Inner Ramblings of a Stranded Passenger.....

This is a very difficult post for me to write today, the reason I'm  not shying away 

from something so difficult is that I want to preserve these feelings.... I don't know why, 

I just do, and seeing as this is my method of preservation, here goes. 

Friday was full of fun and laughter, although every media outlet was harping on about 

the cloud of volcanic dust over the UK, I took my usual optimistic approach and didn't 

worry about it. I was sure it would all blow over by Sunday and I'd be out of there and on 

my way back to South GA. By Saturday morning when I went to check in I was happy to 

see that my flight was OK, I called home to assure his gorgeousness that all was well and I'd be

checking in online momentarily, by the time I returned to my coveted netbook the flight 

had been cancelled!!!! A tiny bit of anxiety set in as I was unable to get hold of the 

airlines, I did manage to talk to a wonderful lady about my hotel reservations and she 

was very helpful in changing those for me. "Not to worry madam, we understand the situation

and will be happy to accommodate you in any alterations you may need to make". Super. 

So, for a few agonizing hours on Saturday and Sunday I attempted to contact the airlines 

and see what the hell was happening. Finally on Sunday I make human contact, their alternative 

plan is to book you on the first available flight (God willing it will actually get off the ground) which 

for me was a week away. So with my heart sinking I told the guy to go ahead and book me

a space and I'd pray for the best. The best is still yet to happen, here we are on Tuesday 

and there are still no flights out of the UK and I'm relying on the graces of some good friends

who very generously offered to let me stay here until I can make it home. 

So, luckily for me this beautiful city is a photographers paradise! If I can't go home then I can 

at least make the best of it and take some pictures and enjoy the unusually warm weather

we are experiencing. This is like a dream come true... Time on my own with my camera

in one of the most picturesque places on the planet (in my opinion, and it's my blog so mine

is the only opinion that counts right now!). Not so, all I want to do right now is see my 

family. I'm pretty independent and was happy to book a trip home without them for a 

little over a week, but being forced to be away from them for this long is not sitting well with

me. I want to see them, to hug them, to share in their days and kiss boo boos. 

Oh we're talking on the phone a few times a day but it's not the same, last night Syd was 

telling me something and she just stopped and sighed... "I miss you Mama". It just 

about broke me heart right there and then. I will never again travel without my little 

gang... we're a unit... we're four quarters that make a whole... we're a well oiled 

engine that doesn't work with a part missing. 

For now, it's back to the checking of websites, looking for a break in the dust cloud, 

and trying to make the best of it. I feel like I'm torn between two loves, this city is 

about the only place on earth I would actually want to be stranded in, but I realize that 

the only people on earth I really want to be with forever and ever are the McGilly's on 

the other side of the Pond. Wouldn't it be grand if they were stranded with me?

So here's a little snippet of Sunny Salisbury for you.... enjoy!!!! 

'scuse the white balance, I picked up my camera today and realized the whole time I 

had it set on incandescent light! Urgghhh... here I am thinking I'm top banana photo

woman and I'm an idiot. A little editing helped somewhat. 

Any of you bloggers want to come hang out in the Salisbury area just give me a 

shout, Spud? B? anyone?

Keeping Calm and Carrying On!!!