comedy Store in Leicester Square. And this time I had success which led to many more bookings at the Store and every other comedy club in the UK, and more recently the USA.
As I look back I realise that I picked the wrong 2 clubs for my first try outs.The first was known (but not to me) as the toughest club in the UK, The second was the most famous (but I hadn't heard of it) so here is an extra lesson that I learned - do your research!
But for now... back to guts. As we become more experienced in the art that we call magic we develop our performing character, our style, and a block of material which becomes our act.The act gets better and better as we do it over and over and the need for guts diminishes, we have more confidence in our ability and in our material.We take fewer and fewer chances because we rely on the known rather than exercising our guts and moving into the unknown. Our guts become flabby and we are in danger of becoming stale.
Question - when was the last time you did something for the first time?
Magic is primarily a performance art. It is the job of all of us to move it forward, to try out new things and to give something back to the pot that we have all taken so much from. We will only do this by doing something new, by doing it different, by taking a risk.
The worst thing that can happen if we take a risk is that the trick or the effect is not very good, but even that is good because we can learn from the experience and do it better the next time.
Your challenge for today - Do something that takes guts.Here are a few ideas...
It maybe a new trick or a new gag, either on stage or at a coffee break at work. Do a David Blaine - show a complete stranger a trick and then walk off. Show a trick to the guy at the gas station or the cashier at the grocery store. Exercise your guts, the first time may be hard but it gets easier.
I am now going to walk the dog... and I am taking a pack of cards with me.
From the Desk of Keith Fields
So the day has started and instead of ringing all the Michigan colleges about keynote speaking engagements for Keith and appointments for Oliver to view a university (not sure he has ever been to one), I am sitting looking out of my office window at the snow that has all gone and its only 25 January! Little sad that its so warm, we are skiing this weekend with 3 other families (very exciting - although for there are 7 teenage boys and Felicity!! - not so sure about that).
Keith came back from his longest cruise - 2 weeks away - who booked that... he needs a new manager! In fact I have booked the same one in Feb and March... ok so I need to work on my planning, 2 weeks away from the family is too long for all of us. But I'm working on a nice tour in the 'bay area' - thats San Francisco to the rest of us. That will be in April and we can all go. then there are school 'all nigh party's' for the seniors leaving High School, casino gigs, college gigs.... I'm getting there I'm getting there - just remember I'm better with gift boxes and babys and business!
Watched the State of the Union last night - President Obama addressing the nation - I thought it was rather good and wondered how I could live in a country for 3 years and not totally understand what their leader is talking about.... I tried to compare it to the 'Opening of Parliament' when I 'tweeted' (sarahharfield1 - yes I tweet) and I made a little reference on Face book - oh look at us and our social media.!
Off to Vegas for some time with my man next week - ooooh no its a business trip that's right - he is doing 4 nights in Gold Coast Casino and I'm networking, although I hear Elton John is in town and haven't seen him since he played a concert at Charlton!!
Happy New Year to all - I'm sending out a few Christmas cards this week - I know I'm late but some of the grannies, aunts and god parents wont notice!!
S x
Notice the date, notice the date... yes its my Birthday. Thank you thank you!! AND we flew out here 3 years ago...............aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. So I spent my birthday NETWORKING yes NETWORKING in Vegas. Well, Keith performed at the Gold Coast Casino for 4 nights, and lectured, we walked around took lots of pictures, laughed A LOT, missed all our children dotted around the world (thanks to Colin and Liz for looking after O & F and thanks to Matt and Leanne for looking after Amalie ;) ) On a serious note to you married folk - take time to be with your partners its important in a marriage, for you singles get out to Vegas there are loads of clubs and single girls waiting to be picked up.
I may have had a weekend full of magic ... in so many ways. But it was great to see some new acts, some old, some very old and some doves. So for some of you I'm sorry I'm putting up the same pics... LYL (thats 'love you load' for the old folks and 'laugh out loud for they young')!
I'll tell you where I've been and what turns our journeys has taken, but all I can think about right now is, that this show biz world is an odd one. Just like a roller coaster ride that we never quite believe we are on. Twists and turns of the most extraordinary nature leave me wondering if it's all real and should I get off the ride and get a proper job. Having been entitled an Entrepreneur over the last few months I wonder if I can live up to this grand title and who gives out these great terms. As i come to the end on another stomach churning giggle making cork screw in the roller coaster ride and all is smooth a little turn comes along to make me laugh as I met, last nigh, the retired Lion Tamer performing with such great circus' as Chipperfields. But all his lions died of old age! And so the ride continues....
So how many subways,tubes, undergrounds have you been on? I've been on a couple! But this one in Chicago is a little complicated for my small brain. Cheap but complicated! If Felicity and I find Michigan Ave it may be an iphone miracle ! Think I'm getting old. Lets hope Keith is having a better time finding Chicago Uni with O!
It's such a blessing to be up at 5 am and watch my teen go off to water polo practice.... And know I can go backΒ to bed. The life of a teen is a staring one
5am is the time to see your teen at their best...O went to help set up the blood drive at school.... yes at school - great idea in this day and age, take the blood from the teens.Β Do we do that in the UK - the boysΒ would be queuing up atΒ St Dunstans CollegeΒ to give blood... or am I missing something and the UK schools do that already..... the differences between these 2 first world countries still leaves me amazed, excited and sometimes scratching my head how one country 'gets it' and another doesn't!Today also saw Mr Oliver Jack Harfield working on a Presidential Campaign - yes Mr Obama came to the Big D (that's Detroit for slower members of my family) and Oli and some of his other very lucky class mates were able to go along, deal with press, registration etc and listen to the President of the United States of America speak..... so a busy day for the teen boy - sadly due to him being born in the UK and a slight mad cow issue, he cant give blood and he is not a US citizen so he cant vote but...hey ho! I still think all teens should be encouraged to give blood - do it for others!!
Just watching a Red Cardinal in the garden, amazing bird, so so beautiful, and seeing pics on the net of Sir Chris with the Olympic torch... not sure how the two are related, but I guess the tentative link is summer is here (the birds are in the garden) and I'm going back to see amazing family and friends (not that Sir Chris is a friend just a man I admire from a distance).
Have just celebrated Memorial Weekend here in the USA... does one use the term 'celebrate' for such a weekend. A wonderful weekend that means different things to different folk around the world and is celebrated at different times - poppy's are not a feature over here at this weekend. We spent it visiting many different parts of the Big D, such as Eastern Market and Belle Isle and then sharing a meal with friends.
Well those are my random thoughts for the day, and its a bit of a random summer coming up.... all 4 Travelling Harfields going in different directions but meeting up along the way.
Having been told off by a loving friend for not keeping up this blog... not to mention any names Jean Johnson, I felt it was time to update a little fun that I have had so far this summer.
Its hard to believe that 2 years ago I made a trip back to the UK on my own, like a grown up, to spend time with those even more grown up than me! And June 2012 saw the same opportunity - time to spend with family, plus some of my friend becoming even more mature than they were before. I knew that when my dear friends turned 50 they are even wiser, well travelled, more glamorous and could still drink more than me! (Well in some cases). So the return trip, was short but packed with friends, parties, elderly folk, fun and of course the wonderful Amalie.
While in Blackheath the lovely Mrs Bradbury asked me, over a rather splendid gathering for coffee of All Saints Primary School Mums (an official title I feel) what were the best and worst bits of living in America and England... (Keith would call me a bit of an optimist) but really apart from the struggle of tempting edible delights (which is my issue on both sides of the Atlantic), I cant list any negatives... the positives are too many to list, but I can list 3 exciting and positive aspects of life, from both sides, that hit me as we are now 3 years into this ADVENTURE and I have just returned from 12 days in London :
1. Amazing to see how the UK, and particularly Greenwich has risen to the challenge of the Olympics β so excited about those βpodsβ going over the Thames β I want a go! And I can not explain my excitement at seeing so many Union Jacks decorating shops, houses and the like to celebrate 60 years of a remarkable woman on the throne.
2. Nothing can replace time spent with family, young and old.... and boy do we have old ones in our family..... But honestly, I am always in awe, when spending βqualityβ time with these 3 incredible 80+ year olds, my Mother, Father and and gentle Ivy, Keiths mum β what an enriching time it is..... ok so Iβm an old sentimental, why else do you think I keep a blog! On the flip side to watch your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and God children grow and talk about their own lives, colleges and jobs, plus, discover life and learn how to walk (!) that is beyond precious time.
3. Lastly the friends, on both sides of The Pond made me appreciate genuine care and community .... I mean the turning of a HALF CENTURY for Mrs Hall, was a splendid affaire and one of sophistication and style that can only be achieved by one who has been on many adventures herself. A party I felt honoured to attend And for my Dear Doc Ruth a party with 9 old friends, making a bowl of pasta and drinking a very nice drop of wine was a night to be treasured. The welcome from our friends at St Johns was more than a treat including prayer time with my oldest buddy Cooks and The Prayer Triplet. But to top it all arriving back to The Big D (oh yes Iβm in with the lingo here) and meet up for a splendid breakfast with my book group ladies, and be invited into the life of βthe youthβ with Grad Parties made me feel so welcome.
Oh and to top it all, the fellow at Passport Control at Detroit Airport on seeing my Green Card said.... welcome home! Is it possible to be so blessed?
Now Keith reads my ramblings and comments on the spelling mistakes... unbelievable! Love you sweetie
Week 2 of the Olympics and I have to say I am extremely proud of the Home Land. Having held a little suaray, to watch the Opening Ceremony, with a mixed bag of Germans, Scots, English, Americans, Welsh and a few other nations thrown in for good measure, it was wonderful to just have fun and enjoy the hard efforts of the UK - having read some of the negatives of the Ceremony we are aware that for some the commentary didn't give a full enough explanation of the diversity covered, for others they 'googled' the explanations but for our little band of brothers on Friday 27 July 2012 we loved the variety of history and modern, of music and prose, the volunteers of the NHS and the cheering crowds on Blackheath!
As for the Games - I think for me the highlight so far was seeing (Princess) Zara ride through Greenwich Park, host to many a Harfield picnic, watched by her cousins, Harry and Wills, Beatrice and the like - yes I am proud of the Royals, again you can say many negative things but why do that? ... I also have to say on a contentious note that the British players of the 'national game' of football, are put to shame in both their attitude and earning by the British cycling team or rowing team - lets make tennis a national sport.... ok so I can only take credit for reading that idea and knowing the 'bloke wat wrote it'.
Look at me writing such rad things on the family blog.... shall I start on Romney and Obama - oh yes I have badly informed views on politics too!
So you want to hear about the next generation of Harfields all 5 of them don't you..... well you'll have to wait....5 I hear you cry - had to count Leanne and Amalie in there too as they are obviously part of the younger Harfield generation. But more to the point..... the American Harfields..... Colin AND Liz are both very ensconced working hard for Kensington Community Church http://www.kensingtonchurch.org Yes Liz has joined the ranks of Harfields working for the church.... no surprise there and running their intern programs... yes churches have interns, in this case loads of interns. As for us older generation - Keith's new teaching dvd on his world famous Paddles Routine will come out in a few weeks..... what can I say - apart from 'get em while their hot'! Not sure why I'd say that. And I'm starting to promote his theatre show, Live and Tricking and of course the new keynote series. Well thats enough from us ... where is Felicity with her up date.... FELICITY.... get down here and tell the friends and family what you've been up to.........
Pog the Pig, the Wandering Herd (Aylesbury ducks), Wonkey Donkey (yes I had a pet donkey until a welsh bloke came and claimed him and took him back for rides on Poppet Sands), Misty the beautiful farm cat, Bundle the calf and of course Cushla our milking cow (I wont bother mentioning the goats or the geese - do you know how bad goats milk is and how badly a gander bits) these were some of my first pets plus many sheep dogs before that - my Father gave me my beloved Tort the Oist when I really grew up at 30; Matt had pets too in the form of Stick Insects (do you know how they multiply) and Speedy the rabbit came into our lives quite fast and left just as fast, dont ask where the Mead family put our other pet rabbit while we were at the Edinburgh Festival or the poor mouse found in Canberra Road, geckos went to the Marshall-Kalps on leaving for the USA, Tort to my Sis and I believe the Shepherds still have a Harfield guinea pig.
So on arriving in the New World, you can imagine our delight at seeing new animals, snapping turtles in the creek at the end of our garden, raccoon, ground hogs (not just the name of a movie I hear you Brits cry), deer in our back 'yard' and possums - yes really as ugly as Disney makes out.
I believe family life is not complete without an animal of some kind, I have truly loved looking after abandon dogs, but it was time to go to the local reptile show and find an pet of our own, see the rejects before we found the one we loved..... enter Sherlock.
S x
A note to my mother - He is Sooo cute - get out here and see him!
Mr & Mrs Harfield plus 2 amazing teens, Oliver Jack & Felicity Ruth
Are delighted to announce that they have moved 100 steps, round the corner to The White House. aka 5341 Westmoreland Drive, Troy MI, 48085 USA.
Yipppppeeee yes we bought a house in America. As my delightfully witty husband says, we are international property owners which means we are underwater in 2 continents!!!!
Come visit and join us for a cup of tea. Only as 7 hour flight for some but well worth it.... Mother!
Like that bit of cockney in the title ... oh yes I've still got it. So week 4 of having our home in the USA and its sooooooooooooo lovely we have been so blessed with The White House - obviously I'm keeping up the garden, lawn.............
and
Sarah is unable to think of what to write in the blog and has sat me down at her computer, i'm hoping a G&T or a glass of wine will arrive soon to give me the inspiration I need. Actually after the last week it's not inspiration we need but sleep.
This week has been Spirit Week at school. A week of celebration and fun that ends with a prep rally, the homecoming parade, the homecoming (American) football match, and the homecoming ball. Oliver being on the exec committee of the student Council seems to have been involved to some degree with the management of the whole caboodle. Felicity being the wonderful girl she is threw herself into every event with aplomb (Although I am not entirely sure what a plomb actually is?)
I am glad to report that all events were a huge success and everyone had a jolly good time. There were ball gowns, corsages, in Oli's case a date, photo sessions (watch this space as some of the photos will be attached). I even let Oliver drive my nice new car so it must have been an important event. (Hmm. That reminds me... haven't checked it over yet)
The amazing thing as that Both Oliver and Felicity got through the whole week which included 5.30 Student council meetings for Oliver, 2 early morning swim practices and 4 evening swim practices for Felicity. 2 inter school tennis tournaments for Oli, An interschool swim meet for Fizz. And the usual piles of homework for both of them.
And in the middle of all that Oliver won some tickets to see Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros which fell as a late night in the middle of the week. He dragged me along and I am glad to say my hearing has now fully recovered... pardon!
Once again we are so proud of our children.
I missed most of the fun of the homecoming ball here as I was entertaining at a homecoming ball 80 miles away. I like to think that those kids had a better time because they had me, but Sarah will probably edit this line from the final version and replace it with one of her snappy retorts.
OK no G&T or wine so I am off to find one for myself.
Bye for now
Keith
Photos on their way, updates and all.... but tonight the US of A is voting. Hold onto your hats Britian, when you awake, well who knows what will happend. TaTa for now
Just clearing the dishes of another splendid meal..... with a traditional pudding of apple crumble and custard oh the delight on the teen's faces as they made the custard. Custard of course courtesy of Birds, Crumble courtesy of Delai Smith, the only other lady apart from my mother, who taught me to cook and apples courtesy of some tree. It is amazing how these old recipes can comfort, bring memories of youth and home. There are some of our dear British friends living and working around the globe who long for simple things such as Fish Fingers, even know a special American lady in the UK who misses Velveeta cheese and tinned pumpkin at Thanksgiving time.
Isn't it quite mind boggling, and a simple horrific fact that I can find comfort from a mass produced food substance, made by a giant conglomerate, that has no natural product or any nutritional value in this day and age of rising obesity, diabetes and ever growing conglomerates, when a huge proportion of the world is starving. Sometimes I amaze myself at my lack of thankfulness or my ability to give up crap foods! - but for now I will put my soap box away with my glass of wine and go to bed.
S x
p.s. yes yes pics of the lovely Amalie are coming, as are the highlights of Sue Halls visit along with the 24 hours spend with Oliver's God father - Dave's visit was a whirl wind of sights, bad timing for him great for us!
Its been amazing - anyone away from their home land will tell you that when OLD friends (who are like family), and family come to visit and see a slice of your life its a special time. Spending the time around Halloween with Mattu, Leanne and Amalie was such a treat. Only a year since Mrs Andrews and Mrs Cartwright were here, plus my sister - its obviously a great time to visit.
Matt and I hardly organised anything... but we did all manage to get to Oliver's tennis banquet to mark the end of a exciting year, and watch Felicity the girls swim team win the district league meet, plus trips to Detroit to eat pulled pork, take Amalie to her first penny arcade..., time with the American cousins, trampoline parks, children's museums and lunch with O & F, at their school cafe. Even managed to get in a family photo shoot - I obviously wanted everyone in jeans and matching white tee-shirts but some members of the family thought we may look like a GAP ad... can you imagine me in a GAP ad - there would be serious air brushing going on. Anyway wait for the Christmas card to see the results. If you dont get a christmas card its because we dont like you or I dont have your address and if neither of those apply then you shouldn't be reading this blogg. No really you may not get a card... dont be offended I love you really.
I obviously need the iphone5 cos my pics are getting worse and when our dear friend Sue Hall arrived, I didn't take any pics at all.... so rubbish. All due to the camera of course nothing to do with me too busy shopping, drinking coffee and look at some gems at the DIA. Such a GOOD time - thanks sweetie!
The to top it all Dave Fawcitt arrived - I cant begin to give you the history on this chap - but to say he is married to my oldest friend and bridesmaid, Ursula will put it all into focus for some of you. Luckily Dave was around to give his God fatherly advice to Oliver on serious matters such as uni's and career. As opposed to Oliver talking to his parents about his inability to juggle!! Wow who writes this stuff - I'm in hysterics here
During these amazing weeks of family and friends - Keith performed and lectured in NY, Maryland, N & S Carolina, Georgia - and never missed a day with any of them. And Martin (a giner tubby tabby) has joined the ranks of foster pets.
And now looking forward to Christmas here in our new house another year is nearly done. With the olympics back in the UK and the shenanigans of watching first hand a presidential election year, Will's and Kate having a little Royal, its been a wonderful year.... ok ok its not over yet but I'm just reminiscing.
LYL
S x
Saturday morning and all is well, except GetJealous has reminded me that I have not completed an update for a while and do I want to continue blogging... having just had our first Christmas here in the Big D, bought a house, awaiting Matt and Leanne's 3 month tour of the USA, Oliver heading to UNI in 2013, Keith's never ending repitoire of shows, lectures and keynotes growing, Fizzy furthering her water-polo career, the flute and the sax I feel I must continue, I must go on blogging, dont stop now, when the going gets tough, never give up ... that was all said with a heroic fist in air (for dramatic effect) and a tongue in my cheek.
So 2012 is over and to finish the year I post photos of our 2012 christmas card... and some fantastic shots we had taken when we were all together in Nov 2012. Look out 2013 here we come!
Once again I am surrounded by salty water.
For the last 10 days I have been on the silver spirit. A most luxurious cruise ship. I have a suite which has a bathroom with a real bath and a separate shower, 2 tv's, a balcony, and a butler who brings me coffee and eggs Benedict for breakfast at 9 every morning.
The cruise starter with a flight from Detroit to LA, a 6 hour lay over and a 9 hour flight to Tahiti. That is where the hassle ended and the holiday began (sorry work, this is work OK).
Papeete, Bora Bora, and somewhere else in the South Pacific that I can't pronounce let alone spell were our first 3 stops. Then a few days at sea and a visit to Christmas Island - nothing like it sounds. And fanning - famous for being the island where Amelia Earhart crashed, probably. The last 2 islands are not regular cruise ship stops. They are some of the most remote occupied land masses in the world. Technically they are not even islands they are atolls - which may grow into islands with the help of a few hundred thousand years and some geology.
Then a couple more days at sea and Hawaii. A welcome sight as they have Internet cafes and mobile phone connections so I can speak to Sarah again.
But it hasn't been all fun. I had to do 2 shows to the 400 passengers on board and then I had to drink some of the free drinks (this is an all inclusive cruise - champagne anyone?)
2 more days and I fly home to the Detroit, snow, sub zero temperatures, 4 kittens and the family I am missing. And in a few weeks we will be having our first proper holiday in 4 years. New Orleans with JD, Carli and Emma, Matt, Leanne and Mally. I am so excited and looking forward to it.
Excuse poor spelling and grammer as I am writing this on my iphone.
Love to you all
Keith
For those not on Facebook.... here is Matthew and here is Oliver:
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IWoaJnJHh_U
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh3q2JBONoU&feature=youtu.be
I received a 'wishing you a happy Easter' Card this week which was such a treat. Sometimes I forget how wonderful it is to receive something that doesn't arrive electronically.
Right now I'm sitting outside the gym, having worked really hard.... waiting for Matt to come out. Yes lovely Matthew, Leanne and Amalie are with us for several weeks. We have been to New Orleans and all over the place with them. Yes yes I'll get photos out soon.
Oh here comes Matt, wow he looks terrible - I didn't look like that when I finished 'working out' - does that mean I'm fitter than him?!
;)
Sx
Yes yes lots to catch up on folks - 2013 is racing past - am I showing my age with that phrase..... we have been to New Orleans, Carli and Judge JD have visited, lovely Amalie has brought her parents, Oliver is graduating, Felicity has finished her second water polo season, niece Emma came to see the sites of Chineese jazz and watch gators with us, Keith is using his many tallents jumping from comedy clubs, to talks on communications, we have just finished our first book together, fundraising shows and even first communion partys....
But wanted to give you a quick up date (quick cos I just have to copy the links - and all you have to do is copy the links and upload into browser... am I teaching you to suck eggs?) to a little tv class that Oliver is doing at school. Very tongue in cheek and obviously based on the very successful tv show.... The Bachelor.... (I'm sure you have all seen it!!)
After watching this you may feel its time we came home......
The Prolog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0T-6byXCFo&list=UUuHJ3iR3FTMmHzjt3sfEhIw&index=25
Episode 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4owkYBfg88
Episode 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i3zXIaz5xw
Episode 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTUGAFjAZ_c
Episode 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGumhjMM8k4
Episode 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFMAGwbyqhg
Episode 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2u3a2Xi0wk
Episode 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP19juivh9o
Are you board yet?
The next new American experience is The Senior Pictures.
Now obviously I have not watched enough American films to get my head round this concept, nor did I read any books on dealing with 'terminology you should know when moving to the USA' as to me a simple Brit - SENIOR is a person of many years.... an old person, a granny, someone who can get discounts on the tube, a person with lots of wrinkles (OK not such a great explanation)... nor did I read any books about 'Dealing with A Senior in High School' when we thought of coming on this amazing trip. I was too busy packing shoes.
So when folk asked me when and where I was having my SENIOR pictures taken. I thought, .... well that's jolly rude Keith and I don't look like seniors yet and as for my patents, they are beyond seniors they are more like 'crumblies'. Keith and I have just written a book, and so we could do with some publicity shots but really to describe us as seniors seemes a little blunt.....
Well then one of my more understanding American buddies, realising my confusion (a state i am permantly in), explained a little about our Senior OLIVER and how this last year is all about him and there are many american traditions that take place in this last year of high school! The ACT's, the college applications, the college essays... oh I could share a story or two about those!, Uni choices, the exams, the ever lasting pictures to remember this great year of your seniors life, the spring break trip (let's not discuss that one), the party's, the graduation, the picnic on the last day of school with shaving cream fights (which i am helping to organize this year for 400 seniors), the grad partys, the tiny tiny pics that you must give out to friends and TEACHERS!!, senior skip day (where the girls go to get their nails and hair done to prepare for prom) Prom, photos at your prom dates house, photos with friends before Prom, after prom parties, tee shirt blankets, photo albums of their 4 years in high school, displays dedicated to their achievements at high school oh and did I mention the cost!
So we are embracing these great, and fun and honoring traditions, although with a little British reserve, fear and entrepidation. And actually feeling very blessed that we can be a part of another culture, surrounded by good friends. AND my Mother will be joining us for some of these events. So all will be fine.
One morning as the early light approached the Young Mum was awoken by her 18 month daughter longing to get up and out of her cot. She knew her 3 year old son would be in his room looking at books and awaiting to be told the day had begun. Today was a bitter sweet day, as the quiet shy timid boy got ready to experience ‘school’, as his Park Nursery smart red jumper lay out on his bed, his ‘school uniform’ for 2 mornings a week – each morning lasting for 2 hours. For him 2 hours would be a life time, but in 2 hours the Young Mum could conquer the world: write a letter to her brother who was going on a climbing expedition, spend quality play time with her daughter, put a little work into her new business enterprise and of course have plenty of time to do the washing.... always washing to bring life to a mundane level.
The Young Mum had chosen Park Nursery with the help of her Ever Loving, because of its great location, right next to the church, in fact in the old church hall building. A lovely walk from the house down the tree lined streets. It was small and the description in the hand out used words such as nurturing, caring, positive attitudes, great start, and small environment.
And as the Young Mum walked the tree lined road with her daughter in the pram and her son in his bright red jumper by her side, she noticed another young mum walking the same walk to send her small quiet daughter to school. Of course the Young Mums were nervous – had they both heard the same reports of Park Nursery, the same nurturing descriptions?. The mums chatted and the 2 little quiet people walked beside them.
On entering the church hall there was the lovely teacher, Mrs Hunt, ready to greet and reassure, and coax. Mrs Hunt talked of her own son now in University, and how the years would rush by. The Young Mum could not imagine, not in her wildest dream that this little boy would one day leave her to the washing, or more time with her Ever Loving, for the big world outside. He would be her quiet timid little son forever.
The little boy took the girls hand and without a word walked her to the book corner where they sat in silence and looked at picture books knowing this was the start of their educational lives.
Now on this morning the Not Quite So Young Mother awoke to silence in the house and slowly as the dawn light filtered in the realisation that 16 years had passed quicker than ever expected or than the lovely Mrs Hunt had explained all those years ago. In 16 years there had been a variety of schools, and many books read, and a new country discovered and now the Not Quite So Young Mother awoke her 18 year old son. She coaxed her 16 year old daughter out of bed as the family packed up the car to take the not so shy or timid young man to University. There was no uniform to layout, but a car to pack with tennis rackets, rugby ball, books, bow ties and a hip flask as the young man ventured out into the world on his own. And the Not Quite So Young Mother realised she had plenty of time now to conquer the world; technology had moved on and she could facebook her brother on yet another climbing expedition; and her daughter would need less quality time, even though she missed her big brother many miles away; and the once new business enterprise had grown and grown and been sold and another entrepreneurial enterprise was under way this time on a new continent.... and the only thing that stayed the same ... of course plenty of time to do the washing.... always washing to bring life to a mundane level.
Ok ok so I'm rubbish at this blogging thing.. and yet I write all the time on social media, nothing of any worth I admit. I'm realising that many dear family/friends have no idea we are still alive... but we are. And what is so exciting is seeing how all our extended family are doing amazing things. Lovely sis-in-law Liz (married to Keith's youngest bro Colin) is in Isreal on a mission trip - walkiing the same walk that Jesus did all those years ago. My bro Jerry Gore - half way up a mountian in Patigonia. http://www.lifeventure.co.uk/blog/jerry-gore-wall-of-paine-intro.html. Our niece Emma is getting married in August 2014, so excited to come back for the festivities.
And what of us travelling Harfields... well not so much travelling really. As I write this, on Halloween the sweets are bought, the house decorated, I'm awaiting Felicity back from diving practise and the arrival of Colin and his kids so we can go out tricking and treating. I believe little Micah is a 'minion' and I'm longing to see Elise and Edens costume - Felicity is Hermione Granger... and I'm incharge of giving out the sweets/candy! And so I have to reminise as that is the age I have reached.... remember seeing the pics of my sister as a banana when she visited? And Matt, Leanne and our wonderful grand-daughter dressed as a cupcake...and this year we are without Liz (as I mentioned she is out in Isreal and I think was baptised in the River Jorden yesterday!) and of course missing our boy Oliver now at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor - and I believe has a variety of costumes - a kilt being top of the list as he gets in touch with the scottish side of the family and prepares to wear one at his cousins wedding in the summer!
I would love to tell you all about what OJ is up to but I feel I should get him to write a little - I will just tell you that one of the clubs he has joined is an 'ice carving club'... to make ice luges. I'll leave you with many questions on that one. AND NEWS HOT OFF THE PRESS HE HAS JUST SENT ME A SELFIE OF HIS SCOTTISH HALLOWEEEN OUTFIT...
And Felicity - I can tell you loads about our girl - she hasn't left me.... yet! Due to head aches (something to do with breathing, tonsils, alagies and all things unknown - yes yes we are on the case Mother!) she found she was unable to swim this year for the school team. BUT not to be defeated she took up diving instead and so has been learning this art, along with playing the sax, getting involved with the theatre company, church youth groups 4 AP's and just being a poppet. Should I brag some more or stop now (Rachel Mead you should be giggling at this point - what is it with bragging mothers!) With the discovery of 'snap chat' I now get regular pics of the teens and am loving the 4 second smiles - you have to download it peeps its a great app.
OK OK I'll finish on Keith and I - remember when we started this adventure and we didn't know if we could make it a go, or how long we would stay, or should we bother to ship stuff over cos we may only be here a few months.... well we have recieved blessing after blessing and with my very tallented husband doors just keep opening and hopefully our heads are not to big to get through them.
Deep thought to end: life is short, we are not invincible, never take family and friends for granted, never stop smiling and get a cat!
S x
Hello everyone. Sorry it has been so long since I last wrote. The reason being that I have embarked on the journey that is higher education. I'm sure many of you know, but it's a magic land where classes don't start till 10am, and on Friday they don't start till 3. It's a place were you can join the ice carving team, along with play a sport known as broom ball (Google it).
I am having a great time here at Michigan. I also managed to live in the nicest dorms on campus. This means that I have been put in with all the athletes. One of my neighbours is from Canada and can run a mile in 4 minutes and 9 seconds. I now see no reason for physical excursion as I will never be able to compete. Other then my lack of sporting capabilities, I like to think I am doing quite well in this new land. Laundry is done, I'm showed and my teeth are brushed. Now we just have to see how exams go.
Oliver Harfield
....I dont know, all I know is that life continues on and year 5 in the USofA and we are nearly grown up and I can nearly speak the language and I'm still amazed by everyday life that is so different over here.
For Keith check out www.KeithFields.com and you will see he is off to Gatlinburg.. where you Brits say.... Smokey Mountains, just beautiful.
For Oli - check out the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has he is half way through his freshman year
For Felicity - you can find her at the pool with waterpolo, jazz band, looking at Universitys and off to Guatimala in the summer or at Athens High School
And me... I'm at all of the above, but right now I'm about to shovel the 5 inches of snow that fell last night ontop on the 10 inches we already have... and hands up who loved the Oscar's last night...
S x
A year a go we were blessed to be able to adopt a little one who had really had a rough start to life; at aged 5 he had been in the adoption system for several years. When he first came to stay we all had to make adjustments and learnt a lot about his many complaints - a plastic fetish, herpes, and obesity. The ginger gene is quite prominent in both Keith and my family so we were adept to dealing with fiery temper and even the odd lashing out. When finding ginger hair everywhere it was not an issue to discuss - just something to live with and of course not to mention so that our house guest did not feel even more of the odd one out in the Harfield family.
I believe we were all in agreement that the adoption should go forward as time went on we have all come to love him, Felicity being our youngest found it increasingly hard to adjust to the new young addition especially with regard to his love of plastic bags. But she is the one who tends to his optical issues, giving him eye drops daily. Such a kind girl that she is.
Oliver as the big brother is the role model but I feel may value his time away at University too.
And so it is with great delight and pleasure that I ask you to raise your glass and toast the anniversary of the adoption of Martin the Fat Cat.
It is humbling at my stage in life to admit when I am wrong, na to be told that I AM wrong can in fact be very liberating. Especially when I was in the wrong. To hold my hands up and say – ‘I did it I’m sorry’. And now I have been told on 2 continents that I was in the wrong AND they were right. I feel that it is liberating to tell the next generations that I have made mistakes too and that I have learned.
You can teach an old dog new tricks…no comments here please.
And for those who don’t know, it is illegal to drive in a bus lane in London and I deserved the fine AND, in the USA, it is illegal to turn right on a red when there is a sign that tells me not to. And the fact that the Bobby in blue (is that just a UK term?) was lying in wait just to point out my mistakes is neither here nor there. The fact that they have trained for many years to up hold the law is the point and how ever demeaning it is to pull me over and say ‘do you know what you did wrong madam?’, and I bat my thinning eye lashes and say, ‘no sir, what have I done, oh silly me’ when I knew jolly well what I had done. And no one in their right mind will fall for the non-plump flashing eye lash trick.
And so although I am writing this blog with a pinch of sarcasm and a tiny bit of irony the thing that irks me the most is that the love of my life, known as ‘thekeithfields’ on twitter and face book, number 6 in the ranks of attractions in Gatlinburg Tennessee who has driven a trillion more miles than me, in as many different countries and continents as me has never got a bloody ticket in his life! That is irony
I'm rather likeing today's little thought provoking phrase although SOMEONE in the Harfield house may have ridiculed it... Comments accepted
'If you don't get out of the boat, you'll never walk on water'
Just wanted to wish all my American mother friends a happy Mothers Day. Obviously I can't wish my English mothers anything as your day has passed. To my English Mother friends who live in the USA, Julie Beck and Joy O'Boyle you can decide if to receive my wishes!!!! For my sister in law who is English but living in France I have no idea what to wish you lovely Jackie Gore.
Sitting in an airport in NY I can almost see Central Park... If I squint. And no longer do folks look board waiting for flights or are grumpy because of flight delays. Oh they are all totally preoccupied with finding a power outlet to charge phones, tablets and laptops. It's mad I tell you mad. I miss those happy days of tut tut tuting over another announcement saying your Captain is lost. Now it's all 'let's hope the Captain is late so I can charge my iphone for another 5 mins so I can update my blog..... Oops
Just to keep up my blogging... oh how trendy that sounts - this is a little something the hubby wrote tonight from Tennessee where he is performing this summer - enjoy!
There is something wonderful about the time before a show. Everything is set and all is calm. I use this time to think of new ideas and practice a few new effects.
And there is something exciting about the strange nature of doing a dailysolo show in a resort town.
Every day is different. Some crowds are very family orientated ie for every parent there is at least 2 or 3 children! Others are teens and upwards. So every show is unique in so many ways.
I look back at my career which covers street shows, festivals, circus, kids shows, comedy clubs, cruises, corporate events and TV. All those different venues stretched me and taught me new skills.
I have never been so grateful for all those years of lessons as I am now. I seem to be using so many of the skills learned over the last 30 years as a professional entertainer in this one show. And I am loving every minute of it!
#abritofmagic #Gatlinburg
Let me tell you the story of 24 hours in the life of The Wedding Hat. Its not from around here, I believe its native dialect maybe mandarin but thats another story. This story starts in the leafy suburbs of Troy, Michigan where this stunning aqua blue Wedding Hat starts its long journey... lets see where it goes dearly beloved.....
Dearly beloved the first stop on The Wedding Hats amazing 24 hours was spent in deep meditative prayer. Praying for the journey ahead, the rugged road, the twists and turns that life will send it on. And of course traveling mercies ... One alway should pray for those...
Sadly that didn't work - left church and hit traffic jam! And have you all noticed who is driving.... Glad to see that this girls mother has taught her proper... Always dress well for traveling....
So the Wedding Hat is currently in Canada - after an epic dash for the boarder, being frisked for hidden contraband the Canadian customs let it through. The Wedding Hat got a little confused as it passed signs for London, Cambridge and Waterloo before even taking off.
As always the Canadians have been delightful - compliments all the way - next stop check in,
Thanks for following... The Mandarin speaking wedding hat is now very happy in Myceane Road, Blackheath where it is resting before traveling to Cardiff, Derby, Chislehurst, Cardigan, Sevenoaks, Putney and where ever the Meads live. Don't ask about it's carbon foot print!
Not quite finished our trip but a little trivia as we travel from London to Cardiff to Weighbridge to Chislehurst to Sevenoaks to Blackheath to Derby...and beyond .. Where is this building ?
Ok folks name the location and content of this window...... You make have got the Building but this is a different class!
One realises one has failed as a Mother when you see your 17 yr old daughter struggling to hang washing on the line.
Some of you may not know this, but it was 'bring your child to work day' today… if you were a comic. I remember the day well when our eldest Matthew was younger…. 21 to be precise. He was back from university and got to see his Dad work/perform at Battersea Jongleurs in London AND he got to take his uni mates too.
Its not often that comics get to take their children to work; its not often that kids of comics, magicians and jugglers are proud of their parents… well no that’s not true. There is an age where it is very cool that your Dad can do tricks; and then a little bit older and its funny when your Dad can tell cheeky jokes and then as you get a little older still it’s a bit embarrassing that your Dad doesn’t have a proper job and THEN there is a time when your mates don’t believe what your Dad does for a living. And THEN its cool again to tell friends what your Dad does.
I think we have been unbelievably lucky that our kids have never been that embarrassed… well not by their Dad anyway. So I remember with fondness and excitement that Matt wanted to take his uni mates to an adult comedy club…. Not sure what, if anything Matt remembers.
And now with a new show, a new style of audience, a new club in a new country it was time to take the next two to see their Dad work.
Wow, as I write this I think of amazing friends who have come with us to comedy clubs, to see Keith’s act oh and the other comics on the bill too of course; a time for Keith to work but for friends to ‘let their hair down’. I remember the same club in Battersea taking the lovely Shepherds, Merrivales and Marshalls – what a night listening to Michael Smiley with our vicar, youth worker and dentist!
But I digress – who was in the audience tonight – many many new friends who have supported us, laughed and cried with us on this journey over the last 5 years - neighbors, entertainers, magicians, church friends and even good old Mr Burns.
I like to watch the audience during a show (many reasons for that one!) For me tonight, the folk to watch was our amazing son Oliver back from uni for the evening watching his Dad on stage, having brought his mates from Uni – similar to when Matt brought his friends, but not so much time spent in the bar. AND also in the audience, well in fact on camera filming the show was our beautiful daughter, who I’m not sure got paid and I hope took some good footage not letting the camera wobble with her laughter – all there to see the amazing, hilarious, the love of my life MR KEITH FIELDS….. encore encore
Ok so it came out in 2008 but Mrs Cave and Mrs Mead why does this book make me laugh and remind me of you lot!
Dear social worker and health care professional friends please lift your hands high in the air, higher… and then reach over and give yourselves a huge pat on the back. I mean this with great sincerity as today, I met 3 of your kind, who have had a profound effect on my life, as I sat through a meeting of over 3 hours (one of many they have already had with my Mother). With a social worker, a doctor and the head of the nursing staff at a dementia hospital (and don’t quote me on titles and nitty gritty, I am a lay person who boasts of not knowing the correct terminology particularly after an 8 hour flight and 5 hour drive). These three sat, they listened they asked questions they dealt with numerous legal forms to learn the history, understand the immediate past from my mother and determine the best care for our Father. Due to their expertise, their training, there genuine sense of well being and what is right we came to an out come.
I know the NHS is struggling and I see the reports of the issues with Obama Care – and from my point of view as an outsider I have no idea what is like to be ‘in the industry’ in either country. And I really don’t want to comment on which system is right or better - I am now a part of both – but these three today never rushed us, they never slagged off the system, they dealt professionally and with love with my parents case. Tomorrow they will be dealing with the next family needing their expertise, who will be as clueless as myself. They will never know how profoundly and positively they have effectived our lives with a disease that that that… I can not even think of the correct repulsive adjective to describe it.
So I just want to thank you for the effect on lives that you have everyday – go use those gifts and knowledge you have and I hope you know how valuable you are.
To visit my Father, my Mother and I have to drive over the Preseli Mountains. I pootle along looking at the view and it takes about an hour. If the Rally Boy Racer is behind the wheel, on the single lane mountain road, it’s a quicker journey. If you close your eyes and say ‘rally boy racer’ in a welsh accent and rolling your r’s, you can get the picture of my Mother in your mind.
The mountains are usually speckled with white woolly sheep, but the Preseli’s look particularly bleak at this time of year, as all the white woolly jumpers that bring that touch of colour, are in the lower fields, with their lambs. I don’t feel the panoramic setting on my iphone does justice to the magnificence of the mountain, the history, the vast expanse of space – really Felicity should be here to take the shot. But again you get the picture. So every time we leave Haverfordwest for the road back to Cardigan, I like to slow down - when she lets me drive ;) to stop and stare.
So however bleak The Visit, however bleak the drive, or the grey sky, I am still awe struck by the magnificence of the Preseli Mountains. I hope however bleak your day is you can still find something to make you stop and stare in wonder.
Hello everyone, this is Felicity (yes I know it's been a while) today me and mother are on our way to go prom dress shopping(it's so american I love it). I thought I would delight you in the little story of me and mother trying to find my dress in the form of a children's book, as we all know me and mother are children at heart. So here is "We Are Going on a PD (prom dress) Hunt"
We are going on a PD hunt
We are going to catch a sparkly one
We're not scared (well I think father's credit card is)
Oh no motorway
We can't go over it
We can't go under it
And we can only go 70mph on it
Vroom vroom "Felicity slow down"
We are going on a PD Hunt
We are going to catch a Lacey one
We're not scared (mothers just hiding the bill)
Oh no it's a mall
We can't go over it
We can't go under it
We have to go through it
"Mum stop looking at the shoes I need a dress"
We are going on a PD hunt
We are going to find a short low cut one
"Oh no we bloody well won't!!"
Oh no 300 different shops
We can't go over them
We can't go under them
We will have to go through every one:)
Trudge trudge, skip, skip "fizz slow down"
We are going on a PD hunt
We are going to find a pink one
"Mother I'm not 5"
Oh no a price tag
Ya just never mind
We are going on a PD hunt
We are going to find a cheap one
We're not scared (mum just realized her girl is growing up)
Oh no we think we have found it
We can't go over it
we can't go under it
I guess we will have to buy it
I hope you enjoyed the little story, I had way too much fun writing it. So now for a little update on my life (aka the serious stuff). I'm going to University of Michigan in September. This is one of the top schools in the state, and also where Oli goes. I'm most likely going to be studying Maths and Education, but knowing me that will probably change at some point. Senior year is going well but I'm excited to go to college. Water polo season has started, I'm so happy to be playing again for my 4th year. Grandparents are still as lovely but getting older so mum is leaving me more and going back to England. Basically I'm not having too many parties. Dad is back down in Tennessee with his amazing "A Brit of Magic" show, we hope to be joining him some time this week for easter. Had an amazing time in New York with a friend who met us there and came over from the UK for her 18th, I really have missed the city life. I'm excited to hear about everyone's gap year plans, that hopefully involve visiting us in USA.
So I think that sums it up, I'll make sure to post pictures of prom later on. I am so thankful for this experience in America. It has been so much fun and as much as I don't like to admit mother is right, it has been just like the high school musical without the singing. Also just a quick thank you to mother for putting up with me while dad and Oli are away, we have a Giggle but of course can be tough. And Thanks to dad for buying my prom dress π he hasn't seen it yet so let's hope he doesn't mind too much!
Love
Felicity
My facebook pages over the years have been showing pics of my brother, know to our mother as Jeremy Mark O'Brien-Gore, AKA Jerry Gore - these pictures have depicted his love...going up and coming back down mountains, rock walls, ice walls, and all sorts of very tall things all over the world. This is what he does, this is how he leads his life, this is his passion - obviously his wife and daughters are actually at the top of that list. Yes he is an interesting fellow - and then to cap it all he is an insulin-dependent Diabetic... a disease that even as his sister I know little about... talk to the older sis she inherited the brains, me and Jerry got the bottom...TMFI... too much family info?? So lets just finish this paragraph by saying that the diabeties effects every aspect of his life... every aspect but somehow this chap is on a mission not to let this disease stop his life.
So His latest feet is to raise funds by climbing the Eiger (go look it up folks) with another amazing climber, Calum Muskett - and from his up date Jerry says:
"your support we will give back life to more than a primary school's worth of children and hope to their families; £70 is enough to support one child in the Philippines with Type 1 Diabetes with insulin for a whole year (@ 35 units per day). At present we are on track to raise over £20,000 and hopefully if my fundraiser events this year go well it should be a lot more than this." A very long link to his pages is:
https://www.facebook.com/JerrysInsulinChallenge/posts/936827593026459
And to see great pics from the trip :
https://www.facebook.com/JerrysInsulinChallenge?fref=ts
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sarah’s father. He was a Great-Grandad, but more than that he was a great man.
I am writing this from the point of view of a son-in-law, as that is what I was, but over the years we shared so much that I would gladly call him my friend. We shared many hours casting flies together, sharing stories about life, business and dreams. Eating lunch, spinning yarns and having a cigarette that we thought our wives didn’t know about (we are wiser now!) We finally agreed that the art of fly fishing was not about catching fish but about casting the perfect fly, actually catching a fish would upset our equilibrium! But he still managed to always catch more than me.
Talking to Brian was always fun as we shared a joy in language and words. He was not only interested in what I did, he was fascinated by it. And that is one of his super powers, when he talked to you; you were the most important person in the world.
I remember watching him sitting on a gate using these powers while talking to our children. He would have them absolutely captivated. This was a normal day at Cwm Broch, he would do anything for his grandchildren. Even when you could see he was tired he still could not resist telling them a bed time story.
As I write this I am recalling some of our many conversations, and realizing the great wisdom that he has shared with me over the years. How many times he would compliment me or praise me for something that he noticed, often things that others had not seen.
But there is one very special reason why I call Brian a great man. He inspired others to be great. I see this most in his children, his grandchildren, and definitely in this son-in-law. He made us all really believe that we could do anything we wanted to do, and you know what? I think he was right!
Brian O’Brien-Gore of Cwm Broch, Bridell, passed away very peacefully in the early morning of 3RD May 2015 at St Non’s Hospital, Haverfordwest. Brian, aged 88 years, leaves his wife Muriel O’Brien-Gore, and his children Caroline Donne, Jeremy Gore and Sarah Harfield, and grand-children Elizabeth, Charlotte, Oliver, Felicity, Emma, Mathew, Rebecca, Emma and great granddaughters Amalie, and Seren. Public funeral service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1 pm on 15th May 2015. Family flowers only, but donations if desired to Wales Air Ambulance or Marie Curie, c/o Miss Lowri Philipps of Colin Philipps and Daughters, Funeral Directors, 4 Morgan Street, Cardigan. Tel: 01239 621192
Today is my last day of an American high school! Seems kinda crazy and surreal. I remember talking to my parents about the possibility of moving to America, at the time I didn't know what this meant for me or my family. As much as I still miss my English friends, family and general city life, I honestly think that God put us in the right place. Through this experience my family has grown closer together, (not that we weren't to begin with) but I don't feel like that little girl who assumed she was adopted because she didn't understand her parents. I have found friends over here that accept that I will never quite understand what they talking about 3/4 of the time, yet love me all the same. There are many people to thank for this crazy adventure my parents have changed into my life. The wonderful families back home for supporting our mad ideas and giving us updates on everything and anything London. To my crazy cousins in the US for translating everything they have said until I somewhat understood the language. My friends in England, even when I only get to see them every 6-12 months they act like it was yesterday; and never let me lose my roots. To my US friends I don't know what I would do without your understanding and jokes these past four years. My amazing family around the world (we are never in the same place) we all have gone through a lot this last year with the grandparents but when we are together it is always a fun time(even if that doesn't get to happen often). And lastly to my crazy, mad, eccentric brilliant parents. Without whom this adventure would never have even happened. Thank you for pushing me just enough to get through, and making me laugh till I cried on numerous occasions!
Summer internship in India and he has shared his first weeks thoughts! Enjoy #oksoI'maproudparent
https://2015indiainternshipinitiative.wordpress.com/2015/06/21/first-impressions/
Can you believe it... a second update from Oliver... and now I know what he is up to... all parents need to know what their kids are up to!
https://2015indiainternshipinitiative.wordpress.com/2015/06/28/hard-at-work/
AND the next update from Oliver.... https://2015indiainternshipinitiative.wordpress.com/2015/07/15/week-4-update/
so here it is folks - the last of Oliver's trials and tribulations in India... enjoy the blog
https://2015indiainternshipinitiative.wordpress.com/author/harfield1995/
FYI today I finished watching all 6 Star Wars movies in order. Just wanted to diary note this as I've never liked science fi ... As I like to call it. Enough said
There were 5 in the bed
And the little one said
‘Rollover Rollover’
So they all rolled over and one jumped out
Into the arms of lovely Leanne
And they moved to Cardiff and had babies and are very happy and we miss them like crazy
There were 4 in the bed
And the little one said
‘Rollover Rollover’
So they all rolled over and one moved out
After he had lunch and then full steam ahead to change the world after another sandwich and a trip to Europe and Indian
And is starting his 3rd year at Uni and we miss his funny ways and are extremely excited to see what he does with the rest of his life although he may change his mind along the way… a few times and eat a lot more sandwiches
There were 3 in the bed
And the little one said
‘Rollover Rollover’
So they all rolled over and one Rushed OUT
Laughing and excited about University, ready to help the world alone its merry path, always chatting and helpful and smilie. Little friend to all the world is on her way and we don’t want her to go
There were 2 in the bed
And the little one said
‘now what shall we do’
And the older one said
‘lets stay here and make a plan’
Six years is a long time to live in a country without spending regular long periods of time with family. I forget to share the little nitty gritty bits of life. Don’t get me wrong there are some great tools to keep you in contact with family and friends abroad – skype being free, ichat for us Apple folk and texting (if you have the right plan!). All excellent forms of communication, however nothing beats sitting around having a cup of tea and seeing each other weekly.
Plus its easy to get a little complacent about one’s own life… take things for granted, maybe even become a little jaded.
September 2015 was a time to put all that right, a refreshing month when I saw my life through an active octogenarian (AO) Look that one up folks it’s a great turn of phrase – yes ok Keith gets credit for it. It was a time to share the nitty gritty, and to see the ‘same old same old’ with someone who hadn’t seen the ’same old’… not even once.
In September, yes she was here for the whole of September! I watched magic through the eyes of a learned lady (well she has been round the block a few times), I watched the excitement of doves disappearing, magic tricks I have seen for 30 years.. and yes I maybe a little jaded… but with this AO a renewed excitement came into my life.
On our travels this month, me and the old AO stopped at ‘road kill’ – dead raccoon at the side of the road to some of you, with renewed interest. I feel I must explain (mainly because Keith said I should). We don’t get raccoons in the UK, so the size of claw, the angry expression on this dead animal where genuinely fascinating.
Instead of getting huffy at the TOTAL content of my hand bag being tipped over the floor of the car, the OA cracked up and the Jaded saw the funny side of lipstick and tissues everywhere. Then there were giggles of delight at not being able to open a cabinet containing a croissant… don’t ask! I did more trips to see Oliver and Felicity at Uni in one month than I thought possible but the miles and the travel didn’t matter with all the chatter and excitement that my travelling companion showed on the journeys. We wont mention the shopping that this lady can do, we will skip the numerous trips to buy ‘stuff’… er no….carefully chosen gifts for her friend back home and clothes oh clothes.…. The new acquaintances and old friends she met , dinners, lunches, rides on boats and book clubs all seen with excitement from the OA and no longer taken for granted from the Jaded.
And the highlight of my Mothers visit, apart from the ones mentioned above? Too many to mention! However possibly watching her purchase, for herself, the new Apple ipad mini; then attending an hour long Apple training class. I think it was entitled ‘ ipads for beginners’. Or was it ‘ipads for OA’s, folk whose first language wasn’t English, dissatisfied users, folks who couldn’t even turn the jolly ipad on and anyone who want to join a class on ipads’). Boy did we laugh.
The lesson – put the history of relationships behind you, open your eyes and smile! Obvious OA’s don’t hang around forever.
However if I have to explain the difference between ichat, facebook messenger, texting and skype, one more time, she may not be such an ACTIVE octogenarian…. Love you, beyond words Mother!
The car is packed with the content for 3 different shows: A Brit of Magic – Shocktober Special 2015; STRONG – an elementary school educational programme, and Keith Fields – the corporate show.
‘ Well that is all well and good but 2 of us on the road for a month and I have a month’s worth of clothes, oh and don’t forget makeup for both social and stage use plus I have a full on cleansing routine… ok ok a little tonner and moisturizer. But then there are walking boots – we will have days off work and we are in the Smoky Mountains, plus a few snacks for the 10 hour car journey added bare essentials for living in rented accommodation for a month. Don’t forget I run an entertainment consultancy… so I have paper work, bills to be paid etc. And of course Keith you can bring your computer as well as mine’
That is sort of how the conversation went as Keith and I took to the road at 9am on Friday 2nd. Always check the house before leaving; turn off lights in the house, kiss the cat, check the fridge, make sure the house sitters have cat feeding and grooming instructions and all aboard we are off.
Rats the battery is flat on the car. We leave at 11am!
By the time we arrived last night to our cabin in the woods, picked up some milk for my tea we crawled into bed. Now on Saturday morning the woods look amazing outside right outside our door. Rain is coming down… Brits always talk about the weather. But we are here in an amazing 2 bed cottage and off to the theatre for rehearsals, prop check, prop repairs, prop purchase (as of course we have left something behind). After half a sandwich, which is the only meal of the day, ‘eating on the road is rubbish’. We are ready for the first show of the season.
A Brit of Magic – Shocktober Special 2015 featuring Keith Fields
11pm – At last we get some food! Major room for improvement, especially with the blood capsule broken for the horror routine. What is the point of a Halloween show without blood? And Keith and I will stay married (for hopefully another 25 years). Yes this was the first time we got paid for performing together. But the final verdict was that the show went well, the audience loved it!
Sunday 4th October 2015
Well that was it one show under our belt and now on our day off we are changing bits, re writing scripts, adding bits in and of course fixing the jolly blood capsule thingymebob…. Props are Keith’s department.
Had a fantastic hike in the woods – one has to see the surrounding area when on the road and keep fit! Plus I did make a fuss about bringing the hiking boots so we have to use them.
I have to admit that preparing for this trip has been a bit stressful for me (this is Keith by the way). Not so much doing about 30 minutes of new material in the new Shocktober show, it was the new experience of sharing the stage with Sarah. The reason it was stressful was not because I was worried about Sarahs performance, it was more the fact that we had to do stuff like rehearse the show - I mostly work on the premise of 'wing it'.
Then there was the problem with using a prop which I haven't used for a few years - got it out an hour before the show, cleaned it, and promptly broke it! And it was a handmade limited edition which is no longer available.
Still all is well that ends well and I managed to make the required repairs with some plastic pipe and some superglue (Sarah is convinced I can repair anything and she is mostly right). And I am proud to say that the second show was an improvement on the first (woohoo). If only the best improvement that we made wasn't Sarahs idea - I thought I was the creative one around here!
Its tough this being on the road and having a day off and its 77degrees in the Smokies and beautifullllll
Facebook views are going mad for the show so the pr seems to be working, emails and tickets to sort out, and the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce to visit, and text to check on Martoon... its not all a bunch of roses!
Did have a chance to watch sunset at the amazing Clingmans Dome over 6000 ft and tremendous views....
What have we learnt in 12 days of being in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on the road with a Brit of Magic – The Shocktober Special Addition?
Look at this little green fellow – name that bug!
Day 19 in The Smokies and we have seen some amazing sites of natural beauty, there are however no sites of natural beauty after the free moonshine – people may have been naturally beautiful when they went into the moon shine tasting but not so much on the way out.
After several years of marketing shows and acts I’m still learning. And if technology would stand still for a little longer I could use the results of one marketing campaign to see if the campaign was worth using on another show. But as the internet, google, Microsoft (and many other big names) get ever cleverer in their abilities, I have no way of judging whether a particular marketing tool worked (ad words, facebook). OR was it just word of mouth that sold more tickets for a show or was it just weather… it rained so instead of looking at the Smokey Mountains folks came inside to watch a show.
I know I know there are many great companies/tools to help out the 'little business' in its endeavor to grow - analytics, marketing companies, digital marketing companies and more. However, the sceptic in me, having spent 10 years working for the biggest ad company in the world is still questioning if its individuals talents, word of mouth or even weather… that sold a product, put bums on seats or made a 7 second video go viral.
OOOOH I can see me opening a can of worms on this one. So lets change the subject and go look at the montains...
We met up with an old friend. Well I say that now, but what is an old friend… someone past 40? Someone who’s life history you know? Someone you have just met a couple of times on life’s journey? Today ‘an old friend’ was someone who has the biggest smiley faces you have ever seen. Yes that is David – a big Canadian smiley face, with a heart to match. And the common bond – errr well I don’t have anything in common with this chap – although I do like his travelling campaign, a dog, named Olive.
But Keith and him…. How many common bonds do you want, magic, working the street, living as a street entertainer and many street performers they both know. They are at different stages of their career in a field that they love and so a friendship begins.
As David confesses, he took to this magic life a little late in life, and only took to the streets, performing across the USA 2 years ago, living in his van (I use that word lightly, more like a rust bucket on wheels…. Just saying!) Keith of course, as many of you know, left the world of ‘full time’ street performing in Covent Garden many years ago… I believe his excuse was ‘it got cold outside, so I tried the Comedy Store’ in Lester Sq where it was much warmer. For Dave, when Ann Arbor MI gets cold he heads to New Orleans and even down here to Tennessee.
People - I watched these 2 men last night, after a few moon shines admittedly, sing to a lady who was on holiday and eating out for her birthday; they performed magic tricks because someone said ‘please’. No money changed hands. These ‘old friends’ were loving the challenge of making others laugh, enjoying the obscurity of their trade, and ok ok still enjoying the remnants of the moon shine.
How wonderful is it, ladies and gentlemen, to put your inhibitions behind you, not worry about the next meal (the waitress was very slow) and just make people laugh. I WANT THAT TALLENT!
An amazing account from my old friend, Dr Ruth Marchant's recent jorney to help those in need - food for thought I feel
LESVOS November 2015
Nine days in Lesvos have challenged and changed me. My heart has been softened, but I have not been broken. I have been encouraged by the strength of the human spirit and the power of the kindness of strangers and these bring me hope. I lack the eloquence of others that describe so well the visual images of life in Moria refugee camp, so instead I will introduce a new friend, Mohammed.
Mohammed is a handsome twenty something refugee from Afghanistan with a winning smile despite all he has been through. He is fluent in 6 languages and a trained doctor. He laughs at my jokes, he seems happy, he wants to tell me his story. He is travelling with his sister and 4year old nephew, just the 3 of them, all the rest of his family are dead, shot by the Taliban because his father was an army man who was associated with the Americans when they were in Afghanistan. Many of the doctors he trained with are dead too- killed in the bombing of the MSF hospital 2 months ago. He said that doctors are no longer respected in Afghanistan, I wanted to say the same was true in the UK, until I realised that he meant that they were no longer exempted from the Taliban’s killings.
He fled in terror when he was phoned by a member of the Taliban and asked for a meeting, he feared a trap he would not survive. The 3 of them left in an overloaded truck with their legs hanging over the sides for lack of space. The only time the vehicle stopped was when it repeatedly became stuck in sand drifts that they needed to dig themselves free from. Then they walked and in his words “sometimes had to run” across 4 nations, but without hearing one word of kindness and having to pay for everything including water. He had not expected such harshness from his Muslim brothers. They then had to spend a few nights in the forests of Turkey without any food trying to shelter form the weather that was so severe that the boats were unable to depart for Greece.
The waves settled enough for the boats to be able to leave the Turkish port so even though the sea still had waves over a meter in height the people traffickers packed then into a flimsy boat at gunpoint. Everything was taken from them , they were packed in so tightly that when the boat began to fill with water, their legs were too close to be able to bail out the excess. The life-jackets they wore were filled only with foam. No-one could swim. Against the odds they made it. The night they crossed other boats capsized and men women and children died.
As he came ashore for the first time in 4 weeks he experienced kindness, an army of volunteers with dry clothes, food, water and words of encouragement.
We met at Moria camp the following day where I was working as a doctor. Mohammed acted as an un- paid interpreter for us for a whole day. What meant most to him was the dignity of working with professionals who respected him and embraced him as a new friend. All he wants now is a chance to settle somewhere safe and a chance to work to support himself and his family. I fervently hope that there will be a European country that will welcome him and help make his dreams a reality.
I have returned now to the U.K in the run up to Christmas, as I write I am reminded that Mary and Joseph took the new born baby Jesus and went as refugees to a strange and alien land to escape a murderous tyrant. As we make room in our hearts for that refugee this Christmas, I pray that we will be challenged to take seriously Jesus’ command to love one another and that our corporate and individual attitudes will be challenged and changed so that Europe welcomes and empowers these travellers.
2nd Christmas card to arrive is from the lovely Conger Family - and what a humdinger it is, extremely creative, very proud of them. I am a little disappointed at the lack of Christmas Cards that have arrived at the Harfield's USA residence; time marches on there are only 14 more postal days left. As you know I do like a good Christmas Card - infact I rate them so highly that I have threatened to take a few of you off my Christmas Card list during the year - this is no idle threat! Come on keep your Post Man/Mail Man or women in business buy a stamp and send a Christmas Card.
This is a flash back to the Harfield 2012 card to keep you motivated!
Beyond excited to go to the world famous Detroit Auto Show today with my man..... heard so much about this show, know many magi who have performed for the great car companies and have even known a few wizards with cars!
Started off the years celebration with The Mallers (thats the ladies who walk the Mall - for excercise folks... NO shopping involved. Well in these pics we went out for breakfast but there is a lot of walking involved! Wonderful to celebrate the year ahead with these amazing ladies - its going to be a year of #eccentricbutmature or will it be a year of #wheretheheckaretheHarfields.!
Dont panic folks you havent fallen off my Christmas Card List - I know some of you were worried - I just didn't order enough. We had more friends than we thought, or it was very costly to print them, or we liked some of you more than others so only sent a few..... oh that Harfield sence of humor. No really we love you all!
Look out for a Harfield/Field in 2016 there maybe one near you, its a year of getting around. Oh that sounded better in my head!
With Oliver and Felicity in Ann Arbor, MI; Mattu and Leanne in Wales, UK, Keith and I hope to see all of them and lots of you this year!
My mother is something else! For 50 years now she has been making everyone laugh; been a shoulder for others to cry on; has words of wisdom for those who need it; and she has helped me through this crazy thing called life. She's been there for me through everything, every tear, every laugh, and every argument. With out her I wouldn't be a quarter of the person I am today. So today, on her 50th birthday, I would like to thank her (as I know I don't do it enough) for everything she has done! Words cannot describe how much you mean to me mum, you have given me an amazing life, and supported me through every situation; you have given me confidence to be my self; but mostly you have been an amazing role model and friend! I love you mum and I hope you have an amazing day because a truly amazing women deserves to have spectacular birthdays! Happy Birthday!! #yearof50 #eccentricbutmature #love #motherdaughter
7 years ago today we (me, Sarah Jane Harfield, Oliver Jack, and Felicity Harfield) arrived in the USA. The world was in the middle of a financial meltdown. Moving to Detroit was obviously the craziest thing that only crazy people from crazyville would do. I guess that was us!
It has been a wonderful exciting adventure. 7 years later we are empty Nestor's and are are about to fulfill another crazy ambition - driving to LA (it's only 2.5k miles!!!) where amongst other things, I will be performing and lecturing at the Magic Castle.
If we have learned anything in the past 7 years it is that we are not islands. friends are very important. Without our friends in the UK we would not have had the courage to do what we did. Without our friends here Our journey would have been much harder.
A heartfelt thank you to all our friends, both new and old, and even those who we don't know very well. Without you life would not be so much fun.
I believe we make the greatest gains in life when we take a risk and do something different.
The adventure continues...
Part of the year long celebrations of being #eccentricbutmature is a road trip incorporation work of course, one can't be too extravagant!
So yesterday we left Troy Mi and drove to Fowlerville Mi where Keith performed an educational show that he wrote and designed entitled 'science or magic?'. Incorporating making snow and demonstrating a real rideable hover craft! Honestly I would have stayed in school if things like this existed in my day! 600 yes 600 partially formed adults aged 4 to 7 laughed and laughed and learned how to balance a ping pong ball on a hair drier. All in the name of science.
Next we headed to Iowa, having driven across Illinois to see the famous Iowa plains and the intriguing Iowa Cacuses - which I think are a type of bird. Sadly it was dark so we saw neither! After driving over 500 miles we are in Grinnel, Iowa, in a delightful hotel where we stayed the night. Now heading for Denver Colorado .... Rocky Mountain High... Ooooh John Denver I miss you!
Awoke to actually SEE Iowa in jolly little Grinnell - still havent spotted a caucaus but I hear there was a good turn out in the under 30s age group to see this sight . I believe Bernie Sanders was the talk of the town so obviously was head of the caucaus flock... this is quite a funny play on words in my head, must get Keith to make some sence of it and turn it into a comedy routine for folks who dont know what a caucaus is like me!
So hands up who said the sights of Iowa were monotonous? SOO wrong we drove for another 2 hrs or so 183 miles to get out of Iowa and hit Nebraska. And Iowa was truely beautiful (In my option of course and who else counts when writing a family blog that I will enjoy for years to come) - long rolling hills, smattered with snow with the mixture of nature and mans incredible hyrodpowery windmilly thingys. Stunning! Then we had sighting of deer and eagle yes....a real eagle along the way, and who should be running by the tree line in full sight a coyete yesss .....I know - how exciting - my first sight of one in the wild in the USA. No of course there was no Road Runners silly.
So for all those who were a little negative of Iowa I thought it was a jolly looking State.
And then there was Nebraska......
OK I dont like to judge and I've only seen 330 miles of it in 4 hours 38 mins plus a loo and petrol stop but I wasn't so impressed. I know, cant judge a book by its cover but hey I'm only human. It would take a lot more than a bolt of lightening or a well paid gig to get me back here. Well on saying that lets talk fees for 'A Brit of Magic' and then I'll reconsider. A gal has to eat you know.....so lets leave it at that.
But hey we spent the night in Ogallala Nebraska.... dont be a vegitarian in this town - definate steak thing going on here. Small quaint and lots of history on the cattle moving up from Texas.
Colorado here we come!
I know its a catchy title. Just leaving Colorado after 4 amazing days. What a State!
First, the Super Bowl - when we arrived in the U S of A in the February time (a long time ago it seems now) our first invite was to a social gathering of amazing folks (Hanks, Sanchez, American Harfields and more) to watch the Super Bowl. Back then we had no idea what we were watching or who these people were we were watching with or why these chaps wore so many clothes when playing a ball sport... 7 years on I'm an avid fan and the fact WE were in Denver, when the Denver Broncos were playing in the Super Bowl AND they won.... yippppeeeeeeee.
As for the drive - from Nebraska through to Denver was amazing - fantastic weather (who were those doubting Thomas's who for fortold snow); the Rockies rose majestically out of nothing; the speed limit is 75 (bonus compaired to Ohio which is only 65); the people were beyond jolly and friendly (for many reasons :)); not so much wild life but we were at 1mile high; loved seeing my old bridesmaid Julie Beck and her son Elliot (she hasn't changed a bit which is sad as I think she could still get into the amazing bridesmaid dress i chose for her... I know you loved it Jules!) who showed us around the fantstic town of Frisco; and all while listening to 'A Bat out of Hell' on the cd player.
Keith's paragraph - this may be a little jaunt accross america for Sarah but it is work for me! A couple of lectures to magic clubs and a show in a lovely little theater in colorado springs. One of the best things about our travels is meeting new people and the owners of the theater were a couple of magicians (Carol Massie and Joe Givan). The later is a FISM world champion (I know it means nothing to you but in the magic world it is a BIG DEAL) and they are both wonderful people who took us back to there home and we just talked till the early hours and more the next day. We will be hanging out again at a couple of magic conventions later this year. It is so nice to meet people who I know will become lasting friends. anyway back to Sarah and her confession...
And lastly The Loo - first time ever... Oliver took great pride in telling me as a teen he has never lost, broken or dropped his down the loo - I dropped - well it fell out my back pocket into the loo. A removal of the cover 48 hrs in rice and all is well. Phew
What a drive what a drive - oh my people Utah was mind boggling, leaving Colorado and into this State at dusk is something to experince. And then total blackness for miles and miles and miles. At one point we travelled 106 miles (dont forget the 6) without a single petrol/gas/service station. NOTHING. Yes we did fill up before we left!
My catch phrase as The Fam will tell you when we travel through places is 'what do they all do, how do they make a living'. Sometimes I say it when we are with people. But this phrase didn't apply in Utah cos there wasn't anyone!
Travelling along to 'Bat out of Hell', Adelle and Billy Joel and the speed limit is 80 mph we zoomed through Utah and on to a tiny bit of Arizona. The Grand Canyon was a little out of our way, and I saw it when I was about 21 and I dont think its changed! Cheeky comment dont all pick me up on it. Yes its breath taking and I'll go back with some Harfields - should they want to travel with their parents this summer!!
And then Nevada - smalllllll little shanty looking towns in the desert (not a tiramsu) and then in the horizon LAS VEGAS rises out of nothing. Amazing, truely amazing.
Ok lets just clear up a few points - yes its a city of dubious repute, no we dont gamble (although Keith did play poker with a bunch on magicians but really you can make your own jokes up on that one), yes there are many morel issues that I struggle with in this city HOWEVER we have a lot of great friends here, amazing performers and we enjoy the city every time we go back.
Anything to add Keith?
No!
My incredably talented husband (of 25 YEARS) may have been nagged a little by his Manager (thats me) to write a show for Elementry/Primary aged children to perform in schools as an educational show. So he dutifly wrote said show, with lessons such as 'respect - treat others the way you want to be treated' and notice the R is in Strong - oh it all links and teaches so beautifuly - someone should pay him for this stuff. Did you know Managers take 100% of all fees.....
He also wrote it to see if Professional Award Winning British Comedy Magician (PAWBCM) could work with bossy Manager.
Then hard working agent a MidWest School Shows booked STRONG show into lots of schools in LA area - so we performed 2 shows to 300 kids each time on Friday and I was KNACKERED - technical term. And it was great and the kids learned and laughed and it made bossy Manager smile and PAWBCM (see above) just took the shows, the praise the happy kids all in his stride.
I love my husband!
We just wanted to thank all those on Twitter, Instagram and FaceBook who held our ‘virtual’ hand on the way back from LA. Your social media witty comments, pictures, insights and sometimes intelligent comments J really got us through. Of the whole trip the final 3 day journey was a little harrowing and you were there for us.
As many of you know, we left The Magic Castle, Hollywood, CA on Monday 22 February and being a little #eccentricbutmature and this being my year to celebrate life…. We decided to high tail it back to Michigan in 3 days – over 2000 miles. To be honest there were 3 reasons… Keith had a show on the Friday and needed to get his ‘act together’ (see what I did there!), we knew there was a storm heading for Detroit and we wanted to get there before it hit and finally (and most importantly) 2 of our 3 children were going on Spring Break. We wanted to catch Felicity before she headed to Tennessee with a stack load of folk of whom I knew none, and before Oliver went camping with ‘da lads’ in Wichita Falls somewhere in Kansas.
So we left LA and sunny California to hit the red mountains and canyons of Arizona by the heat of the day. That red rock also looked amazing in the dusk light; and then the shadows of the rocks at night, by the light of the moon, where pretty freaky too. Wow it was a long day and Arizona is a jolly big State.
The next day saw the desolation of New Mexico and appropriately my phrase ‘what do they all do’ came in handy as we hit a town for brunch with a population of 300. The one restaurant had a 5 star review on TripAdvisor! The lovely waitress told us what they all do… ‘we canoe the rivers in the summer and quad bike the dunes in the winter’. Well that was a good enough answer for me. And she offered the information that her daughter would like to see Paris but what was the point when Las Vegas wasn’t far away and they have the Eiffel Tower there. We left that town quite quickly.
Following historic Route 66 we saw several runners with massive back packs, cyclists weighed down with supplies and even a roller skater all travelling Route 66. Mad I tell you Mad.
By the time we hit Texas, we were singing ‘this is the way to Amarillo’ as we passed the town of that name and Cadillac Henge. But one of us was coming down with a horrendous flu like bug…. Yes it could have been due to my singing.
We got up early on Wednesday 24th and Keith was extremely sick, it could again have been my singing as we hit Oklahommmmma…… ‘where the wind sweeps through….’. But I knew he was delirious when he asked me to turn left and pop into Kansas so he could take a picture of the ‘Welcome to Kansas’ sign… I then did a uturn to leave Kansas and that was a detour of 15 mins all for a photo gag… really!
You amazing folk in Michigan emailed, texted and called us to warn us as we came closer to Indianapolis not to go straight on to Chicago but to turn right and head for Toledo if we wanted to miss the storm. You can see my directions around this vast country are quite simple. We got stuck in a 2 hr delay as the storm had hit our route just before us and the snow had caused many trucks to slide off the road.
By 7pm we were tired, and of course it was actually 8pm as we drove through another time zone. But to cut many hours off this story we missed the storm and got to Troy Michigan at 3am on Thursday morning…. Good job folks.
100 hrs in the car; 22 days on the road with an average of 28 miles to the gallon (when petrol was as low as $1.50-$3 a gallon it seemed acceptable… sort of); reached heights of 10,000 ft above sea level; crossed central, mountain, western and southern time zones; we saw desert, mountain, wilderness, suburb and city; performed 11 shows together with Keith giving 3 lectures and a further 22 shows alone; 6000 miles covered and only one earring lost! Thanks again and join us for a trip to the east coast in April with my Mother!
On today's agenda - dropping off Da Lad at an airport in Canada.... Thanks for taking the sat nav Keith Fields on your trip how am I ment to find the airport in Winsor ON? Hardly worrying at all about his up coming trip - don't panicccccccc. Then a girlie night with Da Gal to see Da Cousins in a play. I know ... #eccentricbutmature #blessedlife and I may book some shows and do some work too - it's my day I'll do what I like with it π
FaceBook and social media in general gets a lot of gyp these days. And rightly so, people rant and rave, prattle on (here I am living proof of that one), share mundane photos of their dinner (here I am living proof of that one....).
However right now I'm miles away from my husband, life partner etc, (where is Batavia anyway?) and yet I have the opportunity to read the many many many messages old and new friends have sent him over FaceBook; I get to 'see' a truely fantastic cake given to him by his truely magical friends who surround him right now at a convention that he loves.
We have spent many birthdays apart over the 30 years we have been together. And yet this year I can celebrate with you due to social media, be delighted at the wonderful words our kids have said and the picutres they have posted, read the funny and touching comments from folks who admire him in the magical industry he is in.
And I know its a privilage to have a computer, unlimited internet access with a reasonable download speed so that I can check insti, twitter, fb, linkedin and snap chat a ridiculous amount of times a day..... its a privilage that brings me great pleasure.
But more importantly, happy birthday to you Keith Fields - I can not think of the adjectives to explain how happy you make me. Looking forward to many birthdays together or apart.... as long as we keep paying our AT&T bill.
Hello all, Felicity here! Yes I know it has been a rather long time since I wrote a post on this funny little blog of my mothers. I figured it was time that you all got a bit of an update for those of you who are interested.
For those of you who, like me, can never remember anyones age anymore, I still think my cousin is 3 and my kinda sorta little brother is 10(shout out to Noah and Ezra Mead), I somehow managed to make it to 18 years old without too many scratches and bruises. Yes I know you were all rather worried at one point, but I am an adult and will be turning 19 in a few months. Obviously my life has been one adventure after another. How many girls do you know can say they have lived in two countries; go to one of the top universities in the world (obviously humble), whose father is a world class magician; and whose mother is.. Well… you've all met her she's one in a million! This year has not been any different! This past school year has been a bit of a blur, with the phrases used most frequently being “Ill figure it out eventually…” and my personal favorite “So emm.. thats a thing that I did. Ok then…” All of which describe almost my entire life thinking about it now, having always been in a state of confusion and yet still deciding to do new and eccentric things (some of us just didn't wait till we were 50 to be eccentric) .
I spent the first few months being lost and feeling rather alone. 30 something people from my high school went to the same university as me, 4 of which lived in the same dorm as me, and my brother lived down the street, I was still terrified at the thought of being an adult. Without my Parents and best friends by my side to remind me to stay positive, I was left remembering what moving to America was like. And in my state of shock and confusion I couldn't remember the amazement and excitement of 11 year old me; I could only remember the teasing I received when I arrived and the sadness I felt leaving my friends and family. I thought why on earth would I have put myself through that again, why would I chose 4 years of loneliness when I could have been just as happy at the same uni as my best friends were at. But things slowly started to turn around. My other big mistake in the first few weeks of U of M, next to not going out when people invited me, and staying in my room watching netflix, was I didn't find a church. My closest friends back home where through my church and who could beat them; I didn't think that I needed to go every sunday if I just read my bible I could figure it out for myself. But after one sad weekend which left me with the awful response of “haha ya I’m definitely going to go get way too drunk next weekend” (clearly not a good response). A friend of mine, one of the very few I had met during the first week and the only person I knew who was a christian on my floor, invited me to a church retreat. Not just any church retreat, Young Life's church retreat, I figured why not so I looked it up. But a little bit of dyslexia and a little bit of God got in the way of my google search and I looked up New Life instead. New Life is an amazing church on campus, and they also had a retreat that weekend, the description was along the lines of “Daniel was in a strange land, unsure of where he fit in, unsure of what he must do…” I clearly could relate and wanted to go but this was the wrong church and I would know no one. Literally no one there. But what does my mother do, she convinces me to go. So me, alone, without a friend got into a car with 4 other girls and drove to this retreat, we spent the whole car ride singing at the top of our lungs, laughing at getting lost, and the disbelief of others when they hear my accent. That evening I met the rest of the team, around 45 people who live in or around my dorm. I had barely laughed in the the first month of being at U of M, but that night, that first night, everyone and I mean everyone in that group welcomed me with open arms. That night I laughed harder than I had since I arrived at U of M. I didn't just leave that retreat listening to an amazing message but I left with friends. Friends that I am so thankful for, that I don't know what I would do without, friends that I even spent a week living in the mountains with because I love them all so much. I found a little bit of my place at U of M!
But God didn't stop there on the friend front. He introduced me to three amazing friends. Friends who support me, love me (most of the time) and get my slightly odd sense of humor. Friends who on days that I feel like doing nothing but sitting and remembering people i've lost, get me up and make me run errands so I don't feel alone. Friends who help me with homework, and help me procrastinate on homework. Friends who care so much, even when they say they don't. Seriously though, without Abbey, Gordon and Alayna I would not have made it through this year, especially calc class. I joined an A Cappella group, ya me singing, another one of those crazy stories where God was clearly controlling it all. But no it wasn't just like pitch perfect because this small group of 10 made me feel welcome, and helped me understand my voice with my very limited experience in singing. Even when I got bronchitis and could barely sing for our final performance they were kind and supportive.
But of course U of M is a university, not just a social life. I learnt a lot of stuff too. Mainly Math. Lots and lots of Calculus. But that's a lot of boring and not so interesting details so I won't bore you with the fact I spent 8.5 hours a week in class doing derivatives, integrals, and riemann sums and somewhat enjoyed it. No I’m not going to say that I know what I'm going to study for the rest of my life, because I don't know. And I've finally come to terms with the idea that I don't need to know, and that's ok. A few things that I did learn is: How to convert from fahrenheit to celsius using a 33 1/3 RPM record player; How to maximized the item count in The 12 Days of Christmas; Follow the shape made by a ladder as it goes around a corner; Find the shape a candle makes when it cools; and show its possible to extend a stack of cards infinitely far off the table. And that was just in math class (#collegeishelpful). But in all seriousness I learned that the friends you make freshman year of college really are some of the most important people in your life. That no matter how alone I feel my friends at home, in Troy and in London, are always there for me. That through every trial God puts me through I will always come out stronger. That I am beautiful, and that isn't defined by how many guys come talk to me at parties. I am smart, I am loved, and I am blessed to have every person that is in my life. But I think the main thing I learnt, something that I had been struggling for a long time with, is that me moving to America all those years ago, the fact I'm English. That isn't who I am, it is a small part of my story but it doesn't define me. The way I speak isn't what my friends like about me, it's the words I say and how I treat those around that defines me. And for me that is a very important lesson to remember.
So I guess you could say this past year has been a success, even if it didn't start out all too well. I would also like to send a extra special thanks to my brother and my mother for answering my endless middle of the night phone calls. For always having dinner with me and giving me advice about school. For reminding me of what's truly important in life when I felt confused. For driving an hour and a half when I was sick to take me to emergency care. For answering endless questions that they probably didn't know the answer to. For listening to my crazy ideas and supporting me when I felt like giving up. For being an amazing mother and brother and getting me through my first year of Uni.
That’s been my life the past year. Currently I am working part time and taking some classes as well. I will be taking a leadership course with my church this summer too which I’m super excited for. I'm living in an apartment with one other girl but don't see her much so I'm practically living by myself. I guess you could say I’m mature now too, I don’t know why my mother did not become #excentricbutmature earlier it's rather easy (love you mum). But life is good, I’m good. And that’s all I got for you, until next time (which could be next year, it could be when I graduate, who really knows)
Have a lovely day!
Felicity (who pretty much always goes by Fizz now)
Driving on a mini holiday in our Minnie Winnie - 24 ft camper van. Jackie Gore you would love it.
This is a belated birthday present for my ever loving... We are heading to an area called The UP! I'll post it on the map. Throughly planned by our friends Monica and Brian - neighbours, this is going to be a great trip and of course I'm beyond excited!
Day 1... started to get tornado warnings on the iPhone... Modern technology..... And suddenly slabs of ice started coming from the sky, rain wind Etc - we pulled over like everyone else but sadly the tornado won and we have some pretty big dents in the Minnie Winnie. All well now and off to our first camp site. Jolly exciting
What I realised on starting the drive this morning is that I really enjoy driving and I enjoy seeing new places. The Parents took us to lots of new places when we were kids... well I remember France and Italy... however I think I remember more about holidays now with family and friends then I did then AND this trip was defo one for the bucket list. Since being in Michigan many folk have told us about this part of the State but nothing was to prepare me for the UP the Upper Penisular, miles and miles of varying landscape, empty landscape and the fact that when I'm driving and looking around I dont always follow the sat nav.
So our trip was to be to 2 'must see' places. The beautiful White Fish Point overlooking Lake Superior... you cant call this a lake it is a small ocean and just as cold, then on down to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Ok not quite Niagara but beyond stunning. We would have just seen those 2 great sights in the day due to Brian's fantastic planning of course finishing the evening in a rather nice brewerey. However due to my driving we went a little further north... I never realised there was further north at this point, but north we went to the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie. Where over 10,000 ships a year pass through with cargo to distribute all over the Great Lakes... am I teaching to suck eggs... I'll leave the history to others.
The moral of the day... however excited Sarah is about driving over big bridges like Mackinac always make sure she is following the signs to the correct destination!
Oh my goodness how I love sleeping in this little camper van, the fires, the bbq dinners.... ok ok there wasnt much sleeping - when did you last share, what is essentially a bed room, with your neighbours... dont answer that. But it was a giggle, reminded me of camping with the kids in France and you can hear every movement and sound!!
And when I say I love the fires - they were jolly useful in keeping away mosquitoes and as for the bbq dinners - does steak and shrimp with a different cocktail every night count as camping? Hey dont laugh at us - some people had brought hanging baskets and table cloths!
So Pictured Rocks - well they are a phenominon...and I woud love to tell you all about them but I hope Keith's pictures will show you everything you need to know.... although I havent up loaded them yet. Again truely stunning, lovely day on the lake and an interesting drive to the Porcupine Mountains where we camped that night.
So you see we are in the Porcupine Mountains... not that I've seen any yet, and we thought it was time to see the Lake in the Clouds and how wonderful would it be to hike down to see it... so on the way back up... its all up hill... how unfit are we and a little bitten to death too. There is no one up there you know in the UP - my friends tell me 3% of Michiganders live in the UP but I'm not sure where, I didn't see any of them.
And dont event think about internet... the joy was we bought a map... a map ... remember those? Actually I rather enjoyed seeing quite how far we had gone which leads to day 5
We staying in Indian Lake State Park - a smaller lake, I could just see the otherside of the lake. We covered 1400 miles and at 7 miles to the gallon we filled up quite a lot. Covered historic sites, sites of natural beauty, met some nice campers but most of all we laughed a lot and I can now say I've seen the UP!
Oh and I have found a little part time job for when I retire... camp host... great role. I'll explain it some time.
This is an #eccentricbutmature year
Dear Matthew, Oliver & Felicity
As your #eccentricbutmature Mother I’m happy to report that me and your #BeyondEccentricButMatureAndCrumblie Grandmother have arrived at the city of her birth. San Francisco!
Your GrandMother is truly a game old bird, as we sat on the plane, she kept leaning forward to check the pilot’s door – stating that she was waiting for it to close, and then she would know thathe on board and all would be well with the world. She soon relaxed when wearing her new over-the-ear headphones to watch 2 FILMS – that’s more than you were allowed to watch in one sitting!
I sort of had a plan in my head… as I always do, that we would just hire a car and driving into the ‘down town’ city of San Francisco. Seems simple, we have both travelled before, we had both been to San Francisco before, me at aged 21, her at aged 0.
Simple
Never let me complain about the pot holes in the roads of Detroit, you could lose an axel on the pot holes in SF – holy moly. But I adjusted to the driving conditions quite admirably (if I say so myself), with a little help from Siri (bless her soul where would I be without her…. Does she have a soul? … rhetorical question folks).
At 7pm the lights were spectacular as we got closer to the city, the hills were getting higher, the Golden Gate Bridge lights were iconic and using her new camera, not wanting to miss a moment, your GMother was hanging out of the window. She must learn to just press the button once on her new iphone6 – can you please explain to her what a picture burst is!
So the lights were getting brighter and the hills were getting steeper and your Grandmother and I were getting more excited, with the phrase that will be used continuously throughout this trip ‘do you think I was born there, is that my house?’ Hysterical.
So the lights were getting brighter and the hills were getting steeper and the roads were getting narrower… am I painting a great picture or what Kids?
Siri says 'straight on at the lights'. So we stop at the red and look forward and…. Blinking Bananas I couldn’t see the top of the hill – it was vertical. And your GMother used words I’d never heard, and so did Siri and the light went green.
As you know I like a good manual car, stick shift, and this was a small automatic hirer car but I was grateful as I would have burned the clutch out on my first try.
The lights went green and I floored it, to get to the top of this vertical hill. Your Uncle Jeremy would have used crampons and oxygen to get up this one. Siri, GrandMother and I were saying ‘Blinking Bananas’ and other such words as I tried to see the top of the hill, and we were practically vertical, I cant see over the dash board but I see some MORE TRAFFIC LIGHTS and they are red. I slam on the brakes, still cant see over the bonnet and Siri says ‘turn left at the lights’.
And I think, I have brought your GrandMother to the city of her birth, and it just maybe the city of her demise as well.
Are you kidding Siri, I cant see the road as the hill is so steep. Lights go green and full acceleration to turn into a …… peaceful beautifully lit San Francisco street, with a magnificent church and Siri says ‘the destination is on your right’.
So we have arrived, just like your Great GrandFather Cyril did over 100 years ago. The family story is that Cyril Douglas Henry Loibl was something in ‘export and import’ but your Uncle Jeremy and I think he was a spy – Secret Squirrel – instead of Grandpa Cyril…..When he arrived, here from England, he was betrothed to your Grandma Gertrude Alma Maria Kress (a bit like an arranged marriage, or like Mary and Joseph except with a European flair) and he travelled here, to San Francisco by boat, from Europe VIA the Panama Cannel…. Ask Siri it was a heck of a long way in those days.
Off to bed I’m exhausted and its only day 1
Dear Matthew, Oliver and Felicity
Day 2 of the adventure ‘returning to the place it all started’, or ‘find the stable she was born in’ or ‘lets take GrandMother to the place of her birth, San Francisco’ and it was all going well. After the epic journey, last night, we had a good night sleep in a tiny hotel near The Wharf plus we made it down for the free breakfast…. what do 2 #eccentricbutmature women like? A free breakfast and not a bad almond croissant if I say so myself. That is my life quest, to find the best almond croissant.
We are thinking of about 3 days here in the city, so we didn’t want to rush at finding THE HOUSE she was born in. Got to build the suspense. So today was a ‘let tour San Fran’ day.
Well we missed the first bus tour, it just drove straight past us, but that was ok, a 20 min wait and we were on our way, on an open top double decker bus (yes just like the London ones, but not red). With, not one but 2 extra selling features 1. We can hop on and hop off at any stop. 2. ‘a live tour guide’. There was our ‘live tour guide’ to greet us as we entered the bus, with head phones….. so we could listen to the ‘live tour’ wherever we were on the bus. We could listen to it in many languages, we just needed to plug the ‘in ear’ headphones into a handydandy box where we were sitting, choose the language of choice, and we were off…. SIMPLE….
50 degrees and we sat down stairs she only had 3 vests, plugged our head phones into the handydandy box where we could hear the commentary of the sights we would see on the tour and we were off….. WELL NO! And that’s where the giggles started, before the ‘live tour guide’ had started his commentary, or the driver had put the bus in gear. You see your GrandMother has odd ears, she cant get the ear buds to stay in her ears, (hence she bought the over ear ones for the flight…. No I didn’t realize she would need them for the bus tour or I would have bought them with us from the hotel……).
So the bus starts, the live commentary starts and your GrandMother starts… giggling and playing with the buds, she puts the left one in, and then the right and the bus jolts and the left falls out and she puts it back in and the turns to me and the right falls out … it is a Laurel and Hardy moment, or maybe an Abbot and Costello… or maybe you are too young to get my references kids.
Finally she gets them in her ears, but is now cackling and is beyond hysterical as she is listening to the live commentary in Chinese. By the time she sorts herself out we are at our first, ‘hop on hop off stop’…. China Town.
After looking at the most amazing things that wont be able to be imported with the new Government (ok cheeeeeeep gibe) I needed another coffee.
We jumped back on to our…. NO WAIT we ‘hopped’ back on to our hop on and off bus and headed to The Wharf….. Lunch (this could be quite a foodie blog) was to be at a restaurant hidden round the back of Pier 47 and recommended by San Fran locals on YELP (praise the Lord for Yelp and Siri on this trip…..) YOUR GrandMother ate lobster tail, shrimp, crab and scallops and a tiny tiny bit of greenery…. Not a balanced diet for a lady of her grand years I can tell you!
Back on the hop on hop off, lots more giggles and fighting with ear buds - financial districts, The Tenderloin homeless district, trams, cable cars, Banksy’s graffiti, hippy areas, we saw it all and this time from the upstairs of the bus. As we were heading to THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE we wanted the best view….And we froze but none the less we saw the city. Magnificent views as we crossed the bridge even if your GrandMother was blue at this point. And as your Aunty Caroline said, its amazing to look across the water and think the next stop would be Japan.
As I mentioned in yesterdays epistle, when your Great GrandFather came here he was betrothed to your Great GrandMother. He set up his business (or was he a spy) and then asked for her to join him. As a young unmarried lady, she couldn’t travel alone. So they were married by ‘proxy’ (ask Siri) so she could travel the vast distance from Europe to America………. However they didn’t have Siri in those days (amazing I know) and Great GrandFather Cyril was meant to be in Vancouver to meet her, his new bride. However he didn’t stay in Vancouver he went down to San Francisco.
Soooo your lovely Great GrandMother Trudy, having met this man Cyril at a debutant style ball in Marseilles in France, was then betrothed to this man as he travelled to Canada to set up his business, he moved to San Fran without telling her, she forfeited her wedding to marry by ‘proxy’ (google it) then travelled to Vancouver, then to San Fran… what a debacle..
And the motto of this story is…. Choose your life partners wisely and make sure you have an app on your phone so you can contact them at all times.
Love you all
Dear Mattu, Oli and Fizzy-Girl
Today we found the house your GrandMother was born in. We saw it, took pics, mission complete. Job done, time to go home. Update over.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo that would be a rubbish update. The day went like this, but first notice the title ‘bitter sweet’. And you will have to wait to the end for the bitter bit. No Oliver don’t just skip to the end!
Dear Goggle maps said that from our hotel to THE HOUSE was a 15 min walk. However dear Google maps hadn’t taken into consideration walking with a lady of senior years with a stick up all these jolly hills. But we had time, so we took our time, a little coffee on one street, up another hill and a little stop for an almond croissant on another, and then a push to get up another hill. And there was the sign for Larkin Street. We passed an off license/liquor store right on the corner of your Great Grandparents street which probably went out of business when Great Grandpa Cyril left!. And next we were out side 2245 Larkin Street, a lovely big house, surrounded by trees and home to your GrandMother for the first 2 years of her life. We laughed, we imagined what it was like ‘back then’, how Great GrandMa Trudy would have pushed the pram up all these jolly hills, we took pictures, we met a lady who lived in the house (now turned into apartments) and we walked away feeling accomplished.
We jumped on one of the original style trams, which is illegal, cos we just got onto it in the middle of the street where it paused for the lights, instead of waiting for an official stop and didn’t buy a ticket! So outrageous and we ‘hitched a ride’ down to the Wharf to sit in the sun.
We thought we would take one look at the center of San Fran, ride legally on the trams and wander round Neimans and the like, before calling it a day. All rather jolly.
We found ourselves on a rather busy commuter tram when my iphone started to go off like a Catherine Wheel. All of a sudden, Bank of America, Huntington, American Express and a few other banks were texting me left right and center….. yes someone had stolen my wallet on the bus and I lost the lot – credit cards, debit cards, driving license even my AAA card.
Back at the hotel, before I’d had a second glass of wine, all was cancelled, and re-ordered, and ‘they’ had some extra groceries for their dinner.
Motto of the day - one should never think one is 'street wise', and a pickpocket has to pick a pocket or two!
Bitter Sweet day!
Dear Mattu, Oli and Fizzy-Girl
A rather SMASHING day today – awoke to bright sun shine and off I tootled to Bank of America to pick up a temporary debit card. The only form of id I had on me was my passport - good thing I wasn’t travelling with my passport yesterday as I would have NO id today.
It was quite a liberating morning as I walked back from the bank, a new day, no credit cards or debit cards. Except for this temporary debit card and with my ego a little bruised (due to yesterday’s debacle). I enjoyed the walk back to the hotel to get your GrandMother and of course I had time for a phone call to catch up with your Father, who is in LA in case you didn’t know. We chatted, sorted a few work issues – yes this is a working holiday…. Would I have it any other way?
Today, your GrandMother and I had planned to leave the city and head for the hills, over the Golden Gate Bridge and see Muir Woods, an ancient forest (more ancient than your Great GrandParents) to see the Giant Red Woods – a relation to the Giant Sequoias…. Red Woods taller, Sequoias wider ….. just a little bit of info for your delights. And these 600 year old GIANTS were beautiful, spectacular – I don’t have the adjectives to describe them. The eco system surrounding them was monumental. So your GrandMother and I enjoyed all that nature had to offer that morning….. little did we know we wouldn’t have much to enjoy by the evening.
And you know that old gal can move quite a pace on the flat….. so a tremendous walk in the woods. And since we are surrounded by beaches we took the mountain road to a small surf town for an ice cream in the afternoon.
Heading back up the mountain road by the fading light, back to San Fran, was a truly breathtaking drive, looking over the cliff edge. UNTIL I heard the screeching of breaks and knew it was game over, as a car heading down hill, came careering towards me at a hell of a pace.
And next there was the police, highway patrol, park rangers, fire brigade, Uncle Tom Cobbley and all (google it) and a very apologetic surfer dude checking we were ok.
So the car was a right off, the surfer dude was delightful but no insurance, saying his brakes locked out. The police filled in lots of forms and wanted my id which I wanted too but it was lost to the underworld of San Francisco…… Your GrandMother climbed into the tow truck like a pro and we headed back to San Fran. Really she needs to go back to peaceful Wales or hang out with her other less reckless children.
And by the second glass of wine (see yesterdays update) I had been onto the car rental, found where to get a new car in the morning and your GrandMother was a total star and we were watching terrible old episodes of ‘Death in Paradise’ on Netflix.
A truly smashing day…. And the motto…..hold it I’m thinking….. Praise the Lord we are alive…. Yes lets go with that one.
Sx
Dear F, O and M
Are you getting the whole ‘how I met your Mother’ vibe’. I was thinking of a new title, ‘taking your GrandMother back to the place of her birth’ idea and it has turned into ‘lets try and keep the old dear alive’ or ‘how many ways can I give your GrandMother a heart attack before she is 90’ kind of a thing.
Another early start for me, leaving your dear GM at the hotel in San Fran while I went to find the local Enterprise Car Rental – Praise the Lord for Uber and Google Maps…. Again. Please don’t take my slightly sarcastic tone for a lack of faith, I really am praising Him hourly on this trip!
So I turn up at an Enterprise, with no documentation of my original rental as that was in the glove box of the last rental that was totaled and towed…. See yesterday’s epic.
I have no proof of id except for my passport and no credit card. The lady behind the desk who was mega busy (with day renters who had all their right documentation - smarty pants), looked at me and explained that she was the only one in the office, her computer was not linked to the main Enterprise computer and it was ‘all going to custard’. One of my better phrases there I feel.
Long story short…. Ok not very short, she contacted the tow company to check my story, made me sign a little tiny piece of paper and gave me the last car she had…. A Dodge Charger.
Your GrandMother and I were out of San Francisco faster than a speeding bullet. However we weren’t speeding cos I was slightly anxious about the size of the Charger, couldn’t even see over the bonnet and was aware that if the police pulled me over for speeding it would turn into a VERY long day with much explaining.
We headed for PCH1 - Look at me like a local – that is Pacific Coast Highway and found our way to Santa Cruz for our first night on the road, stayed in a hotel with the BIGGEST bathroom… not. However we did have a spectacular meal at a gastro pub on the outskirts of Santa Cruz (defo an area to stay in) that served flavorful Jerusalem Artichokes aka sunchokes. My second favorite love after almond croissants.
Motto of the day – not all disasters come in 3’s…. although the hotel bath room was a slight disaster.
S x
Dear Kiddo’s
Into the Dodge Charger we hopped and headed for brunch in Montrey. What a delightful town and a great little find for brunch at ‘Crepes of Brittany’. Yes the bloke was a real Frenchman with an accent but he didn’t say ‘tickerty boo’ Felicity, however I wasn’t too disappointed. I did ask for a ‘smallllllll’ coffee and he understood!
A drive through Carmel proved to be a delight as all our Troy friends had told us. Your GrandMother found a little house she rather liked, looked like a hobbit home, built right on the cliff and a little less than $10million. So with the current exchange rate she should be fine!!!
By this time we were ready for the PCH1 that hugged the coast all the way to LA, where I hoped your Father would be waiting with open arms….. unlike your Great GrandFather 100 years before (see about day 2 of this epic)
I didn’t even bother to look at my dear Google maps…. I knew where I was going and as an obstinate Mother that I am, no one was going to stop me…. Or were they…..
We hugged and I mean hugged the road on every bend, never daring to look over the edge, only at the ‘vista points’. The cliff drop was terrifying and it was right outside your GM’s passenger door. Just a small point about the Dodge – the doors were so heavy your GM couldn’t open them to get in or out – yes that did cause excessive giggling each time one needed to enter or exit the vehicle.
So the views were amazing across the ocean. Just remember when looking across the ocean, next stop Japan. The scenery to the hills, the Serena Nevada…. Oh yes I googled it…. Were splendiferous. And we drove for 2 hrs, stopping, taking photos and ‘photo bursts’ you so need to explain about bursts. And we were on track to get to LA by 6pm where your Father had a spectacular hotel for us, and a nice dinner.
I turned a bend and the road sign said, Road Closed. Just like that, out of nowhere. No warning, no nothing and we were 2 hrs into the coastal drive and no way across the mountain. That was it. All the cars following us, also going to LA started to slow down, some looked so puzzled and got out of their cars to check the sign was real. I turned to my hero Siri to ask what was going on and she wasn’t there. Some signal issue….. blinking electronics never rely on them, I don’t obviously……ooops
So we turned tail, headed back along the PCH1 (which was just as beautiful second time around) for over an hour before we could find our way onto a motorway going to LA.
Crummy dinner in DENNY’s yes yes I know (why go for crummy, just dont put rubbish in your tummy), and into the loving arms of my Rock, Mr Keith Fields at 10.30pm….. knacked.
Motto…. Don’t take your ‘devices’ for granted, or your internet signal… or anything, just don’t take anything for granted, ever, never. AND all plans can change. Ok that’s enough mottos for one day.
LYL
Sx
Dear Felicity, Oliver and Matthew
These have been quite the updates, and this has been quite the trip with for your GrandMother and me. However its not all about me, as you can imagine its also been quite a time in history as well. As I have written my updates to you all over the last week or so, the world has been ‘a changing’. Not only for you in Wales Mattu with Brexit and all, but for you Oliver and Felicity at the University of Michigan with a the new President Trump.
Regardless, let me take you back to the 1920’s. Your Uncle Jeremy wanted to know more of the history of his GrandParents, your Great GrandParents and so I will tell you what little I have gleaned from your GrandMother over the last few days, of what she has been told or has remembered.
As you know your Great GrandFather Cyril, of English birth, met the women of his dream in France at a grand ball. Your Great GrandMother Gertrude was of Czechoslovakia (as it was then) birth. Both came from privilege beginnings and met in an unusual time in history.
Your GGF Cyril went onto set up business in approx. mid 1920’s in San Francisco and your GGM Gertrude (Trudy) joined him after a marriage by proxy. Although both coming from wealthy families, when the ‘Great Crash’ hit in 1929/1930, life became more difficult. Money was lost for all, regardless of status or investments. They lived on Larkin Street and your GM Midge came into being in July 1931.
By 1933 your Great Grandparents were struggling and your GGM Trudy wanted to go back to Europe to Czechoslovakia and her parents so she could have some stability for her baby daughter. GGP Cyril wanted to go back to England and try his hand at business there. Having sort a life in the ‘new world’, plans changed and they returned to Europe. The child, your GM Midge went to live (most of the time) in the more stable environment that was her grandparents in Prague, while her parents went back to find employment in England.
However the fly in the story…. Hitler moved into Czechoslovakia in 1939. So your Great Great GrandParents found a nanny for your GrandMother. And this nanny took the young Muriel to England to join her parents. Cilly, as we called her was a young lady from a little area called the Sudetenland. She not only brought up your GrandMother but also played a big part in my childhood and that of your Uncle Jeremy and Aunty Carli. She in fact stayed with our family all her life and never went back to her homeland. She gave up a lot for our family.
So Hitler marched into Czechoslovakia, Cilly brought GrandMa Midge out of Prague to join her parents in London.
Can I draw comparisons with refugees, living in the USA, immigrants and todays situation? No, only tentative links. I’m just aware that times are a changing for you Millennials as they did for the Greatest Generation, your Grandparents.
LYL
S x
Dear Felicity, Oliver and Matthew
The last 3 days have been spent in Hollywood CA. And as you all know it’s a frenetic place. HOWEVER YOUR GRANDMOTHER has kept up with LA life admirably. Her and the nice male receptionist at our hotel get along famously. He of course wants to be an actor (this is Hollywood) and thinks she is related to the Queen and she does nothing to disillusion him.
The pavement of ‘stars’ she found a little disconcerting as she had no idea who they all were, but you will see from the pics, she has found a couple of 'stars' she knew and I have no idea who they are! Driving up to the Hollywood sign was a delight and of course there are many picture bursts. With the weather at 76 degrees she is happy to sit in the sun and hear about the storms in Wales and the snow in MI.
Then as evening approaches we get all dressed up and off to the Magic Castle – delighted to meet John Reid and hear about his ‘balloons’; the great Jeff McBride and his close up coin work left her with the usual ‘how did he do that’ questions. Keith Fields has been doing a couple of newly polished and well-honed routines with a walnut, SOOOOO funny, boy am I proud of him. Then Pop Hayden is here and rubix cube extraordinaire Karl Hein. And your GrandMother is quite happy to stay in the bar till midnight, chatting and watching magic. Good thing none of us inherited that gene!
And of course it’s my birthday tomorrow and the end of my #eccetricbutmature year. What a fabulous trip to finish the year. I will no doubt be doing a roundup of the year once your GrandMother has returned to the home land. AND I have a new # for the year. I’ll keep you in suspense…. But the clue is: I have adapted the adage ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. More of that soon lovelies.
So its back to Detroit tomorrow, – lets hope there are no shenanigans at the airport……………
Love you and thanks for listening to my ramblings.
Your Mother
At the end of every school year I do an update for my mother’s blog, and this year isn’t any different! Last year was tough. First year at university making new friends and learning how to be a fully functioning adult. Terrifying!
This year has had its own challenges! While I now know how to cook, clean, do washing for myself without my parent’s gentle reminders, that didn't stop the lessons.
Lets start with school, the most enjoyable part of this. Last semester I took a developmental psychology class which I absolutely loved, and still 4 months later I will spout off random facts and studies I learnt about. I also just finished a coding class where I learnt all about the language of python. As much as I hate to admit it, my father was correct, I adored this class, and found out I’m halfway decent at it. As frustrating as it is the intricacy of it is simply stunning to me, and I plan on taking some more classes in the future just for fun (yes, I know I’m a nerd).
The appreciation of friends and family is next on the list of lessons, a topic that I doubt I will ever be an expert in, no matter how many I gather over the years. I have grown closer to friends that I didn’t know existed; and realized the value in friendships that I have taken advantage of in the past. I learnt how to find an apartment within Ann Arbor, I didn’t do this alone obvious. I had the help of two of my closest friends and together we signed our first lease and have an apartment ready for us when we come back in the fall (we be super adult like).
I learnt how important my brothers are to me, and just how much support they have given me over the years. Their love and kindness to me I have also unfortunately taken for granted. This is something I realize more and more as we approach Oliver’s graduation, and my trip to Wales. I’ve learnt just how truly lucky I am, because in the moments where I felt like I had no one, I knew at the very least I could still go to my mother and father. A relationship that most people don’t have with their parents but has helped me through this year.
I learnt this year that life gets you down. I applied to an amazing program at university but I didn’t get in. I would be lying if I said it was easy to pick myself back up after that knock down. But with the help of friends and family I did. I learnt I can’t always get through the rubbish stuff alone, but if I keep good friends by my side I can accomplish anything. So, I did eventually pick myself back up, and finally decided upon my major, Psychology. I’m not sure where it will lead me, but I’m excited to find out.
Now onto some humble bragging, what I am most proud of this year. I gave a talk about my dyslexia to two different groups on campus. After both talks I was approached by various people asking me questions about disabilities, public speaking and if I could write and give more talks. Adults (like proper adults, not just college kids acting like adults) who wanted me to help them start disability awareness groups on campus, others who wanted information about technology available for students with disability to be purchased for a scholarship program. It was incredible to hear strangers enjoyed my writing and how I presented myself. But I think one of my favorite parts of this school year was that I found my voice.
My entire life I have loved to tell stories. As my love for analyzing the world and social norms grew as a teenager I started to combine the two. I have started to write; it wasn’t until this year that I became proud of my writing instead of hiding it away on my computer. I have a blog of my own (thanks to my amazing mother for setting it up). Another big thank you to my father for spell/grammar checking everything I write, and a shout out to all my friends who check it regularly for new posts. I realized that while I love to write, and listen to others stories, I don’t necessarily like writing my own story. But I like to write articles that will make you think about social norms, rants and yes, maybe the occasional life update. I have found my voice in this blog, and I feel more confident in my opinions and the words that I say because of it!
So that’s a bit of a life update. Feel free to check out more of my writing and photography (I haven’t given up on that either) on my blog FelicityHarfield.com Comment and share any articles that you enjoy or that you don’t like but know someone who will (shameless plug). For now that is all from me, until next year
Fizz
I think a few drinks late at night help when I’m writing… they can of course have the opposite effect and mean that my typing hands don’t work and I pass out, but let’s look at the positive at 11pm when I’m sitting in the quiet of my sister’s house in Putney, after a heck of a 4 days.
Today I said goodbye to an era… a time of growth, of maturity, of friendships and spiritual growth that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I’m not sitting here sad to see that time over, or ecstatic to see new things develop. That’s not the point of this post, the point is this time is over. No regrets, no histrionics, no weeping and waling or cheering and clapping. Its just how life is. Change is inevitable. My husband and I came to an area of south London, Blackheath, made friends, brought up children, lived life and now we have moved on to other things.
On saying all of the above, I DO want to dwell on that era, a particular piece of my life in Blackheath, London SE3, in fact I want to dwel just on one house that we owned in 2006 to 2017, but only lived in 3 years – don’t quote me on exact dates it’s been a long week. There are some aspects of change that have possitive and negative effects.
We were lucky and I mean lucky to be part of a church with ethical folk and one lady in particular who sold us her family home - the process of purchase took a long time, not anyones fault, but she could have easily backed out and found new buyers. However she stuck to her word and sold us her home. An ethical lady as I said.
For us this was a chance of a life time. So in we moved and grasped change, each one of us excited at this new beginning; Matt starting his work life and living nearby, Oliver starting at secondary school and Felicity at primary school and looking forward to secondary, my business would move with us to this new home. Baby Goody Boxes would soon become Goodyboxes – a new name and a new beginning. Keith Fields was performing and producing new material. Even the house would have a new beginning as the plans we had to extent and redevelopment were huge. The potential for this property and its new occupants were enormous.
9Its hard to tell if this is a story or where I’m going with this blog post! Bear with me I’m quite enjoying myself…. Its not all about you, the reader.)
Little did we know that in just 3 years this potential would not be realized and another new challenge would be upon us. The idea of moving to America was born in that house, we celebrated Matthews engagement to Leanne in that house, immigration letters were received in that house, discussions with dear dear friends and family to be left behind took place in that house, there were tears shed and squeals of excitement heard in that house. And discussions that our life in Blackheath would be packed in a box and put in the loft became a reality in that house.
There is a practical element to change and so we packed, the Oliver & Felicity packed their toys, their clothes - Brownie uniforms and rugby kits, art projects, school blazers (we may come back, we may need that St Dunstan school blazer). For Matthew it was university papers, gap year memorabilia, his first teddy bear that needed to be packed. There were boxes for friends who had lived with us and left items behind, for Keith boxes and boxes of books magic books and science fi …. Don’t go there. Guitars, banjos, banjuleles, show reels, posters of shows, pantomimes and basically ‘stuff’ spaning a 30 year career as a self employed successful performer.
And me – well I packed the rest, every ornament given to us, every papier-mâché school project the kids had made, and even I had made in my day at school….. yes papier-mâché does last a long time; boxes of photos. Do you remember when you gave your kids ‘disposable cameras’ and they took 30 pics and you took them to Boots the chemist to be developed all excited to see what pictures you would get back oh and the joys of seeing another blurry out of focus picture of their thumb? So yes boxes of photos, blurry and all. I packed boxes of china, cutlery, airlooms, cut glass, decanters from our wedding that I may or maynot have used, don’t worry we worked our way through the drinks cabinet before leaving….. wooden spoons, how many does one family need; herbs and spices that I had bought for just that one Jamie Oliver recipe and so much more and I packed it all (ok the spices went in the bin).
And for 7 years that house with so much potential has been home to tenants from all over the place; families who found themselves unable to get a mortgage and so were forced to rent, businesses men from France the list goes on.
And now, well now the reason for this post is that I have spent 4 days sorting out that life time and all those boxes and saying good bye to Mycenae and wondering what would have happened if we stayed, or I kept all those spices and herbs…. ACTUALLY I didn’t wonder what would happen if we had stayed, because looking back isn’t something Keith and I do.
Instead I leave you with this as I say goodbye to an era, change is inevitable and some aspects can be positive and negative. There is some change you can do little about, however you can seek change, and be positive about grasping hold of change as you learn more and look upon the journey as exciting. So seek and grasp the change you desire.
Ever since I was a little girl I always remember my parents messing around with plants. Our Father always had a veggie garden, large by London standards, over an acre by the time they moved to Wales. There was a plethora of potatoes, beans, brussels, tomatoes, peas (well not too many peas after Mother and I had been in the garden), asparagus, lettuce and much much more. Mother never bothered with the veg she was interested in flowers, every type of flowering plant; she would take cuttings from everywhere and anyone’s plants. Even when on holiday she would say ‘ooh that will look nice at Cwm Broch, no one will mind’ and take a cutting from a bougainvillea in Italy, or something ‘wild’ in France (that’s not illegal right?)
Vegetables and flowers came and went, normally they grew with gusto, being picked by Father or talked to and pampered by Mother.
But nothing was ever killed off ‘just because’ or because it didn’t bear fruit, or didn’t look good in that spot.
I am bold to say I have the same love of ‘tinkering’ with growing things as my folks. Nothing is neat or organized, just plucked or transplanted.
On coming to America, I left all my plants behind with friends or family. It was a difficult goodbye. However, imagine my joy when the first person I met was a funeral director who was happy to give me large amounts of Peace Lilies that were left at the crematorium. I’m not fussy about where they come from, just like my Ma. And delighted when a mum from Felicity’s swim team gave me a Spider Plant (as we call it), I transplanted it into the nearest tea pot. Oh yes the odder the pot the better it looks. Then I discovered Eastern Market in the depths of Detroit and brought back a cute tiny tiny cactus in a tiny tiny pot which I nurtured and loved (and brought back to life twice after too much watering from neighbors).
Imagine my dismay when one of my nieces came around and brushed by my tiny tiny cactus causing it to fall out of its tiny tiny pot. On picking it up her hand was covered in tiny tiny prickles. We got out the Copydex glue which retrieved each needle perfectly… well good enough. As the glue dries on your skin it causes a film and you pull off the film and it pulls out the razor-sharp needles. Poor tiny tiny cactus it wasn’t its fault, it was the way it was created!
Over the years the tiny tiny has grown into a not so tiny cactus and so imagine my dismay when I brushed by my cactus causing it to fall out of its original tiny tiny pot. And realizing that this once little feller is actually a lethal weapon. You don’t need any other wepons in this day and age, just throw a tiny tiny cactus and that will fend off any felon. Unless he has Copydex glue.
I needed a whole bottle of glue to retrieve each and every needle from my hand.
And so it is with a sad heart that I must confess that I will be killing my first plant purely because… well because it’s a lethal killer that could strike at any moment.
Dearest Kiddos
Your Father and I have justed finished the packing for our 10 day road trip. We fly from Detroit to Omaha Nebraska, pick up an RV or camper van or glorified caravan and hit the roads of Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Beyond excited for this road trip but what to pack? One must be prepared when going into cowboy territory, The Badlands and of course when visiting The Heads (Mount Rushmore). We have 2 free pieces of luggage with Delta, these will be a golf bag full of chairs, we are so resourceful and a cool box full of portable coal bbq, bbq tools and whatever else we can pack in there. We have hired bedding and kitchen ‘stuff’ with the RV. So really what else do we need? Loo rolls… no I’m not taking my hair dryer.
We are of course travelling again with The Neighbors who have a much better knowledge of America, its culture, where to go, this is mainly due to the fact they are American and they planned the trip for us.
That’s it for now Mattu, Oliver and Felicity – Omaha Nebraska here we come. Let’s hope our bags make it through baggage claim.
Dear M, O & F
Day 2 and the bags made it through, a trip to Costco in Omaha (very similar to Costco in Troy, how surprising!) means that we are well stocked up with supplies (i.e. vodka and gin) and the first night of sleeping in a camper van was …. Well between us we probably got 7 hrs and the toilet block was adequate at the camp site.
Our first adventure was to Scotts Bluff – what is a bluff and who was Scott? That’s what Google is for. All I can tell you was the views were amazing from the top. Our 24 ft camper took the bends on the drive up admirably. However, at every bend in the road the draws and cupboards inside the camper flew open. We purchased a lot of ‘gaffer tape’ to seal up the draws.
From there we hit one of your Fathers request stops. Car Henge. What can I say… this was a Henge like no other – we are now experts on Henges. We have seen Stone Henge with you all those years ago in England. Then your Father and I visited Cadillac Henge on my ‘eccentric but mature’ trip in Texas last year. So we are quite experts and enjoy everyone Henge for its merits. I hope the pics do it justice.
Tomorrow is the big day as far as I’m concerned. As you know this trip was all about The Heads!
Dear Matthew, Oliver and Felicity
The Heads, Mount Rushmore, iconic and everything and more than I expected. However, let me go on to add something your Father wrote regarding Crazy Horse Monument which we also saw today.
.....Until yesterday I had never heard of Korczak Ziolkowski and I still do not know how to pronounce his name! I do know a bit of his story, and he was an amazing man. He was a sculptor who worked on Mount Rushmore and went on to start what will be the biggest sculpture in the world. A Lakota chief asked him to carve a statue of the native American Crazy Horse out of the side of a mountain, a statue so vast that it would dwarve the four presidents. A statue so huge that he knew he would never see it finished.
Today there are many people working on the site. From the drivers of huge industrial earth moving equipment and explosives experts to tour guides and kids with summer jobs in the gift shop. The whole site is a veritable hive of activity.
When the project started in 1948 there was one man and a mountain. His first task was to chop down trees and build himself a house at the site. His second was to build a ladder so he could get from the bottom to the top, the top being 563 feet away (172m). Next he laid an air hose from a diesel compressor at the mountains base to run a jackhammer at the summit, this was his only mechanical aid and it was old when he started. His day would commence by turning the hand crank to start the compressor and then climbing to the top to start reshaping a mountain. On a good day he could work for several hours, on a bad day he would get half way up the ladder and he would hear the old diesel engine splutter and stop. On one particular day when the compressor was playing up he had to climb up and down the rickety wooden ladders nine times!
Korczak was a man of amazing vision who inspired hundreds if not thousands of people to join him in his incredible project. He died after 40 years but his vision continues. Today, after 70 years of work on the project the face is completed, thousands of tons of rock have been blasted off the mountain, and if you have a good imagination you can see Crazy Horse pointing to his lands and the head of his horse. The project is so vast that no one knows when it will be completed.
Standing at the base of the mountain and looking up I tried to imagine what Korczak was thinking when he first considered the challenge. He could have walked away (did I mention that there was no-one paying him to do this?) but he didn’t.
I did my bit to help. I picked up a small stone (yes I did ask permission). A stone that used to be a part of the mountain, a piece that wasn’t Crazy Horse but could have been. It will remind me that it is possible for one man to change the world, in fact I think it may be our duty, we will not all succeed but we should all try. When he started I reckon that some people called Korczak crazy to have a vision so great, after all he decided that one man could actually move a mountain! I hope that we all find a bit of that craziness and vision in our own lives.
Up early this morning kiddos, serving your father coffee by 7am. You know how he likes mornings. Today we are off on a Tatanka safari – bison to you lot. I cannot rave enough about the National and State Parks. We are staying in Custer State Park. Everyone we have been to is well kept, full of useful information and really trying to preserve this planet. Even our driver on the safari stopped to pick up rubbish at the side of the road that some thoughtless tourist had discarded.
Mattu I’m sure you remember the old joke about the difference between a buffalo and a bison…. Yes that was recited several times (with little laughter from our American friends). Discussions on buffalo burgers were had, in front of marauding bison. A little unfair I felt. Many bison or as the native Americans call them, Tatanka, calves were seen and photographed. Along with bighorn sheep, mountain goats, burros, mule deer and more. You know I like a bit of natural wildlife. And then there are the Prairie Dog Towns. Yes Prairie dogs live in towns, they are soooooo social. Seeing them standing guard outside their homes squealing or is it barking, when seeing hawks, burrowing owls and any other predators. Including me and Monica with cameras making cooing noises because they were just soooooo cute.
Afternoon was spent in Windy Cave National Park….. miles and miles of underground cave and not a stalactite or mite to be seen. So no need to remember if stalactites hang tight to the ceiling or might grow up to the ceiling…. I never could remember that handy dandy rhyme.
A sad ending to the day as we spoke to you Felicity and hearing the news of London. More unnecessary terror. But glad to hear you are all safe across the world, so blessed!
Lots of fresh air and moscow mules and a better night was had by all here is South Dakota. My favourite Dakota
Our new song, sung to the tune of Frere Jacques goes… South Dakota, South Dakota, you’re our fav, you’re our fav, better than Nebraska, better than Nebraska, we love you, we love you
Yes South Dakota is my favourite Dakota, no of course I have nothing to compare it to.
This is due to the many monuments, parks and wild life we have seen over the past few days. And today at The Badlands National Park - words failed me (Pops – no they didn’t!). The beauty the splendor, the raw rock and wind was indescribable. Corroding at a foot a year, it really is a sight to behold and one that I hope each of you will see in your life time. True feat of nature.
Mattu, Oliver, Felicity.......Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh seen too many beautiful mine blowing freeks of nature. Brain about to explode..
Today we went to see the site of that iconic movie ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’. You know the one its just been digitally remasters having been first released 40 years ago. Oh no wait, at 35, 21 and 19 years of age this means nothing to you 3. Well its lucky that your parents have a subscription to Netflix and you have the pass word. To be honest, and don’t tell your Father, I have never seen the film either. Do you really think Grandma Midge would have let me watch a film with Aliens in when I was a young girl. No obviously not. So when all ‘my generation’ rave about the movie I nod and smile.
I digress, if you watch the movie you will see this amazing scene… so they say… and this rock formation with pinnacles of rock with 4, 5 and 6 faces. What a sight. Good thing Uncle Jeremy wasn’t here as there was a ban on climbing it as a climber died a few days ago on the face. This national monument is believed to be formed below ground With over a million years of eroding this pillar was left. WOW nature is amazing.
We walked in the blistering heat for a mile or so round the base, taking pics from every angle.
Then a drive onto a new camp site, with hot tub… and enjoyed a jolly meal of roast garlic, shrimp and pork….. yes we had vegetables we are good parents. Always eat your greens.
Dear Blog
I have missed you, its been many months since my last confession… update.
Today we took to the road for 3 weeks, its been a trip that has taken many months to plan, and over 2 days to pack the van! With 3 different types of shows and lectures to perform on this trip, the van is packed to the gunnels for you nautical types. However, I have only taken 8 pairs of shoes.
We left Detroit (ok Troy, but The D sounds cooler!) at noon and our first stop was Ann Arbor… only an hour away but a wonderful place to stop and have lunch with our favourite daughter. 3rd year at University of Michigan and Felicity is juggling studying, the gym, church, clubs, planning for the future and a rather full social life (not all in that order) she also had time for lunch with us parents too! A quick visit to No Thai – a bit of a fav with us. We had our first meal there over 4 years ago when Oliver was a freshman… oh how time flees. (I like that better than flys)
Let us not digress so early on in the road trip Sarah.
On the road again and this time to the town of Peru… Illinois. The end of a day on a road trip for Keith and I, when we don’t have a destination, results in me driving and Keith finding a hotel and negotiating on line. Using the app ‘hot wire’ or direct with the hotel he works on an excellent rate. And that’s why we ended up in Peru.
Parked right next to the hotel and there was a handy dandy Target – for my English friends, this is like a MASSSSSSSSIVE M&S. We were on the hunt for powdered grape juice… don’t ask, I’m married to a magician and he had a new idea in mind. The isles were packed with everything Halloween. Over 150 designs of Halloween cards. Who sends Halloween cards?? And Halloween costumes for your…………….. DOG.
Plus a rather pleasant wine selection and a choice of microwave lasagna. Yes we know how to eat right when on the road, and since we couldn’t see a restaurant near our hotel it all seemed a bit of a giggle. And the appropriate shoes for a night in a hotel with a microwave dinner…………………………
Dear Blog
5 hours driving in the car with my husband is always a delight. The following activities ensue
And then we arrive at our destination – this time the Omaha Magical Society. Established in 1921. Met by the lovely Jeff Quinn who was the 100th president of SAM. A club who cares about its members, has many a giggle, with working pros, hobbyists and the like – and a few young fellows working on show collaboration. PLUS a late night trip to IHOP for a Nutella crepe made for a delightful night.
P.s Blogg – I guess you are wondering about the picture. I have a little unfounded, unresearched issue with straws – why do we need them, I’m sure I read they kill turtles, why cover the outside when it’s the inside of the straw that we use – stuff like that. So SOMEONE thought it would be funny to fill my handbag….. bloody magic folk!
Dear Blog
I have little to say, except we are staying with one of our bridesmaids, a friend for over 34 years from Wales. Julie Beck, now living in the picturesque Frisco
“Rocky Mountain High … oooooh Colorado” – that was me singing a John Denver classic. I like to have a song for every State.
Peeps if you have never visited this beautiful State, I do have to ask ‘why not’? It has to be on everyone’s bucket list – on saying that Keith and I have been so breathless for several days – its blinking high and the air is thin. All 3 of us were panting as we went up to the Continental Divide at 11,900 ft that’s almost 2 miles above sea level. Not sure what that is in km, but blink its high.
So beautiful – get out here peeps.
Dear Blog
Wow the last few days have been incredible..
- Created ‘A Brit of Magic’ facebook I hope people like it. π
- We performed TOGETHER new routines based on classics of magic, Shakespeare and I even did a little vent… ok ok those who know about ventriloquism know I could never do it justice, but it made me laugh
- Keith and I both wore amazing shoes… this could be a running gag
- SO MANY faithful OLD friends came to see us. One I haven’t seen since I was 8, I haven’t changed obviously
- World famous magicians, lovely couple and uber creatives Carol Massie and Joe Givan run an incredible theatre here in Castle Rock Co – Theatre of Dreams. AND they didn’t chuck us out even after the first night.
- I wouldn’t be British if I didn’t mention the weather which has been jolly hot and sunny even at 9000 ft but a snow storm is coming in. We hope to get out of Denver before it hits.
Final note dear blog – I’m humbled to perform with my hubby, proud to know so many folk in this wonderful world of Magi and to quote a great lady – I love you all
Dear Blog
We are counting backwards from 8 and we are on the 5th pair of shoes I bought with me on this trip.
Not a lot to say on this update…. Just remember these updates are for me not you!
These shoes don’t look exciting however fyi Impo shoes are my go to. How pompous does that sound…
In 2 days we drove for over 16 hrs from Denver to Sacramento, through Colorado, Utah, Nevada to California.
Beautiful scenery, so varied – the USA is such an huge and incredible land mass.
We stopped in Salt Lake City and Reno. Am I the only person who never realized that there was a Salt Lake… the largest body of water outside of the Great Lakes and the biggest natural salt producer in the western hemisphere. Just me who didn’t know this right….
So best shoes when you drive over 1000 miles are…
Dear Blog
The 4th pair of shoes for this 4 week tour is of course THE FLIPFLOP.
And why would I be wearing these? Because we have reached California baby…(said with my best British accent)
I wrote about the ‘driving shoes’ in the last update. We left sacremento where Keith did a lecture and went on to San Francisco to see the truly amazing Jay Alexander in a wonderful venue, a must if you are in the Bay Area (I know all the lingo). On to the tiny tiny California Magic Club, a tiny gem of a dinner theatre in Martinez. A couple of nights performing there and eating good food and then back to the hills.
Honestly my constitution is a little confused as we go from temperatures of 56 degrees f to 99 degrees f and elevations of 450ft to 9000ft.
Next stop was Lake Taho with the one, the only CHIPPER LOWELL. Oh how we giggled - not easy to make another comic laugh but Chipper did it! And the scenery - well lets just say Taho is beating the Rockies on my top fav mountain range....just like South Dakota is my fav Dakota (see previous blog posts on The Heads).
So now in LA and still wearing the flip flops drinking lots of water and washing clothes after 3 weeks on the road - just trying to explain my random pic.
And now The Magic Castle
Dear Blog
2 pairs in one blog post!
Here we are at the Magic Castle in Hollywood performing 3 shows a night, with various costume changes, change of shoes (here is the tentative link to the shoe title) and performing with the amazing Nick Diffatte.
And what a giggle it has been, meeting many new folk, performers and others, routines that change at a moment’s notice, sound and lighting cue changes, new lines added and more.
There is so much to write about when performing with Keith Fields. 27 years of marriage, having known each other for over 34 years, life for us, in that time has taken many twists and turns. Some we created and some we have no idea how they happen.
Now we have chosen yet another new path, some would question what & why another change – the change of working together.
Actually we have worked together on his career and my business all of those 27 years, now we have chosen to perform together. You need to hear Keith’s view on that – its been both an obvious and a truly outrageous decision.
Why change a working system? Why create a double act now in your career,? Why reinvent the wheel? Why go through the process of creating something that may not work? Why teach an old dog new tricks (guess which is the old dog!)…. That’s it... I can’t think of many more adages. And as I say, you will have to ask Keith the answer to all these questions.
For me, its very odd to recreate who I am, just when I have got to that state in my life when I
know myself. I’ve been on the planet for many a year now – I am of #eccentributmature years you know. I think I rather like the challenge of ‘what else can I achieve’. But I guess like many women of a certain age, we wonder what else can I achieve. What else do I want to achieve?
Well that’s it, the month’s tour is nearly over and with over 7000 miles on the clock I’m ready to head for the hills and back to Michigan. Just one more stop to make.
Dear Blog
We are at the end and so here is the last pair of shoes that I took on this 4 week tour that has taken us from Michigan, via Omaha NE; Castle Rock, Frisco and Denver CO; on to Sacramento, San Francisco, Martinez, Lake Tahoe and Hollywood CA; ending in Las Vegas NE before a 3 day drive back to Michigan.
From elevations of sealever to 11,900 ft; temperatures of 32 degrees f to 101 degrees - bloody hot in CA.
Such an amazing country, so much to see.
The last stop was Las Vegas to catch up with a truly funny bloke, phenomenal performer and a great business man, excellent insights into magic and now our mate! I’ll just leave you with a tiny tiny insight and say dont forget to buy the coffee #zombie-java.com
Dear Interested Reader,
LOOK AT THIS BLOG – I have been wittering on www.GetJealous.com/harfield since 2009 some would say I’ve been wittering on for longer, but we don’t talk to those folk!
It has been a veritable journey of discovery in these my #eccentricbutmature years in the USA. In fact, I heard a quote today at the Pulitzer exhibition at the Newseum in DC and it was
You have a front-row seat to history
And that really resonated with me – oh I’m pulling out all the big words today – admittedly some of that history only applies to our little lives.
But let me give you a few examples of the history I’ve had the front-row seat to. (Remember this blog is mainly a diary for my benefit, so I’m loving these insights)
1. Technology – since I’ve been in the USA, social media has exploded – notice my little link here instagram.com/abritofmagic/
Don’t get me started on websites www.KeithFields.com
2. Our teens are no longer teens – both Oliver and Felicity are in their TWENTIES
3. We are Grandparents – 3 times by Christmas. Did you get the clever way I dropped in that Mattu and Leanne are having number 3.
4. Politics. Just let’s leave it at that.
5. When I started this blog in 2009 we had 4 parents between Keith and I, now we have 1. There’s a downer.
Now I haven’t had a front seat at all of those – well certainly not 3 and 4. But I have loved seeing life evolve, enjoyed the journey, well most of it, just Seeing how life, love, friends and the world has developed and evolved.
So the point of this update is to tell you how another aspect of our world has evolved and we are sitting on the front-row seat as history is made…
I give you the
AIR B & B
Accommodation is a revelation, mastery and headache to me on any of our trips. On this 3 week trip. With shows in North Carolina, where we stayed in a hotel, then on to Philadelphia where we stayed in a friends flat, in Delaware we will stay in accommodation supplied by the theatre we are performing in, by the time I get to Boston for Thanksgiving we will be straying with our relatives aka Keith’s brother and family who once lived with us in Michigan now have moved to Boston…. That’s another story.
HOWEVER right now we have a few days off and we are in Washington DC to see the amazing Oliver, who works 2 blocks from The White House. Very exciting. AND (I am getting to the point) we have rented an Air B & B. A one bed flat/apartment, with kitchen, lounge, off street parking, all the amenities to have a cozy night in so we don’t have to go to restaurants, space to unpack and leave stuff all over the place. PLUS NETFLIX all for less than we would pay for a hotel on the road. Now I know Air B&B has been around awhile, and yes you can find bad press on these places, but for us, it’s a bolt hold. Somewhere to hang out with our lad, not be pressurized to move on or buy more alcohol to keep the landlord happy. A great shift in accommodation on the road.
That’s all – nothing exciting really its just we have a front-row seat to history and I thought I would share it with you.
LYL
There is so much rubbish on social media! What makes us think others can enjoy our meal just from a picture? Can we really make a worthwhile political point using a few characters? As for ‘snap chat’, more of ‘what the heck was that’ chat. And tragically there are thousands of articles, even studies on ‘face book envy’. Is that a first world problem or what?
HOWEVER I cannot put in to words or do justice to the total love I felt on this, yet another #eccentricbutmature birthday, when I looked at my social media feeds. WhatsApp pics that genuinely made me smile; dancing mice gifs; pics of ducks proving anatidaephobia is a thing and the fact that our friends in New Zealand took the time to send wishes – before the rest of the world was awake! Comments in welsh; time to distort my pictures actually showed me folk on the world wide web cared; text from nieces and God children. Plus wonderful wonderful words from my sis-in-law that really should be kept for my funeral! That way people will remember me as, a woman who can put a good cheese board together!
So if I maybe so bold as an #eccentricbutmature women to give you some advice – use social media, enjoy it and make someone’s day by saying something nice.
And, in the words of great lady (Diana Dors I think)…. And I love you all
Mother came for her annual visit to the USA, possibly the last time I updated this blog! Our 5-week visits are always full of fun, laughter and adventures and this trip has lived up to the hype – and yet again I tried to kill her off.
We started the trip with a detour road trip through Canada’s Niagara Falls to end back in the USA at the American equivalent of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival entitled: the Rochester New York Fringe Festival – over 300 theatre shows, covering all forms of theatre arts. Mother enjoyed many types of performance including 2 different shows performed by the Keith Fields. Plus staying in bars until 2am talking to random performers!
Much excitement ensued over the 5 weeks, all pointing to the penultimate trip, the peak de la résistance – a weekend in Washington DC with a tour inside The White House and a trip to the zoo to see the red pandas
NOTE TO SELF – get rid of Martooooooon and get red panda
This weekend would not only be a chance to see this iconic building but also spend time with 2 of her 7 grandchildren – Oliver now working in DC and Felicity who took a well-earned break from University – plus Keith and I
HOWEVER the day ended with rather a dramatic ambulance ride to A&E in DC
NOTE TO SELF: learn what all these initials stand for
Mother had a fall in the hotel leaving her with pain ‘beyond child birth’ – her words not mine.
The Accident and Emergency Department confirmed 2 broken ribs and the potential for pneumonia for this 87-year-old.
Excessive morphine was consumed, we did leave some for Mother!! π
And so 2 weeks were added to the trip, lots of rest, and yet regular walking around the house, pain medication was consumed in vast quantities, lovely friends and neighbors and medical friends advised and helped out.
NOTE TO SELF: Get a medical qualification when I grow up, its so helpful to know your arse from your elbow
Our friends on both sides of the Pond with or without medical knowledge have been/were and will always be an answer to prayer – and there were a lot of those too! The text, emails and visitors with flowers and chocolates (for Mother) and alcohol (for Keith…..) where gratefully received.
The next dilemma was getting her back to Wales and that’s due to my amazing siblings who sorted out details with the travel insurance.
NOTE TO SELF: let’s not travel without insurance people it just isn’t worth cutting corners
Mother and I spend 7 hrs where much laughter could be heard as we played with the buttons that moved the business class chair up and down, from seated to sleeping; enjoyed scallops and rather a lot of fizz for me! Most enjoyable flight ever – although pain killers were needed due to the laughing and aching ribs.
NOTE TO SELF: not good to make an 87-year-old with 2 broken ribs laugh when others are trying to sleep
And so the annual adventure is nearly over as we land safely in Heathrow, met by my courageous brother, who is never satisfied with the adventures life has thrown him with climbing on every continent, being struck by lightning, air rescues off mountain tops, dealing with type 1 diabetes at altitude or coming back from the worst bike accident EVER. He then takes on the task of looking after Mother in Wales.
And so I am free to shoe shop in my favorite haven in Wales while spending a bonus 48 hrs with eldest son and grandchildren and being looked after by my caring daughter in law.
The bottom line is the most important of this diatribe – I personally feel very humbled by all your love and support and prayers. And thank you that another annual trip with Mother, which could have been a disaster ended so well and I didn’t kill her off
NOTE TO SELF: Go visit Mother in Wales its easier!
I awoke on Saturday morning, in a small Airbnb in Washington DC. The snow on the ground did not delight me, however, the morning was bright and I had a whole day of activities planned for me by my middle child! It included rugby and beer and lots of different types of food. What more could a mother of eccentric mature years want?
But of course the first thing I do is turn to my phone... because that is what I do!! #dontjudge
My phone sprang to life with text messages from old friends, close friends, new friends and as I open Facebook messenger funny pictures with balloons appeared. WhatsApp told me I had been sent videos and Facebook told me I had many, many new messages on my wall.
It was my Birthday.
And as I start to scroll through them all, looking at names, reading text, my head full of memories and my eyes filled with tears. Overwhelmed by friends who thought of me, wrote me notes, send me pictures.
And I think, why am I so blessed?
So many of you have touched my life and been apart of the lives of Keith, Matthew, Oliver and Felicity. We have laughed and cried with many of you. And then I think of those we have lost along the way, those who would always remember a birthday, family, old friends of a lifetime ago who we lost even this week.
I cry too both tears of joy and sadness, as it is 10 years ago today that we packed up a world in England and we move to another world here in the USA. Someone asked me this week if 'I look back'. Of course, when you get to my great age, you look back every now and again and say ‘what if’. A pointless exercise really.
All I know is that attached with this post is a picture of the card that Keith gave me before I came away on the Birthday weekend. And it talks about ‘being awesome’, and he wrote he ‘couldn’t do it without me’. And yet I couldn’t be who I am today.... awesome or not.... without all of you.
So if you’re reading this, somewhere in the world. I just want to say you’re awesome you had an impact on my life and I thank you.
FYI And if I should win a Grammy, Oscer or Golden Globe this would be my speech - obviously, don’t tell anyone you heard it firstπ.
And I love you all.
Please indulge me as I take you back 28 years to a small basement flat in Blackheath, London, England. Where 5 of us gathered. There I am with 2 old friends, we are 3 women, in our mid 20’s sitting around chatting about life. One of them, Ursula I’ve known since I was about 4, and Julie and I had been friends since our teenage years in Wales. Mother was there, as always, my rock, and of course my Dad – laughing, making jokes and telling stories and if memory serves me well, eating fish and chips with a glass of scotch.
And those where the 4 people I spent the evening with on 2nd November, 28 years ago. Little did I know then that it would be the night before, the start of the biggest rollercoaster ride of my life.
Which makes tomorrow 3 November my 28th anniversary of our wedding. Ursula and Julie, my bridesmaids then and my oldest friends now, my Mother is still my rock and my Father – well he will never be forgotten.
Many of you friends have watched us and taken part on this roller coaster, been apart of the incredible journey bring up the amazing Mattu, Oliver and Felicity, laughing at the twists and turns in our careers and life choices; cried at the sad bits and there have been several.
And where will Keith Fields and I be spending our wedding anniversary…..another twist in the journey as we perform our theatre show, 90 mins, 2 halves of comedy, magic and mayhem in North Carolina of all places.
So thank you for coming on the journey with us, we couldn’t have done it without you.
And to you Keith Fields – words fail me. NOOOOOOO of course they don’t, but I’ll just end this thought with. I love you.