Farewell, Nan

Josh opens presents with Nan, including a Tomy toy computer.

Growing up, it felt like I often had to start over — moving to new houses, switching schools, losing grandfathers.

One of the rocks I could cling to amid the sea of changes was Nan.

Her house at 5118 Village Lawn in San Antonio was like my lifelong second home. I can’t think back to a time without it, without her.

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England: Visiting villages in Northamptonshire

Wow, what a day!

Andrew and Toni took Nan and me around to a number of villages in Northamptonshire with family connections.

The first stop was Brafield on the Green. At the church we found a lady who had just finished cleaning and was heading out. She graciously opened th church for us and directed us to the farm that formerly belong to the Sargeant family. My great-great-grandmother Emily Elizabeth Barker worked there in service (more or less as a maid).

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England: Oxford

Today we took a trip to Oxford. I had asked about the possibility of going, mostly because of my interest in Tolkien and the Inklings.

The company included myself, my mom, my uncle Raymond, his son-in-law Andrew, and Andrew’s daughter Charlotte. Andrew was our tour guide and Charlotte was our chauffeur.

It was a great trip. Highlights included climbing an old Saxon church tower,eating at the Turf Tavern, having a drink at the Eagle and Child pub, and seeing a couple of backpackers dressed in complete Mario and Luigi costumes,

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