First of all... I am writing this blog not only to share with my friends and family some of the highlights of Jeff's sabbatical year in England, but also so that I can read and recall some of the year's events once this branch of my family have returned home.
First, though, some background information. My son, Jeff, worked hard for many years to be in the position that he enjoys today. Having earned a bachelor's degree in Waterloo, Ontario he continued his studies in Vancouver, BC to finally become Dr Jeff Orchard, Phd. His area of study was computer science, fine-tuned now to neuroscience and computer imaging. There is a lot more to his field of study and research, but this description is the best I can offer.
Fast-forward a few years and to cut a long story short, the family of five arrived in Bristol yesterday!
With two cars, Nige and I managed to transport the family, and much luggage, to a lovely house ready and waiting for them in Knowle. A photo of the family in the little front garden was snapped, and from the moment the front door was unlocked, I knew at once that this new home matched everybody's expectations. It sits high on a ridge overlooking the city with fantastic views as far as the eye can see, taking in the Clifton suspension bridge and distant hills. The owners generously left available all the necessities of daily living and, to the children's delight, books and toys.
The neighbourhood turned out to be as friendly as we'd all hoped. Within half an hour two families had welcomed the newcomers to the street, and before long Lauchy, my youngest grandson, was happily playing on the climbing apparatus next door with two new friends.
Nige and I watched the children play in a park one block from the house while Jeff and Trish shopped at the Co-op for enough food to see them through the night. That done, we left the travel-weary but happy family to settle in.
I still find it quite surreal that my son and his family are now living less than a thirty-minute drive from where I live. What a happy day was yesterday... with many more to come over the next year!
First, though, some background information. My son, Jeff, worked hard for many years to be in the position that he enjoys today. Having earned a bachelor's degree in Waterloo, Ontario he continued his studies in Vancouver, BC to finally become Dr Jeff Orchard, Phd. His area of study was computer science, fine-tuned now to neuroscience and computer imaging. There is a lot more to his field of study and research, but this description is the best I can offer.
Fast-forward a few years and to cut a long story short, the family of five arrived in Bristol yesterday!
With two cars, Nige and I managed to transport the family, and much luggage, to a lovely house ready and waiting for them in Knowle. A photo of the family in the little front garden was snapped, and from the moment the front door was unlocked, I knew at once that this new home matched everybody's expectations. It sits high on a ridge overlooking the city with fantastic views as far as the eye can see, taking in the Clifton suspension bridge and distant hills. The owners generously left available all the necessities of daily living and, to the children's delight, books and toys.
The neighbourhood turned out to be as friendly as we'd all hoped. Within half an hour two families had welcomed the newcomers to the street, and before long Lauchy, my youngest grandson, was happily playing on the climbing apparatus next door with two new friends.
Nige and I watched the children play in a park one block from the house while Jeff and Trish shopped at the Co-op for enough food to see them through the night. That done, we left the travel-weary but happy family to settle in.
I still find it quite surreal that my son and his family are now living less than a thirty-minute drive from where I live. What a happy day was yesterday... with many more to come over the next year!
The first of many I hope Anne!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to be part of it and looking forward to an eventful year. :)
It is surreal for us, too, but we are looking forward to the adventures ahead AND to spending more time with you (and Nige, too)!
ReplyDelete