It wasn't a typical start. They almost never are. No straight lines will be found here. Mad circling at home. Drive 88 miles to the farm. Almost swept from the roadway by a massive thunderstorm during the last 15 minutes of the drive (Keep going, said the little engine the could. No matter that the sky has gone black and the wind may have made off with what sense you thought you had.)

Night at the farm. Lovely nesting with cheerful mom, who recounts delights of vising London the week after the Queen's coronation. She's still a bit miffed they didn't hold it for her arrival. Detailed memories of Hampton Court Palace, and dancing with Van Johnson! on voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth I. Deep sleep.

Then yesterday spent driving, catching a bus, catching a plane, catching the underground, checking in, running out...meeting up.

More soon, but it's late on the first real day. I'll tell you about the NON-wake-up call and the miles of walks that I loved and Yes, about the roses and the river and about my glorious friends.