Experience in Arundel

I've recently had occasion to travel to the UK for business. In fact, as I write this, I am packing for my journey home. My stay has been quite pleasant. Not knowing what to expect, I packed entirely too many things (which is quite unusual for me).

The trip has been delightful and enlightening. I am absolutely charmed by the country and the people in southern England. My temporary dwelling has been suite 16 at the Swan Hotel in Arundel. This quaint hotel is so quaint, it seems a crime to use that word to describe anything in the US. The place is actually a pub and restaurant with some rooms upstairs.

The town of Arundel is smallish, built on a river, and watched over by a magnificent castle; which is apparently inhabited by the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. The townscape itself is the kind of thing that US developers and even theme park designers have tried to capture. After having experienced it firsthand, I must say that every attempt at recreation seen by these eyes has been an utter failure. From the small, cobblestone town square to the butcher shop with large, plate glass window. I had this epiphany about what it is all those designers are trying to accomplish. Amazing to actually be in it.

I was also surprisingly captivated by several smallish items. I had Scotch eggs, which seems so obvious I cannot believe I never just made some up on my own. Additionally, there is a small electric kettle in my room that is simply brilliant. It is a Morphy Richards model 43276. Very nice.

Old Friend (Fiction)

The crisp autumn sunrise sees a familiar sight. Hunter and Old Friend lay in ambush on the swamp. Old Friend's muzzle shows signs of his age. Hunter's face tells of many days spent in harsh sunlight and wind. Days spent in rain and freezing cold.

All is still. Old Friend's breath billows white clouds which cling in icy rivulets to his graying nose. Abruptly, whistling and fluttering wings betray the approach of the quarry.

Tipping and wobbling. Dropping closer, closer. Then, as time and motion seem to stand still, they parachute in to the well laid scene. Old Friend shifts impatiently, a soft whine escapes him. Hunter is transfixed as the gathering light flashes from wonderful specula, tails and wings.

They are close enough now, and their red legs are reaching for the frigid water amid their conterfeit friends. But something is wrong. The oldest bird senses it and all follow his frantic lead as he strains for the sky. It is confusion for a moment, then it is over.

Hunter quickly understands he has just missed his big chance. He had forgotten his purpose. Or had he only just remembered it. He looks at Old Friend and their eyes meet. For a moment he sees recognition. A moment shared between the closest of friends. Hunter circles one arm about Old Friend, looks out and smiles.

Rock Bladder

Yet another cute Dani Jo-ism.

Several years ago I was praying with my youngest daughter Dani Jo at bedtime. She was probably about eight at the time. My wife had recently had a bout with terribly painful kidney stones ( I guess they are ALL terribly painful).

So as we were praying, Dani Jo asked God to bless momma, and heal her rock bladder. It was difficult to maintain my composure, but we finished the prayers somehow. And momma got better.