Ameise1 (Barbara)'s first try (Part 9)

Welcome to my 9th thread.

Here is the route of our holiday in England. We'll be on the way by train.



Penzance: 21th - 24th of July
Plymouth: 24th - 26th of July
Torquay: 26. - 28th of July
Exter: 28th/29th of July
Bournemouth: 29th/30th of July
Portsmouth: 30th of July - 1st of August
London: 1st - 8th of August

I'll try to post a lot about our trip.

January

# 1 Die Feuer von Murano by Giuseppe Furno ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
# 2 The Case Of The Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall (4 stars)
# 3 Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie (4 1/2 stars)
# 4 The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry (3 stars)
# 5 Nelson Mandela by Biography Series Member Giveaway (4 stars)
# 6 Beneath The Bleeding by Val McDermid ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 1/2 stars)

February

# 7 Even Money by Dick Francis (4 stars)
# 8 The Spy Game by Georgina Harding (4 1/2 stars)
# 9 Dark Vineyard by Martin Walker (4 stars)
#10 L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 1/2 stars)
#11 Table For One byDaniel Kelley Member Giveaway (4 1/2 stars)
#12 The Private Patient by PD James ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)

March

#13 Continuance by Marta Tandori Member Giveaway (3 stars)
#14 The Lost Diaries Of Adrian Mole, 1999 2001 by Sue Townsend (3 1/2 stars)
#15 Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear (4 stars)
#16 Digital Fortress by Dan Brown ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (3 1/2 stars)
#17 Blindman's Bluff by Faye Kellerman (4 1/2 stars)
#18 The Infinities by John Banville (4 stars)
#19 Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris (4 stars)

April

#20 Pitch Black by Alex Gray ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 1/2 stars)
#21 In The Kitchen by Monica Ali (2 1/2 stars)
#22 First Family by David Baldacci (4 stars)
#23 No Lovelier Death (DI Joe Faraday) by Graham Hurley ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
#24 The Associate by John Grisham (3 1/2 stars)
#25 Fear The Worst by Linwood Barclay (4 1/2)
#26 The Ritual by Darren Kirby Member Giveaway (2 stars)
#27 False Impression by Jeffrey Archer Audiobook (4 stars)
#28 NO HARD FEELINGS (A Kate Stanton Mystery) by Marta Tandori Member Giveaway (4 stars)

May

#29 White Jazz by James Ellroy ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
#30 Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (4 stars)
#31 Family Album by Penelope Lively (4 stars)
#32 Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (4 stars)
#33 The Poison Pen by Marjorie Owen Early Review (4 stars)
#34 Diver Down (Mercy Watts Mysteries) by A.W. Hartoin Member Giveaway (4 1/2 stars)
#35 The Templar's Quest by C.M. Palov ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)

June

#36 One morning like a bird by Andrew Miller (5 stars)
#37 The Aunt Paradox by Chris Dolley Early Review (3 1/2 stars)
#38 The Fire by Katherine Neville (5 stars)
#39 The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
#40 The Veteran by Frederick Forsyth ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 1/2 stars)

July

#41 Deception Point by Dan Brown ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (3 stars)
#42 Library of the Dead by Glenn Cooper ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (4 stars)
#43 Vanished by Joseph Finder (4 stars)
#44 Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories by Nancy Christie (4 1/2 stars)
#45 Open Season by C. J. Box ROOT - 2014 Read Our Own Tomes Group (3 1/2 stars)
#46 Second Honeymoon by James Patterson (3 1/2 stars)

August

#47 Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare Stories) by William Shakespeare (4 stars)

Take It or Leave It Challenge

challenges

January

7.: Read a book you received as a present (in-laws/Christmas 2013)
Die Feuer von Murano (2014-01-04)
8.: Read a book that has a glossary
The Case Of The Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall (2014-01-07)
11.: Read a book that has two of something in the title
Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie (2014-01-14)

February

3.: Read a book of short stories
Table For One by Daniel Kelley (2014-02-24)
5.: Read a book that is part of a series
L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy (2014-02-23)
9.: Read a book with a polar vortex related word in Chapter
The Spy Game by Georgina Harding
20.: Read a book with an object on the cover that starts with a letter in rolling alphabetical order (note)
Even Money by Dick Francis (2014-02-02)

March

1.: Read a book with a red-lettered title
The Lost Diaries Of Adrian Mole, 1999 2001 by Sue Townsend (2014-03-03)
3.:Read a book with a word in the title that starts with a vowel
Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear (2014-03-07)
9.: Read a book whose title's initial letter spells out DAYLIGHT, on a rolling basis
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown (2014-03-09)

May

1. Read a book which mentions a tree on any page with double numbers
White Jazz by James Ellroy (2014-05-06)
2./2.: Read a book with at least two words in the title containing an embedded word of at least three letters
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (2014-05-18)
The Templar's Quest by C.M. Palov (2014-05-30)
6./6.: Read a book with a title that looks like it has been designed in some kind of handwriting
The Poison Pen by Marjorie Owen (2014-05-24)
Diver Down (Mercy Watts Mysteries) by A.W. Hartoin (2014-05-25)
9. Read a book that is trade paperback-sized
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (2014-05-09)
10.: Read a book that is divided into chapters, with each chapter having it's own name
Family Album by Penelope Lively (2014-05-13)

June

1.: Read a book whose author’s first and last name end in the same letter
The Fire by Katherine Neville (2014-06-20)
9.: Read a book that doesn't have a person on the cover
The Veteran by Frederick Forsyth (2014-06-29)
12.: Read a book with a body part on the cover
The Silent Girl by Tess Gerritsen (2014-06-22)
17.: Read a book which has a "don" word on any page with the number 57
One morning like a bird by Andrew Miller (2014-06-07)
18.: Read a book that you can only read/find online or in E-book form
The Aunt Paradox by Chris Dolley (2014-06-09)

July
4.: Start a series and continue if you want
Vanished by Joseph finder (2014-07-18)
18.: Read a book of short stories
Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories by Nancy Christie (2014-07-20)
19./19.: Read a book whose author is from a country that competed in the 2014 World Cup
Deception Point by Dan Brown (2014-07-06)
Library of the Dead by Glenn Cooper (2014-07-14)

August
22.: Read a book by an author who has no 9 in his birth year
Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare Stories) by William Shakespeare (2014-08-01)

currently reading



currently listening

Yesterday evening we were at Schloss (castle) Jegenstorf and saw the play Madame de . . .. A fromer work colleague who is also an actress was playing the part of Madame's granddaughter (she is wearing the black dress with flowers on it). Everbody knows that Madame de . . . is no one else than Madame de Meuron. Due to the fact that some old relatives from Madame de Meuron are still alive the author wasn't allowed to put the whole name into the play. Nevertheless all anecdotes are in the play and it's well done. It was a gorgeous performance. We could laugh tears and the setting within Schloss Jegenstorf was perfect.

Here some photos:

________

I can't believe I am here first!!! And what marvelous photographs. And I am a delicate shade of green about your train trip.....

Hi Lucy, thanks a lot for stopping by. I'll try to post a lot of photos from our trip so you'll can join us virtually.

Here something special from my hometown Zürich

What fun it must have been to see the play at the castle like that, Barbara! And to have a friend in it. It looks like such a good time. And your trip in England! I'd love to do that. I know nothing about Penzance (other than Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates) or Plymouth or any number of stops you're making, so I hope you can report back a bit.

Congratulations on your new thread!

>5 Ameise1: Wonderful! What an great idea to use the schloß for the scenery.

For all the years I lived in England, the closest I got to Cornwall was Devon. Hope you have a great holiday!

>8 jnwelch: Joe, it was indeed a fantastic performance and the weather was a lovely summer evening. I'll try to do my best to keep everybody informed about our trip.

>9 humouress: Nina, thanks a lot. Myself, I've been onlay to Devon so far. Thomas was as a kid in Penzance. We'll see what he can remember of it.

Looks like you are having a nice time on your trip.

Happy new thread, Barbara! How wonderful to see a play performed with the castle as the backdrop.

A play, at a castle, in England and I saw chocolates! What a great thread already. Thanks for including us on your trip. Enjoy!

>11 thornton37814: >12 lkernagh: >13 Berly: Lori, Lori and Kim, thanks a lot for stopping by. We're leaving for England next Monday morning very early.
This play at the castle was still in Switzerland. We went there for two reasons. First a friend and former work collegue is performing and we combined it with our 25th anniversary. We had first a fantastic dinner close to the castle, then saw the play and because there was at that time no train back to Zürich we slept in the next closest town Solothurn which is a wonderful old bishop town.

I'm so excited for you for your trip! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Oh, and Happy New Thread!!

Happy New thread, Barb! Your upcoming holiday sounds wonderful. Bring plenty of books. Smiles.

>15 scaifea: Thanks Amber, I'll try to post a lot.

>16 msf59: Hi Mark, I've planned to buy books. I read a lot from my shelves this year to make space for the books I intend to buy in UK. :-D

Hi Barbara, just to let you know Paul and Hani are safe home, sounds like you are going to be taking a number of books back with you from your holidays.

Thanks John, I posted earlier on his thread when I saw that they are back safely. What a mess with the circumstances of this crash.

I definitely will buy books in the UK. It's MUCH cheaper than here in Switzerland.

I hope you have a lovely evening. Hugs for you and Karen xx

Happy new thread Barbara! I hope you have a wonderful trip in the UK.

>20 The_Hibernator: Thanks a lot Rachel, I hope will have a fabulous time.

Color me green with envy over all your travel plans! You must be just DYING to have the day arrive when you start your trip. (But that lovely little play certainly looks enough to keep you entertained in the meantime.)

Please check in when possible and post what you can for us vicarious travelers.

Happy Friday!

>22 michigantrumpet: Marianne, I'm indeed looking forward to our trip and can't await it. I'll try to do my best posting as much as possible.

Wishing you a lovely day, too.

Hi Barbara, hope you have had a lovely day my dear and wishing you a gorgeous relaxing weekend before you start your trip to the UK. Looking forward to seeing you in Bournemouth.

>24 johnsimpson: Hi John, Marina came home this evening from her concert tour, happy but tired. Since yesterday we've got a new washing mashine because the old one broke down last week. Now it has a kind of high season washing all the clothes :-D.
We are looking forward to see you and Karen finally in person.

Hi Barbara! I love outdoor theater, and the castle setting is gorgeous. I hope you enjoy your tour of England. The south/southwest is lovely. I'll look forward to photographs.

Hi Carrie, thanks for stopping by. I will enjoy the England tour.

Happy weekend, Barb! I hope you are getting plenty of reading in.

Happy Saturday, Barbara! I'm eagerly looking forward to your posts and photos from England.

book 43



This was a fast-paced thriller which introduces the Nic Heller series. In this book Nic Heller has to struggle not only with his employer but also with his family. His brother is making racketeering with the help of his wife and their father who was imprisoned also for the same thing. Nic Heller isn't corruptible and luckily he has friends who are helping him.
It's a breathtaking plot and let me guess until the very last page.

>28 msf59: Hi Mark, I'm packing the luggage for our England trip. I don't know if I find enough time to read. ;-)

>29 kidzdoc: Hi Darryl, I try to do my best on FB and LT. I'm really looking forward to the UK. Marina is flying tomorrow so we can check in our luggage too. That's good because our flight on Monday morning will be at 7am. That's very early.

Wishing you a safe journey and a wonderful trip, Barbara. Enjoy yourselves!

>32 humouress: Thanks a lot, Nina.

Thanks for the beautiful weekend wishes!

>34 drneutron: You're welcome, Jim.

book 44



This book contains several short stories. Earlier I read from all those stories Annabelle and Alice in Wonderland which I liked very much. In each story the main character is a very special person (deranged, old and lonely, mentally disordered, psychical stressed or just to be at the wrong time at the wrong place). There is a lot of love for each main character and they are described with care. The spelling style in each story is very gripping. It's fast-paced and the outcome is never obvious in the beginning.

Hi Barbara, have a lovely time in Cornwall and Devon and we look forward to seeing you in Bournemouth my dear.

Thanks John, in half an hour we are leaving home. It's 4.45 am.

Hi Barbara, enjoy your train ride from Paddington to Penzance, hope you love the views you will get especially as you go along Dawlish seafront on the new track laid after the winter storms, this is one of the loveliest rail journeys in the country.

Checking in just in time to see that your your holiday trip starts today - have a lovely time!

>39 johnsimpson: Indeed John, I love this part. It's so beautiful.

>40 Deern: Hi Nathalie, thanks a lot. I hope you did enjoy your holiday, too.

After an eleven hours journey we arrived safely in Penzance. The train ride was gorgeous and very comfortable.
Here some first impressions from Penzance:

________

>42 Ameise1: Have you encountered any pirates in Penzance? ;-) Sorry, I couldn't resist the reference to Gilbert & Sullivan.

Wonderful pictures, Barbara!

>43 thornton37814: - I love the Pirates of Penzance! I am such a musical geek. ;-)

Keep the pictures coming--beautiful!

Barbara, it looks like you are enjoying the scenery. Have a lovely trip. :-)

Absolutely gorgeous photos. I know the landscape down there is legendary, but it owes something to the photographer, too. I bet mine would never look that beautiful :0/

Gorgeous photo's Barbara, you are making me very jealous as I love this part of the country and if I had enough money would consider re-locating down here and that says a lot for a staunch Yorkshireman. Have a lovely time my dear, say hi to Thomas for us and enjoy the delightful seafood on offer, will see you soon.

Love the photos, Barb! Have a wonderful holiday!

Oh my, that looks beautiful, Barbara.

What a wonderful trip to take. How did you think of the route you're traveling in England?

Barbara as always you take such wonderful photos. I am a devotee of Devon and Cornwall and Penzance in particular is stunning & well captured in your montage.

I am sure that you will have a lovely time in my old country and I only hope that the weather holds up for you both.

I am also certain that the meet-up with John and his missus in sedate old Bournemouth will be a rip-roaring success. Give Karen and John my best wishes when you do meet-up. xx

>42 Ameise1: Aaahhh! Wonderful! What a talent. Can't wait to see more.

Looks like you are off to a good start on your vacation.

>43 thornton37814: >44 lkernagh: Lori and Lori the only pirates we've seen so far are ourownselves. Ha ;-)

>45 Berly: >46 AuntieClio: Kim and Stephanie, thanks a lot and the next load of photos are coming.

>47 humouress: Nina, thanks for the compliments. I try to take some fabulous pics, but I have to admit that my hubster is much better in taking photos. So I post a mix of both of us.

>48 johnsimpson: John, it's so lovely down here and it feels like Mediterranean.

>49 msf59: Mark, thanks a lot

>50 jnwelch: Joe, we decided to make our trip along the south coast, starting in Penzance. We don't have a sea shore in Switzerland and that's the reason that we thought to make our trip like that.

>51 PaulCranswick: Paul, thanks a lot. We love it very much. Sure I will say hello to John and Karen. We'll see them next week.

>52 michigantrumpet: Marianne, thanks a lot. With this gorgeous surrounding it isn't so hard to take good photos.

This morning we went by bus to Land's End. The view there is breathtaking. Also the bus trip was fantastic because it led through a wonderful landscape. For lunch we tried the traditional Cornish pastry which were very tasty. In the afternoon we were on a boat trip in the Mount's Bay. We saw big jellyfish, seals and crabs.
For dinner we had fish again: mussels, tiger prawns, monkfish and sole. It was delicious.

________________

Wonderful photos. Thank you. It looks like you are having very good weather along with the good food and the views. Enjoy.

Thanks a lot Catarina.

Gorgeous. Made me smile.

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing those, Barbara.

>59 humouress: >60 jnwelch: Thanks a lot, Nina and Joe. The next photos are following soon.

Today we went by bus to St. Ives. It's a beautiful little town but very touristic. We visited the Tate St. Ives which shows contemporary art of the first half of the 20th century. My hubster took a bath in the sea and told me that there must be a lot of ice cubes in the water. He came out very quickly ;-).

__________

In St. Ives lived and worked the artist Barbara Hepworth. She was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire (John Simpson and Paul Cranswick). We could visit her house and especially her garden. I love her sculptures.

_____________

Great photos of St Ives. I had been there a long time ago to visit the studio of Bernard Leach, a very important potter. I had heard that the buildings fell into disrepair after his death in 1978 but were recently renovated and reopened. Did you have a chance to see it? I believe that Leach and Hepworth were friends, associates (?) or something.

>64 catarina1: They were indeed friends. Unfortunately we couldn't visit his place.

Oh, your photos are wonderful! It looks like you're having an amazing time.

Thank you for posting all those great pics and so letting us participate in your trip! That St Ives looks like a Mediterranean place, and the weather seems to be nicer and warmer than at the Tuscan beaches where I was 10 days ago. You're really lucky with the weather! :)

I'm enjoying your vacation vicariously through your photos.

Me, too, Barbara. Looks lovely.

I like your reasoning for the route. Inspiring - I'd like to try something similar some day.

Hi Barbara, hope you have had another good day in the South-West, Karen is feeling a bit better now and is resting up before we head south. Say hi to Thomas for us.

>66 scaifea: >67 Deern: >68 thornton37814: >69 jnwelch: Amber, Nathalie, Lori and Joe, thanks a lot. So far we had a perfect start into our holiday.

>70 johnsimpson: John, I'm glad that Karen is feeling a bit better. Please, give her a gentle hug.

Today we arrived at Plymouth. It was raining during the train trip but when we arrived the weather was good again. We were at Plymouth's harbour and surroundings and found some wonderful spots.

_______________________

What wonderful photos. You have a real eye for good pictures, Barbara - but you already know that, I think. Me, I try to fit everything into one frame (a leftover from the days of 36 photos on a celluloid reel). I like that swimming pool; it must feel a bit like swimming in the sea, but in the safety of the pool (and maybe a bit warmer, too!).

Hi Barbara. So you are in Plymouth right now. I love that you posted the route for your vacation and I love that you are doing it at a pace that allows you to spend some time in each locale. Ending with a week in London! And traveling by train! Wonderful. Your photos are a real gift -- I feel like we can get a sense of each place you're visiting. I hope you keep having a lovely time!

Wow! More amazing photos! They're all so lovely, but honestly, I really just want one of those crab sandwiches...

Wow! Love all these gorgeous photos! I wish I was tagging along.

Oh wow, great pics!

>73 humouress: Nina, this is an art deco pool which was built in the late 40s and renovated a couple of years ago. It's a salt water pool. I can't tell you if the water is much warmer than the sea ;-).

>74 EBT1002: Ellen, thanks a lot. My hubster and I discussed yesterday that we should have more time at each place. Probably we have to wait until retirement until we can travel like in the early times - slowly by train and stay long at each place.

>75 scaifea: Amber, after the big English breakfast we are not hungry at lunch time but if one day this should be the case than I eat a crab sandwich for you ;-).

>76 msf59: I will provide you with more pics, Mark, so you'll be able to follow us virtually.

>77 drneutron: Thanks a lot, Jim.

Wow! I am enjoying following along on your trip. Loving the photos. I've never swum in a salt water pool before.

Looks like you are having lots of fun!

Salt water makes sense; you can just lean over the edge and top it up ;0)

>80 michigantrumpet: Marianne, thanks a lot. We do have indeed a gorgeous time.

>81 humouress: Nina, isn't it? :-)

I've already bought three books and I count them for my 4th Thingaversary which is on the 14th of August.

Second Honeymoon by James Patterson
Extraordinary People by Peter May
An Englishman in Madrid by Eduardo Mendoza

We spent another day in Plymouth. First we went on a boat trip in the Plymouth sound and saw amongst others warships and the historic dockyard. Later we visited the Elizabethan gardens and the city museum which has an exhibition called: Plymout's Great War - three towns united in conflict. This was very interesting. Also in this museum is Modern Masters In Print on exhibition. There are prints from Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol.

______________________

>63 Ameise1: Wakefield has always been a centre of high culture of course!

Photos continue to be unremittingly splendid - so much so that a visit here is a recipe for homesickness. xx

Barbara, you are so generous with your pictures and they are all so wonderful! Thank you! Thank you for sharing your trip with us. You're getting your just desserts, and we get to lick the spoon!!!!

Just checking in--pictures are awesome!

>85 PaulCranswick: Paul, I hope our photos don't make you feel too homesick. It's interesting to know that Wakefields is producing such famous people as for examples and I feel honoured to know two of them.

>86 LizzieD: Peggy, thanks a lot. I guess you must be very busy with your kitties.

>87 Berly: Kim, we do our best to make some nice photos.

Thanks, Barb! It's like I am there! LOL.

>89 msf59: Waves, Mark. Nice to have you with us ;-).

I bought two new books (5 all in all)

An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris
The Critic by Peter May it's the second from the The Enzo Files. The first one I bought yesterday.

book 45



This is the first from the Joe Pickett series. It's an interesting start into a new serie. Joe is working as a game warden. He lives with his family (his pregnant wive and two daughters) in a small house in Twelve Sleep County. He isn't working there since a long time. Unfortunately he trusts people who are working with him but are on the evil side. They lay a lot of stones in his way and he is very close to lose his job but with his stubbornness he is able to solve the puzzle.

Hi Barbara, I knew you would have a good book haul to take home with you, Wakefield has produced a number of wonderful and creative people and it is so nice of you to say you know two of them, I am so glad to have made your acquaintance and I know Paul would echo that and Karen is also pleased to know you and it will not be long before we meet up. One more sleep to go before we set off, I have also purchased Second Honeymoon by James Patterson.

>92 johnsimpson: John, thanks a lot. I'll start reading the Patterson tonight. As you can see I've finished the C. J. Box (>91 Ameise1:) I'll give it to you when we meet us.

Thanks Barbara, C.J.Box is in my author notebook for books to purchase, hope you enjoy the Patterson.

Today we arrived in Torquay. For me it was just like coming home. I've spent three weeks here in October 2011 for my Assistance Teachership. I lived in the red house (photo) in the roof top flat. It was such a good time here that I have to show Thomas all the places I've been. We went to the school and then we met my so called 'social network' in the cafe. It was so gorgeous to meet them all and it felt like I've never been away. We had to chat a lot.
We are staying at the Imperial Hotel. This hotel appears in several Agatha Christie crimes where Miss Marple or Poirot would trink their tea. In Peril at End House and The Body in the Library this hotel is called Majestic and in Sleeping Murder is called Imperial Hotel.

____

I'm still enjoying all the photos from your vacation.

What a wonderful feeling it must be, to go 'home'. I see you had fireworks to celebrate.

Here and following along!

I am loving your travelogue Barbara! Your trip is amazing. I particularly like the pictures of St. Ives - quaint little towns and I are a perfect match! ;-)

I love salt water pools for swimming but all of the ones I have been in have been too darn cold to stay in for very long.

>96 thornton37814: Thanks Lori :-)

>97 humouress: Nina, it was indeed a wonderful feeling and the fireworks were fantastic.

>98 Berly: Kim, I very happy that you are following our trip.

>99 lkernagh: Lori, thanks a lot. St. Ives is a fantastic little town. I can't stay long in salt water pools either, it's really too cold. ;-)

Today we were on a day trip. We left Torquay by ship and had a gorgeous trip along the coast. The landscape was fantastic, different kind of colours and cliffs. In Dartmouth we took another boat for the river Dart. Unfortunately we caught only a glimps of Agatha Christie's home. Later we strolled through Dartmouth. It's a very nice place. Than we took the ferry for Kingswear and went by stream train to Paignton. From there we had a walk along the coast and later we took a bus back to Torquay.

____________________________

Fantastic photos and travelogue, Barbara! I've been looking at your photos on Facebook, but I must have missed the Plymouth photos in message #84, as I don't remember seeing those.

Wow; that's a complex itinerary! Love the cliff shots - I see you caught a seal. Beautiful towns .... I'll just have to go down there myself.

We very nearly did go for a B&B stay, six years ago, but my husband had to cut short his trip, so my son and I spent time with family instead.

>102 kidzdoc: Hi Darryl, perhaps you were too busy and so you missed the Plymouth photos on FB. On FB I post more pics than here. Thanks a lot fpr following our travelogue.

>103 humouress: Nina, I hope one day you are able to find some time to come down to the south west coast. It's really beautiful.

Wonderful photos. Thank you.

>101 Ameise1: What a shame you only had a "glimpse" of Agatha's home.

>105 catarina1: Catarina, thanks a lot.

>106 thornton37814: Lori, indeed but on the other hand it was under renovation and therefore the whole house was scaffolded. ;-)

Today we arrived in Exter. First we booked for the underground tour. There we were shown how the water supply run in the mediaeval times. It was very interesting. Then we strolled through the town and visited the old guildhall and St. Nicholas priory. The most part is unfortunately destroyed. Later we went to the Exeter cathedral which is very impressive. At least we arrived at the quay side which is a lovely spot.

___________________

>107 Ameise1: I read on the website for the house that they have to paint it every 5 years. You just caught that 5th year!

Lovely!

Such a wonderful trip!

>108 Ameise1: Beautiful! Stunning!

I'm running out of adjectives.

>112 humouress: Can I just quote you? I've run out of English adjectives long ago... :)

Hey, but I can comment in German here: fantastisch, unglaublich schöne Bilder! Vielen Dank erneut fürs Posten und ich bin sicher, Du tust gerade was Gutes für den Tourismus dort - wir wollen da jetzt alle hin!! :)

Wonderful travelogue. Thanks, Barbara.

What a wonderful trip you are having Barbara. Thank you for sharing with us.

>109 thornton37814: Lori, ha, what a coincidence :-D

>110 AuntieClio: thanks a lot Stephanie.

>111 catarina1: thanks, Catarina.

>112 humouress: Thanks a lot Nina, I'm glad that you as a native English speaker is running out of adjectives because myself I don't know such a lot of them ;-))

>113 Deern: Nathalie, thanks a lot. It is really beautiful here. I'm sure you would like it, too.

>114 jnwelch: Joe, thanks a lot.

>115 luvamystery65: Roberta, you're welcome. We have indeed a wonderful time.

We had a GORGEOUS meet-up with John Simpson and Karen Simpson in Bournemouth. It's unbelievable that it was the first time we met because we could chat for hours and had a fabulous time. I'm so happy that I met John on Librarything and therefore had such a wonderful afternoon today.
In the early evening I made it finally for my first visit of a Pier and a short stroll through Bournemouth.

_

_____

Oh, yay for meet-ups!!

>118 scaifea: Thanks Amber, we had indeed a fabulous time.

What lovely photos! It looks like you're having beautiful weather on your trip. I was fortunate enough to visit Devon a number of times in the 4 years I lived in England. I had friends in Honiton whom I visited regularly. I almost always went to Exeter when I visited them. I've only been to Cornwall once. I went with a friend and we drove along almost the whole coast in a day. I've never had the chance to go back.

Sounds like you were just like old pals with John and Karen, Barbara - remarkable how often it seems to be that way when LTers meet up in person!

Aren't Meet Ups wonderful? Looks like a wonderful time.

I am so enjoying your visit -- though not nearly as much as you are, I think! Love the photos!

Continuing to be bowled over by your holiday reportage Barbara. Especially nice to see you get on so well with John and Karen but I cannot say that I am in the least bit surprised. LT meet-ups for me have been wonderful experiences without exception and mine with John had us gassing away like long lost brothers.

Thanks for all the lovely photos. The South Western tourist board, if there is such a body should be paying you handsomely for your tremendous efforts of promotion. xx

>120 cbl_tn: Carrie, Devon is indeed a very lovely place. We still have wonderful weather.

>121 jnwelch: Joe, I guess we are all talking so much to each other that when we get the possibility to meet in RL it's just like meeting old pals.

>122 michigantrumpet: Marianne, it was a wonderful meet-up. John and Karen are so wonderful nice persons. We had indeed a gorgeous time.

>123 PaulCranswick: Paul, thanks a lot. John and Karen are fantastic and we spent a wonderful time. As for the South Western tourist board: they could offer us a new tour because this one we have already payed ;-D.

Yesterday we arrived in Portsmouth. It's a busy harbour town. First we visited the D-Day museum and afterwards we had a stroll along the water front and harbour.

___________

Today we spent 7 hours at the historical dockyard. It was very interesting but we weren't able to see everything. It would take at least two days to see the most part three days would be better. We saw a submarine and a former navy officer who had worked on this submarine explained us a lot. Afterwards we visited the HRS Victory which was Vice-Admiral Nelson's ship and where he died during the battle of Trafalgar. At least we visited HRS Warrior.

_______________________

Oh, those ship photos are fascinating!

>127 scaifea: Amber, they are really fascinating. I'm sure Charlie would like the historic dockyard, too.

We just arrived at our hotel in London. We'll stay here until Friday the 8th.

As you already know, wonderful pictures; I could almost be there. But why is the Burj al Arab in Devon? ;0)

Ha, Nina, that one is called spinnaker and is 170m high.

Today we took first a stroll around the hotel and noticed that we've been landed at a gorgeous place. Right behind the hotel is the Borough Market. I've to admit that if I would live here I would buy my grocery only here. It's said that famous chefs are buying the food here. It's a fantastic place and fortunately we could try food here and there - very good products.
Afterwards we went to the Globe and bought some books because we'll see on Sunday Anthony and Cleopatra. Then we went further to Tate Modern. I must say that I'm a bit disappointed. We were there at the opening in May 2000 and I was so impressed about this huge building. Now, there are a lot of piteous grown birch trees and one isn't able anymore to see the dimension of the building.
At 7.30pm we joined a 'Jack the Ripper' walk. It was brilliantly made and the guy who guided us was speaking fabulous.

__________________________

I continue to enjoy your wonderful travelogue, Barbara. The pictures of the Borough Market are great and really convey an artisan flavour of the market. I am always curious to compare prices of food items in different countries so I am especially happy to be able to read all the price tags. ;-)

>132 lkernagh: Lori, I do compare the prices, too. For this market I would say the prices are high but the quality is superb and never forget it's in the 'heart' of a big city.

book 46



This was a quick fast-paced reading. John O'Hara is struggling with his personal life and therefore he got suspended. A very wealthy man is hiring him to investigate the murder of his son and daughter-in-law during their honeymoon. Soon it was clear that a serial killer is doing his work because other newlyweds which are on their honeymoon got killed, too. A second mistery which is starting to be solved by Sarah Brubaker turns out to be another serial killing. Only people who are called John O'Hara were killed. Therefore John and Sarah joined each other for sovling the puzzles.

book 47



This is a perfectly abstract of the Shakespeare play. I bought this because I will see the play at the Globe in London and I needed a short insight of the story. This book is written for children with wonderful illustrations. It's the story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra told from the view of Servius who is Antony's bodyguard. During the reading all my history knowledge came back. It's written simple but with a lot of care.

Glad your trip continues to be wonderful. I wish I had a food market like that near me--scrumptious!

Kim we have a wonderful food market twice a week where I live. The most fresh food we need, we are buying on this market.

Today we spent some time between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Later we found a special food market where you can eat from the first stand up until the last one - different kind of food from all over the world. Than we strolled around Southwark and finally found the old operating theatre museum and herb garret. This museum is on the garret of the earlier St. Thomas church. It's the oldest operating theatre in Europe. We had an one hour lecture in the operating theatre which was so fascinating. The lady could explain so vividly, showed us old instruments which we were aloud to hold and a volunteer could lie down on the operating table and the lady explained how an amputation was made.
In the late afternoon Marina finally arrived.

__________________

I have to admit because I read all over the threads about The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt I have finally bought the book and I'm reading it. :-D

Hi Barb! Love your pictures of your journey through the UK.

Waves to Connie, thanks a lot.

Today we went first to see 'Changing the Horse Guard'. Later we've done some shopping. Of cause I went to Foyles and I had another book haul. The main thing we did this afternoon was another London Walks tour. Marina is a huge Harry Potter fan and therefore we went on the Harry Potter Film Locations in the City walk. It was guided by Richard Walker who is an actor. We visited all places where the films were taken outside and not in the studio. It was really amazing and some spots were related to Charles Dickens (Pubs he visited). What me struck most were those little old spaces one has to know how to get there because big buildings were built around them.
This evening will go to the Shakespear Globe.

_____________

Books I bought at Foyles:

The Nearest Exit by Olen Steinhauer
An American Spy by Olen Steinhauer

The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing
The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken
The Case of the Love Commandos all three by Tarquin Hall

>131 Ameise1: catching up with your thread after my own holiday Barbara, and loving all your holiday pictures. You've created a very interesting itinerary. Couldn't help noticing your picture of the ruined Winchester Palace: back in the late 1980's I worked in the office building that the palace is attached to, that you can just see in the left of your picture. The area wasn't anything like so trendy then though!

>144 SandDune: Rhian, how fascinating to know where you have worked once. Our hotel is very close to this place. Thomas and I were in spring 2000 the last time in London and we went for a long walk along the Themse. Then it didn't have looked like it does now. The whole part has changed very much.

>142 Ameise1: Looks like you are still having a blast on your vacation.

I will say it again; stunning photography. That last batch of odd corners in London makes me a bit homesick.

>131 Ameise1: When we were in London last October and stayed in Marylebone, there was a Farmers' Market that is set up on Sundays in the carpark right opposite our apartment. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to go in for a wander around (I'd have never come out) because the weekend was reserved for catching up with friends and relations.

>135 Ameise1: If that is part of a series, I might think about getting some for the kids, when they get to Shakespeare. Tony Ross; did he write the Little Princess books?

>146 thornton37814: Lori, we are still happy. Today we are going to the Harry Potter studios.

>147 humouress: Nina, this is a series and it"s brilliantly made.

Hi Barb! I've been really enjoying following your trip through these wonderful photos. Good job!

And congrats on picking up some good books. I LOVED An Officer and a Spy. It might be one of my top books of the year.

>149 msf59: Mark, thanks a lot for your compliments and telling me, that you loved An Officer and a Spy. I'm looking forward to reading it. At the moment I'm reading The Goldfinch.

I hope the Goldfinch is holding your interest. It is quite a long, winding road.

Yesterday evening we saw 'Antony and Cleopatra' at the Shakespear Globe. It was a fantastic performance. I liked it very much.

Today we spent the whole day at the Harry Potter studios. I don't know such a lot of adjectives which would describe this tour - (gorgeous, fantastic, magnificent, epic . . .). We were very impressed how all those details were made with such a commitment and cleverness. There was such a lot to see and unfortunately after 4 hours the bus was waiting to go back to London. We could have stayed much longer.

__________________________

>151 msf59: Mark, so far I like it. Sometimes I love reading books which are rich in details.

Oh, I *love* the Harry Potter photos! Looks like so much fun!

Potterworld looks like big fun indeed, and I'm so happy for all of you that this is such a wonderful vacation.

So much fun! Looks as if you are having a fabulous time!

Ditto, Barbara. Looks like a lot of fun in Potterworld. We went to Orlando's Harry Potter World a couple of years ago and had a grand time.

>154 scaifea: Amber, we went to the Potterworld especially for Marina. She is addicted to everything which is connected with it.

>155 richardderus: Hello Rdear, it's a great pleasure to have you here. Thanks a lot, it's indeed a fabulous vacation. Thomas is thinking about to stay much longer (about a month ot more) the next time we'll come to London. Well, I guess we have first to win in the lottery.

>156 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne, we've a gorgeous time and it is too short to see everything - as always ;-)

> 157 Joe, it was a fantastic tour in the Potterworld and also I'm not the biggest Potter fan I've to admit that I liked it very much. What struck me most was, that the main characters were more or less living there during shooting. They also had school there - the real one not only the Potterworld one. Ha!

Today, we went first to the Tower Bridge exhibition. When we were in the engine room we suddenly recognised that it was time to hurry up to the meet-up with Thomas godmother. We had a lovely lunch with her and a lot of chatting. Later we've done some shopping. In the evening we saw the musical Wicked . The performance was fabulous.

I'm so happy you enjoying your stay in the UK, Barb. I love reading your posts and looking at your pictures.

>160 connie53: Thanks a lot Connie, we do have a fabulous time. Unfortunately on Friday we have to go back.

I've bought another three books:

The Tourist
The Bridge of Sighs
The Confession
all three by Olen Steinhauer

>162 Ameise1:, Hi Barbara, quite a restrained book haul there my dear especially as you have been in the largest bookstore in Europe, wonder what Mr C's book haul would have been had he visited. Enjoy your last couple of days my dear and say hi to Thomas and Marina for me.

Thanks a lot John. I guess Mr C would have ordered a container to ship it at his place ;-).

Here are the photos from yesterday when we were in and on the Tower Bridge exhibition.

_________

NO, we haven't been back in the Alpes, we took a flight with the Emirates ;-D.
Today, we spent the morning in the dockyards and at the dockyard museum which is very interesting. Later we went back into the city. Marina went on her shopping tour whereas Thomas and I visited first Twinings. There we could tast some teas and of cours we bought a bag full of tea. Then we had a lovely walk to Covent Garden where we drunk some coffee. It was very busy around Covent Garden. Afterwards we went to Waterstones at the Piccadilly Place. It's the biggest store in Europe. We were almost an hour inside and bought some books. Marina told us that she bought her books there, too. She had a big book haul (11 books). Then we strolled through Carnaby Street which unfortunately has lost all its charm we know back in the 70s and 80s.
Dinner we had in Chinatown.

___________________

>164 Ameise1:, ha ha ha ha ha, love the comment. Hope you have had a lovely day my dear.

Did you buy an extra suitcase for all those books? Or did you save some space before you travelled?

Barbara, In addition to you, I have a friend from church and a former worship pastor who are both over in England at the moment. My friend and our former worship pastor didn't really plan to meet each other, but they saw each other at one of the sights over there. We've all be commenting oh what a small world it is.

>167 johnsimpson: John, we had a lovely day. I've read that Paul is going to Egypt. It's likely that the container will come in use shortly ;-)

>168 connie53: Connie, I have only one suitcase and probably I've to pay for overweight.

>169 thornton37814: Lori, that world is indeed like a village not only on the world wide web. Sometimes it's funny where you can meet people.

Today we were in the British Museum and in the National Gallery. In the evening we saw the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which was very enjoyable. We liked it better than 'Wicked' which we saw on Tuesday.

So sad, our holiday is ending. We are flying home tonight.

Thanks everybody who has dropped in my travellog.

Happy Friday, Barb! Sorry to see your holiday come to a close, but it sounds like you had a lovely time.

You've had a wonderful holiday. Thank you for sharing it with us.

>172 Ameise1: Flying home with many good memories and the gratitude of all your LT friends for sharing it with us!

Hi Barbara, hope you have had a lovely trip and so glad that we were able to meet up with you and we will keep up with each other across all means of communication.

Happy and safe flight, Barb!

I have loved your travelogue, Barbara! Safe travels home!

>173 msf59: Mark, thanks a lot. We had indeed a splendid holiday.

>174 catarina1: Catarina, it is a pleasure to have you here.

>175 richardderus: Rdear, thanks a lot. It is wonderful to share impressions with all of you.

>176 johnsimpson: John, we are so happy to have met you and Karen in RL. We definitely hope to meet you again and keep up with the daily life, too.

>177 connie53: Connie, the flight was turbulent. It started to rain when we were in the plain. It's funny, I've been several times in UK and never ever had rain. I guess when I'm there the weather god must be on my side. ;-)

>178 lkernagh: Lori, I'm glad you joined our travellogue and that yyou liked it. You're very welcome.

O.k. we are back home since Saturday 0.30am. First we did some washing and went to bed after 2am. When I woke up in the morning I had a terrible headache. Must be the weather. We've done some grocery and than I had to lie down. Took some pills but it didn't work fine. After a sound sleep I feel much better today.

I'm sorry that "our" English vacation is over, and that you suffered with a bad headache (vacation hangover?) yesterday, but I'm glad that you're feeling better today. Enjoy your Sunday!

>182 kidzdoc: Thanks a lot Darryl, I really feel much better today. It was probably the weather and the travel which have got me this headache. Anyway, I'm fine now. I take a lot of impressions with me from this fabulous trip. Thomas and I thought that we should just hop to London for a weekend and not waiting too long to do it.

Hi Barbara, glad to hear you managed to get some decent sleep but sorry about the headache. Hope you have a lovely Sunday my dear, say hi to Thomas for me and Karen.

Happy to hear that you're back home safe and sound and that your headache was short-lived, Barbara!

>184 johnsimpson: John, there are times I have headache due to the weather especially in combination with stress. I feel fine now and will do some reading this afternoon.

>185 scaifea: thanks Amber, I feel much better. I hope to get some decent reading done this afternoon. I'm currently reading The Goldfinch and I really like it so far.

hi barbara, sorry i didn't comment lately, my office computer refused to open your thread for a while. now admiring everything on the ipad which i normally don't use for LT. i can just repeat WOW!!! i want to see all those places now myself :) what a wonderful holiday and again thank you for taking us all along!

>187 Deern: Nathalie, you're very welcome. We had a wonderful time, indeed and the Southwest coast is gorgeous.

Welcome back home, Barbara. I'm glad it was such a fabulous trip, and thank you for sharing so much of it with us.

I loved The Goldfinch; I hope you continue to find it a good read.

>189 jnwelch: Thanks a lot Joe. It was great to share our impressions with you. I'm looking forward to reading about your London trip next month. How long will you be in London?

Oh, I love The Goldfinch very much and sometimes I forget my surroundings when I'm reading in it. :-D

Welcome home, Barb. I hope the headache stays away!

>191 connie53: Thanks a lot, Connie. I feel very good now. I've done some stuff for school and also some reading. I should finish my preparation for school tomorrow because from Tuesday until Sunday I'm mostly at the Letzigrund due to the European Athletics-Championship. Thomas gave me two season tickets for the whole championship because I'm so adiccted to athletism. He will join me mostly.

That's sweet! Enjoy your athletics!

Connie, I will definitely do so. I've never been before to such a huge event. I'm really looking forward to it. :-)

Hi Barbara, I will try to spot you in the crowd when the T.V. coverage starts, hope you really enjoy the Athletics.

John, if I see myself on the screen than I'll give a big wave. Ha :-)

>192 Ameise1: Oh, neat! I bet you'll have a blast!

>197 scaifea: Amber, I WILL :-). The forecast isn't so lovely for the next few days - a lot of rain. It's a shame for all the athletes. Fortunately we have seats under a roof so we won't get wet.

During our holiday our sunflowers have grown huge.

Nice sunflowers! Wow! Have a good week, Barb!

Good morning Barbara, wishing you a lovely week my dear.

>200 msf59: thanks a lot, Mark. I will have a gorgeous week.

>201 johnsimpson: Hi John, it's a rainy day. We are going to see my in-laws for tea. We haven't seen them since we left for our holiday. Thomas and Marina went shopping this morning. I finished everything I'll need for starting school next week. Now, I've only to go to school on Thursday afternoon to fix up everything there.

Barbara, you have set the bar rather high for sharing holiday photos. I will never come even close, but I know you will all know that I'm having fun even if I'm incommunicado!

Like so many others, I have The Goldfinch on hold at the library....

Have a great week!

Ellen, I always post our holidays on FB for our parents and children and therefore it's a small step to share it on LT with all my friends here.

Never mind and no stress if you don't post a lot. More important is that you enjoy Scotland. :-)

Barbara, I'll bet my blood pressure is up to 200 or something and my heart is beating wildly in response to all of your wonderful photographs. THANK YOU for letting us tag along with you. No wonder I'm a devoted Anglophile!
Hope all is going well and that you're having a little rest time at home before jumping back into real life!
(And I'm glad that you're enjoying The Goldfinch!)

Thanks for sharing your holiday photos with us. Welcome home!

>205 LizzieD: Peggy, you are very welcome. I'm glad that you liked our photos. In half an gour we are leaving for the Letzigrundstadium where the European Athletics Championship will start. It' very close to our house. I'm looking forward to it. My hubster gave me the season ticket as a Christmas present 1 1/2 years ago.
I'll take The Goldfinch with me.

>206 humouress: Nina, thanks a lot. I've done all the important things during the last three days so that I'm able to fully enjoy the rest of the week.

>199 Ameise1: We had a farm over in the next county that was so gorgeous a couple of years ago when all the sunflowers were in bloom. The owner had a big problem with people coming onto his property to take photos and getting out among the sunflowers even though he had a "no trespassing" sign. It didn't look like he had planted them this year, but it's about time for them to be in bloom if he did. I might have to drive over there later this week after work just to see if he did. It's not terribly out of the way once I'm at work.

>208 thornton37814: Oh Lori, I love sunflower fields they are looking so fantastic. It's a shame that people can't take their pics from outside the field.

We just came back from the morning session of the European Athletics Championships. It was fantastic and I love the atmosphere. It takes us only 30 minutes from door to door, so we are able to come back home before the evening session starts.

>209 Ameise1: I took mine outside of his field. They turned out beautiful too when I took them. Sounds like you had some fun today.

>210 thornton37814: Lori, it was indeed a fabulous day. The evening session was gorgeous and the opening ceremony fantastic.

Hi Barbara, the athletics yesterday was very good, hoping today is as good. Keeping an eye out for you in the stands, you never know I might spot you, have a good day my dear, say hi to Thomas and the girls for us.

John, our places are in the middle of all the Teams (athlets and coachs) it's like sitting in a great family room and we have a lot of fun together. Today it's wet and cold I look more like a yeti than a summer lady. ;-)

>208 thornton37814: >210 thornton37814: Well, surely you get better pictures from outside the field, anyway, as you'd only see stalks if you went in? (The phrase 'wood for the trees' comes to mind.)

Barbara, it sounds like you're having a wonderful time at the Athletics. It's more my dad's thing than mine, though - and he's more of an armchair supporter. Did you consider catching the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when you were in the UK, since you are such a fan? But it wouldn't have been such a peaceful holiday, if you had gone.

>214 humouress: Nina, the CG were in Scotland and we were at the Southcoast so no chance.

Yesterday it was wet, stormy and cold and I looked more like being on the way for skiing. I guess the next time we host such an event we'll make it in summer :-D.

Happy fourth Thingaversary, Barbara! I think wet, cold, and stormy sounds like a *perfect* summer day! No dratted sunshine, no icky heat...aaaahhhh

>216 richardderus: Thanks a lot Rdear. I've bought 15 books in Uk and therefore I've got my Thingaversary book haul three times. ;-).
I don't like the heat neither but for the athlets it isn't so funny to achieve their _target with this weather. Today it was lovely. 20 C and no storm.

> Richard, I think they call that 'winter'.

> Barbara, it's entirely dependent on your conscience, but since you bought all those books before your Thingaversary, do they actually count? And so maybe you can get five more?...

A Thingaversary Haul trebled! GOOD for you!!!!! I do think that humouress has quite a valid thought though. I also hope that your conscience is at least elastic enough to allow for some real Thinga purchases.

>218 humouress: >219 LizzieD: Nina and Peggy, thanks a lot for your encouragement but I won't buy extra books. Firstly I filled up my shelf with these 15 books I bought in England. Secondly, books here in Switzerland are so expensive. For 5 books which I would need I could buy 10 books in England or when you need the reference to US $: 5 paperback books here in Switzerland would have the price of 90 $ (US). So I hope you can understand that my 'British' book haul will count for me.

Belated Happy TA, Barbara!

Yes, among its countless other attractions, the UK is such a great place for buying books! The Buchpreisbindung makes it difficult to stock up one's shelf in Germany, Switzerland and also Italy. Although... didn't Paul S. have a source from where he could get crates of books for free or almost free? My library here has a giveaway basket, but you must be lucky to find something that's not an outdated greasy school book.

Are the Leichathletikmeisterschaften still going? I missed them completely. What a great, great Christmas present! It must be so wonderful to see all that live in the stadium.

>221 Deern: Nathalie, thanks a lot. Yes, the book prices here are horrible, so I always take the chance when I'm in th UK. We have a GORGEOUS local library, so I haven't to buy books they provide me with everything. But sometimes it's truely nice to have your own books around yourself.

Oh, the European Athletics Championship are fantastic. They'll finish on Sunday evening. Indeed, it's a wonderful Christmas present I've got. Our seats are in the middle of the athletes and this is fantastic. We are chatting around and supporting everybody. Yesterday evening after the medal ceremony they came back with their medals. Wow, it's fantastic to see them so close. I was very impressed.

Oh, Happy Thingading, Barbara!!

And I completely forgot to wish you :

A very happy Thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversary, Barbara!

Happy Thingaversary Barbara, the athletics is good, a good win for Hussein in the 400m hurdles.

Happy Thingamagumversary, Barbara! Have a great weekend enjoying the EAC.

>223 scaifea: Amber, thanks a lot.

>224 humouress: Nina, never mind. Thank you very much.

>225 kidzdoc: Darryl, thanks a lot. I'm glad that you are at your parents place and don't have to do chores with you finger.

>226 johnsimpson: John, many thanks. Goodness, I enjoy the EAC so much and it's great that Hussein won gold. The UK athlets are doing very good. Congrats.

Unfortunately, Thomas couldn't join me yesterday and today. He has got the flue. Isabelle is since today also in bed.

>227 jnwelch: Thanks a lot Joe, the EAC are gorgeous. I'm so glad that I'm able to join everybody at the stadium. It's definitely something very special.

>228 Ameise1: Same here, Barbara. I'm glad that I can used to this injury and wearing a splint, especially since I'll have to wear it for at least 10 weeks to allow the fracture and disrupted tendon to heal properly.

>230 kidzdoc: Get well soon and yummie for the tomatoes glut I love them in all variations. :-D

Please, join me on my new thread.