Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral at Winchester in Hampshire is one of the largest cathedrals in England, with the longest nave and overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and Saint Swithun, it is the seat of the Bishop of Winchester and centre of the Diocese of Winchester.

The cathedral was originally founded in 642 on an immediately adjoining site to the north. This building became known as the Old Minster. It became part of a monastic settlement in 971. Saint Swithun was buried near the Old Minster and then in it, before being moved to the new Norman cathedral. So-called mortuary chests said to contain the remains of Saxon kings such as King Eadwig of England, first buried in the Old Minster, and his wife Ælfgifu, are also housed in the present cathedral. The Old Minster was demolished in 1093.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1079 under bishop Walkelin, and on April 8, 1093, in the presence of nearly all the bishops and abbots of England, the monks removed from the Saxon cathedral church of the Old Minster to the new one, "with great rejoicing and glory" to mark its completion. The earliest part of the present building is the crypt, which dates from that time. William II of England and his older brother, Richard, Duke of Bernay are both buried in the cathedral. The squat, square crossing tower was begun in 1202 to replace an earlier version which collapsed, partly because of the unstable ground on which the cathedral is built. It has an indisputably Norman look to it. Work continued on the cathedral during the 14th century. In 1394 the remodelling of the Norman nave commenced to the designs of master mason William Wynford, this continued into the 15th and 16th centuries, notably with the building of the retroquire to accommodate the many pilgrims to the shrine of Saint Swithun.

Much of the sturdy limestone used to build the structure was brought across from the Isle of Wight from quarries around Binstead. Nearby Quarr Abbey draws its name from these masonry workings, as do many local places such as Stonelands and Stonepitts. The remains of the Roman trackway used to transport the blocks are still evident across the fairways of the Ryde Golf Club, where the stone was hauled from the quarries to the hythe at the mouth of Binstead Creek, and thence by barge across the Solent and up to Winchester.

After King Henry VIII seized control of the Catholic Church in England, and declared himself head of the Church of England, the Benedictine foundation, the Priory of Saint Swithun, was dissolved (1539) and the cloister and chapter house were demolished, but the cathedral continued.

Restoration work was carried out by T.G. Jackson during the years 1905–1912, including the famous saving of the building from total collapse. Some waterlogged foundations on the south and east walls were reinforced by a diver, William Walker, packing the foundations with more than 25,000 bags of concrete, 115,000 concrete blocks, and 900,000 bricks. Walker worked six hours a day from 1906 to 1912 in total darkness at depths up to 6 metres (20 ft), and is credited with saving the cathedral from total collapse.

Events
Important events which took place at Winchester Cathedral include:

Funeral of King Harthacanute (1042)
Funeral of King William II of England (1100)
Coronation of Henry the Young King and his queen, Marguerite (1172)
Second coronation of Richard I of England (1194)
Marriage of King Henry IV of England and Joanna of Navarre (1403)
Marriage of Queen Mary I of England and King Philip II of Spain (1554)
Funeral and burial of Jane Austen (1817)[2]

Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight

Carisbrooke Castle is a historic motte-and-bailey castle located in the village of Carisbrooke, near Newport, Isle of Wight, England. Charles I was imprisoned at the castle in the months prior to his trial. On my gander around the castle, I visited the bedroom King Charles was kept in. Beautiful, but a prison all the same.

The site of Carisbrooke Castle may have been occupied in pre-Roman times. The existence of a ruined wall suggests that there was a building there in late Roman times. The Jutes may have taken over the fort by the late 7th century. An Anglo-Saxon stronghold occupied the site during the 8th century. Around 1000, a wall was built around the hill as a defence against Viking raids.

From 1100 The castle remained in the possession of Richard de Redvers' family, and over the next two hundred years his descendants improved the castle with stone walls, towers and a keep. This was until 1293, when Countess Isabella de Fortibus, the last Redvers resident sold it to Edward I, after which the government was entrusted to wardens as representatives of the crown.

In the reign of Richard II it was unsuccessfully attacked by the French (1377). Anthony de Wydville, Lord Scales, later Earl Rivers, obtained a grant of the castle and rights of Lordship in 1467. He was responsible for the addition of the Woodville Gate, now known as the Entrance Gate.

The keep was added to the castle in the reign of Henry I, and in the reign of Elizabeth I; when the Spanish Armada was expected, it was surrounded by an elaborate pentagonal fortification by Sir George Carey.

Charles I was imprisoned here for fourteen months before his execution in 1649. Afterwards his two youngest children were confined in the castle, and the Princess Elizabeth died there of pneumonia. Most recently it was the home of The Princess Beatrice, daughter of Queen Victoria, as Governor of the Isle of Wight, 1896-1944. It is now under control of English Heritage.

Carisbrooke was the strongest castle on the Island, though it does not dominate the countryside like many other castles.

There are traces of a Roman fort underneath the later buildings. Seventy-one steps lead up to the keep; the reward is a fine view. In the centre of the castle enclosure are the domestic buildings; these are mostly of the 13th century, with upper parts of the 16th century. Some are in ruins, but the main rooms were used as the official residence of the Governor of the Isle of Wight until the 1940s, and they remain in good repair.

The Great Hall, Great Chamber and several smaller rooms are open to the public, and an upper room houses the Isle of Wight Museum. Most rooms are partly furnished, but on the whole it is the fireplaces and other features of the rooms themselves which are most interesting. (I will post pics of these)

One of the main subjects of the museum is King Charles I. He tried to escape from the castle in 1648, but was unable to get through the bars of his window.
The chapel at Carisbrooke is beautiful, and is called the Church of St. Nicholas in Castro and is located next to the main gate. In 1904 the chapel of St Nicholas in the castle was reopened and re-consecrated, having been rebuilt as a national memorial of Charles I. 9A little ironic, a memorial to the King who was imprisoned there, and later executed.....) Within the walls is a well 200 feet deep and another in the centre of the keep is reputed to have been still deeper.

Constable's Chamber
The Constable's Chamber is a large room located in the castle's medieval section. It was the bedroom of Charles I when he was imprisoned in the castle, and Princess Beatrice used it as a dining room. It is now home to Charles I bed as well as Princess Beatrice's large collection of stag and antelope heads. This room was used as the castle's education centre up until recently.

The Earthworks
Surrounding the whole castle are large earthworks, designed by the Italian Federigo Gianibelli, and begun in the year before the Spanish Armada. They were finished in the 1590s. The outer gate has the date 1598 and the arms of Queen Elizabeth I.

It is truly astonishing to be able to walk the grounds of such a place..... history is very much alive there..... to stand in the bedroom of the imprisoned king, and wonder what thoughts he must have had, as time slipped by bringing him closer to his execution.

Home safe and sound

Home tonight, looking forward to a hot bath and crawling into my bed. My body has no idea what it should be feeling.... jet lag is such a strange thing! Slept some on the long flight, had no patients to look after! Read, listened to good music, and watched the newest Harry Potter movie, which was entertaining. Bella very happy to see me, and thanks to all for taking such good care of home, hearth, and Bells - especially the Cheung family! MWAH!

So will go run a bath, and see if I can't just slip into bed and a deep dreamless sleep right after. Tomorrow will be good to start getting things ship shape in the yard and putting all those garden thoughts and ideas to more concrete use.

In a day or so I will upload more pics to the blog and do a little more research and 'flesh out' some of the things we did and saw.

Glad air travel seems to be almost back to normal..... funny how reliable it is.... and when something happens to make it break down.... makes you feel just a little vulnerable.

Packing up....

Back from a fantastic weekend to the Isle of Wight. Was relaxing and a lot of fun. Walked the beaches, picniced on the cliffs, explored a castle, walked upon the downs, peeked in a nunnery, rode the ferries, ate at the Queen's house, and generally had a very fine time.

Just booked the bus ticket from Southampton to London Heathrow... so am hopeful Air Canada is flying. Funny how big a crisis the ash cloud was not very many days ago, and still so many stranded around Europe. Still grateful I didn't end up diverted to somewhere really strange.....

Anyway, am glad to be coming home to family and friends, and cat....!

So. Pray for a safe trip home, and will let you know along the way if I can, how things are.

Thanks for following along, and will see you soon.

The Wight Facts

The Isle of Wight is a county and the largest island of England, located in the English Channel, 3–5 miles (5–8 km) off the south coast of the county of Hampshire, separated from the mainland by a strait called the Solent. The island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, its world-famous sailing based at the town of Cowes, and its resorts, which have been popular holiday destinations since the Victorian times.

The island has a rich history, including a brief status as an independent kingdom in the 15th century. Until 1995, in common with Jersey and Guernsey, the island had its own Governor - most notably Lord Mountbatten from 1969–1974, after which he became Lord Lieutenant until his assassination in 1979.

It was home to the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, and to Queen Victoria, who built her much loved summer residence and final home Osborne House at East Cowes. The Island's maritime and industrial history encompasses boat building, sail making, the manufacture of flying boats, the world's first hovercraft and the testing and development of Britain's space rockets. It is home to the Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival, Bestival and the recently-revived Isle of Wight Festival, which, in 1970, was the largest rock music event ever held. The island has some exceptional wildlife and is one of the richest locations of dinosaur fossils in Europe.

In the past, the Isle of Wight has been part of Hampshire. In 1890, it became an independent administrative county, though it continued to share the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire. In 1974, it was reconstituted as a non-metropolitan and ceremonial county, with its own Lord Lieutenant, and recognised as a postal county. With a single Member of Parliament and 132,731 permanent residents in 2001, it is also the most populous parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom.

It is easily accessible from Southsea by hovercraft. Several ferry services operate across the Solent: the route from Southampton to Cowes is 10 miles (16 km), Portsmouth to Ryde 5 miles (8 km), Portsmouth to Fishbourne 7 miles (11 km), and Lymington to Yarmouth 4 miles (6 km).

The Isle of Wight is approximately diamond-shaped and covers an area of 380 km2. Slightly more than half of the Island, mainly in the west, is designated as the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Island has 258 km2 of farmland, 52 km2 of developed areas, and 92 km of coastline. The landscape of the Island is remarkably diverse, leading to its oft-quoted description of "England in Miniature". West Wight is predominantly rural, with dramatic coastlines dominated by the famous chalk downland ridge, running across the whole island and ending in The Needles stacks — perhaps the most photographed aspect of the Isle of Wight. The highest point on the Island is St Boniface Down, at 241 m which is a Marilyn.The rest of the Island's landscape also has great diversity, with perhaps the most notable habitats being the soft cliffs and sea ledges, which are spectacular features as well as being very important for wildlife, and are internationally protected. The River Medina flows north into the Solent, whilst the other main river, the River Yar flows roughly north-east, emerging at Bembridge Harbour at the eastern end of the island. Confusingly, there is another entirely separate river at the western end also called the River Yar flowing the short distance from Freshwater Bay to a relatively large estuary at Yarmouth. To distinguish them, they may be referred to as the Eastern and Western Yar.

The south coast of the Island borders the English Channel. Without man's intervention the sea might well have split the island into three; at the west end where a bank of pebbles separates Freshwater Bay from the marshy backwaters of the Western Yar east of Freshwater, and at the east end where a thin strip of land separates Sandown Bay from the marshy basin of the Eastern Yar, east of Sandown. Yarmouth itself was effectively an island, with water on all sides and only connected to the rest of the island by a regularly breached neck of land immediately east of the town.

Island wildlife is remarkable, and it is one of the few places in England where the red squirrel is flourishing, with a stable population (Brownsea Island is another). Unlike most of England, no grey squirrels are to be found on the Island, nor are there any wild deer. Instead, rare and protected species such as the dormouse and many rare bats can be found. The Glanville Fritillary butterfly's distribution in the United Kingdom is largely restricted to the edges of the crumbling cliffs of the Isle of Wight.

A competition in 2002 named the Pyramidal Orchid as the Isle of Wight's county flower.

The island is known as one of the most important areas in Europe for dinosaur fossils. The eroding cliffs often reveal previously hidden remains.

Ocean waves at Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Greetings from the beautiful Isle of Wight

So, get your google on, and google the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England. Magical. Wonderful. Friendly. Awe inspiring.
I took the ferry Friday evening from Southampton to the Isle of Wight. The crossing, just an hour at sea, calm and sunny. Passed by the refinery at Fawley (Exxonmobil). Gigantic place.....biggest refinery in Europe.... cool to see all the ships lined up at the marine terminal either bringing products, or picking them up.....

Lots of lovely sailboats out in the Solent as well, a really pretty evening! After finding the way to the hotel in Sandown called The Lawns, I explored the room and enjoyed the view of the white cliffs. Was outstanding to watch the sky change and darken, and the lights come on..... hmmmmmmmmmmm

Enjoyed a bagette sandwich for dinner in the room with a bottle of Sangria and creme brulee...... hmmmmmmmm..... a quiet and beautiful night ~ closing a wonderful evening with a midnight walk down to where thought the seaside was..... (oops made one wrong turn...)

Had a nice slow start to the say, a tasty breakfast at the hotel and then off to the summer market at Ryde. My friend bought some lovely lettuce plants, and has the beginnings of a really nice little garden! The plants came on tour with us, walking down to the seaside in Ryde, and back up the hill, stopping for a chocolate confection at the Chocolate Apothecary. Really enjoyed strolling around and just being there.

Then off to the Lavendar Farm - yes, its true, there is a LAVENDAR farm here on the Island.... really..... does it get better than that?????????? OK, maybe it does, if you visit said farm, then go and have a picnic lunch overlooking the sea on a cliff... with wine, good olive oil, bread, cheeses, grapes, pickles, and balsamic vinegar, and then have a nap on the picnic blanket listening to the sea....

Have headed back to the hotel for another nap (yes.... life is tough, I agree....)

So, I shall rouse myself briefly to hie to the luxurious bathroom with clawfoot tub, which I believe has lavendar scented bubbles and hot water already awaiting me...... I shall soldier on..... har har har.....

Tonight's plan to go to the town of Ventnor which is a world heritage site for dinosaur fossils - the Jurrasic coastline...... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

to London and back!

Well, a little while since I sat and wrote... sorry about that! Left for London on Wednesday morning by train from Southampton, a very pleasant journey. The trains here so smooth and nice. Very interesting to see the countryside from the rails, as you see it differently than you would on the highways. Got to London, and as I have been before, completely awed by the station there, and the comings and going of so many people, and yet there does seem to be some sort of chaotic order to it...? Anyway, hopped on the tube (yay!) and found the way to just half a block from the hotel, a nice little bed and breakfast hotel, and handy because it was so close to the tube. Checked in, compained about the room, got another one, and off running to see the south bank of the Thames, gardens, and just general gandering around. Found some wonderful shops in the train station, and bought some cheeses, breads, tomatoes, and some very tasty shortbread for dinner at the hotel, and also visited Covent Garden Market, which was fun to look around. While there, bought a ticket to the live stage show "Grease" for that night. The show was very good, and I totally enjoyed the music! On the way back from the show, stopped to buy some snacks and a bottle of red wine, and headed back to the hotel.

Next morning I got up, was a little home sick (I hate that...) and it took me a little while to get going. Off to the Ace Cafe in London, which is a very cool cafe that caters to bikers and car enthusiasts of all kinds.... this is one you should google.......
http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/default.aspx
It has a very interesting history!!

Then it was off to the British Museum, which was truly extraordinary.... collections from every time period imaginable..... pretty overwhelming!! Wandered through there for a couple hours, then took a leisurely stroll through the big park next to the museum, and had a nap on the grass in the sun. (aye, that is becoming a habit!!)

Did more walking around the town, along the south bank, which is incredible... the London Eye is there (should google that as well!!) and the waterfront is just so busy and there is soooo much to see!!

I was excited to go on the "Jack the Ripper walking tour" of London.... but chickened out in the end.... was a bit worried it would be too scary.... but my legs were too tired by that point in the day. Next time!! So instead, I headed back to Leister Square (beautiful, vibrabt!!) and sat outside at a Mexican cafe and enjoyed natchos and margaritas and people watched. Wandered around Leister Square and Piccadilly Circus areas, took in the sights, and then got back to the hotel to collect the bag and head off on the tube to the train station. Got back in to Southampton around 1130, and back to Hythe by midnight. Tons of fun... slept pretty well..... all worn out!

I am catching up on some laundry and of course some e-mail and downloading pictures to the blog.

I am off to the High Street in Hythe shortly to go to the store to pick up some wine and supplies for the weekend on the Isle of Wight. I am totally enjoying my picnic backpack, and plan to use it again this weekend. Ferry for the Isle of Wight leaves at 6:30 tonight, so that's when I will be on my way. Back Sunday night. There is wireless at the hotel there, so I will update from there.

London, at night

Ahhhh!! The TUBE!!

London

Late night last night in London, and early morning this morning. Will write tonight from Hythe when I get back on the train.

Off to London to visit the queen!

Well, not really..... but off to London to see the sights! Staying one night at the Alhambra Hotel, and coming back on the train Thursday night.

Treasures, Majesty, Highway Mayhem, and Saints!

A really amazing and interesting day today.... started off nice and slowly, and then wound up with lots of activity! Off to a very pretty town called Romsey, where I visited a reclamation yard CHOCK full of treasures... such beautiful things.... sigh.... bummer there is a baggage restriction on Air Canada (if they are flying that is....). Enjoyed looking around at all the cool things that have come from old houses, and dreaming of new uses for such things. A fave was the chimney pots... the old terra cotta toppers for chimneys here... would make amazing planters for outside... all with beautiful patina...!! So many neat sizes and shapes too.

From Romsey to Winchester, to enjoy a walk through the medieval town and visit the famous cathedral there. Really sweet town.... too picturesque really to capture on mere film, everything was so beautiful and had such history. Bought some pasties for lunch and had brought along the picnic backpack - used the ground sheet and enjoyed the meal, then had a nap in the sun.... VERY pleasant!! Watched the comings and goings from lawn in front of the cathedral with quite a few others who had the same idea in mind. Very pleasant in the sunshine :)

Did a walking tour of Winchester Cathedral..... soooo beautiful..... the Norman portion of the cathedral being built in the 1079's..... staggering to think about. The oldest wall paintings in England are found in Winchester Cathedral, and they were discovered after some plaster cracked, and these were found preserved underneath... painted in the 1100's....... unbelievable. This is the fourth cathedral I have visited, and I can say with certainty that all four are so different, even though they were built within 200 years of each other. You can see in Winchester the earliest part of the cathedral is a very simple design..... begun by the Normans, and the later design they had obviously changed engineers/architects... the design changes so much, becomes finer, and more polished. Really amazing the strides they made in learning and building.

After an amazing afternoon in Winchester, headed back to Hythe to get ready for the Saints football game in the evening. On the way back on the highway, I spotted a plume of dust (never a good thing on a paved highway) and had just come upon a motorcycle accident. I grabbed my gloves from my purse (yes, I always carry a pair of gloves somewhere) and stopped the car before I flew out the door..... guy had crashed his very nice big motorcycle into a guard rail as he was trying to avoid a car merging on top of him..... was the only medic on scene for a little bit, with an off duty policeman - we were very happy the other was there.... and soon of course fire and ambulance were on the scene, so I gave my report to the paramedics and then was free to leave the scene and turn "Trevor" over to their tender care. He was very lucky.... looked at first glance to be a fractured clavicle and scapula.... and hopefully nothing more. Totally amazing for a motorcycle crash at 100 km/hr.... we will take that miracle and say a quiet thanks!! Traffic was a mess for hours afterwards, but I did manage to stay ahead of all that and made it back to the football game on time!!

Donned my Saints scarf and went off to St. Mary's Stadium to watch the Saints play Oldham..... an entertaining game, and the fan atmosphere just an amazing experience!!! Loved the songs and the chants, and just the total energy.... so much fun!!! Was sad that no goals were scored, so a tie game, which didn't help the Saints for a playoff position..... but a ton of fun to watch!!

Back to base for a drink, and doing some research for a hotel in London tomorrow night. Off on the train in the morning, and just staying one night, and doing lots of exciting things! So will wind this up for the night, and put some pics on.... and update tomorrow from London!!

Morning here, and almost midnight there!

As you sleep in your beds, I am just up and having a cup of tea. Then off to pick up a football ticket for tonight - the Saints play at home, and then to Winchester to see the old town and cathedral.

Intrepid Adventurer

Have been out and about today just in Hythe.
Headed off from Hythe to Southampton this morning, walked down to the long Hythe Pier, hopped on the ferry to Southampton, and a bus to the mall there. Buzzed around in the mall for a while, and then reversed the whole process and came back to Hythe, enjoyed walking the High Street and doing some window shopping. HAHAHAHAHA I didn't buy any windows though....... did a little grocery shopping for dinner, and then headed back to the apartment. Didn't get lost, do anything totally foolish (I think), or get arrested, so figure I am doing all right!! Just putting my feet up for a few minutes now!

Weekend adventures

The Jurassic Coast - Dorset - Bridport - SAINTS! - Yeovil - Long Bredy - Abbotsbury Garden, Weymouth, Sunray Room Carvery, Poole Quay, home sweet home

Well, all sorts of adventures on the weekend to tell you about! Obviously, there was no available internet where we were, so could not blog.

Set off Friday afternoon by car for Bridport, on the south coast of England. Beautiful weather, spring-like sunny and warm! Travelled some on the big highways, but more on the backroads, taking in tiny hamlets and villages as I found them. Views out over the countryside absolutely gorgeous!! Arrived in Bridport early evening, and found the rented cottage.... very nice.... and homey! Walked some of the interesting streets in the town, and got a sense of the place of Bridport. Historical industrial town of rope and net makers, and part of what is called the Jurassic coast due to the rock that is explosed at the coast. Beautiful cliffs, and fossils.

Saturday morning enjoyed breakfast in the cottage, and a walk out behind the cottage, along a little stream, very pretty...... Then it was off to the Saturday market in Bridport - whole streets packed with vendors, baked goods, local cheese (yummy!!!), vegs, books, antiques - almost anything you can think of!! Bought some bits and pieces to pack a picnic lunch to take to the Saints Football game!

Off to the big football game in the afternoon - and I was so unprepared for the excitement and electric atmosphere of an important game! WOW!!! I brought along a picnic lunch, and found a nice place on the grass outside the football stadium to enjoy it, and also stretched out on the grass in the sun to have a wee nap afterwards. Then, went in and found my seat. Was fascinating to watch the skill and agility of the players, an exciting game, and very happy to report that the Saints win, 1-0!!! When the goal was made the fans completely erupted - very exciting! Totally enjoyed my first football match!!

Also enjoyed the trip back to Bridport, beautiful scenic little villages I passed through.

Sunday morning I enjoyed a cooked breakfast at the cottage, and took my time getting packed up and on the road. Drove through the gorgeous Dorset countryside and arrived at Abbotsbury Garden and did a beautiful walk through - so many gorgeous tropical plants, and a fantastic look out point over Chesil Beach and the sea. Took many beautiful photos, which I will post. Spent a few hours walking the gardens, enjoying the chatter and song of the birds present, and the scents and sights to delight the senses! Hmmmmmm!

Travelled back through the seaside city of Weymouth - an energetic seaside holiday place. The beachside crammed with things to do, and people obviously enjoying themselves there. Stopped at a nice pub Sunray Room to enjoy carvery for lunch, hmmmmmm!!!! From there off to Poole - and what I can say about Poole - - is that Poole is COOL!! Another seaside town, and a real no-nonsense working quay. Tons of people out on the quay enjoying the beautiful day, interesting sights, and just a really fun atmosphere. Even saw a number of luxury yachts in the Poole harbour, as it is the manufacturing base for Sun Seekers yachts.... yikes..... massive boats..... and absolutely stunning!!

From Poole to base, bathed up, and a late snack for 'dinner'. A lovely, fun weekend.... enjoy the pics!!

Friday morning!

I have caught up with my e-mails and the blog. Didn't manage to take any pictures yesterday, did try to take some nighttime shoreline pics, but guess I was not in the correct mode!!

With all this crazy volcanic ash, you would think you would be able to see the stuff.... but even at Heathrow yesterday - busiest airport in the world - it didn't look any different. Maybe just a little hazy. Was curious about that, and watched the BBC news this morning to see if there is an explanation. Apparently, this ash plume is at about 18,000 feet. The disruption, in full or in part, will be a problem for some time. It does appear that in the next day or so some flights may be allowed to come or go from Belfast in Northern Ireland, and Glasgow, Scotland. Obviously following the problem with some interest, and of course COMPLETELY grateful that I got in.... so many stranded all over Europe. There was a point on the flight at which it was said we might have to detour and land in Paris or Prague. Well.... there are worse places to be diverted to!!

Have a cottage booked for 2 nights in the Dorset area, in a place called Bridgeport (or Brideport... will check later), and I am looking forward to watching the football game in at Yeovil tomorrow - a Saints away game! Go Saints!! I have the picnic back pack organized, and off I will go! Let's hope they have some wireless for me...... so I can keep you up to date and share some pics!

Well, jet lag is telling a little, though much better than the first time I came over. Think I will go back to bed for a little while, to be ready to go for later!!

Volcanic Eruptions of Icelandic Magnitude.....

First time in United Kingdom living memory...... all air that traffic in and out of the UK - and yes - London Heathrow Airport.... ground to a halt. I was so fortunate... can't believe it, but was the last to land at Heathrow before the airport was closed. Apparently, jet engines do not function well in ash clouds.....

Suffice it to say, was very happy to arrive safely! So.... until I could actually reach Heathrow - and we were the last flight allowed to land.... I was unable to tell anyone we were ok!! Was a little eerie coming out of Heathrow on the bus and seeing ALL the planes parked, and no planes landing, taking off, or circling in he air.

So!! Here safely, happily!! Enjoying some fish and chips, which I took to Calshot Beach to eat.
More tomorrow..... need sleep!

On my way!

Helloe from Calgary, Alberta. Well on my way, so far so good!!! Boarding soon......yipee!!

Can't wait!!

Today..... and tomorrow....

So, flying day today!! Yipee!! All is packed, and by the front door ready to go. Gettings kids off to school, and then Aft is coming to get me for the trip to the airport around 0930. (Don't fly till 12:30.... but ya know...... I have to be there super early..... I am weird that way!!)

Cat is anxious, she knows what it means when the suitcase comes out..... but she will have the kids, and they will have her. Sami steps into the role of house Mother for the next while, and I am sure they will have a blast. Thanks Sami!!

So, I will try to find some wireless network in Vancouver, or Calgary, but you know how that goes.

By tomorrow at this time, I will be there :)

Up, up, and away!!!

One more sleep in my own bed......

Well!! Time does indeed march on, never varying in its cadence, even if it feels like it moves too slowly, or too quickly! Last full day at home for a little while will see me finishing up some laundry, and tying up a couple loose ends (no, I don't mean the kids!!) Going for a pedicure this morning at 0900 and then do a little running around. But, camera batteries are charged, bits and pieces are gathered, and all that is left to do is put it all in a suitcase. The weather forecast for the Southampton area, and it sounds very nice, as does the forecast for here.

I will be arriving in Southampton at 0730 PST Thursday morning (3:30 pm BST).

Then Friday morning will be spent recovering from jet lag, and then are off Friday afternoon to the area of Dorset, where I will spend a night or two perhaps, and have a ticket to watch the Southampton Saints Football Club play Yeovil Town in Yeovil. Have got my Saints scarf packed, and of course something red and white to wear - so handy the Saints share the same colours as our wonderful country!! Can't wait to be part of the large group of Southampton supporters going to this away game!!

I am taking my Canadian mitts, and maybe for fun we will take those and photograph them in different places.... so watch for the signature red mitts!!

There will be a lull in communication when I am flying, sometimes I can pick up the web in airports, and sometimes not. Anyway, As I go, I will attempt to connect, but if I can't - please don't worry!! I won't be taking my BlackBerry with me as it is not a 'world' phone, but will be in e-mail contact as soon as I am in Hythe. One more post from me tomorrow morning.... and then off I go!!

T minus 3 days and counting.........!

3 more sleeps......
4 more days........
Until I am off on my UK adventure!

Had some fun last night out in the backyard - - you just have to love Canaadian Tire, especially in the Spring! Robin and I went there to buy a fire pit..... and came home with two! One for enjoying a real fire outside on the deck, and the other a funky table top fire that runs on small propane bottles! A little strange - but quite beautiful! Robin and Alyssa assembled the large fire pit - what bright girls!! Think we will try it out tonight....... I managed to screw the propane bottle into the base of the 'mini fire' and lit that up - all with Emily's encouragement!! Think I will ban the use of any fire device while I am away..... seeing as how we had issues with water last time!!!!!

Well, a true Prince George spring is upon us..... some warmth, some sun, some rain, some high winds..... and yes, some snow and sleet!! I have been monitoring the weather in Southampton quite carefully.... and am hoping for some warmth. If the weather turns foul when I get there I guess we will know who is to blame!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I used to fit all my stuff in a saddlebag on the back of a bike....

And now - - I can't seem to be able to imagine getting it together in one rather large suitcase!! When did it happen that I feel I need to bring everything I own?? Crickey!! Is it age?? Gender?? Lack of self esteem?? All of the above?? LOL

Well, quite determined that only one suitcase is going, so will have to get brutal with myself (Sami, I probably need your help - - again - - LOL)

I am sure it will get sorted out....... and soon....... only 5 more sleeps until I take to the skies!! Can't wait!!

Getting Ready to fly..... one week today!

Cold morning, blowy and overcast here in Prince George. Wouldn't be too surprised to see some white stuff today... though would be discouraged if it did happen :(

Did a little clothing shopping yesterday, and found a nice white spring coat (a difficult colour for me... though I will TRY to keep it looking white and crisp!!) with a nautical look to it, some black legging/capri (which I hope to wear if it is warm enough), a lovely linen dress, and a long white flowy blouse, which should look nice with the black capri. Now will be on the look out for some flat shoes that to complete the look.

Hair appointment (Friday 0930) and pedicure (Tuesday 0900) organized, then fly Wednesday! Will be a few hours enroute as I leave Prince George at 12:30 pm on the 14th and arrive into London Heathrow at 11:15 - so 24 hours by the clock plus 8 hours added to make it to GMT is 36 hours travelling. Should be able to find some time in there to have a little nap (or two... or 5 or 6!)

We will see if my role as Air Canada's fave paramedic will continue on these flights!!

So the small collection of things I don't want to forget when I pack are already on the dining room table, and the suitcase is hauled up out of the garage. I am getting excited!

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter all!! Only 11 more sleeps !!

12 sleeps...... less than two weeks!

Hello blog readers! So...... worked a 24 hour shift, should be sleeping now...... but can't..... and back to it this afternoon at 3:30 for another 24. Watched Third Watch for a while.... got too wound up.... now watching Bridget Jones' Diary (still can't believe Rene Zellweiger isn't British - her accent is perfect!!) and have given up on sleeping again, until tonight..... hopefully kilo will be quiet!! At any rate, the cat is very happy I continue to try to sleep hahahahaha!

Anyway! So only 12 more sleeps until I go. Keep saying can't wait, but its true! The 'bucket list' is growing, and I have started to set aside a few bits and pieces to pack...... note to self again.... don't need to take everything I own..... only ONE suitcase this time.....! Yikes!! (J - - still have resisted tramp shoes!! hahahahaha)

OK, will shut up and try put my head down for a while and try again to sleep.... sigh.
M

CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER! Changed my flight to TODAY!!

Yep, its true...... can't wait to go, so I fly tonight out of PG, but won't be there until early Saturday morning! Not the greatest connections. Am doing panic packing..... might have to do some laundry when I get there!! I shall simply call in sick at work, dump all my shifts (sorry guys) and take off. Only cost $200 to change my reservation on Air Canada!!

So.... the coach from London Heathrow terminal three (National Express bus 203) should get in to Southampton around 15:00....... So here I come - maybe the Easter Bunny will still be able to find me there.....(April Fools!)

Even though it is how I feel, I have not in fact changed my flight date - it still is two weeks yesterday that I fly, and two weeks exactly until I fly.

And yes, I will be there for my shifts on the weekend :) We will be enjoying Easter Weekend Paramedic style!
M