Greetings all,
Today turned out to be another lazy one. Fred and John watched a footie match on the tube. Fred also got lessons from John on downloading music, movies and TV shows on the PC from RapidFind. I did basically nothing but play a PC game called Bejeweled trying to increase my score and sat out on the balcony enjoying the afternoon. Adrienne was once again master chef for supper. We enjoyed Wild Scottish Salmon, pasta, cauliflower and broccoli. Of course wine and dessert was Krispy Creme donuts which in quite big in Britain. Go figure when the Brits have such opulent choices, custards, cremes, eccles cakes, I could go on and on but you get the point.
I also learned that the Brits really are rather stuffy when in comes to use of words and class distinction is really important as well as being district bound. Washroom is very North American and toilet in working class but the sign says toilet, so it is the Loo if you are posh or upper class. Plus to say tea for supper is very working class. Hey don't we all at some point in time work for a living unless we are royalty?
It is better to be a foreigner here so you are not judged. I mean really who gives a rats ass. You may be able to tell that this kind of stuff really bugs me (being nice for those readers out there who are younger) the rest of you know exactly where I am coming from.
As the day was basically boring for our readers I found a bit of trivia you might enjoy. Did you know the the famous British bowler hat is really a Coke. In 1849 William Coke a rich landowner in Norfold went to Lock a hat designer (still famous today) to get a hat that would protect his gamekeepers from low branches and poachers. They designed that hat and Coke upon its completion placed it on the ground and jumped on it a number of times. It retained its shape and he gave the go ahead for it to be put into production. Lock then turned the production over to James and William Bowler in Southwark. So the Coke became the Bowler hat.
Cheers for now,
Sandy & Fred
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
August 14, 2009 - Walk to Burrough Market
Greetings all,
We are out after breakfast to walk to the Burough Market a 3.2 mile walk to pickup fresh veggies for supper and check out the butcher for a leg of lamb. We make very good time and arrive at the market in just under a hour. Since our last trip here the market has changed somewhat. There seems to be more places preparing foods (salads,hamburgers etc) rather than meat and produce. The butcher we bought from previously wasn't there today. We pick up produce for salad, brownies for dessert and take the tube back.
We took the tube back and it is very hot. The Victoria line has problems so we sit for a while waiting for all clear. We unload, feed Portia and walk to Sainsburys to get the balance of our provisions for supper/tea as we are the chief cooks tonight. John and Adrienne return from their cruise in time for a late supper. Rub-A-Dub Chicken, Strawberry Salad, Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Wine and Brownies for dessert. Getting hungry just writing about it.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
We are out after breakfast to walk to the Burough Market a 3.2 mile walk to pickup fresh veggies for supper and check out the butcher for a leg of lamb. We make very good time and arrive at the market in just under a hour. Since our last trip here the market has changed somewhat. There seems to be more places preparing foods (salads,hamburgers etc) rather than meat and produce. The butcher we bought from previously wasn't there today. We pick up produce for salad, brownies for dessert and take the tube back.
We took the tube back and it is very hot. The Victoria line has problems so we sit for a while waiting for all clear. We unload, feed Portia and walk to Sainsburys to get the balance of our provisions for supper/tea as we are the chief cooks tonight. John and Adrienne return from their cruise in time for a late supper. Rub-A-Dub Chicken, Strawberry Salad, Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Wine and Brownies for dessert. Getting hungry just writing about it.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Thursday, August 13, 2009
August 13, 2009 - A Full Afternoon / Evening in London
Greetings All,
We had to be up early today as they were cleaning the windows. They had the job done before 9:00 a.m. After lunch we headed out for a day at the shops. Fred needed a pencil to do his Sudoku and I need an adapter plug to recharge my camera battery. So we took the tube to Oxford Circus and walked in search of these two small items. It is another gorgeous day and we find stores to purchase these two items. We decided to double back along Oxford Street and head down Regents Street, then onto Piccadilly Street. As we stroll along we end up at Fortnum and Mason the Queens own store. Here I purchase oil for my Lampere Beger lamp a bonus purchase. Afterwards we head back to the flat, with a refreshment break at the White Swan, we have walked a total of 3 miles this afternoon.
After freshening up at the flat, we head out for dinner at the Cinnamon Club. An Indian (India) Restaurant. The Times has a special where you collect coupons and can get a three course dinner for 20 Pounds per person at selected restaurants around the country. Needless to say the bill was a bit more as we added, drinks at the bar as the restaurant was not ready to open when we arrived, a bottle of wine with the meal, a side of naan bread and coffee. The food and service was incredible.
As the night was still young we headed out to a pub called The Cardinal. This is one we had seen on our last trip to London. It is busy but we have a night cap before heading back to the flat. Round trip on the walk tonight is a mere 1.9 miles.
Another great day in good old London Town. As a note of interest I looked up the prices of flats at Imperial Wharf. They want just a mere 675,000 pounds for a two bedroom flat, only $1,350,000 Canadian dollars. Yikes. Guess we won't be moving in any time soon :). I still have not located the boathouse site as yet.
Cheers for now.
Sandy & Fred
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
August 12, 2009 - A Lazy Day
Greetings All,
Today was an overcast day, slightly cool in the morning and very muggy in the late afternoon. We decided that it was a do nothing day and we spent the time relaxing with Portia, playing silly games on the PC, reading the paper and me watching the TV. We did head out for a short walk 1.2 miles return to the grocery store to buy supper and I stopped to pick up wool for babies outfits as the only wool I brought with me was to make bears.
With nothing really to report I thought I would share some things n the UK that I just don't get:
- A Muslim girl wearing the traditional scarf but showing a lot of boob.
- Derby is pronounced Darby why the er then.
- Childwell is pronounced Chilled well
- Crossing lights no one seems to use them, you get strange looks when you do.
- Winter boots they wear them here even now in the summer.
I am sure I will come across many more things as time goes on.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 11,2009 - Walking and Walking Day
Greetings All,
We woke to an overcast day and bummed around the flat in the morning before we decided what to do. It is now bright, sunny and hot and we decided to do a Thames Walk on part of the River we have yet explored. We took the tube to Putney Bridge as this was were we decided to start given our late start in the day. The walk is rather disappointing as we do not follow the river bank the whole time. We start off going through some lovely quiet neighbourhoods then some dirty dusty industrial areas and then back to the river. I did find an area I would love to live in called Imperial Wharf. Just a minor problem in moving in though, money, money, money so the song goes. We have to check on line but the general thought is they start at one million plus pounds. Beautiful area but I think beyond our reach even if we win a lottery. But dreaming never hurts as long as you know it is just a dream. The next option I come across is a boat house. Lots of them for sale but not Fred's cup of tea or even a choice. Crazy maybe but surely an option hell you only live once so must investigate it further :)!
Our walk took over 3 hours and according to Google maps we cover 5 miles and it should have only taken us 2 hours. WHAT were they jogging!! We did have a couple of stops and I was hot tired and my back acted up. My MTB's make you walk properly so my body reacted. We stopped at the Gallery for some much needed refreshment before heading up to the flat. Seems I still have a talent for attracting the weird ones. Met a guy named Shawn as we were leaving who asked a ton of questions. I must say for Shawn he knew I was Canadian right off the mark so can't be all that strange. Fred also still has tourist information on his forehead as he is still asked for directions good thing he knows where the sites are:).
So now for a bit of history about the area of Pimlico and the Pub the Gallery. Back in 1821 King George IV first took a serious interest in the area. But it was Thomas Cubitt, a master builder, who purchased 24 acres of land known as the Pimlico Triangle. Cubitt knew one of the first building needed to be built was a pub as most of the labourers were Irish. The pub now the Gallery was formerly known as the Perseverance and was built back in 1840-1850. Cubitt was also a very forward thinking man for his time and ensured that his premises all had indoor water-closets or bathrooms as he felt that these were not just for the rich.
After a brief rest we head out for Fish and Chips at Seafresh. Yipee no cooking than back to the flat to relax on the balcony enjoy a glass of wine until the mosquitoes chase us in.
Cheers,
Sandy & Fred
We woke to an overcast day and bummed around the flat in the morning before we decided what to do. It is now bright, sunny and hot and we decided to do a Thames Walk on part of the River we have yet explored. We took the tube to Putney Bridge as this was were we decided to start given our late start in the day. The walk is rather disappointing as we do not follow the river bank the whole time. We start off going through some lovely quiet neighbourhoods then some dirty dusty industrial areas and then back to the river. I did find an area I would love to live in called Imperial Wharf. Just a minor problem in moving in though, money, money, money so the song goes. We have to check on line but the general thought is they start at one million plus pounds. Beautiful area but I think beyond our reach even if we win a lottery. But dreaming never hurts as long as you know it is just a dream. The next option I come across is a boat house. Lots of them for sale but not Fred's cup of tea or even a choice. Crazy maybe but surely an option hell you only live once so must investigate it further :)!
Our walk took over 3 hours and according to Google maps we cover 5 miles and it should have only taken us 2 hours. WHAT were they jogging!! We did have a couple of stops and I was hot tired and my back acted up. My MTB's make you walk properly so my body reacted. We stopped at the Gallery for some much needed refreshment before heading up to the flat. Seems I still have a talent for attracting the weird ones. Met a guy named Shawn as we were leaving who asked a ton of questions. I must say for Shawn he knew I was Canadian right off the mark so can't be all that strange. Fred also still has tourist information on his forehead as he is still asked for directions good thing he knows where the sites are:).
So now for a bit of history about the area of Pimlico and the Pub the Gallery. Back in 1821 King George IV first took a serious interest in the area. But it was Thomas Cubitt, a master builder, who purchased 24 acres of land known as the Pimlico Triangle. Cubitt knew one of the first building needed to be built was a pub as most of the labourers were Irish. The pub now the Gallery was formerly known as the Perseverance and was built back in 1840-1850. Cubitt was also a very forward thinking man for his time and ensured that his premises all had indoor water-closets or bathrooms as he felt that these were not just for the rich.
After a brief rest we head out for Fish and Chips at Seafresh. Yipee no cooking than back to the flat to relax on the balcony enjoy a glass of wine until the mosquitoes chase us in.
Cheers,
Sandy & Fred
Monday, August 10, 2009
August 10, 2009 - Going to A Concert: The Nationals
Greetings all,
We woke to another bright day though a bit breezy. After lunch we took the tube to Oxford Circus one of the shopping district's in London to try and find shorts for Fred for around the flat. The area was crammed wall to wall with people, plus the stores felt like they had the heat on. I guess this is summer in London. Thank goodness it has cooled off considerably outside and it is now overcast. Good walking weather as we opt to walk back rather then go down to the tube which is very hot. We walk 3 miles in all to get back to the flat.
After supper or Tea as they say over here we took the tube to Embankment where the Royal Festival Hall, the concert hall, is located. The ticket says the concert starts at 7:30 P.M. so we get seated and notice the place is almost empty. The group comes out and starts and since we have never seen them, much less heard them with the exception of a few songs John has played us we are impressed that they start pretty much on time. Still wondering about the poor turn out as John had said the concert was a sell out. The leader of the band announces that they are the opening act for The Nationals and their name is Broken Records. They were quite good. Needless to say by the time the Nationals were due to play the place was packed.
We are finding that we are out of touch with the concerts as our last was a Meatloaf concert at Rama in Canada. There was no opening act and he used extra musicians that were not a part of the group. These groups had guitars, drums, keyboards, piano's, trumpets, violins, cello's all played by group members. This is an improvement over guitars,drums and keyboards. We really enjoyed our night and walked back to the flat along the Thames with me stopping to take pictures of the London Eye and Parliament Buildings all lit up. From the Parliament Buildings we can hear birds squawking and it is 10:30 at night. We have no idea what kind of birds they are.
A quick stop at the Morpeth Arms for a nightcap we then head back the flat.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
We woke to another bright day though a bit breezy. After lunch we took the tube to Oxford Circus one of the shopping district's in London to try and find shorts for Fred for around the flat. The area was crammed wall to wall with people, plus the stores felt like they had the heat on. I guess this is summer in London. Thank goodness it has cooled off considerably outside and it is now overcast. Good walking weather as we opt to walk back rather then go down to the tube which is very hot. We walk 3 miles in all to get back to the flat.
After supper or Tea as they say over here we took the tube to Embankment where the Royal Festival Hall, the concert hall, is located. The ticket says the concert starts at 7:30 P.M. so we get seated and notice the place is almost empty. The group comes out and starts and since we have never seen them, much less heard them with the exception of a few songs John has played us we are impressed that they start pretty much on time. Still wondering about the poor turn out as John had said the concert was a sell out. The leader of the band announces that they are the opening act for The Nationals and their name is Broken Records. They were quite good. Needless to say by the time the Nationals were due to play the place was packed.
We are finding that we are out of touch with the concerts as our last was a Meatloaf concert at Rama in Canada. There was no opening act and he used extra musicians that were not a part of the group. These groups had guitars, drums, keyboards, piano's, trumpets, violins, cello's all played by group members. This is an improvement over guitars,drums and keyboards. We really enjoyed our night and walked back to the flat along the Thames with me stopping to take pictures of the London Eye and Parliament Buildings all lit up. From the Parliament Buildings we can hear birds squawking and it is 10:30 at night. We have no idea what kind of birds they are.
A quick stop at the Morpeth Arms for a nightcap we then head back the flat.
Cheerio for now,
Sandy & Fred
Sunday, August 9, 2009
August 9, 2009 - Regent Park, Queen Marys Garden
Greetings All,
It is another beautiful sunny day in London. We took the tube out to Regent Park to view Queen Marys Rose gardens. On previous trips we have either been late in the season to see them at the height of their blooms or far to early. Unfortunately the heavy rains of Friday took there toll on the blooms. All the same the fragrance as you walked into the area was amazing. The rose you see on the Blog is called Pensioners Voice and I thought it a appropriate one to grace this entry.
The park was busy with everyone out enjoying the weather on a Sunday afternoon and it was nice to walk among such beautiful gardens. We walked back to the flat from the park today, 3.4 miles, but it seemed a lot further than that. We stopped at the Kings Arms a pub just beyond Buckingham Palace for refreshment and more for a rest for me.
Refreshed we completed our walk back to the flat, a good 4 hours out today.
Cheerio,
Sandy & Fred
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