Yanks in Blighty - April 20, 2003.

It was inevitable, wasn't it? After the cold diamond and indigo nights, the icy blasts roaring across the fields and hedges? Surely Spring would come. Now Suffolk stretches itself out like a scruffy old cat snoozing in the midday sun.

Somehow, without our realizing, our first year of England has passed. So has some of our 'foreign-ness' and our confusion. England is still a largely undiscovered country for us --- still full of quirks and surprises.

Even with a year of Suffolk under our belts, there are a few overlooked treasures we saw this Spring: Wicken Fen, Lavenham, and Wimpole Hall. I've included a little bit about two of these in this issue.

Like you, I orbited my TV set these past thirty days and watched a war unfold. Judy's plan to revisit the U.S. in mid-March with Chris was pre-empted when all nonessential travel was curtailed. Likewise, my mother's plan to accompany Judy and Chris back to the U.K. It was disappointing, but it was the prudent thing to do.

Now the Winter of war is over, and I pray for a Spring of peace. Whatever your feelings, please remember the people of Iraq, our military and their families, and the leaders of all nations as they steer a path towards prosperity and justice. In this spirit, I offer these words.

During our first Spring here, I noticed miles upon miles of bright yellow fields like these. I later learned the yellow flowers belong to the rapeseed plant which produces a seed that is then pressed for oil. This April I noticed several fields nearby, and determined to share them by way of photography. Driving along the dual carriageway (erm ... highway) they were impossible to ignore and a potent reminder that Spring was at hand.

Wicken Fen is a nature reserve that offers a glimpse of what East Anglia looked like for centuries. In the 1600s, land developers imported Dutch windmills to pump water through a maze of drainage canals, but that plan was only moderately successful. Only when more powerful diesel-powered pumps were installed in the 1930s and 1940s could extensive development occur. Much of old East Anglia culture faded as lazy canal boats soon gave way to bigger farms, more villages, and lorries on new motorways.

It's very unusual when Judy and I actually have some time by ourselves to go exploring. Thanks to a normal school day and a little comp time, we were able to enjoy a nice day out ALONE for a change. Lavenham is a pretty little village Judy 'discovered' while attending a Spinning Guild meeting this year. The church has beautiful stained glass windows and some unique wood carvings. The streets are stuffed with antiques shops, tea rooms, and a few marvels like the building at right. Not surprising --- Lavenham has been a thriving market town since the days of Henry VIII.

For a bit of local colour, stop in The Tickle Manor Tea Room for a cuppa and an unbelieveable tale. Cheers!