It’s Monday evening, I’ve had seven hours sleep in 3 days and feel pretty exhausted. Tomorrow we pack our sea-freight and Wednesday our boxes head off across the ocean and we will be reunited in a couple of weeks…
This past week I have been saying good-bye to friends. It’s been tough… I realize how much I will miss the friendships I have built. The recent parting hugs have been the sweetest I have known.
Last night, I went to Mo’s Diner, in Western Shore with the Friends of Oak Island Society past and present including the island investors/treasure hunter’s who were currently all over from the United States…17 of us including spouses, all in all.
I didn’t eat 1940’s.. I just couldn’t face eating fries/chips (I’ve eaten a lot of those these past few weeks for convenience and quite frankly I am craving to return to decent, slow prepared meals) so I chose Lebanese Tabbouleh (I prefer Lebanese as it is made predominately with large quantities of Italian Parsley which is a great blood purifier)… here is a recipe http://www.mamaslebanesekitchen.com/salads/authentic-lebanese-tabbouleh-salad-recipe/
And then the sweetest thing… I was given cards and gifts… such wonderful treasures to take back with me to the UK. Hat, t-shirt, some local history books and the most beautiful acorn and oak leaf necklace from Amos Pewter..
Advice from a tree
“Stand up tall and proud
Sink your roots into the earth
Be content with your natural beauty
Go out on a limb
Drink plenty of water
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view..”
And then the evening was over and I had to say good-bye to people I had worked with and become friends with for many years… it’s hard doing that. You always realize during the hugs how much you will miss them.
A promise was made at that moment, by the Michigan Group to facilitate my return to Canada when their current endeavors are successful… Rick Lagina and I pinky shook on it so that’s good enough for me… more than good enough. It’s hope…
Thank you … C xxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Caroline,
A heartfelt message, I know how difficult goodbyes can be so hope you’re ok.
Have a safe journey and take care
X
Safe travelling for you and the Hobbits, your lovely new house is waiting for you as we are. Take care and stay in touch, we are all here for you x
Oh that sounds as though it was wonderful, sad but wonderful … I hope they do find you a way to get back (and meanwhile we in Blighty get to see you for a while!)
I’m thinking now of how sad I would be to leave all the people I take for granted on the peripheries of my life. I hate to think of leaving those in the centre of my life.
You will be appreciated here too though, I’m sure of it. I, for one, want you to come and give a talk to the new Women’s Institute branch that I have helped start in our town. You would have absolutely loads to say that would interest our members. The WI has become young and trendy over here since you left but, as you know, has a proud heritage too. We live in Stockport, south of Manchester where there will be a very warm welcome awaiting you once you’ve settled down in Nottingham. I wish you all the very best with the move.
I wish you well, Carolyn.
Be happy.
Hope you have a smooth move
Safe Journey Carolyn. Stay strong. Looking forward to hearing from you again on here. Hugs X
In our house we call that a ‘beautiful sadness’. But, a new adventure awaits. New, wonderful friends to be made. You’ll be doubling your blessings across the ‘pond’. Good luck! All of us are cheering you on and can’t wait to hear about the new and exciting chapter that’s about to begin!
Chin up Carolyn, thinking of you and yours. x
Any change can be traumatic but quite often the transition can lead to a wonderful new situation. Try to be upbeat, not just for the kids but for yourself. You have made yourself friends in many places and nobody can take that away from.
Safe Journey Carolyn, thinking of you and yours. x
From Kitty in OZ
Good luck Carolyn – as one door closes, another door opens…
I’m tearing up as I read your good-byes…………I will miss knowing you are just one province away, as now, you will be a whole ocean away. I know you will be just fine in your new home, but I do hope you will be able to come back to Canada some day soon……we really need people like you and your ‘hobbits’ in our country. All the best to you, Carolyn. I’ll continue to follow you in your new adventures!
Oh what lovely momentoes! Have a safe journey. Lisa (Teesdale, UK) x
Safe journey, Carolyn. Love and thoughts to you and your family.
I’m sitting here tracking flights. . . my daughter and her family are coming for a visit from overseas, its 3 years since I have seen her, I can really imagine how excited your family will be to have you close again, Carolyn. Hope you will soon be online here again, hugs x
Canada will be poorer for your leaving, Carolyn and family.
I look forward to hearing of your continued adventures in the land of your birth.