Got back from seeing Les Miserables a bit ago (awesome), and I realize I'm quickly slipping behind in my entries. But I really need to start getting to bed before midnight, so I just wanted to promise you that I'll try to catch up tomorrow night with a triple blog entry. In the meantime, here are a couple of pictures to tide you over... ... read more

Friday, July 4--Happy 4th of July to you all! Today was filled with new impressions and spectacular scenery. We took a bus tour that included Salisbury, Stonehenge and Bath. We were rushed at every stop, of course, but we enjoyed our "taste" of each. Our guide was very informative and witty, but she didn't compare with the experience we had with passionate Bill in Scotland--the difference in their approaches was kind of reflective of the stereotyped national temperments of the two countries... Salisbury Cathedral was gorgeous and dramatic, a soaring gothic masterpiece. After reading The Pilars of the Earth, Dave, Chris and I had deeper insight into the construction, politics, and culture of the day from which such an amazing building emerged. We opted out of the tour group's pub lunch and found a Rick Steves' ... read more

Just a brief entry, to let you know we've arrived in London. We love our apartment, and the location is good, too. We discovered several streets of restaurants, cafes, small stores, etc. just a few blocks away. Close to two tube stations, as well (Victoria and Pimlico). Tonight we ate at a great little restaurant in the neighborhood that I had read about--and it wasn't pub food, thank god--had wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil that was to die for!! The bummer is (and those of you following Wimbledon probably already know this) that although it cleared up here late this afternoon, and the evening was almost balmy, rain and thunderstorms are predicted for our entire stay here!!! Anyway, since internet is faster here, I thought I'd include some of today's photos. By the way, thanks ... read more

Well, it's all finally caught up to us, so I'm opting for bed, instead of blogging in the wee hours like I did last night... Just want to let everyone know we had a great day, despite the fact that we were on a bus tour for 12 hours. What made our trip across Scotland to Loch Ness and back so great was the incredible scenery, enhanced by the most dramatic (some might call it bad) weather, and our fantastic guide, Bill--a young man with the soul of a storyteller and a heart shaped like Scotland. Will tell you more tomorrow, after we arrive in London. No photos tonight either--they each take about 15 minutes to download!! Thanks for your comments--it's great being connected to everyone at home.... read more

We're all here safe and sound, flights and connections went smoothly, but we are minus 2 suitcases (Sharon's & Drew's) and exhausted (we've now been up for 30 hours). The airlines located our missing bags and promises them later tonight or maybe tomorrow morning, and exhaustion is being overcome for the moment by the European Soccer Championship game just about to start on the television. So all is well... We love our first impressions of Edinburgh, the old buildings and the charming architecture and enjoyed our first meal at the World's End Pub, down the street (Royal Mile) from the Radisson. Tomorrow we're going to spend the day in Edinburgh, maybe go on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city, then tour the castle and other sights. Tomorrow night we have scheduled a "Murder and ... read more