It's just been a month since my last blog but we have packed a lot of stuff into that time.
We left Mount Hope in a fog (the weather that is) but it cleared pretty early and we had a good drive down to "The Valley" luckily avoiding some storms that seemed to be near us a lot of the time.
The house was in great shape when we got down here, needed some cleanup from the summer winds etc. but good. We got together with our friends and finally saw Mercedes and Norm's new 5th wheel - gorgeous! Marcella had dinner for us and Marian and Lloyd when we got here so we didn't have to shop that day. Thanks Marcella. Unfortunately Marcella and Wayne's dog Otis was sick and bringing up blood. They did all they could to fix him, but his liver failed and he had to be put to sleep. They still have Susie though and she is a sweetheart.
When Andy and Betty were to be down here (they live right across the road) we planned a small dinner party for them. Well! they got here a day early. I had made a big pot of Chili that day so we had that and still had the barbeque the next day.
I started playing Texas Hold'em in the card room with Joe, Andy, Sandy, Jaque and the poker group. The first night I won! I couldn't believe it - $22 and when you take someone out you get their gold dollar. We all get a gold dollar and chips when we pay our $5 to play. I have played two more times and got out pretty early, but will keep going for a while anyway. One of the ladies has arranged a "ladies poker night" and I will go to that as well.
We went to Progresso over in Mexico to the dentist for Joe. He has a loose bottom front tooth and it had to be pulled as they couldn't save it. We are going back over today for a cleaning and to see how they will replace his tooth. It is pretty quiet over there in Mexico this year. People are getting nervous about going to Mexico with all the border troubles going on. So far Progresso is still safe, and we will be careful when we go there.
We watched the Argos lose yesterday at Marcella and Wayne's place and stayed to watch Saskatchewan win there game and have delicious chili. There will be a group at their place again next Sunday for the Grey Cup/thanksgiving dinner.
I am playing Scrabble with Doreen on line now. Doreen found the sight and it is fun. When she has had her turn an email comes up for me saying it is now my turn. So far she is winning, but that is par for the course. Speaking of "par" Joe is playing golf on Tuesdays with Wayne and anyone else who wants to go.
The girls are passing our time shopping! of course.
We have had one dinner party at our place for all our friends from Brownsville. That's where we all met.
Mostly we wanted to welcome Bill and Josie to the valley give us all a chance to meet and catch up.
We thought things would be quieter this year down here but we seem to be busy most days and enjoying it. The weather has been great (sorry, all you folks up there in the cold) and that of course keeps us outside and socializing. We keep in touch with the family by using our phone card, $10 for 500 minutes, and that helps when we start missing them. When we are home in May we will go to Detroit for the dance competition Sarah is in, and also get the chance to visit Audrey and family. Always having something to look forward to is a good thing. We are so lucky to have such good friends down here and and at home and a great family. Jacquie and Chris will be down in February, so we are looking forward to that.
That's all folks
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
All this in October!
October 23rd. We are heading to Texas in two days!
The dinner/theatre night was a rousing success. The food was good, the play excellent and the actors came down and mingled with the audience afterwards. A good night indeed.
On the 28th Dan and Jane came down and took us to Niagara-on-the-Lake for lunch, a play, dinner and an overnight stay. The food was all good, the room excellent with a fireplace and a nice sitting area, and the play was Harvey. What a hoot. It was fabulous.
Doreen, Wendy and I had a "girls getaway" and went to Niagara Falls. We shopped til we dropped, ate too much, laughed and played games. Great fun.
For Thanksgiving we had our Thanksgiving/Christmas family gathering at Laurie and Rob's. Joey and Kate rented a car and drove down from Montreal. We had Christmas stockings and our exchange gifts. My gift was a jewellry hanger. You know the ones with a pretty gown and lots of places to hang jewellry and to go along with it a high heeled shoe with places for my rings. All in a beautiful rich red. Lovely. Joe got some Callaway golf balls (he's taking his Calloway golf clubs to Texas this year) and an "official" Blue Jays shirt. Everyone was pleased with their respective gifts. Sarah was Santa Claus and handed them out to everyone. Dinner was great and we are looking forward to another one in December at Victoria Palms. We played some new games and had lots of laughs. Joey and Kate spent the Sunday at our house. Kate made the best dinner with gravy to die for. What a great cook she is.
Mercedes and Norm came to visit us on the 15th of October. It was so great to see them, but we will have to wait until they get down to Texas to see their new RV, which from the pictures is quite the thing.
Matthew our grandson turned 21 on the 17th. The same day his parents took of for a week's holiday in the Domincan Republic. We gave him champagne to celebrate.
Jim and Peggy had a get together at their house on the 19th. John and Jean Bolton couldn't make it because John broke his arm playing hockey - at his age! - and was in a lot of pain and a cast. We had a super night with Jim and Peg, John and Sheila and Dan and Jane and were back the next morning for breakfast. After that the boys went to see their "old" buddies from Brewers and girls went shopping (much more fun).
Joe and I went to see Pat and Alan Kotak and had dinner there. They have a beautiful house and we caught up on a years worth of news.
I met my friend Sharon, who lives in Haliburton for lunch last Thursday. She was at her daugher's house in Brampton and I was at my daughter's house in Mississauga. We went to the Drake and the Firkin which was a little noisy but we managed to talk over it. The waitress did come up from behind me and scare the pants off me a couple of time though.
That's quite a lot for a month I think. We will need a rest when we get to our place in Texas.
We are really looking forward to being in a warmer climate and seeing our winter friends. It is a little sad leaving friends and family up here though. Guess I'll have a glass of wine and whine with Joe.
.
The dinner/theatre night was a rousing success. The food was good, the play excellent and the actors came down and mingled with the audience afterwards. A good night indeed.
On the 28th Dan and Jane came down and took us to Niagara-on-the-Lake for lunch, a play, dinner and an overnight stay. The food was all good, the room excellent with a fireplace and a nice sitting area, and the play was Harvey. What a hoot. It was fabulous.
Doreen, Wendy and I had a "girls getaway" and went to Niagara Falls. We shopped til we dropped, ate too much, laughed and played games. Great fun.
For Thanksgiving we had our Thanksgiving/Christmas family gathering at Laurie and Rob's. Joey and Kate rented a car and drove down from Montreal. We had Christmas stockings and our exchange gifts. My gift was a jewellry hanger. You know the ones with a pretty gown and lots of places to hang jewellry and to go along with it a high heeled shoe with places for my rings. All in a beautiful rich red. Lovely. Joe got some Callaway golf balls (he's taking his Calloway golf clubs to Texas this year) and an "official" Blue Jays shirt. Everyone was pleased with their respective gifts. Sarah was Santa Claus and handed them out to everyone. Dinner was great and we are looking forward to another one in December at Victoria Palms. We played some new games and had lots of laughs. Joey and Kate spent the Sunday at our house. Kate made the best dinner with gravy to die for. What a great cook she is.
Mercedes and Norm came to visit us on the 15th of October. It was so great to see them, but we will have to wait until they get down to Texas to see their new RV, which from the pictures is quite the thing.
Matthew our grandson turned 21 on the 17th. The same day his parents took of for a week's holiday in the Domincan Republic. We gave him champagne to celebrate.
Jim and Peggy had a get together at their house on the 19th. John and Jean Bolton couldn't make it because John broke his arm playing hockey - at his age! - and was in a lot of pain and a cast. We had a super night with Jim and Peg, John and Sheila and Dan and Jane and were back the next morning for breakfast. After that the boys went to see their "old" buddies from Brewers and girls went shopping (much more fun).
Joe and I went to see Pat and Alan Kotak and had dinner there. They have a beautiful house and we caught up on a years worth of news.
I met my friend Sharon, who lives in Haliburton for lunch last Thursday. She was at her daugher's house in Brampton and I was at my daughter's house in Mississauga. We went to the Drake and the Firkin which was a little noisy but we managed to talk over it. The waitress did come up from behind me and scare the pants off me a couple of time though.
That's quite a lot for a month I think. We will need a rest when we get to our place in Texas.
We are really looking forward to being in a warmer climate and seeing our winter friends. It is a little sad leaving friends and family up here though. Guess I'll have a glass of wine and whine with Joe.
.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Can we get any busier!
So, here it is September 25th already. We are still busy of course.
The "Brewers gang" as I like to call us were all up at John Dew's cottage in Haliburton for an overnighter.
Unfortunately Jim and Peg could not go as Jim was not well. We had a great time up there with Dan and Jane, John and Jean and John and Sheila. Played euchre after dinner and had a lot of laughs. Joe, Dan and John Dew went in the hot tub twice which they seemed to enjoy. The girls sat and chatted. Funny how women can do that so easily. It was nice catching with each other. A lot of names beginning with J in this group. John, John, Jim, Jean, Joe and Jane!
On the 11th we went with our "northern friends" if I can call them that to an Otis retirement dinner and dance. We have been going to that annual event for quite a few years now. So that would be with: Graham and Wendy, Doreen and Bob, Bob and Bonnie and Sharon and Bob. Too may Bobs in this group! Bob A, Bob B and Bob C. Actually the beginning of their last names. Another great dinner, fun with our friends and lots of dancing. I started to have some tummy problems the next morning, but not too serious.
I went to the doctor's on Monday because the stomach pain was getting worse. She thought it was a bowel problem but took an urine sample to send away.
Joe went to help a friend in the park who is on her own and moving. She needed someone to help her son take some furniture out as she is downsizing a getting rid of a lot of "stuff". I was getting worse now.
By Friday, I couldn't take it any more, called the doctor who recommended I go to the hospital for tests. We were scheduled to bottle wine that day, so we did that first; which wasn't a pleasant experience for me because I was getting some stabbing pains. But, first things first. (wine bottling that is) Then we went to the hospital. After 4 hours of waiting, which probably wasn't that bad except that we only saw one doctor working in all that time and he kept disappearing somewhere. Finally diagnosed with a severe bladder infection, got a prescription and went off to Laurie's for out usual Friday night dinner and poker. I really hate to miss going as I love seeing everyone and after we head south we won't see them for so long.
The medication seemed to work quickly and Joe and Jim Geekie were going to a golf tourament in Niagara on the Lake on the 20th. So, Peggy and I went with them and had a fabulous day shopping!
We went to pick the boys up around 6 pm and got to see a lot of the people we are still working and retired from the Beer Store. Joe and Jim worked there for around 35 years, and I worked there for the last six years before we retired. We stayed overnight at the Hilton Garden Inn and drove home the next day.
Joe went for an allergy test for peanuts. I was so sure he was allergic because he has had some very bad reactions from eating them, like breathing problems and nausea. He found out he is NOT allergic to peanuts but the doctor didn't know why he has had those reactions. He said "try eating a few again and see what happens" Hello.....he could lose his breath entirely! I have given him an allergy pill and two puffs with my Ventolin in the past to help him through it. What do doctors know anyway!
Tonight we are going to a dinner/theatre night at the Club House here and have lots of good stuff coming up. We are both well and starting to get geared up for going to Texas around the 25th of October.
Will let everyone know whats up. To you all, have a great autum and stay well.
The "Brewers gang" as I like to call us were all up at John Dew's cottage in Haliburton for an overnighter.
Unfortunately Jim and Peg could not go as Jim was not well. We had a great time up there with Dan and Jane, John and Jean and John and Sheila. Played euchre after dinner and had a lot of laughs. Joe, Dan and John Dew went in the hot tub twice which they seemed to enjoy. The girls sat and chatted. Funny how women can do that so easily. It was nice catching with each other. A lot of names beginning with J in this group. John, John, Jim, Jean, Joe and Jane!
On the 11th we went with our "northern friends" if I can call them that to an Otis retirement dinner and dance. We have been going to that annual event for quite a few years now. So that would be with: Graham and Wendy, Doreen and Bob, Bob and Bonnie and Sharon and Bob. Too may Bobs in this group! Bob A, Bob B and Bob C. Actually the beginning of their last names. Another great dinner, fun with our friends and lots of dancing. I started to have some tummy problems the next morning, but not too serious.
I went to the doctor's on Monday because the stomach pain was getting worse. She thought it was a bowel problem but took an urine sample to send away.
Joe went to help a friend in the park who is on her own and moving. She needed someone to help her son take some furniture out as she is downsizing a getting rid of a lot of "stuff". I was getting worse now.
By Friday, I couldn't take it any more, called the doctor who recommended I go to the hospital for tests. We were scheduled to bottle wine that day, so we did that first; which wasn't a pleasant experience for me because I was getting some stabbing pains. But, first things first. (wine bottling that is) Then we went to the hospital. After 4 hours of waiting, which probably wasn't that bad except that we only saw one doctor working in all that time and he kept disappearing somewhere. Finally diagnosed with a severe bladder infection, got a prescription and went off to Laurie's for out usual Friday night dinner and poker. I really hate to miss going as I love seeing everyone and after we head south we won't see them for so long.
The medication seemed to work quickly and Joe and Jim Geekie were going to a golf tourament in Niagara on the Lake on the 20th. So, Peggy and I went with them and had a fabulous day shopping!
We went to pick the boys up around 6 pm and got to see a lot of the people we are still working and retired from the Beer Store. Joe and Jim worked there for around 35 years, and I worked there for the last six years before we retired. We stayed overnight at the Hilton Garden Inn and drove home the next day.
Joe went for an allergy test for peanuts. I was so sure he was allergic because he has had some very bad reactions from eating them, like breathing problems and nausea. He found out he is NOT allergic to peanuts but the doctor didn't know why he has had those reactions. He said "try eating a few again and see what happens" Hello.....he could lose his breath entirely! I have given him an allergy pill and two puffs with my Ventolin in the past to help him through it. What do doctors know anyway!
Tonight we are going to a dinner/theatre night at the Club House here and have lots of good stuff coming up. We are both well and starting to get geared up for going to Texas around the 25th of October.
Will let everyone know whats up. To you all, have a great autum and stay well.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Busy, busy, busy
Wow, here it is the end of August already and the weather is still sweltering hot. We have had a great month. We hosted a dinner party for ten on the 2nd. These are our good friends who we met through Joe working a The Beer Store, Jim and Peg, Dan and Jane, John and Sheila and John and Jean. Dinner went really well until Bonnie spilled cold tea all over the kitchen floor and then proceeded to spill red wine all over John Dew and the carpet. How embarrasing! John and Jean Bolton were quick to respond and had it all cleaned up with not a stain anywhere! Thank you guys. John Dew didn't fare so well and had to change while Bonnie washed and dried his stained clothes. Always some entertainment at our house!
John and Jean returned the invitation later in August and their sons John and Matthew joined us as well as Joanna and Cal Ames. We had a great dinner and breakfast the next morning. We always stay over at the host house so that we can stay up late and have a few drinks. Nice to catch up on what everyone has been doing, especially since we are not here in the winter.
My two sisters came to stay with us for a few days. They came on a Wednesday and Pat stayed until Friday evening and Jacquie stayed until the next Thursday. I (Bonnie) have never laughed so much in a very long time. We played card games, Joe served us drinks and generally took care of things and the sisters went shopping at Walmart and Canadian Tire. Let me just say that we giggled and laughed so much in those two stores that I am sure people thought we were just let out of the loony bin! It was so great, and we hope to do it every year from now on.
On the 24th we went to Wendy and Graham's house for a get together with them, Doreen and Bob, and Sharon and Bob. Doreen, her brother Graham, Wendy and I have known each other since we were kids. Graham had just laid hardwood on the main floor living room, dining room, family room, hallway and stairs and it looked fantastic. We had loads of fun playing Pictionary and Catch Phrase. Friends are so wonderful and we try to get togethere whenever we can. The girls are planning a "girls" getaway soon and I will let you know how that goes. More laughter I am sure.
John and Jean returned the invitation later in August and their sons John and Matthew joined us as well as Joanna and Cal Ames. We had a great dinner and breakfast the next morning. We always stay over at the host house so that we can stay up late and have a few drinks. Nice to catch up on what everyone has been doing, especially since we are not here in the winter.
My two sisters came to stay with us for a few days. They came on a Wednesday and Pat stayed until Friday evening and Jacquie stayed until the next Thursday. I (Bonnie) have never laughed so much in a very long time. We played card games, Joe served us drinks and generally took care of things and the sisters went shopping at Walmart and Canadian Tire. Let me just say that we giggled and laughed so much in those two stores that I am sure people thought we were just let out of the loony bin! It was so great, and we hope to do it every year from now on.
On the 24th we went to Wendy and Graham's house for a get together with them, Doreen and Bob, and Sharon and Bob. Doreen, her brother Graham, Wendy and I have known each other since we were kids. Graham had just laid hardwood on the main floor living room, dining room, family room, hallway and stairs and it looked fantastic. We had loads of fun playing Pictionary and Catch Phrase. Friends are so wonderful and we try to get togethere whenever we can. The girls are planning a "girls" getaway soon and I will let you know how that goes. More laughter I am sure.
Joe's sister Chris came to stay with us for a few days and when we took her home, we picked up his brother Tony who also stayed with us for a few days. We enjoyed having them as we don't get to see them as often as we like, even though they both live in Toronto. Chris's cat has cancer in the lymph nodes and needs his medicine every day, so Tony took care of the cat while Chris was here. Otherwise we would have had them both with us at the same time. Cat's doing well by the way
Also, every Friday night we go to Laurie and Rob's for dinner. This is so great! They do a delicous barbeque and then we all play Texas Hold'em. This gives us a night off from cooking and we get to see everyone and spend some quality time with our grandchildren - who do a lot of the cooking by he way, and the setting up and clean up. Jamie does most of the winning at poker but the rest of us have our turns too.
So, that's the month in a nutshell. No wonder I am so tired. I love being with everyone, but we really need some down time.
Monday, August 2, 2010
July 11 to August 2nd
Well, it is now August 2nd, ALREADY! Where did July go? We (Joe and I)went to Laurie and Rob's for dinner and a Texas Holdum game. Sarah cleaned all our clocks. What a girl. She came back to our house and on Saturday Sarah and I went looking for sewing stuff. She took a week at sewing school and was raring to go. We picked up her Janome sewing machine and the nice lady told her how to clean it and operate it. While we were there we picked up more sewing paraphernalia and headed out to Fabricland for patterns and fabric. We got it all home and set to work. Sarah doing most of the work and Gran (me) helping and advising when needed. Lo and behold by the time Laurie and Rob came to pick her up on Sunday afternoon, she had finished a gorgeous summer dress, white on the top and patterned with a black design on the skirt. Last I saw, Sarah was working on a pink and white summer dress for herself.
We have been keeping busy. Jim and Peggy came to dinner one evening. We went to the barbeque put on by our phase one day. I took broccoli salad and there was beef and lots of other good food. It was a good opportunity to socialize with our neighbours.
Joe went golfing on the 22nd for the Beer Store annual tournament. He had a good time and came home with a sport bag, water bottle, shirt and some other stuff.
We had dinner and the poker game on Saturday this weekend because Rob and Jamie had to work. Jamie was happy to do it because it gets him more hours towards his apprenticeship and double time pay. Way to go Jamie. What an industrious fellow. I think he probably won the poker game that night but I am not sure. Senior's memory again. Matthew was there with a friend of his and that made it so nice. Matthew is almost finished his third year at Walerloo in the chemical engineering program and starts work on August 16 after exams are over. Smart fellow and hard worker.
Well, enough of the grandparent bragging for a while. We have been doing a few things around our house and that is keeping us busy. We went to a barbeque at John and Jean Bolton's last Saturday and it was great to see them, Matthew and John Jr. and many friends from the Beer Store that we haven't seen for quite a while. Now we are getting ready for our dinner party/sleep over with Dan and Jane, Jim and Peggy, John and Sheila and John and Jean. Joe is barbequeing a roast of beef and I am making artisan bread (which I hope turns out well as I haven't made it much as yet) and we will have a birthday cake for Peggy but she doesn't know it yet. Shhhh. Hoping for great weather, but what will be will be.
That's it for now. Looking forward to having both my sisters for a few days. We will all go to Laurie and Rob's for a barbeque and Texas Hold'em game on Friday.
We have been keeping busy. Jim and Peggy came to dinner one evening. We went to the barbeque put on by our phase one day. I took broccoli salad and there was beef and lots of other good food. It was a good opportunity to socialize with our neighbours.
Joe went golfing on the 22nd for the Beer Store annual tournament. He had a good time and came home with a sport bag, water bottle, shirt and some other stuff.
We had dinner and the poker game on Saturday this weekend because Rob and Jamie had to work. Jamie was happy to do it because it gets him more hours towards his apprenticeship and double time pay. Way to go Jamie. What an industrious fellow. I think he probably won the poker game that night but I am not sure. Senior's memory again. Matthew was there with a friend of his and that made it so nice. Matthew is almost finished his third year at Walerloo in the chemical engineering program and starts work on August 16 after exams are over. Smart fellow and hard worker.
Well, enough of the grandparent bragging for a while. We have been doing a few things around our house and that is keeping us busy. We went to a barbeque at John and Jean Bolton's last Saturday and it was great to see them, Matthew and John Jr. and many friends from the Beer Store that we haven't seen for quite a while. Now we are getting ready for our dinner party/sleep over with Dan and Jane, Jim and Peggy, John and Sheila and John and Jean. Joe is barbequeing a roast of beef and I am making artisan bread (which I hope turns out well as I haven't made it much as yet) and we will have a birthday cake for Peggy but she doesn't know it yet. Shhhh. Hoping for great weather, but what will be will be.
That's it for now. Looking forward to having both my sisters for a few days. We will all go to Laurie and Rob's for a barbeque and Texas Hold'em game on Friday.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The saga of the cook book
This is a sad but true story. When I (Bonnie) was in Texas last winter, my good friends Marcella and Joan and I went to visit our other good friend Judy in Corpus Christie. While we were talking in the evening, Judy told us about the great cook book she had called "Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a Day" and told us the bread is really good and so much easier to make than the traditional method. We all thought it sounded great and after Joan went home to Ontario (a couple of weeks before Joe and I went home) she bought Marcella and I each a book and mailed them to us at our Canada addresses. Well Marcell got hers when she got home to Manitoba, but when I got home there was no sign of the book. I thought that seeing as I had my mail forwarded to Texas from Canada it would arrive in Texas. After it didn't show up in Ontario, I called Texas to see if they had it arrived there. No, it hadn't. After a few weeks of waiting, Joan sent me the tracking number from when she sent it. We tried tracing it on the computer and it said it was "undeliverable", so after a few days we went to our local post office to find out what was going on. Well, Canada Post could not find it in their system. I turns out that the Post Office in it's inefficient way does not forward packages when you have your mail forwarded, only letters and such. Now, they did not tell us this when we paid $160 to have our mail forwarded in November, and further more they do not leave a notice in your mail box, or send a notice to you in Texas to tell you there is a package for you! HELLO! No one, is told you have a package, so how can you pick it up! To make matters worse, if it is not picked up (which is actully impossible) within 90 days it goes to the Dead Letter Warehouse and is then DESTROYED!!!!
I am so disgusted with our Postal System. It is so ridiculous. Needless to say, next fall when we go to Texas we will not have our mailed forwarded. So, the cook book is lost forever. I went out and bought one, which I will always consider came from my thoughtful friend Joan.
Of all the bad luck, I now discover that my oven is broken, in that it keeps getting hotter and hotter and is burning everything!!! Foiled again! We called a repairman and $185 later it is fixed.
Now, I can't wait to make some delicious bread in my oven that is working well, Hurray!
Will let you all know how it turns out. Marcella says it is delicous.
I am so disgusted with our Postal System. It is so ridiculous. Needless to say, next fall when we go to Texas we will not have our mailed forwarded. So, the cook book is lost forever. I went out and bought one, which I will always consider came from my thoughtful friend Joan.
Of all the bad luck, I now discover that my oven is broken, in that it keeps getting hotter and hotter and is burning everything!!! Foiled again! We called a repairman and $185 later it is fixed.
Now, I can't wait to make some delicious bread in my oven that is working well, Hurray!
Will let you all know how it turns out. Marcella says it is delicous.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
From Scotland to July10/10
First of all, when we left Scotland, Joe had been sick for a few days with, dizziness (more than normal) nausea and he was pale, cold and clammy. Bonnie thought he was having a heart problem but Joe insisted it was in inner ear infection, and insisted on flying home rather than seeing a doctor in Scotland. Laurie & Rob picked us up from the airport and took us straight to the hospital. After 4 days, every test known to man, and numerous doctors, the concluded that Joe had an inner ear "disturbance" and that in time it would go away. Well, at least we know everything in his brain, chest and arteries are all working well!
We went home, Joe was better but still off balance so Bonnie drove us to Montreal to help Joey and Kate move to their new condo. What a great place they have! Joe helped, up one flight of stairs to get the stuff out of the old place and up TWO flights into the new condo. Except for the bedroom which was up another flight. All in all we had a great time in Montreal and Joe really manned up and did a lot of work. Joey, just like his dad did the greatest portion of the slugging and carrying as well as his girlfried Kate.
We got back from Montreal on the 30th of June because our daughter Laurie and her family were taking the truck (which we had borrowed) to go white water rafting, crazies that they are. Apparently they all loved it, did all the extreme stuff and can't wait to go back!
By now, Joe is back to normal (if there is such a thing) and we find out his aunt (96) has passed away, so we pick up his sister Chris at the GO station on Sunday and we all head to Wingham Ontario for the funeral on Monday. We took Chris back home and came back to Mount Hope for a rest.
By the way, the funeral was July 5th and both Bonnie and Joe forgot that it was their 36th anniversary until we got an anniversary card from our good friends Dan and Jane. Thanks folks. Talk about seniors moments!
We are finally settling into enjoying the summer, watching the robins with their babies that have nested in the upper corner of our front porch and relaxing (sort of). Had to catch up on weeding, planting etc. Enjoying our new house and trying to keep cool in this extreme heat we have been having here in southern Ontario.
Watch for the next exciting episode of Bonnie and Joe on the Go coming soon!
We went home, Joe was better but still off balance so Bonnie drove us to Montreal to help Joey and Kate move to their new condo. What a great place they have! Joe helped, up one flight of stairs to get the stuff out of the old place and up TWO flights into the new condo. Except for the bedroom which was up another flight. All in all we had a great time in Montreal and Joe really manned up and did a lot of work. Joey, just like his dad did the greatest portion of the slugging and carrying as well as his girlfried Kate.
We got back from Montreal on the 30th of June because our daughter Laurie and her family were taking the truck (which we had borrowed) to go white water rafting, crazies that they are. Apparently they all loved it, did all the extreme stuff and can't wait to go back!
By now, Joe is back to normal (if there is such a thing) and we find out his aunt (96) has passed away, so we pick up his sister Chris at the GO station on Sunday and we all head to Wingham Ontario for the funeral on Monday. We took Chris back home and came back to Mount Hope for a rest.
By the way, the funeral was July 5th and both Bonnie and Joe forgot that it was their 36th anniversary until we got an anniversary card from our good friends Dan and Jane. Thanks folks. Talk about seniors moments!
We are finally settling into enjoying the summer, watching the robins with their babies that have nested in the upper corner of our front porch and relaxing (sort of). Had to catch up on weeding, planting etc. Enjoying our new house and trying to keep cool in this extreme heat we have been having here in southern Ontario.
Watch for the next exciting episode of Bonnie and Joe on the Go coming soon!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Last day in Beautiful Scotland
June 18/10
We had a nice breakfast and drove east across by Fort William and stopped to shop at Spean Bridge where we bought a tartan blanket and gifts. We had coffee at a place called “Coffee, Cakes, Clothing and Other Yummy Things” at Laggan Bridge. Elinor bought a cardigan which they the brochure says “will make her appear to be a rich and sexy goatherd!” The shop had a wonderful, one of a kind, selection of knits and other great things. We stopped for lunch at the House of Bruar . This place was huge with lots and lots of clothing and other items. An excellent spot to go back and visit at another time. Another beautiful day driving home in the sunshine.
We have had such a wonderful time in Scotland. It is truly a beautiful country and we can only hope to come back to visit soon. Elinor has been a wonderful hostess and has shown us a really great time. It was great to meet all of her family and her friend Billy , who has been so good to us and a pleasure to be with. We will miss them all when we leave. Thank you Elinor.
Off to the airport tomorrow and home.
We had a nice breakfast and drove east across by Fort William and stopped to shop at Spean Bridge where we bought a tartan blanket and gifts. We had coffee at a place called “Coffee, Cakes, Clothing and Other Yummy Things” at Laggan Bridge. Elinor bought a cardigan which they the brochure says “will make her appear to be a rich and sexy goatherd!” The shop had a wonderful, one of a kind, selection of knits and other great things. We stopped for lunch at the House of Bruar . This place was huge with lots and lots of clothing and other items. An excellent spot to go back and visit at another time. Another beautiful day driving home in the sunshine.
We have had such a wonderful time in Scotland. It is truly a beautiful country and we can only hope to come back to visit soon. Elinor has been a wonderful hostess and has shown us a really great time. It was great to meet all of her family and her friend Billy , who has been so good to us and a pleasure to be with. We will miss them all when we leave. Thank you Elinor.
Off to the airport tomorrow and home.
Northern Scotland
June 17/10
Off to Glencoe with Elinor and Billy. Left around 9:30 and made our first stop on the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Our second stop was at the Drover’s Inn. What a place! An pub that is over 300 years old, with dust on things, a fire going in the old fireplace, old stone walls and ancient furnis hings. The cubical in the ladies washroom was so small, Bonnie knocked her head on the door lock when using the facilities. A large group of people came into the pub. Some of the men were dressed full Scottish attire with kilts ans knee high socks with a square tag of the tartan of kilts, plus all the accompanying attire . One fellow was in full gear with a fox sporran. I wish we had taken pictures there. We had a coffee and moved on.
We had a picnic lunch at the Clachaig Inn, which is the site where the Campbells massacred the MacDonalds in the 1600’s. There is a sign on the door which reads “No Hawkers or Campbells allowed”. Unfortunatley our driver (Billy) is a Campbell, but we didn’t tell on him.
The scenery in the Scottish highlands is absolutely beautiful with rolling hills to high mountains, rivers and lochs, wild flowers, mostly wild rhododendrons, and quaint houses. We stayed at the Ardmore B&B in Ballachoullish. Our suite faced across the loch and gave us a wonderful view of the river and the hills. We all went to dinner at The Holly Tree and had a pre dinner drink on the balcony. The weather was glorious the whole day.
Off to Glencoe with Elinor and Billy. Left around 9:30 and made our first stop on the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Our second stop was at the Drover’s Inn. What a place! An pub that is over 300 years old, with dust on things, a fire going in the old fireplace, old stone walls and ancient furnis hings. The cubical in the ladies washroom was so small, Bonnie knocked her head on the door lock when using the facilities. A large group of people came into the pub. Some of the men were dressed full Scottish attire with kilts ans knee high socks with a square tag of the tartan of kilts, plus all the accompanying attire . One fellow was in full gear with a fox sporran. I wish we had taken pictures there. We had a coffee and moved on.
We had a picnic lunch at the Clachaig Inn, which is the site where the Campbells massacred the MacDonalds in the 1600’s. There is a sign on the door which reads “No Hawkers or Campbells allowed”. Unfortunatley our driver (Billy) is a Campbell, but we didn’t tell on him.
The scenery in the Scottish highlands is absolutely beautiful with rolling hills to high mountains, rivers and lochs, wild flowers, mostly wild rhododendrons, and quaint houses. We stayed at the Ardmore B&B in Ballachoullish. Our suite faced across the loch and gave us a wonderful view of the river and the hills. We all went to dinner at The Holly Tree and had a pre dinner drink on the balcony. The weather was glorious the whole day.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Lazy day in East Kilbride
June16/10
Beautiful day in Scotland. We had a leisurely morning and then headed for the mall with Elinor and Billy, Yea! After looking a the shops in the mall, Bonnie bought a nice outfit in Marks and Spencer and then we had lunch in their restaurant. Everyone actually came home with a purchase except poor Joe, ah. Had a nap in the afternoon, another excellent dinner that Elinor prepared and in the evening Bonnie and Elinor went off to visit her aunt Jean. What a lovely lady. She has a beautiful home and garden. Home to watch NCIS and off to bed.
Tomorrow we are it's off to Glencoe about 2or 3 hours north of Glasgow.
Beautiful day in Scotland. We had a leisurely morning and then headed for the mall with Elinor and Billy, Yea! After looking a the shops in the mall, Bonnie bought a nice outfit in Marks and Spencer and then we had lunch in their restaurant. Everyone actually came home with a purchase except poor Joe, ah. Had a nap in the afternoon, another excellent dinner that Elinor prepared and in the evening Bonnie and Elinor went off to visit her aunt Jean. What a lovely lady. She has a beautiful home and garden. Home to watch NCIS and off to bed.
Tomorrow we are it's off to Glencoe about 2or 3 hours north of Glasgow.
Back in Scotland
June 15, 2010
We left the Lake District for a leisurely drive up to East Kilbride (near Glasgow). The 1st part of the drive was quite picturesque, through rolling hills and valleys, along narrow curvy roads and finally onto the motorway. The rest of the route was uneventful until we got about 15 miles from Elinor's house in East Kilbride. The GPS went blank again! Bonnie talked Emily into co-operating and we did arrive in the early afternoon. In time to enjoy a sunny afternoon in the garden.
Tomorrow its off to the local mall.
We left the Lake District for a leisurely drive up to East Kilbride (near Glasgow). The 1st part of the drive was quite picturesque, through rolling hills and valleys, along narrow curvy roads and finally onto the motorway. The rest of the route was uneventful until we got about 15 miles from Elinor's house in East Kilbride. The GPS went blank again! Bonnie talked Emily into co-operating and we did arrive in the early afternoon. In time to enjoy a sunny afternoon in the garden.
Tomorrow its off to the local mall.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Lake District
June 14/10
We decided on a leisurely day today. Had a big breakfast at the hotel. When you are paying for bed and breakfast, you tend to eat more than usual because you have already paid for it. Then we sat in the "drawing" room and read for a while as the weather was quite gloomy. We decided to go for a drive and ended up in Ambleside, more hilly steets. Came back, parked at the hotel and walked into town. Had lunch, Bonnie did a bit of shopping and Joe had a couple of draughts. Back up to the hotel for a nap, then up again for another walk into town for dinner. We had delicious fish and chips, which were the biggest chips I have ever seen! Huge. Back up mostly uphill to get back to our room which is - up stairs, turn a corner, go through a door, down three steps turn a corner, go through a door down a long corridor, turn up three steps and down two, turn a corner, go through a door, up 16 more steps, turn right - ah, there's our room. I (Bonnie) am exhausted. So much for our leisurely day!
Off to Elinor's tomorrow.
We decided on a leisurely day today. Had a big breakfast at the hotel. When you are paying for bed and breakfast, you tend to eat more than usual because you have already paid for it. Then we sat in the "drawing" room and read for a while as the weather was quite gloomy. We decided to go for a drive and ended up in Ambleside, more hilly steets. Came back, parked at the hotel and walked into town. Had lunch, Bonnie did a bit of shopping and Joe had a couple of draughts. Back up to the hotel for a nap, then up again for another walk into town for dinner. We had delicious fish and chips, which were the biggest chips I have ever seen! Huge. Back up mostly uphill to get back to our room which is - up stairs, turn a corner, go through a door, down three steps turn a corner, go through a door down a long corridor, turn up three steps and down two, turn a corner, go through a door, up 16 more steps, turn right - ah, there's our room. I (Bonnie) am exhausted. So much for our leisurely day!
Off to Elinor's tomorrow.
From Warwick to the Lake District
June 13, 2010
We left Warwick and headed to the Lake District about 200 miles north of Warwick. The motorway was an excellent choice and we made good time. Once we neared the area, the roads suddenly got a lot smaller and a lot more turns and hills to negotiate. We passed through the villages of Windermere and Ambleside on our way to Grasmere. What a picturesque little village Grasmere is, nestled in the hills and lakes of the area. Our hotel is the Swan hotel and is within walking distance of the village. (Yes, uphill and downhill and uphill again!)
In this “neck of the woods” the sun rises at 4:30 in the morning and sets at about 10:30 at night. Makes for a long day but does leave more time to explore the countryside. Everyone here seems to be a hiker and half the shops sell hiking gear. Well our hiking is limited to going from the hotel to the village and back.
We are spending 2 nights here and will continue our exploring of the Lake District tomorrow.
We left Warwick and headed to the Lake District about 200 miles north of Warwick. The motorway was an excellent choice and we made good time. Once we neared the area, the roads suddenly got a lot smaller and a lot more turns and hills to negotiate. We passed through the villages of Windermere and Ambleside on our way to Grasmere. What a picturesque little village Grasmere is, nestled in the hills and lakes of the area. Our hotel is the Swan hotel and is within walking distance of the village. (Yes, uphill and downhill and uphill again!)
In this “neck of the woods” the sun rises at 4:30 in the morning and sets at about 10:30 at night. Makes for a long day but does leave more time to explore the countryside. Everyone here seems to be a hiker and half the shops sell hiking gear. Well our hiking is limited to going from the hotel to the village and back.
We are spending 2 nights here and will continue our exploring of the Lake District tomorrow.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Warwick Castle
June 12/10
A short drive to Warwick today. We had booked a hotel which offered a great deal on tickets for Warwick Castle. Much to our surprise, and pleasure, the castle is just down the road from our hotel. The castle was magnificent! They had re-inactments and a party hosted by the Duke of Warwick and his wife Daisy. They even introduced us when we came into the room as the "Ambassadors from Canada".
Would you believe we spent several hours tonight in an English Pub, that was packed with people by the way, and watched the World Cup game between England and USA! We cheered for England of course, you never know what those wild Englishmen would do to a TRAITOR!!!
Headed back to our hotel for a good nights sleep as we are off to the lake district tomorrow.
A short drive to Warwick today. We had booked a hotel which offered a great deal on tickets for Warwick Castle. Much to our surprise, and pleasure, the castle is just down the road from our hotel. The castle was magnificent! They had re-inactments and a party hosted by the Duke of Warwick and his wife Daisy. They even introduced us when we came into the room as the "Ambassadors from Canada".
Would you believe we spent several hours tonight in an English Pub, that was packed with people by the way, and watched the World Cup game between England and USA! We cheered for England of course, you never know what those wild Englishmen would do to a TRAITOR!!!
Headed back to our hotel for a good nights sleep as we are off to the lake district tomorrow.
Friday, June 11, 2010
From Praze an Beeble to Blenheim Castle
June 11, 2010
Up early for our long trip to Oxford, Woodstock, or Blenheim Palace whatever the GPS (Emily) wants to call it. The weather was comfortable. (that means no rain and not freezing in this country).
We got underway about 7:30 for the 260 mile trek. Well it turns out most of the trip was on the motorway at 70 miles an hour. What a difference from those 6' wide roads in Cornwall. We arrived in Woodstock before noon and headed for Blenheim castle. Blenheim castle is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the current residence of the 11th Duke of Marlborough. A great castle to go through with all the history of Churchill, the paintings and tapestry on all the walls and ceilings.
After trapsing through the castle and listening to a number of videos we felt we knew both Winnie and the Duke. Well the Duke is still alive at least and although we didn't meet him he was on the video.
We decided to spend the night in Woodstock "in the shadow of Blenheim" so we found the Bear Hotel and checked in. As we walked around Woodstock (the local pubs that is) and talked to some locals we realized we checked into the most costly hotel in Woodstock. Oh well, what the hell, it's only pounds.
Tomorrow we are on our way to Warwick castle and have reserved a hotel room only 400 metres from the castle. Should be a good day.
Up early for our long trip to Oxford, Woodstock, or Blenheim Palace whatever the GPS (Emily) wants to call it. The weather was comfortable. (that means no rain and not freezing in this country).
We got underway about 7:30 for the 260 mile trek. Well it turns out most of the trip was on the motorway at 70 miles an hour. What a difference from those 6' wide roads in Cornwall. We arrived in Woodstock before noon and headed for Blenheim castle. Blenheim castle is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the current residence of the 11th Duke of Marlborough. A great castle to go through with all the history of Churchill, the paintings and tapestry on all the walls and ceilings.
After trapsing through the castle and listening to a number of videos we felt we knew both Winnie and the Duke. Well the Duke is still alive at least and although we didn't meet him he was on the video.
We decided to spend the night in Woodstock "in the shadow of Blenheim" so we found the Bear Hotel and checked in. As we walked around Woodstock (the local pubs that is) and talked to some locals we realized we checked into the most costly hotel in Woodstock. Oh well, what the hell, it's only pounds.
Tomorrow we are on our way to Warwick castle and have reserved a hotel room only 400 metres from the castle. Should be a good day.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A visit to Falmouth
June 10, 2010
Up early (well 8:30) for our trip to the coastal town of Falmouth. Parking is a premium in these towns and they prefer you not drive into town, so we hit the "park and float" lot about 3 miles from the town centre. Of course we were there at 9:15 and the 1st boat left at 10:00.
What to do for 45 minutes? Of course we hit the local McDonalds for a coffee.
We took the boat into Falmouth and walked around town for a while until we discovered a hop on, hop off van that ran all over town and only cost 1 pound. A lot easier way to see the town and saves on shoe leather.
Next place to see in town was Pendennis Castle. This was built by Henry VIII to defend the southwest end of England. A couple of people told us it was only a 10 minute walk from our location so we headed off. Well I doubt any of those folks have ever walked to Pendennis castle. It's about a 45 minute walk UPHILL all the way. Well we finally made it to the castle, had a cup of tea, explored the castle, took some pictures and headed back down the mountain for lunch. Ploughman's lunch for Joe and a 5 lb baked potato with chili sauce for Bonnie.
Back on the boat to come back to Praze an Beeble, along the paths that they call roads over here, to do, of all things, laundry.
We decided to leave tomorrow morning instead of Saturday so we would have time to see Blenheim Palace which we believe may be near Oxford.
Up early (well 8:30) for our trip to the coastal town of Falmouth. Parking is a premium in these towns and they prefer you not drive into town, so we hit the "park and float" lot about 3 miles from the town centre. Of course we were there at 9:15 and the 1st boat left at 10:00.
What to do for 45 minutes? Of course we hit the local McDonalds for a coffee.
We took the boat into Falmouth and walked around town for a while until we discovered a hop on, hop off van that ran all over town and only cost 1 pound. A lot easier way to see the town and saves on shoe leather.
Next place to see in town was Pendennis Castle. This was built by Henry VIII to defend the southwest end of England. A couple of people told us it was only a 10 minute walk from our location so we headed off. Well I doubt any of those folks have ever walked to Pendennis castle. It's about a 45 minute walk UPHILL all the way. Well we finally made it to the castle, had a cup of tea, explored the castle, took some pictures and headed back down the mountain for lunch. Ploughman's lunch for Joe and a 5 lb baked potato with chili sauce for Bonnie.
Back on the boat to come back to Praze an Beeble, along the paths that they call roads over here, to do, of all things, laundry.
We decided to leave tomorrow morning instead of Saturday so we would have time to see Blenheim Palace which we believe may be near Oxford.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Shopping in Truro
June 9, 2010
Tuesday night Jazz Band was excellent. Four elder gentlemen who played trumpet, bass, guitars, keyboards and even a banjo. They entertained for 2 hours. Great night.
Wednesday started off real well. It was Joe's birthday and the sun was shining. Wow!!!
And what did we do today? We went shopping in Truro, a city about 20 miles from our location in Praze an Beeble.
Of course it took about an hour and a half to get there on these Cornish roads.
There were many and varied shops in the town and we spent a few hours browsing and making a couple of small purchases.
Lunch was a "ploughman's special" at the local Ale house. It was delicious.
Arrived back in time for happy hour and probably a trip to the hall tonight where the entertainment is "a superb vocal impressionist/comedian" whatever that may be.
Tuesday night Jazz Band was excellent. Four elder gentlemen who played trumpet, bass, guitars, keyboards and even a banjo. They entertained for 2 hours. Great night.
Wednesday started off real well. It was Joe's birthday and the sun was shining. Wow!!!
And what did we do today? We went shopping in Truro, a city about 20 miles from our location in Praze an Beeble.
Of course it took about an hour and a half to get there on these Cornish roads.
There were many and varied shops in the town and we spent a few hours browsing and making a couple of small purchases.
Lunch was a "ploughman's special" at the local Ale house. It was delicious.
Arrived back in time for happy hour and probably a trip to the hall tonight where the entertainment is "a superb vocal impressionist/comedian" whatever that may be.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
From St Ives to Land's End to Penzance
June 8, 2010
What a day! We got up early and headed to St Ives. We never did see the man with 7 wives and 7 sacks etc. We headed for the park and ride as everyone said you should not drive in St Ives. At the park and ride (about 3 miles from St Ives) we caught the train to the centre of St Ives. There we has breakfast and walked all over the town, the beach and into the many shops. Of course we had Cornsh pasties for lunch. What a beautiful part of England. The beaches go on forever.
We took the train back to the car and headed for Land's End. Of course there was plenty of those paths that they call roads over here to negotiate but we did make it to Land's End.
It was not too cold so we walked out to the point, took some pictures and had a "spot of tea".
On the way back to Praze an Beeble we went through the coastal town of Penzance. Again, plenty of great views and lots of shops but we just "drove through" the town and looked around.
We had to be back to rest up for the steak dinner tonight followed by a Jazz Band entertainment tonight. (You should be here Dan, this sounds like your kind of night).
What a day! We got up early and headed to St Ives. We never did see the man with 7 wives and 7 sacks etc. We headed for the park and ride as everyone said you should not drive in St Ives. At the park and ride (about 3 miles from St Ives) we caught the train to the centre of St Ives. There we has breakfast and walked all over the town, the beach and into the many shops. Of course we had Cornsh pasties for lunch. What a beautiful part of England. The beaches go on forever.
We took the train back to the car and headed for Land's End. Of course there was plenty of those paths that they call roads over here to negotiate but we did make it to Land's End.
It was not too cold so we walked out to the point, took some pictures and had a "spot of tea".
On the way back to Praze an Beeble we went through the coastal town of Penzance. Again, plenty of great views and lots of shops but we just "drove through" the town and looked around.
We had to be back to rest up for the steak dinner tonight followed by a Jazz Band entertainment tonight. (You should be here Dan, this sounds like your kind of night).
Monday, June 7, 2010
Tintagel
June 7/10
Drizzle and rain today. But, troopers that we are, we set off anyway to go to Tintagel Castle. OMG what a drive! Over 4 lane roads, 2 lane roads, narrow 2 lane roads and finally one lane roads, but with two way traffic! Our side mirrors were touching bushes on both sides of the road and cars were coming the other way towards us! Joe's expert maneuvering and that of some other drivers got us there safe and sound. Whew!
We couldn't get right up to the castle, which was mostly ruins anyway, because there were hundreds of steps. We managed to find a road out to the coast line and got pictures, had lunch in a quaint little pub, visited the many shops and returned through the rain.
A great day, all in all.
Drizzle and rain today. But, troopers that we are, we set off anyway to go to Tintagel Castle. OMG what a drive! Over 4 lane roads, 2 lane roads, narrow 2 lane roads and finally one lane roads, but with two way traffic! Our side mirrors were touching bushes on both sides of the road and cars were coming the other way towards us! Joe's expert maneuvering and that of some other drivers got us there safe and sound. Whew!
We couldn't get right up to the castle, which was mostly ruins anyway, because there were hundreds of steps. We managed to find a road out to the coast line and got pictures, had lunch in a quaint little pub, visited the many shops and returned through the rain.
A great day, all in all.
Lazy Day
June 6/10
Lazy day at Clowance Estate and Country Club. We wandered around the property, which is gorgeous, did some laundry and went to see Paul McGahan and have a jug of Pimm's at Your Bar in the evening. Paul is a singer/entertainer and quite good. That was it!
Lazy day at Clowance Estate and Country Club. We wandered around the property, which is gorgeous, did some laundry and went to see Paul McGahan and have a jug of Pimm's at Your Bar in the evening. Paul is a singer/entertainer and quite good. That was it!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Bath to Cornwall
June 5/10
Who would have ever thought we would be spending a week in Plaze-an-Beeble!! That's where we are in Cornwall. While driving from Bath on the A30, we stopped at a service center (they have everything, stores, restaurants and even a hotel). When we got back on the road our sweet Emily kept telling us to make a U turn. We thought she'd gone crazy! Until we realized that we had got on the A30 going THE WRONG WAY!! Poor Emily, we will never doubt you again. She got us back on the straight and narrow. And I mean NARROW. The road from Camborne to Praze-an-Beelbe was so narrow that, Bonnie kept thinking we would hit the wall on her side and Joe thought he was going to hit the passing vehicles on his side. What a ride. Relaxing tonight, washing tomorrow. Great area, lots to do.
Good bye.
Who would have ever thought we would be spending a week in Plaze-an-Beeble!! That's where we are in Cornwall. While driving from Bath on the A30, we stopped at a service center (they have everything, stores, restaurants and even a hotel). When we got back on the road our sweet Emily kept telling us to make a U turn. We thought she'd gone crazy! Until we realized that we had got on the A30 going THE WRONG WAY!! Poor Emily, we will never doubt you again. She got us back on the straight and narrow. And I mean NARROW. The road from Camborne to Praze-an-Beelbe was so narrow that, Bonnie kept thinking we would hit the wall on her side and Joe thought he was going to hit the passing vehicles on his side. What a ride. Relaxing tonight, washing tomorrow. Great area, lots to do.
Good bye.
Friday, June 4, 2010
From London to Bath
June 4/10
Another beautiful day! High of 30 Celsius in Bath today, where we are spending the afternoon and night. More crowds but apparently it is a special music weekend. We were lucky to get the last room in the Abbey Hotel in the centre of the town.
It did take us an hour and a half to get out of the London area, and we only went 12 miles!! So much traffic, but we did see a lot of the suburbs with mostly row housing and some lovely gardens and of course lots of little pubs. Then we were on Motorway 4 and it was smooth sailing from there. One reason it was easy driving was that we got Emily fixed up with a new connector. She is working so good we may change her name to Bonnie. So far we have both side mirrors still on the car so I guess we are doing OK on the roads. However these damn drivers keep expecting us to drive on the left side of the road.
We took the Hop On Hop Off city tour on a double decker bus. Bath is quite an interesting place. When Queen Victoria came here, someone said she had fat ankles, so she never came back and would make everyone pull their curtains to block out Bath when travelling past it on the train. There are Roman baths here that are mineral baths and are said to be very healing. The story goes that a young man got a terrible rash with scabs etc and was diagnosed with leprosy. He had to leave his town and went out in the fields to herd pigs and realized that they had the same skin ailment. One day there was an area of wet mud that the pigs rolled in and it got rid of the rash. He thought, well, it if it is good enough for them, it’s good enough for me and went into the mud bath until his skin cleared up. Hence the healing baths started. We quickly headed for these wonderful baths and were all set to dive in and heal all our ailments. The guy at the door said “Where the hell are your bathing trunks?” Oops, we nipped out of there in a hurry as there apparently is no nude bathing.
Off to Cornwall tomorrow.
Another beautiful day! High of 30 Celsius in Bath today, where we are spending the afternoon and night. More crowds but apparently it is a special music weekend. We were lucky to get the last room in the Abbey Hotel in the centre of the town.
It did take us an hour and a half to get out of the London area, and we only went 12 miles!! So much traffic, but we did see a lot of the suburbs with mostly row housing and some lovely gardens and of course lots of little pubs. Then we were on Motorway 4 and it was smooth sailing from there. One reason it was easy driving was that we got Emily fixed up with a new connector. She is working so good we may change her name to Bonnie. So far we have both side mirrors still on the car so I guess we are doing OK on the roads. However these damn drivers keep expecting us to drive on the left side of the road.
We took the Hop On Hop Off city tour on a double decker bus. Bath is quite an interesting place. When Queen Victoria came here, someone said she had fat ankles, so she never came back and would make everyone pull their curtains to block out Bath when travelling past it on the train. There are Roman baths here that are mineral baths and are said to be very healing. The story goes that a young man got a terrible rash with scabs etc and was diagnosed with leprosy. He had to leave his town and went out in the fields to herd pigs and realized that they had the same skin ailment. One day there was an area of wet mud that the pigs rolled in and it got rid of the rash. He thought, well, it if it is good enough for them, it’s good enough for me and went into the mud bath until his skin cleared up. Hence the healing baths started. We quickly headed for these wonderful baths and were all set to dive in and heal all our ailments. The guy at the door said “Where the hell are your bathing trunks?” Oops, we nipped out of there in a hurry as there apparently is no nude bathing.
Off to Cornwall tomorrow.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday, June 3/10
Headed back into London. We took the early train and got the bus to Westminster Abby and were there by 9:30 when it opens. What a fascinating place. We were so impressed, and spent an hour there. They have a commentary for you to listen to as you go through it. We left there and walked through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard. We were 3/4 of an hour early and already the whole area was packed with people. No hope of getting an upclose view, but the pagentry was great and Joe got some pictures.
We then walked through Hyde Park to Hyde Park Station and took the bus to Herrod's.
Ok, feet are getting sore now, with all that walking and standing about. We had a bite to eat and a drink in one of the 28 cafe/restaurants in Harrods. I had hungarian goulash with a roll and glass of wine and Joe had a salad and a beer. (No class there!) Class!!! at $10.00 for a beer and $15.00 for a glass of wine who can afford class? Bonnie roamed around Harrods looking at all the outrageously expensive items and Joe went to a pub. A much better decision actually.
Took two buses to the Tower of London, had a spot of tea and took some pictures. Back "on the buses" through traffic jams to make our way to Victoria Station to catch the train back to our hotel. Now, having a Stella Artois and a Pimms (Mr. Parnell!)
Happy birthday wishes to Laurie.
Heading west tomorrow morning and if Emily (our GPS) cooperates we will get out of London.
Headed back into London. We took the early train and got the bus to Westminster Abby and were there by 9:30 when it opens. What a fascinating place. We were so impressed, and spent an hour there. They have a commentary for you to listen to as you go through it. We left there and walked through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard. We were 3/4 of an hour early and already the whole area was packed with people. No hope of getting an upclose view, but the pagentry was great and Joe got some pictures.
We then walked through Hyde Park to Hyde Park Station and took the bus to Herrod's.
Ok, feet are getting sore now, with all that walking and standing about. We had a bite to eat and a drink in one of the 28 cafe/restaurants in Harrods. I had hungarian goulash with a roll and glass of wine and Joe had a salad and a beer. (No class there!) Class!!! at $10.00 for a beer and $15.00 for a glass of wine who can afford class? Bonnie roamed around Harrods looking at all the outrageously expensive items and Joe went to a pub. A much better decision actually.
Took two buses to the Tower of London, had a spot of tea and took some pictures. Back "on the buses" through traffic jams to make our way to Victoria Station to catch the train back to our hotel. Now, having a Stella Artois and a Pimms (Mr. Parnell!)
Happy birthday wishes to Laurie.
Heading west tomorrow morning and if Emily (our GPS) cooperates we will get out of London.
Our first day in London
June 2, 2010
A great day in London.
We took the train from East Croydon to Victoria Station. Train ride was about 20 minutes and quite smooth. Time to board the bus for a tour of London. Our bus of choice was the 2 decker “Original Tour Bus”. This is a hop on hop off tour around London. We opted for the upper deck as the sun was shining and the temp was near 20.
As we went around we saw all the main attractions including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square plus a number of others. Of course all this viewing was from the comfort of the top deck of the bus. The full trip takes a little over 2 hours. On our second trip around we hopped off at Piccadilly Circus. They told us if you hang around here for 37 minutes you will see someone you know. Well an hour later we had not seen anyone we knew even though there were 14 million people wandering around. We bought tickets to see Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre for 7:30 that night.
We walked over to Trafalgar Square took pictures of Bonnie with the elephants (there are a number of painted elephants throughout the city) and found a good pub for dinner. Fish and Chips again. After more wandering through crowds of people and massive traffic jams, we finally found our way to The Prince Edward Theatre. The show was wonderful. Ended about 10:30, so we thought we would catch the regular bus back to Victoria Station. That would be bus #38. Walking through the theatre district we were amazed at the number of cafes and pubs open and the large crowds of people in the area. We found our bus, got to Victoria Station and arrived back in Croydon near 11:30.
Now for some rest to prepare for another assault tomorrow.
A great day in London.
We took the train from East Croydon to Victoria Station. Train ride was about 20 minutes and quite smooth. Time to board the bus for a tour of London. Our bus of choice was the 2 decker “Original Tour Bus”. This is a hop on hop off tour around London. We opted for the upper deck as the sun was shining and the temp was near 20.
As we went around we saw all the main attractions including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square plus a number of others. Of course all this viewing was from the comfort of the top deck of the bus. The full trip takes a little over 2 hours. On our second trip around we hopped off at Piccadilly Circus. They told us if you hang around here for 37 minutes you will see someone you know. Well an hour later we had not seen anyone we knew even though there were 14 million people wandering around. We bought tickets to see Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre for 7:30 that night.
We walked over to Trafalgar Square took pictures of Bonnie with the elephants (there are a number of painted elephants throughout the city) and found a good pub for dinner. Fish and Chips again. After more wandering through crowds of people and massive traffic jams, we finally found our way to The Prince Edward Theatre. The show was wonderful. Ended about 10:30, so we thought we would catch the regular bus back to Victoria Station. That would be bus #38. Walking through the theatre district we were amazed at the number of cafes and pubs open and the large crowds of people in the area. We found our bus, got to Victoria Station and arrived back in Croydon near 11:30.
Now for some rest to prepare for another assault tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Arrived in London (Croydon)
June 1/10
NEW DAY, NEW PROBLEMS
This morning around 10am we found the Jury Hotel in Croydon (south of London) in the rain. Emily died just as we got here. She keeps running out of power, we think the plug in in the car is not working. Joe is charging her now (not what you think).
Nice luxurious hotel. We will stay here until June 4th and try to hit all the highlites in London.
Got our room, plugged into the internet (6 pounds a day), but it didn't work. We called the front desk from our room and they came up but couldn't figure out why. Then maintenance came up and tried and could get it working. We tried to call the desk again and the phone was not working! We just called on it 20 minutes ago! Is it us? We took the computer down to the desk and the nice lady gave us free WiFi internet for 24 hours (down in the bar, of all place!) Had to have a drink (Pimms and Stella Artois of course) and a bite while we are there.
We will check out the train station this afternoon to figure out how to get to downtown London via the train and tube.
We checked out the train to London. No problems with that. We got our maps, brochures and are planning an assault on London tomorrow morning. The sightseeing bus will be our 1st stop and that will tour London and then we will decide the sights to visit.
Hopefully we will have more tomorrow if we survive London.
NEW DAY, NEW PROBLEMS
This morning around 10am we found the Jury Hotel in Croydon (south of London) in the rain. Emily died just as we got here. She keeps running out of power, we think the plug in in the car is not working. Joe is charging her now (not what you think).
Nice luxurious hotel. We will stay here until June 4th and try to hit all the highlites in London.
Got our room, plugged into the internet (6 pounds a day), but it didn't work. We called the front desk from our room and they came up but couldn't figure out why. Then maintenance came up and tried and could get it working. We tried to call the desk again and the phone was not working! We just called on it 20 minutes ago! Is it us? We took the computer down to the desk and the nice lady gave us free WiFi internet for 24 hours (down in the bar, of all place!) Had to have a drink (Pimms and Stella Artois of course) and a bite while we are there.
We will check out the train station this afternoon to figure out how to get to downtown London via the train and tube.
We checked out the train to London. No problems with that. We got our maps, brochures and are planning an assault on London tomorrow morning. The sightseeing bus will be our 1st stop and that will tour London and then we will decide the sights to visit.
Hopefully we will have more tomorrow if we survive London.
Trouble in Paradise!!!!
May 31/10
FOILED AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN – and on my birthday too.
Our first mistake was deciding to go to Southend on the Sea to see the town where Peggy White (Larry’s mother) lived. Big air show on today. Stop and go traffic getting in, no parking spaces when we did get in and people and cars everywhere!
So we decided to go on to one of the other seafront towns along the way – no –all busy too.
So we thought we would head London way and go to Basildon. We just got on our way and Emily decided to have temper tantrum and went on strike. NO GPS – NO KNOW HOW TO GET ANYWHERE WITHOUT EMILY. We did have a backup paper GPS however, (a map) but that did us no good at all. When we got to the next round about, and they were every ½ mile or so, we had no idea where to go. Sweet Emily also had the only compass on it.
We tried everything we could think of to get her working and Bonnie (she’s so smart) suggested that maybe it was the fuse in the connector. Joe (in his wisdom) found some foil paper in a discarded cigarette package and wrapped it around the fuse. EMILY worked! For a minute and then stopped again. After going to a number of stores looking a fuse, or maybe it was something wrong with the car??? Bonnie had been playing with all the buttons. Finally a lad in Staples sent us to an electrical shop and we got, not one, but 10 fuses because that’s how they sell them. Oh well, we have enough now to last us and Jim (Emily is his) a lifetime. Put the new fuse in, Emily worked like a charm, for two minutes! Put another fuse in – worked for another two minutes. Joe suggested the tried and true foil wrap again and it worked, but low and behold I could smell smoke. Took the fuse out and it was burning hot!!! Finally we tried another fuse and it worked fine, so far thank goodness.
Now we just had to find a Hotel. Got booked into the Holiday Inn and we are now both having a BIG drink! Large Stella Artois for Joe and a “Pimms , Mr. Parnell?” for Bonnie. Other than that and the drizzle, a fine day was had by all.
Off to the Jury Inn in Croydon tomorrow, which is about 20 minutes south of London, for three nights.
FOILED AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN – and on my birthday too.
Our first mistake was deciding to go to Southend on the Sea to see the town where Peggy White (Larry’s mother) lived. Big air show on today. Stop and go traffic getting in, no parking spaces when we did get in and people and cars everywhere!
So we decided to go on to one of the other seafront towns along the way – no –all busy too.
So we thought we would head London way and go to Basildon. We just got on our way and Emily decided to have temper tantrum and went on strike. NO GPS – NO KNOW HOW TO GET ANYWHERE WITHOUT EMILY. We did have a backup paper GPS however, (a map) but that did us no good at all. When we got to the next round about, and they were every ½ mile or so, we had no idea where to go. Sweet Emily also had the only compass on it.
We tried everything we could think of to get her working and Bonnie (she’s so smart) suggested that maybe it was the fuse in the connector. Joe (in his wisdom) found some foil paper in a discarded cigarette package and wrapped it around the fuse. EMILY worked! For a minute and then stopped again. After going to a number of stores looking a fuse, or maybe it was something wrong with the car??? Bonnie had been playing with all the buttons. Finally a lad in Staples sent us to an electrical shop and we got, not one, but 10 fuses because that’s how they sell them. Oh well, we have enough now to last us and Jim (Emily is his) a lifetime. Put the new fuse in, Emily worked like a charm, for two minutes! Put another fuse in – worked for another two minutes. Joe suggested the tried and true foil wrap again and it worked, but low and behold I could smell smoke. Took the fuse out and it was burning hot!!! Finally we tried another fuse and it worked fine, so far thank goodness.
Now we just had to find a Hotel. Got booked into the Holiday Inn and we are now both having a BIG drink! Large Stella Artois for Joe and a “Pimms , Mr. Parnell?” for Bonnie. Other than that and the drizzle, a fine day was had by all.
Off to the Jury Inn in Croydon tomorrow, which is about 20 minutes south of London, for three nights.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
On our way to the East Coast
May 30/10
Back into York to see the Castle Museum where they dress up as in the olden days and they have a street with shops that you would think would be in Dickens time. Then we went to York Minster to see the huge church. Unfortunately it was Sunday and they church services were going on until around 1pm or 2pm. We didn’t want to wait that long and so only so the outside of the beautiful church. So on to Grimsby for lunch. No… that didn’t work too well. By the time we got there it was 2:40 and every restaurant and pub stops serving lunch (on Sunday) at 2:30, no matter what!. We decided to eat a few of the cookies Elinor was kind enough to pack for us and that held us over until we got to Boston. A fellow in a bar directed us to the White Heart Inn and we booked a room, then went pub hopping and had dinner, 5.79 pounds for roast beef, potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and a drink (wine or beer). Good food, good meal. We have been passing a lot of caravans (trailers) on the road. All of them are quite small but are probably used just for weekends. We have passed a few signs with a picture silhouette of two old people and it says “Blind People” or “Elderly People” crossing. What are these people doing crossing the roads by themselves!!!! Off to South End tomorrow.
Back into York to see the Castle Museum where they dress up as in the olden days and they have a street with shops that you would think would be in Dickens time. Then we went to York Minster to see the huge church. Unfortunately it was Sunday and they church services were going on until around 1pm or 2pm. We didn’t want to wait that long and so only so the outside of the beautiful church. So on to Grimsby for lunch. No… that didn’t work too well. By the time we got there it was 2:40 and every restaurant and pub stops serving lunch (on Sunday) at 2:30, no matter what!. We decided to eat a few of the cookies Elinor was kind enough to pack for us and that held us over until we got to Boston. A fellow in a bar directed us to the White Heart Inn and we booked a room, then went pub hopping and had dinner, 5.79 pounds for roast beef, potatoes, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and a drink (wine or beer). Good food, good meal. We have been passing a lot of caravans (trailers) on the road. All of them are quite small but are probably used just for weekends. We have passed a few signs with a picture silhouette of two old people and it says “Blind People” or “Elderly People” crossing. What are these people doing crossing the roads by themselves!!!! Off to South End tomorrow.
Through the Yorkshire Dales
May 29/10
Set off from Skipton to go to York, which is a direct if not straight route. Emily, our sweet GPS lady took us on the scenic route through Bradford, west of Leeds. The roads though the Yorkshire Dales was amazing. We felt like we were travelling through the TV series “All creatures great and Small” with James Harriet. After a long drive we finally made it to York and finally found the Information centre after driving all around York. Why they can’t drive on the right side of the road is beyond me. In fact we did it a couple times to the amazement of the rest of the drivers over here. At the information centre, they told us York was almost all booked up for rooms as it is a holiday weekend, but found us a bed & Breakfast at Tyburn House. After settling in there, we walked into York (about 20 min.) and hopped on the tour bus. Your ticket for it is good for 24 hours. Unfortunately they only run for 8 hours a day. We got on at 2pm and the last bus left at 3:55. So much for the tour bus. So we looked around on our own. Went to the Samuel Smith Pub and Joe got a beer for 1.57 pounds. And we thought England was going to be expensive, but so far the prices have been really good. We went to a nice pub and met a couple who lived in York all their lives and had a good chat. We had a bite to eat. Everything was closing by 6pm. We ended up walking back to our room in the pouring rain. What a great day! Our room was small with a tiny 3 piece bathroom but very comfortable and the next morning we got a “full” English breakfast that was really good.
Set off from Skipton to go to York, which is a direct if not straight route. Emily, our sweet GPS lady took us on the scenic route through Bradford, west of Leeds. The roads though the Yorkshire Dales was amazing. We felt like we were travelling through the TV series “All creatures great and Small” with James Harriet. After a long drive we finally made it to York and finally found the Information centre after driving all around York. Why they can’t drive on the right side of the road is beyond me. In fact we did it a couple times to the amazement of the rest of the drivers over here. At the information centre, they told us York was almost all booked up for rooms as it is a holiday weekend, but found us a bed & Breakfast at Tyburn House. After settling in there, we walked into York (about 20 min.) and hopped on the tour bus. Your ticket for it is good for 24 hours. Unfortunately they only run for 8 hours a day. We got on at 2pm and the last bus left at 3:55. So much for the tour bus. So we looked around on our own. Went to the Samuel Smith Pub and Joe got a beer for 1.57 pounds. And we thought England was going to be expensive, but so far the prices have been really good. We went to a nice pub and met a couple who lived in York all their lives and had a good chat. We had a bite to eat. Everything was closing by 6pm. We ended up walking back to our room in the pouring rain. What a great day! Our room was small with a tiny 3 piece bathroom but very comfortable and the next morning we got a “full” English breakfast that was really good.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Leaving Scotland
May 28/10
We left Scotland this morning and Elinor's (my cousin) wonderful meals, desserts and hospitality.
She has a sheep farm next door (the baby lambs have been born and they are so cute) and the sheep got out onto the road as we were leaving. When the car comes along they scurry back through the fence, sometimes getting caught in the barbed wire. It doesn't hurt them, but their wool gets caught up.
I have to say that Scotland is the "neatist" place I have ever been. Both in the fact that it is really, really beautiful and the fact it is so neat and tidy everywhere, like a picture postcard, with neat fields and little stone or hedge fences.
When we were travelling from the main highway along the secondary road, which I must say can be very narrow, there were horses and covered wagons travelling at a slow pace. Sometimes the owner was walking along beside the horse holding the rein, so that tells you the speed they were travelling. The traffic was held up behind them in that direction sometimes for a mile because the cars couldn't pass on the winding roads. I guess we were going the "right" way on the "wrong" side of the road.
We are in the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton, England. We parked the car in town and because we both had to use the washroom (or toilet) as they say here, we entered the first pub, and beleive me it was not too far away, called the Avion. Had a drink and a pub lunch, then went to High Street where they were having their Market Day which is like a flea market all down the street.
We will head for York tomorrow.
We left Scotland this morning and Elinor's (my cousin) wonderful meals, desserts and hospitality.
She has a sheep farm next door (the baby lambs have been born and they are so cute) and the sheep got out onto the road as we were leaving. When the car comes along they scurry back through the fence, sometimes getting caught in the barbed wire. It doesn't hurt them, but their wool gets caught up.
I have to say that Scotland is the "neatist" place I have ever been. Both in the fact that it is really, really beautiful and the fact it is so neat and tidy everywhere, like a picture postcard, with neat fields and little stone or hedge fences.
When we were travelling from the main highway along the secondary road, which I must say can be very narrow, there were horses and covered wagons travelling at a slow pace. Sometimes the owner was walking along beside the horse holding the rein, so that tells you the speed they were travelling. The traffic was held up behind them in that direction sometimes for a mile because the cars couldn't pass on the winding roads. I guess we were going the "right" way on the "wrong" side of the road.
We are in the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton, England. We parked the car in town and because we both had to use the washroom (or toilet) as they say here, we entered the first pub, and beleive me it was not too far away, called the Avion. Had a drink and a pub lunch, then went to High Street where they were having their Market Day which is like a flea market all down the street.
We will head for York tomorrow.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010
Elinor, Billy, Joe and I went to Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Castle. Amazing place way up on rocks and we had to park at the bottom and climb cobbled road and at least a million steps to get to the top. We saw, the crown jewels, the many rooms and the prison where even some American and Canadian prisoners were kept. Dark cold dungeons with canvas hammocks and stone floors. Apparently the prisoners were treated quite well as far as food went and there was a doctor available if they got ill. The view was amazing.
Went down into Edinburgh and had lunch at Marks and Spensor, did some shopping and came back to Elinor’s. Joe and Elinor and Billy went to pick up our rental car and Billy will drive with Joe to get him back safely and help him with any confusion. The driving here is very complicated to us, but I am sure Joe will master it in no time at all. Well, they got back to Elinor's house safe and sound, but....oops..Joe got out and then went to open the door to put some papers inside and hit his nose with the top of the door. He came in holding his nose and bleeding. You can dress him up, but you can't take him anywhere. I hope he doesn't get blood on Elinor's nice white sheets tonight.
We booked a room in Skipton for tomorrow night and we also booked three nights, June 1,2,&3 at Jury's Hotel in Croydon, 20 minutes from downtown London.
Elinor, Billy, Joe and I went to Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Castle. Amazing place way up on rocks and we had to park at the bottom and climb cobbled road and at least a million steps to get to the top. We saw, the crown jewels, the many rooms and the prison where even some American and Canadian prisoners were kept. Dark cold dungeons with canvas hammocks and stone floors. Apparently the prisoners were treated quite well as far as food went and there was a doctor available if they got ill. The view was amazing.
Went down into Edinburgh and had lunch at Marks and Spensor, did some shopping and came back to Elinor’s. Joe and Elinor and Billy went to pick up our rental car and Billy will drive with Joe to get him back safely and help him with any confusion. The driving here is very complicated to us, but I am sure Joe will master it in no time at all. Well, they got back to Elinor's house safe and sound, but....oops..Joe got out and then went to open the door to put some papers inside and hit his nose with the top of the door. He came in holding his nose and bleeding. You can dress him up, but you can't take him anywhere. I hope he doesn't get blood on Elinor's nice white sheets tonight.
We booked a room in Skipton for tomorrow night and we also booked three nights, June 1,2,&3 at Jury's Hotel in Croydon, 20 minutes from downtown London.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 25/10
Elinor got Uncle Morris and Aunt Irene off to the airport. We went (Elinor, Joe and Bonnie) to Comrie today. What a lovely day we had. First had a coffee at the holistic centre. A sweet old Scottie dog greeted us on the way in. Then we went into the Royal Hotel, in Comrie which is where Queen Victoria and John Brown had their tryst in the 1886. Beautiful old hotel. Went to the Ancaster House, "a spit and sawdust pub", and Joe had a beer, which Elinor was quick to text Billy to make him jealous. Bily was at home doing laundry etc. Went to Crieff to tour "The Famous Grouse" distillery and have lunch. They make two types of whisky - green whisky and a blended called the Famous Grouse. They have some great adverts with an animated red grouse. Elinor made a great dinner, she is a very good cook. I have her recipe for Pavlova that I will attempt to make at home. We watched Moonstruck. I have also found a great summer drink. Gin and bitter lemon!
May 26/10
Today Billy came with us to St. Andrews golf course. Stopped on the way at a coffee shop called Loganlea. A quaint shop that also sold egg, or bacon etc on a bun and other goodies. Unfortunately they will be closing because with the poor economy they are no longer able to make a profit with the shop.
On to St. Andrews golf course, the site of the 2010 Open. They told us that Jack Nicklaus was playing today but we did not see him. We walked around St. Andrews town and had lunch at the Doll's House. The boys went to another pub while the girls shopped. Needless to say Elinor did the driving home. When we were leaving the road we wanted was closed so we had to detour and got lost. Billy and Joe were in the back seat navigating (poorly) Finally Billy said "I'm not a map reader" and gave up. Bonnie took over navigating and we finally made it home, actually with the help of Billy and Elinor was quite confident of the route.
On the way back we went down to the harbour in Crail (the most photographed harbour in Scotland. Then to Anstruther for the best fish & chips in Britain.
Elinor got Uncle Morris and Aunt Irene off to the airport. We went (Elinor, Joe and Bonnie) to Comrie today. What a lovely day we had. First had a coffee at the holistic centre. A sweet old Scottie dog greeted us on the way in. Then we went into the Royal Hotel, in Comrie which is where Queen Victoria and John Brown had their tryst in the 1886. Beautiful old hotel. Went to the Ancaster House, "a spit and sawdust pub", and Joe had a beer, which Elinor was quick to text Billy to make him jealous. Bily was at home doing laundry etc. Went to Crieff to tour "The Famous Grouse" distillery and have lunch. They make two types of whisky - green whisky and a blended called the Famous Grouse. They have some great adverts with an animated red grouse. Elinor made a great dinner, she is a very good cook. I have her recipe for Pavlova that I will attempt to make at home. We watched Moonstruck. I have also found a great summer drink. Gin and bitter lemon!
May 26/10
Today Billy came with us to St. Andrews golf course. Stopped on the way at a coffee shop called Loganlea. A quaint shop that also sold egg, or bacon etc on a bun and other goodies. Unfortunately they will be closing because with the poor economy they are no longer able to make a profit with the shop.
On to St. Andrews golf course, the site of the 2010 Open. They told us that Jack Nicklaus was playing today but we did not see him. We walked around St. Andrews town and had lunch at the Doll's House. The boys went to another pub while the girls shopped. Needless to say Elinor did the driving home. When we were leaving the road we wanted was closed so we had to detour and got lost. Billy and Joe were in the back seat navigating (poorly) Finally Billy said "I'm not a map reader" and gave up. Bonnie took over navigating and we finally made it home, actually with the help of Billy and Elinor was quite confident of the route.
On the way back we went down to the harbour in Crail (the most photographed harbour in Scotland. Then to Anstruther for the best fish & chips in Britain.
May 22/10
We all went to a fabulous huge nursery today. Uncle Morris was looking for a greenhouse cover which he will use in his garden at home and we went to Poppinjay hotel/restaurant for lunch in the Clyde valley. What beautiful scenery and the restaurant was lovely and we had REAL English fish and chips with tartar sauce and “mushy peas”. We came back to Einors, sat out in her beautiful garden and then had ham and salad for dinner and strawberries for dessert. That was me, the rest of them had trifle. Elinor made three desserts yesterday, Pavlova (I am getting the recipe) trifle and strawberry tarts. She has been kind enough to make something I can eat all the time. Elinor is a great cook and seems to be working all the time. She is a wonderful hostess and our room is actually her bedroom with an ensuite which she had made out of a closet. Fergus (works for the fire dept) is off for 18 days and went for a run, ending at Elinor’s and then cut her lawn and was off to cut two other peoples lawns.
Uncle Morris and Irene will be leaving early, early tomorrow morning . Their flight leaves at 6 am, so the will be up around 3am .
We all went to a fabulous huge nursery today. Uncle Morris was looking for a greenhouse cover which he will use in his garden at home and we went to Poppinjay hotel/restaurant for lunch in the Clyde valley. What beautiful scenery and the restaurant was lovely and we had REAL English fish and chips with tartar sauce and “mushy peas”. We came back to Einors, sat out in her beautiful garden and then had ham and salad for dinner and strawberries for dessert. That was me, the rest of them had trifle. Elinor made three desserts yesterday, Pavlova (I am getting the recipe) trifle and strawberry tarts. She has been kind enough to make something I can eat all the time. Elinor is a great cook and seems to be working all the time. She is a wonderful hostess and our room is actually her bedroom with an ensuite which she had made out of a closet. Fergus (works for the fire dept) is off for 18 days and went for a run, ending at Elinor’s and then cut her lawn and was off to cut two other peoples lawns.
Uncle Morris and Irene will be leaving early, early tomorrow morning . Their flight leaves at 6 am, so the will be up around 3am .
May 21, 2010
Well, we were ready at 1pm and had been planning to leave for Laurie’s at 1:30 so we decided to watch TV for a half hour – after all we have lots of time. So we right, turned onto the 403 and the traffic was Stopped Dead. We were in the Jeep and Joe moved over to the shoulder and backed up all the way to Garner Rd. We found another route and got to Laurie’s in plenty of time. After all that we got to the airport, had a good flight to Heathrow. The TV in the back of the seat in front of us was great. We had our choice of 12 or so movies, 10 TV programs, radio and we could follow our flight. We did really good until about ¾ of the way there and Joe went into a TV program and the screen went blank. Then, sweet guy that he is, he tried it on my screen and so my screen also went blank. The Steward tried to fix them, as well as a number of other ones and finally just didn’t come back. He had no luck and so we had no screen for a while. We couldn’t sleep and arrived a Heathrow pretty tired. It was 1:30 am Canada time and 6: 30 British time. We tried to sleep during our 6 ½ hour wait and both managed an hour of so of sleep. We got our connecting flight to Glasgow which was about one hour and arrived tired but happy in Glasgow where Elinor & Billy were there to meet us. We had a nice dinner and went to bed around 9:30. Next day we felt pretty good. I had a nap and all the family came in the afternoon and we met everyone. Elinor ‘s son Fergus and his wife Fiona and children Isla (adorable 7yr old) and 4 yr old Ross. Then her daughter Tracy arrive with her husband Johnny and three children, Emma 16, Callum 14 and 9 or so.
Well, we were ready at 1pm and had been planning to leave for Laurie’s at 1:30 so we decided to watch TV for a half hour – after all we have lots of time. So we right, turned onto the 403 and the traffic was Stopped Dead. We were in the Jeep and Joe moved over to the shoulder and backed up all the way to Garner Rd. We found another route and got to Laurie’s in plenty of time. After all that we got to the airport, had a good flight to Heathrow. The TV in the back of the seat in front of us was great. We had our choice of 12 or so movies, 10 TV programs, radio and we could follow our flight. We did really good until about ¾ of the way there and Joe went into a TV program and the screen went blank. Then, sweet guy that he is, he tried it on my screen and so my screen also went blank. The Steward tried to fix them, as well as a number of other ones and finally just didn’t come back. He had no luck and so we had no screen for a while. We couldn’t sleep and arrived a Heathrow pretty tired. It was 1:30 am Canada time and 6: 30 British time. We tried to sleep during our 6 ½ hour wait and both managed an hour of so of sleep. We got our connecting flight to Glasgow which was about one hour and arrived tired but happy in Glasgow where Elinor & Billy were there to meet us. We had a nice dinner and went to bed around 9:30. Next day we felt pretty good. I had a nap and all the family came in the afternoon and we met everyone. Elinor ‘s son Fergus and his wife Fiona and children Isla (adorable 7yr old) and 4 yr old Ross. Then her daughter Tracy arrive with her husband Johnny and three children, Emma 16, Callum 14 and 9 or so.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 20, 2010
So, here we are starting out for a new adventure. We fly to London tomorrow. I can hardly believe it is finally here. Keep your fingers crossed that the Iceland volcano does not spew out more ash to prevent us from going. I am so excited and I think Joe is too, but he is more 'cool' about these things than I am. So for now, goodnight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)