The kindness of strangers .........

well not strangers but friends. Friends made through this blog. Friends that have offered to have us to stay whilst we are in America. Friends that have made suggestions and given tips on where to go too.

What a WONDERFUL bunch of friends I have.  It occurred to me the other day that this upcoming trip to America wouldn't be happening if I didn't have a blog. It's because of the blog and my American friends that I had the urge to go and visit their wonderful country and to meet them. It's only because of the blog that we're able to afford to go and stay for sixteen days because we certainly couldn't afford for five people to stay in hotels and eat out for that long.

I feel so blessed to have these wonderful friends in my life. Take Jodi for instance who we will be staying with for five nights in Pennsylvania. She's planning on taking us to the dutch Amish country, to a baseball game, to do some shopping and I know she's got other things up her sleeve. She and her husband have been soooo helpful telling us where to hire cars, how to get down from JFK. I can't wait to meet her in person as we've found we have so much in common - a lot of late nights there me thinks. Sue has invited us over for tea one afternoon and Amber can't wait to meet her three lovely little girls - she lives nearby and Melody wants me to go to her sewing group one evening whilst I'm there.

Then we leave PA on July 31st and drive up to Vermont but stopping in Connecticut on the way to stay with Georgia and her family. The boys are really keen to hang out with her boys and I'm really looking forward to having a chin-wag with her. After that we're going to drive up to Deerfield on Kristin Nicholas' suggestion and meet up with her the next day, if she's free. That night we stay with Tonya in western Massachusetts.

 

Then it's up to Vermont to stay with Sarah albeit it for one night as she's off to Canada early the next morning but she has offered us the use of her lovely hand-built house on 3rd August. I'm so grateful as that will be a day to chill out and so NO driving. Then we think we'll head over to Portsmouth, NH and get a B&B (if they exist in America) for two nights before heading down to Boston to stay with the step-sister of Tom's first girlfriend. (My neighbour said - how have you kept in touch with these people?) So a couple of days in Boston where we'll also meet up with Brenda and then Sturbridge Village on the way down to get the ferry over to Long Island.

There we will be staying with the lovely Wylie, another blog friend and having two days in NYC and one day in the sea with her and her partner. Then that's it - we fly back on 12th.

Doesn't that sound like an amazing trip? I am a bit concerned about all the driving we're planning to do as we are just not used to being in the car everyday for hours but we can always cut down and linger a bit longer in places once we're out there. We're all so excited as the last time we did a big trip was four years ago to India.

I'm still open to any suggestions anyone might have and I'd also like to know about fabric shops, wool shops, craft places. Of course Amber wants to know where a teenager might want to shop aside from Gap. Kristin pointed out that Green Mountain Spinnery is up near her and I've gleaned a few tips from other bloggers who've been to New York. Does anyone have any suggestions for places that Tom and the boys could go to in New York whilst Amber and I are shopping? I've discovered some interesting places in Boston already as Wylie's mother sent me a whole load of leaflets last week. (Wasn't that the kindest thing?)

So now we're getting haircuts, buying new sandals, sunhats and new underwear - that's me and Amber. Ever since my washing blew over into my posh neighbour's garden in London and he came over and gave me back my knickers in a brown envelope I've been paranoid about people seeing my knickers. So I'm getting new ones as I'll probably be chucking my laundry in with my hostess's.

We're off on July 26th and in between I'm visiting my parents and then we have to pack. Meanwhile I'll be making lists everyday I guess .............

PS I will post up the recipe for cinnamon buns next time as this post is way too long already.

PPS I posted out four packets of fudge on Friday night as promised to Lucette, Simone, Denise and Julie. I've been paranoid ever since as I just know they're not up to my usual standard thanks to the thermometer doing acrobatics in the pan. Sorry girls, I hope it was edible.

Comments

[Sarah]

Well, I'm working on a list of fun things for while you're in VT and Maine. There are two yarn shops near us and a great farmer's market on Saturday with various spinners and crafters exhibiting as well as farmers.

Amber can rest assured that in Kittery (in between Portsmouth and York) she will find Old Navy, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, and just about every outlet that exists. http://www.thekitteryoutlets.com/

Between Kristin and me is WEBS http://yarn.com/s/storelocator.html

Can't wait!

[Simone]

I was so happy to see I was picked to receive fudge but the postie didn't leave me any! Someone, somewhere is eating my fudge! Lucky them :-) Have a wonderful holiday Simmy. I can't wait to hear all about it when you come back.

[marie]

Hi Simmy,

It sounds like a wonderful holiday is planned and I'm sure that you will have the most amazing experiences.

I had to smile at the idea of your neighbour returning your underwear in a brown envelope!! LOL

Marie x

[little jenny wren]

Simmy, you must all be so excited. Isn't it wonderful that your beautiful blog has brought you this beautiful holiday. Who would have thought it could happen. The wonders of cyberspace.

[little jenny wren]

Simmy, you must all be so excited. Isn't it wonderful that your beautiful blog has brought you this beautiful holiday. Who would have thought it could happen. The wonders of cyberspace.

[Evelyn Lum]

Simmy, I just got back from visiting my family in Singapore. I can remember all the excitement just prior to the trip. That is probably what you must be feeling right now. Enjoy yourselves as it is so true time flies when you are having fun!
In the meantime, please check my blog and read about Krystal and Alec. I really could use your help and support on this one.

[Marie]

Oh Simmy, it DOES sound that you will be having a positively lovely trip! I, like you, know first hand about the generosity of my blogging friends and how much they have and can bless one's life! I cannot wait to hear about all your adventures when you get back!!! I am quite sure your fudge was very much enjoyed by the lucky recipients!

[Simone]

Apologies to the postman. I have just received my fudge. Simmy, yours is the best fudge ever! It was crumbly melt in the mouth and very, very moreish! Thank you very, very much!

[Katie]

Sounds like a busy, but great trip! I think that staying with friends makes it less stressful. I am emailing you a Lancaster shopping suggestion.

[Tracy]

Simmy, your underwear story has me in fits of laughing.--what a vivid story! Oh, my...Your trip sounds fantastic! Perfect for a first time trip to America. And how wonderful that you'll be staying with friends so much of the time--better than a hotel or even B & B! So many great places all of you will be going to--what an adventure! I'll have to give a think about place for they boys...Your fudge super! I was so lucky to receive some with that package of yours, with those lovely brooches I ordered. That fugde can't have lasted but 5 minutes in this house--it was goggled up--scrummy! ((HUGS))

[dottycookie]

That trip sounds amazing. I'm sure you'll have the most wonderful time!

[julie]

Sounds like you're going to have a fabulous time with some wonderful people - isn't it heartwarming that people are so generous and welcoming - gives you hope for the world. And talking of generous I've just got the fudge you sent me, the kettle has just boiled and so for the next hour until the school run I shall be blissed out! Thanks for the fudge Simmy and good luck with all of your packing (I shall be giggling while I eat my fudge with the mental picture of your knickers blowing away!!)

[Wylie Hunt]

Oh Simmy, I am so excited. I will think of wonderful things for you to do while you are in NY, and also if you just want to use the last day here to collapse and gear up for the return home, that's fine, too. Honestly. I think you are going to so much fun, but you will probably be exhausted by the end of the trip, too. So, we will definitely play it by ear, and whatever you feel like when you get here is fine with us. We could even just go down and sit by my neighbor's pool, and watch the kids swim and knit together! :)

I am praying for safe travels for you, and hope you'll keep in touch when you have access to your e-mail. We'll have good food, good drink, cozy beds and washing machines ready for you when you arrive!

Love, Wylie

PS: I printed out your post and sent it on to my mother. She will be tickled pink that you mentioned her! :)

[Jan]

When you're at Webs in Northampton, there's a terrific little fabric store around the corner: www.valleyfabrics.com. Also, teens love shopping in downtown Northampton, particularly at Faces. There's a terrific science store for the boys: http://www.a-two-z.com. Let me know if you'd like more recommendations!

[Jo]

Oh Simmy, your blog and it's humour is always priceless, much as I'm sick with jealousy, about your trip I'm also excited for you, but the best bit today was the knickers in an envelope, it really tickled me, we live in a large 1930's house and its actually written in the deeds that you can only put your washing out once a week, I think this is linked to the 'posh' not hanging the washing out and lowering the tone of the neighbourhood, do have a fantastic holiday, I will look forward to hearing all about it!

[Ellen]

Have fun on your trip - hope that it exceeds your expectations.

[carol]

Old Navy - an offshoot of The Gap is a good place to shop for the whole family really and they are much cheaper than The Gap too with just as fashionable clothes- probably if not more. My local one is always full of teenage girls filling their carts with the latest must have. Thought I should mention too just in case you do not realize - and apologies if you do, but B&B's here in the US tend to be very expensive and cater to the couples crowd rather than for family groups. When we travel around and are not camping we usually stay in motels - Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn etc. Admittedly they are not very attractive, but they usually throw in free breakfasts, most have pools and with 2 queen beds in each room can easliy sleep 4. If you are just looking for a place to sleep rather than for ambiance, they will save you a ton of money.

[esther]

it is amazing to find friends across lands and seas.. passing some world's wonders, the hospitality and friendliness of strangers.

[Teresa]

Hi, this is my first time to visit your blog. It is wonderful. There are some wonderful people in the world. Yes, there are Bed and Breakfasts here in the US and I have never been to one where the owners were not as friendly as could be. Enjoy.