Last fall my parents were vacationing in Laughlin, Nevada when they heard a couple in the hotel dining room speaking with British accents. Being the hospitable folks that they are, they invited the couple to join them for breakfast and told them their daughter had just moved to Nottingham. The Brits, it turned out, lived practically just down the road in Leicester, and the two couples spent hours chatting. Their friendship now continues via email exchanges and occasional Taste of America and Taste of Britain care packages that wend their way back and forth across the Atlantic. It wasn't long, of course, before I was drawn into this email exchange. I am looking forward to a visit with David and Pauline in Leicester in two weeks time, and I thought American readers might enjoy this email David sent to my parents and me concerning the current "summer" weather here in England--we've had a spate of eight sunny, warm days. I've also included my reply.
On Tue, May 13, 2008 at 7:48 AM, David F. wrote:
Well I never! According to the paper this morning, the 'hot' period that we are having at the moment is the hottest May since 1772! Just think that the last time that Brits were going around in inappropriate clothing, getting burnt to a cinder and looking like tomatoes, America was still under British rule, Mozart was a mere 16 years old and Beethoven was toddling around on tottery legs! I hope the pleasant weather continues if only to encourage all the gardeners to get bedding plants in their gardens. However, the old English saying of "Cast ne'er a clout* 'til May be out" is often true and many gardeners and those who have espoused their winter clothes should be warned! Hope all is well, With all good wishes, David.
Stephanie Fosnight to David F. on Tue, May 13, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Hi David,
Haha, I love your email! It certainly has been a gardener's paradise. And woe betide the slugs who come across my path! I've heard the "ne'er cast a clout" thing a few times before, but I've cast away with abandon the last week.
Be well and ENJOY THE "HEAT." (Every time someone asks me how I've managed to cycle about in all this "heat" I have to work hard not to snicker, Arizona girl that I am).
Stephanie
P.S. Mom and Dad, this insane heat everyone keeps talking about is actually very pleasant weather in the mid- to high- 70s. :) It's rough, but someone has to endure it.
We have found it to be a rare occasion when we meet people who share our interests and views. It's even more amazing when they are people eight time zones away. When this happens, friendship should be fostered.