tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23722236027420526962024-03-05T14:19:32.726-08:00Everyday MeI am finally starting my new life. Being married to Bryan is the greatest thing so far in my life. Married on Feb 28, 2009 we have been separated for 1 year and 4 months because Duty Called. Finally we will be reunited in England of all places!! I hope you join in on my adventures during these most wonderful moments!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-90211893852745487772012-08-01T13:18:00.004-07:002012-08-01T13:18:56.023-07:00Framlingham - My Grandaddys History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Framlingham - My Grandaddys History</span></div>
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Below is a picture of <a href="http://www.parhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk/history.html" target="_blank">Parham Airfield Museum</a>. This is the Control Tower present day. It has been restored and is now a Museum to honor the 181 lost aircraft and 7,014 airmen who were killed.</div>
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Below is Shyla and I standing in the lookout part of the Control Tower. All that we were able to see was the remaining border road and one bit of the airstrip that hasn't been taken up by farming land. Inside was a large scale map of the base. The two men there are volunteers at the museum and personally made sure I was shown around and found every detail I could find on my granddaddy's life while at this base. </div>
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Below you can see what the Inside of the Control Tower looked like while in use. I betcha you didn't want that red phone to ring. Never the Red Phone!</div>
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Out in the Field you can see the tail end of one of the runways.</div>
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Another Runway would have run out past that far treeline. It is impressive to think how large the runway was. </div>
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Below is a now converted bungalow. But during the war, it would have been the very building grandaddy would be briefed in, and receive his mission. </div>
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I can't remember what this brick building was, but when it was intact, it was bomb, gas, and water proof. My guess there was some super secret squirrel stuff going on in there. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51-BnVxOORrre1Z37QrYosXwqENT22iIE41LIqJv17-sVjhRRki6TzcX0gFS2SSwwpcsZKQx7PX9I0w30sbLRt91Z_vsUUNkCBTa7p1FDjNC_fiQ4A-68XE9l4TWCSXWlFGX4MfvqUCQj/s1600/20120729_9036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51-BnVxOORrre1Z37QrYosXwqENT22iIE41LIqJv17-sVjhRRki6TzcX0gFS2SSwwpcsZKQx7PX9I0w30sbLRt91Z_vsUUNkCBTa7p1FDjNC_fiQ4A-68XE9l4TWCSXWlFGX4MfvqUCQj/s640/20120729_9036.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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The Volunteer, Mick, took us around the now farm land, to where grandaddy would have lived. This is the only remaining building. It is a bit smaller than the one grandaddy would have lived in, but it is in the exact same area, and dates to war time. I can just imagine him walking around these grounds in his uniform.</div>
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Below is a picture of where he would have showered. </div>
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I don't know if my grandaddy ever had the occasional recreational alcholic beverage, but if he had, he would have come to this officers club pictured below. He might have also ridden his bicycle into the town of Framlingham to the Crown Hotel Pub for a drink or two. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhIKYVSxFDzow2uLWD9d60LgOpnTzW_N_PHj8F_C4EnM_-fvhGgby56xihWGr0bzlTV9C5WgU2zLfJ5LqO3LkNA1NUPGrmG4wt4HJfqHXzIiKJFCkmaDiM0EQIPAXA-Di61ANXcZ2RMcW/s1600/Untitled_Panorama3+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhIKYVSxFDzow2uLWD9d60LgOpnTzW_N_PHj8F_C4EnM_-fvhGgby56xihWGr0bzlTV9C5WgU2zLfJ5LqO3LkNA1NUPGrmG4wt4HJfqHXzIiKJFCkmaDiM0EQIPAXA-Di61ANXcZ2RMcW/s640/Untitled_Panorama3+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below you can see what remains of the main flightline. Just an old road now for tracters and tourists to drive on. I can't help but think of all the souls who left and never returned from this very place.</div>
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Below is a picture of the road that ran the border of the flightline.</div>
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Meet Mick. He was the most awesome of tour guides!!</div>
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Cover of the book we found Grandaddy's Name in. They said we could purchase this from the <a href="http://www.390th.org/" target="_blank">390th Memorial Museum</a> in Arizona. </div>
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Above is the page with Grandaddys name. Gilbert A. Parks. The volunteer was puzzled as to why it didn't have a special abbreviation stating he had finished his missions..<br />
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Below is Grandaddys Crew which was pictured in the book. Although I can't figure out which one he is, Robinson is his pilot so he is sure to be in there somewhere! <br />
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Another very helpful volunteer and veterain standing in front of the wall signed by all the vets who have returned over the year to visit the museum. This wall is located in the library.</div>
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I have to admit, this was a very tearful moment for me. I was honored to have the privilage to sign my grandfathers name to the wall. As a direct decendant, I visited on his behalf. And for that moment, if felt as if he was standing next to me.</div>
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"Lady Velma" Pictured below. He flew in this plane for a mission to Hamm, Germany on November 29, 1944. On March 14, 1945 this plane collided with Boston Blackie/Heavenly Cent, who he also flew on a mission in, killing nearly everyone on both planes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3MWkrCvzKjjjiSXMLs5zn3GXGRaYSqlXPj-jb1ycGWuc_cTU42KzWS4eh9kHLj70hmVpBmr-ocDS1WtuXOcrhPPt9VnWNPwm0w9THS6LNXA6tHl31azXV4BLGoCm16gYYXsEW6wyP2vN/s1600/20120729_8989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3MWkrCvzKjjjiSXMLs5zn3GXGRaYSqlXPj-jb1ycGWuc_cTU42KzWS4eh9kHLj70hmVpBmr-ocDS1WtuXOcrhPPt9VnWNPwm0w9THS6LNXA6tHl31azXV4BLGoCm16gYYXsEW6wyP2vN/s640/20120729_8989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the scope that he would have looked into to drop his bombs. They had to cover the eye piece because it was later found that was radioactive. haha. Though you would have to leave your eye there for like a thousand years or something to cause any damage. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yoR_9PcNuAC7-tQ6zMwXpnBsU1704uMzw-8TwBK8IXSMqlPEGD4GbAZ7-zKIbraWI-ZranwqLiQPKcGcLuUEaLr6pluFx-gueNceXM7qrh2I3JsWuxBuUrNkCIl5bI2li1z1JLCf3PqB/s1600/20120729_9012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yoR_9PcNuAC7-tQ6zMwXpnBsU1704uMzw-8TwBK8IXSMqlPEGD4GbAZ7-zKIbraWI-ZranwqLiQPKcGcLuUEaLr6pluFx-gueNceXM7qrh2I3JsWuxBuUrNkCIl5bI2li1z1JLCf3PqB/s640/20120729_9012.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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A closer look</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxFBtN8_eTWbHBL40kMyBgYaQ-GcLgwFyrM5Yx7u-752WC6yg29pdMypfo-fDrSDn85tFhDxUzK8OciXEB3V304NuY-FQYkNPnnA9Ahuf_Ippo-RCQfkJ9O3g5XdWJQWMGcR2yzkiSg2D/s1600/20120729_9013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxFBtN8_eTWbHBL40kMyBgYaQ-GcLgwFyrM5Yx7u-752WC6yg29pdMypfo-fDrSDn85tFhDxUzK8OciXEB3V304NuY-FQYkNPnnA9Ahuf_Ippo-RCQfkJ9O3g5XdWJQWMGcR2yzkiSg2D/s640/20120729_9013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below is a log book of the mission that took place on November 30, 1944. You can see the date on the top, right hand corner of each page. It was on the Boston Blackie/Heavenly Cent plane that I previously explained colided with Lady Velma. On the second page, you can find Robison crew, and see that it was Aborted. No one knew why for a very long time, but later found out that an engine was lost nearly to target and they turned back not being able to keep up with the formation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSeb_hcPEbVyYT_x8ziPtEYZQ8RDGZfDGE1_iXI3d1cC1oSfvpok8DZz5MzBmn2G7iyHJoXYifPSD-1msmmgKDy25PS2rxinXGdLAbJqA54HYBxk2bCmJsHdJRnK2smwQ-DjAV3bzCbyY/s1600/20120729_9015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSeb_hcPEbVyYT_x8ziPtEYZQ8RDGZfDGE1_iXI3d1cC1oSfvpok8DZz5MzBmn2G7iyHJoXYifPSD-1msmmgKDy25PS2rxinXGdLAbJqA54HYBxk2bCmJsHdJRnK2smwQ-DjAV3bzCbyY/s640/20120729_9015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below is a picture of his formation group. There were several formations. I can't remember how many planes were lost in this mission, but I believe he said somewhere along the lines of 17 planes were lost along with all of thier crew members. If that engine hadn't of blown, I might not be here today.</div>
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Grandaddy's plane is the one with the blue dot indicating it aborted the mission.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGwO3iEicBcA4LfflffHPvWkRMKpz3OiiFxGtcBrDEw3XKgjuN33k7_lAniW07uUYLA8_68ke3zQem-YH5Z68pZLlIMl0MsWIC5hyIiuOge5F-hYm2WmSj0t-9GemSAoPFz2E9g8jO7aS/s1600/20120729_9014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGwO3iEicBcA4LfflffHPvWkRMKpz3OiiFxGtcBrDEw3XKgjuN33k7_lAniW07uUYLA8_68ke3zQem-YH5Z68pZLlIMl0MsWIC5hyIiuOge5F-hYm2WmSj0t-9GemSAoPFz2E9g8jO7aS/s640/20120729_9014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The volunteer said Grandaddy would most likely have recieved the bottem two left medals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej5LslpmVgEpstRtU6aBIT8MGMmuru5WNH6CRSQiVD2Dmvkwt29OjvNmT0FD3QBza6mUXwMLWP4nw0YHZrLpvftCzqdTDuGyR6sCRBgGg_A7UIem69294v_Grv4URTRlvcnQMZs_5HDrF/s1600/takeiteasy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej5LslpmVgEpstRtU6aBIT8MGMmuru5WNH6CRSQiVD2Dmvkwt29OjvNmT0FD3QBza6mUXwMLWP4nw0YHZrLpvftCzqdTDuGyR6sCRBgGg_A7UIem69294v_Grv4URTRlvcnQMZs_5HDrF/s640/takeiteasy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Take It Easy" Pictured above is the plane he flew most of his missions
on according to my Uncle who has done extensive research on my
granddaddy's war history. I plan on getting a drawing done of this plane
along with the crest (Middle) and the wolf picture (bottom right) below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBCiRiKkO7d0VRdFg5MX0g4oUujUWR3mk5fi2xHYduvMCYtq_C4lf650t3pW99oQ1J2uIm9eV8HYzRsME1r1QUmmBztQzJ76Y7r8x78wweZNts68L8PsmY-B5TnLuDy9F80xcq4lVQ4Cr/s1600/20120729_9018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBCiRiKkO7d0VRdFg5MX0g4oUujUWR3mk5fi2xHYduvMCYtq_C4lf650t3pW99oQ1J2uIm9eV8HYzRsME1r1QUmmBztQzJ76Y7r8x78wweZNts68L8PsmY-B5TnLuDy9F80xcq4lVQ4Cr/s640/20120729_9018.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<tr><th>Here are some pictures on our trip home from the Museum. What a wonderful Day.</th></tr>
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<tr><th> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKkIvoQXxZLWgKysmc1m_UjmrssuRolf9xh7J_jnXDAx_Jn0qnWtaqQzRF6dpf4FdBrj2zLQehPUu3DdISOpxf8N_0fUF_QoUqYLN1Ns7xYBT2tcA96LemjTFxEiLmcNbR3rylCm1VxKk/s1600/Untitled_Panorama1+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKkIvoQXxZLWgKysmc1m_UjmrssuRolf9xh7J_jnXDAx_Jn0qnWtaqQzRF6dpf4FdBrj2zLQehPUu3DdISOpxf8N_0fUF_QoUqYLN1Ns7xYBT2tcA96LemjTFxEiLmcNbR3rylCm1VxKk/s640/Untitled_Panorama1+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></th></tr>
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<tr><th> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8gmZkR1e_r2rWTzA9SDV3h29ReKVQ-oHuARXUYxsy2OsnRN5fMlv8ICNQDHMs6W7qE0kAEqocx-duDaLnZriVvEgWpQsHtNmJ7H83ZBeeB_bxA6Pf8ypUBlCuUhx1mCZMg693lmaWxkQ/s1600/20120729_9063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8gmZkR1e_r2rWTzA9SDV3h29ReKVQ-oHuARXUYxsy2OsnRN5fMlv8ICNQDHMs6W7qE0kAEqocx-duDaLnZriVvEgWpQsHtNmJ7H83ZBeeB_bxA6Pf8ypUBlCuUhx1mCZMg693lmaWxkQ/s640/20120729_9063.jpg" width="640" /></a></th></tr>
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<tr><th> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe2r38fmq4MjXH3_x-Q0m271jODRG4PlunzxHmKDDujvpgP6CH8BOxCZAMMqlCihgcIvJbIrypmp5aWxuBPUIyv7kLRr6xHdog8C_nx8RF0ppp_xR-6DINkJzQPxtRnQ7rvuaU-euo1kz/s1600/20120729_9057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe2r38fmq4MjXH3_x-Q0m271jODRG4PlunzxHmKDDujvpgP6CH8BOxCZAMMqlCihgcIvJbIrypmp5aWxuBPUIyv7kLRr6xHdog8C_nx8RF0ppp_xR-6DINkJzQPxtRnQ7rvuaU-euo1kz/s640/20120729_9057.jpg" width="640" /></a></th></tr>
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<tr><th><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF1Hq8dBJXmQezCLMfujX_BSw-5ODIrK1vuhDein4kzu35VmN3hHBQyooklevYT4hS1-hqvAYRNfU_27-98SM41EP7eQBt1OJ_cbDcfvrVxBGjkgrr76gHbh66AVNdzWlG910PE7dGPUC/s1600/20120729_9054.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF1Hq8dBJXmQezCLMfujX_BSw-5ODIrK1vuhDein4kzu35VmN3hHBQyooklevYT4hS1-hqvAYRNfU_27-98SM41EP7eQBt1OJ_cbDcfvrVxBGjkgrr76gHbh66AVNdzWlG910PE7dGPUC/s640/20120729_9054.jpg" width="640" /></a></th></tr>
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<tr><th><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Operational Records</u></span></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="searchresults"><tbody>
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<tr><th>Crew Member</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Crew Number</th>
<th>Fate</th>
<th>Aircraft Serial</th>
<th>Mission Number</th>
<th>Target</th>
<th>Date</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=781&tab=operationalrecords">218</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=495&tab=operationalrecords">Duren area GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9827&tab=operationalrecords">11/16/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=303&tab=operationalrecords">338375</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=792&tab=operationalrecords">219</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=503&tab=operationalrecords">Giessen GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9838&tab=operationalrecords">11/21/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=820&tab=operationalrecords">220</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=501&tab=operationalrecords">Hamm GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9865&tab=operationalrecords">11/26/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1039&tab=operationalrecords">84</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=286&tab=operationalrecords">337831</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=793&tab=operationalrecords">221</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=501&tab=operationalrecords">Hamm GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9839&tab=operationalrecords">11/29/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=191&tab=operationalrecords">2102972</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=874&tab=operationalrecords">222</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=434&tab=operationalrecords">Merseburg GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9916&tab=operationalrecords">11/30/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=361&tab=operationalrecords">48273</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=824&tab=operationalrecords">227</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=521&tab=operationalrecords">Darmstadt GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9869&tab=operationalrecords">12/12/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=825&tab=operationalrecords">228</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=433&tab=operationalrecords">Mainz GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9870&tab=operationalrecords">12/18/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=794&tab=operationalrecords">229</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=504&tab=operationalrecords">Zellhausen GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9840&tab=operationalrecords">12/24/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=795&tab=operationalrecords">230</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=505&tab=operationalrecords">Morscheid bridge GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9841&tab=operationalrecords">12/25/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=319&tab=operationalrecords">338665</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=796&tab=operationalrecords">231</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=455&tab=operationalrecords">Fulda GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9842&tab=operationalrecords">12/27/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=319&tab=operationalrecords">338665</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=879&tab=operationalrecords">232</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=520&tab=operationalrecords">Koblenz GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9921&tab=operationalrecords">12/28/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=191&tab=operationalrecords">2102972</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=797&tab=operationalrecords">233</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=440&tab=operationalrecords">Frankfurt GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9843&tab=operationalrecords">12/29/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=869&tab=operationalrecords">234</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=437&tab=operationalrecords">Kassel GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9911&tab=operationalrecords">12/30/1944</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=715&tab=operationalrecords">237</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=455&tab=operationalrecords">Fulda GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9761&tab=operationalrecords">01/03/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=717&tab=operationalrecords">242</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=457&tab=operationalrecords">Mainz-Euskirchen GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9763&tab=operationalrecords">01/13/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=853&tab=operationalrecords">244</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=450&tab=operationalrecords">Hamburg GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9898&tab=operationalrecords">01/17/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=operationalrecords">337895</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=719&tab=operationalrecords">245</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=459&tab=operationalrecords">Heilbronn GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9765&tab=operationalrecords">01/20/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=284&tab=operationalrecords">337565</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=855&tab=operationalrecords">248</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=537&tab=operationalrecords">Duisburg GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9900&tab=operationalrecords">01/28/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=289&tab=operationalrecords">337868</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=720&tab=operationalrecords">249</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=437&tab=operationalrecords">Kassel GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9766&tab=operationalrecords">01/29/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=334&tab=operationalrecords">339134</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=722&tab=operationalrecords">251</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=389&tab=operationalrecords">Berlin GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9768&tab=operationalrecords">02/03/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=303&tab=operationalrecords">338375</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=871&tab=operationalrecords">253</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=543&tab=operationalrecords">Weimar GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9913&tab=operationalrecords">02/09/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=284&tab=operationalrecords">337565</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=872&tab=operationalrecords">261</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=460&tab=operationalrecords">Wesel GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9914&tab=operationalrecords">02/24/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=349&tab=operationalrecords">46901</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=724&tab=operationalrecords">263</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=451&tab=operationalrecords">Leipzig GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9770&tab=operationalrecords">02/27/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=334&tab=operationalrecords">339134</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=725&tab=operationalrecords">266</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=462&tab=operationalrecords">Dresden GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9771&tab=operationalrecords">03/02/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=349&tab=operationalrecords">46901</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=907&tab=operationalrecords">267</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=381&tab=operationalrecords">Brunswick, GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9946&tab=operationalrecords">03/03/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=322&tab=operationalrecords">338769</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=701&tab=operationalrecords">269</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=444&tab=operationalrecords">Langendreer GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9747&tab=operationalrecords">03/08/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=328&tab=operationalrecords">339032</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=702&tab=operationalrecords">273</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=445&tab=operationalrecords">Siegen GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9748&tab=operationalrecords">03/12/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=334&tab=operationalrecords">339134</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=729&tab=operationalrecords">275</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=385&tab=operationalrecords">Oranienburg GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9775&tab=operationalrecords">03/15/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=334&tab=operationalrecords">339134</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=703&tab=operationalrecords">276</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=415&tab=operationalrecords">Ruhland GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9749&tab=operationalrecords">03/17/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=349&tab=operationalrecords">46901</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=731&tab=operationalrecords">279</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=465&tab=operationalrecords">Handorf GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9777&tab=operationalrecords">03/21/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=921&tab=operationalrecords">100</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=349&tab=operationalrecords">46901</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=706&tab=operationalrecords">281</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=448&tab=operationalrecords">Schwerte-Holzeickede</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9752&tab=operationalrecords">03/23/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=328&tab=operationalrecords">339032</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=707&tab=operationalrecords">283</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=449&tab=operationalrecords">Ziegenhain GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9753&tab=operationalrecords">03/24/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=334&tab=operationalrecords">339134</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=856&tab=operationalrecords">284</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=486&tab=operationalrecords">Hannover GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9901&tab=operationalrecords">03/28/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=349&tab=operationalrecords">46901</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=857&tab=operationalrecords">289</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=461&tab=operationalrecords">Nurnberg GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9902&tab=operationalrecords">04/05/1945</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_personnel=6230&tab=operationalrecords">Parks, Gilbert A</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_position=77&tab=operationalrecords">Bombardier/Togglier</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1000&tab=operationalrecords">82</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=349&tab=operationalrecords">46901</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_mission=647&tab=operationalrecords">292</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_target=401&tab=operationalrecords">Eger GE</a> </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_date=9693&tab=operationalrecords">04/08/1945</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="searchresults"><tbody>
<tr><th> </th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="searchresults" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><th><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Aircraft </u></span></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="searchresults"><tbody>
<tr><th> </th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="searchresults"><tbody>
<tr><th>Serial</th>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Model</th>
<th>A/C</th>
<th>Squadron</th>
<th>History</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=9668&tab=aircraft">2102505</a> </td>
<td>
Double in Brass/Odd Ball </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
X </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 10 Mar 44. Cheyenne Mod Center 11 Mar 44. Billings
16 Mar 44. Grand Island 29 Mar 44. Bangor 5 Apr 44. Grenier 7 Apr 44.
8th AF 10 Apr 44. Assigned to 95th BG as ET - A. Flew 21 sorties and
transferred to 390th in June 44. Robert E. Kincaid, waist gunner on crew
87, KIA 22 Jun 44. To U.S. 3 Jul 45. In storage at South Plains. To
Kingman 10 Dec 45. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=191&tab=aircraft">2102972</a> </td>
<td>
Boston Blackie/Heavenly Cent </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
F </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 25 Apr 44. Cheyenne Mod Center 26 Apr 44. Kearney 6
May 44. Bangor 20 May 44. Dow Field 21 May 44. 8th AF 22 May 44. MIA
Seelze 14 Mar 45. Hit in tail assembly by 337831. Crashed at Bilhausen,
18 km North of Gottingen. All KIA. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=286&tab=aircraft">337831</a> </td>
<td>
Lady Velma </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
C </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=92&tab=aircraft">570th Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 29 May 44. Cheyenne Mod Center 30 May 44. Hunter
Field 5 Jun 44. Grenier 15 Jun 44. 8th AF 16 Jun 44. George W. Peguesse
WIA 12 Oct 44 at Bremen. MIA Seelze, Germany 14 Mar 45. Collided with
2102972. Crashed near Wulften, 20km N. of Gottingen. Nix POW, rest KIA.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=284&tab=aircraft">337565</a> </td>
<td>
Songoon </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
N </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 1 May 44. Cheyenne Mod Center 2 May 44. Kearney 10
May 44. Bangor 24 May 44. Grenier 24 May 44. 8th AF 26 May 44. Battle
damage at Warsaw 18 Sep 44. Left in Russia. Recovered. Collision with
338521 on Dresden mission 2 Mar 45. Returned to base. George A. Lockhart
WIA. To U.S. 5 Jul 45. To Kingman 18 Dec 45. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=291&tab=aircraft">337895</a> </td>
<td>
Take it Easy </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
R </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 5 Jun 44. Cheyenne Mod Center 6 Jun 44. Kearney 12
Jun 44. Manchester 29 Jun 44. Grenier 30 Jan 44. 8th AF 2 Jul 44. Crash
landed at base after mission to Nurnberg 5 Apr 45. Salvaged 5 Apr 45. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=289&tab=aircraft">337868</a> </td>
<td>
Gentleman Jim </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
Y </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 2 Jun 44. Cheyenne Mod Cente r2 Jun 44. Kearney 9
Jun 44. Bangor 26 Jun 44. Grenier 28 Jun 44. 8th AF 28 Jun 44. To U.S. 5
Jul 45. To Kingman 1 Dec 45. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=303&tab=aircraft">338375</a> </td>
<td>
Kwitcherbitchin/The Hellion </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
S </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 28 Jul 44. Cheyenne Mod Center 29 Jul 44. Kearney 4
Aug 44. Manchester 14 Aug 44. Grenier 15 Aug 44. Assigned 5 Sep 44.
William B. Johnston, Harold Mansfield WIA 30 Nov 44 at Merseburg. To
U.S. 3 Jul 45. To Kingman 18 Nov 44. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=319&tab=aircraft">338665</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
Z </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 31 Aug 44. Hunter Field 2 Sep 44. Grenier 15 Sep
44. 8th AF 18 Sep 44. MIA Derben 14 Jan 45. Shot down by fighters.
Crashed at Bartschendorf. Melvin Johnson POW, rest KIA. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=322&tab=aircraft">338769</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
Q </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 18 Sep 44. Lincoln 19 Sep 44. Grenier 16 Oct 44.
8th AF 16 Nov 44. To 390th 18 Jan 45. To U.S. 5 Jul 45. To Kingman 12
Jan 45. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=328&tab=aircraft">339032</a> </td>
<td>
The Deacon </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
B </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 11 Nov 44. Lincoln 13 Nov 44. Grenier 3 Dec 44. 8th
AF 5 Dec 44. To 390th 18 Jan 45. To U.S. 3 Jul 45. To Kingman 21 Nov
45. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=334&tab=aircraft">339134</a> </td>
<td>
Lovable Lass </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
L </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 9 Dec 44. Hunter Field 10 Dec 44. Dow Field 21 Dec
44. 8th AF 21 Dec 44. G. M. Gunnoe WIA 20 Feb 45 at Nurnberg. To U.S. 30
Jan 45. To Kingman 29 Nov 45. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=349&tab=aircraft">46901</a> </td>
<td>
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
U </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=97&tab=aircraft">571st Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 13 Dec 44. Lincoln 13 dec 44. Dow Field 22 Dec 44.
8th AF 31 Dec 44. To 390th 18 Jan 45. To U.S. 3 Jul 45. To Kingman 23
Nov 45. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acserial=361&tab=aircraft">48273</a> </td>
<td>
Ole Blood and Guts </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_acmodel=116&tab=aircraft">B-17G</a> </td>
<td>
U </td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.390th.org/resources/search/?390th_tax_squadron=92&tab=aircraft">570th Bomb Squadron</a> </td>
<td>
Accepted by USAAF 28 Jul 44. Dallas Mod Center 18 Jul 44. Cheyenne 6
Aug 44. Manchester 2 Sep 44. Grenier 9 Sep 44. 8th AF 11 Sep 44.
Assigned to 390th 11 Sept 44. Severe battle damage on Hamburg mission 31
Dec 44. Ran off end of runway on return. Plane salvaged. </td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-78684667030147077152012-02-16T11:34:00.000-08:002012-02-16T11:34:34.667-08:00Rag Rug Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEwPemBtabS9CIqPv8bsiizR7h4ZKwUuy8h0_iiJ-qunYS1XYBNhV16-7yWB4-22pWmcFMbBtZvdbhyAl5A3Ae4YmIuU2Lu3-ZGxMBGliz_ujazNsXVpqV2ecAMPbjnnZtAUc4443TNYz/s1600/SAF_6546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEwPemBtabS9CIqPv8bsiizR7h4ZKwUuy8h0_iiJ-qunYS1XYBNhV16-7yWB4-22pWmcFMbBtZvdbhyAl5A3Ae4YmIuU2Lu3-ZGxMBGliz_ujazNsXVpqV2ecAMPbjnnZtAUc4443TNYz/s320/SAF_6546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Rag Rug Tutorial: By Sherry Fain<br />
<br />
My inspiration for this rag rug came from my Great Grandmothers Life Journal. In her journal she spoke about how her mother would make rag rugs each winter to lay on the floor during the annual Spring Clean! This was an easy way to use all the scraps left from a quilt I made last year. Step by Step- Here we Go!<br />
<br />
Step 1: Dig out all of your supplies. Scrap fabric, cutting boards, scissors or rolling cutter. Sewing machine if desired, but not necessary. A little bit of thread. And a sewing needle if you don't have a sewing machine. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGpird6ZqHc6J2s-L2gc9-494FY_LDYSpbG5bXtAwDakaFD0ckpk9bBnx6tjeLTFf_yJJxhFxvdPFCssJtPK0Q3o1XU20WOmlVi06X7wdu_Hw8KaIZfQgL-VdVuqZcYNe4EslYEJYeXWw/s1600/SAF_6548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGpird6ZqHc6J2s-L2gc9-494FY_LDYSpbG5bXtAwDakaFD0ckpk9bBnx6tjeLTFf_yJJxhFxvdPFCssJtPK0Q3o1XU20WOmlVi06X7wdu_Hw8KaIZfQgL-VdVuqZcYNe4EslYEJYeXWw/s320/SAF_6548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Step 2: Learn how to use the sewing machine. HAHA<br />
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Step 3: Sorted all my scrap fabric to find the best scraps for the rag rug. I was looking for long pieces of fabric which I can easily make strips from. I set the rest aside for another project.<br />
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Step 4: I used my cutting mat and rolling cutter to measure 1 1/2 in strips. I cut all my scrap fabric into this size before I began assembly. I determined that I would use all the scraps I had available. But if your unsure on amount, cut only what your willing to work with. You can cut more as you go.<br />
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Step 5: This is the end of on of my strips. <br />
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Step 6: Fold over end of strip. <br />
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Step 7: using scissors, cut a tiny slit, be sure not to cut to the edge of the strip. <br />
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Step 8: You can see now, a hole has been made. Do this on both ends of all of your strips. <br />
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Step 9: to begin, I gathered 3 strips, any color, and sewed them together. You can do this by hand as well.<br />
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Step 10: Find a way to secure the end of the strips. I tucked mine under something heavy. Make a simple braid. <br />
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Step 11: You will come to the end of your first set of strips. To add on, take new strip, tuck through original strip from braid.<br />
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Step 12: Take other end of new strip and thread through top slit of new strip. <br />
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Step 13: Pull all tightly so there isn't a big bump like below. Fiddle with it till you are satisfied with the extension. <br />
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Step 14: After braiding most of your strips together, use the remaining strips to sew your rug together. The image below is the start of my rag rug. colorful isn't it?!<br />
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Step 15: Begin sewing your rug together by threading through every other braid loop. Gently coil your braid around sewing as you go. In the image below you can see, I am sewing with my dotted blue strip. I tucked under the green braid loop here. <br />
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Step 16: Pull sewing strip gently through rug, but not too tight. If it is too tight, it will begin to take a "bowl" effect. Not to worry, if it does, a hot iron will usually shape it back into place. In the image below, I am sewing my dotted blue strip over the orange braid loop here. </div>
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Step 17: Pull sewing strip gently through rug. This is the sewing pattern to take for the rest of the rug. Skipping every other, or every 2 braided loops. </div>
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Step 18: You will need to extend your sewing strip just as you did your braids to continue. I took the time to iron my rug each time I needed to make an extension to keep it nice and flat.<br />
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Step 19: Continue coiling your braid around and sewing as you go. You can make it as big as you wish. Mine turned out to be about the size of a doormat, just because I ran out of scrap fabric. When you get to the end, simply tie off the braid and tuck the ends between a braid on the underside. Give it a nice Iron, I starched it a little bit too. <br />
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Finished Project:<br />
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This was my first rag rug! Hope you enjoyed the tutorial, and make one too!<br />
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-SherryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-91892898083626108062011-09-27T12:44:00.000-07:002011-09-27T12:44:02.171-07:00Exciting News!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>WE ARE PREGNANT!!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">That's right! Bryan and I are expecting our first child together. We have been actively trying for 6 months since he returned from deployment in April. I quit smoking on new years eve and have been smoke free ever since! Dr.s appointments, medication, charting, and all the stuff that goes along with trying to conceive.. it's been a tough road. Each month you go through the cycle of excited, happy, anxious, nervous, depressed, then it starts over. During the cycle of August, I really became wrapped up to the point that it consumed my thoughts day in and day out. I just wanted to be a mommy so badly that I put every effort and ounce of time I had into research and stuff. When it didn't happen I was crushed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So Bryan suggested I get back into swimming to help take up some of the void in my day and I began to work out. </span><b></b></span>Water Aerobics in the mornings, Fitness swim at lunch, and then Gym with my friend Jen in the evenings. I started to really look at what I was eating and found that while what I was cooking at home was good food, healthy... mostly.. it was when I was out that I found to be my problem! I always knew fast food was bad for us.. but dang.. 70g of fat in one meal? A wopper without cheese and fries from Berger king? How many times I ate that in the past!!!??? No wonder I'm developing a muffin top! So far I have lost a few pounds and mostly inches. I can see a difference in my arms for sure!! Not as much flapping going on in that area anymore. I still have loads to go, but I feel better socializing with other people and getting out of the house, and also having the benefit of feeling good because I am exercising. </div>
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With all of this said, and the help of modern medicine, and with the blessing of God, I tested early on just 8 days after suspected ovulation. "I SEE A LINE" I thought. It was late, and Bryan was still at the Hobby shop working. It was possible that I started having "line vision" where anything I look at had a pink line on it.. haha. So to be sure I posted a picture on my babytobump forum in the pregnancy tests section. Immediately people began to respond. BFP!!, CONGRATS MOMMA!!!, Definitely see a line!!!. I started to get really excited, but decided not to tell Bryan until I could test the next morning with the expensive test I had saved for the big one! </div>
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I didn't get past 1:30 am before I had to go test. No problem for me to pop out of bed for this bathroom run as I was so excited I almost couldn't keep myself from squealing all the way there! I did my test, and paced back in forth... thinking "is this real?, is this really our turn?, are we finally going to be parents??, omgosh.... this is taking forever.... is this really happening??????". I forced myself to go downstairs to get a glass of water to pass the three whole minutes I had to wait!! When I came back upstairs, I slowly peeked over to the counter to see if I could see a line from where I stood 5 feet away. My eyes were still a bit sleepy so I rubbed them... and there it was... a second line. </div>
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Who could say that a second line on a stick I just peed on would make me so happy. The stick itself didn't give me this gift, but it was the thing that told me I was going to be a mommy. Naturally I loved looking at it. I immediately jumped in bed and woke Bryan to tell him that we are pregnant. "Reeeeeallllly?????" he said excitedly. "yep" I replied. "REEEAAAALLLLYYYYY????" He said again. </div>
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I managed to get him out of bed to come look at the pee stick. Ha Ha. </div>
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He went right back to sleep, but I could not stop thinking. My cheeks hurt I was smiling so big. After about half an hour laying in bed I got up and went and called my Momma in Louisiana. Whispering so I didn't wake Bryan I said "hi momma!" She was surprised to get a call from me at that time of night for her.. she knows I should have been asleep! I think she told me she was doing something like watching the news or eating a snack, but I can't remember because all I kept thinking in my head was "I'M PREGNANT" I finally interrupted and said, "Guess what?". "What?" she said."I'm Pregnant". </div>
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After the squealing and tearful happy bursts of joy quieted down, I told her to get online so we could chat quietly. :)</div>
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The next morning came quickly because I went to sleep just 4 hours before we woke up to start the day! We were going golfing and Bryan was just grinning from ear to ear all day! Even bragged to a group of golfers that the reason I was resting on a bench was because we found out we were pregnant last night at 1:30 am and I couldn't sleep. Of course, I couldn't have been resting because he had me walk an entire golf course or anything :). hehe.</div>
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We began planning how to tell the rest of our family. It was really fun listening to Bryan on the phone with his momma and dad and hearing the loud voices on the other side congratulating us!</div>
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We invited a few friends over for dinner and shared our news with them over meatballs and spaghetti. </div>
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We also posted on Facebook the news. </div>
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After everyone was notified, I had this horrible feeling inside that we spoke too soon. It was only a home test.. and it was very early. What if I miscarry or what if it was a chemical pregnancy and we have to explain that I'm not in fact pregnant. That day was really tough. I woke up and peed on a stick and the line was really faint. A few comments on my test I shared with facebook also said the line was really faint, that perhaps I should test again just to be sure. I had Bryan go buy a digital stick so I could simply read the PREGNANT or NOT PREGNANT that it spits out. He rushed around at lunch and came home with one.. and later tested and showed a PREGNANT. So i felt better after that.</div>
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On Monday Morning The Dr. Office returned my call and said to come in and have a blood test done when I was available so being the sweet hubby Bryan is, managed to get off work early to come and get me. He had the car that day because it was raining really heavy and didn't want to ride his motorcycle. Otherwise, I would never have bothered him with something I could have done myself like buy a test or go get labs. :P</div>
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I heard back from the Dr.s on Tuesday and they told me that it was POSITIVE! I know, I've tested a million times, and each time showed a line, and Bryan kept telling me it was real. But if you have gone through all I've been through to get to this point, you wonder if your body is going to screw this up too! </div>
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Anyway. I am in fact pregnant with our first baby. And on Wed morning with Bryan, we are going to the Dr's to create a Baby profile, and schedule future tests. :) All very exciting. </div>
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The only symptoms I have right now are some mild cramping, and fatigue. I almost couldn't finish Gym this morning.. but I got through. I am going to cut my workouts down to just swimming for the first 12 weeks though. Two a days just are too much for me right now.. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-63032938285740207632011-07-16T06:36:00.000-07:002011-07-16T06:36:51.434-07:00InspirationI can't really remember the last time my mind was clear, agenda quiet, no one around, and I had time to look at a blank screen and think about what to write. It almost always starts out without purpose and eventually develops into some sort of meaning. I guess what I'm saying here, is this is my therapy today. To just write. About nothing really.<br />
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I don't have my "C" yet for my photography project. Sad. Why haven't I had my eyes open to natural C's in my world? I'm looking around the studio right now looking for C shaped things. Nothing yet... I think I will simply make something into my C! .... ok. I spent a few minutes wondering around the studio looking for things I could use.. no luck. I will save this for next blog. :D Problem solved... procrastinate!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEe6l9r8oh4FqpEEZLg4VR1GWsERff2aRcEAfku4aqShTI-NqMIds-rjkxhXT-qY5iUcUETA4TQoW5NLt8dUIf1k3yrJi_gwPhsVvAvJpj1JaYsjFhqOq1bK4WjsPTbDDF8qZtDeN_fZr/s1600/DSC_0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEe6l9r8oh4FqpEEZLg4VR1GWsERff2aRcEAfku4aqShTI-NqMIds-rjkxhXT-qY5iUcUETA4TQoW5NLt8dUIf1k3yrJi_gwPhsVvAvJpj1JaYsjFhqOq1bK4WjsPTbDDF8qZtDeN_fZr/s320/DSC_0182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpELUAdWcFle0BcZBGCA_mIwZod79MTcI3HHbTr_t8nQ8CPtexzJfnPE_v9T-l5svMnh8cRJATZjVuS0toHOA3hmU09CmxV_okc4TxkdU466P-teMQPLLNxFUcCn8s4PMFMJNd0BIpe_Z/s1600/DSC_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpELUAdWcFle0BcZBGCA_mIwZod79MTcI3HHbTr_t8nQ8CPtexzJfnPE_v9T-l5svMnh8cRJATZjVuS0toHOA3hmU09CmxV_okc4TxkdU466P-teMQPLLNxFUcCn8s4PMFMJNd0BIpe_Z/s320/DSC_0186.jpg" width="320" /></a>So, I have a new baby to my photography equipment. She is a small Nikon 50 mm 1.4 and stunning! She and my camera are not getting along too well though. Ok, I'll stop with the She's like it's a human. The problem with my camera is that while it is an amazing camera, it is meant to learn with. I am learning still, but have grown past it's limitations. The sheer fact that I have found it's limits is proof that it's time to move on. I have plans for this camera still, to convert into an infrared Camera. *rubbing hands together* :) :) :) :)<br />
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As you can tell from my test shots on the right, the image has a very shallow depth of field. Which is the focused part of the picture. The rest is really creamy. It could do with a bit post production work such as sharpening, exposure too. But they were fun to practice on.<br />
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I am still bumped about not being able to auto focus on my camera. Auto focus with this lens would make things much easier. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GcxXY_ZmgrzTSELxRbGJNiQTMeQkjZhg4Ux7C9zwX28Jsgq2mfOP4RwPplNKbaMBYW50fi32awPWJneT2Ca7HOOFQFzZDnZj1q7NLL52jLIEMZGMelrBC1eBOY4VuyM-0QPikKDHwLFF/s1600/fif_OSCAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GcxXY_ZmgrzTSELxRbGJNiQTMeQkjZhg4Ux7C9zwX28Jsgq2mfOP4RwPplNKbaMBYW50fi32awPWJneT2Ca7HOOFQFzZDnZj1q7NLL52jLIEMZGMelrBC1eBOY4VuyM-0QPikKDHwLFF/s640/fif_OSCAR.jpg" width="464" /></a>On the photography group I participate with, on Fridays have what's called a Fix-It-Friday. This is where someone selected chooses a photo they took, and posts it without any editing done to the group. Other members then take the photo and edits in their style, and re posts to the group. It is really interesting to see all the different styles. This past friday, it was my turn to submit a photo. It was on pretty short notice but I volunteered before I had a photo in mind!! Doh! It was good after all since I was forced to go home after work and play with my camera a bit. My submission was of our boy, Oscar. :) He was a hit. <br />
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The top Oscar is "SOOC" or straight out of camera. The second is my edit. It's tough to tell here because of the size, but i cropped it in a bit for composition reasons, increased the contrast and saturation. That's it really. :) Which means it was a good photo if that little post production work was involved. <br />
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This sunset was taken about 9:30 at night and surprised me while I was watering all my flowers outside in the back garden. I peeked around the corner to check on my elephant ear bulbs I planted a month or so ago to see if it has sprouted yet and BAM!!! This beautiful sight was right in front of me! I dropped the hose and ran inside as fast as I could nearly tripping on the speed bumps at the door I call my weenies, grabbed my camera and as I was setting my settings running up a sprial staircase frantic I would miss the pretty colors, I flung open the double doors on the second floor and took this quickly! *phew* I'm out of breath just explaining it! But isn't it PREEEETTTTTTTTTYYYYYYY? :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGlvlc1xrpeCDAmugjpre_Q8u8KpPyX0jat3LMiELSVL3g4cUjb3jw_474m1VK91uEJecPg0cMxA65WI7pqmexVpi9lK6AfgpGRa7-FzF40BmtJf8iCtP5nYdOzsvaU-z1NclygSxXO6v/s1600/Reflection%252C+water+drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGlvlc1xrpeCDAmugjpre_Q8u8KpPyX0jat3LMiELSVL3g4cUjb3jw_474m1VK91uEJecPg0cMxA65WI7pqmexVpi9lK6AfgpGRa7-FzF40BmtJf8iCtP5nYdOzsvaU-z1NclygSxXO6v/s400/Reflection%252C+water+drop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Image on the left was the result of a 2 hour long project trying to replicate something I saw on a website. I didn't quite get the same results, but I'm sure that photographer has years of practice on me in this particular type of photography. SO, without any instruction, I set out to figure out how to replicate the Gerber Daisy's in the background there, into each water droplet. I have the concept down. The water drop in focus. And the positioning of the flowers. BUT I need to be closer!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvhImuD9pKAgKUo5U9PRsaJjJ8ikeUh627veF6NmXUuE-gtwe5pnlEIHOWe6zVHp6rNW_8UE4w1BUzZbQ2c_8sqyiNskgsboCynMwilB03lcwbb88k1yrXbyCAbUDwTgbLgfomTnSerfP/s1600/Water+Drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvhImuD9pKAgKUo5U9PRsaJjJ8ikeUh627veF6NmXUuE-gtwe5pnlEIHOWe6zVHp6rNW_8UE4w1BUzZbQ2c_8sqyiNskgsboCynMwilB03lcwbb88k1yrXbyCAbUDwTgbLgfomTnSerfP/s400/Water+Drop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This Photo of the water droplet was another project I took indoors since I was getting sunburned with the previous one! I set this one up using my coffee table, a koi painting from my mom, a clear baking pan, two chairs, a rack, and a plastic bag. I flanked the coffee table with the backs of the chairs and bridged them with the rack, on which I hung the plastic bag of water. The koi painting was under the clear baking pan showing the colors you see. I pricked a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and let it drip. Set up my tripod and finally found the setting that worked best with my camera which is shown there as 1/320 of a second shutter speed, at f 5.6 , and increased my ISO to 400. tah'dah! It was a really fun project.<br />
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Yesterday we had a group of friends come by the house for some chit chat, welding, hammock relaxing, bbqing, and car selling. LOL. Let me explain. Now that I have written it out this way it is need of some explination I think. Bryan was getting his car welded by StorkyYUMM.. <br />
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Anyways, somewhere during the evening, I got a wild hair to learn to drive a stick shift! Storky donated his car for my first real lesson in the back garden. I only stalled once, but went through first to second, reverse too!! It was fun! :) Think I might give it a go soon!!<br />
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Bryan is doing good :) enjoying his big garage to hold all his man toys. :) I can see him from the kitchen sink which is nice. He looks around for me ever so often and smiles real big when he finds me looking at him already. <3 He just got changed over to 12 hour shifts.. nights.. for a month! yuck! But I'm not complaining because at least he is home with me!<br />
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That's all I have for now! Till next time!! xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-34111410058410102862011-07-08T04:37:00.000-07:002011-07-08T04:37:06.955-07:00"B"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT-roKSVFW-F1HdicZrex3aBbdJCHKuInLqSEMG_V7XnPrj99OTfZUp4YeCeryc1v2_K9CkErn6VFbi4_R_YEtdVrBMI3fUWg6ow9zyBSi65Qt79jp-7LwUEz7mI09fMsWi6rSQhkizai/s1600/B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT-roKSVFW-F1HdicZrex3aBbdJCHKuInLqSEMG_V7XnPrj99OTfZUp4YeCeryc1v2_K9CkErn6VFbi4_R_YEtdVrBMI3fUWg6ow9zyBSi65Qt79jp-7LwUEz7mI09fMsWi6rSQhkizai/s320/B.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7ZQbDYm97OGXufwnw6eYrJs4rbxSIySu_xDj7bHGgBOrLGVois7V4FBs8JqqW0Sl9YKHYZACocu_zUWKLWHe6tZagOyCYGv5Nbtze46dDH6IxNIXtk2pXiHhJaPh0Ib1uupvXnulIa3R/s1600/220px-Belize_Speed_Bump_Sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7ZQbDYm97OGXufwnw6eYrJs4rbxSIySu_xDj7bHGgBOrLGVois7V4FBs8JqqW0Sl9YKHYZACocu_zUWKLWHe6tZagOyCYGv5Nbtze46dDH6IxNIXtk2pXiHhJaPh0Ib1uupvXnulIa3R/s1600/220px-Belize_Speed_Bump_Sign.JPG" /></a>My photography project Letter this time is B. Comes directly after A!. LOL. I had a few ideas on what to find for this letter.. the first being the "bump" or "hump ahead" signs you so often see over here... But later found a bridge that when turned on it's side, would show an almost perfect "B". <br />
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We found this bridge on our trip to London to pick up Bryans new car. It's a 240 SX which means it's a US Spec car, and we can take this one back with us. :) We visited a very well known bar/pub thing where car and motorcycle meets are extremely popular. This particular day, there was a Harley meet/auction. Leather, beer, and hot asphalt consumed the senses. Bryan and I stuck out like a sore thumb walking through the crowd in jeans, white t-shirts, and flip flops. :)<br />
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In other news : Tyler went camping with Bryans parents, Stan and Wanda over the 4th of July. From what we could tell, he was having a fantastic time!! Swimming and riding his bike, and watching movies.. There is a video on Bryans FB page of him, and it is so nice to see his face, his toothless smile, and the silly grins he was making into the camera. It made me laugh, and what feels the best is knowing Bryan was able to see him.. and that in itself made my day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ny2qre3QbAdPqG-NYIubWHw5vwmXg_wFn-6sysk-H3IdUMSvHR36BNhDZY5wmUVokFIYg6kdIP4joZBhP-rJo6WPz1AkIwUnfhcWjelckVl8dAVB2aLsji5ZV-Yexf3UpuapmeFv_bqv/s1600/RetroLadies.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ny2qre3QbAdPqG-NYIubWHw5vwmXg_wFn-6sysk-H3IdUMSvHR36BNhDZY5wmUVokFIYg6kdIP4joZBhP-rJo6WPz1AkIwUnfhcWjelckVl8dAVB2aLsji5ZV-Yexf3UpuapmeFv_bqv/s320/RetroLadies.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>Bryan purchased me a brand new bike!! :) It is a cruiser, with big wheels, and a fat seat!! I have a bell and fenders, and a place for a basket! I absolutely love it. One Speed, breaks on the handle bars and I just cruise right along!! :) Bryan picked up a Blinky back light and a head light that doubles as a flash light if I needed it. NOW all I need is a way to carry it to other places like the BEACH! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl76XlHwS5C5hyphenhyphenMnebTpA8MAyJxyp98sqnFTPuKs_Axdnk0V7hDYAsT2Yb-Qt5_J6IlSCI2HMY9Pj7d7JYizyrdKo3VXVB194fw5HG2y5LioBsAGnWcpLzkdZRJi0ceNc7g9FIcDJ4dY9/s1600/Lydon+300611_0166-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl76XlHwS5C5hyphenhyphenMnebTpA8MAyJxyp98sqnFTPuKs_Axdnk0V7hDYAsT2Yb-Qt5_J6IlSCI2HMY9Pj7d7JYizyrdKo3VXVB194fw5HG2y5LioBsAGnWcpLzkdZRJi0ceNc7g9FIcDJ4dY9/s320/Lydon+300611_0166-3.jpg" width="258" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsljCQrfEx_dA1bFFfP1L41x74i4rF-4-8x4zxjvrJ97lLLuR6nOzBgRDBiYkSanXYHiuqVNjDBcU3UUTHhDE_ssHCRTwGZxmGDaP2K5wFnlYHQlmkiTDJWHg3oKPma2SakkJymHVztvPS/s1600/Nicole+Marx_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsljCQrfEx_dA1bFFfP1L41x74i4rF-4-8x4zxjvrJ97lLLuR6nOzBgRDBiYkSanXYHiuqVNjDBcU3UUTHhDE_ssHCRTwGZxmGDaP2K5wFnlYHQlmkiTDJWHg3oKPma2SakkJymHVztvPS/s320/Nicole+Marx_0410.jpg" width="261" /></a>In more Photography news: I have a new lens on it's way to me! Nikon 50 mm 1.4. I am very excited! I have begun to do the Weekly Free Session giveaway shoots in the Studio. Already, I have done a baby, and a maternity shoot. He was such a cutie. Just getting the hang of crawling, he would come right up to my camera, and before I knew it, we would be inches from each other and out of the lights! This shot I lowered the saturation for another take of the original picture. I like giving the customer a choice for some of my fav. Of course I can't do this with every picture as it already takes me nearly 8 hours to process one session! And for a FREE session, 8 hours is a long time to spend!! But I am doing my very best on these shoots, as they are the experience I am seeking! My biggest obstacle during shoots, is flow. Coming up with the next block and direction. This will come with practice and experience, and once I have found certain things that work, didn't work, etc... I will be able to move between blocks quickly and seamlessly! I hope at least!! The Maternity shoot went well! We are friends, so it was easy to talk to her and the mood was relaxed and comfortable. We did several blocks with changes of outfits and incorporated various props and such. It is with great sadness to report that just one day after the session, the lost baby Mason. She was due in just a week or two. I don't know anything else, but this has broken my heart. As far as I know, her husband has managed to return from deployment to be with her. She is an exceptionally strong woman, and with the help and support of her Husband, friends, Family, and God.. they will be alright. <3<br />
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Bryan and I have booked flights home for the Holidays!! I will be flying ahead of him towards Shreveport the day after Thanksgiving and staying till Mid December. Then I will be joining him and Tyler in Tampa for Christmas and New Years. At some point during our stay we will be making a road trip down to the Florida Keys! I am uber excited about that!! It will have been a year since I've seen my family, and nearly 2 years since Bryan has seen his. Long overdue, and much anticipated! During my stay in Shreveport, I hope to take a trip up to Paris Missouri to visit where my Great Grandmother grew up. She described it in great detail in her life journal. I will be photographing my journey. I also hope to see my Dad and maybe go for a short visit to see my Grandparents in Texas. My Sister lives in Boston and hopefully her and Sacha will be able to come down for a short stay if her studies will allow it.<br />
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This weekend I am planning on meeting up with a bunch of great gals in Cambridge. It's a photography group and we are going to do a scavenger hunt! Bryan is coming along too and will do very well! He has a good eye for project like this. He is the one, in fact, who spotted the bridge "B" you saw above!! :)<br />
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Please keep in your prayers my Grandmother, who recently in the hospital for a few days, is now recovering at home and simply isn't herself... , also Nicole and Ian with the loss of Mason. <3<br />
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That's all for now :) Till next time.<br />
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x SherryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-18209675514769781292011-07-01T03:38:00.000-07:002011-07-01T03:38:53.427-07:00"A"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwekd3qDD8T4v7lbR-eDGXFEaJunw9LpYGfLNS_tHLMpt5KIO1lGEuOtYjJkSpJxldfCeS1nTGZCSn40qOST2rjGA2mlLQXIJPf8Eb8wg2g77CIY5PF-vIzmPdmxsPpK4AKPDKmqZYQfBP/s1600/A-NOISE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwekd3qDD8T4v7lbR-eDGXFEaJunw9LpYGfLNS_tHLMpt5KIO1lGEuOtYjJkSpJxldfCeS1nTGZCSn40qOST2rjGA2mlLQXIJPf8Eb8wg2g77CIY5PF-vIzmPdmxsPpK4AKPDKmqZYQfBP/s640/A-NOISE.jpg" width="606" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>I am starting an alphabet photography project. "A" seemed to be really difficult to find!! This weeks TAWGS challenge was to use Noise in your photograph. Here I increased my ISO to 1600 and while pumping gas, noticed this wonderful 8:30 sunset with the radio tower. Hopefully this project with keep my eyes open more to the possibility of a photo opportunity at every moment. <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Other photography News: lol. The June Drift day was a bit wet, but had a good time practicing my panning skills. I only wish I knew more of the drivers, so they could enjoy all the hard work I put into cropping and color correcting the images afterwards. But then again, post processing is an unseen and often unappreciated task for photographers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am determined to start doing some sessions outdoors again. I have been brainstorming some ideas and I hope to gather all my bits needed and ask some friends to jump in and be my models! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">'the STUDIO' is going well. I am now doing the FREE sessions, and some of the Pets!! I really enjoy doing the pet photography. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisIPLMMUojuOPFMS0vVCt7dIJlpuGIt24XOlaKHUmrP98V_3q9mIUozbD2N450mDSpvGWx2n_EA63-XrFu8faM58WZN6yMup3KFPr2TjkcSkcq6iVXiymxP5zpsjRQCmEs1V8-luig-5s/s1600/DSC_0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisIPLMMUojuOPFMS0vVCt7dIJlpuGIt24XOlaKHUmrP98V_3q9mIUozbD2N450mDSpvGWx2n_EA63-XrFu8faM58WZN6yMup3KFPr2TjkcSkcq6iVXiymxP5zpsjRQCmEs1V8-luig-5s/s640/DSC_0247.jpg" width="448" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwkH8KRoKJtHwGZFaJ8sQooZa8GSVI-y6KWb2QbM2fkVaUaA3jOvEFhzsEKoUmMKRjauG5UF69jYGtsUMId8vlHstP6bKUcA4mISDIaxz9ZVamjItGT1kvXjBm6OSCGqY6opE6Of_GzM_/s1600/DSC_0275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwkH8KRoKJtHwGZFaJ8sQooZa8GSVI-y6KWb2QbM2fkVaUaA3jOvEFhzsEKoUmMKRjauG5UF69jYGtsUMId8vlHstP6bKUcA4mISDIaxz9ZVamjItGT1kvXjBm6OSCGqY6opE6Of_GzM_/s320/DSC_0275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxZqvrG-_ys4YzKiQSsPD84aBCyI5Mo3EvGW8Nti8gsqcMSjyBQWxYbXns6LE_ffCs1KquaSlmpMVypuZM5pMH7-zmlLOIbVIwXtrpNOK7_OgwPPpcvOqMzzXVjlQYJ5Rgo6lY1rAS_eN/s1600/DSC_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxZqvrG-_ys4YzKiQSsPD84aBCyI5Mo3EvGW8Nti8gsqcMSjyBQWxYbXns6LE_ffCs1KquaSlmpMVypuZM5pMH7-zmlLOIbVIwXtrpNOK7_OgwPPpcvOqMzzXVjlQYJ5Rgo6lY1rAS_eN/s400/DSC_0114.jpg" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vOK1pk7UX-0wg-c4yge7Es0sK1xbHD1_T_47-mgjkS8pKqIk0yVLJSQ759ZEn__DokSEwmFjw0WXpF9rvffVZ_XqMmkO4yrBoLDI1knbyr-gMAtTj5MLSxMybxdcy6qgnvuUpY4CsrAb/s1600/DSC_0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vOK1pk7UX-0wg-c4yge7Es0sK1xbHD1_T_47-mgjkS8pKqIk0yVLJSQ759ZEn__DokSEwmFjw0WXpF9rvffVZ_XqMmkO4yrBoLDI1knbyr-gMAtTj5MLSxMybxdcy6qgnvuUpY4CsrAb/s320/DSC_0223.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mD6lAcA4_57VtbdhG8gZym7hVQEa9HOB99z-apMpVXISUC3VD6iJ5E0UPkEl22qrjJIWQJmcRIJLh66V3l-gQ4RBx-_uWwyzYWwosj6QAKeAyhOeFp5TAtG7ERgB7EOHosD-ZlGHAEdB/s1600/DSC_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mD6lAcA4_57VtbdhG8gZym7hVQEa9HOB99z-apMpVXISUC3VD6iJ5E0UPkEl22qrjJIWQJmcRIJLh66V3l-gQ4RBx-_uWwyzYWwosj6QAKeAyhOeFp5TAtG7ERgB7EOHosD-ZlGHAEdB/s640/DSC_0216.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">here are some of the Dalmatian I did from earlier this week. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA37dyd1NSCFihp0FcTMnROfjjtFllY7hZy_70Rfcf-48CH3vDr1grXc1o1mYgUYej-qcclqtGFpwM6mOnNA4q9IzXI6R728K4YRG9YVzFtG8k-0X9JqZgbfNl1ufuJkCNujE7tIHiUyQ/s1600/20110627_0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA37dyd1NSCFihp0FcTMnROfjjtFllY7hZy_70Rfcf-48CH3vDr1grXc1o1mYgUYej-qcclqtGFpwM6mOnNA4q9IzXI6R728K4YRG9YVzFtG8k-0X9JqZgbfNl1ufuJkCNujE7tIHiUyQ/s640/20110627_0095.jpg" width="512" /> </a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCXsYhypf-zF_tIOK40Ih2HAv60qNRxM71QnxssANKSH452nOIbWKlJJxTjR7JCPj7uCYMf1zv3digD7q2PzNOIcKK1wWfRRYcj5EzLJfQiZi2I_k_n09hje1z_ga0b7ynHC9AAEM9H69/s1600/20110627_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCXsYhypf-zF_tIOK40Ih2HAv60qNRxM71QnxssANKSH452nOIbWKlJJxTjR7JCPj7uCYMf1zv3digD7q2PzNOIcKK1wWfRRYcj5EzLJfQiZi2I_k_n09hje1z_ga0b7ynHC9AAEM9H69/s640/20110627_0134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In other news we have moved houses! We now live in a village named Mundford. We are no longer attached at the hip to another family, we have elbow room on both sides of us.. front and back! Our garden is large enough for Bryan to do some light golfing. hahha. I have been planting some flowers and enjoying the birds. It is a short walk to the forest and the weenies love it here, much more than the last place. Their garden was a joke, and surrounded by privacy fencing, so the most Oscar could look at was the possibility of a cat to walk across one of the fences, and then it was game ON! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cars have been all rearranged since I last talk. The Cresta was broken, so I got a prelude till Bryan came home from deployment. Then sold it for a 4 door Lexi. It is big and comfy and perfect to travel in. Now! Time to Travel! Bryan has his motorcycle up and running and MOT'd and all that jive, and since he's sold his S14, that's all he's had to drive! Fine by me, we are saving loads in fuel costs!! But that will soon end as he has purchased a cheap S13 that is US spec and he can take back to the states. We are going on Sunday to pick it up. Won it on EBay! LOL. But it's an auto right now, so that means I can drive it! :) woop woop. I am determined, by the time I leave here, I will know how to drive a stick!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, The inside of the new house is coming along, I'll make great strides in cleaning up and sorting through, and then I open another box. haha. Funny how that never ends! I'll probably get everything just so, and we will move again! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That is about it for now.. I will update my alphabet photography pictures as they come in. B is next on the list.. this is going to be tough!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bye for now..</div><div style="text-align: left;">x Sherry</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-9851874823189520652011-03-21T10:55:00.000-07:002011-03-21T10:55:51.290-07:00The Rest of the Trip :)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYYLaFiEaGW6U0SOmjN7YktvZYrwqivpzOGBYQ-kkzSiQ1PR6g1mmYmvFDTwt1IxsCp3_WaJzWog9CEFrMVnVIKcRX6fUGKs-SEJQgGHsOJ5i4VYtVdB4yT9MXyfbuwwPxUvQENkZViTA/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYYLaFiEaGW6U0SOmjN7YktvZYrwqivpzOGBYQ-kkzSiQ1PR6g1mmYmvFDTwt1IxsCp3_WaJzWog9CEFrMVnVIKcRX6fUGKs-SEJQgGHsOJ5i4VYtVdB4yT9MXyfbuwwPxUvQENkZViTA/s640/DSC_0047.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Day 2</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbXWU6mj4hu_p2LFAM6mLDSTW7q9-jjcLjouFlT_5t48C3xE07RvKu0PoCvkPTOlfl5u9cDh_kAz0js652MiYmuIQblZiJ1S1jt0qlOfliosiwVU7zaY4pHJ0tncgGNaxSdsXXbGTHvCl/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbXWU6mj4hu_p2LFAM6mLDSTW7q9-jjcLjouFlT_5t48C3xE07RvKu0PoCvkPTOlfl5u9cDh_kAz0js652MiYmuIQblZiJ1S1jt0qlOfliosiwVU7zaY4pHJ0tncgGNaxSdsXXbGTHvCl/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="214" /></a>I woke early to the sounds of traffic outside. Probably due to the fact that I had propped up the window with <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryans</city></place> shoe to allow for some air flow and noise. I am used to the sound of a fan in my face to drown out all the funny noises houses make over here. I grabbed our roll of toilet paper, found a bra, slipped on <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryans</city></place> size 15 shoes, and thumped my way down the hall to the bathroom. There is nothing like a shared bathroom in the morning. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place> woke up eventually and went to take a shower. I had taken one the night before. It kinda creeped me out knowing the number of people showering in the same stall, night after night. Stepping out onto the same bath mat. I used my wash cloth as a tiny 6 x 6 inch stool. I have to admit, it takes talent to stay in that one square to wash and dry and dress yourself while in a shower cubical only large enough for your elbows to wash your hair. </div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIciiDQzBfqwPIXkDpPl5q7MCFI_zk-QEnLemoJeUQn9UHG9bHQmnR03ksjPvH8Oy1s4KjzBrJ20eNLZ5UVOLn6HKMbji8FE5uAekbUgLXFWiCixYaNo5R06zA7PmMjK6YADoeorvWc7yt/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIciiDQzBfqwPIXkDpPl5q7MCFI_zk-QEnLemoJeUQn9UHG9bHQmnR03ksjPvH8Oy1s4KjzBrJ20eNLZ5UVOLn6HKMbji8FE5uAekbUgLXFWiCixYaNo5R06zA7PmMjK6YADoeorvWc7yt/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="214" /></a>We dressed quickly, and went downstairs to have breakfast. The lady had prepared us a sweet table with butter, jam, and sugars for our coffee or tea. She brought cold ham and tomato to put on our toast, and left strawberry yogurt on the table as well. She was so sweet to make sure we had everything we needed. By the end of our breakfast she had invited us to stay at her home in <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Hungary</country-region></place> for a week for only 50 Euro. We will definitely take her up on this offer. </div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We checked out around <time hour="10" minute="30" w:st="on">10:30</time>. I gave her our bananas, apples, fresh pineapple, and plums that were starting to turn, and we wouldn't have been able to eat them all quickly enough. She was very gracious. Headed out to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Dover</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Castle</placetype></place> just up the hill from where we stayed. You could actually see the exits of the secret tunnels poking out from the cliffs. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH1ajJL5zIvudfcLvRvtyQCmE6v2hCVHOft2SuGSks322Ab2-kRggZME9-ZvW8_S1Fv7QHYCnWgAu_2HA5c7bd7pbM50hfODSOrwntmHmKxUy8xzFn5Og9MtJfkX8ZVLwPldf1j-3M8ou/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH1ajJL5zIvudfcLvRvtyQCmE6v2hCVHOft2SuGSks322Ab2-kRggZME9-ZvW8_S1Fv7QHYCnWgAu_2HA5c7bd7pbM50hfODSOrwntmHmKxUy8xzFn5Og9MtJfkX8ZVLwPldf1j-3M8ou/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a>"Commanding the shortest sea crossing between England and the continent, Dover Castle boasts a long and immensely eventful history. Many centuries before King Henry II began the great stone castle here in the 1160s, it's spectacular site atop the famous 'White Cliffs' was an Iron Age hill fort, and it still houses a Roman lighthouse, one of the best-preserved in Europe. The Anglo-Saxon church beside it was once probably part of a Saxon fortified settlement: very soon after his victory at Hastings in 1066, this was converted by William the Conqueror into a Norman earthwork and timer-stockaded castle. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictN3f6vzVbbMzx71tJesBelRKVRJqm1goyFkHiMmdWl0Vl0aWgFhDADm9GoXaOxOOyUGPUTpguEyMjS4ScUG-5Owa60hnATnzCy-21OA-CN6XGthcbt5BQ2LJs22_1uUmlnpo6R1FQJ5i/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictN3f6vzVbbMzx71tJesBelRKVRJqm1goyFkHiMmdWl0Vl0aWgFhDADm9GoXaOxOOyUGPUTpguEyMjS4ScUG-5Owa60hnATnzCy-21OA-CN6XGthcbt5BQ2LJs22_1uUmlnpo6R1FQJ5i/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">From then on Dover Castle was garrisoned uninterruptedly until 1958, a continuous nine-century span equalled only by the Tower of London and Windsor Castle. The Stronghold hosted royal visits by Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Charles Is, Queen Henrietta Maria: and from 1740 until 1945, its defences were successively updated in response to every European war involving Britain.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dover Castle is above all a great medieval fortress, created by King Henry II and his Plantagenet successors. At it's heart stands the mighty Great Tower 83 feet high and just under 100 feet square, with walls up to 21 feet thick. The grandest and among the last of the keeps raised by the kings of England during the 11th and 12th centuries, it was designed by Henry II's architect 'Maurice the Engineer' and built between 1180 and 1185. A symbol of kingly power and authority guarding the gateway to the realm, it was also a palace designed for royal ceremony, and to house Henry's travelling court. Within this magnificent showpiece, Henry could welcome and impress distinguished visitors to England- particularly noble pilgrims travelling to the new shrine in Canturbury Cathedral of St. Thomas Becket, martyred against Henry's wishes by four of his household knights in 1170. "</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY_nRtV_2bd5gAftCUegXi5UbgpEUS9dRo5HTuJdsjVKZ59783pGbck9dGTnHruZYFDRnz1mDzY_zhuGW1Ws59e3rwXb8o3XMwNZDa6DSTVUKYv2QkX7khSq5KnFqPvf3mH90Aomv8yiS/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY_nRtV_2bd5gAftCUegXi5UbgpEUS9dRo5HTuJdsjVKZ59783pGbck9dGTnHruZYFDRnz1mDzY_zhuGW1Ws59e3rwXb8o3XMwNZDa6DSTVUKYv2QkX7khSq5KnFqPvf3mH90Aomv8yiS/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We arrived at the welcome center and purchase a membership to the British historical society thing, and it pretty much already paid for itself completely! We brought the fog with us, just as we were getting out of the car in the car park, the clouds rolled up and over the cliff side and our view was obstructed pretty much the rest of the day. We walked up towards the Church of St. Mary-in-Castro. While gazing upward to the amazing arched entry, I ran smack into a wooden pole keeping cars from driving up through the archway. <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place> asked me if I knew what that was… .. he replied with “Karma”, If you remember, yesterday I laughed really hard when he ran into a sign in Canturbury. Ha Ha, I laugh now too but the bruise on my knee says otherwise! The church was really pretty. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVOSKpPuq62GuvOcJiCJeVCUKJ1MY-pVI5U3ZKPG9Yl5icspf_E4MeoP4-shVbH1o67kMfa38LT7e58LeJS2w2TTqkUOb1tXFVSJZ46V82jNAaziWCv42Wo3pOock_24xNXbDhsWXxKRa/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVOSKpPuq62GuvOcJiCJeVCUKJ1MY-pVI5U3ZKPG9Yl5icspf_E4MeoP4-shVbH1o67kMfa38LT7e58LeJS2w2TTqkUOb1tXFVSJZ46V82jNAaziWCv42Wo3pOock_24xNXbDhsWXxKRa/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We only had about 40 minutes to spare before our tour of one of the tunnels. It was the hospital used all the way through WW2 as a front lines triage, surgery, and recovery center. It was dark, humid, and much like you would expect a tunnel to look like. Round on all sides, except the floor, which was uneven and sloped downward. We were on the first of 3 levels. There were audio files playing to replicate how things would have been if we were in the situation. They even managed to introduce the smells and flicker of lights when the artillery hit and exploded outside. We were following the story of a wounded solder whose leg needed to be amputated. All of the props used in the tunnel are true to the time, however, not actually taken from the tunnel. Even the cotton balls were from WW2. As we walked through the countless rooms of mess halls, kitchen, living quarters, we found our way to a spiral stair case which led up to the surface. All of us were panting like hot dogs after that trek. </div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO7t9Rm2U8yIR3B-ii8sMJZnrzm5i5zqhdqGUa6EZBUVsYyHi3s4zaS_6sgQ0WLmd2DNZ_nq9-ccM2c8dWrzmywzRP4G6w7L-bjYZ3gYWygLtMpHMQyQn7c9SQWWF-pYLd8fvGlqERSta/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO7t9Rm2U8yIR3B-ii8sMJZnrzm5i5zqhdqGUa6EZBUVsYyHi3s4zaS_6sgQ0WLmd2DNZ_nq9-ccM2c8dWrzmywzRP4G6w7L-bjYZ3gYWygLtMpHMQyQn7c9SQWWF-pYLd8fvGlqERSta/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We decided from here we would make our way back up to the car and go back into town for some lunch. We ate at Dino’s Italian Restaurant. <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place> had chicken Parmesan.. BIG Surprise. I ended up with Spinach Cannelloni, that looked to be a portion size for a kiddo! Anyhoo, we all know what comes next when your out on vacation with <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place>.. right??? Ice Cream! Hahaha. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">After lunch, we went back to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Dover</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Castle</placetype></place> and tour of the castle, tunnels, and fortress areas. It was all incredibly interesting. There were a total of 118 stairs leading to the roof of the Castle. It was still pretty foggy at this part of the day, but we were able to get some pretty good pictures of the immediate area at least. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Kinda funny looking back now, but we didn't get ONE SINGLE picture of the actual castle!! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjmvxSw-AL1Q72_Qcxvv1Tm4Iu576H-fu5ylwIEitoa7OJq78yGbI6_u3mnO0g4dM0aApAW-QTmFT3Xc-hnR4h0ieitmzNi4VxkI7VKmLOUGg6kpgDbcKzSVYztLE1TsisSp8FGpV0pUI/s1600/DSCN1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjmvxSw-AL1Q72_Qcxvv1Tm4Iu576H-fu5ylwIEitoa7OJq78yGbI6_u3mnO0g4dM0aApAW-QTmFT3Xc-hnR4h0ieitmzNi4VxkI7VKmLOUGg6kpgDbcKzSVYztLE1TsisSp8FGpV0pUI/s320/DSCN1773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVAQQSg6FJ03Jvn0ZcJq0ybcPaensDKyPJzW2dgQt5bfzVbgh9LDHVe9i4Kq5G2RT6CtBgXIxy63EqYBq_rcw33pFY0Qsdc-QNIRLhyphenhyphen411a9vI0lHoSTknMKHh_j0Z9U-b3HIF_81Ywju/s1600/DSCN1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVAQQSg6FJ03Jvn0ZcJq0ybcPaensDKyPJzW2dgQt5bfzVbgh9LDHVe9i4Kq5G2RT6CtBgXIxy63EqYBq_rcw33pFY0Qsdc-QNIRLhyphenhyphen411a9vI0lHoSTknMKHh_j0Z9U-b3HIF_81Ywju/s320/DSCN1776.JPG" width="320" /></a>After <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Dover</city></place>, It was off to our next destination. Brighton which is thought to be about 84 miles from <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Dover</city></place>. On our way, we stopped off at Samphire Hoe. We went through a big tunnel on our way down, and it was here that <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place> and I decided we were going to plan a car meet. I am extremely excited about the car photography I will be doing this trip. It will be something that you can’t miss. Anyways, at this location, there were the white cliffs in the background, hills of green grass waving in the wind, with sheep dotting the crest. A blue lighthouse sits here watching over the sea. At some point I tackled <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place> to fall into the grass all romantic like, except, I broke his fall and he just got up afterwards. The grass isn't near as soft as I thought it would be. Apparently I have watched too many romantic comedies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on primarily 2 lane, small country roads.. which would have been preferable if traveling during the day! But, being it was foggy, and night, we really were tired of driving those types of roads. </div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC7KjbYB8-eAc_C8OMDZMi92cZDXz1xCrju5zrqctCc2JctrN_FIotKukH0SZqF8ApLEUkejRVE6RcisDZUGf6yopfejXvUpNwFD17zSyp6ZQLrhSxdmruj2BlzkO2ieV0xBvRsWaIvKa/s1600/DSC_00851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC7KjbYB8-eAc_C8OMDZMi92cZDXz1xCrju5zrqctCc2JctrN_FIotKukH0SZqF8ApLEUkejRVE6RcisDZUGf6yopfejXvUpNwFD17zSyp6ZQLrhSxdmruj2BlzkO2ieV0xBvRsWaIvKa/s320/DSC_00851.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NlVroSHYoUbjCwSrQAsouQkTZ5-r3fJKQPYJTcLvP_rodP1AQji83sX_QmKaKG0lW1lw3V-2ODtJk7iS5Vb2BrXKDGvKb2R4wdDKd33kvdrqQtm1RVN28AVExQMMnqJCkJuXFyGbPc-B/s1600/DSCN1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NlVroSHYoUbjCwSrQAsouQkTZ5-r3fJKQPYJTcLvP_rodP1AQji83sX_QmKaKG0lW1lw3V-2ODtJk7iS5Vb2BrXKDGvKb2R4wdDKd33kvdrqQtm1RVN28AVExQMMnqJCkJuXFyGbPc-B/s320/DSCN1782.JPG" width="240" /></a>We arrived in <place w:st="on">Brighton</place> about <time hour="8" minute="0" w:st="on">8:00</time>. It can be described as an extremely lively city. There were people of all nationalities walking about and Pubs on every corner. The pier was lit nicely, but the fog made it difficult to see. Parking was hard to find, as we circled around our hotel within a few blocks. After about 45 min we found a spot on the same street as our hotel. Sea Spray Hotel was right smack in the middle of it all. Our room was a fantastic size too. We had a balcony with a bay window. You could see the Sea and the Pier entirely from our room! The hotel gave us loads of ideas for dinner too. We walked down and ate at another Italian place. We both ordered a <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">Cal</state></place> zone with artichokes, mushrooms, ham, and mozzarella with tomato sauce smothered over the top. For desert we decided to get whatever had walked by about half an hour earlier to another table. And that is exactly how we ordered it. It turned out to be an Italian truffle. It was sweet with strawberry and cherry liqueur, with a bit of bitterness of cocoa powder on top, but creamy like a cheesecake. OH WOW. Yumm!! After dinner, with our bellies full, we decided to get back to our room since we have an early start. I stayed up to post about yesterday, and <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place> enjoyed lying in the big comfy bed watching Family Guy. It was so nice to leave the doors open to the city, and listen to the busy nightlife quiet down hour by hour.. And eventually as the sun rose, the noises from cars and music and people talking was replaced with sounds of the sea, and the gulls calling out to each other. What an amazing night in <place w:st="on">Brighton</place>. </div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkzPsdC-63ksz3lTp_5Fvc0lhO6yv2MygwdzMmG7kLxixShKx7J63brB38i8jd23R4imTBoTWwsJN5b4t4vprFecj6gNqfOAOhKm7YfcaXXaZSlgn5dZU_97DhKE9UWkPSPCqjQf50u_i/s640/DSC_0065.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAciQTt_sAJhhU83lXaQ7jbb-A0oiTq9lfIcZVP1WqRNizCnAaCMHD3C1IdmbD58AWK0j2uiKmC-Y1AueQS3Tn8Yq5n6QdRF3fB4uAf4IROLwAcNt1AU0RGAzk0-ZL3-hkFGdotSV1Kunk/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAciQTt_sAJhhU83lXaQ7jbb-A0oiTq9lfIcZVP1WqRNizCnAaCMHD3C1IdmbD58AWK0j2uiKmC-Y1AueQS3Tn8Yq5n6QdRF3fB4uAf4IROLwAcNt1AU0RGAzk0-ZL3-hkFGdotSV1Kunk/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="214" /></a>Day 3</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We woke up about <time hour="8" minute="30" w:st="on">8:30</time>. The bed felt so good, I didn't want to move!! But, we have big plans today! Got up, showered, and dressed and headed down to breakfast in the hotel. It was a lovely bright room with tables for 2 set up all over. It was set nicely with the dishes and tea cups and all that stuff. It actually had a waiter who brought us a menu. I ordered this yummy toast with all kinds of things in it like sunflower seeds. We started with rice crispies for cereal, and then on to a Ham and Cheese omelet with orange juice. Yummmmmmy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSk_PD7AqwwfFH__-ihl2kPbpkcVY0JpH9gp-ryqGLVqdGoHNmFIWdtK_41B6ZsNwmeLasIm_nL2tl8An_k9Nu6bMEpSG7MjSThpvuEyozSpsjVURYvm09RpYSBxBxVgNt46eBt8ADnaS/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSk_PD7AqwwfFH__-ihl2kPbpkcVY0JpH9gp-ryqGLVqdGoHNmFIWdtK_41B6ZsNwmeLasIm_nL2tl8An_k9Nu6bMEpSG7MjSThpvuEyozSpsjVURYvm09RpYSBxBxVgNt46eBt8ADnaS/s320/DSC_0005.jpg" width="234" /></a>We packed up, checked out and put all our luggage into the car. We were about a 10 minute walk from the Royal Pavilion. It was a fantastic sight! I called it the Taj Mahal place. The inside is pretty much indescribable. Except to say that it is the most amazing, extravagant home ever. I would have loved to have been a lady during that time who was invited to a dinner party at this house, except for the whole part about sleeping with the prince. </div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After we rushed off because our parking meter was about empty, we headed off towards <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Salisbury</city></place>. It was about 84 miles to Stonehenge and passing through <place w:st="on">South Hampton</place> on our way. We stopped over for lunch there and ate near the ports. </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios1mEnyNrMREeC40XLw2QINgEFBxpAAhe7S-lHVK8kWhDN5qsRJbt0QCwKdhs63SH6U82vlVqnAMkR1VtqxuhIV0J_RV_hkEWnHyJFliKBHGl70UwjYMFTU9gtJk9P6OkV-KKPcVOtmhX/s1600/DSCN1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios1mEnyNrMREeC40XLw2QINgEFBxpAAhe7S-lHVK8kWhDN5qsRJbt0QCwKdhs63SH6U82vlVqnAMkR1VtqxuhIV0J_RV_hkEWnHyJFliKBHGl70UwjYMFTU9gtJk9P6OkV-KKPcVOtmhX/s320/DSCN1800.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><place w:st="on">Stonehenge</place> was really interesting to see. We weren't able to walk into the actual monument, but they did have a way for us to walk around the entire thing at some distance away. It looked as if they had a team of movie makers inside taking pictures on a huge boom. <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place> said it looked to be the makings of a 3D movie. Something like you could walk through a virtual <place w:st="on">Stonehenge</place> online or something. Maybe they were studying it. On the audio tour, it spoke about the winter solstice and how the light hit perfectly on the alter in the center. </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEMr4akpLTmgQhh0hi5rBTe1vZKkyNvecVeeTFAP7oQxhgSYTR7HV0x6fIZ8FPrOHwP9NYIqPfApdNqNNQaR8oxQVE5mmOb4XEs5hInAgbHpGtBnZKRVYUKJ161vNs2AyNSysXU2021mg/s1600/DSC_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEMr4akpLTmgQhh0hi5rBTe1vZKkyNvecVeeTFAP7oQxhgSYTR7HV0x6fIZ8FPrOHwP9NYIqPfApdNqNNQaR8oxQVE5mmOb4XEs5hInAgbHpGtBnZKRVYUKJ161vNs2AyNSysXU2021mg/s640/DSC_0017.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEUHqgSajkTnntEVsN8i2jDElqJBTL8C-3VN7fKejFcKkVwJCi2XJTsr1ETX8KyEwTQI3DiKhRFnin6CR3ZxJdu9IRLkEq2MWxdCdNkOWM0Y5xJxfUWgig5vlTjSXrUbk6aAraB9qF46j/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEUHqgSajkTnntEVsN8i2jDElqJBTL8C-3VN7fKejFcKkVwJCi2XJTsr1ETX8KyEwTQI3DiKhRFnin6CR3ZxJdu9IRLkEq2MWxdCdNkOWM0Y5xJxfUWgig5vlTjSXrUbk6aAraB9qF46j/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next stop is <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bristol</city></place>, which is where we will be staying the night. It is about 74 miles from <place w:st="on">Stonehenge</place>, and along the way we passed an army camp. We found the “tank crossing” signs really amusing. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We arrived at the hotel after some navigation issues <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> had dinner here. There was one gentleman who was a server, cook, and also checked us into our room. He was a talkative fellow, who suggested we eat his “invention” which was really spicy but sweet tiny potatoes. It was pretty good, but I could only eat a few as I am spicy challenged. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After dinner, about <time hour="9" minute="0" w:st="on">9:00</time>, we took a walk down to the pier. It was late, and had already closed, but the tide was out and all of the rocks were exposed below. We had a walk around under for a while and <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bryan</city></place> sat patiently as I dug through these stones hopeful of finding an amazing fossil! I think I may have found one or two!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAV-lK5bj3bi8k_SoVIrnoIgKEAjnj7r5A5ReZbfgVD3n3kL9rWNQSoJxRgasXqFd6zeQaV2Tm-DMWHX_IVKO7J7fSg4aPK7kNYP8-_lrAfMQKECJIFCgyrYmT59tqrTYETSzaaT9OWqo2/s1600/DSCN1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAV-lK5bj3bi8k_SoVIrnoIgKEAjnj7r5A5ReZbfgVD3n3kL9rWNQSoJxRgasXqFd6zeQaV2Tm-DMWHX_IVKO7J7fSg4aPK7kNYP8-_lrAfMQKECJIFCgyrYmT59tqrTYETSzaaT9OWqo2/s640/DSCN1815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was a lovely evening in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bristol</city></place>. Driving consumed most of our day. Driving 60 miles here doesn't take an hour like it does in the states. We have motorways, which are similar to our interstates. But you will be driving 70 mph, and then every few miles, hit a roundabout and have to slow down, and then speed back up. It’s frustrating at times. We also were mostly on back roads this leg of our trip, so that slowed things down even more. Anyways, not much else to report for today. Shower and bed we went!!! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Day 4</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBn3b01P-Y0jn_TT34j4g5h6jeZbOEA660qiaAzhu4tadubP7_lRRUW101qFVP5WjkeW84L0-NMpSX-XQ8f-7u7h9Tl4mxgxm2psqLOCxJo5kpkbUOx5f2CuQYWLjFIWpHs3ADVIg24rZ/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBn3b01P-Y0jn_TT34j4g5h6jeZbOEA660qiaAzhu4tadubP7_lRRUW101qFVP5WjkeW84L0-NMpSX-XQ8f-7u7h9Tl4mxgxm2psqLOCxJo5kpkbUOx5f2CuQYWLjFIWpHs3ADVIg24rZ/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="214" /></a>The plan was that we were to be up extra early today. About 7 am downstairs already eating breakfast by the bay window looking out over Bristol Bay and onto the shores of <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Wales</country-region></place>. We didn't even wake up till after 8. We both had the typical English Breakfast. They leave out a buffet with cereals, fruit, tea, coffee, toast, jam, butter, and fixings like that. And then we order a warm meal. We talked with the employees there during our entire breakfast. It is really nice getting to know complete strangers. I am getting better at talking to just anyone. It is a bit different over here as everyone is generally open to casual conversation. Whereas in the states, everyone sort of minds their own, and without reason to start a conversation, you tend to leave them alone. </div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHljNbWAjjYD8iAli_xMv_9swWJcd6_aLJZwS2ZM3-KsN_wWZh6S256If8cJ-nURZAc9qi6f1A5AnTOFUMRlJHr2LhR0Dx7fR81V3u-h8vxXUUZ0sYR2kTFgoxyzsuu_7qRJLbKIzTMEV/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHljNbWAjjYD8iAli_xMv_9swWJcd6_aLJZwS2ZM3-KsN_wWZh6S256If8cJ-nURZAc9qi6f1A5AnTOFUMRlJHr2LhR0Dx7fR81V3u-h8vxXUUZ0sYR2kTFgoxyzsuu_7qRJLbKIzTMEV/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We enjoyed the last hour or so before checkout packing our bags and looking out our view from our room. We both found out what a magpie is. And I’m not certain I am spelling that correctly, but it is said that a magpie mates for life, and when you find one alone, their mate most likely had died. You salute them. It is a black bird with white stripe on it’s wings and a green shine to it’s tail.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We went directly to the oldest suspension bridge in the world. It surprised me just how much it moved. It was high above a gorge of muddy water. It was easy to walk across with some encouragement from Bryan that no, it will not fall. It just felt safer in a car!!! lol. Of course, we had to stop in for a whippy cone for Bryan, only he was disappointed to find that it was a Whippy Cone Impostor!!!! we ate them anyways. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpIGis9-UplMyVvYu8rg5Dz6B5gqUMKFAPn3FMrfCITwWwav_W956SyY9-rWz6m167COFyLog9PteITrWy0uxxjieAvNdhG81FmxNfaSx1xAzne2MuvB-SOSqSE-_4DDbvpIh_O_EG04v/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpIGis9-UplMyVvYu8rg5Dz6B5gqUMKFAPn3FMrfCITwWwav_W956SyY9-rWz6m167COFyLog9PteITrWy0uxxjieAvNdhG81FmxNfaSx1xAzne2MuvB-SOSqSE-_4DDbvpIh_O_EG04v/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="214" /></a>We tried to stop off at RAF Fairford, but it had closed sometime this past October. Boo, so we had to put gas from the Economy in. Yikes. Wish we got paid in pounds, and then it would be comparable to US Gas. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Onward to London, and our Hotel. We checked into the Hilton and caught a fast train into the tube system, which took us downtown. It is St. Patty's day! How cool, the London Eye is Green!!! I love London at night. Not as many people. :) We stayed out till about 3 am in London and was more than ready to hit the hay!! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXFoJzTk-dxFFGbSwMLtYPVL33P6imMUGCWINGGRugkT4b1jm8gkkhNxPxzlnu39lRrY6qq1_f8VFJKomupP9hqfEgKkGohRaJjWpr39woVI9oUbaYfs2mPh1BQH-Pirj8p4aU0Nme0qP/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXFoJzTk-dxFFGbSwMLtYPVL33P6imMUGCWINGGRugkT4b1jm8gkkhNxPxzlnu39lRrY6qq1_f8VFJKomupP9hqfEgKkGohRaJjWpr39woVI9oUbaYfs2mPh1BQH-Pirj8p4aU0Nme0qP/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a>Originally our plan was to hit up the aquarium the next day, however the cost of the fast train into London ate up our budget for the aquarium. It was raining and cold, but we found a really fun golfing place. It's a two story driving range with huge targets in the ground. The balls have microchips and will register on a flat screen in your bay where it landed and give you points accordingly. We made a game out of it and I hit about 200 balls, beating Bryan a time or two I should mention!!!! OY was I sore the next day!!!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahHx5pMKjCd4vIHKmfoAZDP0O4rhjeUlCjLMM_67QbsiKXp9DyAnbIcRfbroaRPLQKcc-EqxsbogOo6DIhgWXHESpX4QDd07QFNvjJf983Bj8dQD8Yrm6gng2uhEWwk2YDS0HElB_4PRR/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahHx5pMKjCd4vIHKmfoAZDP0O4rhjeUlCjLMM_67QbsiKXp9DyAnbIcRfbroaRPLQKcc-EqxsbogOo6DIhgWXHESpX4QDd07QFNvjJf983Bj8dQD8Yrm6gng2uhEWwk2YDS0HElB_4PRR/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a>OH, we ate at a yummy pub along the River Thames somehwere along the way into London. It was sat next to a Gypsy camp with ducks and all! :)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvIreVhWr-mif-LnnVDDlpO3CvCsN6Nb-SAmx6AeAMbk4FF6TDoLTEEyg2GXylHnoikc3hkAgDhpaKMy8ajmPiinXOX74AXMrgs7qrjS9BN3rtfs61QoOBD6v5I3ZRwfbKGjdH05acu-c/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvIreVhWr-mif-LnnVDDlpO3CvCsN6Nb-SAmx6AeAMbk4FF6TDoLTEEyg2GXylHnoikc3hkAgDhpaKMy8ajmPiinXOX74AXMrgs7qrjS9BN3rtfs61QoOBD6v5I3ZRwfbKGjdH05acu-c/s640/DSC_0082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7K-Voa3_916f3ou2hbLkfIzZGfuSZetZ3bfQUnRBl9jY7v3dc6HD1AqenVPzg74DsDVm6kgNQhouSzqMNaakXZWUDTZTjUrd94iQ_hAhauRw4NSj9lRPz2qM2e8LjiIlkeP4i7fQ453dW/s1600/DSC_0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7K-Voa3_916f3ou2hbLkfIzZGfuSZetZ3bfQUnRBl9jY7v3dc6HD1AqenVPzg74DsDVm6kgNQhouSzqMNaakXZWUDTZTjUrd94iQ_hAhauRw4NSj9lRPz2qM2e8LjiIlkeP4i7fQ453dW/s640/DSC_0095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3q6sy1ujPrToTDQ3ZtEG5Vpp4ko9WJpbLuxEiphXN4nRn33Fra-_bf5QlMK59uIAmXMjj17UHFGEiDPyIdDa9SeH_P-WxUZ9ZMjzEL2_VbzekcNOLPKjvvQdxegwwTkf8X8sCeRtkn6Y/s1600/DSC_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3q6sy1ujPrToTDQ3ZtEG5Vpp4ko9WJpbLuxEiphXN4nRn33Fra-_bf5QlMK59uIAmXMjj17UHFGEiDPyIdDa9SeH_P-WxUZ9ZMjzEL2_VbzekcNOLPKjvvQdxegwwTkf8X8sCeRtkn6Y/s640/DSC_0085.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sUigyay4sk7eKIwB4dom1tPJsdbDxgA5WKrkAu8G8MviBGNnCid-AVGpFFOHStRsnOxvjnwbk3EqIOboKK382rEc3IdoyACe9mBftXN-R9oajNxrds_iXI3o0h065MUhq0cfHuugXSau/s1600/DSC_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sUigyay4sk7eKIwB4dom1tPJsdbDxgA5WKrkAu8G8MviBGNnCid-AVGpFFOHStRsnOxvjnwbk3EqIOboKK382rEc3IdoyACe9mBftXN-R9oajNxrds_iXI3o0h065MUhq0cfHuugXSau/s640/DSC_0103.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In closing, our trip was full of so many tiny, fun, memories, that there is no way possible for me to remember everything to blog. I am so thankful to god that we were given the time to reconnect and grow together. I love my husband more than words can express, and I look forward to many more memorable moments such as these in our future. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Till then, Bye!</div></div></div><img height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC7KjbYB8-eAc_C8OMDZMi92cZDXz1xCrju5zrqctCc2JctrN_FIotKukH0SZqF8ApLEUkejRVE6RcisDZUGf6yopfejXvUpNwFD17zSyp6ZQLrhSxdmruj2BlzkO2ieV0xBvRsWaIvKa/s320/DSC_00851.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 159px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 3766px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-62912058502669025232011-03-15T16:54:00.000-07:002011-03-15T16:54:51.928-07:00Our Trip : Southern coast of the UK, Bristol, London. Day 1- To DoverOur Trip Day 1<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The day started early. Rise and shine with the weenie dogs. We loaded the cars and immediately ran into a problem! We haven’t even left the house yet!!! My Prelude was acting up and wanted to idol – alternating between 3000 rpms, and 800 rps. A horrible noise that was!! We tried to drive it, but after lunging my way through the neighborhood, I pulled over. We did manage to fix whatever the problem was by adding more radiator fluid, and by turning off the cruise control. SO, with two cars full, weenie dogs in tow, we were off.. again.. on our trip!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After dropping the dogs off to the kennel we went to base to leave the car at the hobby shop for some work. We filled the gas cans, picked up prescriptions, got some breakfast to go, and finally, by <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10:00</st1:time> we were leaving town on our adventure!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRdxlcDexvBwA395axiQlpf0BPKG_RMW118uvKGCT0-taJBxIsonopUXVn-vPqQHpdZP7K06e8JR2QPX6mf_WlxaTL475lr00PyXXZqKyJPcMO4z8XWtOQh93nA-F73FMmlNm_CZlPCDl/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRdxlcDexvBwA395axiQlpf0BPKG_RMW118uvKGCT0-taJBxIsonopUXVn-vPqQHpdZP7K06e8JR2QPX6mf_WlxaTL475lr00PyXXZqKyJPcMO4z8XWtOQh93nA-F73FMmlNm_CZlPCDl/s320/DSC_0030.JPG" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24eKQbpbJxgYYuVH2XKyj_SgDfcOjFEIr52nZnSIrQgzVw83KQ74UQW2_fVqUgqf_C8_NLTTVEeL4Cvx7-Ilf9qOtluCpfXmTxwpiwySOJkoHU5LLpnLk7oOKmNZ79ZiiR4Hzh2PHVBwq/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24eKQbpbJxgYYuVH2XKyj_SgDfcOjFEIr52nZnSIrQgzVw83KQ74UQW2_fVqUgqf_C8_NLTTVEeL4Cvx7-Ilf9qOtluCpfXmTxwpiwySOJkoHU5LLpnLk7oOKmNZ79ZiiR4Hzh2PHVBwq/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="214" /></a>The first stop was planned to be <st1:city><st1:place>Canterbury</st1:place></st1:city> we decided. According to the gps, it was 127 miles from Lakenheath. It wasn’t 15 minutes into the drive when <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city> fell asleep and left me listening to British radio and watching the highway. 2 hours later we arrived in <st1:city><st1:place>Canterbury</st1:place></st1:city>. It was a neat town. We found parking right away near the castle. It was a long, skinny parking area located between the road and the wall of the cathedral we were visiting. We walked along the ancient wall, and found a “pay here” station. <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city> didn’t bring any coins with him, so we walked all the way back to the car, got the coins and went to a closer pay station. Back to the car to stick it in the window.. then back down to the original pay station direction. Once we found an entrance, it was for people with special passes only, and directed us back the other direction!!! Where we just came from!!! Our Car!!! Ugh. So again, we walked back the other direction, past our car, and into town. It had lots of shops, and pubs, and bricked roads. Typical of British towns. Narrow streets, shallow curbs, flags, hanging baskets, people everywhere always dressed to impress. The smell of beer, cigarettes, and wet. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF31t9GoNqr8BzoYJTqjNirctd-M9nXjqVB1BIe8L8fYo95nfRt5xMviKt5yTXmcshkwJNxoHLksgoOEJXXn5MAE8QEETTnNtSI49aK_Nvh2-OKF-szQeKIhe3dsLTHOVv8uhs4q0Xlje/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF31t9GoNqr8BzoYJTqjNirctd-M9nXjqVB1BIe8L8fYo95nfRt5xMviKt5yTXmcshkwJNxoHLksgoOEJXXn5MAE8QEETTnNtSI49aK_Nvh2-OKF-szQeKIhe3dsLTHOVv8uhs4q0Xlje/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Walking through town for a bit, we found the entrance to the cathedral. <st1:city><st1:place>Canterbury</st1:place></st1:city> Cathedral. We didn’t get the audio tour, but looking back, I wish I had. We walked through the crypt and prayed in a special room for the crisis in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Both Bryan and I lit a candle and said a silent prayer. This entire area was a silent, prayer only part of the cathedral. I couldn’t help but cry. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGNgOQRrCb_uPBC9h_GtyNm13GKgxUDgIbjn5bITZqidfEj6lrbZndpOQCeDH-qfj-axUaVYawjqKGsfiz-GWBoGGPB5V8VNcxMUB0bu2aWT-MXaProEZvOc4Bqka_KjBZ6PAbRS6iE3A/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGNgOQRrCb_uPBC9h_GtyNm13GKgxUDgIbjn5bITZqidfEj6lrbZndpOQCeDH-qfj-axUaVYawjqKGsfiz-GWBoGGPB5V8VNcxMUB0bu2aWT-MXaProEZvOc4Bqka_KjBZ6PAbRS6iE3A/s320/DSC_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">We left purchasing a Christmas ornament. My grandmother and grandfather always collected ornaments on their travels all over the world. Each and every Christmas, as we set up the tree on Thanksgiving Day, we would remember all the trips they took together. It is a childhood memory that I am going to be sure to continue. We also purchased a greeting card, and a medieval coin, to add to my collection. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseHy38dhAuR2u_ttNpplI-5DNJCom_ojP9kuSkliqqSkLqKDKwLWhyphenhyphen1RJg8mclGUrG-j8A03bf8ZJi7f4imDLs-Pr3e0G385O8FXJLRrY_dadvd3bHv9jZ_9ox5zQLrlql-vopIBka6DX/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseHy38dhAuR2u_ttNpplI-5DNJCom_ojP9kuSkliqqSkLqKDKwLWhyphenhyphen1RJg8mclGUrG-j8A03bf8ZJi7f4imDLs-Pr3e0G385O8FXJLRrY_dadvd3bHv9jZ_9ox5zQLrlql-vopIBka6DX/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the way out of town, we stopped over in a nice pub, “The Thomas Ingoldsby”. I ate mozzarella fish cakes, salad, and chips. <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city> had a bacon cheeseburger stacked so high, even HE couldn’t get his mouth around it. And that is something to make note of! He also had chips. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back to the car. We know exactly where it is!!! Ha ha. Apparently <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city> doesn’t see below his belt as he ran directly into a sign. LOL. After he finished cussing the sign, like it had a choice in running into <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city>, we laughed. Something else to note about traveling with <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city>, he hates the gps. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXuVJDb4eVq10Z_qdPH953VKL6O5K6qfPZZsweSK_3e8gX35xT7YRbOvEz6pNaA3975x_mNqtEzB4dogEyLbJlXHxtOU4bY7OoYGfIq0B52vGTWvs_YaGzR8KO-esJXPoSfyUcXQs_R_v/s1600/DSCN1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXuVJDb4eVq10Z_qdPH953VKL6O5K6qfPZZsweSK_3e8gX35xT7YRbOvEz6pNaA3975x_mNqtEzB4dogEyLbJlXHxtOU4bY7OoYGfIq0B52vGTWvs_YaGzR8KO-esJXPoSfyUcXQs_R_v/s200/DSCN1609.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcFjoM09Iz3pvGx2ZtFYm20vkINIZyoMHatkqA200wSSYVFrjpY0Ez7Cge5Ws9BecYX_aHO7pGorwOC00Qgumc3EnpbJEZ3i3u1B0jiG-of5l9dPE5asEH8ymYVXgny5-CiJGb-0Vk5WU/s1600/DSCN1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcFjoM09Iz3pvGx2ZtFYm20vkINIZyoMHatkqA200wSSYVFrjpY0Ez7Cge5Ws9BecYX_aHO7pGorwOC00Qgumc3EnpbJEZ3i3u1B0jiG-of5l9dPE5asEH8ymYVXgny5-CiJGb-0Vk5WU/s200/DSCN1617.JPG" width="200" /></a>Next major destination planned is North Foreland, the Most Eastern Spot in <st1:country-region><st1:place>England</st1:place></st1:country-region>. It is near the town of <st1:city><st1:place>Margate</st1:place></st1:city>, which is 16.4 miles from Canturbury. On the way down it was getting extremely foggy. <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city> is busy on the phone planning a golfing day after I gave him the go ahead. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span> We managed to find a beach. Parked under a cliff of white stone, on top of a retainer wall. The tide was down, exposing wet sand and all it’s leftover seaweed, shells, and bits of creatures. The water was very cold, wind was strong, the moisture in the air made my hair curl. After about a 30 min walk on the eastern most point of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>, we decided to get back on the road and thaw out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97jEIwNRxiTQI1mttShGM7O2aDGvAst0leAULVtBsbulA_NRO5DspMQzj9xYYrUFBOWTBUUgBX7BKMFHkdlx1r5Bk-t4gCtKjqm-CS-ecuICdWiMQseGMmCN2USfkJUtVyIlyBCXRYUfv/s1600/DSCN1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97jEIwNRxiTQI1mttShGM7O2aDGvAst0leAULVtBsbulA_NRO5DspMQzj9xYYrUFBOWTBUUgBX7BKMFHkdlx1r5Bk-t4gCtKjqm-CS-ecuICdWiMQseGMmCN2USfkJUtVyIlyBCXRYUfv/s640/DSCN1605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7SxBDxnIbCPCu2Fic87YsXnfGzDf5GXtnoiwhnyBjBYWR-VD5lmctLrCdsB9sRxAStGuh89jKQlttZSEPFNJfIy6AC0Ti3TXRaL8ganttJRzMrDiaXSSicJOoZP2gdvzK0m5C09QuD-J/s1600/DSCN1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7SxBDxnIbCPCu2Fic87YsXnfGzDf5GXtnoiwhnyBjBYWR-VD5lmctLrCdsB9sRxAStGuh89jKQlttZSEPFNJfIy6AC0Ti3TXRaL8ganttJRzMrDiaXSSicJOoZP2gdvzK0m5C09QuD-J/s320/DSCN1615.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">We stopped on the way to Broadshire for a picture of a lighthouse. It was a working lighthouse, and both Bryan and I were surprised to see how far off the coastline it actually was! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDSCKrvusEJmK31PwaD__TEPUZS7ll98xuZgz0oWsT9RtFVh9Diz-8Fp1hHO3H4mhPnrOyEyc8UGBfkwUy1IvlZz88HXeu_toATh4yXlQUXB_9lNPClb2BMf99YE6Y8g53JyE_066fIVa/s1600/DSCN1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDSCKrvusEJmK31PwaD__TEPUZS7ll98xuZgz0oWsT9RtFVh9Diz-8Fp1hHO3H4mhPnrOyEyc8UGBfkwUy1IvlZz88HXeu_toATh4yXlQUXB_9lNPClb2BMf99YE6Y8g53JyE_066fIVa/s320/DSCN1642.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4dMg7zwpG1nmJvn9-3x9InGg9zZOJ3KZpt1GX64icsKTWtgMAXLyEwoKZc9yc-iULdMfFw2WbJox3OD5l2ASAFJOx0wT43dLkzt3GQgWd7ML2ibizeozeR0eDARsruypEmOvDX9LOCnS/s1600/DSCN1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4dMg7zwpG1nmJvn9-3x9InGg9zZOJ3KZpt1GX64icsKTWtgMAXLyEwoKZc9yc-iULdMfFw2WbJox3OD5l2ASAFJOx0wT43dLkzt3GQgWd7ML2ibizeozeR0eDARsruypEmOvDX9LOCnS/s320/DSCN1639.JPG" width="320" /></a>We arrived in Deal a short while later. Parked near the beach which was mostly smooth rocks and pebbles. It was almost dark, and through the mist and fog, you could see the Pier jutting out into the water. It was in this place, in 55 BC, that Julius Ceasar landed. The town was quiet except for two fishermen packing up for the night, a group of teenagers under a bus stop shelter, and bright flashing lights across the street at an arcade store. We went in for a pound worth of 2p games. Had some fun but left within 15 min. We were excited to get to <st1:city><st1:place>Dover</st1:place></st1:city>!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSWNtekxHmzMJ2lD5N37M3ZTMXhsXXywsLt3FRZ07RZ6AmJnxaedtBbKbxhqf-ZSSrejkpkFnMYue4XC2KX9KjwLmZW902XTEfmdioj7cKV2fm3WlQkWdfUmAaF_PS9HdmIC7KqwWmoPp/s1600/DSCN1627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSWNtekxHmzMJ2lD5N37M3ZTMXhsXXywsLt3FRZ07RZ6AmJnxaedtBbKbxhqf-ZSSrejkpkFnMYue4XC2KX9KjwLmZW902XTEfmdioj7cKV2fm3WlQkWdfUmAaF_PS9HdmIC7KqwWmoPp/s320/DSCN1627.JPG" width="320" /></a>On the way to <st1:city><st1:place>Dover</st1:place></st1:city>, we made a detour to a town. It wasn’t historically important to us, nor did it have a castle or cathedral, or famous beach. We had to visit it, because it’s name was <st1:place>Sandwich</st1:place>. That’s right. <st1:place>Sandwich</st1:place>. We giggled each time we saw a sign pointing towards <st1:place>Sandwich</st1:place>! We posed for a picture, and then headed back on track to <st1:city><st1:place>Dover</st1:place></st1:city>. But just outside of <st1:place>Sandwich</st1:place> was Ham! LOL. “Ham” “<st1:place>Sandwich</st1:place>”. Who woulda thunk it! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYLGm4Khxfpmz6DSMX2l3nHrpmtVCpqmijoQIuboCe0zmARiBmgFMhAk4qlPwdxV5VlYChXHvZ7Rro_IsLlW2o-qLHN_3OcV5f4e6-GPsOBuGPkGeoduUUKJe5Q4GUm57jdyfxkljDYhf/s1600/DSCN1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYLGm4Khxfpmz6DSMX2l3nHrpmtVCpqmijoQIuboCe0zmARiBmgFMhAk4qlPwdxV5VlYChXHvZ7Rro_IsLlW2o-qLHN_3OcV5f4e6-GPsOBuGPkGeoduUUKJe5Q4GUm57jdyfxkljDYhf/s320/DSCN1657.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11r_xBfnSRsYkRWVXCOosF6hip5YWQN70Gu6TUojRqp5mMre90w4nOP7OQU43R-g92ixWljrjbQsEe-Kkot8fQsYJN1Q83Vz7OM0KpHjde64wI7wx-4QJrV2WbpUkw22HNy8xesT8dy8q/s1600/DSCN1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11r_xBfnSRsYkRWVXCOosF6hip5YWQN70Gu6TUojRqp5mMre90w4nOP7OQU43R-g92ixWljrjbQsEe-Kkot8fQsYJN1Q83Vz7OM0KpHjde64wI7wx-4QJrV2WbpUkw22HNy8xesT8dy8q/s320/DSCN1661.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjExXeobxPgHHpuv6xSR8rO_Xl06A0saZrg1UzH-WarBdHnBmsWRVNfKVXjEznRY7kCYUoqEPyYzHl4T-ZgG1X0mJWbb6ywgxfEItm0KfkouJsO-jLepn6iAAmvuFkwh0KQ0mQ_jrivgZN/s1600/DSCN1665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjExXeobxPgHHpuv6xSR8rO_Xl06A0saZrg1UzH-WarBdHnBmsWRVNfKVXjEznRY7kCYUoqEPyYzHl4T-ZgG1X0mJWbb6ywgxfEItm0KfkouJsO-jLepn6iAAmvuFkwh0KQ0mQ_jrivgZN/s320/DSCN1665.JPG" width="240" /></a>We drove our way into a dark <st1:city><st1:place>dover</st1:place></st1:city>. Foggy and still a misty weather. It was easy to find our way to the B&B. Owned by an elderly Hungarian woman with broken English, it is a 210 year old home, most to its original features. It smells of history. You can walk through and feel the house shift beneath your feet. The curtains hang heavy over the giant windows. The paint is thickly painted, layer upon layer. The vines from outside, have found their way into the cracks in the windows and is growing long the ceiling of the downstairs dining room, where I am writing from now. The carpet is a vibrant pattern, something like you would see in a casino. Our room is small, but has a full size bed, sink, desk, and tv. We have shared bathrooms, and showers. After finding myself without toilet paper, I went back to the room to ask bryan to go downstairs and let them know the bathrooms are empty, to find that they leave a roll in your room! LOL. Funny. It is all very interesting experience. And though, not at all “posh”, it is exactly an experience we wanted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoiRt3PKzpfSg5VeCML-v_tQ4hZ7lt8G86d_4WEOcsF4zdczqo1UO-5l0y-7fBNmpsoXO13nsQOyhmbe75CZjuBg6VGkTzQa5lr-UELePvOKN8FUYpML84Q_o-bmsdW_FkDSHBC_xc4lh/s1600/DSCN1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoiRt3PKzpfSg5VeCML-v_tQ4hZ7lt8G86d_4WEOcsF4zdczqo1UO-5l0y-7fBNmpsoXO13nsQOyhmbe75CZjuBg6VGkTzQa5lr-UELePvOKN8FUYpML84Q_o-bmsdW_FkDSHBC_xc4lh/s320/DSCN1669.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Hungarian woman is extremely hospitable, and treats you just like family. Because the walls are paper thin, the simpons in the room next to ours was so loud I couldn’t think to type. I came downstairs to type up our day, and she is down here listening to German News. Explaining about the Nuclear power plants in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>. How the people are joining together, hand in hand, demanding the shutdown of all plants immediately. Interviewing children, and entire families affected by nuclear radiation exposure, all ill, and bald. She also said that the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> has over 140 power plants.. the most of any country in the entire world. I had no idea. The TV down here is also on, but it’s in German, and somehow less distracting because I can’t consciously listen while I try to form my thoughts! The B&B and various walls painted in mural, and old fixtures. Just to tell you how comfortable she is, we walked in, introduced ourselves, and she handed us a key, and asked if we wished to see the room. When, ever, would that happen in the states? Bryan and I are just really humbled to have been able to meet this lovely woman, and stay in her home. “Sleep as long as want”, “Breakfast all time” she says to me. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As for now, I better get back upstairs to <st1:city><st1:place>Bryan</st1:place></st1:city>, and pull him off his angry birds game. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow is <st1:place><st1:placename>Dover</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Castle</st1:placetype></st1:place> and off to our next destination!! </div><div class="MsoNormal">Till then!! Goodnight!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PNdL22lNlptORtNDWWApmXVl1HZpMmXNUDK-yu3aJeXlknxWg5zhbPGc1BRGAT26lSSWQGwsNLQzYAmYA8WP9vCC-9H7GP1MkzufediqWna0cahtEvReXZ9pAlSqcyzd-jmBEQgm2ESb/s1600/DSCN1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PNdL22lNlptORtNDWWApmXVl1HZpMmXNUDK-yu3aJeXlknxWg5zhbPGc1BRGAT26lSSWQGwsNLQzYAmYA8WP9vCC-9H7GP1MkzufediqWna0cahtEvReXZ9pAlSqcyzd-jmBEQgm2ESb/s320/DSCN1635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>PS. I found this really funny.. ET - UFO!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-20802283027172686392010-11-26T15:52:00.000-08:002010-11-26T15:54:50.959-08:00ugh. *warning* depressing blog..So. I made it to Friday. It has been 5 days since Bryan left and it's just feeling like forever! I walk around this house waiting for him to pop around the corner. Maybe find him napping in the recliner, or see his head over the fenceline walking around the cars.. I can't get to sleep because it feels like my day isn't over yet because he hasn't come home, we haven't had dinner together, and I haven't had my goodnight kiss. I have stayed up till 4 am nearly every day this week. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The lake is frozen over<br />
The trees are white with snow<br />
And all around<br />
Reminders of you<br />
Are everywhere I go<br />
<br />
It's late and morning's in no hurry<br />
But sleep won't set me free<br />
I lie awake and try to recall<br />
How your body felt beside me<br />
When silence gets too hard to handle<br />
And the night too long<br />
<br />
And this is how I see you<br />
In the snow on Christmas morning<br />
Love and happiness surround you<br />
As you throw your arms up to the sky<br />
I keep this moment by and by<br />
<br />
Oh I miss you now, my love<br />
Merry Christmas, merry Christmas,<br />
Merry Christmas, my love<br />
<br />
Sense of joy fills the air<br />
And I daydream and I stare<br />
Up at the tree and I see<br />
Your star up there<br />
<br />
And this is how I see you<br />
In the snow on Christmas morning<br />
Love and happiness surround you<br />
As you throw your arms up to the sky<br />
I keep this moment by and by</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I did however go get a christmas tree. I didn't think I would because they were outragiously expensive on base for a fairly cheap looking tree. Found one at a local store in town, that is only 9 pounds. It looks cheap, but at least it IS cheap. I had fun decorating it.. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-a2IzQyDtPnr9YGTPZtfEoN8fBP3rpwD0QCd4lpRVojxslmwIWrI_UZuALPsuUkf1twMKeS-1MELzsVtXVEkniSR7kijHuG2jk8tl5g6Wikcn_nB2DQ231vAd49YF74ui-QDdrMh3oHf/s1600/DSC_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-a2IzQyDtPnr9YGTPZtfEoN8fBP3rpwD0QCd4lpRVojxslmwIWrI_UZuALPsuUkf1twMKeS-1MELzsVtXVEkniSR7kijHuG2jk8tl5g6Wikcn_nB2DQ231vAd49YF74ui-QDdrMh3oHf/s640/DSC_0054.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-65095353312776870382010-11-23T11:49:00.000-08:002010-11-23T11:49:35.441-08:00Thanksgiving UpdateI know, it's been tooooo long since I have blogged about what's been going on over here in England. It has mostly included cars, cars, and more cars. If you didn't know, we purchased a car for my getting around. It is an automatic because I can't yet drive a stick. But it is awesome. A Japanese import called a Toyota Cresta. If your from the states, you probably have never heard of this car. We are having to fix all the problems that come along with a car that hasn't been properly maintained over the years. Our two biggest problems are that it won't shift down a gear sometimes and it sometimes won't start. We think we have it narrowed down to a Cam angle sensor but until we have that replaced, we just hope and pray that it will cooperate until we get back home again. On the upside, I am learning a lot about cars since we've gotten it. I learned how to change break pads and my own oil! I know that it has two turbos and can almost keep up with an Audi V10 in a street race! People here call it a "sleeper" because it is so unexpected that this 4 door "grocery getter" can kick such tail! We have big plans for it in the future. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxThOL-s_qRGmmuRJEnMNGj3UtLUYZ-9TLeFx5_0xjI0AAWh-T0LI3Axs5tUQSEm9Bqopky7AtiDVFmAmiNpwvy1nITJkOF8kvKywvF7YCH4q3yVKZDB8DF_9tH0O0jJFxq3pjzO_2FV4/s1600/DSC_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxThOL-s_qRGmmuRJEnMNGj3UtLUYZ-9TLeFx5_0xjI0AAWh-T0LI3Axs5tUQSEm9Bqopky7AtiDVFmAmiNpwvy1nITJkOF8kvKywvF7YCH4q3yVKZDB8DF_9tH0O0jJFxq3pjzO_2FV4/s640/DSC_0568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>We have been going to drift days in Norfolk where I have been getting in on some super awesome photography opportunities. My first time out in the middle was a memorable one. Cars flying around you.. facing you.. which is not typically supposed to happen unless you are drifting correctly!! Made me want to jump out of the way for a while until I got used to the idea that no.. they will not hit you if they are pointed directly at you!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH754ebV8iJ8ccmD2oGVe5Px9RSME_bPkf_8leJxoKSRhUqFt9-Uj4Av8IsnoFLSxfSYU_AGPi7PVf_Uztjln7EqefyZR6TmK3ld5rHWgE3TOaKPLfBoLpaiFH29XBdLpdiH7KPlz048L/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH754ebV8iJ8ccmD2oGVe5Px9RSME_bPkf_8leJxoKSRhUqFt9-Uj4Av8IsnoFLSxfSYU_AGPi7PVf_Uztjln7EqefyZR6TmK3ld5rHWgE3TOaKPLfBoLpaiFH29XBdLpdiH7KPlz048L/s640/DSC_0183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The Norfolk Arena Drift Team website has graciously posted some of my pictures on it's website and is allowing me to sell prints at the drift days in the future. I'm really excited about that. Here is a link to their website <a href="http://www.norfolkdriftteam.co.uk/index.php?p=1_8_Norfolk-snappers-Gallery">http://www.norfolkdriftteam.co.uk/index.php?p=1_8_Norfolk-snappers-Gallery</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JoLYEDkqs1p4WKdxE5g8PFuyjoLCsj58ivQiNye5PCZdyozWNV1iV_wnvEBoemKlHssucScQPAw6l3nFlxvukxH-5DEtHIvLNsYn6POnfimw6qO2oSMJrbQ5ub7QPcWDMsq4GJBu2lqF/s1600/BRYAN5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JoLYEDkqs1p4WKdxE5g8PFuyjoLCsj58ivQiNye5PCZdyozWNV1iV_wnvEBoemKlHssucScQPAw6l3nFlxvukxH-5DEtHIvLNsYn6POnfimw6qO2oSMJrbQ5ub7QPcWDMsq4GJBu2lqF/s640/BRYAN5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I have also had some fun with night time photography as of late. Did a session of light painting for fun, but hope to start getting orders for others who are looking for something like this to add to their collection of hot shots of their drift cars. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IWMMwv8Lc3Zvn3ODBxD_Ydv9eCSPtVGOERwOfnx-s_thoKo7Ls-L-Jl05IOgcotDO32lER0TxvCToy64GoK2Ki0T4ohmUDXMhbPYB347cpocO3lw2JJQHVajc86yZyF9B9VCP2zHOfM6/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IWMMwv8Lc3Zvn3ODBxD_Ydv9eCSPtVGOERwOfnx-s_thoKo7Ls-L-Jl05IOgcotDO32lER0TxvCToy64GoK2Ki0T4ohmUDXMhbPYB347cpocO3lw2JJQHVajc86yZyF9B9VCP2zHOfM6/s640/DSC_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I've recently received my studio lighting and it is set up in the studio. I haven't had much spare time to start experimenting with the lights but I suddenly have a lot more time on my hands. I have several props for newborns and I am looking forward to finally meeting a friend who just had her baby a few months ago!! If we can ever get together before that boy is fully grown, I'm sure the pictures would be just too adorable for words!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPrbLsrOY3R4SeiTN3EJAOPDW48WLii9OTMsimq80ux1D5Ingx2mI04_emQpLWZNRFSAXdIJ4ZSbVxoa4wBVDyqZx467DEQbvMsnKRg5LksZ5cl52-WTf8tjMARauEleHRATVXnTp8jNy/s1600/Orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPrbLsrOY3R4SeiTN3EJAOPDW48WLii9OTMsimq80ux1D5Ingx2mI04_emQpLWZNRFSAXdIJ4ZSbVxoa4wBVDyqZx467DEQbvMsnKRg5LksZ5cl52-WTf8tjMARauEleHRATVXnTp8jNy/s640/Orchid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Bryan recently deployed to Afghanistan. Kinda stinks since it will be over the holidays yet again. This time around it's a bit different because I don't have my family to fall back on, and I don't have my day to day job that I once had in the states. But, I do have some really good friends here who are making sure that I'm alright and keeping me company while he's away. It was pretty tough dropping him off at 4 am, and driving way with him waving at me by the front door of the building he was to wait in. Seeing him standing there, all decked out in his uniform in the freezing rain is the last image I have of him in my head. Of course the feeling of his hug when we were saying goodbye.. the sound of his voice when he was telling me that it will fly by, that he misses me already, and that I will be just fine... the look on his face through my blurry eyes smiling great big to try to keep me from crying. I will remember all of that.. till he comes home to me again. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdX22JCGVomADhyphenhyphenf1iXbZsisOqTYjCoDLVRujujWwN15xpgwHjokggJbPyQdJajYChkYXdH91s5LmU6C4ljKV4njfS3ya7LN6bON8fGzQth7yyk-BbUxA1LsZAfQpbl_ARXyCyC2PJ1q7f/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdX22JCGVomADhyphenhyphenf1iXbZsisOqTYjCoDLVRujujWwN15xpgwHjokggJbPyQdJajYChkYXdH91s5LmU6C4ljKV4njfS3ya7LN6bON8fGzQth7yyk-BbUxA1LsZAfQpbl_ARXyCyC2PJ1q7f/s640/DSC_0037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Thanksgiving is just two days away. But when your in a country that doesn't celebrate the holiday, it somehow seems unreal. Except for the hundreds of over sized turkeys in the commissary, that I'm pretty sure will NOT fit in my undersized oven.. it could be just another cold, wet day in England. :)<br />
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I have been debating pulling out my Christmas lights that go on the exterior of the house. The problem is.. my roof is 3 stories high, and has clay tiles. ?? don't think that is going to be an option over here. The second problem is that one of my walls is a brick wall, and there is no clipping anything to it. I also have to run the electricity to the inside, and into a converter box, which leaves me poking wires through a cracked window.. which causes things to get cold in a hurry inside. SO. I'm thinking the sparkly wreath on the front door, and a small Christmas tree loaded down with my big Christmas tree collection of ornaments will be my decorating for this season! <br />
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I am staying busy though. Doing day to day stuff, working on photography, running errands. I will be venturing out soon to see what new things I can discover. <br />
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Recently some friends and I went to this place in the Forest called Go Ape! You gear up in harnesses, and after a brief tutorial on how to not fall to your death, we went off into the trees. Climbing rope ladders, zip lining hundreds of feet down, Tarzan swings into huge rope nets. It was so out of my comfort zone but I had a great time! Best suited for people with some major arm strength though.. I struggled through a lot of it! It was like a huge obstacle course in the tip tops of trees! It's not like there was an instructor there step by step with you either! You had to make sure to follow the steps taught in the tutorial to keep yourself safe! It was worth paying attention to, especially after signing a release which had in big bold red letters " Only two people have ever fallen during their experience here, and that was because they didn't follow procedure". I was doubly sure about following all procedures. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-GqKN59-_M1DkY05wybFKUiVfC-5sJImXF-esPe7yJNdS5qtmLz05k0ViGZVT3F3NzOGWoV6Dg2K0tNZtArBu7Hl8MBso5To9VG0XMeewOVojuwqOVk6kW2qoyWb5uEzQFNMf1wx_F2Y/s1600/PERFECT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-GqKN59-_M1DkY05wybFKUiVfC-5sJImXF-esPe7yJNdS5qtmLz05k0ViGZVT3F3NzOGWoV6Dg2K0tNZtArBu7Hl8MBso5To9VG0XMeewOVojuwqOVk6kW2qoyWb5uEzQFNMf1wx_F2Y/s640/PERFECT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">here is a picture of Laura during her photo shoot. :) </div><br />
We also went to play Snooker in one of the pubs in a neighboring town. It is basically a gigantic pool table with colored balls strategically placed. It was a ton of fun, and I actually prefer it to American pool. And the girls beat the socks of the guys two games in a row, which also made it even more fun!<br />
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That is all I can think of at the moment as to what I've been up to lately. I am missing everyone home dearly, and can't wait for our trip back to visit in the spring time!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-85858376813245905342010-10-01T08:31:00.000-07:002010-10-01T08:31:41.601-07:00Randomness!I've decided it's time to post a new blog. Not much to really blog about but nonetheless I'm sitting down with some notes in front of me, listening to Stevie ray Vaughn on this rainy day. It will be random and slightly boring.. fair warning.. you can stop reading now.. <br />
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I haven't done a ton of new recipes since Mom has left. I kind of deflated when she left when it came to trying new things. Bryan tries to get excited about it.. but it's just not the same without her here. So I moped around a little while and then decided to invite Hailey over for the famous Chicken wings. It was a hit!! Yeay!! The next new recipe was Chicken Florentine. Here is the recipe:<br />
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Olive oil<br />
2 or 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts<br />
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed<br />
2 cloves garlic, crushed<br />
1/4 heavy cream<br />
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese<br />
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1. Warm a little olive oil in a heavy skillet, and brown the chicken breasts over medium heat to the point where they just have a touch of gold. Remove the chicken from the skillet.<br />
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2. Add a couple more tablespoons of olive oil, the spinach, and the garlic, and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cream and cheese, and spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet. Place the chicken breasts on top, cover, turn the burner to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes.<br />
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3. Serve chicken breasts with the spinach on top.<br />
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I would have posted a picture except somehow the entire plate jumped into my stomach with little time to chew it smelled and looked so good!!! You'll just have to take my word for it, Bryan went nuts over it. <br />
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On another note, I am still searching for some things that came in the shipment. A yellow handbag that was made for me, salt and pepper shakers that are two weenie dogs kissing, and my swimming i pod thingy. Hopefully they will turn up soon. It's all so aggravating when you know you packed it.. and it's vanished! ugh.<br />
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Wednesday nights we go to the McDonald's to gather in the parking lot with all of the other car junkies. I was skeptical about this at first because you just don't loiter in parking lots a night back home without getting tagged as up to no good. Here it's a bit of a different story. With the exception of the youngins thumping their sound systems and wheelie-ing their mopeds over speed-bumps, it's all pretty relaxed. It is nice to get out of the house and visit with other people.. even if 98% of the things they are saying, I don't quite understand yet. Not because of the accent but because of the car lingo. I'm catching on and growing ever more knowledgeable about car stuff. Bryan loves this because he loves me, and loves cars, and if I could love cars, then he'll be that much more in love with both!<br />
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There are spiders EVERYWHERE! I thought that grandma's clan of spiders was bad in her house.. these boogers here can weave their web in a matter of minutes and set up house absolutely anywhere they please!! Once a week I am lugging this vacuum cleaner around the house sucking them all up. <br />
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OH I got a new car. Well it's not new, but new to me. It's called a Toyota Cresta. It was made in japan and has a twin turbo. It's an automatic... which is great because I CANNOT drive a stick. "yet" I can hear Bryan whispering in my ear. Anyways, it's extremely comfortable, 4 door, and reliable. We are definitely going to be doing some cosmetic stuff to it.. *rubbing hands together* I'm very excited about it all!! It comes home today and will be sitting in my spot in the driveway in just a matter of hours!! hehehehehe.<br />
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On the weather front. It's cold. It's wet. It's windy. This is the scenario I've been hearing about since I've told people I was coming here. You all were correct!! It's 58 outside with 25-30 mph gusts of wind and the open windows whistle as it whips through the house.. The weenies have done well with going outside to potty. Not one accident since they've been here.. It takes a bit of coaxing to get them outside while it's raining.. mostly my standing out in the rain too demanding that they come out is what does the trick!<br />
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This Saturday I am going along with Bryan to my first official Drift Day. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's basically where cars kick their back ends out as they turn corners sideways. Seems simple enough but there is actually a bazillion things that goes into this type of sport. Countless hours of car tinkering, and chatting about this and that to get the perfect combo. Anyhoo, I hope to take some fantastic pictures of his friends and posting them up!! We will see!!<br />
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Our big flat screen was damaged in the shipment. The idiots put the TV box on the BOTTOM of the crate and so there was a bubble running across the screen. The people here are very helpful and have come out and picked it up to take it to the repair shop. There is now a big "somethings missing" feeling in the living room. We don't have satellite yet, but still, it was nice to watch movies, and play the wii on it.<br />
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Doggies: Sandy is getting skinnier by the day and getting more experienced with the stairs. She can now come up them in a matter of minutes, but still cries 3 floors up for mommy to come rescue her and bring her back down. Oscar on the other hand sounds like he has 8 legs as he runs through the house. Not sure if his back end even touches the ground as he runs down the stairs. He also has a new bonus in our bedroom. We took the broken bed frame down and now the bed is short enough for him to jump up as he pleases! OH how loves to hide under the pillows!!<br />
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I have one plant. Not sure what it is still, but he is growing nicely in the kitchen window. I have to turn him regularly because he starts leaning towards the window. The local paper says now is the time to start planting tulip bulbs. I have a pot, and some soil, and I might just do that!! :)<br />
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I've been spending most of my time at home cleaning. It is possible to clean all day. 3 floors, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and carpet throughout.. it can get crazy. Laundry is difficult but manageable as long as I'm sure to tackle all there is to do twice a week. <br />
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I sure am missing everyone at home.. going to see my grandma and "yoo-hooing" to her through the door, and hearing her "yoo-hoo" back at me. Going to church and seeing all my family there.. and spending my free time with mom and doing silly things together.. there are many wonderful memories left there in Shreveport.. <br />
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I am making friends. No worries there. Hailey took me shopping in another town and we had fun there.. Bryan's friends of course.. and another friend of mine, Sara, who just had her first child, Colt. He was 10 pounds something oz and beautiful!! Now that I have my car, I take my driving class next wed, I can go see her! Finally!! We haven't even met yet and we are besties!<br />
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We are still waiting on ink to be delivered to the BX so I can print out my blogs and send them on to Grandma. She got such a tickle out of seeing all the ones I've posted before. It's nice to be able to share all of this with her.<br />
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I am taking a photography class this wed at the arts center here in Thetford. It promises to give me a good insight to composition and lighting! After that, I plan on investing a bit into the lighting for a portable studio, and also into a photo printer for the office here to print session pictures out. I have also been researching the photoshop programs and have settled on one that is perfect for just what I need. <br />
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I have been chatting with mom using google chat or skype with video. It's so nice to see her face smiling back at me on the other end! Bryan and I are setting Tyler up an account as well so we can email him, and chat with him over the video too. His birthday is coming up on the 17th, and we have ordered him a brand new bike!! Bryan's dad is going to his birthday party and will let him pick the bike out and properly fit him so he is sure not to grow out of it in the next 5 weeks!! <br />
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Sunday we are planning on going to church, then off to Great Yarmouth where a friend of Bryan's is buying a car and needed people to come to drive his car home, and the new car home. <br />
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That's just about all I can think of to talk about this blog.. hopefully I'll have more to report soon other than the in's and out's of day to day stuff. AND PICTURES! I hate that I have no pictures!! :) give you something to look forward to!! <br />
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I miss everyone!! Hope I get some snail-mail soon. <3 you all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-35277114545009695762010-09-20T13:48:00.000-07:002010-09-20T13:48:58.866-07:00TRIP TO GREAT YARMOUTH, SOUTHWOLD, NORWICH, AND LONDON<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyD6xhpHH7m_N_blfT_qzKt3j0KZTANhRJS6XP90TSgAsdJPcXhGZlo2c49HtIex015uDXSjdNvPMF72N_pW9jPpmUHCrsNOtRAbf3QWAm4X0-sdPTAfPsnjDWAMWLBg4khnOSnTs4-Qf/s1600/DSC_0009+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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Saturday, Sept 18, 2010<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjEQV0_HjenFK6P7J4J-GFYzTZIIyJE0f-pegffoj0SvLIe1hov0KjmwJkjHI06zAJvS50_pcvo5FXDKrFtHMc6t1e4j74iAmZnIYcVFu8pKZBTy5mklFYut3zQKqxoUdBZaD5rpNQiam/s1600/DSC_0010+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjEQV0_HjenFK6P7J4J-GFYzTZIIyJE0f-pegffoj0SvLIe1hov0KjmwJkjHI06zAJvS50_pcvo5FXDKrFtHMc6t1e4j74iAmZnIYcVFu8pKZBTy5mklFYut3zQKqxoUdBZaD5rpNQiam/s640/DSC_0010+%282%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawC1oCglsBQzal2Gno84TQftJIbczrvn4Cxmh-sa2gIzuG6s0PNisO7Gi6Bsyo468mf4fsU6mNUJrxRp_kXYRxN0gKDlZB5yuaTMFIBd1ECiOu-Y__p7JuOVoR7iXNFHvEFzfaousLz46/s1600/DSC_0008+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawC1oCglsBQzal2Gno84TQftJIbczrvn4Cxmh-sa2gIzuG6s0PNisO7Gi6Bsyo468mf4fsU6mNUJrxRp_kXYRxN0gKDlZB5yuaTMFIBd1ECiOu-Y__p7JuOVoR7iXNFHvEFzfaousLz46/s400/DSC_0008+%282%29.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>The day started off about mid morning when we set off for Southwold. WWW.visit-southwold.co.uk. "The allure of this port-turned-resort is its sedate, old-fashioned character. Groups of brick and color-washed cottages cluster around greens beneath three landmarks: the lighthouse, Adnam's Brewery and the soaring tower of St. Edmund's Church. In the middle of town there are art galleries, antiques shops, tea rooms and pubs. Also a social club for mariners, with a local history display- some 200 brightly painted beach huts dating from the early 1900's line the beach, near the pier"<br />
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On the way we took a more scenic route which are called B Roads... B roads are not as smooth as A roads but usually at least has a center stripe of some kind. It was amazing. Lot's of horses, and black faced sheep, and pig farms along the way. Rolling hills and small towns. Sweet houses with beautiful flower gardens in the front. It was definitely true English living without any Americans for miles. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCM4g6SzQ6TQsCP0Sb69BPlGGz0C1r8OZ6FDPI-jgbPNLjckbPc3t-adLh7ejj5F1ipAruSDE0UO1CunW1umt3s9B1ZlHd2r0bL-Zhtl8I3XA4nnYbNEG16xpgnAz_3Orccb6nE2ryuVO/s1600/DSC_0012+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCM4g6SzQ6TQsCP0Sb69BPlGGz0C1r8OZ6FDPI-jgbPNLjckbPc3t-adLh7ejj5F1ipAruSDE0UO1CunW1umt3s9B1ZlHd2r0bL-Zhtl8I3XA4nnYbNEG16xpgnAz_3Orccb6nE2ryuVO/s320/DSC_0012+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9FAEoSkUu7LTqDxJY0F3uqxWYfrMRbbVky9KKfV6Czmtxbm-qubBXm7IVSTFHLdSupUDr4eLWsOiIJf3-SVIUD0xE61NtN8K5wtzN1fwciWyuurrygdS7b1hbRHfPlgH8X20lC4RrWNW/s1600/DSC_0031+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9FAEoSkUu7LTqDxJY0F3uqxWYfrMRbbVky9KKfV6Czmtxbm-qubBXm7IVSTFHLdSupUDr4eLWsOiIJf3-SVIUD0xE61NtN8K5wtzN1fwciWyuurrygdS7b1hbRHfPlgH8X20lC4RrWNW/s1600/DSC_0031+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyD6xhpHH7m_N_blfT_qzKt3j0KZTANhRJS6XP90TSgAsdJPcXhGZlo2c49HtIex015uDXSjdNvPMF72N_pW9jPpmUHCrsNOtRAbf3QWAm4X0-sdPTAfPsnjDWAMWLBg4khnOSnTs4-Qf/s1600/DSC_0009+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KTF4aftZ43MThsKkUMQTIINYcOOzJchGLJTvxPq3vyY2vYUYU403A1u-G7mqK3-xWqJyMBBe9HwhPZmYAItDsFhRb-k8pbZoHLZb2tdekhawictbAwRkySMnpN57xJavqInXkNgdLV66/s1600/DSC_0011+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KTF4aftZ43MThsKkUMQTIINYcOOzJchGLJTvxPq3vyY2vYUYU403A1u-G7mqK3-xWqJyMBBe9HwhPZmYAItDsFhRb-k8pbZoHLZb2tdekhawictbAwRkySMnpN57xJavqInXkNgdLV66/s200/DSC_0011+%282%29.JPG" width="161" /></a>We arrived and quickly found a parking spot that we didn't have to pay for.. I know.. but this was a fantastic thing since we've paid 2-4 pounds for a few hours at each stop we've made!! Anyways, we hopped out of the car in front of the pier and went directly to the beach. directly to our left were the beach huts we were expecting all lined up along the shore. It was adorable. People were sunbathing and swimming. To our right, the pier, tall and white. The pillars into the water were multicolored probably due to the tide water. We posed for several pictures and headed up to the pier. First thing was a huge game room with all kinds of arcade games. The U.S. is really missing out on things there.. these games were so much fun <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXG2F3V7TEJR7k8_euHI-JF_qPpYAeGXTSE6BB6gK7ifvxQEReShzuuIrkVLAvj6lP9GtwCI_38cLyLGrTfD8QidVKwZKIbnznQd_809VbgIRTZWozWeFHDTQMxV0pW_hDqjJZy9kTgbA/s1600/DSC_0013+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXG2F3V7TEJR7k8_euHI-JF_qPpYAeGXTSE6BB6gK7ifvxQEReShzuuIrkVLAvj6lP9GtwCI_38cLyLGrTfD8QidVKwZKIbnznQd_809VbgIRTZWozWeFHDTQMxV0pW_hDqjJZy9kTgbA/s320/DSC_0013+%282%29.JPG" /></a>for all ages. We bypassed these for now and headed through to find something to eat.. Each outdoor bistro along the pier was primarily seafood and Bryan just wasn't having it. :) We poked through some shops and the pier came to and end. There were serious fisherman down there with half a dozen fishing poles and huge umbrella's to block the cold wind. Out at sea were enormous ships probably carrying some sort of cargo. I know they were a really far away, but they still seemed so close I could swim to them. We headed back down to the front of the pier and Bryan spots a Wippi cone sign so we decided to eat there. Mom got fish and chips.. which turned out to be halibut this time. Not the cod or whatever greasy mess we experienced the first time we ate fish and chips. I was too chicken for a repeat and opted for a cheeseburger and chips. So did Bryan. It was delicious! Better be for 24 pounds.. or around 35 dollars and some change. yes.. it's expensive here when the dollar is so weak. We walked around a bit more and enjoyed people watching. The weather was fantastic and it was fun to pretend we were in the early 1900's with our little umbrellas and huge gowns sitting near the beach huts and pebbled beach.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9FAEoSkUu7LTqDxJY0F3uqxWYfrMRbbVky9KKfV6Czmtxbm-qubBXm7IVSTFHLdSupUDr4eLWsOiIJf3-SVIUD0xE61NtN8K5wtzN1fwciWyuurrygdS7b1hbRHfPlgH8X20lC4RrWNW/s1600/DSC_0031+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9FAEoSkUu7LTqDxJY0F3uqxWYfrMRbbVky9KKfV6Czmtxbm-qubBXm7IVSTFHLdSupUDr4eLWsOiIJf3-SVIUD0xE61NtN8K5wtzN1fwciWyuurrygdS7b1hbRHfPlgH8X20lC4RrWNW/s200/DSC_0031+%282%29.JPG" width="200" /></a>Back towards the car we go, but not before we stop in for some games. Do you remember the game at the state fair where you drop a coin in and the push bar pushes all the other coins a bit closer to the edge before it plops over into your collection tray? They had these games, but it's basically a 2 pence coin which is like 3 pennies for us. Anyways, about 30 minutes of that and 3 key chains later we left headed towards a town called Great Yarmouth. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyD6xhpHH7m_N_blfT_qzKt3j0KZTANhRJS6XP90TSgAsdJPcXhGZlo2c49HtIex015uDXSjdNvPMF72N_pW9jPpmUHCrsNOtRAbf3QWAm4X0-sdPTAfPsnjDWAMWLBg4khnOSnTs4-Qf/s1600/DSC_0009+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyD6xhpHH7m_N_blfT_qzKt3j0KZTANhRJS6XP90TSgAsdJPcXhGZlo2c49HtIex015uDXSjdNvPMF72N_pW9jPpmUHCrsNOtRAbf3QWAm4X0-sdPTAfPsnjDWAMWLBg4khnOSnTs4-Qf/s320/DSC_0009+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>It only took about 30 minutes to get to Great Yarmouth. As we drove along the main road, it was lined on both sides with an amusement park theme. Arcade games, and candy shops, movie theaters, bowling ally's, Casino's, fast food vendors and kiddy rides. It was a kids DREAM!! We parked once we spotted the Pier, and someone was sweet enough to offer us the rest of their car pass. They had paid up to 8 pm and were leaving. That saved us 5 pounds! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuIRAxSoNFpshbLx94qh5RYMP1oVSK_Ztz0efHqiOEP2IaSuLZc_JxZwEn3Eq1Vq2tD8r48izejVgoptRdGY-j6r9hh4FB1RYHnzksjNbDzgRx244npXD0ZZI-yChKvaIXVIriwoo2mH1/s1600/DSC_0032+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuIRAxSoNFpshbLx94qh5RYMP1oVSK_Ztz0efHqiOEP2IaSuLZc_JxZwEn3Eq1Vq2tD8r48izejVgoptRdGY-j6r9hh4FB1RYHnzksjNbDzgRx244npXD0ZZI-yChKvaIXVIriwoo2mH1/s320/DSC_0032+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>The first place we came to was a Segway track. That's right.. are you thinking of the movie Mall Cop? That's right! The same thing! I can't believe they were letting people ride these things!! We paid almost 5 pounds a person to do it, but I would kick myself if I passed it up! We strapped on all our gear and he gave us a lesson on how to use them. No leaning side to side.. just moving the handle bars left and right will whip you around before you realize it. Leaning forward makes you go, back stop.. or too far back.. reverse!!! It took a lot of giggling and nervousness by the owner, but I finally got it down. OFF we go around the itty bitty track! But it was fantastic fun. We found out there is an Off-road track for Segways here in town! We are going to check that out for some fun one day!<br />
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After that we walked along the beach and enjoyed a Wippi Cone. :) found our way to the Pier where there was yet another Arcade. In this one was a mini bowling center. Everything was smaller. The ball fit in your hand, heavy, no holes, and the lanes were skinny. They still had gutters and there were still the same number of pins. Except the pins were attached to strings and when they fell, the machine would just yank them all up to be reset. It tickled me to play this.. and Bryan who could hold the ball like a baseball, probably broke the world record for fastest ball down an ally! :)<br />
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It was a beautiful sky here, windy, and cool. <br />
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We left and on our way home, wanted to stop over in Norwich for Nando's. A spicy little place that has had great reviews by friends and by Bryan. We tested out the wings, and I got the wimpy sauce and it still burned my lips and turned my ears a dark shade of tomato. :) Sleepy and full we headed towards home. A wonderful day with My hubby and my Mom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ0UYUN0Ecx5Pi53Sd5yM8rfPRIY7iEJ_wDvW7yOd4F09bXs3P8ns3YrPlBUSsG_3SurVvsAuJRVXA6XKaBjsuac1eLiPwJ35l3JCFln5cVvUMHzfGipGHqxpW4d1jS1M_syv9Be2Krm3/s320/DSC_0061+%282%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my Hubby and his Wippi Cone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOvB_2vNJSHL5_I8OjzwTyubHKqVDgB2aqQ3jJnHwM5o-2zYuuwJBnlZ913mnl7XWGsWwT3guexTnRj65C8xAQZu0s2IeCp2bVYDN8tuyWXbAlZBP51ZhALs9NyXe-k6tXpDCaS-eGckw/s400/DSC_0049+%282%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan and Me riding the Segways</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXANDh6Hx7PmZHaZK81G8lxZGd9rb1-Ungp-y98PmFqh2Ufof99Xs4ywXdG7XHjsmk0TKMfjJIKWeSVCIikKpSKXdgSCXM-_Wyxu2jJG39KhrrniLub5EbH7ZhTcANfyRx8Y8cuqRxX45Z/s320/DSC_0077+%282%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowling with the Mini Bowling Lane</td></tr>
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Sunday, Sept 19, 2010 <br />
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Woke up on the couch this morning because Oscar kept being an escape weenie out of the kitchen and finding his way under the covers in bed. Sandy would realize that Oscar was gone, and start crying. After the 3rd visit down to the first floor I decided to just sleep there if I planned on getting ANY sleep at all that night..<br />
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It didn't work out as planned. I was cold, and uncomfortable.. but everyone else got rest including the dogs.<br />
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Woke up about 8:30 and started getting ready for our trip to London today. Packed my overnight bag.. feeling blue that mom was leaving tomorrow.. We kinda moped around quietly while Bryan was still sleeping. We were arranging mom's bags to fit all the things she acquired along her trip here and we realized we needed to eat a special dark chocolate moose that she had gotten at the store the day before. That was the breakfast!! mmmm.. Bryan woke up about 11 something and we set out to Epping, where we will catch the tubes into London. Bryan came along to make sure we got there alright and to help manage all the Luggage in a busy Tube. Thank goodness too!!!!! I surely would have lost my way. He got us to a bus and though he tried his best, didn't know what to do once we were on the bus. Thankfully a woman told us we had to push a button when we wanted off, and said our stop should be right after the mcdonalds on the right. She got off the bus, and a short minute later, the bus turned, never going pass the MacDonalds. HMM.. Finally at the next stop the driver asked where I wanted to go.. and he said this is your stop. :) So we walked about half a mile with all the luggage to the Hotel.<br />
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It was a fancy smancy kinda place with butlers and crystal chandeliers. We were given our key and found our way past the many courtyards, bars, confrence rooms, to our room. It had two twin size beds with pretty white down comfortors on them. It had TV! With news and old American shows like Friends.. Of course London is like a cultural Mecca, every channel was in a different language.. our options were few and far between, but we enjoyed what little we had anyways!<br />
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We went down to dinner in the restaurant and I had Cannelloni with red sauce and cheese. OOOOHHHH so good. I am so going to make that when I get around to it. :) After dinner we basically just hit the hay.<br />
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Monday, Sept 20, 2010.<br />
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It's here.. the day mom leaves to go back to Shreveport. If you have ever said goodbye to someone you love, you understand the feeling of a rock in your stomach and an emptiness in your chest. We got dressed and read the paper, sat in the courtyard and listened to all the planes take off. We laughed and cried several times before 10. We stopped in the bar for a Cappuchino and a Late' and miandered around the Hotel a bit longer before finding ourselves back in the room with nothing left to do but finish packing knowing that the next two hours it will be it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and I with Tea for Two</td></tr>
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We decided to try out mom's new teapot and made some tea and played a game of cards for the last 30 minutes. I think it was mostly to take our minds off the fact that time is coming to a close much quicker than we expected.<br />
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We collected our things and walked silently to the front where our car was waiting to take us to the terminal. We arrived safe and sound and sat out in the sunshine until time forced us to make our way into the cow heard type lines of airports. Checked the baggage and got her tickets. We then found our way to the Underground station where I purchased my ticket home.. walked back up to the ticket area and sat together over a bottle of water, and a bottle of coke.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Me, 2010, London</td></tr>
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*sniff*<br />
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We walked through the 4 story tall terminal to the zig zag roped off area of passport check. Here we hugged and broke down on each others shoulders trying our best to not lose it all in the middle of the airport. We took deep breaths and told each other this is hard, but we will be okay.. Said our I love you's and she walked away.. I watched her go through the checkpoint.. and she waved.. and I lost sight of her in security.. I ducked out of sight into the bathroom where I composed myself in the comfort of a stall.<br />
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I forced myself to think about the task at hand.. getting myself home. Alone, I managed to get onto the tubes, make the changes.. and get myself back to Epping flawlessly. The only problem I had along the way were a family of smelly Amish people to my right, and an arm rest HOG to my left. It was extremely noisy, only I couldnt understand any of the languages.. so I was able to tune most of it out.. The crowds dwindled down to me and one other person as the tubes came to it's final destination point on the outskirts of town in Epping where just 24 hours earlier, I was sitting next to my mom..<br />
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I saw Bryan and I lost it.<br />
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I am sorry to say that I am really sad. I hate to leave this blog on such a note, but a big piece of my heart is on a plane headed back to Louisiana. I walked into the room she stayed in and I missed her even more. I half way expect to hear her call out our familiar inside jokes through the house, "la la la" and I echo back, "la la la". except there is no echo.. <br />
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My mom is my best friend, aside from Bryan.. and I miss her.. my heart is broken tonight..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsas7oU34vBiYwo7XqSg5Kjaf6E8u1Uei9VuckxdoF2XtS4fdSCKxx_0Yfrogv3Fqc9pIioTScELYTqvdtObTZmmZH7xkVENV982FIgq9RCpJhSyz3HwtFUNGknk1UnrT04cb3UcF1YWv/s640/dsc_0081+%282%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a rose in Great Yarmouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsas7oU34vBiYwo7XqSg5Kjaf6E8u1Uei9VuckxdoF2XtS4fdSCKxx_0Yfrogv3Fqc9pIioTScELYTqvdtObTZmmZH7xkVENV982FIgq9RCpJhSyz3HwtFUNGknk1UnrT04cb3UcF1YWv/s1600/dsc_0081+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-19653833324018222032010-09-12T10:18:00.000-07:002010-09-12T10:18:39.435-07:00TRIP TO THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVEROur trip to Dover has been in the plans for at least a week, but somehow after a night out at the local carnival and to a pub for some tea we sat down to play scrabble over a box of macaroni and decided our final plans. Plans which involved getting up in less than 4 hours and being at the Dover cliffs for the sunrise... which would have been spectacular. 2 a.m. came way to quickly and as I flopped my way down the stairs to my moms room and sat down on the bed we realized that our bodies just wouldn't allow us to get up before the rooster crows. So back to bed until about 6 hours later when we finally get on the road and then out of town by 11:00.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Onj-TG-A26mM1a_PbfFbbZ8xZGjJzR6Qiu14MG7XykQNw1vHBrBH8sHQRuSIfHFjKWm6w1FO_Sl0kF_h-W5H2Js0iJB54MYUSx6J2MXv4IIBQXkAqwKyqFjaoCGWtpDUULvUNrFiYu4x/s1600/dsc_0123+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Onj-TG-A26mM1a_PbfFbbZ8xZGjJzR6Qiu14MG7XykQNw1vHBrBH8sHQRuSIfHFjKWm6w1FO_Sl0kF_h-W5H2Js0iJB54MYUSx6J2MXv4IIBQXkAqwKyqFjaoCGWtpDUULvUNrFiYu4x/s400/dsc_0123+%282%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgUO7kgH_y9p2xhUYgbr7VP0LYQClUvQO_U6wEtSjIV8NteB_n4zZo6E3qsoBVGy6FYEAJs98Hj9CkYWLS63d687OIElPqpyEGVF3PhsDF23em5yEY05THCQY2gObOaOKoBI2u_MwvOfv/s1600/DSC_0128+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgUO7kgH_y9p2xhUYgbr7VP0LYQClUvQO_U6wEtSjIV8NteB_n4zZo6E3qsoBVGy6FYEAJs98Hj9CkYWLS63d687OIElPqpyEGVF3PhsDF23em5yEY05THCQY2gObOaOKoBI2u_MwvOfv/s320/DSC_0128+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>4 hours later we arrive in Dover and found our way to a Cafe' which is were a convenience store clerk said we start our decent down to the beaches. It was a narrow cow path of a trail that winded downward on a steep grade and thick with mud that clung to our pavement only New balance shoes. My knees were screaming at me to quit, and my brain was screaming louder.. "YOU HAVE TO GO BACK UP THIS YOU IDIOT, STOP NOW!". But I didn't listen. The paths grew thick like in a rain forest with all kinds of ferns and undergrowth beneath the canopy like trees. Walking past a cliff facing on your right and a 200 ft drop off on your left.. We come out of the brush to find that we have made it to the train tracks.. which there was a catwalk to follow across for yet another decent down to the beach. This is where I declared defeat and enjoyed the view I had from a grassy hill. Hoping for a sunset view, I settled for a kiss from my husband and a windy & cold & wet view of the White Cliffs of Dover.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPRJXIQJ0FjInoa6VOXPUylLbHzi98Vi1QKOhdLHdSW_BYelxG-N_aS1zCLvsfKtYex2h4QbOpSlQ2W21rEcK0cmiFO_CV8fLGSnc_2tiRL_oXsbYnaZJrRNmvGZiffVpQE9bvkZKq8HT/s1600/DSC_0130+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPRJXIQJ0FjInoa6VOXPUylLbHzi98Vi1QKOhdLHdSW_BYelxG-N_aS1zCLvsfKtYex2h4QbOpSlQ2W21rEcK0cmiFO_CV8fLGSnc_2tiRL_oXsbYnaZJrRNmvGZiffVpQE9bvkZKq8HT/s320/DSC_0130+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>On the way back up we posed in a rest cave for a picture and etched our names into the chalky side of a cliff along side a hundred other Jack Loves Jills. Bryan occasionally pushing on my backside to help me up the muddy stairs, and then holding all the clothes I was pealing off as I became more worked and sweated.. Already fighting a cold and a fever, probably not the best idea I've had.. but oh it felt so good!! After making our way up top, we rested until my heart rate came back to a tolerable level and then we hopped back into the car and drove toward what looked like a lighthouse. Turned out to be the bottom of what used to be a light house and a blocked off road to what probably held a snack bar atop a hill looking out over the cliffs. It was a fantastic view, and we wondered why such a place went under if it has such wonderful location!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPO3maNn67xH1aaerX6CLtYPPvwh4S3u2nrJl7MT-AeibwymS6pcPUKmv4SCnggmlO0O8S1dgzUafTOra983PXK1zszUd4Y4SqqaFHMr7BvSjHXuJ1KI8TyQfau_xZEemPPP01DLlF_ro/s1600/DSC_0185+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPO3maNn67xH1aaerX6CLtYPPvwh4S3u2nrJl7MT-AeibwymS6pcPUKmv4SCnggmlO0O8S1dgzUafTOra983PXK1zszUd4Y4SqqaFHMr7BvSjHXuJ1KI8TyQfau_xZEemPPP01DLlF_ro/s320/DSC_0185+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>Anyways, on the way home our sunset finally presented itself. The MOST amazing sky I have ever witnessed in my entire life was evolving before my eyes. Every color from robin egg blue to the richest purest purples and reds and as the minutes clicked on became even more rich in color. Unexplainable really which is why I'm having such a hard time telling you all. Even my camera could not capture the true colors. Maybe if I had a special lens on.. but I didn't have one with me. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUveb4M-YUqsdLyGEgiEdbRvsXvPjmq8Hglg0jae61nn6Eb8QoMtGIIyVR1nDr2Ekpyb8VooIXRITK79NAmSH3cC9Rm7BMDTdVZnAZwO23CdbcEe_OoszlV_28W-3LNxnpFQ7xzOVM4_C/s1600/DSC_0133+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUveb4M-YUqsdLyGEgiEdbRvsXvPjmq8Hglg0jae61nn6Eb8QoMtGIIyVR1nDr2Ekpyb8VooIXRITK79NAmSH3cC9Rm7BMDTdVZnAZwO23CdbcEe_OoszlV_28W-3LNxnpFQ7xzOVM4_C/s320/DSC_0133+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-5OJxJNVARsaS9LrhoxeQW9L1rretEbKiYhOcvKYg9EM0mjWTOaFuZB4JyIOceetMsZ5plXkGhzSF9N0zdCJ8pTQHG2q8P1RmMoVijEubgy2Z_stHN-3FZfMPR84UItSJfzWsDBJwCJR/s1600/DSC_0134+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-5OJxJNVARsaS9LrhoxeQW9L1rretEbKiYhOcvKYg9EM0mjWTOaFuZB4JyIOceetMsZ5plXkGhzSF9N0zdCJ8pTQHG2q8P1RmMoVijEubgy2Z_stHN-3FZfMPR84UItSJfzWsDBJwCJR/s320/DSC_0134+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>Today we went to a town nearby called Snetterton? where there is a trade days type thing next to a racetrack. It was mostly things imported from china, but we enjoyed it just the same. Bryan got an extra large Wippi Cone ( big surprise :) ) and mom and I shared a large Crisps.. or french fries. Afterward we went to investigate this race track next door and found that they charged admission, but they allowed us to enter for free and we snuck a peek at some motorcycle races going on.. They were tiny ones 150 cc or 200 cc racing and it was interesting to see. We talked about which races we wanted to see for a little while and then headed off to a friends house to let Bryan get his car fix for the day.. Haley then brought us home and we left Bryan up to his elbows in oil and grease.. what a happy man. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz3SkrTk5lSY2n0aULci4-sGSSVO52a-CW9cMxYnAMNw2oWk_0pQS37sZjcm3DP2rKSeKSUBbeN554DB7KCZHO1tpPhHXNtR159QshPIm4SVRp2_L5inEU4rJNSRBzIrdrP4EV4jqIl5J/s1600/DSC_0135+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz3SkrTk5lSY2n0aULci4-sGSSVO52a-CW9cMxYnAMNw2oWk_0pQS37sZjcm3DP2rKSeKSUBbeN554DB7KCZHO1tpPhHXNtR159QshPIm4SVRp2_L5inEU4rJNSRBzIrdrP4EV4jqIl5J/s320/DSC_0135+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>Sandy is sleeping with Oscar under their blanket in the recliner and Mom is outside reading her new book in our garden and I am working on today's Blog. This is moms last week here :( and next weekend her last weekend. So I am wanting to plan something amazing, that is close by, without much fuss to get to, or that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to do.. Any ideas?<br />
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Till next time :) Happy Travels, From Thetford.<br />
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Here are more pictures:<br />
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Meanwhile this week Mom and I have pretty much hung out at the house. We took off to the grocery store down the walk path to pick up some stuff to cook. I've been fixing bryan some yummy dinners to take to work. Monday night it was just a simple baby swiss cheese sandwich with deli turkey meat and honey mustard on fresh baked sliced bread with snacks of chips and a coke. Tuesday night were korean BBQ sauced wings with a side of watermelon balls. Last night was fried chicken legs with rice and green beans. Always with silverware and a real plate topped with a napkin so he can feel like he's actually eating dinner. You know?<br />
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As for mom and I, we ate a yummy brochuto? and mozzarella tortellini with a fresh tomato basal sauce. On the side we had fresh that day Naan bread with herbs and dipped it in virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Oh boy was that so good! Yesterday we made a Salad for dinner with fresh red bell pepper, carrots, Wenslydale cheese, Round lettuce, and baked chicken with fresh pinwheel bread. Again.. delicious! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwb29IU4mLVcbOx-DFaXnaPj5IXy5EalV7ETywGieRpefajy0yf93LRH1es1EB8No94NDnoBhAr-4EtN1JC_InKRgbiZp0bDipXREkhshhQr8xmpQSgllecuY-KTUzgDVh4Xm80cpnr8/s1600/DSC_0110+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwb29IU4mLVcbOx-DFaXnaPj5IXy5EalV7ETywGieRpefajy0yf93LRH1es1EB8No94NDnoBhAr-4EtN1JC_InKRgbiZp0bDipXREkhshhQr8xmpQSgllecuY-KTUzgDVh4Xm80cpnr8/s320/DSC_0110+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>Tonight mom taught me how to make Chicken Pot-pie from scratch! I got a big lesson in pastry baking and it's in the oven right now smelling up the house! With the leftover dough we made little tarts with jam in the center and will stick those in once the pie is ready. Bryan is going to love this, except I think it has peas in it.. and now that i'm typing this I guarantee that he'll have nothing left on his plate but peas. LOL.<br />
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We went to the ruins of Thetford today and walked the grounds that back in 1104 AD once stood an amazing monistary for some monks back then. Before that we were in town hunting down an outdoor bistro with an English Breakfast on the menu. We found a place but it was indoor. Just as well, the food was pretty good, but nothing near what was served in London. by a million miles! I guess I was spoiled on the breakfast department by having my first English breakfast in London..<br />
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Tomorrow we are planning another trip to Bury St. Edmond's to shop. And Saturday we are still planning on heading to Dover to look at the cliffs.. and also drop a bumper off with someone. LOL. You can guess who's agenda is who's for the day can't you?<br />
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On other notes, the house is coming together relatively well. As soon as Bryan gets some time off to finish his little projects things will be a lot neater around here. He has introduced me to his friends who have made a great effort to make me feel comfortable and included. :) I have another new friend who's expecting a little one any moment now.. actually a few days ago now.. and can't wait to meet her and her husband. I think our little family will mesh wonderfully with theirs.<br />
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That is it for now, missing everyone back home and the day to day of Shreveport.. familiar places.. church.. driving. Paying in dollars and getting my money's worth.. that kind of thing. Some day, all of this here will be what's familiar and paying in dollars and driving on the right side will be what's unfamiliar.<br />
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Oh.. there are no wasps so far... only huge flies.. and spiders.. that somehow can weave a web before you walk back through where you just came from 30 min prior. creepy little bugs. <br />
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*break in blogging*<br />
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We just got back from a fun little outing. Bryan woke up and had some pot-pie and we left to visit the local carnival that's in town. It was pretty much empty crowd wise except for the teenagers that can drink. legal age here is 18 so they were all congregating at the cars. We played some games and I got my first espresso. I've heard about people drinking one and taking double shots and what not. All i have to say is that stuff was disgusting! I had one sip and I was finished and then i licked an ice cream cone like it was the last cone of my life! ugh! Then mom took a sip and she had the same reaction.. and then for some reason, as if both our reactions weren't convincing enough, Bryan took a sip and he too made the face and dumped it out. The entire thing couldn't have been more than a few ounces of liquid. I don't understand the appeal honestly.<br />
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After the carnival and a few fun roundabouts, Bryan took us to a pub where we hung out with the three of us and giggled over silly things like mispronouncing chocolate like Chock oh whak. lol. idk. guess you had to be there..<br />
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It was a fun day.. as always.. and I am looking forward to tomorrow.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-12625839772896032552010-09-06T10:04:00.000-07:002010-09-06T10:04:57.273-07:00TRIP TO LONDONThe day started off early. Up at 5:00 to get myself and the dogs ready for the day. It is interesting getting everyone together and out of the door with everything you might need for a day trip on foot in the big city. Just the necessities. Hand wipes, camera, money, ID, and water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tubes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We set out in the car towards Epping where were to catch the tubes into London. It was pretty neat. Dirty.. very dirty.. but neat. No one was on board. We had plenty of room to look around and sit in an untucked elbow sit. But as the stops grew more frequent, less and less seats became available.. and pretty soon I was staring at someones rear that was situated in front of me holding a pole directly over my head. nice. I eventually closed my eyes. I was wondering why everyone who got on the tubes had either a phone to fiddle with, music, or something to read. That's why. the 45 minutes of staring at the person across from you get's old. quickly. Noted from this point forward. Oh and as more people squeezed in, so did my personal space bubble and eventually every part of me was tucked in as tight as I could get it to avoid being one of the rubbers. you know.. the ones who's elbows touch and rub with every bump and pretty soon all you can think about is that rubbing elbow!! lol. k maybe it's just me, but I can't stand rubbing elbows on airplanes either.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8g6ftmbef20WoqJafVNQR9mzFkStM1ebhGLIt03p0VwF2iNBsF6uenkSZB57zxpI8FIPrjJEfLyBMnVE46S7aJQFWJazexIQ_JWds6IkwO5dBkn7eYtPTf8orHcg7V2f0Ujnxn4CRc2Z/s1600/albert+and+victoria+museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8g6ftmbef20WoqJafVNQR9mzFkStM1ebhGLIt03p0VwF2iNBsF6uenkSZB57zxpI8FIPrjJEfLyBMnVE46S7aJQFWJazexIQ_JWds6IkwO5dBkn7eYtPTf8orHcg7V2f0Ujnxn4CRc2Z/s320/albert+and+victoria+museum.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A & V Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Off the tubes at the South Kingston Station and under the ground we walk to an exit near the Albert and Victoria Museum. There was supposed to be a market there every saturday, but I misread the book, and it was another 3 miles in the wrong direction and not even on our London map, so we scratched that off our plans and walked east to find an outside eating place.<br />
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This city is humongous. Stories and stories of windows with lives encapsulated in each pod. It was unbelievable the number of cars in the area. Huge double Decker buses and black taxis everywhere. Bicyclists that are in the sea of cars pedaling 25 miles an hour at least!! Somehow I don't know that they have all their marbles because that is just a death wish! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ3ADYGfZW73meuwxbcRVRKm5w37qYNb8obYWVA4Z1M7r01i0JC5zrR6r2f7n2ixLcstgclaZ2QVkrm5rLpFAOYX66-9qitiu3aUnlGZ0eHyAXy7ODWBdr6pZ0ZNrRLzKg9Ct0KbRFN0R/s1600/DSCN1319+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ3ADYGfZW73meuwxbcRVRKm5w37qYNb8obYWVA4Z1M7r01i0JC5zrR6r2f7n2ixLcstgclaZ2QVkrm5rLpFAOYX66-9qitiu3aUnlGZ0eHyAXy7ODWBdr6pZ0ZNrRLzKg9Ct0KbRFN0R/s320/DSCN1319+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>We ate at a place called Caffe Concerto where I had my FIRST English Breakfast. And yes, Sarah Shelton, it is very very yummy!! Everything was exactly like I was told. Perfectly cooked hot eggs with toast. In the center of the table, had little baby food like jars with jam. Your own!!! No plastic peel off top ones either. Also had beans and sausage and mushrooms and a grilled tomato.. and I'm wondering if that maybe was just decoration, but I ate it anyways! Very yummy indeed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqR-o5IHzj8cjwbeS1pSm1Pux1z7tiloaCfPGMt3xrNVw5wPzJ7uOZAagKxAGFnR-q7sUkAjvpJLOKd9lc_SP3LVrKRArhCf2DvWY4fvcLIZ_U_G_XFQIafadm3dbJVFj8FCjbZDmhtBq/s1600/Buckingham+Palace+Guard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqR-o5IHzj8cjwbeS1pSm1Pux1z7tiloaCfPGMt3xrNVw5wPzJ7uOZAagKxAGFnR-q7sUkAjvpJLOKd9lc_SP3LVrKRArhCf2DvWY4fvcLIZ_U_G_XFQIafadm3dbJVFj8FCjbZDmhtBq/s320/Buckingham+Palace+Guard.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next stop was Buckingham Palace. We had to walk through the Palace Gardens and the Queen Victoria Memorial to get there. The people were thick, and the palace itself kind of boring. The most interesting things were the huge Golden gates around the palace and all the little security guards with their hats. <br />
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Inside the gate, there were two of these little guys in the black hats and red jackets parading around to their boxes, and back out again.. did some high knee lifts and went back to their boxes. Reminded me more of Koo Koo clocks then guardsmen. There was however, a woman who had her finger on the trigger of a huge automatic gun that the point went down to her knees nearly.. now SHE is intimidating.. these guys?? Not so sure about the scary factor.. Maybe a .05 on a scale of 10 only because I don't know what their hiding in those hats!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9lKni0Ejnxsujkdz1lajJC80twCvYYiwk2Tv-BNd71ufxM7JQKG9HCto3jy3f_41xtELw4onywXyeoW8xzr64XfErDJRBgIjyAzu9LGdsYqDCdwyqLm8SmoQYpVnmlvgTE7Vd9OoWB8h/s1600/DSC_0113+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9lKni0Ejnxsujkdz1lajJC80twCvYYiwk2Tv-BNd71ufxM7JQKG9HCto3jy3f_41xtELw4onywXyeoW8xzr64XfErDJRBgIjyAzu9LGdsYqDCdwyqLm8SmoQYpVnmlvgTE7Vd9OoWB8h/s640/DSC_0113+%282%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flower at the grounds keepers quarters for the St. James Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After Buckingham Palace, there was a desperate need to find the ladies room. But where??? only a mile away in the St. James Park where another 500 women had the same need. Ewwie. Mission accomplished and Bryan spotted another Whippie Cone place and as we sat in some lawn chairs he went to get us all ice cream cones with shavings of chocolate placed on top. yumm. It wasn't long until a man with a meter machine wearing bright green vest came up and said it was 1 pound 50 to rent a chair to sit in. Seriously?? We happily paid as we just finished walking nearly 4 miles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvfauCDDrbnPdj7VbPsFZ6Owi3nw6R7G3hB0YRXsbA_gIrnnjoMhwh9nPOOz_lyDxE1LnN7u27DAS-bEZDC0AtUbdXUPUdYIFiEfKx6Vp2lTR9YImwBs97seJu6sDhVUu9QgTPT5m7a8q/s1600/big+b+en.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvfauCDDrbnPdj7VbPsFZ6Owi3nw6R7G3hB0YRXsbA_gIrnnjoMhwh9nPOOz_lyDxE1LnN7u27DAS-bEZDC0AtUbdXUPUdYIFiEfKx6Vp2lTR9YImwBs97seJu6sDhVUu9QgTPT5m7a8q/s320/big+b+en.jpg" /></a></div>From there we set out to find the tower containing the 4.5 ton Bell called Big Ben. We made it just in time to hear the chimes and it was fantastically loud and resonated to our core. Set in the center of a mass of people along the River Thames (pronounced Tims) it rang out and I was surprised that hardly anyone stopped to notice. The iconic Clock Tower at the eastern end of the Palace of Westminster has come to be known as Big Ben, though that appellation really refers to the largest bell in the clock's Chime. Installed in 1858, is believed to have been named for the commissioner of public works at the time, Sir Benjamin Charles, which was about as wide as he was tall, so it was said to have resembled him. There are 334 spiral steps to the top, but only British citizens can ascent to the top. I dunno why. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTU_zQ2JAZRaWS9A2PtHfq4cDTO5FvdxcDx7QAFLyT1u5pb9h_PMCFJBAj8gFvPBfdfgDgHD7m3oAJ4GwMmpUfr4ZD2CDJYUnCqVRvdP3HnBUGF5B2uvCERtOmqxd04Ho7z2IeZzTaUHb/s1600/Riverthamescruisetourboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTU_zQ2JAZRaWS9A2PtHfq4cDTO5FvdxcDx7QAFLyT1u5pb9h_PMCFJBAj8gFvPBfdfgDgHD7m3oAJ4GwMmpUfr4ZD2CDJYUnCqVRvdP3HnBUGF5B2uvCERtOmqxd04Ho7z2IeZzTaUHb/s320/Riverthamescruisetourboat.jpg" /></a></div>After this we walked a short distance across busy streets to find the Westminster Pier where we were to catch our River Thames Cruise Tour boat. An open top decked seated area to get the best views. It was packed!!! We left immediately and had a pleasant trip down the river to the Tower Bridge. He explained all the bridges along they way including the London Bridge and the Waterloo Bridge. This is actually the 3rd London bridge to be built here. The first one burned down shortly after being built, the next one lasted a really long time into the mid 1800's I think, and the third was sold to that man in the U.S.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z61y6kUYUS0bPugIKLruXZdHVxvlucvlpfmG3ad_JKloJF2PgLdLmaBjoMyXifkMQY9OgziEUDcdcg3nthiJTe8zBHQjeJXtd4-8GrrWSxDTBnhNkg1Z9k9wpjOqtBzltGpCuEbsRVMa/s1600/Tower+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z61y6kUYUS0bPugIKLruXZdHVxvlucvlpfmG3ad_JKloJF2PgLdLmaBjoMyXifkMQY9OgziEUDcdcg3nthiJTe8zBHQjeJXtd4-8GrrWSxDTBnhNkg1Z9k9wpjOqtBzltGpCuEbsRVMa/s320/Tower+Bridge.jpg" /></a></div>We rode the boat all the way to the Tower Bridge and docked there. We were hungry again by then and walked past the Tower of London and into the streets searching for a place to eat. We landed at an Italian restaurant named Zizzi where everything was printed in Italian in the menu. Full and sleepy our energy meters were running low and we decided to take the tubes that were located about 1/2 mile from this location to St. Paul's Cathedral. Sadly, it had already closed for the day and the outside was not that impressive. It's okay though, I will be making another trip back to London to see this. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXCpn-Wz0GqwnYQ4b525zZiWxPyA6abeCZQl6qm2HggKCqUxOKJtyVeb5oHNTSouRxHe-1DwwlG-VWNSkZjmog3wesXElk2LBqLm4BYum4jOXxNbzGjF-kZlXoJQBJtgKFxdEJbNligDS/s1600/stpaulscathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXCpn-Wz0GqwnYQ4b525zZiWxPyA6abeCZQl6qm2HggKCqUxOKJtyVeb5oHNTSouRxHe-1DwwlG-VWNSkZjmog3wesXElk2LBqLm4BYum4jOXxNbzGjF-kZlXoJQBJtgKFxdEJbNligDS/s320/stpaulscathedral.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">side entrance to St. Paul's</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIilpT4xQXd4Thy2sgS1nwCbiSXKKOZcZHGVGXuFeiaQTiB-GCU8mhv-AryRwEjzl0ufo8VMWKA-c15UOWLAedpu5LCIzCy0uU9sx7HyFKh3tkCZEPMlbTYy6PaupTwBXqgRSLcnZv6YS1/s1600/DSC_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIilpT4xQXd4Thy2sgS1nwCbiSXKKOZcZHGVGXuFeiaQTiB-GCU8mhv-AryRwEjzl0ufo8VMWKA-c15UOWLAedpu5LCIzCy0uU9sx7HyFKh3tkCZEPMlbTYy6PaupTwBXqgRSLcnZv6YS1/s320/DSC_0149.JPG" /></a>We stopped for a coke and Bryan purchase expensive uneatable cookies and we had a rest on a bench and people watched for a while. Interesting and entertaining, we sipped our coke and took in the sights. We sat in front of St. Paul's listening to the 5:00 chime that seemed to go on for at least 15 minutes. It was pretty though.<br />
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We took a black taxi from here to Trafalgar Square where incredible amounts of people had gathered. There was a market of some kind that had closed up and there was only empty booths to be seen once we got there. We sat on the fountain for a few minutes and decided to go inside the National Museum to take a peak at the Vincent Van Gogh paintings. I got in trouble and it kinda busted my bubble for a while. I wasn't supposed to take pictures.. seriously didn't know I couldn't. I had turned my flash off like all the other Museums.. but nope, BUSTED.<br />
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From the Gallery, we walked to the tubes again and found our way across the river to the London Eye. Absolutely amazing. The top of this Ferris Wheel is the best place to get a picture-perfect shot of London's far reaching landscape. Any time is a good moment to take this "flight", but for a truly breathtaking photo op, should jump on board on late afternoon as the sun starts sinking and the lights come on across the city. Which is exactly what we tried to do. We pre-booked our time online for 7:30, but boarded at 7:00 so we were about 15 minutes early. BTW, if you ever get to go, or plan to go, pre-paying and using the Kiosk is the BEST way by far to book your tickets. There were hundreds waiting in line for tickets and we took a total of 3 minutes getting ours. On the way up to the top, the people were getting smaller, and smaller and the city skyline was coming into view. It was beautiful! As we reached the top, the beginning of the sunset was bright pink looking out over the city. Take a look :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6O2texTC1-eTvOpGfK1xKJQ5snGzPHp0DSWvVE_NzhxeYrX4c_4GiFi_cO_4jcmDShsG7tobQA4jMKJ2-7BqKiuHYXavB5y_mvAPxq5n4RB7_Hu2EJkTmnWNPBGGrf8-1jO-3JQallKDQ/s1600/dsc_0176+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6O2texTC1-eTvOpGfK1xKJQ5snGzPHp0DSWvVE_NzhxeYrX4c_4GiFi_cO_4jcmDShsG7tobQA4jMKJ2-7BqKiuHYXavB5y_mvAPxq5n4RB7_Hu2EJkTmnWNPBGGrf8-1jO-3JQallKDQ/s640/dsc_0176+%282%29.jpg" width="428" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGetl8aIM5cGbOQyK0EZiFHe-KiliyyEjIa2gsOek9I0ZOmf-bIqN273IZl-EU6nlBw9N1bKj4bCJIgixTBfWjoTHPMM6H3D2HBA46T0kUh_KxL55Agc1tdqf_4TD_mkiyN1uPqAaCQnBq/s1600/DSC_0189+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGetl8aIM5cGbOQyK0EZiFHe-KiliyyEjIa2gsOek9I0ZOmf-bIqN273IZl-EU6nlBw9N1bKj4bCJIgixTBfWjoTHPMM6H3D2HBA46T0kUh_KxL55Agc1tdqf_4TD_mkiyN1uPqAaCQnBq/s640/DSC_0189+%282%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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After the ride, after 12 hours, after over 7 miles of walking, 2 hours of tube riding, 10 minutes of taxi, and 2 1/2 meals, we were tired. Dead tired. Exhausted. We hopped on a the tube to another tube, to another tube and finally after 19 stops we arrived back in Epping and waddled our way to the car feeling like a steam roller had made a few passes over me. After another 1 1/2 hours ride home, we feed the dogs, wait for them to do their duty, and head to bed.<br />
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It was all a fantastic experience, with way to much to take in on one day, but I am glad we didn't stay two days in a row.. I definitely needed a day of recovery. Bryan starts an excersise this week and will be working 12's. 6pm to 6 am and will be sleeping during the day. My cell phone still isn't working yet, so when that is sorted out, Mom and I will try to venture out without him. :( Probably just into town, or neighboring towns to see what they have to offer. Next weekend we are planning the Dover trip. Stopping along the way at Statfordshire (sp?) outlet to get some tea cups. :) It is sure to be another amazing trip with my Husband and my Mom. Such great memories being made!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-37617036198702815772010-09-03T06:38:00.000-07:002010-09-03T06:38:15.765-07:00ELY TRIP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKszfunzzADoaUvFUaZfLjzQWHNbfdQQPQ2SEqYpoKHhYzPqPRJqMgH011tWHvzDX3bg5uSq7XC0-bcwc-rFTZJzJhOGeMhWjOq8GqVjxveN2BniU7x5t-k99gRKEubP-SNv8jgjQ9ORN/s1600/dsc_0097+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKszfunzzADoaUvFUaZfLjzQWHNbfdQQPQ2SEqYpoKHhYzPqPRJqMgH011tWHvzDX3bg5uSq7XC0-bcwc-rFTZJzJhOGeMhWjOq8GqVjxveN2BniU7x5t-k99gRKEubP-SNv8jgjQ9ORN/s320/dsc_0097+%282%29.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis96XJTlmnDt7eLjygPs2QmPaC_rH7gCTFPS-bcJrYSnYuA1pUrI16V5Uxu1Ihlm7WKiInzYKK7x5FJYQ7OqmDqs__KcowjvtUUAK_wff5f5Rd9lOwW_IEqBPoInNSwqHFPqLrJUbM-VRA/s1600/DSC_0100+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis96XJTlmnDt7eLjygPs2QmPaC_rH7gCTFPS-bcJrYSnYuA1pUrI16V5Uxu1Ihlm7WKiInzYKK7x5FJYQ7OqmDqs__KcowjvtUUAK_wff5f5Rd9lOwW_IEqBPoInNSwqHFPqLrJUbM-VRA/s320/DSC_0100+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>We needed a down day, so we decided to take a short trip about 1 hour away to Ely. It has a Church there and another lively town. On the way we got behind an onion truck and we were snagging the onions falling off the truck. It was so much fun swerving and dodging cars chasing these Onions. The church was amazing. It was an overwhelming feeling walking into such an historical place. It literally took my breath away. We sat out on the grounds and had tea and a pastry. It was so nice. Later that night we stood outside on the back patio and watched the shooting stars.<br />
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On a different note, Oscar and Sandy are adjusting well to living here. Sandy has managed to bump into everything imaginable and navigate going up the stairs. On the other hand, she just stands there until you take her back down. I don't blame her. From experience, falling down the stairs is not a nice way to get down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WIGuKN2RkfWhrqmDSi3AqHLYjZoADypLCYjd-HmI3u9kfC-tgcfEPH_CZCce-V8W159xStgshtsWfZXmGXDFeVaJcN60Bd0SB8jum4CYYMOB5wTjR8XpoYyxphAEFjRDX2LIJlxvPXzD/s1600/DSC_0107+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WIGuKN2RkfWhrqmDSi3AqHLYjZoADypLCYjd-HmI3u9kfC-tgcfEPH_CZCce-V8W159xStgshtsWfZXmGXDFeVaJcN60Bd0SB8jum4CYYMOB5wTjR8XpoYyxphAEFjRDX2LIJlxvPXzD/s320/DSC_0107+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>Today we are staying home. Bryan is out running errands trying to get my cell phone sorted out and I think he's running by the airmans attic to find us some more dressers for the bedroom. Somehow, he ended up with the "wardrobe room" and I got a nook in the master. LOL. funny how he said that I was the one with 70 boxes of clothes, and he's the one who needs an entire room for his things. :) He also has a "man cave" outback that stores all of his tool type things that I don't want in the house. He's happy with that because I don't care really how he keeps it organized unlike the house itself. It's all a work in progress but I think it's coming along nicely.<br />
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The walls are all concrete so hanging pictures, curtains, and surround sound has become non existent I believe. It is possible, but when your renting, priorities change when it comes to defacing property that's not yours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUSgW2bK3N_V8i4r2UYrm8wRS8s9cbWxAw1cIzLitGpzICbWfyIbL4r5dpz5G3zMTFfdvr9-8eJb-_ePpTxL4c0q2hLErudKR-cdNwLmweTlXtQzev6JwIsZam_eTsVQzwVOzCPGFcz-O/s1600/DSC_0108+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUSgW2bK3N_V8i4r2UYrm8wRS8s9cbWxAw1cIzLitGpzICbWfyIbL4r5dpz5G3zMTFfdvr9-8eJb-_ePpTxL4c0q2hLErudKR-cdNwLmweTlXtQzev6JwIsZam_eTsVQzwVOzCPGFcz-O/s320/DSC_0108+%282%29.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Ely Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am getting the hang of things around here. Doing laundry is a challenge because our washer/dryer is the size of a basketball seems like, and uses mega amounts of energy to dry. Which is mega expensive here. So I have taken to line drying. It is almost always breezy here, and if you get up early enough, I can catch the sun for the majority of the morning in just the right spot for drying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nxL3ADf3vkDPZaVd6H8AEGEoQPoUFQxA1ePckQC92TetlgYB3mrTkqcPt4-ScZBBP1zJFx7hiOysWivH-vjDi6-EYJkiXKgka7VyxavSb7pt9sz3ahRP4ezqslSBKhxRrNRgKE1llq01/s1600/DSC_0113+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nxL3ADf3vkDPZaVd6H8AEGEoQPoUFQxA1ePckQC92TetlgYB3mrTkqcPt4-ScZBBP1zJFx7hiOysWivH-vjDi6-EYJkiXKgka7VyxavSb7pt9sz3ahRP4ezqslSBKhxRrNRgKE1llq01/s320/DSC_0113+%282%29.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Ely Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All of our electric stuff is also another obstacle. They have different voltage here, so little things like the coffee pot, iron, alarm clocks, cell phone chargers... blow dryers, straighteners etc.. can't plug in. So I have to pick and choose what to use at what time.. and only 2 can go into each converter at a time.. and those also soak up energy so we keep them off as much as possible. :) I think I am going to have to break down and buy a new iron, because hauling that and the board up and down stairs is not going to fly long i don't think.<br />
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Anyways, I am busy busy around here still trying to get things in their place and we are planning on going to London tomorrow for an all day trip. Touring the River Thames, the London Eye at sunset, riding the tubes, eating in outside bistros and people watching along with many other things. I will write again after that trip. :)<br />
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Till then, bye!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2:30 snack!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dNpTEluBG39HPcv-p0JJampJQ1oRl1u7pcn0V-dVE88lymQ-FDFa18VvLK2u5mxTUvSt7unsuWKQJd7i7SG_aRaY-QajZdFYoYtf5YFRSYz7Q3qwitDDEQuwvT99nMfGijTcBaT2Viee/s1600/DSC_0122+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dNpTEluBG39HPcv-p0JJampJQ1oRl1u7pcn0V-dVE88lymQ-FDFa18VvLK2u5mxTUvSt7unsuWKQJd7i7SG_aRaY-QajZdFYoYtf5YFRSYz7Q3qwitDDEQuwvT99nMfGijTcBaT2Viee/s640/DSC_0122+%282%29.JPG" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance into the Ely Cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLslUen6pqVkU0SflO69IwP96a48qyNQRDtr1dHK79f5uPUL2dA9cfpNaepigrpZ3WXstKZOKKi2KAZnPZSt27oAQU8rCsjwain7TFwnD9Nq03KVCsIUFNl4jRYa0iTO0gm0hd-IE39ozN/s1600/DSC_0119+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLslUen6pqVkU0SflO69IwP96a48qyNQRDtr1dHK79f5uPUL2dA9cfpNaepigrpZ3WXstKZOKKi2KAZnPZSt27oAQU8rCsjwain7TFwnD9Nq03KVCsIUFNl4jRYa0iTO0gm0hd-IE39ozN/s400/DSC_0119+%282%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking tea and eating pastries at the Outside Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KhEy0YRq7InENG8rO1bH95OY3IONlLWvj3ysqURkxfHcJRbTQ7Cic-IuKDFe5rs2EaqB9p1du5-pZ-kK-f4CEXcunamX64tVvNeoDfcJtz1Abudhdd7gdVvj0psVeYBOcbP1evXlATfv/s1600/DSC_0133+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KhEy0YRq7InENG8rO1bH95OY3IONlLWvj3ysqURkxfHcJRbTQ7Cic-IuKDFe5rs2EaqB9p1du5-pZ-kK-f4CEXcunamX64tVvNeoDfcJtz1Abudhdd7gdVvj0psVeYBOcbP1evXlATfv/s640/DSC_0133+%282%29.JPG" width="435" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the two onions? those are the escapee's from the truck!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> P.S. The flies here are like elephants with wings.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-7658460305947524932010-08-31T14:32:00.000-07:002010-08-31T14:32:33.494-07:00The Day along The Coast of East AngliaThe day began early. 6:15 we were in the car and on our way to Kings Lynn. It was a foggy drive and but we were still able to see sheep through the brush and fog. We also saw a sign warning us of giant frogs crossing the road. It's crazy the kinds of things you see around here when it comes to signs. We took a short diversion to see a converted Church that is now a home in Stokeferry. After that we had a tad bit of rental car trouble and Bryan was puzzled by the hood. And still after the entire day he still cannot find the button to unlatch the hood. or Bonnet as I was told.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB2qH09WHnVG2-8BxOo9is-zR58wnSLaKd3gfziT0nOjqIlp_H1iOJRKtOZ1sPCEu2MHFeZfhGdFQBClQDGlksnwtKUzY8a9N4WUjf5UrCsQxYoWCdg1UJpZM03I1XsrU9jXNWvI_CGiW/s1600/DSC_0002+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7Nr2OVVT5WO5R9BeY1apD2Tj_n9_R0ddHEfqvA_qGkkGWhJQ1qzvPKlDnMT8CxLq3_Y6DeUdzHLYMrdS-Xvqq_VNcARGC01ybIYNhpf6bz9bcQ7grVF4wNh6QDQ0VjWRmlJW9zEc5LD3/s1600/DSC_0007+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7Nr2OVVT5WO5R9BeY1apD2Tj_n9_R0ddHEfqvA_qGkkGWhJQ1qzvPKlDnMT8CxLq3_Y6DeUdzHLYMrdS-Xvqq_VNcARGC01ybIYNhpf6bz9bcQ7grVF4wNh6QDQ0VjWRmlJW9zEc5LD3/s320/DSC_0007+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqzGd9F8S8EoPwyiERh1Dka84O5u663JE5sds1ooyzfjRfCwegYpwluXY3lB4cP-T_Haaeav-Zy76cuJiil5NLJFhyFxOoRHh5O5s1KJDLO90kyYotLRQBjrV-JwU1nHgGp67sWJaZi0L/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqzGd9F8S8EoPwyiERh1Dka84O5u663JE5sds1ooyzfjRfCwegYpwluXY3lB4cP-T_Haaeav-Zy76cuJiil5NLJFhyFxOoRHh5O5s1KJDLO90kyYotLRQBjrV-JwU1nHgGp67sWJaZi0L/s200/DSC_0002.JPG" width="133" /></a>We arrived in Kings Lynn before anyone in town woke up. We parked on an empty street and set out to find three things. St. Margarets Church, the Customs House, and the Guildenhall. We also wandered around and found the Green Quay.. which was just a huge river.. kinda dirty.. but it was BIG! Everything was still closed but we found amusement in just being with each other. Again, the signs are funny and we had Bryan and Mom pose for a picture in front of one. As we walked through the town square, we window shopped and watched the city workers water the flower baskets hanging in the streets and clean the windows. People were beginning to come out and walk around, one woman stopped me and asked if I wanted two new skirts. I was kind of thrown off by it, because that's almost unheard-of in the US. Actually had to restrain my thoughts of wondering if this was a scam of some kind. But I just let her speak and she politely told me how to let the waist band out with elastic. LOL. I guess I need to lose a few. But somehow British people can be completely rude and still sound polite. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_Wr3GgIcy6dsaUxCsWyj9RL0XRYtK95ALOm137RhwSvVDdjj2Y0zm5gEIV8g1o1DAxN7srm6goWjIHipJ9a7FTzCeeJWAHx6ur6wVl02SkToU-Nw2HWhOl15pwGGeb2oCb4JvLC-riq3/s1600/DSC_0024+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_Wr3GgIcy6dsaUxCsWyj9RL0XRYtK95ALOm137RhwSvVDdjj2Y0zm5gEIV8g1o1DAxN7srm6goWjIHipJ9a7FTzCeeJWAHx6ur6wVl02SkToU-Nw2HWhOl15pwGGeb2oCb4JvLC-riq3/s320/DSC_0024+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcD6NHFqSY7mpdB3MMxUMKI4FZDGt5m0GBf7SCyuuDnaZP-pdzJLuXD2an3OzRWeFW0Hm-SYJ4PFxe59h5BNCCC-7gLJmvCzrOPU3SSFTc5gGK8HR1I-aUEUHj4R0uNPN6cqFaDHNGKY8/s1600/DSC_0035+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcD6NHFqSY7mpdB3MMxUMKI4FZDGt5m0GBf7SCyuuDnaZP-pdzJLuXD2an3OzRWeFW0Hm-SYJ4PFxe59h5BNCCC-7gLJmvCzrOPU3SSFTc5gGK8HR1I-aUEUHj4R0uNPN6cqFaDHNGKY8/s320/DSC_0035+%282%29.JPG" width="320" /></a>From here we set out towards Wells-Next-the-Sea with stops along the way. The first unscheduled stop was to a castle. We drove up and it was still closed.. but we saw a corner of it!!! NEAT! lol. Heading towards the Cliffs now.. we pulled up to a very nice neighborhood. It had row type houses and a boardwalk with a kind of amusement park on it with ferris wheels and eating places and landscaping everywhere. Again, everything was still closed, but we managed to find one vendor open that sold ice cream and a few other things. We ate a Bacon roll. The bread was like an English Muffin. But soft, and fresh and not chewy. I guess they just call it a muffin here. LOL. We continued along the boardwalk and walked down on the beach. It was rocky and had black sand. I found some long, skinny shells that resembled a clam shell, but It was the width of a sharpie. He said they were Razor Clam Shells and that the tide has been so rough lately that they have all been broken up and washed ashore. We made our way to the cliffs and took some pictures and noticed all the layers in the earth. And then one crazy guy stripped to his skivvies and water shoes and went swimming. WHAT?! dude you must be nuts, don't you know it's 50 degrees out?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYV7i9tvXCTjL-nYR6-F4yB7Xk34OKM_JTaSX0OEUCJIgULGSiDdC7NQuoRi8AcUG0KMGSBO6yWYTkUsdD_LmUSehiL5JDc68gtFC8AiVFsaIhyphenhyphenCV06YUfZTRVF-54LdPzvdtRXMh8q4l/s1600/DSC_0045+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYV7i9tvXCTjL-nYR6-F4yB7Xk34OKM_JTaSX0OEUCJIgULGSiDdC7NQuoRi8AcUG0KMGSBO6yWYTkUsdD_LmUSehiL5JDc68gtFC8AiVFsaIhyphenhyphenCV06YUfZTRVF-54LdPzvdtRXMh8q4l/s640/DSC_0045+%282%29.JPG" width="428" /></a>After that we hopped back into the car and on our way out of town we saw a lighthouse set in the background of a golf course.. we nearly ran off the road from Bryan drooling in the drivers seat!! :) We also saw a windmill and I yelled for Bryan to pull over so i could get a snap of it. Luckily many others have also had that idea and a tiny pull in area was formed, so we were able to stop. If you didn't know, the roads here are narrow. They have no shoulder, and usually there are trees, bushes, or walls and houses inches from the edge. So finding a pull over spot is special!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AdIJ2SFOPKLN5a8hm5my59fop-qXw8NW5BNYStYyjCarkKS_qulR0M2NQeY91l6crblZZfH7J0E3CszumDXzhsO1ae5CIuJImnZi9WVXXwWBEwfFSa2D6xVjSdTCDqnAoRLlGhSQrOM5/s1600/CSC_0133+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AdIJ2SFOPKLN5a8hm5my59fop-qXw8NW5BNYStYyjCarkKS_qulR0M2NQeY91l6crblZZfH7J0E3CszumDXzhsO1ae5CIuJImnZi9WVXXwWBEwfFSa2D6xVjSdTCDqnAoRLlGhSQrOM5/s320/CSC_0133+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>A little further down the road, we came to a Harbor with tons and tons of tiny sailboats anchored in the waterways. The tide was up and people were unloading their boats.. After the tide lets out all of them are just stranded out there on dry land with their little anchors pulled out to wherever it was holding them in place. We took the chance to do some photography there too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDvhcCMuCa2X_BNrSZ4t2fLOe7IpCbnx3oPzgMGZ8BeRtXXBuiDO0psfhgibvtEge7dun-O6fVbV5JxqgFJROerCH7n6oW5v2caFPKG_9RIcrmI9dKiDv6BFe2AJB9-82952KOrBG0jud/s1600/DSC_0048+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDvhcCMuCa2X_BNrSZ4t2fLOe7IpCbnx3oPzgMGZ8BeRtXXBuiDO0psfhgibvtEge7dun-O6fVbV5JxqgFJROerCH7n6oW5v2caFPKG_9RIcrmI9dKiDv6BFe2AJB9-82952KOrBG0jud/s320/DSC_0048+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>So we venture onto Wells-Next-The-Sea and once we arrived to the town center, it was packed. I mean completely filled with people. I read that it was a popular vacation spot and the boats sell their catch directly to the public. There were kids and adults acting like kids crabbing from the concrete retaining walls with their buckets and fishing lines. There were food venders, all open now, and nick nack shops lining the street. We drove around searching out a parking spot and after about 2 miles came across a camping area, and a beach access. But decided to go back through town and just head onward to Blakeney Point. On the way we stopped for a stretch next to a wheat field and ate wild Dew Berries. Two of the three were sour!! The last two, so I decided not to press my luck anymore. We also stopped for a stretch in the National Marshes. We saw a Gypsy Vanner horse and a pond with all kinds of birds. He was so pretty standing there with his long fuzzy hair and big feet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3WUZGhS8LVdSKRJpfjtwuIOKn6q2kMeY67cXCPh5M-I80fUAUCJ0mp26CR6oXC9RypuJQKGfoHCE9OLka5TwoeVNkXaDVm0n5z8KbcruYGxiLRnghb0z8gMqkY3dzFR3qQPmC-SvNW9W/s1600/DSC_0056+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3WUZGhS8LVdSKRJpfjtwuIOKn6q2kMeY67cXCPh5M-I80fUAUCJ0mp26CR6oXC9RypuJQKGfoHCE9OLka5TwoeVNkXaDVm0n5z8KbcruYGxiLRnghb0z8gMqkY3dzFR3qQPmC-SvNW9W/s200/DSC_0056+%282%29.JPG" width="153" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj3WbNO_zP7CybLcy3gPgHMvd_BVDKrtU4d6IZy40lP-bLZMWpmKB_Bdn-S3__VtyLriPEZMJmKrrU1EE64APcbk5oRzqqQTCPfvzQd-riWajmO-MiYNh5FLV_k8Y8ILWfhlDDtithwor/s1600/DSC_0068+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj3WbNO_zP7CybLcy3gPgHMvd_BVDKrtU4d6IZy40lP-bLZMWpmKB_Bdn-S3__VtyLriPEZMJmKrrU1EE64APcbk5oRzqqQTCPfvzQd-riWajmO-MiYNh5FLV_k8Y8ILWfhlDDtithwor/s200/DSC_0068+%282%29.JPG" width="200" /></a>Our next adventure as an excersion to Blakeney Point where we chartered a boat to take us to see the seals. Our guide stood next to us on the boat and told the three of us a ton of history. About how the churches built a seperate tower to use as a lighthouse. How during 1918, all the young men were sent off to war, and left the old men to rescue all the troubled boats. How the entire rescue took almost 3 hours to deploy. First they would raise a flag once a telegraph was recieved from a shack on the point. A house accross the water would roll out a cannon and fire a shot, which would notify the Rescue squad to summon the crew and they would row out to the boathouse where the BIG row boat was in deeper water.. It then would be rowed out to the boat needing rescue. But the amazing thing is, these men were in their 60's and 70's and the oldest one on a particular occasion was in his early 90's. Anyways, we saw the seals and they were all laying in the sun. They have their babies in december and if you get a chance to go during that time, the point will be filled with fuzzy white babies.. hundreds of them. How cute! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nIeWc096USHqE67I89jWbuWyeCNvPEiXMMWHOetiDAooFRuI9b_aMkjhOYfARvofZPF2MXd-8qhkNMRqFUblgWkkXNmBF20RITLiMdbUfhzQM3OXrvnuRNMoDI6hYG1eZbOrAOG1upmO/s1600/DSC_0114+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nIeWc096USHqE67I89jWbuWyeCNvPEiXMMWHOetiDAooFRuI9b_aMkjhOYfARvofZPF2MXd-8qhkNMRqFUblgWkkXNmBF20RITLiMdbUfhzQM3OXrvnuRNMoDI6hYG1eZbOrAOG1upmO/s320/DSC_0114+%282%29.JPG" /></a></div>We are now on our way to Cromer, but before we arrived at our destination, we were all complaining of being hungry. So we stopped at the next sign of civilization as Bryan puts it. It was a town called Sheringham. The entrance was a train station.. which was for a Steam Engine Train that was just leaving and it's steam poured out of the stack. A very lively town with many, many, and I mean, many ice cream shops. And if you know Bryan just the tiniest bit, you know that was torture not to get ice cream.. again.. today. It didn't take long for us to find a pub. It was our first Pub! well, me and mom anyways. We came in and kinda fuddled around till Bryan remembered we were to find a menu and a table, figure out what we wanted to eat and then go up to the bar counter to order and pay and give our table number and they give us our drinks and we go sit back down again. Mom and I ordered chicken Tikka with Naane Bread. and Bryan ordered a meat lasagna with bread and a dry salad. It basically was a curry chicken over white rice with a fire oven baked flat bread. Yummy!!! the drink was tiny, and there are no refills, but we were lucky and they had ice! We walked down to the beach and looked over and found tons of people swimming between the jetties and sunbathing on the beaches. On the way back, Bryan still complaining of wanting more ice cream, settled on a pastry instead. He got an apple pie, and Mom and I got some kind of biscuit with raspberry jam and whipped cream. It was VERY messy and Bryan thought it was a perfect time for a photo.. On the way out of town there was a sign for a Hedge maze, and we stopped in to see what that was about. It looked fun, but with all the parking fees and food we ate today, we didn't want to spend 15 pounds on a maze. We looked around the Garden shop and Mom purchased our house warming gift. A very sweet iron table that sits between our chairs on our back patio. It will be really nice to wake up and have coffee outside at sunrise. Well, if I drank coffee,... and if I was up at sunrise. LOL. things will change I'm sure. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1fvPCz_dWSC3Rw8d_OYW6-fVmw0Qy1xT_aEpEdvvzhh8dSwteQkx2wkMAJfoxx4m2bfioFluf69Z9xI8A0tyRDryAayooQ7mcNRGdSeedLaMf91Su0LY57J9ORSUvZjgNK42T1UMEIMK/s1600/DSC_0120+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1fvPCz_dWSC3Rw8d_OYW6-fVmw0Qy1xT_aEpEdvvzhh8dSwteQkx2wkMAJfoxx4m2bfioFluf69Z9xI8A0tyRDryAayooQ7mcNRGdSeedLaMf91Su0LY57J9ORSUvZjgNK42T1UMEIMK/s400/DSC_0120+%282%29.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>After this, we were getting tired. So we decided to just drive through Cromer, where there is an historic pier with a working theater on it. We drove through and continued on to Norwich. This turned out to be a nightmare with 5:30 traffic and we got jammed. About an hour later we decided we had a wonderful day and it's just best if we head home. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAeppgT3zQtCXcSgtjU4maL7llFwr3hWJETOpFlk-IQbjtoyf4L4HPy_JuMwZCKL3gewQlIhSnSU96yA-x2eDO06DzFmohwCGVQpjjeIa9MF3jewGzd8H4LMNxmU7qKRaItTJVR3faFiO/s1600/DSC_0124+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAeppgT3zQtCXcSgtjU4maL7llFwr3hWJETOpFlk-IQbjtoyf4L4HPy_JuMwZCKL3gewQlIhSnSU96yA-x2eDO06DzFmohwCGVQpjjeIa9MF3jewGzd8H4LMNxmU7qKRaItTJVR3faFiO/s640/DSC_0124+%282%29.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Once we arrived home we ordered our first English style pizza and garlic bread and vegged out in front of the TV while I worked on the pictures, rotating and deleting. You know.. Then I started on this blog.. and now I have to resize all the pictures so I can upload them this century. I really had a great time seeing the country with Bryan and my Mom. These are very special memories we are making and I'm not taking one second of it for granted. Hope you enjoyed our trip and will write again soon!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-58717324272211273662010-08-29T14:53:00.000-07:002010-08-29T14:53:50.072-07:00A day in Bury St. Edmunds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRHwq4anycjAstpSp4aMhA3i42tNx1FWRfMccYm6IB-doInnA496lOrKazS61h1GPUrG81R2Yp3kC6CECGommpShsaUdWvhn4-W2oCJXv8OnA0fbEiXyJM8EX8v-BWdGkqzeLYmr2tAk8/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS017fr6y1PWU2LbiU6sVP427mHc_-8XtGTpfWbpzoNZv0Ty99u4Zc10EzTC59XXdNnaR0SbIwZsaoWKyfDp6YM_zhvAbw6FGVdwaXmW8y4dxZ2e3ENscc7MTUrI2DfYxn1QwAG349PLng/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS017fr6y1PWU2LbiU6sVP427mHc_-8XtGTpfWbpzoNZv0Ty99u4Zc10EzTC59XXdNnaR0SbIwZsaoWKyfDp6YM_zhvAbw6FGVdwaXmW8y4dxZ2e3ENscc7MTUrI2DfYxn1QwAG349PLng/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS017fr6y1PWU2LbiU6sVP427mHc_-8XtGTpfWbpzoNZv0Ty99u4Zc10EzTC59XXdNnaR0SbIwZsaoWKyfDp6YM_zhvAbw6FGVdwaXmW8y4dxZ2e3ENscc7MTUrI2DfYxn1QwAG349PLng/s200/Bury+St.+Edmund+002.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I have tons of pictures.. so be prepared!! :) We started out after breakfast toward Bury St. Edmunds. Only about a 20 minute drive from here. We came into the town and immediately parked. It was a nice place. This town also had the hanging baskets with flowers pouring out of them. All so very colorful. There by one of the stores was a big red telephone booth! You know the ones you always see on T.V. in foreign countries? I had to immediately run up to it and jump in. I was surprised to find the thing actually worked!! I'm not sure why I was surprised, but I was. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAthBArH6258lGRKy3044E0rIMhrlnS0YSWsDqU4udZFPRsJOMteSRm7BBcLwPRzhPkkIcPbrlWsqjRrCpPajosSVOlr2abhAxie8uBqMV_MMG2cxQfo53thgPypy_LzDGZP0R2vWbNAR/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAthBArH6258lGRKy3044E0rIMhrlnS0YSWsDqU4udZFPRsJOMteSRm7BBcLwPRzhPkkIcPbrlWsqjRrCpPajosSVOlr2abhAxie8uBqMV_MMG2cxQfo53thgPypy_LzDGZP0R2vWbNAR/s200/Bury+St.+Edmund+007.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS017fr6y1PWU2LbiU6sVP427mHc_-8XtGTpfWbpzoNZv0Ty99u4Zc10EzTC59XXdNnaR0SbIwZsaoWKyfDp6YM_zhvAbw6FGVdwaXmW8y4dxZ2e3ENscc7MTUrI2DfYxn1QwAG349PLng/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-DHL_hAV8xBYtF3I3eAQsHXkePPohoCEQKxt1vm8Vtdm-hUBt7EM7tYBCNpyCYHb8UJm3TLPVRMqUqDS2B06YnPGbmgfWL-3-Sd3Ym7dbwWHHCRTmzyZQQV-kWDhAeFE1coawOBrm9bR/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-DHL_hAV8xBYtF3I3eAQsHXkePPohoCEQKxt1vm8Vtdm-hUBt7EM7tYBCNpyCYHb8UJm3TLPVRMqUqDS2B06YnPGbmgfWL-3-Sd3Ym7dbwWHHCRTmzyZQQV-kWDhAeFE1coawOBrm9bR/s320/Bury+St.+Edmund+011.jpg" /></a><br />
Across the street was the Gardens area. I didn't know what to expect, but from the outside all I could see was the huge gate that was rebuilt in 1300 something. It had giant walls built all the way across the front. But from what Bryan said, the city used most of the remaining stone after the downfall to rebuild the city. The walls were thick and strong. And there were shaped holes that once were windows and doors. There were square impressions left in the remaining structures and later figured out that those are where wooden beams once were for structural support. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclLIaPebJwpQGJCb-8w7v5uUoLeL-fs6bmDBAUHSyYJBIaH0dbzfK4keKxPSEz1-SK0IF-ZvoG2iRahui2L5NdzK_qegPtIjp7S_anWA9dURE5C1jSZApnbKSn0VR975vpjoCvDqP_3rF/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclLIaPebJwpQGJCb-8w7v5uUoLeL-fs6bmDBAUHSyYJBIaH0dbzfK4keKxPSEz1-SK0IF-ZvoG2iRahui2L5NdzK_qegPtIjp7S_anWA9dURE5C1jSZApnbKSn0VR975vpjoCvDqP_3rF/s320/Bury+St.+Edmund+018.jpg" /></a>After going through the gate, we went left into a small garden area surrounded by pathway covered by a trellis and all kinds of Ivy. There were benches and plants everywhere memorializing lost ones, groups, and other people. Inside this particular garden is a fountain and right as i was about to snap this picture, a bird landed on top as if he was posing for me. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSW70DiPAVMwg04qgFRphseD6IvHEHVGRIKXAxhqRAwPFCXXIoxY2r0Stp1Rh66S1C0j3i7TKkQtEamNjfo7hrUetaNVK3l0KCCCVgTbFnlUZboIKIHp_bb8oPaOZewBStEWvVY3v6veg/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSW70DiPAVMwg04qgFRphseD6IvHEHVGRIKXAxhqRAwPFCXXIoxY2r0Stp1Rh66S1C0j3i7TKkQtEamNjfo7hrUetaNVK3l0KCCCVgTbFnlUZboIKIHp_bb8oPaOZewBStEWvVY3v6veg/s320/Bury+St.+Edmund+023.jpg" /></a>From here, we walked into the center circle area. If you can imagine a large circle with crossed pathway through the center, then you have the idea. Other than the walkway, it was completely green. Perfected lawn. With batches of flowers particularly placed throughout. The Backdrop was the St. Abby Church and it was stunning. We walked through there admiring the flowers and people watching. There were many couples sitting on benches and walking hand in hand together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINy_l4f9VY6F3Rg0oM4-i2HiyXryHXNCNu5CLbGjw7UmLG3wCkIHCY7s53npyLVF-JhgosPfMmUH0teLkyJythog4cwB0r98RpKZc3m7Jy8NN3Of-Y5bkiReErzvwk-IUbkS2zhknIkfU/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINy_l4f9VY6F3Rg0oM4-i2HiyXryHXNCNu5CLbGjw7UmLG3wCkIHCY7s53npyLVF-JhgosPfMmUH0teLkyJythog4cwB0r98RpKZc3m7Jy8NN3Of-Y5bkiReErzvwk-IUbkS2zhknIkfU/s640/Bury+St.+Edmund+027.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBW8FhunwxzXDs2wn91GlHi0zmVUabe_eV7av81yW7w1wFKlxC2oiTwhbozv7LCRpPxthVe_x9BK17_ZGr89ltxG9B1YaBWFc73RHervJdbgaPZ1qtgxriCERbacimQ8NVjmxmizRjsW8/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBW8FhunwxzXDs2wn91GlHi0zmVUabe_eV7av81yW7w1wFKlxC2oiTwhbozv7LCRpPxthVe_x9BK17_ZGr89ltxG9B1YaBWFc73RHervJdbgaPZ1qtgxriCERbacimQ8NVjmxmizRjsW8/s320/Bury+St.+Edmund+035.jpg" /></a>We came to the ruins. I can't believe there are things this old. I've read about them, I've seen them on T.V., in National Geographic.. but here I am. standing on the grounds.. touching the walls.. imagining myself in 1134 AD walking through the Lecture Chambers and standing by the fire pit to keep warm. I wonder what it was like back then.. I should do more research. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgtMkmPzpxIhsprEIMMO8jvxqmVLrNfmzZSCpeHHHC3-wIc_pewV7jUXUgoPi-eF2xP8vNswJjQUubiu39y3sbO-lBQhIxz8b5bze39Ji7NgBKRcEbrm7IgOgk3cMwd0lKeN6eOboD-Du/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgtMkmPzpxIhsprEIMMO8jvxqmVLrNfmzZSCpeHHHC3-wIc_pewV7jUXUgoPi-eF2xP8vNswJjQUubiu39y3sbO-lBQhIxz8b5bze39Ji7NgBKRcEbrm7IgOgk3cMwd0lKeN6eOboD-Du/s320/Bury+St.+Edmund+039.jpg" /></a>There is a section that has the grave sites of the Abby family uncovered for viewing. It was really strange to see. The stones were difficult to read. Obviously the rain and other elements have deteriorated them so badly in another 300 years there will only be a plaque to state what it once read. They were lined up head to foot in a line. Again another first. Usually it's side by side. I suppose it was a small area for a burial and it had to be so.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMR8Nf7-s1zNI1-yA3ZQdf_8XRDn6UUuMHoWoD20ImO7TAP4bnufPujU8t9wGtrJI1c_Vl-NST3-cvNxl0V88FnU2o3gixN_7SlzO78sE4Sb6ZfqbExtb9f3Rxsz84aYqWX6iQPqPqU6w/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMR8Nf7-s1zNI1-yA3ZQdf_8XRDn6UUuMHoWoD20ImO7TAP4bnufPujU8t9wGtrJI1c_Vl-NST3-cvNxl0V88FnU2o3gixN_7SlzO78sE4Sb6ZfqbExtb9f3Rxsz84aYqWX6iQPqPqU6w/s320/Bury+St.+Edmund+042.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSxBnB2odi5-7KAYsykle7Evp8j4zpcxte4ugBcboseXF_3BT5RRRLaZ32kmY3d8aJtHFXxcBG5tSSKWqs0AchhahLzoRu65rBNy0K8LMx4PsWX8G6wsXhCsRaj7GM-trHZ_St_MZQ4qa/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSxBnB2odi5-7KAYsykle7Evp8j4zpcxte4ugBcboseXF_3BT5RRRLaZ32kmY3d8aJtHFXxcBG5tSSKWqs0AchhahLzoRu65rBNy0K8LMx4PsWX8G6wsXhCsRaj7GM-trHZ_St_MZQ4qa/s320/Bury+St.+Edmund+052.jpg" /></a>Above is looking down into an area of once was the cathedral. To the left, is Bryan sitting on part of a wall that surrounded the area where the Choir would have been.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65wxeYuSsHyJVlTjJDoWSK4dEG1ECOeIJZvjjTVXD6Bs32Ey81hKtzYmE9RbDdJs7CnKg0A6ihJtNgnd6omf7Z2hag8LeEzemYGOFHpGnr5wDqsacE54zstYmydwdzSRMJIrcKk6iYFHC/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65wxeYuSsHyJVlTjJDoWSK4dEG1ECOeIJZvjjTVXD6Bs32Ey81hKtzYmE9RbDdJs7CnKg0A6ihJtNgnd6omf7Z2hag8LeEzemYGOFHpGnr5wDqsacE54zstYmydwdzSRMJIrcKk6iYFHC/s640/Bury+St.+Edmund+053.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yNO6MecGRXjrszVsEnY4Q2LMhJH4N3LfTV-hHnhUg2HMRlWPffF7AcuZ0_TSWhRhyrcGQ4sD77wmgucZcBKAewILHtyYHCRbILJcYBYsi4SCBJQ-pa_trA8ZUaJfuZ3QIY14J_LrdhIB/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yNO6MecGRXjrszVsEnY4Q2LMhJH4N3LfTV-hHnhUg2HMRlWPffF7AcuZ0_TSWhRhyrcGQ4sD77wmgucZcBKAewILHtyYHCRbILJcYBYsi4SCBJQ-pa_trA8ZUaJfuZ3QIY14J_LrdhIB/s640/Bury+St.+Edmund+055.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>Above is my Beautiful Mom, and to the Left is my sweetie pie, Bryan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr6ng8-wXW89Cux0c-q06SlOwKf4Y4RGH7g-VFjDQANZH8ZROUFXjzrBx1bn80IGnBFyTJr6zhZQwM9EHZn4brUoqplzX9gHpeXsyeqsWltuunurVJb6xLyo3Eh8ifuOUMMVC0og0Yvqq/s1600/Bury+St.+Edmund+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr6ng8-wXW89Cux0c-q06SlOwKf4Y4RGH7g-VFjDQANZH8ZROUFXjzrBx1bn80IGnBFyTJr6zhZQwM9EHZn4brUoqplzX9gHpeXsyeqsWltuunurVJb6xLyo3Eh8ifuOUMMVC0og0Yvqq/s320/Bury+St.+Edmund+056.jpg" /></a></div>And then Bryan loosened a 1,000 year old rock from it's 1,000 year old wall and well, you can tell it was an oopsie.<br />
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I am exhausted tonight.. so forgive me if I'm giving you all more of a narrated slide show than a blog. :) <br />
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It will be ok. :)<br />
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:) I did learn a few new things today.. So instead of 18 wheelers, they have 20 wheelers which are called Lorries. A 4 lane Hwy is called a duel carriageway. Garbage is rubbish. Meat comes squished in a cubed plastic container like sandwich meat. Milk only lasts 3-4 days. And it gets extremely windy today.<br />
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OH and it hailed.. or sleeted huge raindrops. I'm not sure but it pelted us on the way to the car this afternoon. And in the next few minutes the sun was out again and we were left staring up at the sky wondering what next act of nature would bless us today...<br />
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So after we got home I started working on a plan for Tuesday. We are renting a car and driving north. The Plan will be to drive from Thetford to Kings Lynn. Then to Wells Next of Sea, stopping along the way to see the Cliffs and a Harbor in Hunstanton and eat Fish and Chips. Next we are on the way to Blakeney Point where we have hired a chartered boat to take us to see the Seals on the beaches across the way. Then onward to Cromer, and old fashioned resort with a Victorian pier and a working theater. After that onward to Norwich where there are 32 Medieval Churches to see and them back to Thetford. That took a ton of time with all the stops and what to see and where, directions, time management, mileage and such. Looks to be about 126 miles round trip. Over here, going 30.9 miles on the first leg will take nearly an hour.<br />
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Other then that we cooked soft taco's for supper and have been watching movies. I worked on this blog and everyone else has already gone to sleep. So I should get going too we have a busy day tomorrow taking care of official stuff. Trying to get reimbursed for some expenses getting here, and getting the dogs registered on base and stuff.<br />
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Goodnight!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-17950344534344888762010-08-28T10:44:00.000-07:002010-08-28T12:14:45.833-07:00OUT AND ABOUT IN THETFORD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViyOBYUvXiLguxUszHhQdOze4Nuzqmy344VYQuTJnxLxmIxjxDUKuRaqBfi2NzqJ0UyASUX1Mm-jctwTidLO2ChLa7fY7FkVkcj3dC8pv82ggoUoff1bA25joBgbRqAchOfQbWsQMRCjL/s1600/resized+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViyOBYUvXiLguxUszHhQdOze4Nuzqmy344VYQuTJnxLxmIxjxDUKuRaqBfi2NzqJ0UyASUX1Mm-jctwTidLO2ChLa7fY7FkVkcj3dC8pv82ggoUoff1bA25joBgbRqAchOfQbWsQMRCjL/s320/resized+9.jpg" /></a></div>Hello From Thetford! We woke up early today because a maintenance man was coming over to see about the toilets. Turns out we weren't pushing the button long enough. LOL. Honest mistake because I've never had two buttons for the toilet before. The man shows up and I swear I couldn't understand 90% what he said. But I got the most of it and figured he wanted to know which side of the house had the toilets.. so I pointed him to the front of the house. But it's not like you can just walk to the front of the house around here. You have to walk around an entire odd shaped block and down a walking path to the front. LOL. <br />
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After that we headed toward downtown Thetford. About a 5 minute drive, or a 30-45 minute walk. It was amazing. You parked and walked into the town center. There were the most beautiful hanging baskets all along the streets. There were several medieval churches around too with ancient, by our US standards anyways, cemeteries in the front.. and head stones lining retainer walls and such. It was fantastic to try and read the dates and who and what they once were. <br />
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We ate some pastries at a small pastry shop too. I had a sausage roll, Mom had custard tart, and Bryan had a Jelly donuts. Very English jelly donuts though. :) not really.. lol. We walked through town some more while eating our breakfast and sat in the "center" of the main street and people watched for a while. There were owners with dogs. One especially caught my eye. It was a weiner dog that had a squeek toy in his mouth and never let it go. It was so cute! We also saw a very old couple walking together hand in hand.. so sweet. We were right outside the Meat Market store and a man came out in his white coat and white hat offering samples on a silver plate to passerby's. <br />
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An old man with no teeth came up to all three of us. Aparently he figured out we were not locals. Must have been the giant cameras around my neck. LOL. Anyways, he began giving us some history on the statues around town and after the brief history lesson, he told us a Joke or two. The first two I understood, but the last one.. with the thick accent and lack of teeth, none of us could understand him. Before the last joke, he was worried it was a bit vulgar, pointing at me, and looked back at Bryan and said "This might be a bit unsuitable for your daughter". OMGOSH I busted out laughing.ME? His Daughter??? lol. hilarious. especially since he's only 10 days older than me. Anyways, after each joke he would giggle and walk away tugging at his shirt. So when he did that on this joke we all just laughed like we had heard him. That in itself was funny to us, that we all did the same thing!<br />
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Once we were done visiting with our new local friend, we went down to the Market part of town. There were all kinds of fresh flowers and plants and veggies, fruit, clothes, nick nacks and anything really you could want. Mom bought me 3 huge sunflowers and they are in a tall glass in the Kitchen window now. We rounded the corner and saw an entrance into one of the medieval churches that said Art Museum. OOO so excited it's free. Went in and found that it was a local artist giving her expo of her art. :) Neat! So I spoke with the coordinator and we are booking Mom's show early next year! Already getting things rolling with that. <br />
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We walked along the river where the locals were having tea/coffee and watching the geese swim by. We found our way back to the car ready for a rest. <br />
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Deciding we should gather some household necessities, we ventured off toward base. About a 30 minute drive on some of the worst roads I've ever been on. It's paved yes. But more like the kiddie roller coaster rides. UP DOWN SIDE to SIDE. UGH! ;) <br />
We passed ruins from 1104 A.D. wow. That's old. Found a bunch of Gypsies there. And I'm not being rude... calling them a name.. they really were Gypsies. very protective and seclusive in their travel trailers. But what we found beautiful about it were the Gypsy Vanner Horses. So awesome really. Google it. They are one of the most beautiful horses I have ever seen!! We didn't stop because we have never been introduced to Gypsys before but from what we are told, the stigma is not to interact. We continued on. <br />
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Visited both Lakenheath base and Mildenhall looking for various things, one of them including scrabble game and started the drive home again. We stopped by a monument erected in Honor of two towns who were wiped out during the Great War. Looked around and imagined the time when this area was full of life and love, families, jobs, children, dogs, houses, all of it. Now it's a green meadow with a purple bushes everywhere. Sad. <br />
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On a high note, there was a burger van there selling some yummy smelling stuff. :) We passed on that. There is something about food in a van on the side of the road... I haven't gotten used to that Idea yet.<br />
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One thing I do know is I will not be driving anytime soon. I am freaked out just riding. I don't know if it is the traffic, Bryans driving, or both! I am extremely thankful though that I didn't bring my Edge.. there is no way I could have parked it ANYWHERE!! When I say your tires are an inch away from the line on both sides.. I might be exaggerating. It is really tight, and all the cars are small almost toy like. <br />
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We are home now and we just got through eating dinner.. or "tea" as a local told us dinner was tonight. I just caught Oscar sneaking into a cookie box on the coffee table. :P Bryan would have been upset to find oscar with half a cookie hanging out of his mouth. LOL. I did some cleaning and now we are taking the dogs and walking to the store down the road. There is a walking path that leads there. I'm not sure how to describe it, accept that we walk right out our front door and there is the trail. Follow it, and you will find food. My kind of path!<br />
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As for tomorrow we are going to try out the local Methodist Church. I will try to finish unpacking one of my suitcases. Bryan's things have taken over the wardrobe room and left me with one wardrobe and a dresser in the bedroom. hmm.. we will see. <br />
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Enjoyed our day out in our new town, and the next time promises to be just as interesting because we will come prepared to shop!!! <br />
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Till then, Goodnight!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-16224183737825448192010-08-27T09:54:00.000-07:002010-08-27T09:54:15.204-07:00MY JOURNEY TO ENGLANDMom and I left about 4:30 p.m. for the Airport in Shreveport. My uncle drove us there and dropped us off at the ticket counter. We had 9 bags in total. I checked 3, mom checked 2, we both had 2 carry on bags. Everyone kept staring at us as we pulled our cart up to the counter... probably thinking.. boy.. that's nuts!! So as I checked in my bags, I was told I had 2 free bags and had to pay for the other one, which is fine with me because mom had paid 50 bucks for her two bags and I was prepared to pay at least that amount. NO JOKE they said it would be $200 bucks!! what???!!! I ended up pleading with them and they gave it to me for free.. thank goodness too because I would have had to choose between my pillows or my shoes... and no girl wants to do that!<br />
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On the flight by 6:00 p.m. on our way to Atlanta.. 3 miles later we find our gate and had just enough time to split a chicken quesadilla at the nearest cafe. We boarded our flight at 10 on a great big 767. It had a movie screen in the head rest in front of us and the seats were comfortable. Comfortable for the first 30 min at least. We soon found out that our seats didn't recline.. at all really.. ugh. <br />
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It's about 11:00 and dinner was served, but we won't eat airline food so we were sure to bring huge bags of nothing but snacks!! I used the wrong bathroom.. apparently that toilet is for business class pee only. sheesh. Didn't stop the next 200 people from using it after me but nooooo... they never got sassed about it as i did. :)<br />
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1:30 a.m. one movie watched, a few games played.. I'm exhausted. My seat still won't recline.. but thank goodness the people in front of us could recline.. ALL the way back... "perfect" now i can't reach any of my snacks AND i can't go to sleep. :) Mom and I wiggled about as much as anyone could wiggle trying to find a comfortable spot.. never worked. <br />
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2:30 I can see the sun start coming up sooo pretty.. we aren't even over the ocean yet. That really put things into perspective that we will be on this plane for a long time still!!! <br />
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4:30. Nothing to do but laugh because we are sooo tired.. and our butts are numb, we are tangled up in the two blankets, two pillows, two neck pillows that we had plus the big pink comfy blanket that was a gift. That one was our top blanket and the others over our shoulders because it's about the size of a dinner napkin. Later when the lights came on though I had pink fuzzies all over my black dress and it was comical then. I think a light bulb would have made us laugh at that point. <br />
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5:30. Thank Goodness!!! Only 30 minutes to go!! I can see London on the airmap and the altitude is going down.. *PA announcement* "The air traffic control has just notified us that we need to enter into a Hold pattern until the traffic has cleared" so we figure 8'ed a 767 for another 30 minutes until we were finally cleared to land. <br />
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6:30 at the Jetway! Halla freakin Luya! <br />
<br />
Filled out our customs cards.. which for obvious sleep deprived reasons, we couldn't get our names right. About the 3rd time we got in line and were asked the questions.. He was very discrete about interrogating me without making me feel interrogated. He asked where we were staying, how long, where we were from, how long Bryan's been here, what base.. stuff like that and we both got the big stamp of approval and off we go to find our luggage. "oh please oh please" let it be here!!! YEAY!! There they were, just like we had left them. :) getting your luggage is always a joyous occasion if you have ever had yours stolen, lost, or shipped to another country by accident. :)<br />
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Off to another customs area with our luggage. To claim or not to claim.. hmm.. NOT, so we go through that door, which joined in with the other doors.. hmm.. this is weired.. ok. so we walk through.. passed empty desks, with empty chairs.. with no employees, and there was the exit. WOW.. those customs patrols are very laxed considering the hooooey I had to go through getting these dogs over there. Seriously?? Not even a question of liquor or cuban cigars?? OOOH well I soon forgot that when I saw Bryan waving through the crowd.<br />
<br />
What a moment... I loved him wrapping his arms around me and huggin me. Not the lift me off my feet and swing me around like every girl dreams of but it was still great all the same :)<br />
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We went outside. and BAM Cold AIR! To my friends back in Louisiana.. do you remember what 50 degrees feels like??? Yep that's here. Felt great! and immeadiately saw a double decker bus driving on the wrong side.. and even though I knew I would see that, it still takes you a second to comprehend what your seeing. But also, it has been over 24 hours since I slept.. and when I did sleep that night it was only for 4 hours. so. My brain is a little frazzled.<br />
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We get into this jeep thingie.. and drive. and drive. and drive.. and the occasional screaming and holding on for my life in a roundie bout thingie we drive for about 3 hours. It has now been 28 hours since we woke up on Wed morning. Hungry, tired, and still had to get things into the house and shower and unpack enough to find underwear. <br />
<br />
Bryan went to the commissary while we showered up and got into bed. The Master bedroom is on the third floor while the other 2 1/2 bedrooms are on the second floor. the staircase is steep and carpeted and you have to be very careful coming down as the steps are narrow... as I learned this morning as I went down an entire flight on my backside really hurting my shoulder in the process.. I think my hand instinctively held it's place on the rail as the rest of me flew downward. Anyways.. the dogs are very happy to see me and they were in their kennels on the first floor in the kitchen.. and i finally crawl into bed. *bark*.. *bark, yelp*.. *bark* *BARK BARK BARK*. It's Oscar.. so I go downstairs and put a blanket into their kennel.. back upstairs.. *BARK BARK BARK* UGH!!! Back down I go.. three flights.. again.. grab the bed, the blanket, and the Sandy and go back upstairs.. right to sleep they go and I can finally get to sleep.. about 1/2 hour later Bryan comes home from the Commissary and "thump, yelp, and Hollering" Bryan had just found Sandy under the blanket on the floor. I'm UP! AGain!! <br />
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It's now been 30 hours since we have slept and I just can't hardly take anymore interruptions! I get about another 1/2 hour of sleep and someone had to pee so I get sandy, and climb down the stairs let them out in the cold rain.. and off to bed again.. till about another 4 hours and again, someone had to pee. Down I go.. Up I go.. back to sleep and I wasn't moving till I was ready.. it's settled!<br />
<br />
It's Morning!!!<br />
<br />
wake up! Happy Happy I'm in my new house!!! Bryan and some friends did a lot of work I know but the place is still completely unmanageable by my standards. So we immediately get to work. Started in the living room and mom started in the kitchen.. worked our way up the second floor bedrooms and finally up to the third. There is still another months worth of work to do, but I will get it done!! <br />
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Things are def different here. The washing machine is also a dryer.. and it has taken about 4 hours to wash and dry one load of 4 towels. I think it's still going in there. The freezer has 3 tiny drawers and no ice maker, or places to put ice cube trays.. but that will change. definitely. The toilets have two buttons, for water conservation. You can use your imagination which button is for what. The land plots are tiny, and so are the rooms.. But It's still about 1100 square feet I think. The houses are set directly on the streets and it's a random street design, no block style streets here. You can leave all the windows and doors open right now and that's just right by me if you've ever been in my house it is always cold. <br />
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It's about 6:00 here, so about 12:00 noon back home and we are getting ready to cook dinner. The puppies have worn themselves out and Oscar is snoring under the blanket. It's about 60 degrees out and thankfully hasn't rained today like yesterday. I haven't been to do any site seeing today but that's just as well since I don't want to do ANY traveling for a day or two. <br />
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Pictures are coming soon, I left my smart-card to the camera back in Shreveport. DUH! But I promise I will put some up soon. That's it for now everyone!! I miss you all :) But I'm happy and having a good time so far!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-26343038595103483772010-08-25T00:00:00.000-07:002010-08-25T00:00:06.845-07:00THE BIG DAY IS HERE!!!In about 15 hours I will be on a plane!! I can't hardly believe it! Today my grandma came over and we cooked weenies on the grill and swam. It felt so great!! I've been packing my suitcase for weeks it feels and still I have more to squeeze in it. I feel for the poor guy who opens it and finds he can't close it again!!<br />
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I'll be leaving about 4:30 Wed night and won't arrive till about 1 pm on Thursday in London. I have plenty of snacks and stuff for the flight.. so many in fact I am nervous about the size of my carry-on!! Maybe I should downsize a bit. haha.<br />
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Tonight I went out with a very special friend and played pool. I will never forget all the fun times we had together. Again saying goodbye was hard, but tonight I left with a big fat smile on my face knowing that all the memories are good ones and I can take that with me wherever I go in the future.<br />
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It is late, and I don't have much else to report on tonight!! Next blog will be from England :) Thank you to everyone who have given me so many well-wishes and sweet notes over the past few weeks. And also for joining in on my countdown! It's been fun to share it with you all.<br />
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Love You!!<br />
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c7Itceyh9Dg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c7Itceyh9Dg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-29496425806241905082010-08-22T20:34:00.000-07:002010-08-22T20:34:21.596-07:002 MORE DAYSWow. What an emotional day. I woke up with an ache in my stomach foreseeing all the goodbyes ahead of me in a few hours. I wasn't sure how to prepare myself for all the smiling faces, and well-wishes while my heart was breaking. I pulled into the parking lot and had to remind myself to breathe. I stepped out into the muggy Louisiana morning and walked my way up to the sanctuary double doors.. and I can see my reflection in the glass. I thought to myself to just count to 100 if I feel the tears swelling up in my eyes.. and if that didn't work, count every other number.. and then backwards as a last resort. The sermon was one of the best I have ever heard. "You are God's Mouthpiece." I heard several times. I felt just like one of the examples he gave about a man who wasn't informed enough on God's word to feel he could share his word to others. He had no knowledge of the bible because he couldn't read and his education level was non-existent if I remember correctly. Of course, I'm not just like him.. but I shy away from outwardly spreading God's word because I fear I don't have the knowledge to back my thoughts up. I have many FB "friends" who often share scriptures and thoughts.. always in a positive way. And I thank them. And then there are a few that criticize others for "claiming their a Christian and can't back it up" and it just added to my insecurities. Truth is, now I believe, that if you accept Christ into your heart, you are a Christian. Plain and simple. The pastor also said that we all use more than our Hands and Feet when it comes to the "spiritual gifts" we've been given. (there will be a class on this soon, and I wish I could go.) Because of my shyness, I found other ways to reach out to others. Without having to actually do a lot of witnessing of my faith face-to-face. I joined in at VBS, which I loved. I gave more than I could afford for my tithe each month. I put in a lot of time into the Mangum's FB page and photography and Easter program as the bunny. But while all of that made ME feel like I was doing enough.. today I realized that I need to do more. So this blog is my first, real, mouthpiece experience. It might be a lot of jibber jabber to some, but it is a big step for me.<br />
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I have grown so much while being a part of that family that saying goodbye today was really tough. Last hugs. Knowing in my heart that some I spoke with today might not be there next time I visit. I looked around the church and remembered all the fun times I had. Hanging on the rope that rang the big church bell as class came to an end and squealing as it yanked my feet of the ground because I was so little. I remember sitting in the children Sunday school class making stained class windows out of crayon wax shavings, wax paper, and an iron. I was so proud of that. I remember watching all the grown men play basketball during the week in the gym when Grandma drug me to folk dancing groups once a week. I always dreaded going, but once they did the chicken dance I was so happy I went. I remember the huge hamburger pick-nicks in the park behind the church, so many people around we had to eat standing up sometimes. My Wedding to Bryan was in this church.. the same Isle that led me to the love of my life, also led me to know God. And for that I will forever be thankful.<br />
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I know that when I was baptized there, this congregation made a promise to me. That they would support me, and watch me grow, and lead me to a life of Christ. And each and every one of them kept that promise.<br />
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So thank you Mangum, from the bottom of my heart. I will always be thinking of you, no matter where I am.<br />
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<3 you.<br />
<br />
So I leave you with this song...<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PhNEnkTiYJ8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PhNEnkTiYJ8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-80124583293184088192010-08-21T19:36:00.000-07:002010-08-21T19:36:58.238-07:003 DAYS TO GOTimes ticking away! Today will be the last Saturday living here in Shreveport. I rode with the top down at sunset driving home on the familiar roads from Brookshires with some chicken and coke and hot pockets. I spent most of the day cleaning up things around the house, adding to the ever growing box of things I forgot to add to the shipment of house hold goods 7 weeks ago. Tomorrow will be my last Sunday service too at Mangum. It's hard to balance the amount of joy in moving overseas with my husband with the ache in my stomach of realizing all the "lasts" I'm going through. I have to just keep reminding myself to enjoy every moment God gives me with the people I love in the time I've been given. Yesterday I pulled out the prayer of Jabez to quote on Mangums Facebook page, and I forgot how wonderful of a little book that is. If you've never read it, you should. It only takes about 2 hours... well.. it took me two hours.. I'm slow.. and it changed the way I prayed forever. Anyways, I got lost in the pages once again remembering where I first read it. I was sitting in the lobby of the most fantastic hotel I've ever been in while in Baton Rouge waiting on my mom to come from a job interview many years ago now.. I was on a wooden bench that wasn't comfortable sitting in front of a Koy Pond with all kinds of trees in the middle of this hotel. I was in my own place for those few hours. Mom had let me order a 12 dollar personal pizza the size of a saucer plate and I was so excited! It even came with one of those silver covers you see at fancy dinners on TV. It's funny how something as simple as a book can take you back to such vivid memories. I would have forgotten all about that normally if I hadn't have found that book.<br />
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Bryan has had to work nearly all weekend, so needless to say he hasn't done much unpacking. :) Wonder if that was his master plan all along. wink wink. ah.. I know he's doing the best he can with it all. And I really don't mind that I'll be doing a lot of the unpacking once I arrive.. it's just as well, he and I both know I'll be rearranging things anyway! hehe.<br />
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I've got my camera batteries charging and will be carrying it with me on the plane so I can snap some photography if I come across something obviously captivating. I know I definitely want to get a few in the airports and on the plane.. maybe.. idk, now that I think about it.. It will look kind of strange my taking pictures on the plane. k. ex that idea!<br />
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I also got my carry on tote ready arranged just so for easy reaching in and grabbing of necessary snacks and games and such. Thanks to the New Seekers Class at church I am all set with games and snacks and magazines along with a neck pillow thingie and a blanket.<br />
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To end tonights blog I'm adding my favorite song of the night..<br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7NJqUN9TClM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7NJqUN9TClM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372223602742052696.post-2027546251809214702010-08-20T23:38:00.000-07:002010-08-20T23:38:44.234-07:004 DAYS TO GO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5rxZjiuM8Br9gsW2gYq2TOdnUgB1ozncMqU-Aq6iFi_JtH_oDnNeBDDs0NUyFpuRUG5_1HsTSodQDcxCinQWjY23_dWnQjZoegTKuSyCgvRSOVJEVCtCO2xkclvMK8Ct68iSVsfTMOqv/s1600/m_516c8b89cc7342c0b06c2e0d5c913b37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5rxZjiuM8Br9gsW2gYq2TOdnUgB1ozncMqU-Aq6iFi_JtH_oDnNeBDDs0NUyFpuRUG5_1HsTSodQDcxCinQWjY23_dWnQjZoegTKuSyCgvRSOVJEVCtCO2xkclvMK8Ct68iSVsfTMOqv/s320/m_516c8b89cc7342c0b06c2e0d5c913b37.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeSo_SDaOdQWXsSjDERyM2x22oKfeu8lju86fKretvobGe5NKj0gDQRXGmMNeRBKuqlBMF-cdRNAWarrj-qyHm4Bl40sY_j3FV4K3hZkmHg6fNwJzkLfhKi6AtvNNPjAOfCj8Q87Q5Ppq/s1600/m_26008267de1945748523e18918e8ebd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeSo_SDaOdQWXsSjDERyM2x22oKfeu8lju86fKretvobGe5NKj0gDQRXGmMNeRBKuqlBMF-cdRNAWarrj-qyHm4Bl40sY_j3FV4K3hZkmHg6fNwJzkLfhKi6AtvNNPjAOfCj8Q87Q5Ppq/s320/m_26008267de1945748523e18918e8ebd2.jpg" /></a>Hi Everyone! Actually no one yet since I just began my blog!! I only have 4 more days to go before I leave for England. My hubby has already found a house and is settling in. The Mutskies, Oscar and Sandy have made the journey over already. They arrived this past Tuesday with wagging tails and tons of kisses. Those two are our mini dachshunds and so far they are capturing the hearts of everyone!! The movers came today with the house shipment that left about 2 months ago from here. So Bryan is doing a lot of unpacking I hope!! I am busy here getting Mom ready for a long trip. She will be joining me on the journey over and staying for a visit of 25 days!! We will be able to do a ton of travel I hope and help me get settled in while Bryan is busy working. It's hard to believe that the time is finally near. I have been talking about leaving for a year now, ever since we found out our next location really. Preparing for the move, packing, shipping.. getting the dogs papers in order, finding a person to help out with that.. getting all the necessary vet work done, etc. Now it's time for me to go and I can hardly contain myself!! These next 4 days are going to drag! But I have a few fun things to look forward to. Sunday will be my last day at Mangum Memorial United Methodist Church for a while and I am going to miss my family there a million times over! *sniff* And Tuesday we are having a family swim/ BBQ at my house for a going away thing. Fun! And then BAM! Wed will be here and we will be boarding the flight to a new chapter in my life! I will consider this portion my preface of my book.. which doesn't have a name.. which isn't really a book.. but you get the idea.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02100941360564776235noreply@blogger.com0