meet sedona...

I'd like to interrupt our usual Monday morning 'four lovely women' post for an introduction.  We've already met St. Augustine, Aliso Viejo and Seattle so it's high time to meet Sedona.  Let's do this interview style...

You were born at home in Everton Terrace, Liverpool, England in 1946 to an Irish mother and an English father.  Describe how the effects of the war were visible in your neighborhoods…

"Some of the houses on the opposite side of our street were just ruins. The houses opposite our house which were bomb damaged had been cleared, it was just waste ground until 1959 when the rest of the rubble was cleared away and multi-story flats were built. Streets with houses missing on corners and in the middle of the block were commonplace. The River Mersey and miles of commercial docks were as much a target as London and were heavily bombed many times."

Then you went to live in Germany (where you met your future husband, who was an American) when you were 16, only 17 years after the war had ended.  What was that like for you?

"I enjoyed my time in Germany, however the winter I spent there was the coldest on record for most of Europe! We lived out in the country, I had my first ride on a toboggan! Celebrated Fasching with German teenagers and took ballroom dancing lessons."

From there, you went to live in the United States in 1964.  Tell us about how that happened.

"I came to work as a Nannie to two little girls. I saw an ad in the Liverpool Echo newspaper and I had an interview at a hotel. Reams of paperwork, interviews, medical, x-ray and a smallpox shot later I was on my way. At that time one’s sponsor had to provide financial proof of the ability to support the immigrant so that said immigrant would not become dependent upon the country for support."

What was the biggest culture shock you felt?

"Not so much a culture shock, as I had lived among Americans in Germany. I would have to say the economy at that time was so much better than in England, most people had cars and telephones. "  

What new foods did you like and dislike?

"The many different flavors of ice cream! Baskin Robbins was my introduction to something other than vanilla, chocolate and strawberry! I was amazed and spoilt for choice!  I didn’t like the side dishes which seemed to be common in most households. e.g. macaroni salad, coleslaw and potato salad. I most especially didn’t like anything made with mayonnaise!"

What food did you miss the most?

"At first I didn’t miss any foods, everything here was new and exciting.  I no longer eat red meat or pork but back then I came to miss the New Zealand roast leg of lamb and roast potatoes we had for Sunday dinner back home.  I missed English candy!  It wasn’t to be found anywhere here in Arizona. On our first trip to Wisconsin we found Bassett’s Licorice Allsorts, heaven!"

What things do remember being totally “American” when you arrived?

"Drive-in movies and drive-in restaurants, especially where the waitresses were on roller skates!"

When did you become an American citizen?

"December, 2002."

What do you like most about living in this country?

"That’s difficult to say. There are so many reasons I love this country. I feel protected and secure here."

What do you miss most about England?

"Another difficult one…I think I miss the Liverpool sense of humor, luckily my husband has a wonderful one."

You travel so much, where would you still like to visit?

"The Holy Land."

Miss Sedona usually wears either yellow or green.  She does not have a middle name.  She has a sweet tooth, likes to hunt for treasures, figure out puzzles and play games.  She is not fond of cooking, cinnamon, brownies, iced tea or country music.  She is my friend, my supporter, my cheerleader, my teacher and luckily for me - my mother.

My mother, Miss Sedona, is having surgery today, so please, if you could - keep her in your prayers. 
Thank You.