Monk-Man in the UK

The title for this post came to me immediately, but the strange part is that it also came to the tune of "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. Weird? Yes, I know, and don't ask me why because I haven't been listening to that song. It's interesting how random my thoughts are. Really. Maybe the connection I made in those few seconds was that "Party in the USA" was actually written by Jessie J, a UK artist - so that's how the title worked? Anyway, Monk is here in London with me and Jeff. Our little family is now complete. Outside of all the time, money, paperwork and vet visits, there were only a few minor glitches we had to deal with.

Since Jeff and I moved to London on NYE, my Mom and Dad had been taking care of Monk for us. Originally, it was until we found a pet-friendly flat (around 2 months), but it was extended one more month due to timing of his paperwork being finalized and an unexpected vacation. Thank you again Mom and Dad and everyone else who may have watched Monk during that time (Mr. & Mrs. M, Bec, Philip, Kyle and Lane)! Jeff and I are so appreciative!

Since I had come back to Frost before Monk had left, Jeff and I went ahead and booked his not-so-cheap trip to the UK. He and I both traveled back on the same day, but at different times and on different planes. He arrived in London about 2 hours before I did. Customs for an animal is about 4 hours, so I landed at a good time, as I would have only had to wait a little over an hour to get him. Perfect time to have lunch, I remember thinking, when I get an email from Jeff (who was in Spain at the time) saying that Monk was being detained for 24 hours because he wasn't given the correct tapeworm treatment. I was so, so frustrated. I thought we had done everything necessary so something like this couldn't happen. It goes to show how little control we have, but everything still turned out fine. I was only upset because I was imagining how Monk was - scared. Around 2:30 the next afternoon, little Monk was delivered to our front door. He was shaking and whining, but not covered in his own mess! :) The rest of that day, Monk ate, drank and slept. He slept so much. The trip really tuckered him out.

Here are some photos of him the day he arrived and since then. Have a great weekend!

Worn out Monk finally at his new home.

Monk just before the sleepathon.

He slept here.

Here.

Here.

And here (all on his first day home).

This was taken on a different day, but he likes to sleep here sometimes too.

Monk's very own bed that replaced the bulky kennel.

He likes it a lot.

First Trip Back

My first trip back to the states, since the big move, happened much earlier than was planned. My Papaw (Dad's Dad) was hospitalized, thought to have lung cancer, and not given long to live. It was on a Monday night in March that I decided I needed to leave as soon as possible so I could spend time with him, my Dad and family. Unfortunately, Jeff couldn't come back with me due to work, so the plane ride home was lonely, long, emotional and exhausting. I found out when I landed from Philip that Papaw had passed away sometime while I was in the air. It goes without saying that I was very sad  I didn't get to see him before he passed. I did get to speak with him on the phone a few days prior to tell him that I loved him and was praying for him. I know that he was in pain, and I am thankful that he didn't have to suffer long. I am also thankful that he was surrounded by many other family members. I am also extremely grateful for Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. Before I was able to talk with Papaw on the phone, I was able to send him a message via the hospital's website. I had no idea that a hospital would offer "emailing a patient" as one of their services. I am so thankful they did and that I stumbled across it on their website. My Aunt Linda was with Papaw when the message was delivered. She told me when she read it to him, his face lit up and he smiled. Every time I think about that, I can picture his sweet face and am comforted. I just wanted him to know how much I loved him and how hard I was trying to make it back to see him. Even though I wasn't able to say those words to him myself, I am so glad he still heard them. Above all, I am thankful Papaw was a Christian and that he truly is at rest with Christ.

The first week I was back in Frost was spent with a lot of extended family at my parent's house, the visitation and graveside service. In spite of the circumstance, it was great seeing those that I normally don't see very often throughout the year. The second week I spent a lot of time with my parents and Bec, who was on spring break. Let me just say, how awesome it was that she, without my asking, canceled her spring break plans of going to Colorado with one of her best friends, to spend it in Frost with me. I am not sure if I really conveyed how much I enjoyed spending time with her that week - so Bec, if you are reading this, thank you again for staying. :) Philip had his spring break the week prior, so we were able to hang out then. I also had a great time hanging out with my favorite brother. ;) The two weeks spent with Mom and Dad was great too! All in all, with that bunch there was a lot of laughter, hugs and Taco Shop!

Two weeks sure seem to fly by quickly, especially when you want to see so many people. Jeff's parents live about 2 miles from my parent's house, so it made it easy to see them a few times, and it was great to catch up with them. I did miss out on seeing Kyle, but from what Mr. and Mrs. M. said, he's super busy but doing well. I was able to see three of my closest friends. It wasn't for long, but the time I was able to spend with each of them was wonderful. Another sweet, old friend was unable to make it down one weekend, because of work, I think, but don't worry Meredith, I am not holding that against you. ;) (Hope you are still planning on coming to see me!)

The first trip back was definitely an emotional roller coaster for me. I am glad to have spent some much-needed time with my wonderful family and friends. I was even reunited with my sweet pup (at DFW with Bec and Philip). I will need to blog separately about the experience of getting him over to London. Kind of rough, but glad it's over and that he's here. I sure missed his snugly self.

I'll end this post with photos I took during my visit. Thanks for reading!

Where's Monk?

Love my parent's backyard!

Visited Sweet Tangerine in Corsicana for the first time. Sweet place.

Met my sweet friend Nicole for dinner one night. So grateful to have her in my life.

Driving around with Mom, Dad and Bec when we came upon this.

Kudos to Bec for spotting these!

Bec and her effortless Katniss hairdo.

Bonfire with the family.

The essentials.

Even Toby hung out with us.

My last amazing SweetTart snow cone with cousin Jacob, Bec and Philip.

Lovely trees in my parent's yard.

The best.

Bec's goodbye kiss to Monk.

My last drive in the country.

Funny memories of this place. Italy, TX you could have been huge!

Lunch with Mom before I left for London.

My wonderful Mom (I love you TWWAM)

Ireland in Photos

I was a bit sleepy at this point, but so excited to board the plane.

Our chariot for the weekend - a blue Fiat Panda.

Jeff ready to hit the road.

Our first stop in Dublin.

Every size, color and shape of bottles that Guinness has used.

Neat vintage ads. My favorite is the lobster one!

Jeff crafting the perfect pint.

Yes, we threw this away, but a picture of it was necessary. I mean, it's so official. ;)

Our free samples. Can you tell which one is mine?

Stop for lunch.

Yum!

Our cozy spot where we ate, watched some rugby, and listened to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Overlooking the Irish Sea.

Love the Gaelic above the English!

Golf course by the Irish Sea.

Love this photo of us!

Right before I hopped over the little brook and ran like crazy in the field. It was very freeing!

Just me.

Yoda just hanging out in Wicklow Mountain's National Park.

Excited to give Jeff a rest at the wheel.

The random Christmas tree we found while driving in the park.

The cute B&B we stayed at Saturday night.

Hope we can go back someday.

Room number.

Love the old-fashioned key.

Cute and cozy.

There was even a spot for Yoda.

The place where we had the best dinner and breakfast.

The handsome and sweet mastermind of our trip at dinner.

I'm excited about my seafood chowder.

Bonus - sweet tea (bottled Lipton, but who cares!)

The amazing seafood chowder.

Delicious bruschetta.

Hand-made spinach and ricotta tortellini.

Roasted chicken with tarragon sauce and tomato and basil risotto.

The sides - green beans, carrots and cheesy potatoes.

Jeff's dessert - whiskey tasting tray.

My dessert - blackberry and custard tart. So good!

Morning view from our bedroom.

B&B grounds.

Cute breakfast nook.

The homemade jams were delicious.

Morning tea.

I refrained from taking these old books.

Full Irish breakfast.

First stop on Sunday.

A famous early Christian monastic settlement first established by St. Kevin in the 6th century.

Monastic City

St. Kevin's Church

Inside St. Kevin's Church.

The Priest's House

Inside the Priest's House and view of the Cathedral in the background.

Inside the Cathedral.

The Round Tower (with the only way in being a little high above the ground).

The Gateway.

Old tombstones in Monastic City.

Hard to read, but this tombstone dates back to 1789.

I like how the head of this tombstone looked against the sky.

The Upper Lake of Glendalough.

Tall trees beside the lake.

So pretty.

Not sure where this was taken in Ireland, but, like the rest of the country, it was beautiful!

We passed through Hollywood on our way back to Dublin.

Discovered this great stuff.

I was so sad to leave Ireland but excited to board a plane like this.