From Lance the Piper in North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina, USA

March 20th - May 15th 2011

I traveled via plane from my home in the rolling hills of Northumberland to the greenery of North Carolina.

I felt safe in the company of Kerry, Gideon, Jacob & Elliot, my companions to the States.

Once we arrived in their home, they kept me in a prominent place so that I can be a part of their daily routines.

Their busy life of home, school and work is accented by family games and visits with friends. During the day when everyone is out, I have had some quality time with their dog, Kes. She has told me of her birth place in Tanzania, and her formative years in England. I'm not the only world traveler!

SPRING TIME HAS ARRIVED

Over the last two months the weather has proved varied and, at times, scary. On April 16, several tornados came through the area, very close to our house. Many people were severely affected. We were very lucky to be safe in our home. With the arrival of spring, we have been entertained by the many sightings of our State bird, the cardinal, in our garden.

(Photo 1 & 2): Spring time also means baseball season. I was able to visit a local little league practice and see the kids in action. They even taught me the words to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

(Photo 3): I learned all about how far I had traveled on this cool map at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina. Look . . . I'm on the east coast of the United States.

(Photo 4): I worried that my next journey was going to be via space rocket, but luckily it will be in my cozy box through the mail. I'm on my way to Washington D.C. to spend time with the Harris Family.

(Photo 5): But not before I beat everyone at Yahtzee just to prove that I, Lance the Piper, can do more than just play a mean Northumbrian pipe.

P.S. Oops! I'm just trying to work out how to turn this photo the correct way round. Be patient with me!

Lance