Sept. 7, 2018

This museum is one of the Imperial War Museums.  It was exciting to see the different rooms that Churchill basically ran his operations through WWII.  These rooms are all underground beneath the Treasury Building.  I highly recommend a visit here if you make it to London.  I apologize, because I thought I took pictures and cannot find them.  Only the one photo.

We then walked around the area and saw #10 Downing street where all Prime Ministers have resided.  Then strolled along and around the Horse Guards along Whitehall Street.

Sept. 3, 2018

We boarded the train and tube once again and went to walk around a clothing street market.  It was  is basically comprised to two street markets.  But various clothing as far as the eye can see.  We weren’t in the need for any clothing but it was worth just walking through and watching people.

On our way  home, we saw the MI6 building.  It looked impressive to say the least.

 

Sept. 2, 2018

We made our way back to London and spent the whole day walking around this wonderful food market.  It had cheeses of all kinds, meats, breads and deserts.  All sorts of various vendors serving up their unique foods.  We enjoyed a nice lunch at a very popular Mexican restaurant, Tacos El Pastor.  Then of course made our way through the market to make some purchases and head home.

Aug. 27, 2018

Rick’s cousin, Dave Farr had reached out to me on facebook.  We have been staying in contact ever since.  Dave and his lovely wife, Maria drove down to visit some family and made sure to add us into their itinerary.  It was a pleasure to finally meet them in person.  We went off for dinner to a pub near us and unfortunately, we have not been to this pub at night time and didn’t even think of how difficult it would be to hear each other.  We managed anyways and enjoyed learning things about each other.  I have no pictures of this meeting and between the four of us, no one thought about it.  Maybe that is a good thing, we were enjoying each others company so much we didn’t think to break it up for photos.  So we must get together again.

Aug. 23, 2018

We arrived at Deans Place Hotel.  I would love to say we arrived with ease.  But I think my head was a mess with our loss of Bentley that I was foggy with my plan making.  I booked the train to the wrong town.  We arrived in Seaford and then grabbed the bus that I thought we needed.  Then rode it until the end.  It was on this bus, that I realized I made a mistake.   We managed to catch another bus that took us to a train station.  We grabbed another train to Polegate and then a taxi to hotel.  The Hotel was lovely and the staff ever so nice.  We could see and hear the cows mooing outside our bedroom window.

We set out on our hike on the 24th.  We had no intention of doing the entire 14 miles.  I knew Rick’s foot wouldn’t allow it and I didn’t want to hike alone.  We set off and it didn’t take long for us to begin to reminisce stories of Bentley.  It made us sad and yet we laughed at some of the memories.  It was a perfect way to remember her.  A hike she would have enjoyed.

The views of green farmland and rolling hills was fabulous, with sheep and cattle roaming around the land.  We walked along the river and noticed how deep and wide it became the closer we got to the English Channel.  At the point of the intersection of the river and channel, we noticed bunkers on both sides.  Rick made the comment that it would make sense to have them positioned there as the river would have provided access to the villages.  I had to go inside of at least one of them.  I wanted to “feel” what it felt like.  But there is no way to even imagine the feeling these young men had to be inside one of these concrete rooms shooting out at the enemy trying to stay alive themselves.  I didn’t feel scared, instead I felt gratitude and safe as these brave men fought for things we still fight for today.

 

 

When we finally got to our destination, the view did not disappoint.  The beautiful, white cliffs were spectacular.  Looking out across the channel as far as the eye could see was so serene.  I came across a gentlemen snuggled up against the bottom of the white cliff reading a book.   I was envious of his perfect pleasure.

 

We made our way back to a pub we saw along the trail.  We enjoyed a nice lunch and then called a Taxi to take us back to the hotel and then take us to the second hotel,  The Crossways.  It was a charming place and we took our belongings up to the room and settled in for the evening.  We found out the owner is the gentlemen who checked us in and then was the same that greeted us in the morning for a delicious breakfast.

I highly recommend either hotel, but The Crossways was my favorite and it was more “mom and pop” style.  The owner and staff were friendly and wanted to make sure every thing was flawless.  We bade our goodbye and made our way to the flat without any troubles.

 

Aug. 22, 2018

I have no words to describe the heartache and loss I feel with the passing of our Bentley.  Rick and I loved her dearly and in different ways.  We are forever grateful for all of our friends and family that went to be with her as she passed.  Not being there was horrible but knowing she was surrounded by so many who loved her, made it a little easier.

When we lost our beloved Tyson in June of 2011.  The loss was deep and the pain was real.  He remains “the best dog ever”.  His favorite thing to do in life was chase a tennis ball.  We had to spell around him as he knew certain words such as walk, leash and go.   He would go get shoes (not always the correct shoe) and would grab any hoodie not hung up and bring it to you as he knew those items were for walking.  He would make us laugh once we put a leash on him, he would grab the leash as if to walk himself.  He was a heeler and he loved to direct you to the door.  He was strong and not afraid of anything, except loud noises.  But thunder didn’t bother him.  The doorbell always meant the pizza guy.

But Bentley, she was hand picked by me.  I saw her online at the shelter and we rushed down to take a look.  She was a heeler as well, but she was a blue and red mix.  She was so beautiful.  She was so scared and had to be carried outside.  I remember looking into her eyes and laying on the concrete next to her and telling her that I already loved her and that she would always be safe with us.  I was so happy to have her.  The first night with her was funny and yet annoying.  She escaped from her pen twice.  We found her in the kitchen eating chips.  We ended up putting her inside the main bathroom and she whined and whined.  I had to get up early and was just so annoyed I finally let her out and gave her free range of the house.  If she destroyed it, then so be it.  She settled right down in our bedroom.  Not close to either of us, but still in the same room.  I never imagined how scared she must have been.  Another “new place”.  She was really “my first dog”.   Bentley never learned what words meant.  But she knew the sound of a leash and what that meant.  She knew certain sounds of Ritz crackers and peanuts needing to be shelled.  Those are things she cherished with Rick.  He was the snack giver.

We went everywhere together.  We hiked, we did the incline and we conquered Mt. Elbert.  My heart was full and complete.  She took guidance from Tyson.  For example, Tyson always had his head out the car window.  Bentley would sit straight up in the center of back seat and never inch toward a window.  Several months after we had her we went camping and all of a sudden she sticks her head out the window and she was sold on it from then on.

She would always steal Tyson’s stuffed sqeaky animals.  It didn’t matter that she had her own, she was a typical sibling, she wanted them all.  He let her have them for the most part.  Sometimes he wouldn’t give in so easily to her and the chase was on.  She always ended up under our bed as he couldn’t fit under it.

Her absolute favorite thing was to hike.  Whenever we got close to the mountain area she would begin to whimper and whine and bounce around in the back seat from window to window.  She knew the smells.  She knew what it meant.  Once off leash she would run ahead and then turn around come back and lick my leg as to tell me “thank you for bringing me out here.”

I have so many wonderful memories of her.  I miss her terribly.  I find it is hard to get out of bed as that means I have to face another day without her.  My heart and soul have huge holes.  She was and will always be my little girl.  I beg God at night for us to meet again.

The Specialty Vet and our regular vet are so amazing. We received updates every evening.  She was getting the best care possible.  Plus she had her Momma Peggy taking care of her.  We are forever indebted to our friend Peggy for the love and care she always gives our babies when we leave.  She always goes above any expectations.

 

 

Aug. 18, 2018

We took a train to Ruislip to visit Rick’s Aunt Barb and Uncle Hoppy.  His cousin Carolyn and her husband Simon picked us up at station.  We got to see Toddy, their adorable dog and play with him.  We enjoyed a lovely lunch and delicious desert.  We stayed for hours catching up and looking at old photos.  Then Uncle Hoppy showed us his new mobility scooter.  We took pictures of Rick riding on the back of his scooter with him, as he had done before as a young child.  Then Rick took Hoppy for a ride on his motorcycle, in Colorado Springs and now it has come full circle.

 

Aug. 1, 2018

Part of the Walker crew arrived on August 1, 2018.  My sister, Kimberly, Isaac and Faith loaded onto the X26 double decker bus and headed to the flat.  So with the double decker ride they were already checking things off the “to do” list. We took the kids for a walk around Bushy Park, across from the flat, to try and wear them out.

The following day we took the train to London and went straight to the London Eye.  Then off to see Big Ben, Parliament and quickly got in queue for Westminster Abbey.  We then headed off to see Kensington Palace and enjoyed our walk through Hyde Park.

 

Aug 3rd began early with the 10 hour tour of Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford.  The time at Windsor was shortened due to traffic congestion and therefore we headed to St. George’s Chapel first and saved the State Rooms for last and unfortunately we didn’t have time for the State Rooms.  However, St. George’s Chapel did not disappoint.

We then joined the bus and got a quick nap on our way to Stonehenge.  The weather was hot but did not ruin our visit.   Just mind boggling to think how this monument was even moved and built beginning approximately 5,000 years ago.  I can’t even visualize how these huge boulders were moved even by using the rivers.

Back on the bus and headed to our last destination, Oxford and making Faith and Isaac ecstatic.  Of course all the mystic of seeing the actual site of some filming of Harry Potter, was about all little Faith could handle.  I am sure I lost any coolness I had as an Aunt when I told them I had never watch the movies and had no real clue as to what they were talking about.  We made our way to a Harry Potter souvenir shop and they both chose something.  All I could think of was, what can I get Elora and would she like Harry Potter as well.  I grabbed a sweatshirt and then was able to connect with Audrie and was assured Elora knew and loved Harry Potter.  Whew!!!

Kimberly, the kids and I had a cup of tea when we got back to the flat.  None of us are hot tea drinkers.  Now iced tea and we are in!

Aug. 4th began with scones.  Which Faith was not a fan of and Isaac said, they taste and look like the biscuits we have in the US.  I agree with Isaac.  Just need to add white gravy and yum.  After scones, we headed off to see the musical, “Wicked”.  It was enjoyed by all.  Then we made our way to Piccadilly Circus.  The kids were super excited for a “circus”.  We tried to prepare them of the impending disappointment.  It was totally lost on the kids.  However, Kimberly and I totally enjoyed the famous square and of course took a photo on statue of Eros. Then back to Kingston square to meet Tio for Dinner at one of the nearby pubs, Druids Head.

 

Aug. 5th started off with Rick’s cousin Dave Farr giving us all a shout out on his Sunday Rewind radio show. (HCR 92.3FM)   We got to make a song request and hear our names.  The kids got a huge kick out of it once they realized it was all over the radio.  Then headed to  church at the nearby Methodist Church where we were welcomed by the small congregation.  Since it was such a small church it didn’t take a detective to notice us yanks.  We were asked to come to the back after and enjoy some cake and drinks.  Several people chatted us up and then we headed home to catch up on laundry and take it easy.

Aug. 6th began as a bus ride to Hampton Court Palace.  I knew this castle was close but didn’t realize totally within walking distance.  This is one of my favorites as it has a live garden maze that we all enjoyed finding the center and then our way out.  The first time I did the maze I didn’t even find the center as Rick and I were racing one another out.  The kids learned and I was refreshed on some of King Henry VIII history.  Couldn’t think of any better way to learn this part of history than to actually see it all in person.

Got on the tube and made our way to the Science Museum and their interactive area.  It was interesting to see all the old industrial age items: vehicles, space equipment, airplanes, locomotives, and medical equipment like the artificial kidney machine.  The favorite place was of course the interactive court.  They never had cool things like this when I was a kid.  We spent the rest of the time inside at every station.  I am sure I won’t remember them all, but the funniest one was the heat sensitive station.  It has been so hot over here and of course I think I was having a hot flash at the moment and my image was really red all over.  But all of us were showing red areas.  The rotation station had their attention for a little bit, because I think they have that in Denver, but always fun to play on.  The person holds onto the object in the center (basically giving this piece of equipment shaped like a skinny kick boxing bag) and the closer the person is to this equipment it spins faster.  The force holding them in as they spin is called centripetal force.  Then they got in line to do the Pulley Up.  They sat in a chair and used rope to pull themselves up.  They played with the floating magnet and then the electricity station.

Aug. 7th:  David arrived in the morning and we let him rest some and then that evening we all took the Caledonian sleeper train to Inverness, Scotland.

We were on a search to find Nessie.  We took a boat ride on Loch Ness and arrived at Urquhart Castle.  After we looked around the castle we returned to the bus for return ride.  We are sad to report Nessie was not spotted, much to Faith’s disappointment.

After a long train ride to Edinburgh, we checked into hotel and then went to a nearby pub, The Telford Arms.  George the owner let us in even though it was past the time children are suppose to be inside.  But he must have seen our tired and hungry look.  He sat us in an area far away from the pool tables and treated us like royalty.

 

Aug. 8th:  We got up and headed to train station.  Went to ticket machine and punched in the tickets we needed and as our luck would have it the machine was out of paper.  This caused us to miss the train to Dunbar, so we missed one of the things we had on our itinerary.  But we adjusted and then walked around until the time for the tour of Murray Field.  This is the Rugby stadium in Edinburgh.

We then got back onto the Scotrail and headed back to England.  We got a night of sleep and got up early to catch the Eurostar to Paris.

Aug. 10th: This was one of Isaac’s wish items to ride this train under the English Channel.  I think we both slept through it.  We did catch it on the return trip. We walked around the outside of the Louvre and admired the beauty.  We had a tour scheduled that included a boat ride on the Seine, a bus ride around the city and then the Eiffel Tower.  None of those disappointed.  The next day we simply enjoyed a delicious lunch at Les Favorites Brasserie which of course had to take part in some delicious wine and Cream Brulee.

 

Aug. 12th: Another Eurostar  ride back to London.  This time we all stayed awake to see the Chunnel.

Aug. 13th:  Began with watching the Change of the Guards at Buckingham Palace.

Then a tour of the Palace.  We got back on the tube and raced to Tower of London.  We waited in line to view The Crown Jewels and it was worth the wait.  We then headed off to our last destination for the trip, Trafalgar Square.

Aug. 14th:  Said our good bye’s to family and wished them safe travels and we went back to sleep.

 

 

 

July 26, 2018

We moved in today!  We love our flat.  Getting used to no air conditioning and windows open most of the time.  We think our lift is really cute and super small.  But only use it with things like our luggage.  Otherwise, we have been taking the stairs, all 45 steps to the 4th floor, aka: penthouse!  We are very close, about 15 min. walk,  to an area called Kingston upon Thames and it has an awesome shopping center that pretty much has it all and not just one Starbucks, but two.  We have gotten pretty familiar with the bus system and trains.

 

Our first guests arrive August 1st.  It will be Kimberly, Isaac and Faith.  We shall see the tourist stuff, during their first week.  Then David will arrive and we will all head to Scotland.  Then drop Rick off, on our way to Paris.  Return for a couple more days in London.

 

July 23, 2018

This little beauty is near June and Tony’s house.  Tony took us for a visit.  The flowers were amazing.  The colors so vibrant.