Wales Weekend Trip

Wales Trip

We took a weekend trip over to Wales last weekend.  It only took about 4 hours to drive to Llandudno, Wales up by Conwy.  The ocean is on both sides of this little seaside resort town.  The Great Orme and Little Orme are also here.  The longest pier is in Llandudno (pronounced "Klandendo")  We took a Cable Car up to the Great Orme, which was a blast!  They have a big bus tour that was nice also.  Conwy Castle was one of the largest castle "ruins" that we have seen to date.  Many towers and rooms to explore.  They have an old Victorian bridge that was built after a ferry sunk and killed 14 people.  The village of Conwy is quaint, and is enclosed by the castle walls.  Lots of fun places to eat and shop at.  They also have Britains Smallest House down by the marina.  We drove up and over the mountains to Snowdonia National Park.  WOW!  A must for all you Englanders.  They have a steam train that will take you up to the top of Snowdonia.  It is a 50 minute ride up, a half hour stay and 5o minute ride down.  You need to book in advance.  We didn't, but plan to head back this fall to take the train up.  The National Park has places to eat and they also have a "lake" train that takes a tour also.  The driving was harry, as you are dealing with 1 1/2 lane roads and people parking along the edges.  After running into long lines of cars, we realized they were out hiking OR as we found out, they are climbing the rock face!  We didn't see the men going up, but coming back down we realized the movement on the rock were people!!!  Yeah, so not for me.  Most had ropes thankfully.  I can't believe that I came all the way to England to see mountains!  Never have in the states, but that is something I will change now.  Colorado, here we come!  Blessings to all for a great summer.  Will check back in after we are in the states!   

Leeds and Dover

I have gotten behind in blogging since my company arrived.  I am going to try to catch up quickly before we head home to the states tomorrow for our summer break.  We went to Dover and Leeds a couple of weekends ago.  The white cliffs of Dover were wonderful, the ocean the prettiest blue green color and the town was wonderful.  This was Emily's first time seeing an ocean and I am glad we got to experience the awesome majesty of it with her.  The drive down was uneventful being it was the first time I have driven anywhere in England that was longer than a 45 minutes for me.  I have a husband who loves to drive and I love to read, so a "match made in heaven", as they say.   We stayed in a bed and breakfast in Dover and headed to Leeds Castle the next day.  It is a wonderful castle extending out from two islands in the middle of a Lake.  The castle grounds are quite beautiful and it would be easy to spend a day there.  They have a large maze with a grotto at the centre, a large children's play area, a toddlers play area, an Aviary, a Falconry show, Go Ape in the Woods, the only Dog Collar Museum in Britain and you can sign up to go for hot air balloon rides!  Absolutely wonderful. 

Try it and see!

Leeds Castle

The Black Swan - Lady Baillie brought the Black Swan over from Australia and they have become the symbol for Leeds Castle

In the Grotto at the center of Leeds Maze

The pond at Leeds Gardens

Caleb, Emily and Bella 

Caleb and Belle at Leeds

Belle and Caleb at Dover Castle in a moment of sibling love.

The only picture I took down in the war time tunnels at Dover Castle.  The first tunnels under Dover Castle was constructed in the Middle Ages to provide a place for the soldiers to gather before leaving for war and to provide communication that was protected for the soldiers manning the northern outworks.   Later they were used for the famous "Operation Dynamo", the evacuation of the British force and French troops from Dunkirk's beaches.  The tunnels were also equipped as a hospital and a place where families took cover during bombings.  The tunnels also house the only "underground" barracks ever built in Britain.

The great Dover Castle

  Dan and Ben above with the castle in the background on the Dover cliffs.

Belle showing off her piece of chalk.  

The Dover Port.  There is a ferry here that transports cars and trucks across to France.  

Caleb's head cracks like an Egg!

While home, we opened our pool.  The kids decided they had to swim and the pool was still a beautiful green!  Another friend jumped in on Caleb while playing on a fun island, and his teeth went into Caleb's head all the way down to the bone.  Thankfully, Dan's best friend is a doctor, and we met him at his office on Saturday afternoon for stitches.  Five on the inside by the bone, and 5 on the outside.  By Wednesday, they were red and swollen and involved Caleb's eye and nose area.  The UK nurse started an antibiotic and since then we have seen 3 nurses and 2 doctors, all from the same office, with different opinions.   The  latest diagnosis, "scar tissue", about had me screaming the door down!  In the last 2 days he has started leaking pus and blood again.  Yeah, liquid scar tissue!  The doc at home would like it opened back up and cleaned out and put on strong antibiotics.  The UK doc says no opening up, and no more antibiotic until they can test the pus to see what kind of infection it is.  We go back to the states on Saturday.  How long does it take to culture something???  UK doc comment:  "It will either get worse or get better, let's wait and see".   What are the odds that they will even have the right antibiotic that he needs?  Needless to say, I am waiting this one out, and plan to have the right antibiotic waiting on Saturday in the states, and will beg the doc to wait until after our Missouri tubing and fishing vacation to open anything up!    Pray that a good antibiotic will clear this up without a little surgery!  

Home in May for Graduation !

As most of you know, when we moved to England a little over two years ago, we had to leave our sixteen year old son at home in the states to finish out high school.  His choice, not ours.   It was time for graduation

 and we went home for his ceremony and to host a party for family and friends.  My sister, Dawn, has been living with Ben and attending all his school functions.  She is glad that she will not be known as the "single mother" of a high school student anymore.  Yes, Ben's absentee parents were in the house that evening!  We really enjoyed seeing everyone, young and old alike, friends and family.  We were finally able to see Ben give one of his "famous" speeches that we have only heard about or watched on You Tube.  What a wonderful one week turnaround trip.  Ben will continue on to the University of Illinois (Dad's college) and study Communications and go on to Seminary from there.  

Go Ben!  We love you!

Blue Man Group

If you haven't been, you need to go!  I can't believe we waited so long to see them in concert!  My mom looked at me and made the comment that she hadn't been to a ROCK concert in all her adult life!  I realized, she was right.  It was a rock concert!  Very interactive Rock concert.  We had a blast.  Belle and Caleb loved seeing them perform.  Go if you haven't seen them yet!  

Nassington School May fayre Celebration

Every year Bella's school has a May Day celebration.  They have crafts for sale, tombola's, cake treats to sale and May Day Dancing.  We also have parade through town while a truck pulls the May Queen and her Jack's of the Green up to the school.  This is a big day for "dress" up.  Belle went as a Cat this year.  Mom was here to celebrate with us and took home some baubles also.  Good time had by all!

Ireland Trip - May 1 through the 4th

So, as most of you already know, our trip started off rocky before we even left the house!  My Peugeot, which is a 7 seater, broke down on Thursday night.  God was gracious, in as much as that we were able to eat dinner first, and then the car broke down.  We had cell coverage, and was able to have a neighbor drive over and get Mom and the kids.  It took forever for the recovery truck (3 hours), and then the car had to sit on the side of the road in front of the house for 4 days, but all in all, we were so thankful that it happened the night before, and not when we were driving at 5:00 a.m. the next morning heading for the airport.  Can you imagine trying to find transport for 5 people and all the luggage!  My even better news????  The Peugeot dealer paid for everything!  Even though the car is 5 years old, the flywheel should not have broke and they repaired everything for free!  Whoo hooo!  "Yay for me" as London Tipton would say!

We arrived in Dublin, rented our car and headed into the city centre.  We found a parking deck, and then went to eat lunch.  The  "Hairy Lemon" was near the car park and it was great.  I was the only one to try an Irish dish, and it was the Dublin Coddle Soup.  A clear seasoned broth with mini sausages, carrots, chunks of potato and onion.  It was yum!  The pub was really neat with a second story that had lots of little nooks and crannies.  We then went on the "City" hop on and off tour.  It was ok.  Just a small city with not a lot of history to see.  There are tons of bars and shops though.  They had music shops galore!  I have never been anywhere as of yet, that had music shops every 200 ft. or so.  Caleb was in seventh heaven trying out their baby grands.  Of course we had to buy some pipe flutes and drums to bring home!  Later in the afternoon, our trip on the road began to Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, Dingle Peninsula and then onto Bunratty.  My pictures are a little out of order because I forgot to include some in at the right times and can't figure out how to move them around.  Some things are never easy!

One of the B&B's we stayed at was the Avarest Bed and Breakfast.  Deirdre had two twin 6 year old boys and a 4 year old girl.  They immediately made friends with Belle and Caleb.  Next thing I knew, Belle was going up to see Nora's bedroom to play!  Edward stuck by her side like glue and they visited our bedroom to see where Belle was sleeping.    Belle and Caleb begged to be left there to play instead of going into Bunratty to the medieval banquet!  NOT!  The next morning while eating breakfast, Edward came out and stood behind Belle trying to wait patiently while she finished breakfast.  As soon as they were done, they headed in to Deirdre's living area to watch cartoons!  Belle didn't realize we weren't at a relatives house!  Our Ireland trip was our first experience staying at a Bed and Breakfast.  I highly recommend the Avarest to anyone traveling anywhere near the Shannon airport or Bunratty!   The picture below is me and Deirdre the morning we were leaving.  Fast friends were made that stay!

THE HAIRY LEMON, DUBLIN

BRIGHTLY COLORED VILLAGES...... My Mom has an Irish friend in the states and she told her that they started painting their villages and doors all these different, bright colors to celebrate their independence from England.  To this day, they still show their flamboyance this way!  Even in Dublin, where we saw terraced housing, every door and doorway were painted in beautiful different colors.

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Ireland - A wonderful castle filled with all kinds of rooms.  This is the only castle that we have been too that had plexiglass in one of the hallways that shows the rock below the castle and how it was dug out.  More chambers were below that for us to see.   They also had rooms that were done half in half.  Modernized versus the original.  We were not allowed pictures, so you will have to see for yourself.  They also have the most awesome play area for children.  Caleb was quite impressed!

ROCK OF CASHEL, CASHEL IRELAND-   The Rock of Cashel served as the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several years prior to the Norman invasion.  There is a large Cathedral in ruins, The Hall of the Vicars Choral, a Round Tower which dates back to c. 1100, and Cormac's Chapel and all is within the walled plateau.   A great place for the kids to relax and run around!

Caleb atop a rock outcrop at Rock of Cashel

Mom at Cashel

Visiting the Slea Head drive at the Prehistoric 500BC Dunbeg Fort 

The Connor Pass - highest point in Ireland.  This drive links Dingle Town on the south to Kilcummin on the north coast at Brandon Bay.  It crests 1,300 feet above sea level.  Looking down over beautiful pastures leads your eye out to the sea.  Some areas of the mountains look like some sort of moonscape.  So many pictures, not enough space to print them all!

The Dingle Peninsula had this wonderful dolphin, named Funghi.  He has lived in the bay for 26 years.  They don't know why he sticks around, but he does, and for a small fee you can go out in a boat and take pictures.  Some days he is quite frisky and will jump out of the water for you.  

Funghi the Dolphin - In the summer you can put on a wetsuit and go out and swim with him.  He had a lady love a few years ago, but when the season was done, she left with her pod, and he still stayed.  I think that when the boats come out to him they churn up the water which in turn, churn up the little fish and he gets an easy dinner.  We saw him flipping and playing with fish while we were out on the boat.  I guess at certain times during the year, you can go out and there will be dozens of dolphins out there playing.  A highlight of our trip to be sure.  There is something special about seeing these animals in their natural environment.

Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelly's - Durty Nelly's is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, est. 1620.    Lots of character and one of the best burgers that we have had since coming to Europe!  Bunratty Castle was built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond and stands on the banks of the Rathy River.  The earl here was famous for his hospitality.

Mom is in one of the "fake" homes set up in Bunratty Folk Park.  They had different styles and different ages of homes set up here.  Two different working mills, tea rooms, and an old Victorian street set up with stores to shop in.  It was good fun wondering around there.

This is a picture of my Mother "laughy, happy".  I have never, ever seen her like this!  She not only drunk  her cup of mead but also Dan's.  It is supposed to be a fermented honey drink.  It pretty much tasted like I was drinking whiskey.  Burning chest and all!  By the time she was done, she was laughing at everything!  When I saw people looking sideways at her, I acted like I wasn't with her!  Just kidding Mom!  Thankfully, she walked on her own ok and made it down the 3 flights of stairs!  Dan walked in front of her in case we had a fall.  We got down to dinner and what is on the table?  WINE and WATER!  Thankfully we had water!!!!  She continued to giggle at everything.  Belle and Caleb were the only kids there and they had a blast.  There was a large group of about 35 people there from Maryland.  They were a choir group touring and singing at different churches.  The folks at Bunratty let them get up and sing two songs for us!  They were wonderful!

We had a great time over our four days and of course I actually took 300 pictures and can't post all those!  Hope you enjoyed the little I did! 

Mom arrives for a Second visit in England

Mom arrived safe and sound.  I love this picture of Caleb!  Nana picking on his electric guitar, " this is pretty cool" he is thinking.  She rested on and off for 3 days and then off to Ireland! 

Babysitting April 2009

A friend of ours asked me to babysit for her little boy, Fin.  Caleb and Belle were on break  and boy, did they have fun!  He is a wonderful, fun loving, little guy and the kids had a ball!  And yes, since then, Belle and I have had many a discussion as to why I am too old to have more babies!   Thanks Jen, for letting us enjoy Fin for an afternoon!

Edinburgh, Scotland

The first weekend of Belles school break found us in Edinburgh Scotland.  We took the train up and stayed at the Old Waverly Hotel.  (thanks Gloria for the recommendation) After a 5 hour train ride, we were ready to walk around and find somewhere to eat.  We landed at the Hard Rock Cafe!  Yes, they had Ranch Dressing for their salads.  It is a wonderful thing that no matter where the Hard Rock is, it is the same food.  After dinner, Belle made the comment that our waiter sounded like he was from America.  After thinking about it, I realized she was right.  I didn't struggle with a Scottish Brogue accent.  We asked, and found out he is actually from Canada, working in the Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh!  I guess we should have asked why, but we didn't.  I think it is funny that the 6 year old noticed the lack of an accent before we did.  :)  We walked around the "new town" area and then went back to the hotel, rented a movie, read and went to bed.  My kind of evening!  

The next day, Sunday,  we took 3 different bus tours, went to Camera Obscura and went to the castle.  Belle fell off one of the canon's and landed flat on her stomach and face!  When she started crying,  I at least knew she was alive, although hurting.  When I got her up, her nose was swelling on one side and she was bleeding from that nostril.  Thankfully I had a tissue with us and took her over to the side to sit down.  Meanwhile, Dan had paid for an audio tour and this involved headphones on his head.  He walked over to us and LOUDLY asked "is she ok?".  And I mean loud!  You know how it is,  we always speak louder than we need to when we think no one can hear us because we can't hear them well?  LOL  We moved on from there, and later that day she had a two little shadows under her eyes, but it never got anymore worse than that thankfully.   We went to lunch that day at Garfunkles on the Royal Mile.  It was very American also.  Yummy.  We had a 4:00 appointment at Mary King's Close.  This is a warren of hidden "closes" where real people lived, worked and died.  What is left of these homes and closes are below the Royal Mile.  Years ago as they began putting new buildings along the Royal Mile, they just lobbed off these homes and built the new buildings on the footings of these old homes.  As they kept building, they also created arches underneath and put in the new road.  So there is literally homes and little streets under the Royal Mile.  It was one of the most awesome things we have ever seen!  We were not allowed to take pictures, so I don't have any to show you!  Sorry.

Monday we slept in and then headed out sightseeing again.  Another bus tour, we saw the Queens boat the Royal Yacht, Brittania.  We found an awesome Mexican restaurant on the Royal Mile.  Panchos.  (thanks Miranda for the heads up)  It was wonderful, authentic Mexican food in Scotland.  Then we went on a search for some Starbucks coffee mugs.  I collect them everywhere we go and after going to 3 different coffee stores, we found them.  Then it was a race back to the hotel, collect luggage and make the 3:00 p.m. train back to Peterborough.  There it is !  Scotland in a weekend.  Easy to do when living in England!  

The Scott Monument - Across the street from our hotel

Princes Street

Edinburgh Castle - built on old volcanic rock, great for defense

Church in "old town" Edinburgh - the headquarters of a yearly festival that takes place in Edinburgh.

Up in the castle looking over Edinburgh - notice how you can see the sea in the background.

Belle sitting on canon balls

Caleb by the canon up on the hill next to the chapel

Sister's surgery

This is my sister Molly.  She is younger than I by 13 months.  I have greatly missed her while here in England.  Dawn, whom most of you have met, (another sister) dared me to post this picture.  Molly is at the hospital this afternoon (her morning) and she is having Carpal Tunnel Surgery on her elbow and wrist.  I thought it was worth posting, as I believe that she looks like an artist getting ready to paint a masterpiece!  I wonder if she let this get taken before or after the happy drug?    :)  Love you Mols!

Malta Slideshow

Malta

Dawn and I on the Dingli Cliffs

Pam descending into the Catacombs

The family walking in Mdina

The courtyard of the villa looking to the house

Pam and Dan, Belle (6), Caleb (13) and Ben (18)

Just a quick note on our trip to Malta.  We had a wonderful time.  We were told that the people of Malta were very nice and they were.  We were always greeted with a smile, candy for the kids, and little old men who would show us "empty" parking spots and then want a "little" something.  You gotta earn your money somewhere on those small islands!  Really, really nice people though.  The island of Malta has been Roman Catholic since St. Paul shipwrecked there.   The people of Malta loved Paul, and their faith is shown all over the island with churches and shrines everywhere.   On Malta, divorce is illegal and english is the chosen language.  

The island was so small, that we were only 5 minutes from the airport and about 10 minutes from the capital, Valleta, which was on the other side of the island!  This being the case, we were able to see and do a lot more than was expected.  Our village of Zurrieq, was on the southwest side of the island and near the sea.  We stayed in a villa that was a 300 year old farmhouse/mill that had been converted.  It was like a mini castle.  A cold mini castle!  From the outside, you just saw a stone building and a red door, but open the door, and all kinds of beautiful things awaited.  It really was set up with the bedrooms surrounding a central courtyard with a pool and jacuzzi.  The crime is very low in Malta, and we felt very safe there walking around at night.  We weren't used to the "siesta" when stores closed from 12-4.   Because we went during an off time, not during a high season, two nights we went without a dinner of sorts.  One night we drove clear across the island to Valletta in search of somewhere to eat.  Valletta is on a hillside, and by the time we saw somewhere to eat, we were past it and couldn't figure out how to get back!  lol  Crackers and cheese that night!  

We saw temples older than the pyramids, mountains, caves, old cities, cliffs, more Bays than you can shake a stick at, the Hypogeum, sheepherders on the road with their sheep and of course, wonderful hillsides filled with blooming color!  If you get the chance, go to Malta, see the many hues of blue color in the sea, and experience history like you have never seen, heard or walked it before.   A wonderful place to visit!