tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47029695549335888872024-03-14T17:21:51.745+11:00Inelegant SuperabundanceAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.comBlogger690125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-69717880486606411822018-07-20T18:41:00.000+10:002018-07-20T18:41:23.655+10:00Last dayYesterday was the last, full day of this wondrous holiday. It hasn't flown by, for me, but we are all looking forward to getting home to our family, friends, house, and animals.<div>
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Our main objective for yesterday was to enjoy the Giardino di Boboli, and while we were all terribly hot, they didn't disappoint. The colours were simply greens, greys and browns, no flowers, but that just highlighted the sky and the expansive views of the city and beyond.<br /><div>
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A whole day, at least, would be needed to properly explore the gardens, but we headed back over the Ponte Vecchio for lunch and shopping, before a rest in the cool apartment.<br />
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Later in the afternoon, Toby and I went wandering. We went to Santa Croce, which was closed, most unfortunately, so I'll just have to watch A Room with a View again, to see the inside.<br />
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We went inside the Palazzo Vecchio (town hall).....<br />
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...and admired the gallery of statues next door at the Loggia dei Lanzi.<br />
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We topped it off with dinner at our favourite restaurant - we get attached quickly - and gelato on the walk home.</div>
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We have slept in and are now packing, for the last time. We were very thankful to discover that the owner of our <a href="http://duallook.italyflorencehotels.com/" target="_blank">apartment </a>is happy for us to stay until we need to leave, at 3.30, so we are taking it slowly, and keeping cool. We'll do a tiny bit more wandering and shopping in Florence before flying to Frankfurt (can we count two hours at the airport as a visit to Germany?), then Singapore where we will have dinner with a friend (nine-hour stopover), and finally, home.</div>
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Here are some reflections on where we have been:</div>
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<li>so many people smoke, or vape!</li>
<li>it is hotter here at lower temperatures.</li>
<li>there are dogs everywhere - in the shops, in the cities, even cities with no grass.</li>
<li>traffic in French and Italian cities and towns is crazy, and I could not even attempt to drive, or ride, in the narrow streets.</li>
<li>all but two places we stayed had just a fitted sheet and doona, no top sheet. This is madness, there needs to be something between a doona (way too hot for summer) and nothing!</li>
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It hasn't been perfect, but it has been wonderful. Thanks for coming along for the ride, see you at home! </div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-34784109066035270332018-07-19T04:58:00.000+10:002018-07-19T04:58:55.794+10:00FirenzeMany years ago, we added four nights in Paris to our UK trip, because my brother and his wife had done that on their honeymoon. So, when Joss wanted to go to Italy to see her friend Chiara, we thought we would just add a few nights in Florence to the end of our trip. I didn't realise how much I would love it and wish we had longer. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore</td></tr>
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Unlike Paris and London, the touristy part of Florence is small and you can walk everywhere, quickly.<br />
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Perhaps because it is so compact, it's also really crowded. There are long queues to get into the cathedral, and we left it too late to book a spot to climb the Duomo.<br />
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I don't think I will go to the Uffizi gallery, either, though I know I would love it. I am enjoying just walking the streets, and there is so much beauty around to be viewed without entry fee or waiting time.<br />
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Every turn brings something glorious to see, and there are paper and fountain pen shops!<br />
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Joss's Italian friend ended up being in Paris this week, so she saw her there, rather than here, but she did catch up with a friend from Albury who is here on his gap year travels!<br />
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Not only is the city beautiful, but our accommodation is the best we have had on the trip, so we are also loving relaxing in the cool, and sleeping really well.<br />
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We have walked and eaten ourselves silly. Now, there is only one more full day left!<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-8914049840507444222018-07-17T04:39:00.002+10:002018-07-17T04:43:02.282+10:00France celebratesSo, France won. We are staying in an apartment, in a residential area, and we could hear everyone else watching the match, and then, though we could hardly imagine it getting rowdier outside, everything erupted! Much, much celebrating on the streets, with firecrackers going off, car and motorbike engines being revved and horns sounded without ceasing. People danced, sang, and cheered. Cars piled up with people hanging out of every window, the sunroof, and even the boot.<br />
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Joss was meeting her Italian friend, who arrived in Paris just hours before. I took her down to the train station, so we got to experience the joy and madness.<br />
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This morning, the streets were almost deserted, except for a fair bit of rubbish. Today was our last full day in Paris, and it was not spent together. We woke early and I waved everyone else off at the train station as they set off for Joss' birthday choice - Disneyland.<br />
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I started walking (as fast as I wanted!) and enjoyed the sights as I made my way to the <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Musée de l'Orangerie.</span></span><br />
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As I wrote yesterday, I don't really like taking photos of paintings, and these enormous paintings, especially, I cannot capture, but just to prove that I went.....<br />
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I reached 10,000 steps before 10.30am, and just kept walking. The weather was just right for it; cool and overcast.<br />
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It looks dark here, which it wasn't, but the clouds were spectacular.<br />
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Approximately five bajillion people were lined up to go inside Notre Dame. Thankfully, I have been in before.<br />
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These photos were taken at the same time, just with the light focused on a different spot.<br />
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It even tried to rain for a little while, though it only managed a few drops.<br />
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20,000 steps later, and I was back in Montmartre. After doing some washing, I walked up to the Sacre Coeur again. The afternoon had turned sunny and very hot.<br />
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Tomorrow we go to a country none of us has ever visited before, for the final three nights of our holiday (not counting the endless night that will be our many flights home). We're off to Florence, and my book and movie reference is A Room With a View.<br />
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-47325846352000121732018-07-16T02:21:00.000+10:002018-07-16T02:21:01.560+10:00Le Tour and ParisWe have been watching le Tour de France for many years now. We look forward to it, prepare for being tired at work, and have pyjama parties to watch it with friends. To actually see it in real life was an experience we just had to have. It was a tricky one to plan for, though, and I made a bit of a mistake with accommodation, in that I should have stayed in Honfleur another night, not tried to get to Paris and return our car after the tour. Nevermind, we managed.<br />
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We left Honfleur with lovely memories, and drove towards Alencon, which was around halfway along the route for stage 7. We set ourselves up next to the road in Saint-Paterne, with a nice, manageable crowd. We bought quiches and croissants and settled in until the parade of cars with blaring music and people throwing items at the crowd, began.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If this guy was throwing chickens, I didn't get one.</td></tr>
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We had hats, lollies, dried sausage and various other items thrown at us, and we bought a few shirts. Once we could hear the helicopters we knew the riders where close. In fact, the breakaway only had one rider in it, a French fellow, and everyone cheered madly for him.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too busy watching to take a good photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many helicopters</td></tr>
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Eleven minutes later the peloton arrived, and I didn't bother with my phone, I just wanted to experience it. In fact, I started crying right away, looked for Richie Porte, found him and yelled some encouragement, then just soaked it up until they were gone; a matter of seconds. It was all over so quickly, but well worth it. We'll remember it each time we watch the Tour in coming years. Of course, in today's race, Richie crashed out with a broken collarbone; I am so disappointed for him.<br />
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It was a bit naive to expect that we could just experience Paris as usual when we were arriving in time for Bastille Day, Sunday and the day France plays in the World Cup final. I knew we definitely didn't want to drive in Paris, so I chose the closest Europcar office to Honfleur to return the car, just inside Paris. We found the address easily, but finding where to actually return the car, once the office was closed, was another matter. Andrew drove brilliantly, and we asked some fellows with no English and I was able to work out what we needed to do. Phew!<br />
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Then we needed to find a taxi, or two taxis in fact, and we eventually arrived at our apartment in Montmartre, around 8.30pm. It's near the Moulin Rouge, so definitely a happening area at night....<br />
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The Scare Coeur is also here.<br />
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Our first day saw us walk down to Galleries Lafayette for a bit of shopping. I am not that interested in shopping, but everyone else bought things (I dd get a cold brew latte), and I enjoyed the architecture, and the sights on the way there.<br />
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We then walked down to the Louvre, for what was probably the best thing about the timing of our trip - entry was free for Bastille Day.<br />
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It was awfully hot, especially in the museum, so after we walked all the way back to Montmartre, we thought that perhaps we would try the public transport system today. Sadly, being a Sunday, there wasn't much going on in the bus department, so we ended up with two taxis to the Musee D'Orsay. I really, really love it there, just over the river, serene on a Sunday morning (not that early in actuality, but early for the morning after Bastille Day).<br />
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I could spend a whole day there, but not Joss' birthday!<br />
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After the Musee D'Orsay, we walked up the Champs-Elysee and had a birthday lunch.<br />
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It wasn't quiet, as the hour of the World Cup grand final was approaching, and many French people were making much noise! There was a group of flag-coloured cars, with young men drinking beer and yelling, as they honked horns and blared music, driving up and down the famous, crowded street.<br />
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Toby and Bethany bought flags to fit in, though Toby is really going for Croatia.<br />
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After making all kinds of compromises due to the weekend/World Cup, we were disappointed again to discover the Arc de Triomphe was closed due to the mayhem.<br />
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We had been hoping to climb it as we already knew that the Eiffel Tower was closed all day, given that a bajillion people are there right now watching the final on big screens!<br />
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We decided to walk down for a photo, which coincided with a great increase in people, wearing flags mostly, taking to the streets and walking in every direction. We made it down to see the Eiffel Tower, and wanted a taxi to get home, but couldn't get one.<br />
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After a long walk, we tried the Metro. We let around four trains go past, absolutely packed, each one. So we walked all the way home to Montmartre and are now in front of the television, watching the game, and hearing the neighbourhood experience it, too.<br />
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Now, we are tired and footsore, but we will always remember being in Paris on this day. I have never seen, or heard, anything like it. Extraordinary crowds everywhere, spilling out of every bar for hours before the game began. I wonder what will happen if they don't win......Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-44688536803159080862018-07-13T03:50:00.001+10:002018-07-13T03:50:40.867+10:00Honfleur et BayeuxI have been wondering about the endless energy small children have. You know, when they just seem to run and run, when all you want to do is rest. I have been thinking that it must disappear before the teenage years, but I think it is more the case that energy is ruled by motivation, whatever the age. People say they have no time to garden, or read, or play sport, when really, they just don't wish to do those things with their time. I have the energy to keep sight-seeing; I want to go to more places, see more things. The kids are tired, but if climbing a mountain was an option, Toby would be up early, and would go all day. The key to a family holiday like this, I think, is to prioritise the things you most wish to see, and, when possible, split up to achieve what everyone wants.<br />
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We had a quiet day in Honfleur yesterday, leaving the car alone. Andrew, Beth and I went to the markets just around the corner, and had the best time buying things with my terrible French. The fruit and vegetables were beautiful, so we got some apricots and blueberries, as well as cider, eggs, and crepes.<br />
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After the markets, Joss, Toby, Andrew and I went on a walk up the hill to an old chapel.<br />
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Expansive views were had from two locations, and then we weaved our way back down the hill.<br />
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Honfleur is so very old, and charming. It isn't much fun to drive a huge van down these narrow, cobbled streets, but Andrew has pulled it off twice!<br />
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The harbour is just around the corner, lined with restaurant tables under umbrellas.<br />
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We spent the afternoon watching le Tour de France, and the evening watching the World Cup - with more walking in between.<br />
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This morning we wandered down to the beach where the van is parked. Toby cleared the fountain jets easily, though he wasn't so lucky on the way home, when he attempted a higher jet of water.<br />
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We drove to Bayeux to see the tapestry, almost one thousand years old, now. I was worried the kids would be bored, but they kept it to themselves, if they were! The story it tells is quite fascinating, and you listen to it, read by someone who sounds like Derek Jacobi, as you shuffle along the 70 meters of tapestry in a darkened room.<br />
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The cathedral in Bayeux is beautiful, inside and out. Toby was most put out that we couldn't climb to the top.<br />
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The harbour is lovely this evening, and we are hoping to get down to the beach, seeing as there is no football on!<br />
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Tomorrow we leave Honfleur, and will attempt to see the Tour. The plan is to be on the side of the road around 11 or 12 kilometers from the end. We'll see how easy that is to manage....Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-66022833951184198252018-07-11T17:11:00.001+10:002018-07-11T17:13:40.136+10:00Belgium and France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is a bit spooky that Mum and Dad were in Belgium on Bethany's birthday, some years ago, and now we find ourselves in both Belgium and France when those countries face each other in the World Cup semi-final.<br />
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We were very sorry to leave our fabulous, spacious, apartment in Ypres (if you are planning on going there as a family, or group, let me know so you can stay there), and after we had packed the <strike>car</strike> van, we walked back into the main square and bought some Belgian chocolate.<br />
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Everyone we spoke to, or who served us, spoke English, which is very lucky as the main language in that part of Belgium is Dutch. The only Dutch word I can think of it poffertjes, and I don't really have any idea how to pronounce it. I also don't eat them, so that is useless. Not being able to make even a tiny effort to speak the local language makes me feel stressed, but I learned to let that go, as there isn't anything I can do about it, now!<br />
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Having done French at school is some help, mainly in understanding things the written word. It was all so long ago, and superseded by Japanese, which my brain continues to offer me when I am searching for words in French. Left to my own devices, I would probably stick to English speaking countries, where I only have to worry about how things work, but then I would miss out on some wonderful things.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pont de Normandie</td></tr>
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The countryside changed when we left Belgium, which was very flat, at least where we were. They grow a lot of crops, and that hasn't changed, but at least there are no hideous Belgian Blue cattle in France, that I have seen, anyway! The north of France undulates gently, and you can see church spires and villages from the motorway, really looking like Tour de France country!<br />
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It was about a four-hour drive until we went over the very impressive Normandy Bridge and arrived at the wondrous town of Honfleur, our home for three nights. It's a harbour town, totally ancient to Australians! This is our house:<br />
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It has heavy beams, stone, and twisty, uneven staircases. I love it.<br />
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This house is two doors up and says '1627' in the stone.<br />
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There are bells ringing as I write, perhaps just down the road at St Catherine's.<br />
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There are lots of art shops, and shops that sell one type of food. Ths shop sells nougat.<br />
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The narrow streets, in our area, are cobbled, and though we did find metered parking just up from our house, it was a significant effort to squeeze the van into a spot, and it would be very expensive and hair-raising to park there permanently, so we drove the car down to the beach, where there is a free car park. After getting the car out of the narrow, cobbled area, we had another scare when, while ogling the amazing houses on the hill, we only realised we were driving on the left-hand side of the road when someone was coming straight at us!<br />
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Today, we are letting the kids sleep as long as they want, and we'll leave the car to rest while we explore this gorgeous town.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-74230406527927295142018-07-10T05:37:00.000+10:002018-07-10T05:37:00.729+10:00Goodbye UK, hello BelgiumReflections on the United Kingdom:<br />
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<li>I love it there, it makes my heart sing</li>
<li>If I lived there, I would have to be a much better driver - good at reverse parking and maneuvering in narrow spaces.</li>
<li>London is incredibly busy, but the Tube is brilliant. I don't know how people afford to live there.</li>
<li>It's amazing how much the scenery and accents change after a relatively short drive.</li>
<li>I always scoff when, in a book set in the UK, they talk about the heat. I never thought they could really be hot, but the late twenties there, are much hotter in reality, than the same temperatures at home.</li>
<li>I was very, very sorry to leave.</li>
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It was Bethany's birthday yesterday; she is now 14. I didn't really think about that when planning the trip, I don't think an international flight is really the best thing to do on one's birthday, but at least we had until 2pm in Edinburgh.</div>
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We hadn't walked over the North Bridge, so we did that, going past the hotel where Tim used to work.<br />
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We explored the older part of town, until lunchtime - birthday girl's choice of Mexican.<br />
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The Edinburgh Airport experience wasn't as smooth as the Sydney one, and it seems odd to spend much longer at the airport, queuing to check luggage in, and get on the plane, than actually in the air! Not that I am complaining about a short flight, though a free cup of tea would have been nice.<br />
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We lost an hour when we arrived in Belgium, and were very pleased to join the shortest queue at customs, for the non-Europeans. It was after nine by the time we got to our hotel, just an airport one, so we just went to bed.<br />
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We saw nothing of Brussels, except from the motorway as we drove past in our HUGE Mercedes van! I chose the one vehicle I could find that would take five suitcases, and it also takes nine people.... The kids are enjoying the space.<br />
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We arrived at Ypres around midday, and quickly found our apartment. I wish we were staying longer than one night, as it is very nice indeed.<br />
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The town is lovely, too, bigger than I expected.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Menin Gate</td></tr>
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Our street is decorated with red, yellow and black bras, for the World Cup!?!<br />
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After a walk to explore, I talked Toby into going to the In Flanders Fields Museum with me. It was a bonus for him, as we got to climb the belfry; he does love to climb.<br />
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The views were pretty spectacular.<br />
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We had dinner in the square, complete with Belgian beer, chips (did you know hot chips are a special Belgian thing?), and the best steak Andrew has had in many years.<br />
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We wandered a bit before taking our place, along with hundreds of others, at the Menin Gate, to remember British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed at Ypres in WWI, and don't have graves. It was very moving. The lady in white found herself moved right out onto the road, with no consideration for those of us behind her!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belgian chocolates for good measure</td></tr>
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The Menin Gate is, essentially, what we came for, and today was our only full day in Belgium. Tomorrow, we have a longish drive to Honfleur. We'll be in the same country as le Tour! Come on Richie Porte!</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-18490609841260330042018-07-08T06:34:00.001+10:002018-07-08T06:34:36.395+10:00EdinburghI do so love Edinburgh. It is still all glorious sunshine, which makes sight-seeing so easy, but the atmosphere cannot be damaged by the weather!<br />
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Today was our only full day here, and left to my own devices, I'd have gone everywhere and done everything, but one thing I have learned about travelling as a family, is that it is best to make moderate targets, and that time to rest is necessary. So, we set out to walk the Royal Mile, from the bottom to the top.</div>
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The queen is at home at Holyroodhouse, so it isn't open to the public. The kids were far more excited about the fact that they were close to her, when standing at the gates, than they would have been on a tour of the palace, so that worked out well. Andrew and I have already seen it, anyway. </div>
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We wandered in and out of shops, marvelling at the ancient buildings, as well as the modern (Scottish Parliament) and when we found a sweet cafe in a tiny lane, we popped in for our first cream tea. I am not about to start eating sweet things regularly, I am perfectly happy and healthy without sugar, but there are two sweet experiences that I want to have while away - a cream tea in the UK, and gelato in Florence. One down, one to go...<br />
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We made it up to the top, where the stands are set up in preparation for the Edinburgh Tattoo. Andrew and I have been into the castle before, and the kids weren't that excited at the prospect, so we just admired the outside.<br />
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While everyone was watching a kilted duo playing Scottish tunes on violins, something caught my eye across the road. It was a really old building, that seemed to be a museum. When I got there, I found a lady from the National Trust, holding a huge owl. A <i>real </i>owl. It was the most beautiful thing; I was transfixed. Everyone else joined me, and the lady put the big owl away, and got out a fluffy, baby owl (still huge!). Today was this baby's first day in the public, and Bethany was the very first person to hold him. His fluffy feathers will be all gone in around four weeks, and he is just eight weeks old now.<br />
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This was a major highlight of our trip. These birds are extraordinary. The European Eagle Owl in the wild can catch and eat foxes and deer!<br />
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Bethany also got to hold the dancing barn owl.<br />
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After lunch and a little birthday shopping (Beth turns fourteen tomorrow), some of us returned to the hotel to rest/prepare for a big night out, and one of us backtracked to find a missing backpack.<br />
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Joss and Andrew are now in Glasgow seeing Justin Timberlake. Joss bought the tickets for the 5th of July, when we were staying nearer Glasgow and had a car, but JT put his tour back a couple of days, so they have ended up with a long train trip at either end of the concert. At least he didn't postpone it for more than two days, because we leave the country tomorrow!<br />
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Toby and I were hoping to climb Arthur's Seat this afternoon, but having lost some time to backpack retrieval and World Cup watching, we settled for climbing the Scott Monument. Great views, and the Fitbit floor count is very healthy for today (54).<br />
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On her birthday Bethany gets to wake up in one country, and go to sleep in another. We fly to Brussels tomorrow afternoon, though quite late, so we'll have more time in Edinburgh first. I will be sorry to leave the U.K. and am not looking forward to feeling stressed about my lack of French! Still, adventure beckons.....</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-87839469101543106062018-07-07T05:05:00.000+10:002018-07-07T05:05:09.657+10:00SerenityThere is definitely something peaceful about having no service on one's phone!<br />
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Our cabin for the last four nights was right on Loch Lomond, around seven kilometers up the road from the sweet village of Luss. As soon as we arrived, Toby spotted the looming peak across the loch and set his heart on climbing it. Investigations suggested that it was a job for full hiking gear, boots at the very least, and would take four or five hours. I suggested we climb Ben A'an, something Andrew and I did last time. It was steep enough for me to worry about losing my breakfast; surely that would do!<br />
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It wouldn't do, and given that Toby has followed along with all we have done, when he hasn't really been interested, we needed to make it happen.<br />
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First, though, we drove over to St Andrew's to catch up with the Hollands, who used to go to our church. Jonathon was at work, but we had such a lovely time with Catherine and the girls. We got to see their new house, one of a row of four cottages in the middle of fields, next to a wood, and the kids played with the girls. They lost two balls over the fence and had fun rescuing one of them from amongst the nettles.<br />
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After lunch we followed their car into St Andrew's driving past the famous golf course. They play golf there, apparently. Andrew was impressed. I was impressed by the university buildings, and the ruins of the castle and cathedral.<br />
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It's a beautiful town, and the scenery on the way there and back, as well as being able to see and hear about the Hollands' life in Scotland, made it all well worth the drive.<br />
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The next day we went into Glasgow, especially for Andrew and Toby's tour of Celtic Park.<br />
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The huge building across the road is a velodrome, which Joss was very keen to take a look at. We interacted with three people in order to make this happen, and I had to say "sorry" or "pardon" around six times. How crazy that they were speaking English, but my brain just couldn't decipher it!<br />
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While the boys were at Celtic Park, and after we had checked out the velodrome, Joss, Beth and I walked to a local shopping centre. Celtic Park is not in the nicest part of Glasgow, and though we drove into the centre of town afterwards, I still didn't see anything very nice. We missed the lovely parts of Glasgow, and really needed a guide, or to have done more research.<br />
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What we did get, however, was a pair of hiking boots each for Andrew and Toby. The following morning, which is yesterday now, they donned their new boots packed water, food, and jackets, and drove off early to conquer the mountain. You'll have to see Andrew's photos to get a fraction of an idea of how beautiful the scenery was from the top of Ben Lomond. Toby pretty much floated up and down again, absolutely loving it. Andrew made it up alright, but did some pretty significant damage on the way down, and is suffering a bit today!<br />
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The girls had a quiet day; I did some washing and then walked the seven kilometers or so into Luss. I wandered around the village, full of sweet cottages,<br />
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... a very pretty church,<br />
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... a clan shop with Campbell merchandise,<br />
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...and kayaks. This is Toby and Joss. Andrew and Beth were in another one.<br />
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We left Loch Lomond this morning and drove to Edinburgh airport to drop off our car. It has been a good friend for two weeks. Now, we are in Edinburgh, and how I love it here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joss' new Docs.</td></tr>
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We have wandered, shopped, been to the National Gallery, and out for dinner. Now, the football.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-18148415479962999852018-07-02T03:47:00.000+10:002018-07-02T03:47:14.919+10:00Grandeur<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the extraordinary things about England, is that it changes so much when you travel even a relatively short distance. The countryside changes dramatically, as do the accents of the people. Every time you turned around in London, you saw a Pret a Manger, and we haven't seen one since.<br />
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We left our Matlock accommodation yesterday morning and drove to Chatsworth. This was a great highlight of our last trip, and Andrew especially was looking forward to taking the kids to see it. Seeing such places prompts lots of discussions about how the world has changed, and what these places need to do, these days, in order to keep going. Chatsworth, of course, does it all particularly well.<br />
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There was a golden statue, in this chapel, of Bartholomew, holding a huge pair of scissors, and his skin! Most unpleasant. Bethany, who didn't really notice the skinlessness, took a photo and then edited it to make it PG.<br />
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I so love the chinoiserie wallpaper!<br />
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After the house, we fortified ourselves with icecream or coffee, chatted to a fat pug called Rupert (everyone brings their dogs to the gardens, and pugs are very popular), then set off to explore the gardens.<br />
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We spent 3 1/2 hours there, seeing the bare minimum, before we started driving north to Yorkshire. The countryside is so different; wild, windy, and divided up by drystone walls. It's <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Brontë</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> country alright.</span></span><br />
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Today, we drove a short distance on the narrowest roads to Haworth and the <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Brontë</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Parsonage museum.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: start;">This is the original painting by Branwell Brontë, of his sisters, having removed himself. It is currently on loan to the museum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the family, except Anne, are buried under the church</td></tr>
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I may have cried a little bit on visiting Charlotte's house. The museum was fascinating, and the town itself, is hilly, with cobbled streets in the centre. There are many references to the <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Brontë</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> family. Joss ate an eclair from the Vilette bakery.</span><br />
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Toby, Andrew and I went for a walk to the <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Brontë</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> waterfalls, across fields, up and down steep hills.</span><br />
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Tomorrow, it's up to Scotland.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-60456300026637081272018-06-30T08:26:00.001+10:002018-06-30T08:26:52.184+10:00Connections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Connections make such a difference to our experience of something. For me, especially, today's visit to Haddon Hall was very special, as it has played Thornfield in three adaptations of Jane Eyre. It is a familiar house to me, and a beloved one. To see it in real life was a moving experience. Here come a lot of photos; sorry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gatehouse</td></tr>
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We enter just below the courtyard, and right away, it is familiar.<br /><br />
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Bethany has watched all the Jane Eyre versions with me, though she can't make it through the book, and even Andrew recognised the rooms and garden.<br />
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The weather is so very 'hot' and dry, with no rain expected, so the gardens are struggling. Brown grass!<br />
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After leaving Haddon Hall, we went into Bakewell for lunch and a walk by the river. Andrew bought himself a bakewell pudding.<br />
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Ten years ago we stayed with Trish and Geoff, and they took us around for the most glorious day. This time, Geoff is in Australia (!), but Trish met us at Haddon Hall, and then had us over for dinner, with two more cousins, Jill and Tann.<br />
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Trish cooked up a storm, Tann made a spectacular trifle and chocolate cake, and Jill brought some fabulous cheeses (Stilton!), so we had a super delicious meal, but more importantly, we had a wonderful time with them. Great conversation, sitting in Trish's beautiful garden - family connections across the globe.<br />
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What a brilliant day!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-1434353240184328622018-06-29T05:28:00.000+10:002018-06-29T05:28:17.016+10:00Heading north<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been here for more than a week, now, though we have only slept in two places. Today we left the south behind, but as we drove north, we stopped at Icomb, in the Cotswolds.<br />
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I love how you are able to go into churches; that they are left open for people to come into and have a look. There is so much history here. Church history, village history, and also family history.<br />
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When my grandfather and his brothers were young, they had a younger cousin come to live with them. Her name was Vanda, but they called her Bunny. Ten years ago we went to stay with her, and her daughter Cally, at her beautiful home, called Guys Farm, in Icomb. She was so very sweet to us, and the house and village so lovely, that we were keen to drop in with the kids during this trip.<br />
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Sadly, Aunty Bunny died earlier this year, but today we dropped in and met her other daughter, Debby. We had a totally delightful visit, not only because the village, house and garden are looking spectacular at this time of year. It was also wonderful to connect with a family member for the first time.<br />
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We sat in the garden and chatted over elderflower cordial, coffee, and pastries.<br />
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Debby told us of another Downton Abbey location nearby, but by the time we left, we really didn't have time to explore it as we still had a couple of hours left to drive.<br />
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Now we are in a completely new part of England, though it, too, has family connections. We are in Matlock, not far from Chesterfield, where my Granny grew up. We are in a house with the steepest steps! Tomorrow, we're going to <strike>Thornfield </strike>Haddon Hall, and I am so excited.<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-64323316621029339462018-06-28T05:51:00.001+10:002018-06-28T05:51:40.766+10:00What's occurring?If you haven't watched Gavin and Stacey, Barry Island might not be that exciting. It's loud, full of game arcades and fish and chip shops. The beach has real sand, that is soft, but grey, and the promenade has two pavilions and some brightly coloured beach huts. I would say that the crowd at Barry Island, was very different to that at the museums and historical sites.<br />
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If you<i> are </i>familiar with Gavin and Stacey, though, you may well find it fabulous.<br />
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We sat where Gavin, Stavey, Ness and Smithy sat.<br />
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While Andrew, Joss and Beth played games in Nessa's arcade, Toby and I walked up the headland.<br />
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We drove up the hill to Gwen's house, but she didn't ask us in for an omelette.<br />
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She can see the water from her house, though. We didn't run into Uncle Bryn, either, but the whole experience was lush. I think you can find Gavin and Stacey on Netflix if you aren't familiar with them. A binge watch won't take you that long.<br />
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On the way home, we stopped in at Lacock, a beautifully preserved, historical village that is used to film period pieces almost constantly. Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, Cranford, Wolf Hall and many more.<br />
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It's strange to think that people actually live there, in houses that are many hundreds of years old.<br />
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There is a chapel at the front of this church that was built in the 15th century. That's <i>six hundred</i> years old.....<br />
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We were too late to be admitted into the Abbey, so I am putting that on my list for next time.<br />
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We had dinner at the Red Lion, instead.<br />
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This is our fourth night in Wiltshire, and our eighth in England! Tomorrow we drive up to Matlock.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-33237853510965666282018-06-27T17:01:00.001+10:002018-06-27T17:01:47.939+10:00Jack de CrowOh, yes, I can make any day about books! Yesterday was the day that Joss and Andrew had a tour at Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey). It was only for the two of them because the regular tours aren't running on the days when we are in the area, only the special tours with restricted numbers, morning tea and signed copies of Lady Carnarvon's books. You can imagine that such a tour is much more expensive than the regular sort, so those of us who have no connection (Tobes and Beth) or who actively disliked all but the first series of Downton (I loved the first, bought the second and was completely cured by watching it - too much!), did not attend.<br />
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They had a cracking time; Joss got a bit teary. They both posted on Instagram and Facebook, but these are the photos they sent us:<br />
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Toby has school work to do. Yes, that is a shame, but it can't be helped, so a day at home was just the ticket. Bethany and I kept busy with the animals.<br />
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We walked down the road to the canal and were able to see the locks in action. I have never seen a lock work, so that was fascinating, and we even helped open and close one. Travelling down a canal is a slow business.<br />
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We sat with our feet in the water and I thought about <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/655457.A_J_Mackinnon" target="_blank">Sandy Mackinnon</a> on his great adventure in Jack de Crow. If you haven't read it, I recommend it very highly. Cracking book, lovely fellow.<br />
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Joss and Andrew returned around 4.30, and after some soccer in the field behind us, we went into Melksham to try a new supermarket. It shouldn't be as much fun as it is; at home, I do my shopping online so I never have to go in!<br />
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Sainsburys is huge, and we exclaimed over everything (they have alcohol in regular aisles). The owners of the farm we are staying at, brought over fresh steaks from their own cows, and we had a lovely BBQ, followed by strawberries and cream. Delightful.<br />
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It gets dark so late here in summer. I went on a walk and took the photo below at around 10pm.<br />
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-57355735813808337492018-06-26T04:45:00.000+10:002018-06-26T04:45:51.685+10:00It's Bath timeAndrew, Beth and I have been walking the village lanes, spotting bunnies in the fields and a cat climbing the ancient roof of the farmhouse next to us.<br />
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We are taking things a bit slower, now we are out of the big city. We drove to a park and ride in Bath, and caught the bus into the city centre. My grandparents, who met during WWII, used to go to Bath, or did they have their honeymoon there? I can't remember, but that, along with the Jane Austen connection, means that I have always wanted to go.<br />
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We had just arrived at the Abbey, and were looking at the Pump Room and Roman Baths, when we saw a free walking tour, being conducted by Mr Knightley, so Joss and I joined them. I refrained from telling Mr Knightley that he is my favourite; Joss would not have appreciated that.<br />
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The city is, as you would imagine, very beautiful, and we learned a lot from Mr Knightley. They clearly get lots of Jane Austen fans who don't actually know much about her, though, as he kept asking whether we had read her books, or knew about her family. He and I also bonded over Great Expectations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trim St, the worst street in Bath, where poor Jane did end up for a while after her father died.</td></tr>
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We walked up the hill to the Royal Crescent, which is far more spectacular than it looks here. I clearly need practice with the panorama.<br />
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There is a museum at No. 1, and we were able to see what the inside would have looked like, and how the household would have worked in the 18th century.<br />
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The weather has been extraordinary. It was drizzling when we drove away from the airport the day we arrived, but it has been sunny, and even hot, ever since. Today was over thirty!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-6631237377424604482018-06-25T07:20:00.004+10:002018-06-25T07:20:54.344+10:00DibleyAfter a very bookish day yesterday, we did something television-related when we left London. We went to Dibley! It's really called Turville.<div>
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We have all watched the Vicar of Dibley many times over the years, and when Andrew discovered it was not far from London, we decided to go there first after picking up our car at Heathrow.<br />
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We drove down narrow roads which were like tunnels because of the trees, and came out into the sweetest village. Everything looked smaller than on TV, but it was definitely recognisable, and completely delightful.<br />
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After a delicious lunch at the village pub, we climbed a hill for the view. It was a steep climb, especially when one is full of venison pie and cider, so we were pretty pleased with ourselves.<br />
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Bethany wasn't up for the challenge, however, and sat on a rock at the bottom of the hill, and wrote in her journal.<br />
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It was sad to say goodbye to London, but tonight we are staying at a farm on a hill, and tomorrow we go to Bath (back to bookish).</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-14027607702989420322018-06-24T06:09:00.001+10:002018-06-24T06:09:21.052+10:00Harry Potter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Harry Potter studio tour has family day written all over it. Admittedly, some of us are more committed fans than others (Andrew only found out which house he belongs to this morning, and Toby couldn't quite manage it), but if you leave the planning to me, you just have to take what you get. And, just in case you are interested, Joss is a Gryffindor, Beth and I are Hufflepuffs, and Andrew was sorted this morning into Ravenclaw. Now, if only Toby were Slytherin, we'd have all four houses represented. I'm not sure he has the required ambition....<br />
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It was pretty amazing. The studios where the films were made over ten years, are now an 'attraction'. Sets, props, effects, and butterbeer, which smells like butterscotch.<br />
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After several hours at the studio, we were driven to Oxford for a walking tour, focussing on the Harry Potter related places and people.<br />
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I do love Oxford. The Tolkien and Lewis connection would be enough to earn my affection, but it is so very beautiful, historical and bookish! The Radcliffe Camera (above) is part of the Bodleian Library. The bridge of sighs (Hertford Bridge) is just opposite.<br />
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This building is also part of the Bodleian Library. Libraries are the best.<br />
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Bookshops are also good.<br />
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Earlier this year my friend and colleague, Cynthia, discovered that there would be a Tolkien exhibition at the Bodleian, while we were here. Our tour guide suggested we go there before we had to return, but, sadly, we were there too late in the day. Perhaps it would have tipped me over; too much for one day.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-26516359459719797732018-06-23T06:52:00.000+10:002018-06-23T06:52:54.929+10:00FreeWith most holidays it's hard to find the balance between having a relaxing and flexible break and seeing and doing all that you are interested in. The trouble when you travel so very far for a holiday, is that you want to fit as much in as possible. Today we left open, with no bookings or firm plans, so that we could all do whatever took our fancy.<br />
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This is the garden outside our bedroom window. Despite being in a very busy area, we woke to birdsong along with the plane and car noises.<br />
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After a leisurely breakfast, we walked down to Earl's Court station, and loaded up some Oyster cards. It is such a strange thing, to be a grown person who understands the language, but has no idea how regular things work! It's like being a child again.<br />
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A very helpful man at the station sorted us out, and then we were free to explore. Andrew and the kids went straight to Oxford and Regent Streets for shopping, and I stayed on the Tube by myself, to go on to the Bank of England, where I had some old notes to exchange.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Exchange over the road from the Bank of England</td></tr>
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I'm sure I looked silly, wandering around with a smile on my face, but it was such a delicious feeling, to be exploring on my own.<br />
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I joined the others and went to a three storey shop full of M&Ms (!) and a sweet shop that I could smell from down the street. Joss, Toby and Bethany all bought sweets and clothes, but as those things are available at home, I left them to it.<br />
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I caught the Tube again, feeling so clever, and found the <a href="https://www.wallacecollection.org/" target="_blank">Wallace Collection</a>. This was recommended by my friend Stephen, whose grandmother had suggested it to him years ago. I was so glad I went.<br />
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It was a building full of the most fascinating, beautiful, sometimes <i>really</i> old artwork, furniture and armour. I loved it all, but was especially fascinated by the armour and weapons.<br />
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By three, the shoppers were all shopped out, and I was keen to relax for a bit before going out to meet a friend (I have a friend who lives in London!), so Andrew went on a solo trip back to Buckingham Palace, to enjoy it without the crowds, and the kids and I caught the Tube home.<br />
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Jess used to work with me at Wagga City Library, and she very kindly met me after work for dinner. It was the loveliest evening. I meant to take photos of the food for my friend Sara, but I was too busy talking and forgot!<br />
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Step count: 25,396.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-10743093612713838622018-06-22T05:55:00.000+10:002018-06-22T05:55:39.932+10:00Fitting it all in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
London is an awfully big, busy place. There are too many things that five people want to do and see, and not enough hours, or energy, to manage it. We are tiring ourselves out in the best way.</div>
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After a most restorative night's sleep, we were keen to get back into it and headed out to hop on and off the bus again. If the beautiful buildings weren't worth looking at, just the skill of the driver, weaving in and out of the traffic, would make it exciting.<br />
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We, along with thousands of other people, watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, then walked through St James's Park, down to the London Eye.<br />
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One of our party is not that keen on heights, so four of us went on the massive Ferris wheel. I don't think my Mum would like it.....<br />
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Joss was a bit scared, preferring not to look down, but I thought it serene, and the views were well worth it.<br />
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We went to St Paul's Cathedral, where you aren't able to take photos. Joss thinks it the best place she has ever been, and even Toby was impressed. We climbed all the way to the tippy top (and are feeling it in our legs this evening). We caught the Tube home, and were very pleased with ourselves for doing it.<br />
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It's strange being somewhere that is at once familiar and foreign. I am not a fan of asking for help, but it is necessary to be like a child when you don't know how things work. There are so very many tourists here, though, that at least we don't feel alone.<br />
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We go to bed this evening, having walked so far, seen so much, and loved it all.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-25009071505439997782018-06-22T05:21:00.001+10:002018-06-25T17:26:20.452+10:00The long, first day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7CXhFPNo2M/WzCYe4PpDOI/AAAAAAAAM_U/yvXJ1hhZ29sXvpKArUcDLQO_3AWmNy6VwCLcBGAs/s1600/0brum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P7CXhFPNo2M/WzCYe4PpDOI/AAAAAAAAM_U/yvXJ1hhZ29sXvpKArUcDLQO_3AWmNy6VwCLcBGAs/s320/0brum.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brum!</td></tr>
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<ul style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #333333; float: right; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;"><br />How I laughed when Bethany said she was looking forward to the plane! She was well and truly over it before we even reached Singapore, but everyone had at least some sleep during the second and longest leg. Towards the end, I had the feeling that we had always been on the plane, and always would be, but we enjoyed our movies, and it came to an end.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />We were dropped at our digs, where we were way too early to check in, so we left our bags behind, gave everyone a pep talk to keep them going, and headed off.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXh7FTF1oAs/WzCYgdvmSvI/AAAAAAAAM_c/vxZdqQJyr6Ix6QuTMUYrRlI-DfCHGI-FACEwYBhgL/s1600/0house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXh7FTF1oAs/WzCYgdvmSvI/AAAAAAAAM_c/vxZdqQJyr6Ix6QuTMUYrRlI-DfCHGI-FACEwYBhgL/s320/0house.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<li class="attachment img" id="attachment2" style="background: url("../images/icons/file-type-img-large.png") 0px 0px no-repeat; clear: both; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 0px 25px 26px; position: relative;"><br /></li>
<li class="attachment img" id="attachment2" style="background: url("../images/icons/file-type-img-large.png") 0px 0px no-repeat; clear: both; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 0px 25px 26px; position: relative;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: initial;">We found cool houses and shops, told off a barista for thinking we were </span>American,<span style="background-color: initial;"> and hopped on an open-topped bus to see the sights.</span></li>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaUp4rOwxaQ/WzCYfzXUfWI/AAAAAAAAM_k/thA79BDELSEz5bEO4f6UDwIrIra1HUJTQCEwYBhgL/s1600/0gallery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaUp4rOwxaQ/WzCYfzXUfWI/AAAAAAAAM_k/thA79BDELSEz5bEO4f6UDwIrIra1HUJTQCEwYBhgL/s320/0gallery.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<li class="attachment img" id="attachment3" style="background: url("../images/icons/file-type-img-large.png") 0px 0px no-repeat; clear: both; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 0px 25px 26px; position: relative;"></li>
<li class="attachment img" id="attachment3" style="background: url("../images/icons/file-type-img-large.png") 0px 0px no-repeat; clear: both; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 0px 25px 26px; position: relative;"><ul style="margin: 10px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;">Joss was pretty thrilled to see real Van Gogh and Monet paintings at the art gallery. I confess that I don’t enjoy taking poor photographs of beautiful paintings. Somehow, I don’t mind an average photo of the beautiful ceiling.</ul>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-705rVq7qAZQ/WzCYejS-WlI/AAAAAAAAM_k/0aIE-VVJtb43o8PplVdjnH-i9SNibXXOACEwYBhgL/s1600/0Pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-705rVq7qAZQ/WzCYejS-WlI/AAAAAAAAM_k/0aIE-VVJtb43o8PplVdjnH-i9SNibXXOACEwYBhgL/s320/0Pic.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<li class="attachment img" id="attachment4" style="background: url("../images/icons/file-type-img-large.png") 0px 0px no-repeat; clear: both; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 0px 25px 26px; position: relative;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><ul style="margin: 10px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"> I did start crying from happiness and a sense of history and beloved book settings coming to life. I’ll have to drink plenty of water the day we go to Thornfield (Haddon Hall has played Thornfield from Jane Eyre in three adaptations).</ul>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IyqJDBtixOk/WzCYeoMdYOI/AAAAAAAAM_g/Rv3yezrmw64z5GV2d44_4K8oVs7X3BDrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/0church.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IyqJDBtixOk/WzCYeoMdYOI/AAAAAAAAM_g/Rv3yezrmw64z5GV2d44_4K8oVs7X3BDrwCEwYBhgL/s320/0church.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<li class="attachment img" id="attachment5" style="background: url("../images/icons/file-type-img-large.png") 0px 0px no-repeat; clear: both; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 0px 25px 26px; position: relative;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><ul style="margin: 10px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;">We were upgraded at our accommodation to a three bedroom, two bathroom apartment. It is huge, and gorgeous; we really love it. We are now all showered, just about to find something for dinner, and very much looking forward to bed.</ul>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-3397950964199665882018-06-16T08:14:00.001+10:002018-06-16T08:14:54.168+10:00Hello strangers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been nearly six months since I posted! I haven't defected to the lesser socials, there have been no great revelations made on Facebook or Instagram. I have just been living my life; working full-time, sharing a car with the almost independent daughter, driving the two more dependent children to many extra-curricular activities, running three card classes a month, with associated preparation, and reading. It isn't that I dislike blogging, or think it unimportant, I just haven't considered it more important that those things, or sleep.<br />
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When I left work yesterday, there was hugging. We don't usually hug when we part at the end of the working day, even on Friday afternoons, but this Friday was different. I am not returning for five weeks!<br />
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We are going on a trip of a lifetime, and by 'we' I mean all five of us. Joss will be off to uni next year, and perhaps we will never all live together again. So, we are off on a joint adventure, and I am planning to share it here. Facebook and Instagram will get something, too, but it won't be the same, it never is.<br />
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We fly out on Tuesday, to places that seem dreamlike; imaginary and magical. I know they are real; I have been there after all (Andrew's and my trip was ten years ago!), but I am a person who reads largely for setting and place, and the settings that really tug at my heart are in the U.K.<br />
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I was a very unpatriotic young person. Actually, I think patriotism tends to be ugly, so I am still not patriotic, but I no longer suffer from the grass is always greener mindset that is the enemy of contentment. I have come to terms with Australian summers, and there is so much to love about where we live.<br />
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Last week, I drove Bethany's friend back to her farm in Wantabadgery, around forty minutes away. It has become my favourite drive. It was late afternoon, and the sun was setting behind me, lighting the dry grass and trees a vibrant gold which contrasted with the deep blue-grey sky, threatening rain. We then drove into the rain, and on the way home, the sun was behind the hills, giving them a luminous pink glow.<br />
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So, while we will be travelling to places that move me deeply, I am happy to call this place home, at least until I am called to my true home, for good.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-35764415050949322162018-01-30T20:49:00.000+11:002018-01-30T20:49:06.189+11:00Back to schoolThere has been an ad playing, on Instagram, where a woman does a happy dance because school is going back. I still have two at school, but I am far from doing a happy dance. Not only are school supplies, shoes in particular, frighteningly expensive, but our lives get so much busier during term time. There will be two lots of tennis lessons, piano lessons, maths tutoring, Saturday sport, Bible study and youth group. I have to make school lunches, iron white cotton shirts and <strike>pester </strike>encourage people to do their homework. It all definitely makes you appreciate the holidays! At least I am not having to get up <i>five </i>hours earlier than I am used to, tomorrow!<br />
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Andrew's parents came to stay for a week, which was lovely. It was especially relaxing for them as it was so hot; they pretty much couldn't leave the house! They had the house to themselves in the morning, too, as the kids didn't get up until lunchtime.<br />
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Facebook told me that a friend from school drove to Tasmania with her family, so we took the opportunity on their way back to have breakfast together as they drove through Wagga. Daphne hasn't changed a bit, despite the fact that our next school reunion will signify 30 years since we left. That feels at once astounding and perfectly reasonable. It was so lovely to see her, and her husband and two daughters. I think we should organise a much smaller reunion, just for old friends....<br />
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Pierre belongs to my hairdresser, and he is a tireless ball chaser. Really, tireless. I love it when his ears go inside-out, and I think sausage dog legs are just the funniest.<br />
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Our visitors left as the heavens opened. It rained for hours, slow and steady. We opened up the whole back door to enjoy it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rain was so heavy, the countryside disappeared.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clouds lifted.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colours popped.</td></tr>
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This afternoon I rode home from work in the rain. It's so much nicer than the burning sunshine, though I can't wear my glasses!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-90976730173995254492018-01-15T20:49:00.003+11:002018-01-15T20:49:57.727+11:00Growing up, not outToby turned sixteen yesterday. He's significantly taller than I am, skinny as ever, and not at all keen on having his photo taken.<br />
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His chosen birthday dinner was enchiladas and malteser cake, which we shared with Mum and Dad and the Melbourne cousins. I didn't get any photos of him on his actual birthday; having us all sing to him was trial enough for the poor boy, but I did sneak a couple today.<br />
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See what I did here? It's a photo of his drone, he just happens to be in it. It sounds like a huge mosquito, and looks a little scary with those green eyes.<br />
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I find this next photo represents him pretty well. If he isn't moving (tennis, soccer, basketball, running), then he'd like to be gaming.<br />
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Now, he just has to sit the test for his Learner's permit, and we can start getting the 120 hours of driving required for his licence! Four drivers in the family!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-10384086069329184422018-01-13T20:26:00.000+11:002018-01-13T20:26:07.790+11:00InCoWriMo 2018I like to write lists. Even more than writing the lists, I like to tick things off. I regularly write things that I have already done, just so I can tick them off. It's so satisfying. It also means that I get to write with my fountain pens, every day.<br />
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There isn't much opportunity for handwriting in my work day, so I like to write letters and cards. As well as getting to use my fountain pens, there's nice stationery, sealing wax and stamps. Such fun!<br />
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We all like different things, of course, and this is one of my hobbies that isn't that popular. I don't mind. It doesn't bother me if I write a letter to someone and they either don't reply, or reply on Facebook, via email or text. I enjoy the process, and I would hate my letters to feel like a burden, to the person who receives it. That said, I do so love to receive a letter......<br />
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<a href="https://timgoldsmith.com/" target="_blank">Tim</a>, the source of my fountain pen fascination, told me about <a href="https://incowrimo-2018.org/" target="_blank">InCoWriMo</a>, last year. The name is short for International Correspondence Writing Month, and was inspired by NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Every day in February, participants write and send a letter, card or note.<br />
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I decided to participate, and made my address available on the <a href="https://incowrimo-2018.org/portfolio/the-address-book/" target="_blank">InCoWriMo address book</a> so that other keen letter writers could write to me, and they did! I have kept writing to a couple of them, too.<br />
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I am going to do it again, and already have one new pen friend, from Mexico. It does mean less time to read, but it's only one month, and the shortest one at that. If you'd like me to write to you, let me know in the comments.<br />
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702969554933588887.post-25743397834327470162018-01-09T20:03:00.001+11:002018-01-09T20:03:22.996+11:00Silly indeedHow very boring to be one of those adults who complains about the "silly season". I would have liked to feel the magic, but somehow, this year, it was all rather hectic.<br />
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In my last, long ago now, post, I talked about my library conference. It was very busy (I gave a 45 minute presentation and two, one and a half hour workshops at the outreach services symposium on the Tuesday, and did the wrap-up at the end of each day of the conference proper), but brilliant. I love gathering with librarians from across the state, hearing great talks and having fun with colleagues. Our conference dinner was on the final night, so all of my responsibilities were over, and the disco theme was right up my alley.<br />
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I kid you not, that Fitbit recorded 189 minutes of exercise, and I danced over 25,000 steps. Librarians know how to party, and my dancing always gets an A plus for enthusiasm.<br />
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I parked under a tree at the conference, and the white, council owned car, was no longer white when I returned to it. Not being much of a car person, Joss accompanied me to the coin-operated car wash to try and sort it out. It was surprisingly fun, and I enjoyed the sight of her turquoise hair with the pink foam.<br />
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For me, decorating, and relaxing, come to think of it, means <a href="https://www.queenb.com.au/" target="_blank">candles</a>. I love these little, twiggy, birds.<br />
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Toby had work experience at a law firm, as his final Year 10 school week. Of the five days, he only really enjoyed one, when he went to court. Is law the boy for him? I don't know, and maybe it shouldn't be; have you read/seen Bleak House?! Still, he has plenty of time yet.<br />
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Christmas 2017 was the first with Mum and Dad living in Wagga. It has been almost inexpressibly wonderful, having them in town. Being able to drop in unannounced, drinking coffee, tea, wine and gin and tonics. Sharing celebratory, as well as no reason at all, dinners. So good.<br />
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So, for the first time, all of my side of the family was in Wagga for Christmas. Count them; that's 18 people around my table! Technically, there are two tables there, but it was so great to fit in one space.<br />
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Whole family photos on the wooden steps at Tahlee are no longer possible, but we have gained someone to take the photo for us, thanks Ryan! Complete with sunbursts.<br />
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It wasn't as hot as it had been, and has been since, but there was still a massive water fight with every child (even the older ones) armed with a super soaker, and a laundry basket full to the brim with water balloons for the adults. Thankfully, we took this photo beforehand, as everyone was bedraggled in the aftermath!<br />
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I had two weeks off all together. It wasn't all reading time, though, with Christmas, and then our other regular cousin visit for January, but I did get through this modest pile.<br />
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I especially enjoyed The Hate U Give, The Choke, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Essex Serpent. Now, I am back at work.......... at least the air-conditioning in my office is perfect.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972857863193398796noreply@blogger.com0