Florida Part1
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Part 1

My actual journey began on Tuesday the 30^th of January 2001.

Today I have to finish packing my bags, make sure I have money and passport and everything else I feel I need. This done, I had one suitcase and one leather hold all; these were to go in the hold of the plane. I am taking my briefcase to hold my essential reading and writing matter; it’s a long flight.

Phil has done a reading for me prior to leaving and he tells me I shall meet 3 women and a man. There shall be many revelations over the four weeks, many things to remember. I believe he is telling me to write things down. I have to remember why I am in Florida…I am driving for Mrs. M. I have to be myself and help all who are in need of help and would accept it. Not to get involved in others personal problems but to show empathy. To go with the flow and expect nothing, thereby receiving all that is meant to come to you. Be honest, truthful and above board but do not allow yourself to be abused because of your good nature. Well I have taken all this on board and we are about to leave for the home of my employer for a month Mrs. M.

John was at work so we had said our farewells before he left and Phil is driving me over to Mrs. M, where I shall be staying overnight. I would have met her at the airport but she wasn’t too keen on that so here we are. 18.55 the car pulled up at the lodge and out I got to open the gates and close them after. Up the winding drive to the front of the house where upon Phil, helped me carry the bags into the vestibule. I entered the inner door leading into the foyer to be met and welcomed by Sambo a huge black, soft; overweight Labrador who loves eating other people’s dinner.

But I digress; let me go back to our approach to the Hall.

The residence of Mrs. M.

How to put into words the beauty of this estate!

As you approach the perimeter of the estate the view you see is of a very large and impressive house completely surrounded by beech hedges, trimmed to perfection. The size of the estate is 180 acres plus. When approaching on the motorway it can be seen far in the distance. After leaving the main road and slowly meandering through the countryside leading up to the house the road takes a curve to the left and we have arrived at two enormous black wrought iron gates, but the sight of a cozy looking lodge or gate house, takes your thoughts away from these austere gates.

We enter and close the gates behind us. What I found was so peaceful that at this point all I could hear was silence, it swept over me like a warm comforting blanket and I knew this was to be a special journey for me. But in what context, is this leap of faith.

The drive turns and weaves up towards the main house, it is dusk and as we meander slowly forward we are aware of the many different bushes, plants, trees and a magnificent avenue of rhododendrons. The sound of gravel beneath our wheels is the only noise to disturb the air. There are no birds around, no rabbits scurrying through the grass, all is still. Excitement and expectations of what might be to come makes me tingle and the hair on the back of my neck has risen.

Approaching the house I begin to take on board all the expectations and questions that have been galloping around my mind since I first got in the car. Florida for the whole month of February should be wonderful but will we be able to put up with each other’s way of living. Time will tell Will we get on together, shall I have time to do my own thing, its one thing to be with someone four hours for two days a week and then find yourself miles from home for a month, especially when we have such different backgrounds.

The House is so beautiful in structure, design and history and the first thought that entered my head was this could be Camaley, what a wonderful monument to love, hope and continuity for the rest of its existence. Dream along with me.

We have pulled up in front of the main entrance and Phil helps me with the case and bag up the steps towards the huge doors. The doors are so heavy it takes a few pushes before it moves, this house has a will and character all of its own. It half screams to me “Who are you, what do you want, come inside speak to me ask me and then listen for I have much to tell you.

I have entered the vestibule after leaning on the heavy doors and accepting the invitation to come in. What greets me is another huge, heavy and impersonal wooden door but it had been open and closed for centuries and yet again this door opened with great reluctance. I have now stepped into a small rotunda; it would probably be where boots and clothing were left upon entering.

Eight sided with the two doors being directly opposite each other and four leaded windows allow in a great deal of light, it has a very comfortable feel to it. Within the room were seats, benches and if someone had come up to me with a shot of whiskey it would have seemed the right thing to do (in the olden days anyway, its too dear now) after following the hounds.

“Wipe your feet Beryl.”

I take a deep breath and open the next door that will take me directly into the Hall, this opens with ease and I feel the warmth leap to greet me as a welcoming sign. I stood there gob smacked. I have been in many beautiful homes, buildings and palaces even but what overwhelmed me about this house was its underlying depth from the long ago past of love, usually old houses have a spirit hanging around but here I found nothing untoward, just a lovely feeling of having ‘come home’ we shall see if I might have been a part of the history.

There was a feeling of the history and pride that had been cradled by each occupant that had been privileged to call it home. They not only admired it and its contents along with its history but they all also added their own individuality and feelings into this house and it stands out like an interwoven tapestry.

The house is alive with care, tradition and in a sense a feeling of being a manuscript that is continuous and still being written and waiting to be reopened and explored once again by the next generation.

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