June 13 - 14, 2010 - London

Greetings All,

After a crazy drive to London (I think we jinxed ourselves) we arrived at John and Adrienne's Friday night to dog sit. They headed off to France on Saturday, while we spent the day relaxing and doing some food shopping.

Sunday June 13th. We headed off to the Marylebone Summer Fayre. This festival is a fund raiser for teenage cancer. Marylebone is a village within the city of London located just off Oxford Street. From the flat we took the tube to Oxford Circus and then walked around the Fayre taking in the sites and sounds. We stopped for lunch at a pub just off Oxford Street called the Lamb and Flag. A pub that has been in place since the 1850's. I had a great ploughmans sandwich,(ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato and branston pickle) on multi-grain bread and Fred has a rump steak sandwich. Of course with a 1/2 pint of cider for me and a pint of London Pride for Fred. Once fortified we continued our walk back to the flat.

Our walk took us by Berkeley Square which was originally laid out in the mid 18th century by the architect William Kent. The square is also home to London Plane Trees, some of the oldest in London, planted in 1789. The square features a statue by Alexander Munro, a Pre-Raphaelite sculptor, made in 1858 (see picture).  The square was also sang about in the song "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" made famous by Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn in WWII, then later by Rod Stewart and Harry Connick Jr just to name a few that have recorded the song. As well there are a number of elephant sculptures that are for a Save the Elephant Campaign. Corporations purchase the sculptures with the funds going towards saving the elephant. Unfortunately, so far, this has not been very successful. Our walk today was 4 miles and I am totally exhausted when we returned to the flat.

Cheerio,

Sandy & Fred

June 5 - 7, 2010 - Last Days in Canada

Greetings All,

June 5th. The weather finally turned nice. Jonathan and I headed off to the boat, while Amy stayed behind as the repairman was coming to fix the dryer. The drive out to the boat was kinda hairy and Jonathan tells me, as if I had not already guessed, he is an aggressive driver and hates driving in Vancouver. We arrived at the marina and he shows me the boat telling me what plans he has for it. Unfortunately we did not get to sail as the engine was not up to par and it was not worth the risk of going out without it. So I must wait until the next visit to go sailing, but I did enjoy the sun and time spent alone with Jonathan. After tidying up the inside of the boat we drove back to the apartment through Stanley Park. The sun has brought everyone out to enjoy the park and the hot sunny weather. Once back at the apartment, Jonathan prepared supper of homemade pasta (with his new pasta maker) and steak. We then relaxed for he balance of the night.

June 6th. Amy and I walked to get wine and dog food then dropped Jonathan off for a soccer game. Amy headed off to her friends Suzanne and Carmen, as Amy is getting help updating her resume due to the fact she will become jobless July 7th as the company she works for is relocating back to Ontario. Jonathan and I met up with them later for supper. Suzanne and Carmen made me most welcome and we had a great evening together. Before we knew it was 10:00 pm and we headed back to the kids place as I am leaving for Ontario in the morning.

June 7th. The flight back to Ontario was uneventful with a stopover in Calgary. Another civilized airport like Vancouver that offers free wifi. So the stopover flew by and before I knew it I was on the final leg to Ontario. Our friend Derek picked me up at the airport and I spent the night with Liz. After a couple of appletinis I had a great nights sleep.

June 8th. I spent the day catching up with Carol and Liz. Derek joined us for a lovely lunch together. Derek dropped me off at the airport. The drive usually takes about 20 minutes, but today it took an hour as there is a major accident, so a major slowdown. You have to love Toronto for that, something I truly don't miss. The check-in process for the flight to the UK was easy as I had my purse separate to go through security. The flight was uneventful and I had a great seat near the exit with no one beside me and a nice old gentleman in the window seat. Immigration in the UK was a breeze. I was fingerprinted (electronicly), my visa stamped and now my visa has been activated.

Back home and after a two day rest we headed off to London.

I survived my travels on my own and am glad to be home back with my sweetie.

Bye for now.

Sandy

June 3, 2010 - Vancouver

Greetings All,

I guess it is about time I updated you on my solo travels. Mike kindly drove me out to the airport on May 30th and checking in was a breeze as I did the paper work on-line the night before. Security decided that my backpack needed to have a complete check. I waited until the guy swabbed the bag then went to touch it to open it all up for him. Big mistake apparently you are not allowed to touch it at all while it is being checked. Being me, I tell the guy that he should inform people of that then, as how are we supposed to know. We then have a decent conversation and he asks why I have so many glasses. As I explained to him, I don't think two pairs is a lot. One pair is my sun-glasses and the other my prescription glasses. He then proceeds to explain why my bag was targeted. My epipen and camera gave off a shape that needed to be investigated.

My other big concern was my luggage as I was changing planes in Edmonton. Well all my worry was for nothing as I was the one to get off the plane not my luggage. I got back on the same plane I just left LOL to continue on to Vancouver. I was greeted at the airport by Amy, Christopher and Meaghan. Chris and Meg where somewhat disappointed that I was not surprised. I knew they were in Vancouver as I had read Jonathan's blog. So he was now in trouble for spoiling their surprise. While we only got to spend the night together it was nice to see all the kids and share a meal. Jonathan made an amazing hot crab dip with crab he caught on Saturday and ribs and mashed potatoes.

We took Chris and Meaghan to the bus depot on Monday and then did a bit of shopping as both Jonathan and Amy booked off work. It had been rainy most of the day and in the evening the kids walked me to Granville Island so I could get the lay of the land in the area that they now live. Tuesday it rained and I relaxed as we were heading off to the Museum of Anthropology in the evening. On my last visit to Vancouver the Museum was closed as they were renovating it.


The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is world-renowned for its collections, research, teaching, public programs, and community connections. It is also acclaimed for its spectacular architecture and unique setting on the cliffs of Point Grey. We only spent a couple of hours here and mostly in the North American section as I am most interested in the history of the Coastal Indians. The Haida and Salish Indians have a very rich culture and the artifacts are amazing. One can easily spend a full day and then some exploring all the history and art of the cultures from around the world. When Fred and I visit again we must take the time to explore the Museum.

Wednesday I spent indoors and as it was a very miserable day and did the laundry for the kids so that our weekend will be free. Unfortunately the dryer broke. Thank God there was only one load left to dry.

Thursday turned out to be a lovely day after so much rain and I headed off to Granville Island. The walk was nice as I cut through a park outside the kids place. The walk was about 15 minutes at my pace. I shopped at the market for some things for our supper tonight, then headed back with my purchases. Now those of you who know me well, know that my sense of direction really sucks. Some Indian I am LOL. I thought I had paid attention where I accessed the sea wall but alas I had not. I walked along the wall with my parcels and was so busy watching the birds and boats that I missed my turn. I could see where I needed to be from the park and finally did get back to the apartment but added a good 30 minutes on to my walk as I had to back track. Plus I feel that my arms are a little longer as I was carrying the parcels. Tired and hot I enjoy a glass of water (that is right Water) and posted the blog. Tomorrow I am out with Amy doing girlie things and hopefully will get to see Jonathan's boat on the weekend and do some sailing.

Look for more posting of my adventures as I try not to get lost ;-)!

Ta Ra,

Sandy

April 27 - May 28, 2010 - Our Time in Ontario

Greetings All,

You may or not know that we returned to Ontario so that I could apply for a Visa so I do not get asked a lot of questions when I return to the UK from our travels. The Visa is good for two years, then after passing a test "Life In The UK" I can apply for a Visa for "Indefinite Leave To Remain" in the UK. Our flight was uneventful and we arrived almost a hour early due to some good tail winds. The drive across the city was pure hell as we were in the evening rush hour. We finally arrived at the Hosier/Pagazani household after a drive that was almost two hours, even the limo driver found it exasperating. Our friends have graciously opened their home to us during our stay in Canada as they headed off to Florida for ten days and we minded my buddy O'Malley, Gracie the budgie and Snowflake a Siamese fighting fish.

On April 28th we left bright and early to head downtown to have Biometrics (finger prints and mug shot) taken as well as provide the paper submission of the application. They want to know everything possible about you except when you had your kids. Fred had to give over his drivers license and get a special visitors pass in order to come into the next room with me for the fingerprinting etc. While waiting we are somewhat entertained by the stupidity of the people who attend to get visa's for the UK. One lady is applying for her kids and gets quite upset when they ask questions about the father. Either they are estranged, divorced, dead or she doesn't know who he is. The poor clerk was trying to be diplomatic and I am trying not to start laughing as Fred and I nudge each other on the QT but avoid looking at each other. We also watch a film about Britain and sit there and say been there, know that and so on. The film also mentions a fee you can pay to fast track your visa. We ask about it, but for settlement which is what my Visa is for they do not allow it. So we were told it can take up to ten weeks for approval. I of course expected it to take the full ten weeks, so now we planned time to visit with friends and family. While downtown we drop into our old work places for a quick hello and I am asked would I work while I am back to help out with summer relief. Are they F#$%$%#$# crazy!!!

Our first visit was with Derek, Carol and Liz in Mississauga for a BBQ and we had a great time catching up with them over a steak dinner. Sadly Dyna, Liz's dog is on her last legs and after a ripe old age had to go to doggy heaven later in the week. Every day for the balance of the week is busy with short visits to friends and family as well as attending to business with our ScotiaMcLeod Financial Advisor and of course some shopping.

Lo and behold, the visa was approved on May 12th and my passport and all of the documentation was couriered back to the house on May 13th.

The Hosier/Pagazni family returned from Florida and we headed off to North Bay on May 14th for the weekend to see Geoff and Tracey and her family. We had a great time and unfortunately the boys are the big Euchre winners this time. But then again you have to let them win sometimes so they will keep playing LOL. Our next stop is Collingwood for a visit with Eve-Lyn and Jim both Scotiabankers. Eve-Lyn being the smart individual she is has retired and Jim may soon join her. Our last stop on this circuit is to visit my Mom who lives between London and Chatham. The drive is wonderful as we traveled there on the back roads and it was very scenic. I had forgotten how nice Ontario can be when you are not on the 400 series highway.

On May 20th we headed back to Oshawa and again chose a back road route from Kitchener to Oshawa. What a eye opener that was. A five hour drive but now all we see is development. Housing popping up everywhere and farmland disappearing plus the prices are unbelievable. Urban sprawl at its worst.

May 21st saw us have a great day out with Tom and Doreen. We visited St Jacobs and Elora. I am rather disappointed because St. Jacobs which, used to be a quaint Mennonite community has become very commercialized. Sad but as they say the times they are a changing. Our last visit is with Steve and Karen Hickey and Steve Hummel our friend for over 35 years. We have a great time reminiscing about Glenda who sadly lost her battle with cancer in March.

May 22nd, Party Time!! Michelle planned a party for Fred as he was returning home on the 25th plus it was the May 24 long weekend. A feast as always. We were spoilt and I must say I will miss the great food especially as I did not have to cook.

May 25th was sad day as Fred was on his way back to the UK. His trip was uneventful except for some old farts on the plane who he says should not have been allowed out (several were sitting in the wrong seats). The trip also raised a question of security as one old dear got on the wrong plane????

For the last few days I have just chilled out with the family, relaxed in the pool and caught some rays. My next report will be from Vancouver and I'll let you know how my travels went. Hard to believe but this will be the first time I am traveling on my own since I have been married. Let's hope I am not one of those Old Farts Fred so admires LOL.

I would also be remiss if I did not Thank the Hosier /Pagazani family for their generosity and hospitality while we stayed in Ontario when we were not off traveling and visiting family and friends. Truly Our Home away from Home.

Till then Ta Ra for now.

Sandy

April 18, 2010 - North Yorkshire Coast & Fountains Abbey

Hi YA (Liverpool Greeting)

We were up and at them early again this time to do some touring of the North Yorkshire Coast. We started out on the motorway to cut off some travel time and to get to see the most we can on our last day in the Yorkshire Area, before moving onto secondary and back roads. Once on the secondary roads we drove through some very pretty towns. It almost seemed like we were back in Ontario, as we passed through Picton, Scarborough, Pickering and stopped at the seaside town of Whitby. This was my first view of the North Sea and it was breathtaking as we came over the hill. The picture is from the town of Whitby. We then headed off to the North Yorkshire Moors.

The North York Moors (also known as the North Yorkshire Moors) is a national park. The moors are one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the United Kingdom. It covers an area of 1,436 km² (554 square miles), and it has a population of about 25,000. The North York Moors became a National Park in 1952, through the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. Rugged and desolate looking in the spring but must be spectacular when the Heather is in bloom. The Yorkshire Moors were formed from sandstones, which erode slowly and form poor acid soils which are deficient in nutrients. They are less permeable to water, impeding drainage and encouraging the formation of bogs. Sphagnum moss bogs are common where there is abundant rain and poor drainage. Cotton grass is a distinctive plant which grows in the boggy areas. In the cold acid waters of peat bogs there is little decomposition of organic material with the result that the dead sphagnum moss gradually accumulates to form peat. This raises the levels of the bogs and they dry out. Heather then invades the area.

The Dales on the other hand are green upland pastures separated by dry-stone walls and grazed by sheep and cattle. The Dales themselves are 'U' and 'V' shaped valleys, which were enlarged and shaped by glaciers, mainly in the most recent, Devensian ice age.

Our last stop for the day is back in the Dales at Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal. It is a ruined Cistercian monastery, founded in 1132. Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian houses in England. It is a Grade I listed building and owned by the National Trust. Along with the adjacent Studley Royal Water Garden, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We only walk the Abbey and a short walk about a mile around the river and lake. We spent about three hours here and took numerous pictures of the ruins as well as the grounds as we walk. We did not make it to the Studley Royal or the deer park so it is worth another visit.

We take secondary roads back to the hotel and go through some very pretty hamlets and towns.

You can Wiki the sites visited today for more detailed information on the history, both natural and historical, of where we were.

The trip back to Liverpool on Monday started out in rainy weather and our drive through the Pennines was rather scary for me. The fog was very thick and there was snow on the hills in some spots. Narrow winding roads are not my favorite, especially when you can't see a foot in front of you. We arrived in Liverpool in sunny conditions. Just shows the micro climates we can experience in relatively short distances in the UK.

I will have more pictures posted on Facebook by the end of Thursday and Fred will have pictures posted to Flickr by the weekend.

This is the end of our blog in the UK for now as we are returning to Ontario for me to sort out a visa so I can remain in the UK without hassles.

Ta Ra for now.

Sandy & Fred

April 17, 2010 - The City of York

Cheers Everyone.

Saturday, and we headed into the City of York to tour the York Minster. York has an amazing history and an early Christian presence, since the 300's. The site was, in 71 AD the Roman legionary fortress called Eboracum. Here the Principia or headquarters was constructed. In 306 AD Constantine was proclaimed Emperor of West York and declared the practice of Christianity acceptable. In 627 AD the first Minster was built for the baptism of Edwin, King of Northumbria by Bishop Paulinus. Finally, Thomas of Bayeux started the construction of the Norman Cathedral, the first Minster, in 1080. Construction continued until 1472 when the Minster was consecrated.

York Minster is a Gothic cathedral and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe alongside the Cologne Cathedral. The Minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England, and is cathedral for the Diocese of York; a Dean and Chapter under the Dean of York run it. The formal title of York Minster is The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York. The title "Minster" is attributed to churches established in the Anglo Saxon period as missionary teaching churches, and serves now as an honorific title. Services in the Minster are sometimes regarded as on the High Church, Anglo-Catholic end of the Anglican continuum.

Needless to say I could dedicate pages to the history of this site alone, but you can Wiki it for yourself to get more in-depth information. In 1967 large cracks appeared in the walls of the central tower and underpinning began to save the structure from collapse.

Fred and I spent over three hours in the Cathedral admiring the amazing stonework, woodwork and exploring all the areas. The entry is free except for the Undercroft, Treasury and Crypts which we explore and the Tower which we give a miss as it is a 275 step climb on a narrow winding spiral staircase and my knees are not up to it. We leave after spending most of the morning exploring and taking a ton of photos and search out a place to have lunch and plan the next attraction to visit.

We had lunch at a pub called The Punch Bowl and then headed off to The Treasurer's House and Garden, which is a National Trust property. The site of this house has 2000 years of history and was named by Frank Green its last private owner as the house is on the site of the mansion of the medieval Treasurer of York Minster. Mr. Green purchased the house in 1897, which were three decaying properties described as a bug-ridden slum. Frank had a passion for interior design and was a collector of fine furniture, glass, ceramics, textiles and antiques. The rooms, 13 in all, reflect his eccentric taste. What is so unusual about the house is that Mr. Green donated the house lock, stock and barrel to the Trust with specific instructions that the furniture, pictures and fabric be maintained and kept as they were laid out when he handed the house over to the Trust. As well, he provided specific instructions to the Trust for regular inspections to maintain the electrical and water works of the home.

After leaving the House, we stroll around the small streets lined with high street shops and small boutiques then along the city wall. We then headed back to the bus stop to get back to our car, which we parked, at a Park and Ride, which, was also conveniently located at an outlet mall. Once we checked out the mall and purchased some teas we headed back to the hotel after a full day.

York is definitely worth a return and I think for me even more impressive than Chester.
I have posted some pictures on my Facebook and Fred will post on Flickr by the weekend.
The pictures posted are all of the cathedral.the carving is of two lovers that was in the Chapter House.

Ta Ra for now,

Sandy & Fred

April 16, 2010 - Off to Yorkshire

Greetings All,

We had booked a long weekend away to celebrate Fred's birthday and explore the county of Yorkshire. With an early start we completed part of our journey on the motorway (highway in North America) and then onto the "A" and "B" roads so that we can see some of the countryside on our way to the hotel. Our first stop was Hardcastle Crags a National Trust property located in West Yorkshire. Gibson Mill is located here in a wooded valley with deep ravines and over thirty miles of foot paths. The mill was not open today but we do get out for some exercise and walk the short trail along the river.

Our next stop was Skipton, the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales for a look around the town and lunch. Historically, a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, Skipton was anciently distinguished by Skipton Castle, first constructed in 1090 as a motte-and-bailey by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron. This building was replaced by a stone keep as a means to repel attacks from the Kingdom of Scotland to the north. The protection offered by Skipton Castle during the Middle Ages encouraged the urbanisation of the surrounding area, and in times of war and disorder, attracted an influx of families.

The community around Skipton Castle encouraged the region to become a prosperous market town, trading sheep and woollen goods. A market stemming from its formative years still survives, albeit with significant modification. In the 19th century, Skipton emerged as a small mill town connected to the major cities via the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and its branch Thanet Canal, but during the 20th century Skipton's economy shifted to tourism aided by its historic architecture and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales. We decided to have lunch at The Woolly Sheep Inn. The portions were absolutely huge. The picture posted shows my meal a burger, salad and chips. The chips are like roast potatoes rather than chips. The town itself is worth more exploring as we did not see the castle with just a short walk around after lunch.

The next we stopped at Pateley Bridge a small market town in the Nidderdale area, in the Borough of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, on the River Nidd. Originally settled as a lead mining village, it took its name from 'Pate' - an old Yorkshire dialect word for 'Badger'. It has the oldest sweet shop in Britain and is the home of the Nidderdale Museum. It is a small quaint town and we are amused by a sign posted on the shore of the River Nidd advising no canoes or boats as the river is only ankle deep.
Last stop of the day was our hotel which is a Quality Inn so nothing cute and quaint as in some of our previous excursions.

Cheerio for now,

Sandy & Fred