I'm off then ...................

You know I feel a bit guilty going on and on about our trip to America. Do you think I'm a bit sad mentioning it all the time, being SO excited? I obviously don't have enough excitement in my life as this seems to be the highlight of my year/s. Do other people bang on about their holidays I wonder? I suppose if it's commonplace for them to go abroad in winter and summer they may take it for granted or something. As you know by now we go to Wales with my sister each summer with a bit of camping thrown in here and there and then maybe a long weekend in Devon in the spring.

The last time we went abroad was four years ago to India and that was the first time in ages to anywhere far away. It's not that we're not adventurous but I guess we just like chucking things in the car and driving to Wales!  Also foreign holidays are so expensive and after paying a hefty mortgage, school fees, commuting & staying in London there isn't always lots left over from Tom's salary.

So this holiday is exciting and special and such a treat and that's why I'm so happy and go on about it so much I suppose. It's more than a holiday too as it's a time to meet new friends, experience a different culture and see a new country. But I do want to thank you all for putting up with so many posts about it and apologise now for all the posts when we get back. Thanks too for all the lovely bon voyage messages you've sent to me - you're all so kind.

Talking of kindness look what we got in the post yesterday. A whacking great parcel from this big gal and her little gals:

It was chock full of such lovely things tempting us to Philadelphia. Thank you so much Sue.

Then this morning I received this gorgeous travel journal from Kate whose blog is here:

What a lovely gift and something that I will definately be taking with me. Kate has just started her blog and I know it's going to be very popular as she's so creative and full of ideas.

The sun has actually been shining today and I've been putting some finishing touches to some presents I'm making and taking for my hosts. I'm afraid I can't really show them to you as they are meant to be a surprise. I've also been to the supermarket and stocked up on some English goodies but unfortunately I can't take any Elderflower cordial with me unless I put it in my suitcase and I'm a bit wary of doing that - such a shame. I also sat outside and crocheted a brooch to put on my (new) sun hat:

I don't really suit hats but I know I'll need one in the heat over there.

Other than that we've been eating up the fridge so here's what we had for lunch. Bacon and botch pancakes as we call them (drop scones or scotch pancakes to you).

With a big drizzle of this lovely stuff that Sarah sent to me ages ago:

I've also cleaned the fridge today and tomorrow I'm hoovering the house and actually packing. I've made a huge list of all your recommendations and now I just need to scribble down everyone's phone numbers otherwise I won't be meeting or staying with anyone in America.

So it's Goodbye then for a while. Our flight is at midday on Thursday but we'll need to set off from here about 6.30 am and if you don't know already we're back very late on Sunday 12th August. I know we're going to have THE most WONDERFUL time EVER and I feel so blessed.

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PS So many of you have asked if we've been affected by the flooding and I can say thank goodness we haven't although it's not that far from us. I was in the supermarket this afternoon and people were buying water like there was no tomorrow as rumour has it the supplies will be shut off at midnight. I don't think it will affect us but nevertheless we're all having baths tonight and filling up a few buckets just in case. Thanks so much for asking.

Comments

[Lemon Tree Tales]

Have a great trip to the States! Take lots of pictures! Oh, if you have a web-based mail service (yahoo, hotmail or gmail) then you should email yourself all the names and telephone numbers of people you're visiting. That way you can access it in case you misplace the information. I can't tell you how many times that's come in handy for us on our travels. (Not that I always lose my papers, but sometimes they're unavailable at that moment.)

[Ash]

Have a wonderful wonderful time! :)

[Donna]

If we were traveling to England you can bet I would be going on and on about it! Our vacations are pretty unadventurous--to Pennsylvania several times a year to visit Brian's mom, and we made it to Canada earlier this spring. Hope you have a wonderful time, how exciting!

[sue]

Simmy~ You cannot imagine how excited the gals were to see themselves mentioned in your blog! And I'm having quite a time keeping Frankie from emailing Amber 15,000 times a day :)

See ya Sunday!

XOXO

[dottycookie]

Oh, have such a wonderful time - I'm sure you will!

[Ali]

Simmy, have a wonderful wonderful trip. And no, it's not at all sad to be so excited - anticipation is half of the enjoyment.

And a travel journal - what a thoughtful gift.

[Lucette]

Simmy have a fantastic trip. I have been thinking about you during the flood and am glad that your family is all right.
Lucette

[Simone]

Oh gosh! Your leaving us all so soon? I thought the trip was ages away yet. Have a safe journey and all have a wonderful time. Can't wait until you are all back.

[Rada]

Hooray! The time has come. You are going to have such a great time. All your friends seem soooo nice. Well wishes to you and your family for a happy and save trip. Glad to hear you were able to sit outside to make the flower for your hat. Does that mean it was actually not raining there for a time? I still need a way to send you something. Do you have a P.O.? Please let me know when you get back. Thanks and stay dry and enjoy the excitment. Also, please pet your kittens for me:)

[Marie]

Oh Simmy, I DO hope that you all have a wonderful time away! I'll be thinking about you and wishing you well the whole time, as well as missing your little jottings on here like mad! Have a FABULOUSLY happy and safe vacation!!! See you on the flip side!

[Jools]

Have a wonderful trip! Looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back.
Take care, Jools x

[Tracy]

Have a marvelous time!! We're so excited along with you--just so thrilled you're going! Savour ever moment! Have a safe, glorious time! Oh, and give the state of Pennsylvania my special love! ;o) Wonderful goodies you have there before leaving! ((HUGS) :o)

[Jessica]

I so enjoy reading your blog! I posted about you in my blog a while back! I wish you a safe & fun trip here to the US! Can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back!

[Taimarie]

Have a great trip! I like hearing about your travel excitement!

[Sue]

I hope you have a wonderful wonderful holiday Simmy, and experience great things and meet some fantastic friends too. I will be waiting eagerly to hear all about it when you return.

[Wild Rose]

Hi Simmy

Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy meeting your new friends and fellow bloggers. It will be a great adventure.

Congratulations! I have nominated you for the Reflective Blogger Award.

Marie x

[Wild Rose]

PS Forgot to say, read my blog for more information.

Marie x

[Wild Rose]

PS Forgot to say, read my blog for more information.

Marie x

[mela]

you are going to have a wonderful trip!!
can't wait to read about it :o)
have fun!

[Katie]

I keep checking back here, hoping to hear how things are going for your family, I hope you are having a lovely time!!

[Ellen]

I check in every few days here and then I remember...you're still on vacation! Hope you're having a wonderful time and can't wait to hear your experiences.