Hello Florence My Old Friend

An Englishman in Florence

It hardly seems possible that it is exactly nine years to the day since I first saw Florence Massachusetts for the first time. I'm glad I kept a diary of the event . . . 

Tuesday 19^th July – “I was only, 24 hours from Linda  . . . "

Let the journey commence! The great day had arrived. The journey had had such a build-up during the numerous phone calls that took place between Linda, my guardian angel, and yours truly, her sweetie. The calls that took place during the late evening my time usually, as the clock turned midnight, would have one of us saying “Happy Day 25” or whatever day it happened to be as we maintained the countdown to the big event.  We had been counting down the days for what seemed like a lifetime. It has felt like a lifetime since were last together; well, although February 2005 isn’t exactly years ago, it might well have been, considering the emotional, physical and quite frankly every other level you care to mention we are now at during this most wonderful adventure we embarked on, an adventure that started out in January 2003, courtesy of Simply Red . . .  more of that later!!!

I left home at about half past eight in the morning. I had booked a taxi. It arrived very promptly. My first destination was Holmes Chapel railway station, a place now oh so familiar to me since my escapades in Manchester with Direct Line. I gave my mum a hug. She told me she would be OK. Yesterday was an eventful day to say the least. My mum had been involved in a car crash. She’d lost control of the car en route to Biddulph, where she was on her rounds teaching her pupils. We’d spent a few hours in North StaffsHospital until I managed to get her home. I would later be comforted with the news that Bridget would be able to take time off to get back up to Congleton to spend a few days with her. Chatting with Linda about it, she reassured me by saying “Look at it this way . . . you were there for your mother when she needed you the most – now it’s Bridget’s turn “ I felt so much better – see, that’s why I love my Linda so much : she always knows how to make me feel just right at exactly the right time !

The 8.53 to Piccadilly was on time. My stop would be the airport. I got there, and had the long, Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow like trek from the airport’s train platform to Terminal 2, where I was to check in for my 12.35pm flight to Philadelphia. I thought I would be early, being there when I was There was a big queue of people, all with the same intention of going to the good old US of A- shows how much I know!

Well, checking in was successfully negotiated, and to my pleasant surprise, the time between checking in and being called to get on the plane went relatively quickly. At about 12.55pm the plane took off – Linda darling, I’m on my way babes!!

Almost instantly, I nodded off for about half an hour. I would do this on a couple of other occasions during the trip across the pond. I was pleased to find that one of the films available to watch on the in-flight entertainment was “Hitch” with Will Smith. This helped pass the time away enormously. It was your archetypal romantic comedy, but was good fun to watch, was funny and in my opinion as a one time actor with the Congleton Players, The Wilmslow Green Room and as an extra at Gawsworth Hall was well acted. There were episodes of “Joey” and “Two and a Half Men” to keep me good also.

Anyway, things were going smoothly until there was an announcement when we were approximately 260 miles from Philly that the “First Officer “was “illegal “!! What the hell had he done I asked myself. It turned out that he was risking flying more hours than he was supposed to do. US Airways, God bless ‘em, felt like getting away with it, but the F.A.A. were having none of it. We were 30 minutes from Philadelphia and were forced to touch down in Boston. Nobody could get off the plane. What an f@#k up!!  Apparently, after being found out, they tried to reason with them, saying it was only an extra half hour, but they wouldn’t let them continue. It does beg the question what the hell was he doing flying the bloody plane in the first place? The mind boggles to say the least. Having said that, who allowed him to fly the plane in the first place? I doubt I’ll ever find out.

Oh well, after a half hour delay in Boston, we were on our way. At 4pm local time, we touched down, thanks to the newly legal pilot! My connecting flight was scheduled for 5.20pm, so it was game on to get through everything in time. No chance!!

There must have been some kind of backlog, because I was stood in the queue for 40 minutes. I eventually got to the front of the queue. Once again, after having filled out the form on the flight, full of pertinent questions such as had I been a Nazi collaborator between 1933 and 1945(it’s true; they really do ask 37 year old Brits that!) I was asked the purpose of my visit, who I was going to see and did I know the address- usual nonsense, but hey, welcome to America mate!

That hurdle successfully overcome, the mad dash to get my bags checked in for the last leg. Another queue!! Tired, sweating like a pig and just desperate to see Linda now, I found that I was to board the flight to Bradley from gate B16. Fair enough, let’s get there I said to myself. It was only at the end of the bloody airport! Blimey! Still, I got there and found out that my flight had been delayed and that I wasn’t going to miss the last leg to heaven. I had enough time to call Linda and inform her I was OK, sweating and couldn’t wait to see her. She told me, in typical, wonderful fashion, she would be there waiting patiently for me. Nothing else could happen could it?

Of course it could. After having boarded the plane at 6.50pm, we were told by the captain, a fine southern gentleman, that there were 30 planes in front of us waiting to take off!! Good grief! A moan of disbelief emanated from the passengers. The stewards graciously gave us a glass of iced water to stop us from completely dehydrating. In for a penny in for a pound was never more appropriate. I got chatting to a lady who was sat next to me with her little lad. They had had just as excruciatingly a frustrating trip as me as they had come from Barcelona. We chatted and that was nice- helped make it go that little bit quicker.

Eventually, the flight landed! Yippee!! Purposefully I strode down the corridor, Eric like, to my wonderful woman. I went through the door and there she was. I was so glad to see her. The smile was just as gorgeous as I remembered it in February, last October, last May and last March (not forgetting the web cam chats!) 

We hugged, kissed (naturally) and got a trolley so I could get my bags. I was buggered if I was humping those bloody heavy things again!

Whenever you are standing at the carousel waiting for your bags, there’s always that little sense of “please come through now!” You are never completely satisfied until you see your bags. You hear so many stories of people losing their luggage through no fault of their own. God forbid it should happen to me anytime – I’ve some decent gear!

So, after having got in the car, we chatted and set off to the place that is home until Friday 29^th July- 112 Pine Street Florence. The journey went quick because of the lack of traffic. It was great seeing the sights that I remembered from my time here last year. I was here at last.

At just before 10pm we arrived. 112 Pine Street is a wonderful place. It is a wonderfully decorated place situated in a leafy suburb of Florence. It was truly amazing to be finally alone with Linda. I was buzzing from the excitement of seeing her again and also conscious of the fact that, taking into consideration the time zone factor, I had been awake for the thick end of 24 hours. We exchanged gifts we had got for each other and spent the rest of the time chatting. I had a shower as I still had the clothes I had had on since this morning. I felt relaxed and was glad to put my Next Sleepy Ed pajamas on. At about 1.00am in the morning my darling and I finally got in to bed and I was out for the count. Tired, but very happy, I was here at last. The 5 month wait was over. Let the dummy run for the future begin! 

Wednesday 20^th July – Chill Out Day

Linda and I, whenever we are together, always, and I mean always, get up early! We have talked about this and we came to the conclusion that we are so keen to enjoy and savour every moment that no time can be wasted. If we need a nap, we’ll take a nap is the motto.

We awoke at about 7.00am. The local radio station, WRNX, has a DJ who does the breakfast show called John Allen. He’s good, and even better, he’s English and hails from Derbyshire! I have chatted to him last year, when I was here last. We listened to him whilst having breakfast, which, fantastically, was my usual – Weetabix! They have it in America! How good’s that??!

After experiencing all the sh’s (shower, shave, shampoo, you get the drift!) we set off for a walk. We went to the park that is situated opposite Northampton High School.  It was good to experience the neighbourhood and feel part of it. Papers bought we went home. I always enjoy buying US papers; I find it fascinating. The part of my personality that enjoys learning loves reading the US angle on things and also lamenting on the lack of coverage of United!!

The afternoon saw us napping. We had a light lunch consisting of sandwiches and crisps and after got some valuable shut eye. I needed it. The excitement of being in a foreign country, experiencing real America, and being with Linda finally got the better of me. One thing that was done was Linda downloaded the CD photo album of Bridget and Gareth’s wedding from February of this year. Happy memories indeed! For me and Linda, it was our first “public engagement” of a sort, so it brought back some happy times.

We decided that for our evening meal we would have Chinese. We both love Chinese food. Hunan Gourmet didn't disappoint. It was a very filling meal they served up. I wasn’t surprised to find out that portions do tend to last a few days for folks over here because there’s so bloody much of it! More interestingly, there’s no MSG in the food here, unlike dear old Blighty.

The evening was spent watching DVD’s. Linda had asked me to bring some over. Clever lady has a multi-regional DVD player so she can watch some of the finest things the UK has to offer (United, Phoenix Nights, that kind of thing!)

Thursday 21^st July –When Eddie met Gert and Jen     

Today was a day for the diary; it was a day when people who are close in Linda’s life got to meet me. It was special for both of us. Linda has, reading between the lines, waxed lyrical about me on a fair few occasions, and so it was important for her to show me off as it were: this person from England who means so much to her really does exist! It was special for me because it was great to meet a friend of hers and it was an important moment to meet her daughter Jennifer, the eldest.

It had been arranged to meet Gert at the Hunan Gourmet restaurant at 12.30. He was there a little before us and was there to greet us both on our arrival. I was impressed by the man. A kind friendly person with a very positive and vigorous handshake, his distinctive New York accent and love of the Yankees becoming apparent very early on to me. When I mentioned I had, on my first trip to the US of A, back in September 1989, had stayed in Bayside, Queens, he knew exactly where I was talking about.

One thing that was also evident was Gert’s love of music. Looking very good for someone who is nearly 60 years of age, his tales of seeing bands from the ‘60’s and at venues like Madison Square Gardens kept me good! He was interested to know about certain aspects of English life, which was good also.

In the evening, I met Jen. Initially, we met on “neutral ground” as it were, at her place of work, a hairdressing salon called Aurelio’s. The eyes of the salon were upon me! I was going to get the three month mop of hair (what’s left of it anyway!) cut into something bordering on a fashionable haircut. Her colleagues greeted me in a friendly manner; I guess it’s not everyday someone from England comes in! I was politely offered a drink of tea, which I turned down equally as politely, only to be met with the comment” you’re from England and you don’t drink tea??!!” (God bless stereotyping eh?) Anyhow, a glass of water sufficed.

Jennifer, to her credit, did a great job in cutting my hair. I was very pleased. Having had the same hairstyle for the thick end of 10 years and being challenged in the hair department, it was good to get something of a change. A new me you could say!!

Jennifer had suggested to her mum that we go to her place afterwards for a meal. It was nice of her to offer and even more gracious when she picked up the tab for the Chinese take away we had. The Americans sure know how to have good Chinese meals! It was delicious.

Afterwards, we chatted over a glass of wine. Jennifer, her mother and I got on very well and I found her friendly and interesting to talk to. What was evident was her love of music and film. She had a great DVD collection demonstrating her eclectic tastes, which is no bad thing (says he with God knows how many DVD’s) and her CD collection was equally as interesting. We listened to one CD in particular, from Robbie Robertson, he of The Band fame, collaboration with Native Americans, which was wonderfully mellow. One to add to the collection we thought!

Meeting Jen was good. She was friendly and open and made me feel welcome, which I liked. It was important for her mum for her and I to get along and we did. Everyone was on top form and it made for a very good, peaceful, fun and productive evening.

Friday 22^nd July- Retail Therapy Day and the Grand Unveiling of Linda’s Love nest!   

Courtesy of the exchange rate, the USA is a great place to go to shop. It’s been that way for a year or more now. My love of music is well documented, so stores such as Best Buy are a Godsend! Clothes, much to my pleasure and sometimes financial distress, are also a bit of a weakness also.

I had visited Best Buy last year. In the intervening months it had been nothing but a website to compare and contrast prices with those charged by my usual musical hang outs (HMV, Amazon etc). Now it was for real – game on!!

Best Buy didn’t disappoint- so much so, a second trip is almost definitely on the cards! I bought New Order’s new CD, the much heralded Coldplay CD and a Simply Red double CD containing all the hits, plus one or two rarities (a fantastic cover version of James Brown’s “I Know You Got Soul” warrants particular mention) Oh, and I nearly forgot- a Richard Pryor live comedy CD. A comedy CD is important, because last year, the purchase of the Robin Williams live CD was a life changing moment- that was so funny!

Clothes faired well also- a wonderful pink Tommy Hilfiger polo shirt and a pair of shorts were bought. You need shorts in this heat. My angel very graciously bought me a shirt – it’s a lovely fit. Linda treated herself to a new green corduroy jacket- it suited her well.

We topped up on the booze because in the evening we’d be having a kind of apartment warming/ English (!) evening chez Linda and Eddie. Linda had invited a few close friends round for drinks. Food was on offer also- Chinese takeaway! Quelle surprise!! We’d finished off the first round of left overs that we accrued on Wednesday for dinner and now it was a case of bring on the next main course! Golly, such grub! The left overs from our meal with Jen would be demolished later, trust me!

This little soiree had been talked about for quite some time. I had talked to a few of them on the telephone before when Linda had taken her mobile ‘phone with her when she’d been out with them on previous occasions. They were all friends of hers from when they were all colleagues at UMASS.

4.50pm we got a call from Joanne- she wondered if she’d be OK to come round as she wasn't sure if there was a set time. “I don't want to interrupt anything” she said. . .

“Of course not, “I said. “We did that this morning!”

Slowly but surely, the rest of the guests arrived, welcomed by yours truly and my angel. They were given a warm welcome and copious amounts of drinks and nibbles. Joanne, who I later discovered to be wonderfully eccentric, arrived first followed by Donna and her beau, Brian. A self confessed music buff, he really was a definitive young American, aged 32, quite handsome and funny.  I got on very well with Donna. The other couple there was Randy and Susan. Susan, quiet and demure, displayed a quite dry sense of humour.  Randy, was quiet but came into life when he held court telling jokes and doing Indian impressions (not as good as mine!)

All in all, everyone had a good time. Yes, we had Chinese again, and yes, it was bloody good! I enjoyed meeting everyone. It was good to meet people and share an evening with them and be part of Linda Rose’s social life, supporting her. I hope I gave a good impression of myself. It was a good way to round Friday night off. Linda and I were knackered at the end of the night but we thought “a job well done!”

Saturday 23^rd July- A Groovy Time was had By All!

Today, well, today was first and foremost, concert day. We had tickets for the Crosby Stills and Nash concert at Look Park. I had been looking forward to that immensely. I don’t go to concerts very often, the last one being at the M.E.N. in October of 2003 to see Simply Red, so to see a concert, an open air one, in the United States, is too good an opportunity to miss.

I wasn't overly familiar with CS&N’s work as, to me, being someone born in 1967, they’re a band who have a repertoire that includes songs that make you go “oh, that’s them is it?” I love listening to music from across the decades. I have done for ages now.  For instance, during the concert, the band played “Love The One You’re With”, a song that the late Luther Vandross had a hit with. Apparently, Stephen Stills wrote it. See what I mean?

Before we went to the concert, in the afternoon I met Linda’s sister Pat. She lived just round the corner from her. How would I describe Pat? Well, dear reader, she’s a feisty little character to say the least. She reminded me a little bit of Carla of “Cheers” when in a good mood.  Standing only 4ft11” tall, she was friendly but could talk!! She had a particular interest in the media, namely TV stations and radio stations. She was kind to me and it was good to meet Linda’s sister.

The more people I ingratiate myself with the better. That’s one of the purposes of this trip- last year was done under the cover of darkness, in a manner of speaking. This trip was about advertising to those nearest and dearest to LRAK that she does have a new man in her life and that the person she’s gone on about for all this time does exist in the form of yours truly.

Anyhow, on to the concert. Look Park was truly wonderful. It was a great place to have an open air concert. The atmosphere was very reminiscent of Gawsworth Hall pre show time. Picnics as far as the eye could see. Linda and my good self sampled Subways finest fare. I am proud to say it tasted just as good as the Subways in Manchester!!

 Size wise, the venue was quite small. It added to the uniqueness of the whole occasion.

There was only CS&N on the bill. True to form, they came on at 7.00pm, as advertised. I enjoyed the concert immensely. Linda loved it. She was in her element, having, occasionally, the odd trip down memory lane. It was wonderful to see that glorious wonderful smile of hers that night. It was like watching a group of musicians jamming and having a damn good time. The band was fantastic. Their enjoyment shone out. Their music was a fusion of jazz/blues, country and folk. They could play alright as well. Value for money was obtained (so it should for $65 a go!)  They were on from 7.00pm until 8.20pm then re emerged on stage at a quarter to nine and finished at ten to ten. We got ourselves a couple of t shirts, as you do at these kinds of events and a CD of work put out last year of Graham Nash and David Crosby. It was wonderful music I can tell you.

One thing I must mention about the whole event. The area where I am is, to a degree, a pretty liberal area. A very pro Democrat area. A concert put on by a band from the 60’s who showed, at times, that they still had fire in their bellies (a cry of “Fuck George Bush” springs to mind!) didn’t half bring out the hippies! It was fantastic! I lost count of all the beards, graying now it has to be said, that were proudly on display. A few greys and even the odd snow white pony tail were there as well. If they weren't seen there were the odd bald men with what’s left of his hair grey and in need of a hair cut. Truly a wonderful event! Tonight was an occasion for all the company directors and accountants and middle managers to let their hair down. It was a chance for them to relive their youth. My Linda Rose flashed that schoolgirl smile of hers a few times that night. All told it was a truly magical evening set in the warmth of Florence at a great venue listening to good music. Fantastic! We got home at around 10.30pm and rounded the evening off by watching Frasier on DVD. Perfect!

Sunday 24^th July- Match of the Day

Today was game day. We were to travel to Foxboro, a journey I eventually would discover of approximately 200 miles (round trip) to watch an exhibition game between Chelsea and A.C.Milan being played at the Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots, the reigning Superbowl Champions and New England Revolution, the Major League Soccer team for these parts. Now, as anyone who knows me well enough will tell you, there’s no way on this earth I’d support Chelsea, being the Red that I am. I became a Milan fan for the day.

A leisurely Sunday morning was perfect for the long drive down. Experiencing toll roads was new for me, so that was good. Linda managed the route superbly, guessing to perfection what time to set off so as we could arrive in good time in order to be settled for the 7.00pm kick off.

We arrived at around 5.00pm. What greeted me was something very American. People were parked up in the car park ($25 to park – rip off – shades of Mr. Glazer’s plans for the future methinks) on their beach chairs having food and slurping drinks; kids, to my pleasure, were playing football.  Nothing like Old Trafford this! I didn’t see an American version of Red Issue being sold at all.  Linda and I had a nose in the Pro Shop, their version of the Megastore. Except it was nothing like venue I’ve spent a few bob in down the years at United. They had a half decent selection of merchandise to sell, but, quite frankly, it was so small compared to United. Anyhow, we queued up to get in. By now, it was around 6.00pm. Again, we were faced with something that was a bit ridiculous. Separate entrances to queue up in for men and women. Very strange indeed! I couldn't understand the need for it. Linda and I were temporarily split up for what did seem like quite a while. I was sure glad to see her! She felt the same way also! With us reunited, and with programmes bought, I began taking pictures.

I have to say the Gillette Stadium is quite an impressive affair. My heart will always belong to Old Trafford- that is cast in stone. The facilities at the Gillette Stadium are tremendous; everything is taken into consideration. It’s a bit pricey I have to confess. As someone who is now supporting an American owned team, it does give me a little cause for concern.

Anyhow, enough of the political ramblings. The game finished 1-0 to Chelsea. Milan started off brightly enough, utilizing the gaps exposed in between the channels but weren't good enough to maintain some promise showed. An early goal in the 13^th minute was all that was needed.  Milan clearly demonstrated why they were 2 weeks behind Chelsea in terms of fitness. Milan managed one shot on goal in the whole 90 minutes. From an English point of view, Shaun Wright Philips didn't look out of place on the right side of midfield . . . surely a good sign with the World Cup being next year. One thing that did make me smile; how the people running the game managed to announce goal of the game 10 minutes from time I’ll never know!

We successfully negotiated our way out of the ground and made good time on the long return drive home. We were back at the Love nest for about 10.50pm. Having slipped into something comfortable (like the bed!) we decided we needed something entertaining-something to make us giggle. It was a unanimous decision- Robin Williams was needed! His concert on Broadway is a Linda and Eddie all time favourite. It did the trick; we ended the night smiling and slept soundly.

Monday 25^th July- Goofing Around!    

Well, today was our rest day. With all what’s gone on these last few days, we decided we'd have a lazy day today. The only thing we ventured out to do was go to the supermarket. We went to the Whole Foods Market. They stocked lots of good produce and we came back laden with goodies to keep us fed and watered for the rest of my time here and beyond probably!

It was good to have a rest and just spend quality time with my gorgeous one. 

Tuesday 26^th July- WRNX 100.9FM meets me!!

What a morning! My darling Linda and I got on the radio! We were guests of John Allen, the breakfast show host. The deal with Mr. Allen started last year.

Linda had told me that she listened to a D.J. whose voice sounded not too dissimilar to mine. When I was in the States last year, I heard him. She was right! It was a similar voice. Anyhow, on my first full day last year, I was listening to the show in bed with my angel (this would become a regular occurrence, listening to John Allen- sometimes, he’s really great to make love to also!) and heard that he had a little slot in his show called “Word In Your Ear”. The idea for this was he would give a phrase or word that is peculiar to us Brits and the natives would have to guess what it meant or its origin.

Well, I heard him that morning and I knew what the word was. Linda said it was ok for me to call. We had a good natter did Mr. Allen and I. To my surprise, he played our chat on the radio! How cool was that?! I now need to whiz forward to the present.

Some weeks ago, Linda called John vis a vis how Americans didn't truly understand how much importance is placed on sport, in particular football, in this country. My angel recounted the time she witnessed an Anti-Glazer protest march before the United A.C.Milan tie in February. She then happened to remind him about me speaking to him last year. Surprisingly, he remembered! Linda mentioned that I was over later that month. John was interested in getting together- all Brits together kind of thing.

Just before I came out here, Linda called me and put the ‘phone to the radio, so I could hear the word of the day. The premise was I call in the show and have a go for the word in your ear and arrange when we'd meet up. I, fortuitously, knew the word: it was “diddle”. The ensuing chat was great. John was a bit flummoxed as to how I heard the word considering my geographical location at the time- but hey, it made great radio!

Linda later told me how there was some chat over this call from England. I even warranted a mention in his Sports Chat with Scott Coen! What a laugh! Anyhow, it was agreed; I would be on the air on Tuesday 26^th July, after 9.00am.

Well, the great day arrived. The chat on air between John, Linda and myself went really well. We talked about my name and how I got it, the One foundation and generally put the world to rights. Linda came over really well. She spoke really well. She really is an articulate person.

 We chatted about how the English would say “goodbye” as a way of signing off. Ken Dodd also came in to the conversation; his picture was in an advert that was in a local paper. John got good mileage out of this both before and while we were on air.

After the show, the three of us went for a beer in downtown Northampton. We got on fabulously well, did Mr. Allen and myself. We reminisced about 70’s English comedians and all sorts of other good stuff. Music naturally came into the conversation. He used to book artistes for a club apparently before he became a D.J. He had met some stars and had one or two good tales to tell.

Linda and I reckoned we’d made a good friend in John Allen. We both plan to keep in touch with him. If a way can be found to contribute to the breakfast show on WRNX, 100.9FM , it will be found, believe you me! It’s a good station that plays good music.

To our surprise, a word we mentioned during the conversation in the bar became the following days’ “ Word In Your Ear” . That word was “Dinky”. It should have been mentioned that that day’s word in your ear came courtesy of Stella Artois and Guinness!

Later that day, Linda and I met her youngest daughter Jessica and her boyfriend Neil. Here’s a surprise- we went out for Chinese!   Would you believe it??!!

The chat was very friendly and relaxed. It was good to meet them both. They were kind and courteous to me. To me, Jessica is a kind and gentle soul who wouldn't hurt a fly.  Linda mentioned that Jess is very different to Jennifer. They are different, but in very positive ways.  She and Neil look like a lovely couple who are in love and generally deserve each other.

The restaurant was lovely, and the food was great. Yet again, there was too much!

After we got back home to the Love Nest, we decided we'd go for a walk. We needed to burn off the calories from that sumptuous feast. We had a lovely walk. We went round the block . Linda showed me where she and her family had lived before they moved up to Goshen. It was a lovely time, walking with my angel, holding hands. Very romantic you could say-and it was. It was peaceful just being with Linda, chatting quietly and listening to her reminisce about bygone days. It was lovely.

Wednesday 27^th July- Go Revs!

As we were going to watch the New England Revolution play in Foxboro today, we decided a lazy day was required.  

The game ended 1-1 with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Galaxy scored first, but the Revs equalized with a penalty. What struck me was that I enjoyed the game but could tell the differences between this level of football and the Premiership. Technically, there was still room for improvement.

However, what really struck me was the difference in presentation of the match compared to England. It was very different. Announcers reading out adverts during quiet moments during the game, the way the teams entered the pitch, having the national anthem sung before the game-we only hear “God Save The  Queen “ sung at a football match on F.A.Cup final day. I mentioned earlier I support a club owned by an American. I hope I haven't had a clear vision of the future. Some aspects of what I saw were cheesy, no doubt about it. Nonetheless, as a football fan, it was a great experience going to see two games in the US. I enjoyed the whole experience immensely.

Thursday 28^th July- One More Shopping List for The Road

Well, another lazy morning did us the world of good. Late morning saw us go to two stores Linda frequents on a regular basis. The supermarket visited was “Stop and Shop”. Again, this was another great store that allowed Linda and I to have a gentle stroll round, chatting about what was needed and doing what we set out to do-be a couple .

I watched a DVD of Linda’s; “The Best of The Honeymooners”. It was an old T.V. show she used to watch as a girl. It was funny and I enjoyed it.

Later in the afternoon, we went out again. This time we went to Barnes and Noble and Best Buy. A few goodies were bought for folks back home in England then we headed off back to the Love Nest. I love it the way Linda has embraced my family. I love her very much. She’s my girl and will be in this eclectic lot I call my family for the rest of her days, there’s no doubt about that!

Tonight would be just us two. Linda made a lovely evening meal of pork chops, boiled rice, mushrooms and spinach, while I slaved over a hot computer downloading music for her.

The meal was lovely and afterwards, we sat out on the porch( or, to be realistic, snuggled up next to each other) We chatted for a while . Merlin later joined us. It made me smile. It felt like I had my family with me. It was so lovely.

To round off this wonderful evening, we retired to bed and watched “The Ladykillers” on DVD. Now, as any student of Linda and Eddie will tell you, that film, the remake starring Tom Hanks not the original Ealing classic, was the film we saw on our first date. It has become “our” film. It brings back lovely memories of a wonderful Saturday spent at The Berkshire Mall. It was the first time we had seen the film together since that day. We both had seen it since. I went by myself to see it when it was released in England and subsequently on DVD. Linda had watched it on DVD also. We also felt like it was a night to have a drink. So, we did. 

 Although we were having a lovely romantic evening, there was one dirty big ugly dark cloud looming ominously overhead- the day I had to go home was nearly upon us. Tears had been shed as early as Wednesday. It’s understandable when you have a love like we have. Nevertheless, a common feature, when and wherever possible, is that we always will be positive. Our glass is always half full, not half empty. It wouldn't have gone unnoticed that plans for the next time were underway.  

Friday 29^th July- The Darkest Hour Had Arrived

Astonishingly, my last day had arrived. I couldn't comprehend it. Yet at the same time, a time spent doing so many wonderful things could, with hindsight, only go quick, so it was inevitable. It still sucked though. 

More tears were shed by both of us. I hugged her. Truly, it is a horrible feeling, this feeling of imminent separation from each other and only my worst enemy would I wish this on.  We had lovely Turkey breast sandwiches and salsa flavored crisps for lunch. 

I got all my stuff together. I managed to pack it all in somehow. I left behind a pair of boxer shorts that Linda loves to see me in. I know she’ll think of me when she wears them.

It was 2.00pm. Time to go. I hadn’t noticed where Merlin was. He was lying on the floor, asleep in the living room. I lay down and kissed him and told him I’d see him again. He truly is a wonderful cat and I love him dearly. I told Merly I’d see him again. No doubt about that.

Before we set off, I just had to take two more pictures. I took a picture of Linda stood outside 112 Pine Street. It has become home to me in the States, no question about it. It will always be home. Linda took one of me. We'd taken some good pictures during my time there; Linda and I individually with Merlin stick out in the memory in particular.

We got to the airport. After having checked in, we continued our chat about “the next time” that was started on the way to the airport. It was as positive as we could manage, all things considered.

More tears. More sadness. We hugged each other. Tightly. It’s hard to write this; all the emotions and feelings of emptiness and numbness come flooding back. I can feel it now. A numbness, a tingle of some sort. It’s like when a close relative dies tragically too soon. You feel lost and confused. That’s how it feels- like someone has died. The feelings I felt when Linda had to leave me last March for a night. I've always felt a bit of a loner. Outside looking in kind of thing. With Linda, I’m complete. She’s my soul mate, my pal, my lover all rolled into one. I said earlier this nonsense can’t go no much longer. It won’t .

We made plans for the end of the year. A lot of stuff has to happen before we can be together but that'll happen and we will be together again.

I love Linda so very much. Florence, Massachusetts is a great place. We will look into every opportunity of either me being with Linda in Florence or Linda being with me here in England. Whatever happens, Linda Rose’s next husband is writing this diary, a recounting of a wonderful 10 nights for an Englishman in Florence.