Crispin & Cecile arrived to pick us up at 3pm. He said to look out for a green car so when a lovely green Jag arrived we thought it might be them. Crispin is Doug’s 2nd cousin (Doug’s Mum & Crispin’s father were cousins) & has always kept in touch initially with Doug’s Mum & then latterly with Doug’s sister Margaret. Doug doesn’t have any memory of ever meeting Crispin before, especially since Crispin went to live in New Zealand with his parents when he was 9 yrs old! Nevertheless that was all rectified today. Crispin’s wife Cecile is American & Chicago is her home town. They took us the scenic route north of Chicago to where they live in Winnetka. Despite the weather it was a lovely journey & we saw some beautiful beaches along the lakeside & some very interesting houses. Their own house is in a wonderful location—-we knew we had arrived by the Union Jack & French flag flying at their driveway entrance! From their window you look out onto woodland where deer & other wild life abound & yet they are very close to the lake.
We spent a lovely time with them, catching up on lives, stories & experiences. After a meal together (delightful pud) Crispin brought us back to our hotel but today we are meeting them again for more exploring & sharing.