Rest in Peace

Sad news. On October 23 my father Robert Allen passed away after a short illness. He leaves a big hole in all our lives.

A Day at the Museum

St Margaret

Hoa Hakananai'a from Easter Island

An Egyptian Cat

The Rosetta Stone

This past Sunday I went to the British Museum, home of the Rosetta Stone and lots of other interesting items from around the world. I stayed about 3 1/2 hours and just walked around taking pictures, not even stopping to read about most of the things I was seeing. Here are some of my favorites. More to come.

Guess Where This Is

Today I took a road trip to somwhere I've been meaning to get to ever since I got to England. You'll probably never guess from the picture.

It is really quite something to see. It stands in the middle of Salisbury Plain with nothing around it but fields of cattle and sheep. The A303 runs beside it and as you drive along, it's right in front as you come down the hill.

You can wander around outside the fence, but if you pay a fee you can get inside and much closer, although there is a rope barrier. Walking around it is amazing. As it is now every angle gives a different view.

One thing about Salisbury Plain is that it is very windy as I came around the first curve in the walkway I got hit with a wind so strong I wasn't sure the pictures would be in focus. As you can see everything turned out fine.

Big News!

The Front

The Back

For those who haven't heard I managed to total my car on an icy hill in mid January. I now have a new (to me) car. It is a Renault Scenic Prestige +. It's a small SUV type vehicle and has all the trimmings except for heated seats.

Cardiff - Day 3 continued

The Panto is long over and I'm still giggling. I've never been to a Pantomime before, although I have heard about them. It was so much fun I'm ready to go back again. Too bad that means next Christmas time. The story is loosly based on the Robin Hood legend and includes much interaction with the audience which consisted of about 80% kids. Very Noisy Kids!! I haven't giggled that much since, well at this point in time I'm not sure how long it's been. I will say it felt really good. Isn't laughter supposed to be good for the blood pressure?

Cardiff - Day 3

Today's the day I go to the theatre. Can't wait. Should be lots of fun. Pantomime or Panto, is a tradition in England at Christmas. They take fairy tales and turn them into interactive theatre for the kids and the kids-at-heart. The show I'm going to see offered discounts for people over 60. I got my ticket in a prime seat for about one third the regular cost.

Will let you know how it want when I get back later. Maybe even some pictures.

2100 hours

Since you can't take pictures in the theare, I got this lovely poster from outside on the theatre.

A very obvious sign, it's on the street next to the theatre.

Guess what it's pointing at. (Hint: Look up)

Cardiff - Day 2

One of the many churches I passed.

Many of the signs are bi-lingual.

Cardiff Castle right in the middle of the city.

Where else do you find street signs for the theatre?

Today it was cool and damp, but not actually raining. Got down to the big shopping malls in the center of town. They were great for shopping, but the real fun was exploring the Arcade shops along the side streets. Finally found the souvenirs I was looking for. Some pictures from today's trip.

Cardiff

Yesterday I arrived in Cardiff. Changed trains in mid-trip at Bristol Temple Meads Station. Most rail stations here in England are old. Some are kept up pretty well, but some seem to be hanging on for dear life. No matter what, it means that there are stairs everywhere you need to go. Changing platforms can be a nightmare, if like Bristol there are only two or three platforms between rails in a place where there are 12 or so platforms. Luckily there are lifts, hard to get to but nice to have.

Today it's raining, but I'm going to see if I can find bus service back into Cardiff. I seem to have booked a hotel somewhat outside of town. More Later.

1400 hours

I'm back home and I'm cold and wet. Got a couple of things I forgot, like washcloths, they don't furnish them in this hotel. One lucky thing, the bus into town goes right past the theatre I'll be going to Friday. This is the only place I've been to where there are traffic signs for the Pantomime. Hope to have some pictures tomorrow.

Plymouth part 2

One picture says it all.

Charles Church, devastated by fire during the Blitz.

Plymouth

A bit of reflection, but the best view of the harbor so far.

The restaurant connected with the hotel.

Speaks for itself.

The 9:57AM train to Plymouth and all the places we stopped.

I was bored sitting in Paddington Station.

Tonight I'm in Plymouth. Tomorrow I will try to get some information on where Dad was stationed here during the war. Train trip was interesting, lots and lots of green English countryside doted with sheep, cattle and horses. As we neared Plymouth we passed close by the sea. I was too busy admiring the sight of a large body of water to take pictures. Some pictures of the view from my room over the harbor. and some pictures from Paddington Station, London.

Here We Go Again!

7:30 AM - What I woke up to.

4:00 PM

In front of the house - not much different,

but there is a little more snow

4:00 PM

It's snowing again or maybe it's still snowing, hard to tell.

Marlow Hill -

the light is where I turn into my street.

(right turn for those interested)

Today it snowed again. I've been hearing that this is the worst weather since the early 80s. Weather predictions said up to 40 cm (16in). Don't think we got that much, but the office was closed today. The pictures show my yard at 7:30 AM and again at 4:00 PM. I have included a picture of one of the hills that can take me into High Wycombe. It was tken before the snow, but it will give you an idea of my trek to work. It may only be 3 1/2 miles, but it is all down hill.