it's me

Time Flies

Can't believe it's been three weeks since I last blogged. The weeks have flown by this semester. So much to do, so many interesting and genuine people! Londoners are the nicest big city folks I've ever come across. I have found myself in a bit of a blue mood in anticipation of our departure, now only 5 weeks away - boo hoo!



So, we've been sticking around London a bit more. Sas and I returned to the Tate Modern to see "the crack," i.e., "Shibboleth" by Doris Salcedo on our way to see the animated shorts for young people at the London Film Festival. The next day we saw the premiere of "Bee Movie" - a Disney/Pixar thing written and starred in by Jerry Seinfeld - it's truly hilarious and good entertainment for people of all ages.

The following weekend Sas had her first sleep over here with her new friend "Alex" - her mother Susanna is a wonderful, warm and beautiful woman from Portugal who has lived here for more than a dozen years. We have similar life circumstances raising our daughters alone. Need to get some pics of us with them.

Then, we had a great visit with Courtnae, a former student who has been up to GREAT things ever since leaving Gonzaga. In the last year and a half, she's done some form of NGO/grass roots peace and justice work/educating others in Guatemala, Northern Ireland, and Kenya. She is a true ray of light and blessing to all who come in contact with her. I was honored to spend her last two days in the UK with her bopping around London.

Iceland

Just a few pics for now. Will write tomorrow. Tired. lb

Riding in Iceland!

We've spent the past two days here at Eld Hestar and it has been phenomenal - gorgeous and sturdy ponies, kind and intelligent Swedish young women as our guides, shooting stars, and Northern Lights! Ok - so it was a little cold on the ponies at times but nothing we NW gals can't handle. And the scenery and riding more than make up for it - plus, as you can see from the photo, they dress you in snowmobiling type suits so you are really pretty warm except for your face, hands and feet - I eventually got myself totally warm enough but Sasi suffered a bit on the last ride, "Meadows and Mountains." The last bit was sheer heaven for me, climing the green and rocky heath on a very sure-footed and strong black pony with one eye!! He was the best! So sure of himself. Lots of creeks and rivers to cross - it was an off-road Betty's dream.

Now, were are off to another farm accommodation near the glaciers!

ICELAND!!!

Coming here is the culmination of a 10-year long yearning for me. In some ways, I had built it up so much in my mind, I couldn't help but being disappointed. In others, the country has totally lived up to my expectation. The climate - yes it's gray and damp and raining some of the time, but this is punctuated by periods of brilliant blue sky and white clouds - absolutely fabulous to gaze at as i floted on my bac in a sea of hot steaming salty water surrounded by lava rock. In a word the Blue Lagoon is SUBLIME - we will take pictures when we return on Friday and spend the night in Nordic spa luxury.

Today, we are off to Eldhestar horse afrm to ride for a couple of days. Did you know that they do not allow the import of any kind of horses to Iceland? All horses here are purely Icelandic ponies. What a treat it will be to ride them.

But first, a few other images from Reykjavik - which is much sleepier and quiet than I imagined. It is scarecly the size of Spokane and feels smaller. But the streets are lined with adorable houses sided with metal and trimmed in brightly painted wood. I want to live in an Icelandic house like this is the country! Something to aspire to.

For the Grandparents: Sasi's B-Day in Wales

Sasi on new friend Erin's lap - finally a cake on her actual birthday - orchestrated by Martin and our hostel caretakers. She was speechless and shy - a rarity as we know.


This is Sas feeding grapes to chickens roaming the 17th Century Norman manor we visited.

Sas getting nibbled by our friend who lives in the fields outside our hostel.