tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54219649881608288552024-03-13T12:02:57.637-04:00Ellis2RoamEllis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-67520018837244970212018-07-17T07:16:00.001-04:002018-07-17T07:16:48.922-04:00Off to London….<p><font size="3">When we woke after a great day in Paris, we were back in Southampton, where we departed from. Another peace of bad news, Barb was ill! She must have caught what ever the lady who was behind us on the bus was trying hard to share. Anyway, we made our way off the boat and through customs without any problems, found a cab to take us to the Southampton train station. We chose a BnB in Brentford (just outside London) and our hosts sent us detailed directions on how to get there using public transit. Now is a good time to have some sympathy for Barb, first a struggle with her bags to disembark, then a cab ride and then a train to the heart of London and she <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bt0c6lb2srg/W03P9wl6D0I/AAAAAAAAJn8/Z3Lx3XewNzUjLWoJhI9pZR40_aAGS7LpACHMYCw/s1600-h/Waterloo-station4"><img width="423" height="238" title="Waterloo train station in London" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Waterloo-station" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IJoBdSTGKUQ/W03P-U0cryI/AAAAAAAAJoA/K0STj5TUg4AihSexmMCqQxOtck8lNJ9cQCHMYCw/Waterloo-station_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>could not enjoy any of the sights or the ride! Arriving at London’s Waterloo station, we hustle to transfer to the train to Brentford. A little stressful to say the least, dragging our bags and not sure of where we are going in London’s busiest station. The train was comfortable even though London was entering an unusual warm period.</font><p><font size="3">Arriving at the Brentford station on Thursday and disembarking into a totally unknown area, we get our bearings and follow our instructions to the BnB. What appeared to be <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iFtPv1oEMWI/W03P-3NOHzI/AAAAAAAAJoE/6iaQWa-ujeMVDI15R4fVIzHLTM1rYEfAACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050980-May-26-Another-pub-a-block-%255B1%255D"><img width="346" height="247" title="A pub a block from our BnB" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050980 May 26 Another pub a block from BnB" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n2FdOCGeFRk/W03P_PINi1I/AAAAAAAAJoI/SPA6-kJhl_8x7FMmbHsHah6aH6Z0Pe8GgCHMYCw/17050980-May-26-Another-pub-a-block-?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>short distance on paper turned out to be a 20 minute walk with our bags and Barb not feeling well enough for this type of adventure but we got to our accommodations without getting lost! We make our way up 3 flights of steps to our lodging <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sBGVfHs_oXA/W03P_WhIufI/AAAAAAAAJoM/HUdcQFqsvqI5q6KPXDTag0WkEFHkWBK1ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050976-May-26-Our-BnB-from-bridge-"><img width="253" height="353" title="Our BnB from bridge over canal - those are not our windows." align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050976 May 26 Our BnB from bridge over canal" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L_SS4ifA-RE/W03P_2SCkWI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/YVmUI5jtr2ssMfkiHeD99Kpgfn2QaswXgCHMYCw/17050976-May-26-Our-BnB-from-bridge-%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>and Barb crashes on the bed for the rest of the day. Welcome to London Babe….. These following pictures try to show you the area we stayed in. The main streets were busy but a great spot with the canals, pubs and shopping, oh, and the pubs.</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SuzyZsbeX3A/W03QAMpt5LI/AAAAAAAAJoU/wRigjj8rHZE1Zk7I4iqU5Xc5_kIC5CFxQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050973-May-26-Magpie-pub5"><img width="330" height="235" title="Magpie pub also just a block away" align="left" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050973 May 26 Magpie pub" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RMXdaUpXbIQ/W03QAqpVz3I/AAAAAAAAJoY/87lku4odT5oX2bLhJOwz3225dBlSdeKjACHMYCw/17050973-May-26-Magpie-pub_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t9HRgN03x6g/W03QBAEawaI/AAAAAAAAJoc/9p7yTq0FPLM_OJTxOQhMw1qxUq5wDV4rwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050977-May-26-View-up-canal-from-b%255B2%255D"><img width="356" height="254" title="View up canal from bridge just outside from on BnB" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050977 May 26 View up canal from bridge" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kauFfaR7Iuo/W03QBRSIQEI/AAAAAAAAJog/7wVScr2D_jA53gsL9HxoMk6qElaYDKDkwCHMYCw/17050977-May-26-View-up-canal-from-b?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GcQH-biz3hc/W03QBm9UFFI/AAAAAAAAJok/D9q9k1R4QdM-6B8VXKnFKOCMufvra9l8ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050982%2BMay%2B26%2BIt%2527s%2Ba%2Bneighborhood%2Bpub%2Bwith%2Bthe%2Blocals"><img width="441" height="314" title="It's a neighborhood pub but no food served - oh well, a steak in every glass!" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050982 May 26 It's a neighborhood pub with the locals" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hBmB81eTGE0/W03QByYzwdI/AAAAAAAAJoo/JErMl_rSB84Gb3DbRt5s9Sw2TE-TRnCIgCHMYCw/17050982%2BMay%2B26%2BIt%2527s%2Ba%2Bneighborhood%2Bpub%2Bwith%2Bthe%2Blocals_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyAN7v6gt3Q/W03QCMtWDxI/AAAAAAAAJos/G82nwguPzLcvcSASOZNtxV3gBMB3q3dKQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050989%2BMay%2B26%2BCanal%2Bboats%2Bmoored%2Balong%2Bthe%2Bcanal%2Bout%2Bback%2Bof%2BBnB"><img width="426" height="303" title="Canal house boats moored along the canal out back of our BnB" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050989 May 26 Canal boats moored along the canal out back of BnB" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tarxhX04lm4/W03QCs49ncI/AAAAAAAAJow/dvNyXPWZerYu9uN99bycSXYAZkQTUeNrgCHMYCw/17050989%2BMay%2B26%2BCanal%2Bboats%2Bmoored%2Balong%2Bthe%2Bcanal%2Bout%2Bback%2Bof%2BBnB_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">Friday and Barb is not much better and this heat wave is not helping her. The bedroom wind<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AE6UXwpTHYw/W03QC6_liuI/AAAAAAAAJo0/OmKIlQN_HBQmcXlSABX7OpYLf8hJ_g4IACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050975-May-26-Barb-on-the-terrace-"><img width="428" height="307" title="Barb on the terrace of our BnB" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050975 May 26 Barb on the terrace of the BnB" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-op3zeBrhvT8/W03QDebEfLI/AAAAAAAAJo4/svhfIB5nfSMLBK1i1M3v5dfqXzgGB7fNgCHMYCw/17050975-May-26-Barb-on-the-terrace-%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>ows are small and do not allow a lot of air movement. Our hosts provide a fan but it only blows around the hot air. Later in the afternoon, our hosts leave for the weekend so we have the whole 3 floors to ourselves so we move Barb down to the main floor where we have access to the patio and the patio door lets lots of air through. This helps her feel better already.</font></p><p><font size="3">Saturday and Barb is able to sit up and feel somewhat better. She is determined not to let this bug get her down and miss out on seeing London so Kew Gardens (Royal Botanical Gardens) are just a few stops away on the train so off we go. </font><p><font size="3">The walk back to the same train station we arrived at on Thursday doesn’t seem quite so far – they must have moved yesterday! We make the walk from the Kew Bridge <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TTUn8gXXSGQ/W03QDyD7pHI/AAAAAAAAJo8/13ffVsqjU1YMk3vkx6Os4V5shtczKeW1gCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050993-May-27-Elizabeth-Gate-of-Ke"><img width="425" height="303" title="Elizabeth Gate of Kew Garden" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050993 May 27 Elizabeth Gate of Kew Garden" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6FgOCzXgJdM/W03QEPyRaxI/AAAAAAAAJpA/r-OZqOC4UNYP_fR6n-4uZJMDl2Ukl7XGwCHMYCw/17050993-May-27-Elizabeth-Gate-of-Ke%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Station, over the Thames River to the Elizabeth Gates of Kew Gardens. It was a bit of a hike but Barb made it but tiring quickly. Instead to walking around Kew Gardens, we took <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M3Rx5luQrto/W03QET2MWHI/AAAAAAAAJpE/aMIk6Hw95HckrddZqostSfWlcYo1h7CHACHMYCw/s1600-h/17051014-May-27-Looking-up-the-trunk%255B1%255D"><img width="284" height="378" title="Looking up the trunk of a Giant Sequoia tree at Kew Gardens" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17051014 May 27 Looking up the trunk of a Giant Sequoia tree at Kew" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZVJhvdKxgk/W03QE_jY3yI/AAAAAAAAJpI/Szs7zhghkZoEk0P2wGfIoLZU1LNDIZT3wCHMYCw/17051014-May-27-Looking-up-the-trunk%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>the tram. It worked out perfectly for us. We got off to tour Kew Palace and gardens. We sat in a garden off from the Palace and watched geese and ducks drift around and enjoyed the nature we were in. It was time though and we had to get back to the BnB to give Barb an opportunity to rest up a little before we hit one of the pubs for dinner. </font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uJZ_Q-p-wA8/W03QFL2MzsI/AAAAAAAAJpM/Wlb1TgYKFcMLyvUQlhRHOCVBw1_Dwh6OQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17051016-May-27-London-home-of-the-D%255B1%255D"><img width="434" height="326" title="London home of the Duke of Northumberland viewed across the Thames from Kew Gardens" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17051016 May 27 London home of the Duke of Northumberland viewed across the Thames from Kew Garden" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z4urdz4Odvs/W03QFeDyAaI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/thWQT-PqAYE3LcWI3yFZ1jenDJ6ie41BwCHMYCw/17051016-May-27-London-home-of-the-D%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Da7XlS2iE8/W03QF4yXgPI/AAAAAAAAJpU/7ZjyFsZK8sIVsZJtDBX7Llkbu1szuNRIQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17051020-May-27-Front-of-Kew-Palace6"><img width="434" height="326" title="Front of Kew Palace" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17051020 May 27 Front of Kew Palace" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xtDDagL7bxs/W03QGGcwnFI/AAAAAAAAJpY/zAMi4NssFpcgoqVgvwVsWgCUhzW8B47ZwCHMYCw/17051020-May-27-Front-of-Kew-Palace_?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g0b1ev-INk0/W03QGdIIwDI/AAAAAAAAJpc/Tf9sXWZ48LMqgE8o9AvvvIYNMpOLphu2QCHMYCw/s1600-h/17051036-May-27-A-garden-of-Allium-i%255B2%255D"><img width="437" height="328" title="A garden of Allium in front of the Palm House at Kew Gardens" style="border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17051036 May 27 A garden of Allium in front of the Palm House" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PRqxR343SYg/W03QGqnL99I/AAAAAAAAJpg/Bsxje0BlF3g4hlJ3EG1jyxsugZF-uLa5ACHMYCw/17051036-May-27-A-garden-of-Allium-i%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-179KBcqIuoo/W03QHFeJr-I/AAAAAAAAJpk/YVvq6DP37Hs4VIeuG6gIrbhl-w1Z9mHcACHMYCw/s1600-h/17051028-May-27-Pond--fountain-of-si"><img width="436" height="327" title="Pond & fountain of side garden of Kew Palace" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17051028 May 27 Pond & fountain of side garden of Kew Palace" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wFykgtaf70M/W03QHbxIJcI/AAAAAAAAJpo/M1KFHq_IAKsSb_VwR5_6PRu-KJl3l0V6QCHMYCw/17051028-May-27-Pond--fountain-of-si%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cKBbD1qTpJ4/W03QH_wYpxI/AAAAAAAAJps/B41V0HMSkJgJaUNaF3sFca7_EuL4F6SEACHMYCw/s1600-h/17051043-May-27-The-bar-from-our-tab%255B1%255D"><img width="429" height="322" title="The bar from our table at the Weir Pub, a block from our BnB!" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17051043 May 27 The bar from our table" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kh8lXtF6zf8/W03QIOLovJI/AAAAAAAAJpw/H9q2DwfjI8Y-10ppENpsMqpOiB0PbkIoACHMYCw/17051043-May-27-The-bar-from-our-tab?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><br></p><p><font size="3">Tomorrow is going to be a big day, our bus tour of London.</font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-77524293597079854302018-07-04T09:42:00.001-04:002018-07-04T09:42:42.344-04:00Paris, France…..<p><font size="3">A Day at Sea before Paris</font><p><font size="3">What a time we had at St Andrews, the Home of Golf! After our excitement settled down, we decided we want to spend a month in Scotland and with any luck, play the ‘Old Course’ as well as enjoy more of the beautiful country side and Scottish culture. </font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SIWY9qYa3ho/WzzOf5xVTJI/AAAAAAAAJkI/tMJLB014-8Y5ts9j-3cV4hwzh95nTnbZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050825-May-23-Wind-mills-standing-%255B1%255D"><img width="377" height="269" title="Wind mills standing in North Sea" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050825 May 23 Wind mills standing in North Sea above Scotland" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAKjK9ksguA/WzzOgULRsUI/AAAAAAAAJkM/js4ND7EYS3A1ghu6qrzaz_8asEmhmRM5QCHMYCw/17050825-May-23-Wind-mills-standing-%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We have a day at sea while the ship makes it’s way to Le Havre France where we will board a bus for a 2 hour ride and tour Paris before we board a river boat for a lunch on the River Seine! On our way through<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WDsKBVx8vnU/WzzOguFxNjI/AAAAAAAAJkQ/g2hO14RDcvEXrTFNSkHohNTkRr3KnbovwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050828-May-23-Drawing-of-Floating-%255B1%255D"><img width="406" height="244" title="Drawing of Floating wind farm in North Sea Scotland" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050828 May 23 Drawing of Floating wind farm in North Sea Scotland" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZOGGPkwNHL4/WzzOhJgIiHI/AAAAAAAAJkU/wO3ZU5LYBeI2B6RY_hYDAetETsxG_muzwCHMYCw/17050828-May-23-Drawing-of-Floating-?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> the North Sea, we view many wind turbines ‘floating’ in the sea. They are connected together and provide renewable energy for most of Scotland. It was rather an amazing site and something you would not expect out in the North Sea.</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ID6Eve_tXfA/WzzOhtIcH3I/AAAAAAAAJkY/MjiXSbhjDEcZuZYCrUniRWVItk1YXxenwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050829-May-23-Barb--I-on-Thermal-l%255B1%255D"><img width="375" height="267" title="Barb & I on Thermal longes, getting nice a warm" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050829 May 23 Barb & I on Thermal longes, getting nice a warm" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtZFDcRDJ_U/WzzOiNyzTWI/AAAAAAAAJkc/1kVhtYTQtGcf_pgM4rTYZyqEi6pfEj32ACHMYCw/17050829-May-23-Barb--I-on-Thermal-l?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We planned to use the gift that Terri and Mark arranged for us in the spa on ship. We spent some time on the warming beds – kinda neat, a heated lounge type structure that we laid on for 40 minutes before we went into the sauna. The heat was very soothing but comfort – not! Once we were ‘spa-ed’ out, we had lunch and wandered – not so aimlessly around the decks of the boat. People watching is always entertaining and I’m sure if others are watching us, they would agree….</font><p><font size="3">Our afternoon was more of the same, walking, watching, snacking, an<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sM7sus-0GJs/WzzOiuM_kpI/AAAAAAAAJkg/fz24byKJWqsyzDlCPtUP-yJZ8mo1wDxPgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050832-May-23-Scotish-golf-banner-"><img width="324" height="271" title="Scotish golf banner hung in the Piazza" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050832 May 23 Scotish golf banner hung in Piazza" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PIKscv-aW9s/WzzOi6RAzhI/AAAAAAAAJkk/9uZrWU5kFXkBQRFbXKUAosRsppuVdQD7ACHMYCw/17050832-May-23-Scotish-golf-banner-%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>d waiting until we arrive in France. Our evening pleasure was the on-board show in the theatre. They are generally good and fun and this night was no exception. We wake moored in Le Havre France. After breakfast, our departure is organized by bus so we wait in one of the restaurants for our number to be called to disembark for our bus tour of Paris.</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F9TmdbCtnP8/WzzOjWCi7KI/AAAAAAAAJko/SR5Mts40AHs4WsiMr-c1fb2k9SkTyrJVwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050834-May-23-View-of-a-packed-the%255B1%255D"><img width="369" height="263" title="We're 2 of a packed theatre for the last show of our voyage" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050834 May 23 View of a packed theatre for the last show of our voyage" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-idoxfC7qEjw/WzzOj3nNumI/AAAAAAAAJks/7-NDQLu9kdsEU8jMdDb64YlwxfPjcF2YACHMYCw/17050834-May-23-View-of-a-packed-the?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-23wM0n7jAhM/WzzOkLcYxEI/AAAAAAAAJkw/A2B0LbUZRCsBGO9tLkINu8EBPKy5rzE_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050837-May-24-Arriving-at-French-c%255B1%255D"><img width="425" height="304" title="Arriving at French customs" align="right" style="float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050837 May 24 Arriving at French customs" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ieys-krpe3U/WzzOke_f6xI/AAAAAAAAJk0/huJsPKW50fAOm2uDL_tnLJ28OlVqYMALgCHMYCw/17050837-May-24-Arriving-at-French-c?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-23wM0n7jAhM/WzzOkLcYxEI/AAAAAAAAJkw/A2B0LbUZRCsBGO9tLkINu8EBPKy5rzE_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050837-May-24-Arriving-at-French-c%255B1%255D"><br></a></font><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-23wM0n7jAhM/WzzOkLcYxEI/AAAAAAAAJkw/A2B0LbUZRCsBGO9tLkINu8EBPKy5rzE_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050837-May-24-Arriving-at-French-c%255B1%255D"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3">We are greeted by a pair of mimes as we approach the customs area. Once on the bus, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SooazYegw64/WzzOkyU_o5I/AAAAAAAAJk4/t9hYnp3DKuYF9CiVFfe-gzEB_swny7LvwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050839-May-24-Housing-near-the-por%255B2%255D"><img width="366" height="263" title="Housing near the port of le Havre" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050839 May 24 Housing near the port of le Havre" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQ5coqBrz9U/WzzOld2hKXI/AAAAAAAAJk8/nBYiyYCgI0oN-vEuPeapueGKKXMFg5hXwCHMYCw/17050839-May-24-Housing-near-the-por%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>we start the 2 hour drive to Paris. We pass through cute areas until we turn onto the A-13 to Paris. It’s not unlike any freeway in North America. Our trip permits us a quick view of the Eiffel Tower from afar, awesome.</font></p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_nNhspQB8V8/WzzOltbTxUI/AAAAAAAAJlA/e0zr3Rz1NRITBC8k4D_0NKftzVwsur5mgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050843-May-24-Eiffel-Tower-in-back%255B2%255D"><img width="421" height="301" title="Eiffel Tower in back ground coming into Paris" align="right" style="float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050843 May 24 Eiffel Tower in back ground coming into Paris" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldgO5Hw5ap8/WzzOl03MAlI/AAAAAAAAJlE/e4WcE3tbB74rjoxFk0ZRBurpfbuvYiRyQCHMYCw/17050843-May-24-Eiffel-Tower-in-back?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-0CBKzTOys/WzzOmVGPwAI/AAAAAAAAJlI/iXi0hhAUkjkQQUx0lfdSHk7qFgrgsHh-ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050839-May-24-Housing-near-the-por%255B3%255D"><br></a></font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_nNhspQB8V8/WzzOltbTxUI/AAAAAAAAJlA/e0zr3Rz1NRITBC8k4D_0NKftzVwsur5mgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050843-May-24-Eiffel-Tower-in-back%255B2%255D"><br></a></font><p><font size="3">The tour takes us past so many historic landmarks, historic statues, beautiful architecture and busy streets. We see many points of interest, too many to list here but hopefully our pictures demonstrate the beauty of Paris.</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bf8LfDyW3Wg/WzzOmlsytaI/AAAAAAAAJlM/hfQRN1wHoioY0CyNeRtfe1Zz--QZd2r7ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050849-May-24-Other-side-of-the-Ar%255B2%255D"><img width="356" height="316" title="Arc de Triomphe " style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050849 May 24 Other side of the Arc de Triomphe " src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2JSbJFcyuAg/WzzOnB4nccI/AAAAAAAAJlQ/B1g-JIY3TxMKDgqZZuzmxu1JGdKUQaLZwCHMYCw/17050849-May-24-Other-side-of-the-Ar%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WtzoPP2GIXQ/WzzOnRjNgZI/AAAAAAAAJlU/mBPSrBZs7AEUT61lgEm2Z4uQZxeZ9PmmwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050862-May-24-Fountain-of-Maritime"><img width="438" height="314" title="Fountain of Maritime Navigations at de la Concorde" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050862 May 24 Fountain of Maritime Navigations at de la Concorde" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-osuRD_tvJ60/WzzOnv2fS_I/AAAAAAAAJlY/17bHeuB3QAsfufo8kmEItsn_IoLFaf0owCHMYCw/17050862-May-24-Fountain-of-Maritime%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dxd8O2fQYqg/WzzOoF5kO0I/AAAAAAAAJlc/uSr9PXv4lrYYNkbxqYND33Z7omh_XdSRwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050863-May-24-Luxor-Obelisk-at-Pla%255B1%255D"><img width="270" height="377" title="Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde" align="left" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050863 May 24 Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tSy_wU3dFgA/WzzOod-dwlI/AAAAAAAAJlg/MU2Zu-e2dp0ZXQ-xdQKmJ6eVK5kB-lcPwCHMYCw/17050863-May-24-Luxor-Obelisk-at-Pla?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n5LV6XG_Enk/WzzOo0PtkdI/AAAAAAAAJlk/sLPUuo_bDF8IlBnVPK3bDWMdo6yEwO7iQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050864-May-24-View-down-the-Avenue%255B2%255D"><img width="477" height="340" title="View down the Avenue de la Grande Armee to the Arc de Triomphe" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050864 May 24 View down the Avenue de la Grande Armee to the Arc de Triomphe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vhZe5KO5w9A/WzzOpPYiSaI/AAAAAAAAJlo/A9rzka1q5BYmUmUjD4RHENeRZ1VDyXi4QCHMYCw/17050864-May-24-View-down-the-Avenue?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2pqCG7NvWs8/WzzOppL_2uI/AAAAAAAAJls/EkPmhsV1jokbf18s4KClW6J5--7DQDl8ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050871-May-24-Side-street-on-our-t"><img width="380" height="271" title="A typical side street on our tour to Effiel Tower" align="left" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050871 May 24 Side street on our tour to Effiel Tower" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3fQEU2r8iUk/WzzOqLjFolI/AAAAAAAAJlw/rXu9mBif5_Q1thfr3ZzqQQ2mJkqxu8j7QCHMYCw/17050871-May-24-Side-street-on-our-t%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8F_JEgQboRU/WzzOqZaI1pI/AAAAAAAAJl0/tLYtAQjYC-A6f5IG4qhuPqAB2HgbVo8uwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050899-May-24-Long-distance-of-gla"><img width="406" height="290" title="Long distance of glass pyramid" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050899 May 24 Long distance of glass pyramid" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DZQyJkGxpvw/WzzOq_UOzMI/AAAAAAAAJl4/SW29xOd9i8k6HIAVCw2nA4EIF8BQIUDVgCHMYCw/17050899-May-24-Long-distance-of-gla%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9AdPg9Y0oeY/WzzOrZypWoI/AAAAAAAAJl8/Vbo_dTkiWj8c8IJxZxUE9MHRSp3BhokfwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050900-May-24-View-of-Louvre-over-%255B2%255D"><img width="409" height="291" title="View of Louvre over gardens" align="left" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050900 May 24 View of Louvre over gardens" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-37_X_h-DEHo/WzzOrkglhAI/AAAAAAAAJmA/7q1C9-qWDNINIoNUcMdHoNCY24OrhWfmQCHMYCw/17050900-May-24-View-of-Louvre-over-%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FoRFW8wy_HA/WzzOr0YfGRI/AAAAAAAAJmE/DNs1DcBORTwuR8drqVhuCLfSQZzUcLrEwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050927%2BMay%2B24%2BBarb%2B%2526%2Bthe%2BEiffel%2BTower"><img width="381" height="535" title="Barb at the Eiffel Tower" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050927 May 24 Barb & the Eiffel Tower" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1fnnogpwmNA/WzzOsVyRfMI/AAAAAAAAJmI/1sSRAbNPOOgDmhYQcobs0OV3eC70uNYdwCHMYCw/17050927%2BMay%2B24%2BBarb%2B%2526%2Bthe%2BEiffel%2BTower_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GTfG2v8IYa4/WzzOs3yOGKI/AAAAAAAAJmM/ddNzUZf_28AN-E_U-NLrXAQpPZs1hdf8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050932-May-24-Another-tour-boat-of%255B2%255D"><img width="367" height="263" title="This is like our tour boat of the River Seine" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050932 May 24 Another tour boat of Seine River behind us" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8X8ohBUWsr0/WzzOtFSmcWI/AAAAAAAAJmQ/t0yKibX3qKA1IihjgLRgt2gOj3y7wN71ACHMYCw/17050932-May-24-Another-tour-boat-of%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>After we saw the sights and heard the sounds, we took a lunch cruise <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WRyJSArxwio/WzzOtqQw9bI/AAAAAAAAJmU/yseZ7F1KNeYicPQqfqARLoU6TimNd_eCgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050931-May-24-Lunch-on-our-tour-bo"><img width="347" height="247" title="Lunch on our tour boat of Seine River" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050931 May 24 Lunch on our tour boat of Seine River" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxdjwkRx6xI/WzzOt-MqoRI/AAAAAAAAJmY/PcGMs6d_lqgLP7VnYT7iiS2P4gQLoJUjACHMYCw/17050931-May-24-Lunch-on-our-tour-bo%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>on the River Seine. It was an excellent end to a fantastic day.</font><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xtac4zPwsEE/WzzOuZax1PI/AAAAAAAAJmc/lxbE7nhE_9gLz7tKwDo7e-xF_Ajv7e4ewCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050935-May-24-Look-back-at-the-Pon%255B2%255D"><img width="377" height="269" title="ook back at the Pont Alexandre III bridge" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050935 May 24 Look back at the Pont Alexandre III bridge" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jigyvxp0REk/WzzOu9G4qbI/AAAAAAAAJmg/uByb99-CpqAtTH8kSqZEq7B2bROA0dU2wCHMYCw/17050935-May-24-Look-back-at-the-Pon?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o0ToG0i9beU/WzzOvSmfIuI/AAAAAAAAJmk/pmMp1w0emEYwCOkHcXmnomK_w0QPfaa1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050938-May-24-Lots-of-bars--restau%255B2%255D"><img width="347" height="247" title="Lots of bars & restaurants on Seine River" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050938 May 24 Lots of bars & restaurants on Seine River" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgUCmqoBDCA/WzzOvwv9kvI/AAAAAAAAJmo/3DuYASO3XzowPrBS8eK9NOQ2zWRtgfMbwCHMYCw/17050938-May-24-Lots-of-bars--restau?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0yn7c_TC1PI/WzzOwSjFyHI/AAAAAAAAJms/kcPkTJW_W74udec30NsbfXJEOXN0b0KzgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050948-May-24-Barb--Terry-on-the-R%255B1%255D"><img width="432" height="319" title="Barb & I on the River Seine in Paris" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="17050948 May 24 Barb & Terry on the River Seine in Paris" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8cbvJtuC1U/WzzOwueWprI/AAAAAAAAJmw/TxR7ysEeZ1oiPJMVKwXkbNjThLwf3OFDgCHMYCw/17050948-May-24-Barb--Terry-on-the-R%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">Before we head back, the tour guide gave us 60 minutes to prowl around Champs Elysees to shop, take photos or just kick back. We went into a souven<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OJdYYRfdJNU/WzzOxADoKDI/AAAAAAAAJm0/dibUNvqb4yU2vAejrgHqZO2l1-YMCSlRQCHMYCw/s1600-h/Macaroons3"><img width="240" height="240" title="Macaroons" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Macaroons" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cf8tBB0bXVY/WzzOxaR013I/AAAAAAAAJm4/FcicoDZH0dMOgVgj-I9IikBu-WtdZ25_wCHMYCw/Macaroons_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>ir shop and almost couldn’t move for too many other tourists in a small space! Everyone (?) said we just had to buy some French macaroons… We soon found a bakery that specialized in these delicacy's and after recovering my breath from the price, we went back to the bus pick up to continue on our way.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f1S0elOaAaQ/WzzOx4_gIpI/AAAAAAAAJm8/Y_5Vb2Jv8dky_L9Vzln2YhkeuIKFKEbIwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050964%2BMay%2B24%2BBarb%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2BArc%2Bde%2BTriomphe"><img width="547" height="411" title="Barb at the Arc de Triomphe" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="17050964 May 24 Barb in front of Arc de Triomphe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CaCuHtpaDV0/WzzOyC2h6oI/AAAAAAAAJnA/aLh26tqJ3QgTxjCS-csmNjMkmm91dHjAQCHMYCw/17050964%2BMay%2B24%2BBarb%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2BArc%2Bde%2BTriomphe_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3q_-wJS1m8M/WzzOypUUagI/AAAAAAAAJnE/xrMA44AGffks9hLtOEH6M1imOY9ZvwLigCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050950-May-24-View-down-the-river-%255B2%255D"><img width="387" height="276" title="View down the river from the bus" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050950 May 24 View down the river from the bus" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-USuxFDC2fbs/WzzOy4QHp-I/AAAAAAAAJnI/A1bf5qdeJtcbUKzUZx8VFZX6RGVnLa26QCHMYCw/17050950-May-24-View-down-the-river-?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Now on our ride back to the ship, I don’t think anyone took into account that this was a holiday weekend in France and the A-13 was jammed with cars <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R6HxOmIjNI8/WzzOzaj3API/AAAAAAAAJnM/fhG4X02VSb8KrYUjmyYX2UHy9mZB35iRACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050966%2BMay%2B24%2BVerticle%2Bgardens%2Bin%2BParis%255B1%255D"><img width="477" height="344" title="Verticle gardens in Paris" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050966 May 24 Verticle gardens in Paris" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGGPI3WuuZA/WzzOzuFqpMI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/A-RbP-dT5IwraUQQY2xZ20FM91flN_wdwCHMYCw/17050966%2BMay%2B24%2BVerticle%2Bgardens%2Bin%2BParis_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>leaving Paris so the 2 hour bus ride is now a 3 ½ hour ride. We had a couple behind us talking loudly on their cell and the whole bus could here her conversation. One gentleman in front answered one of her questions – that was too funny. Unfortunately, the lady was hacking up a lung at the time so we’re hoping not to catch what she was trying to share!</font></p><p><font size="3">We were so late arriving back to the ship that this is one of those reasons you take the activity from the boat so they don’t leave you behind. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hZCL8oD5E_E/WzzO0A5OreI/AAAAAAAAJnU/qvAGVLkKavYqCS2_mTaiizUjr45P4S7aACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050970-May-24-Back-at-sea-catching"><img width="344" height="258" title=" Back at sea catching a sunset" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050970 May 24 Back at sea catching a sunset 2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-II1ME7xHxXc/WzzO0UQ6_HI/AAAAAAAAJnY/YDEo7iku2RAjSCBfEmkIgLgggQftNz54wCHMYCw/17050970-May-24-Back-at-sea-catching%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We get back to our stateroom in time to watch the sunset. Another wonderful day and tomorrow is the end of the cruise – just a buffet of attractions, with samples to try for any future plans.</font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3">I know this has been almost a painful experience with my slack updating of our blog but we still have 3 days in London so do come back if you dare….</font>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-40839553409753682022018-05-03T10:35:00.001-04:002018-05-03T10:35:05.429-04:00The Royal and Ancient….<p><font size="3">Well, I know that I am very late in writing but life gets in the way. What did we do before we retired I wonder?<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zOpjgloieSY/Wusd6tiEw6I/AAAAAAAAJgg/IXuGkHBxhJQ8dpoWxWbuWgc78WlR3hLWwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050725-My-22-Going-Past-Old-Castle"><img width="478" height="215" title="A medieval abbey on the Ilse of Inchcolm in the Firth of Forth" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050725 My 22 Going Past Old Castle" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g-llKjVaNz8/Wusd7BP3vII/AAAAAAAAJgk/UzIpRPWzbAwb1i8Gf4K9d_GX_ZYo5P56QCHMYCw/17050725-My-22-Going-Past-Old-Castle%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><p><font size="3">Our next adventure on this wonderful 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary trip is the golf mecca in Scotland, <a href="http://www.theroyalandancientgolfclub.org/">The Royal and Ancient St. Andrews Golf Links</a>. Needless to say, we are both excited for this day trip.</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dcqiwRMVdXs/Wusd7teOp8I/AAAAAAAAJgo/81TbSyHH_JkZeY7X38rur3W7TbXLN9yKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050728-May-22-Tender-boats-getting%255B2%255D"><img width="292" height="207" title="Tender boats getting ready for passgers to go ashore at South Queensferry Scotland" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050728 May 22 Tender boats getting ready for passgers togo ashore" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDab55Ck1q0/Wusd74W4kSI/AAAAAAAAJgs/AEj8w_O7OJkkXefE6xn6djBADOp0hBvbgCHMYCw/17050728-May-22-Tender-boats-getting?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Our ship glides into the port of <a href="https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/south-queensferry-p240281">South Queensferry, Scotland</a>. One of our other choices would have been the tours of Edinburgh but being somewhat <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dtzziTp7yBM/Wusd8Pg-pHI/AAAAAAAAJgw/2RaeUZFSibM82vPXKK5A2TkIo3nAvCaIgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050730-May-22-The-village-of-South"><img width="271" height="193" title="The village of South Queensferry from our balcony" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050730 May 22 The village of South Queensferry from our balcony" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NMcxPyteS6k/Wusd8Ur1KfI/AAAAAAAAJg0/g8BKKMIIWTkk2drIwb8_jTdZ4dmt57sHwCHMYCw/17050730-May-22-The-village-of-South%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>golfers, we could not give up this chance be at St. Andrews where all of the great golfers of the world have tried to bring the course to it’s knees!</font><p><font size="3">Once again, the port is too shallow to dock so we have numerous tenders to take us ashore. Our tour bus picks us up after lunch so we decided to stay aboard and not wander through the sea shore village as we have at other ports. We have a leisurely breakfast, wander throughout the ship and recover from the past tours and activities. </font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ninlmuse4hA/Wusd89opxDI/AAAAAAAAJg4/3afRt3wlbvkBAgOoq0TE-4a3w6oYW6hGQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050739-May-22-Country-side-on-way-%255B1%255D"><img width="324" height="231" title="Country side of Scotland on our way to St Andrews" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050739 May 22 Country side on way to St Andrews" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IYdjAVkSlt0/Wusd9MEIL_I/AAAAAAAAJg8/sPtEFy3ctKMyvxCASdMkfWQ6hC0ZerzcACHMYCw/17050739-May-22-Country-side-on-way-%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Once on the bus, we admire the Scottish countryside on our way to <a href="http://www.explore-st-andrews.com/">St. Andrews</a>. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S48salWgRFw/Wusd9Q2o-DI/AAAAAAAAJhA/pxtVTT1C2kwA0NygObAcRQSQDjJZ-8dtgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050743-May-22-Hows-having-your-fro"><img width="233" height="327" title="How's having your front door on the edge of the highway" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050743 May 22 How's having your front door on the highway" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TvjSOqNe9I8/Wusd95v5WWI/AAAAAAAAJhE/UoCB1w3KV8geuYqo354Xbn_Lz5rJk2CUACHMYCw/17050743-May-22-Hows-having-your-fro%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>The quaint homes, farms and the rolling hillsides. Upon our arrival in the town, the driver gave us a quick tour of the ‘downtown’ and the historic <a href="https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/st-andrews-cathedral/">St. Andrews Cathedral</a>, the largest and most important church in medieval Scotland.</font></p><p><br></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZA6Gt3-TCIo/Wusd-Y6lGJI/AAAAAAAAJhI/oKeenv-OC8YHdzSTsr-rN1djtZP_XzT9QCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050752-May-22-Cathedral-ruins-in-S%255B2%255D"><img width="279" height="389" title="St Andrews Cathedral ruins, a medieval church" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050752 May 22 Cathedral ruins in St Andrews" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwSkIJbcZ1w/Wusd-k7iyBI/AAAAAAAAJhM/UJKqgLwxbU8-UNK7qSpNVtHvX6r1D2eBgCHMYCw/17050752-May-22-Cathedral-ruins-in-S?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O6FAMJjViz0/Wusd-zq9JHI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/Wwug_Q5EFPM7WoBMU5O63fiKsjwM-K0GwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050747-Old-Hotel-in-St-Andrews-May%255B2%255D"><img width="438" height="312" title="Old Hotel in St Andrews" align="right" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050747 Old Hotel in St Andrews May 22 " src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r7kP5RLuUlA/Wusd_KeXYTI/AAAAAAAAJhU/2n4vtg6A2K4-KzkRogch764zG_5jc3YIwCHMYCw/17050747-Old-Hotel-in-St-Andrews-May?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><font size="3"><p><p><font size="3">We arrive at the ‘Old Course’ and start looking at all the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u6jp4rKTnZ8/Wusd_ew-GJI/AAAAAAAAJhY/a9geAIGb2XYcdwLf3eiiPSAS4WnL30Z2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050782-May-22-Looking-across-pract%255B2%255D"><img width="382" height="272" title="Looking across practice green and the 1st & 18th holes to apartments along the 18th hole" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050782 May 22 Looking across practice green and the 1st & 18th holes to hotel along the 18th" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AyhXTTBM9Hw/Wusd_xFXEnI/AAAAAAAAJhc/4IsO9_1SZIYdAaKYeRACnbHyEy1F5PHhwCHMYCw/17050782-May-22-Looking-across-pract%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>landmarks that we see on the golf shows or the televising of ‘The Open’. The Old Hotel, the Road Hole and of course, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swilken_Bridge">Swilcan Bridge</a>! Here is where all the retiring greats of golf stop to wave to the golf fans and pose for pictures. Our skin develops goose bumps standing and imagining these events. </font></p></font><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jOeXUDxxdzg/WuseAKMI45I/AAAAAAAAJhg/YCY7tUriMh4RAWpScVocdfSc6eUcF5suACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050783-May-22-The-Royal--Ancient-m"><img width="407" height="292" title="The Royal & Ancient members only club house" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050783 May 22 The Royal & Ancient members only club house" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5KR-AmkYELQ/WuseAsT1djI/AAAAAAAAJhk/rId-BS0anP867_Hi68N82lxV7q1wXFTHgCHMYCw/17050783-May-22-The-Royal--Ancient-m%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aRIg6BWFRCA/WuseA8y1IGI/AAAAAAAAJho/T1pOBAFHlAoDmAk9eAd6A2I84HFvKhqjACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050786-May-22-Looking-back-toward-%255B2%255D"><img width="411" height="293" title="Looking back toward 1st Tee" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050786 May 22 Looking back toward 1st T" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-26G3qWmI_Uw/WuseBShebVI/AAAAAAAAJhs/VoYN052WV6cmEWK3kc-lOYAYb2KI9rJQwCHMYCw/17050786-May-22-Looking-back-toward-%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><font size="3">As we are dreaming of playing, we enter the pro shop and pick up the Old Course Ballot Card with the rules related to entering the lottery to play. We have to send in the lottery form and have a signed handicap card – 24 for men and 36 for ladies. The course is also closed for play on a Sunday allowing people to walk along the famous fairways at the Links.</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W6gBchfVngs/WuseBnsvPpI/AAAAAAAAJhw/FpRuf8OX9FopUE2PDQkx2hLWlE3eOfeBACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050794-May-22-18th-Hole-T-marker--"><img width="240" height="277" title="18th Hole Tee marker @ St Andrews" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050794 May 22 18th Hole T marker @ St Andrews" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jJkRGEbp5KI/WuseCOK8W2I/AAAAAAAAJh0/s3brfXd7XfUwD49L57sq9O7Stt3ahj3YQCHMYCw/17050794-May-22-18th-Hole-T-marker--%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We go to the tee blocks of the 18<sup>th</sup> hole and walk up<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aelIkImYOOY/WuseCULTVPI/AAAAAAAAJh4/BXPfVQfkyTkJlQtwFZUNBow1OFZ5_qcHQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050790-May-22-Looking-up-18th-hole%255B1%255D"><img width="389" height="277" title="Looking up 18th hole" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050790 May 22 Looking up 18th hole" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sydmL8nrbw0/WuseCrZA2TI/AAAAAAAAJh8/kSULesovLXojjCAHj02NhJpSdUXUucJBwCHMYCw/17050790-May-22-Looking-up-18th-hole?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> onto the tee and gaze on down the fairway to get the feel of playing. The course is full but everyone understands and you can do this with no one bothering you as long as you don’t get in the way of the players. </font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WgUJxmveE8w/WuseC-eNptI/AAAAAAAAJiA/2jAcymsA2qQRcswEGD4S1LWUIHBlkU2mgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050795-May-22-Terry-stepping-up-on%255B2%255D"><img width="354" height="252" title="Terry stepping up onto 18th Tee @ St Andrews" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="17050795 May 22 Terry stepping up onto 18th T @ St Andrews" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NHn5KHNcu7w/WuseDTbmtYI/AAAAAAAAJiE/GG9GFKtUwC8D5eW3YazeA1aNqL202UDVgCHMYCw/17050795-May-22-Terry-stepping-up-on%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><p><p><p><p><p><font size="3">We also cross over the 17<sup>th</sup> fairway to get our picture and help other golf enthusiasts get their pictures standing on the ‘Swilcan’ bridge that crosses the Swilcan Burn between the first and eighteenth fairways. This was too exciting and really made our day!</font><p><p><p><p><p><font size="3"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8-8J8ZgwD6E/WuseDty5oWI/AAAAAAAAJiI/0HA7eLJavDkz71ME-R28dIYZXOsIIFA-wCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050788-May-22-Were-on-the-Swilcan-%255B1%255D"><img width="421" height="302" title="We're on the Swilcan Bridge" style="margin: 0px auto; border-image: none; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="17050788 May 22 We're on the Swilcan Bridge" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IxVLQEig9Pg/WuseEHlxjOI/AAAAAAAAJiM/6bt1ItyT26Qa6Bs-IRFXcVAVAe3TGgybgCHMYCw/17050788-May-22-Were-on-the-Swilcan-?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></font></p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><font size="3">There are four main ways to apply for a tee time on the Old Course:</font></p><blockquote><p><font size="3">The Advanced Reservations process starts at the beginning of September for play the following year. Full details can be found on our website.</font></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><font size="3">The second and most common way is to enter the Ballot which is drawn every day for play two days ahead e.g. enter the names by 2pm on Monday for play on a Wednesday.</font></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><font size="3">Single Golfers can approach the Starter on the day they wish to play and they will try to slot them in with groups going out that day.</font><p><font size="3">And the last way is to buy guaranteed premium tee times is from the ‘Old Course Experience’.</font></p></blockquote><p><font size="3">After we get our fill, we walk in the downtown of St Andrews, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ea4fCvG1a74/WuseEeyUNYI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/qYMCbClzBAMDZyXa9p7ZpcMy4jo_XJBlACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050803-May-22-Looking-down-street-%255B2%255D"><img width="345" height="246" title=" Looking down street while shopping in St Andrews" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050803 May 22 Looking down street while shopping in ST Andrews" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-913q5FDtWPo/WuseE76oWwI/AAAAAAAAJiU/D746c0ynaKgyIaAAEZTGnr9FVhEq9QsdgCHMYCw/17050803-May-22-Looking-down-street-%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>past Ole Tom Morris’ house and past lots of golf shops. We did go in to one and bought a couple souvenirs for ourselves and continued along the street, admiring the buildings and surroundings. All too soon, it is nearing bus time so we venture down to the Old Course visitors centre then out onto the beach of St Andrews. It has been a great day for us.</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BLPxpxRqZpQ/WuseFIm-L0I/AAAAAAAAJiY/IydiI8o75zE_E86uL_nXNLhWu62jO6FSACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050813-May-22-Close-up-of-Barb-on-%255B1%255D"><img width="408" height="291" title="Barb on the rocks on St Andrews beach" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050813 May 22 Close up of Barb on the rocks in ST Andrews" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yYFlDwt5yAs/WuseFR6bZsI/AAAAAAAAJic/AA4ntWDAuO03KOBnGlHaeIUI8gKufxZDACHMYCw/17050813-May-22-Close-up-of-Barb-on-%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f6uljGQIIhk/WuseFzTn_HI/AAAAAAAAJig/1TL9rTRewBkKN-f1XXMs-3W9Ffdhlj7LACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050818-May-22-Another-Selfie-Wtih-"><img width="411" height="293" title="A selfie with the Old Course at St Andrews in back ground" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050818 May 22 Another Selfie Wtih St Andrews Behind" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tRB6uhxOfsY/WuseGHcuHTI/AAAAAAAAJik/PiwkzbMEg2Q_YM3bVAdmy_6fGiucexQXQCHMYCw/17050818-May-22-Another-Selfie-Wtih-%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><font size="3">Too soon, we are back on the boat and heading out to sea again. After a full day at sea, we are onto our next port of call, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Havre">Le Havre, France</a>. Please return to hear about our trip to Paris….</font>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-78048581530282044232018-01-28T09:56:00.001-05:002018-01-28T09:56:09.097-05:0050th Honeymoon Trip Day 9<p><font size="3">Sunday May 21</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_UNnPjXUtU/Wm3kJaFj_qI/AAAAAAAAJd8/pjtMPrLsQmsBLrTnr1TQVtfztzKjhIstgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050595-May-21-Oil-Rigs5"><img width="368" height="262" title="Oil rig graveyard - lined up to be dismantled " align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050595 May 21 Oil Rigs" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hZVeP4LygrQ/Wm3kJ_TuYqI/AAAAAAAAJeA/9VnAwuwbZTEUOgt1Ne0s2v4EbucaeSsFgCHMYCw/17050595-May-21-Oil-Rigs_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We are now in Invergordon, Scotland and our tour is in the afternoon.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LabfvkpDkiI/Wm3kK5LCNuI/AAAAAAAAJeE/XuYcNt_0rCsasqd1BWdShTfPc5n5PPftgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050601-May-21-Welcome-Failte-Scott"><img width="354" height="395" title="Welcome to Invergordon sign" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050601 May 21 Welcome Failte Scotty" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4gn300xKwac/Wm3kLQ0KjGI/AAAAAAAAJeI/GYfUjW5ktH4ml9lerwoo_UrmrWmkQfLRwCHMYCw/17050601-May-21-Welcome-Failte-Scott%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> So we went down to breakfast and then out to tour the little village of <a href="http://www.cruisescotland.com/invergordon">Invergordon</a>. They have a <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x6eYBfNKSEc/Wm3kMpK5AnI/AAAAAAAAJeM/1HSs1FmQf5Ys3Qpx1FMWqzZWQW50hdPNwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050615-May-21-Fire-Fighting-Mural5"><img width="368" height="264" title="One of the many wall murals in town" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050615 May 21 Fire Fighting Mural" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a5FXMks_qoc/Wm3kM3Q4mXI/AAAAAAAAJeQ/3RtpPkE4DlsaGVvRVecbU1ZhBmnem28FwCHMYCw/17050615-May-21-Fire-Fighting-Mural_?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>lot of <a href="http://www.invergordon.info/TownMurals">murals</a> and since Barb loves murals off we go. They also have a lot of flowers with lots wonderful aromas. We walked from one end of the town to the other and got all the murals even the ones at the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y61I-aqQAR8/Wm3kN0bxSKI/AAAAAAAAJeU/WxsDe17ZRbUEzHl8ILth-UTEtwpicgZxgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050609-May-21-Homes-In-Invergordon"><img width="370" height="264" title="Homes of Invergordon" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050609 May 21 Homes In Invergordon" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGK5mZCE_1w/Wm3kObvnfZI/AAAAAAAAJeY/lsPaiiQ2cD4QTYMgGJHhsHskAqDgt_1HQCHMYCw/17050609-May-21-Homes-In-Invergordon%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>train station. We went into the town Parish just before their Sunday <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ry7_6PUBuxc/Wm3kPGQ8TTI/AAAAAAAAJec/PUchHXc6ogca0-9BWXQoraP7ObGHoczYACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050627-May-21-Parish-Church5"><img width="248" height="346" title="Parish Church" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050627 May 21 Parish Church" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-29EHV67ayPA/Wm3kPjyFu9I/AAAAAAAAJeg/qnCtj7UXIS0K6DtR2fBcQzTgEAc5XHl1ACHMYCw/17050627-May-21-Parish-Church_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>service so we were very quick. We stopped into the grocery and bought some toothpaste and hairspray. Boy, going into the grocery makes you feel like a local. We went back to the ship to have lunch and rest our feet. At the gate this morning we were greeted by Beefeaters for picture taking.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LqOx2MnmmOs/Wm3kQZn4AsI/AAAAAAAAJek/L6tGz93QkVkyEJd5J9Tij9umivD4Jb3EgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050600-May-21-Beefeaters-Welcome-U%255B1%255D"><img width="359" height="256" title="Beefeaters welcome us" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050600 May 21 Beefeaters Welcome Us" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3mQdeEPRxPs/Wm3kQ1qqauI/AAAAAAAAJeo/0y8PknR0GAIoP6373BUQDtkJSLtsnJ43QCHMYCw/17050600-May-21-Beefeaters-Welcome-U%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6zddXsdBTN0/Wm3kR5t4sMI/AAAAAAAAJes/DA4dZkt-80kkN6pxWsk9brmwVSs9PzLmgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050607-May-21-Carrabean-Princess-F%255B2%255D"><img width="358" height="255" title="A look back at our ship" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050607 May 21 Carrabean Princess From Shore" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDOsq2xAWoI/Wm3kSe0RLTI/AAAAAAAAJew/GZCc-3NiWJ4PtaEanu4U4kiMfVZlueT6gCHMYCw/17050607-May-21-Carrabean-Princess-F?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1S9MG-bKmX8/Wm3kTJD1gNI/AAAAAAAAJe0/nTbmp8rH9WomV74tj2KqEk7WxlLThgfTwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050666-May-21-Dunrobin-Castle5"><img width="377" height="283" title="Front entrance to Dunrobin Castle" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050666 May 21 Dunrobin Castle" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RNCkA9ZYKB0/Wm3kTjcfscI/AAAAAAAAJe4/8xKFZz_dJB0icsP0GK4YZKFNQ_ZeSvClACHMYCw/17050666-May-21-Dunrobin-Castle_thum?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>At 1:00 we boarded the bus for a trip to <a href="www.dunrobincastle.co.uk/">Dunrobin Castle</a>, is a stately home in </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutherland"><font size="3">Sutherland</font></a><font size="3">, in the </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_(council_area)"><font size="3">Highland</font></a><font size="3"> area of </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland"><font size="3">Scotland</font></a><font size="3">, and the family seat of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_of_Sutherland">Earl of Sutherland</a></font><font size="3"></font><font size="3"> and the </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Sutherland"><font size="3">Clan Sutherland</font></a><font size="3">. This is the oldest castle that still has family residing insi<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PkhGvbDE36Y/Wm3kU4Sq9gI/AAAAAAAAJe8/8TtmUxunsO0uZx5-WWmFi3H3NZzo6_OtQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050668-May-21-Young-Lad-Playing-Ba%255B2%255D"><img width="356" height="254" title="Young Lad Playing Bagpipes" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050668 May 21 Young Lad Playing Bagpipes" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XPeWn_6qn-0/Wm3kVSU9RTI/AAAAAAAAJfA/36AnRWIZqpcdI4RwIJI-KzZGb09v5kEEQCHMYCw/17050668-May-21-Young-Lad-Playing-Ba%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>de. They only come here a few times a year though. Outside was a young teen playing the bagpipes. He belongs to the Sutherland Pipe Band and goes to school at the Sutherland school. As I looked at <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dKxBbnp56nI/Wm3kWEVNLVI/AAAAAAAAJfE/BsrkQDO_An4QRhtp1Y1_QAVo6bHt3ezKQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050675-May-21-Ancestors-On-The-Wal"><img width="371" height="296" title="Ancestors portraits" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050675 May 21 Ancestors On The Wall" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffn9isEWifw/Wm3kWk-qNVI/AAAAAAAAJfI/_PbWlZXe1QgMjrrfkTwjRBITPHITOtmdACHMYCw/17050675-May-21-Ancestors-On-The-Wal%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>pictures of the ancestors I checked them out to see if they looked like Gerry, my cousin. Well none did and isn’t that too bad. We were allowed to only take pictures on the main floor <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wDz8pakF12k/Wm3kX6PKzJI/AAAAAAAAJfM/hmdmiOgA168bYwjDkN0rTZiuVIeevLXIACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050676-May-21-Wall-Picture-Of-Esta%255B2%255D"><img width="347" height="260" title="Picture Of Estate" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050676 May 21 Wall Picture Of Estate" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f2I3ty-QyU0/Wm3kYUNG3EI/AAAAAAAAJfQ/76uret1fHwMjC3mvQ3wEWnNyV5-7Dh9ZACHMYCw/17050676-May-21-Wall-Picture-Of-Esta%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>which is the foyer and gift room. I don’t really understand why they could of just said no flash. We did the tour with our guide and she explained a lot. You can book the diningroom and the library for weddings or office meetings. The staff gets to have their Christmas party in the diningroom. We then got to <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yQPo1UbXfqA/Wm3kZa_sCmI/AAAAAAAAJfU/Zm3vIOkTKDA7hcQ0uOn73NUJYUca5JTSgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050680-May-21-Round-Garden5"><img width="374" height="268" title="A portion of the gardens from the terrace" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050680 May 21 Round Garden" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNPkr0MxgVE/Wm3kaIjnlYI/AAAAAAAAJfY/eDA2E9uqDgoNcO1wxVLxzCnF4Dbl4jF9wCHMYCw/17050680-May-21-Round-Garden_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>walk through the gardens and they were awesome. There were large leaf plants and lots of different shrubs and flowers. We watched them video a movie <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PI-k5kQGV64/Wm3kbPoWEsI/AAAAAAAAJfc/SsVJEj_rxdEDr--Em6zfGJTExN3pdmadwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050685-May-21-What-Large-Leaves5"><img width="253" height="353" title="Wow, large leaves" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050685 May 21 What Large Leaves" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jrABZoTnhjI/Wm3kbxKORvI/AAAAAAAAJfg/T5vR1TT3j-A7tlrHYvil4atgOuAkRJgWwCHMYCw/17050685-May-21-What-Large-Leaves_th?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>they are making of a man riding a bike. We then headed back to the ship and they took a different route and we got to see some Seals laying on the sandbars as the tide was out. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HmeRTKql70c/Wm3kc0HZwZI/AAAAAAAAJfk/9v0RJ5XsPnYnMQ9iOcgRJ1FUBoMXZ1uKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050686-May-21-Castle-From-Circle-G"><img width="420" height="301" title="A view of the Castle from garden" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="17050686 May 21 Castle From Circle Garden" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GdqkNsefBRQ/Wm3kdU_3ExI/AAAAAAAAJfo/m83xgzaDBEoHl12IW5cTdxf_2UlSMCs1QCHMYCw/17050686-May-21-Castle-From-Circle-G%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wWq8KQYdKg8/Wm3keCt7qbI/AAAAAAAAJfs/ZlsVR0XP6JYGPjPhj9_CnJGz5q3TDbUwACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050716-May-21-Seal-In-The-Water5"><img width="418" height="298" title="Who would think there were seals in the UK?" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050716 May 21 Seal In The Water" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rxwv7kkCo98/Wm3kelNCchI/AAAAAAAAJfw/aoh2OSeb7hUZ4q6ZA5XFX9JdC-vCBy1KgCHMYCw/17050716-May-21-Seal-In-The-Water_th?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Sw3BkKpSow/Wm3kfidiT-I/AAAAAAAAJf0/pAjDUkqMI4YZD04_WJlSVkYrvSpNIQ8HQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050722-May-21-Having-Drinks-With-D%255B2%255D"><img width="387" height="276" title="Happy hour with Donna & Dale" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050722 May 21 Having Drinks With Donna Dale" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EZXPRpe5x64/Wm3kgDsnhKI/AAAAAAAAJf4/w4WnzTdL3z4VwRCJLcPqot29WTMd4CK0gCHMYCw/17050722-May-21-Having-Drinks-With-D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We met Donna and Dale in the Piazzia for drinks and then went to the Island Room for supper. We got a really nice wait staff and young guy from India and a funny cute girl from the Ukrane. Following dinner we headed to the theatre for comedy night with Scott Harris. He is a Canadian comic and he was so funny. His jokes were all based around our age and how we played outside and our parents weren’t concerned with us and let us do anything. How we were afraid of our parents where today's parents are afraid of their children. He was hilarious. We laughed so hard we decided we need a nightcap so the four us headed to the Explorer’s Lounge. Then a good night and back to our room. Another great day was had by the both of us.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qVMcYkOz3-E/Wm3khG5fWqI/AAAAAAAAJf8/2HGvXZrwp1c0ciT3vltpYpxGWQ94vZGPACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050696-May-21-Double-Bloom-Red-Whi%255B1%255D"><img width="441" height="318" title="Double bloom red & white Tulips in the Dunrobin Castle gardens" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="17050696 May 21 Double Bloom Red White Tulips" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qn3hU95M-vk/Wm3kh_vxdbI/AAAAAAAAJgA/wyooh7f6T7QjtkcYmD9t6Yj4cfBh6NSfQCHMYCw/17050696-May-21-Double-Bloom-Red-Whi%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-70631131592672853232017-12-18T16:04:00.001-05:002017-12-19T09:53:13.241-05:0050th Honeymoon Trip Day 7 & 8<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DFEOIF68VDg/WjgsoRnOq1I/AAAAAAAAJYk/f4gBHWxOp_YULVjyoGpiHaE4ohy_i6wpwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050432-May-19-Scottie-Man-At-Dock5"><img align="left" alt="17050432 May 19 Scottie Man At Dock" border="0" height="312" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VoI7jQqnKcM/WjgspOeil7I/AAAAAAAAJYo/pArXQpGHt8Y_S1BwrG-C93wqO1hMptesQCHMYCw/17050432-May-19-Scottie-Man-At-Dock_?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Pipers and a large Scott greet us in Glasgow" width="365" /></a>Today we are in Glasgow <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z8gFaGF-VFk/WjgsqEpG8rI/AAAAAAAAJYs/5WSWd0RkVTkSHWbZYjHZ95mRq4eFYzX8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050435-May-19-Queens-Guard-Greet-U"><img align="right" alt="17050435 May 19 Queens Guard Greet Us" border="0" height="242" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7lEuDr7lqrM/WjgsqoVFE_I/AAAAAAAAJYw/UP4TheZbnJAlbvAzjfBb4I5kOTVVJi3bACHMYCw/17050435-May-19-Queens-Guard-Greet-U%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="Piper greets us as we head through customs and a wee glass of scotch" width="338" /></a>Scotland. We are doing a tour to <a href="https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-falkirk-wheel-p248061">The Falkirk Wheel</a> and to <a href="http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/">Stirling Castle</a>. We had a young lady from the area as a tour guide and she was very good. I just love listening to their accents. When we docked we were in Greenock. It has a 90% rate of unemployment.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">T<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iNNgoCcZ-Ns/WjgsrQXyUdI/AAAAAAAAJY0/t_aUZ63Xgu0GihRC5eUiJKirIdvaAUcEwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050445-May-19-Houses-On-The-Moor5"><img align="left" alt="17050445 May 19 Houses On The Moor" border="0" height="260" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kzSFoynjMzc/Wjgsr2WlJmI/AAAAAAAAJY4/_1XvzeRv3CQ9H3nPJCWUYzlK3Mow_SdSwCHMYCw/17050445-May-19-Houses-On-The-Moor_t?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Houses on the Moor enroute to Falkirk Wheel" width="365" /></a>he drive to the wheel is 1 ½ hours through some beautiful countryside and along the River Clyde. We saw a large <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QH6RScmViV4/Wjgssyq4mYI/AAAAAAAAJY8/PUNhHGSmDBgwc2_Z88pZEg0X9pSFPc1NQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050555-May-19-House-They-Hit-Mary-%255B1%255D%255B1%255D"><img align="right" alt="17050555 May 19 House They Hit Mary Queen Of Scots " border="0" height="297" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yFB0buSjvlk/WjgstVmm-sI/AAAAAAAAJZA/xfp1uVLKIs8UB6SdLevU1lAi-Y5AFLNMwCHMYCw/17050555-May-19-House-They-Hit-Mary-%255B1%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="House was built on the River Clyde to hide Mary Queen of Scots " width="416" /></a>rock in the middle of the river and a house on it near the water. This house was built to hide Mary Queen of Scots. They had heard that someone was going to kidnap the young queen so they hid her out here. Her father died when she was 6 days old and she became the Queen. We continued along, viewing homes, gardens and <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q8W28cSuovI/WjgstyvJunI/AAAAAAAAJZE/W5SjsKCVDsIiY88Q1ISrXNnQlETK3-GBQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050451-May-19-Arriving-At-Falkirk-%255B1%255D"><img align="left" alt="17050451 May 19 Arriving At Falkirk Wheel" border="0" height="262" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5HFlEUNxqR8/WjgsuojQLzI/AAAAAAAAJZI/0ZTtfVdZNVQ4Qoa4Wg9YrCuEzSSv535HwCHMYCw/17050451-May-19-Arriving-At-Falkirk-?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Falkirk Wheel from the dock" width="367" /></a>churches and finally arrived at the wheel. In the parking lot were two horse heads, they are called <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.thehelix.co.uk/things-to-do/the-kelpies/">Kelpies</a> here. They are a <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RHIKtTcxX_I/WjgsvaFRLwI/AAAAAAAAJZM/XYrfT_OfVzUYLpO2_ZDw3wKRyJj8EFbAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050452-May-19-Inside-The-Vessel5"><img align="right" alt="17050452 May 19 Inside The Vessel" border="0" height="260" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-65KyJ8b8sK8/Wjgsv3Bn4CI/AAAAAAAAJZQ/B1T19mfuHyYaob4B276DuxZU2apIL5VRgCHMYCw/17050452-May-19-Inside-The-Vessel_th?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="Inside the Vessel before we rise up on the Wheel" width="365" /></a>small replica of the original Kelpies that stand 30 meters high further away. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P6f7Sa7zkQE/Wjgsw6KVWvI/AAAAAAAAJZU/MPLkpvrR3AEfs4NSPPcz4B6pOoMIeP7WQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050454-May-19-Selfie-Of-Us7"><img align="left" alt="17050454 May 19 Selfie Of Us" border="0" height="268" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWLGBSvLb9k/WjgsxcS5NTI/AAAAAAAAJZY/kXi78Q3NarUz83VdsMqyoJPYpo9f2OzzACHMYCw/17050454-May-19-Selfie-Of-Us_thumb4?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Here we are about top be lifted up on the Wheel to the canal above us" width="369" /></a>The Wheel lifts the boat up 24 meters to the canal. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1LYn6rjoFXs/Wjgsx7rtTxI/AAAAAAAAJZc/kvJG0cyKpZQffUqyYBrBen4fgWnkIzWLwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050456-May-19-Going-Up5"><img align="right" alt="17050456 May 19 Going Up" border="0" height="252" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UH1uqQxRgFM/WjgsyRnrj-I/AAAAAAAAJZg/B5q5MtaYaQEgQW7SM-HA2mKObBTrzoXoACHMYCw/17050456-May-19-Going-Up_thumb2?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="Going up" width="364" /></a>We go through a tunnel and turn around on the other side. All the locks are <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-stGA7oVm1mE/WjgszLJtqOI/AAAAAAAAJZk/TwnxyEBN25IyJfh1rG4O3jDm5zmcsTgpwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050458-May-19-Above-The-Building5"><img align="left" alt="17050458 May 19 Above The Building" border="0" height="261" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SGrjbrheDKI/WjgszcRznAI/AAAAAAAAJZo/cy0iOHaoZWI693jkgN0Qelow6kfxQjauwCHMYCw/17050458-May-19-Above-The-Building_t?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Above the welcome centre" width="364" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">manually controlled and a man is positioned at each one of <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_wIqbpF_Gww/Wjgs0vGVuVI/AAAAAAAAJZs/WlU8OYvzZ4cMZ2aSF2jrBPNqn05g7lnyACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050459-May-19-At-The-Top-Of-The-Ch%255B1%255D"><img align="right" alt="17050459 May 19 At The Top Of The Channel" border="0" height="259" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jchl3LOEYVU/Wjgs1HJQdqI/AAAAAAAAJZw/cyFgC7srAa4lOCunou9p_TEzWOzh6YOGgCHMYCw/17050459-May-19-At-The-Top-Of-The-Ch%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="At the top to the next canel" width="363" /></a>them. Being a lock operator must be a boring job. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AE54ko0YqCY/Wjgs2OD5G0I/AAAAAAAAJZ0/CfJugDXswuUwentLrJlfuJz5Xyy8dNYmQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050462-May-19-Grosse-In-Bloom5"><img alt="17050462 May 19 Grosse In Bloom" border="0" height="257" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R4O8W8GSkxI/Wjgs2rpEwPI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/jo4CE3hsWlUesUOGAYpHXZPObzwdmvMjwCHMYCw/17050462-May-19-Grosse-In-Bloom_thum?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline;" title="Gorse in bloom on the banks of the canal" width="361" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YGYa4mSZG7A/Wjgs3675HcI/AAAAAAAAJZ8/CkvVJ3rjrX08rMXkjLKto9G5I9pVyAd5gCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050467-May-19-Heading-Back-Into-Tu%255B1%255D"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q2-2YwOLzEY/Wjgs485SsvI/AAAAAAAAJaA/UFr7rMfBfN0lNUt7h7Fb-y4Iap0XBJ61wCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050471-May-19-Village-By-Falkirk-W"><img align="left" alt="17050471 May 19 Village By Falkirk Wheel" border="0" height="274" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxLxU2meZFg/Wjgs5R1VFDI/AAAAAAAAJaE/myx3pZc47t4E_Yh_usfAkwLv5622ZW4uQCHMYCw/17050471-May-19-Village-By-Falkirk-W%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Falkirk from above as we return to the welcome centre" width="384" /></a>From here we continue to Stirling Castle. The town is divided into lower Stirling and upper Stirling where the castle is located<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZdQkkpPCu8/Wjgs55vkkQI/AAAAAAAAJaI/HRyrz_czn48VY2RndB4XCHEmd_EXJ675QCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050500-May-19-Barb-By-Steps1%255B2%255D"><img align="right" alt="17050500 May 19 Barb By Steps" border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i-2W-5BDz9c/Wjgs6l_citI/AAAAAAAAJaM/7pA5qmbzKpQbUpuDWBZrqavjqFOjNqopQCHMYCw/17050500-May-19-Barb-By-Steps1_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline; float: right;" title="Barbie as we check out the outside of the castle before entering" width="345" /></a>. Only one couple got off in the lower more modern part of town. The castle is very large and a lot of the rooms mostly <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3DbnklyphlM/Wjgs7gn5vAI/AAAAAAAAJaQ/ruwDdsnW6HU8h-ZaNkg0bqtmY1mbR_MugCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050503-May-19-Castle-Entrance-5"><img align="left" alt="17050503 May 19 Castle Entrance " border="0" height="271" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-88987XrcP5s/Wjgs8I7jDAI/AAAAAAAAJaU/Nrm_24c4JLAA1NuLgRXTQvyR6BH6G0BNwCHMYCw/17050503-May-19-Castle-Entrance-_thu?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Castle entrance " width="380" /></a>empty. We walked around and I really liked the wood carvings of all the faces of royalty. I am amazed at all the flowering azaleas, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WUEjztaUPqo/Wjgs82zu7ZI/AAAAAAAAJaY/mkJvdC05fVMEOKBRLIj0tIdNXRak8P0_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050518-May-19-Mary-Queen-Of-Scotla%255B2%255D"><img align="left" alt="17050518 May 19 Mary Queen Of Scotland Lived Here" border="0" height="271" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h2OFyXo5jYU/Wjgs9l8yC4I/AAAAAAAAJac/d6iyXN4DhMA9dyoRgbYzx_L3w7_y95RwQCHMYCw/17050518-May-19-Mary-Queen-Of-Scotla%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Mary Queen Of Scots lived here" width="380" /></a>peonies, daisies, rhododendrons and roses all in bloom. It is really pretty watching all the English Gardens as we<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MkeZHmzGjEo/Wjgs-dfVrLI/AAAAAAAAJag/PmHO4EGN7q0jXI8jfca3ylcQLfiz3TKzgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050517-May-19-Courtyard1%255B1%255D"><img align="right" alt="17050517 May 19 Courtyard" border="0" height="255" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7RI8-sD3dg/Wjgs-2j-VVI/AAAAAAAAJak/uHDDTw5Mlao1v7pUY4LtTitWumi_xK1DQCHMYCw/17050517-May-19-Courtyard1_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline; float: right;" title="Courtyard" width="358" /></a> drive by. </span><br />
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<br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x9rlisNJ30M/WjgtCYxdrKI/AAAAAAAAJas/462NXgbh_wsNweXS7ljXb8BgSBQEf-AxQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050554-May-19-Castle-From-Bottom-O%255B4%255D"><img alt="17050554 May 19 Castle From Bottom Of Hill" border="0" height="330" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YO_xamzEre0/WjgtDNEHZ6I/AAAAAAAAJaw/vjKRJKGdB1Q8MWQZefLYI_gdNRifB7JEACHMYCw/17050554-May-19-Castle-From-Bottom-O_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Castle from bottom of hill as we're leaving to return to the boat" width="538" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNMNKbRJBgo/WjgtEHVsCxI/AAAAAAAAJa0/7DfWDScplRovr0SQ2aiKFPU2L8_2_NKNgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050557-May-19-Piping-Us-Out-Of-The"><img align="left" alt="17050557 May 19 Piping Us Out Of The Harbor" border="0" height="286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aK_ccRDAThM/WjgtEqbGEeI/AAAAAAAAJa4/PKdE5LP9DI4qv2G5NTwhqJ5Us9FhrOz5wCHMYCw/17050557-May-19-Piping-Us-Out-Of-The%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Piping us out as the stragglers return to the ship" width="401" /></a>We got stopped on the motorway in Glasgow because of a 4 car accident and thought we were going to be late getting back to the boat. We made it just on time. One bus came in 45 minutes late as they got caught in traffic also. A pipe band marched up and down the dock with the large Scotty dancing behind them. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yEiYy7MA7fg/WjgtGOPUVCI/AAAAAAAAJa8/yotjQax_D2YkyuAAa4HyZtsAAV5aDx1BACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050559-May-19-Cheers-Terri-Mark5"><img align="right" alt="17050559 May 19 Cheers Terri Mark" border="0" height="263" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1UBiIl-qFMg/WjgtG8vOoZI/AAAAAAAAJbA/1374R8lKLfMT70mgfnNW0JpEUHSjCVaqACHMYCw/17050559-May-19-Cheers-Terri-Mark_th?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="Anniversary cheers from Terri and Mark" width="369" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We popped the champagne that Terri & Mark sent us and sat out on our balcony to watch and listen. After dinner we went to the theatre and watched Uptown. Three young guys danced and sang such an upbeat performance. They were fantastic and we enjoyed the show immensely. What a great end to a wonderful day.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93wP48fmBkw/WjgtIDyNtdI/AAAAAAAAJbE/ToOeKuutDtAfCvInENJTOzUfN8rzZBiDgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050566-May-19-Sun-Is-Going-Down1%255B1%255D"><img alt="17050566 May 19 Sun Is Going Down" border="0" height="379" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kR-zHOw-grs/WjgtI0oX_hI/AAAAAAAAJbM/VN9FL915kGAf4kcTSWVbKYG9vXQaGl60QCHMYCw/17050566-May-19-Sun-Is-Going-Down1_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="A great sunset to a wonderful day" width="532" /></a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Saturday May 20 </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I am so grateful that today is an At Sea day. I am exhausted, we are averaging 10,000 <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oRe4UTidkHw/WjgtJkrwlNI/AAAAAAAAJbU/VczCawBfPg0ZjRBhSqKuZRkhwxYUaDmfwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050569-May-20-Memosa-Toast-210"><img align="left" alt="17050569 May 20 Memosa Toast (2)" border="0" height="273" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SVPFNEUzNAI/WjgtKfrRooI/AAAAAAAAJbY/B1CNU6L0jpsnEl9AXC8we5Q9R5BugobwwCHMYCw/17050569-May-20-Memosa-Toast-2_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Gourmet breakfast in our cabin from Terri & Mark" width="383" /></a>steps a day and Barb’s hips are crying out for some relief. We started out with our honeymoon breakfast that Terri & Mark gave us. Wow, the purser brought so much food th<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vcc3kZ1s7Hs/WjgtLEmOqJI/AAAAAAAAJbc/KjEPAcqGwnAUXTPil-SCzJFh3plWlik9gCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050568-May-20-Famosa-Toast-15"><img align="right" alt="17050568 May 20 Famosa Toast (1)" border="0" height="272" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xI6T5qjjMg/WjgtLj4zi6I/AAAAAAAAJbg/Go1xQyGzhHYR28MVsZXZ4bbAfTlraiR9wCHMYCw/17050568-May-20-Famosa-Toast-1_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Mimosa toast" width="382" /></a>at I asked the waiter if we were having guests join us, LOL!! We had smoked salmon plate, fresh fruit plate, pastry plate and Quiche Lorraine. Along with that we had champagne, orange juice and coffee. It was too cold to eat out on the balcony so we were set up in front of the windows and had a very enjoyable meal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We walked up to the 16<sup>th</sup> floor Skywalker deck and around to the front, went to the Thermal room to see what it was all about. We don’t have our bathing suits so the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-Uvv4vYhCA/WjgtMDF6hhI/AAAAAAAAJbk/yQM7rgL2U2Urzuptcq4Gr9uADD5bCJu2wCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050575-May-20-Over-North-End-Of-Sc"><img align="left" alt="17050575 May 20 Over North End Of Scotland" border="0" height="291" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-POsdzeO1f64/WjgtMtgwlCI/AAAAAAAAJbo/KB14aKhK3hYP8XLtNRjEZMjenYZh7bycACHMYCw/17050575-May-20-Over-North-End-Of-Sc%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Over north end of Scotland" width="408" /></a>shower is out, the sauna is too steamy for Barb, she is already having trouble breathing in the hallway. There was an aroma therapy room and a room with hot lounge chairs. A large man was laying <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8r7ZdP0x-jU/WjgtNj7uNVI/AAAAAAAAJbs/g1q8pJWz2OIu0c-X6ijyf7f2DkL64imlwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050578-May-20-Lots-Of-Great-Cliffs%255B1%255D"><img align="right" alt="17050578 May 20 Lots Of Great Cliffs" border="0" height="254" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fvkJaGAD0sU/WjgtODwgozI/AAAAAAAAJbw/RXLvc7WSNFMpY8Ux2vXLsnGbS1z5xMPOQCHMYCw/17050578-May-20-Lots-Of-Great-Cliffs?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="Lots of great views over the top of Scotland" width="356" /></a>naked except for the towel that covered his privates. So we decided we didn’t want to lay on a lounge with him there, we will come back another day. We asked if we could change it for a foot massage but <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5UaAifXzWU/WjgtPFU-MGI/AAAAAAAAJb0/UG5laIk-2iEJaLi4LKMTV5c62uwREeGXgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050582-May-20-Cliffs5"><img align="left" alt="17050582 May 20 Cliffs" border="0" height="287" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-22MoDEpJS88/WjgtPtHg15I/AAAAAAAAJb4/R8TSynQPrJcKEKvhtHT_KrqsdRnVkV-DgCHMYCw/17050582-May-20-Cliffs_thumb2?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="More cliffs" width="400" /></a>she said there are no changes. So off the front of the ship and then to lunch. We ate with a couple from Montreal Bill & Lydia, who do a lot of cruising. They were a lot of fun and very interesting that after our meal we sat and talked for a while before going back to our room. With having a balcony it makes no sense to be pushed <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mpd6Oic-Hrw/WjgtQdMvaMI/AAAAAAAAJb8/zTh5K3VhrdIYUHikPof7bXG0o7HtQ5bmACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050585-May-20-Supper-By-The-Window"><img align="right" alt="17050585 May 20 Supper By The Window" border="0" height="286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bwbnr9PWG5Q/WjgtQ1FJ8II/AAAAAAAAJcA/zWJ83t5MpmkiuJRKkhwO9VVbA0SvOVbMgCHMYCw/17050585-May-20-Supper-By-The-Window%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="Dinner by the window onboard ship" width="401" /></a>around and put up with all the noise to sit and read. I worked on pictures and Terry read up on our next exit from the ship and played some solitaire. In the evening we went to the theatre to watch the Princess singers and dancers put on a Broadway Ballroom Show. It was just awesome and they did a great job even with the ship bobbing and weaving in the water. After this was over we <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xiKSASkTaa8/WjgtSD9YuyI/AAAAAAAAJcE/BZGUs1sVO6Urg0kW-TYJbIydJyl1ng_2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050589-May-20-Balloon-Drop-Tonight"><img align="left" alt="17050589 May 20 Balloon Drop Tonight" border="0" height="294" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7XHlxrN810w/WjgtSq4hJkI/AAAAAAAAJcI/rBi_bqZ7E1Q4YSKH9Y1vlFTzInFnfuffQCHMYCw/17050589-May-20-Balloon-Drop-Tonight%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Balloon drop tonight in Piazza of the ship" width="405" /></a>went and watched ballroom dancing were a lady was teaching the waltz. It was fun to watch mainly the men trying to do this. One oriental couple picked it up quickly and they were very good. From here we went to the Explorer’s Bar and were joined by another couple from California. We played trivia as a team but only got two answers right.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V26Cch7KYO0/WjgtTkgSptI/AAAAAAAAJcM/1uDI2cu-0sEGuWnhDXKrPoTB1kr5D6sUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050594%2BMay%2B20%2BBalloons%2BHave%2BDropped%255B1%255D%255B1%255D"><img align="right" alt="17050594 May 20 Balloons Have Dropped" border="0" height="355" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PKqpq7L1YPg/WjgtUKXMsDI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/Ca_T-rMkkRwCai3RGhW-tVQWU1AGx8UsgCHMYCw/17050594%2BMay%2B20%2BBalloons%2BHave%2BDropped%255B1%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentcolor; display: inline; float: right;" title="Balloons dropped on the partiers below" width="498" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Back to the room to watch some news of the States and to bed.</span><br />
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Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-57635804016758589342017-11-24T15:05:00.001-05:002017-11-24T15:05:48.333-05:0050th Honeymoon Trip Day 6<p><b><font size="3">Thursday May 18</font></b><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RN9BZpRUHtY/Whh7VqKvxZI/AAAAAAAAJWM/ftVCnacoflUTj8qCHlAzPi10bAjdlhxQgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050353-May-18-Arriving-In-Belfast5"><img width="356" height="254" title="Port of Belfast" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050353 May 18 Arriving In Belfast" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s5_3r1jJZbI/Whh7WK4KXnI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/FMhk9HwziuM9TXShYIH8x-ZR29j6JPJZACHMYCw/17050353-May-18-Arriving-In-Belfast_?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We woke up in Belfast to another beautiful day in the sun. The breeze is cold <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ItdK-4uU49w/Whh7Wg729MI/AAAAAAAAJWU/Zr6XymL5nKwARcy5FHWC5aM-5RRXel5CACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050357-May-18-Barb-At-Tent5"><img width="361" height="257" title="Barb at Belfast customs tent, we're about to enter Belfast" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050357 May 18 Barb At Tent" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rvF69XqvPOA/Whh7X-PDCxI/AAAAAAAAJWY/JniAlvitfFccNRt8-xM8OlSjjecNdt3SQCHMYCw/17050357-May-18-Barb-At-Tent_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>in the shade but if you are in the sun it is wonderful. We climb on a shuttle bus and head into the city. We got on a City Bus Tour and headed out. We are interested to see the wall between the Catholics <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rwJNyDKCu8I/Whh7YmWoWnI/AAAAAAAAJWc/5gP5u5blgUIerAqc5-DfrLLBuDjn108XQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050414-May-18-Titanic-Museum5"><img width="363" height="260" title="Titanic Museum" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050414 May 18 Titanic Museum" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wAR2PpStFRo/Whh7ZIRkeNI/AAAAAAAAJWg/yA600fcv77IpwRXLD1UZobs73TQmkTAjwCHMYCw/17050414-May-18-Titanic-Museum_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>and Protestants. The bus starts out going to the Titanic Museum. The Titanic was built here and was one of their biggest and best of ships until it sank. We decided we didn’t want to walk around the museum so we stayed on the bus. We didn’t realize that this was the only stop. We traveled passed St George’s Market, Queen’s University and to the political area where <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4XxxhJYUer0/Whh7Zg83PfI/AAAAAAAAJWk/EZCxARCVxjsgfZcJ2cvW3J_ebWC13LMbQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050381-May-18-Wall-Between-Catholi%255B1%255D"><img width="364" height="261" title="The wall seperating Belfast" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050381 May 18 Wall Between Catholic Protestants" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lgp7cSQH3t4/Whh7aI5L8vI/AAAAAAAAJWo/QrZjKumCKKMe_eyEhWDITh6aTvZAWELiwCHMYCw/17050381-May-18-Wall-Between-Catholi%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>the wall is. We are amazed at the size of the wall. During the war as it got worse the wall got higher and each time was made my different material. Started with cement, wood and then chain link and barb wire. The peace between the religions is still tentative today. The tour guide said they are afraid that it could start again at any time. They have amazing murals on the wall of the barrier. The gates of the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ND8lKJ8SOio/Whh7a1fO2KI/AAAAAAAAJWs/R6TOaAffsYY7Ppnw88-9H9ig8VS7qNBcgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050390-May-18-Faces-On-Wall5"><img width="371" height="264" title="Murals of Belfast heros on the wall" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050390 May 18 Faces On Wall" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x7yl1EtVLgY/Whh7bYqtv6I/AAAAAAAAJWw/WCobB50KFvcQKpqVPo5WURTZp8lyQWRCACHMYCw/17050390-May-18-Faces-On-Wall_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>wall are still closed nightly and the guide emphasized that if you were not on the correct side of the wall when they did, you may have to stay the night until they opened in the morning.</font><p><font size="3">Through the town they have murals dedicated to those who died and those who sacrificed their lives. Bobby Sands was the first<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L9gUQXtspzI/Whh7cO3r4RI/AAAAAAAAJW0/g3mBTbErfjgiUqc2SZpJPinPVjYFV3vlACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050393%2BMay%2B18%2BBobby%2BSands%2BMural%255B1%255D"><img width="496" height="356" title="Bobby Sands Mural" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050393 May 18 Bobby Sands Mural" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xa7v6zGccng/Whh7cgXtZ8I/AAAAAAAAJW4/XykxTiWZzyMBnetptgfJwBYE89O1ioXzQCHMYCw/17050393%2BMay%2B18%2BBobby%2BSands%2BMural_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> to die during a hunger strike. We finished our tour going around the Belfast Castle and Gardens it was high up and you could see the whole of Belfast from up here. It is chilly out and we are traveling in an open topped bus, brrrr. </font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r5M298j0XhE/Whh7dCx6syI/AAAAAAAAJW8/_JYzALTFL-YZIkDP9H_fuFCvYdUBbUbcACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050410-May-18-Inside-The-Fountain-%255B1%255D"><img width="371" height="264" title="Inside the Fountain Bar having lunch" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050410 May 18 Inside The Fountain Bar" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-waCeJTb47HQ/Whh7dmG38BI/AAAAAAAAJXA/7sRiWPTPpSAcZrBG-0-mcRLyv___5AiZwCHMYCw/17050410-May-18-Inside-The-Fountain-?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">We got back to our start and asked one of the other tour guides directions to a pub, he said follow me! As we got off the bus it had begun to rain and by the time we got to the pub it was pouring. He took us up to the second floor and made sure we had a place to sit. By the time I turned to thank him, he had gone! We had a great meal, Terry had a brisket sub and I have a chicken wrap. An appetizer was Potato Pots and we ordered one, it was great but was just roasted potatoes with bacon. While there, it stopped raining but when we left it was pouring again. We stopped at a bakery and bought some soda bread as they said it was the most awesome thing. Since it was pouring we decided to head back to the ship. By the time the shuttle bus pulled out the rain had stopped.</font></p><p><font size="3">Some interesting photos on our day tour of Belfast, mouse over for an explanation:</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVcEoObNk6g/Whh7eYS5-xI/AAAAAAAAJXE/CcgcBIU3FlwZPc61Kf8CSMjpKR1hrv13QCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050358-May-18-City-Hall5"><img width="307" height="219" title="Belfast City Hall" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050358 May 18 City Hall" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0dKnVH1xJek/Whh7evQtdzI/AAAAAAAAJXI/ofIPxteLYBELtfObKV9zm4xBvl4BbrKVwCHMYCw/17050358-May-18-City-Hall_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aiw3GOBkGw8/Whh7fEy3uZI/AAAAAAAAJXM/6C9mHs_45Y44Fj8Pn_I4PeyYmlB4wo4vQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050366-May-18-Gates-Into-The-Ulste%255B1%255D"><img width="229" height="317" title=" Gates to Ulster University" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050366 May 18 Gates Into The Ulster University" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4GovVOY3UJc/Whh7fsmYywI/AAAAAAAAJXQ/PeSrbjRjxg8WCJFVvUbyPSlA0u340QkcACHMYCw/17050366-May-18-Gates-Into-The-Ulste%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w1H-vePMEck/Whh7gOLBwzI/AAAAAAAAJXU/E5lMxeaDdZs4mOVesV7o-Ty744D_F-feACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050368-May-18-Open-Air-Bus-And-Fre"><img width="297" height="213" title="Our open air 'Hop on Hop Off' Bus - brrrrr" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050368 May 18 Open Air Bus And Freezing" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FQaUWf6tsxA/Whh7gmDw3tI/AAAAAAAAJXY/lasWSZ1IWlomD6wX3RsX6exYkr9ri-06gCHMYCw/17050368-May-18-Open-Air-Bus-And-Fre%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7YFQoe0nNFA/Whh7hax_9lI/AAAAAAAAJXc/W1igCXW3AUwrYzy_t6tUBtZJUPKPRYpNwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050369-May-18-Belfast-Castle5"><img width="358" height="258" title="Belfast Castle" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050369 May 18 Belfast Castle" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WoJehlbf5ik/Whh7hray69I/AAAAAAAAJXg/R2CtvlSH-ZsnMHDNapdz6vSmR7FbtD9ygCHMYCw/17050369-May-18-Belfast-Castle_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A0hohAaEglg/Whh7ijUs0lI/AAAAAAAAJXk/hKYrm-7baYQDWQ39NhjwyD30xwr_kFwGQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050370-May-18-Castle-Gardens6"><img width="358" height="257" title="Belfast Castle Gardens" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050370 May 18 Castle Gardens" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BVJGTEHmTWA/Whh7jF42MxI/AAAAAAAAJXo/Gsn--JMgoF0U86u1QAJ5RE4o5u-tyDrTgCHMYCw/17050370-May-18-Castle-Gardens_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U68ICQBrk1o/Whh7j0PPaII/AAAAAAAAJXs/vpwZDHBAq7UZkvAevn4fLa6nFOR-qcBkwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050377-May-18-City-Street5"><img width="361" height="259" title="Typical Belfast City Street" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050377 May 18 City Street" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ccJPoQ9pxU/Whh7kR1jBvI/AAAAAAAAJXw/zW9zX8AMyncPh-qzGh3iN58DgyFFiDXrACHMYCw/17050377-May-18-City-Street_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HmTEL0i3egg/Whh7lFQZxGI/AAAAAAAAJX0/OgwKVXeAwFU8-JoNdO-01ph4jOtDfQQ_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050394-May-18-Twin-Church-Peaks5"><img width="434" height="311" title="Church where the peace negotiations took place" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050394 May 18 Twin Church Peaks" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5uJNrpgKIFk/Whh7lj5PuVI/AAAAAAAAJX4/CxjwKQBsPhwLgEp_VQlB62Zbd60b0Ss6ACHMYCw/17050394-May-18-Twin-Church-Peaks_th?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s37PJWgu56I/Whh7mUj4bOI/AAAAAAAAJX8/JkXQdmKrbRUcXC3cE1cGBVGEkzo3EC5GgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050424-May-18-Belfast-Castle5"><img width="435" height="311" title="Belfast Castle on our way out to sea" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050424 May 18 Belfast Castle" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3hxUkg3XokU/Whh7m-VS8MI/AAAAAAAAJYA/wzsfG0T0xk0cLReW6jjfC7Z3vchSr7-YwCHMYCw/17050424-May-18-Belfast-Castle_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">We had dinner at the Island Dining room and joined 6 other people. It was a fun table with teachers and a professor of veterinary medicine. We left right after dinner though as it was almost show time. Tonight was the second time with Paul Baker but it wasn’t as good as his first show – isn’t that always the way, your expectations are higher after a good thing. We stopped into the Explorer's lounge and watched some of the Pentatonics. Soon our old age set in and we are ready to go to our room put on our pj’s</font><p><font size="3"><br></font><p><font size="4"><br></font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-75456251981384712452017-10-30T13:13:00.001-04:002017-10-30T13:13:31.660-04:0050th Honeymoon Trip Day 5<p><b><font size="3">Wednesday May 17</font></b><p><font size="3">Second day in Dublin. This day we are on our own and Barb found a park that is a hidden gem with fountains and a waterfall. Well we walked and walked <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldxxGgsDjM8/WfddUcXKjiI/AAAAAAAAJUU/U2oFdYR6iCk0drn5GbfHPkNaVAhm99r3QCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050280-May-17-Statue-Behind-Entanc"><img width="382" height="274" title="Statue behind entance of St Stephen's Green Park in downtown Dublin" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050280 May 17 Statue Behind Entance" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OYX33p3Jrzs/WfddVJUz-CI/AAAAAAAAJUY/7wj6g1iUjy84l17RURCEOaLECv2JZSCZgCHMYCw/17050280-May-17-Statue-Behind-Entanc%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>and then crossed through a cute park with sculptures and a water fountain. The trees were in bloom and tulips were also, daffodils have already finished. It <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wpq0XvEkuxA/WfddWTe3OjI/AAAAAAAAJUc/QNBWuxE5XlQLykBNGxvCOm-anKv0kX0cQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050281-May-17-Fountain-In-Centre-O%255B2%255D"><img width="360" height="258" title="Centre fountain in St Stephen's Park" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050281 May 17 Fountain In Centre Of Park" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oqTHEy5Z44U/WfddWwPM9hI/AAAAAAAAJUg/2K992dIe0SQkyIWGFQjVO2bzQoC_5k5wACHMYCw/17050281-May-17-Fountain-In-Centre-O%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>must have been beautiful here when they were in bloom as <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kN1WYv4uIFs/WfddY89WwLI/AAAAAAAAJUk/O7AEjLj85BYCxrlkuYfUW1lBgBmplx1xACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050283-May-17-Tulips-In-The-Garden%255B1%255D"><img width="385" height="276" title="Typical garden display of tulips in St Stephen's Green" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050283 May 17 Tulips In The Gardens" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o5V_JAOPEg8/WfddZZE3k6I/AAAAAAAAJUo/dSVvZhjl-B8Sfzzm2RS0vl2NfmrYS-64ACHMYCw/17050283-May-17-Tulips-In-The-Garden%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>there are tons of them planted around. Finally we made it to Iveagh Gardens. Well the water is turned off and there are no flowers. This was a waste of a trip and we could of done <a href="http://www.dublintourist.com/details/merrion-square.shtml">Merrion Gardens</a> which was right beside the shuttle drop off area. </font><font size="3">We head back to the tourist information area and get tickets for the hop on hop off bus and head to <a href="https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/ground-floor">Guinness Storehouse</a>. We have to walk about three blocks to pick up the bus and <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6FjzBrYU8SQ/Wfdda_BkeuI/AAAAAAAAJUs/N-LyhOtWLm0rpga9N8jlspdxcoUJy89CQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050293-May-17-Chalk-Art-On-Grafton"><img width="410" height="294" title="Chalk Art on Grafton Street in Dublin" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050293 May 17 Chalk Art On Grafton Street" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D5d8FYJd_Vw/Wfddb8bf-TI/AAAAAAAAJUw/8M-m3w_KHSESZLEydZlWVu1_YjsY7Gr1gCHMYCw/17050293-May-17-Chalk-Art-On-Grafton%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>pass a flower seller on the street and a girl doing chalk art on the sidewalk. Our first hop off is Guinness and off to the tour. It is very well done and covers 6 floors of displays and working vats. We watched a video on how they use to make the barrels and those men sure were in shape. We got to go to class and learn how to pour our own glass of Guinness and we both got the head just<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b-LdG3hAlhg/Wfddc8sWJ6I/AAAAAAAAJU0/fvEdlNIaxn4K5CWBsn0HpZv1uno1LTNcACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050301%2BMay%2B17%2BTerry%2BEntering%2BGuinness%2BTour%2B%2B%255B5%255D"><img width="348" height="248" title="We're entering the Guinness Tour " align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050301 May 17 Terry Entering Guinness Tour " src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0IXCwtYnzn8/WfdddcYAGtI/AAAAAAAAJU4/Upr4LQAaRxMuN3w-Aym-ugCHTq3TRBF_gCHMYCw/17050301%2BMay%2B17%2BTerry%2BEntering%2BGuinness%2BTour%2B%2B_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> proud of the rim. Then upstairs to the <a href="https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/gravity-bar">Gravity Bar</a>. This bar has windows for a 360 view of Dublin and was very crowded. I drank my glass and Barb’s. We were shocked when we got out and found out we had been in there for 3 hours. Then we got on the wrong bus and had to jump off at the next stop. </font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UYqA_XhPpBs/WfddekauXVI/AAAAAAAAJU8/uLsJPgNt9hc9I_lW5ypWrZ7uRHUZSnPPQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050324%2BMay%2B17%2BBarb%2BLearns%2BTo%2BPour%2BGuinness%255B5%255D"><img width="425" height="299" title="Barb learns to pour a Guinness - now how do we get our own tap?" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050324 May 17 Barb Learns To Pour Guinness" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3teYdr47z6U/WfddfHRdjII/AAAAAAAAJVA/xTyMMmz6HYEDPh4kqbbtLBm0LPoLWky1wCHMYCw/17050324%2BMay%2B17%2BBarb%2BLearns%2BTo%2BPour%2BGuinness_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HDfbII2_YV8/Wfddf8VdvBI/AAAAAAAAJVE/nwiDELCnyG49MOTb9z8iGuDYPtutAfCrwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050325%2BMay%2B17%2BIn%2BThe%2BGravity%2BBar%255B5%255D"><img width="424" height="300" title="We're up in the Gravity Bar at the Guiness Museum tour" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="17050325 May 17 In The Gravity Bar" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mC9ekXC-5JU/Wfddga3w_2I/AAAAAAAAJVI/vIsdLmImNAAZvkcV4WNQRsiINV0U_EnIwCHMYCw/17050325%2BMay%2B17%2BIn%2BThe%2BGravity%2BBar_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BLBnuiVWb4k/Wfddik2FP9I/AAAAAAAAJVM/I8571ptiJOcAFYw2dcHX1iRZXXAzfT9VQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050329%2BMay%2B17%2BAnother%2BView%2BOf%2BDublin%255B5%255D"><img width="424" height="300" title="Another view of Dublin from the Gravity Bar" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050329 May 17 Another View Of Dublin" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-puWpOAwC3Sc/WfddjG9EOfI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/Xl_aVWNephAkZZF6cDiJ3Mi3S6o7vnFLACHMYCw/17050329%2BMay%2B17%2BAnother%2BView%2BOf%2BDublin_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucG3cXSf_cQ/WfddkEAysLI/AAAAAAAAJVU/cD2SMjNXauw1twII8tp3lb5YK3DTbznwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050336%2BMay%2B17%2BCheers%2BBarb%255B5%255D"><img width="416" height="300" title="Cheers Barb - we are having a great time" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050336 May 17 Cheers Barb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GAeiCrLWwUA/Wfddk1wbVkI/AAAAAAAAJVY/H2ZuqBmtjCgYxyvIR-hfX77jIzbjI97aQCHMYCw/17050336%2BMay%2B17%2BCheers%2BBarb_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">Got on the right bus and headed around downtown Dublin on the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fzKFXiwU1IU/WfddlsKD91I/AAAAAAAAJVc/Y4jhmDFXSlsnc2TjLUt7Bby-o6Dy4qFRQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050344%2BMay%2B17%2BSpire%2BOf%2BHope%255B5%255D"><img width="277" height="386" title="Spire Of Hope or the Monument of Life" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050344 May 17 Spire Of Hope" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s0nGTeC0G-8/Wfddlx5ZR0I/AAAAAAAAJVg/UjqYy94c-n8xq3IUwHyVUMv8zlRliZakACHMYCw/17050344%2BMay%2B17%2BSpire%2BOf%2BHope_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>bus. We passed the new needle called the “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spire_of_Dublin">Monument of Light</a>” that was built to replace the sculpture of Nelson’s Pillar which was destroyed by an IRA bombing in 1966. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrSEJiaFlUs/WfddnmsnprI/AAAAAAAAJVk/Uf7zXFwoZBUV-6X7qn4SC3ve5TzoO4tHACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050348%2BMay%2B17%2BOscar%2BWilde%2BIn%2BMerrion%2BSquare%255B5%255D"><img width="372" height="265" title="Statue of Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square in downtown Dublin" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050348 May 17 Oscar Wilde In Merrion Square" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b0SFUMmwBsg/WfddoSm1E2I/AAAAAAAAJVo/VSAsnbFHEdQCmnDSm5s25EFKbXCHVwVjQCHMYCw/17050348%2BMay%2B17%2BOscar%2BWilde%2BIn%2BMerrion%2BSquare_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">We got back to the shuttle area with enough time to spare to get a picture of Oscar Wilde laying on the rocks. </font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><br></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rALDwhrepw0/Wfddpga8a6I/AAAAAAAAJVs/v2lF-xDp2CA_ARE624QREgP-yVA7zndqQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050339%2BMay%2B17%2BKillmainham%2BArea%255B8%255D"><img width="445" height="320" title="Killmainham Area, a suburb of Dublin" align="left" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050339 May 17 Killmainham Area" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PFVu6XhOh0M/WfddqBF-wHI/AAAAAAAAJVw/sMAFSWZkF8QoZcvHgJf05MorhJjzHQhAQCHMYCw/17050339%2BMay%2B17%2BKillmainham%2BArea_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><font size="3"><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kWvzGxBte3c/WfddrmEenbI/AAAAAAAAJV0/MJcbgWimw5ogg7fGVNjaP1dHbqRniVA5gCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050343%2BMay%2B17%2BNarrow%2BCobbled%2BRoad%255B7%255D"><img width="441" height="316" title="Narrow Cobble Road in Dublin" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050343 May 17 Narrow Cobbled Road" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tu4lgPH4PuI/WfddsA0_PRI/AAAAAAAAJV4/YTQX0Q1Ql7YnaYlepPvBegmKqZeQhUDEgCHMYCw/17050343%2BMay%2B17%2BNarrow%2BCobbled%2BRoad_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></p><p><br></p></font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r_a_KkPbibU/Wfdduo4j06I/AAAAAAAAJV8/cUNvZoFK1AYy0vDHAO64_dQrTb_pgcznQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050339%2BMay%2B17%2BKillmainham%2BArea%255B5%255D"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r_a_KkPbibU/Wfdduo4j06I/AAAAAAAAJV8/cUNvZoFK1AYy0vDHAO64_dQrTb_pgcznQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050339%2BMay%2B17%2BKillmainham%2BArea%255B5%255D"><br></a></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">Now back to the boat and not long after we are leaving shore and </font><font size="3">heading to Belfast. We walked over 11,000 steps and we are both exhausted so down we went to supper. We sat with a couple from San Francisco and had a very nice meal with them. My chicken was a bit dry. We haven’t done much of the evening stuff as we are just too tired. After dinner we went up to the room and watched a movie and went to sleep early.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-58343514835209283762017-10-23T13:05:00.001-04:002017-10-23T13:05:20.818-04:0050th Honeymoon Trip Day 3<p><font size="3">Monday May 15</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_PnVYqvwQes/We4g6kbkr7I/AAAAAAAAJSY/nkGtsRXOhF84C9886gelIxHy4bEkQJOKwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050166-May-15-Our-Balcony-To-Back-"><img width="348" height="248" title="Rough seas today" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050166 May 15 Our Balcony To Back Of Ship" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MKOKI7iMIDU/We4g7P4IiFI/AAAAAAAAJSc/-TXEv0V4Kg80_jR_1UIIpsK5fltwNgahgCHMYCw/17050166-May-15-Our-Balcony-To-Back-%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Today we were suppose to be in Cork. They are having a storm and the waves are too high to tender in so we are bypassing this port of call. It is too bad as I really wanted to see Cork. So it was a free day at sea. For me it was a time to rest my legs. We wandered around the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qX9SXvGnnEI/We4g8szcWVI/AAAAAAAAJSg/pFH2d1vXjagvkc9UAKj_XOtZAyuueP1SwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050168-May-15-Waiter-Takes-Our-Pic%255B1%255D"><img width="325" height="232" title="British style pub on board." align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050168 May 15 Waiter Takes Our Picture" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8zv8FVLHQjc/We4g9C5AKPI/AAAAAAAAJSk/Xt8noOpp6BkjAoJ1jisdWjTtNoX4mZDAACHMYCw/17050168-May-15-Waiter-Takes-Our-Pic?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>deck and ended up buying a trip T-shirt. For lunch we went to Crown Grill for an English lunch. Boy, was the line up long. We talked to a few people in line and that made the time go a little faster. It is amazing how many people take lots of cruises. One man is booking his third cruise for this year. We had a great lunch and the waiter took our picture for us. In the afternoon at 2pm we headed to the bean bag <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U9UFQ5h_O5Y/We4g-dFoDwI/AAAAAAAAJSo/BKWXP-418aInmDciFspfrQlCHUkQinqtQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050170%2BMay%2B15%2BBarb%2BPlays%2BBean%2BBag%255B1%255D"><img width="412" height="293" title="Barb wins at the bean bag toss (Corn Hole)" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050170 May 15 Barb Plays Bean Bag" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--IylJMUR0js/We4g_DRpfMI/AAAAAAAAJSs/IvPNFP8oriIS0e1EWIi6MzGEGwNyktA2wCHMYCw/17050170%2BMay%2B15%2BBarb%2BPlays%2BBean%2BBag_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>toss. We met Dale and Donna while waiting for the game to start and we got on the Gray team. There were 56 people playing on gray and blue teams. The gray team won and the blue team was eliminated. The gray team was divided in half and Terry was blue and Dale and I were gray. The gray team won again and I stayed gray and Dale became blue. The gray won the final round. I won and I am going up for a medal. Opps no medal but a bag clip that I have no use for but Terry thinks he can use in his man cave. The crowds watching <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u7LT9T09bgM/We4hAVAQvCI/AAAAAAAAJSw/aiUqG0CFO9wIAMZcOvuVokwBekLT4cEyACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050172%2BMay%2B15%2BTerry%2BPlays%2BBean%2BBag"><img width="461" height="329" title="Bean bag toss wannabees" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050172 May 15 Terry Plays Bean Bag" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XLh0HAs_6mo/We4hBf35P_I/AAAAAAAAJS0/za0LHIfPWTo7XcmhgsBOjxfLmlhkLQgPgCHMYCw/17050172%2BMay%2B15%2BTerry%2BPlays%2BBean%2BBag_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>were on three floors and down the stairs. Who would of thought so many people would be watching. After we went with Dale and Donna for happy hour in Club Fusion. They are from Los Angeles and have 4 children. After we exchanged numbers we headed back to our room. We are eating too much and decide that we will have pizza for supper tonight. We head to the Explorer’s Lounge for 8:45 to watch “My Wee Island” presentation by Nigel Jess. He was very funny and informative. From here we headed to the theatre for the 10 pm show with Paul Baker. He was a great singer and put on a good show. He sang songs from the shows he has played in Lion King, Les Miserable and many more. On our way back we stopped off at the Explorer Lounge and listened to the Pentatonics. It was a full busy day staying on board and we didn’t rest my feet very much.</font><p><font size="3">Tuesday May 16</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--BevpSXzHSc/We4hCkqtprI/AAAAAAAAJS4/WJU_K3OfChYJ68VVd4AZh2oCja7-LJEcwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050191%2BMay%2B16%2BLeprachaun%2BAt%2BDock"><img width="408" height="291" title="Leprachaun on the dock in Dublin" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050191 May 16 Leprachaun At Dock" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E6tKQjpskW4/We4hDPRPF5I/AAAAAAAAJS8/0ZxjLyTTzGcFgadHLqr8Sk7-0MBVkptIQCHMYCw/17050191%2BMay%2B16%2BLeprachaun%2BAt%2BDock_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We have two days here in Belfast making our first day very relaxing as the boat wasn’t leaving and you could stay out a lot later. We booked a walking tour from Trinity College. What in the world was I thinking doing a walking tour! We had to walk forever just to get to the college and made it there with minutes to spare. The tour was 2 ½ hours long, oh my aching feet, knees and hips. Who in the world said I was still young. I am finding that I am really getting old on this trip. Okay so stop whining just get me a glass. </font><p><font size="3">We met our guide and he took us through the college <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1S_EnlJGHwI/We4hES76UQI/AAAAAAAAJTA/Ja3_qDq_oZ0FfzClQJYi4q3G4-02DQRIACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050194-May-16-Arch-Tower-Use-To-Be%255B1%255D"><img width="379" height="270" title="Our walking tour begins here at Trinity University" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050194 May 16 Arch Tower Use To Be Monestary" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G16FlGagJpk/We4hE9aEzMI/AAAAAAAAJTE/s1ih2rWyedU39Xj_I4ZpVKen5CrpE2BkACHMYCw/17050194-May-16-Arch-Tower-Use-To-Be?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>square and told us about each building, the statues and the history of the writers who graduated from here. Oscar Wilde was a student here. Then to the House Of Lords and history of the many battles that have occurred here in Ireland. This little Island has sure had it’s share of wars with Britain, France, Rome and Vikings. Of course, you can’t be here without going to the pub and we stopped at one that great writers used as it was close to school. Then over to the Dublin Castle where we <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eALttlT-3lM/We4hGM4_apI/AAAAAAAAJTI/zQzT_X1kPq4bZ8x2WjjH_Qc5_qTzRUeSACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050227-May-16-Use-To-Be-Coach-Hous"><img width="363" height="259" title="Used to be the coach house gates of Dublin Castle" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050227 May 16 Use To Be Coach House Gates" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqIURruV3x8/We4hGvIObzI/AAAAAAAAJTM/5ocjZYxvb7wXTkiIRBymfPrE5LL6PbebgCHMYCw/17050227-May-16-Use-To-Be-Coach-Hous%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>walked around the outside. We went into the Dublin Gardens and under the plaza is the Black Lake which in the Viking time was a harbor. A river is also underground but when they covered it over they marked it’s direction with different bricks so you can see where it would be. This area is how Dublin got it’s name. Then a few blocks over to Christ Church. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVqBgUC3yNw/We4hHsbFzII/AAAAAAAAJTQ/MqJlTSLKnog8MK_26Ej_5qe2LnrT1cqGACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050237%2BMay%2B16%2BChrist%2BChurch%2BFrom%2BA%2BDistance"><img width="445" height="317" title="Christ Church from a distance" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050237 May 16 Christ Church From A Distance" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UxV3wWqcvsk/We4hIbhL79I/AAAAAAAAJTU/XC_oI07DD-4L3pA0BSY0Sq_TBdssiYJkwCHMYCw/17050237%2BMay%2B16%2BChrist%2BChurch%2BFrom%2BA%2BDistance_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Catholics were not allowed here and were considered inferior people. They were not taught to read or write and therefore didn’t need education. Ireland lost most of it’s population because of the black plaque and people immigrating to North America. The population was 10 million and now they are about 3 million. </font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W5OFHeLvWvY/We4hJ2h1MUI/AAAAAAAAJTY/NDAc_-JVPKYjIfB9zgUbSMZhztH1KGcQACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050242-May-16-Remains-Of-Original-"><img width="363" height="259" title="Foundation remains of original Christ Church" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050242 May 16 Remains Of Original Church" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zgufoyT5koY/We4hKocqOHI/AAAAAAAAJTc/CqLfHR151QcmLldyEB5Xq3G2MX_gPextwCHMYCw/17050242-May-16-Remains-Of-Original-%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">We then went back to the castle and went into<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bUe2RG-96xc/We4hL3qB0LI/AAAAAAAAJTg/4Um5ogY-UHoJtbQX5EQsDR7JFLXFK-fYACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050258-May-16-Size-Of-Courtyard5"><img width="351" height="253" title="Court yard of Dublin Castle" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050258 May 16 Size Of Courtyard" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q3xgPBG_j6Y/We4hMul0UDI/AAAAAAAAJTk/x1_xL37VijknYHWRzo0PBR3GTa0VAXojQCHMYCw/17050258-May-16-Size-Of-Courtyard_th?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> the military square where the secret service offices are, the queen’s throne room (when she is in town) and this is where the British stopped the war by surrendering their flag for the Irish Flag so ending a war. Walked down many cobblestone roads and stopped at a sculpture of Gogarty and Joyce at their table. Then down to Bloom’s hotel in Temple <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ISbI56y1wuo/We4hNzVRxmI/AAAAAAAAJTo/-tk9O1tyrYslAVPqJZFbOaT3bo7yrZP6gCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050211-May-16-Mural-Of-Writers5"><img width="367" height="281" title="Mural of writers in Temple Bar" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050211 May 16 Mural Of Writers" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LLs26zC5G14/We4hOujDoeI/AAAAAAAAJTs/o8d7h4PPID0UxhirgbfN2KRTJfVgzApRQCHMYCw/17050211-May-16-Mural-Of-Writers_thu?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Bar and is covered in huge murals. Then we walked to City Hall and he showed us a place that because of the salt in the water and dirt had saved the wood from a Viking Village. Off to the Wood Quay we saw the original wall that was around Dublin. This was a good place as they had seats and I could sit down, YIPPEE!!! Down the road to Christ Church and people were sitting on the lawns having their fish’n’chips for lunch. We saw the original foundation for the church. Barb got caught taking a picture of a couple eating their lunch. I don’t think they understood her so they probably only spoke Gaelic. We finished our tour with a visit to the old City Hall and it is filled with statues and large pillars. Back to the Dublin Castle to the main courtyard and we ended our tour. we booked this tour on-line before we left home but found out it would have been less if we had paid the tour guide after the tour. Lesson learned for next time, right.</font></p><p><font size="3">Lunch time so to find a pub – ahhh, we see <a href="http://www.oneillspubdublin.com/">O’Neill’s</a> and go <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tevMYj9d6FI/We4hPgNbQEI/AAAAAAAAJTw/dJmox2nv51kSU3U2GswZ9c2oCINqk0nxgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050262-May-16-Pub-Wall-Of-Mirrors5"><img width="373" height="266" title="O'Neill's Pub in Dublin" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050262 May 16 Pub Wall Of Mirrors" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UulXizKbG1o/We4hQE6TJjI/AAAAAAAAJT0/gc4j0gqxl24vZGlOnkcAmhnwwbeoTYQPACHMYCw/17050262-May-16-Pub-Wall-Of-Mirrors_?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>inside. We run into a couple from the ship who are drinking up a storm. We sit in the bar area and have a drink and fish’n’chips. We shared a plate as they serve so much food. We got two large pieces of fish, chips, mushy peas and salad. We won’t eat again okay so we will keep on pushing it in. Outside we see the statue of Molly Malone or as the citizens call her “The tart with the cart”. We walk back to the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rfE-L1NyWUk/We4hRaLtB6I/AAAAAAAAJT4/68El1zzAjX83gi7qn6BGcEoJcLx72pfAQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050265-May-16-Molly-Mallone-Statue%255B2%255D"><img width="379" height="270" title="Molly Mallone statue" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050265 May 16 Molly Mallone Statue" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zyi7g0bBc_Q/We4hSAH8NBI/AAAAAAAAJT8/vAb3iBb4beMoV8KJsvFPkLJ8xsD6cW4pwCHMYCw/17050265-May-16-Molly-Mallone-Statue?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>shuttle bus and get ready to go back to the ship. Can you believe it we left at 9:00 and it is now 4:00. No wonder I want to crawl onto the shuttle. We walked over 11,000 steps today. A short rest and then we went to the theatre to watch a Gaels Afloat a Irish group with dancers. It was a good show and then to the Island Dining room for supper. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jbLhYOehFI8/We4hTEbm93I/AAAAAAAAJUA/mDJTKvw_7OIYg-loIOu8TmBOp9kqXdBLwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050272-May-16-Barb-In-Island-Resta%255B1%255D"><img width="326" height="234" title="Barb in Island Restaurant" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050272 May 16 Barb In Island Restaurant" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Azbekek-wFM/We4hT6G1yxI/AAAAAAAAJUE/W9k_Zajjotg-tj_jFm3uIFd6rW7mVK6JgCHMYCw/17050272-May-16-Barb-In-Island-Resta%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Do we really need to eat but we did. We sat with a nice couple from Arizona. There are a lot of Americans on this boat, some Canadians and some Brits and the most from Brazil. Now to bed.</font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-90587391500197208442017-08-08T11:06:00.001-04:002017-10-06T09:23:00.879-04:0050th Honeymoon Trip Day 2<p><b><font size="3">Saturday May 13</font></b><p><font size="3">The next morning we had coffee and cookies in the lounge of the hotel and waited for Sid. He offered to come back and pick us up at noon. He arrived and got us to the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sbU4gd38j80/WdeDOCqvfiI/AAAAAAAAJQA/VOsB3u7Zj9QYyezFGrUHeGZ11z4DdgllACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050051-May-13-Arriving-At-The-Ship%255B1%255D"><img width="332" height="237" title="May 13 Arriving At The Ship" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050051 May 13 Arriving At The Ship" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bqToYpdOon0/WdeDPE1p8TI/AAAAAAAAJQE/QqRg9IgVovsC_MmDO9y7F4nbftVG0R_ywCHMYCw/17050051-May-13-Arriving-At-The-Ship%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>correct terminal, dropped off our bags and delivered us to the front doors. It cost <b>30 pounds </b>with tip. So far in transportation in England it has cost us 113 pounds which is close to $226 CAD.</font><p><font size="3">After going through security we were on the ship and headed to our stateroom. W<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IPCytbT3dHc/WdeDQILMwBI/AAAAAAAAJQI/5V8P57PwWzUU4bBmCH4H1QsckznyiYBJgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050056-May-13-Fruit-Awaiting-Deliv"><img width="408" height="226" title="Crates of Fruit to be taken onboard" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050056 May 13 Fruit Awaiting Delivery" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fqXE14mUOL8/WdeDQp0R8CI/AAAAAAAAJQM/rT8cY8g2gTsvl-Yjw6UGUJTs5yzFKQ6pwCHMYCw/17050056-May-13-Fruit-Awaiting-Deliv%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>e are in room B735 on deck 11. It is a long walk to the main area of the ship but what a great view we have. We are on the starboard side and if it is clear we hope to occasionally see land. It is sunny out today but the wind is chilly. We sat out on the balcony and watched the activities of loading <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nY-nD1qRJDc/WdeDSNlfLgI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/nBAvX4oP_BMH3xP0b3D4pywqYOk-Xng9wCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050068%2BMay%2B13%2BTerry%2BBarb%2BSitting%2BOn%2BBalcony"><img width="418" height="298" title="Sitting our balcony - soooo excited!" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050068 May 13 Terry Barb Sitting On Balcony" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UxkKNW7WYSk/WdeDSqo4HFI/AAAAAAAAJQU/UHsL-WNyxlwLwNa0h43alZm4CFnG6LmlwCHMYCw/17050068%2BMay%2B13%2BTerry%2BBarb%2BSitting%2BOn%2BBalcony_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>food, people and lots of machinery moving around. We talked with the people who are living next door and waved to some on lower decks. Then we left port, heading to Guernsey, our first stop on one of the channel islands. </font><p><font size="3">After we were out of the harbor we took a walk around the ship. Later we went down to have dinner and then off to the theater. We are not allowed to take pictures though many ignored the request. The show was to be David Copperfield and we thought it was the magician. We were very excited to see him and some magic. Well it was not the real guy but a singer/comedian. He was not all that great and we were disappointed. We got back to the room, watched a movie and then off to sleep.</font><p><font size="3"><strong>Sunday, May 14</strong></font><p><font size="3">We woke on Mother’s Day as the ship was anchoring<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tbOqqZ4q3_o/WdeDT7XRXeI/AAAAAAAAJQY/KpB82EJdMboV9PcOH4N8jk9418Q76a6yQCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050081-May-14-Looking-South-Down-T"><img width="374" height="265" title="Looking south down the street in St. Peters Port" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050081 May 14 Looking South Down The Street" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KeDZxCUE5oc/WdeDUhw4cEI/AAAAAAAAJQc/bIrHRtWepFcvQ0X0roMhvXhzb-kUpqphwCHMYCw/17050081-May-14-Looking-South-Down-T%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> at St. Peter Port, Guernsey. What a cute looking place. They don’t have a deep harbor port so we had to be tendered in. The people who were taking the ship’s tours got to go first and then those of us that were doing our own thing on shore next. At the dock, people dressed up in old vintage clothing for picture taking. We aren’t doing pictures as we never did <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PXMjR0xSXq0/WdeDV2HxUbI/AAAAAAAAJQg/6VOSsQajRLM_eoH8oKq7imTj_NnQy65SgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050082-May-14-Yellow-Townhouses5"><img width="388" height="275" title="Townhouses on our tour route" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050082 May 14 Yellow Townhouses" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8PjMYIXd9_k/WdeDWUXYEyI/AAAAAAAAJQk/7ejTqCsQ-icu1J5_nbVfmZav5lDr_cvEQCHMYCw/17050082-May-14-Yellow-Townhouses_th?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>anything with our last cruise pictures. At the bus terminal we found they had a bus tour for <b>7.5 pounds </b><b>each </b>that would take you around the island in 2 ½ hours. We bought tickets and climbed aboard. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hSsdBfPAvaw/WdeDYFQbeZI/AAAAAAAAJQo/dHNxx9fH9lUkfqk7DUlWEWV7FKiFkKbZwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050084-May-14-Decorated-Brick-Fenc"><img width="365" height="264" title="A decorated stone fence" align="right" style="float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050084 May 14 Decorated Brick Fence" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EVhXqrS-lrA/WdeDYzMk7QI/AAAAAAAAJQs/SGpvEB1xF-8KHoMxRk8K9EgPgq-43C1XwCHMYCw/17050084-May-14-Decorated-Brick-Fenc%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">The trip was awesome we stopped for pictures at Pembroke Bay, white sand beaches and clear water. Our next stop was at Vazon Bay this area <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uBNFwfXdPkY/WdeDZ11_iKI/AAAAAAAAJQw/vjhO3c5FuCA2SdBjmwrA-iOL4BAb-OmjgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050098-May-14-Barb-On-The-Ramp-To-%255B2%255D"><img width="399" height="284" title="Barb on the ramp to water at Vazon Beach" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050098 May 14 Barb On The Ramp To Water" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ikZPS7niqP8/WdeDas-9JXI/AAAAAAAAJQ0/wiVIwto4bmEAsIWHu0Tb8nT4MNTIJno7wCHMYCw/17050098-May-14-Barb-On-The-Ramp-To-?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>is a large expanse of sand that is a magnet for the Island’s extreme sports. Next we stopped at Portelet Bay which is close to the foot of the south coast cliffs and is a working harbor as well as a safe sheltered beach. From this location we could see Hou Island. </font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">Then we headed to the <a href="http://www.visitguernsey.com/content/little-chapel">Little Chapel</a>. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A-yFOqp4fZo/WdeDcWu0zoI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/feOOz2CdlH0Eb0ZH6bSZNN4PviXWzGnlACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050109%2BMay%2B14%2BLittle%2BChapet%2BFrom%2BThe%2BRoad%2B%25281%2529"><img width="489" height="349" title="Little Chapel made from ceramic pieces" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050109 May 14 Little Chapet From The Road (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gCMsXRzqrQo/WdeDdPPd8pI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/4UzDAAswMC4wGlKT7MLM4TjanHSo9nzVQCHMYCw/17050109%2BMay%2B14%2BLittle%2BChapet%2BFrom%2BThe%2BRoad%2B%25281%2529_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>I had read about this place and was excited to go and see it. When our bus stopped people thought we were public transit and tried to board us. Our bus driver had to turn people away at the next two stops we are visiting. Anyway back <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a3efOhT-FYk/WdeDfFcZ9OI/AAAAAAAAJRA/81JllqCSCPQACQo-aTVrr9ciq1kjjlBZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050122-May-14-Barb-Exiting-The-Lit"><img width="406" height="289" title="Barb exiting the Little Chapel" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050122 May 14 Barb Exiting The Little Chapel" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhlK305RynE/WdeDf8GPfOI/AAAAAAAAJRE/mvpkqwHjEVQy6pmsMdR6a1pKmNAQuQJwwCHMYCw/17050122-May-14-Barb-Exiting-The-Lit%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>to the Little Chapel. It was the third one that was built and the builder demolished the first two. Possibly this is the smallest chapel that is decorated with broken pieces of china and seashells and pebbles. The hallway exiting is so narrow I felt like I needed to duck down to get out. It was well worth the visit. </font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">We boarded the bus and we<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_7vTrszekh4/WdeDhCS3ndI/AAAAAAAAJRI/P2FmdHHcD6c3jkou5EthNg038eNl4eNwACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050129-May-14-Barb-Terry-Standing-"><img width="364" height="259" title="Standing on edge at Jerbourg Hotel at St Martin Down" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050129 May 14 Barb Terry Standing On Edge" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-at1AlFELVK8/WdeDhj1SKfI/AAAAAAAAJRM/BpiOLYfrxwErkR2FLy7P8bIYtYriNrszACHMYCw/17050129-May-14-Barb-Terry-Standing-%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>nt to St. Martin Down the the lowest southern point and ended up at Jerbourg Hotel. In the back is a cliff and from here we could see our ship and the island of Sark, Jersey was just a shadow far off into the water. Soon we were back into the town of St. Peter Port. On Sundays they have a Sunday By The Seashore Market. We walked around the market <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-isl1ZrNaT6E/WdeDjFOL87I/AAAAAAAAJRQ/7zeY-rD2lLELb2YfpfnziNT1-1fqsMdqACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050135-May-14-Sunday-By-The-Seasid"><img width="394" height="281" title="Sunday by the Seaside Market " align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050135 May 14 Sunday By The Seaside Market " src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mc0Vv0oxXDw/WdeDjghHTLI/AAAAAAAAJRU/Fbb_1x7lQ-cXLsw0y5_tMt2SRNDIFct5ACHMYCw/17050135-May-14-Sunday-By-The-Seasid%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>and watched children playing with bubbles from a bubble machine. They sure were enjoying a fun time until their parents took them away. The wind was raw on the west side of the island but on the east side it was very lovely indeed. We headed back to the ship and noticed that the boats where sitting on the gravelly bottom and no water. </font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UZ1k6ytzWMA/WdeDlbQIOkI/AAAAAAAAJRY/6YnAzihAJ3Quhuem85xfc4oJZPw9GLzhgCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050139%2BMay%2B14%2BThe%2BTides%2BOut"><img width="464" height="331" title="The tide's out" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050139 May 14 The Tides Out" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ots1Pl-ub4/WdeDmHk-iyI/AAAAAAAAJRc/15_ciOKwMFUebK53WYTTnrO8davWsLahQCHMYCw/17050139%2BMay%2B14%2BThe%2BTides%2BOut_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3">Well the tide is out and the boats are in dry dock until the tide returns. It was like Alma, Nova Scotia and just as pretty.</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8YklBOExddQ/WdeDnpMo6rI/AAAAAAAAJRg/0B9fgDMFIl0yKA26hg1UBMRStQ8C-LImACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050143-May-14-Barb-By-The-Shore5"><img width="387" height="276" title="Barb overlooking the harbor at St Peter's Port" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050143 May 14 Barb By The Shore" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-0YQc7EACo/WdeDoIXqLAI/AAAAAAAAJRk/nWPcLjg5hJYNd5f28TeETNwGUi1I7ea4ACHMYCw/17050143-May-14-Barb-By-The-Shore_th?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YmcooIftBHU/WdeDpJzWCHI/AAAAAAAAJRo/w0mYjTSYSFY8jATlTKSwPCyP8L2zAP8lwCHMYCw/s1600-h/17050150-May-14-Two-Tired-Souls-Self%255B2%255D"><img width="359" height="257" title="Two tired souls back on the boat, enjoying the sunshine on the deck loungers" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050150 May 14 Two Tired Souls Selfie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-inZM0bXxKbA/WdeDpyHQk-I/AAAAAAAAJRs/qBIBbN3mxyInUKNn4ggQhJ1GJcY4klRawCHMYCw/17050150-May-14-Two-Tired-Souls-Self?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3">We got the tender back to the ship. I was exhausted so can you believe I went to bed. I slept most of the late afternoon away but didn’t feel anymore rested once I woke. We went down for a light dinner of pizza and got to sit by a window overlooking the island. At 7pm we went to the Captain’s Welcome Champagne Waterfall Party. They never did fill up all the glass so it wasn’t <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kb0310cUPEQ/WdeDqQJqt7I/AAAAAAAAJRw/RprzWibscL48duUL3WBXH1Id6F2ls-ZBACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050159%2BMay%2B14%2BMaitre%2Bd%2BHotel%2BFrancesco%2BCiorfito%2BChampagne%2BWaterfall"><img width="382" height="532" title="Maitre d Hotel Francesco Ciorfito Champagne Waterfall" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050159 May 14 Maitre d Hotel Francesco Ciorfito Champagne Waterfall" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rT_XiZy-HQU/WdeDrJ1WQTI/AAAAAAAAJR0/6ZfT3eaIne460bXQ3s9NDBJjYnzWAWIeACHMYCw/17050159%2BMay%2B14%2BMaitre%2Bd%2BHotel%2BFrancesco%2BCiorfito%2BChampagne%2BWaterfall_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>much of a waterfall. Many people went up to pour the champagne with the Maître D'hôtel and had their pictures taken. At 8:30pm we headed to the theatre to watch the Production Show Bravo. It was awesome with the people singing and dancing. Back to the room exhausted. We walked over 8,000 steps today.</font><p><font size="3">Stay tuned for more of our trip around the UK….</font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yquhVJNcN9I/WdeDsXbPjsI/AAAAAAAAJR4/3if7ipEZUMQp1qQrDHDAuspWy7ItoRriACHMYCw/s1600-h/17050154-May-14-Front-Of-Condor-15"><img width="396" height="282" title="The Condor ferry from Jersey" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17050154 May 14 Front Of Condor (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7sJp2PxODOs/WdeDs3EXxMI/AAAAAAAAJR8/L-k0qjp4cWQIU2uUeE95MB2qUpymV8NLACHMYCw/17050154-May-14-Front-Of-Condor-1_th?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-280573550426901262017-08-01T19:26:00.001-04:002017-08-01T19:26:10.007-04:00A Fantastic Surprise When We Arrived Home<p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lc-pBsaa8fw/WYEN4cbjcwI/AAAAAAAAJNI/bOm5uY_ARq4B54opPAha9kvPAbTa4BarwCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704181-Apr-23-Terry-Fixing-Our-Flat"><img width="321" height="229" title="Terry checking our flat tire" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704181 Apr 23 Terry Fixing Our Flat Tire" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdXPM5yA2pM/WYEN41kzPiI/AAAAAAAAJNM/BBtnSsJGCK0FkYwxDBWOqIYyuZioL10QQCHMYCw/1704181-Apr-23-Terry-Fixing-Our-Flat%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Our trip back from the Plantation was uneventful except we picked up a nail, causing a slow tire leak. Nothing serious but you know it is a pain. We did not take on any side trips except to stop off at Ellicottville to have a short visit with Terri & Mark. Somewhere around Ellicottville, someone is missing a nail.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">As we walked into our house we were<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NvwX-yRMKDs/WYEN5gn2EeI/AAAAAAAAJNQ/nAdtyN582K4rQAoslJ-ztDSrqgssoNaPACHMYCw/s1600-h/1704184-Apr-23-Decorations-In-The-Ki%255B2%255D"><img width="317" height="226" title="50 th Decorations hung in the kitchen" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704184 Apr 23 Decorations In The Kitchen" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L7zDhMm1-T8/WYEN6LzSD5I/AAAAAAAAJNU/oxPujBOVFeoPot-_BmOL5Vmy_DIRcdErQCHMYCw/1704184-Apr-23-Decorations-In-The-Ki?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> greeted with 50th <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UHkn54BkGcY/WYEN7ffU6gI/AAAAAAAAJNY/wYoJKVZSnAgYiaEpF1Uq_rbKj8_QKuA-ACHMYCw/s1600-h/1704187%2BApr%2B24%2BTerry%2BBarb%2BIn%2B50%2BBalloons"><img width="396" height="373" title="Our balloons left by the decorating fairy" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704187 Apr 24 Terry Barb In 50 Balloons" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_I0DbE4lhdA/WYEN7x0hvJI/AAAAAAAAJNc/gXiwCTxj2AMFV53qqP0i7InOjKagIXZgwCHMYCw/1704187%2BApr%2B24%2BTerry%2BBarb%2BIn%2B50%2BBalloons_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Anniversary decorations – sometimes it doesn’t pay to leave a key with your daughter…. but it was fun and we appreciated her kindness.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4FIcZ9JXp7w/WYEN8uN_pkI/AAAAAAAAJNg/BohFi5SFqysYriFOtDWi1s5M2dhA-LVygCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704189%2BApr%2B24%2BSelfie%2BIn%2BFunky%2BParty%2BHats"><img width="218" height="302" title="Funky party hats - you know a beverage was involved" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="1704189 Apr 24 Selfie In Funky Party Hats" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtvv6aLNlpU/WYEN9MfGLNI/AAAAAAAAJNk/dSqUCgxsLqErHf0z9i_pM2SNlTuZUIFmwCHMYCw/1704189%2BApr%2B24%2BSelfie%2BIn%2BFunky%2BParty%2BHats_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qTnalj8-dIE/WYEN9x8AV_I/AAAAAAAAJNo/CsCQ3_NHIhQDpWB0XEaWmC6XS8RXRH4XQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704203-Apr-28-Terry-Barb-Dressed-Up%255B2%255D"><img width="274" height="382" title="We're dressed up for our magical dinner celebration" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704203 Apr 28 Terry Barb Dressed Up" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OHodrJBUshk/WYEN-YLtagI/AAAAAAAAJNs/DUUC4nQfisUHrVqViJMq6l_e9HgEDvWpACHMYCw/1704203-Apr-28-Terry-Barb-Dressed-Up%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>This was one of the few years that we <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EuHaelyvMbI/WYEN_4-mnCI/AAAAAAAAJNw/bgZwIYVNPzwE23dT49jPOPIZg3MX_3IrQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704193-Apr-28-Barb-Sitting-At-Windo%255B1%255D"><img width="339" height="242" title="Sitting at our window table" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704193 Apr 28 Barb Sitting At Window Table" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z8cUKW6JO8A/WYEOATlR5NI/AAAAAAAAJN0/Oow0lShP7ug7ukwinNKBc9scWRh0vTfhwCHMYCw/1704193-Apr-28-Barb-Sitting-At-Windo?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>have been ‘home’ to celebrate our anniversary so we made plans. The most acceptable plan was a romantic dinner for two at the <a href="http://www.watermarkrestaurant.com/">Watermark Restaurant</a> at the Hilton in Niagara falls. After all, it was Niagara Falls where we started our adventure 50 years ago! We asked for a window seat, explaining our celebration and<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bNu7atswRxc/WYEOBsRB5TI/AAAAAAAAJN4/46H7O7OpL3saCZD1ihfE6ktP78Tn5ZZMgCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704198-Apr-28-The-Falls-Lights-Up5"><img width="321" height="229" title="Our view of the Falls lit up" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704198 Apr 28 The Falls Lights Up" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U4TKqKZgvZ8/WYEOCKLd0SI/AAAAAAAAJN8/RCHawvMspc4XHN7PTUnCcaJfgMom6gJYwCHMYCw/1704198-Apr-28-The-Falls-Lights-Up_t?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> the staff went out of <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KTqg9WaiaE8/WYEODq4mR1I/AAAAAAAAJOA/9elPoOmkvTQ4iDzaUH26Rj869bcOp8LpACHMYCw/s1600-h/1704195--Apr-28-Our-View-Of-American"><img width="328" height="234" title="Our view overlooking the American Falls" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704195 Apr 28 Our View Of American Falls" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-238JAg3fDQI/WYEOEFV6alI/AAAAAAAAJOE/ApKzIZKL6Bos-6qN6_XQf4d7nfSaA4-3wCHMYCw/1704195--Apr-28-Our-View-Of-American%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>their way to ensure we had a wonderful view and the service was excellent – not to mention the company was outstanding too. The evening was perfect, great food and the weather cooperated to provide the best view of the falls.</font></p><p><font size="3">We have a second honeymoon planned and come back again soon to read about the wonderful time we had…. hope all is well where you are.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-10285062977318435542017-08-01T00:08:00.001-04:002017-08-01T00:08:30.153-04:00Happy Anniversary<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ATDweRae1yQ/WX_-NAPsy5I/AAAAAAAAJKw/H7FDLxD48PwkvFnH8Zrrf0275805Ypd_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704040-Apr-04-Ospreys-Looking-At-Us%255B1%255D%255B2%255D"><img width="400" height="287" title="A pair of Ospreys keeping an eye on us" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704040 Apr 04 Ospreys Looking At Us" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D8qJqs9CHYY/WX_-N3ZStdI/AAAAAAAAJK0/vDSrC1atvqstfdoUlnGXgcZT4tvqQvvgQCHMYCw/1704040-Apr-04-Ospreys-Looking-At-Us%255B1%255D_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><font size="3">Marti & I s<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UOL4Pyq-ar8/WX_-PA8VPjI/AAAAAAAAJK4/FSvIY_lhJNkf214_ZexzElQCRI5YXwPOQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704034-Apr-04-All-Aboard1%255B3%255D"><img width="481" height="343" title="All aboard our ECO cruise of Weeks Bay & Magnolia River" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704034 Apr 04 All Aboard" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FzkbwP9WkUw/WX_-P3gQD7I/AAAAAAAAJK8/DsKz2PKWeHgFmBL392ue32bSHYAEW5M5QCHMYCw/1704034-Apr-04-All-Aboard1_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>et up an ECO boat tour of Weeks Bay & the Magnolia River for 16+ folks. The day started out a bit misty and overcast but as we started down the river, the mist and clouds cleared and we were under beautiful blue skies. The ‘captain’ shared stories and highlights of the river as we sailed toward Magnolia Springs. </font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pnTiqgDQ9fA/WX_-RlsoneI/AAAAAAAAJLA/t8Sh1xu_2ngv0iZ1pEUeVYWvpN7DjNw6QCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704042-Apr-04-Vultures-On-A-Roof5"><img width="331" height="237" title="Vultures on a deck railing so everyone needs to keep moving!" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704042 Apr 04 Vultures On A Roof" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-15mWdrZFqPI/WX_-SUh-KlI/AAAAAAAAJLE/go60x_S6zTo1knlrudsKz7ODaHgWv4cbQCHMYCw/1704042-Apr-04-Vultures-On-A-Roof_th?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">We saw some raptors and water fowl along the way. Except for the water mail delivery, the river was very quiet.</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xEra_vvmWFw/WX_-ToxMQiI/AAAAAAAAJLI/s5jHXX8f1g4GslTyNCs6eCBb6VlV8ufFQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704056-Apr-04-Dallas-At-The-End-Of-%255B2%255D%255B1%255D"><img width="400" height="285" title="A hungry bunch ordering another excellent pizza" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704056 Apr 04 Dallas At The End Of The Table" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AC4PQiDY1sU/WX_-UQmulTI/AAAAAAAAJLM/TltH6Ps9Am4SNvaWkVnYIXv5t0hMvMUUgCHMYCw/1704056-Apr-04-Dallas-At-The-End-Of-%255B2%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3">After the cruise, some of us went up to Cousin Vinny’s for some excellent pizza. They had us set up in an area in the back – good choice for our rowdy crowd – and we all sat together which is an ingredient for more fun and good times.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">We were excited it was April because Terri & Mark <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNj8XFFzVjA/WX_-VypGTRI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/puVngls79AcanGDBNroyEiYABzTkcb2rwCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704069-Apr-08-Sitting-In-The-Shade-%255B2%255D"><img width="353" height="252" title="Mark, Terri & Barb Sitting in the shade of our Magnolia Tree" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704069 Apr 08 Sitting In The Shade Of The Magnolia" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EpktMplGkdY/WX_-We7LorI/AAAAAAAAJLU/erU1xse7nwgCA_rXXCxKa-KGxqJQdu5CgCHMYCw/1704069-Apr-08-Sitting-In-The-Shade-%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>were coming down again for a 4 day weekend. They got held up at the Toronto due to a bomb threat but did manage to get to Chicago but the gate was closed when they arrived to board the flight to Mobile and had to lay over for 24 hours. So their 4 day weekend was cut down to 3! We made some changes to their itinerary and made the best of their visit.</font></p><p><font size="3">We planned a large happy hour while they were here to <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDHCMN5uHMA/WX_-YMwsDBI/AAAAAAAAJLY/hnuRn_tvDsk3MM43IjA1aGqzbEWttfA8QCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704078-Apr-08-Terri-Mark-Enjoy-The-%255B1%255D%255B1%255D"><img width="438" height="312" title="Terri & Mark enjoying our 50th celebration at the Plantation" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704078 Apr 08 Terri Mark Enjoy The Celebration" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2dfSiPSLBxs/WX_-Ygdy81I/AAAAAAAAJLc/hAi-79iA6EIjyzODEX27xEx3E5FR0PjPACHMYCw/1704078-Apr-08-Terri-Mark-Enjoy-The-%255B1%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with our friends here at the Plantation. No one knew (except Terri & Mark after they landed) so it was a reverse surprise party with decorations etc. We had 50ish friends and neighbors all having a good time with us. </font></p><p><br></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-06ZN9lF6W9o/WX_-aasvGhI/AAAAAAAAJLg/fj68Hm5mU1QXx02-2HyvbZPOn9m-oTW_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704086%2BApr%2B08%2BFluffy%2BMike%2BNancy%2BPhyllis%2BJim%2BBarb%2BBob%2BJerry%2BBob%255B5%255D"><img width="424" height="302" title="A great bunch of friends help us celebrate our 50th" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704086 Apr 08 Fluffy Mike Nancy Phyllis Jim Barb Bob Jerry Bob" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T4T-aQDyNbk/WX_-bBz81hI/AAAAAAAAJLk/mq90tsD_GgAVZYIyyIe0BAf2XzO8oK2IwCHMYCw/1704086%2BApr%2B08%2BFluffy%2BMike%2BNancy%2BPhyllis%2BJim%2BBarb%2BBob%2BJerry%2BBob_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SFU1AtrFtQs/WX_-chLPoyI/AAAAAAAAJLo/zZ6gY-AKaGIVTIGoZhxZTLy_jHvXWI2ogCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704087%2BApr%2B08%2BRuth%2BDawnice%2BBetty%2BMark%2BGary%2BRon%2BChuck%2BKelli%2BStacy%2BBob%2BJerry%2BBob%255B1%255D%255B1%255D"><img width="410" height="304" title="Our yard was almost not big enough for this much fun!" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704087 Apr 08 Ruth Dawnice Betty Mark Gary Ron Chuck Kelli Stacy Bob Jerry Bob" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S1XPiXzBJL0/WX_-doEm7HI/AAAAAAAAJLs/p34sF8AFCmMd51yoCEVqJalwgNCpyhFEQCHMYCw/1704087%2BApr%2B08%2BRuth%2BDawnice%2BBetty%2BMark%2BGary%2BRon%2BChuck%2BKelli%2BStacy%2BBob%2BJerry%2BBob%255B1%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sr7D6Rsdazk/WX_-eqicaEI/AAAAAAAAJLw/OCEFw3C5I_MDK1jEx8EZ_VwNE_hdN9ncQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704090%2BApr%2B08%2BEveryone%2BEnjoying%2BThe%2BGet%2BTogether%255B1%255D%255B1%255D"><img width="422" height="303" title="Everyone enjoying the get together" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704090 Apr 08 Everyone Enjoying The Get Together" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZinvYVzy3kY/WX_-fITuoCI/AAAAAAAAJL0/VIUlAk-CtmYO2EwSFX6nn2Fbq4IF00p-wCHMYCw/1704090%2BApr%2B08%2BEveryone%2BEnjoying%2BThe%2BGet%2BTogether%255B1%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bf36qSRb83g/WX_-f5aTgHI/AAAAAAAAJL4/M2eXWP_FAgANU3vcvaEBBbgdiUgfW73EACHMYCw/s1600-h/1704091%2BApr%2B08%2BSuch%2BGreat%2BFriends%255B1%255D%255B4%255D"><img width="429" height="308" title="Party winding down and here is the last group still goin'" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704091 Apr 08 Such Great Friends" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sdddp58vv8Q/WX_-gXyOOyI/AAAAAAAAJL8/v246cufBUFIBAcZ_IZAjF6sv5-YJo5PwQCHMYCw/1704091%2BApr%2B08%2BSuch%2BGreat%2BFriends%255B1%255D_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><font size="3"><p><br></p></font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eSeF0azLF7M/WX_-h5KdarI/AAAAAAAAJMA/0O-WitOZUKU48FCpTdz4MvvvvSygDX7oQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704096-Apr-09-Terri-Mark-See-Inside%255B1%255D"><img width="317" height="226" title="Terri & Mark checking their Placemats" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704096 Apr 09 Terri Mark See Inside Placemat" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uz9rGqTmIgc/WX_-ie-jtlI/AAAAAAAAJME/foEMCxYZCYwgfFt_E5L2KPyJMlWgqlhMwCHMYCw/1704096-Apr-09-Terri-Mark-See-Inside%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3">Barb always tries to surprise Terri & Mark with a little something to take home. This time, she made them placemats for them when they have pot lucks at the ski hill. Later, we drove down to Fort Morgan to take the ferry across to Dauphin Island and the visit the Dauphin Island Estuarium. </font></p><p><font size="3">But surprise, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ih1UvT6gnF8/WX_-jwOUZWI/AAAAAAAAJMI/xhlJKA2nDIk_qyeqzZdJkhmED-B1C1PSgCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704100-Apr-09-Walking-Down-The-Trai%255B2%255D"><img width="328" height="234" title="We're walking down the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge trail" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704100 Apr 09 Walking Down The Trail" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6POkKcoFnR0/WX_-ks40lUI/AAAAAAAAJMM/cFFKjpBzhpsyytyS8orYIcxfm4FFJR5DQCHMYCw/1704100-Apr-09-Walking-Down-The-Trai?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>the ferries are not on a regular schedule and the wait was too long so we came up with plan B – hike the nature trail at </font><font size="3">the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bon_Secour/">Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge</a>. After that hike, we needed a cold beverage so back to Gulf Shores and to <a href="http://www.thehangout.com/">The Hangout</a> right there on the beach. We managed to get a table on the porch overlooking the beach. Good food and cold beer, can’t get much <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-74BITQxmmuA/WX_-l8xTQ-I/AAAAAAAAJMQ/STdnkVALHYEWNAnll8DiYO8HEjO86sTTgCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704108-Apr-09-Up-In-The-Observation%255B1%255D%255B1%255D"><img width="356" height="255" title="The observation tower on the trail" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704108 Apr 09 Up In The Observation Tower" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXU4jxGYrSA/WX_-mWTAh3I/AAAAAAAAJMU/khvVcRp_eCc424u-wYM6w526UTOVQhCVACHMYCw/1704108-Apr-09-Up-In-The-Observation%255B1%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>better! This place must rock during spring break and the summer. </font><font size="3">Marti & Larry had a dinner party to end off Terri & Mark’s visit. Another great visit in the memory banks.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p9Vqpt-dy7w/WX_-nZkL8QI/AAAAAAAAJMY/OnAbV1tUDDouMZreiucOlVQZ8Pz_PBvPgCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704115-Apr-09-Terry-Mark-At-The-Han%255B1%255D%255B2%255D"><img width="482" height="344" title="Terry & Mark at the Hangout on the beach in Gulf Shores" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704115 Apr 09 Terry Mark At The Hangout" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BpL2H2wqCro/WX_-n_B8W0I/AAAAAAAAJMc/i-ubwaCOSasDaBMUp_-RwHX4-O9W2jJXgCHMYCw/1704115-Apr-09-Terry-Mark-At-The-Han%255B1%255D_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><br></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><font size="3"><p><br></p><p><br></p></font><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oo8WUAfUpdw/WX_-pc0uGeI/AAAAAAAAJMg/GLYbRD9B07otNBIm_v0rqUTyYqazr2TKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704129-Apr-11-Good-Lunch-For-Betty-%255B3%255D"><img width="345" height="246" title="Lunch for Betty & Jerry at Sunset Point Grill" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704129 Apr 11 Good Lunch For Betty Jerry At Sunset Point" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kjBZEbttFxo/WX_-p-ohd9I/AAAAAAAAJMk/ckuGZNRg7hUNV3ObTYaRUbAF1UMn1cxXwCHMYCw/1704129-Apr-11-Good-Lunch-For-Betty-_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Betty & Jerry were heading north early this year and we didn’t have a chance to take them to another one of our favorite eateries – Sunset Point Grill – so we crammed it in before they left. Imagine, sitting out on their deck, overlooking the marina, watching the sun set over Mobile Bay. Too nice.</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxUbZEZZAac/WX_-rKLs-KI/AAAAAAAAJMo/v-2xqXs-cdkzBVmtiypvlcuiOv5g7gmSQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704136-Apr-11-Sun-Setting-At-Sunset%255B4%255D"><img width="643" height="458" title="Sun setting while we're at Sunset Point Grill" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704136 Apr 11 Sun Setting At Sunset Point" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNtG9j39FB0/WX_-rzoOfeI/AAAAAAAAJMs/-UAycPS7kBMW4pmk5TvjgyK1RKDRQk0BwCHMYCw/1704136-Apr-11-Sun-Setting-At-Sunset_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxUbZEZZAac/WX_-rKLs-KI/AAAAAAAAJMo/v-2xqXs-cdkzBVmtiypvlcuiOv5g7gmSQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704136-Apr-11-Sun-Setting-At-Sunset%255B4%255D"><br></a></font><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><br></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxUbZEZZAac/WX_-rKLs-KI/AAAAAAAAJMo/v-2xqXs-cdkzBVmtiypvlcuiOv5g7gmSQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704136-Apr-11-Sun-Setting-At-Sunset%255B4%255D"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><font size="3"><p><br></p></font><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">The rest of April was filled with more eating, celebrating the sun rising in the east or any other excuse we can think of. Happy hours and last minute chores like staining our deck. We even got the boat wet one last tim<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crEfFSsWRzU/WX_-sS4GOqI/AAAAAAAAJMw/lZknOyls-2Y6dv_iku2L7pC1Yc_OSRV9gCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704178-Apr-20-Happy-Hour-Back-At-Bi%255B2%255D%255B2%255D"><img width="472" height="315" title="Happy Hour at Bill & Ann's celebrating us leaving" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704178 Apr 20 Happy Hour Back At Bill Ann" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oATNzCmvf0g/WX_-tDhoFzI/AAAAAAAAJM0/9_xnUrX1F9okonMNOzzxZiQ9H7F4v0y4gCHMYCw/1704178-Apr-20-Happy-Hour-Back-At-Bi%255B2%255D_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>e and then packed it up and left it in the shed.</font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s5v7jrhfhLY/WX_-ufuJHaI/AAAAAAAAJM4/736N-GgOkjMeMH9WS3WZ_mA39X8LMNkowCHMYCw/s1600-h/1704169-Apr-19-A-Selfie-On-The-Water%255B1%255D"><img width="308" height="221" title="A Selfie on the Fish River" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704169 Apr 19 A Selfie On The Water" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HjH0ayfaUSo/WX_-vI5ZS0I/AAAAAAAAJM8/gTESP4X2meU-Kj06JA-83-HgNF9foyB_gCHMYCw/1704169-Apr-19-A-Selfie-On-The-Water?imgmax=800" border="0"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><font size="3">We left a little early this year so we wouldn’t be on the road celebrating our 50th anniversary! Hope all is well where you are…..</font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-63751431229479903352017-07-13T11:21:00.000-04:002017-07-13T11:23:19.019-04:00March Doin’s<p><font size="4">What can I say…. again I’m more than a little late with my post. We were away for a few days and my ‘friend’ John mentioned that he has not seen any blog entries lately so I’d better get posting.</font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMQ6faH4Wzk/WWeO3vspsZI/AAAAAAAAJJE/uRBpUqqqWdYHqPjas9ecx5830XLTQryCgCHMYCw/s1600-h/1702160%2BFeb%2B25%2BAll%2BDressed%2BUp%2BAnd%2BNo%2BWhere%2BTo%2BGo%2BFloat%255B5%255D"><img width="389" height="282" title="One of the floats at the Mullet Mates parade" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702160 Feb 25 All Dressed Up And No Where To Go Float" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQg6kViJ4CA/WWeO4PfBSXI/AAAAAAAAJJI/HGBmEh2ldYI6cDnqfiy-tvNYGCSU4bK7wCHMYCw/1702160%2BFeb%2B25%2BAll%2BDressed%2BUp%2BAnd%2BNo%2BWhere%2BTo%2BGo%2BFloat_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>My last blog mentioned our Mardis Gras celebrations and this year was a blast. Barb & I took in one of our favorite parades – Mullet Mates along Mobile Bay, just south of Fairhope. It is the perfect size – about 25 floats and is family oriented so nothing too wild. We also donned costume<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-klv73a8D5P8/WWeO4tBHc5I/AAAAAAAAJJM/pWdnGI0ty5ooH79g9sNqx2m61rdShmPXwCHMYCw/s1600-h/1702169%2BFeb%2B26%2BBarb%2BAnd%2BTerry%2BAt%2BClubhouse%255B5%255D"><img width="322" height="452" title="You've never seen a better looking Olive & Popeye!" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702169 Feb 26 Barb And Terry At Clubhouse" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-630NEnOdKPo/WWeO5FJlcXI/AAAAAAAAJJQ/fL1sCI6c6BETa2kHbnwhfwjsccOh8a-oACHMYCw/1702169%2BFeb%2B26%2BBarb%2BAnd%2BTerry%2BAt%2BClubhouse_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>s that Barb put together for the ‘fashion show’ on the Sunday. Our theme was Fantasy Land and Fairy Tales – ok, I know that your mind is conjuring up something more strange – Barb & I were dressed as Olive Oyl & Popeye. </font><font size="4">The skits and the jokes were fun and everyone had a great time.</font></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><font size="4">March brought us a heavy heart with the passing of Dottie Huyler, a friend we have known at the plantation since we have been staying here. It was sudden and very sad and she was loved by many of us. Barb read the following poem at Dottie’s memorial.</font></p><blockquote><h1 align="left"><font size="4">We thought of you with love today </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">But that is nothing new </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">We thought about your yesterday </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">And days before that too. </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">We think of you in silence, </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">We often speak your name </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">All we have are memories </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">And your picture in a frame. </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">Your memory is our keepsake </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">With which we’ll never part. </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">God has you in His keeping, </font></h1><h1 align="left"><font size="4">We have you in our hearts</font></h1></blockquote><p><font size="4">When March comes around, too often we start thinking of pointing the truck north for the trip back home. So you seem to want to plan more events, things that you wanted to do and of course places to eat that you didn’t get to earlier in the winter season. And of course, there are things that have to get done around the rig.</font></p><p><font size="4">Here is a pictorial representation of some of the stuff we managed to enjoy in March.</font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ew0GYeiWms/WWeO5pzNUWI/AAAAAAAAJJU/pecq_FAqjmkEAxFAG6J95CIgBLhE8xR5ACHMYCw/s1600-h/1703015%2BMar%2B10%2BSetting%2BUp%2BOn%2BThe%2BBeach%255B6%255D"><img width="504" height="288" title="A half day on the beach - not a sand trap either" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703015 Mar 10 Setting Up On The Beach" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7J3J761YYgk/WWeO6LFmlBI/AAAAAAAAJJY/JfPKDb_zjcUTmIdRWMSes5JPC_6JhIR1gCHMYCw/1703015%2BMar%2B10%2BSetting%2BUp%2BOn%2BThe%2BBeach_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Sb_mnKDLbk/WWeO7bSBEXI/AAAAAAAAJJc/r6gCCRQvhAQVDTJFTscvVnUSTZjE5ZnMwCHMYCw/s1600-h/1703024%2BMar%2B10%2BOur%2BTable%2BAt%2BFlounders%2BRestaurant%255B6%255D"><img width="381" height="275" title=" Our table at Flounders after we came off the beach" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703024 Mar 10 Our Table At Flounders Restaurant" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qhJAItWIRJE/WWeO72KFRBI/AAAAAAAAJJg/nXLfilGqfq4My1OKVfginGLfAhD_FLlzQCHMYCw/1703024%2BMar%2B10%2BOur%2BTable%2BAt%2BFlounders%2BRestaurant_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fMqRxOV-fEA/WWeO9Ayo2YI/AAAAAAAAJJk/hz_PFkQPQ8cGwa7ydnaF9x7BJ064IB4bQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1703062%2BFeb%2B17%2BPotheads%255B6%255D"><img width="439" height="313" title="Potheads at the Fairhope Craft and Art show" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703062 Feb 17 Potheads" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6RIz6KmrGyk/WWeO9qg1P-I/AAAAAAAAJJo/U0M9VrLBwFQr00HI93Uh1D4px-dQcb1fgCHMYCw/1703062%2BFeb%2B17%2BPotheads_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fLPYFE3nATc/WWeO_B2Ax3I/AAAAAAAAJJs/oelIucF7290th-4CkN0-cmAoNjk-bh5twCHMYCw/s1600-h/1703079%2BMar%2B22%2BERPU%2BEnjoy%2BGet%2BTogether%255B5%255D"><img width="438" height="312" title="A happy hour with all the rigs on our street" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703079 Mar 22 ERPU Enjoy Get Together" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lY2lYoBNtVk/WWeO_emM-6I/AAAAAAAAJJw/O4flPYAsMqI3agS425eZFdKS23vy29IHACHMYCw/1703079%2BMar%2B22%2BERPU%2BEnjoy%2BGet%2BTogether_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aN3bB6g61Kk/WWePAe4kMjI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/SXZB5PoiltIzNVaJmGI73RVVt6ixzPuuQCHMYCw/s1600-h/1703081%2BMar%2B23%2BTerry%2BWay%2BUp%2BHigh%255B5%255D"><img width="438" height="312" title="Work, work, work...." style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703081 Mar 23 Terry Way Up High" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bURXkWlDgKY/WWePAtiPNgI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/u_R4s_cw0goORL4rOwKv55F8KR1dQVvFwCHMYCw/1703081%2BMar%2B23%2BTerry%2BWay%2BUp%2BHigh_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xEIay1mmL7Y/WWePB3jeRGI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/r3FqBTShCfsyUEedyztM0i4UfcIDnRg2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/1703094%2BMar%2B26%2BBarb%2BBetty%2BMary%2BBarb%2BAnn%2BAt%2BMcSharrys%255B5%255D"><img width="436" height="311" title="We're at McSharrys Irish Pub in Fairhope eating, drinking and listening to an Irish group jam" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703094 Mar 26 Barb Betty Mary Barb Ann At McSharrys" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eJwrrwMpf9M/WWePCIjr0RI/AAAAAAAAJKA/nH75DYrQCIkBvUpjxSye7IN9ih_Iv4L8ACHMYCw/1703094%2BMar%2B26%2BBarb%2BBetty%2BMary%2BBarb%2BAnn%2BAt%2BMcSharrys_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V3U17DWWgZU/WWePCifxvzI/AAAAAAAAJKE/3pS4Id4asr0hIHVxUQzPqiWNGqU_b_gSwCHMYCw/s1600-h/1703206%2BMar%2B31%2BUs%2BOn%2BThe%2BWater%2BSelfie%255B5%255D"><img width="325" height="453" title="We finally got the boat wet & cruising along the Bon Secour river" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703206 Mar 31 Us On The Water Selfie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V11GwrRYn94/WWePDLYW7JI/AAAAAAAAJKI/sTck8ySff9oX3HnDFP0BrSECfySggSrpgCHMYCw/1703206%2BMar%2B31%2BUs%2BOn%2BThe%2BWater%2BSelfie_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n0ZarVj15d0/WWePEUlwRcI/AAAAAAAAJKM/EN0265dit7YqZ-0gnsYmbIF_Llg7tVqcwCHMYCw/s1600-h/1703214%2BMar%2B31%2BThe%2BGang%2BAt%2BBig%2BDaddys%255B5%255D"><img width="463" height="330" title="The gang at Big Daddys" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703214 Mar 31 The Gang At Big Daddys" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5nLevH8UcMw/WWePExNYeFI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/wFXAfqhtH8YIu_Uu_xgClcGjgWz-Lrz3QCHMYCw/1703214%2BMar%2B31%2BThe%2BGang%2BAt%2BBig%2BDaddys_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5rjSA4iji6Q/WWePFVBSjnI/AAAAAAAAJKU/Oe2WfumaAIUqE4A4my_lopQCI2hBuD1agCHMYCw/s1600-h/1702138%2BFeb%2B23%2BA%2BGreat%2BEgret%2BUp%2BClose%255B5%255D"><img width="368" height="516" title="A Great Egret up close" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702138 Feb 23 A Great Egret Up Close" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dqMJZyJztrQ/WWePFm3ugmI/AAAAAAAAJKY/IkxHkRnhePYHWdCQdLpU6MgvymgmwcYAwCHMYCw/1702138%2BFeb%2B23%2BA%2BGreat%2BEgret%2BUp%2BClose_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2UfcFXHAktU/WWePHSUM29I/AAAAAAAAJKc/otcwRaYsT6URP0be6AyH_hoPHVYWxHB2QCHMYCw/s1600-h/1703203%2BMar%2B31%2BPelican%2BAt%2BTake%2BOff%255B5%255D"><img width="495" height="353" title="Pelican taking off as we passed in the kayak" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1703203 Mar 31 Pelican At Take Off" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5csjBqTrsI/WWePH3Cou9I/AAAAAAAAJKg/pHH57uoiLEwAumUY77miMkpB6r_BtHnJQCHMYCw/1703203%2BMar%2B31%2BPelican%2BAt%2BTake%2BOff_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><font size="4">So long for now and again, I will get this blog up to date…. until next time, we hope all is well where ever you are….</font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-48083890942124404052017-06-12T09:31:00.001-04:002017-06-12T09:31:35.915-04:00Some Say–Better Late….<p><font size="3">I need to say sorry to my readers as I have not been very diligent writing my posts. The last post, I mentioned some of our activities like eating out and the ladies fabric shopping.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPIDE09RvCM/WT6Xg9vN4AI/AAAAAAAAJHo/aDxI8cpIbA0YWaz9pE8j2CYzbeG8535nACHM/s1600-h/1702073%2BFeb%2B14%2BAt%2BShrimp%2BBasket%2BWith%2BA%2BGroup"><img width="421" height="263" title="Valentine dinner at Shrimp Basket" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702073 Feb 14 At Shrimp Basket With A Group" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H2YZ6nL2fbg/WT6XhXnArlI/AAAAAAAAJHs/K3dPLGJCQgQoqZy4qLqm1PbQ4uvVDva2QCHM/1702073%2BFeb%2B14%2BAt%2BShrimp%2BBasket%2BWith%2BA%2BGroup_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We had a couple of February<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w8QHfilmtwQ/WT6XiIZP47I/AAAAAAAAJHw/u9W1Fzc_9N0UeirCTxgMqyYqpFowWccbwCHM/s1600-h/1702073-Feb-14-My-Valentines-Gift-Lu%255B1%255D"><img width="200" height="288" title="Barb's roses & wood carving by Neil" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702073 Feb 14 My Valentines Gift Lucky Me" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NfgwXggq0gc/WT6XiVDkdAI/AAAAAAAAJH0/gBJKWdaJfLkWu7EHflyKfcF6OlOveSWYwCHM/1702073-Feb-14-My-Valentines-Gift-Lu?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> celebration meals, Valentines of course and a bunch of us went to the Shrimp Basket where it was all you can eat shrimp night. Well, not all of us eat shrimp so Bill and I did our best to eat what the others did not! I’m pretty sure the restaurant were happy to see us leave! </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dmSEkzx59Rk/WT6XjwNQn2I/AAAAAAAAJH4/fDZesQK3inQmMwBfbU5IGx9akvEED5JewCHM/s1600-h/1702072-Feb-13-Anns-70th-Birthday-At%255B1%255D"><img width="295" height="234" title="Ann's birhtday celebration at Jesse's" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702072 Feb 13 Anns 70th Birthday At Jesses" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kZy7kWn_1Rs/WT6XkWww3xI/AAAAAAAAJH8/8bjBZAILLAshLlSSN8enjPjq65aUbEldwCHM/1702072-Feb-13-Anns-70th-Birthday-At?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>The other celebration was Ann’s birthday. She does not like to celebrate it but we managed to wiggle ourselves into her birthday lunch but only if we didn’t sing or otherwise embarrass her in the restaurant and we didn’t. We went to Jesse’s in Magnolia Springs, always a great spot and it did not disappoint and we had a great time.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">There are other thing we do too, we play card/board <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nt-xoeg7Wjw/WT6XlMg6xKI/AAAAAAAAJIA/eR265Lwy37UW1aksm-7iMjSakDJTQrJAwCHM/s1600-h/1704023-Apr-01-The-Mixed-Group-Table%255B1%255D"><img width="338" height="252" title="A bunch of us playing Pegs & Jokers in clubhouse" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1704023 Apr 01 The Mixed Group Table" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h6zXOGiUC0Y/WT6XlvTgUAI/AAAAAAAAJIE/Z4_32TsDsN8h1InPTvG7-vksowbGi9sbACHM/1704023-Apr-01-The-Mixed-Group-Table?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>games on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s Fast Track on Friday nights between 6 of us and then at the club house on Saturday nights with as many that show up for Pegs and Jokers. Sometime we have 18 players and we break up into 6 per table. Did I mention we also go out to eat!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">Another thing I neglected to mention was that my PC died and that kept me busy for a few days but it is a good thing I backed up recently so no ‘real’ damage done but still aggravating none the less. </font><font size="3">I’m sure you have had a similar experience, what do I buy now, there is so much hardware out there that it is a mind boggling exercise to make that decision. Since I don’t do a lot of ‘real’ processing of data, we decided that a 2in1 PC/Tablet may be the right decision and so far it has been.</font></p> <p><font size="3">On the last Monday of each month, a bunch of us go to a Mexican eatery that has a Mariachi band playing for the guests. They always stop at our table of 16-20 people and play a few songs. It’s always fun with good food and margaritas!</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_dRrlVqDxg/WT6XmvQeuwI/AAAAAAAAJII/Of20zGW9JlgIrdWc61KMOQGR3zbFT2i7gCHM/s1600-h/1702111-Feb-22-Carrabelle-Sign4"><img width="197" height="240" title="Carrabelle Florida" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702111 Feb 22 Carrabelle Sign" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hvreMa7heuc/WT6XmzOb0OI/AAAAAAAAJIM/37cpoIuWgEQL9CVyhZt3Vy7tv_GVSGRVQCHM/1702111-Feb-22-Carrabelle-Sign_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We took a few days off from all the fun and excitem<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OSBw7yiinNo/WT6Xn1HElgI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/J83uzqrPNREHOwcK_4f-mYUvk_Dty13wQCHM/s1600-h/1702117%2BFeb%2B22%2BSitting%2BAt%2BLydia%2BPauls%2BDeck"><img width="424" height="318" title="Sitting At Lydia Pauls Deck in Carrabelle" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702117 Feb 22 Sitting At Lydia Pauls Deck" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hqrzuae1MaA/WT6XoUEPjEI/AAAAAAAAJIU/zWN3LZ_AIxoR-t-Yem8wLj9xVQwTuevvQCHM/1702117%2BFeb%2B22%2BSitting%2BAt%2BLydia%2BPauls%2BDeck_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>ent here at the plantation and went over to <a href="http://carrabelle.org/">Carrabelle Fl</a> to visit with Lydia & Paul. We checked out the campground opportunities and decided that it would be more costly to drag the rig down there than taking a BnB for our stay. So we stayed at the <a href="http://oldcarrabellehotel.com/">Old Carrabelle Hotel</a>, just 5 minutes from Lydia’s campground.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlKFNVDECPo/WT6Xp_cPgDI/AAAAAAAAJIY/HwAfM5j9a5QnYLSH6kfcpCWz4H2HUuBzgCHM/s1600-h/1702120-Feb-23-Old-Carabelle-Hotel-O"><img width="380" height="292" title="A beautiful young wonman beside the Old Carabelle Hotel " align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702120 Feb 23 Old Carabelle Hotel Our BnB" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9RR47XLa5kE/WT6XqQ6bRCI/AAAAAAAAJIc/BIDkiQX62W8q1duoPuYxd07jvp4RTBpFQCHM/1702120-Feb-23-Old-Carabelle-Hotel-O%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Walks on the beach, games, touring <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DCAIelGPsIM/WT6XrOQiwEI/AAAAAAAAJIg/D-yDbCEFDKAmmVqczE-98fuo3xFrjxttgCHM/s1600-h/1702126-Feb-23-Lydia-On-The-Beach5"><img width="315" height="235" title="Lydia On The Beach with Terry & Paul way ahead" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702126 Feb 23 Lydia On The Beach" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xB8q2QX9gbQ/WT6XrdKLuiI/AAAAAAAAJIk/na236beCtVo0-lY5vn9bzcjujO7CSrL-QCHM/1702126-Feb-23-Lydia-On-The-Beach_th?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>and of course, eating out….. We had fun and it was great to see Lydia and Paul again. Our BnB was perfect for us. On our first evening, we tried the TV but only got a few channels and me being me, well, I screwed up the tuner and could only get a channel that looked like a heart monitor! The BnB owner was there the next day with a new TV and this time, Barb made sure I didn’t touch anything that can break!</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B0wkv6Fc04I/WT6XsG0smGI/AAAAAAAAJIo/9vRwoTsA_Gkv4RKQoeIfXzPaozHYiRt4gCHM/s1600-h/1702148-Feb-24-Looking-At-The-Counte%255B2%255D"><img width="396" height="305" title="Derailed Dinner" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702148 Feb 24 Looking At The Counter Area" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7lcwnTAyRZw/WT6XstsDUoI/AAAAAAAAJIs/dDklvok-xTgLqnVeABLJIEUWEdAOdWk8gCHM/1702148-Feb-24-Looking-At-The-Counte?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>We’ve always wanted to try out the Derailed Dinner truck stop on I10 so on the way home, we did. The food is good, the beer cold and the décor unique. The décor is centred around old cars and railway paraphernalia, interesting. Tractor seats along the lunch counter, a railway car as a dining room and other neat stuff.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p> <p><font size="3">We arrived back at the Plantation in time for our<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bl11mNzKyd4/WT6XtONuqsI/AAAAAAAAJIw/VVD1JHEMbDItzz8ZP9fNTlRvfl40-ELNACHM/s1600-h/1702169%2BFeb%2B26%2BBarb%2BAnd%2BTerry%2BAt%2BClubhouse"><img width="375" height="542" title="Our costumes for Mardis Gras" align="right" style="border: 0px currentcolor; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1702169 Feb 26 Barb And Terry At Clubhouse" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bI-3f7abZYo/WT6Xt3gpzhI/AAAAAAAAJI0/1Xl1hwnRaMMC0OxvkiJf69kPt8HucTIrACHM/1702169%2BFeb%2B26%2BBarb%2BAnd%2BTerry%2BAt%2BClubhouse_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a> annual Mardis Gras celebrations so now is a good time to publish this post and hope you come back for another blurb soon – I will write another soon, honest!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Hope all is well where ever you are…..</font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-69864740123921066652017-03-24T16:25:00.001-04:002017-03-24T16:25:46.869-04:00January Weather is Great at the Plantation<p><font size="3">January brings more great weather. Lots of sunshine and warm temps. That also brings some severe storms but I think here at the Plantation, we are in a geographical anomaly that forces the storms to bypass us either to the west of Mobile or they stay in the Gulf south of us. We get the rain and some winds but not the devastation or, maybe we’re just lucky!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CtRH6y2X_X4/WNWARc13f_I/AAAAAAAAJE0/48JV5BnZq3k/s1600-h/1701003%252520Jan%25252003%252520Ann%252520Joan%252520Doug%252520And%252520Bill.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="Lunch at Big Daddy's with old & new friends." style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701003 Jan 03 Ann Joan Doug And Bill" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j7T9CLdYfOA/WNWAR9Y7CrI/AAAAAAAAJE4/m7ywGddtGtc/1701003%252520Jan%25252003%252520Ann%252520Joan%252520Doug%252520And%252520Bill_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" align="left" height="248"></font></a><font size="3">Now that the Christmas and New Year celebrations have settled down, we are back in the routines of eating out, ladies quilting and the men sitting around the coffee table in the club house and more eating out. When the ladies need to acquire their fabric, their choice is A&E Pharmacy in Pensacola Fl. Their </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OMiCp3tWKpw/WNWAS2pBCtI/AAAAAAAAJE8/qoQzALX2K9U/s1600-h/1701007%252520Jan%25252009%252520Lunch%252520At%252520McGuires%252520With%252520Ann%252520Bill.jpg"><font size="3"><img title=" Lunch At McGuires With Ann Bill" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701007 Jan 09 Lunch At McGuires With Ann Bill" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dei80FbzPoM/WNWATo_6RpI/AAAAAAAAJFA/LK40r3wQtH8/1701007%252520Jan%25252009%252520Lunch%252520At%252520McGuires%252520With%252520Ann%252520Bill_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" align="right" height="250"></font></a><font size="3">dear husbands hate to see the ladies agonize on that drive over so we accompany them and after the shopping, we go to McGuires Irish Pub for lunch and maybe a beer!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--umKk3OEpaM/WNWAUXX27_I/AAAAAAAAJFE/OuEpQaVVadM/s1600-h/1701012%252520Jan%25252010%252520Finishing%252520Up%252520The%2525203D%252520Flower%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JA42RGWEv1Y/WNWAVgxZaAI/AAAAAAAAJFI/4q9m9Ndk4m8/s1600-h/1701012%252520Jan%25252010%252520Finishing%252520Up%252520The%2525203D%252520Flower%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb teaching the 3D flower" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701012 Jan 10 Finishing Up The 3D Flower" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FmvNwO3SIMo/WNWAWMWPYVI/AAAAAAAAJFM/fUhHb0bE5Cw/1701012%252520Jan%25252010%252520Finishing%252520Up%252520The%2525203D%252520Flower_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" align="left" height="265"></a></font></a><font size="3">Barb taught a fabric 3D flower </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34gGlaAhjfY/WNWAW6y3nGI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/sDRiDwD9nSE/s1600-h/1701016%252520Jan%25252010%252520Ladies%2525203%252520D%252520Poppies%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6oCy5QoUf14/WNWAXkfT9pI/AAAAAAAAJFU/5Lz5SrFMvQU/s1600-h/1701016%252520Jan%25252010%252520Ladies%2525203%252520D%252520Poppies%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="The ladies 3D Poppies" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701016 Jan 10 Ladies 3 D Poppies" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7zBn2QPaxS8/WNWAYSssjCI/AAAAAAAAJFY/pdmXxKAHmdM/1701016%252520Jan%25252010%252520Ladies%2525203%252520D%252520Poppies_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" align="right" height="278"></a></font></a><font size="3">course for the sewing/quilting ladies. She had about 15 ladies to teach – now, I wonder how that kind of class compares to today’s high school class!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1oANkztIbA/WNWAZIU34iI/AAAAAAAAJFc/o5RY_58rYLM/s1600-h/1701023%252520Jan%25252011%252520Looking%252520Down%252520The%252520Other%252520Side%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ot1vZCH0Es4/WNWAag9wdnI/AAAAAAAAJFg/WQW23rnGbs0/s1600-h/1701023%252520Jan%25252011%252520Looking%252520Down%252520The%252520Other%252520Side%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ladies luncheon at Felix's" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701023 Jan 11 Looking Down The Other Side" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnzSB6-8aLk/WNWAbGShhNI/AAAAAAAAJFk/_5GEeE1WJsY/1701023%252520Jan%25252011%252520Looking%252520Down%252520The%252520Other%252520Side_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" align="left" height="214"></a></font></a><font size="3">The ladies seem to start the social ball rolling all the time – I guess not unusual. They – about 25-30 or so do a monthly ladies luncheon. This was started several years ago. The men – well, it took one of the ladies to set a location and a sign-up sheet for the men to do the same. I guess we couldn’t do it for ourselves.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5jJtTVNFw2Q/WNWAcAGYuwI/AAAAAAAAJFo/MwDWNbxk6r4/s1600-h/1701027%252520Jan%25252012%252520Barjello%252520Quilt%252520We%252520Are%252520Going%252520To%252520Learn%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mVFxhavh5l8/WNWAdrpxwnI/AAAAAAAAJFs/XXZ6RB2FQxQ/s1600-h/1701027%252520Jan%25252012%252520Barjello%252520Quilt%252520We%252520Are%252520Going%252520To%252520Learn%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Instructor displays the Bargello Quilt he will teach the group" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701027 Jan 12 Barjello Quilt We Are Going To Learn" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I56ikbGo4ZE/WNWAeJcQvcI/AAAAAAAAJFw/4osyrtVEVVA/1701027%252520Jan%25252012%252520Barjello%252520Quilt%252520We%252520Are%252520Going%252520To%252520Learn_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" align="left" height="228"></a></font></a><font size="3">The quilt group found an instructor to come to one of their meeting to teach them</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g1gLdsgu3pk/WNWAfL1IS9I/AAAAAAAAJF0/E6vIhCgNfuo/s1600-h/1702066%252520Feb%25252008%252520My%252520Butterfly%252520Bargello%252520Finished%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-POOcEJmF5Tw/WNWAgq61fNI/AAAAAAAAJF4/5pU7d2SITDY/s1600-h/1702066%252520Feb%25252008%252520My%252520Butterfly%252520Bargello%252520Finished%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb's butterfly Bargello wall hanging" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1702066 Feb 08 My Butterfly Bargello Finished" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bVpmktSlW9M/WNWAhBZSRKI/AAAAAAAAJF8/64o4wT6Vt-M/1702066%252520Feb%25252008%252520My%252520Butterfly%252520Bargello%252520Finished%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" align="right" height="348"></a></font></a><font size="3"> how to start and build a Bargello Quilt. The picture shows you how the end result should look. Here is Barb’s Bargello with 3D butterflies.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NtjjPD2xzYk/WNWAhr6LN_I/AAAAAAAAJGA/n5i-KL4hGsU/s1600-h/1701042%252520Jan%25252020%252520Barb%252520Gets%252520Her%252520Valentines%252520Bear%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DL1a4ygkFbc/WNWAieU5qLI/AAAAAAAAJGE/YpLoPThJtvU/s1600-h/1701042%252520Jan%25252020%252520Barb%252520Gets%252520Her%252520Valentines%252520Bear%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb gets her Valentines bear!" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701042 Jan 20 Barb Gets Her Valentines Bear" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vws9J6yqxCI/WNWAi4WLKjI/AAAAAAAAJGI/RrDILh91Osk/1701042%252520Jan%25252020%252520Barb%252520Gets%252520Her%252520Valentines%252520Bear_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" align="left" height="204"></a></font></a><font size="3">While we were out shopping later in January, I gave Barb her Valentines gift but the catch was she could only visit it whenever we went back to the store!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hd3X_BAHdpE/WNWAjudarJI/AAAAAAAAJGM/nSdSOseTf2Y/s1600-h/1702036%252520Feb%25252004%252520My%252520Eagle%252520Has%252520Landed%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3wluMCaKmE0/WNWAkn3h50I/AAAAAAAAJGQ/57YO2PcRYmM/s1600-h/1702036%252520Feb%25252004%252520My%252520Eagle%252520Has%252520Landed%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb's Bald Eagle also hung in the quilt show" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1702036 Feb 04 My Eagle Has Landed" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pGEXNxYDgCI/WNWAldUKSVI/AAAAAAAAJGU/XVM9WIm_wkU/1702036%252520Feb%25252004%252520My%252520Eagle%252520Has%252520Landed_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" align="right" height="267"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sBTBk5vcffk/WNWAl8MZM-I/AAAAAAAAJGY/6NS62fPvZBY/s1600-h/1702025%252520Feb%25252004%252520My%252520Nature%252520Of%252520Things%252520Hung%252520In%252520Garden%252520Room%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZiLu-xdSKo/WNWAm-HHktI/AAAAAAAAJGc/c69L97-kS34/s1600-h/1702025%252520Feb%25252004%252520My%252520Nature%252520Of%252520Things%252520Hung%252520In%252520Garden%252520Room%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb's Nature of Things above the TV " style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1702025 Feb 04 My Nature Of Things Hung In Garden Room" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rbin3XLLQSU/WNWAnQ3H3FI/AAAAAAAAJGg/xEzY3xjolQA/1702025%252520Feb%25252004%252520My%252520Nature%252520Of%252520Things%252520Hung%252520In%252520Garden%252520Room%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" align="left" height="271"></a></font></a><font size="3">Barb entered the Robertsdale Quilt Guild Quilt show with a few of her pieces, the 3D Bald Eagle, and her Nature of Things quilt that is mostly hand sewn and now hangs on our bedroom in the rig.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zeubvc86ThU/WNWAobTVIxI/AAAAAAAAJGk/rL67vvC4HZA/s1600-h/1701053%252520Jan%25252025%252520Terry%252520Cleaning%252520Up%252520The%252520Yard%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Terry cleaning up the yard aftyer trimming shrubs" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701053 Jan 25 Terry Cleaning Up The Yard" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-916NkVy2IX0/WNWAo6ZjVEI/AAAAAAAAJGo/rvsNQUsVuIw/1701053%252520Jan%25252025%252520Terry%252520Cleaning%252520Up%252520The%252520Yard%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" align="left" height="348"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">And while Barb is out and about, being the social </font><font size="3">butterfly, I’m back at the rig trying to make the yard look better, trimming the shrubs, weeding the walkway – I do that with spray so it’s not too onerous! </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SSzBMoZm3Lo/WNWAp32vZxI/AAAAAAAAJGs/mQcW-IAZcHo/s1600-h/1701043%252520Jan%25252022%252520Barb%252520Serves%252520Sambuca%252520Coffee%252520Beans%252520At%252520Flatulent%252520Fest%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb serves Sambuca coffee beans at Flatulent Fest" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701043 Jan 22 Barb Serves Sambuca Coffee Beans At Flatulent Fest" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJaZcLP2te8/WNWAqnkt6LI/AAAAAAAAJGw/hLN9EfkbNMc/1701043%252520Jan%25252022%252520Barb%252520Serves%252520Sambuca%252520Coffee%252520Beans%252520At%252520Flatulent%252520Fest%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" align="right" height="317"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">One of the festivities here is the ‘Flatulence Fest’ </font><font size="3">where 20+ cooks bring in their favorite soup, stew or any dish made with beans. Barb & I had difficulty deciding our favorite so we did Sambuca with floating coffee beans! It was a hit, we were out of our ‘dish’ early!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">Well, that’s about all the news we have for January. I have included a few pictures below on some of the wildlife we see and some of the weather we don’t. Hope all is well where you are and come back again for more scintillating prose on our life….</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxG6oPdtTEs/WNWArcxLqLI/AAAAAAAAJG0/NCGJy8v0s1M/s1600-h/1701026%252520Jan%25252011%252520Bald%252520Eagle%252520By%252520The%252520Water%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxG6oPdtTEs/WNWArcxLqLI/AAAAAAAAJG0/NCGJy8v0s1M/s1600-h/1701026%252520Jan%25252011%252520Bald%252520Eagle%252520By%252520The%252520Water%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ChKCL6NFUAo/WNWAsUcQUrI/AAAAAAAAJG4/8QZULguIqS8/s1600-h/1701026%252520Jan%25252011%252520Bald%252520Eagle%252520By%252520The%252520Water%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bald Eagle by the water" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701026 Jan 11 Bald Eagle By The Water" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4y7Bdaa9_s4/WNWAs3LzdsI/AAAAAAAAJG8/ROIsCIxxpCc/1701026%252520Jan%25252011%252520Bald%252520Eagle%252520By%252520The%252520Water_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" align="left" height="266"></a></font></a><font size="3"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UONCaX4_Nqk/WNWAtnCoJUI/AAAAAAAAJHA/X6TBHZRoWyQ/s1600-h/1701040%252520Jan%25252017%252520Bunny%252520On%252520Our%252520Deck%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ea-QUdnR-MM/WNWAvDaPquI/AAAAAAAAJHE/FvAkbJAqtVs/s1600-h/1701040%252520Jan%25252017%252520Bunny%252520On%252520Our%252520Deck%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bunny on our deck" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1701040 Jan 17 Bunny On Our Deck" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TyHIqNqkRpU/WNWAvqWKbxI/AAAAAAAAJHI/I9CzDuNEzHA/1701040%252520Jan%25252017%252520Bunny%252520On%252520Our%252520Deck_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="267"></a></font></a><font size="3"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7IZxX8bE9o/WNWAwoWuncI/AAAAAAAAJHM/D34jqcSi_jA/s1600-h/1701600%252520Jan%25252001%252520Pat%252520%252526%252520Rosss%252520House%252520In%252520Lindsay%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-137B-EYjzGM/WNWAxzb-ytI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/ncTynCrBcOg/s1600-h/1701600%252520Jan%25252001%252520Pat%252520%252526%252520Rosss%252520House%252520In%252520Lindsay%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Friend's Pat & Rosses house in Lindsay, ON" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1701600 Jan 01 Pat & Rosss House In Lindsay" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Af_B_fOkqM/WNWAyfEy2FI/AAAAAAAAJHU/nckUeWoZjWw/1701600%252520Jan%25252001%252520Pat%252520%252526%252520Rosss%252520House%252520In%252520Lindsay_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="242"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-56624280129942206742017-02-12T11:18:00.001-05:002017-02-12T11:18:00.657-05:00It’s Christmas Time at the Plantation<p><font size="3">Well, it’s that time of the year again and it’s no different here at the Plantation – except maybe the number of people coming for dinner!</font></p> <p><font size="3">There are a few events that lead up to the day, group happy hours, lighted boat parades, blue grass and touring Christmas light displays – not that different than back home right?</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bljxyo4FY6M/WKCKcBluj9I/AAAAAAAAJCw/r6gk-fJ9aUg/s1600-h/1612074-Dec-24-Betty-Jerry-Host-Happ%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Betty & Jerry host happy hour" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612074 Dec 24 Betty Jerry Host Happy Hour" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-06E_3KhOvTs/WKCKcgsz-tI/AAAAAAAAJC0/Y7MPWM9GNGY/1612074-Dec-24-Betty-Jerry-Host-Happ%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" align="left" height="207"></a>The new comers to the row here – Jerry & Betty – hosted a happy hour for all the residents here on ERPU row – about 27 people. Of course these are bring your own beverage and nibbles to share. It was warm enough that we had to move the food table to the shade so some of the treats didn’t melt down into a puddle. Some of the folks also kept moving their chairs out of the sun. It was a fun time with lots of chatter going on.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Os8ke8-MHiQ/WKCKdmq7JOI/AAAAAAAAJC4/cMuJ-sSkyq8/s1600-h/1612052-Dec-16-Rod-Milt-Getting-Offi%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Rod & Milt of TruGrass Bluegrass Band" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612052 Dec 16 Rod Milt Getting Official Greetings" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7wces36-15Q/WKCKeDdU3jI/AAAAAAAAJC8/zmjbxmzclGA/1612052-Dec-16-Rod-Milt-Getting-Offi.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" align="right" height="213"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">TruGrass, a blue grass band, were performing again at Wales West and we try not to miss their concerts – they are talented and enjoyable musicians. Wales West also puts on a terrific light display for Christmas.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RUW242cYd9Y/WKCKelCjKtI/AAAAAAAAJDA/QAPhU0xFtjs/s1600-h/1612048-Dec-16-Good-Will-To-All-In-L.jpg"><img title=" Good Will To All in lights @ Wales West" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1612048 Dec 16 Good Will To All In Lights" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZCZOZ7O-eE/WKCKfPVB0NI/AAAAAAAAJDE/PYXk3SbCeK0/1612048-Dec-16-Good-Will-To-All-In-L%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="219"></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AjhO1Nfy__E/WKCKfqN7TEI/AAAAAAAAJDI/-3w3OnXT760/s1600-h/1612054-Dec-17-With-Hetzels-At-Fish-%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="With Bill & Ann at Fish River Boat Parade" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612054 Dec 17 With Hetzels At Fish River Boat Parade" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mYii8_6yKiM/WKCKgYQsQSI/AAAAAAAAJDM/AQtPJDe92us/1612054-Dec-17-With-Hetzels-At-Fish-.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" align="left" height="222"></a>The next night was the Fish River Lighted Boat Parade and again, this is another event we try not to miss. Some years we have been late arriving (2014) but always fun. The weather was warm and dry. Bill & Ann joined us and with our favorite beverages to fight off the cold.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rXKbKGd8OPk/WKCKguqDa1I/AAAAAAAAJDQ/CMW6fPge7hQ/s1600-h/1612062-Dec-17-Fishing-Anyone5.jpg"><img title="Fishing anyone?" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612062 Dec 17 Fishing Anyone" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2OPKG5iUWIA/WKCKhB8V_dI/AAAAAAAAJDU/ZS3_G_u8os4/1612062-Dec-17-Fishing-Anyone_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" align="right" height="313"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WwG7vSmEoEw/WKCKh4A3maI/AAAAAAAAJDY/e8TSLyYDBSI/s1600-h/1612075-Dec-25-Under-The-Christmas-T.jpg"><img title="Under the Christmas Tree" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612075 Dec 25 Under The Christmas Tree" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMu3og4OYzY/WKCKiIWQiGI/AAAAAAAAJDc/dQrf8yYz_as/1612075-Dec-25-Under-The-Christmas-T%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" align="left" height="275"></a>It’s Christmas morning and the jolly man<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3yNMPXAnUGQ/WKCKjJg2SzI/AAAAAAAAJDg/5pBnmxUumcM/s1600-h/1612077-Dec-25-Barb-With-Her-Present%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb with her gift from Santa" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612077 Dec 25 Barb With Her Present" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ch7ph0-OTko/WKCKjp5RiKI/AAAAAAAAJDk/wIlfahDRjr0/1612077-Dec-25-Barb-With-Her-Present%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" align="right" height="288"></a> found us all the way down here in LA! Barb & I have a casual morning, having our gift exchange – yes, it is more difficult each year to find something for each other, enjoying our traditional rum & eggnog and breakfast. Barb went over to the clubhouse early to set up our table of 12 for dinner. After breakfast, we still had time to enjoy the weather out on the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7BukPaGg1tU/WKCKkA5a0OI/AAAAAAAAJDo/Ym65zM-ynKk/s1600-h/1612079-Dec-25-Terry-With-His-Gifts5.jpg"><img title="And you thought I was going to get coal!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612079 Dec 25 Terry With His Gifts" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6RQZPXDHG5w/WKCKkuosOsI/AAAAAAAAJDs/3CvTFJK8830/1612079-Dec-25-Terry-With-His-Gifts_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" align="left" height="198"></a>deck on a Christmas morning – another reason we come down here!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GI_h7sNXcsQ/WKCKlf-wYhI/AAAAAAAAJDw/qeQT3R-InL8/s1600-h/1612084-Dec-25-Christmas-Morning-On-%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Christmas morning on the deeck - cheers everyone." style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612084 Dec 25 Christmas Morning On The Deck" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-klTPjp2xvx8/WKCKl5otrBI/AAAAAAAAJD0/tEliBOZpiqQ/1612084-Dec-25-Christmas-Morning-On-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" align="right" height="230"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tvj2r_UFBtk/WKCKmr6W5XI/AAAAAAAAJD4/iJ_ldZh_PI4/s1600-h/1612100-Dec-25-The-Clubhouse-Is-Full%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="The Clubhouse is full for Christmas dinner." style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612100 Dec 25 The Clubhouse Is Full" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nsBxh4eZzz8/WKCKne1gpqI/AAAAAAAAJD8/sscdndF8LOg/1612100-Dec-25-The-Clubhouse-Is-Full.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" align="left" height="236"></a>It seems to be an Escapee thing to be early when food is involved and today is no different. Many people arrived at the club house by 1:15 for our 2 o’clock Christmas dinner. Soon the room is full of the 120+ diners and the chatter is<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_okgWzn8C8Y/WKCKonezUoI/AAAAAAAAJEA/GfIcHlaDVbM/s1600-h/1612067-Dec-21-Back-Front-Of-Ornamen%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb's give aways - back & front of ornaments" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612067 Dec 21 Back Front Of Ornament" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w86migcnIWw/WKCKqOPvCPI/AAAAAAAAJEE/2KHoC1j2p7s/1612067-Dec-21-Back-Front-Of-Ornamen%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" align="right" height="238"></a> deafening – until dinner is served of course! Barb likes to make a small take away for each place setting or couple. This year she made cloth Christmas balls that can be hung on the Christmas Tree.Bridgette made us all tree shaped napkins so we had a very festive table. After the meal we all stay</font><font size="3"> to socialize as we can’t hear anyone during the festive affair and this works great.</font></p> <p><font size="3">On Boxing Day, we had Bill, Ann, Jerry and Betty <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQFzgdW3m8g/WKCKreQOGuI/AAAAAAAAJEI/elpruAvnF5c/s1600-h/1612108-Dec-26-Ann-Betty-Jerry-Bill-.jpg"><img title="Ann, Betty, Jerry & Bill arrive for brunch." style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1612108 Dec 26 Ann Betty Jerry Bill Leave In Afternoon" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bnk_vkjQNbM/WKCKrwV_fVI/AAAAAAAAJEM/gqTr3zqgA98/1612108-Dec-26-Ann-Betty-Jerry-Bill-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" align="right" height="230"></a>over for a brunch. Last year we heard a lot of talk about Canadian bacon and what we saw of it was a little insult to what was referred to as our back bacon. We brought down a slab and decided to prepare and serve it to our American friends so they know what it really is.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">At our family Christmas in Ontario, Corrie and Dean announced that they were soon to be grandparents! Our minds immediately went to Mackenzie who is out east at university but they were talking about Dean’s son, Paul! Whew….. anyway, congratulations Paul and Sabrina on the arrival of your son Mason. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Mason, our new family addition</font><font size="3"> is pictured here with Corrie, his grandmother.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PLYeYqykjTA/WKCKtc84hLI/AAAAAAAAJEQ/K5bTo5IZ93s/s1600-h/1612603-Dec-30-Corrie-With-New-Grand%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Corrie with their new grandson Mason Dean Coole" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1612603 Dec 30 Corrie With New Grandson Mason Dean Coole" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fadHDxFhJeM/WKCKt2CuCWI/AAAAAAAAJEU/leHmenXhyug/1612603-Dec-30-Corrie-With-New-Grand.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="389"></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Well, that closes out 2016 for us our friends are a treasure and our family is growing again, we </font><font size="3">are so blessed.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"> I hope all is good where you are.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-86057957085188224582017-02-09T16:45:00.001-05:002017-02-09T16:45:43.174-05:00Alive and Well in Alabama….<p><font size="3">If you have been wondering what and where we are, so am I! It has been sooo long since I have updated our blog that I can almost remember what to do….</font></p> <p><font size="3">Here it goes…. the last blog showed us entering the north end of Alabama and we arrived here at the P</font><font size="3">lantation around dinner time that day. We stopped to pick up some groceries for a few days and Bill had started the fridge so it would be cold on <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UBii8xV79k8/WJzi2Jvww9I/AAAAAAAAJBU/YW2PkX4DXG8/s1600-h/1612003%252520Dec%25252001%252520Getting%252520Ready%252520To%252520Check%252520Out%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Quilt ladies on their shop hop for more quilting supplies." style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612003 Dec 01 Getting Ready To Check Out" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--jLpygnjQPA/WJzi2wh946I/AAAAAAAAJBY/0tSiaFOT-Ss/1612003%252520Dec%25252001%252520Getting%252520Ready%252520To%252520Check%252520Out%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" align="left" height="315"></a>our arrival. We were on a bit of a time constraint coming down because the quilt ladies were going on a shop hop for fabric and other quilt supplies 2 days after we landed. We left a day lee way in case we had problems on the trip down, so Barb had a day to recuperate so she was fresh to shop! It is good to be back – we do miss our little house but we also miss the fun, the activities and the friends we have here so it is a trade off. </font><font size="3">The day off kind of disappeared – we hit the road running and we haven’t stopped since. There is nothing wrong with that – we like to be busy.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P1NRk6PlaD8/WJzi3X1KioI/AAAAAAAAJBc/7WXciUOyJ3k/s1600-h/1612006%252520Dec%25252003%252520Terry%252520Up%252520On%252520Roof%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Hey up there - no time to rest, it's almost happy hour down here!" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612006 Dec 03 Terry Up On Roof" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-njIZ8CA8lCg/WJzi3xgQD0I/AAAAAAAAJBg/3fA7cKDGtbU/1612006%252520Dec%25252003%252520Terry%252520Up%252520On%252520Roof_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" align="left" height="270"></a>One of the ‘jobs’ that has to be done when we get here is attending to the rig. It survived better this summer as we prepped it better when we left in the spring – charcoal in pans, cat litter top absorb moisture and odors and the dehumidifier running to help reduce the humidity. We made it much easier for Bill then we did for Ron. Thanks for a job well done Bill. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tJoBESZ9ri8/WJzi4pko-DI/AAAAAAAAJBk/QycHYL9xnNg/s1600-h/1612005%252520Dec%25252003%252520Look%252520At%252520The%252520Sago%252520Size%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Look at the size of those Sagos!" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612005 Dec 03 Look At The Sago Size" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rwh2pVarJZs/WJzi5AGhOjI/AAAAAAAAJBo/3jBJjptz8Tg/1612005%252520Dec%25252003%252520Look%252520At%252520The%252520Sago%252520Size%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" align="right" height="331"></a>This made less clean up inside than we had the previous year. But the outside takes a beating – the humid weather along with the deathly sun, the outside looked terrible but nothing that soap, water and elbow grease can’t fix. You may notice in the pictures, how big the sago palms are getting…. when we took this site, the lower fronds were on the deck!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B2AG5PTM1zw/WJzi5kARtqI/AAAAAAAAJBs/jPYKx-tsvtg/s1600-h/1612007%252520Dec%25252005%252520Barb%252520Decorating%252520For%252520Christmas%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb decorating for Christmas." style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612007 Dec 05 Barb Decorating For Christmas" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BqtnYb5by6M/WJzi6EcnoiI/AAAAAAAAJBw/veWapl-SXmk/1612007%252520Dec%25252005%252520Barb%252520Decorating%252520For%252520Christmas_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" align="left" height="259"></a>Now that we’re all clean inside and out, it is time to set up for Christmas. We have hung the outdoor lights and now we decorate inside. All without our customary rum & eggnogs – we overlooked the eggnog the last time we were out shopping.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F-VD9Kh3mDI/WJzi7Jnge4I/AAAAAAAAJB0/9nYEhzZey_s/s1600-h/1612018%252520Dec%25252009%252520Betty%252520Jerry%252520Taber%252520Thank%252520You%252520Dinner%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="A bunch of helpers at Big Daddy's" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612018 Dec 09 Betty Jerry Taber Thank You Dinner" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mDx1zSrKpX4/WJzi7q1pU6I/AAAAAAAAJB4/pu9n3bNaTEg/1612018%252520Dec%25252009%252520Betty%252520Jerry%252520Taber%252520Thank%252520You%252520Dinner%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" align="right" height="301"></a><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">We have new neighbors and friends on the row here, Jerry & Betty have finally got their site. To thank everyone for all the help to get them moved from one site to this one, they kindly took us out to Big Daddy’s for lunch! That was very generous of them and of course we welcomed them to the street!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xwZBq3KPW2U/WJzi8CRSDDI/AAAAAAAAJB8/VgTJiCSSnW0/s1600-h/1612027%252520Dec%25252011%252520Hank%252520Sandy%252520Chuck%252520Kelli%252520Barb%252520Stacy%252520Dallas%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="A birthday party for Stacy." style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612027 Dec 11 Hank Sandy Chuck Kelli Barb Stacy Dallas" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cf4HriYGF1k/WJzi8o-fS6I/AAAAAAAAJCA/QhpzmZzC1-A/1612027%252520Dec%25252011%252520Hank%252520Sandy%252520Chuck%252520Kelli%252520Barb%252520Stacy%252520Dallas_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" align="left" height="289"></a>Stacy, our neighbor turned 75 and wanted a few of us to go with her to McSharry’s Irish pub – who am I to say no – so before long, she had 15 other neighbors and the p a r t a e was on! Soon, with the dinner served and the beer cold, Stacy was on the floor – almost the table – doing the jig to the live Irish band playing in the corner. It was a fun time. I’m sure I may have said this once before, but I am sure there is a law somewhere the prohibits us oldies from having this much fun! If there isn’t, I’m sure we’ll be taxed some how….<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PSXQu3hKuvA/WJzi9lIN6kI/AAAAAAAAJCE/EyS4vuEI3lM/s1600-h/1612036%252520Dec%25252014%252520All%252520The%252520Ladies%252520In%252520The%252520Room%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="The ladies luncheon..." style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612036 Dec 14 All The Ladies In The Room" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NMt9UPwGgmM/WJzi-KWh3AI/AAAAAAAAJCI/LXc4ElFFZOI/1612036%252520Dec%25252014%252520All%252520The%252520Ladies%252520In%252520The%252520Room%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" align="right" height="354"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">The ladies of the park all go to a luncheon once a month at a predetermined restaurant. Usually, about 40 ladies attend and all have a good time. The men are not that well organized but we manage to find our way to some watering hole to keep ourselves fed.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">This little excerpt takes us to the middle of December. Here is a picture of the front of our site and an azalea bloom on one of our plants in the back. I will post more soon if you dare to come back or have not fallen asleep from boredom!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4QZEdTlyY8o/WJzi_pctxKI/AAAAAAAAJCM/eI4ztkgCG3E/s1600-h/1612038%252520Dec%25252016%252520Front%252520Of%252520Our%252520Site%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="Front of our site" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 43px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612038 Dec 16 Front Of Our Site" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--WAftN94H8I/WJzjAOuL6UI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/vYzcPIp18SM/1612038%252520Dec%25252016%252520Front%252520Of%252520Our%252520Site_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="304"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7zmcIMT46Dw/WJzjBGEKpRI/AAAAAAAAJCU/u3nUlZM-ixU/s1600-h/1612041%252520Dec%25252016%252520Azaelas%252520In%252520Bloom%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="Azaelas in bloom" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1612041 Dec 16 Azaleas In Bloom" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_f2I_sT8Z8/WJzjBrt2teI/AAAAAAAAJCY/kAg1GC2cgsE/1612041%252520Dec%25252016%252520Azaelas%252520In%252520Bloom_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="303"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-71931769006039160142017-01-17T19:26:00.001-05:002017-01-17T19:26:39.128-05:00It’s Getting too Cold Here<p>Well, it won’t be long before our sights will be set on the trip south. If you haven’t heard, Terri, our daughter has been promoted to Partner in her accounting firm. This is an unusual move for a non-accountant individual and an honor. To celebrate, she invited about 120 people to her house to help her celebrate breaking the glass ceiling! Of course, mom & dad were invited so we packed a bag for an over-nighter! <p>They do throw a great party and here are some pictures:</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uGRxR3AkgjM/WH62BwD4A1I/AAAAAAAAI_o/hREJZIOgR5g/s1600-h/1610115-Oct-22-Cheers-From-Terry8.jpg"><img title="The bartender was serving Vesper Martinis - cheers Terri" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1610115 Oct 22 Cheers From Terry" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SkvOXc-PA34/WH62CaSKYvI/AAAAAAAAI_s/foOdTT83qJA/1610115-Oct-22-Cheers-From-Terry_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" align="left" height="252"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NEWExeBOO6Y/WH62DCwq49I/AAAAAAAAI_w/45eO2DIkbuY/s1600-h/1610117-Oct-22-Nancy-Stavros-Arrive8.jpg"><img title="More guests arrive" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1610117 Oct 22 Nancy Stavros Arrive" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-riFLicRy7ng/WH62Dq8rr6I/AAAAAAAAI_0/lQwP0vm_ja4/1610117-Oct-22-Nancy-Stavros-Arrive_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" align="left" height="252"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJK0Er1XOik/WH62EL3zkMI/AAAAAAAAI_4/EiMV5nNUdx0/s1600-h/1610121-Oct-22-Christines-Cupcake-Tr%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Christine's homemade cupcake tree" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1610121 Oct 22 Christines Cupcake Tree" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wBpDGUzZ9js/WH62FIDLiLI/AAAAAAAAI_8/1hOkJa2pYxY/1610121-Oct-22-Christines-Cupcake-Tr.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="275"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fvFgRYDVfE8/WH62GtLG5SI/AAAAAAAAJAA/jnqOBda3p0Y/s1600-h/1610130-Oct-22-Terri-And-Her-Mom6.jpg"><img title="Proud Barb with Terri" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1610130 Oct 22 Terri And Her Mom" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ueL_IzQE-Y0/WH62HCruPTI/AAAAAAAAJAE/wlbhtma432M/1610130-Oct-22-Terri-And-Her-Mom_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="247"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3gh2vpEwl7A/WH62H2cVWuI/AAAAAAAAJAI/iWjNRBp5JOI/s1600-h/1610132-Oct-22-Mark-Tamara-Terri-Bar%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Too many to name but they were all having fun" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1610132 Oct 22 Mark Tamara Terri Barb Diane Sherry Mike" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5riP8tZGrDg/WH62Iv5ImPI/AAAAAAAAJAM/7NkKjfmF_8U/1610132-Oct-22-Mark-Tamara-Terri-Bar.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="247"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDYjh0YyMdE/WH62JSI5hoI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/s2G1UwJfbkY/s1600-h/1610124-Oct-22-Look-Of-Successful-Pa%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="The look of a new partner" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1610124 Oct 22 Look Of Successful Partner" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kBUy2M3G4h0/WH62Jo_6ueI/AAAAAAAAJAU/PLIQWgKZEk0/1610124-Oct-22-Look-Of-Successful-Pa.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="260"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQvgPo1hA5Y/WH62KCJLkTI/AAAAAAAAJAY/N5Vxx8aYbfA/s1600-h/1610144-Oct-25-Barbs-Painting1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb's painting class at Moe's Eatery in Port Colborne" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1610144 Oct 25 Barbs Painting" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jjd1rGb0w24/WH62KtPh8dI/AAAAAAAAJAc/fbyqMYzO-a0/1610144-Oct-25-Barbs-Painting1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" align="left" height="306"></a>Barb took a painting class and the neatness <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TdSlvocjD1Y/WH62LgPdAXI/AAAAAAAAJAg/6mBb3pP1zSk/s1600-h/1610142-Oct-25-Barbs-Paint-Table1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Barb's painting class - there were 15 ladies in all" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1610142 Oct 25 Barbs Paint Table" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xNbZZtgBd0s/WH62MEgmTXI/AAAAAAAAJAk/q9XB3KDMcPo/1610142-Oct-25-Barbs-Paint-Table1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" align="right" height="288"></a>was it was in a pub in Port Colborne! How good is that plan? Barb takes a class and I sat and watched sports or read and sipped a cool one or two. Now that is what I called a civilized paint class! <p> <p> <p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XBNv7zV6hIQ/WH62MkWWcMI/AAAAAAAAJAo/5vrFL5_jfX8/s1600-h/1611035-Nov-26-All-Around-The-Table-%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="All around the table for Christmas dinner" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1611035 Nov 26 All Around The Table For Advent" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0R5tiq3f2IU/WH62NClzQKI/AAAAAAAAJAs/wE2C_Z-P8MA/1611035-Nov-26-All-Around-The-Table-_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" align="right" height="269"></a> <p> <p>The next grand event was our family Christmas dinner. It was held at the end of November and we all gathered at Dawn’s – our middle daughter in Napanee Ontario. To avoid the long drive back to Fort Erie after a huge meal, we took a B&B in Belleville. This was the same one we used when we were here to visit Dawn while she was in the hospital for a few days. Terri & Mark shared the B&B suite with us so the party continued after we left Dawn’s. <p> <p> <p>Sunday, we arrived back in Fort Erie and started packing the truck, organizing the house and emptying the fridge for the trip south. Our plan was to leave early but not by the alarm, just go when we were ready. Our plan for the first day was to get somewhere north of Nashville so the wee hours were not necessary. The border cr<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JzItaHidieo/WH62Ny4xNMI/AAAAAAAAJAw/hijEHjRAl1o/s1600-h/1611071-Nov-28-View-Of-Frost-In-Elli%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="On our way through New York state." style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1611071 Nov 28 View Of Frost In Ellicottville" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wIBAlBV5WSg/WH62OQZwNuI/AAAAAAAAJA0/6u7QTKLTTaQ/1611071-Nov-28-View-Of-Frost-In-Elli.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" align="right" height="232"></a>ossing was smooth and we were on our way. Stops for nature and fuel was the only plan. Things change as we got to I65 at Louisville, the weather was threatening and by the time we were just north of Bowling Green, it was getting bad. Strong cross winds and driving rain brought traffic to a stop on the Interstate and that is dangerous but drivers were pulling over but since they could not see the road markings, they didn’t know if they were off the road or not. The driver in our right lane was gradually moving into our lane and they were not aware. I carefully moved behind a big rig in the outside lane and followed his taillights. Being up high, he could see over the road spray and could see the road markings – at least that was my theory. Anyway, soon we were through the storm and decided <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R2XNqr9I8eM/WH62PLocJ1I/AAAAAAAAJA4/JtMzAidPfTQ/s1600-h/1611076-Nov-29-Arriving-In-Alabama5.jpg"><img title="Arriving in Alabama - yea!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1611076 Nov 29 Arriving In Alabama" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RMmwReqhHUc/WH62PhmKWZI/AAAAAAAAJA8/dYyvXwVMfp0/1611076-Nov-29-Arriving-In-Alabama_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" align="left" height="230"></a>enough was enough, let’s find a motel so we pulled over at White House Tn and stayed the night. The next day, we had clear and sunny weather for the remainder of our drive. We pulled into our site just after 6, put groceries away and settled in to relax for the rest of the evening. <p>The rig was in great shape, no musty smell or dampness – I guess we prepared better this time. Bill was our caretaker and he said the dehumidifier was running every time he was in checking on it. <p> <p> <p align="center">I hope all is good where you are…… Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-6308087090768689262016-12-19T13:12:00.001-05:002016-12-19T13:12:54.248-05:00End of Summer Projects….<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0BJnxDn-mFs/WFgi99hmMlI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/BGF7LaMcVfI/s1600-h/1609029%252520Sep%25252004%252520We%252520Caught%252520Our%252520House%252520Skunk%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Here kitty, kitty..... wanna go for a ride?" border="0" alt="1609029 Sep 04 We Caught Our House Skunk" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KB-ihN7CJmA/WFgi-frgTfI/AAAAAAAAI-U/EtB64NuxRNw/1609029%252520Sep%25252004%252520We%252520Caught%252520Our%252520House%252520Skunk_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="260"></a>Now that we have survived another birthday, it is still unbelievable that we are this old, we don’t feel it and we just keep on keep’n on! So, last posting, I hinted that we had an experience with a smelly black & white kitty. And yes, we did! Dave our neighbour came over with his live trap, baited and set it and we waited till morning to see what we caught and it was a young skunk. Dave has been catching several throughout the summer so I knew I called the right man for the job. Dave built a kind of shelter over the trap to keep the critters calm while we load and transport them to a<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XQQsnEM6FSM/WFgi_T2le7I/AAAAAAAAI-Y/WRGnSfojaSI/s1600-h/1609049%252520Sep%25252012%252520Adding%252520The%252520Leg%252520Supports%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="We're buidling substructure of front deck" border="0" alt="1609049 Sep 12 Adding The Leg Supports" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFbZ6wDi8zI/WFgi_y4N4vI/AAAAAAAAI-c/-fKy0pDp-wg/1609049%252520Sep%25252012%252520Adding%252520The%252520Leg%252520Supports_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="171"></a>nother space down the lake a few miles from here! I joke that we are sharing with the rich New Yorkers that have their big homes down on the lake. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fx0P_L4h5kc/WFgjAz_r9uI/AAAAAAAAI-g/-m7gALL4HUM/s1600-h/1609051%252520Sep%25252013%252520Barb%252520Starting%252520The%252520Deck%252520Boards%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Barb starting the deck boards" border="0" alt="1609051 Sep 13 Barb Starting The Deck Boards" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2l9vlWKKS7M/WFgjBMuAsTI/AAAAAAAAI-k/bAJQlakfEY0/1609051%252520Sep%25252013%252520Barb%252520Starting%252520The%252520Deck%252520Boards_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="171"></a>Not knowing if it was just one skunk or a family, we set the trap again but only caught a possum after a couple of nights so making the leap that we are done with other critters under the house so time to fix this issue. I know that it is late now to put chicken wire around the front of the house but better late than never and having to do this again. Barb & I pulled the skirting <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AVnfr6Hj8yM/WFgjCMlj1_I/AAAAAAAAI-o/QDCNqBP7P3Y/s1600-h/1609065%252520Sep%25252016%252520Our%252520New%252520Porch%252520From%252520West%252520Side%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Where's the rocking chairs??" border="0" alt="1609065 Sep 16 Our New Porch From West Side" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V65dvG6Ah84/WFgjCisNfgI/AAAAAAAAI-s/814K0eJdIEc/1609065%252520Sep%25252016%252520Our%252520New%252520Porch%252520From%252520West%252520Side_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="288"></a>off the front and sides so we could fit the wire under so the critters can’t dig their way in again. Once we finished that, we started to finish the front deck. We placed chicken wire around it to discourage them from digging there too. We didn’t work hard, just steady and before too long, we were done. Facias on and gravel laid, now for the rocking chair and a beverage and watch the world go by. We also started the edging finish of river rock up the side to match the other side. <p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zmSRwt9magU/WFgjDkVY2fI/AAAAAAAAI-w/T6O2HYxBKr0/s1600-h/1609044%252520Sep%25252010%252520Barb%252520Putting%252520Holding%252520Up%252520Eaves%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="A little higher on the left dear...." border="0" alt="1609044 Sep 10 Barb Putting Holding Up Eaves" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9wJHs-XjkQ/WFgjEB4pUYI/AAAAAAAAI-0/uZOpIa4Eqxk/1609044%252520Sep%25252010%252520Barb%252520Putting%252520Holding%252520Up%252520Eaves_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="172"></a>The south side of the garage needed an eaves trough so we put that up too. The garden at the back corner of the garage gets flooded after a steady rain so we connected the down spout into the sump tile that we have around the house to get rid of the rain water. <p>We had a busy couple of weeks socially. Randy & Norma came by for some much needed fast track, lunch and more fun times. John & Di came in for the weekend, some fast track, rummy stix and lots of laughs and fun times. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m2wel5Uc4VY/WFgjE1Yp1SI/AAAAAAAAI-4/bebrchYfMZQ/s1600-h/1609075%252520Sep%25252016%252520Barb%252520Hits%252520A%252520Great%252520Shot%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Barb hits another great shot" border="0" alt="1609075 Sep 16 Barb Hits A Great Shot" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XVkrRtRsJKI/WFgjFbw8BkI/AAAAAAAAI-8/tuvt_0MEGuw/1609075%252520Sep%25252016%252520Barb%252520Hits%252520A%252520Great%252520Shot_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="289"></a> <p> <p>But all this was not without some play time, a couple of shows, some golf and just being together keeps us happy. Barb’s painting is getting better each time she puts the brush to the canvas and my wood turning is improving too every time I go to the shop to make wood chips! The upcoming months will keep us focused on our family Christmas at the end of November and then our drive down to the Plantation for our winter excitement. <p> <p> <p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h9IfLiZyzZM/WFgjGMFfisI/AAAAAAAAI_A/FSXlU-kXIVU/s1600-h/1609077%252520Sep%25252018%252520Terrys%252520First%252520Cedar%252520Bowl%252520Outside%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terry's first cedar bowl" border="0" alt="1609077 Sep 18 Terrys First Cedar Bowl Outside" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJjMMAIxw_U/WFgjGnEY9qI/AAAAAAAAI_E/8RF6K3-i6TI/1609077%252520Sep%25252018%252520Terrys%252520First%252520Cedar%252520Bowl%252520Outside_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="291"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JIk_p1BKxGE/WFgjHsBRdzI/AAAAAAAAI_I/VSzy1B-W53o/s1600-h/Mountain%252520scene%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Mountain scene" border="0" alt="Mountain scene" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H8y3uECGbog/WFgjH38pBeI/AAAAAAAAI_M/t7RYJoblzPA/Mountain%252520scene_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="318"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RMl8z85NejE/WFgjI5DO93I/AAAAAAAAI_Q/BFkyfsuG6_E/s1600-h/Mountain%252520scene%252520Sept%25252019%2525202016%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Mountain scene" border="0" alt="Mountain scene Sept 19 2016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDvynXloI6c/WFgjJUfOMTI/AAAAAAAAI_U/MTewsS8GcuQ/Mountain%252520scene%252520Sept%25252019%2525202016_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="405"></a> <p align="center">Come back again and hope all is good out there with you….. Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-46487757715644126092016-12-07T20:02:00.001-05:002016-12-07T20:02:27.767-05:00Back Home from Our Summer Trip to the Plantation….<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fRdsElJLaRc/WEiw0kFb8CI/AAAAAAAAI8g/lc3Y_vcs8zU/s1600-h/1608069-Aug-15-New-Look-On-Cannon4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New look of Terri & Mark`s house" border="0" alt="1608069 Aug 15 New Look On Cannon" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3rEhoVyEq0c/WEiw1FlwUSI/AAAAAAAAI8k/a3o8aevzY30/1608069-Aug-15-New-Look-On-Cannon_th.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="172"></a>After we got back from LA, we thought we would <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AAg96U8zs8o/WEiw205XI7I/AAAAAAAAI8o/gdnC95aMrhM/s1600-h/1608070-Aug-15-Terry-Checking-Out-In%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terry checking out new hot tub at Terri & Mark`s" border="0" alt="1608070 Aug 15 Terry Checking Out Installation Of New Hot Tub" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lvORaeyRE0k/WEiw3aSNUHI/AAAAAAAAI8s/qI9C3-AHMwE/1608070-Aug-15-Terry-Checking-Out-In%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="171"></a>take a few days of down time to recharge after the l-o-n-g drive home but not! Terri & Mark were taking off to cycle the Cabot Trail and they had picked up some logs so I could turn them into bowls so we decided even after being in the truck for 19+ hours yesterday, we would go into their place to pick up the logs and say farewell. They have been busy working on the front of the house and at the side to clear a spot for a hot tub they acquired. A coat of paint, remove the wrought iron and the house looks much better. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYB3l2KOhHc/WEiw4Vl_OBI/AAAAAAAAI8w/K_VKJXhkT1A/s1600-h/1608072-Aug-16-Showing-My-Age1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="My God, I`m how old????" border="0" alt="1608072 Aug 16 Showing My Age" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TR-l-qHHZrw/WEiw4kuPsrI/AAAAAAAAI80/k83YQGV9SFI/1608072-Aug-16-Showing-My-Age1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="286"></a>We had planned to golf and then sit back on the patio at <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Km4vailHFzU/WEiw5fmza4I/AAAAAAAAI84/uBxYRB4AQx0/s1600-h/1608094-Aug-23-Barb-On-A-Par-34.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Still a great swing..." border="0" alt="1608094 Aug 23 Barb On A Par 3" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cHePLSVku8M/WEiw6OvuLfI/AAAAAAAAI88/1w22waRXpEA/1608094-Aug-23-Barb-On-A-Par-3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="144"></a>He’s Not Here to celebrate Barbie’s birthday but the weather was not very cooperative so we did a show and dined at home. After a couple of Chocolate Cherry cocktails, I prepared my must have Cherries Jubilee for dessert. Her celebration was not what we planned but it was a nice day none the less – we had good company. We finally were able to complete her birthday celebration plans a week later. We played ICC here in Fort Erie, took in a show and then had dinner on the patio at He’s not Here. It was another great day.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nV4HlQR10Cg/WEiw6g9W8HI/AAAAAAAAI9A/_YCcenN07Lc/s1600-h/1608097%252520Aug%25252023%252520Dinner%252520At%252520Hes%252520Not%252520Here.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ahhhhh, dinner on the deck at He's Not Here" border="0" alt="1608097 Aug 23 Dinner At Hes Not Here" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ePu9QNmy3tQ/WEiw7L9WiMI/AAAAAAAAI9E/z_nXbifvpLE/1608097%252520Aug%25252023%252520Dinner%252520At%252520Hes%252520Not%252520Here_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="230"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nMW3-rA3XKM/WEiw8EjoUoI/AAAAAAAAI9I/n8742lBVdhk/s1600-h/1609001-Sep-01-Our-Caster-Bean-Plant%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Our Caster Bean plants" border="0" alt="1609001 Sep 01 Our Caster Bean Plant" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E3EsB8Zh_OY/WEiw8hFlHHI/AAAAAAAAI9M/t38EQIyrZj0/1609001-Sep-01-Our-Caster-Bean-Plant_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="123"></a>It’s quiet around here most of the time, Barb ‘plays’ in her studio, quilting or painting while I ‘play’ out in the garage converted work shop, learning the wood lathe. In the srping, we planted 30+ Castor Bean seeds but only 4 ger<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZaNZit7mX4/WEiw92kEr4I/AAAAAAAAI9Q/OWLbjSphvg4/s1600-h/1608100-Aug-28-Dorothy-And-Jamie-Ove%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dorothy & Jamie over for happy hour" border="0" alt="1608100 Aug 28 Dorothy And Jamie Over For Happy Hour" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jsRONnsddMA/WEiw-VjwxKI/AAAAAAAAI9U/Wu4cOc6ZK3k/1608100-Aug-28-Dorothy-And-Jamie-Ove%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="247"></a>minated. We planted the seedlings along the big white fence to break up the glare. <p> <p>We have made friends with our neighbors across the road and invited them over for a happy hour Sunday afternoon – Jamie is young enough that he works so only can party on weekends! Anyway, lots of chatter and laughs and before we realize it, it is well past dinner time and into early evening – apparently we’re having too much fun. <p> <p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5YGWkhLFFEw/WEiw_jgr34I/AAAAAAAAI9Y/iqn_kIfnFJg/s1600-h/1608101-Aug-30-Day-With-Randy-And-No%25255B2%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Day at Randy & Norma's" border="0" alt="1608101 Aug 30 Day With Randy And Norma" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tnlZgWY3Zew/WEixALrCNBI/AAAAAAAAI9c/Ix5sx1p_KRQ/1608101-Aug-30-Day-With-Randy-And-No%25255B2%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="206"></a> <p> <p>It was time for some Fast Track and more laughs so we headed to Randy & Norma’s in Dunneville, on the Grand River. Randy & I jusy can’t seem to get the upper hand on the ladies. It was a great day anyway, even if we couldn’t win many hands. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--AjyHB8nr58/WEixBr38DwI/AAAAAAAAI9g/VqB3VAgq-7U/s1600-h/1609018%252520Sep%25252002%252520Terry%252520Teeing%252520Off%252520On%25252015%252520Hole%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terry on one of the tees on the back nine" border="0" alt="1609018 Sep 02 Terry Teeing Off On 15 Hole" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5_k3duOTGcs/WEixCfD5J3I/AAAAAAAAI9k/LFkACvKGLJc/1609018%252520Sep%25252002%252520Terry%252520Teeing%252520Off%252520On%25252015%252520Hole%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="285"></a> <p> <p> <p> <p>It’s time for my birthday golf and dinner. I chose a new course we haven’t played – Whisky Run, name sounded like right up my alley. The course was disappointing enough that we will not return. The 18 holes are squashed into an area suitable for 14! We soon caught up to a 5-some and held us up on every shot. The marshal didn’t want to upset them so he tried to be polite but that hint didn’t work! Needless to say we left the course unhappy. We stayed there for dinner which was also a little short of our expectations. We still had a fun day with a lesson learned…. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2IVcex5VIF4/WEixED3Ey5I/AAAAAAAAI9o/0BJTnbLGeak/s1600-h/1609041%252520Sep%25252008%252520Entrance%252520To%252520Skunk%252520House%25255B1%25255D%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Skunk burrowed under front skirting of the house" border="0" alt="1609041 Sep 08 Entrance To Skunk House" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tMZdpXZowQs/WEixEq6G_2I/AAAAAAAAI9s/WGO8kputVZM/1609041%252520Sep%25252008%252520Entrance%252520To%252520Skunk%252520House%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="216"></a> <p> <p>To end the day off perfectly, while we were gone, a skunk moved in under the front of our house. His distinct aroma met us at the back door when we got back. I called a neighbour that I knew has fun catching these cute little black & white cats! He soon arrived with his live trap, set it up and we wait for morning. The air seems to be somewhat better so maybe he is not there after all. We’ll see in the AM. <p> <p> <p align="center">Come back soon to hear if we had a free loading tenant…. <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-naG_29653Tg/WEixIBoCHGI/AAAAAAAAI9w/cV3_cz1KEYM/s1600-h/1609024%252520Sep%25252002%252520A%252520Rose%252520Of%252520Sharon%252520Flower%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Our Rose of Sharon bloom" border="0" alt="1609024 Sep 02 A Rose Of Sharon Flower" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OX0HlH390JI/WEixIu-21bI/AAAAAAAAI90/FDpoyfr_tfc/1609024%252520Sep%25252002%252520A%252520Rose%252520Of%252520Sharon%252520Flower_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="291"></a>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-66296071464178725062016-09-09T15:26:00.001-04:002016-09-09T15:26:13.255-04:00We’ve Lost Our Minds…..<p>After Nate left, we had a day off to recuperate and then loaded up the truxk for a little get away – down to LA to visit our stuff and to see our winter friends. I guess it wasn’t hot enough here, we just had to go to Alabama to soak up some more. <p>We left bright and early – at the crack of 7AM – Sunday morning. Our plan was to avoid much of the heavy traffic and get as far south as we could on the first day. Our plan worked perfectly and we pulled into Columbia Tn for the night. I know I’ve said it before but this is when we miss pulling our rig – finding affordable and comfortable accommodation and having to eat in <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8NJFiZ-nD3Q/V9MMhZius2I/AAAAAAAAI6U/RUU3zmDMUjE/s1600-h/1608043%252520Aug%25252008%252520Dinner%252520With%252520Friends%252520At%252520Big%252520Daddys%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dinner with our friends at Big Daddys" border="0" alt="1608043 Aug 08 Dinner With Friends At Big Daddys" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-csTB0IWk0jA/V9MMh9eFUhI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/lhktRvwYP6E/1608043%252520Aug%25252008%252520Dinner%252520With%252520Friends%252520At%252520Big%252520Daddys_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="215"></a>restaurants is not always fun. Monday, we got away again at 7. On the way, we got a call from Bill, asking our ETA as the <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NJAGpmkwx4/V9MMjLT7sXI/AAAAAAAAI6c/8B6cDQ-i2CA/s1600-h/1608042%252520Aug%25252008%252520Our%252520Sago%252520Top%252520At%252520The%252520Plantation%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Our Sago Palm's seed pod" border="0" alt="1608042 Aug 08 Our Sago Top At The Plantation" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JaCsBzliRrQ/V9MMjj-vCQI/AAAAAAAAI6g/iOTKHmk7UW4/1608042%252520Aug%25252008%252520Our%252520Sago%252520Top%252520At%252520The%252520Plantation_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="200"></a>gang were planning a late lunch and if we were going to arrive and go out with them. As soon as we heard they were going to Big Daddy’s, we pressed on the flat peddle and arrived in time! Not sure what we all talked about but we carried on back to the campground to carry on. This picture shows what our Sago Palm tree sprouts during the summer! Who knew? <p>Our rig was in great condition this time around. We were better prepared this year from our experiences last summer. Our caretaker last year helped us to know what needs to be done to avoid the summer weather pitfalls. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5NU_HHVL6RE/V9MMkkKUUPI/AAAAAAAAI6k/0CaCipmM6n8/s1600-h/1608045%252520Aug%25252009%252520Eating%252520AT%252520El%252520Paso%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Eating at El Paso" border="0" alt="1608045 Aug 09 Eating AT El Paso" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KVkrgIiAR5A/V9MMlDNpedI/AAAAAAAAI6o/szGzLYNHPiU/1608045%252520Aug%25252009%252520Eating%252520AT%252520El%252520Paso_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="212"></a>Tuesday, we didn’t have any food in so we had to go out for breakfast & Larry & Marti joined us. After, we did some food shopping for breakfasts and lunches – our plan was to eat dinner out instead of trying to prepare anything so we didn’t have a lot in the cupboards when we left in 6 days. The gang suggested we try a different pizza place in town – Chicago Pizzeria – so all 8 of us descended upon it only to find a chain <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N7mz6YsYVmI/V9MMmfXRprI/AAAAAAAAI6s/QVbDVZYVcHA/s1600-h/1608046%252520Aug%25252009%252520Kelli%252520Marti%252520Singing%252520At%252520Table%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Kelli & Marti singing and entertaining us" border="0" alt="1608046 Aug 09 Kelli Marti Singing At Table" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wiyFes9gtbQ/V9MMmzCsBbI/AAAAAAAAI6w/p8JBMxKmbC0/1608046%252520Aug%25252009%252520Kelli%252520Marti%252520Singing%252520At%252520Table_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="221"></a>on the door and a closed sign in the window. So, an alternative, lets go to El Paso, it isn’t Margarita Thursday’s but what the hell…. Again, good food, good company and good Margarita’s make for a great time. Marti & Kelli may have had us banned from there this winter as they serenaded the dining room with their dulcet tones. As we were checking out, the gent at the cash suggested there was a nice Mexican restaurant down the road too! I’m sure he was kidding but it was funny. As we were gathering in the parking lot, a couple of other diners came out and asked if they could get a couple of ‘selfies’ with the singers! Again, too funny…. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9n_ZjOYmzhY/V9MMnzDMFaI/AAAAAAAAI60/GFNVklGOal4/s1600-h/1608051%252520Aug%25252010%252520Larry%252520Chuck%252520Kelli%252520Marti%252520In%252520McGuires%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Larry, Chuck, Kelli & Marti (both hung over) at McGuires" border="0" alt="1608051 Aug 10 Larry Chuck Kelli Marti In McGuires" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQoBV_Sy7Ls/V9MMoSV0qxI/AAAAAAAAI64/W5duYmf8VhA/1608051%252520Aug%25252010%252520Larry%252520Chuck%252520Kelli%252520Marti%252520In%252520McGuires_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="219"></a>Wednesday was shopping day – Barb <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wLAVfJjGfY/V9MMpQK2tdI/AAAAAAAAI68/JYBUWGyUCxY/s1600-h/1608052%252520Aug%25252010%252520Playing%252520Rummy%252520Sticks%252520At%252520Our%252520Place%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Playing Rummy Sticks at our place" border="0" alt="1608052 Aug 10 Playing Rummy Sticks At Our Place" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xF1uP17rtBY/V9MMpwDy8WI/AAAAAAAAI7A/58YNzDak-3s/1608052%252520Aug%25252010%252520Playing%252520Rummy%252520Sticks%252520At%252520Our%252520Place_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="205"></a>was a little bummed since she hasn’t been fabric shopping since April and needed her ‘fix’. So, the girls planned a trip to one of their fav’s – A&E and then met us guys at McGuires for lunch. Of course, the guys did a side trip to wander around Harbor Freight Tools before we made our way to meet the girls. As usual, lunch was good, the Guinness perfect and the company great. We all went back to our place to carry on and enjoy a new game called Rummy Sticks. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wLqHzxQvhkQ/V9MMrM2AvwI/AAAAAAAAI7E/I5JtxKJjOew/s1600-h/1608054%252520Aug%25252011%252520Terry%252520In%252520Shopping%252520Pose%252520At%252520Joanns%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terry in shopping pose at Joanns" border="0" alt="1608054 Aug 11 Terry In Shopping Pose At Joanns" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_6oz1RvhUXw/V9MMrpVV-5I/AAAAAAAAI7I/T8C70wnrrIE/1608054%252520Aug%25252011%252520Terry%252520In%252520Shopping%252520Pose%252520At%252520Joanns_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="205"></a>Thursday, Barb could not find what she <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DcF6orLTFuI/V9MMspiy0WI/AAAAAAAAI7M/77Khz5L1XPI/s1600-h/1608055%252520Aug%25252011%252520Pegs%252520Jokers%252520With%252520Larry%252520Marti%252520Bob%252520Phyllis%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pegs & Jokers with Larry, Marti, Bob & Phyllis" border="0" alt="1608055 Aug 11 Pegs Jokers With Larry Marti Bob Phyllis" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nTZ1wlm6a4w/V9MMtA9266I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/eqKkR42EDsA/1608055%252520Aug%25252011%252520Pegs%252520Jokers%252520With%252520Larry%252520Marti%252520Bob%252520Phyllis_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="194"></a>needed at A&E so we went back Jo-Ann’s in Pensacola. After we picked up what she needed, we were back to Foley and just had to stop off at Foosackly’s for lunch. We think they have the best chicken fingers around – ever wonder how many chickens we consume eating their wings, fingers and toes! Sorry, I got off track there. We had our Pegs and Jokers pals – Bob & Phyllis over for a game and Larry & Marti joined us. It was a fun evening and a great game, gotta get one of them….<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bu-NgROk9rU/V9MMuLVU8sI/AAAAAAAAI7U/hEMLVpF4BLQ/s1600-h/1608061%252520Aug%25252012%252520Happy%252520Hour%252520At%252520Larry%252520Martis%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Happy hour(s) at Larry & Marti's" border="0" alt="1608061 Aug 12 Happy Hour At Larry Martis" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lU_npG-qmRI/V9MMulzFM0I/AAAAAAAAI7Y/PflJ_FbRtpw/1608061%252520Aug%25252012%252520Happy%252520Hour%252520At%252520Larry%252520Martis_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="210"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jjm1Be21nHg/V9MMvnfweZI/AAAAAAAAI7c/kKTfs3mA3_o/s1600-h/1608058%252520Aug%25252012%252520The%252520Gang%252520Having%252520Pizza%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="The gang having pizza & beers too" border="0" alt="1608058 Aug 12 The Gang Having Pizza" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pU3s-vwSvEM/V9MMv6BcrGI/AAAAAAAAI7g/GecOWLhmkgA/1608058%252520Aug%25252012%252520The%252520Gang%252520Having%252520Pizza_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="204"></a>Friday was a bit slower, no shopping today and the 8 of us went to Cousin Vinny’s for really good pizza – at least they weren’t chained closed. After, we still had lots to talk about so we went back to Larry & Marti’s for happy hour or was it hours? <p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFIgi51QOtg/V9MMxN8Ta8I/AAAAAAAAI7k/R3S8340gTgs/s1600-h/1608065%252520Aug%25252013%252520Final%252520Lunch%252520With%252520Stacy%252520Madonna%252520Dallas%252520At%252520McSherrys%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Farewell unch with Stacy, Madonna, Dallas & everyone else at McSharry's" border="0" alt="1608065 Aug 13 Final Lunch With Stacy Madonna Dallas At McSherrys" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yd1jpq3qKNI/V9MMxV_mMBI/AAAAAAAAI7o/6wZnkjdqSts/1608065%252520Aug%25252013%252520Final%252520Lunch%252520With%252520Stacy%252520Madonna%252520Dallas%252520At%252520McSherrys_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="250"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wkv8g314NJI/V9MMy0r526I/AAAAAAAAI7s/_Ts5kzMRyoQ/s1600-h/1608062%252520Aug%25252013%252520Bagels%252520And%252520Coffee%252520At%252520Clubhouse%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bagels and coffee at Clubhouse" border="0" alt="1608062 Aug 13 Bagels And Coffee At Clubhouse" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bNkFRqlEsoY/V9MMzJFHeKI/AAAAAAAAI7w/YlpXZNlToVg/1608062%252520Aug%25252013%252520Bagels%252520And%252520Coffee%252520At%252520Clubhouse_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="171"></a>Saturday was a busy day for us, packing, setting the rig back for the Alabama summers & laundry. We aren’t usually there for the bagels bunch on Saturdays so we went to this one and saw many of our winter friends that stay all year now. After was laundry and then as a farewell, the 8 plus Stacy, Madonna & Dallas (our neighbours) all went to McSharry’s for lupper (late lunch or early supper). I am starting to think this is a better deal than McGuires, shorter drive and better Shepard’s Pie. After we were all back at the campground, Larry, Marti, Bill & Ann came by to say their farewells. That was nice. <p>Sunday, we left the campground at the crack of 4AM. Our plan was to try to drive straight through to home. Our rational was we could sleep for 2 days if need be, who cared! Anyway, Barb & I shared the driving and we rolled in the driveway around 12:30 AM. It was a fun week away. <p>We hope all is good where you are….. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cGnBJ5Tm4MI/V9MM0YKgl5I/AAAAAAAAI70/QWQGlefPlHo/s1600-h/1608099%252520Aug%25252027%252520My%252520Mountain%252520Practice%252520Painting%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Barb's latest practice paint scene" border="0" alt="1608099 Aug 27 My Mountain Practice Painting" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wUhPtCkP4JE/V9MM05hfj4I/AAAAAAAAI74/sfHZiRfr1z0/1608099%252520Aug%25252027%252520My%252520Mountain%252520Practice%252520Painting_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="289"></a></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-61408965805695727962016-08-30T12:40:00.001-04:002016-08-30T12:40:07.013-04:00A Grandson’s Visit<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JRQ9mNizbo0/V8W2rxbQcxI/AAAAAAAAI40/XQUG1ddnEA8/s1600-h/1607081%252520July%25252030%252520Walking%252520Around%252520Ellicottville%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terri, Mark & Terry on Main street in Ellicottville" border="0" alt="1607081 July 30 Walking Around Ellicottville" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P2ZpJaEeqo8/V8W2sXB05AI/AAAAAAAAI44/7CFV3t6UnS4/1607081%252520July%25252030%252520Walking%252520Around%252520Ellicottville_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="271"></a>At the end of July, we found ourselves at Terri & Mark’s get away in Ellicottville NY. I have to say, we love our Nexus cards for crossing the border – we couldn’t use them<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sPMAMMpnP2E/V8W2s_OPiyI/AAAAAAAAI48/cTATzO6sNCY/s1600-h/1607084%252520July%25252030%252520Our%252520Birthday%252520Celebration%252520With%252520Terri%252520Mark%252520At%252520Dinas%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Our Birthday Celebration At Dina's" border="0" alt="1607084 July 30 Our Birthday Celebration With Terri Mark At Dinas" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VbfXkrs-fdA/V8W2tEZSO8I/AAAAAAAAI5A/RSTeVCukBb0/1607084%252520July%25252030%252520Our%252520Birthday%252520Celebration%252520With%252520Terri%252520Mark%252520At%252520Dinas_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="225"></a> when we pulled the rig but it sure makes it easy now. We thought they knew we were coming but they didn’t so we surprised them Saturday morning. Once we were all mobile, we ventured into town for a little shopping, some refreshments and of course, more shopping – we were with Terri afterall! Back to the cabin, change, and then back to town for dinner. Since Terri & Mark were not going to be home to celebrate our birthdays – they are going to be biking the Cabot Trail – they treated us to dinner at <a href="http://dinas.com/">Dina’s</a>. It was a nice relaxing day and evening. We left mid day on Sunday so we could be ready for their usual stop in on their way home.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fgPDwsGtAT4/V8W2t1gwJkI/AAAAAAAAI5E/XxRTbqKaCtc/s1600-h/1608005%252520Aug%25252001%252520Nate%252520Starts%252520Camp%252520Adventure%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nate Starts Adventure Camp " border="0" alt="1608005 Aug 01 Nate Starts Camp Adventure" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2ffpsA_tYI/V8W2uEMkECI/AAAAAAAAI5I/qPPmLaYTwis/1608005%252520Aug%25252001%252520Nate%252520Starts%252520Camp%252520Adventure_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="237"></a>We have been having our youngest grandson – Nathanial – <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ucky0vtjYf0/V8W2vfioIII/AAAAAAAAI5M/CiL9Lb45M3Q/s1600-h/1608004%252520Aug%25252001%252520Corrie%252520Dean%252520Stay%252520For%252520Lunch%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Corrie & Dean for lunch" border="0" alt="1608004 Aug 01 Corrie Dean Stay For Lunch" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f48mn-DkE1k/V8W2vwCrVYI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/ylAzNvhS35w/1608004%252520Aug%25252001%252520Corrie%252520Dean%252520Stay%252520For%252520Lunch_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="218"></a>for a week visit during his summer holiday. This might be our last year as he will be 12 next year and he may not want to be with the ‘old folks’! Anyway, Corrie, Dean & Nate arrive for lunch and a visit. Lots to talk about and sit back and relax. By late afternoon, Corrie and Dean were looking at their 2 hour drive home and decided they should be on their way. Soon after, Terri & Mark stopped in for dinner and a visit – it was a busy day.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mRK2oCP1PA0/V8W2xM-35hI/AAAAAAAAI5U/iiNqUKD1zrE/s1600-h/1608008%252520Aug%25252001%252520Second%252520Bean%252520Toss%252520Game%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bean bag toss with Nate" border="0" alt="1608008 Aug 01 Second Bean Toss Game" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5BSiofnJXuc/V8W2xkNZfII/AAAAAAAAI5Y/tg-FHd18bUQ/1608008%252520Aug%25252001%252520Second%252520Bean%252520Toss%252520Game_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="213"></a>As usual, Barb has a plan to Nate’s stay <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6EQkUu89CVs/V8W2ykWGeeI/AAAAAAAAI5c/iHKbnccteok/s1600-h/1608012%252520Aug%25252001%252520Barb%252520Wins%252520Fast%252520Trak%252520Game%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Barb wins Fast Track- again" border="0" alt="1608012 Aug 01 Barb Wins Fast Trak Game" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oIvLyh0rtYY/V8W2y6_mEWI/AAAAAAAAI5g/O6eywDVBNnI/1608012%252520Aug%25252001%252520Barb%252520Wins%252520Fast%252520Trak%252520Game_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="200"></a>and we start off with some geocaching in the Crystal Beach area. We are a little rusty as we have not geocached for awhile and we only found 25% of the caches we chose. The good news is, we found a small difficult cache that we may not have found if Nate wasn’t there! It was low in a spruce tree and we’re not good searching on our hands and knees! The next day was game day…. we played bean bag toss and some fast <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_UeVsCsH9ss/V8W20edZFlI/AAAAAAAAI5k/LSzdgOensIQ/s1600-h/1608016%252520Aug%25252002%252520Terry%252520Nate%252520Don%252527t%252520Find%252520Catch%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terry & Nate didn't find the cache" border="0" alt="1608016 Aug 02 Terry Nate Don't Find Catch" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KRkhTw_KteI/V8W20qOuwTI/AAAAAAAAI5o/PSEMzMo1A2s/1608016%252520Aug%25252002%252520Terry%252520Nate%252520Don%252527t%252520Find%252520Catch_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="274"></a>track. It doesn’t matter how old kids get, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3f_fIZQu2W4/V8W22BhIsTI/AAAAAAAAI5s/BSln2Xo62kI/s1600-h/1608018%252520Aug%25252002%252520Nates%252520Found%252520Cache%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nates found this cache - see the small green container" border="0" alt="1608018 Aug 02 Nates Found Cache" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GCBnIU623rU/V8W22SLKHvI/AAAAAAAAI5w/InTisXbaDmk/1608018%252520Aug%25252002%252520Nates%252520Found%252520Cache_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="280"></a>they loose interest fast if they don’t win.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Our next adventure changed due to the heat and we took in a show – Ice Age. The title and ac in the theatre kept us cool for the duration. The late afternoon was set out for some craft project that Barb <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ifcv_MatE3k/V8W23lJAVCI/AAAAAAAAI50/gA7WLMusOf8/s1600-h/1608028%252520Aug%25252003%252520Nate%252520Adds%252520More%252520Polish%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Nate adds nail polish as the decoration" border="0" alt="1608028 Aug 03 Nate Adds More Polish" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B1EEpooGT18/V8W233SmTcI/AAAAAAAAI54/9QeZZlts5UQ/1608028%252520Aug%25252003%252520Nate%252520Adds%252520More%252520Polish_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="240"></a>thought was neat and something useful – they made a patio table tourch. It was made with a decorated (that’s the craft part) clay pot, some small smooth river stones and a can of sterno. It needed to dry overnight and was finished the next day.</p> <p>His last day was a trip to the farmers market in Port Colborne – I’m sure he was excited about that – and a trip to a woodworking tool shop – he was over the top at that adventiure - and then met up with his mom & dad. Nate had fun but if he didn’t, he had his phone & ipad to keep himself occupied if we didn’t.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Barb & I had our own adventure camp the following week, come back again to read about it…</p> <p>Hope all is good where you are.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mVvX2WZBiGY/V8W25LOKSmI/AAAAAAAAI58/qAL5ZToSXyU/s1600-h/1607040%252520July%25252014%252520Flicka%252520In%252520Our%252520Yard%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Flicka on one of the last Ash trees still standing in our yard" border="0" alt="1607040 July 14 Flicka In Our Yard" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bb1n8w-SJHs/V8W25Uh5_8I/AAAAAAAAI6A/WBlblenX1sY/1607040%252520July%25252014%252520Flicka%252520In%252520Our%252520Yard_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="281"></a></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-70328782353479729182016-07-25T15:40:00.001-04:002016-07-25T15:40:30.393-04:00It’s Hot<p>Well, what a month we’ve had – dry & hot which is news for southern Ontario. The lawns are brown, the trees are looking more like we’re in late August than July and even the weeds are struggling to survive. Barb & I managed to stay cool but mostly indoors appreciating our air conditioning.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hnNc4SuUQj0/V5Zq4E8DzdI/AAAAAAAAI28/YWHbTH4IGH4/s1600-h/1607001%252520Jul%25252001%252520Flying%252520Our%252520Canadian%252520Flag%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Happy Canada Day Eh!" border="0" alt="1607001 Jul 01 Flying Our Canadian Flag" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B7cne_9evfg/V5Zq44dia-I/AAAAAAAAI3A/UgWu6SMaSyM/1607001%252520Jul%25252001%252520Flying%252520Our%252520Canadian%252520Flag_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="171"></a>On Canada Day, we walked down to the river <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-brMc38cb5DI/V5Zq5h4ynfI/AAAAAAAAI3E/NQp40KF_RC4/s1600-h/1607007%252520Jul%25252001%252520Fireworks%252520In%252520Fort%252520Erie%252520At%252520Niagara%252520River%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fort Erie Canada Day Fireworks At Niagara River" border="0" alt="1607007 Jul 01 Fireworks In Fort Erie At Niagara River" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gbpFgOL6XF0/V5Zq6WysbCI/AAAAAAAAI3I/Z1q-6FkgHH8/1607007%252520Jul%25252001%252520Fireworks%252520In%252520Fort%252520Erie%252520At%252520Niagara%252520River_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="319"></a>at dark to watch the magnificent fire works display our little town hosted, ending our celebration of Canada Day. We both agree that they were even more stunning than last year. The river park was jammed with fellow onlookers, it was a great ending to the day.</p> <p>On the 4th of July, we again walked down to the river to watch the Buffalo fire works display, it is usually awesome. This year, there were some problems in Buffalo with their stuff and we decided after a 45 minute delay that we had enough standing and waiting. We were about half way home when they started their display – we didn’t go back.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWwRgOFTyB8/V5Zq7axe0II/AAAAAAAAI3M/ulU_eGmE1Fo/s1600-h/1607031%252520July%25252010%252520Peggys%252520Cove%252520On%252520Window%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Peggy's Cove as a window covering" border="0" alt="1607031 July 10 Peggys Cove On Window" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ymlN3eL6yFg/V5Zq79ybHTI/AAAAAAAAI3Q/ulhCImwpzxg/1607031%252520July%25252010%252520Peggys%252520Cove%252520On%252520Window_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="280"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We had 2 major errands to run so we planned a road trip. First and foremost, we had to get our passport photos taken so we could renew our travel documents. We also needed more sewing supplies to finish Barb’s terrific Peggy’s Cove project. The weather was great so off to Port Dover to stop off at Len’s Mill’s store for our supplies. It has been a few years since we have been through this little town and seems more built up than we remember. It was quite busy, even for early July but always a nice trip.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bQbIISxsM7Y/V5Zq9FlFnmI/AAAAAAAAI3U/9btao9wbTrs/s1600-h/1607046%252520July%25252017%252520New%252520Sewing%252520Table%252520From%252520Top%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Barb`s new sewing extension table" border="0" alt="1607046 July 17 New Sewing Table From Top" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ra8t8hHLda8/V5Zq9rBZLjI/AAAAAAAAI3Y/ZIXSinCyLOE/1607046%252520July%25252017%252520New%252520Sewing%252520Table%252520From%252520Top_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="241"></a>I started to build Barb an extension table for her sewing <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qqgomEIFMlY/V5Zq-zKRWcI/AAAAAAAAI3c/t8EDK6GjdtY/s1600-h/1607053%252520July%25252019%252520Barb%252520Busy%252520At%252520Work%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Barb showing how much easier it is with her new table extension" border="0" alt="1607053 July 19 Barb Busy At Work" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-my28Zh6lW6g/V5Zq_bkjRAI/AAAAAAAAI3g/3LfFznTJMJ8/1607053%252520July%25252019%252520Barb%252520Busy%252520At%252520Work_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="253"></a>machine. I have limited choices for supplies here but I found some maple and popular boards, glued & clamped them up. The next day, I ran them through my planer and glued and clamped again. Sanded, edged and made legs with adjustable feet and applied some varnish and now she has a nice extension table to aid with her quilting.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tzye-oQtrTY/V5ZrAr0z6-I/AAAAAAAAI3k/8Ez5Tqz978s/s1600-h/1607064%252520July%25252023%252520Joan%252520Shay%252520Eagle%252520WallHanging%252520Finished%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Barb's 3D WallHanging" border="0" alt="1607064 July 23 Joan Shay Eagle WallHanging Finished" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x4pH2_DDG0M/V5ZrBTYQ8lI/AAAAAAAAI3o/616v9F4__fQ/1607064%252520July%25252023%252520Joan%252520Shay%252520Eagle%252520WallHanging%252520Finished_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="405"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n9-uPX6GGDo/V5ZrClO4KSI/AAAAAAAAI3s/BVMdM-458VY/s1600-h/1607042%252520July%25252014%252520Peggys%252520Cove%252520Roman%252520Shade%252520Halfway%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Peggy's Cove as a Roman Shade window covering" border="0" alt="1607042 July 14 Peggys Cove Roman Shade Halfway" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bv-FWXwFdu0/V5ZrDFuXHbI/AAAAAAAAI3w/Nxe1za1WS1k/1607042%252520July%25252014%252520Peggys%252520Cove%252520Roman%252520Shade%252520Halfway_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="263"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Barb finished her Peggy’s Cove project and has been taking a ‘3D quilt’ course online and it also looks great but you can be the judge! =========></p> <p>She has been pecking away on a large hand sewn wool quilt project that will be seen later.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eku1BQ-hNOI/V5ZrEQS-Z7I/AAAAAAAAI30/-SYUHnw_r1w/s1600-h/1607018%252520Jul%25252004%252520England%252520Sue%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="England Sue, part of an ongoing project by Barb" border="0" alt="1607018 Jul 04 England Sue" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fot7dzGw5QU/V5ZrE3n3-QI/AAAAAAAAI34/yxDJVocKZxs/1607018%252520Jul%25252004%252520England%252520Sue_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="271"></a></p> <p>We finally broke out the golf clubs this month and are slowly getting back into the grove so to speak. There are several ‘nine & dine’ deals here so we were invited to join a neighbor (Richard & Deene) to try <a href="http://www.golfriovista.com/">Rio Vista</a> on <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0bvl1w2Ueg/V5ZrGI70isI/AAAAAAAAI38/DSKGfFu9szU/s1600-h/1606106%252520Jun%25252024%252520Terry%252520On%252520The%252520Green%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terry, Richard & Deene putting - Barb behind the camera" border="0" alt="1606106 Jun 24 Terry On The Green" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4IJ1DZSwBVk/V5ZrGtNi4vI/AAAAAAAAI4A/v423JhdNsCw/1606106%252520Jun%25252024%252520Terry%252520On%252520The%252520Green_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="207"></a>a Friday night special. Not a bad deal, nine holes of golf with a cart and a fish & chip dinner for $25 each. The fun we had was free. On another Friday, we tried the <a href="http://www.forteriegolfclub.com/">Fort Erie Golf Club</a>. Here you get 18 holes of golf with a cart and a steak dinner for $25! Not bad unless you care about getting the long clubs in your hands – yes, it is an executive course with only 2 short par 4’s. But hey, you still have to make the short shots and we did not bring the course to it’s knees but we enjoyed it none the less. And finally, we went to <a href="http://www.niagaragolficc.com/">International Country Club</a> where the deal was ‘$25 Wednesday’, 18 holes on a full course with a cart. Another good deal and it was a nice course with 27 holes. We seemed to have the course to ourselves, no waiting and no one pushing us! Good weather and good company – just Barb & I, could it get better than this!</p> <p>We did have a visitor, it was a Wave Sphinx Moth. Barb held up her hand to give you an idea of the size of the critter….</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gFkcmAOVR9Y/V5ZrHnL4YLI/AAAAAAAAI4E/7H6q1tHPKAM/s1600-h/1607043%252520July%25252016%252520A%252520Waved%252520Sphinx%252520Moth%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="A Waved Sphinx Moth" border="0" alt="1607043 July 16 A Waved Sphinx Moth" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pv4EffQuu28/V5ZrIEzTkYI/AAAAAAAAI4I/U-zdQfDknU4/1607043%252520July%25252016%252520A%252520Waved%252520Sphinx%252520Moth_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2lWxOFHuXM/V5ZrJeYbU-I/AAAAAAAAI4M/LUHM915pghE/s1600-h/1607044%252520July%25252016%252520Hand%252520Comparison%252520Of%252520Waved%252520Sphinx%252520Moth%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Hand comparison of Waved Sphinx Moth" border="0" alt="1607044 July 16 Hand Comparison Of Waved Sphinx Moth" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orxhFptAZCA/V5ZrJ-OmHuI/AAAAAAAAI4Q/xoP5WWxirh4/1607044%252520July%25252016%252520Hand%252520Comparison%252520Of%252520Waved%252520Sphinx%252520Moth_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="240"></a></p> <p>So, for the most part, that was our month. Some sewing, some golfing and some eating… Come back again….</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9dJM8mWj5xU/V5ZrK6k4c6I/AAAAAAAAI4U/Ql6VDkUMWGE/s1600-h/1607008%252520Jul%25252001%252520Catching%252520The%252520Smoke%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Catching the smoke" border="0" alt="1607008 Jul 01 Catching The Smoke" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0obcnMExYSg/V5ZrLft0s1I/AAAAAAAAI4Y/snccwdlqL30/1607008%252520Jul%25252001%252520Catching%252520The%252520Smoke_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="314"></a></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-36876697311423555782016-06-29T21:18:00.001-04:002016-06-29T21:18:37.695-04:00First Month Back<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cxODe43c93Y/V3RzOgEJcJI/AAAAAAAAI00/Gj8HAVO02ck/s1600-h/1605008-May-02-The-AirBud-BnB-We-Sta%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Great BnB we stayed at in Belleville" border="0" alt="1605008 May 02 The AirBud BnB We Stayed At" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpweOJEUykQ/V3RzPN0KbWI/AAAAAAAAI04/_y61umuKZ_8/1605008-May-02-The-AirBud-BnB-We-Sta.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="199"></a>We only chilled for a short time then back in the truck and off to Belleville to visit our daughter Dawn. She was in the regional hospital there for surgery. We stayed in a cute BnB in the heart of Belleville, just a short distance from the hospital. Our hostess was very nice and we will surely use her place again whenever we go there again. Breakfast was made to order with more than we could eat. Afterward, she would ask if we wanted more coffee and would sit and chit chat. Very homey. <p> <p>On the way home after a few days, we met friends Pat & <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aGCxbJxM68M/V3RzQHY9spI/AAAAAAAAI1E/RCIyFgJBW8c/s1600-h/1605026-May-07-Shaw-Theatre-At-Niaga.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terri & Barb going to the Shaw Theatre in Niagara on the Lake" border="0" alt="1605026 May 07 Shaw Theatre At Niagara On The Lake" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p94oe5lxN_8/V3RzQlrN_vI/AAAAAAAAI1I/y67MnPIq2Lk/1605026-May-07-Shaw-Theatre-At-Niaga%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="285"></a>Carolyn for lunch in Cobourg. We talked the afternoon away but soon had to be back on the road. We stopped off at my brother <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQutyhQbCI4/V3RzRp0xvOI/AAAAAAAAI1U/AdUydUUt85U/s1600-h/1605022%252520May%25252007%252520Terri%252520At%252520Lunch%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terri & Barb at lunch in Niagara on the Lake" border="0" alt="1605022 May 07 Terri At Lunch" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-44ReRV2UsAM/V3RzSIrhoVI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/znGcuYvRb8Y/1605022%252520May%25252007%252520Terri%252520At%252520Lunch_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="252"></a>Larry’s for a short catch up with him. We got back in time for Barb to have a day away with Terri for Mother’s Day at Niagara on the Lake. They shopped, went to the theatre, tasted some of the restaurants of the area and had a wonderful time together. <p> <p> <p>Now all the gallivanting is done, we get down <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HEoMUq1mDRo/V3RzT06EPuI/AAAAAAAAI1k/ODvHVuUUOqY/s1600-h/1605053-May-12-Front-Step-Frame-In-P%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Front step frame in place" border="0" alt="1605053 May 12 Front Step Frame In Place" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1JwAKZHx6Ks/V3RzURmb_WI/AAAAAAAAI1o/epJ9CMEfe34/1605053-May-12-Front-Step-Frame-In-P%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="171"></a>to work. The front porch/deck is about 18 inches high and needs a step – maybe that’s why we don’t have vis<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-29fYqMGVfQc/V3RzVkub6TI/AAAAAAAAI10/gRInMYgVvQI/s1600-h/1605068-May-17-Our-New-Front-Steps6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Front step with deck boards on - now we're ready for guests" border="0" alt="1605068 May 17 Our New Front Steps" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gh-Sy_xLg6s/V3RzVxbt0FI/AAAAAAAAI18/k1YgUW0T-kA/1605068-May-17-Our-New-Front-Steps_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="181"></a>itors, they can’t easily get to the door! Anyway, with Barb’s design, we set about cutting and screwing and voila, we now have a step. We built it with a plan of adding on to make the porch bigger to fill the front of the house. Plans…. <p> <p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HznEikjLhOU/V3RzXDp6slI/AAAAAAAAI2E/encl7l_66To/s1600-h/1605071%252520May%25252021%252520Week%2525207%252520For%252520Peggys%252520Cove%252520Lighthouse.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Peggys Cove Lighthouse quilt" border="0" alt="1605071 May 21 Week 7 For Peggys Cove Lighthouse" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x7yru8dV0h0/V3RzXm8ZNaI/AAAAAAAAI2M/twxdSgBeK9A/1605071%252520May%25252021%252520Week%2525207%252520For%252520Peggys%252520Cove%252520Lighthouse_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="250"></a><a name="main"></a> <p><a name="Blog1"></a> <p><a name="post-body-4867221444822733306"></a> <p><a name="dbffd102-9e71-4338-96b9-3ab6f44ef240"></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Barb is working on another ‘quilt along’ where she receives a quilt pattern and works on it with many other quilters but on her own time and in her own quilt room. It is a picture of the Peggy Cove’s lighthouse and so far, it is looking great. It is destined to be used as a window covering in her quilt room. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Gardens, planters and other pretty things keep us busy and make the outside looking better. Randy & Norma come over for lunch and a few games of fast <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JvqMcwUDk0s/V3RzYy4wdiI/AAAAAAAAI2U/tX-EXhvU2rk/s1600-h/1605087%252520May%25252025%252520Cheers%252520From%252520Randy%252520Norma%252520Barb.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cheers from Randy, Norma & Barb" border="0" alt="1605087 May 25 Cheers From Randy Norma Barb" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QjbiPkibTBQ/V3RzZUO90cI/AAAAAAAAI2c/MDm3ktzdldk/1605087%252520May%25252025%252520Cheers%252520From%252520Randy%252520Norma%252520Barb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="214"></a>track. Visitors, see, so it is all about the front steps. We had a fun day together, a few wobbly pops, lunch, chit chat and of course the guys lost at fast track. <p>With all the trees gone down the side of the house, the heat is turned up on the back deck. We’re off to get one of those large patio umbrellas. It’s a toss up between Lowes and Ikea. The Ikea unit has a better stand weight system so it wins. After getting the unit home, we set it up. It was difficult deciding on the best location to set it so we can maximize the shade it gives out. The fabric is a huge 10x12 feet and it will be great. But wait…. we have to turn the deck 90 degrees to get any useful shade – right now, the walkway is shaded perfectly but not so much for the actual seating area! The umbrella looks great, a neat weight system and would have worked but….. so box it up and back to Ikea! On the way home we had to stop off at Walmart for a few things so let’s just take a peak and see what they have to offer. A table umbrella that tilts in the centre so we can adjust it for any sun. We’re better now and it looks fine or as you say, it’s made in the shade. Sorry, I had to say it. <p>That’s our excitement for May, hope you enjoyed the read and come back again at the end of July for more scintillating fun…. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HP473es2C70/V3RzaVHuRoI/AAAAAAAAI2k/ImnQXT7k1MU/s1600-h/1605089-May-26-Woodpeckers-Go-Up-The.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Woodpeckers getting some eats from one of our tress before it's gone!" border="0" alt="1605089 May 26 Woodpeckers Go Up The Tree" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qAVRZ9aeb5A/V3Rza4MmLtI/AAAAAAAAI2s/uZ_-Avawtqw/1605089-May-26-Woodpeckers-Go-Up-The%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="245" height="355"></a></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-81410131363339998922016-06-06T14:10:00.001-04:002016-06-06T14:10:49.635-04:00The End of Our Winter….<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fwSPmdka51I/V1W8fd3J0cI/AAAAAAAAIzA/IihmpZndbvY/s1600-h/1604034%252520Apr%25252004%252520Hey%252520You%252520Looking%252520At%252520Me%252520Turtle.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Hey, you looking at me turtle - some wildlife on the river" border="0" alt="1604034 Apr 04 Hey You Looking At Me Turtle" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RV8kqpul7gU/V1W8f8zPl2I/AAAAAAAAIzE/vvib1J5AM2w/1604034%252520Apr%25252004%252520Hey%252520You%252520Looking%252520At%252520Me%252520Turtle_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="220"></a> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>In our last post, many snowbirds are talking about head’n <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QrW4Q-DUNpU/V1W8hSu_dgI/AAAAAAAAIzM/DmF6464-lQk/s1600-h/1604038%252520Apr%25252004%252520Another%252520Selfie%252520On%252520Water.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="A selfie while we were on the water" border="0" alt="1604038 Apr 04 Another Selfie On Water" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrofm97IIQs/V1W8hhz_8RI/AAAAAAAAIzU/YdhTsE3lNsw/1604038%252520Apr%25252004%252520Another%252520Selfie%252520On%252520Water_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="318"></a>north and we’re no exception. So little time left and so much to do before we actually point the truck north. There is more golf, kayaking, dining, quilting, rig maintenance so it will endure the harsh summer sun and heat and all round trying to stay out of trouble at happy hour!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLGi6xewEIM/V1W8i6pqs3I/AAAAAAAAIzc/kEv4F6jtaTo/s1600-h/1604051%252520Apr%25252007%252520LOTR%252520Quilt%252520Finished.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lord Of The Rings quilt top" border="0" alt="1604051 Apr 07 LOTR Quilt Finished" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ErgABO1uAEg/V1W8jVZIdGI/AAAAAAAAIzk/7N7OwqoOOcg/1604051%252520Apr%25252007%252520LOTR%252520Quilt%252520Finished_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="356"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Barb is busy working on a quilt top for our bed back at the house. It is the Lord of the Rings theme that she has been working on for a couple of years. She took up this challenge with an online work group and enjoyed building the blocks. Another excellent job done and it looks great on our bed.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Barb managed to get all her stuff done, items packed to come <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_AAs6phGdo/V1W8kWEesNI/AAAAAAAAIzs/MmWe3uZ4WCQ/s1600-h/1604175%252520Apr%25252022%252520Entering%252520Cincinnati%252520In%252520Evening%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Entering Cincinnati Friday evening" border="0" alt="1604175 Apr 22 Entering Cincinnati In Evening" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gNtWNu-ZvEc/V1W8k0A7QpI/AAAAAAAAIzw/KvDjkaH-jI0/1604175%252520Apr%25252022%252520Entering%252520Cincinnati%252520In%252520Evening_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="190"></a>home, sewing put away one last time and I finished the rig maintenance. Lunches had, one last happy hour and good-bye hugs given and the final time arrives where we climb into the truck early Friday morning to get as far north as we can before we call it a day. We managed to get to Pickerington, OH for the night, got checked in and out to dinner. After a long day, we slept great! </p> <p> </p> <p>On Saturday, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk_8645wF8w/V1W8mGWel7I/AAAAAAAAIz4/-oVrb0Aes6I/s1600-h/1604182-Apr-23-Lupper-At-The-Brewery%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lupper at The Ellicotville Brewing Company (EBC)" border="0" alt="1604182 Apr 23 Lupper At The Brewery" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2YLKuDBMhjg/V1W8mhOWl0I/AAAAAAAAI0A/c-6kynGOvCE/1604182-Apr-23-Lupper-At-The-Brewery.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="171"></a>we were back on the road, heading for Ellictoville, NY to visit with Terri, Mark and Sandra, Mark’s mom.</p> <p>We head out Sunday after breakfast for the house – kinda anxious to see how well it wintered this year with the weather being so mild <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AZIRI3Q8EbA/V1W8n9XMYPI/AAAAAAAAI0I/-sFKsIFAPi0/s1600-h/1604186%252520Apr%25252024%252520Home%252520And%252520Trees%252520Are%252520Gone.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Home and the Ash trees are gone" border="0" alt="1604186 Apr 24 Home And Trees Are Gone" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j0RdUEG00gE/V1W8oaJkAQI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/QsfMPbIHAWg/1604186%252520Apr%25252024%252520Home%252520And%252520Trees%252520Are%252520Gone_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="249"></a>back here. Dave, our care taker had been in before we got home and had the house open for us which was a nice welcome back. </p> <p> </p> <p>Once we were unpacked and the dust settled, we looked around and all was good. The city’s Ash trees have been decimated by the <a href="http://emeraldashborer.info/">Emerald Ash Borer</a> and the city is taking them down<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x2vr73w_EFI/V1W8pvECPsI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/xGRL90ShmJs/s1600-h/1604196-Apr-29-Branches-All-Removed4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="70 Foot trees down in less than an hour" border="0" alt="1604196 Apr 29 Branches All Removed" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-siZO2XG6LW8/V1W8qFbs9xI/AAAAAAAAI0g/uYKiiIfWskY/1604196-Apr-29-Branches-All-Removed_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="171"></a> - all the trees around our little place are all Ash trees and half of them are already gone. Our street looks so much different. This is the main discussion amoung the neighbors, some neutral, some happy and others not so.</p> <p> </p> <p>Mail, doctors appointments, getting stuff done around the house and just settling in are the main activities for the short term. We plan on some outdoor projects but right now we are just chill’n. Hope all is good where you are and come back again….</p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421964988160828855.post-44594500445997926052016-05-22T21:23:00.001-04:002016-05-22T21:23:51.566-04:00When Are You Head’n North?<p><font size="3">It’s that time of the year again when this question usually starts a conversation. It’s a time when snowbirds are of two emotions, sad to be leaving the Plantation but at the same time, glad to be moving on. The fulltimer generally is less sad because of the opportunities that lie ahead. Now that we are home owners again, we are excited to go back to the ‘new’ home to see how it wintered and to start planning any new projects to continue to get the place to where we want it.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e_iPd3HtrMk/V0JbfPOBlFI/AAAAAAAAIxg/b6ZD-gVU27I/s1600-h/1603254-Mar-29-Fast-Track-At-Randy-N.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Playing Fast Track with Randy & Norma" border="0" alt="1603254 Mar 29 Fast Track At Randy Normas Clubhouse" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k_3kIr5pHLk/V0JbgMOvIuI/AAAAAAAAIxk/_WwYeOGh0cY/1603254-Mar-29-Fast-Track-At-Randy-N%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="193"></a>Before we make plans for our northward trip, we have another visit from friends from Ontario. Randy & Norma decided to make a stop on their way home from Arizona – truth be known, they were probably asked to leave! Just kidding Norma, don’t take this personally. Anyway, they stopped off for a week so they could visit with us, check out the area and do some bike rides along the gulf coast.</font></p> <p><font size="3">They joined us for our brunch with Terri & Mark and then we met up with them again after Terri & Mark left. We had dinner with them, used the clubhouse in their campground for s<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fv5GEHllgSU/V0Jbh40BnaI/AAAAAAAAIxo/3iD4WXkItbs/s1600-h/1603276-Mar-30-Barb-Norma-By-Azaela5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Barb & Norma admiring the wild Azaela at the Weeks Bay Preserve" border="0" alt="1603276 Mar 30 Barb Norma By Azaela" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CVR8YlbwGr0/V0JbiWusOTI/AAAAAAAAIxs/_tQyq18SQdA/1603276-Mar-30-Barb-Norma-By-Azaela_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="207"></a>ome Fast Track. It was an exhausting day for us, driving to Mobile airport, dinner with Randy & Norma, games, some beverages and a late evening but still a good time.</font></p> <p><font size="3">The next day, the weather was beautiful so we took Randy & Norma around to <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mPgeEXSJA_4/V0JbjVaNiEI/AAAAAAAAIxw/2HdSw9y3f0w/s1600-h/1603280-Mar-30-A-Group-Selfie4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="A group selfie @ Shux Oyster Bar on the Fairhope Pier" border="0" alt="1603280 Mar 30 A Group Selfie" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nMKjyo4Xgm8/V0JbjnqSLKI/AAAAAAAAIx0/6aPIvicDxDQ/1603280-Mar-30-A-Group-Selfie_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="165"></a>some of the highlights around our area – Pitcher Plant Bog but we were chased out of the Weeks Bay Preserve by mosiquitos! So, off to the pier in Fairhope for a beverage at <a href="http://www.shuxonthepier.com/home.html">Shux</a> that is half way out on the pier. After, back to our place for dinner and <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YDAvIjRR6Vs/V0Jbk8_zrDI/AAAAAAAAIx4/0lBHrA5F44Y/s1600-h/1603286-Mar-30-Norma-Barb-At-Fairhop%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Norma & Barb at the Fairhope fountain" border="0" alt="1603286 Mar 30 Norma Barb At Fairhope Fountain" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQ_1c7E9L6Q/V0JblG-eF0I/AAAAAAAAIx8/iuE2ns5Bjrs/1603286-Mar-30-Norma-Barb-At-Fairhop%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="206"></a>an evening of Fast Track and lots of laughs.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Thursday the weather was rainy so the 4 of us took in a show then over to the El Paso for dinner - Thursday is 1/2 price <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-GdAYpESB8/V0JbmGHZxDI/AAAAAAAAIyA/5oo8Z1O0MLg/s1600-h/1603305-Mar-31-The-Group-At-El-Paso5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Our group at El Paso" border="0" alt="1603305 Mar 31 The Group At El Paso" align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7YAflLgxrKY/V0Jbmq8_prI/AAAAAAAAIyE/m-xIcjPJWQc/1603305-Mar-31-The-Group-At-El-Paso_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="208"></a>Margarita’s. The rest of our group – Bill & Ann and Larry & Marti – joined us. Good friends, good food, and 1/2 price Margarita’s is a recipe for good fun.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Friday, Randy & Norma joined us for happy hour <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RtKbbYB4Q6Y/V0JbnpH0IZI/AAAAAAAAIyI/Xh2dQgV558o/s1600-h/1604006-Apr-01-Happy-Hour-At-Ann-Bil%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Happy Hour at Ann & Bills" border="0" alt="1604006 Apr 01 Happy Hour At Ann Bills" align="right" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wYkB-j3xig/V0Jbn6mt-uI/AAAAAAAAIyM/t9XA6czBNM0/1604006-Apr-01-Happy-Hour-At-Ann-Bil%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="219"></a>at Bill & Ann’s. It may seem strange, the same group of people getting together often and we continue to have fun and enjoy each others company. Lots of chatter keeps us all entertained well after dinner hour. We all say our farewells to Randy & Norma as they are riding down the Florida Panhandle on Saturday then they will be heading their rigs north on the Sunday.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3">This is a good place to stop for now and hope you come back again…..</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BYEGCdj3Z4I/V0JbpLJ-kfI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/cE9aPbEDkzE/s1600-h/1604027%252520Apr%25252004%252520White%252520Flowers%252520By%252520The%252520Fish%252520River%252520Boat%252520Launch.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Beautiful Flowers on the banks of the Fish River" border="0" alt="1604027 Apr 04 White Flowers By The Fish River Boat Launch" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VPdV7NsTh0/V0JbpuFpH6I/AAAAAAAAIyU/yLNFtL6ReNI/1604027%252520Apr%25252004%252520White%252520Flowers%252520By%252520The%252520Fish%252520River%252520Boat%252520Launch_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Ellis2Roamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410552757254305654noreply@blogger.com1