Last Blog Entry

Last blog entry

About half way through this ten hour flight from London to SF. We all sprang for the economy plus seats (66 pounds for 5 extra inches-but because the cabin is so empty it is worth it. I have four empty seats next to me and have stretched out and taken a nap.)

Yesterday we spent most of the day at Windsor. The Queen was not in residence so we did not have tea with her. Otherwise perfect. I think the last time I was at Windsor Castle with Ron, Andrew and Milan was about ten years ago. That would have been after the fire and some of it must have been closed for renovation. Anyway-it’s in wonderful repair now. Just as we arrived we saw the changing of the guard by the Irish troops. I wondered if that had political implications as the police officer was just killed in Ireland. In the lead was a beautiful Irish wolfhound that did not look all that happy to be leading the parade. It’s not as if the Queens Corgi’s are expected to do such menial tasks.

When I get home I promise to put some pictures up on the blog. The last hotel we stayed in charged for internet and that irked us. On our travels we were used to going in any pub and getting a lager or pot of tea and free internet.

Traveling in the off season really has its advantages. The tourist places are so accessible. Yesterday at Windsor I really enjoyed seeing Princess Mary’s doll house with real electricity and working plumbing and dolls given to Elizabeth and Margaret by France complete with wardrobes and accessories. I remember seeing them as a child and they were every bit as fantastic yesterday.

Diane chatted up the staff in red capes and found out the interesting bits. It is nice to gossip with the staff and learn the inside scoop.

Patti bought a Victorian walking stick with a silver head for RT and managed to get it on the plane with no hassle from security. It is wonderful. I bought nothing. It would have been a good time to shop as the dollar is so good against the pound but I did not see anything I wanted.

We spent our last pounds at the shops in Heathrow getting English magazines for the flight. It has been great reading Tatler about the Duke of Marlborough’s fourth wife (he married for the 4th time last year at the age of 82 to a woman 32 years younger.) The good news is that she has lots of money as running Blenheim Palace is an expensive proposition. The cutest little OAP working in the gift shop at Blenheim told us all about this gossip when we were at the palace. She also showed us where their private apartments were (“that little yellow bit where it curves in the front”) from the window in the gift shop. Also the unfortunate bit about his Heir, the 12th Duke of Marlborough who has a drug problem. Apparently the Duke has things arranged so Jamie (his prodigal son by wife #1) will not be able to sell off Blenheim or the palace contents to support his habit. This has happened in the past as earlier Dukes sold off contents of the palace to support their lifestyles.

It’s been a great two weeks in Jolly ‘ol England. I’ve been energized and plan to get home and work in my garden as soon as I recover from jet lag. Looking forward to spending time with Ron, walking Alistair and Fiona, chatting with Andrew on the phone and spending time with friends.

Hello Blog Followers,

As the youngest travelingWAG and driver, I guess I should weigh in with a few thoughts. The trip was wonderful. I got to go back to many places RT, Erik and I had been to during the 4 years we lived there. It was just as beautiful as ever. We went by both of the houses we lived in while in the UK. The one in RAF is being renovated. The whole housing area is under a complete re-do. It looks like it will be very nice when finished. Our house in Bicester town was kind of unrecognizable. They took out the stone fence that was in front of it, and added on/remodeled. It was much cuter before.

It was also great fun driving (really). I felt pretty comfortable after the first day or so. Bev and Diane kept me on the correct side of the road. Being able to do what we wanted on our schedule was worth the few anxieties I experienced during the week. I was excited to get to stay in the Deddington Arms. I spent lots of time in that village when we lived there. Brought back lots of good memories of fun times.

London still feels like home. Nothing much changes there, thank God. I hadn’t been to the Tower of London so that was a highlight for me. I did want at least one bauble from the collection…Oh well, one can dream! I even found one of our old favorite restaurants Toppo Giggio.

Diane was a great organizer with her Rick Steve’s in hand. We saw lots on his walks through London. Had a great boat ride on the Thames, but I won’t go on as you know what we did while there. Old Rick is a great partner in travel, but he has left out the best part of being over 60…Senior Rates. We need to suggest he tell people about it.

Looking forward to getting home to some warm weather!

Cheers,

Patti