11C fog, visibility about 1 city block. No airplanes this morning!
Finally sold my old car ramps yesterday. Yard cleanup after we got home.

John and his father found a spot in one corner of the upper deck and bundled up in a couple of blankets exhilarated on the sight of the waves and the blowing spray. When they finally grew cold they checked on their women folk then headed to one of the lounges and were soon enjoying some treats and juice brought to them by a steward. They were the only passengers in the room.

  After some eight hours, they passed into calmer waters and the ship resumed its cruising speed.

  In total the Atlantic crossing took five and a half days and they arrived in Southampton just after midnight. They had been told earlier on the last day that they would be able to stay on board through the night but would be awakened at six am for an early departure.

 Chapter 5.

  The next morning, true to what they had been told, stewards were knocking on doors and arousing the passengers at six. The family quickly dressed, stuffing their night clothes into their few bags and were on the gangway by six thirty.  The rest of their luggage had been unloaded during the night and was waiting for them in a collection area. After gathering everything together they cleared through the immigration authorities and by shortly after seven found themselves on the street in a drizzling rain.

  A few taxis had arrived early and they were forced to hire two of them in order to accommodate everyone and the luggage. They went directly to the train station at Southampton Central only to find that the first train to London wouldn’t leave until two in the afternoon.

  Doctor Pearce, ever optimistic, said; “Never mind children, we will find a nice restaurant and have a large breakfast to tide us over and fill in the time.”

  They first purchased their tickets and checked their luggage then walked about a block to a small restaurant that the ticketing agent had advised them of.

  Rationing was still very much in effect and their dreams of a sumptuous breakfast were quickly dispelled. They did manage to have three eggs scrambled together into a cheese less omelet and served sparingly on six pieces of toasted bread. They all had tea but no milk or sugar. The waitress asked where they were from and on learning of their journey and that they were waiting for the train prevailed on the manager, who turned out to be her husband, to let them dawdle. They passed a couple of hours sipping tea and telling the manager and his waitress wife of their Canadian life and adventures. Once the waitress got up, disappeared into the kitchen and came back with a tin full of fresh cookies.

About half past ten the two senior Pearces looked at each other and nodded, “Come children,” Mrs. Pearce said. “We mustn’t overstay our welcome, say goodbye now and we will go back to the station.”

  With noon time approaching they were not strongly urged to stay longer and after the thankyous and goodbyes were said, they walked the block back to the railroad station. Once there Mrs. Pearce and Jean left the others and went looking for a grocer. “We’ll come back with something nice for a luncheon and we can have sort of a picnic while we wait.”

  It was a full hour before the two arrived back, Jean was carrying a small bag. When noon arrived their picnic luncheon consisted of a small loaf of dark bread, a tin of bully beef and four shriveled apples. “I’m sorry,” Mrs. Pearce said, “but this is all we could get without food stamps, so quiet please. Husband, if you will.” She lowered her head as did the children while Doctor Pearce gave the blessing.