Tuesday 25 March 2008

Tuesday was a full day guided coach tour to The Cotswolds, Bath and Stonehenge. The sun was shining most of the day - but there was definitely a chill in the air. We visited Lacock, a beautiful little village in The Cotswolds - complete with thatched roofs and lovely gardens.

We toured the Roman Baths and shopped a bit in the beautiful city of Bath.


Then - on to the mysterious Stonehenge, where the cold and wind cut our visit a bit short.

We ended the week long visit with a nice pub dinner and a few more laughs.

Monday 24 March 2008

We started Saturday with a trip to Harrod’s. It was overwhelming, as usual. The Easter crowd was in full swing. Pat, Mary and I indulged in an afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream. It was delicious. Ray met us for a mini pub crawl and we visited 3 of the top 5 on his list; Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Nag’s Head and The Cardinal. We rounded out the day with a nice meal at one of our favourite local restaurant.

On Easter Sunday we visited Kensington Palace. Ray and I hadn’t been here before. It snowed and rained throughout the day, but most of our day was spent indoors. The tribute to Diana was the feature attraction, but the palace, the gardens – and of course, the tea room were also highlights. Yes – more scones with jam and clotted cream!

We attended Easter service at Westminster Abbey on Sunday evening and then enjoyed a tipple at Gordon’s Wine Bar (the oldest wine bar in London). Ray didn’t join us because they don’t sell beer or spirits here. It was good fun, even if we did get a little claustrophobic in the cellar.

Easter Monday is a bank holiday in the UK… and again it was a rainy, snowy day. We began the day with a full English breakfast and then went searching for Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. We didn’t find him.

We browsed the markets in Covent Garden and did a bit of walking today. We ended the day in Chinatown with a tasty dinner at Golden Dragon.

Sunday 23 March 2008

I'm....

Dreaming...

of a White Easter???

Do not adjust your blogging dial.

That is correct. This morning we awoke to a fairly heavy snow flurry. Even if it only lasted about 15-20 minutes it made for an interesting start to our Easter morning.

Saturday 22 March 2008

My friends Pat and Mary arrived from Texas on Thursday. After dropping their bags, we took a little walk in the neighbourhood. We ate fish and chips at The Albert and then the rain came. It’s very cold in London this week and forecast indicates possible snow. We ventured into Trafalgar Square and visited The National Gallery to view some of the classics. Then a quick walk over to Leicester Square where we found a nice warm and dry place to share a bottle of wine and a good visit. Ray joined us for a nice dinner at our favourite local Italian restaurant and a few pints at the “local”.

Friday was the day for the big bus tour of London. A very cold and windy tour! A bit wind blown and numb after a few hours; we met Ray for a pub lunch mid day. Then a quick walk over to Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace for a few photos. And then… more rain! While we were on the bus tour, Ray stood in line at the half price ticket booth and was able to get us good seats for Chicago. It was very entertaining and we really enjoyed it!

Monday 17 March 2008

Straying from the norm (no big surprise is it?) today's colour is NOT green, but rather PINK!! Most of you are aware of Amy’s recent battle with Breast Cancer back in October/November 2007. Our friend Terri back in the States has chosen to participate in Amy’s honour (as well as others) in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Having experienced the benefits of recent advancements in Breast Cancer treatment, we feel this is a most worthwhile cause.

Should any of our readers be so inclined, I’m sure Terri would appreciate your generosity in sponsoring her efforts.

Click Here To Sponsor Terri!!

Monday 10 March 2008

Ray’s recap of a quick trip home:
(see if you can guess the theme)

Fried Gulf Shrimp
(with a VERY tasty lump crab meat/spinach au gratin starter)
Pork Chops
Grilled Hamburger and perhaps some the best lemonade EVER
(Visit the Avalon Diner on Upper Westheimer… you’ll agree)
Proper Beef Fajitas
Battered Mild Garlic Wings
REAL Texas BBQ
(and the adventures of visiting Thelma’s in the 3rd Ward)
Ribeye
(medium-rare thankyouverymuch)
Red Beans & Rice
Key Lime Pie

And oh yeah… Cheese Coney’s from James Coney Island.

Good thing I put on a –ahem- “few” pounds as I have returned to London just in time for the worst winter storm of the year including 80mph gale force winds.