SEPT 23. I almost passed writing tonight. I worked a lot today, Sunday, on my computer trying to make other deadlines, write letters, designing an ad, etc. but I didn't feel up to adding to this page after all that. So I thought I would write another time. However, on TV here tonight, two movies were pre-empted to instead broadcast the 'tribute to heroes' from a previously aired 'telethon' given by entertainers in the U,S. It started here at about 10:30pm. I wanted to watch it, even though I have to go work at the shop tomorrow by 8 am. As I watched the opening number sung by Bruce Springsteen, I began to think that I would like to stay up and watch the entire show, no matter how late. I miss seeing American entertainers, although the reason for this special production to raise money for the families who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, is not how I wish to view my favorite singers. I was moved by Enrique Inglesia's song about love and being a hero. (Forgive my spelling of his name, and I am hopeful that is who I believe it to be) but when I heard Neil Young sing John Lennon's "Imagine" I felt the tears well up in my eyes, my stomach began to tremble, I was so moved by the words and the melody. It was after hearing this song, the tears rolling down my cheeks, that I got up, turned my computer back on, and although after 11pm my time here, I had to sit down and write my thoughts on this page. We are a strong country, unlike any other in the world, one of independence, leadership, brotherhood and ingenuity. We are not a perfect nation, we have many, many problems, as a huge land with so many diverse cultures, religions and languages. But we are the land of opportunity, and the United States have been the strong broad shoulder for so many peoples and lands. I love America, I miss America and I feel for my fellow Americans. Hold strong, justice will prevail, and we will not back down.

SEPT. 21 Tolerance. I'd like to stress in these very uncertain and worrisome days, that each one of us should show tolerance to our many-cultural neighbors. We in America are accustomed to living side-by-side people of various ethnic backgrounds, and religions, however in tense times irrational behavior can sometimes take control and cloud our judgements. What I mean is, although it is believed that Muslim fanatics have done these terrible acts against the U.S. let us not wipe all of the Muslims with the same brush. I heard on the radio when driving to Cheltenham last week, a female broadcaster saying that if Christian fanatics had (alledgedly) committed these horrific acts, would we then accuse all Christians of being terriorists? In times of 'war' people learn to come together, rely strongly on their fellow neighbor, and many barriers are broken through. I mean some of us don't even talk to our neighbors, or know their names. This is when we need to embrace one another, and offer support and comfort. It is not a time to blazenly attack out without knowing the real culprits who are guilty. Remember during WWII when all the Japanese US citizens were rounded up and put into concentration camps. These were mainly law abiding, tax paying citizens with families, businesses and jobs. Such actions have been proven WRONG, although the effect that these actions have left can be felt to this day. Let's be sure we know who committed these acts, and go after them, and not those that 'resemble' them, or resemble who we are now guessing were behind these acts. I'd hate to see us get to the point of 'act first, ask questions later.'

SEPT. 17 More serious thoughts. I know that what is going on in the US is very intense and emotions are running high. I would hope though that no action takes place in haste. My brother-in-law, Tod Seitz, has been called up. He is in the Coast Guard. As you might have noticed, the helicopter photos that were in many newspapers, at least here in the UK, of the ruin once known as the World Trade Towers, were taken from a Coast Guard helicopter. Coast Guards are the ones that protect the US shores. I pray for the many who will be called up in defense of America. I also pray for the many people employed by the airline industry as that industry will particularly suffer from this disaster. My own father worked for American Airlines for nearly 35 years. AA provided my family our income and we received many benefits as an American Airline family. I personally felt very sad to know of the hijackings of our US airlines. Again, my deepfelt sympathy goes out to those who have had lives lost near to them. To my readers, know that my thoughts are with all my American friends.

SEPT. 12 THE ATTACK on the US. Yesterday, as I was just about to leave my job at the village shop at 2pm London time, the last customer I served asked me if I heard about the plane that crashed into the World Trade Tower. Of course I thought he was joking. I rode my bike home and got a mobile call from my friend Ray in London telling me details. On the television, coverage went on for hours on all stations. I felt deeply hurt, troubled, dazed, and helpless. My father worked for American Airlines for 35 years, and our family has a close tie with the Airline industry. The news that AA was one of the airlines targeted, also hit close to me. After a few hours, I rode my bike into Andover to get some milk, and something for my dinner. The town seemed very empty, few people on the streets or cars parked in the lots. I had a blank look to my face, as if all the expression was lost, I could feel my expression from the inside. No one would know I was American from my look, but I wanted to be known that I was affected. Upon my return home, I had to put on a video tape Guy sent me of a favorite tv show to blot out the constant news of the situation. I had a cosmopolitan cocktail (vodka) and prepared my simple meal of spicy chicken wings. For awhile I was able to forget the pain, but then I had received several calls from friends and relations here in England, wondering how I was, how I felt.

Today, it is apparent that we are living in a totally different world than we perceived. My thoughts go to the months ago when the US spy plane was made to land in China. The outrage the US felt towards the Chinese was overwhelming. I personally felt was unjustified. I am half Chinese, and the Chinese are not the enemy! The Chinese people have for centuries been attacked, pilfered, raped, and penetrated by the western world as well as by the Japanese, to their south. Can we now see, that having the nuclear bomb doesn't mean that the country who has it is a threat to the US? From yesterday's attack, terrorists can use our own airplanes, laden with jet fuel as self-piloted bombs, causing mass destruction and havoc. How can these madmen be stopped? How can we even target who is responsible? The mightiest military country in the world, the US, is vulnerable. Think about it. We all are vulnerable to these suicidal maniacs.

SEPT. 9 Train through Hampshire. Today is bright and sunny, although very breezy. I woke up feeling sort of sick, with a sore throat and a cough. Nothing serious though. But the thought had crossed my mine to cancel my plans today. But I can't, have to do get this done.
Car Repairs. This morning I drove my car to Christchurch in Dorset the home of Mom's cousin David. He has offered to get my car tested (the road worthiness test is called a MOT) and whatever doesn't pass, has to be repaired in order for one to be able to obtain a road license. What often happens here in the UK is that older cars often have more to repair on them than the car is worth, so people just dump their old cars on the side of the road, or park them and don't drive. Therefore there are many older cars for sale, for very low prices. (Just take them off our hands!) My car is older, a 1989, and I will soon find out what amount of money it will take to fix it so it will pass the test allowing me to obtain road tags.
The drive to David's takes about an hour. David then shuttled me to the Christchurch train station, to catch the 10:02 train to Andover arriving at 12:10 pm. Did I mention that I brought my fold-up bicycle with me? Bicycles go free of charge on the train however it is recommended you reserve space for the bike beforehand.
The train went through the New Forest area of Hampshire. There amidst the bracken and heather were wild New Forest ponies and cattle. We then continueto Southampton Central then to Southampton Airport, all the way to Basingstoke, which is where I got out to change trains. After a 20 minute wait, a change of platform lifting my bicycle up a flight of stairs, I had a short wait for the next train. When I boarded again, I only had to stay on for one stop, which is Andover. I then disembarked with bicycle in tow and rode through the Andover town center where I stopped to pick up something for my lunch at the grocery store.
David had lent me the first Harry Potter book, which I needed to read as the movie is coming out soon and I'd like to see it. I now have borrowed book two and will read that after (or between) the book I am currently reading which is Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah, a book my Mother just gave me. This book is very interesting but heart-wrenching. It's a true story of a Chinese girl who was unloved by her family. I'm afraid it has given me some restless sleep.
Some Price Comparisons. Oh, I have to tell you that I have found some Reese's peanut butter cups at the shop, however, they cost .47pence which is about 70cents (U.S.) for the two cup pack! I love these, but the prices here!! I wanted to buy a small chicken, price at the market starts at £3.00 ($4.50) without it being cooked. That is for a small chicken, not one that could feed a family. A package of 4 toilet rolls costs about $2.80, a nice ice cream on a stick costs about $1.50, a 500ml bottle (individual) of Coke costs on average $1.15., a McDonald's Quarter pounder meal with medium fries and medium (not filled to the top, no free refill) Coke costs $4.50.A loaf of sliced bread costs about 75 cents, but you can get cheaper and more expensive bread. There doesn't seem to be any albacore tuna cans (Bumble bee or Starkist in the US), just chunk light tuna. From this list you can sort of tell what stuff I buy (no, I'm not into organic) although what I'd like to buy (steak, fish, or even a chicken) is sort of off limits for me. My budget is very meager, specially when gas for the car is about $5 a gallon. I'm not complaining, well a tad maybe, but this is the cost of living here.

SEPT. 2 Pancakes. What does one do to make themselves feel better when they are feeling a bit of a cold coming on in their throat, and they are 6000 miles (or more) away from home? They make themselves a good 'ole American pancake breakfast. Well, so says Georgia. I had bought some Bisquick mix from the shops and some Canadian maple syrup (hello friends to the north!) in anticipation of one day savouring a tasty pancake meal. But haven't done anything about it until this morning. Yum, just had my two pancakes and one of Judith and Alan's wonderful free range eggs, (Judith - what do you feed those chickens!) and I'm listening to the The Carpenters Greatest Hits. Later today I will child mind for the Palmer's daughter Helen, who wants to see a movie and perhaps go bowling. Afterwards, I will collect my mother at the train station as she is returning from a visit with her cousins in Bournemouth, and seeing her uncle Sidney who is in his 90s. We'll probably go to a pub for dinner and I'll hear all about her visit. Meanwhile, after I finish a few of my computer duties, I will bike to the shop to get more throat lozenges.

AUGUST 31. Summer over? What gives? I'm having to turn the heater on! It has been cold at night the last couple of nights, but Wednesday, when Mother and I went to London, it was a sunny day, not hot, but warm enough. Today it is windy, grey and guess what, it's feeling like summer is over and fall is here! Not Fair! We have only had a few days scattered far and few between of hot weather. I guess that was summer. And to top things off, I'm getting a cold, sore throat, with that running nose starting. Too much rushing about, not taking my vitamins, stressing over many things that I should not be letting get to me, hey, a formula for a cold! Okay, enough of my woes, to my friend Judith, let's all pray Zahera gets better. SJudith writes that Zahera is ill with liver damage and although doing better, I hope with everyone's positive thoughts, she'll come round to her normal self. Before you know it, September is here.

AUGUST 28. London next. My mother and I will go to London on Wednesday so she can attend a post card show. I will help her look for her favorite collectible cards, then I plan to escape for a couple hours, to go to Chinatown, and also do a bit of looking around. I work two part time jobs to afford me food and rent, therefore my available time is limited to working on my website and planning for the Convention. I am this week taking Mom to her functions and visiting our relatives, as well as preparing articles for publications.

AUGUST 27. After Towerlands. Saturday was a terribly hot and humid day and on Sunday it rained at the show. Although I watched most of the classes on Sunday, my main interest was not in individuals so much as the whole atmosphere of the show, the way horses were shown, the audience reaction and looking out for the Crabbet horses. There are a lot of Russian Arabians, several American imports and many Egyptian or Polish. One thing I noticed is that many horses could use longer necks. However, overall the halter horses are not as long in the body as many of our American Arabs. I had phtographed several horses of Crabbet lines that I noticed in the halter arena. And yes, some were being shown in Halter! However in the ridden classes is where Crabbet horses definitely dominate. The Overall Ridden Champion of the Show is Vikta, a 1994 chestnut gelding by Kasadi x Sophy, owned by Ms. Chadwick. PSA Silvern Risalm (Silvern Sceptre x Rislina), also aged 7, owned by T. McCarthy, was selected the Reserve Ridden Champion.

Pictured left is Astrologer, a 1998 chestnut gelding by Ibn Aboud x Aureme (a Ben Rabba granddaughter) owned and pictured here by Mrs. Jacki Givens and her daughter Ms. Ing. Note the natural clean throatlach, the short back, good shoulder angle, the shapely neck with good length. Now I saw stallions in the show that were not as correct as this gelding. In fact, they should be geldings, not stallions!

Pictured right is the 5 year old dapple-grey gelding Tawoos (Narim x Queens Topaz) owned by Ms. Sue Hancock and bred by Al Waha Arabians, a breeder I visited and wrote an article on last summer. This gelding is tall, and correct and very attractive. Note the style he possesses and his Arabian characteristics. Then I photographed the gelding Bluebell Sylvan Sonnet, a 17 yr old grey owned by Ms. Johansson-Massey, pictured left. He was 2nd place last year at Towerlands in the Ridden class and has been a British National Champion in hand and under saddle (I am told) by Ms. Julie Manhall, his handler. Of course, this horse has been ridden for many years, and is showing his age somewhat, however, look at that shoulder, and the neck placement to his shoulder. Notice how he can hold his head high and alert, naturally, and there is NO bulge on the front of his neck! Can you see yourself posed aboard this noble steed, dressed in Bedouin attire, holding your lance, the hot desert wind blowing across your face, your water sachel strapped over your shoulder, as you both look across the desert awaiting that signal to charge into that enemy camp??!!

AUGUST 23. Preparing for Mom's arrival. Friday evening my Mother is due to arrive here for a week to 10 day visit. I will be busy entertaining her. Also I plan to attend the Towerlands International Arabian Show on the 25-26. Last weekend I went to visit a horse breeder and I attended a social function given by my landlords. I will have more details of the breeder visit but for now it has to wait. I have completed the article on Combe Farm Open Day and Sale but first it must be sent to Combe Farm for a read then I will post online. This should happen by 31st because it is also to be submitted to Arabian Link magazine. This magazine, is a monthly magazine here in Great Britain that I have submitted several articles to, and their August edition has my latest article. Meanwhile the good news is that I have been contacted by Hampshire magazine (see July 11 below) that the article I sent about Crabbet will come out in their October issue. I do hope so, will let you know. On Friday morning I have been invited by a local lady to go horse riding with her two geriatric horses. Will look forward to riding her huge horse, it is part Cleveland Bay. Should be interesting.... Will see how it goes.

AUGUST 15. A visit to Wales. On August 11-12, I was the guest of Alan and Judith Stirling of Llanbister, Wales. Now last summer I had traveled into Wales and enjoyed it very much, as it is a beautiful part of Great Britain.
Judith is an endurance rider and her husband Alan, does what every horse woman wants - fixes fences, carrys saddles, builds stables, grooms AND rides with her, and get this, he is a marvelous cook too! Are we all turning green or what? The Stirling's have 7 horses - 2 mares, the rest geldings. Zahera is a high percentage Crabbet mare by Midnight Gold x Silver Fawn (Darjeel x Indira), who I had the pleasure to ride on Sunday. On Saturday I rode Alan's favorite, Rufus, an Arab/Saddlebred cross gelding. Judith primarily competes on "Jet" a purebred Arab gelding of Egyptian/Crabbet and some American bloodlines. At their 18 acre "Cabalfa" property they offer overnight stays for travelers with horses. They have rubber matted stabling for your horses and a very modern, comfy mobile home for human guests! But it is their beautiful countryside of open heather-covered hills that are the real treat for any equestrian with miles of open trails offering vast views of yonder hills. Topped off with Alan and Judith's cheerful down-to-earth nature, it is no wonder that their guestbook entries state many a 'return visit' planned. I know I will be returning as I had a marvelous time, although next time I'd like to stay longer!

AUGUST 10. What I Miss of the US. This list is rather brief and seems to mainly consist of food (!), but just to let you know how ridiculous I can be, here goes: fritos, cheez-its, rotisserie chicken, cocktails out at the restaurant (most pubs don't serve cocktails), good lasagna, pizza with mozarella cheese, freshly made chocolate chip cookies, Wendie's (restaurant) salads and cup holders in cars. I also miss my husband a whole bunch, my horses, my dog and my rabbit. I miss our Washington (state) sunsets, and American music! There is a lot of disco-beat, techno music here and it is really annoying. I miss country music, luckily I have some cassette tapes. There are a lot of things though that I enjoy and am thankful for. I will put that in a future cheer-ethoughts.

AUGUST 7. I have been trying to work on multiple things lately. After my trip into Devon over the past weekend, I came back with many photos I took of the Combe Farm open house which I will have digitized for web in between making phone calls on behalf of my assignments for the Crabbet convention committee, working on two freelance articles, making arrangements for excursions next month when my girlfriend arrives for a two week visit, also I have two part-time jobs requiring my time and I have been working on projects for my relatives. And time is flying by! Work is progressing, it just may not be obvious. Have been getting much more attention and praise of this website - glad to know people are enjoying having a visit here!

JULY 27 Well I have been remiss in adding to this page. I've had a stressful week. The good side is that the weather has started to turn into SUMMER, hurrah! Mid 80's today! And with the sun and warmth, attitudes tend to brighten up and that includes mine. What's happening is that our July 28 Crabbet convention meeting has been postponed until Sept. 1. There is a lot that we are all responsible for doing so let's hope that the 4th meeting will have a significant progress report. I havebeen told about a wonderful article written by Betty Finke titled "What Price Preservation?" on the Arab Horse World website. I will reproduce the article here as I think it is very relevent. Betty said that the article was sparked by her recent article in the Crabbet Influence. Today's bad news was that there will be another cull of 4000 sheep due to possible foot & mouth disease. Sad to report. However, I have been invited into Wales for a horsey weekend riding and visiting, with luck I will go there August 11 and take photos. Tomorrow I plan to visit Corfe Castle with my cousin Lucy down on the Dorset coast.

JULY 16 Update there are 4 cygnets! They must have been dining elsewhere for the weekend. I am much happier now. Also I rode Flaunden again today, on my own. We did very well, trotted and cantered through the farmland here in Hampshire and some on the village roads. It was sunny and warm today, however, rain is predicted to move in tonight and for several days so I made the most of it.

JULY 15 I spent Thursday morning riding my bike a lot. Georgina H. and I went for a two hour horse ride. I rode her horse Flaunden who is pretty easy going while she rode her friend's very tall Thoroughbred. I'd say he is about 17 hands. I will be able to ride Flaunden more often, if the weather ever gets warmer and drier. I spent Friday with Helen and that evening I took her to see Bridget Jones Diary, which she thoroughly enjoyed. I've seen it 3 times now and I still enjoy it. We also went bowling, her first time, and my first time in about 10 years! I didn't do too badly, and either did Helen. She quite enjoyed herself. Saturday I spent the whole day with my mother's cousin David and his family. David and his son worked on my car, giving it an oil change, and fixing a few things here and there on it to keep it running safely for me. I got home about 10:30 pm and spent Sunday mainly at home, although I did ride my bike to the monthly Farmers market in Andover. Then I worked on the computer and did some reading. Outside, there are only 2 cygnets remaining with the swan parents, from the eight they started with. We suppose a fox has been coming round.

JULY 11 I am very excited for two reasons. I had been asked to write a brief article for The Hampshire magazine about the Crabbet Convention. This magazine is a monthly glossy 40 year old publication read in 62 countries. My English grandmother used to contribute articles for it. The editor called me today after receiving my article to say he likes it, wants me to submit the original photos to be published! A family tradition continued. I have hopes to contribute more. The second bit of excitement is that I am finally going horse riding tomorrow Thursday with a girl in the village. No it is not on an Arabian but I certainly wish to have an opportunity to ride here and so tomorrow should be the day. Georgina has a 13 year old Thoroughbred-Welsh cross, 15.2 hands and she has borrowed a horse for me to ride, however, she will be away for a week or two and gave me permission to ride her horse while she is away. Let's hope I remember how to stay on!

JULY 7 I am child minding 12 year old Helen for my landlords. Helen and I spent today together and half of Friday too. However, last night we went to Salisbury to see Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie, her choice. We walked around the city, watched the movie (which I liked) and then we ate at McDonalds. Today her parents went to Wimbledon to view center court action so she and I rode our bikes into Andover to buy my paper and pick movies to rent. My choice was Mulan, she choose a Mummy movie. After we got back on the bikes, I drove her to Finckley Down animal park in Andover where children can pet farm animals. She loves rabbits but we missed the time for petting them so I with my knowledge of rabbit handling, picked one up so she could pet it. We then went to the pet shop to look at more animals and back home to eat a late lunch. I helped her with her English lesson as she came from Kiev in Ukraine. Then we watched the mummy movie, which she said wasn't interesting, so after 1/2 hour we changed it for Mulan. She very much liked Mulan and laughed at much of it. Then after movie watching we went outside and Helen spent time in the river trying to catch fish, and netting some very tiny rock dwelling fish. Thank you Helen, you are a very charming and bright girl and I enjoyed our time together. (P.S. I purposely am not showing her face, surname.)

JULY 4th Today I will experience being in England rather than the US on a holiday with a strong meaning to all Americans. It's funny how one doesn't think how important Independence Day is until one is NOT in America to celebrate with Americans. Suddenly I feel like I want a BBQ with fellow America friends, but they are all in the states! So all of you who are my friends, enjoy your day, think of me because I'm thinking (and missing) you.