Cherish each day

Hiya!
Several events have occurred over the past week.  We are seeing firsthand Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of tomorrow for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Wednesday afternoon found us visiting the Brighton family at the hospital.  I was even able to go in and say hello to David.  Then that evening, Diane & I were able to do Bible study with Claire & Paula.  It was a good lesson for us all, great discussion.  Thursday morning Richard, Claire's husband, went by ambulance to A&E (ER for us Americans).  He was sent home later that day.
Thursday afternoon we received word that David had passed away.  Friday evening Richard went back into hospital and they decided on gallstones.  On Sunday he had surgery to remove them.  We are hoping he will be released soon.
Please keep this families in your prayers and the others that are trying to fill their shoes by taking on their duties.
On the other end of the emotion scale:  Diane & I were able to travel up to the region of Lincolnshire where Great Grandpa Ellis & Great Grandpa Lizzie Markham lived & grew up and their families.  I have been up there 3 other times, but this was Diane's first meeting and she was loving everything.  Meeting 13 family members over 3 days and that is 3 generations of our family tree.  We read some of Great Aunt Marie's journals and found entries of our family members that were ever so exciting.
             ****Ellis & Lizzie sail to England on the Queen Elizabeth 1946
             ****Ellis & Lizzie leave for America from Liverpool on the
                            Empress of England 1971
(If this information is not accurate, blame it on my lack of sleep--but I have copies of them so when I scrapbook this great adventure the details will be right!)
I was hoping to see her journal of our first meeting in 1994, but that is the year of the missing journal.
Family & food go together in any country and we were well fed!!!!! Anne made a lovely meal Monday night.  Tuesday we ate at The Mallard with Anne, Jean, and Margaret, the sisters and their other halves.  Yum Yum!!  That evening, Anne made a full buffet for all 15 of us that would have fed 35!!!
We enjoyed the scenic train ride 3.5 hours long.  We so hated to leave our family, but we look forward to seeing everyone again some day and trying to keep up to date on emails and facebook.  Definitely this trip has triggered our desire to fill in more of our family history and bloodlines.
Hope you are having a great day with your loved ones, wherever you and they may be.
Hugs, Howie
            

'Allo, mate!  I've been here 5 days. Let me say, Jill, I'm sorry but the blog must have changed their settings and it's not letting me upload photos on here. Sad face!!! I'm very disgusted & wished I'd known that earlier before my trip.  I'll try to pop a few photos on Facebook as most people may look on there.
Please pray for David. We were to celebrate his & Sandra's 40th ruby anniversary on Sunday. He had an episode Sunday morning so the guests of honor weren't there. He was hospitalized & still there currently. It was a lovely service despite the odd beginning.  Sandra did stop by in the afternoon, so we did a repeat of most of the songs and the special by her niece. We did stop by to see the family today.
Monday was a nice visit to Olney, home to John Newton's grave. Then drove on to Ampthill, location of Houghton House, believed to be the basis for House Beautiful in John Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress.
Tuesday found us back to school, for a Harvest assembly that Stan was speaking to the Year 1 & Year 2 students. We then toured the infant & junior school. Diane was loving it--seeing the similarities and differences of how the British displayed things in their classroom.
We also did our grocery shopping at Sainsbury's and Aldi's.
Wednesday found us dropped off at the Arndale, Luton's shopping centre to pick up a couple things and experience the local shoppes. We enjoyed the sewing & crafting store as well as people watching & listening to accents and many languages.
Tonight Stan made his infamous curry for us. Then we ladies took part in a Bible study.
Early part of this week was lovely weather with today having some rain, overcast & then sunshine.
Room is booked for next week's trip up North to see family. Diane is so looking forward to meet three generations of Grandpa Ellis' family.
Thanks for stopping by! Good bye.

Travel day is here!!!

I worked for a few hours Thursday, then drove down to Aunt DeeDee's.  Friday morning we finished packing and then Uncle Ronnie drove us to the STL airport.  We are waiting for our flight to Chicago. We'll depart there for arrival in London Saturday morning.
My plan is to post every few days what is happening.  I'm not sure about posting the photos through my phone as it is giving me fits. So watch this space!!! And next post, I'll see ya across the pond!!!

Prep time
So the countdown continues...I've been counting since maybe 70+... But now we are in the MONTH of travel. Yippee!!!! There's so much I need to do, but we'll see what actually gets done.  I'm hoping to use the blog again during our travels, so please....WATCH THIS SPACE. 😉