leaving the uk

Our departure dates are 27 June and something around 20 September. The September date is a little harder to pin down right now because there are some loose ends we'll have to tie up when we return from our summer driving tour, but it will be close to then because we've got the euro chunnel booked. Before we leave, we've got to do the following:
-Pack for the move. The boxes, bubble wrap, and tape arrived last week and are taking up what little extra space we had.
-Pack for the road trip. We hope to camp in most places, so we've got a lot of gear to sort.
-Sell the car. Two people are looking at it today. We've already rented a minivan for the trip along with a car seat so we don't have to ship one to the US.
-Rent the flat. We've had four people look, no takers yet. We've got an estate agency taking care of it.
-Get Paul's US visa. He has his interview with US embassy on 5 June. I have no idea how that will go. If that doesn't come through, we'll quickly shift to plan B. What's plan B? Don't know yet.
-See to the paperwork of moving such as changing addresses at the post office, closing bank accounts, getting Tim's medical records. Blah, blah, blah.

My last few posts are going to deal with the things about living here that I will miss. They are in random order, chosen by the photos that I already have and those that I still need to take. The first place is Wimbledon Common.



The Common is part of the largest expanse of heathland in the London area according to Wikipedia. All told, it's 1140 acres. I haven't seen all of it, but I've cycled and walked through most of the Wimbledon section. It's a short cut to Richmond Park. The Common was originally set out by the landed gentry as a place where common people could graze their household livestock, a few sheep, a horse, maybe a cow. It remains a natural preserve for both people and wildlife. Mom and Dad have a nature preserve, called The Nature Center when I was a kid, that is similar but not so big. I'll miss the forested areas the most. When I walk through an English forest, I can easily see where Lewis, Tolkien, and Milne got their inspiration. It's a walk through some of my favorite novels.



I see lots of people on horses in Colorado, but it is a distinctly different sort of rider from what trots regally through the Common. I have yet to see a male on horseback in the Common (other than a park ranger). They come from the stables in the village (that will feature in another post) and are either getting lessons or just enjoying the day, the horse, and the Common. They have slightly different accents than the rest of the people and wear clothes I've only seen in magazines.



Within the Common are several small lakes. The swans live at Queensmere. I'll miss names like Queensmere and seeing swans. I've never seen a swan in the US outside of a zoo.



The windmill is a Common landmark. There is a tea room beside it and a golf clubhouse. One of the quirky things about the Common is the golf course that runs through it. The walkers, dogs, and cyclists have the right-of-way and the golfers must wear red. Actually, there are two golf courses, but one is private and the commoners are not allowed. I imagine the girls go there after their riding lessons for tea.


Paul took me to the Common for a picnic the first time I visited him from Bulgaria in April 2005. It holds for me the ideas of romance, possibilities, and discovery. I am fortunate in that I don't have to leave these in the Common. They are part and parcel of my life now.