LAST THOUGHTS

Literally On My Face
Well, I've never been any good walking....so I guess I should just invest in a mobility scooter now. My face....well, here's the story to my face.


I was running for the bus and tripped over the uneven sidewalk! Since I was holding both Abby and Ben by the hand....I couldn't catch myself...and well....Literally fell on my face. I hit once and then raised up slightly or maybe it was just my head bouncing back up....then my back pack whacked me on the back of the head...slamming my face back down. I saw stars....yes...a bright flash of light...no, my life didn't flash before my eyes...but I do remember thinking..."this is going to hurt".


People in London very rarely stop and ask if you're o.k....or even acknowledge that something strange has happened. I'm guilty of acting this way myself. I see people drunk at 10:00 a.m. and think nothing of it. I see people throwing up on the side of the road....I just keep walking. I see a man freaking out about people stealing from him....now, he's like a landmark I like to point out when I pass him on the streets. I remember the first time I heard that the tube schedule had been disrupted because "someone was under the train". I freaked out! Now, I have heard it so many times I only think...."am I going to be affected by this?"Last night....my fall was so bad (I guess) that people stopped to make sure I was o.k. Wow.... :-) I'm special.


It was strange. I knew people were around me so I just wouldn't let myself scream in pain....because that's what I wanted to do. So with tears running down my face, I could only breath and hope that I wouldn't make a bigger fool of myself. hahahaha Since I landed on my face.....I rolled over to my left side and stayed like that for, what seemed like ages. I remember having my right leg up slightly and my right arm up in the air....I don't know why.....but I thought "I must look like road kill".


Skip was trying to get me to stand and everyone else wanted me to stay on the ground. I kept thinking...the bus...the bus...must catch the bus! Finally, I got up...said a brief thank you to the people who were concerned....and started walking to the bus stop.


During the whole time the bus had not yet arrived. So, I'm thinking we can make it....well....to add insult to injury....the bus didn't stop but kept going! :-( Other people were even trying to wave the bus down....We ended up walking home. Yes, I walked about a half mile home.I have a banged up knee...you've seen my face...and my hair clip broke....but my jeans didn't rip! I have decided that I don't have to wear makeup because the left side of my face makes the right side look great. Oh, the other good thing...my crows feet around my left eye....completely gone!


As I finish the rest of the story, a month later....I still have a black eye and a knot on my head. But I've survived so far. I think I'll live!


A Skeptic Becomes A Believer
My favorite city in the world is London but my favorite all around place is Scotland. I fell in love with Scotland back in the early 90's when I traveled to a friend's wedding. I was overwhelmed with the land and the people. I never could put into words how the beauty of the country touched me.


My goal and dream was to visit Scotland while we lived in London. I wanted Skip and the kids to experience what I loved and tried to relate to them. I would go on and on about the mountains and how rough and rocky they are but then there will be a beautiful little waterfall flowing from nowhere, down the side of the mountain. When turning every corner I would wait because I knew something even more beautiful was there, waiting to pop out and take my breath away.


Skip has always loved Denmark and I completely understand why. That is where part of his family comes from! I think Denmark is a lovely place and I would never take anything away from the country or the people. I just tried to explain the differences to him.


Skip was excited about traveling but wasn't impressed as we set out on our journey. I kept telling him to wait until we actually left London to see the view change! hahahaha


I knew the moment when Skip realized we were in The Highlands of Scotland. I don't think he could stop saying Oh My Goodness! He was in awe the entire trip through the country. In fact, I thought we would never make it home because we HAD to stop every 5 miles for him to take a picture!


I think Skip has been converted. He is a true believer that there is just no way to describe Scotland or how beautiful it is.

I highly recommend Scotland! With all the packing and this last minute note, I don't have time to post pictures....but believe me...I will the moment I'm able!


Edinburgh And The Loch's
We arrived in Edinburgh very late so we got our first view the next morning. The city is wonderfully built on rolling hills. The feeling of history and old world charm just overtake the streets. So, we couldn't wait to get to Edinburgh Castle to start our day!


I parked our rental car in a car park and then we all made our way up and out onto the street. We were passing by a construction site when all of a sudden I heard Benjamin screaming and crying! I ran back to him and found him curled up holding his arm. I thought....NO, not a broken arm!!!!


Through his tears and with Abby's help, Ben told me that he was walking on a little ledge, slipped and fell.


NOW, I saw the line on his cheek where he hit....and saw the bruise! After my horrible experience....I knew the pain he was in. Some of the construction workers came over and were talking to us, making sure Ben was o.k. The workers were so concerned which was sad because....we could barely understand them!


We ended up walking to a Burger King and asking for a cup of ice! Ben held a cup over his face throughout the day.....lovely!


In the excitement, Christian kicked off a shoe. That normally doesn't bother me...except....it was a little chilly and I thought "What do people think about us? I have a black eye, Ben has a black cheek and Christian has one shoe!" We are just falling apart!" I was tempted to make Skip and Abby just fall down so we could get them out of the way!


We had a great time, even through the pain. The kids got a picture with a bagpiper and a person dressed as William Wallace! There was even a wedding going on at the castle chapel and it was fun to see the 2 year old boy wearing a kilt....even if he didn't want to keep it down! hahahaha

Later that day we drove to Inverness and spent the night. We rose early the next morning on our quest to find the Loch Ness monster! No, sadly.......we saw no monster.....but we did see the wonderful view and explored the castle, right on the shore line. Interestingly, there was a wedding there as well......

I looked at Skip and said...."Why didn't we get married in a castle?" hahahaha


Wrapping Up
I have come to look so fondly on this city. I never thought I could live in a large city like this but I have come to love it like an old friend. There are sights and sounds that I just drink in every day because in my mind, I don't know when I'll ever have the wonderful chance to come back.

The buses are such a familiar sight. Each bus driver is a little different, some I firmly believe enjoy terrorizing people on the ride and others are so kind and patient. There is the excitement when the bus finally arrives and you are so tired. Then fear, when the bus is crowded and you just barely make it on! Such relief for you, while you experience sadness....watching that person running their hardest but arriving seconds after the bus doors have closed.

Tube rides are the best. I remember a comedian talking about waiting for the tube, how everyone tries to guess just where the train will stop so they can get on first. But since you never know....it's a gamble....and you either try to stand by someone who "looks like they take this train EVERY day"....or you try to be different and forge your own path. Sometimes you hit the mark and other times you have to scoot to the next door. Either way....it's a surprise, a gamble of sorts.

London has a different feel to it. There is that small town feel in areas. The local store owners know us. The lady at the Chinese food restaurant knows what we want to order (sad...but true). Ladies from "Bounce and Rhyme" (where I take Christian) know us and wave to us on the street. Yet, there is that large city feel....knowing that you are just another face in the crowd and you can enjoy being lost in a moment or talking to yourself and you don't have to worry. You know the odds of running into that person who sees you and thinks you need medication, is very slim.

The history, the modern art, the people are all so different and wonderful. Yes, bad things happen. But there are those moments that have touched me. People have stopped to help me with the stroller so many times. I have asked directions and questions and ended up having wonderful conversations. Then of course, there was the young lady, probably in her 20's....I wish I could thank her. She was on the tube and I was getting on, just days after my fall. She took one look at me and offered me her seat. I thought it was so sweet...until Skip reminded me that people give their seats up to "old" people. hahahahahahaha

If I never pass this way again, at least I can close my eyes and know that overall, I had the best experience ever. I will truly miss the places, the people and this city....which is London.