Visit to Ohio

About week ago, I returned back from a two-week trip to Ohio. It had only been 3 months since the last time we were in Ohio, but I needed to go to see my grandpa (my mom's father), who had been taken to the hospital just a week and a half earlier. In addition, it was my grandma's (my dad's mother) 80th birthday, so I wanted to be home to actually celebrate a birthday with my family. I arrived in Columbus on Wednesday, March 10.

The day after arriving in Columbus, Mom took the day off work so we could spend the day together. I got my hair cut, we went to lunch at Red Lobster, and we did a bit of errand running.

That Friday, Mom and I drove up to North Canton together to visit grandpa, who had been transferred to a nursing home earlier in the week. His condition had improved, and he seemed to be doing alright (considering). That evening I stayed that night and the following night at my grandma's house.

On Saturday, March 13, Grandma celebrated her 80th birthday. Most of her family was able to make it, and she was "so tickled" that everyone threw her a party.

Grandma and her birthday cake

Grandma's 80th birthday cake

My brother, Jason, and his girlfriend, Angela

Grandma, my dad and me

Grandma, me, and Grandma's sister, Aunt Margie

Grandma with her husband, Bob

Aunt Margie and Uncle Roger

The following day, I went to church with Bob and Grandma, then headed over to the nursing home to spend time with Grandpa that afternoon. He seemed to be in good spirits and was looking forward to finding out whether or not he would be able to return home later in the week. My aunt Linda treated me to Olive Garden for supper, then I drove back to Columbus.

The next few days, were nice and relaxing. I did a bit of shopping, went to lunch twice with my dad and tried to go through "stuff" of mine in the bedroom. One evening Norm came home with a dozen pink roses for me! I couldn't believe it. And for no reason, either. Here is Alley modeling my roses.

Thursday afternoon, I went over to the house of a friend, who I haven't seen in at least 7 years. Amanda "White" Dickman and I met in 6th grade science class and had been friends through freshman year of college, but lost touch for no apparent reason. Since then she has gotten married to her husband Steve and has to gorgeous children, Emma (4) and Owen (1.5).

Grandpa was discharged from the nursing home the following Saturday. We drove up to North Canton to see him and celebrate my birthday...together! In the past years, since I've been living abroad, my family would get together to celebrate my birthday, order a Johnny's cake which is the best-ever birthday cake and sing me Happy Birthday... all without me actually physically being there.
Norm, Mom and I had lunch with Lisa, my step-sister, on Sunday. She is doing seemingly well, despite her health and busy-life. Overall, this was a very special trip home... such a blessing. I enjoyed so much time with my family, but of course, missed Jeff and wished he could have been there with me.

Upon my return home (in Gloucester) there was a beautiful bouquet of tulips from Jeff awaiting my arrival. Thank you, Baby!

In-Laws Visit

Robert and Beverly flew to Bristol on Saturday to visit us for the first time in Gloucester. After picking them up at the airport, we drove into Bristol to have lunch, walk around the covered market and show them a bit of the city. Our "tour" even included a visit to John Wesley's Chapel called the "New Room". John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist movement along with his brother Charles Wesley.

St Nicolas Market

Beverly in front of the entrance to John Wesley's New Room

Inside the New Room

On Sunday we went to church in the morning, then over to the Gilmore's for lunch. We then took a drive to Cirencester for a couple hours before returning to the Gilmore's for tea and then to evening service.

CirencesterCirencester church and town center

Jeff went to work Monday, while I took Robert and Beverly into Gloucester, mainly to visit the Gloucester Antique Centre. Robert made his purchases, then we went in search for a light, summer suit for Robert, which we eventually found. We also had a walk through the town and went into the Gloucester Cathedral which is absolutely massive! That was my first visit there.

Today the three of us (Jeff was at work) drove to Wotton-under-Edge which is a village on the south part of the Cotswolds towards Bristol. Robert found his way to a small antiques shop, or "junk" shop, as he calls it, and talked to the man there for a while. We eventually had lunch at a small tea room, only 5 tables! Then we were off to find another antique shop in Westerleigh, but it was closed (on a Tuesday!), so we headed to nearby Chipping Sodbury.
It was already late in the afternoon, so we met Jeff for supper at the mall half way to the airport. Robert and Beverly are now on their way back to Belfast.

Tomorrow I will be flying home to Ohio for a couple weeks.

One for Mom :o) - An oaknut in Chipping Sodbury

I also have to tell you about a total this-could-only-have-been-God moment today. As we were driving down the motorway to Wotton-under-Edge, the car started to lose power, and I couldn't accelerate when the car was going up hill. After getting off the motorway at our exit, the road went up a hill and the car came to a slow stop on the hill since it wasn't allowing me to accelerate. Still on the hill in the middle of the street with cars and lorries going around me, I put on the emergency lights and brake. Luckily I was able to get up the hill very slowly and down the next, but halfway up the second hill it almost came to a stop again. I pulled into a small road and pulled over to call Jeff, who suggested I call the roadside assistance to tow us back up to the service garage in Gloucester. Robert then suggested that he try driving it home, so we slowly drove up the road. It could have only been a mile after we stopped, just as we were entering the village, there was a service garage!!!!!!! We couldn't believe it! Robert pulled in and a couple of men came straight away to help us. After popping the hood/bonnet, doing a computer check and even taking us for a drive up the road to see what the problem was, the men determined they didn't know what was causing the car to act that way, and it was fine the rest of the day. I couldn't believe we just came across a service garage that fast when we really needed one! Thank you, God!

Minchinhampton

Bright and early this morning, I drove Jeff to the Gloucester train station. He had to catch a train at 7:00am to Preston for a meeting at Warton. After a few lazy hours this morning at home, I decided to take Elizabeth's recommendation and drive out to Minchinhampton.

Minchinhampton, "an ancient market town", is located south-east of Stroud, about 30 minutes from our house. It's very quaint and looks very "Cotswoldy," with a small village centre, a church and cottages lining the streets. After walking up a few of the streets from the centre, I found a small table at The Kitchen tea room. The place was packed, not only with guests, but with charm and baked goods. I ordered a cappuccino and a sausage sandwich, made with locally-produced chipolatas - thin, breakfast-style sausages.

I also managed to finally finish a book on George Mueller (1805-1898), a German-born, Christian evangelist who opened and maintained numerous children's homes in Bristol. He relied solely on God's provision to support the children, staff and homes. His life is a fine testimony of the Lord's love and provision for all of His children.

Early signs of Spring!
A cross-shaped patch of crocuses in a church yard

The war memorial at the centre of the village

Cottages up one of the side roads

The Market House (left) and the village centre

A chipolata sandwich served on very fresh brown,
seedy bread and a cappuccino at The Kitchen tea room

Jacket Potatoes

One of the lovliest, yummiest, coziest meals is a simple jacket/baked potato. They can be topped with all sorts of toppings: butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, broccoli, chili, tuna and mayo, prawn and mayo, or simple baked beans. Jacket potatoes, though easy to make, do require a bit of time to bake.
Jacket Potatoes
One large potato per person.

1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
2. Wash potatoes and leave slightly damp. Sprinkle salt over the skin to make the outside crispy. You can also rub the skin with olive oil before salting to make it even browner, but I usually skip this step.
3. Place on a baking sheet and pop in pre-heated oven.
4. Bake for 1 hr. to 1hr. 15 min., or until the center is soft when a knife is inserted.
5. Cut open, but be careful of the steam!
6. Top with toppings of choice... enjoy!