Ode to Charlbury

Charlbury, Oxfordshire

One year ago almost to the day we moved to a little village in the Cotswolds called Charlbury. It looked charming but we were still shell-shocked from the overseas move and I had renter's remorse for the little stone house surrounded by neighbors I didn't know.  Soon that changed. Our stuff was delayed by the military (for over a month) and in no time at all the neighbors were over with everything from a borrowed hammer to a stand in dog bed. They brought us broad beans, beets and apples from their gardens. They smiled and waved when we came out.

Graham, Morag and Anne

  

When the kids went back to school and boredom started to settle in, Anne was quick to show up at my door inviting me over for a "cuppa". We started walking together and she invited me to volunteer with her at Riding for the Disabled. We chatted regularly about everything from kids to politics to dog training. Graham was a constant source of information for any questions a newcomer like me would have: best footpaths, where to go on a long weekend, how to use the hob and unlock the British doors, how to best refinish my dining room table... the list goes on and he always had a solution. 

Andrew, Marion and Josie

Marion and Andrew hosted several tea parties as well and graciously took Scruffy for "playdates" when he neurotically howled every time we would leave. They had a rocking New Year's eve party that had us up way past midnight. They both have smiles that light up a room and personalities to match.

The clan on Little Lee's were my first friends here in this village and I will miss them when we move again this coming week. Charlbury and these fabulous neighbors will always have a place in my heart!

14 Little Lee's: the little stone house that I wasn't so sure about but grew to appreciate