I've had a long time to acclimatise to the USA, and I was wondering whether it would feel a bit strange to be back in the green-and-pleasant after being away so long.
In fact, it doesn't feel weird or awkward, it feels utterly, joyfully familiar.
I have shown my son the church where my grandparents were married, and the boathouse (see left) from which my great Uncle Will rowed for the city of Durham. This morning I popped in to say hello to Cuthbert and Bede - it's been a while. The weather is sublime - warm and sunny by day, cool and temperate by night.
I have met old friends and met in real life for the first time several contacts via social media with whom I have corresponded for some time, finding that friendship in real life frequently does follow on naturally from online correspondence, and proving once again that virtual can be absolutely real.
I have a splendid group for my Masterclasses this week - a dozen or so graduate and undergraduate students from literature, theology and classics, all bright and engaged, and a really varied mix of interests.
Later this week I shall give the Michael Vasey Memorial Lecture [Thursday, 7.00 pm, Leech Hall, St John's College, 3 South Bailey, Durham] and the first Ruth Etchells Lecture in Theology and Literature [Friday, 7.00 pm, Leech Hall, St John's College, 3 South Bailey, Durham] - both free and open to the public - do come along if you are free!
If you are in the North east and want to meet up for a chat, let me know!