August 31, 2013
Feet ache, a perfect Saturday on the canal boat in Wales. I must have walked about 5 miles if not more. Now I am in our room with the side window open. We are on our way back to Chirk Marina to moor for the night. Then tomorrow
off to Chirk Castle by boat. Just made it through a tunnel. Weather breezy and chili yet sunny. Met Gwen and Mandy from Devon whilst walking. Interesting people, Gwen is Welsh and still speaks the language.
Met up with Andrew, we saw some small fish and helped a small frog across the path.
Aly said that she is feeling a little better via text but she is still exhausted. I hope she feels much better very soon and can resume a healthy life. What an ordeal.
September 1, 2013
Pinch, Punch, First day of the month, White Rabbit
That is to be said on the first day of any month before any other
Words are spoken.
Last night we moored beyond Chirkboats at a place where there was a pub right outside the boat where Dick could comfortable make it for a meal. We had a nice meal. I had a good night sleep and wok up to a text from Aly saying she went to the Auburn game last night. It will be her first with Tim. They beat Washington State 34-21.
We were greeted with ducks this morning on our boat and in the water. We fed them some crumbs and then were on our way. I walked some, helped, drove some, helped find the hose. We re moored now in Ellesmere, a nice village of 3000 people in Shropshire; such beautiful country. Andrew, Helen and I walked to the Mere and thought the village so nice. Now Helen is making pasta on the boat, I prepped snacks.
More ducks outside in the water, quack, quack, quack...
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
English Country Holiday Trip-England August 20 - September 8
August 25, 2013 "The Lilac's" Andrew & Helen Dickens' house in Elvaston, Derbyshire, England.
Arrived yesterday from Isle of Wight, walked to the pub down the road fora meal last night. It was lovely. I had steak and kidney pie to die for. Dick had duck and he said it was lovely. Andrew and Helen had a salmon starter with avocado and tomato. Today we plan to go swimming and have a laid back sort of day.
August 24, 2013 Ursula's house Isle of Wight
Last night we had dinner at Nigel Harrison's at Cowe's with Neal and Ruth. Nigel is a musician and played folk, jazz and country songs for us. The meal was a BBQ kebab, pork chops, sausage, salad, warm camembert cheese and bread, fresh blackberries for dessert and cheesecake. What a wonderful evening.
Yesterday afternoon we had a swim and lunch at the Lakeside Hotel. Then went to see Quarr Abbey, Benedictine Monk's Monastery. Ursula, Ben and I walked in the morning for about an hour through the forest.
The day before off to the chiropodist for Dick and tea in Shanklin. And then dinner of fish at Ursula's. Today, back to the ferry and then off to Andrew and Helen's at Elvaston.
August 20, 2013
Finally on our way to England. Dick changed seats on the plan and is on the other side. We upgraded to Premium Economy. My volume does not work on the "entertainment center". I will have to get that fixed or change seats.
Aly got stung by wasps yesterday on her balcony. Today, she assembled a new roll around stand for more room in her kitchen/dining room. It looks pretty nice. Tomorrow classes start bright and early for both Aly & Tim. I hope and pray that she (they) has (have) a great semester in every way.
I am a little cold right now. I will come back during the night. Hungry too!
August 22 , 2013
Well we arrive safely in England. A very smooth flight. A great flight, easy checking in and on boarding on the San Francisco end. Very easy disembarking with wheel chair waiting for Dick and clearing customs on the Heathrow end. We picked up the car at Hertz - a Volvo Crossover. It is very comfortable.
We drove down to Portsmouth to catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight. It is about 85 miles from Heathrow. We only made one mistake missing the ferry exit and had to go round the round about again. Thank goodness for Dick driving on the left. If it were me with the traffic, I would have been a basket case.
Arrived at Ursula's. She was just getting home from walking Ben, her 15 year old Black Lab. She looks great. She also has 3 cats in the yard black and white. We had drinks and talked, had dinner, then I went to bed. I was so tired having not slept on the plane the other night.
Now it is 4:06 am. I am wide awake writing this note whilst using small flash light that Dick brought thank goodness for light. Today, we will all get pedicures, have lunch on the Island and relax. It is so peaceful and quiet here. I will take a long walk, take pictures and post them to my blog and Facebook.
Luckily I got my task list of 13 action items completed before we left. That way things are being handled for fall events during my absence. My intent here on the trip is to get a lot if rest, relax and rejuvenate. Dropped off car with Jennifer. she is now at the house with Kristina and the animals.
Took mom out to lunch on Tuesday at Pruneyard in Campbell before we left, dropped Em's stuff off, then dropped car off at Christine's. we were picked up by the limo at Christine's house. It was great to see Christine, Alex (he left for school yesterday). He now has an apartment in Boulder, Colorado. Also saw Lucas and Fred Ghai. They are Juniors in college. Will would be too, oh how I miss you Will. Your spirit is here with me in everything I do. I can feel your presence here with me at Ursula's. Ah, all those memories, all those years with you!
Arrived yesterday from Isle of Wight, walked to the pub down the road fora meal last night. It was lovely. I had steak and kidney pie to die for. Dick had duck and he said it was lovely. Andrew and Helen had a salmon starter with avocado and tomato. Today we plan to go swimming and have a laid back sort of day.
August 24, 2013 Ursula's house Isle of Wight
Last night we had dinner at Nigel Harrison's at Cowe's with Neal and Ruth. Nigel is a musician and played folk, jazz and country songs for us. The meal was a BBQ kebab, pork chops, sausage, salad, warm camembert cheese and bread, fresh blackberries for dessert and cheesecake. What a wonderful evening.
Yesterday afternoon we had a swim and lunch at the Lakeside Hotel. Then went to see Quarr Abbey, Benedictine Monk's Monastery. Ursula, Ben and I walked in the morning for about an hour through the forest.
The day before off to the chiropodist for Dick and tea in Shanklin. And then dinner of fish at Ursula's. Today, back to the ferry and then off to Andrew and Helen's at Elvaston.
August 20, 2013
Finally on our way to England. Dick changed seats on the plan and is on the other side. We upgraded to Premium Economy. My volume does not work on the "entertainment center". I will have to get that fixed or change seats.
Aly got stung by wasps yesterday on her balcony. Today, she assembled a new roll around stand for more room in her kitchen/dining room. It looks pretty nice. Tomorrow classes start bright and early for both Aly & Tim. I hope and pray that she (they) has (have) a great semester in every way.
I am a little cold right now. I will come back during the night. Hungry too!
August 22 , 2013
Well we arrive safely in England. A very smooth flight. A great flight, easy checking in and on boarding on the San Francisco end. Very easy disembarking with wheel chair waiting for Dick and clearing customs on the Heathrow end. We picked up the car at Hertz - a Volvo Crossover. It is very comfortable.
We drove down to Portsmouth to catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight. It is about 85 miles from Heathrow. We only made one mistake missing the ferry exit and had to go round the round about again. Thank goodness for Dick driving on the left. If it were me with the traffic, I would have been a basket case.
Arrived at Ursula's. She was just getting home from walking Ben, her 15 year old Black Lab. She looks great. She also has 3 cats in the yard black and white. We had drinks and talked, had dinner, then I went to bed. I was so tired having not slept on the plane the other night.
Now it is 4:06 am. I am wide awake writing this note whilst using small flash light that Dick brought thank goodness for light. Today, we will all get pedicures, have lunch on the Island and relax. It is so peaceful and quiet here. I will take a long walk, take pictures and post them to my blog and Facebook.
Luckily I got my task list of 13 action items completed before we left. That way things are being handled for fall events during my absence. My intent here on the trip is to get a lot if rest, relax and rejuvenate. Dropped off car with Jennifer. she is now at the house with Kristina and the animals.
Took mom out to lunch on Tuesday at Pruneyard in Campbell before we left, dropped Em's stuff off, then dropped car off at Christine's. we were picked up by the limo at Christine's house. It was great to see Christine, Alex (he left for school yesterday). He now has an apartment in Boulder, Colorado. Also saw Lucas and Fred Ghai. They are Juniors in college. Will would be too, oh how I miss you Will. Your spirit is here with me in everything I do. I can feel your presence here with me at Ursula's. Ah, all those memories, all those years with you!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Aly and Tim
Aly's boyfriend Tim is visiting California this past week. Last Sunday, I went to Tahoe with them. It was very nice, South Shore then to Incline then home to Lincoln. Monday was a day to kick back at home. Tuesday it rained all day. They left for the Bay Area at 5 that evening and stayed at Emily's. Ate at La Fiesta and saw Diana and Grandma on their way home yesterday. Today they are touring Marin County with Richard. Tonight Sloane and David, Aly and Tim, Richard and I will enjoy a tasty traditional meal of fresh crab prepared by Richard with deviled eggs and oysters Rockefeller prepared by Aly back at home here in Lincoln. Table is set and ready to go!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Will's 20th birthday trip to Bishop's Ranch Healdsburg
Will's Birthday Trip 2013 he was born 20 years ago
Alison, Richard and I left Lincoln at 8 am. I drove to Calistoga. Aly drove to Healdsburg.
Lincoln to Winters
Winters to Lake Berryessa (memories of our Berryessa trip in the camper when the kids were in Junior High. We rented a pontoon boat with an inner tube attached. The kids had so much fun tubing. I will never forget the happy looks on their Beautiful faces)
Lake Berryessa to Calistoga
Lunch at Brannon's it was ok
Passed Safari West (where Will went to Emily's sweet 16 party)
Destination Bishop's Ranch
Peaceful day at the ranch remembering our retreat times with Will. I can still see him on the tire swing with Alex and Alison. We left Richard alone for an hour. He needed his alone time with William. Aly and I went to town to check out Powell's Candy store more memories...
Richard drove home.
Alison, Richard and I left Lincoln at 8 am. I drove to Calistoga. Aly drove to Healdsburg.
Lincoln to Winters
Winters to Lake Berryessa (memories of our Berryessa trip in the camper when the kids were in Junior High. We rented a pontoon boat with an inner tube attached. The kids had so much fun tubing. I will never forget the happy looks on their Beautiful faces)
Lake Berryessa to Calistoga
Lunch at Brannon's it was ok
Passed Safari West (where Will went to Emily's sweet 16 party)
Destination Bishop's Ranch
Peaceful day at the ranch remembering our retreat times with Will. I can still see him on the tire swing with Alex and Alison. We left Richard alone for an hour. He needed his alone time with William. Aly and I went to town to check out Powell's Candy store more memories...
Richard drove home.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013 - Pittsburgh, PA
I am here in Pittsburgh, PA attending a memorial for one of my favorite aunts, Sarah Spratt. A beautiful service with family attending and then the reception with about 40 relatives. Sarah's family, Bob's family, Donna's family, Richard's family and Margaret's family. What a wonderful way to celebrate the life of Aunt Sar.
Today is a beautiful, I just walked to the Ohio River and back along the Allegheny with a lovely view of the Mount. I love Saint Mary's of the Mount, what a beautiful church and location. We are staying near Pirate's Stadium on the North Shore, they won two games against the Braves. Today is the third game. Excited fans abound.
Today is a beautiful, I just walked to the Ohio River and back along the Allegheny with a lovely view of the Mount. I love Saint Mary's of the Mount, what a beautiful church and location. We are staying near Pirate's Stadium on the North Shore, they won two games against the Braves. Today is the third game. Excited fans abound.
Monday, April 8, 2013
March 2013 Grief Journal Entries - Thoughts of Will
19-March, 6:55 am, clear, will be a beautiful Spring Day, Lincoln, CA
I could not get back to sleep after 4:30 am, as much as I tried and prayed. Will, you will always be the kindest, most gentle and sweetest person I have known. I am grateful that God gave you to us for as long as you lived. In 16 short years, you accomplished so much, a loving son and brother, uncle and dear friend. A sweet boyfriend and soul mate. A good student, fantastic athlete, a lifeguard, you took your responsibilities very seriously. I often wonder what you would be up to and where your would be if you were still physically here with us.
8-March, Cloudy, Carmel Highlands
We have a beautiful view of the ocean from our villa. This has to be one of the best views ever. Yesterday on the trip down via Palo Alto with Richard getting a blood test and dentist appointment. I connected with Christine, Marielena, St. Bede's and you, Will. You are still impacting change in the community. Marielena is so strong. She calls us an inspiration to her to continue the fight against bullying in the schools. She told me that her special needs student was bullied in the school yard at recess. When reported to the teacher, she said it was not her job, it is yard duty's job...This is terrible and unacceptable.
3-March, 7:06 am, cloudy, Lincoln
Will, I still cannot believe what happened to you and that you are gone.
I could not get back to sleep after 4:30 am, as much as I tried and prayed. Will, you will always be the kindest, most gentle and sweetest person I have known. I am grateful that God gave you to us for as long as you lived. In 16 short years, you accomplished so much, a loving son and brother, uncle and dear friend. A sweet boyfriend and soul mate. A good student, fantastic athlete, a lifeguard, you took your responsibilities very seriously. I often wonder what you would be up to and where your would be if you were still physically here with us.
8-March, Cloudy, Carmel Highlands
We have a beautiful view of the ocean from our villa. This has to be one of the best views ever. Yesterday on the trip down via Palo Alto with Richard getting a blood test and dentist appointment. I connected with Christine, Marielena, St. Bede's and you, Will. You are still impacting change in the community. Marielena is so strong. She calls us an inspiration to her to continue the fight against bullying in the schools. She told me that her special needs student was bullied in the school yard at recess. When reported to the teacher, she said it was not her job, it is yard duty's job...This is terrible and unacceptable.
3-March, 7:06 am, cloudy, Lincoln
Will, I still cannot believe what happened to you and that you are gone.
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