I'm back, somewhat Good Morning :)
Thank you for the history lesson. You're right, hodge podge is a great term for this place. But, when I opened the first garden picture I went , "Oh, beautiful." I set the one with the Canada geese as my background. I will hopefully get to the past blogs this week.
Love ya...
Tracey
Hi, Leisa and Jay Leisa,
Britt told me about your blog and it looks great-makes me a little homesick!!! You should try to hit the Lake District, especially in late Sept/early Oct. when it is so beautiful. Let me know if there's any hotspots you are more interested in. I am curious to know about the pub smoking ban-how is it going??? My cousin tells me a lot of people are very unhappy, especially in Scotland, where the incidence of smokers is extremely high!!! Great travels, and I look forward to reading more. Have a pull for me-slainte`!!!
Denise
Greetings! Just a quick note - I've enjoyed reading your blog (I finally have read them all). Your writings and photography are most excellent. Continued fun and happiness on the other side of the pond.
re:Bath Thanks Deb for the comments and being such a faithful reader. We actually had a good time. We just don't enjoy places that seem to rely only on tourism.
Re: Lookin' good Hi Erin,
Thanks for the compliment. Life is a lot less stressful for us here. Jay has a five minute commute and is usually home at 5 p.m. We walk through town every evening to shop for a few groceries and then stop at the pub to have a pint or some wine. Jay's blood pressure is going down to normal. We do miss our beautiful house in Grayslake and our cats.
The gap where budgies go? Hi.... The thing about the gap that makes me smile every time hear it is the automated authoritarian voice that almost announces the arrival of a tube train with "Mind the gap". I think the design of the coaches (cars) has changed and the station platforms haven't plus add the curved platforms and you have a recipe for losing budgies:)
"Budgies belong to the species Melopsittacus undulatus. They are native to Australia and are small hardy seedeaters. They are one of the best known species of parrots. These parrots can be found in two different versions, the common pet Budgies and the English Show Budgies. They are not different species but both belong to the same genus. "
Probably not so common now as a household pet as they used to be, my Grandfather had one called Billy. You tend to keep them in a small cage on a flimsey stand, provide a small mirror so they can keep themselves company and put a cover over them at night.
"Budgie Smugglers" are I believe, Australian for tight shorts, not an illicit form of trade.... well not always:)
Tony
Good Morning! I am back and have spent some time catching up on your blogs. I love them. I feel like I am sitting in school with a wonderful professor. You could teach any kind of history. With the way you see so many different views, from the historical to everyday life, you are successful in drawing the 'student' into the experience. I would definately take your course. Keepe them coming. Love ya' Tracey
Alison Lipper sculpture Today I showed the video I made about the Natonal Gallery (which is on the blog) to Helen, the maid who cleans our flat every Monday. She said she saw Alison Lipper on TV as few days ago. She had the baby four years ago. He is a beautiful blond boy named Paris
Re British-American Vocabulary Hi Tony,
Thanks for the comments. I am pleased that you are enjoying the blog and never dreamed that anyone who doesn't know Jay and me would be interested in reading it. We are planning a trip to Southhampton, weather permitting. Can you make any recommendations for what we should do or see while there? I'm doing some research on the Internet today.
In regard to JOH's comment about Imperialism, I know her fairly well and don't think she meant it as a condemnation of the U.K. In the comparatively short time that the United States has existed as a nation, our government has been as Imperialistic as the British and justified this behavior in part with declarations of Manifest Destiny and citing the Monroe Doctrine.
Had you sent an email directly to my address? I think I saw one with you name or a similar name and no subject line. I was afraid it was spam and deleted it.
Native Briton Hi.... I stumbled across your site whilst looking for someone elses... hope you don't mind... and have been eagerly awaiting each new entry.
I hope you knowing this doesn't alter the style as it is interesting to see us through your eyes.
I live South of Southampton which is not far from you so have been experiencing much the same weather and also wish it would stop raining so we can start out Summer.
BTW your "fanny bag" would be a "bum bag" over here, so not a bag you put a bum in.
I've no wish to start an argument but as a comment on Joh's remark about imperialism I'd like to add that maybe, only maybe this blog would be in German if we hadn't been. :) But truely it's what we do now that shapes tomorrows events not what our fathers did 200 years ago.
Best regards Tony
Age of Aquarium. It's rained almost every day for the past three weeks. People in Basingstoke tell me the flooding is unprecedented in their memory. This morning's news said the western part of the Thames is rising to the point of bursting its banks and more rain is expected later this week. It's the worst flooding in 60 years. Jay and I are fine as we at at the top of the town on a big hill in Basingstoke. Every is getting tired of it raining every day. Today is sunny so far. Keep your fingers crossed!
Great stuff (again)! Thanks for the vocab lesson! I wonder what image is conjured up when you say "fanny pack"...what kind of pack would you need for your fanny? Oh my, the possibilities are endless. Thanks again!
Oh My Gosh Hey Guys.
Thank you So much for having this blog! I found myself over the weekend really forward to returning to work Just so I could read your blog and see pictures!
Vicki cannot receive it from you to her at her job so I am sending forwarding it to her from mine. So, I don't know if she can respond.
And Leisa, you look beautiful sitting at the table.
Have Fun! Love ya Tracey
Only a week... You have only been gone a week and already so much seen and taken in...glad to hear/read that you are having a fabulous time! Stay safe and keep the journals coming - such a fabulous idea!
You look great and so does London! Hey!!!! I am glad you are both sharing details. I am truly enjoying the photos and the journals. Great, great stuff! Thanks and keep it up. Hugs to you across the pond.
I am a visual artist (painter) who lives in northern Illinois (halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee). My husband, Jay Kalbrener, and I started this blog when we spent 4 months in Great Britain (July 2 through October 31, 2007). The experience of documenting our travels in this blog has been so much fun for everyone concerned that we decided to blog our travels in the United States and our upcoming trip to Rome.... full info
Shannon
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Jay's view of you
Jay's view of you is beautiful and I certainly agree with that. He looks very hansome and happy too. Miss you. Love, Mom