Hi Everybody & Joni - my impatient reader.
Between you and Greg you will make a blogger out of me yet!
Saturday we had a quiet day. "We chilled out" as Greg says. We looked at some videos that we took at Tintern Abbey and were pleasantly surprised to find the old Monk in the clouds. I hope you all enjoy him as much as we do. Greg made us his famous Burritos so we had another sample of his fine dinning entrés. We also had a nice online visit with some of the family back home.
Sunday was a birthday get together for Samantha's sister Nicole and her husband Steven (two birds with one stone, I mean cake. I don't know who was more nervous, me or Sam. She was afraid that I wouldn't like her family and I was afraid they wouldn't like me. Silly women! The party started at Nicole & Steves lovely home when I met Brian, Liz, Owen, Daniel, Grace and of course Nikki and Steve. They are such charming delightful people and they love to joke and laugh. I loved them from the first moment that I met them and they made me feel very special.
We moved on to a nice restaurant styled pub that was inside a big brick house so it felt quite homey. I had roast beef with a yorkshire pudding so big that I had to share part of it with Sam's brother Daniel who only gets to eat a good meal once a week (according to his family) because he's away studying medicine in Birmingham.
We returned to Nikki & Stevens house for cake, coffee and another glass of wine and we had a pleasant afternoon and evening. Nicole is also studying, she is going to be a chiropractor like her Dad and brother.
Yesterday was Monday and our Samantha was back to work in London so Greg and I had to find another place to explore. We chose Richmond Park. We took the Peugeot through some beautiful streets of shops and residences. Brick fences, tiny front gardens, flowering trees and huge buildings all flashed by as we travelled to the park.
I was thrilled to find a thatched roof cottage as soon as we arrived so that was the first picture we took. Then we walked for miles and hours. We got a little carried away with the pictures but we just couldn't seem to get enough deers and trees and landscapes.
You can get a bit of the feeling of size from the pictures but you would have to be there to get the full size of the park. It was so natural that a large herd of deer lives there year round.
On our return we found a beautiful garden tea house that we visited for a much needed cup of coffee and traditional scone with butter, strawberry jam and clotted cream. Delicious but Greg wouldn't try any - I think the word "clotted" was too much for him. <----- (It couldn't be that he just didn't want a bun with butter and cream on it!!!!)
Today Greg had to work so I have been on my own. I walked into Sutton and shopped a bit in the morning. Greg came home for lunch and Samantha called to see how I was doing. It's windy and grey outside so I did some baking. I have banana cream pie cooling on the window sill and a plum tart on the counter with a small apple pie. I don't know how to do baking in a small way.
The TV cable repair lady has been my only visitor but the afternoon is almost over and I haven't watched the movie Greg set out for me. So that is next on the agenda.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
what do you call a post that covers 3 days?
Yesterday we went to Borough market for lunch and then we checked out the venders. Cheeses, breads, pasta, olives, fish and venison, ostrich, buffalo burgers..... It went on and on, chocolate truffles, herbs, olive oil and cider. Each table was beautifully arranged to display what was being sold. Samples on plates to check it out before you buy were tasty treats. We spoke to some of them, the cheddar cheese man was interesting because he had three eyes. I ate my first fresh figs (lovely fruit).
On to a famous square (covent garden) with live entertainment and crowds of people. We stopped at the "Punch and Judy" for a pint (or two, or three) out on the balcony where we could watch the tight rope walker with the juggling knives. (by the way,, women are taking over my world <-----GREGORY) Sam joined us there after she was finished work and we continued on for something to eat. We hired a short tiny man to drive us on a tuk tuk (rickshaw) to the restaurant called "Belgos". We thought that we were in for a (by the way,, women are taking over my world <-----GREGORY (just in case you didn't know,, THATS NOT A GOOD THING)) leisurely ride but that wasn't the case. It turns out that he wasn't very nice at all. He told us if we didn't laugh the whole way to the restaurant that he would chop our legs off so that we were the same size as him. I will attach the disturbing video of us having to laugh while on our tuk tuk soon.
We waited a while to get in but it was worth the wait. We could see and smell the food cooking over the railing while we waited with our wonderful pints O'beer. It was a huge place. Long stairs lead us to the eating label full of people all at long tables and benches being served with young men in monk outfits (with big biceps and small waists <---- SAM said that).
Greg and I had mussels served in their shells in wonderful sauces. They were delivered in shiny steel pots with lids and extra dishes for the shells. Sam (small as she is) had a SHANK of lamb. We all had RASPBERRY beer and shots of schnapps before and after our wonderful deserts.
We took the train home and met up with one of Samantha and Gregory's scuba diver neighbor on the train. We then fulfilled one of Dads childhood dreams and got in a london BLACK CAB. We filmed it for your viewing pleasure.
Ok, Greg here, I have a woman on either side of me and my brain will explode soon. Just incase you don't understand let me sum things up for you so there is no confusion. I CANT do much right at the moment. My spelling is not very good. They don't like my short tiny people stories (They are in my head but they do make me laugh). And they eat the dinner that I cooked for them without me. Sam is going to hurt me if I don't let her type so just understand that anything written after this point is not true. In fact its a bold face LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sooooooooooooo Gregory has in fact been a pain in the bum most days! but me and Sharon have learned to deal with it by going shopping! - yes John be afraid be very afraid!
She misses you all very much even-though we have tried to keep her entertained (there is only so much shopping a girl can do) I am very very very happy to have another lady in the house (even-though Sharon is much more of a lady than I will ever be) Gregory on the other hand is not quite so sure!!!!!!!!!love you loads xxxxxxxxxxxx SAM
Mom is speaking now,, that is why the long pause..................................................................................... I miss you all loads xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
love you all truly madly deeply xxxxxxxxxxxxx
On to a famous square (covent garden) with live entertainment and crowds of people. We stopped at the "Punch and Judy" for a pint (or two, or three) out on the balcony where we could watch the tight rope walker with the juggling knives. (by the way,, women are taking over my world <-----GREGORY) Sam joined us there after she was finished work and we continued on for something to eat. We hired a short tiny man to drive us on a tuk tuk (rickshaw) to the restaurant called "Belgos". We thought that we were in for a (by the way,, women are taking over my world <-----GREGORY (just in case you didn't know,, THATS NOT A GOOD THING)) leisurely ride but that wasn't the case. It turns out that he wasn't very nice at all. He told us if we didn't laugh the whole way to the restaurant that he would chop our legs off so that we were the same size as him. I will attach the disturbing video of us having to laugh while on our tuk tuk soon.
We waited a while to get in but it was worth the wait. We could see and smell the food cooking over the railing while we waited with our wonderful pints O'beer. It was a huge place. Long stairs lead us to the eating label full of people all at long tables and benches being served with young men in monk outfits (with big biceps and small waists <---- SAM said that).
Greg and I had mussels served in their shells in wonderful sauces. They were delivered in shiny steel pots with lids and extra dishes for the shells. Sam (small as she is) had a SHANK of lamb. We all had RASPBERRY beer and shots of schnapps before and after our wonderful deserts.
We took the train home and met up with one of Samantha and Gregory's scuba diver neighbor on the train. We then fulfilled one of Dads childhood dreams and got in a london BLACK CAB. We filmed it for your viewing pleasure.
Ok, Greg here, I have a woman on either side of me and my brain will explode soon. Just incase you don't understand let me sum things up for you so there is no confusion. I CANT do much right at the moment. My spelling is not very good. They don't like my short tiny people stories (They are in my head but they do make me laugh). And they eat the dinner that I cooked for them without me. Sam is going to hurt me if I don't let her type so just understand that anything written after this point is not true. In fact its a bold face LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sooooooooooooo Gregory has in fact been a pain in the bum most days! but me and Sharon have learned to deal with it by going shopping! - yes John be afraid be very afraid!
She misses you all very much even-though we have tried to keep her entertained (there is only so much shopping a girl can do) I am very very very happy to have another lady in the house (even-though Sharon is much more of a lady than I will ever be) Gregory on the other hand is not quite so sure!!!!!!!!!love you loads xxxxxxxxxxxx SAM
Mom is speaking now,, that is why the long pause..................................................................................... I miss you all loads xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
love you all truly madly deeply xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle
Yesterday Greg and I packed a lunch, got in the car, programed the Tom Tom (Sat Nav) and proceeded on our way to Wales. Two hours later we were in a winding road leading up to Tintern Abbey. We arrived at the Abbey and took our first breathtaking view of the magnificent ruins.
The air was so fresh and wonderful. After stretching our legs and munching on a Scottish egg (my first ever) we paid to get in and started to photograph the amazing abbey grounds. It is hard to describe how to explain such a place, words or photographs don't show you the immense proportions or feeling you have when walking through a building that was built over a 1000 years ago.
We then did some shopping in the gift shops and then had our lunch. After lunch we drove to Chepstow Castle which was only 15 minutes away from Tintern Abbey. We arrived a couple of minutes late and missed the last tour, so we decided to walk around the outside of the castle instead. Again words don't really explain how it feels being beside something so old and so amazing.
At this point (4:00pm) it was to late to get into any other castles so we only really saw 2 of the 8 places that we planned on seeing.
We did some exploring and then headed back to London on the freeway. We were to tired last night to write the blog and decided we would do it today when rested. After a day of shopping and eating we put it off till tonight to do the blog again. Mom's not helping so I am going to stop it here. Love you all. Enjoy the photo's!
The air was so fresh and wonderful. After stretching our legs and munching on a Scottish egg (my first ever) we paid to get in and started to photograph the amazing abbey grounds. It is hard to describe how to explain such a place, words or photographs don't show you the immense proportions or feeling you have when walking through a building that was built over a 1000 years ago.
We then did some shopping in the gift shops and then had our lunch. After lunch we drove to Chepstow Castle which was only 15 minutes away from Tintern Abbey. We arrived a couple of minutes late and missed the last tour, so we decided to walk around the outside of the castle instead. Again words don't really explain how it feels being beside something so old and so amazing.
At this point (4:00pm) it was to late to get into any other castles so we only really saw 2 of the 8 places that we planned on seeing.
We did some exploring and then headed back to London on the freeway. We were to tired last night to write the blog and decided we would do it today when rested. After a day of shopping and eating we put it off till tonight to do the blog again. Mom's not helping so I am going to stop it here. Love you all. Enjoy the photo's!
Monday, February 19, 2007
A wild Buck, a large Ham and my PALe Ass
Today we traveled by train to Clapham Juntion and then took a bus to the part of London to where Samantha works. She met us for lunch at the S-Bar. It was a good thing we ate well because we did a lot of walking the rest of the day.
Greg had to deliver a key for one of his friends at the Princes' Trust Building which brought us through some lovely streets and bridges. Later we hunted out Buckingham palace (reference to the title of the blog) and took some pictures like all the other tourists around the place.
We came to the palace through Green Park and when we left we decided to see what was on the other side of the main street that leads to the Palace. We did a dash when there was a lull in the traffic and found a beautiful park beside a waterway full of Greyling Geese and exotic looking ducks. Also a Black Swan. A sign said "Please don't feed the Pelicans" but we never did see any of those. There were signs inviting feeding of the other birds and the plump squirrels were expecting treats from everyone. We had a unique squirrel encounter on the stroll which you will be able to view under this blog.
A part of the walk was dedicated to Princess Diana of Wales and along this we could see the Eye of London high above some other palace type of buildings.
Continuing on foot into the very heart of London there was a maze of streets and walkways between towering buildings all with shops, restaurants and countless pubs facing into the narrow streets. In one place street vendors were packing up their last vegetables or flowers and one was calling out incredible bargains for his leftovers. It was so old world feeling. A few corners later and we were viewing all the glitz & riches possible to put in glass store fronts.
There were lots of theaters on our trek, The Lion King, Momma Mia, The Sound of Music and Evita are just a few of the live productions playing every night. Greg and I hope to see one while I'm here.
We ran out of camera power before we ran out of our own steam but after a nice little expresso break we continued on with more spring in our steps.
The tube, the train and the bust brought us back to the fragrant air and the comfort of Sutton.
Tomorrow, we go to Wales!!!!!!!!!
Greg had to deliver a key for one of his friends at the Princes' Trust Building which brought us through some lovely streets and bridges. Later we hunted out Buckingham palace (reference to the title of the blog) and took some pictures like all the other tourists around the place.
We came to the palace through Green Park and when we left we decided to see what was on the other side of the main street that leads to the Palace. We did a dash when there was a lull in the traffic and found a beautiful park beside a waterway full of Greyling Geese and exotic looking ducks. Also a Black Swan. A sign said "Please don't feed the Pelicans" but we never did see any of those. There were signs inviting feeding of the other birds and the plump squirrels were expecting treats from everyone. We had a unique squirrel encounter on the stroll which you will be able to view under this blog.
A part of the walk was dedicated to Princess Diana of Wales and along this we could see the Eye of London high above some other palace type of buildings.
Continuing on foot into the very heart of London there was a maze of streets and walkways between towering buildings all with shops, restaurants and countless pubs facing into the narrow streets. In one place street vendors were packing up their last vegetables or flowers and one was calling out incredible bargains for his leftovers. It was so old world feeling. A few corners later and we were viewing all the glitz & riches possible to put in glass store fronts.
There were lots of theaters on our trek, The Lion King, Momma Mia, The Sound of Music and Evita are just a few of the live productions playing every night. Greg and I hope to see one while I'm here.
We ran out of camera power before we ran out of our own steam but after a nice little expresso break we continued on with more spring in our steps.
The tube, the train and the bust brought us back to the fragrant air and the comfort of Sutton.
Tomorrow, we go to Wales!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Gentle Adventures
The last few days have been full of gentle adventures. We went looking for another castle and found out that it was actually a church complete with a cemetery full of ancient headstones with names that sounded famous (at least well known). Beside the church was park with huge trees lining paths and natural open fields where people were walking their dogs.
A small waterway with its banks all lined with bricks and stones curved through the center of the park. And some moms with small boys with bags of bread were feeding the swans and ducks and gulls.
We also passed over a large green metal foot bridge with more park land on the other side. There was even a tea house in the more formal part of the park but we didn't stop for tea.
Yesterday Samantha took me shopping in Kingston and showed me her favorite shops in the lovely mall with escalators running up and down between the numerous floors. The center of the mall had a gigantic cathedral ceiling made out of glass cut in diamonds shapes. It was lovely with the sun shining through but it was amazing with tiny lights when it grew dark before we left.
Sam and I had fun and we had to make two trips to the car so we could unload our bundles so that we could shop some more.
Off the mall we found a cobbled street with throngs of people and live musicians and a little sign that said "Antiques". After lunch at a place called "Little Italy" we found the antique shop with wooden floorboards and lovely old furniture and much to our delight one wooden floor lead to another and still another and then a stairway brought us to another level of little rooms full of treasures from many eras. We lost two hours in that place but we gained a few fun treasures.
Today Greg took me to NonSuch park and we walked a few miles through miles through the roadways and paths. Some parts reminded me of the secret garden story while others were more like the Hampton Court gardens. A mansion is in the middle and Sam says that it can be rented for weddings and such. What a setting that would be for any main event. A few blossoms showed a glimmer of the color that would be in spring or summer.
In the heart of the woodsy area we could see some of the green parakeets that live wild in the Surrey area. We saw some big squirrels and fat pigeons that looked quite pleased to have such a healthy environment to live in.
We are going out for dinner tonight at a place called "Thia Jasmine" (now that I am fully broken in - that is how Sam worded it). So I'm am going to wear my new English skirt, boots and jacket with my pashmina to keep my cosy.
Did I die and go to heaven? Or am I still in England?
A small waterway with its banks all lined with bricks and stones curved through the center of the park. And some moms with small boys with bags of bread were feeding the swans and ducks and gulls.
We also passed over a large green metal foot bridge with more park land on the other side. There was even a tea house in the more formal part of the park but we didn't stop for tea.
Yesterday Samantha took me shopping in Kingston and showed me her favorite shops in the lovely mall with escalators running up and down between the numerous floors. The center of the mall had a gigantic cathedral ceiling made out of glass cut in diamonds shapes. It was lovely with the sun shining through but it was amazing with tiny lights when it grew dark before we left.
Sam and I had fun and we had to make two trips to the car so we could unload our bundles so that we could shop some more.
Off the mall we found a cobbled street with throngs of people and live musicians and a little sign that said "Antiques". After lunch at a place called "Little Italy" we found the antique shop with wooden floorboards and lovely old furniture and much to our delight one wooden floor lead to another and still another and then a stairway brought us to another level of little rooms full of treasures from many eras. We lost two hours in that place but we gained a few fun treasures.
Today Greg took me to NonSuch park and we walked a few miles through miles through the roadways and paths. Some parts reminded me of the secret garden story while others were more like the Hampton Court gardens. A mansion is in the middle and Sam says that it can be rented for weddings and such. What a setting that would be for any main event. A few blossoms showed a glimmer of the color that would be in spring or summer.
In the heart of the woodsy area we could see some of the green parakeets that live wild in the Surrey area. We saw some big squirrels and fat pigeons that looked quite pleased to have such a healthy environment to live in.
We are going out for dinner tonight at a place called "Thia Jasmine" (now that I am fully broken in - that is how Sam worded it). So I'm am going to wear my new English skirt, boots and jacket with my pashmina to keep my cosy.
Did I die and go to heaven? Or am I still in England?
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Hampton Court
Yesterday we stayed in Sutton. We did some shopping and then we rushed home so Greg could cook a nice valentines supper. Flowers, candles and a wonderful meal.
I made strawberry-rhubarb-apple pie which Samantha promptly named love pie. It was a lovely evening.
Today we drove to Hampton Court Palace. We left the car in a natural park with a beautiful circular pond full of swans and ducks. Greg took some great pictures and videos of the birds swimming around in the pond (you have to see it).
From the time we entered the Court grounds to the moment we arrived at the Palace I was in awe and amazement. Crocuses and Daffodils are already blooming in the massive garden.
We toured the castle and saw the Tudor Kitchen, Queen Mary's court, the Kings court and the great hall of King Henry the 8th. It's hard to describe the place in a few words. But I will have no problems. IT WAS GREAT. We ran out of time for the gardens but Greg got some good shots from the windows of the second floor of the palace. I think that it would take many visits to the palace to see everything.
On the way back to the car we encountered some deer in the park. Apparently, royalty hunted deer in the park. When we got up beside them this short tiny man jumped from a tree with a bow and arrow. Then some cars blocked our path to the inevitable carnage. When the cars left, all that was left of bambi was a trail of blood to a tiny hole in the bottom of great oak tree.
I couldn't do this blog without Greg's technical knowledge and help, not to mention his photography and IMAGINATION. Thanks Greg,
PS. My apologies to all the short tiny people out there reading this blog (well the ones who didn't kill bambi in the park anyway).
I made strawberry-rhubarb-apple pie which Samantha promptly named love pie. It was a lovely evening.
Today we drove to Hampton Court Palace. We left the car in a natural park with a beautiful circular pond full of swans and ducks. Greg took some great pictures and videos of the birds swimming around in the pond (you have to see it).
From the time we entered the Court grounds to the moment we arrived at the Palace I was in awe and amazement. Crocuses and Daffodils are already blooming in the massive garden.
We toured the castle and saw the Tudor Kitchen, Queen Mary's court, the Kings court and the great hall of King Henry the 8th. It's hard to describe the place in a few words. But I will have no problems. IT WAS GREAT. We ran out of time for the gardens but Greg got some good shots from the windows of the second floor of the palace. I think that it would take many visits to the palace to see everything.
On the way back to the car we encountered some deer in the park. Apparently, royalty hunted deer in the park. When we got up beside them this short tiny man jumped from a tree with a bow and arrow. Then some cars blocked our path to the inevitable carnage. When the cars left, all that was left of bambi was a trail of blood to a tiny hole in the bottom of great oak tree.
I couldn't do this blog without Greg's technical knowledge and help, not to mention his photography and IMAGINATION. Thanks Greg,
PS. My apologies to all the short tiny people out there reading this blog (well the ones who didn't kill bambi in the park anyway).
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The Eye of London
We started off on foot today. When leaving the apartment we saw a milk truck delivering milk across the street. So Greg took a picture for me and we went on our way towards the train station.
We then took the train and headed on towards Victoria station in London. We arrived and then got on the tube and headed to Westminster. Then left the tube and walked up the stairs to see Big Ben (we took lots of new photo's). After shooting many different angels of big ben and the surrounding buildings we went across Westminster bridge and walked along the river Thames. There was plenty to see, from street performers to the amazing architecture and just loads (english word) or people around. It was brilliant (another english word).
We stopped off for a hot dog and a coffee along the way and then watched a man try and show little kids how to break dance. The kids were more fun than he was but it was funny. While going by the London Eye we noticed that there were some short tiny people working the lines. Without a moments notice they surrounded us and stole my bag. Gregory beet a couple with a stick and chased after the one with little legs and my bag. Greg caught up to him in a hurry but just before grabbing my bag back the little guy took John's camera out of the bag and threw it to another short tiny guy. Greg grabbed the bag and then chased after the camera. But before he could reach him, the little guy slipped into a tiny hole and we never saw him again. So I didn't loose anything but John's camera (sorry john, but there wasn't much I could do).
We then went to the Tate Modern museum, there were all types of art there and it was really nice to see all the different styles of painting and photography. The building itself is something to see (look at the photo's).
Our next stop was St. Paul's Cathedral where we took some photo's and went inside to listen to the choir singing some songs for us. It was awesome, so much detail on such a large building. Stain-glass windows, immense archways, balcony's and mosaic tiles were just some of the things that caught my eye. We weren't allowed to take any photo's inside but Greg took one that didn't work without the flash. The music was heavenly.
A fast trip on a double-decker bus and then a tube and train and we were back in sutton ready to eat the lamb that Samantha had cooked for us. Delicious with mint sauce and potatoes.
Well I am tired from all the walking I did today so I am off to bed.
We then took the train and headed on towards Victoria station in London. We arrived and then got on the tube and headed to Westminster. Then left the tube and walked up the stairs to see Big Ben (we took lots of new photo's). After shooting many different angels of big ben and the surrounding buildings we went across Westminster bridge and walked along the river Thames. There was plenty to see, from street performers to the amazing architecture and just loads (english word) or people around. It was brilliant (another english word).
We stopped off for a hot dog and a coffee along the way and then watched a man try and show little kids how to break dance. The kids were more fun than he was but it was funny. While going by the London Eye we noticed that there were some short tiny people working the lines. Without a moments notice they surrounded us and stole my bag. Gregory beet a couple with a stick and chased after the one with little legs and my bag. Greg caught up to him in a hurry but just before grabbing my bag back the little guy took John's camera out of the bag and threw it to another short tiny guy. Greg grabbed the bag and then chased after the camera. But before he could reach him, the little guy slipped into a tiny hole and we never saw him again. So I didn't loose anything but John's camera (sorry john, but there wasn't much I could do).
We then went to the Tate Modern museum, there were all types of art there and it was really nice to see all the different styles of painting and photography. The building itself is something to see (look at the photo's).
Our next stop was St. Paul's Cathedral where we took some photo's and went inside to listen to the choir singing some songs for us. It was awesome, so much detail on such a large building. Stain-glass windows, immense archways, balcony's and mosaic tiles were just some of the things that caught my eye. We weren't allowed to take any photo's inside but Greg took one that didn't work without the flash. The music was heavenly.
A fast trip on a double-decker bus and then a tube and train and we were back in sutton ready to eat the lamb that Samantha had cooked for us. Delicious with mint sauce and potatoes.
Well I am tired from all the walking I did today so I am off to bed.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sutton
Last night Greg told me to try and stay up as late as I could and sleep as long as possible (that wasn't the worst thing that I could imagine). So I got up at the early hour of 11:30am because I decided that I didn't want to sleep in. I had my morning shower and then Greg and I went for lunch at "The big fill" where I impressed everyone with my comprehension for the english language (plenty of compliments). Actually I think the everyone is speaking morse code to me and I never did learn what the different beeps meant.
I didn't have my morning coffee and Big Fill didn't happen to have any cream (who doesn't have cream?). So I had a chicken Fajita with chips (french fries) and a bottle of water (no coffee). They were the best chips with mayonnaise I have ever had in England. Greg knows Big Fill well and he took us for a tour of the restaurant. Much to my surprise in the kitchen I saw some more short tiny people washing dishes on stilts (what is going on?).
We left the restaurant and headed into Sutton to do some serious shopping. We proceeded to explore most of Sutton's high street (the main strip) and ended up in a great book store where we looked at books and then headed up to the top floor for a late afternoon coffee (with cream).
We headed back up to the grocery store and bought some food for dinner (Jumbo lake trout). We also bought some coffee and cream for the apartment.
Greg and his friend Andy played some squash and I went along to cheer Greg on to his amazing victory. I have never seen a grown man cry like that (ANDY).
We went back home to cook dinner and start uploading the photo's of the day. If you go to the bottom of this page you will see a link to a photo's page.
Dinner was great, I guess Greg is an even better cook than a squash player (and that is hard to beat) and while cooking he showed off some of his juggling skills (see photo's).
We sat down after dinner and exchanged some great stories. Greg and Sam showed me their dvd they made of their trip to Egypt. It was wonderful.
Now we are sitting here watching "The fugitive" and writing this blog entry. I hope everyone is doing well. Tomorrow we will be going into the city to take some amazing photo's.
I feel like I am in the middle of a happy dream, everything is so perfect!
I didn't have my morning coffee and Big Fill didn't happen to have any cream (who doesn't have cream?). So I had a chicken Fajita with chips (french fries) and a bottle of water (no coffee). They were the best chips with mayonnaise I have ever had in England. Greg knows Big Fill well and he took us for a tour of the restaurant. Much to my surprise in the kitchen I saw some more short tiny people washing dishes on stilts (what is going on?).
We left the restaurant and headed into Sutton to do some serious shopping. We proceeded to explore most of Sutton's high street (the main strip) and ended up in a great book store where we looked at books and then headed up to the top floor for a late afternoon coffee (with cream).
We headed back up to the grocery store and bought some food for dinner (Jumbo lake trout). We also bought some coffee and cream for the apartment.
Greg and his friend Andy played some squash and I went along to cheer Greg on to his amazing victory. I have never seen a grown man cry like that (ANDY).
We went back home to cook dinner and start uploading the photo's of the day. If you go to the bottom of this page you will see a link to a photo's page.
Dinner was great, I guess Greg is an even better cook than a squash player (and that is hard to beat) and while cooking he showed off some of his juggling skills (see photo's).
We sat down after dinner and exchanged some great stories. Greg and Sam showed me their dvd they made of their trip to Egypt. It was wonderful.
Now we are sitting here watching "The fugitive" and writing this blog entry. I hope everyone is doing well. Tomorrow we will be going into the city to take some amazing photo's.
I feel like I am in the middle of a happy dream, everything is so perfect!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
I am here
Hi everyone,
Well I am here, and it was surprisingly a really good trip. I was lucky to have a really nice person to sit beside (he showed me how to work all of the buttons). I was supplied with a pillow and a blanket and some socks. I was told to take the blanket with me but my conscience wouldn't let me (it was a really nice blanket too).
My nice travel companion (who reminded me of Gregory and Jonathan) guided me to the customs department. While waiting in the line for the customs department I realized that after giving out Greg's details to everyone in Terrace I hadn't written it down for myself. So filling out the customs card was very easy. "Where are you staying while in the country? My answer, Sutton". But they let me through, I guess I don't look like a terrorist.
The customs officer pointed me in the direction to collect my bags and I bravely walked on not quite sure if I was going in the right direction. I walked through some doors and there were plenty of carousels to choose from. But where is my big red suitcase? I asked the closest person how to know which carousel was mine and she showed me where to look on the screens. And I found my big red suitcase on lucky carousel number 7.
After that I came upon the duty area, where I had to chose between two doors. One, for if you have something to declare and the other, for if you have nothing to declare. I wondered if cookies and kraft dinner needed to be declared but after missing out on the blanket I wasn't going to give away Greg's cookies and kd. So I bravely walked through with the nothing to declare door hoping they wouldn't throw me in some damp and cold prison cell in the basement.
You would think that was enough but next I needed to figure out how to get out of the building. There was a hallway with 17 different doors on it and they were all different colors. I looked in one but it was full of short tiny people wrapping presents. Anyways I found my way and went through the doors with the big yellow exit sign. And on the other side was Samantha and Gregory waiting to take my photo and record my arrival before wrapping me in their loving arms.
Off we went to the car and we loaded my baggage in and then I sat in the passenger seat at the front which happens to be on the wrong side of the car. Gregory's gentle driving really eased my nerves and helped me to relax on the journey home. I have plenty of things to do while here and on the way back I crossed one thing off the list by seeing some sheep on a hill (that was easy). Driving on the wrong side of the road was a bit strange. It doesn't feel right turning left when you are on the left side of the car and you don't have a steering wheel in front of you.
We arrived at their apartment and after a shower, tea and some of Joni's special cookies we were ready to go out and explore the mysteries of sutton. After realizing the park was closed Greg thought that it would be a good idea to stroll through the local cemetery. Samantha said that we would save that for another day (emphasis on day). We went for a little walk and then went for a nice dinner at a italian restaurant called ZI ZI's.
Greg is bound and determined to cure me of my jet-lag so we went for another walk after supper. It was a clear sky and a wonderful walk (I didn't get wet at all, REALLY). So we got home nice and DRY and proceeded to cool down a bit. And now we are writing this blog. We are going to try and update it every day or two so maybe bookmark this site if you want to keep up-to-date.
Greg keeps asking to write something on this blog but I think he would just make things up and not really tell it as it is.
Here are some pics.
http://www.reel-film.com/Reel/Moms_Site/index.html
Well I am here, and it was surprisingly a really good trip. I was lucky to have a really nice person to sit beside (he showed me how to work all of the buttons). I was supplied with a pillow and a blanket and some socks. I was told to take the blanket with me but my conscience wouldn't let me (it was a really nice blanket too).
My nice travel companion (who reminded me of Gregory and Jonathan) guided me to the customs department. While waiting in the line for the customs department I realized that after giving out Greg's details to everyone in Terrace I hadn't written it down for myself. So filling out the customs card was very easy. "Where are you staying while in the country? My answer, Sutton". But they let me through, I guess I don't look like a terrorist.
The customs officer pointed me in the direction to collect my bags and I bravely walked on not quite sure if I was going in the right direction. I walked through some doors and there were plenty of carousels to choose from. But where is my big red suitcase? I asked the closest person how to know which carousel was mine and she showed me where to look on the screens. And I found my big red suitcase on lucky carousel number 7.
After that I came upon the duty area, where I had to chose between two doors. One, for if you have something to declare and the other, for if you have nothing to declare. I wondered if cookies and kraft dinner needed to be declared but after missing out on the blanket I wasn't going to give away Greg's cookies and kd. So I bravely walked through with the nothing to declare door hoping they wouldn't throw me in some damp and cold prison cell in the basement.
You would think that was enough but next I needed to figure out how to get out of the building. There was a hallway with 17 different doors on it and they were all different colors. I looked in one but it was full of short tiny people wrapping presents. Anyways I found my way and went through the doors with the big yellow exit sign. And on the other side was Samantha and Gregory waiting to take my photo and record my arrival before wrapping me in their loving arms.
Off we went to the car and we loaded my baggage in and then I sat in the passenger seat at the front which happens to be on the wrong side of the car. Gregory's gentle driving really eased my nerves and helped me to relax on the journey home. I have plenty of things to do while here and on the way back I crossed one thing off the list by seeing some sheep on a hill (that was easy). Driving on the wrong side of the road was a bit strange. It doesn't feel right turning left when you are on the left side of the car and you don't have a steering wheel in front of you.
We arrived at their apartment and after a shower, tea and some of Joni's special cookies we were ready to go out and explore the mysteries of sutton. After realizing the park was closed Greg thought that it would be a good idea to stroll through the local cemetery. Samantha said that we would save that for another day (emphasis on day). We went for a little walk and then went for a nice dinner at a italian restaurant called ZI ZI's.
Greg is bound and determined to cure me of my jet-lag so we went for another walk after supper. It was a clear sky and a wonderful walk (I didn't get wet at all, REALLY). So we got home nice and DRY and proceeded to cool down a bit. And now we are writing this blog. We are going to try and update it every day or two so maybe bookmark this site if you want to keep up-to-date.
Greg keeps asking to write something on this blog but I think he would just make things up and not really tell it as it is.
Here are some pics.
http://www.reel-film.com/Reel/Moms_Site/index.html
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