Hayley’s Diary

Hi All,

Monday 24 November

This evening Amy and I returned to our sponsoring club, Blythe Bridge.  This was actually a meeting where Lynn was coming to promote GSE generally, and so we had the chance to come along with her and share with the club just how GSE impacted our life.  There will also be another opportunity for us to feed back on the trip as a whole and share a few of the funny stories from the trip too!  It was a really good chance to promote GSE, and we realised that as well as doing this with clubs who already are actively involved in GSE, we also need to spread the world further afield, and this maybe something that we can do via the Alumni Scheme, depending upon how this will operate.  As always, both us and our respective families were made to feel very welcome at the meeting, and a lovely evening was had by all.

Friday 21 November

Well, we all got back into our cowboy gear tonight, and I thikn that we found it a little hard to believe that only a week ago we were not at a Welcome Home party but at a Farewell Party in America!  I thought that whilst I was away one of the things that I had learnt was to speak infront of people with no prompts, and although I have improved greatly I’m not so good as I thought!  We had a great night, it was lovely to see everyone from England.  It was lovely for the team to meet up – we have been like separated siblings this week and all missing eachother!  Pete was naughty and bought gifts for the ladies but they were very much appreciated.  He’s too kind.  Everyone gave a great presentation and we were all really proud of eachother.  My parents came to the Welcome Home Rally too and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, so it was really nice for everyone to get involved.  I’m not sure if any tears were shed on this particular night, quite possibly but we were all still on such a high that hopefully we didn’t!  Next meeting – Monday 24th November at Blythe Bridge Rotary.

Monday 17 November

Well the fun bit is over now, I’ve caught up on my sleep and I’m all fired up for my return to work tomorrow!  I have had the most amazing time ever.  Experiences such as this really are once in a liftime and they are experiences that money can never buy, no matter how many hours you do at the office. 

I have had chance to earn my place on a team of smart and kind individuals and work with that team to produce and rehearse presentations on ourselves and where we come from for audiences 7000 miles from home.  I have had the opportunity to present to these audiences with their support and make fast friends, such friendships to last a lifetime.

Aside from the presentations, I have visited a part of the States that I would probably never have contemplated visiting before, and goodness I could have missed out.  I have seen some things I never even knew existed, experienced things I could only ever have dreamed of and experienced some things that I thought were not possible. 

In making all of the above happen I have met some of the kindest people I have ever met, and will ever have the privilege of meeting in my whole life.  So many people, too many to mention by name without missing someone out have spent collosal amounts of time in organising this trip for us on both sides of the Atlantic.  Whole families have welcomed us into their homes and looked after us as though we were part of their family.  Its really quite overwhelming.

And so now for the soppy bit – there really is no way of conveying our thanks enough to every person that has contributed to the GSE for us.  The hospitality, generosity, thoughtfulness and commitment is really incomparible but deserves a massive thank you.  I know that if any of my hosts read this my parents would like to thank you for looking after me (I hope they’re not reading this), but some they may never have the chance to meet and thank in person.  So there you go, that’s me.  Thank you, not just for a trip to America but for everything that came in the package. 

Back to work tomorrow.  Worst luck.  (just joking!)

Sunday 16 November

Slightly late, but safe and well we arrived back in Manchester this morning.  It was really nice to be greeted at the airport by Lynn and Ron and Barry and later by our families as we got closer to home.  We had a full English with oatcakes!  I thought I would go straight to sleep at home but I had so much to talk about I didn’t end up going to bed until 11pm!  I did have a little 1 hour nap though in the afternoon.  Sunday dinner too with lamb and mint sauce – lush Mum’s cooking.  I think I have so much to talk about I could talk the ears off of a rabbit right now!   After unpacking and showing of a vast array of gifts received and gifts to be given and items I found irresistable on my various shopping expeditions, I need to unpack my boring things now tomorrow.

Saturday 15 November

After a slightly weepy start to the day by some members of our team we embarked upon our final journey homeward bound.  Again many people made the trip to the airport which was really heartwarming, and although I am sure that we were all looking forward to seeing family and friends, we alsodidn’t want to say goodbye to our new friends.  It was a long day – check in at Wichita for the flight to Chicago at 8.30am, and then what was meant to be a a 5 hour wait at Chicago turned into a 7 hour wait as our plane had catering equipment problems.  This wasn’t so bad though as we had chance to work on our welcome home presentation and it was easier to sleep on the plane we were so tired.   

Friday 14 November

This was our last day in Wichita as we travel home tomorrow.  I started the day with Kurt Harper who is an attorney in a commercial firm here in Wichita and after talking a bit about business law and our jobs generally we went to see the Federal Court and met with Judge Hargreaves.  Next I spent some time with David Crockett who is also a business attorney and lecturer at Friends University.  After the final Rotary meeting and presentation I have pretty much packed all of my things ready to fly home tomorrow.  Tonight we had our farewell party which was incredibly well attended.  It was really nice to see so many people that we have met along the way and have one final get-together. 

Thursday 13 November

Another early start today and we went to one of the local hospitals in Wichita.  The first stop was the maternity department which was very plush and something that I know many people at home right now would have the benefit of recently.  We also visted the baby unit, wounds unit, accident and emergency and a special oxygen chamber.  At lunchtime we had a Rotary meeting where things all went well.  This afternoon I went to a seminar at Friends University to talk to a group of students about some of the differences between English and American Law, my academic/professional background and what its like to do my job.  Later this evening there was time for a little rest, time for shopping, time to start packing and out for Thai.

Wednesday 12 November

What a busy day we’ve had.  We started off at the Chamber of Commerce in WIchita, which was really interesting.  We learnt about the industrial history of Wichita and its surrounding areas as well as where the city is heading.  One of the most significant things I’ve noticed here is how little holiday Americans take, and how well protected we are in England with our various employee rights, such as holiday, maternity, paternity and general hours of work.  Very few people here work 9-5.  Rush-hour is over by 830!  We then had a Rotary Meeting and presentation at East WIchita at lunchtime, which went really well.  We are just beginning to perfect the presentation now and even have almost rehearsed answers to the questions as we are nearing the end of the trip.  After lunch was a visit to Cessna, which is one of the biggest private jet manufacturers in the world. No photo’s allowed for security reasons, but we saw planes from the basic framework to the plush jets, that we could only dream of for a few minutes.  This evening there was time to do a ‘little bit of’ shopping.  I’m not much of a shopper but there were some deals not to be missed, then we went for a lovely Chinese for tea, which was a lovely end to the day. 

Tuesday 11 November

This morning we started out at the Cherokee Museum at Arkansas City, which was really interesting and very informative.  We all travelled there in Jim’s camper van which was really cool – it extends outwards on the sides – its really like a little house on wheels.  For lunch we went to the ridge, where I tried the Kansas’ famous dish fried chicken steak, which is beef steak fired like kentucky fried chicken – unusual but actually very nice.  After quickly packing our things we travelled back to WIchita for the final stay of our trip.  I can’t believe how quickly the trip has gone!  We have a hectic few days ahead in WIchita now, so we’re on full cylinders for the final jaunt.  I’m just settling in with my new hosts Gil and Jan and they are just as lovely as everyone who we have stayed with. 

Monday 10 November

Today I spent time at my host families law firm in town, Herlockers.  Again with many of the things here, in principle things can be very similar but when you take a closer look, they become quite different.  We had lunch at a pizza restaurant and then this afternoon had a look around some of the shops in Winfield.  If anyone from work is reading this, don’t worry I now have some treats for the kitchen.    Tonight we have the Rotary meeting where we will also be presenting.

Sunday 9 November

Well there shouldn’t be too much to write about as I didn’t get up until about 11am today!  Must have needed it!  Job no 1 was a bit of fruit and yoghurt, then out for another jog whilst I have chance.  We then packed and had a lunch/brunch before leaving the bed and breakfast to meet our new host families in Winfield.  This afternoon we had a look around a couple of the shops in Winfield, settled ourselves in and after having a bit of a tour of the town, went for a cookout at one of the rotarian families, which was lovely set in extensive grounds with a lake.  The weather is still quite cool and windy over here, and word on the street is that we are expecting rain tomorrow!

Saturday 8 November

I had a lie in today til 7.45 am – waheey!  There was just enough time for a good breakfast before loading up at leaving Pratt for Winfield.  Today is our official rest day, although there is still lots of blog updating to do, journal updating, emails and calls.  Oh, and jogging – we must do some jogging.  I am also going to treat myself to some reflexology and a facial whilst I’m here.  We are at a lovely bed and breakfast for 24 hours near Winfield, then tomorrow, its back to the old routine…

Friday 7 November

I spent his morning with Jack at his office. We had the full tour of the building, and they have what I call a proper law library as well as online facilities.  It was really nice, and a bit like stepping back in time 20 years!  There was a pile of work to get done, – amendments to wills and trusts as well as a long time dispute and wind power contracts.  I took a look through one of these wind farm contract, and as you might expect they are very favourable toward the energy company. It was interesting to see as I’ve not come across one of these before.  We had some trust deeds to check up on at the deed office – all available for public inspection free of charge in hard copy format, no questions asked.  Later there was a little time for a bit of shopping, before all getting together for dinner again and then packing up ready for the road again tomorow.

Thursday 6 November

Another early start today – I really needed some exercise this morning after all that food last night so walked the dog wih Jack around the lake.  Next we were on our way to a ranch owned by Ted Turner – this ranch was about 43,000 acres (about 6-7miles x 9 miles in size).  It was almost like a nature reserve of some sort.  We saw the buffalo, prairie dogs, deer and pheasant, all on one ranch.  This afternoon we somehow missed where we were meant to be so came home early and managed to catch up on some sleep.  Janet had come back to the house and shouted for me twice – I didn’t hear as I was so fast asleep and she didn’t even know I was here!  Tonight was Rotary – again the presentation went well and we kept the group well entertained.

Wednesday 5 November

This morning we had a very brief court hearing on the way to meeting up at the Salt Museum, – no queus or waiting for the Judge – we were in and out within 10 minutes!  The Salt Museum was excellent, its a long way down and very dark but well worth the trip.  After we went for a lovely lunch at a place called the Carriage Cross, in an Amish settlement.  The food was delicious and we had to save some room for the famous pies here!  We had a look around some of the shops and then made the journey to Pratt.  I have now trained my self to sleep in the car and slept nearly all the way.  We had some time to settle in with our new hosts, Jack and Janet who have their own firm and a lovely home.  Tonight everyone gathered around Jack and Janets for dinner, we all had a great time. 

Tuesday 4 November

The day started off today with Trish at the local Council Meeting where members of the public are invited to raise various issues with the City Council.  There were various ‘Ordnance’ issues raised, I think similar to our Bye Law system, ranging from the ownership of a pot belly pig to smoking in public places, amongst many others!  We then went for lunch and after lunch took a look around the College (Uni) Sports Facilities, and the Teen Club, which keeps teenagers entertained after school.  We also looked at some of the jewels in a pawn shop, and Malcolm nearly bought the whole shop – he was loving it.  Tonight I am at an election party – this is really quite something and everyone here is so excited!  Lets see what happens….

Monday 3 November

Early on the road again this morning back to Wichita with Trish, who is also the Mayor at Hutchinson.  We attended the REAP (Regional Economic Area Planning) Meeting, which was interesting to see the various areas of concern and development in the area, and how various issues ranging from affordable air travel to nursing training to water use and  conservation can also be interrelated with the legislature.  Then we came back to Hutchinson for the Rotary Meeting which was a fairly large club, and as always in Rotary Meetings very welcoming.  This afternoon we went to Cosmosphere which is a massive display of Space artifacts including space suits, equipment, rockets, and even a rock from the moon.  There is so much to see you can’t possibly detail in here.  We also had a very brief lesson in the principles of Rocket Science (that sounds very clever!).  Afterwards, Trish to me to her “Chick Group”, which is an informal gathering of ladies who are friends and professionals where we chatted about various work issues, current affairs and general chatting, and again everyone was very welcoming and kind.  Tonight Jim kindly took me for a healthy salad and tour of the town – I need to eat a few more salads before I dare come back to England!

Sunday 2 November

Today was a slightly later start for us, as you’d probably guess, and fortunatley the clocks also went back too, so we had extra time to sleep!  We just had time to pack and get ready for our presentation, before we actuaally presented at the conference.  The presentation went really well, and we also had chance to meet the American Team who went to Argentina earlier in the year, which was very nice.  After the formalities  of the conference, we attended the Conference Banquet which was lovely, and then made the journey to Hutchinson, which seemed to be really late as we actually travelled in the dark rather than very early morning.  I met my new hosts Trisha and Jim who are great – Trisha is an attorney so this will be really exciting.  Then I’ve had a little time for journal writing before bed, ready for another early start tomorrow.

Saturday 1 November

Another early start today for the District 5690 Conference.  We managed to squeeze in anpther substantial breakfast, and then straight in to the conference.  There were a number of speakers before us when we went to present the “Great British Pub Quiz”, which went down a treat.  Everyone enjoyed this, and we had a number of participants with high scores, all of whom won prizes.  This afternoon we had some free time to explore Wichita a little and catch up on some sleep.  Later we went to Cowtown for the evenings entertainment Diamond W Wranglers which was great, and then into Wichita Downtown to explore what the city offers culturally by night…

Friday 31 October

We started the day off early today as we had a long journey over to Wichita for the District Conference .  Again, we were wel fed at the beginning of the day and went to the local cafe (Pups) for a big American style breakfast.  After a rather long and entertaining journey here, we checked in and got straight on to practisng our presentation for Saturday (quite a bit different from the usual).  There was just enough time for this before going over to Steve and Kitchell’s for supper, and a tour around the local neighbour hood on Halloween.  This was a real experience – people really go to town.  One street is closed off so that people can walk around safely and admire the decorations. We finished up the niight at the hotel bar for a small night cap which turned into an evening with Malcolm and Pete, the 1210 Karaoke Kings entertaining us till we couldn’t take any more!

Thursday 30 October

This morning started off with “breakfast burrito’s” for breakast, and then we popped over to Texas, before heading over to Autograph Rock.  Following this we went to  a lovely place for a traditional Oklahoma lunch  consisting of a stew, corn bread, fruit and green tomato pie(!) which was delicious and all home cooked.  We then went up to the Black Mesa, looked at dinosaur footprints and saw the old Santa Fe Trail.  We also went to the 3 state border and managed to straddle Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado all at the same time.  The weather was so hot and sunny and lovely today – in the mid 80’s – its hard to believe that 2 days ago I was wearing 2 coats and a scarf!   Tonight is another cookout with burgers and hotdogs.

Wednesday 29 October

The day started off with a hearty breakfast (well 2 actually, but that was by mistake) and we started off the morning at court.  The court here is very different from home, very much more relaxed and informal – a much less stressful of conducting litigation.  We then went to the local beef jerky factory – the jerky here is probably not what most people would associate with beef jerky, it was actually very nice.  Next stop was the Rotary Meeting at Boise City.  This was the smallest club so far with only about 18 people, and for the first time we had no computer problems whatsoever!  in the afternoon we went to the local hospital and met the well renowned Dr Wheeler – an 87 year old practicing doctor!  Later we had a look through a few of the local shops around town and the evening was spent at Terri’s house.

Tuesday 28 October

Today I thought I was swallowing razors – my throat was so so sore this morning when I woke up, so no exercise today! Then I went to the Grant County Bank and sat with the in house attorney’s there – we had a chat about the differences in our systems and the current economic crisis. Next was a quick trip to the post office, to send a rather heavy (and quite pricey!) package back to England – we are gathering so much stuff that I can’t carry it around everywhere. We then set off for Boise City, and met Terri from Boise part way at Hugoton. We even now have a trailer for luggage! We’ve now arrived in Boise – a real Cowboy town – I’ve seen real cowboys today, even wearing spurs! Mexican for tea tonight – better go now. Lots to do!

Monday 27 October

Well what a day – we have been so busy today. I tried to start off the day well by exercising first thing in Larry’s gym, and just carried on from there. We’ve been to a grain elevator and up to the top of the elevator (they hold about 5-6 million busshells of grain), Kroy, then the local care home, lunch at the citizens centre, then Colombia Carbon, BP, a the Santa Fe Dairy Farm and then around a few shop, most notably Russ’. After this we had a few minutes to get ready for the Rotary Meeting at Ulysses Club. After this I had packing to do, but fortunatley my hosts got to know me well and helped me along the way with a large glas of wine…

Sunday 26 October

Oh what a sad start to the day – there were a few welled eyes as we left Guymon. We soon recovered though when we arrived at Ulysses. Today has been so exciting. Larry, from my host family took a few of us up in his light aircraft – this was really quite something. I didn’t quite take to it though and came down a slight shade of green! I was so full from the meal last night so had a really light breakfast and lacking a bit in energy so my sugar levels fell – apparently in America this is called “bonking”, much to our amusement! Anyway I’m back to being round as an orange again for now after a lovely steak night over at Margarets. We also went to the wetlands here this afternoon and the local museum. Gosh it never ends!

Saturday 25 October

Today was just the funniest of days. We started off going to OPSU (Oklahoma Panhandle State University) Homecoming parade. We took part in the actual parade, visited the library, had a ride in a horse drawn cart, bbq for lunch, sati in the Presidents Box for the Home Coming Football Match against Bacone and my favourite part of the day, went horseriding, American style. We then went back home for a while, but there is never a dull moment at the Novaks and Hunter took us out in his MG for a tour around Guymon. I even got to see the (dead) rattle snake that brave Amy and Hunter wrestled to the grounf – thank goodness for our heroes! Later we all went out for a Mexican and then a few drinks after which was nice, and finally back to pack for tomorrows trip to Ulysses.

Friday 24 October

I can’t believe this but only a week ago I was running around like a headless chicken trying to get things organised for the trip! I hadn’t even packed, and now, a week in, I’ve realised just how much more stuff I can do with my time. Today started off with a long and well needed jog around Guymon and the Park, and we then went for our presentation at Guymon Rotary Club, which was lovely. This afternoon I’ve spent some time with District Judge Zigler – a District Judge here is entirely different to home. He is the most senior Judge resposnible for the whole of the Oklahoma “Panhandle”. We then went to a local prison, – both the old and new facility. This was amazing and something that would be near impossible to do at home other than visiting a client. Anyway, we’re off to one of the host families tomorrow and have a very busy schedule in store for tomorrow…

Thursday 23 October

Another fantastic day today, even though much of our day has been spent travelling in the big red fun bus from Newton to Guymon. We’ve managed to amuse ourselves on the way with various songs stories and games, and stopped off a few times – Joans cafe for coffee, Dodge City for lunch and then we went to see Dorothy’s House at Liberal. We finally landed in Guymon, Oklahoma and met our new host family, the Novaks who are just great, and were kind eneough to eben take us down to Texas too! 3 states in one day – who ever suggested that the United States of America was a big place!?!

Wednesday 22 October

Another wonderful day – after an early breakfast we headed out of town to Eisenhowers home town. We visted his home, the museum and went for a lovely lunch at the Kirby house. We had a look around one of the old Cow Towns and then came back to Newton’s Department for Economic Development and the Local Bank (First Bank), both of which were very interesting. Following this we went to the Warkentene House which was very interesting, and then a few of us took a look at some very different homes to be dazzled by the real estate available here, before a quick change and heading off out again for more food! Steak night tonight, – great night again and much enjoyed by everyone. We leave for Guymon tomorrow – there may well be a few tears, – the overwhelming generosity and kindness of everyone is really to much to convey on a blog.

Tuesday 21 October

Wow what a day. It has been so action packed. The day started iff at Harvey County Court, where it seems that almost everything is dealt with. We started taking a look at the County Attorney’s Office, then spent some time with a group that provided support to individuals. We went to a special facility designed for the interview of children during court proceedings, visited the court room itself and related offices. We talked with a voluntary organisation that supports children through court and finally chatted to a representative from the equivalent of our SSD. After a lovely Mexican lunch we went for a tour around Agco which employs some 1800 people from this area, and learnt about how combine harvesters are constructed. This evening we had our presentation for Newton Rotary Club, which was great, – this place and its people is wonderful. The day ended with a few mojito’s at our lovely hosts Frank and Kathy’s house.

Monday 20 October

Today has been our first presentation at Downtown Wichita Club. Other than a few minor technical glitches, (as to be expected) everything went brilliantly. It was a lovely meeting and following this we have all travelled to Newton. We have a great evening planned ahead of us, so I will need to update you on that much later. Everything and everyone here is so lovely, so laid back and so spaced out. Lets hope the rest of the trip will be as fabulous as it has been so far, which I’m sure it will be…

Sunday 19 October

Sunday morning was a little strange – I struggled to stay asleep (yes, very unusual) until 7.30, and started off the day with a quick gym work out. This was far more brief than planned – I hadn’t realised that in America treadmills are still in mph rather than kmph! I nearly flew off the end! We then had a quick presentation rehearsal and headed over to Steve and Kichell’s for a lovely brunch. Next was shopping for cowboy gear – boots, hat, belt, shirt – the whole shebang! We’re all now ready for this trip. Later that evening we all had dinner at Mac and Marion’s which was lovely.

Saturday 18 October

We arrived here safely on Saturday evening, first night at the Wichita Airport Hilton. We were greeted at the airport by Steve, Mac, Mark and Walter. The first evening at the hotel consisted of a few drinks in the bar, and lovely meal and a (very) early night!