Ben

Serena’s circle in England

A couple of days ago we went to visit Serena’s boyfriend Tristan, his family and friend Ink.

Tristan lives in Cambridge with his family; father Tim, a former IT manager of the BBC, brother Theo, a student, and mother Lou, former teacher and now eco-activist. It’s a cozy place and does have that Weasley house feel that Serena described,

Ink is a brilliant and beautiful person from the south of Scotland. Ink doesn’t like their photo taken and the Lancasters seem to be very private people so their are no photos of them.

As soon as we arrived we were greeted with hospitality. Brenda was promptly given a gin and tonic and I an elderberry cordial.

One of the “Weasley house” features.

When we were picked up Tristan kindly gave us a tour of the Cambridge University, home to a loose confederation of colleges such as Trinity and St Johns.

King’s College Chapel under construction
Secret door to education guarded by goats
The “Round Church”, one of the oldest buildings in Cambridge
Actually a good place for a clock.
Gargoyles gargoyles gargoyles. The original version for that GNR song

Tristan’s mother Lou is a very principled woman and I’m proud of her acts for the good of everyone. Here’s an article telling of her conviction for civil disobedience merely to support a bill to provide insulation to economically dishttps://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/grantchester-teacher-who-brought-traffic-to-a-standstill-in-9319698/

We were greeted to a most excellent vegetarian meal. The roasted veggies, quinoa, bread, and fruit were quite good as well as the assortment of dessert. Their charming dog Beau greeted us with his scruffy voice and scruffier face from time to time. Ink and I discussed the finer points of fonts, Comic Sans and it’s right to exist. Theo was quite knowledgeable about US history and even its dark secrets. Tim seemed to know just about everything about everything.

After dinner I gave Tristan one of Serena’s memorials and it was quite moving for both of us. We were remembering Serena in a place of peace and I could not think of a better way on this day. He also has some of her ashes and will know the right thing to do as he knew her unlike I did. Our only regret was not having more time. Lancasters and Ink, we love you and you are family.

I wish I could tell Serena how wonderful her friends had been and how I could see how comfortable she would be in such a home.

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