Hi from Bruslaw

Hi Bruce and welcome to the site.

Welcome to POE, Bruce!  I love what I've seen so far of your photos.

Thanks to everyone for your kind words of welcome. I've noticed there are many US-based users on the site. Just out of interest - are you British emigrants mostly or simply "indigenous" Americans marvelling at the beauty of English countryside ;-)?

Bruce, I am an indigenous American of British ancestry who feels in my heart that I belong in the English countryside.  And yes, I love it!  I feel an affinity for everything about it - the natural beauty, the people, villages, history, food, traditions - you name it.  I've visited twice and can't wait to return someday.

Thank you for your reply, Barbara. Actually it sounds quite romantic :-). I peeked at your profile note where you elaborate on the subject, I particularly liked the mention about watching too much "Midsomer Murders" and "Miss Marple". That's exactly how I had always pictured England before I came to live here - stately and distinguished. With its young generation, England seems to be taking a whole new direction these days. Luckily, the wonders of its countryside seem to be less prone to change and I suppose on the whole the authorities do a good job of preserving them for posterity.

Yes, Bruce, it does sound quite romantic, and that's the way I prefer to think of it.  It's my form of escape from the ugly realities in the modern world.  Thank goodness there is and has been such a great effort to preserve and maintain those beautiful, stately and distinguished bits of Britain that we love.  I will continue to enjoy it for as long as it exists.

Hi Bruce. Welcome to POE from me too. Hope you enjoy the site. I also have a family history in England, in fact my maiden name is England. I feel more at home there than I do in the states even though I was born in the states.