DOOR KNOCK SUNDAY

It's over for another year! The Door Knock I mean. The weather report was not good although the cyclone predicted was not due to hit Sydney until late afternoon or evening. Took the umbrella but decided to leave it in the car - a good decision as it wasn't needed. I can't say I really enjoy knocking on doors and asking for monetary donations but knowing it was a for a good cause I began in my allotted area. Sunday mornings are generally 'sleep in' times for so many and 9.30am is probably still far too early for some sleepy-heads - especially if getting to bed was early morning rather than late night for them. On the other hand there are hundreds who are 'up and at it', walking the dog, having breakfast, gardening. On a door knock exercise, you get them all - even those who are in (judging by noises coming from inside the house) but don't bother to answer the doorbell or knock. I must confess I feel slightly aggravated when confronted by this attitude - I would rather have people come and say they didn't want to contribute to the cause, than totally ignore my call. However it does take all kinds to make a world and it would certainly be a very boring place if we all held the same view.

I was assigned an old part of the district, and many who reside here are those who have lived in the same house for maybe 40, 50 years and most remember The Salvation Army because of its association with assistance given during the Depression years and WW2 - others are newcomers to the area having purchased old properties and rebuilt new modern dwellings on the same land. There are lots of 'new Australians' in the area and so language is often a barrier to understanding what is being asked for. The recent downturn in the economy world-wide also has had an effect on what people give. Lots of homes with dogs but only one where I decided not to go through the gate. It was big and loud and definitely quite aggressive - I wasn't prepared to take the risk!

All in all it could be said it was a satisfying experience, for all of those who didn't contribute, there were probably as many who did - and that made it worthwhile. A couple of hundred dollars seems a minute amount when considering the millions it takes to run the programs offered by The Salvation Army in this country but if every collector was able to bring that amount in, then hopefully the target aimed for might be met. I'm praying so!

Blessings!

MISTY RAINY SATURDAY

I could say we were warned - the weather office has been known to be wrong before however it seems this time they were not - although yesterday was grey and overcast I did manage to get two loads of washing dry on the line. Saturday is normally my big washing day so with the weather forecast in mind, I tried to get it out of the way. It was a good feeling last night to know there wasn't too much more to be done. That said, and with the prospect of more rain for the next week, I did a load more this morning and have had to resort to putting it through the dryer. (Here in Australia - and New Zealand, we use outdoor clothes lines most of the time).

The reason weather is on my mind is because tomorrow I'll be out volunteering for The Salvation Army annual Red Shield Door Knock. DH and I usually do a few hours walking miles (it seems) asking for donations which go towards running all the programs which the Salvo's operate for those less fortunate.

The city of Perth in Western Australia has had a very bad cyclone through it during the week causing huge amounts of damage to roofs, houses and trees. The weather office are predicting that same cyclone to reach us here on the eastern coast tomorrow! I'd say we could be in for wet tails as we trail around from door to door.

Oh well, I'm off to have lunch - not burned this time - just yummy chicken vegetable soup freshly made this morning. Yum!

Blessings!

CHIT CHAT

I was very comfortable this morning, warm in bed and listening to the early news on the radio when I was jolted out of my snuggery by the telephone ringing. I reached over to get the handset only to find a nothingness with the ringing still happening in the other handset. I leaped out of bed but missed the call by a hair's breadth! Called the number back - it was daughter - grandson L4 had been unwell through the night and was still sleeping - could I come to her place while she took E6 to school! I scurried! That was the start of my day!

The weather is coolish - as one would expect when it's only a day or two off the beginning of winter here 'down under' and sprinkling with rain. We've had downpours over the last 24 hours enough to almost fill the pool - which is good - we need it badly. The morning has had patches of brightness amongst the showers but basically its a bit of a dull day here in Sydney-town.

Occasionally I remember to go into my email provider and clear my inbox of all the unwanted stuff that accumulates. I was a bit surprised to find I had over 3000 emails there! It's been a long job but I've now only got just over 200 left - things I need to go back to - one day I'll get around to doing that. Many of the messages are from people who've made contact with me about our family history lines. It just needs me to make sure I've copied all of their information and saved it before I delete their original messages -

oh no! I smell burning - I intend to treat myself to one of my most favourite foods for lunch today - a total break from my recent eating plan - a grilled croissant filled with ham, cheese and avocado! The griller is burning it - nevermind - I turf that one into the garbage and retrieve another from the freezer.

I've popped it under the griller - I'm salivating at the thought of eating it. Oh Not Again!! I can't believe I've done that twice...

I have to run before the smoke alarm goes off!

Blessings!

LAST DAYS WITH THE TEXAS CONNECTION

The following days passed too quickly. With the children at their respective schools during the week, we had time to wander through shops, sit in the sun, more shops. The wildflowers of Texas are so beautiful - they grow along the sides of highways, out on sidewalk gardens, in ‘yet unbuilt on’ parts of new housing areas. Beautiful bluebonnets, evening primrose, pretty coloured daisy varieties, Indian paintbrush - all so brilliant and showing God’s handiwork in colour. The school where Grand-daughter A11 (soon to graduate for Middle School) attends, has a wildflower garden - DIL had provided them with seed of red bluebonnet flowers which had been growing in her garden, and they were also blooming amongst the other varieties. So, so pretty. A visit to the school during lunchtime allowed me to photograph some of them. A11’s classmates also had the opportunity to taste some ’down under’ Vegemite on crackers as well as a chocolate ’Freddo Frog’! One afternoon was spent watching Grandson A13 playing tennis against another school team. Considering he had only been playing for about a month, he did extremely well - but then he is a born sportsman and does well at most sports - just like his Dad and Grandpa!

Son took a day off work and took his Dad out to the ‘range’ - DIL and I presumed they meant the golf practice range. When they got back we were informed that it was the shooting range - they weren’t sure what my reaction would be if I’d known beforehand! In Australia it is illegal to carry guns unless you have a licence to do so - for instance police officers carry them on duty. I have never been able to get my head around the idea of people having guns in their homes (let alone carrying them). However Son has become quite proficient at shooting as a hobby and every so often goes with a group to areas specifically for the purpose of shooting wildlife. Son and a friend had a great morning ‘teaching’ Dad how to shoot targets! Of course got a photo for posterity! LOL

Sitting out on the deck some afternoons I was fascinated by the red cardinal birds who appeared to be nesting somewhere close by. The male, so vibrant in colour and his paler little mate would fly from tree to tree gathering nest-building material. I managed to get a photo of him but his back was turned - they are so quick and the trees so large it was difficult to just get the ‘perfect’ shot. Other cheeky birds were bolder and came closer to the house. Feeders for hummingbirds were hung during the week with great excitement when the first one came to drink. I managed to see one at quite a distance and was amazed at the minute size. Such amazing little birds!

Red Cardinal

Texas wildflowers Red Bonnets

Our son had purchased a shade sail to put up over his newly built deck - Dad came in handy with suggestions of what was needed to erect it and assisting to buy the necessary equipment then helping to get it up. It certainly made a big difference to the area and with a new outdoor setting gifted, outdoor meals and lounging during the summer months should be more comfortable this year.

The night before we left, we were treated to a great meal at The Salt Lick BBQ restaurant a little distance outside of Austin. The weather was warm and meeting with friends ensured a very memorable evening. We were sad to be leaving the family the next morning but all good holidays come to an end and in many ways it felt good to be going back home and sleeping in our own bed again.

The family at The Salt Lick

Resident peacock at The Salt Lick

Our flight back to Los Angeles was uneventful and we arrived there about 1pm - our flight to Sydney Australia wasn't due out until 10.30pm that night and as we didn't fancy sitting around the airport for all those hours, we took a bus to Westwood Village, near to UCLA and spent a couple of hours wandering around the area. Before we headed back to the airport we had coffee and cake at a little coffee shop. It was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.

We were quite excited to know that the aircraft we were to fly in back to Sydney was a new A380 - what a huge machine! Fortunate also to have seats in a row which enabled DH to stretch his legs out in front of him - a treat indeed when travelling economy class!

Our son was at the airport to meet us when we arrived at 6.30am the next morning and once home and unpacked, sad to say it didn't take long to get back into the 'normal everyday' mode! Still we were grateful for good health and safe travels all the way around the world - I know our Heavenly Father had something to do with that!

FAMILY - here we come!

As soon as we reached the airport from the coach, we made for the airline desk and found we were able to check in and get our boarding passes for the morning’s flight. That saved us a good hour of extra ‘sleep in’ time and what was to have been a 3.30am wake up call! After checking in to the hotel we did a quick ‘re-pack’ of our bags - we tried to put equal weight in each to save any problems at weigh in the next morning, then in the early evening after a short walk from the hotel we found a typical English ‘pub’ and had a nice meal before settling back in our room for the night.

After boarding the shuttle bus from the hotel, we made it in very good time to the airport by about 4.45am. Our bags checked in, we had plenty of time to make for the departure gate at 6.30am. It was rather sad to be leaving England - we’d had a marvellous time there - but we were excited about meeting the family again. It had been some years since we had all met and we were so looking forward to catching up with our grandchildren and with the new puppy addition to their family.

Sidney

We had a long day of flying ahead of us. From London Heathrow, our next stop was Frankfurt, Germany. Our flight was very smooth and we landed in Frankfurt on time. Because it was still so early in the day, with few shops even open, we made our way to the departure gate to wait. And wait we did. Our boarding time came and went, and so did our departure time. Eventually we were loaded on to the plane an hour and a half late. We were soon told the reason - the smoke and ash from the volcano in Iceland had begun to create havoc with air traffic - planes were being diverted and consequently late in arriving at their destination. We were so fortunate we were able to leave when we did - we saw the dirty brown ash line as we flew south of England and on towards the USA. Our next stop was Los Angeles where we had to clear Customs and Immigration before we could board a domestic flight to Texas and because of our late departure, we were very much afraid we would miss our connecting flight. However, all went well and we were able to reach our departure terminal without further problems. We arrived in Texas on time but feeling very weary - it had been about 27 hours since we had left London - but even the heavy rain falling couldn’t dampen our feelings of excitement in meeting our family again.

Our DIL Rachel had made arrangements for me to go with her and some friends to a Womens Bible Conference being held in North Austin. We were to overnight at an hotel to save travelling once the Friday night session had finished and so the next morning I found myself packing my small cabin bag again with what I would need for the next couple of days. Lisa had already picked up Liz when she called for us in her vehicle and the four of us set off, excited about hearing speakers who were coming from California. It was a pleasant drive and although showery, the temperature was comfortable - which was rather enjoyable after the cooler UK days. Sheri Silk and Kim Walker-Smith were exciting speakers and kept the attention of the women during their sessions. Kim, a multi-talented young woman was the guest soloist on the Friday night and all who were there were thrilled at not only her voice but her Spirit-filled presence in praise and worship. Getting back to the hotel at the close of the session, it seemed rather strange to be sleeping in a room with three other women but the Lord took care of all the details and I think we all got our fair share of sleep without disturbance from any stray snores!

Rachel & me

Breakfast at the hotel then a ‘high maintenance’ call to a popular coffee shop to ensure we all were ‘wide awake’ and ready for the day. Another talented soloist, Bethany Martin accompanying herself on the piano, brought us into the Lord’s presence ready to worship. All too soon it was over - animated discussion while travelling back held our attention and in no time it seemed we were back to our family and catching up with what they had done while we’d been away. It was only just over 24 hours since we’d left but much ‘God Glorifying’ had been packed into those hours. I was so very grateful I had been asked to go - thanks Rachel, Lisa and Liz!

IPSWICH

The beautiful countryside passed by quickly and after a couple of hours we arrived in Henley, a hamlet just outside Ipswich, West Suffolk, at the home of our second cousins. It was lovely to see them again after nearly 20 years. We were quickly given lunch and headed off to spend a litte time at the Abbey of St Edmund ruins at Bury.

Abbey Ruins

Abbey Gardens

About a half hours drive from Henley, the market town of St Edmundsbury had a village atmosphere with the cathedral just outside a large shopping centre. The cathedral was once among the richest Benedictine monasteries in England. The cathedral is surrounded by the Abbey Gardens where the gardens were a vivid mass of colour. While meandering through the park-like gardens, a squirrel caught our eye climbing down a tree trunk quite close to the ground. We stopped to photograph it and it hopped down to the path and sat quite close to Fiona (cousin’s daughter) who had come with us. It was quite tame and fascinating to us as we don’t have them living in the southern hemisphere. Inside the cathedral we were able to see the beautiful ceiling of the new spire. The addition commenced in 2000, and has only recently been completed. Our day finished with a lovely meal and an evening spent with the family catching up with family news.

Next morning after breakfast we headed off to the university town of Cambridge which was north west about 71 kilometres (44 miles)from Ipswich. With little parking available in the township, large ‘park and ride’ areas are available for all day parking on the outskirts. We rode into town on a double decker bus taking in all the sights en route.

Views of Cambridge

This ancient town of colleges, museums, market street stalls, provides contrasting historic buildings with modern shopping venues. The town was crowded, with an obvious predominance of students and bicycles as well as large tourist coaches, visitors spilling out all along Kings Parade. As with many of these historic places, tour company employees bustled amongst the crowds touting their own special tours as being ‘the best’ or ‘the cheapest’. We were happy to continue our way through the narrow streets - we had an excellent guide showing us the magnificent buildings. Trinity and Kings Colleges, the Fitzwilliam Museum, ancient houses all had their appeal, and a wander along the River Cam was also a highlight with the beautiful cherry trees blooming right alongside.

We stopped for lunch at a little ’church’ café tucked along from the museum, where organic food was served at very reasonable rates. A short meal stop was an ideal way in which to rest our weary feet. We were soon ready to move on again and browsed the market stalls before heading for the ’park and ride’ again to pick up the car and head back to Henley.

A quick change and we were ready to be taken out for a delicious meal at an Ipswich Italian restaurant. We were helping Margaret and Magnus with their family, celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. What a lovely occasion to be sharing with them. We did enjoy the evening. Our time with these lovely people was all too short - in the morning we had another fairly early start to the coach station. Only one more day in England before we left to fly to Texas to meet with our son, daughter in law and two grandchildren.

We were ready to meet the coach when it arrived and we boarded and commenced our journey from Ipswich to Heathrow Airport. It was a miserable day so we were pleased we weren’t on a sight-seeing mission. After one stop half way to change coaches, we arrived at Heathrow about 1.30pm. We had booked a hotel room as we had a very early flight check in. This would ensure an early night and a short distance to the airport tomorrow.

WORTHING

Arundel Castle

When we lived in Zambia a number of years ago, we got to know Carol and David and their family of three kids. They have remained very dear to us and we were so happy to be able to stay with them during our time in England. They met us at Luton airport and we were quickly on our way to the very south of England, not far from Brighton. A beautiful sunny day to drive through the lush countryside. After dropping our luggage at their home, they took us to a lovely café right on the beach where we ate a scrumptious lunch. Leaving the coast, a short drive took us to the restored medieval Arundel Castle, founded by Roger de Montgomery on Christmas Day 1067 during the reign of William the Conqueror. It was build as a fortification for the mouth of the River Arun and a defensive position for the surrounding land against invasion from the Continent. From the 11th century onward the castle has served as a hereditary stately home and has been in the family of the Duke of Norfolk for over 800 years. Standing high on a hill, it towers over the tiny village below. Antique shops seemed to be predominant in this little precinct and we took our time and wandered from one to the next, browsing for that special bargain we might find. Sadly we didn’t make any purchases but it was an enjoyable afternoon. The next day was a ‘catch up’ day for laundry after which we drove into Worthing township to post mail and generally have a look around. A beautiful birthday celebration meal for Louise, prepared by our host (her mum) was a special time for their family, and we were privileged to be included. DH says Carol is the best cook around and her pavlova is wonderful! (I’d have to agree).

Some time ago I had made contact by email, through a genealogy website, with a lady who was descended from the Double family - as DH is. We discovered through corresponding that we had quite a lot in common and have continued to keep in touch. It was most fortunate that she lives only a few miles from Worthing and before leaving Australia we had made arrangements to meet with her. She drove and met us and took us to her home for a cup of coffee and a ‘catch up’ before taking us to lunch to Highdown House, a little gem just three miles west of Worthing and tucked in amongst beautiful gardens. This lovely peaceful garden with views out to sea is a real horticulturalists delight. So many rare and unusual varieties flourish at Highdown that the entire garden has been declared a national collection. Being a beautifully sunny day and after a delicious ‘roast dinner’ from the carvery, we spent time wandering through this beautiful little oasis with its blossoming trees and beautiful ponds and spring flowers.

The road leading to Highdown House

The next morning a bleak wind had sprung up but we received a very warm welcome at the church service we attended which made up for the chill outside. Monday morning we were sad to leave these dear friends. Again we were driven to our next ‘port of call’ - Ipswich.

ABERDEEN

On the way to Balmoral

Wednesday dawned bright and sunny which was rather nice for our drive to Balmoral castle a couple of hours away. We were still ‘rugged up’ though despite the warmth in the lovely car. The scenery once we were away from the Aberdeen township was just as I imagined it to be. Small villages, mainly grey granite houses with people bustling about their everyday lives. Passing miles of fields we were rather fascinated by the number of mole holes with farmers apparently trying to get rid of the offending animals. We don’t have moles in our part of the world so this was something quite new for us. Tiny stone cottages dotted the countryside along the way with forest trees lining both sides of the roadway for much of the way. Close to Balmoral we caught glimpses of mountains still with the snowline quite low. Apparently the week before our arrival, Aberdeen and its surroundings had suffered quite a nasty blizzard.

DH and our Scottish host at the bridge

The entrance to the castle was across a bridge over the River Dee and down a short walk to the gates all hidden from the main road. A quick ride behind a tractor brought us up to the back part of the castle where we were let out to roam in the various display rooms. Examples of birds and animals were on show as well as carriages which had been used in bygone days by the royal family. Inside one area of the castle itself was a large room where many items were displayed including different dresses the Queen had worn on many important occasions, china, photographs, all manner of memorabilia which was most interesting.

DH and I outside the main Castle gates

Balmoral Castle

A small amount of snow lay on the ground and DH took great delight in rolling himself a small snowball and throwing it at me. It missed, but I caught it on camera - for posterity’s sake of course, you understand! We roamed around the gift shop and had a beautiful lunch in the little café. The drive back to Aberdeen seemed quicker - doesn’t it always on the return journey? We had time though to change and have a refreshing ‘cuppa’ before heading out to a lovely Chinese restaurant for an early dinner before we attended the stage show “Sound of Music”. Talk about being treated like royalty! We certainly were - we were so grateful to our new friends for their generosity!

Our time in Aberdeen seemed so short and the next morning we were away again towards the airport by 7.15am to fly back to London where we were being met by more friends. How fortunate are we?

WORTH A LOOK

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Blessings!

CANTERBURY AND CHARTWELL

Bluebells at Winston Churchill's home "Chartwell"

At least Easter Monday was dry - but the wind was still very chilly. We set off to drive to Canterbury - a drive of a couple of hours. The English countryside is magnificent - green and lush with Spring daffodils, primrose, crocus, jonquils, anenomes and ranuculi brilliant splashes of colour as we drove through both tiny, narrow lanes and huge, wide motorways.

The Old Weavers House A.D.1500

Canterbury is no less historic than so much of the United Kingdom. Buildings in the main street dating back to 1500 and still at least from the outside, looked in quite good condition. Painted boards outside the different establishments were fascinating. The Cricketers and The Old Weavers House A.D.1500, only two which took my eye. We had visited Canterbury a number of years ago and had seen inside the cathedral so our first stop was for lunch - a modern little Italian restaurant - quite a contrast in architecture right outside the cathedral entrance. Leading to the cathedral gate, a small circular courtyard was surrounded by old looking shops with ‘busker’s’ performing beside a fenced off monument in the centre.

Busker outside Canterbury Cathedral

We wandered through the main street, battling against the bitterly cold wind and back to the car. On our way again to “Chartwell” the home of Winston Churchill, so famous during the second World War. Unfortunately it was too early in the season for much of the garden (which the home is quite famous for) to be out in bloom but the flowering bulbs were an absolute ‘show’. Loved the vibrant bluebells and particularly the Lenten Rose which I had never seen before but grows from a tuber and blooms during the period of Lent.

Lenten Rose

"Chartwell"

Churchill was a prolific painter and his studio has been preserved as a gallery for the public to view. Interesting pieces were on show which over the years had been given to him as gifts. A short drive and we were back ‘home’ to where we were staying. We were grateful for time to ‘get our suitcases in order’ as we had a very early start the next morning - taxi arriving at 4am to drive us to Luton airport - bound for Aberdeen in bonny Scotland. An early night indeed!

The chair from which Winston Churchill painted

LONDON! again

Easter Sunday dawned just as cold wet and blustery as the day before had been however we were'nt detered and not willing to let it stop us, we rugged up with almost as many clothes as we had taken with us and set off again for London town.

Walked (it seemed) for miles from the station to the Millenium Bridge where the wind was icy and cut through us despite the layers of 'woolies'! Stopped for a few seconds on the bridge to take a couple of photos while fellow travellers (mostly joggers in clothing not suited to the weather) passed us by. St Paul's cathedral in front of us we made our way as quickly as possible toward it. Again, being a tourist venue, and especially being Easter Sunday, hundreds of people were milling around. The most lovely cherry tree was blossoming right opposite this austere building and made a great photo.

We sat for quite some time inside the cathedral waiting for the service to begin. Just looking around and admiring the wonderful building was really enough. Wondered how such a landmark had escaped ruin during the second World War when large buildings just a few metres from it did not. What architecture and presence! It was lovely and warm inside - enough to start shedding the layers!

Mattins was very regal in procession. So much gold! My eyes goggled at the sight. Sounds from the choir as they snaked their way to their seats was glorious! I guess the actual service was rather surprising to me in its formality - not being used to such high church! (Ours - The Salvation Army - is very casual by comparison - and might I say, much happier). The Bishop of London spoke very well for about 10 minutes and the procession wound its way back again - I guess to get ready for the next service which was an hour away.

We walked to the tube station behind St Paul's, viewed the glorious daffodils planted in street gardens, and quickly boarded a train to Oxford Street. On finding The Salvation Army's Regent Hall corps (church) we stepped inside to catch the end of the message, then stayed for a welcome cup of coffee with other people attending. Found a small but very cosy restaurant where we ate excellent food and took respite from the bleak weather conditions outside.

Earlier in the day we had decided we would stay and check out a few more of the London sights but this plan was fairly quickly changed. Being Easter Sunday, the large shops were not open so after wandering down Regent Street for a short while, decided to head back to our accommodation to get out of the cold.

The train was warm, and a comfortable 40 minute train ride with a short brisk walk 'home' saw us back inside about mid afternoon. We were looking forward to driving to Canterbury tomorrow.

LONDON! Here we come

Our flight took us from Sydney through Hong Kong, Munich and on to London. On arrival at Heathrow the sun was brilliant although it was very cold outside. The roadsides out of the airport were covered in bright golden daffodils - Spring! They were beautiful!

Good Friday dawned cold, wet, windy and miserable! Some might say 'typical London' however we did venture out to our church service and we were so glad we did. Staying with friends was great - and we were blessed on both counts.

Easter Saturday we got 'rugged up' and got the train into London town, arriving at Charing Cross station. Walked (it seemed forever) to get to the London Eye. Passed 10 Dowling Street on the way and had our photo taken next to the horse guardsman on duty - stoic as ever. The wind was cutting as we walked across the Westminster Bridge after passing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It felt exciting just being there. So many people - tourists - doing exactly as we were doing! Tour bus touts everywhere trying to persuade people to buy their tickets.

Queues for miles - for tickets to go on the 'Eye' - for getting on to the 'Eye' and for getting food in the precinct. Security was tight - random frisk searches of people before entering the 'pod' and on exiting after the ride was over, employees rushed in with brooms and mirrors on long poles and carried out thorough inspections of the pod before the next lot of people got in.

What a view! We got into 'our' pod after 11am and by then the rain had eased - the keen wind helped to make the view a little clearer. Now I don't like heights - planes are OK but high buildings? No sir! I was so surprised then to find that on the London Eye for me at least, there was absolutely no sensation of movement or indeed height. Even though, through the clear floor, one could see down to the ground to the people looking like tiny ants, I still didn't get that awful feeling of being up high. I knew I was, but didn't get the sensation of it. Was great! Fabulous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, all the memorable bridges across the River Thames, Whitehall Court, St Pauls Cathedral were all seen clearly from above. Even as far as Hyde Park and Wembley Stadium and some quite new and modern looking buildings such as the Tower 42 and the 'egg' shaped Swiss RE Headquarters were easily identifiable.

After lunching at the Golden Arches which was located almost right under the Eye, we walked again to the tube station and planning to have a wander around Covent Garden Markets, hopped on the underground tube train to take us there. On exiting the tube station at Covent Gardens, we noticed a tiny shop 'booth' selling half price theatre tickets. Now DH has always wanted to see the stage show of 'Les Miserable' and after enquiring whether there were seats available at the matinee show that day, we rushed around to the Queens theatre and purchased two of the last 5 available. We were in! It was kind of exciting to think we were going to a show in London's West End. While wandering around the streets there waiting until we could get into the theatre, I was thinking about the image one gets about some of these old places. I had always imagined the West End to be something very special (and to many I'm sure it is) however my impression was that of it being rather dowdy and untidy. I guess at night with the many lights twinkling it would become a different atmosphere altogether but for me, on that afternoon, I just didn't get the feeling of 'special-ness' I had always imagined it to be.

The show by comparison was wonderful and although the story was rather depressing in it's own way, we did enjoy it.

After it was over, we were able to wend our way back through the tubes to Charing Cross station again and eventually back to where were were staying. And even if we were chilled through, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable day. We were looking forward to the next day - Easter Sunday - going back again.

I'M BACK

A month since I posted - where has that time gone. Well at least I'm back now and my wonderful holiday is behind me. I'm planning to relive it all again when I scrapbook my photographs.

Will be back soon to tell all.

Blessings friend!