153. Today I am grateful to be English

My last name, Johnson, is English so I also identify strongly with my English heritage. In 2001 my whole family travelled to Britain which was a really fun trip! Everyone flew to Glasgow except for me and my Dad; we flew to London and spent a few days there before taking the train up to Dumbarton. It was fun to see all the world famous sites such as Buckingham palace, the tower of London and the London Bridge.

However my favourite was driving through the countryside on our way to Binfield in Berkshire which is the village where my Johnson ancestors come from. It did seem like I was stepping back in time, especially when I went to the little Old Saints Church that my ancestors attended, where their babies were baptized, where they married and where a few are buried including my 3^rd and 4^th great grandparents. It’s one thing to see names, dates and places on a microfilm or a piece of paper but a whole new experience to stand where those events took place. I was also able to see the grave of my great grandfather who died during the first World War and where my grandpa's ashes were laid. I am especially grateful for these experiences. It was also wonderful to meet a great aunt and one of my Dad’s cousins.

What are some English things I love? I’ll say British candy again ....Jelly babies, galaxy chocolate, Mr. Kipling cakes ... sooooo good! I also love HP sauce and Yorkshire pudding; those are the “English items” I grew up with. I am also really excited for the London Olympics this summer!

During the hoopla of the recent royal wedding I thought it would be neat to trace my connection to the Queen. As far as I can tell, Queen Elizabeth is the 10^th cousin 12 times removed of the husband of my 1^stcousin 14 times removed. Therefore, there is no blood relation.

Britain's National anthem: God Save the Queen: