The Times They are a' Changin'

I've known this day was coming for months, but it still isn't easy saying good bye to our London "home away from home" here in Chelsea. Our landlord has sold our house, and we're spending our last night here. We've lived the last 4 and a half years on Flood Street as we've made our way back and forth between our home in Houston and here.

Our home on the corner was previously a wine shop with flats above it that some developers had bought and redone into our townhouse. When they couldn't sell it as quickly as they liked, they decided just as we were house looking, that they would lease it, and so a perfect match was made.

It's been a peaceful neighborhood away from the bustle of the busy streets on each end,

and we were happy when my son Jason and his wife, Cristen, joined us 2 years ago to share our home while he also worked here in London. That meant we had family in both places, Houston and London.

We loved having a front door opening up to the plaza of Christ Church and their school--they made great neighbors!

Nothing was sweeter than hearing the children's voices who gathered outside our door each day for the start of their school day.

We enjoyed sitting up on our terrace when weather permitted (maybe a few days each year-ha!)

and the view below and around was always interesting. People always coming and going.

I'll miss so many things about our Flood Street house and the neighborhood--but maybe not the 4 flights of stairs, although I must say it was helpful in staying toned!

I'll miss our local flower vendor,

the Anthropologie store on the corner where Cristen walks to work,

the Saturday market at the Duke of York square,

the Royal Chelsea Hospital just around the corner,

the home of those infamous Chelsea Pensioners,

who are always so charming when you meet them on the streets.

Our local pub,

and Zianni's Italian restaurant just minutes from our front door will be sorely missed,

as well as passing through the beautiful gardens of the St. Luke's church on my way to the South Kensington tube stop. It's always beautiful no matter what season of the year.

I've learned to expect the unexpected on our street,

and we'll have a difficult time not being close to the Thames River and Battersea Park

which offered us a quick waterside view just a couple of minutes from our doorstep.

And so as we prepare to spend our final night here, I leave you with the photo of the twinkling Albert Bridge that we've enjoyed over the last 4 years. We'll cherish our Flood Street memories and carry them with us always.

So what's the next chapter of our lives going to be like?

Stick around to the next blog post and I'll be sure and share!