Cardiff, Bath and Beyond

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I hope you are all enjoying the new look of the blog.  I think it fits better with this new phase of my life.  Speaking of this new phase:  I have loads and loads to tell you!!

First, Bentley the Boxer had a birthday.  On April 1st my baby turned 9 years old.  Hard to believe my little one is 9.  To celebrate the grand occasion, Joshua, our friend Jordan (another of Dr. Crisp's PhD students), Bentley and I took a trip to Bath.  Bath is about 15 minutes from Bristol and is famous for its Roman baths, picturesque gardens and, of course, being the home of Jane Austen. 

We ran into some locals who were decked out in full Georgian attire for a ball they were going to attend.  I told Joshua we need to go to a ball while we are here.

The beautiful abbey in downtown Bath.

This is a detail on the front of the abbey called Jacob's ladder, notice the angels climbing the ladder.

I don't know anything about this statue, but I thought it was pretty and right in the heart of Bath city centre.



I saw this typical English phone booth and couldn't resist!  So the birthday boy and I had our pics taken inside.



Last week I received a special treat.  My sweet friends, Dan and Betty Jo Hall were being visited by their daughter, Meredith, and their grandson, Sean.  They decided to take Sean and Meredith to see Cardiff and invited me along.  It was a wonderful day!  Meredith and Sean are super fun! 

Cardiff Castle

The keep of Cardiff Castle.

Meredith and I on the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

Inside the keep.

The pier in Cardiff, called Mermaid pier. 

This is the carousel right on Mermaid pier. 

Meredith and I at night on Mermaid pier.



Life has been fun and interesting.  God has been good.  I have been making some good friends.  Bryony is a cop - she's lots of fun and very interesting.  She informed me (once she found out I like futbol - soccer) that I will be a Manchester United fan, as I do not have a team here.  Works for me!  So, tonight Joshua and I are went over to Bryony and her husband Dave's home (they live right down the street) to watch OUR team, Manchester United take on Manchester City.  Sadly, we lost.  But we had a fabulous time with Dave and Bryony and enjoyed that staple of English cuisine - Indian take-out.

Just as we met Bryony and Dave at church, we also met Mark and Caroline there.  Caroline is - Praise the Lord!!!! - AMERICAN.  It's wonderful, amazing - aah.... a breath of fresh air.  She's so much fun.  Very bubbly and outgoing.  She is my age and got married at the same age as me too.  She has been here 8 months and  - you guessed it - lives down the street.  We had tea today and talked about how life here is so different from life back home and how little things (like cooking) are just a little different here. 

Given all that, we think we have found our church.  Ironically, it's called Emmanuel (for those who don't know, we attended Immanuel Baptist in Louisville).  Joshua and I both feel very drawn to the church, the people there and are excited about getting involved and investing in the church family there. 

One last thing before I go because I know this is WAY long.  I had an informal interview yesterday for a full-time position.  They have asked me back for a formal interview and even mentioned a start date of May 1 "or sooner if I am available."  It all looks very promising and it is a position I am very excited about as it is work I would find very fulfilling and meaningful.  Please keep that in your prayers.  We miss you and love you.

Cheerio!