Visiting Family & Friends

Yesterday Alan gave us a ride over to Wimbledon and then Detta and I took the tram to Croydon. It was very quick and passed through all the areas I used to drive. Though I didn't recognize some as we were in Mitcham Common and not by the road. We did pass by the back of IKEA and Sainsburys.

We met my friend, Lisa Holland and her daughter, Kerri at Pret a Manger. It was so good to see her. It has been at least seven years since I saw her last. And the last time I saw Kerri, she was a wee baby.

We then went over to met Juliet at her work place. It was very interesting to ride the bus and walk in Croydon. So much has changed. Juliet took us back to her house and we met all the family. Robert has not changed at all. In fact it was just as if we saw them yesterday.
Detta really got on well with her cousins like she has always known them. Juliet and I walked up to the high street and bought fish and chips for lunch. She caught me up on all the family gossip. Their house is lovely and Hugh you would love their shower. Detta, Lauren and Nicole decided they wanted to go and see Ice Age 3. So we took them back to Croydon and they were able to see it in 3D. Juliet and I went to Primark and shopped.
I should of course mention Alan and Kate who were are staying with. They have been great. They have driven us around, feed us, housed us. I suggested for next year we should do a house swap.
Their boys are so big now 15 and 13. Lester is so tall and Alex is not far behind.
Alan works more close to home now so quite often drives his bike which is a 500cc moped to work. And Kate works at the library. This is Alan in his studio.

Relaxing Day

Today was a very relaxing day. I didn't do much and Detta did even less. I ended up wandering into Kingston to have a look at the Denby at TK Maxx but it wasn't the one Lisa wanted. I ended up shopping at Marks & Spencers but now I am going to return the underwear because I bought it online cheaper. I am having it delivered to my cousins in N.Ireland. I wandered around for a bit and found a suitcase I am going to buy as Detta's and mine are not larger enough. It is really big and bright pink with polka dots, maybe I should get the black one!!

Kate and Alan with Alex took us out for a Indian food. It was delicious. I had a chicken dansak and Detta had a biryani. She did try some of Alex's Madras and mine. This is the first time Detta has had Indian food from a British restaurant. I think she enjoyed, I know I did.

Twilight & London Touring

Detta and I went to the Twilight event at Kingston Library last night. It was very good. The event was put on by the Kingston Library but it was made up of contributions by the public, particularly teenage girls. There were a lot of girls there. Detta enjoyed herself which was the most important. Detta wants to find out if our library can do something like that. Kate was the MC for the event and she did really well. We weren't allowed to leave right away because Prince Edward had come to the building to see another event and while he was entering we had to stay where we were.

Today we toured London. We took the bus to Richmond and caught the Tube to South Kensington. We then took a bus to Cambridge Circus. From there we walked around through the Seven Dials and make our way to Covent Garden.
We had lunch there by the Apple Market. Then we watched a street performer, he put a sword down his throat!!! Detta and I were unable to watch him do it but I did hold the camera up and get a photo at the last minute. He also stood on a type rope and juggled. Detta thought this was great.

We then walked over towards Trafalgar Square, passing by a favourite cafe of Joans and mine. I remember going here 20 years ago.

Trafalgar Square has changed so much. The road in front of the National Gallery is now a pedistrian walkway and there are stairs leading down to the Square. With all the people on the stairs, it reminded me of the Spanish Steps in Rome. There are even a cafe, seating and washrooms in Trafalgar Square now.

We wandered around the National Gallery, saw Van Gogh's Sunflowers. Detta didn't believe that it was the real thing. I dragged Detta around to see the Turners and some other famous painters.

We were both getting tired by this point so we grabbed a bus from there up Regent Street and along Oxford Street. We hopped off at Marble Arch and then took another bus back to South Kensington and home to Kingston. The grand tour. We will probably go back next week and take some other buses. We still have to see Westminster and perhaps the Abbey.

I love this sculpture of the horse's head. It is right by Marble Arch. At first glance on the bus I didn't even notice it. It wasn't till we were around the side, that Detta noticed it was a horse's head.

Cadbury's Trifles

I did forget to mention that Detta and I went to Waitrose, a grocery store. I was looking for Piri Piri spices but I did find Cadbury's Trifles which are so delicious. There are only three in a pack though so I let Detta have two. She thought they were very yummy. Too bad we don't get them in Canada or that may be a good thing.

Kingston

Detta and I slept in later today and had a good rest. My legs are so sore! We took the bus into Kingston to do some shopping. No rain so far today. I didn't have breakfast so Detta chose McDonalds for me. Much different than ours, very modern decor. I loved the chairs.


First stop for shopping was John Lewis, of course. But I don't think the John Lewis here is as big as the one on Oxford Street. But I managed to find a few things which I had to buy, they are having a big sale right now. Kingston is lovely for shopping. It has a huge pedestrian area. And there are so many cafes and sandwich shops. Detta wasn't particular hungry so we skipped lunch and headed back to Kate and Alan's house for a rest. Kate has a library event at a local theatre tonight on Twilight. Detta is very keen to go.

I have managed to get hold of people. We are going to see my friend, Lisa on Saturday morning for coffee in Croydon and then we will meet Juliet and go to her house in Sanderstead. Then on Sunday we are going to Cambridge, Andrew lives up in Newmarket so we spend the afternoon with Andrew and Jackie.

My legs are feeling better to have gone for a walk! I keep this up and I will be wearing that skirt I bought for my niece's wedding.

Tower of London

Detta and I set off for the Tower of London today. We caught the train from Kingston to Clapham Junction and then on to Victoria Station. We took the tube to Tower Hill and of course as soon as we got off the train, it down poured. At least we have raincoats to wear. We bought our tickets and away we went.


It was so crowded. We were going to do the tour with the Beefeaters but the tour probably consisted of 40 people. I couldn't hear a thing so we set off on our own. We walked through all the towers, battling our way through all the crowds. I can't believe there were so many people. Line-ups everywhere!! Detta had an ice cream while we waited to enter the vaults for the Crown Jewels (and in the rain). No one picture of this trip stands out for me but I did like the soldiers (Queens Guard!) walking through the tower.


We did the Henry VIII exhibition of his armour. It was very interesting and I think a very good change to the previous exhibitions of the armour. But we were very tired and very sore feet. I was glad I wore my running shoes (yes, just like a tourist).

There have been some interesting buildings built around the area since I left. One in particular I thought looked like a space ship. I have been told it is the new building for the Mayor of London. It looks a bit odd amongst all the old and you might say normal looking office buildings.


I did end up speaking to my sister-in-law, Juliet so we are going for a visit on Saturday. She works beside Mayday Hospital (where Detta and Miles were born) so Detta and I will have a visit of Croydon high street first. It will be nice for Detta to meet her uncles, aunts and cousins.

Stonehenge

Detta and I had a great day out. We did a day trip with Anderson Tours, it was the' Stonehenge Private Viewing Late Evening'. We went through Victoria station, I though we might have time to go and see Buckingham Palace, but it was cutting it too close to have lunch. I made Detta stop at the Girl Guide shop and we bought a few pins.

We left London at 1:30pm and went to Avebury. We had a great tour guide, he really knew his stuff. I had 1/2 a pint of Old Speckled Hen, it was lovely.


We then went to West Kennet Long Barrow which is one of the largest Neolithic burial bombs in Britain. Detta of course left her imprint, at least it is in chalk (from the barrow). It was incredibly windy and on the opposite field, there was some crop circles with yin-yang symbols.


We stopped for some dinner which had to be really quick. So Detta and I opted for fish and chips, they were very good. We arrived at Stonehenge about 7:00pm which is when it closes. After everyone finished their food we headed up to the stones. It was very exciting. The tour guide had lots of information to tell us. He told us about the ley lines so I had a go with the rods and it worked. I was very surprised.


The weather was on and off raining all day, torrential down pour in fact. We seemed to miss most of the down pours and the sun came out for us during our walk around Stonehenge. This was one thing I have always wanted to do so I couldn't miss the opportunity of visiting Stonehenge. I think Detta enjoyed herself also. Just before we left it started to down pour!!! We had a good time, and there were a lot of nice people on the trip.

England

Detta and I arrived yesterday. It was a long flight and hot. I thought a night flight would be nice and cool. I was so uncomfortable and didn't sleep hardly at all. Detta slept fairly well. We had three children flying unaccompanied sitting in front of us which was interesting. And then there was a 20 month old behind us but she only woke up once, very loudly. I am so glad those days are past for me.

Alan and Kate met us at the airport. They set a room up for us with a pull out couch for me and a futon for Detta. I had a bit of nap and Detta also had one. Kate and Alan cooked us a lovely dinner, hamburgers, chicken wings and bbq English bacon. I didn't try the bacon, I say English bacon as opposed to our Canadian streaky bacon. Their garden is so colourful, so English.

We had a very good sleep and now we are getting ready to head into London. We are taking our coach tour to Avebury and Stonehenge.

Donovan's Birthday Party

Today we had Donovan's Party at Airzone in Oshawa. He had a great time. Five friends were able to make. Being so close to Canada Day, many people were away or having guests. But Donovan and his buddies had a great time. There was lots of popcorn, pizza and cake. And of course, presents.

It has been a crazy morning. Detta and I are packed finally. I keep thinking of more things to bring. I am going to bring my cousin's some Tim Hortons coffee which they love. Hugh packed the boys for camp and then at the last minute we realised the epipens were out of date. One was left at school and Miles opened the other one at school (and poked himself with it!). Fortunately we discovered we had 3 more renewals. Thank goodness.

Canada Day & the Zoo

Yes, I know it was yesterday. We ended up going to the zoo. There was Hugh, myself, Detta, Miles, Donovan and Detta's friend, Alex. We went and saw the Stingray Bay. They also have sharks there this year. The sharks tended to keep to the middle of the water tank or under the water fall.


We also did a tour around the Kids Zone. Donovan of course hit his head twice. I don't think we go anywhere these days without Donovan banging some part of him.


Detta did synchro-skate summer camp this week, three days only. It's good she is keeping it up. After we get back from England, Detta will have two more weeks of skating. Yes, England, this Saturday. It has come up so fast. I haven't even started to pack yet. The boys also go to camp so I have been busy trying to organise all sorts of things. And then Donovan is having a birthday party on Saturday morning. Hugh must go out and buy loot bag this evening. Plus we have to get camp packages in the mail tomorrow!!! No wonder I feel exhausted and overwhelmed.

Donovan has really taken to swimming. Yesterday, Donovan put the life jacket on so he could play up near the deep end (at the side of the pool). Hugh then convinced Donovan to get in the water, he was scared at first but Hugh and Detta did a good job of getting Donovan to swim. He swam from the deep end into the shallow end several times. We will have to put him in some swimming lessons this fall.