Winding down

London was fantastic.
The 30th Olympics was phenomenal.
The experience will forever be in my heart as one of the best.

Being in London for three weeks. Wow. Almost seems like it didn't really happen, but I have plenty of photos and memories to prove otherwise. Christine, my gracious friend, welcomed me into her home, fed me, planned things, and bought us tickets to Horse Guards Parade for some beach volleyball action. But before any of that got underway, I was able to enjoy parts of the UK that I would probably not have seen.

I arrived Thursday morning, July 19th. Drove past St. Johns Church in Palmers Green. The architecture in this country is amazing. Went to eat lunch at Miracles in Cockfosters with Christine and Adam. After that, I rested a bit...

Friday, the 20th, we went to some part of town to get the eyebrows threaded and took the Underground (the tube) to Leicester Square and Covent Garden. I got some free samples of Jamaican Jerk marinade (YUM) that I brought back home. It was so interesting to see how things were built, based on history that came long before.... Then on the way home, we stopped by Christine's brother's house to pick up our tickets, and was greeted with banners of different countries flags hanging outside his house, and then later, he walked in with a huge Olympic Flag. He was definitely in the spirit of the games!!

Saturday, the 21st, we were on a train to Salisbury (with Jackie) to meet Sandy. (All four of us had gone to Jamaica almost two years ago) I had no idea what was in store, but knew that Monday was Jackie's 60th birthday. When we got off the train in Salisbury, Sandy was there with her camera. :) We then went to her house in Wiltshire. Beautiful home, end of the street, amazing atmosphere. We spent the weekend there, as well as Monday for Jackie's birthday. We went to Stone Henge, took the tour with audio. It was a gorgeous day, beautiful sky, and a little cool. Perfect weather. We also went to Fisherton Mill in Salisbury, a quaint little restaurant with a shop with local talent showcase. And walked around to see part of the market and Salisbury Cathedral, where art castings by Ben Dearnley were on display featuring torsos of London 2012 athletes, both Olympic and Paralympic athletes, purposefully conveying that there is not a difference in the muscles. Very cool.

Sunday, July 22nd, we left Sandy's house, in her convertible, and headed to Bath. A-maz-ing. Not only did we take the open top bus tour of the city, we toured to Roman Baths. They definitely made the most of the space they had. From the bus, I could see many people scattered across the park, enjoying the beautiful weather that day. Also learned what Queen Victoria contributed to the area. On the way back to Sandy's we stopped at Toran, an Indian restaurant. My food was good, but Christine's wasn't. The mango chutney and the naan bread was great! :) We went back to Sandy's house and visited, played Bendominoes (Jackie turned into someone else while playing this game) ;) Also bought tickets to the US mens vb game vs. brazil... unbelievable that tickets were available. But Jackie decided to go with me.

Monday, July 23rd, Jackie's birthday, we headed into town before going to the "surprise" location. Sandy got a few things at the store, and then made Christine blindfold her for the most part of our journey, until she sniffed out where we were close to. We went to Mudeford Quay, on the coast. Again, absolutely beautiful day. Funny, I came to England, and got a tan. So, when we got there, we walked to the long pier, and Sandy had little crab fishing poles and chunks of bacon. We went crab fishing, caught 7 total, then let them go. Christine didn't, but she did have fun laughing at us. She bought a pink net, and of course I dropped it in the water, but some lady down the way, caught it and brought it back to us. After crabbing, we hopped a ferry and headed the sandy beach where Sandy had prepared a picnic lunch and bought little kites for us to fly. Very fun and relaxing day. After we left there, we went by New Forest, saw some wild life (including horses and deer) on a protected reserve... then headed back to her house, where a proper tea was prepared waiting for us (again by Sandy) to surprise Jackie. Cakes, sandwiches, tea and creme. Very sweet. Great memory. After that, we grabbed our luggage and Sandy took us back to the train station to head back to London.

Tuesday, July 24th. This day didn't have much content, I worked on the computer and finished up some stuff. :)

Wednesday, July 25th, I went to see the Torch Relay in Hornsey. Christine's brother, Paul, had an antiques store (Village Emporium) that I was able to visit. When I first arrived there, I met Paul, and then went walking. I was there a bit early for the Torch Relay, but at least I was there. I went walking down the street, taking it all in, the residential areas, the little shops, the park, the blue sky. I decided I was a little hungry, so I stopped in at Banners and had a jerk chicken sandwich and chips with a banana milkshake. Talked to a lovely lady and her daughter about the Olympics and she walked outside with me and gave me an alternative route back to the store. Good impression. :) After returning to the store, I waited a little bit, visited with Paul, and finally took my place outside the store as people started to line up and down the street in anticipation of the torch coming through there.

Thursday, July 26th,

Friday, July 27th, Christine worked all day, and then we went to Jackie's house (and picked up some fish  (mine was grilled, and it was oh-so-good) and chips on the way) and watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Saturday, July 28th, we left early to go to Olympic Park, near Olympic Village, where the Stadium was. We went in the Stratford gate, and headed to the Orbit, in which we had perfect timing, as I got a few shots of the Queen coming down from viewing the park from atop the Orbit. She's little.

Sunday, July 29th, Christine and I headed in to Horse Guards Parade to watch some beach volleyball. On our way, we stopped for lunch at toku, and had some Japanese cuisine. Remember that moment in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts flings a snail? Well, not as cool, but Christine flung an edamame bean a couple of yards, trying to be inconspicuous, but eventually it was smushed.

Monday, July 30th, I headed to Cardiff, Wales. Learning that my family (Evans) is originally from Wales, I figured it was a good investment to grab a train ticket and explore for the day. After the two hour ride through the countryside (beautiful, I might add) I got off at Cardiff Central. It was a gorgeous day. I walked and saw Millennium Stadium, where many of the football (soccer) games were played. I saw the Cardiff Castle, which was a lot larger than I thought. I took the open top bus tour around, and got off at Mermaid Quay, on the bay. After getting off the bus, I turned to my left, and this huge, copper clad opera house stared at me. A breathtaking view, I could only imagine what it would be like to see an opera there. After that, I headed down to the water where I took a ride on a boat around the bay, seeing the waterfront from the water (beautiful), the new Dr. Who center, and the rest of the structures. It seemed more beautiful from the water. Most everything is. After that, I walked around looking for a tartan shop, but to no avail. I did go in and out of the arcades (which were little shops) and eventually went into Boots and grabbed some water and some wasabi peas. I then walked to the shopping center, looking yet still for tartans (for Evans), and finally gave up. However, in the process, I did go to the swatch store and buy myself a swatch, as my souvenir. :) About 6pm, I headed back to the train station at Cardiff Central. Just when I stepped into the train station, it started raining. Stroke of genius... thank you God. :) You were definitely thinking of me at that moment. The trip back was a little longer, and my legs hurt from walking all day. It's not fun getting old, or at least getting to where every little movement you remember and can feel for days. I arrived back at Cockfosters and walked the .85 mile back to Christine's house. It wasn't raining then, but it was a nice crisp, cool night. Walked in the house, was knackered. I had kept track of how much I walked that day... 9.64 miles. Yeah, I'm glad I didn't know then. :)

Tuesday, July 31, Christine worked, and I pretty much rested all day. My legs were still sore, and I just chilled with Cleo and watched Olympics on the BBC. (great coverage btw... much better than NBC) And then I worked a little on the computer.

Wednesday, August 1st, Christine and I went to Piccadilly Circus, ate at Angus steakhouse (food was okay, but when we went back later to get dessert, they wouldn't serve us "just dessert"... after we spent £60 for lunch. Ridiculous) We went walking and decided to take a bus tour... seeing all the notable sites in London. When we bought the ticket, we also got half price tickets to see Ghost (that night at the Piccadilly theatre) and Wicked (Saturday afternoon in Victoria at the Apollo Theatre), and the London Eye (for the 7th). I took bunches of photos from that day, not knowing exactly what all of them were... but knew they were cool. The funniest thing, apart from Christine almost napping during the bus tour, was that when we drove in front of Buckingham Palace, I was totally looking the other way, yanked the ear plug out of my ear because it kept getting hung up on my camera bag, and MISSED it. :( Yeah, Christine laughed about that one... probably still is. Then we toured the Prince of Monaco's collection of Olympic torch's... Very cool. After that, we went to see Ghost, and on the way, we stopped, I had a chocolate filled donut and some water. I know, bad... but I was thirsty and wanted something sweet. "Ghost", the musical, was amazing. I was wondering how they could convey the feelings... but they did. This is also where I learned what a "minga" was. Still laughing at that.

Thursday, August 2nd, Went into town early and walked about, and took the river cruise up the Thames, walked by the Tower of London, and a few shops here and there... then met Jackie at Earl's Court for the USA men's vb game vs. Brazil. I waited for her at Kiss for Jools, a yogurt place. We grabbed a burger before the game, and then walked to Earl's Court. Jackie was wearing green (communist) so I gave her my USA flag to wrap around her. :) She did. Good game. USA won (though it would be one of their few). The second game was Team GB (Great Britain) vs. Italy... GB was not doing well, so Jackie was like "we can go now" after the first set.

Friday, August 3rd, ate Greek at Blue Olive later that night. Yummy chicken and some decadent white chocolate cheesecake.

Saturday, August 4th, We jumped the train to Victoria.. (well a couple of them) and arrived in enough time to grab a bite to eat at "Hush". Good food, yet service was a little off that day. After that, we walked back over to the Apollo Theater Victoria to watch Wicked, matinee at 2:30p in Victoria. Christine bought little snack boxes and we sat and enjoyed the musical. (well, I did... I LOVE musicals), then putzed around town.

Sunday, August 5th, we got up and went to church at Cineworld Theatre, Jubilee Church London. After church, we went to Morrison's and ate at their cafe. A rather large breakfast... two omelettes (scrambled eggs folded in half) with bacon and beans, and water... :) And learned that the grocery store clerks get to SIT, not stand, when they work... so I am sure they are much more happy with their jobs since they don't have to stand all day! Then we went home, drove to an alternate underground station (Whetstone) and jumped a train to Camden Market. Loved. Christine found a really cool gift for Adam... but didn't get it. And I saw a few things... including a tattoo shop called Dark Angel... but I restrained myself and declined, although the thought was tempting. Went to a little cafe and had a fish stick sandwich and chips.... but before that, I had a chocolate banana milkshake (the real kind, omg it was good).

Monday, August 6th, I went back to Camden Market, grabbed something that Christine wanted me to pick up, then headed back to Leicester Square, and went and bought a value meal to get a glass at McDonald's for a friend, then inside the Hippodrome Casino to check it out. Walked in, laid £20 on down on the roulette table and walked out with £82. Not bad. After that, I took the Tube back to Cockfosters and started walking back to her house. Looking up at the sky, it was getting dark gray... so I decided, since I was going to get wet, I might as well walk to ASDA, (which is like Walmart)... Long walk in the rain, but I felt okay. After all the walking... I eventually went back to Christine's house, cleaned up and rested, and texted my friend and wished her happy birthday.

Tuesday, August 7th, we headed into town to see the London Eye. On the way, however, we stoped at Brooklyn's to eat lunch... I had a burger, chips, and baked beans. They eat beans with everything. :) On to the London Eye... It was a bit overcast, but still a phenomenal view. Laura, the girl that was loading/unloading was a bit tired of her job that day, and didn't really give a flip about her job. i. e. rude. Then went back and started packing, since I was leaving bright and early in the a.m. After the eye, Christine had a belgian waffle, and I had a scoop of ice cream for a small treat. But I loved water. That's what I drank the majority of the trip. Loved it. Minus the fact that they serve it chilled or room temperature with maybe... MAYBE... two cubes of ice. I'm from Texas...  :)

Wednesday, August 8th. Up bright and early... Christine drove me to Arnos Grove where I caught the train to Heathrow...took a little under an hour to get there... and once I got there... there was a delay. The plane coming in was running late... I could have slept another 45 minutes. I did however get the global services attendant to bump me to economy plus seating because my knee was killing me. There is a first time for everything, and that day, I was happy with United Airlines. Watched three movies off and on in between napping with plenty of leg room... and arrived in Houston about an hour after we were supposed to. Stepped off the plane into a wall of heat. Yes, I was home. Ugh.

April Showers....

More like thunderstorms today... but alas, it will provide green grass. :) This year has seemed to fly by, I mean, I'm almost 41... ugh. Although I still think as I did in college, I have less flexibility, more aches and pains, yet more wisdom and stronger beliefs. Who would ever think of what it would be like to be 40... especially when they are 20. I have a great memory when I was in college, of one of my professors turning 40. Of course to us... that was SO FAR away, that we couldn't even begin to think of what it would be like. Well... in retrospect... I didn't think I'd be where I am in my life right now. Honestly, I didn't know exactly where I'd be, so in essence, I'm right there... but in the events leading up to this... nope. I never thought I would have to have surgery on my knee; I never thought my Dad would have died when I was 33; never thought I'd be married for 13 years to someone who didn't love and cherish me, and I didn't him; never thought I would do some of the things I have done, some good, some not so good, but life goes on. We learn to embrace what is good in our lives, toss aside the negative energy and focus on what wonderful plans God has for us.

Recently, I attended a memorial service for a dear friend of mine's daughter. I may have met her daughter once, but I wasn't her friend, barely a passing acquaintance. However, after that service, I felt as though I was being spoken to, by some subconscious recollections and by the whisper of God advising me to look, listen, and learn from what my eyes were trying to focus in on through the tears, my ears were trying to decipher through the hints of sniffles around me, and what my heart was feeling. This woman was truly a woman of God. Prayer was important. Her family was important. Her friends were important. Children who were not hers were important. She put everyone else first, but God. God was her number ONE. As it should be. It was not only a sweet and heartfelt service.

It was a wake up call.

For this person

...who used to be so full of life and love, that has let the world mold and shape me when I used to deny that happening;

...who made promises to keep in touch with distant family and friends, but hasn't made the time;

...who has not let those around her know the true depths of her for fear of rejection and/or failure;

...who always tries to please people and has her whole life, yet has obtained a bitterness from the hateful environment that surrounded her;

...who values and weighs heavily your opinion against hers, and knows in her soul what is right from wrong;

...who can write a ten page prayer to God without giving a second thought to see what time it is;

...who could not feel sorry for herself because she counted her blessings and knew in her heart that the Lord will provide, though it might not be what she had envisioned.

...who I call myself.

I am writing this prayer, to share with you, my friends, a reflection of thoughts, and have not included names... but God knows who I am talking about. Nothing more. Nothing less. It probably won't change your life, but if it does, I hope it's for the greater good. It might make you laugh, and that's okay. But I'm telling you... if you witnessed what I did a couple of Friday's ago, you would reevaluate your priorities and make a little more time for God.

Love you all.

Dear God,


What I want to talk to you, God, about tonight, well, this morning, is the questions that enter my mind. Such as: why? what if? when? where? All good questions, too. I don't want to pray for patience anymore, because it seems that when I do, I am dealt more things to be patient about. :) So, that's NOT my prayer tonight. 


Tonight, I pray for humility, peace within, knowing who I am...a good person; that I choose right over wrong; good over bad. I pray that in my heart, I will pray more, love more, forgive more, give more, and laugh out loud a lot. 


I pray for all of those around me that think their prayers fall on deaf ears, or that You don't care about them. 


I pray for them to realize that You are there. You are always there, and have always been there, and will always be there.


I pray for the reconciliation of a father and his son, a father and his daughter, and justice in that journey.


I pray for the reconciliation of a daughter and a mother, and everything so testy that goes with that journey.


I pray for an addictive habit to break in someone so young, so they may find their way to you.


I pray that those who have just stopped looking for you, to reclaim the position in the journey.


I pray for the continuation of good service to You from Your children.


I pray for my friends who love you, who fear you, who cry out to you and who ignore you. Many need you right now, and they have no idea how great a need that it is, nor how strong of an ally You are.


I pray for those who use Your name and profess to be Yours yet their actions speak otherwise.


I pray for those who have recent surgeries that their healing will be strong, no matter how long it takes.


I pray for a mother who mourns the loss of her son, daily; As well as a brother and sister who have lost a sibling.


I pray that You give words of comfort to a mother who consoles her daughter, that she may see You through her mother's words and actions.


I pray for a sweet older lady to be in good health. Age is becoming apparent yet doesn't sway her faith.


I pray for friend of my mother's who is still having back issues, and trying to not hurt. Please alleviate the pain and help her find strength in You to get her through this.


I pray for all the soldiers who are not yet home, that they may keep the faith in You; the ones who have made it home, that they may keep the faith in You now that they are home; and those who have gone home with You, please be with their families and comfort them in a way that only You can.


I pray for all the role models for young adults right now, that many of them could be more like Tim Tebow, and less like 95% of the others. I pray for recognition of God-loving, God-fearing Christians who have chosen to walk the walk.


I pray for safe travels for some of my family who are traveling at the moment.


I pray for my friends by name, silent prayers for each. Help me recognize the truths in my friendships.


I pray that those around me can see You through my actions and words.


I pray that I can get some sleep and the tea loses it's affect tonight.


Thank you, God, for all of my family. Especially for my mom and my sister. Let Daddy and Mamaw Dot and Mamaw Cival know they are thought of with love. Be with my sweet friend who had to say goodbye to her daughter, and comfort her in knowing that You've got it under control. As You always do. Thank you for the beauty that surrounds me every day, even inside my house, with my eyes shut. You are an Awesome God. Thank you, God, for the rain today, and for the cycles that go on in our lives. April showers do bring May flowers, and bluebonnets, green grass, and Indian paintbrushes. Thanks for reigning today and always.


In Jesus' name I pray,
Fill me with Your spirit, Lord,
Amen.

Here We Go

Rodeo is starting tomorrow, well BBQ cookoff is anyway. 974 entries this year. That's A LOT of BBQ!!

Rodeo fires up Tuesday... with Alabama... A welcome distraction from every day life, I will have to say. I am so looking forward to meeting new people, greeting those who are new to the rodeo as well as those veterans. This will be my 6th year on Transportation and on Corral Club-Hideout... two totally different committees, two totally different families. But I am excited. I am every year. I reflect on all of the precious people I have met over the past 6 years, and I wouldn't give those relationships up for anything. I won't name them all, b/c Heaven forbid if I forgot to mention someone... but you know who you are. Thank you for making my life a little easier, having a heart full of compassion, and the kindness to remind me you've thought of me. Good to know what kind of friends I have! :)

May this year be "bigger and badder" than ever before!!

Love y'all!