Day 1
The Bracewell’s, David, Hilary, and I took an overnight flight to Heathrow, arriving at 10:30 am on Monday morning. We had not slept a wink! Well, maybe there was a bit of nodding off. I said to Hilary, I thought the half-hour or so of mild turbulence may have rocked me to sleep. Waiting to go through customs was almost more than we could bear. For two and a half hours, we moved slowly forward towards a row of desks, some occupied by security personnel. Above their heads in large print, words announced that this was the UK Border. Finally, with a quick glance at our passports by one of them, we were free to sally forth.
Pearl and Paul Stevens, long time friends of mine, waited patiently for us to get through customs. The first week I was to spend with them, while David and Hilary visited with her brother and sister-in-law in Canterbury.
Arriving at Pearl and Paul’s home in Tyler Green, Buckinghamshire, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep if I tried. I did have a troublesome issue to contend with, and that was a strained Achilles tendon, which caused me to limp. Pearl drove me out to Boots-the pharmacy, where I purchased a support sock. It was helpful, in that it felt good and may have decreased the pain somewhat. I will make no further reference to this irritant, but rather rejoice as I reminisce upon the glorious vacation we had.