Our family dog is a Siberian Husky, whom we fondly and endearingly refer to as “Big Stupid.” He naturally requires to be taken on walks quite regularly, and although he has now moved back to San Diego, I am sure he misses walking through the English countryside as much as I do. Today, a rainy and gray day that is reminiscent of the English summer, I miss it especially. So, here are some of my favorite photos to remember my time by.
Vati–
Heute ist dein Geburtstag. Ich bin leider nicht da, und ich vermisse dich sehr. Aber heute erinnere mich an unseren schönen Sommer zusammen! Obwohl wir können nicht mit einander diesen Geburtstag feiern, ich freue mich auf Weihnachten! Ich hoffe, dass heute wunderschön ist! Ich liebe dich!
-Deine Tochter, die sehr stolz von dir ist!
(Dad–
Today is your birthday. Unfortunately I am not there, and I miss you a lot. But today I remember our beautiful summer together! Although we can’t celebrate this birthday together, I look forward to Christmas! I hope your day is great! I love you!
-Your daughter, who is very proud of you!)
(And if I made a mistake in my German, I apologize!)
It feels like just yesterday I was landing in Heathrow, excited to see all that summer had to offer, including what adventures Dad and I would get into, and how many pictures we would take. As I board the plane for the twelve-hour flight home, I cannot believe how truly wonderful my summer was. My dad and I had an absolute blast, even if we were just having a pint at the pub, and there are so many pictures I simply didn’t get around to posting, so when I’m missing England, I’ll reminisce… But for now, here are my favorite photos of a busy summer.
Thank you, Dad, for not only supporting me for 21 years, but also for giving me an opportunity most kids only dream of. “Thank you” seems too small to let you know how sincerely I appreciate this, but for now it will have to suffice. I will cherish these memories forever.
Cheers, England. Until next time. Xx.
P.S.: The tags at the bottom of this post link to other blog posts from this summer. There are quite a few, but if you are interested in seeing the original posts, feel free to click around and explore!
Of course, while we were enjoying our rides in the MG, there was plenty of time left over to admire some of the other cars. Although there were many cars in pristine shape, and we quite literally took hundreds of photos, here are a few of our favorites:
My dad’s coworker, Mark, has a beautiful, cherry-red, 1932 MG J2. 
Mark frequently takes it out for events (he even uses it to get his groceries!), and when he invited us to attend the Prescott Speed Hill Climb with him near the end of July, the word “no” wasn’t even an option!
Mark was kind enough to take us all for a ride along the course, which includes some tight turns at a relatively high speed.
The ride lasts less than a minute…
And some of us enjoyed it more than others…
But it was a beautiful, atypical English summer day, the wind was amazing as it blew through my hair, and I think we secretly all wished for another ride (except Ross, who jumped at every opportunity Mark gave him to sit in the MG!)!
It was a memorable and unique experience! Thank you, Mark, for having us! Cheers!
And check back tomorrow for pt. 2!
When my dog and I go for a walk, it is impossible not to make some friends along the way. Although TNA is a fan of the sheep in Cooper’s Meadow, he really loves encountering other living things, including two-legged and four-legged creatures, as well as those in the “miscellaneous” category.
Along the River Kennet, you never know exactly what you’re going to see, but it’s always beautiful!
Although there are many wonderful locations in Wiltshire to visit, Salisbury is one I find myself returning to at every possibility. 
After walking through town, you arrive at these triumphant gates… 
… and as this majestic cathedral pokes out from behind the trees…
…I simply find it impossible not to be inspired. 
Standing in the presence of this glorious and absolutely beautiful cathedral, one understands why pilgrims would make journeys that would last years simply to pray. Although my journey will take a fraction of the time, Salisbury Cathedral is a place that I will visit as often as I can, even if it is simply to bask in all of its glory. If you haven’t been yet, check it out!
Is there anywhere you find yourself constantly inspired? Tell me about it so I can add it to my travel list!
In July, Ross and I were lucky enough to visit some friends from San Diego in London. 
In January of 2014, my family visited London, when, though very cold, we managed to hit many of the typical tourist stops. 
So this time around, we simply wandered around this marvelous, bustling city and attempted to soak in every minute we possibly could (With the exception of visiting the Imperial War Museum)!
We had an amazing time viewing sites like Shakespeare’s Old Globe… 
… and the pub Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, where numerous literary figures have passed through, including Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!
London, you never disappoint! Until next time! Xx
Although August technically started yesterday, the weather here today is far better than the real August 1st. To celebrate, I’m stepping back to square one and simply appreciating the small town of Marlborough, and all the beauty it has to offer!
As always, please feel free to leave any questions or comments you may have!
The Imperial War Museum was one of my favorite stops in London!
It was an absolutely beautiful day, and though this building has a classic and wonderful facade, the inside was quite sobering. 
The First World War, which is tragically followed by the Second, is captured with exhibits of uniforms, memorabilia, and an interactive trench experience.
Although it is frequented by thousands of tourists a year, it does a wonderful job of prohibiting war from slipping into an idealistic realm.
Instead, we are reminded of the tragedies of war so that in learning of the past, we avoid mistakes and create a better future.
mikalaraeofsunshine 