Time to get back to the Letters from America series after my parent’s visit
In the last three posts I shared my parents visit to us. That took us in chronological terms to the end of November. I now pick the story up again in mid-December and my first letter home after their trip.
16th December 1985
Dear M & D.
I hope that your photos arrive safely and that this gets to you before Christmas. We will be thinking of you, especially at all the parties that are looming up on the horizon. Every time we see one of the gang, they all ask after you and are missing you. See what an impression you have made.
We have been very busy since you left, Sutherland has been over most days as Walter is working more shifts in the run up to Christmas. He sleeps a great deal and feels right at home. I do find him in some odd positions at times, but when awake he is great company. (Sutherland not Walter!)
We have also been entertaining some of David’s work colleagues over from England who were staying in a hotel for the last two weeks and were looking forward to some home cooking.
I have been to see Gone With the Wind at a classic cinema with some of the guys and really enjoyed. I know I have watched before many years ago but it was amazing to see again on the big screen.
This was followed up this Saturday by a trip downtown with Walter to a Mexican Bar and Grill where we drank flaming Mexican flags ( I am sure that Mexicans who live here must think that pretty insulting), which you are meant to down in one, after blowing the flames out! Oops.. Hot Lips!
On Sunday, nursing slightly sore heads, we took a trip to San Jacinto to the battleground where General Houston defeated Santa Anna’s Mexican army. And then onto the USS Texas, a 1914 battleship which is open to the public. We toured the ship from top to bottom and I don’t think I would have wanted to be at sea in her, particularly in rough weather.
We have put the Christmas tree up and presents have started to appear under it. I also managed to buy some bunches of mistletoe by the roadside to complement the rest of the decorations and it is beginning to feel like Christmas.
It looks like we will be one of the few couples left in the complex until New Year’s Eve as most of our friends have homes out of state and will be heading off on the 22nd onwards. They don’t celebrate Boxing Day here, but most of them are taking holiday to extend their trips. Especially those heading for the northern states where snow has been falling for some weeks and travel is unpredictable. We have had our last Christmas party as a group and went off to our usual haunt of Pappasito’s. We are such a large group now that they corral us at the back of the restaurant now, no doubt to keep the noise down for the rest of the diners. We do have such fun though and as always the meal was amazing.
Sutherland will be spending time with us over Christmas which is nice as I do like having a pet around the place, even if it is only temporary. Wishing you and Diana, Robert, Sonia, David, Emma and Jeremy a very Happy Christmas and sending lots of love. We shall miss not being with you all but will call you on the day at 12 noon when everyone has arrived for lunch.
Sally and David.XXX
Thanks for dropping in and I hope you are enjoying our adventures in America 1985-1987… and will join me again next week.. thanks Sally.
Wonderful, Sally. That photo at the end with David and your gang always takes me back to the Navy days and parties with squadron mates, a real band of brothers (still to this day). Great memories…although there were no flaming Mexican flag drinks.
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Being part of a group such as that is amazing and made out time in America all the more special…hugsxx
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Do you keep in touch with anyone? It’s so much harder when you’re on the other side of the ocean!
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At the time it was tough with the lack of email but over the years we have had a reunion back in Houston, in Switzerland and in Tahoe.. we still keep in touch with several via Facebook and email with others… xxx
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That is just wonderful!!
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♥
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I’m not convinced from the photos that you haven’t been slipping Chi Chis to Sutherland and your tree… xx
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Lol.. I think it might have been the person taking the photo that had been at the chi chis..xx
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It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas season, Sally – with no shortage of parties. Toni x
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Lol.. there was never a shortage of those Toni.. any excuse…hugsx
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Hmmm. Flaming Mexican flags. Sounds like one of those drinks that could get you in a little trouble.
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I don’t remember lol…xx
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🤣🤣🤣
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You bring us right into your partyful life Sal with a longing for those truly golden days of frivolity and frolicking. ❤ ❤
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They were great times Debby a different place too…with a love of life and progress everywhere…what a difference to the scenes we are seeing at the moment..♥♥
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No kidding Sal 😦 ❤
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Great letter. Had an undertone of loneliness with everyone gone. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you John.. however great a place is, it is the people who make it home..xx
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So true, Sally.
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Ahh, this is so sweet. I loved it and the Christmas tree is perfectly timed. Our area is already preparing for Christmas. Thank you for sharing your joy with readers, Sally. 💜
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Thanks Gwen.. it was a lovely Christmas..even though quieter than usual.. we have spent many just the two of us on our various travels and living abroad and that’s fine…we are happy enough ♥
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I would think that drinking “flaming Mexican Flags” might give you a headache, Sally. Lol. Your parents must have loved your letters home (and occasionally rolled their eyes).
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I am sure it did Diana and I think after their visit to us they knew that we were having a good time.. especially my father who continued to drink Chi Chis on his return to the UK…xxx
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Lol. That’s so cute.
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♥
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Those were definitely happier times, Sally. This Christmas will be rather strange.
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It will Noelle… and that time was so hopeful and full of opportunities…. Let’s hope we will reach a turning point soon..hugsx
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And now we face another Christmas possibly separated from family and friends!
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It does look like it Mary.. I hope you will be able to see your son at least. We are hoping we might be able to travel by ferry to the UK to see my sisters in May next year to make up for it..hugsx
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I’m not sure if I will see him, Sally. His partner is now working on a Covid ward in a Glasgow hospital until at least January. We’ll see what is possible but the quarantining is complicated.
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I can imagine….let’s hope…♥
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Looks like you had a very nice time there. Thank you for sharing all these experiences from the “New World”, Sally! Enjoy your afternoon! Michael
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Thanks Michael.. a wonderful time and happy memories..hugsxx
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I am sure. The USA in the 80th were a great destination.
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It was up to the last four years..in most areas…xx
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Really? OMG, his work seems to be a base for a blockbuster like “Independence Day”. Title “The Revival of the Orange!” Lol
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Apt title Michael… xxx
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😉 xx
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I enjoyed this latest installment in your American adventures. From the photo, I can see that the office party would have been pretty boisterous.
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Thanks Liz…Not kidding lol… always great fun.xx.
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😀
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