"You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello"......But I also say goodbye

When I was a kid, Sunday used to make me really excited because we would drive an hour away to eat out at Applebee's and go to Target. In retrospect it's amazing how exciting something as simple as that could be, and what a trek I used to think it was, especially in comparison to the trip I'm about to take now. Then there was always one Sunday each fall when my parents and I would go to Applebee's, Target, and the local Apple Orchard, and of all our Sunday trips, that one was always the best.

It's fitting then, that my last Sunday in America was spent with our annual orchard pilgrimage. Mom and I perused the gifts in the Apple Attic gift shop, Dad bought us warm pie slathered in homemade cinnamon ice cream, and I picked up several jars of pumpkin butter to share with my new British friends. The weather was gorgeous, we laughed (and bickered) just like we always do, and I realized that though I am beyond excited for the year ahead, it's still comforting to know that our jaunt over to pick some apples and talk about the harvest makes me just as giddy.

When we got home, I took advantage of the gorgeous day to go out and take some photos or our town and the countryside, so that when I give presentations to Rotarians in the UK they can see a little bit of where I come from. Iowa really is one of the most beautiful places to experience autumn. Here's a sample from my amateur photography expedition:



For those of you who've asked-- no, I have not started packing, but are you surprised? I did spend the evening tying up some loose paperwork and doing some remote work for my job in Chicago, which my company has been gracious enough to let me keep.

This post started with something from the Beatles, and that's how it will end. Remember when I said you could check in at this blog if you were wondering what the weather was like in London? Turns out, you don't need me at all! Check out this live webcam from Abbey Road, the very place where the fab four made their iconic album cover, and you'll be able to see what's going on in England from the comfort of your computer chair! I'm thinking perhaps I might try to organize a trip there with a few of my London mates--if so, I'll be sure to give you a wave :)