tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83388772801294687382024-03-05T10:14:48.014-08:00Life with Linda Daily random thoughts and musings from a mom and author. Please stop by for a laugh, a cry, or some snark. I hope to add something inspirational to your each and every day! Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-71267158852140819232015-08-22T17:27:00.002-07:002015-08-22T17:27:48.401-07:00Last London Blog Post..Well folks, this is it. The last post about our 2015 London trip. I hope you've enjoyed the pictures, and if you've read all the posts, thank you. We truly had a great time, loved London and the English countryside that we got to travel through, and would go back in a heartbeat. There is still so much I want to see there!<br />
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But for now, please enjoy a few more pictures of Kensington Palace on the day or two after Diana's birthday. We had gone back to the gift shop there to buy souveniers and found the gate outside decorated in memory of her birthday. It's been nearly 17 years since she died, and people still decorate outside Kensington Palace in her honor.<br />
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The final pictures are of the flat we stayed in, which was spacious and charming. Our flight home on American airlines was on time and uneventful,arriving an hour early at O'Hare even! My luggage arrived at O'Hare as well (same day, too!).<br />
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Thanks again for following my blog! <br />
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Ta!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Street names are found on the side of corner buildings, not on street signs.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ever hear of a Ford Cougar in America??</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Cute garden patio outside our kitchen.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">View from kitchen into dining area.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Laundry room straight ahead, front door on right.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Front of our Lexham Garden apt. </span></td></tr>
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-12092682782325338422015-08-21T15:03:00.000-07:002015-08-21T15:03:38.445-07:00He went to Harrod's!Thursday, July 2nd, Continued... <br />
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In the late afternoon, Dan and I went to Harrod's Very Expensive Department Store to find the
memorial to Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed in the basement. Harrods's is
huge, and it took us a bit, but with the help of the very nice staff
there, we finally found it. There is a guest book to sign, and a
beautiful statue of Diana and Dodi dancing. Also on display is a
beautiful case that contains photographs of both of them, plus the wine
glass that Diana drank from that fateful night with her fingerprints
still on it. The controversial ring that Dodi was supposedly going to
propose to Diana with that night is also on display. And no, we didn't
buy anything at Harrod's. I might have, but the spouse was with me. LOL!<br />
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Enjoy the pictures...!<br />
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<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/AVvXsEhl_acbuqzos7Wk85TqLPvFJnJwMH6wYE8luLnJ_A4Olqlf-29war9Ddqdy-kfU2VuoD563Y1FdfQcwrh8r6KldgSPmGcAryZ8pYBXTBkpBnjCObq8KDh61DGVSPcs2UmyhaEGOMgaQpQ-e/s1600/IMG_20150702_171009939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_acbuqzos7Wk85TqLPvFJnJwMH6wYE8luLnJ_A4Olqlf-29war9Ddqdy-kfU2VuoD563Y1FdfQcwrh8r6KldgSPmGcAryZ8pYBXTBkpBnjCObq8KDh61DGVSPcs2UmyhaEGOMgaQpQ-e/s320/IMG_20150702_171009939.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Busy London street outside Harrod's in Knightsbridge.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0GEZzINkyf-sX56ATz0ZBrpPVDyoNfsS0Nu_DbECy7XCsrk5ZGKQEiysHAZYaV5ORpub1-5o6jybzT5YESwG7RJ92DFc3-uTBbeifJqPl1oaA9qGTttRjoMSb3t4GnG_vu6TDnQtOaec/s1600/IMG_20150702_173416071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<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/AVvXsEjxakDXZAidMmyLLi_SsPQE8ZvyGaBuA9_KMNyLyiMRQBGD1OS9ukSglqRwOcNv_Qgi5iQQniAoLN0AsoVWq4EoFKMqvqhsqfxMzgSUNvk3XMC1d8y-xoxlTmtDw47vsN4CAROs577G4EFX/s1600/IMG_20150702_170953931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxakDXZAidMmyLLi_SsPQE8ZvyGaBuA9_KMNyLyiMRQBGD1OS9ukSglqRwOcNv_Qgi5iQQniAoLN0AsoVWq4EoFKMqvqhsqfxMzgSUNvk3XMC1d8y-xoxlTmtDw47vsN4CAROs577G4EFX/s320/IMG_20150702_170953931.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsGi4BWwwCoTXMEWRVRyAT6I3IBp_RgbfQGxX3Z_ZY0udUb07sysHjwIQYTVI8Cjb7NF2OvCiioGEeivKvkmJE0BVrHl7TE7UwUs5SQvXlIp_CEfoZ2P7EQVUF1Nsz4jM03X0E7_X_muc/s1600/IMG_20150702_170406209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsGi4BWwwCoTXMEWRVRyAT6I3IBp_RgbfQGxX3Z_ZY0udUb07sysHjwIQYTVI8Cjb7NF2OvCiioGEeivKvkmJE0BVrHl7TE7UwUs5SQvXlIp_CEfoZ2P7EQVUF1Nsz4jM03X0E7_X_muc/s320/IMG_20150702_170406209.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Diana and Dodi statue.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_pWm6IWX7qx7OWbS3XNaY3UWTegPA7vePftFBcN9wVb-1wXnS9DI6QUQEH4Oz1P3u9rC40EIxPXAQFGDuWWTQxXhk_vTXSqYsFGjjHkZByOL6vPROtMtEfT3FFTSqb-nLtQ-_r7Hy8Jj/s1600/IMG_20150702_170406209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_pWm6IWX7qx7OWbS3XNaY3UWTegPA7vePftFBcN9wVb-1wXnS9DI6QUQEH4Oz1P3u9rC40EIxPXAQFGDuWWTQxXhk_vTXSqYsFGjjHkZByOL6vPROtMtEfT3FFTSqb-nLtQ-_r7Hy8Jj/s320/IMG_20150702_170406209.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEgMCWiv68-nIai_6mROtbSZyBY2_JBDpmJzNahtPEopCeInCMycZp2osSDCMY_D_leuqHNDykNW_MMO1FWnYbjffdhoBXq9o53H9YAe-uYMFE5a16wpuAuyFPYicwurrYfM7wNhg8DTEMP-/s1600/IMG_20150702_170351141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCWiv68-nIai_6mROtbSZyBY2_JBDpmJzNahtPEopCeInCMycZp2osSDCMY_D_leuqHNDykNW_MMO1FWnYbjffdhoBXq9o53H9YAe-uYMFE5a16wpuAuyFPYicwurrYfM7wNhg8DTEMP-/s320/IMG_20150702_170351141.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Diana, Dodi, her wine glass, fingerprints and "the ring".</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G2zBSfn24zROQ_tJml3VTap3KkMtSpuhwslsqFvsxaREp-LgGu-5PVmBv_gvKtfDNuLeOMdyvAFjUkh1xd6916F1coWaB2dIzFrXFfFlRmemcdo0lOUJHmMzUXEsvhQzkB2jAVQxEsm2/s1600/IMG_20150702_170532954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G2zBSfn24zROQ_tJml3VTap3KkMtSpuhwslsqFvsxaREp-LgGu-5PVmBv_gvKtfDNuLeOMdyvAFjUkh1xd6916F1coWaB2dIzFrXFfFlRmemcdo0lOUJHmMzUXEsvhQzkB2jAVQxEsm2/s320/IMG_20150702_170532954.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">I signed the guestbook at the Diana/Dodi memorial in the basement of Harrod's.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIjTutRlF3br3qaYFTlwTh1Zlf1G6JanBH9qvNpeXlaq7esQBJTJr1PP0Dmqn_iKHoVllzYBthfdvTSsA-kA4e7ZUa_1J2ekruQLCsUkLHolsCZhzAI_dejazt3IaaYX1Cl3ieaQ-IaSP/s1600/IMG_20150702_173309127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIjTutRlF3br3qaYFTlwTh1Zlf1G6JanBH9qvNpeXlaq7esQBJTJr1PP0Dmqn_iKHoVllzYBthfdvTSsA-kA4e7ZUa_1J2ekruQLCsUkLHolsCZhzAI_dejazt3IaaYX1Cl3ieaQ-IaSP/s320/IMG_20150702_173309127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The two pictures above are directions painted on nearly every street corner in London. They inform pedestrians which way to look for oncoming traffic. And believe me, they are VERY much needed and appreciated!<br />
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Tomorrow's blog: Back to Kensington and pictures of our flat! Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-28668307309028154442015-08-19T17:36:00.002-07:002015-08-19T17:36:31.176-07:00Look Me in the Eye! Thursday, July 2nd, Part I..The London Eye and Lunch<br />
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Today we went back to central London and rode The Eye. It was raining a bit while getting there and while we rode it, but it cleared in time for us to take a nice walk to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch.<br />
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For those of you who know me, you know I am afraid of heights. I never go on Ferris wheels or roller coasters, so it was with great trepidation that I approached "The Eye". Seeing that it seemed to rotate very slowly however, and that I'd be in an enclosed module, and trying to live up to the theme "do what scares you", I ventured onto it!<br />
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It was a lovely ride. The Eye moves very slowly, taking about a half hour to complete one turn, and one turn is all you get. The views are lovely (see the pics below) and there's ample room in each module for many people to sit or stand and still get a great view. So don't fear this attraction, although the price might scare you away. LOL. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WvsnCtCG8ZPPkv412PDDPa6AsVeKHwzviGaGHXp_rjWNbu9kY1AOwES9P7lC3mt99jzILP3frKFrh_0BD6l5jY6tXeolB_llz6GRFvl_77MMvlL_N0ox1HpONRN0GuKNdKzLWw140Omx/s1600/IMG_20150702_102219864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WvsnCtCG8ZPPkv412PDDPa6AsVeKHwzviGaGHXp_rjWNbu9kY1AOwES9P7lC3mt99jzILP3frKFrh_0BD6l5jY6tXeolB_llz6GRFvl_77MMvlL_N0ox1HpONRN0GuKNdKzLWw140Omx/s320/IMG_20150702_102219864.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">View of The Eye from London Bridge </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fkhQ8i-wV4VoP77d9kBnbD75KVlJhm1W__d7h1rISvHnVSG3vqNHvMhSyZ7w7x0qcz9EvxpODIudfLESjqF5O9OdJu16nwetwd3BJBsaaHb5n_MT9SXgz93VK-zOtUKwrzzekPfLdpKp/s1600/IMG_20150702_102257729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fkhQ8i-wV4VoP77d9kBnbD75KVlJhm1W__d7h1rISvHnVSG3vqNHvMhSyZ7w7x0qcz9EvxpODIudfLESjqF5O9OdJu16nwetwd3BJBsaaHb5n_MT9SXgz93VK-zOtUKwrzzekPfLdpKp/s320/IMG_20150702_102257729.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Walking across London Bridge. It was about to start raining.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH9hpRSikbDoKcOD5w_-vnYAIdbdSsK2j9FpMtghjtvAsdGyHOuQhC9ptqD-wffnncgTOqTD_CYklDZYO8rIJGzc4rKEf3E2wYsgb4OtIdJQgATNaouvb67qbAjm5WRNnvO0So1Ac1K9u/s1600/IMG_20150702_102302325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH9hpRSikbDoKcOD5w_-vnYAIdbdSsK2j9FpMtghjtvAsdGyHOuQhC9ptqD-wffnncgTOqTD_CYklDZYO8rIJGzc4rKEf3E2wYsgb4OtIdJQgATNaouvb67qbAjm5WRNnvO0So1Ac1K9u/s320/IMG_20150702_102302325.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Bagpiper entertaining the crowds on London Bridge.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fkGls3xrt3CS-LnyPckFEav7f2acgQ_qYG_l1U2izr9hYlVOSiFkNBwnDh2Ub6sTafZV_JWpESyeFjda3fJ5X3GfJkzzPiEZ-6Q73aufkAREjakObuAlnyRtZbsjLPsberZiXUNMYlmY/s1600/IMG_20150702_102314264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fkGls3xrt3CS-LnyPckFEav7f2acgQ_qYG_l1U2izr9hYlVOSiFkNBwnDh2Ub6sTafZV_JWpESyeFjda3fJ5X3GfJkzzPiEZ-6Q73aufkAREjakObuAlnyRtZbsjLPsberZiXUNMYlmY/s320/IMG_20150702_102314264.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">London Bridge view of Big Ben and the House of Parliament</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Btypee19cP_hLXopcipHMPG9ofFlcMZyR8vT4qnUy1zaWrZkwXAICkyYnYF9egxMnjxDE3KrBD9StCTlnjntiWUrhNZ8UUcIEz40s5umS9HbE_aEnWxQXjCbwmh9aKgW9WnIxb8GnHiP/s1600/IMG_20150702_102721025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Btypee19cP_hLXopcipHMPG9ofFlcMZyR8vT4qnUy1zaWrZkwXAICkyYnYF9egxMnjxDE3KrBD9StCTlnjntiWUrhNZ8UUcIEz40s5umS9HbE_aEnWxQXjCbwmh9aKgW9WnIxb8GnHiP/s320/IMG_20150702_102721025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Approaching The Eye</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWVFBvalNrZYdIWmy9-uXU9GFVz2ESIMcfr5yrLmPbLZIKik8Q7acA-ByHSw5KeDNgAbS9qreCxnmKTJ1zVqlSSGDrMxazwMvG_spGWmBG_y_oblAFPQBt0XEN-nFC8Wuy1WnYUDrKb-W/s1600/IMG_20150702_105344593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWVFBvalNrZYdIWmy9-uXU9GFVz2ESIMcfr5yrLmPbLZIKik8Q7acA-ByHSw5KeDNgAbS9qreCxnmKTJ1zVqlSSGDrMxazwMvG_spGWmBG_y_oblAFPQBt0XEN-nFC8Wuy1WnYUDrKb-W/s320/IMG_20150702_105344593.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Starting our ascent in The Eye</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1SSRFM61f5yzUyPuzzujCIwxHy5HiavuZ4GL7VbBT7rqD3csBLWpaQHdMgBAFLoiyP-4Oa07861y4B2kFvndAdvrvLNYIrd3DrxJnPmrcf5WkokhihSr4nQcTXv1mony-eLf6lwnbZrR/s1600/IMG_20150702_110339655.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1SSRFM61f5yzUyPuzzujCIwxHy5HiavuZ4GL7VbBT7rqD3csBLWpaQHdMgBAFLoiyP-4Oa07861y4B2kFvndAdvrvLNYIrd3DrxJnPmrcf5WkokhihSr4nQcTXv1mony-eLf6lwnbZrR/s320/IMG_20150702_110339655.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Big Ben and Westminster Abbey from atop The Eye (I love this shot!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkZ8rwEK4jqxwgChnqAaw6IksWtztmMvpwUxhRI5WgPgMEBmHCGqAwoh14LiKpV9YJK-bWZWGv3hKZEmFqQZOqtuY2qS-FNpUs6BXzXS93kJH4QY-dAsG2EL1jXgbke2j8TZ8or6qsq5o/s1600/IMG_20150702_105709702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkZ8rwEK4jqxwgChnqAaw6IksWtztmMvpwUxhRI5WgPgMEBmHCGqAwoh14LiKpV9YJK-bWZWGv3hKZEmFqQZOqtuY2qS-FNpUs6BXzXS93kJH4QY-dAsG2EL1jXgbke2j8TZ8or6qsq5o/s320/IMG_20150702_105709702.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Can't recall what building that is in the background, sorry. </span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEhHG_SvBmTMNy-WINeqwFO63UPHIzxzDa12bOaMbrmlbcM33M9BDQSPCkZJFKlo3NmKvXTpiR4YleeePq69tvJ2cnfhSQi8vvIjWTq_GaWxnYhQv9TG6elwvS_NS-bYztxAzR3LqJal-Pjo/s1600/IMG_20150702_110646646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHG_SvBmTMNy-WINeqwFO63UPHIzxzDa12bOaMbrmlbcM33M9BDQSPCkZJFKlo3NmKvXTpiR4YleeePq69tvJ2cnfhSQi8vvIjWTq_GaWxnYhQv9TG6elwvS_NS-bYztxAzR3LqJal-Pjo/s320/IMG_20150702_110646646.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Another shot of London from The Eve view!</span></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/AVvXsEhCLVjaHd703flkxe-aJV1HdaOwbeLlEPN4VMI426xB9ARcdCQMvxM0Isdcu6V98JAp7GALVXoFAICzMRUkYEj9x0PBmiSZ9O4VOlS9v9LTlUm16ou2QCqa36YhhmW3pz8smIY5uXKH3nxx/s1600/IMG_20150702_110002157_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLVjaHd703flkxe-aJV1HdaOwbeLlEPN4VMI426xB9ARcdCQMvxM0Isdcu6V98JAp7GALVXoFAICzMRUkYEj9x0PBmiSZ9O4VOlS9v9LTlUm16ou2QCqa36YhhmW3pz8smIY5uXKH3nxx/s320/IMG_20150702_110002157_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">That's Buckingham Palace in the center of the picture.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1SSRFM61f5yzUyPuzzujCIwxHy5HiavuZ4GL7VbBT7rqD3csBLWpaQHdMgBAFLoiyP-4Oa07861y4B2kFvndAdvrvLNYIrd3DrxJnPmrcf5WkokhihSr4nQcTXv1mony-eLf6lwnbZrR/s1600/IMG_20150702_110339655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<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/AVvXsEjkM0WNO1HxO1FHTuWB6Rs6uQQhDdFzEhTC10Q6zar8FFLqYMhunDXUOdseibXGa3ETNFOer8ILLk01yU0_cXtSIG1mFzFpuES3QgiqXj9ZSNSaU6a48dqYZ8u7y2MEZQ22Kc7yU-LpnELv/s1600/IMG_20150702_110530062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM0WNO1HxO1FHTuWB6Rs6uQQhDdFzEhTC10Q6zar8FFLqYMhunDXUOdseibXGa3ETNFOer8ILLk01yU0_cXtSIG1mFzFpuES3QgiqXj9ZSNSaU6a48dqYZ8u7y2MEZQ22Kc7yU-LpnELv/s320/IMG_20150702_110530062.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">View of the Thames looking eastward. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhbSCtmTHr8OXNM11SKTF_74L8zicix58Z4nALlbg60dzz9c5UDYW18KQln6Ezw3EGVRkxIl2q0TSlrMIySEjDxIxeozwn7eBnOw8BY_j5NDWKNrggmOJbw9CDRlSbmeaWYZna3tXf_KFIK/s1600/IMG_20150702_110607164_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSCtmTHr8OXNM11SKTF_74L8zicix58Z4nALlbg60dzz9c5UDYW18KQln6Ezw3EGVRkxIl2q0TSlrMIySEjDxIxeozwn7eBnOw8BY_j5NDWKNrggmOJbw9CDRlSbmeaWYZna3tXf_KFIK/s320/IMG_20150702_110607164_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">That's St. Paul's Cathedral in the center (the domed building.)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEiLd8KwLFlJthkvGtNjTSD3PqO667NpHnICaeeymSq41L3xd5Hhs-Y81xwNnPAyGIex4tHpNkynLUwY3f7X-G4w8jwOAgSMAFhIhfDd4Z8HpMvW_BjtrbTB5NHpfbxXeXizBetSAOP8_WtX/s1600/IMG_20150702_124328214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd8KwLFlJthkvGtNjTSD3PqO667NpHnICaeeymSq41L3xd5Hhs-Y81xwNnPAyGIex4tHpNkynLUwY3f7X-G4w8jwOAgSMAFhIhfDd4Z8HpMvW_BjtrbTB5NHpfbxXeXizBetSAOP8_WtX/s320/IMG_20150702_124328214.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Our lunch venue. Tasty yet pricey!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_er21SJk8F1-O_JWP_FOdJ3OU8Pn4qEq5J6MgLqk8inTDL8FB643F54QXeuIypNklUTxDfGtApnUprMswdfLOkxGvfSrm-kjiJMB1BfFnA3VA5aSMYdlESdenp6pnA5xb8SugTL-BvATM/s1600/IMG_20150702_124338283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_er21SJk8F1-O_JWP_FOdJ3OU8Pn4qEq5J6MgLqk8inTDL8FB643F54QXeuIypNklUTxDfGtApnUprMswdfLOkxGvfSrm-kjiJMB1BfFnA3VA5aSMYdlESdenp6pnA5xb8SugTL-BvATM/s320/IMG_20150702_124338283.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<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/AVvXsEh4yhv5B3EwK5Td-OHsKzPct8z70ZaaX_AwPhR0ubqiWxfXGWz7-kY6Tn1gPhM9pzXMImceXe8trvfxOrAeWdnt_8BUR8lNx-5hCxnTPKBhkDndxhu5SP6H4kEiewPHC8qRTLlzy-5z9C5D/s1600/IMG_20150702_124340466%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yhv5B3EwK5Td-OHsKzPct8z70ZaaX_AwPhR0ubqiWxfXGWz7-kY6Tn1gPhM9pzXMImceXe8trvfxOrAeWdnt_8BUR8lNx-5hCxnTPKBhkDndxhu5SP6H4kEiewPHC8qRTLlzy-5z9C5D/s320/IMG_20150702_124340466%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Silly tourist having lunch at American themed eatery. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stay tuned for Part II of this day when Dan and I went to Harrod's! Yes, Harrods, not Jared's. <br />
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-80458190083847839442015-08-18T17:46:00.002-07:002015-08-18T17:48:13.669-07:00I Wanted My Mummy!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE6UCyDi2PJJFigmHKkovW5OnjYHrFzbqhDakur8ccy1TYQrTCY6FCHK7igSaa6jPkN8jVHRaqGx1X356fuLC2L5cN5NJeIXPDOczkn5mTcVCacjlhMXquc4oRC_PaRtx6jT7D5Bgpd6Y/s1600/IMG_20150701_122516705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
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<br />
Well, I got a bit behind on blogging, so sorry!<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, July 1, we had kind of a low key day. We went
to the British Museum, had some ice cream and ate at Strada on
Kensingtion High Street. The British Museum is huge, with lots to see,
and we recommend it. Again, skip the Science Museum in favor of the
Natural History Museum or the British Museum. (We did not do the Albert
and Victoria Museum).<br />
<br />
We also learned today that in London, ice cream cones come with or without "flake". That would be a skinny stick of chocolate stuck into the side of your ice cream! <br />
<br />
Enjoy the pictures! (Next blog: We go to Herrods!)<br />
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<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/AVvXsEiuQDaPsFxIP7DZePX3qBX50JIfUNx7a_p-x0-hG1dI87BmIOoUXtqGgWH90vG6MivOiDW6W1_S8mnD4AtXwbvPBgCoFOTvwszyhijuv0zRMlg6Aj97n26fPDvGyPd7opajrX3RhUKlBtVS/s1600/IMG_20150701_104208628.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQDaPsFxIP7DZePX3qBX50JIfUNx7a_p-x0-hG1dI87BmIOoUXtqGgWH90vG6MivOiDW6W1_S8mnD4AtXwbvPBgCoFOTvwszyhijuv0zRMlg6Aj97n26fPDvGyPd7opajrX3RhUKlBtVS/s320/IMG_20150701_104208628.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The British Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZR-rmxN_gnmSqo11Vdnwhf78Z2DPisj0IaETJ6CT15loZG2SBbzT56_HlOImd4vnxsTurE3r9cMDx481xOjXourmrE-Ikr9CvlJBiqWWrK-OFqVEM3I20_m7Z-Id8i0AU1WOepAHQ29V/s1600/IMG_20150701_114303481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<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/AVvXsEjnHP3qCyUiYFC82MjD6HixySjmJhclRo_BI3ukTzdkujSP_yXYPQUwXGDaGKASelwuxlBzSIicHgv6_NCIpfq64Hdw1axlra6VWplPlY0d0agTz4Cs-p1WEv1Q3GmbX8EBOmXZUDFhJasG/s1600/IMG_20150701_104702397.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHP3qCyUiYFC82MjD6HixySjmJhclRo_BI3ukTzdkujSP_yXYPQUwXGDaGKASelwuxlBzSIicHgv6_NCIpfq64Hdw1axlra6VWplPlY0d0agTz4Cs-p1WEv1Q3GmbX8EBOmXZUDFhJasG/s320/IMG_20150701_104702397.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Inside the British Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhlrNaH7UVYSpnjm0ucugnAcmBiGi3_LeGnXfblHmJe4Ofs8Ftb39aS_HXrzhoVoBPkjIiOqHCS1c4v_i9cgVBYdkoLnrM-sM75g8x6JskmhHlUen-TgHaWKP8pbYZFvp6a1S3UysX_kymq/s1600/IMG_20150701_113026680.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrNaH7UVYSpnjm0ucugnAcmBiGi3_LeGnXfblHmJe4Ofs8Ftb39aS_HXrzhoVoBPkjIiOqHCS1c4v_i9cgVBYdkoLnrM-sM75g8x6JskmhHlUen-TgHaWKP8pbYZFvp6a1S3UysX_kymq/s320/IMG_20150701_113026680.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEg8qUJ0OadKNTFat1ljI15eX37oCejRGrASt1bsBW3HCVLUDvBhvUCnMl5LuUDSdeb4v8CDEGsSsbw7vGALGAC2IUh2k2tFSuRN8shHz-ezrMNrf45SN5Np5sp_xkU_lp23gK_qqD02Umfk/s1600/IMG_20150701_113017787.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qUJ0OadKNTFat1ljI15eX37oCejRGrASt1bsBW3HCVLUDvBhvUCnMl5LuUDSdeb4v8CDEGsSsbw7vGALGAC2IUh2k2tFSuRN8shHz-ezrMNrf45SN5Np5sp_xkU_lp23gK_qqD02Umfk/s320/IMG_20150701_113017787.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7v0WGOafWTvsOvlboriYDzZ8kzCB19J5wLK9qHLXda1Mw1xyWtVwUNyKQuJXiApPSoOReCyMUjVi3eJBuJsNDPsWmDcc-wTEsViYniYlwsmqeS3J-FQLGUh4lb0bPn0tSZ3V5WbUDyT3/s1600/IMG_20150701_114331409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<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/AVvXsEgG4Uj6EkMcO0SewuisS2_7dvAm7RvLeXtlZsPwui8PCCiaD1NLaV322aOB4lXYd4mGGP8jZSV5uUi81sYjcKa3OaIbLLBGRQq6xTXkfQu76OtqfWXep2KjK3Jk-wF7HhXfPF9CkQ47Da4c/s1600/IMG_20150701_114334425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4Uj6EkMcO0SewuisS2_7dvAm7RvLeXtlZsPwui8PCCiaD1NLaV322aOB4lXYd4mGGP8jZSV5uUi81sYjcKa3OaIbLLBGRQq6xTXkfQu76OtqfWXep2KjK3Jk-wF7HhXfPF9CkQ47Da4c/s320/IMG_20150701_114334425.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Rosetta Stone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEh1my39c2x7xI-A_VNHf-YU-FFRCZOMNbhLMLiA71OMGE20YBePlU9uFKjdoTPWhl_96AqT1v76oC144unasXLGgzKByFiKRZ6ElcyiqMfgjIsq9PqnF6CM4NjhRaTkXFEO9HfnzdPlM2-J/s1600/IMG_20150701_114339449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1my39c2x7xI-A_VNHf-YU-FFRCZOMNbhLMLiA71OMGE20YBePlU9uFKjdoTPWhl_96AqT1v76oC144unasXLGgzKByFiKRZ6ElcyiqMfgjIsq9PqnF6CM4NjhRaTkXFEO9HfnzdPlM2-J/s320/IMG_20150701_114339449.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEg_7v0WGOafWTvsOvlboriYDzZ8kzCB19J5wLK9qHLXda1Mw1xyWtVwUNyKQuJXiApPSoOReCyMUjVi3eJBuJsNDPsWmDcc-wTEsViYniYlwsmqeS3J-FQLGUh4lb0bPn0tSZ3V5WbUDyT3/s1600/IMG_20150701_114331409.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7v0WGOafWTvsOvlboriYDzZ8kzCB19J5wLK9qHLXda1Mw1xyWtVwUNyKQuJXiApPSoOReCyMUjVi3eJBuJsNDPsWmDcc-wTEsViYniYlwsmqeS3J-FQLGUh4lb0bPn0tSZ3V5WbUDyT3/s320/IMG_20150701_114331409.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The Rosetta Stone, up close and personal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69-gQEKCGD_NkHA843tzi_mv23ed0ucscW0J6WslEv5Y-guFwMMKcjZjyL50usJv1iFxiWLiYyQCKJrZtTtAIUscJG_H3owgbIJyxEzRdv3y7KDR80CthZuGcphgyV9IYGbVRV5NosfVP/s1600/IMG_20150701_114349014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69-gQEKCGD_NkHA843tzi_mv23ed0ucscW0J6WslEv5Y-guFwMMKcjZjyL50usJv1iFxiWLiYyQCKJrZtTtAIUscJG_H3owgbIJyxEzRdv3y7KDR80CthZuGcphgyV9IYGbVRV5NosfVP/s320/IMG_20150701_114349014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matthew and The Stone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZR-rmxN_gnmSqo11Vdnwhf78Z2DPisj0IaETJ6CT15loZG2SBbzT56_HlOImd4vnxsTurE3r9cMDx481xOjXourmrE-Ikr9CvlJBiqWWrK-OFqVEM3I20_m7Z-Id8i0AU1WOepAHQ29V/s1600/IMG_20150701_114303481.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZR-rmxN_gnmSqo11Vdnwhf78Z2DPisj0IaETJ6CT15loZG2SBbzT56_HlOImd4vnxsTurE3r9cMDx481xOjXourmrE-Ikr9CvlJBiqWWrK-OFqVEM3I20_m7Z-Id8i0AU1WOepAHQ29V/s320/IMG_20150701_114303481.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Tourists in the way of seeing the Rosetta Stone</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzQyvT8QfF35B1t4TB3thyphenhyphen-YX2Bhu4cUHN0RfmJrkzILYhG07EC6iSOhcYsy-PWoPv9xhTDS1rdmfe4A7JdNJESYe6bdsRLyNqV5xnuTKYbawuQy1iy0uMEFa59DNXQreKtqF0qJBnJd5/s1600/IMG_20150701_115917610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzQyvT8QfF35B1t4TB3thyphenhyphen-YX2Bhu4cUHN0RfmJrkzILYhG07EC6iSOhcYsy-PWoPv9xhTDS1rdmfe4A7JdNJESYe6bdsRLyNqV5xnuTKYbawuQy1iy0uMEFa59DNXQreKtqF0qJBnJd5/s320/IMG_20150701_115917610.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Dan and Matt at the walls of an old temple.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7L2QAWVrYCpNJ049XjrqPw_bhjzaGk0IBnAZ0pRPp4-zggfaLRJKZzTc45DVjY84Yx5_TkigppoRg4NgECHEG-NM88hJbJ_LuyLzuwiz5NFlO-mAyvXf0DzpMqa3w_2TuH9o5mQy6S-K/s1600/IMG_20150701_121040672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7L2QAWVrYCpNJ049XjrqPw_bhjzaGk0IBnAZ0pRPp4-zggfaLRJKZzTc45DVjY84Yx5_TkigppoRg4NgECHEG-NM88hJbJ_LuyLzuwiz5NFlO-mAyvXf0DzpMqa3w_2TuH9o5mQy6S-K/s320/IMG_20150701_121040672.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another temple wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-eChDk3EhyYLcClhnJgJp4YYCgcbviowoinooe5CBmz1LYBMgGQktoMFoRh4MmTvmNcWeC1jpUo7yuigE_JQTcJtog_FFm3BU6NjZoRj5bDk7x24tK9MYPHV2r6x0CYYtrzPxRCXOyEY/s1600/IMG_20150701_105425063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-eChDk3EhyYLcClhnJgJp4YYCgcbviowoinooe5CBmz1LYBMgGQktoMFoRh4MmTvmNcWeC1jpUo7yuigE_JQTcJtog_FFm3BU6NjZoRj5bDk7x24tK9MYPHV2r6x0CYYtrzPxRCXOyEY/s320/IMG_20150701_105425063.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Some pottery</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScacVaPFcSHlVnfGP5rEopiR3KQ9AwoJQ8eFYCTXwnFhuGl9hC10jAoam4jWzCgjOMSOPlqYhMDuT6_3a-hPKmq91Db-c5lX0gaDi0mdXGpD8C8uvcrD-2OhMv51xQMAG8eM3g7gdbWM2/s1600/IMG_20150701_111753664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScacVaPFcSHlVnfGP5rEopiR3KQ9AwoJQ8eFYCTXwnFhuGl9hC10jAoam4jWzCgjOMSOPlqYhMDuT6_3a-hPKmq91Db-c5lX0gaDi0mdXGpD8C8uvcrD-2OhMv51xQMAG8eM3g7gdbWM2/s320/IMG_20150701_111753664.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The mummy exhibits were very cool!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbbSy0GyR9eOLXnQB1PDYfg-lzn_3rIsAVvhHyVRVfkrcVfWIzA_mvFeG4hzLwShKMjhydkj9TTW597KBAg52WkUWgyCOqmG0Od4R2iYhEGPo0zRhMCQjt-t_TIEq4xI1MNnKsu72t55L/s1600/IMG_20150701_111826132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbbSy0GyR9eOLXnQB1PDYfg-lzn_3rIsAVvhHyVRVfkrcVfWIzA_mvFeG4hzLwShKMjhydkj9TTW597KBAg52WkUWgyCOqmG0Od4R2iYhEGPo0zRhMCQjt-t_TIEq4xI1MNnKsu72t55L/s320/IMG_20150701_111826132.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">This guy died due to a stab wound to the shoulder.</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qUJ0OadKNTFat1ljI15eX37oCejRGrASt1bsBW3HCVLUDvBhvUCnMl5LuUDSdeb4v8CDEGsSsbw7vGALGAC2IUh2k2tFSuRN8shHz-ezrMNrf45SN5Np5sp_xkU_lp23gK_qqD02Umfk/s1600/IMG_20150701_113017787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpWnM9tN8Bs2cB-BxDpY6pzUwZUhSCRJ6QJBFdWLfC_qxfWK9XJ2wrMvrkwMpP-iMLQZ0t_nctNrC-0Dv0J8uY2sptg18dHdNOfPoU-LKcx7zCEOpEor2kpODuAvR10rd7ExS-bMnf-cw/s1600/IMG_20150701_105501004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpWnM9tN8Bs2cB-BxDpY6pzUwZUhSCRJ6QJBFdWLfC_qxfWK9XJ2wrMvrkwMpP-iMLQZ0t_nctNrC-0Dv0J8uY2sptg18dHdNOfPoU-LKcx7zCEOpEor2kpODuAvR10rd7ExS-bMnf-cw/s320/IMG_20150701_105501004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">More mummies!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE6UCyDi2PJJFigmHKkovW5OnjYHrFzbqhDakur8ccy1TYQrTCY6FCHK7igSaa6jPkN8jVHRaqGx1X356fuLC2L5cN5NJeIXPDOczkn5mTcVCacjlhMXquc4oRC_PaRtx6jT7D5Bgpd6Y/s1600/IMG_20150701_122516705.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE6UCyDi2PJJFigmHKkovW5OnjYHrFzbqhDakur8ccy1TYQrTCY6FCHK7igSaa6jPkN8jVHRaqGx1X356fuLC2L5cN5NJeIXPDOczkn5mTcVCacjlhMXquc4oRC_PaRtx6jT7D5Bgpd6Y/s320/IMG_20150701_122516705.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ancient statue found on Easter Island</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrNaH7UVYSpnjm0ucugnAcmBiGi3_LeGnXfblHmJe4Ofs8Ftb39aS_HXrzhoVoBPkjIiOqHCS1c4v_i9cgVBYdkoLnrM-sM75g8x6JskmhHlUen-TgHaWKP8pbYZFvp6a1S3UysX_kymq/s1600/IMG_20150701_113026680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ice cream WITHOUT flake!</span></td></tr>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-78991827415843915942015-08-04T11:14:00.003-07:002015-08-04T11:14:53.942-07:00Kensington Area, Continued...Tuesday, June 30, 2015 continued...<br />
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After touring Kensington Palace, we walked to Hyde Park and followed the signs to locate the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, which is a wading pool for children and adults, surrounded by a ring of beautiful flowers and sits across from a quiet pond with ducks and swans. A very pretty area indeed. Dan and Matt had fun cooling off their tired feet in the pool, while I snapped pictures, and after, we sat under a nearby tree and took a rest. Then it was on to the Science Museum, which, sadly, didn't impress us much (I would advise tourists to skip it in favor of the Natural History Museum). Later that evening, we walked to a local pub on Earls Court Road, enjoyed fish and chips, beef and onion meat pies, mini-burgers, ale, wine and water. Yes, this is the pub where I mortified the young waiter by asking him for more "napkins". The proper British term would be "serviettes"..never mind what I actually asked him for. Enjoy the pictures!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ8hdyLe9TSW-XF_aYbFcXPuGIpdJPEgFaoj4_Ks5ziAB1jGJ0O_wAKWAiMynerm1R29dkkGKzFtkPLp4OK90T0LGUxMVuCQI16HpHzC-YnSrXIAdaAE6G4q1wJyalEjw4w06Nt-8Auu4/s1600/IMG_20150630_111134196.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ8hdyLe9TSW-XF_aYbFcXPuGIpdJPEgFaoj4_Ks5ziAB1jGJ0O_wAKWAiMynerm1R29dkkGKzFtkPLp4OK90T0LGUxMVuCQI16HpHzC-YnSrXIAdaAE6G4q1wJyalEjw4w06Nt-8Auu4/s320/IMG_20150630_111134196.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Statue of Queen Victoria as we left the grounds.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3gV4xtn4DXv8q7rNVdvECa5is10YPie1C8AeZ_k11_goJIUi1fTY0CDEYcKUT1f93LVzPd-uR-Q7aQrr4nCe9derY2Zh0D7npF92adiUPijo91DhtvDvHKJLRudgLoAs3BMAVPeZZKqz/s1600/IMG_20150630_113912803.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3gV4xtn4DXv8q7rNVdvECa5is10YPie1C8AeZ_k11_goJIUi1fTY0CDEYcKUT1f93LVzPd-uR-Q7aQrr4nCe9derY2Zh0D7npF92adiUPijo91DhtvDvHKJLRudgLoAs3BMAVPeZZKqz/s320/IMG_20150630_113912803.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Statue Victoria had built to honor Albert. I think this was in Hyde Park. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1fnwzCHwCqdyMzyYzTC-GHjp89AY15YXtw8sNqN7XVbx7gYLGVFY8JrHSrtL3xcHrAai1jFSyc1hy8DExQcft6hnjmbzrHnj1ArbDyv6vjCJhD5L1Qj-mgXfy6rh88CO1ltMoynYzcGI/s1600/IMG_20150630_113922530.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1fnwzCHwCqdyMzyYzTC-GHjp89AY15YXtw8sNqN7XVbx7gYLGVFY8JrHSrtL3xcHrAai1jFSyc1hy8DExQcft6hnjmbzrHnj1ArbDyv6vjCJhD5L1Qj-mgXfy6rh88CO1ltMoynYzcGI/s320/IMG_20150630_113922530.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The famous Royal Albert Hall </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQzdnp3fZzjevaTVhMSPz5j2MvYp8o7MNZjjWn_iONeHJ3QUiaJRPNZIgYgwu2DDmPkayulL7tVy74vMrkMP2rvv51yMHRTzHTFhCV7dJh63NY05ucrr7wX4zFNXvymiOCUngQJaLn5Jr/s1600/IMG_20150630_115441111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQzdnp3fZzjevaTVhMSPz5j2MvYp8o7MNZjjWn_iONeHJ3QUiaJRPNZIgYgwu2DDmPkayulL7tVy74vMrkMP2rvv51yMHRTzHTFhCV7dJh63NY05ucrr7wX4zFNXvymiOCUngQJaLn5Jr/s320/IMG_20150630_115441111.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Pond across from the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha1U7gsL_CGPlf-6oPkfSKpxIVYaKOulRQD18cs4xXOGmRvbZGJ5VP59Oj0O8xzN5pl16B-1RPd4kIPG1tWRq2cSYe36ZLLJURi4qgux8abYqNO-oeXaSzrL6p9Lu4IyEWBwQwcicnTJV/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha1U7gsL_CGPlf-6oPkfSKpxIVYaKOulRQD18cs4xXOGmRvbZGJ5VP59Oj0O8xzN5pl16B-1RPd4kIPG1tWRq2cSYe36ZLLJURi4qgux8abYqNO-oeXaSzrL6p9Lu4IyEWBwQwcicnTJV/s320/IMG_0432.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8tgUfIMYYz7DQPVdoMQku_1TuGptsj3qpYK7sG5KQ8exvNtAddpUFiyMmH4osyBOe0jRPoVspHBFREYBowPXO16fRYFD8xSNOUhbMAYool9bshFMXpxec3HaKbyv3vc7O0-p4usdcEiU/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8tgUfIMYYz7DQPVdoMQku_1TuGptsj3qpYK7sG5KQ8exvNtAddpUFiyMmH4osyBOe0jRPoVspHBFREYBowPXO16fRYFD8xSNOUhbMAYool9bshFMXpxec3HaKbyv3vc7O0-p4usdcEiU/s320/IMG_0431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">One more shot. Lots of swans!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQuV2g_kCjJXxvCdwLXJ1jIztLplbBPqB3O1zdSsn_UMTu7wLYlEPiEcIGVLYmxSMlB3Xg4JMDKiYIWcliAMFB-efu9Rm6fMS9jf0XwAb92sH-1ZffSA-P19LzcflN1XbuLoL5XhzNveZ/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQuV2g_kCjJXxvCdwLXJ1jIztLplbBPqB3O1zdSsn_UMTu7wLYlEPiEcIGVLYmxSMlB3Xg4JMDKiYIWcliAMFB-efu9Rm6fMS9jf0XwAb92sH-1ZffSA-P19LzcflN1XbuLoL5XhzNveZ/s320/IMG_0433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">After much walking, we found it!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWirEXMqItBlt5V86SjSQ4e5SMmMYBfKv8dQ9i9kRT7mobFxxP4tplNIYnrpskA7z4TPE_Egg9o7Oz41LmrSM8eNmARobYzU_1HJrY2hO2IXtJ-8zeXj7Vb-n1rmGg6a40gID9vz3iN-k/s1600/IMG_0434.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWirEXMqItBlt5V86SjSQ4e5SMmMYBfKv8dQ9i9kRT7mobFxxP4tplNIYnrpskA7z4TPE_Egg9o7Oz41LmrSM8eNmARobYzU_1HJrY2hO2IXtJ-8zeXj7Vb-n1rmGg6a40gID9vz3iN-k/s320/IMG_0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYMSaI3MFqnhH8N3NGq-2eOe0QsWePTkRv9lVOd_NysZo1QhOIFiwZHZaeos9hBielTtGnb32aP1lhUpWtoPwpgqdC5YHwmgHylfED8qj146An2MEXKYPj5-afAQgIBbaImIuZ9m5Blu1/s1600/IMG_20150630_115447138_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYMSaI3MFqnhH8N3NGq-2eOe0QsWePTkRv9lVOd_NysZo1QhOIFiwZHZaeos9hBielTtGnb32aP1lhUpWtoPwpgqdC5YHwmgHylfED8qj146An2MEXKYPj5-afAQgIBbaImIuZ9m5Blu1/s320/IMG_20150630_115447138_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">View of the fountain (pool) from the gate.</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEhIeIV4XGEeBqD1S4eRDnyUHd53luX6pzXQBizJhF2VijrpNlpNdyWg0aH7bYiFpW0JBGUeITutJ_l8xFm3hrNRV8_N2p_nKbnntzEA14R7fSTQR4QsOCBdr4MgGdX2VO9wBbnqXJgSJ2G0/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeIV4XGEeBqD1S4eRDnyUHd53luX6pzXQBizJhF2VijrpNlpNdyWg0aH7bYiFpW0JBGUeITutJ_l8xFm3hrNRV8_N2p_nKbnntzEA14R7fSTQR4QsOCBdr4MgGdX2VO9wBbnqXJgSJ2G0/s320/IMG_0442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">These beautiful flowers surround the memorial outside the gate.</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEh1jK1SMQFIfLkeZugvw6t1BjY2y_WgSCkbvkslfThdl5LCKkODg4t5NhBV1i_fdOQtq-oE2np2nvuin33HSU5Z7qBccthvyYxf3P_Z8HAql4XYe6XE5qu0saaQcuywgeNqS_jjDRBAT_Vs/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jK1SMQFIfLkeZugvw6t1BjY2y_WgSCkbvkslfThdl5LCKkODg4t5NhBV1i_fdOQtq-oE2np2nvuin33HSU5Z7qBccthvyYxf3P_Z8HAql4XYe6XE5qu0saaQcuywgeNqS_jjDRBAT_Vs/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0etpzXauuMwUS_4ujbPOYmae9iXKyt8uIoBXAH7rue_CSY8AICrlIQtVhL0K8LxkD5sfeXTPkCuzTqU9ONV7osvWvD0zWMI0w-fUcmyXcD2P0ypTxYAo_IJsFqkjdzO82cITqUy5vlWTF/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0etpzXauuMwUS_4ujbPOYmae9iXKyt8uIoBXAH7rue_CSY8AICrlIQtVhL0K8LxkD5sfeXTPkCuzTqU9ONV7osvWvD0zWMI0w-fUcmyXcD2P0ypTxYAo_IJsFqkjdzO82cITqUy5vlWTF/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matt enjoys the wading pool.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: white;"> </span><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/AVvXsEhzqNJATvQ2USwRSJLM5M6VHYCW70oKFGEjJYAogckjOdUToNEBpJ-IWnC7qL4O20oAdkdHuIrrem6oPtA4_HmeDNfhJPZMWpyjZfSg6M3GpNn_B9554FJPtQpq6YExekt5vH7CULcHHkuR/s1600/IMG_0435.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqNJATvQ2USwRSJLM5M6VHYCW70oKFGEjJYAogckjOdUToNEBpJ-IWnC7qL4O20oAdkdHuIrrem6oPtA4_HmeDNfhJPZMWpyjZfSg6M3GpNn_B9554FJPtQpq6YExekt5vH7CULcHHkuR/s320/IMG_0435.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">As does Dan!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvEH1fIrbuAm7X4z6hXthDET4Bgk9ZrbIf7cGfQNLVOno6v7UkUbckOy2Icp8IKEyTpqlRU-B2GWyTwKtrb4cyrTG3NDCdtpN-RqtuNMbAN2IfAZ4JOGqHfNWf7RhZe3Ggd6S9Zq9OQRi/s1600/IMG_0438.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvEH1fIrbuAm7X4z6hXthDET4Bgk9ZrbIf7cGfQNLVOno6v7UkUbckOy2Icp8IKEyTpqlRU-B2GWyTwKtrb4cyrTG3NDCdtpN-RqtuNMbAN2IfAZ4JOGqHfNWf7RhZe3Ggd6S9Zq9OQRi/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Father/son bonding moment. LOL! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEi3yyGOxvx9Qrflz9-9AP1G3sZHnkhIHPS5s92r3pqp7d3MSC-OKXcct56uBeYm0Y7zTc9pKYPDxbmGICRh0EeMNNGnoirVYXzXvz7fz0NehoGnQHta3InqCWVvWNOmAbKSM98Qx79g1nZl/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yyGOxvx9Qrflz9-9AP1G3sZHnkhIHPS5s92r3pqp7d3MSC-OKXcct56uBeYm0Y7zTc9pKYPDxbmGICRh0EeMNNGnoirVYXzXvz7fz0NehoGnQHta3InqCWVvWNOmAbKSM98Qx79g1nZl/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Resting near the wading pool!</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEht6Vywo8Tm13KXkSJWQkvTrHS8xrzJvylUAemZ1OKUoXJcG1vXJuquCiInT0CIXqSfnN1kTLLj_8LYEZurZosjYskJ-h7wtO7NPDAmDbC3VhwOdZeANzGC706PrRNqZB73x4i93pGbc0fk/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6Vywo8Tm13KXkSJWQkvTrHS8xrzJvylUAemZ1OKUoXJcG1vXJuquCiInT0CIXqSfnN1kTLLj_8LYEZurZosjYskJ-h7wtO7NPDAmDbC3VhwOdZeANzGC706PrRNqZB73x4i93pGbc0fk/s320/IMG_0439.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Princess Diana Memorial Wildlife</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxluSeikTuGzX3bN-gFGo-ibwEBbSEI5yzp9eKvJraxoaTcqMLp8ewey4rMYoQZ28-pvFzX3Lmd58W5mhdPc4GvlGHMTwRNXPjnG0WbOE3okCx6SMshMJ2stjR1F49nhcEMLLnxrO4Kpu/s1600/IMG_20150630_124744491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxluSeikTuGzX3bN-gFGo-ibwEBbSEI5yzp9eKvJraxoaTcqMLp8ewey4rMYoQZ28-pvFzX3Lmd58W5mhdPc4GvlGHMTwRNXPjnG0WbOE3okCx6SMshMJ2stjR1F49nhcEMLLnxrO4Kpu/s320/IMG_20150630_124744491.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Old tractor at the Science Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYMSaI3MFqnhH8N3NGq-2eOe0QsWePTkRv9lVOd_NysZo1QhOIFiwZHZaeos9hBielTtGnb32aP1lhUpWtoPwpgqdC5YHwmgHylfED8qj146An2MEXKYPj5-afAQgIBbaImIuZ9m5Blu1/s1600/IMG_20150630_115447138_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<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/AVvXsEhI3MPqFb5dbyEXl_N1t2Q6aNnhplUhFnaSjXU2zyzmX12VPaimeMQtCyfth0VZrJmE7uxFidG6YXGQNGQCVMaMwgnXnysCsxRIeTsoMvAmByiLkDV7RMQhOaxNMfVMIsP8AX6TJ5V56XsN/s1600/IMG_20150630_124728723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3MPqFb5dbyEXl_N1t2Q6aNnhplUhFnaSjXU2zyzmX12VPaimeMQtCyfth0VZrJmE7uxFidG6YXGQNGQCVMaMwgnXnysCsxRIeTsoMvAmByiLkDV7RMQhOaxNMfVMIsP8AX6TJ5V56XsN/s320/IMG_20150630_124728723.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuf3kjntrjFZlrqxj1jx8o1WMLR5J5l_SYBOKbsXVoYEt6dehQb3bUEK7CeHGePc2XxzBfh1M3I3l-BN3pdOlozpSUKRE8m53EqDRnEfAK3D42eexGQdhzkLbnJecKo7DLshBoTylvJsA/s1600/IMG_20150630_181451883_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuf3kjntrjFZlrqxj1jx8o1WMLR5J5l_SYBOKbsXVoYEt6dehQb3bUEK7CeHGePc2XxzBfh1M3I3l-BN3pdOlozpSUKRE8m53EqDRnEfAK3D42eexGQdhzkLbnJecKo7DLshBoTylvJsA/s320/IMG_20150630_181451883_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The Earl's Court Tavern where we had dinner.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdO5ZsaW1FqocMQsfgEKIBmqFgXf3JTL5R6_XafxnB-eyG3z2OSBd5ORQcheynY7G20L5BHB0CtcsN9SBQn9LnBv7D19hWCo4kr1Wezeb1Lws1RpFVvMM0oMtmiu5hV7pHEihA9VBlDEl/s1600/IMG_20150630_181441415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdO5ZsaW1FqocMQsfgEKIBmqFgXf3JTL5R6_XafxnB-eyG3z2OSBd5ORQcheynY7G20L5BHB0CtcsN9SBQn9LnBv7D19hWCo4kr1Wezeb1Lws1RpFVvMM0oMtmiu5hV7pHEihA9VBlDEl/s320/IMG_20150630_181441415.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQzdnp3fZzjevaTVhMSPz5j2MvYp8o7MNZjjWn_iONeHJ3QUiaJRPNZIgYgwu2DDmPkayulL7tVy74vMrkMP2rvv51yMHRTzHTFhCV7dJh63NY05ucrr7wX4zFNXvymiOCUngQJaLn5Jr/s1600/IMG_20150630_115441111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_JtAerAN0ufBv7lHYprO69NbqhDoZZyIJ_nahKemUBewfpSANy-1lfAlDYkGXGPCqC4zwtFmu5CLNoo9BZB7EwXpyRBALsYMlRbW_WVhcT5YPkW-xOT9ixrcLoyA6QXNujNwVsVjLoak/s1600/IMG_20150630_175105140_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_JtAerAN0ufBv7lHYprO69NbqhDoZZyIJ_nahKemUBewfpSANy-1lfAlDYkGXGPCqC4zwtFmu5CLNoo9BZB7EwXpyRBALsYMlRbW_WVhcT5YPkW-xOT9ixrcLoyA6QXNujNwVsVjLoak/s320/IMG_20150630_175105140_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Yours truly in the Earl's Court Tavern</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaTkSmwI5xk_094HND7aG47vgS68pPk75bcTgSZfHUdCPKDa1B_TS7WY8LMqqQM0ONXS63jDLiCMxkbPrK4CN6UyRA4om8lnnT-iTRStaDD6RLQ-4g7WQfPvgXaeygHX-AOT8ZLVgsdXN/s1600/IMG_20150630_175059101_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaTkSmwI5xk_094HND7aG47vgS68pPk75bcTgSZfHUdCPKDa1B_TS7WY8LMqqQM0ONXS63jDLiCMxkbPrK4CN6UyRA4om8lnnT-iTRStaDD6RLQ-4g7WQfPvgXaeygHX-AOT8ZLVgsdXN/s320/IMG_20150630_175059101_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matt and I</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggZZDi-hvndZ6o9HL5J_u_vDkbA6M4xW72fOo_r04onv1rXEJaLKOBrnmSY_e4sfhyphenhyphen_LfCYGABzKshapXNz4Ew0KMepEZfTaEMidpQWeNJMpoy-ARmZhwGDOsQ08Sxxb_dlSAaVLSUYbF/s1600/IMG_20150630_175110768_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggZZDi-hvndZ6o9HL5J_u_vDkbA6M4xW72fOo_r04onv1rXEJaLKOBrnmSY_e4sfhyphenhyphen_LfCYGABzKshapXNz4Ew0KMepEZfTaEMidpQWeNJMpoy-ARmZhwGDOsQ08Sxxb_dlSAaVLSUYbF/s320/IMG_20150630_175110768_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Another view of the tavern.</span></td></tr>
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Next Blog: British Museum and dinner at Strada (We're winding down, folks!)<br />
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-13702598078863936302015-07-30T14:40:00.000-07:002015-07-30T18:24:22.657-07:00Off to Will and Kate's House!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG2aNQq9q3XUBPyUbtcycS_fQNym_UJFP2YeGaEjhi1yB09m2u0PS3l8Dh3ETdZ0jpsY4YCkbv6dZJ9fseZ7s1vk3dDKXdLahKssfUNeEbWOuRzwdG-62IcKQ5cJhWJcSMFFIMchUwsv9/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG2aNQq9q3XUBPyUbtcycS_fQNym_UJFP2YeGaEjhi1yB09m2u0PS3l8Dh3ETdZ0jpsY4YCkbv6dZJ9fseZ7s1vk3dDKXdLahKssfUNeEbWOuRzwdG-62IcKQ5cJhWJcSMFFIMchUwsv9/s320/IMG_0430.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<u>Tuesday, June -3-15</u><br />
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We had the good fortune of our flat being a mere 20 minutes walking distance from Kensington Palace. Yep, that's right, William and Kate were practically our neighbors, or rather, would have been, had they not recently moved from KP in favor of new digs of their own north of London. Still, KP has been the home of (among others who date way back) Charles and Diana, and their sons William and Harry (Harry supposedly lives nearby on the property in a "cottage", which I'm sure isn't a cottage as we are like to think!), Sarah Ferguson, Queen Victoria, her Prince Albert and her many children. <br />
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I really liked the architecture of Kensingtion; it's homey and inviting and a tad more "modern" in appearance than other royal palaces. The grounds are beautifully maintained with gardens, an orangery, hedge maze and a sunken garden. (And that's just the east side, where the tourists are allowed.) Kensington Palace also sits at the far end of Hyde Park, a lovely place to stroll, sit with a book or just reflect in the English sun as you hang out by the palace. There's a peaceful feel to Kensington, and even though the tour isn't as grand as at the other palaces', it's still a lovely experience to visit.<br />
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The most difficult part of our day was finding the gate that actually let you in to the palace. It's not that it's hidden, it's just not marked. We weren't the only tourists walking aimlessly around the building, but once 10am came around, the ticket takers appeared and we were in! (For those of you going, it's on the East side of the building.)<br />
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The tour is divided into four sections..the King's State Apartments, The Queen's State Apartments, Victoria Revealed and finally, "The Royal Moderns" which frankly contained only two to three small rooms with cases of the dresses that
Queen Elizabeth I, her sister, Margaret and Princess Diana wore. Still, I
was thrilled to see Diana's dresses especially. Now, I knew she was
tall and thin, but I never realized how thin she was until I saw the
size of those dresses. I think you can see for yourself in the pics, but
I was shocked at how tiny in girth she actually was.<br />
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Pictures are below:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoWX-oJ59ZA4MOSDTS90ypFFMrWG5W-7a-SsSFBjHsMOgP9PiZV02T7iAqDgeS4fgemZOudo6YXYfahWqbs8HCVZH8KRaJp5buIp5AUYAJnwEcVsmKH-zCxS3dYTMaalqyOmMdCauf8O_/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoWX-oJ59ZA4MOSDTS90ypFFMrWG5W-7a-SsSFBjHsMOgP9PiZV02T7iAqDgeS4fgemZOudo6YXYfahWqbs8HCVZH8KRaJp5buIp5AUYAJnwEcVsmKH-zCxS3dYTMaalqyOmMdCauf8O_/s320/IMG_0423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">We've Arrived!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAld_hu0EyAAw3P4oyhUm3vEUpENNw2HerFHXFLaF82lzem9hW0lj5Ju0zS3Hr_0xtv9KSFEMKsxOR1PmqCFTur2_9f3lvpl671Gfc6oWSBYGQ56f24naaBAleL0RzmgsrIO_oHxmNMPm/s1600/IMG_20150630_094456204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAld_hu0EyAAw3P4oyhUm3vEUpENNw2HerFHXFLaF82lzem9hW0lj5Ju0zS3Hr_0xtv9KSFEMKsxOR1PmqCFTur2_9f3lvpl671Gfc6oWSBYGQ56f24naaBAleL0RzmgsrIO_oHxmNMPm/s320/IMG_20150630_094456204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matt and I in front of the gate that saw the tribute to Princess Diana many years ago.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">We found the visitors' entrance! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_YhrPvcU9zmaFujeHBJZE_lZx-RbGuvbOKolEljZe-tJIATX9vqr6YEC56P1U87ZQ9JnC1QGgAikAVtumaSQcERuu2TPae4W6nTXRWYakvxHXL8HQFFghhpZVZYwc9N7utRKESbTl8pp/s1600/IMG_20150630_110047860_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_YhrPvcU9zmaFujeHBJZE_lZx-RbGuvbOKolEljZe-tJIATX9vqr6YEC56P1U87ZQ9JnC1QGgAikAVtumaSQcERuu2TPae4W6nTXRWYakvxHXL8HQFFghhpZVZYwc9N7utRKESbTl8pp/s320/IMG_20150630_110047860_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Palace Gift Shop which we will return to in a few days.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-o7QHpIbXChS2Lknq0MNezJmoIJ8go9IuYxKvTWx1BsrY7RI8ES2jch2tl5o4cFv4G7jnvFIqdVwoHJdWt1UgeXyoVqUc3J06Tnr9TdbzbN1kw4YxGcsGSE8SFTc_GguKalMrT4U-Oiz/s1600/IMG_20150630_104101407.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-o7QHpIbXChS2Lknq0MNezJmoIJ8go9IuYxKvTWx1BsrY7RI8ES2jch2tl5o4cFv4G7jnvFIqdVwoHJdWt1UgeXyoVqUc3J06Tnr9TdbzbN1kw4YxGcsGSE8SFTc_GguKalMrT4U-Oiz/s320/IMG_20150630_104101407.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Old time piano inside Queen's State Rooms</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbbec-UEYDOD-CmhhVau-N20xVBw2Ketl3aeT5j57mOY-lk9uE1DY5iZ3Swfr1BH7vP9g0rWEujKkO7edtPRdSlgc3DpLUiTeD4aNdMZr2ah6Zmz3GPu5DisP6AqmPAiFbonmypyvvLY3/s1600/IMG_20150630_103049861.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbbec-UEYDOD-CmhhVau-N20xVBw2Ketl3aeT5j57mOY-lk9uE1DY5iZ3Swfr1BH7vP9g0rWEujKkO7edtPRdSlgc3DpLUiTeD4aNdMZr2ah6Zmz3GPu5DisP6AqmPAiFbonmypyvvLY3/s320/IMG_20150630_103049861.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">At least the wearer of this dress always has a place to set her drink!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGYuqHlcB_2lYj5-fKk5ej6aCTv8XHoFXzQMgAafG17ovM8yHfLwxJUkckYZJQYHMt95tcNCEkJN2-yP1OZPeHjNrmL0uaCD7jRFtSFXpiLQeYQbS44KOCVWEP-dSHoq0T5CL3GPR11cT/s1600/IMG_20150630_101348980.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGYuqHlcB_2lYj5-fKk5ej6aCTv8XHoFXzQMgAafG17ovM8yHfLwxJUkckYZJQYHMt95tcNCEkJN2-yP1OZPeHjNrmL0uaCD7jRFtSFXpiLQeYQbS44KOCVWEP-dSHoq0T5CL3GPR11cT/s320/IMG_20150630_101348980.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Table and Chairs in Queen Sate Rooms</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEi-mFQQUIJrRwd_TjVTYkD6BG4McfC08gE4zkA66HgJJc2Cj_2dubYZT3kIfMRRCEZaT65VTMhQme3TfcPnasdGxpTM8dlIIYvsNWKDgx1WVUljJf4nBhbHoYNWDqUAkrSTflXJkYmdPydn/s1600/IMG_20150630_101354362.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mFQQUIJrRwd_TjVTYkD6BG4McfC08gE4zkA66HgJJc2Cj_2dubYZT3kIfMRRCEZaT65VTMhQme3TfcPnasdGxpTM8dlIIYvsNWKDgx1WVUljJf4nBhbHoYNWDqUAkrSTflXJkYmdPydn/s320/IMG_20150630_101354362.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">View of gardens from Queen's Rooms.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiP6FSE2_GLWU7sZey6D7vOluD-533knwZgA8oEpVIQ20l-B4YZ5UOIWuq-CVEn-RqNV_EDIX37Gl0QkeNHY6QRreQlHzLt3OOMVjpSv57UkLXu8i9RrGyQclPCgjlMQChrX8RjhaCEK-kH/s1600/IMG_20150630_101427049.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6FSE2_GLWU7sZey6D7vOluD-533knwZgA8oEpVIQ20l-B4YZ5UOIWuq-CVEn-RqNV_EDIX37Gl0QkeNHY6QRreQlHzLt3OOMVjpSv57UkLXu8i9RrGyQclPCgjlMQChrX8RjhaCEK-kH/s320/IMG_20150630_101427049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Queen Anne's writing desk.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jOf7AaLfFDZ8e44FKBfqJb3iF5FzDpF8nYPa1tAnpak_CyX7YXY5ZuG53C3qTLVcxAXdYQQQ_jaaPN-QjTvc9-PfCcgdT7LY9MT6Vr-oxMLLtLl6AusborQ4POTb4Fythrf6ZhmrfyPp/s1600/IMG_20150630_101655166.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jOf7AaLfFDZ8e44FKBfqJb3iF5FzDpF8nYPa1tAnpak_CyX7YXY5ZuG53C3qTLVcxAXdYQQQ_jaaPN-QjTvc9-PfCcgdT7LY9MT6Vr-oxMLLtLl6AusborQ4POTb4Fythrf6ZhmrfyPp/s320/IMG_20150630_101655166.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Queen's Gallery where she'd walk for exercise.</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEg4SodFXAjPhLdS3SpzaNUGHGGHR0QYyjbaXshA2n9lqeOOGClVfpG1NbdVsLvIY9Zlukl4LgwAT5XmScph9f9IxtYmjNRUbj-H4b6PE0BsZuVOP-O1rA72uhRqeRndmSZ62pO-egdPJGek/s1600/IMG_20150630_101544952.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SodFXAjPhLdS3SpzaNUGHGGHR0QYyjbaXshA2n9lqeOOGClVfpG1NbdVsLvIY9Zlukl4LgwAT5XmScph9f9IxtYmjNRUbj-H4b6PE0BsZuVOP-O1rA72uhRqeRndmSZ62pO-egdPJGek/s320/IMG_20150630_101544952.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Queen Anne's Bed where she gave birth to the next heir.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU2JCzj4dOtuTp-gpYpuDacJ9LhAMxBNc85xtBJesQUQu_rhG_Hgc-O28IL1gNWWks4EjaXY8UKdlYEoRO4vmpnQMi_VA386ZXdRsHZ9yTQdxIDji598rntjFJent_XlxulsjJryxQbX2/s1600/IMG_20150630_103147251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU2JCzj4dOtuTp-gpYpuDacJ9LhAMxBNc85xtBJesQUQu_rhG_Hgc-O28IL1gNWWks4EjaXY8UKdlYEoRO4vmpnQMi_VA386ZXdRsHZ9yTQdxIDji598rntjFJent_XlxulsjJryxQbX2/s320/IMG_20150630_103147251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Gambling Tables in King's State Rooms</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEimBLKziiGa3FSeU0AwLN_l1Q2V4UFaJ-kbR778okJoIrZpXqPqNRm6C_n3bsc_rDF4LERYeNgaA_lAMuWDZ4XN-b2DlcGkvqPwvVqDZKLxD5PoG3NP_ZaxNGcuE3CLHCi7nGYHLHW6Z19d/s1600/IMG_20150630_103124782.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBLKziiGa3FSeU0AwLN_l1Q2V4UFaJ-kbR778okJoIrZpXqPqNRm6C_n3bsc_rDF4LERYeNgaA_lAMuWDZ4XN-b2DlcGkvqPwvVqDZKLxD5PoG3NP_ZaxNGcuE3CLHCi7nGYHLHW6Z19d/s320/IMG_20150630_103124782.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgMWF9YTYq1Z1LTNc_nPQYD8nkthyphenhyphenNWvVmfpak17XlUzp0orZqmzRM1u01tla8aOC5ynSBFwl37KPfbc6qbWHtBLRcMugMP35EOW8lVWjXJ3kSsnnBFj0AfyFBs8XM_7b7ZXuZwRdOIbMIW/s1600/IMG_20150630_104444135.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWF9YTYq1Z1LTNc_nPQYD8nkthyphenhyphenNWvVmfpak17XlUzp0orZqmzRM1u01tla8aOC5ynSBFwl37KPfbc6qbWHtBLRcMugMP35EOW8lVWjXJ3kSsnnBFj0AfyFBs8XM_7b7ZXuZwRdOIbMIW/s320/IMG_20150630_104444135.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Queen Victoria's Dominoes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEg1oWpLkeq3TXAVyza5I0G4SH5mFbPVX-XEWPM7-m1lRcDIvIEL3YDzwlEw6R6cGRKZTmuGoZ3utrh9K9m8fx0Fxw8xQr6UlAhaqdRBZ6wEDKDOHm7BG0xZaLz55xZ7AqfUH0x0D4RJtK-X/s1600/IMG_20150630_102238687.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oWpLkeq3TXAVyza5I0G4SH5mFbPVX-XEWPM7-m1lRcDIvIEL3YDzwlEw6R6cGRKZTmuGoZ3utrh9K9m8fx0Fxw8xQr6UlAhaqdRBZ6wEDKDOHm7BG0xZaLz55xZ7AqfUH0x0D4RJtK-X/s320/IMG_20150630_102238687.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Diana's Actual Dresses</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYMLEoEnzPLHFZTxM2TCmIJHXflQ3L0D8rOuPJYTQ8Pti1PU_eIXyn8XBGaEysEBVco9YGS4NJ-A-orX6wn62RLxJ9zCm8n9NINl9YQYNz3BSLRveIOp_tb8XhP08scBOIpAaB2wizyTy/s1600/IMG_20150630_102314349.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYMLEoEnzPLHFZTxM2TCmIJHXflQ3L0D8rOuPJYTQ8Pti1PU_eIXyn8XBGaEysEBVco9YGS4NJ-A-orX6wn62RLxJ9zCm8n9NINl9YQYNz3BSLRveIOp_tb8XhP08scBOIpAaB2wizyTy/s320/IMG_20150630_102314349.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgYVhM1g2pk-clYB6m6ENR9eJ326Y59YHEFXX7BQ-ilSAsFx9jmtG8jzTM_wpOogPtIBegbav2VfcgeqfCGlxbSOaeHAWtwQFxzW9A7TE4I0iXl9oDFyExPerCSAPox58RTtcjVSIS4r5DD/s1600/IMG_20150630_102300776.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVhM1g2pk-clYB6m6ENR9eJ326Y59YHEFXX7BQ-ilSAsFx9jmtG8jzTM_wpOogPtIBegbav2VfcgeqfCGlxbSOaeHAWtwQFxzW9A7TE4I0iXl9oDFyExPerCSAPox58RTtcjVSIS4r5DD/s320/IMG_20150630_102300776.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Another</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEizJcuQcA9kYpMq9SguRP4oYhRaucAJzuZ8wqWLBduD7CBSVQHhVGZ_a9_iQUpBZmOAIUm-iQrQm83564gmMtIb1g7Q2A8k_fDMJTVL0qGuZQEf9y5QIUS_eLyWYcAJf9_TY3iekNwohFvQ/s1600/IMG_20150630_102343290.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJcuQcA9kYpMq9SguRP4oYhRaucAJzuZ8wqWLBduD7CBSVQHhVGZ_a9_iQUpBZmOAIUm-iQrQm83564gmMtIb1g7Q2A8k_fDMJTVL0qGuZQEf9y5QIUS_eLyWYcAJf9_TY3iekNwohFvQ/s320/IMG_20150630_102343290.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Another</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgLMXpixjw6vG49E0iUM6qJpfd8FBx_iraoxPz24vDRTgerJl204SbwkS0MVA_uOQZZvSqA-vzOXOilcxehYfUUHf-1471N0s5EFi6PuNnf5UmRpIBXp6ET0O3gH4PaeC7u6nnjoHrse-5v/s1600/IMG_20150630_112043938_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMXpixjw6vG49E0iUM6qJpfd8FBx_iraoxPz24vDRTgerJl204SbwkS0MVA_uOQZZvSqA-vzOXOilcxehYfUUHf-1471N0s5EFi6PuNnf5UmRpIBXp6ET0O3gH4PaeC7u6nnjoHrse-5v/s320/IMG_20150630_112043938_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Maze Garden on East Side of the Palace </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKkOtRCYks6DiwUcLI3Nir-rmI3Txj4kmgEtoaX_8adqsgFEMosXtoluvdmZLiNTw5EqqaeqS3OrsYW83rgzAPLVUkY3yC4yQMJv61b_emKlkp9bjAuvvbelzeLXl1GMxzuQUcFhntIM-/s1600/IMG_20150630_112035422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKkOtRCYks6DiwUcLI3Nir-rmI3Txj4kmgEtoaX_8adqsgFEMosXtoluvdmZLiNTw5EqqaeqS3OrsYW83rgzAPLVUkY3yC4yQMJv61b_emKlkp9bjAuvvbelzeLXl1GMxzuQUcFhntIM-/s320/IMG_20150630_112035422.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4CFz5g8mij7U9I_jHL7QGjG9DziHOepF98FtL0CiWfdoEygd5Ou98xgN7dI8OyegpPkmvE-DNR_yxuYjIUlcZgAnJxwW1AxWaoKuHyTQnzMIxB0zDfeK2h4denKGEpR3QlWKWxSRnkz9/s1600/IMG_20150630_112047580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4CFz5g8mij7U9I_jHL7QGjG9DziHOepF98FtL0CiWfdoEygd5Ou98xgN7dI8OyegpPkmvE-DNR_yxuYjIUlcZgAnJxwW1AxWaoKuHyTQnzMIxB0zDfeK2h4denKGEpR3QlWKWxSRnkz9/s320/IMG_20150630_112047580.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Aren't these A-MAZE-ING?</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU2JCzj4dOtuTp-gpYpuDacJ9LhAMxBNc85xtBJesQUQu_rhG_Hgc-O28IL1gNWWks4EjaXY8UKdlYEoRO4vmpnQMi_VA386ZXdRsHZ9yTQdxIDji598rntjFJent_XlxulsjJryxQbX2/s1600/IMG_20150630_103147251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">View looking out the entrance</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4CFz5g8mij7U9I_jHL7QGjG9DziHOepF98FtL0CiWfdoEygd5Ou98xgN7dI8OyegpPkmvE-DNR_yxuYjIUlcZgAnJxwW1AxWaoKuHyTQnzMIxB0zDfeK2h4denKGEpR3QlWKWxSRnkz9/s1600/IMG_20150630_112047580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<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/AVvXsEgNtNT5_WQZtzt-cTb6lcsLdz_4yx_6RoQ3rQDKxVcx0zCv-b_2l-YRpPITIpX5nx9ff6xz1vCRNwrYG0Afv3rtUAFXi23uYtgNmK0vVTnAR-DQUFkyCVXjBI5RKvK6Bh-4PfIKKMxzVnrc/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtNT5_WQZtzt-cTb6lcsLdz_4yx_6RoQ3rQDKxVcx0zCv-b_2l-YRpPITIpX5nx9ff6xz1vCRNwrYG0Afv3rtUAFXi23uYtgNmK0vVTnAR-DQUFkyCVXjBI5RKvK6Bh-4PfIKKMxzVnrc/s320/IMG_0428.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The Sunken Garden </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhffb4W0ZWX9bJnjhLUmwlJqUmDWNPoyOJN_oZeY__bahqML_RHVdL9frjwGZyM4OtrzndDPXhkBEN1l-otZy0TEHhaW1-3cxxhWPXmGO63wLS3E2tZNG6HUXWMrCsOhy__aGtSB3Zxa4hR/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffb4W0ZWX9bJnjhLUmwlJqUmDWNPoyOJN_oZeY__bahqML_RHVdL9frjwGZyM4OtrzndDPXhkBEN1l-otZy0TEHhaW1-3cxxhWPXmGO63wLS3E2tZNG6HUXWMrCsOhy__aGtSB3Zxa4hR/s320/IMG_0428.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEj2S9SH4k1Z8zH2C0_ToD8lrgWZiKg5e1vwgwP9yMCRLKmA6z6H3B-79fypo8ehX_KG_2mcYK0Kh90TFce7slrk9Sw_L4TLLeroN9ns6GWHsKPjwM7Ylz7We51cxBEuRbCp19tN1IYS_sWs/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S9SH4k1Z8zH2C0_ToD8lrgWZiKg5e1vwgwP9yMCRLKmA6z6H3B-79fypo8ehX_KG_2mcYK0Kh90TFce7slrk9Sw_L4TLLeroN9ns6GWHsKPjwM7Ylz7We51cxBEuRbCp19tN1IYS_sWs/s320/IMG_0429.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjrG2aNQq9q3XUBPyUbtcycS_fQNym_UJFP2YeGaEjhi1yB09m2u0PS3l8Dh3ETdZ0jpsY4YCkbv6dZJ9fseZ7s1vk3dDKXdLahKssfUNeEbWOuRzwdG-62IcKQ5cJhWJcSMFFIMchUwsv9/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG2aNQq9q3XUBPyUbtcycS_fQNym_UJFP2YeGaEjhi1yB09m2u0PS3l8Dh3ETdZ0jpsY4YCkbv6dZJ9fseZ7s1vk3dDKXdLahKssfUNeEbWOuRzwdG-62IcKQ5cJhWJcSMFFIMchUwsv9/s320/IMG_0430.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></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/AVvXsEhWdivCX8UZBe3evSgEz3LBr5oj1mYvON8VLe7HiB-ysdqGROjXq5do7bErSf8vBSEzXIXiV3rWyc6PIrImkvC1IIgESXQdCRMwJVuYWYYIW_C34gAXnTpx4pxR0Yvoe_YIqCDWQ1MP8CaR/s1600/IMG_20150630_111648014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdivCX8UZBe3evSgEz3LBr5oj1mYvON8VLe7HiB-ysdqGROjXq5do7bErSf8vBSEzXIXiV3rWyc6PIrImkvC1IIgESXQdCRMwJVuYWYYIW_C34gAXnTpx4pxR0Yvoe_YIqCDWQ1MP8CaR/s320/IMG_20150630_111648014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhaTSO9TYa2v57B-BgTjh6W5N-Ow7cMbz-qfys0u-VePP5oz9WeIQ6AclvENpRUi0FPz6-WnnkpKBG0vyHmOD37HgMqgSxVpyYgKn_Hkra2Wj5j-SJbNZXRnc7f3eoM37b1-7IRE-6e5UJf/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTSO9TYa2v57B-BgTjh6W5N-Ow7cMbz-qfys0u-VePP5oz9WeIQ6AclvENpRUi0FPz6-WnnkpKBG0vyHmOD37HgMqgSxVpyYgKn_Hkra2Wj5j-SJbNZXRnc7f3eoM37b1-7IRE-6e5UJf/s320/IMG_0427.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Arched walkway around Sunken Garden</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiWp1Os6NsHHwsyjkC82W4TndOdBXf09OZxak20ybQAvwWbvDJW9ERfXYS3OHgh570LPZ6ognZGQVmJ-Y_mcqUJyuMJYZT1vL9SVdx-TKj8nvltOpjEN6KbMfSnRTQgRsdGudqgPhvO0yhD/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp1Os6NsHHwsyjkC82W4TndOdBXf09OZxak20ybQAvwWbvDJW9ERfXYS3OHgh570LPZ6ognZGQVmJ-Y_mcqUJyuMJYZT1vL9SVdx-TKj8nvltOpjEN6KbMfSnRTQgRsdGudqgPhvO0yhD/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Statue of Queen Victoria</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgzlEvKa7y-NBaPA_BusXGrcEkjSyH1a1QwfEBvgKDlFyKq3aICPRckEbBu9OYhETCD26IfJ2UxNjcZ84N-nSBCC4hy8LWm4xnd1VAKCgtKeGVaBDq1TX0jf3yYhSUkYqmdT-OVEx8GTuyB/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlEvKa7y-NBaPA_BusXGrcEkjSyH1a1QwfEBvgKDlFyKq3aICPRckEbBu9OYhETCD26IfJ2UxNjcZ84N-nSBCC4hy8LWm4xnd1VAKCgtKeGVaBDq1TX0jf3yYhSUkYqmdT-OVEx8GTuyB/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Bye, bye Kensington! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Stay tuned for the next blog, when we continue on with more activities from today, including visiting Diana's Memorial Pool!<br />
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-5405411464832018342015-07-27T13:36:00.001-07:002015-07-27T13:36:41.853-07:00Go West! (Minster) Part II <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u>June 29th, Continued...</u><br />
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So, this turned out to be our busiest day in London...<br />
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Having spent a wonderful morning at Westminster Abbey, we proceeded to
find somewhere for lunch,all the while taking in the sites of Big Ben
and the House of Parliament. I'll skip the sordid details, but the
conclusion was that Dan and I will never go on The Amazing Race
together, or if we did, we'd be the most entertaining couple on there,
and not in a good way. Suffice to say that after much walking and
getting lost, we finally found a recommended pub on our list to eat
lunch at (thank you Rick Steves for producing amazing travel books with
superb recommendations!). We ate at the Red Lion Tavern where Matt
enjoyed fish and chips, and Dan and I had ham sandwiches...he liked his
better than I did. But, the tavern was adorable, and we loved how the
locals were sipping summer shandies at lunchtime.<br />
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After lunch, and refreshed, happy and rejuvenated, we walked the road
along St. James Park to Buckingham Palace, which is much more glamorous
in real life than photographs. Where the edging along the building looks
dark and black in pictures, it's truly gold and stunning. The Queen was
in residence during the week we were in London and therefore BP is not
open for tours, but it was still fun to actually stand at the gates and
admire.<br />
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After BP, we walked back on the other side of
St. James Park, leading us to Trafalgar Square in all it's
magnificence, and then we completed our walk back to the Tube and passed
The Horse Guards Arch and Parades where the royal horses are readied
for events. We also passed the Churchill War Rooms (which we did not go
in, but I would have liked to.) For some reason, and this was the source
of our frustration earlier in the day, we could not find Downing St,
and therefore could not find the Prime Minister's digs, but we'll just
put it on the list for next time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_MLkafiXjrlnGtOPTSL7zk2hDIjTkO-XQNzuoCUscG9Lfzmzz4LfjoA9Pr7fDhTEO4AKrdsiWSkF-146sSn9YGHzm_m1cMwVL1tw5MsfFnnavKiqKU4UxDJi1tY8zioC_09MK0u0L_Xh/s1600/IMG_20150629_095343170_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_MLkafiXjrlnGtOPTSL7zk2hDIjTkO-XQNzuoCUscG9Lfzmzz4LfjoA9Pr7fDhTEO4AKrdsiWSkF-146sSn9YGHzm_m1cMwVL1tw5MsfFnnavKiqKU4UxDJi1tY8zioC_09MK0u0L_Xh/s320/IMG_20150629_095343170_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Big Ben</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jIpqCw7nl96XCPXXrCJRYvpiJQHidwJ6GKeJdnL2AtKzSgS6V7u1t7jEQOWa4tn8OhDjbzsCWVeSyGW1OzWN4IYUjK8Nkd-7Qtzf65Sa5f59tgb9tralSgFnWg91NE9g-blFOHZOdQeO/s1600/IMG_20150629_131723914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jIpqCw7nl96XCPXXrCJRYvpiJQHidwJ6GKeJdnL2AtKzSgS6V7u1t7jEQOWa4tn8OhDjbzsCWVeSyGW1OzWN4IYUjK8Nkd-7Qtzf65Sa5f59tgb9tralSgFnWg91NE9g-blFOHZOdQeO/s320/IMG_20150629_131723914.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">House of Parliament</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDSyYN91wCm4oVRI4gtmxFOZkjjCoNnpzFqB5pFb1Pfn6atUrmKE4vI1jO-rFK0KsmFkUNiwbY6bcp8u22GoslNxa3ov7el-gzemqmMJQyoMIOaWczqIetD8uMgR1Ykagfy81VuYvlIjj/s1600/IMG_20150629_130907076_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDSyYN91wCm4oVRI4gtmxFOZkjjCoNnpzFqB5pFb1Pfn6atUrmKE4vI1jO-rFK0KsmFkUNiwbY6bcp8u22GoslNxa3ov7el-gzemqmMJQyoMIOaWczqIetD8uMgR1Ykagfy81VuYvlIjj/s320/IMG_20150629_130907076_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Pub we had lunch at.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRMHjeS-LmMIzsb9caMt4zrOp3NUeZSY9w8VdLf7QzPsyteh4kAGRQU2le3jVjxlwtnwtEGR4Lrja0Oso-tprxVHIuKq1sY_Ek7Wt9tvaNo6ux9xBBkG1fG3rronUc5FMjd5kDzRrwT6U/s1600/IMG_20150629_123317081.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRMHjeS-LmMIzsb9caMt4zrOp3NUeZSY9w8VdLf7QzPsyteh4kAGRQU2le3jVjxlwtnwtEGR4Lrja0Oso-tprxVHIuKq1sY_Ek7Wt9tvaNo6ux9xBBkG1fG3rronUc5FMjd5kDzRrwT6U/s320/IMG_20150629_123317081.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Downstairs in the pub.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJzYbUCXS7oRlu5MhYlu8Do57Ffr1W0Mbuh4cB4V82hzlu7bZSpYwsEk_3i1x6sXFyrIKz1PpPUBoWhfbwg7yDu1nqQuD0bbYS-YLu0ixGUoKkaRfU23ZpDarsSGIroTmUmKMgD0AVOUX/s1600/IMG_20150629_123429087.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJzYbUCXS7oRlu5MhYlu8Do57Ffr1W0Mbuh4cB4V82hzlu7bZSpYwsEk_3i1x6sXFyrIKz1PpPUBoWhfbwg7yDu1nqQuD0bbYS-YLu0ixGUoKkaRfU23ZpDarsSGIroTmUmKMgD0AVOUX/s320/IMG_20150629_123429087.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">That beer was not as big as it appears. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p0aWvg30MC49oF6auLafZKkfhe6WLYRTPsUdS8Y635eGAt8V2C7nPEhyphenhyphenwL9HbfbH-Fd2kpGVovdvbyPOhzuOK2KSpvLUDc2bh96yG64V2AJzjHoKnXqXcc9J1zs0FrJ-i8t_5P1pTHTV/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p0aWvg30MC49oF6auLafZKkfhe6WLYRTPsUdS8Y635eGAt8V2C7nPEhyphenhyphenwL9HbfbH-Fd2kpGVovdvbyPOhzuOK2KSpvLUDc2bh96yG64V2AJzjHoKnXqXcc9J1zs0FrJ-i8t_5P1pTHTV/s320/IMG_0394.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">St. James Park</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39QUadBzQX1NLZfDtN-6McIcENUU6pgXOgBhI-Avy9QdZiydH2KVVC8uICCU-caD998B2N7cNuNVM1UydV_nnS9lQTGfBchObIPEea-Y2sZSpW4qh27CLppGkbjG6tAu3yR7oOh21hOqd/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39QUadBzQX1NLZfDtN-6McIcENUU6pgXOgBhI-Avy9QdZiydH2KVVC8uICCU-caD998B2N7cNuNVM1UydV_nnS9lQTGfBchObIPEea-Y2sZSpW4qh27CLppGkbjG6tAu3yR7oOh21hOqd/s320/IMG_0395.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Buckingham Palace</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZBG1rth7mcJZAksZ9W4XfAeu26pIY7Qa1dnAC1_E0RXDAWhS53b9NVHDURTgqIOBVTIMqkgTDAcDNX-VKIsmlF-18gRHVpyr7dkDf5dY2dFPR3rIWCfu3MhI_dlbMIB5LD09X5aIUa5R/s1600/IMG_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZBG1rth7mcJZAksZ9W4XfAeu26pIY7Qa1dnAC1_E0RXDAWhS53b9NVHDURTgqIOBVTIMqkgTDAcDNX-VKIsmlF-18gRHVpyr7dkDf5dY2dFPR3rIWCfu3MhI_dlbMIB5LD09X5aIUa5R/s320/IMG_0397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto (where it appears black on the building, it's actually gold!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDORauZhcyYc8IAniz6-MvqFcsRtjdqQp-08kiC0J16zICawNfMI3EgQftBXHt7dc_Sx2XSfMnkifPUBe1ISdw7L9dUD0JNtpoRdidMzkPMhJds2gu8i1ur0gK1s-uyAF0mSr1jMNrPM9/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDORauZhcyYc8IAniz6-MvqFcsRtjdqQp-08kiC0J16zICawNfMI3EgQftBXHt7dc_Sx2XSfMnkifPUBe1ISdw7L9dUD0JNtpoRdidMzkPMhJds2gu8i1ur0gK1s-uyAF0mSr1jMNrPM9/s320/IMG_0398.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Another view.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii724sIOFwda-8em2z9cagGmXswCUdaX1E1yL3oGI1RJmnNnEJuTcGgw_2s6rQ36iLqVcSXG1SN5sFJF_M3w1Kq39gFjYkkrR6Cps9BySICSqoRPR2saFO9fa1DOMJmvrcclqPnEhPvcfI/s1600/IMG_20150629_135633510_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii724sIOFwda-8em2z9cagGmXswCUdaX1E1yL3oGI1RJmnNnEJuTcGgw_2s6rQ36iLqVcSXG1SN5sFJF_M3w1Kq39gFjYkkrR6Cps9BySICSqoRPR2saFO9fa1DOMJmvrcclqPnEhPvcfI/s320/IMG_20150629_135633510_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Seriously, can we get a photo without other tourists running into it?</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQppR5DMVuFWjiCt7WxqmIoIqeGnEAmaTmBGVyBn8vIA1Vle8l1R4C8HdbVJg70wyDEYYRLvCcEh2Ntu7kqrWH4ggXka0Qsuw-bzMJEHo9SrDSQs5arvaVC6wioLwVQAxu_D4QCTZIAAP/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQppR5DMVuFWjiCt7WxqmIoIqeGnEAmaTmBGVyBn8vIA1Vle8l1R4C8HdbVJg70wyDEYYRLvCcEh2Ntu7kqrWH4ggXka0Qsuw-bzMJEHo9SrDSQs5arvaVC6wioLwVQAxu_D4QCTZIAAP/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">BP Gardens</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6Azx6Ye5BXOqwjC9ELrfbVC072dhFlyKFNodnTobXxyi_iWrvDSzG-P3-_AzbmzFZjfIHAhPoIG671zNOcv7pg1PUamCt5vvqkBp-AjuWKtvRHvPxvqs0w8Hi04gBaVW9Q64TuVFLylO/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6Azx6Ye5BXOqwjC9ELrfbVC072dhFlyKFNodnTobXxyi_iWrvDSzG-P3-_AzbmzFZjfIHAhPoIG671zNOcv7pg1PUamCt5vvqkBp-AjuWKtvRHvPxvqs0w8Hi04gBaVW9Q64TuVFLylO/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfMuclWzSea-lNCXbehs6x3qjDuOEtAekEMIGXl0MM1eq8zSioFJFDrQLzFaOZnXtWkLevqmcL7GYhbx9SniEg7RZIIKQU8fjpN1qKBELLm6lT40TDa7dZA2Ju3gvxBdaWBbAVmLtyujk/s1600/IMG_20150629_141347777.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfMuclWzSea-lNCXbehs6x3qjDuOEtAekEMIGXl0MM1eq8zSioFJFDrQLzFaOZnXtWkLevqmcL7GYhbx9SniEg7RZIIKQU8fjpN1qKBELLm6lT40TDa7dZA2Ju3gvxBdaWBbAVmLtyujk/s320/IMG_20150629_141347777.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">St. James Park and Big Ben</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-37WLAL1-zIOqChbhmiWkBnODmiv-fxF8H-GioaYbZCQX8CcMlqAA8temjEyLNnlhlVKIYettUqoa1jlXyFKo9MVmkpy7yhx5KeulVeuYCrLB-RidaDy0_hqkAzq7uPs7gtmjP2-YRRbq/s1600/IMG_20150629_135720427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-37WLAL1-zIOqChbhmiWkBnODmiv-fxF8H-GioaYbZCQX8CcMlqAA8temjEyLNnlhlVKIYettUqoa1jlXyFKo9MVmkpy7yhx5KeulVeuYCrLB-RidaDy0_hqkAzq7uPs7gtmjP2-YRRbq/s320/IMG_20150629_135720427.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Statue outside BP</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchX2QsCwCy24TrJfSU3jTaShOqqbCxdASDb7aKsJ0kfNaRHnXj3wSLPwzXxe_55icnXFRoBHt3bSOTujJYLp6_tYEbXEkZoe-MDwrC_M-GNhGoJwF_J0O-UV8wbQEyFcuQ2ZlDOGU8VaF/s1600/IMG_20150629_140915973_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchX2QsCwCy24TrJfSU3jTaShOqqbCxdASDb7aKsJ0kfNaRHnXj3wSLPwzXxe_55icnXFRoBHt3bSOTujJYLp6_tYEbXEkZoe-MDwrC_M-GNhGoJwF_J0O-UV8wbQEyFcuQ2ZlDOGU8VaF/s320/IMG_20150629_140915973_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">A shot from the road</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiYPwS9lyiDfTo0whz9hcL1hts3gpdd2un8k4_BFnK_X9TqHLxfKijIKCL_Up6-TVgPuRAHlsNlzCoYpoErJ7L0gDQmeu2o50SxkzB-Ybl4_8kJnk2GQnX292ED5H_loHRqnniXBWbtJT/s1600/IMG_20150629_142622660_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiYPwS9lyiDfTo0whz9hcL1hts3gpdd2un8k4_BFnK_X9TqHLxfKijIKCL_Up6-TVgPuRAHlsNlzCoYpoErJ7L0gDQmeu2o50SxkzB-Ybl4_8kJnk2GQnX292ED5H_loHRqnniXBWbtJT/s320/IMG_20150629_142622660_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Archways to Trafalgar Square Area</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU513huyZpSfBOTceOOlofiLA-6WyPpeUKFpJgn7A-smqkYfBvVbzWh0r1vam9lAPFwz2RgnmK7Xgwkc1FyY2-Cfb-njFk5KGGApZ6hjJvZv0PVMuWsHrwtpJOWY7puDV8hiGW1YgRYer/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU513huyZpSfBOTceOOlofiLA-6WyPpeUKFpJgn7A-smqkYfBvVbzWh0r1vam9lAPFwz2RgnmK7Xgwkc1FyY2-Cfb-njFk5KGGApZ6hjJvZv0PVMuWsHrwtpJOWY7puDV8hiGW1YgRYer/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4zfQ0vKemQTpm6N8NlrpRbKJIRKoe5WjztBMJUjWJ9u-OKDIZyqLhdjYSZyOaC0-2muHrZEv4qIeHNj85YoLOwIIE5xkHiEPUKGsb9prLjD2DP7nr_IviSwn4UQYAlso-knXsZBeOLIn/s1600/IMG_20150629_144645929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78VanhUa_cA3bU6AstrYv02opFODogSbu6brH8mB8VlGPhblLzl5Qe4HMkhRZcE0i5skbqrWh7Lf0Nvb0xwfTf9XTWMyMZ8-k6Xz5Uh0-lKzuUriA8Suyk3oFnGkOypZXEpjHKhADVaRe/s1600/IMG_20150629_135807139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78VanhUa_cA3bU6AstrYv02opFODogSbu6brH8mB8VlGPhblLzl5Qe4HMkhRZcE0i5skbqrWh7Lf0Nvb0xwfTf9XTWMyMZ8-k6Xz5Uh0-lKzuUriA8Suyk3oFnGkOypZXEpjHKhADVaRe/s320/IMG_20150629_135807139.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Trafalgar Square and more tourists!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVIedTgReIOPrSGO29CQ2BKiNAIz6KDXhB4ElBtKv04HCwjYKAyWehr-GEuOzDAYivL2D3DXBUoZBBIIloMsqglB4Gmz-AA9BMRaQKCnCQqFIJcqFQxQkk4SK5CELDIFE8ebSiVCZNVYl/s1600/IMG_20150629_094837593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVIedTgReIOPrSGO29CQ2BKiNAIz6KDXhB4ElBtKv04HCwjYKAyWehr-GEuOzDAYivL2D3DXBUoZBBIIloMsqglB4Gmz-AA9BMRaQKCnCQqFIJcqFQxQkk4SK5CELDIFE8ebSiVCZNVYl/s320/IMG_20150629_094837593.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">View of street from Traf. Sqaure </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTytfs3AqroQLQ0NTgBODaFG6tIp7W1_Szm205IG9n2wldWrwnZORgveLFotaFq1ETuzEGskY7ILuRG3y6rSQpGbThkmxSEG2EqiW9mntiXUu5OEsCliqH6tGEh03DEbcQ24MIrcnA0eu/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTytfs3AqroQLQ0NTgBODaFG6tIp7W1_Szm205IG9n2wldWrwnZORgveLFotaFq1ETuzEGskY7ILuRG3y6rSQpGbThkmxSEG2EqiW9mntiXUu5OEsCliqH6tGEh03DEbcQ24MIrcnA0eu/s320/IMG_0410.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Statue in Trafalgar Square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqcUxmVn6F2dRJX8lDIdpY767DZxia6cynnE3Hhlgf3S5wed0agw89d8l13Xq_3Dd5pyo2f2O03FQpZoDe4kvRTNCxcA6miQjfX2KHS_XXuKfdGDOIB57JMO9W8mBYCAsVB8uxpiy_4Fx/s1600/IMG_20150629_143334731.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqcUxmVn6F2dRJX8lDIdpY767DZxia6cynnE3Hhlgf3S5wed0agw89d8l13Xq_3Dd5pyo2f2O03FQpZoDe4kvRTNCxcA6miQjfX2KHS_XXuKfdGDOIB57JMO9W8mBYCAsVB8uxpiy_4Fx/s320/IMG_20150629_143334731.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matt at statue in T. Square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEd5hD57euOy3eEauYiSMFUSliunZs9F-mqVdaKsQkTTae8nNPgIX0vAnjhRWeBxkoTZvgx2wu7O_fvOXbl38zY8DwEJ5DVVQNYHbMN8hinHWHXgw8LxETf5bcV8g1vpB-XAfyJfrpVLY/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEd5hD57euOy3eEauYiSMFUSliunZs9F-mqVdaKsQkTTae8nNPgIX0vAnjhRWeBxkoTZvgx2wu7O_fvOXbl38zY8DwEJ5DVVQNYHbMN8hinHWHXgw8LxETf5bcV8g1vpB-XAfyJfrpVLY/s320/IMG_0406.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">More from T. Square</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PIx7kYU8dXibCbIiikdXKQyqJX8ehq4CVH2foI4pNhivZiX0sEUWM-n0kK-nQA9s2vtNM00d4XWzSUqMaXilGKF-CJKjOnxf29lCDMnnsezKgq-5uPvM7X3UogLtGn1PQnHuccnJn0dl/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PIx7kYU8dXibCbIiikdXKQyqJX8ehq4CVH2foI4pNhivZiX0sEUWM-n0kK-nQA9s2vtNM00d4XWzSUqMaXilGKF-CJKjOnxf29lCDMnnsezKgq-5uPvM7X3UogLtGn1PQnHuccnJn0dl/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Read and see below</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CeonpYmGqWLd611FRz76pfGUPupe4E5UE49jY2jYoCUR0P_WDBQKVmJnW33HrCf50js8bWIZLGJavaybcVOrTvpnnXdjFHy1Lnl9O3eHO1kHCm95BJRXb4HHsFjUfyym4nCAyGAOXyWs/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CeonpYmGqWLd611FRz76pfGUPupe4E5UE49jY2jYoCUR0P_WDBQKVmJnW33HrCf50js8bWIZLGJavaybcVOrTvpnnXdjFHy1Lnl9O3eHO1kHCm95BJRXb4HHsFjUfyym4nCAyGAOXyWs/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Beautiful monument in memory of those lost in Bali Terrorist Attack </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4zfQ0vKemQTpm6N8NlrpRbKJIRKoe5WjztBMJUjWJ9u-OKDIZyqLhdjYSZyOaC0-2muHrZEv4qIeHNj85YoLOwIIE5xkHiEPUKGsb9prLjD2DP7nr_IviSwn4UQYAlso-knXsZBeOLIn/s1600/IMG_20150629_144645929.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4zfQ0vKemQTpm6N8NlrpRbKJIRKoe5WjztBMJUjWJ9u-OKDIZyqLhdjYSZyOaC0-2muHrZEv4qIeHNj85YoLOwIIE5xkHiEPUKGsb9prLjD2DP7nr_IviSwn4UQYAlso-knXsZBeOLIn/s320/IMG_20150629_144645929.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Horse Guard Palace</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwonHCSr9nJrfmrijVeoEKHSsUs0U9opnR-fbOYB4QsVPJakq11aGGv1n0BPh1wppqwt9XM8-hpzlUF206fFOaGkp2MyfELS0RQTR1t-ye9C_mwT4UpatOuk4YEUNkZeCBXzQ6fMaxCw_-/s1600/IMG_20150629_144548479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwonHCSr9nJrfmrijVeoEKHSsUs0U9opnR-fbOYB4QsVPJakq11aGGv1n0BPh1wppqwt9XM8-hpzlUF206fFOaGkp2MyfELS0RQTR1t-ye9C_mwT4UpatOuk4YEUNkZeCBXzQ6fMaxCw_-/s320/IMG_20150629_144548479.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-5964268934561899272015-07-25T10:06:00.001-07:002015-07-25T10:08:41.369-07:00Go West! (Minster)<u>June 29th, 2015 - Westminster Abbey, Lunch at the Red Lion Inn, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square!</u><br />
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Today was a very full day with lots of walking and lots of sight-seeing. To begin with, we went to Westminster Abbey, which ties with the Tower of London as my favorite place to see in London.<br />
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Westminster Abbey is stunningly beautiful in architecture and style. Although most famously known as the church for royal weddings (i.e. William and Kate) and funerals (i.e. Diana, Princess of Wales), and a shrine for the tombs of many famous kings, queens, writer's poets, and the Unknown Soldier, etc., it is also still a working church, offering masses daily and executing a prayer overhead every hour, on the hour. Yet, it houses scores of tourists every day, and although I could have spent a lot more time in the Abbey, I had to "go with the flow" of the tourist lines and felt a bit hurried past things of great interest to me. That said, however, we did the audio tour, followed our map, and I, for one, had an amazing visit.<br />
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Although a huge tourist draw, I still found Westminster to be serene, mournful and celestial. I was most moved at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the tombs of Elizabeth I, Mary I and Mary Queen of Scots, having read biography after biography about these women for many years. But, before I delve into my thoughts about their resting places, allow m to backtrack.<br />
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As you probably know, I write novels for hobby and very little profit (LOL!). In my novel, "A Lonely Sky" the hero, Sam, takes the heroine, Julia on a tour of Westminster Abbey. It's in the folding chair area near the cloisters where they nearly kiss (they don't.) Sam was based on the actor Jeremy Irons (in his younger years of course). Imagine my surprise to put on my headphones for the walking audio tour, and the narroator is none other than Jeremy Irons! Cosmic, eeirie, karma, whatever. Then to actually see the place my characters once sat..okay, maybe only a writer understands this part, but it gave me the chills. Anyhow if you want to read it for yourself, my novel is on sale at Amazon.com (This is the first edition and I want to go back and do some editing on it, but it's still a lovely, sad love story...shameless plug, I know!) <br />
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Besides writing for hobby, I am an avid reader, mostly of anything to do with English History, the Tudor era, being my favorite. So, I am quite knowledgeable regarding the lifetimes of Henry VIII, all his wives, lovers, relatives and his children, Elizabeth I, Mary I, Edward (and his bastard children as well) and their cousin Mary Queen of Scots. So, to walk through Westminster and stand beside the tombs of EI, MI and MQS was awe-inspiring. They finally felt like real figures in history and not just people I'd only read about in books.<br />
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Now, if you'll forgive me, I have another aside for you. When you enter the small room off one of the larger chapels, you find the tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary I who were sisters. Mary reigned first, for five years, and then her successor was her younger sister, Elizabeth. During the course of their lives (and Mary was many years older than Elizabeth) they were at odds with each other for various reasons, in fact, Mary had Elizabeth imprisoned in the Tower for a spell! Elizabeth was the child of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, the woman who caused Henry VIII to divorce Mary's mother, Katherine of Aragon, and declare Mary a bastard (Henry would later do the same to Elizabeth when he wanted to marry Jane Seymour, but in the end, he reinstated both his daughters back into his will.) Mary and Elizabeth were different religions as well, and it was with great reluctance that, upon her death, Mary acknowledged Elizabeth as her true successor. (The pics below were computer picture. No pictures were allowed to be taken inside the Abbey).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Mary I gets a head effigy in the Abbey Museum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Mary Queen of Scots Effigy</span></td></tr>
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So, knowing this background, imagine my surprise and curiosity when I entered their chapel and discover only an effigy to Elizabeth, but Mary is also buried with her in the tomb. I need to do further reading as to how this all came about, because I'm sure neither sister would have wished to be buried with the other, and Mary would have had a FIT that she has no effigy of her own, yet is buried under Elizabeth's! I felt a bit indignant for her myself!<br />
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But the blog is getting long, so let's move on. Suffice to say Mary, Queen of Scots had her own tomb and didn't have to share, and I felt equally in awe to stand beside it.<br />
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Other places of note at Westminster are:<br />
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The Grave of the Unknown Soldier<br />
The High Alter where Diana's coffin rested during her funeral service.<br />
St. Margaret's Chapel, which is built alongside the Abbey. Sir Walter Raleigh is buried there, and you'll also find a beautiful stained glass window that Henry VIII had built for his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, who he then later divored in favor of Anne Boleyn who he later had behead in favor of Jane Seymour.<br />
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I'll end this blog here, but the day continued and that will be in the next blog. Enjoy the pictures!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">St.Margaret's Church</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">St. Margaret's Church (Abbey is on the right)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Next up: Touring the city, Buckingham Palace and St. James Park!<br />
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-81483141041603884642015-07-20T17:49:00.000-07:002015-07-20T17:49:18.283-07:00Queen and The Stones Really Rock, Part II <u>Stonehenge and Oxford!</u><br />
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Continuing on with our bus tour, we left Windsor and the Queen's grounds and headed to Stonehenge. On the way, we ate a boxed lunch, provided for extra cost by Golden Tours, but it was tasty and plentiful with a huge cucumber sandwich, apple, crisps (chips), granola bar, and two drinks.<br />
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The weather had turned cold and rainy while we toured Windsor Castle, so by the time we arrived at Stonehenge, and not having brought our rain gear, we found ourselves quite chilly. A shuttle bus drives you out to the rocks (you can walk it, but it's far and we were short on time) where you can do a guided audio tour of the circle of stones. I found myself more interested in the ancient stones than I thought I would be, however, as I was very cold, I kind of just hurried around the circle and shuttled it back to the warmth of the gift shop. The boys were right with me on that, and I felt kind of bad about it because it was the main attraction Dan had wanted to see. But, he felt he got enough out of it from his time there. (We did by a jacket for me at the gift shop. The boys were okay without one.) Stonehenge also has an indoor display and the boys quickly perused that and then we headed back to the bus. On the ride away from Stonehenge, (and these are visible on the way there too) we saw many ancient burial mounds built into the landscape, which was fascinating that they survived all this time.<br />
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Onto Oxford!<br />
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By the time we arrived at Oxford, the weather had returned to a warmer, partly sunny day (probably because I bought a jacket, right?) and stayed that way during our brief tour. Oxford is a university town with very old buildings (universities and student housing, shops, restaurants, etc.) with ornate architecture. We saw the colleges where the likes of Richard Burton, Lewis Carroll, Mr. Bean, Hugh Grant and other famous people attended. Also, parts of Harry Potter were filmed here. Then, it was back on the bus and we headed home.<br />
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A wonderful tour indeed! Pictures below:<br />
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Matthew, (pictured above in the neon--green striped shorts, loved Oxford. He felt it was a town he'd like to live in some day!<br />
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Tomorrow's blog: Westminster Abbey!!!!! Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-56383320494689042732015-07-16T05:48:00.000-07:002015-07-16T05:48:03.219-07:00"Queen" and "The Stones" Really Rock! Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u>Sunday, June 28th, 2015</u><br />
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Today we went on a bus tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford. To keep things short, and therefore, hopefully interesting, I'll just blog on one site per day. So today, we'll start with Windsor Castle.<br />
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First, however, I want to recommend the tour company we booked through. It's called Golden Tours and if you're in England and want to get out of the city, but don't want to drive, this is the way to go. Our tour was to the above mentioned places, but the company offers many other packages. We had such a nice time, that I do recommend this company. Also, our guide, Susan, was as delightful and caring as you could dream up, and our driver, Alan, did an amazing job driving around the countryside in rain and horrid traffic! He even made a special stop for my family and another family so that we could get home quicker than we would from the stop they were scheduled to drop us off at. And we didn't even ask for the special treatment; they are just that caring about their customers.<br />
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But, onto the blog!<br />
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As previously mentioned, we had a lovely tour guide named Susan, who was a delight to listen to as we rode along through London and the countryside on our way to Windsor Castle. Susan is a tiny lady, so when we'd follow her as a group, she'd raise her very colorful umbrella so we could always see ahead to where she was. Between her colorful personality and her colorful umbrella, we felt like we were being led around by Mary Poppins, and it was adorable. <br />
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On our bus ride to Windsor Castle, we drove through much of London. We drove through Knightsbridge, where some of the richest people in the world reside, and home to Harrods, and the Berkeley Hotel where the rich and famous stay, including Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington and his family, who, according to Susan, were there recently. <br />
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Windsor Castle is amazing and HUGE! Unfortunately, only select portions of the castle are open to tourists: Queen Mary's Dollhouse and the Staterooms. We were supposed to get to tour St. George's Chapel where Henry VIII and and his third and favorite wife (because she was the only one who gave him a son), Jane Seymour are buried, but being Sunday, it was closed for prayer services. (It's on my list to do next time. LOL!) Pictures were not allowed inside, and we didn't tour any areas that the present Queen actually uses, but we did see her residence from the outside (she wasn't in residence that day.) Pictures below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Our tour guide, Susan.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Small chapel on street leading to Windsor Castle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Street leading to Windsor</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Windsor Castle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Windsor Castle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Windsor Castle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The Queen's Residence. See her waving in the window? LOL!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">St. George's Chapel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">St. George's Chapel at Windsor</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Still on the Windsor Castle grounds. It's huge!</span></td></tr>
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On the ride from Windsor Castle to Stonehenge we drove through the countryside (Windsor/Berkshire) owned by the Queen, and saw sheep grazing on the hillside and the homes where the people who work at Windsor live. We also drove by the Royal Ascot Racecourse, but were a week late to see actual Ascot take place. Oh well, next time.<br />
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Tomorrow's blog: Stonehenge! Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-69567190320459990082015-07-14T09:15:00.001-07:002015-07-14T11:16:40.001-07:00Tubes, Towers and Tudors, Oh My!Saturday, June 27, 2015<br />
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Today turned out to be the best day of the trip so far, and would become one of our most memorable. We rode the "tube" for the first time, successfully I might add, and went to see The Tower of London. If any London attraction is worth the price of admission, it's this one.<br />
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You could spend nearly a good portion of your day at The Tower. We were there three to four hours and didn't see all of it. (We missed doing the wall walk somehow). And whereas I could write you a small book about the history of the place and all that you'll see there, suffice to say, I'm going to post the pics and tell you the highlights of our time there. I do recommend, however, that if you go, do the Beefeater's tour. Our guide was fun to listen too, informative and gave us a brief overview of all the buildings, so after his talk, we were able to pick and choose what we wanted to see. We really saw and learned a lot, too much to write in length about without boring some of you who aren't history buffs, so I'll just touch on some of the highlights. A few of our favorites, here at the Tower were: The Crown Jewels, Traitor's Gate, The Queen's House, Beauchamp Tower, Bloody Tower, the execution site and St. Peter ad Vincula's chapel. Enjoy the pictures and my musings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The Tower of London (view from the street)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Same</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20ZQxcr4xGZpAXbLZRg0Wk3WpPZAcokFlhrpRVLGrasvokE79glTv9zquvf6EHLldzuG_AUqM5jWVDpd8Uifle0bG6MmAt87t6d1OE-R0bznAP2ja7sD-CRSfJEJBCUEUFlewV3bCiEk2/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20ZQxcr4xGZpAXbLZRg0Wk3WpPZAcokFlhrpRVLGrasvokE79glTv9zquvf6EHLldzuG_AUqM5jWVDpd8Uifle0bG6MmAt87t6d1OE-R0bznAP2ja7sD-CRSfJEJBCUEUFlewV3bCiEk2/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Beefeater Tour Guide</span></td></tr>
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(Above) This gentleman is called a Beefeater (aka a Yeoman) a term that dates to way back when those in service to guard the Tower got to dine well for a job well done (something like that.) Today, these gentleman have a long military history behind them and not only do they perform the "tours" at the Tower, but they also live (and their families live here too) on the Tower grounds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Middle Tower and Byward Tower</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aaEhHIyU-61vaxdz5cQrlvc3YF8pMMTL6LGt3HEk5cVa8Xb0OKJB-T21BaUhxMXRcZF4l3r018XjWdYj-8AN6une_kXWKmhUzp2Vg8W9n0jtq4Or_YB5z9UBblEVR7DP8xDdEMaS9qlD/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aaEhHIyU-61vaxdz5cQrlvc3YF8pMMTL6LGt3HEk5cVa8Xb0OKJB-T21BaUhxMXRcZF4l3r018XjWdYj-8AN6une_kXWKmhUzp2Vg8W9n0jtq4Or_YB5z9UBblEVR7DP8xDdEMaS9qlD/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Traitor's Gate</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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(Above) Traitor's Gate: Perhaps you've seen in movies, a famous queen or courtier being taken to the Tower via boat. This is the entrance they used. Notables who came through this gate: Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Kathryn Howard, dethroned Queen Jane Gray, Guilford Dudly, etc. Only one of these made it out of the Tower again. Do you know which one?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnVkFXcsNv7s3sfckxdr47gOwoQRozkw0FWsWuuNSjTmi1QFxTN6U-DTvF7SzJiCBlVmGq3crQDpuKseRRGdgu3YTJiecaJr4AwnPYVntx0op3oLmKzjePpqWDHshBiOiCSDBkhkYrLSe/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnVkFXcsNv7s3sfckxdr47gOwoQRozkw0FWsWuuNSjTmi1QFxTN6U-DTvF7SzJiCBlVmGq3crQDpuKseRRGdgu3YTJiecaJr4AwnPYVntx0op3oLmKzjePpqWDHshBiOiCSDBkhkYrLSe/s320/IMG_0304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">The stairs aforementioned royal prisoner's climbed up. </span></td></tr>
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(Stairs above): Elizabeth Tudor, on her arrival at the Tower, sat down upon the steps, too frightened to go any further. Two stories abound, that either a kind jailer came and helped her up and into the prison, or her ladies did. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaylQCZ2v67EESyvMdbxqTHlNEJ9PYhhu5YUEBjIeQ2mgeUyfteUw1vanzqvn3rmEIILZ8KdffzxYhnr0B9E9pfPBLGBG9gs8o6mHxGqIHmf4Mcu8X9GSoMmujvTiBhY5rKyJy4WOf2Vs/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaylQCZ2v67EESyvMdbxqTHlNEJ9PYhhu5YUEBjIeQ2mgeUyfteUw1vanzqvn3rmEIILZ8KdffzxYhnr0B9E9pfPBLGBG9gs8o6mHxGqIHmf4Mcu8X9GSoMmujvTiBhY5rKyJy4WOf2Vs/s320/IMG_0307.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">St. Thomas's Tower about the Tower Entrance.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8XK07MMKaiJ5w11sfBi3CbDihA88UbwGIyu3i2o3cHQsHZVymM0wECfuOIjItOzktV96vqUUUKJ2Yl1qORXZLGCqo1Nmq7ZMiX4kcoJDg8P8HFrFX20dC7AP9DcaAnmEEz1WQVXdmGXh/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8XK07MMKaiJ5w11sfBi3CbDihA88UbwGIyu3i2o3cHQsHZVymM0wECfuOIjItOzktV96vqUUUKJ2Yl1qORXZLGCqo1Nmq7ZMiX4kcoJDg8P8HFrFX20dC7AP9DcaAnmEEz1WQVXdmGXh/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The White Tower </span></td></tr>
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(The White Tower above): Now serves as amour and weapons museum. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Scaffold Site</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Scaffold Site</span></td></tr>
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Scaffold Site (two above pictures): Also known as the Tower Green, it's a sad memorial to those who lost their lives (i.e. heads) in or near this very spot. The names of those lost, (only about nine names, because only very important people were executed here, other common folk went to Tower Hill to be executed which is across the street.) are engraved in a circle around the memorial. Also engraved is a very sentimental saying:<br />
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"Gentle visitor, pause awhile. Where you stand death cut away the light of many days. Here jeweled names were broken from the vivid thread of life. May they rest in peace while we walk the generations around their strife and courage under these restless skies." <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4bFBg-YRth7f6r1pinvrgl_78d1Oam9QW5OwB3CN_rqsr8EdGV_rf0piaQmcY92flwKbMo8Eu4YrVD6o1M4sGjF83zS9-wCn3EtmihhRZFD_pleE-hnlYWChz3XAzgt35lb-JOq5PHeu/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4bFBg-YRth7f6r1pinvrgl_78d1Oam9QW5OwB3CN_rqsr8EdGV_rf0piaQmcY92flwKbMo8Eu4YrVD6o1M4sGjF83zS9-wCn3EtmihhRZFD_pleE-hnlYWChz3XAzgt35lb-JOq5PHeu/s320/IMG_0317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Scaffold Site</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijazRWHxADCHdRntVKux2ruL7DxOChyphenhyphenWBsfHOYkFB44zDvKZtm4VGAzNWWk3aVnuFnm2849vtrGGr9ln5DjoVJ6j5f4d9MFRlBwuoJtygddBx3_FZKQQgmrqotYG9Hqq8fSWUCX5P1i-4x/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijazRWHxADCHdRntVKux2ruL7DxOChyphenhyphenWBsfHOYkFB44zDvKZtm4VGAzNWWk3aVnuFnm2849vtrGGr9ln5DjoVJ6j5f4d9MFRlBwuoJtygddBx3_FZKQQgmrqotYG9Hqq8fSWUCX5P1i-4x/s320/IMG_0318.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Beauchamp Tower</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Entrance to Beauchamp Tower</span></td></tr>
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Beauchamp Tower (above); Beauchamp Tower was the prison for many an accused traitor to the crown. Carved inscriptions in the inner walls give lasting life to those imprisoned, and those who lost their lives here. It's said to be one of the most haunted buildings in London. I did not get any eerie vibes, however. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_OGVwBQBV7DZMZmggRmK6qJP0t1xnXBK2rU1SN76gOIAD0GYT0VUSlif0XJcOgLKWJ6gfp5qcL3E3u2lkTcHdLUb5BYIc8lLheJyWuNgGqmhoFQ-DQDEgCHHtKT80Y6OQ20U3nZ2R8Bp/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_OGVwBQBV7DZMZmggRmK6qJP0t1xnXBK2rU1SN76gOIAD0GYT0VUSlif0XJcOgLKWJ6gfp5qcL3E3u2lkTcHdLUb5BYIc8lLheJyWuNgGqmhoFQ-DQDEgCHHtKT80Y6OQ20U3nZ2R8Bp/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula</span></td></tr>
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This was one of my most memorable buildings of the entire trip. Buried here beneath the beautiful altar are the bodies of Anne Boleyn, Jane Grey, Katherine Howard, Margaret Pole, George Boleyn, Guilord Dudley and a few others. We were allowed inside with our Yeoman, but the altar is roped off. Still, it's a small, beautiful and newly restored chapel and I got a sense of peace and calm sitting inside, as if those who sleep here are content. I hope so. None of them deserved death, but were executed due to the tyranny and ambitions of others. Also in this chapel are the crypts of Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell and John Fisher. This chapel serves also as a memorial to the Yeomen who have served the Tower.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxPYkkL5RQSpJtCayxk_izsxldtZDFoBMT0wzQPcapd0O0Af6_Wv9kYvdn5llFmOCb7_i6_n4Sw_ktFpOG9xfSiONMcHxnoyVpsPU4u2am_q4eWzVbYtBc7SjZnYeiZLdJZYnKsrIAYtp/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxPYkkL5RQSpJtCayxk_izsxldtZDFoBMT0wzQPcapd0O0Af6_Wv9kYvdn5llFmOCb7_i6_n4Sw_ktFpOG9xfSiONMcHxnoyVpsPU4u2am_q4eWzVbYtBc7SjZnYeiZLdJZYnKsrIAYtp/s320/IMG_0327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Dragon made out of amour in the White Tower.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaPU17hkAnG8_RyWtM13FXILW72Fl7BM1MsB2CLbDbHOMwy8MhV4CAoQgBrDi5LISDJt4h2iOTLtLcjXD0jrRcwQhAbXxlaoCDPys1BOPfIWLA_ks3G731Ju_zipbMRLHyDQ0HUKFf0pa/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaPU17hkAnG8_RyWtM13FXILW72Fl7BM1MsB2CLbDbHOMwy8MhV4CAoQgBrDi5LISDJt4h2iOTLtLcjXD0jrRcwQhAbXxlaoCDPys1BOPfIWLA_ks3G731Ju_zipbMRLHyDQ0HUKFf0pa/s320/IMG_0322.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The Queen's House</span></td></tr>
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The Queen's House above is where some notable prisoner's stayed during their imprisonment, such as, but not limited to,<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, Swiss, SunSans-Regular; font-size: xx-small;">Lady Jane Grey, Guy Fawlkes and the last prisoner held in the Tower: Rudolf Hess in 1941. Anne Boleyn is said to have stayed here before her execution as well, (although the current buildings date from after her time as Queen.) </span></span>We weren't allowed inside, but if you watch movies about Jane Grey, this would be the building she walked out from and made her way the short distance to the execution site. I would have loved to go in it, but it's a residence now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bloody Tower (right) part of The Tower of London, England" height="196" id="ihover-img" src="https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.oIJL6OfNg%2fNj8PKvuw7gWw&pid=15.1&P=0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bloody Tower (right) part of The Tower of London, England" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Bloody Tower</span></td></tr>
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(Above) The Bloody Tower is so named because it is here that the two young brother princes were held under orders of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and subsequently murdered. Sir Walter Raleigh was also held prisoner here, and the ghosts of all three are said to haunt here. I DID get a very eerie and sad feeling in this portion of the Tower. Take that as you will.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ekpA7LHYpLqNaLXuwcwCGjv4eukyfw2ch78qNN7I2nD1bx_PzvwcI73LCZengpohRXqAW-T4Est1enGh05eR7_f_4AQw7MOoyZ06_P56gUoFgYOhN7D4lLjeFr-3T_ib-OJLoPD51cAS/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ekpA7LHYpLqNaLXuwcwCGjv4eukyfw2ch78qNN7I2nD1bx_PzvwcI73LCZengpohRXqAW-T4Est1enGh05eR7_f_4AQw7MOoyZ06_P56gUoFgYOhN7D4lLjeFr-3T_ib-OJLoPD51cAS/s320/IMG_0332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matthew very much enjoyed his trip to The Tower.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Dan did too!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj7iHm_5bL9ULiwITy6si-EAnpEgVTG8RX_XgTkechG0rXmM1PujVA-1pAg0MTduSNy7UCLHsfrg6fYrfiIPi9X73Br-bY1aQ68On1SVHbiUfcyglO5UEOT4DhFl_474cXIvRVmfcQQBW/s1600/IMG_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj7iHm_5bL9ULiwITy6si-EAnpEgVTG8RX_XgTkechG0rXmM1PujVA-1pAg0MTduSNy7UCLHsfrg6fYrfiIPi9X73Br-bY1aQ68On1SVHbiUfcyglO5UEOT4DhFl_474cXIvRVmfcQQBW/s320/IMG_0334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Me at the Tower of London, as a guest, not a prisoner! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Tower Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Tower Bridge: View from St. Katherine's Docks</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuiNcq_hd2V_sswsA_FJuMHXr6XXOnf4gBhLht_APbjPvejoJ21BuCeLVYrlHRDzPupQGUH9Z7tH4y5GXJqybQMxVhdhRZIvm58UU-H83twKo4jc85pzEQEG0erUE-eziw5g3zSSAyQ5u/s1600/IMG_20150627_133547020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuiNcq_hd2V_sswsA_FJuMHXr6XXOnf4gBhLht_APbjPvejoJ21BuCeLVYrlHRDzPupQGUH9Z7tH4y5GXJqybQMxVhdhRZIvm58UU-H83twKo4jc85pzEQEG0erUE-eziw5g3zSSAyQ5u/s320/IMG_20150627_133547020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">One of the infamous ravens that guard the Tower.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5_0XG4XqweoMrTmZN6K3eDFvRxZf2gM-OGMEKlvL662031zh3nFmd1RYdEAmEbtzKaMQ9MqflluzwB7rCu7djopkBFQwaAoLEUzxHEcIfeDs3SCmZHFib39-py7KBrk61lcMd7VNbAuW/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5_0XG4XqweoMrTmZN6K3eDFvRxZf2gM-OGMEKlvL662031zh3nFmd1RYdEAmEbtzKaMQ9MqflluzwB7rCu7djopkBFQwaAoLEUzxHEcIfeDs3SCmZHFib39-py7KBrk61lcMd7VNbAuW/s320/IMG_0345.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">The Dicken's Inn where we had lunch!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matt at the Dicken's Inn</span></td></tr>
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Thanks for following my blog!!! Tomorrow we visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and the town Oxford!<br />
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-70986355492397784902015-07-11T10:40:00.002-07:002015-07-11T10:40:51.190-07:00It's Only Natural, Part Deux!Out of all the Whole Food Markets in All the World, We Walked into Hers!<br />
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(Continuing on Friday, June 26th).<br />
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My luggage arrived at the flat at the pre-arranged time and I was only too happy to change into clean clothes. Feeling human again, we decided to venture up to High Kensington Street and search out the Whole Foods Market because, you know, you just can't find one of those in Madison. LOL. But seriously, we have a friend who likes a certain shampoo line that they only sell in the English Whole Foods and we promised we'd pick her up some product.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Whole Foods on Kensington High St. </span></td></tr>
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Now, to backtrack a bit, prior to leaving, our friend, AZ, who needed the product sent us a very nice e-mail from a friend of hers, R., who lives in London. R had very sweetly sent us a list of things and places that we might find interesting and fun to do while we were in London. It was a comprehensive list and R. put in time on it, and we were amazed that a complete stranger would do such a nice thing for us.<br />
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So we head to the Whole Foods and found it, and wandered into what we thought (correctly, btw) was the hair product section. As we walked up, a very lovely-in-every way woman asked if she could help us. I said "Yes, I'm looking for.." and proceeded to name the product. She just happened to be standing next to the display and I told her what I needed. She said "Is there anything else?" and I said "No, I am just bringing these back to the states for a friend."<br />
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And she said, "Would it happen to be for AZ?"<br />
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Knock me over dead. I said, "OMG, are you R?" She was! Now, people, really. What are the flipping chances that the only person in London we know, if only through an e-mail, is the person selling you the one product in the one Whole Foods Market that you need? So, we had the most lovely conversation and were going to take a picture with R. to send back to AZ, but we forgot somehow.<br />
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So that was really amazing and kind of freaky in the best of ways!<br />
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Finishing off the day, we walked back to Earls Court and ate at a really wonderful little Italian restaurant that Matthew picked out. Below are pictures from that. Stay tuned to tomorrow's blog when we go The Tower of London, one of our favorite places during the entire trip!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP-WzhMXYa82kTAFxy9hd_hhpMRUEvVc0mbhFvqd6yOuftHZ2ndTyTNk2A8AIK_es1a9D0dXOIEXo3hRAXxXpIF9s-Pqsw8uJloDvccm5JckUvoYjYF6dKENGpXMUTXilzt36BsvDwtFp/s1600/IMG_20150626_182920423_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP-WzhMXYa82kTAFxy9hd_hhpMRUEvVc0mbhFvqd6yOuftHZ2ndTyTNk2A8AIK_es1a9D0dXOIEXo3hRAXxXpIF9s-Pqsw8uJloDvccm5JckUvoYjYF6dKENGpXMUTXilzt36BsvDwtFp/s320/IMG_20150626_182920423_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Bellavista Italian Restaurant on Earl's Court Rd.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Dan waiting for dinner!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-HNuvOjkQ6Y0hZ5HiNLsbFfqx1n2XEek7F75_AKPmRPPIrXYQvTBIxfpopXTi4Zyc2edqg_4e4iWkawAxMZVm35MxlGkXvm35mTtiLsuAe-vNCmvvYPAJaWMhltPVR_39icnjWEJ8sxw/s1600/IMG_20150626_173747207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-HNuvOjkQ6Y0hZ5HiNLsbFfqx1n2XEek7F75_AKPmRPPIrXYQvTBIxfpopXTi4Zyc2edqg_4e4iWkawAxMZVm35MxlGkXvm35mTtiLsuAe-vNCmvvYPAJaWMhltPVR_39icnjWEJ8sxw/s320/IMG_20150626_173747207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Me, finally in clean clothes; Matthew looking good! </span></td></tr>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-11053338142989900442015-07-10T17:42:00.001-07:002015-07-10T17:47:26.632-07:00Linda's London Adventure: Day Three: It's Only Natural! Okay gang, if you're still with me, we're on Day Three in London, Friday June 26th, and thank you for sticking with the blog!<br />
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So today we had to wait for my luggage to arrive, but we also had to wait for British Airways to call and give us a time window for when it would be delivered so we'd be at the flat. But we were anxious to sight-see, and although I had slaved over making a daily itinerary for the trip, you can bet "Sit around and wait for lost luggage" was not on that list. That said, the itinerary had been shot from the get-go by the day-delay in our arrival, so I had to beat back the Monica Gellar (this is a reference to a character on "Friends" for those of you going "Huh?") in me, and resort to picking an activity from another day which was close to our flat.<br />
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We chose The Natural History Museum which was about a twenty minute walk from the flat. That way, if BA called, we could scurry back to our underground dwelling and await its arrival. Well, BA called before we even left for the museum to let us know that the luggage would come in the afternoon, which gave us enough time to go see the museum and return in time.<br />
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So, off we went.<br />
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Although The Natural History Museum has amazing displays, including a terrific dinosaur exhibit, we were probably, my teenage son included, impressed with the architecture of the building. High ceilings, impressive arches and stained-glass windows in this enormous and stunning building overwhelmed us with its beauty. Add in the marble staircases, the statues and splendor, and it was a sight to behold. (Pictures below do not do it justice!)<br />
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Please stay tuned for Part II of this June 26th post when the excitement of my luggage arriving occurs, and we go out on the town, shopping and to dinner. (No, really, it's way more interesting than it sounds!) Meanwhile, please enjoy some pics from the Natural History Museum.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Natural History Museum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWVF-Vykf3JWxB5rpmlY-m9MM281_4H87FiJn2l73oXISIcbmSKkqiq414t-3i50SFVUHo_LbwBW9IL5riGpctlUJcXrrZIw3Ff3Qp9UAf4Oms3p0n5c8tWULz9IZDOmfh56AMELivWWX/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWVF-Vykf3JWxB5rpmlY-m9MM281_4H87FiJn2l73oXISIcbmSKkqiq414t-3i50SFVUHo_LbwBW9IL5riGpctlUJcXrrZIw3Ff3Qp9UAf4Oms3p0n5c8tWULz9IZDOmfh56AMELivWWX/s320/IMG_0281.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Ditto</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL93DjsnH4D0D9FF6bas3YlVtxbWG5cKkKwSVQBY3TeUT60C3Wd3gYkLZ5mD4sMdfVGLpraC7Lz7Cg-T3qDKgNdSJ12BZmKnJHJh-elE1Xvl4GuWs4fRdVIuTuUtL-pmO0lrkGG3Z8tlmq/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL93DjsnH4D0D9FF6bas3YlVtxbWG5cKkKwSVQBY3TeUT60C3Wd3gYkLZ5mD4sMdfVGLpraC7Lz7Cg-T3qDKgNdSJ12BZmKnJHJh-elE1Xvl4GuWs4fRdVIuTuUtL-pmO0lrkGG3Z8tlmq/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Dan and Matt and Dino</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYago_XrPe7wiAwibZXQ84GaQIAlS3NTvDO7Mhwycg1BYaXNvnZCAASRf9yqD9uOtmTck6AY2eHmMog0mS3bAp4-ocSVsfZ2WBkdGsutqi6xVdanE92gYBhHXT1nSiVkWchdrd2bma7cq2/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYago_XrPe7wiAwibZXQ84GaQIAlS3NTvDO7Mhwycg1BYaXNvnZCAASRf9yqD9uOtmTck6AY2eHmMog0mS3bAp4-ocSVsfZ2WBkdGsutqi6xVdanE92gYBhHXT1nSiVkWchdrd2bma7cq2/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Raptors in the Rafters</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHCvsqR4JVyJ2R-J7cvMw9uvKCO7-PAe-HGkjUU8v_Hk-PzC6LwqY2JwuTWoDxEzQkdZ5K60j_WwX7ce__KmPMYsN3EUuT-kyh2F_KmsGYod-cwKrPEtOtGfj8du68yxxVUBaLGJwOjqO/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHCvsqR4JVyJ2R-J7cvMw9uvKCO7-PAe-HGkjUU8v_Hk-PzC6LwqY2JwuTWoDxEzQkdZ5K60j_WwX7ce__KmPMYsN3EUuT-kyh2F_KmsGYod-cwKrPEtOtGfj8du68yxxVUBaLGJwOjqO/s320/IMG_0288.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matt and Linda in front of stained-glass windows.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap5DmuKjn-089kklN4-XBpiBoaBkb4xvz1ALM7TY-jTauLDo7IiAguqDLZQw80XSWASEfeHgNBnL1TFkrScHIxKWQg_CRt_7L7Gph_5MTWuWktNDAXM6W5mwyHkw-MeU4ta_JT-IkHafB/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap5DmuKjn-089kklN4-XBpiBoaBkb4xvz1ALM7TY-jTauLDo7IiAguqDLZQw80XSWASEfeHgNBnL1TFkrScHIxKWQg_CRt_7L7Gph_5MTWuWktNDAXM6W5mwyHkw-MeU4ta_JT-IkHafB/s320/IMG_0290.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Capturing the architecture.</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEhoPlI-X0NOYPeVwwSYM7iFmyCWmiVWqEid5i3GCyj533g5TXGV6VMB2y3xEn6eVd0TWnFzrFKiVg-vEKeeb2QyElpYozw7AuIQOuJWXRJ5ExlIZFLy60HnHGjthcWpnVkX96IFRSHbR9k4/s1600/IMG_20150626_113508781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPlI-X0NOYPeVwwSYM7iFmyCWmiVWqEid5i3GCyj533g5TXGV6VMB2y3xEn6eVd0TWnFzrFKiVg-vEKeeb2QyElpYozw7AuIQOuJWXRJ5ExlIZFLy60HnHGjthcWpnVkX96IFRSHbR9k4/s320/IMG_20150626_113508781.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Checkout the staircase behind us!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpmFkmmArKyd6-edho-Iv6BCI_2u5Y0l9MlWVRD86HnWpueVARE9pnw4-1RprO0iU18olsQOka7BjMDYznCfLhYyNDDsYw34IppkpiMg4WJGy6QcTjs3kA_Ykhl90BMs3BlREVBImlpSW/s1600/IMG_20150626_113841046_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpmFkmmArKyd6-edho-Iv6BCI_2u5Y0l9MlWVRD86HnWpueVARE9pnw4-1RprO0iU18olsQOka7BjMDYznCfLhYyNDDsYw34IppkpiMg4WJGy6QcTjs3kA_Ykhl90BMs3BlREVBImlpSW/s320/IMG_20150626_113841046_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Look close. It's a small dinosaur statue.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hut5QYhmR4gtd2f9iKwqM8dcmDElON_6lKktey6103RrLVedhiRh4jadLNcYPNCImUCbdrVod9L1jPL4FyAiwlBq37OMc38ImKLTrJRvEUYy_E2_Cps9ynxlal-fATMB5D0IX2P5_TZr/s1600/IMG_20150626_123718825_HDR%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hut5QYhmR4gtd2f9iKwqM8dcmDElON_6lKktey6103RrLVedhiRh4jadLNcYPNCImUCbdrVod9L1jPL4FyAiwlBq37OMc38ImKLTrJRvEUYy_E2_Cps9ynxlal-fATMB5D0IX2P5_TZr/s320/IMG_20150626_123718825_HDR%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Head of a blue whale. Rhino is there for size comparison.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXOdRp6FUIPQQg1wc-WWp79bZjMlZirDivzfeykK44d0hEvGaX56e80EVtTv_PuH6BgcUcJtIhpztOOqhv6UZCSvw2LpQdF_ocnE7M6n6MFGq1JYcoNHqOcBUrYz_R8kBhm5JKir5zKFR/s1600/IMG_20150626_124926556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXOdRp6FUIPQQg1wc-WWp79bZjMlZirDivzfeykK44d0hEvGaX56e80EVtTv_PuH6BgcUcJtIhpztOOqhv6UZCSvw2LpQdF_ocnE7M6n6MFGq1JYcoNHqOcBUrYz_R8kBhm5JKir5zKFR/s320/IMG_20150626_124926556.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Stairwell and stained-glass windows.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0AfeeEO3w4L6CRmfTtxhBJnoDgG6CPWiyUcXA_Jmh57AIg2TcEesGLTLuAUQn0OQp5px9e6QBbT82s1cauce13_V9Q8p3RvXuk8ZIjvsHwkTi9T10mY0P3nm_ONDg8FOgesZmdBXV8yl/s1600/IMG_20150626_125015167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0AfeeEO3w4L6CRmfTtxhBJnoDgG6CPWiyUcXA_Jmh57AIg2TcEesGLTLuAUQn0OQp5px9e6QBbT82s1cauce13_V9Q8p3RvXuk8ZIjvsHwkTi9T10mY0P3nm_ONDg8FOgesZmdBXV8yl/s320/IMG_20150626_125015167.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Entry Hallway</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvBrkKP-F46IzmFWEMsUsoPGJCk7Li5qXgGujWRlL3pyoVxis08BWBUSkTb24IzlPjR0rME9ADcnO4EJJdTZpBtIiv88_tGD7AenDZaAcylGoRUl-wA_NKQvxtBwesoIqJywt5wbtmgUc/s1600/IMG_20150626_125408555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvBrkKP-F46IzmFWEMsUsoPGJCk7Li5qXgGujWRlL3pyoVxis08BWBUSkTb24IzlPjR0rME9ADcnO4EJJdTZpBtIiv88_tGD7AenDZaAcylGoRUl-wA_NKQvxtBwesoIqJywt5wbtmgUc/s320/IMG_20150626_125408555.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Marquee</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsHOs3DSxJ5jBR8wMQDUNCkUEn_yALi3c2vhrZV0PwuLxCTG-GhXGRrz88SyuqVN9YPq61dCHWK1uyrLlb9ksbhH0WI15dnm-wKiNaozbZr6vatyS5GxFwc0br0RI46sX2WIabhsxzoh0/s1600/IMG_20150626_124915706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsHOs3DSxJ5jBR8wMQDUNCkUEn_yALi3c2vhrZV0PwuLxCTG-GhXGRrz88SyuqVN9YPq61dCHWK1uyrLlb9ksbhH0WI15dnm-wKiNaozbZr6vatyS5GxFwc0br0RI46sX2WIabhsxzoh0/s320/IMG_20150626_124915706.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Another shot inside.</span></td></tr>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-78197442812233054162015-07-09T19:26:00.001-07:002015-07-09T19:27:52.033-07:00Linda's London Adventure: Day Two, Continued: My Luggage Takes Its Own Holiday So, we've arrived in London, at Heathrow. It's now the next day, June 24th, acccording to London, even though this blog is a continuation of the United States, Day Two, June 23rd. Confused? If so, just pretend that we've flown for more than 12 hours on the plane and all will be well. So that means we're now on Day Three of our Great Adventure, because really we were supposed to be, but I won't go into that entire plane delay thing again. (For those of you who know not of what I speak, please refer to the two earlier posts. Thank you.)<br />
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So, we'ver arrived at Heathrow, have gone through Immigration and Security without a hitch and are awaiting our luggage. Dan's comes down the belt. Matt's comes. My doesn't, and doesn't and doesn't. Finally, all the luggage from our flight has come through and mime doesn't. Irritated, yet calm because I know the service lady is going to be polite and lovely about the whole problem, and being in London now, so shall I, I go to fill out a claim form (wondering how I will survive without my clean clothes and makeup, but grateful that England is a first-world country and they most likely have stores) and the lovely British Airways Lost Luggage Lady looks up my luggage number and says "Oh, yours isn't lost, it was pulled out for a random security check and will be arriving tomorrow on another flight." Ah, how lovely. Not. But at least we know where it is. Not here, but on it's way. Not the end of the world, because hey, I actually made it to England, although now I'll now need to do some impromtu shopping for a few items to get me through the next 24 hours (and no, I didn't put a clean set of clothes or make up in my carry-on, because I booked a direct flight thinking "Howw could my luggage NOT make it to England on a DIRECT flight?" Well, now, ...now I know, don't I?) At least I handled it better than the woman next to me who was in tears when the same thing happened to her. But, we had a driver to meet, so we left the airport to meet him.<br />
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Brendan was our driver, the father-in-law of the gentleman we rented the flat from. He got us to the flat safe and sound and recommended a grocery store in walking distance of the flat. We liked the flat. It was spacious, fully furnished with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, washer and dryer and was only a twenty minute walk to Kensingotn Palace! But filling up the fridge and getting me underwear and makeup was the priority, so stalking the Royals would have to wait.<br />
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We ventured out for our first walk in London (Kensington area), and quickly learned how not to get killed by London traffic. You either<i><b><u> must </u></b></i>follow the traffic signals or just cross when the Brits do. We got a kick out of how the streets are painted with directions on which way to look for oncoming traffic, but let me tell you, these directions help and have saved many a tourist's life, no doubt. We grocery shopped and also walked to the Tube Station and loaded up our Oyster cards, ready to ride the Tube soon!<br />
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Some British words we learned today: <br />
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Lolli = Popsicle<br />
Nappies = diapers<br />
bits = pulp (the orange juice we bought came "without the bits". Cracked us up!)<br />
fridge-freezer = what we refer to as the entire refrigerator<br />
pop - as in "I'll pop it over to you"<br />
take aways = doggie bags<br />
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Please enjoy our pics from Day 2-3!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC-GbRukbq6f2l9NGo1wJPgziSdX_kniF6rlomBmoJzmpOVHz9iptx9vNh1GRCc4fB6NX56fzRJVb5ZCN1nnrP8mVD3VBADkgHwAPRy0z_mKUQLbGGwHgJRZ6xmJrSNaPzG_rdJwLHitg/s1600/IMG_20150704_070054519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC-GbRukbq6f2l9NGo1wJPgziSdX_kniF6rlomBmoJzmpOVHz9iptx9vNh1GRCc4fB6NX56fzRJVb5ZCN1nnrP8mVD3VBADkgHwAPRy0z_mKUQLbGGwHgJRZ6xmJrSNaPzG_rdJwLHitg/s320/IMG_20150704_070054519.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Back Bedroom</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCHXVVfrTYS02OfiwBvZ6DgZnWU6g_sTtjK2666UhjLKs5A5sEDB-sNF5I-sfJvTPoX_RL4LaFqoKMpl3H6c9D515i8H3UKmV_xXM2PTspWewz3J6PUycl05jJIw-EyCCg4Ge1_jPaNJ1/s1600/IMG_20150704_070106290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCHXVVfrTYS02OfiwBvZ6DgZnWU6g_sTtjK2666UhjLKs5A5sEDB-sNF5I-sfJvTPoX_RL4LaFqoKMpl3H6c9D515i8H3UKmV_xXM2PTspWewz3J6PUycl05jJIw-EyCCg4Ge1_jPaNJ1/s320/IMG_20150704_070106290.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Back Bedroom</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEZopE6XmFIhJhr8OcR8D_XgSJN-4p38Al6lc_ZZNMiJzDBgp6VdCf_L23v7uqI-IAOoBqIHQlHdoixyiB-7V1pvP8F64opeBVdoZxMwe3Rivuke4OyjJp3nyJeSkch0D29L_QYyYAbf4/s1600/IMG_20150704_070113329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEZopE6XmFIhJhr8OcR8D_XgSJN-4p38Al6lc_ZZNMiJzDBgp6VdCf_L23v7uqI-IAOoBqIHQlHdoixyiB-7V1pvP8F64opeBVdoZxMwe3Rivuke4OyjJp3nyJeSkch0D29L_QYyYAbf4/s320/IMG_20150704_070113329.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Hallway leading to Kitchen</span></td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEjCZsQL-HehQZNhMKkBc6COnVEh0nKhq4f5fGyYQ3JAL3kK2E8Rqsibsz5ieutzZ_vZh_I5NpjlaiOvtfIzH3bLdeqeS_T3xixtGIKCNfDRfFupyD2q7k1mGQp4BCe1FFezx3InmP1adhRo/s1600/IMG_20150704_070122586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZsQL-HehQZNhMKkBc6COnVEh0nKhq4f5fGyYQ3JAL3kK2E8Rqsibsz5ieutzZ_vZh_I5NpjlaiOvtfIzH3bLdeqeS_T3xixtGIKCNfDRfFupyD2q7k1mGQp4BCe1FFezx3InmP1adhRo/s320/IMG_20150704_070122586.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Bathroom off back Bedroom</span></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/AVvXsEgM46bG8kilcccDh47i7xMpepOpVIwFWRPuBjRowbTYR4ct89n1m4wCjODG47xZfoa3anr9IlJUHW-6kPK-TOv_ULxlQ6rEt_tO-tGt58GZ5oD2a2OfFRTaUzGaMV7lyn51IjwV1rXGOcG2/s1600/IMG_20150704_070144439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM46bG8kilcccDh47i7xMpepOpVIwFWRPuBjRowbTYR4ct89n1m4wCjODG47xZfoa3anr9IlJUHW-6kPK-TOv_ULxlQ6rEt_tO-tGt58GZ5oD2a2OfFRTaUzGaMV7lyn51IjwV1rXGOcG2/s320/IMG_20150704_070144439.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Kitchen, of course</span></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/AVvXsEi8XB7dUPCPC4LIa_YTsiANSZWuuD_DmSFjUu3LdP1DmAFt2AUhmCP1b8qIkrqwDMcZlo4KrPW03tN8gNrLDUFVgjgFEGINOyyMY-AAunVjBF_EugxfpbrU5Z0o7Q9p5ErjEtT-jfxmpsWI/s1600/IMG_20150704_070156511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XB7dUPCPC4LIa_YTsiANSZWuuD_DmSFjUu3LdP1DmAFt2AUhmCP1b8qIkrqwDMcZlo4KrPW03tN8gNrLDUFVgjgFEGINOyyMY-AAunVjBF_EugxfpbrU5Z0o7Q9p5ErjEtT-jfxmpsWI/s320/IMG_20150704_070156511.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Patio</span></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/AVvXsEgMpNcd2F6_nCUDasYZHN9EEbpyBgAu1hNPA7-BrS_wWQC010_QEMSGs6ZTJbrvLesP_g7XakKpxwj7mqtsB4tPaOib2xIVHq1_NbG_0cwVxWRZ5FrBj6Zmmo0xqLSKR56mhSTLKhq0wJbA/s1600/IMG_20150704_070215501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpNcd2F6_nCUDasYZHN9EEbpyBgAu1hNPA7-BrS_wWQC010_QEMSGs6ZTJbrvLesP_g7XakKpxwj7mqtsB4tPaOib2xIVHq1_NbG_0cwVxWRZ5FrBj6Zmmo0xqLSKR56mhSTLKhq0wJbA/s320/IMG_20150704_070215501.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Master Bedroom</span></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/AVvXsEgY_raRHQk5uHMlwzNbPtxeO2-BjHRnKourcjlHI7yQVzjbvhF2tptY66mcUtHEM_fnFPiSfwhwH-AGBPrE-ItgcseFsFa4fHmvYGf-Vgl3yGDUCE7TQMbKLCJDzpZhaUrxTv4u-kJYrjuf/s1600/IMG_20150704_070337444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_raRHQk5uHMlwzNbPtxeO2-BjHRnKourcjlHI7yQVzjbvhF2tptY66mcUtHEM_fnFPiSfwhwH-AGBPrE-ItgcseFsFa4fHmvYGf-Vgl3yGDUCE7TQMbKLCJDzpZhaUrxTv4u-kJYrjuf/s320/IMG_20150704_070337444.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">More of the Master Bedroom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEiYj3d-4M4n1WzKwuH1n_uwWGc92rZ-zgaHvY7Rqu9hDMPM2l4IWDdtmbLp0MCWTQES2bKCWSdzg1LU-6PwPUu4gsuKq3Ke6LK_YmFt7zO3JRCWUzPhpxGH1QUQisqhyphenhyphenKFXHgRrR1vTnR4k/s1600/IMG_20150704_070354486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYj3d-4M4n1WzKwuH1n_uwWGc92rZ-zgaHvY7Rqu9hDMPM2l4IWDdtmbLp0MCWTQES2bKCWSdzg1LU-6PwPUu4gsuKq3Ke6LK_YmFt7zO3JRCWUzPhpxGH1QUQisqhyphenhyphenKFXHgRrR1vTnR4k/s320/IMG_20150704_070354486.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Bathroom off Master Bedroom</span></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/AVvXsEgVMbzWDSgocmJ-mRgg7-jU0z5iNNfnS_gJLEx-80ipjtPWF9qyaXdR1VMibeAQ2gT78nCtA_uEBCg7dsTCQ4SHpy2BKJ9XuhZ1QtT6sU1I22VFiq3QZHo-h2060gPfH4BShby1SodQ0zhq/s1600/IMG_20150704_070406977_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMbzWDSgocmJ-mRgg7-jU0z5iNNfnS_gJLEx-80ipjtPWF9qyaXdR1VMibeAQ2gT78nCtA_uEBCg7dsTCQ4SHpy2BKJ9XuhZ1QtT6sU1I22VFiq3QZHo-h2060gPfH4BShby1SodQ0zhq/s320/IMG_20150704_070406977_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">View from Kitchen into Dining Area</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEg03v4VDeh5neVXDC73sp4C9R5LLzSsBCN7sqNc3sPXSbYJ1ctTKcSsBPDqe9IjtGsyYvpNrAGBSisIVEXYK9mjhvsOXLHbkNIR55x_ZhcW92POU2j56T9g0eeNeviZ9rtUipV1sMhIuBFH/s1600/IMG_20150704_070437041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03v4VDeh5neVXDC73sp4C9R5LLzSsBCN7sqNc3sPXSbYJ1ctTKcSsBPDqe9IjtGsyYvpNrAGBSisIVEXYK9mjhvsOXLHbkNIR55x_ZhcW92POU2j56T9g0eeNeviZ9rtUipV1sMhIuBFH/s320/IMG_20150704_070437041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Dining area looking toward Kitchen</span></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/AVvXsEi9SA_wBI8oXBsbxCqvSJCqjLid6t839KVhkCoAs64-QkD7tKP0xa3DhMdCU-XwRsGaR3KykKnL1wb_3_VyrHqxo1SF8U16V1j2suFcodNkUffkNaeRZCiPznSGvsmaRqNmtBfD4wR5y7C7/s1600/IMG_20150704_070442044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SA_wBI8oXBsbxCqvSJCqjLid6t839KVhkCoAs64-QkD7tKP0xa3DhMdCU-XwRsGaR3KykKnL1wb_3_VyrHqxo1SF8U16V1j2suFcodNkUffkNaeRZCiPznSGvsmaRqNmtBfD4wR5y7C7/s320/IMG_20150704_070442044.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Portion of Living Area</span></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/AVvXsEiv-VHVcXk32v6Tr-uVq3-uiIiqep2T1Wqv5aS7n_lKOpOWMN5-lDWlT2deMhJ5Bkqel8vALx3VpYNX-zguyvoGQxYwVdODa7LQJbfwJ_Yevmn_ZrXmwhaThtdtQp8HrTpWGti9SfF4nWKD/s1600/IMG_20150704_070450057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-VHVcXk32v6Tr-uVq3-uiIiqep2T1Wqv5aS7n_lKOpOWMN5-lDWlT2deMhJ5Bkqel8vALx3VpYNX-zguyvoGQxYwVdODa7LQJbfwJ_Yevmn_ZrXmwhaThtdtQp8HrTpWGti9SfF4nWKD/s320/IMG_20150704_070450057.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Matt sitting in Dining Room</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEjSdXKkQmFfo7JBf2fQrOgDTRZVCYBHh_D4P3UNOWq_X9R4q_E32xQurrEw-cNiVvpqQKwowulbcStiALueJDHN9OC8hLJq6tmv1U8ByyCD1reZbAuPQTB7tiV-8MPJ3bT1fce2wH_faT0g/s1600/IMG_20150704_070459174_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdXKkQmFfo7JBf2fQrOgDTRZVCYBHh_D4P3UNOWq_X9R4q_E32xQurrEw-cNiVvpqQKwowulbcStiALueJDHN9OC8hLJq6tmv1U8ByyCD1reZbAuPQTB7tiV-8MPJ3bT1fce2wH_faT0g/s320/IMG_20150704_070459174_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Hallway to Front Door and Laundry Room</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<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/AVvXsEjZgKmkkSUZSEwnlIsb7vRqG-vcmt8Dy0oRJt50wKI8_SYDOn-IOI-G8TBcAJBW5tC0wKIPpWL8kxo-76ljRNvMrqBPXydPAc-NgoofmRmT21GRDPZVMSvzSjZ3GXXvu57wz9Gp_Dr7lgOO/s1600/IMG_20150704_071305935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgKmkkSUZSEwnlIsb7vRqG-vcmt8Dy0oRJt50wKI8_SYDOn-IOI-G8TBcAJBW5tC0wKIPpWL8kxo-76ljRNvMrqBPXydPAc-NgoofmRmT21GRDPZVMSvzSjZ3GXXvu57wz9Gp_Dr7lgOO/s320/IMG_20150704_071305935.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Out front and Upstairs</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-90895065683811951852015-07-08T16:49:00.001-07:002015-07-08T16:49:56.425-07:00Linda's London Adventure: The Eagle Has Landed! (Day 2)<br />
I rose bright and early, too anxious about the delayed flight
to sleep. I looked at the British Airways website again only to find that
this evening's rescheduled flight is now rescheduled AGAIN for the <i>next
evening</i>. I was so upset, and shaking so badly, that I had to tell Dan, "You
call them this time. I just can't do call them again." Well, long story short, the
BA website was wrong (I'm sure we weren't the only angry phone call they got
that morning), and Dan was assured that our rescheduled flight for that evening was indeed, still scheduled.<br />
<br />
So, once again, we packed up, and this time actually made it to the bus (thank you Don Z.!) and down to O'Hare in Chicago. With great trepidation we approached the BA ticket counter where a very lovely-in-every-way, woman assured us that yes, we <u>did</u> have a flight that evening, and it <i>was </i>taking off. (Again, may I reiterate that everyone and everything about British Airways is lovely. The staff go out of their way to make sure you're happy and comfortable.) We were also each given a voucher for $20 toward any restaurant at O'Hare that day. (Granted this doesn't come close to the amount of money we lost not being in staying at our London flat for one night, but it was something.)<br />
<br />
When we boarded the plane and were nearly ready for take-off, the captain came on the overhead and apologized about the long delay, and finally explained to everyone about the damaged plane back in England (see yesterday's post for more of an explanation). We still believe that the call center should have been able to give this information to us ticket holders, instead of giving us a "weather related" lame excuse. But, water under the London bridge. <br />
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Long flight short, many hours later, we arrived in London! (Minus one set of luggage, MINE of course, but more on that in Day Three's post! Bet you can't wait.)<br />
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Please enjoy the pictures from Day Two! (Stay tuned for Day Three!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNQOp1VhNqoEaNPx_GE2BBvlihxTUK13-rG_ZM3nYN3-Re2g94aVMGQWJstUAELWhnyUM8kFd9z6Y5Zbc04VmhafoOi4YmqbxdiSMa-4H9PRr1CbmbntpdwtY8sB3EbxMXb2FuP95I1gD/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JqSkw8gcjoLWQv2mo66uK02FykrplgDH2-ns77mrt8euT9fwT2HsbyD2-8ZwMQgwa_VQoN6QZZ0nTTUCP_zyvji8lS2lZLT4faQ3HeLYOK-0hvgl8yvS0TMSjci9c6XwnO1f6TT-sNEW/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JqSkw8gcjoLWQv2mo66uK02FykrplgDH2-ns77mrt8euT9fwT2HsbyD2-8ZwMQgwa_VQoN6QZZ0nTTUCP_zyvji8lS2lZLT4faQ3HeLYOK-0hvgl8yvS0TMSjci9c6XwnO1f6TT-sNEW/s320/IMG_0268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Happy to know we have a flight!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyFJzwQfiQKqKt2wBZgm79y8QLUuP9_-tDTLHiL4bsrh5foKsY8H8NMyOwF6XqS11KQJpLlzqnKZJE9SQhiUZZphMp8SgwYvKlBp9zYJMWWP8od0L_aSlepbPt2oxdP34eyrONuf9jJGU/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4gUVeMn1OUOn_6iDOhl4mwGcQ5pFQKYodfH2lkWpOE2PE30aAFHzCBsomVLN518BSI_njxuRLohcTRl66OOAG8Ztabi4roWSWEKg65B4pC0rGA7eJ-hxFiF_1-4txT3o2RQDEE8bxMp3/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4gUVeMn1OUOn_6iDOhl4mwGcQ5pFQKYodfH2lkWpOE2PE30aAFHzCBsomVLN518BSI_njxuRLohcTRl66OOAG8Ztabi4roWSWEKg65B4pC0rGA7eJ-hxFiF_1-4txT3o2RQDEE8bxMp3/s320/IMG_0270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">We'll be boarding soon!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNQOp1VhNqoEaNPx_GE2BBvlihxTUK13-rG_ZM3nYN3-Re2g94aVMGQWJstUAELWhnyUM8kFd9z6Y5Zbc04VmhafoOi4YmqbxdiSMa-4H9PRr1CbmbntpdwtY8sB3EbxMXb2FuP95I1gD/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNQOp1VhNqoEaNPx_GE2BBvlihxTUK13-rG_ZM3nYN3-Re2g94aVMGQWJstUAELWhnyUM8kFd9z6Y5Zbc04VmhafoOi4YmqbxdiSMa-4H9PRr1CbmbntpdwtY8sB3EbxMXb2FuP95I1gD/s320/IMG_0272.JPG" width="320" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Outside our London flat. We have the garden apartment below.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyFJzwQfiQKqKt2wBZgm79y8QLUuP9_-tDTLHiL4bsrh5foKsY8H8NMyOwF6XqS11KQJpLlzqnKZJE9SQhiUZZphMp8SgwYvKlBp9zYJMWWP8od0L_aSlepbPt2oxdP34eyrONuf9jJGU/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyFJzwQfiQKqKt2wBZgm79y8QLUuP9_-tDTLHiL4bsrh5foKsY8H8NMyOwF6XqS11KQJpLlzqnKZJE9SQhiUZZphMp8SgwYvKlBp9zYJMWWP8od0L_aSlepbPt2oxdP34eyrONuf9jJGU/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Steps and entry way to our flat. We've arrived!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-37659623491686482892015-07-07T13:15:00.000-07:002015-08-25T08:55:49.375-07:00Linda's London Adventure: Day 1: Failure to Launch Traveling to London has been a dream of mine for years. Ever since I was in my early twenties, and began reading biographies on all the English kings and queens, and then historical novels on the Tudors, Stuarts, etc., it's been my goal to one day actually see all the castles, tombs, parks, etc. that I had only read about. Now, in my early fifties, and with a saved nest-egg for this very trip, I had the very fortunate opportunity to go. My husband, Dan, and son, Matthew, really wanted to go as well, so it became a family trip and a high school graduation trip. But, it was up to me to plan, because we'd be mostly touring the sites I wanted to see.<br />
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So, for almost the entire past year, I've been planning this trip, which was to begin on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 and end on July 4th. We'd bus it from Madison, Wisconsin down to O'Hare airport in Illinois and take a direct flight to Heathrow airport in England. I'd even made arrangements for a ride to our rented flat once we landed in England. Easy peasey, right?<br />
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Oh the best laid and plotted for a year plans....<br />
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The morning we were to leave, literally <i>ten minutes </i>before we were about to walk out the door, I received a text from British Airways alerting me that our flight had been delayed...twenty-four hours! Now, I'm pretty easy going, and I can understand delaying a plane for a few hours, maybe half a day, but an <i>entire DAY</i>??? And I hate to fly, so having to extend my flying anxiety by another twenty-four hours was torture. I quickly phoned British Airways and was told, that yes, this day delay was indeed true. I told them that that was unacceptable and to put us on another flight. Well, they could (and here I'd like to interject that the call center staff at British Airways could teach classes in Grace and Pleasantries Under Pressure) but gee, we'd have to be there in three hours. Um..no, we were still, at the very least, three hours away, not to mention getting through security and baggage check, etc.) But, that was the best they could do...<i>all other outgoing flights to London</i> <i>were booked</i>. I hung up, realizing that I never even asked why our flight was cancelled, er, delayed an entire day.(British Airways reps kept assuring us "It's not cancelled, it's just delayed...") Hm. It sure felt canceled to us, as we were completely packed and ten minutes from walking out the door and now couldn't leave. I called BA again. I had a different representative on the phone and had to again explain the entire process of who we were, what happened to our flight, etc., and then asked why our flight was canceled, er, delayed. BA Rep said, "Weather related." I said okay and hung up...but then thought, "Wait a minute, the other rep said other flights were <i>all booked and leaving.</i>" We checked the weather forecasts for Chicago and London and both had great weather. I also had a friend flying to Europe that day, and I texted her, and she was at O'Hare and her flight was on time and leaving in an hour. So now, we were really ticked off, but with absolutely no flight until the next evening, we threw in the towel and decided to wait, hoping that BA might reimburse us for the apartment rental evening we were missing in England.<br />
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(We would later find out that the real reason our flight was canceled, er, delayed, was because the incoming flight from England hit a flock of birds after take-off, and there was damage to that plane. They decided to turn around and go back to Heathrow, thus, we had no actual <i>plane</i>. Had BA reps actually been given the <i>correct information</i> to give customers, our anger would not have been as it was. Disappointed, yes, we still would have been, but at least we would have understood why our trip was delayed a day and we would lose money on a flat that we weren't staying at that first night, yet still had to pay for.)<br />
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(One more thing: Despite this auspicious beginning, British Airways proved to be an excellent airline and we were completely satisfied with the service we received once we actually made it to the airport and got on a flight. More about this in Day Two's blog.) <br />
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So, trying to dissipate our anger and disappointment, instead of heading to the bus, we headed to one of our very favorite places in Madison. We went to the Henry Vilas Zoo. But, by this time, it was later in the day, and many exhibits were closed. We still had a pleasant time, however.<br />
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So, for Day One Pics....Please enjoy the pics the Madison Zoo animals!<br />
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Stay tuned for Day Two: The Eagle Has Landed <br />
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-54260795705959694442014-11-30T11:23:00.000-08:002014-11-30T11:23:48.185-08:00Your Sunday Book Reviews, Continued!Hello Once Again to my Faithful Thirteen Followers! (and hopefully more of you who will soon sign up to follow my blog!)<br />
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It's Sunday, and that means, yep, more book reviews. Well, five more, at any rate. So, once again, here are five more books that I've read in 2014 that have won the full 5 stars from me, the dear and gentle reader. If you read any of my recommendations based on this blog, I would love to hear from you!<br />
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Happy Sunday, and enjoy! (All synopses borrowed with gratitude from Goodreads.) <br />
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<b>1. <u> (Historical Fiction/Romance) My Lady of Cleves: A Novel of Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves (Harlequin Romance # 169) by Maragaret Campbell Barnes</u></b><br />
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<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText11593095657205813499">Written by world-renowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes, <i>My Lady of Cleves</i> gives readers an intimate portrait of the warm, unpretentious princess
who never expected to become Queen of England. Knowing the king's
ravenous desire for a son, and aware of the disastrous consequences of
not bearing an heir, Anne of Cleves bravely took on the duty of
weathering the Tudor King's temper, whims, arrogance, and irresponsible
passions--and won the hearts of his subjects in the process. A treat for readers of Tudor fiction and those fascinated by the complex relationships of Henry VIII and his wives, <i>My Lady of Cleves</i> leads readers into a world of high drama and courtly elegance.</span> <br />
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<b><i>(Linda's Note: </i> <i><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview212066045">As
I began to read this novel about Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of
Henry VIII, I wasn't sure I'd like it, as the "fictional" part took
quite a stretch from what I've read in various biographies on Henry
VIII. But I reminded myself that heck, The Tudors mini-series used many
inconsistencies with the truth, and I loved it anyhow, so I continued
on with the novel. I'm glad I did. The best compliment I can give an
author is to read a line they wrote, sigh and wish I had written it.
There were several instances in this novel where I felt that way. The
story about Anne, who had the fortuitous misfortune (she outlived all of
Henry's other wives) of Henry's dislike, is riveting start to finish,
albeit the fictitious possible romance between her and painter, Hans
Holbein, a reference to Henry sleeping with Anne after the divorce, and
oh yes, a flirtation between Anne and Thomas Seymour. Still, if you're a fan of
historical fiction, especially the Tudor period, this is a don't miss!)</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview212066045">2. </span></span><i><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview212066045"> </span></span></i><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview212066045"><u>(Non-Fiction) The Three Faces of Eve by Corbett H. Thigpen and Hervey M. Cleckley</u></span></span></b><br />
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The Goodread's synopsis was in German, so I'll skip posting that and just give a brief overview of the book in my notes below. Thank you.<br />
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<b>(<i>Linda's Note: This book is the factual account of the authors' treatment of Chris Costner-Sizemore, a woman with Multiple Personality Disorder and upon which the movie "The Three Faces of Eve" was based.<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview212066045"> </span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview212066045"></span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview212066045"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<span class="readable reviewText"><b><i><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview818985144">After
watching "The The Three Faces of Eve", and realizing it was based on a
true incident, I had to read the book. I was not disappointed by either
movie or book. Actually the movie did the best it could given the time
frame it had, but I was completely mesmerized by the book and the
account of Chris Costner-Sizemore (referred to in the book as Eve White), a woman with three personalities. Written by her
psychiatrists, we follow Eve's journey as she presents as a troubled and
meek housewife, yet, over time, reveals her other personalities in the
forms of lively Eve Black and mild-mannered, Jane. The book explains in
detail how the doctors got to know each personality, each "woman's" troubles and
quirks, and how, through patience, diligence and understanding, helped
integrate them back into one person. Although not as horribly traumatic
as the Sybil story we've read, Eve White's plight to help her
selves become whole again is a fascinating read and one I could not put
down.)</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview818985144"><b>3.</b> <b><u>(Non-Fiction) Kitchen Privileges: A Memoir by Mark Higgins Clark</u></b> </span></span><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview818985144">
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<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText6486946081464885952">In
her long-awaited memoir, Mary Higgins Clark, America's beloved and
bestselling Queen of Suspense, recounts the early experiences that
shaped her as a person and influenced her as a writer.Even as a young
girl, growing up in the Bronx, Mary Higgins Clark knew she wanted to be a
writer. The gift of storytelling was a part of her Irish ancestry, so
it followed naturally that she would later use her sharp eye, keen
intelligence, and inquisitive nature to create stories about the people
and things she observed. </span><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText6486946081464885952">Determined
to care for her family and to make a career for herself, she went to
work writing scripts for a radio show, but in her spare time she began
writing novels. Her first, a biographical novel about the life of George
Washington titled "Aspire to the Heavens," found a publisher but
disappeared without a trace when the publisher folded. (Recently it was
rediscovered by a descendant of the Washington family and was reissued
under the title "Mount Vernon Love Story.)" The experience, however,
gave her the background and the preparation for writing "Where Are the
Children?" which went on to become an international bestseller. That
novel launched her career and was the first of twenty-seven (and still
counting!) bestselling books of suspense.As Mary Higgins Clark
has said when asked if she might consider giving up writing for a life
of leisure, "Never! To be happy for a year, win the lottery. To be happy
for life, love what you do." In "Kitchen Privileges," she
reflects on the joy that her life as a writer has brought her, and
shares with readers the love that she has found.</span></div>
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<i><b><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText6486946081464885952">(Linda's Note: </span><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview968334174">I
would like to thank my friend, Jennifer Das, for recommending this
memoir to me! Mary Higgins Clark not only writes great suspense novels,
but a highly entertaining memoir as well. Starting from humble
beginnings and rising to the famous novelist she became, I enjoyed
reading how her life and writing career progressed. You'll laugh, you'll
cry...give this book a try.)</span></span></b></i></div>
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview968334174"><b>4.</b> <b><u>(Non-Fiction) The Invisible Woman by Claire Tomalin</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview968334174"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText4716603602563295113">Now a
major motion picture directed by Ralph Fiennes, co-starring Fiennes and
Felicity Jones with Michelle Fairley, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Tom
Hollander: the unforgettable story of Charles Dickens's mistress Nelly
Ternan, and of the secret relationship that linked them. When Charles Dickens and Nelly Ternan met in 1857, she was 18: a professional actress performing in his production of <i>The Frozen Deep</i>.
He was 45: a literary legend, a national treasure, married with ten
children. This meeting sparked a love affair that lasted over a decade,
destroying Dickens's marriage and ending with Nelly's near-disappearance
from the public record. In this remarkable work of biography, Claire
Tomalin rescues Nelly from obscurity, not only returning the neglected
actress to her rightful place in history, but also giving us a
compelling and truthful account of the great Victorian novelist. Through
Dickens's diaries, correspondence, address books, and photographs,
Tomalin is able to reconstruct the relationship between Charles and
Nelly, bringing it to vivid life. The result is a riveting literary
detective story—and a portrait of a singular woman.</span></span></span></div>
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<i><b><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview968334174"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText4716603602563295113">(Linda's Note: </span></span></span></b></i><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview968334174"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText4716603602563295113"><i><b><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview1091156364">I
saw the movie "The Invisible Woman" first, and it really intrigued me
into this true, but debated issue, that, for many years, Charles Dickens
had a mistress whom he kept hidden away. This account goes into much
more detail than the movie could, and I found it an amazing look into
the societal morals and thinking of Victorian England in the 1800's.
Actresses were akin to prostitutes, and so when Dickens fell in love
with one, he divorced his wife (in a most ugly fashion) and kept his
mistress hidden in homes in England and France and supported her mother
and sisters for their silence, thus remaining the respected and honored
author. Equally fascinating, was that after he died, his mistress, Nelly
Ternan, was able to completely reinvent herself to live the life she
then wanted, while still keeping her secret identity. I was completely
absorbed in this book, and now want to see the movie again. Fascinating
account.) </span></span></b></i> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview968334174"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText4716603602563295113"><b>5.</b> <u><b>(Fiction) The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling</b></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText6247553260677828273" style="display: inline;">When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock. Pagford
is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an
ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war. Rich
at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war
with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils ... Pagford is
not what it first seems. And the empty seat left by Barry on the
parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town
has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion,
duplicity and unexpected revelations?</span><br />
<br />
<i><b><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText6247553260677828273" style="display: inline;">(Linda's Note: </span></b></i><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText6247553260677828273" style="display: inline;"><i><b>
<span class="readable reviewText">
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview440087773">I have
yet to read a Harry Potter book. That said, should J.K. Rowling continue
her journey into writing adult novels, consider me a fan. "The Casual
Vacancy" had me hooked from the start, although at the beginning, I
almost needed a spreadsheet to keep all the various characters straight.
Once I got a bit further into the book, however, each character became
so well-defined, each with his or her own goals, that they came alive
on the page. I very much enjoyed this novel; it's a page-turner, but be
warned...it's dark. It's not a happy story, but I became deeply
engrossed, none-the-less. The ending fell a bit short for some of the
characters, but perhaps this might be the set-up for a sequel? If so,
I'd be first in line to buy it.)</span></span></b></i></span><br />
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<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText6247553260677828273" style="display: inline;"><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview440087773">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><i><b><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview440087773"> </span></span></b></i> </span><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview968334174"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText4716603602563295113">That's it for this time, friends. See you next week! Happy Belated Thanksgiving to you all!</span></span></span></div>
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</span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-47459937346949196402014-11-24T12:39:00.000-08:002014-11-24T12:43:45.369-08:00More Five Star Book ReviewsHey Friends!<br />
<br />
I meant to get this blog out yesterday, but you know how life goes sometimes. The best intentions...and all that. So, without further ado, here are another five books that I gave the highest ratings to in the past year! Again, feel free to comment if you've read them and if you agree with my choices, or respectfully disagree. I'd love to hear from you! Again, all synopses are borrowed from Goodreads, with my personal comments following after. Enjoy!<br />
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1. <u><b>(Historical Fiction) The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan</b></u>: <span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainer14196132351847206717">Married
by proxy to James IV, Margaret Tudor, the daughter of Henry VII,
becomes the Queen of Scotland and, after a tragic loss, falls victim to
the attentions of the ambitious Earl of Angus. <i><b>(Linda's Note: </b></i></span><i><b>I hadn't read anything by this author before, but will certainly again. I hadn't read much on Margaret either, and this novel
paints her as neither saint nor sinner, providing a highly entertaining
glimpse into the turbulent, and often tragic, life she must have led. And
now, of course, I want to read more about Margaret, a compliment to this
novel's author!)</b></i><br />
<br />
2. <u><b>(Non-Fiction) Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail by Cheryl Strayed:</b></u> <span class="elementTwo" id="freeText2150731082929434659">A
powerful, blazingly honest memoir: the story of an eleven-hundred-mile
solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe—and
built her back up again. At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought
she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's death, her family
scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later,
with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her
life: to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through
California and Oregon to Washington State—and to do it alone. She had no
experience as a long-distance hiker, and the trail was little more than
“an idea, vague and outlandish and full of promise.” But it was a
promise of piecing back together a life that had come undone. <i><b>(Linda's Note: This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE books read so far in 2014. I didn't even expect to like it, as I thought it would be all about hiking, but it's not. It's so much more. It</b></i></span><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText2150731082929434659"><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview1069919386"><i><b>'s
also about a woman's emotional journey through grief to healing.
Whether hiking interests you or not, this is still a must-read. Put it
on your "To Be Read" list now.</b></i> </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText2150731082929434659"><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview1069919386">3. <u><b>(Fiction-Mystery) </b><b>So Pretty It Hurts (Bailey Weggins Mystery #6)</b><b> by Kate White: </b></u></span></span></span><br />
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText1218709958032496634">Bailey
Weggins, the Manhattan-based thirtysomething true-crime journalist, is
in a good place. She's enjoying her regular gig at Buzz, a leading
celebrity magazine, getting freelance work, and hoping her first book
will garner attention. In the love department, she's finally back in the
game with her recently-turned-exclusive boyfriend, Beau Regan. When
Beau heads out of town one early December weekend, Bailey accepts an
invitation from her office friend Jessie to a music mogul's house in the
country, hoping for a fun, relaxing getaway. But a weird tension
settles over the houseguests--a glamorous crowd that includes the
famously thin supermodel Devon Barr. An impending snowstorm only adds to
the unease. So when Devon's lifeless body is found in her bed, Bailey
immediately suspects foul play: she can't stop thinking of the day
before, when a frightened Devon shivered in the woods and pleaded, "I
have to get out of here. . . . It's not safe for me." When Bailey starts
to nose around, she finds herself a moving target--running closer to
the truth and straight into danger.<i><b> (Linda's Note: </b></i></span><i><b><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview289533836">This is the last novel (so far anyway, I have hopes for more!) in the
Bailey Weggins murder mystery series by author, Kate White. I've read all of them, and once
again, I enjoyed this novel even better than the last. I've also enjoyed
Ms. White's single title "The Sixes" and look forward to reading her
latest novel, "Hush". If light mysteries are on your reading radar, you
must give this series a try. Finishing this last novel feels like I'm
saying good-bye to an old friend, and that speaks volumes, as mysteries
are not usually a genre I read.)</span></span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview289533836">4. <u><b>(Historical Fiction) To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn (Ladies in Waiting #1) by Sandra Byrd: </b></u></span></span><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText14775715931461228874">Meg
Wyatt has been Anne Boleyn's closest friend since they grew up together
on neighboring manors in Kent. So when twenty-five-year-old Anne's star
begins to ascend, of course she takes Meg along for the ride.Life
in the court of Henry VIII is thrilling... at first. Meg is made
mistress of Anne's wardrobe, and she enjoys the spoils of this
privileged orbit and uses her influence for good. She is young and
beautiful and in favor; everyone at court assumes that being close to
her is being close to Anne.But favor is fickle and envy is often
laced with venom. As Anne falls, so does Meg, and it becomes nearly
impossible for her to discern ally from enemy. Suddenly life's unwelcome
surprises rub against the court's sheen to reveal the tarnished brass
of false affections and the bona fide gold of those that are true. Both
Anne and Meg may lose everything. When your best friend is married to
fearsome Henry VIII, you may soon find yourself not only friendless but
headless as well. <i><b>(Linda's Note: </b></i></span><i><b>
<span class="readable reviewText">
<span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview470422157">One of
the best historical fiction novels I've read. Told from the
point-of-view of the fictional Meg Wyatt, we are given a first hand look
into the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn. Meg is a childhood friend of
Anne's, and follows her to court to become one of her ladies. The
writing is spot-on, the voice engaging and the pacing perfect. I also
liked how the author didn't paint Anne Boleyn as either sinner or saint,
which in my mind was the correct way to go. An excellent and enjoyable
read.) </span></span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview470422157">5. <u><b>(Historical Fiction) The Other Queen (The Tudor Court #6) by Philippa Gregory</b></u>: </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview470422157"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText9491998206116639184"></span></span></span><br />
This dazzling novel from the #1 <i>New York Times</i>
bestselling author Philippa Gregory presents a new and unique view of
one of history's most intriguing, romantic, and maddening heroines.
Biographers often neglect the captive years of Mary, Queen of Scots, who
trusted Queen Elizabeth's promise of sanctuary when she fled from
rebels in Scotland and then found herself imprisoned as the "guest" of
George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and his indomitable wife, Bess of
Hardwick.The newly married couple welcome the doomed queen into
their home, certain that serving as her hosts and jailers will bring
them an advantage in the cutthroat world of the Elizabethan court. To
their horror, they find that the task will bankrupt them, and as their
home becomes the epicenter of intrigue and rebellion against Elizabeth,
their loyalty to each other and to their sovereign comes into question.
If Mary succeeds in seducing the earl into her own web of treachery and
treason, or if the great spymaster William Cecil links them to the
growing conspiracy to free Mary from her illegal imprisonment, they will
all face the headsman. <i><b>(Linda's Note: Philippa Gregory can do no wrong when she writes of the Tudors. This novel just proves it again. <span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementTwo" id="freeTextreview790084068">I could not put it down. Highly recommended!)</span></span></b></i><br />
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<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText2150731082929434659"><u><b><span class="readable reviewText"><span class="elementOne" id="freeTextContainerreview1069919386"></span></span></b></u><br /></span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-127419605711427522014-11-16T11:37:00.001-08:002014-11-16T14:07:37.648-08:00Book Reviews! Hello Friends:<br />
<br />
Believe it or not, I haven't blogged since March of this year (2014). Mostly, I just didn't feel like I had anything entertaining to say. But now I do. Or, at least, I hope I do!<br />
<br />
I love to read and always have. I taught myself to read at the age of four, which, back in 1962, was a BIG DEAL, but today, let's face it, kids are coming out of the womb knowing how to read. <br />
<br />
I realized, as I recently perused my Goodreads lists, that I have read some FANTASTIC novels over the years, and decided that I might use my blog informatively to share these discovered gems with you, in hope that you might also find a novel or two from my picks that you will enjoy. I read a lot of everything with a few exceptions, but you will mostly find here fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction and non-fiction, biographies of all sorts, and the classics and contemporary novels. <br />
<br />
So, without further ado, I'll begin to share some of the more recent reads I've enjoyed. I will limit each blog to about five novels (non-genre specific) so as not to overwhelm. I would love to hear from you if you read, or have read, these novels, and perhaps we can start our own little blog book group! At some point later, I'll also talk about some books I didn't care for, but for now, let's just stick with the positive! <br />
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These first five books I read throughout 2014 and have awarded five out of five stars on Goodreads. (Narratives of books are also lifted from Goodreads; my personal comments follow.) <br />
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1. <u><b>(Fiction) "The Husband's Secret" by Liane Moriarty</b></u> - <span class="elementTwo" id="freeText8822637554959290530">Imagine
that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death.
Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest
secret—something with the potential to destroy not just the life you
built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you
stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive.
. . .<br />Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all—she’s an incredibly
successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted
wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But
that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel
and Tess barely know Cecilia—or each other—but they too are about to
feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText8822637554959290530">2. <u><b>(Fiction) "The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike #1)" by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)</b></u> - </span><br />
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText16912963375923466516">After
losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely
scraping by as a private investigator. Strike is down to one client,
and creditors are calling. He has also just broken up with his longtime
girlfriend and is living in his office.Then John Bristow walks
through his door with an amazing story: His sister, the legendary
supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously
fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide,
but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world
of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate
designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure,
enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.</span><br />
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText16912963375923466516"><i>(A note from Linda: I haven't read any of Ms. Rowling's Harry Potter books, but have read both "adult contemporary" books she's written. Consider me a fan!) </i></span><br />
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3. <u><b>(Non-Fiction) "Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief" by Lawrence Wright </b></u>-<br />
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText7447588806029661680">We
learn about Scientology's esoteric cosmology; about the auditing process
that determines an inductee's state of being; about the Bridge to Total
Freedom, through which members gain eternal life. We see the ways in
which the church pursues celebrities, such as Tom Cruise and John
Travolta, and how young idealists who joined the Sea Org, the church's
clergy, whose members often enter as children, signing up with a
billion-year contract and working with little pay in poor conditions. We
meet men and women "disconnected" from friends and family by the
church's policy of shunning critical voices. And we discover, through
many firsthand stories, the violence that has long permeated the inner
sanctum of the church.In <i>Going Clear</i>, Wright examines
what fundamentally makes a religion a religion, and whether Scientology
is, in fact, deserving of the constitutional protections achieved in its
victory over the IRS. Employing all his exceptional journalistic skills
of observations, understanding, and synthesis, and his ability to shape
a story into a compelling narrative, Lawrence Wright has given us an
evenhanded yet keenly incisive book that goes far beyond an immediate
exposé and uncovers the very essence of what makes Scientology the
institution it is.</span><br />
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText7447588806029661680"><i>(A note from Linda: If you're even flirting with the idea of giving Scientology a try, this book will scare you straight out of that idea and most likely with good reason.) </i></span><br />
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<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText7447588806029661680">4. <u><b>(Historical Fiction): "Queen's Gambit" by Elizabeth Freemantle</b></u> -</span><br />
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText7447588806029661680"> </span><span class="elementTwo" id="freeText3208201455906012842">Widowed
for the second time at age thirty-one Katherine Parr falls deeply for
the dashing courtier Thomas Seymour and hopes at last to marry for love.
However, obliged to return to court, she attracts the attentions of the
ailing, egotistical, and dangerously powerful Henry VIII, who
dispatches his love rival, Seymour, to the Continent. No one is in a
position to refuse a royal proposal so, haunted by the fates of his
previous wives' two executions, two annulments, one death in
childbirth, Katherine must wed Henry and become his sixth
queen. Katherine has to employ all her instincts to navigate the
treachery of the court, drawing a tight circle of women around her,
including her stepdaughter, Meg, traumatized by events from their past
that are shrouded in secrecy, and their loyal servant Dot, who knows and
sees more than she understands. With the Catholic faction on the rise
once more, reformers being burned for heresy, and those close to the
king vying for position, Katherine's survival seems unlikely.
Yet as she treads the razor's edge of court intrigue, she
never quite gives up on love.</span><br />
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5. <u><b> (Non-Fiction) "Wave" by Sonali Deraniyagala</b></u> -<br />
<span class="elementTwo" id="freeText10037395269549933409">On
the morning of December 26, 2004, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka,
Sonali Deraniyagala lost her parents, her husband, and her two young
sons in the tsunami she miraculously survived. In this brave and
searingly frank memoir, she describes those first horrifying moments and
her long journey since. She has written an engrossing, unsentimental,
beautifully poised account: as she struggles through the first months
following the tragedy, furiously clenched against a reality that she
cannot face and cannot deny; and then, over the ensuing years, as she
emerges reluctantly, slowly allowing her memory to take her back through
the rich and joyous life she’s mourning, from her family’s home in
London, to the birth of her children, to the year she met her English
husband at Cambridge, to her childhood in Colombo; all the while
learning the difficult balance between the almost unbearable reminders
of her loss and the need to keep her family, somehow, still alive within
her.</span> <br />
<i>(A note from Linda: This was one of the most heartbreaking but bravest books written that I've ever read. I wish Ms. Deranivagala many blessings in her future.)</i>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-34648096300682351222014-03-09T09:11:00.000-07:002014-03-09T09:11:14.307-07:00Hi Friends!<br />
<br />
Every once in a while, I like to feature a fellow author on my blog because there's some dang good writing going on out there in the self-publishing world, and I think you need to know about it!<br />
<br />
I'm proud to have had the opportunity to interview Sarah J. Bradley, who not only is an author in her own right, but my critique partner as well. Despite holding down a full-time job, being a wife, mother and the owner of numerous pets, Sarah is an amazing and talented writer, who, recently released three novels and a short contemporary romance! How does she do it, you may ask? Well, let's find out!<br />
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Sarah, you are a publishing maniac lately. Hot off writing "Fresh Ice"
you released a short story "Love is Elementary: A Rock Harbor Short
Romance" and two non-fiction comedic novels called "Not While I'm
Chewing" and "Elsie W: Unsafe at Any Speed". Tell us a little about
each!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7149"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7148" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013
was a crazy year for writing. I released "Fresh Ice" in December of
2012 and then released the Elsie books and the novella and then I got
really good start on a new novel. I'm exhausted! :) </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7155"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7154" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Love
is Elementary" is the first of four novellas based on my novel "Lies in
Chance." For the longest time I've had these four stories, how the
four couples from Lies wind up together before Lies begins, in my head.
"Elementary" is the first, it's Drew and Joanna's story. They are by
far the least dysfunctional of the couples, so theirs is the one readers
of "Lies" will recognize as a stand alone story. The other three, Molly
and Robert, Bryan and Jennifer, and Shara and Richard...those are a bit
more challenging because I have to stay true to their stories in "Lies"
but I still want to give the reader a clear idea of how each couple
fell in love.</span></span></i></span></div>
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under the name Sarah Jayne Brewster. Those are non fictional humor
stories (trust me, it's all true) about a woman I worked with in 2011.
Sad, but true, and you can laugh at my expense. Those are the perfect
books for anyone who has ever had a disaster coworker in an office or
other work setting.</i></span></span></span><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7139" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7137" style="background-color: transparent;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7162"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7161" style="color: darkolivegreen;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7168" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7167">2. Having dabbled now in both romance and non-fiction comedy, do you have a preference as to which you'd rather write?</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7168" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7172" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7171"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7170" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial;">Non
Fiction comedy comes easy to me. I just talk about my day, my life,
something from my childhood and for some reason people think I'm
hilarious. I've even started speaking engagements, if you can believe
that! One of the women at my church thinks I'm so funny, she invited me
to speak at the Ladies' Luncheon in April. </span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></span></div>
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7139" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>
</i></span><div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7177">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7176" style="background-color: transparent;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7175"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7174" style="color: darkolivegreen;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I've
never thought of myself as a funny person. I don't tell jokes. But I
do seem to have a skewed view on life that makes even the most innocent,
every day thing (I have been very public and detailed about my feelings
and experiences in public bathrooms) turn into a source of hilarity. I
enjoy telling stories, but I never think of it as writing. People tell
me to write all this stuff down...and I do, but I never think of it as a
writing project. If you want to see what I mean, check out my blog: </i></span><a href="http://itcanonlyhappentosarah.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://itcanonlyhappentosarah.blogspot.com</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7181">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7180" style="background-color: transparent; color: darkolivegreen;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7179"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I
prefer writing fiction. I don't knit or sew, but writing fiction is
sort of like that. You have to string together these lives and this
story and when you're done you can't have loose threads or unfinished
edges. Writing romance, especially when there's suspense, is my escape
from real life. I create a world and people, and I go there. I love
it. I love the whole writing thing, well, except for editing. I'm not
so good at it because when I'm done with a project I'm DONE! But you
can check out my views on writing at my OTHER blog: </span></i><a href="http://authorsarahjbradley.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://authorsarahjbradley.blogspot.com</a> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7184" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small;">
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
3. With two kids, four cats, and a full-time job, how do you find time to write?</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
don't sleep much and I keep my flash drive with me always because you
just never know when writing is going to break out. I'm very much a
mood writer. I write like a demon when I'm in the right mood. I don't
have a set schedule, although Fridays are supposed to be my WRITING
day. Real life does find reasons to get in the way. Still, I have
goals and I work as best I can to meet them. The kids are pretty
independent now and the cats like it when I light candles in the office
because then the room is warm.</span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9uA13kQwBzZKWMiod_uv5jFxmdr9L-Ftdt26y49F25n2G0aGAh3u6WTLaT4M5xW-_Lh5A77X-ykoH2Oo3QUnwjRXkeZQXG6fTIY8BaNPkXGdq8DSPs2AoPq0_rJbVVJSG5QbAwARbtJy/s1600/elsieunsafecover.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/AVvXsEib9uA13kQwBzZKWMiod_uv5jFxmdr9L-Ftdt26y49F25n2G0aGAh3u6WTLaT4M5xW-_Lh5A77X-ykoH2Oo3QUnwjRXkeZQXG6fTIY8BaNPkXGdq8DSPs2AoPq0_rJbVVJSG5QbAwARbtJy/s1600/elsieunsafecover.jpg" height="200" width="139" /></a></span></i></div>
</div>
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<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
4. What to you makes a compelling novel?</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
can put aside a lot of disbelief if I like the characters and the pace
of a novel. It's not that I look for action in everything but I can't
spend four pages on the color of the drapes. I was in a writing group
once with a woman who read aloud her 15000 word masterpiece. We
critiqued it. Three months later, she read it again and asked us if we
liked the changes. None of us had a clue about the changes, honestly it
all sounded exactly the same. She said, "Well, I changed the color of
the curtains and the table cloths from blue to aqua." 100% true story.</span></i></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7183" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7191" style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7190" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7189" style="background-color: transparent;">
</span></span>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7188" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7190" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7189" style="background-color: transparent;"><i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7187"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7186" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When
I'm reading, I look for all kinds of books. I don't have a "genre" I
read more than any other. I have a couple favorite authors, and I'll
read anything they put out, but mostly I read anything and everything. I
have stopped reading a book that wasn't working for me from time to
time. Doesn't mean it was a bad book, it just wasn't for me. The only
book I'll say was a bad book was "Moby Dick." I read that six years
ago. Worst book ever. That's a book that would NEVER get published, as
is, today. Anyone who argues that it's a classic hasn't read the whole
thing. Anything else, a book is like a movie or food. It's all a
matter of taste.</span></span></i></span></span></div>
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7190" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7189" style="background-color: transparent;">
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7188" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7187"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7186" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7194" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7196">5. What pre-planning do you do when you start a book? Or do you just plunge in?</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7194" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7199" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7198" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
pretty much plunge in. I have a good idea of what my hero and heroine
look like because I create that much in my head. I might have a
setting. After that, it's as big a surprise to me as it is to anyone
else. And my books NEVER seem to end the way I intended them to. My
characters, especially my heroines, have very strong wills of their own.</span></i></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7199" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7202" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7201">6.
What's next for you? Any plans to move into other genres? What genre
would you like to attempt and what one wouldn't you try? </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7202" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7201"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen;">Right now I'm writing "Spark of a Hero" which sort
of loosely ties "Fresh Ice" and "Lies in Chance" together. I've never
done any kind of sequel and to do one for two books has been fun. The
story itself will revolve around new characters except for the hero, who
is Collier James. You might remember him as the best friend in "Fresh
Ice." One of my critique partners told me Collier had to have a book. I
agreed, though I had no idea where it was going to go. Thanks to a
song by James Durbin, I got an idea that seems to work.</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen;">After that, I'll continue work on the
novellas, but I'm really excited to get into inspirational. I have an
idea for a series of books. Of course I'll be publishing under a
different name, so those looking for my slightly spicy romances aren't
grieved when they read inspirational mysteries. But I have a main
character in mind and I can't wait to get her stories told.</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7205">
<i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7204" style="color: darkolivegreen;">I
doubt I'd be any good at historical. I love reading historical novels,
but the research is brutal. That said, if I were ever to write full
time, I'm sure I'd take a stab at it. One genre I doubt I'll ever want
to write is erotica. My father reads everything I write...that would
just be too much!</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<br />
</div>
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</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
7. What inspires your fiction? (We know who inspired your non-fiction). </div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes
I'll be watching TV and I'll think, "That guy would make a great
romantic hero." Or I'll hear a song, like I did for "Spark" and the
framework of a story comes together. I'm very inspired by music, all
kinds of music. I'm also inspired by things that happen around me. My
first novel, "Dream in Color' was born after I'd been to my very first
Rick Springfield concert...back in 2000. (Long after he was a teen idol
and way past the age where I should be chasing a teen idol.) "Fresh
Ice" well, I knew I wanted to write something set in Nashville because I
LOVE that city. </span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4W6-_xxF_QsbwP9e53Ls_gKFnu20VHIJM9a8je4jQeIry0qTilPdVqc88dZAW8i7tkiJuA8M8HBJptpvCPsqtM3VXAUi0AwFr4qRd-Hd3Rgarbj0nOs53s8GdqHiBRaL9G0D_VqCwzY9/s1600/loveiselementary.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/AVvXsEhd4W6-_xxF_QsbwP9e53Ls_gKFnu20VHIJM9a8je4jQeIry0qTilPdVqc88dZAW8i7tkiJuA8M8HBJptpvCPsqtM3VXAUi0AwFr4qRd-Hd3Rgarbj0nOs53s8GdqHiBRaL9G0D_VqCwzY9/s1600/loveiselementary.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
8. What is your writing routine like?</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7207">
<i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7206" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
really don't have a routine, but the closest thing is I have to clear
my desk of everything else. Bills, paperwork. all that has to be gone.
Then I light several candles, turn on the soundtrack I've made for the
project, and go to work. Sometimes I drink coffee, sometimes wine.
Depends on the time of day.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<br />
</div>
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</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
9. Out of all your novels, which characters have you loved writing the most? Which is your favorite novel?</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7210" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7209" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lies
in Chance" is my favorite novel and I will love those characters until
the day I die. I started writing that when I was 13. (So eons ago.)
Writing those characters, Bryan, Drew, Joanna, Shara, and Molly, got me
through a lot of problems in high school. They were my friends,my
teachers, everything. As I got older, they stayed as friends. Their
hurts were my hurts. Their joys were my joys. Even though it's in
print now, I could go back to the book and rewrite it, giving those
characters new adventures. I think, too, Jennifer Tiel was probably my
favorite villain because she was my first. In some of the original
work, Richard was the villain and Jennifer was just his pawn...but as I
got older I realized that women made very, very good villains. Hence, I
will have three "Wicked Women" novels by the end of this year.
Jennifer was my first, and I loved writing her.</span></i></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7210" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
10 . What do you love to read and who are some of your favorite authors (other than me, LOL).</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
<br />
<i><span style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LOL!
I am a fiend for anything Billie Letts, Andriana Trigiani, or Phillippa
Gregory put out. Joyce Carol Oates is always a win. If it's
historical, especially war novels, I'm in. Right now I'm obsessing
about World War II and the Titanic era. So your new novel, "To Find
You" really fit the bill!</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
11. What's next for Sarah Bradley and when we can expect another novel? </div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue,Helvetica Neue,Helvetica,Arial,Lucida Grande,sans-serif; font-style: normal;">
</div>
</span>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7214">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7213" style="background-color: transparent;">
<i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7212" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah
Bradley needs a nap right now. :) I expect "Spark of a Hero" to be
out and in everyone's hands by Valentine's Day 2014. Oh, wait....that's
passed? Okay, I expect "Spark of a Hero" to be out for summer. Just in
time for beach vacations.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7213" style="background-color: transparent;"><i><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7212" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">********************************************************************************************************</span></i></span><br />
<b><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7213" style="background-color: transparent;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1394376161741_7212" style="color: darkolivegreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find Sarah's books at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, Smashwords.com or where ever find e-books and novels are sold! </span></span></b>
</div>
</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-24605242493575480582014-01-28T13:01:00.001-08:002014-01-28T13:01:24.559-08:00Hey Friends!<br />
<br />
I'm so excited! "To Find You" went live at Smashwords.com and BarnesandNoble.com today! That means you NOOK owners can now download it, if you like! Here's the link:<br />
<br />
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-find-you-linda-schmalz/1118326267 <br />
<br />
Thanks and happy reading!<br />
<br />
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-16191598159741032302014-01-27T08:05:00.000-08:002014-01-27T08:05:45.915-08:00"To Find You" ExcerptHi Friends:<br />
<br />
It's been nearly five months since I last posted a blog and I apologize for my slacking. The good news is that I've been busy finishing and publishing my third novel, "To Find You", a historical fiction romance set in 1912.<br />
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<br />
Below is a very brief synopsis of the story (no spoilers!) and half of the first chapter for your enjoyment. I was inspired to write this novel after watching a documentary on Typhoid Mary, and the question popped into my head...what happened to the immigrant survivors of the <i>Titanic</i> who were coming to America and lost their spouse, the bread winner in the family? How did these people, brand new to America adjust and survive? While Irish immigrant Brigid O'Brien, the heroine of this novel, was not aboard the <i>Titanic</i>, someone she dearly needed was...and when he did not return to America, her life changed forever.<br />
<br />
So, go grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy this excerpt from "To Find You". I hope it gives you as much pleasure to read as it did for me to write. If interested in the rest of Brigid's journey, links to the novel (print book and e-books) follow. And, as always thanks for following my blog. And now, without further ado:<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>Synopsis:</i></u></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Brigid O’Brien is not in love with
David Cavanaugh, but agrees to marry him and move to America to escape an
arranged marriage in Ireland. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
All hope of a bright future fades,
however, when David perishes on the <i>Titanic</i>. With nowhere to turn,
Brigid finds work as a kitchen maid in the stately mansion of millionaire
Charles Ransom and his wife Eliza. Unfortunately, Charles and Eliza each have
their own plans for the new maid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Thomas Ashton is a medical student,
studying in New York. Hearing of the <i>Titanic</i> disaster, and hoping to aid
the survivors, he goes to Pier 54, but can’t reach the ship due to the crowds.
It is there, however, that he meets the beautiful Irish immigrant, Brigid. Over
the next few weeks, Thomas and Brigid become friends, and romance blossoms. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Enter Charles Ransom who decides
he’s waited long enough to put his ideas for Brigid into action. When Brigid
inexplicably goes missing, Thomas teams up with Eliza Ransom, and together they
search for Brigid and a missing child. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Set in the spring and summer of
1912, “To Find You” is a historical fiction novel and a mystery. Most of all,
it is the tale of romance between a man and a woman, and a story about the
never-ending love between a mother and child.<br />
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>To Find You</i></u></span></div>
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<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapter One</span></u></i></h1>
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Brigid Mary O’Brien noted the date
- April 18th, 1912 - and tried not to cry. Today should have been her wedding
to David Cavanaugh. But instead of standing before a New York City justice of
the peace, she stood on Pier 54 in the cold and drizzle, while David’s sister,
Clara, clenched her arm in a vise-like grip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Not that Brigid could blame Clara,
nor think to ask her to let go, even though she was fairly certain her arm
would be bruised within hours. That didn’t matter. None of it did anymore. Not
the wedding, not the weather, not even the homesickness in Brigid’s heart for
her beloved County Donegal. The only thing that mattered now was seeing David
Cavanaugh walk off the <i>Carpathia</i> and home to safety. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Deep in her heart, however, Brigid
knew the chances of David surviving the sinking of the <i>Titanic</i> were
slim. The latest reports on the ship’s disaster said that only seven hundred
people or so had been saved, mostly women and children. Thousands perished in
the early morning hours of April 15th when <i>Titanic</i> sank, and Brigid
prayed that David was not one of them. But, given the thousands of people on
and near the pier, each waiting for a relative or friend as she and Clara did,
Brigid knew odds were against them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Here they come!” A man a few rows
ahead shouted and pointed at the <i>Carpathia</i> now docked against the pier.
Brigid lifted her eyes from the rosary she held between her chilled fingers.
The gigantic ship stood magnificent, illuminated by the many powder flashes
from photographers who perched aboard a trailing tugboat. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Passengers crammed the <i>Carpathia’s</i>
deck. Brigid’s heart wrenched as a gangplank lowered and they began to
disembark. The crowd strained and stretched in hope of finding a loved one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Brigid said a silent prayer that David
was among the passengers. Beside her, Clara stifled a sob. Brigid patted
Clara’s hand, but remained silent, for what words would comfort this woman who
most likely lost a brother? She was also afraid that if she tried to help
Clara, her own emotion would boil up and erupt, and she might say something to
upset Clara further. For, should David be dead, not only would Brigid not
marry, but she’d be dependent on Clara’s kindness and generosity to help her
adjust to this new country. She did not know a soul here, and she didn’t wish
to be a burden, especially if Clara would be grieving. But without David,
Brigid would be lost. He was her future. Her past was in County Donegal, to
which she certainly could not return. Those bridges had been burned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Brigid pushed the memories of home
far into the recesses of her mind and returned her attention to the <i>Carpathia</i>.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Those aren’t the <i>Titani</i>c
survivors.” A baritone voice startled her from her thoughts. Brigid looked to
her left. The voice belonged to a tall man with sun-streaked, light-brown hair,
a tailored overcoat and dark bowler hat. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“No, I be supposin’ not,” Brigid
answered. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“How do <i>you</i> know?” From
somewhere behind Brigid, a woman spoke, her voice choked with accusatory anger
and angst. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“They have luggage.” Brigid and the
gentleman spoke in unison. They turned sad glances on each other, and their
eyes locked. Brigid could not help but be drawn to the compassion the man’s
brilliant light blue eyes conveyed. She didn’t even know him, yet his
sympathetic expression seemed to say he understood what was in her heart at
this moment. She forced her gaze back on the ship. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Brigid watched as more passengers
descended. From what she could see, the original <i>Carpathia</i> passengers
wore furs or stylish coats like the one David had bought her in England. He had
wanted her to look smart when she sailed with Clara on their earlier voyage
over on the <i>Olympic</i>. He had given her so much in the brief time she knew
him, not only a fancy coat, hat and dresses, but his unwavering love. And she
hoped that one day, she’d return that love with her own. In time she’d fall in
love with David Cavanaugh and repay him for helping her escape a marriage to a
man of her parents’ choice. But perhaps now, it was too late. If David had
perished, he did so believing she loved him. She had truly wanted to. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
As the last of the original <i>Carpathia</i>
passengers left the ship, Brigid felt her toes begin to numb in her new,
tight-fitting button shoes. Her stomach growled with hunger. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Here come the <i>Titanic</i>
survivors,” said the man beside her. She nodded in acknowledgement as her
throat clenched tight and her eyes welled. Many bedraggled looking women and
children, and too few men, left the ship. They carried no luggage and wore
makeshift clothing, most likely borrowed from <i>Carpathia’s</i> passengers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
The crowd around Brigid wailed and
sobbed as each survivor descended the gangplank. Waiting officers escorted the
weary travelers to a nearby building.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“I don’t see David.” Clara spoke
softly, her grip on Brigid’s arm loosening. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“I don’t either.” Brigid blinked
back tears. She could barely see the faces of the survivors, but it was
heartbreakingly easy to discern that none were David. They didn’t fit his
height or form. He had been, or was, Brigid corrected herself, unusually tall. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Where will they go if they have no
family here?” asked woman in the crowd.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Brigid wondered the same thing and
praised the saints above that she, at least, had Clara.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Well, if they have no family or
friends in America to greet them, The Travelers’ Aid Society of New York, the
Women’s Relief Committee and other organizations are on hand to provide
clothing and transportation to shelters.” Again, the answer came from the man
at her side. She looked at him again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“How do you know all this?” she asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“I’m a medical man.” He offered a
kind smile. “Came to the pier to help out, but with this crowd, I can’t get
near the building or ship to offer my assistance.” He turned his mesmerizing
blue eyes on Brigid, and his voice softened. “Did you have someone on the <i>Titanic</i>?”
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
She glanced at the <i>Carpathia </i>and
found she could not answer. She simply nodded as her tears began to fall, for
David’s fate now revealed itself on the ship’s empty deck. The crowd around her
thinned; the sounds of their heart wrenching sobs would haunt her forever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
She felt Clara let go of her arm,
and Brigid hastily wiped her own tears. She must help Clara now. Whereas she
had lost a future, Clara had lost a brother. And, with a most deserved rush of
horrendous guilt, Brigid knew Clara’s grief would be the greater. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
She turned to offer Clara comfort,
but to Brigid’s horror, Clara slumped to a sitting position on the ground,
ready to topple over. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Clara!” Brigid stooped to catch
her, but her slight frame could barely manage to keep the taller woman righted.
The gentleman at Brigid’s side rushed to help. He knelt beside Clara, held her
upright, and gently patted her cheek to keep her from fainting full on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Brigid knelt beside her as well and
rubbed Clara’s arms to keep her warm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Brigid was relieved to find her
friend conscious. “Don’t worry, Clara. I’m here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
David’s sister, who had treated her
with nothing but kindness since they left England, slapped Brigid’s hands away.
She glared as if Brigid herself killed David. And when Clara finally spoke, she
spewed more malice and hatred than Brigid had ever heard in her twenty-three
years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Get your filthy hands off me, you
money-grubbing Irish whore!”<br />
***************************************************************************<br />
<br />
To Find You: Available in e-book form at:<br />
<br />
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I20AR8A<br />
Smashwords.com: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/399264<br />
<br />
Print book available at Amazon.com: http://amzn.com/1494985624
<br />
<br />
Not available for the Nook yet, but stay tuned! <br />
</div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-24411181076107866752013-09-13T12:13:00.000-07:002013-09-13T12:15:12.273-07:00Finding Inspiration Whether You Wanted To Or NotHi Friends!<br />
<br />
It's been a very long time since I've blogged, but frankly, I didn't feel as if I've had anything entertaining to blog about. I have been very busy, however, writing my next novel, "To Find You", which is a historical romantic suspense set in the spring and summer of 1912. I hope to publish it by the end of the year, so hang in there! Meanwhile feel free to check out my other books at Amazon.com<br />
<br />
Okay, my intention was not to shamelessly plug my books. I do actually have some writing words of wisdom to share. I have a cute and true story about finding writing inspiration, even when the last thing you think you're going to do is sit your butt down in your chair and write.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yMTMp4LLRwefkkRt1KxxLyrI6aEBKABVOz8ajPsoOOLMiWmfVrYGKpv73odfbOgZQSh-czKZtguU7naUusbWJeCgv8NZhfnJGgq0p3u2lGFDq3pe80pEPDwSWHLaJa0Jb1w7MSZb3Ehq/s1600/images1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yMTMp4LLRwefkkRt1KxxLyrI6aEBKABVOz8ajPsoOOLMiWmfVrYGKpv73odfbOgZQSh-czKZtguU7naUusbWJeCgv8NZhfnJGgq0p3u2lGFDq3pe80pEPDwSWHLaJa0Jb1w7MSZb3Ehq/s1600/images1.jpg" /></a></div>
Yesterday I was feeling rather ill. Went to an appointment and came back with absolutely no energy, which was odd for me. But, I had the entire day to write if I chose! The husband was at work, my brother was not here, the boy was at school and no furthur pressing appointments loomed. But I could not get off the bed. Add to that, I've been feeling rather bored with my novel, and I only have about three chapters left to write. Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's a marvelous story! I'm just to the point where I'm sick of working on it. Mostly, I'm tired of researching everything and anything about the year 1912. Yep, it was a total blast when I started, but now, by Chapter 31, the bloom has left the rose. I was also tired of describing things...the way someone dressed, the way a living room looked, the kind of motorcar they drove, what a doorbell looked like, you get the idea. And writing description is the hardest part of writing for me. I just wasn't feeling the love for the writing (I still loved the novel) anymore. Plus, I felt as if my 1912 characters sounded more like contestants on "The Bachelor."<br />
<br />
So. Feeling physically sick, mentally drained and inspirationly (<-not a real word) blocked. I decided since I couldn't get off the bed and I couldn't fall asleep, I would watch a movie (something I never allow myself to do in the day). I had one movie here from Netflix..."Somewhere in Time". Now, someone recommended this to me as a fantastic romance. I had never seen it, and had no idea what it was about, other than it was a time-travel romance. So, I popped it in the DVD player.<br />
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<br />
Imagine my surprise when the character played by the very young Chris Reeves, travels back to...yep, you guessed it (or maybe you knew it) ...June of 1912. It was like someone calling to me..."Too bad you don't want to write your novel, here's a little incentive!". I quickly regained a bit of energy, ran to my office, grabbed pen and paper and started taking notes on dress, speech, mannerisms, room decor, etc. By the time the movie finished (and I was sorely disappointed with it), I had regained my writing mojo and had the descriptive tools I needed to strengthen my writing and my novel!<br />
<br />
So what does this all mean? I have no flippin' clue. LOL. I just know that I needed some downtime, and I need to finish the book. Sometimes you just have to take care of yourself first and have faith that the rest will fall in place.<br />
<br />
So, dear writerly friends, write as much as you can, when you can. Please take care of yourselves too. Take time to stop and smell the roses...just don't ask me to describe them without seeing the movie first.<br />
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-84967106730318551652012-12-19T17:01:00.000-08:002012-12-20T06:37:54.835-08:00Happy Holidays, Friends and Followers!<br />
<br />
My last post listed my favorite books read in 2012. So, as a follow-up to that, I thought I'd share my favorite movies watched in 2012. As with the novels, these are not movies necessarily released in 2012, although many are; they are movies I've watched in 2012 regardless of release date.<br />
<br />
And so, without further ado:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Linda's Favorite Movies from 2012! (in no particular order)</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1<span style="font-size: small;">. <u>Lincoln (2012): PG-13 </u></span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="synopsis" style="text-align: left;">
<b>Director Steven Spielberg takes on the towering
legacy of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his stewardship of the Union
during the Civil War years. The biographical saga also reveals the
conflicts within Lincoln's cabinet regarding the war and absolution. </b></div>
<dl class="support" style="text-align: left;">
<dt class="actors">2. <b> <u>The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) PG-13</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">To make the most of their meager retirement savings, a group of British
seniors moves to India to live out their golden years at the Marigold
Hotel. But upon arrival, they discover the once-lavish resort has wilted
considerably.</dt>
<dt class="actors"><br /></dt>
<dt class="actors">3. <b><u>New Year's Eve (2011) PG-13</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">In this star-studded romantic comedy, the fates of a diverse group of
New Yorkers are wound together on New Year's Eve -- including one
expectant couple hoping their baby will be the first to be born in the
Big Apple after midnight.<u> </u></dt>
<dt class="actors"><u><br /></u></dt>
<dt class="actors">4. <b> <u>Born to Be Wild (2011) G</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">Filmed in IMAX 3D, this documentary captures the unique and intimate
connections that developed between two scientists and two species --
orangutans and elephants -- as the men worked to save the orphaned
beasts and return them to the wild.<u> </u></dt>
<dt class="actors"><u><br /></u></dt>
<dt class="actors">5. <b><u>You on a Diet (2007) NR</u></b><br />Using the methods outlined in their best-selling book, doctors Michael
Roizen and Mehmet Oz transform the lives -- and reduce the waistlines --
of four New Yorkers intent on adopting a healthier lifestyle. By
tracking the quartet over a three-month period, you'll learn how the
body metabolizes fat and discover the biological connections between the
myriad variables that determine true body size, including genetics,
stress levels and hormones.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">6. <u><b>The Nanny (1965) NR</b> </u></dt>
<dt class="actors">No one believes 10-year-old Joey (William Dix) when he claims it was the
family nanny (Bette Davis), not he, who drowned his little sister. When
his mother (Wendy Craig) and his aunt (Jill Bennett) suddenly turn up
dead, the blame falls on him again. Only a kind neighbor (Pamela
Franklin) believes Joey's story, but even with her help, he may not be
able to prove his innocence before he becomes the nanny's next victim.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">7. <b> <u>Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) R</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">Doors slamming shut, shadows moving across the floor -- the unexplained,
terrifyingly real supernatural forces are back, and this time, Dan,
Kristi, Ali, baby Hunter and dog Abby become part of the nightmare as
the cameras roll.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">8. <b><u>Albert Nobbs (2011) R</u></b> </dt>
<dt class="actors">Having for decades disguised herself as a man while working as a butler
in a posh 19th-century Dublin hotel, a woman calling herself Albert
Nobbs reconsiders her charade when a handsome painter arrives on the
scene.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">9. <b><u>Virginia (2010) R</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">As he campaigns for state senator, Dick Tipton's career and personal
life begin to careen out of control when his daughter starts dating the
son of an emotionally disturbed woman he knows quite well -- perhaps a
little too well.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">10. <b><u>Mildred Pierce (2011) TV-M</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">Based on the 1941 novel by James M. Cain, this HBO miniseries follows
the turbulent life of Mildred Pierce, a fiercely independent single mom
who works hard to win her daughter's love while struggling to make ends
meet in Depression-era Los Angeles.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">11. <u><b>The Artist (2011) PG-13 </b> </u></dt>
<dt class="actors">Winner of five Oscars, this artful black-and-white silent film follows
the romance between a silent-era superstar on a downward spiral and a
rising young starlet who embraces the future of cinema at the dawn of
the "talkies."</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">12.<b><u> J. Edgar (2011) R</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the
longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law
enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close
relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson. </dt>
<dt class="actors"><u><br /></u></dt>
<dt class="actors">13. <b><u>The Descendants (2011) R</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">With his wife on life support in the wake of an accident, an affluent
landowner tries to mend his broken relationships with his daughters. All
the while, he's weighing his marriage -- and the decision to sell land
his family has owned for decades.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">14. <b><u>W.E. (2011) R</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">This glossy ensemble drama juxtaposes the lives of famous divorcée
Wallis Simpson and Wally Winthrop, a young 1990s housewife. Wally yearns
to have a romance as dramatic as Wallis's but soon discovers that
history can be misleading.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">15.<b> <u>Midnight in Paris (2011) PG-13</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">In this charming romantic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses
his lens on an engaged young couple whose experiences traveling
together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want
to live.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors">16. <b><u>The Queen of Versailles (2012) PG</u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors">Meet the Siegels, glitterati who made a fortune in the time-share
business only to see it crumble in the 2008 financial collapse. The site
of their rise and almost-fall is their home (America's largest), a
gaudy replica of the Palace of Versailles.<b><u> </u></b></dt>
<dt class="actors"><br /></dt>
<dt class="actors"><br /></dt>
<dt class="actors">17. <b><u>Les Miserables (2012) (I haven't seen it yet, but know I'm going to love it!) PG-13</u></b><br />The musical version of Victor Hugo's epic tale of love and sacrifice,
first produced for the stage in 1985, now receives the big-screen
treatment. The bloody era of the French Revolution is the backdrop to
Jean Valjean's long struggle for redemption.</dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
<dt class="actors"> </dt>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-qKAymdkgogFWiupp87VYiHkfcKlpoKCbIdRw_Ns_dhfszIZxcv60WFTcjwBakxW6Sm22fJfOlCDXo6tE7qr-LAzB3N-L7QHfO1f16-zcA_SS6eMuHbXPecQE9envjElvJO1bkElei5m/s1600/images2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-qKAymdkgogFWiupp87VYiHkfcKlpoKCbIdRw_Ns_dhfszIZxcv60WFTcjwBakxW6Sm22fJfOlCDXo6tE7qr-LAzB3N-L7QHfO1f16-zcA_SS6eMuHbXPecQE9envjElvJO1bkElei5m/s1600/images2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<dt class="actors" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Happy Movie Watching in 2013!!!! </b></u></span></dt>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338877280129468738.post-66750999574106695282012-12-16T12:36:00.000-08:002012-12-16T12:36:31.587-08:00Happy Holidays, Friends, Family and Blog Followers!<br />
<br />
I am SO excited for today's blog, because my dear friend, and critique partner, Sarah J. Bradley has just released her latest romantic suspense novel, "Fresh Ice"! Having already read this novel, I can tell you that it's got everything one is looking for in a great romance - longing, unrequitted love, suspense, excitement, tragedy, a handsome hero, a lovely heroine, conflict and a villain you don't want to meet up with on the street! If you haven't read anything by Sarah J. Bradley, you must start now! All her novels are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and Smashwords.com and its affiliates.<br />
<br />
I'm also pleased to tell you that I've known Sarah for many years. She is one of the kindest, wittiest, cleverest, and talented women I know. And I'd like you to know her too! So, without further ado, here is the author interview she recently granted me regarding her new novel, "Fresh Ice"!<br />
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<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/AVvXsEhcGpXFe73Dpb-bhIDIUEAAf2dGO5MjXyp3Sx6W0Egiw0bUEYstB210QVwdG7po5v6fn-IkHNUQf7AwI9K02iAT6fiBCj5Pti0QfW0oofXmFOPJOI8B3R3Q4wTSba1Wez6jhaQajdP_0nfX/s1600/tn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGpXFe73Dpb-bhIDIUEAAf2dGO5MjXyp3Sx6W0Egiw0bUEYstB210QVwdG7po5v6fn-IkHNUQf7AwI9K02iAT6fiBCj5Pti0QfW0oofXmFOPJOI8B3R3Q4wTSba1Wez6jhaQajdP_0nfX/s400/tn.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Ice by Sarah J. Bradley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">1. Congratulations on the new book, "Fresh Ice". Tell us about it! <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Izzy
Marks is recently widowed and finds out that her husband, unbeknownst
to her, has bankrupted the family. With nothing to hold her in
Wisconsin, she moves to Nashville where her daughter goes to college,
and where Izzy grew up as a notaionally ranked pairs' figure skater.
There she meets former NHL bad boy, Quinn Murray. Quinn's got a raft of
issues all his own, but he's been in love with Izzy since the first day
he saw her skate on television, and he's determined to rebuild his
reputation so he's good enough for her.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
2. What inspired your story? <span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First
it was my critique partner, Linda Schmalz. Hey, that's you! I had a
completely different storyline in mind for this book, but after reading
the first few chapters, as you probably recall, you hated everything
except the names of the main characters. Then along comes my </span><span style="color: green;">cousin,
Jill. After reading my first novel, "Dream in Color," Jill said she
liked the rock and roller romance, but she felt, with my love of hockey,
that I should write a romance involving a hockey player. She even went
so far as to connect me with her very good friend and NHL superstar,
Jeremy Roenick. That phone call changed the course of my book, and
literally built Quinn Murray's character. Writing Izzy was not as easy,
and again I have you, Linda, to thank for her. We were walking your
dog one night during the last winter Olympics and I was bemoaning the
fact that Izzy bored me. "If she could be something interesting, like a
figure skater..." I said. "So make her a figure skater," you said.
And thus, the book was reborn.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green;"> </span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
3. This is your third romantic suspense novel. What draws you to this genre? <span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well
I'm all about the tall, dark, and damaged heroes! I also grew up
loving TV shows where people were constantly being rescued, and I think
that has a lot to do with how I write. I also believe that everyone is
connected in some way through our pasts, and that we wind up paying for
past sins one way or another. My second novel, "Lies in Chance" was all
about how our past connects us in a web. I sort of echo that theme,
albeit a bit more obviously, with Fresh Ice. Throw in broken hearts,
and evil villains, and I'm hooked. Since I like to write the type of
stories I like to read or watch, I guess I'm hooked on the romantic <span style="font-size: small;">suspense</span>.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
4. What is your writing process like?<strong><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></strong><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It's a mess. I would not recommend anyone take my approach to writing
at all, ever. :) I work full time and have a side business on
weekends, so I write by inspiration, when I have time. And I write like
some people put together puzzles: I write scenes and then figure out
where they all go as I go along. I depend heavily on my critique
partners, who definitely have a challenge keeping my character
continuity complete. (Say that three times fast!) Oh, and I get
inspired by random songs, so the first thing I have to start before I
get serious about writing, is a soundtrack, and that's something that
builds as the story builds. I was adding songs to the soundtrack for
"Fresh Ice" as I was writing the words "the end." But thank goodness
for my iTunes account because every song I added helped me sort out a
character one way or another. In fact, I have The New Minstrel Revue to
thank for most of the book because their song "Thank you for Asking"
was vital for both Quinn and for my other main male character, Collier.
I should also thank the band "Toto" for their music which made every
skating scene sing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
5. Do you get writer's block, and if so,how do you over come writer's block? <span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
don't think of it as writer's block. I think of it as days I write and
days I don't feel inspired. Again, if you are writing, do not write
like I do! To over come a lack of inspiration, I play the songs on the
soundtrack over and over, and I try and watch movies or TV shows where
there's peril and a good looking male lead who has a checkered past. I
watch a lot of "JAG" reruns. (Physically speaking, David James Elliot
IS Quinn Murray.) Also, if I'm really not inspired, I crack open a
bottle of pinot noir, and just start writing. I may toss everything out
the next day, but I usually find something in there worth keeping.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
6. If your novel were made into a movie, who would you cast in the roles? <span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THAT
would be easy! David James Elliott for Quinn. Kari Turner (also of
JAG) for Izzy. Kevin James (King of Queens) for Benny. And I see
Russell Crowe , for reasons all my own and because Collier is getting
his own book at some point, for the role of Collier James. As for my
villain, the red headed Serena, I see in my head who I always see in my
head for my villains, the <span style="font-size: small;">brilliant</span> soap actress Elizabeth Keifer, (Blake
Marler from "Guiding Light.") In her prime she was the very best at
being beautiful and oh so bad. So we'd have to find someone like her to
play pretty much all my lethal beauties.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
7. What songs would be on the movie soundtrack? <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides
"Thank you For Asking" and "Won't hold you Back" I have to add
another Toto song, "Stop Loving you" Night Ranger's "Good bye" Enya's
"Last Time by Moonlight" and "Stars and Midnight Blue." James Durbin's
"Deeper" And Rick Springfield's version of "Broken Wings." (My
apologies to Mr. Mister, but Rick's voice has a more broken quality to
it.) Rick would also have "Blue Rose" and "Free" on the soundtrack.
Oh, and of COURSE TOFOG would have "Other ways of Speaking" and "Inside
her Eyes." So there's all that! :)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
8. What do you like to read? <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My
husband has been really good at finding great books for me to read.
Currently I'm reading J.K. Rowling's "A <span style="font-size: small;">Casual</span> Vacancy" and loving it. I
love anything Phillipa Gregory and Andrianna Trigiani put out. Oh, and
I have this new author who's a special favorite...Linda Schmalz. :)
Her first novel, "A <span style="font-size: small;">L</span>onely Sky" is breathtaking. (Interviewer's note: Thank<span style="font-size: small;"> you!)</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
9. Any advice for new writers starting out? <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep
writing. Write, write, and write some more. Have critique partners
you trust. You don't even have to meet them ever, although it doesn't
hurt. But have critique partners. Enter a couple contests, get
feedback there. Get into a writing class, most tech schools or junior
colleges offer them. Check your local park and rec department for a
writers' group. Talk to writers, drink coffee, and talk to more
writers. But you must keep writing.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
10. What is the best writing advice you ever received? What is the worst? <span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
best came from Author J. A. Konrath. He spoke at a conference and it
was the first time I'd ever heard an established author talk about the
joys and sense of e-publishing. Then I got to sit next to him at a book
signing at that same conference. It was a gift because it was like my
own private tutoring session. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div>
<span style="color: forestgreen; font-size: small;">The worst advice? "write what you know." Oh
sure, if you're starting out, you probably shouldn't write a 900 page
opus on World War I, unless, of course, you are a World War I scholar.
And in all my books there's a lot of me, and my real life. But "Fresh
Ice" is a huge step for me because there's less of me in this book than
in my two previous, and I think this is my strongest story yet. I
think if authors only write what they know, we'd have far fewer dramatic
romances and a lot more stories about picking up kids and taking them
to soccer practice. Reading is an escape. Writing should be also.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: forestgreen; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
11. What part of the writing process do you find easy, and what part do you find difficult? <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S<span style="font-size: small;">t</span>arting
something new is hard. That completely blank screen is scary. The
writing itself is easy and fun, even though I grumble sometimes because
my characters aren't behaving. Editing is not so much fun, especially
that final line edit when you're not really reading, you're just dotting
i's and crossing t's.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
12. Panster or planner? <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">P</span>antster. Now and forever.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
13. What can we expect next from
author Sarah Bradley? <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013
is going to be the year of Elsie W. I've been promising friends and
Sunday School students that I'd write my stories about a former co
worker of mine. I have enough material for three books and that's my
project for 2013. It's going to be a big departure because 1) It'll be
nonfiction, 2) It'll be funny and 3) It'll be under a different
name. (I have to protect the innocent on this one.)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
14. And in the spirit of the holiday, what is your favorite Christmas song? <span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carol
of the Bells. Any version of that song. It so embodies the holidays
as we know them. A slow, peaceful start, the way we all intend the
holidays to be. By the end, it's frantic and wild, like most of our
holidays turn out.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
15. Any last words? <span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't
buy the hype buy the story. Read independent authors. Often the
stories are fresher, because publishing houses don't publish what they
think they can't sell and they don't want something new, they want
something that they know will sell. Which is why we still have a
million vampire stories coming out. And if you do read a book that is
published by a small press or published independently, please leave a
positive review. New authors and e-authors have no advertising budget.
All they have is word of mouth. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you, Sarah! And now folks, here's where you can easily access and buy Sarah's book!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: forestgreen; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1355689655_0">Amazon</span>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Ice-Sarah-J-Bradley/dp/1480133884/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355683341&sr=8-1&keywords=fresh+ice" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1355689655_1">http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Ice-Sarah-J-Bradley/dp/1480133884/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355683341&sr=8-1&keywords=fresh+ice</span></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1355689655_1"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1355689655_1">B&N: </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: forestgreen; font-size: small;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1355689655_1"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fresh-ice-sarah-j-bradley/1113932007?ean=2940015732221" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1355689655_2">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fresh-ice-sarah-j-bradley/1113932007?ean=2940015732221</span></a></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #00007f;"><i> </i></span><span style="color: maroon;"><i><span style="color: #8000ff;"><span style="color: #00007f;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02991049638502959557noreply@blogger.com0