Happy unhappy camper today . . .

Had a great day at the Dinosaur Place with Kiddo. Spent three and a half hours touring the woods for dinosaurs, playing in the maze and letting the Kiddo play in the Splash Pad. Had a good time and even got to eat another hamburger! But . . . just took a tour of the garden and a deer has eaten some of the beans and Swiss Chard. Grampa has gone to put out some mothballs but we have no clue if that'll keep them away. I don't want to fence in the garden, that's a pain but I also don't want to do all that work to feed the fauna. Hope this will be the end of the wild life foray into the garden.

Found out at breakfast this morning that our most favorite breakfast cook's son, 44 years old, had a stroke last week. He's fortunate because it hasn't affected his mobility but he's having trouble with his speech. Can't believe that can happen to such a young man. Had some banking problems too but it was our fault so I can't complain too much. Just have to be more careful how we play with the checking account and debit card!!

Weather wise this has been the best ever! Could stand this weather year round. Sunny, dry and in the seventies. Doesn't get better than that. The night's going to be in the 50's. So nice for sleeping.

Quote: Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it. __Henry Ford

Yes,yes,yes . . .

The earphones are working fine! I spoke with Apple today and as a final solution the lady told me to put the jack in and out of the iPad several times quickly. It worked. It finally went in and connected properly. I was amazed at how far in it went but, no matter, it's working like a charm. Good on me! I guess I'm always afraid that I'll break something. Even sister-in-law had problems with it because we are just such gentle souls!

Another Louisiana Day in New England . . .

Alnwick Castle Garden walkway.

Worked in the garden for about an hour yesterday. I must be nuts. It was so hot and humid but at least it's looking good. Should be picking beans next week and the Swiss Chard is ready to eat. The raspberries are crazy this year and Grampa is working like mad to keep up.

Had a really nice visit with Grampa's younger brother and his wife. After dinner she and I had a few nice sips of Sogno di Sorrento, a wonderful lemony cordial. I was introduced to this pleasant libation by friends and on their instructions I keep a bottle in the freezer. Wonderful ending to a hot summer day.

Will be off soon to see older brother. Grampa is on his way to the Coventry RI Horseshoe Club to fix one of the pins. He's already completed his flying for the day. It's really too hot for outdoor activities so I'm glad that he's doing everything this morning. Have to call Apple soon because the earphones I bought for the iPad don't seems to be compatible and that's annoying. Probably my fault. May have ordered the wrong thing.

Quote: Bounded in his nature, infinite in his desires, man is a fallen god who has a recollection of heaven. __Lamartine

A Loudon weekend . . .

Alnwick Castle Garden.

Fantastic race weather Sunday even though Jimmie Johnson won and thereby unmade Puppy's Pop's Day. Our seats are pretty darned good. We're 42 rows up (only eight more to go!) and right at the start/finish line. By two o'clock we're sitting in the shade. Now that's one huge plus. The day was somewhat overcast but no rain until evening when we had already gone to Florence's North End in Merrimack for dinner. Stayed at a Fairfield Inn Saturday and Sunday. Very comfortable. But $150 for race night and $85 for a non race night! Still it's about the same or more at the other hotels.

Looks like we'll be hitting 90 today and so I have the air on high. Not too good in the heat. Expect Puppy's Pop's younger brother and his wife later on today and we'll get Riverview take out. Not cooking today, that's for certain! Sister-in-law is looking for work as she was laid off a couple of months ago and it's driving her bonkers. The place where Grampa used to work is hiring because they just got some big contracts for batteries. Maybe she'd have a chance there. She's very bright and I'm sure can adapt to anything. Not sure about the pay, though, because it seems they still manage to pay the women less than the men! Seems impossible in this age but true.

Tomorrow I'll be off to visit older brother and his wife. I haven't seen them since they returned from Turkey. I'm sure they'll have some stories to tell. Arizona nephew and his wife will be in the vicinity for the month of July so perhaps we'll get a chance to say hello. Bought Kiddo an M&M hat, blue, of course because Kyle Busch drives the M&M car. Also found a Dale Earnhart shirt for the middle child but there are no longer many Dale senior products at the track.

Quote: Frame your mind to mirth and merriment, which bar a thousand harms and lengthen life. __Shakespeare

Tears for Niantic . . .

It's a terrible shame. Kiddo and I set out on our trek but we ended up with a very disappointing morning. I went to my usual spot under the highway to park and walk on the boardwalk but it's blocked off. The railroad is moving the draw bridge and their construction sight is full of cranes, men, trucks and machinery. We did take the time to walk along the harbor and visit with the fishermen. As we were returning to the car a deep whistle horn sounded and we were fascinated by the closing of the bridge so the Acela could come screaming through. Kiddo even correctly predicted the direction of the train.

Not giving up until we had walked on the boardwalk we drove about two miles to the other end of Niantic and went in at the very official gateway to the small beach and boardwalk. We trekked under the train tracks, through the tunnel and walked about half a mile on the dirt path along the bay when it became clear that we would never get on the boardwalk. We met a nice young woman and her kids who were returning from their walk and they explained that the beautiful boardwalk had collapsed in the last storm. Of course there is a law suit which it seems the town won but no one's going to repair the damage until Amtrack finishes moving the drawbridge! Looks like Kiddo will be a young man bringing his date for a nice walk before it's opened to the public. What a shame. It's a wonderful path near the sea.

After a Pizza Palace lunch we spent the afternoon in the pool at home. Pooped again.

Quote: The sea has been called deceitful and treacherous, but there lies in this trait only the character of a great natural power,which renews it's strength, and without reference to joy or sorrow, follows eternal laws which are imposed by a higher power. __W. Humboldt

Lots of pool time . . .

Newcastle on Tyne from the train.

Yesterday was a hot one. Kiddo and I went to the Aquarium and as usual had a great time. He knows where everything is and what he likes. After the sea lion show we hit the gift shop and found something that he didn't have! Wonder of wonders! I bought him some sand that turns into sculpture shapes when it is poured into the water but the second you scoop it out it is instantly dry. I must admit that it's a lot of fun. You can use it over and over again. Not cheap, but fun and very interesting. After lunch at McD's in Mystic we spent most of the afternoon in the pool. Never thought I'd enjoy a pool but we had a blast and of course I was completely pooped by the time I got home. Slept like a baby.

Today is starting out hot, muggy and cloudy. I think that we'll go to the Niantic Board Walk and hope we see some kids crabbing under the railroad bridge. Perhaps we will bring some pails and shovels to collect shells. I like to stay outside for most of the day, but sometimes the muggies get too miserable.

Quote: To know how to suggest is the art of teaching. __ Amiel

I survived . . .

Coming in to Newcastle on the train.

I survived another trip over the Gold Star Bridge. Wow, this was a really close call. I was on the curve just past CONN College and the lady in front of me took the exit on the right to 95 South and I continued onto the entrance to 95 North. All of a sudden she decided to take the same exit as I. It's a good thing there was no one going to New London because I was able to get away from her and the man behind me managed to make room for her. It actually took my breath away. I don't think any one should be driving if they can't figure out what to do when they make a mistake. Coming back from the dentist's I had to get on 95 South and cross the 4 lanes of traffic. That's no picnic if people are tail gating but if you go fast enough you're all set!

Wasn't too pleased with what the x-rays showed. I've got a couple of crowns that don't completely cover the tooth and so have cavities where you can't even reach to clean properly. I signed a notification to our former dentist so he can send our records to Dr. Mackey. I just hope that his wife sends them. They aren't answering the phone or letting patients know what the heck is going on. Not a good thing.

Managed to get the house all ship shape for another week. Hoping it rains tonight so I won't have to water the garden. Grampa is going to get me a third hose so I can drag it up to the plants I want to water and not have to keep filling my watering can! That's somewhat tiring, to say the least. He's out side at this moment cutting up a bunch of old T-shirts I will no longer wear. They make excellent rags. I have no clue why I was saving them! They were in excellent condition but I've put on enough weight that they're useless. So . . . may have to go shopping soon! Sounds like a grand idea.

Quote: I have discovered the philosopher's stone, that turns everything into gold: it is, " Pay as you go." __John Randolph

It truly feels like Summer . . .

Much more holly.

Had a surprise visit from Kiddo, his Mom and Dad late yesterday afternoon. They took us out to dinner at Riverview. I always enjoy not having to make supper so that was a perfect Fathers' Day. They stayed for a while and were smart enough to appreciate the garden!

Got in the best walk in over a month at the Dog Track this morning. R. from Oneco stopped by and watched Puppy's Pop fly. He had his grandson with him. He's a pretty cool kid. He knows more about cars than many adult men. He was telling me about his Dad's truck at Epping and about the damage it had when it did a wheelie without a wheelie bar! Dad knew he had some power but didn't expect to almost go over! He's got it all fixed up now. It can go 180 miles an hour. That's too fast for me.

Went to see brother J. and his wife today. Haven't seen them in a while. Caught up on family happenings and got beat twice at cribbage. Most unfair since I provided a new deck of cards from England! He hadn't wanted to use the new deck but I kind of insisted so I guess I have to take the blame for the shellackings! When I got home Puppy's Pop was using the chain saw to trim the Flowering Chestnut. It's a good thing the chain is in bad shape or I'm quite certain that the entire tree would be gone.

Quote: Words are like leaves, and where they most abound, much fruit of sense beneath is rarely found. __Pope

Draggin' buttski . . .

Walking down to the bottom of the waterfall.

Spent yesterday on the porch reading up a storm and after supper I worked on watering the garden and pulling weeds. Sure didn't want to get up this morning but we finally rolled out late in the El Camino for Fathers' Day breakfast at Lizzy B's. Since it's Puppy's Pop's special day I'm letting him call the day's events! Now isn't that nice? I'm afraid I missed Mass again and we went to the Dog Track. It's already hot and muggy but I dragged myself around the requisite three times and found a gorgeous turtle trying to commit harikari on the tarmac. That husband of mine wouldn't let me take him home to the little spring because he didn't think it would be a good place for him. And so I just rescued him and put him back on track for the old mud hole. He was a good sized little guy and hissed at me but I saved him inspite of his nasty temper. I wish Kiddo had been with us.

Kiddo did have a blast Friday when he had a chance to ride his bike all over the track and even had a chance to go to the bathroom in the woods. Yes indeedy! He found that really cool. Well the El Camino is getting a washing so I'll just read to my heart's content until Grampa decides we should try out the new Snak Shak in the middle of town! Had ice cream yesterday may try something like clam cakes and chowder today.

This crazy iPad keeps correcting my spelling even when I don't want help. But it's more comfortable typing here in my glider in the kitchen than at the computer so I'll just get used to it.

Quote: I know no such thing as genius; it is nothing but labor and diligence. __Hogarth

Wow, I think I'm growing up . . .

Can't believe what I've done in the last couple of days. Kiddo is keeping me moving and I'm sleeping like a log. Wednesday we went to Avery Point and walked into every nook and cranny he could find. Also played in the salt water, throwing sea shells, rocks, sea weed and whatever came to hand. He walked all of the walls and some were taller than I. A bit scary but he had a blast. Went to his favorite place to eat, Pizza Palace, before he showed me how to get to the Miniature Golf Course. What a lot of fun. I was pooped but we still had to swim in the pool (very cold) and ride the bike around the old school's parking lot at least 15 times before we went inside to do our summer fun packet (school stuff!), eat supper and play Wii racing. Almost the same scenario today. Only we started out at Fort Trumbull and he scootered around every zigzag path he could find even on the fishing dock! He wanted to go into the Fort so we managed to get in free because I'm over 65 and he's under 6. Serendipitous! I followed him through the museum which covers the Revolutionary War through the Cold War and then we climbed through the Fort and up onto the roof. Unbelievable interest in such a young one. Bought a new helmet for the bike (training wheels still but getting bolder each day.) Then on to Pizza Palace where he ate 1/8 of a hamburger and half a pizza before we hit the links again. Of course he had to try out the new helmet and elbow pads (?) for the rest of the day. I'm completely worn out. At least tomorrow I'll pick him up and bring him back home so Grampa can have a turn!

Daughter has been very busy at the Bar. Had an order for two sheet pizzas today and thought they were to go. Never made sheet pizza before but they got them all ready and made. At the bar a man came in and asked when the Retirement Party started. D. explained that they had no party booked. But in came two other men from EB who had ordered the two sheet pizzas for the Retirement Party. So about 30 guys showed up for in impromtu party. How cool is that? Then R. had a wrecker call on 95 North. Some crazy on a motorcycle going about 100 miles per hour rear-ended at least two cars. Not a pretty sight. 95 North was closed and you should have seen the people trying to get off of the bridge when I was coming home at about 6:30. It was terrible. Kiddo's older brother helped out at the garage today and is also going to be helping at the Bar tomorrow. I like that!

Off to bed soon after I have my wine and swing a bit!

Quote: It is a great blessing to possess what one wishes, said one to an ancient philosopher. __It is a greater still, was the reply, not to desire what one does not possess. __Sir W. Temple

A dandy day . . .

Photos from the ice cream farm and the garden next to R's apartment taken with the phone! Am I getting good or what?

Can't believe that we were able to go to the Dog Track and walk in the sunshine and 70 degree weather. It's salubrious. It's fantastic. It's wonderful. Oh . . . and did I mention I enjoyed it?

My visit with younger sister was the best. We went to lunch and she had a Caesar Salad Chicken Wrap and it was such a pleasure to watch her enjoy the meal. She hadn't had a wrap to eat since she retired and I haven't had a wrap as good at the BLT I ordered. She's so much fun to be with because she just plain enjoys being out and about. After a long leisurely lunch we went to Gran Val Farm in Granville, MA to have home made ice cream and look at all of the animals. It's a beautiful ride up Route 20 only about 8 miles from R's home. I brought her some of Memere's books and a few of my own so she has some reading material. I want to get to see her about once a month but it'll probably work out to every other month. It only takes me about an hour and a quarter to get to East Granby and I go when the traffic is light and return home before it picks up for the late afternoon rush. And . . . to top it off I can stop at Munson's in Bolton for my chocolate fill up. Doesn't get much better than that.

Will be out to dinner this evening with R and S. Just going to Voluntown. It's nice to get out and catch up on our lives. They do seem to get a little crazy sometimes so this will be a restful evening for all of us.

Quote: Every to-morrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith. __H. W. Beecher

Insurance woes . . .

Haven't quite figured out if I've lost another battle with Stirling & Stirling, our medical insurance through the Connecticut Teachers' Retirement Board. Got a bill from the VA in RI for $115 that goes back to January 2009! I called 'Denise' at the RI VA, not the billing department in Florida where they know absolutely nothing but will tell you to pay 'or else!' She explained that we owed $65 and she would try to figure out the rest of the mess. This happens constantly when we deal with paying the VA. Thank goodness Puppy's Pop gets to see the Doctors without a hassle.

The sun is trying to peep out and I'm hoping it really breaks through. I'm really sick of gray skies and cool days and nights. I know I'll be kicking myself when we have to turn on the air conditioners but I need sunlight more than anything else no matter what the heat does.

Off to see younger sister soon.

Quote: The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven. __Milton

Crazy day . . .

Got up early to go to what was billed, by Grampa, as a flying contest! Stopped at Shady Acres in RI for breakfast and got to Wrentham, MA by 8:30 and there was no one, not anyone, nada at the site. And to top it off the bathroom was locked. We drove around a bit to see if the flyers could be at another site on the same road; it is a huge Recreation Complex. Nope! Went back and I sat in the Dodge Ram reading The American Spectator while Puppy's Pop scouted around. By about 9:30 a couple of guys showed up with planes but no bathroom key :( By about 10:00 I finally looked around to see if there was someone who looked like he knew what he was doing and asked him if he had a key to the bathrooms. Lo and behold, yes he did! Such luck. Felt a bit more at ease. Helped Puppy's Pop get off one flight then one of the men helped him get off a second flight. A few other flights were flown and we left. Wonder of wonders. It was just an open fly in, not a contest. I almost lost it but I stayed cool because I had a chance to see some cricket players setting up in the next field and best of all there were about six women training their hunting dogs. That was really neat.

The weather has not cooperated all day. It's been gray and spitting which makes me grouchier than usual. That's pretty grouchy. I did manage to get a Dunkin' Donuts coffee for the ride home. How's that for excitement! Hopefully tomorrow brings some sunshine. I'll be going to see my younger sister so that may have to be 'sunshine' enough.

Quote: The glorious sun, -the centre and soul of our system, -the lamp that lights it, -the fire that heats it, -the magnet that guides and controls it; -the fountain of color, which gives its azure to the sky, its verdure to the fields, its rainbow-hues to the gay world of flowers, and the purple light of love to the marble cheek of youth and beauty. __Sir David Brewster (Now that's a quote!)

More rain . . .

Holly growing along the roadside.

Watching the World Cup and rooting for the USA over England but I'm not too sure about what I'm seeing! I've never watched a whole soccer match before besides England is already ahead. Not good. I'm only interested because the English were going crazy while we were there about playing the USA. They are bonkers over soccer.

The Mountain Dew arrived at D and G's. Problem is they ended up with 96 cans and I had ordered 48! Holy smokes. That's a lot of soda. So far I've only been charged for the original 48 cans. We'll see what ensues. It's not a big deal. If they double charge me it'll be OK. After all I did want to send G the Mountain Dew. American Soda doesn't seem to be too with it and VISA certainly hasn't helped!

Kiddo sent some emails to his Mom and Dad from the iPad using the Drawing Board app. They loved them. He did a lot of work all by himself. I just make him ask me when he wants to email because I don't want him to be sending too much stuff. He's really a quick learner with the computer. I'm always amazed. He got a Fun Packet for summer from his school. It's incredible how much work they expect him to do this summer. We'll be pretty busy just getting the school work accomplished. But he really does like to sit and learn . . . sometimes!

Finally got the house cleaned up pretty well and Grampa mowed the lawn again. He had to finish in the rain. It's a good thing I got the garden all in because it's been raining everyday for about a week and I haven't been able to get in there and weed. The weeds are monsters this year.

Quote: Language is the dress of thought. __Johnson

Again . . . photo problems

Kiddo's Graduation from Kindergarten was rather fun! He got a special certificate for reading fifteen books a month during the school year. He was thrilled! At the end the teacher gave each child a fairly large sand bucket filled with books, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, candy, a ball etc. And a good time was had by all! I ended up getting a very nice wooden box filled with Hershey's Hugs and Kisses because I helped out during the year. Very nice.

When Grampa returned from horseshoes last night he was happy because he and his partner had won their three games but . . . John M. and Dot, his friend, were in an accident on the road that leads to the Joaque's Club. John hit a tree with his little truck and the air bags deployed. He's at least 95 years old and I hope he and Dot are going to be OK. I don't think that they went to the hospital but it's pretty scary. Also got a call from Middle Child in the evening that I was to rush down to the cellar if I heard the sound of a train. It seems we were under a tornado watch. It was raining furiously at the time she called but we were unscathed.

Bought Drawing Pad for the iPad and Kiddo is going to have a ball with it. I played with it last night and it's very interesting. I'm on a list to be notified when some of the new iPad apps come out that are for kids. They're not expensive at about $1 or so each. Also figured out how to turn my iPad photos into albums. Takes me time but I'm getting there!

Went to get money and gas the Saturn this morning before I leave for Groton and Kiddo's last day of school and I couldn't get the cover off of the gas tank! There were some kids hanging around and the worst kid I'd ever had in Plainfield came to help me! Even he couldn't get the darned thing off. An older, scruffy man came and managed to get if off. Puppy's Pop greased it up good when I got home. Good thing I've got friends . . . odd ones but very helpful!

Quote: The only way to have a friend is to be one. __Emerson

Gloomy day . . .

Top of the Falls. Tough walk to get up here!

Still don't know if the 48 cans of Mountain Dew are going to finally make it to County Durham in England! Younger daughter's friend loves Mountain Dew so I tried to send him some through American Soda in the UK but that damned VISA is still botched up. Yikes. It's enough to make me swear like a real trooper!

Weather is dull, grey, cool and gloomy. But I'm off to lunch duty and Kindergarten Graduation!

Quote: They think too little who talk too much. __Dryden

Credit card pains . . .

Managed to walk at the Dog Track today. It's really quite cool right now, only in the 60's so it was good walking. Grampa mowed yesterday and then we ended up with a huge downpour of rain and pea sized hail. Thank goodness it didn't mess up the plants in the garden.

Still having troubles with VISA. They keep refusing to pay the merchants without checking with me to see if I've actually made the purchases. I do appreciate they're checking but when I tell them I did make the purchases it seems to get all fuddled up. I guess it's because I use two different VISA cards, one on line and one not on line. Hopefully they'll get with it and stop causing me all sorts of hassle.

Did get my Konica/Minolta back from Precision Camera and it's working like new. So, that's a good thing! Younger brother and his wife just returned from a trip to the Carolinas and used a brand new TomTom GPS. He said it was terrific. If traffic got bogged down it shunted them around the messes. Sounds pretty neat and very up to date with live traffic reports.

Quote: There is as much difference between genuine patience and sullen endurance, as between the smile of love, and the malicious gnashing of the teeth. __W.S. Plumer (And I am maliciously gnashing my teeth!)

Yes . . . we're back . . . really!

Finally. Slept until seven this morning. Starting to feel human again. Tried to walk yesterday afternoon and couldn't even make it to Cone Hill before I had to turn back. That damn left leg/hip can be a real pain. I couldn't even walk in the house to my CD walking program. But today, bright and early Grampa and I went to the Dog Track and I walked, slowly and with short strides for my 2+ miles. Woot! It felt so good. Then we had coffee at Lizzy B's even though I had already had coffee at home! Good start to the day.

Went off to Brooklyn to get the new sim card for the Samsung and everything went like a charm. Way to go! Stopped by Angie's son's home and had a great visit with him. He'll probably bring the girls to Moosup once Kiddo gets out of school for the summer. That should be interesting!

The garden is looking good. I've been working really hard to destroy the weeds that grew so well while we were gone and it's finally paying off. I've also gotten some flower pots to put around the yard and we're sitting pretty. The air conditioners are in but the weather is so cool and beautiful, of course, we don't need them, at least not now. Life is good.

Quote: There is an emanation from the heart in genuine hospitality which cannot be described but is immediately felt, and puts the stranger at once at his ease. __Washington Irving

Yes, I think I've got it . . .

OK That's the problem. When I use the iPad I have to use Html but when I use the eMachine I have to use Compose! I think I've got it! I'm not sure that I can post photos on the blog on the iPad but when I have more patience I'll give it a try.

Still sighing . . .

Yep, finally figured out what was wrong. I was using Edit Html in stead of Compose. When a young man from Groton helped me with the iPad we did some funky stuff. That was my problem. Now I'm back in business. Wouldn't have thought of it if son hadn't mentioned Html Thank you, mon fils! And, oh yes, this is one of the rape flower fields taken from the car or train. Can't do those fields justice except from the air.

Boy, I've finally got one piece of technology working properly! Finally found a plug adapter for the Samsung that daughter in England gave us. Only realized I needed the adapter when I went to charge it! Radio Shack sent me home with the wrong thing and had to give me back my money because they didn't have what I needed! Yikes! That's Radio Shack. They should have all of that stuff plus they told me that I couldn't buy an att sim card? Went to the att store in Brooklyn and they ordered a charger for me but in the mean time I thought of Staples. Yes, yes, yes they had an adapter and so the Samsung slide is now charging and I canceled att but I will go there to get a new sim card. Amazing what little things can make me happy!

We went to Outback for dinner yesterday. Early Father's Day dinner! We haven't been in a while but we had a $50 gift card from Christmas. Good choice. The food was very good and shocker, it only cost $59 for the two of us. That's pretty good. Only 3 drinks and a desert along with the meals.

Haven't gotten back to walking at the Track yet even though Grampa has been flying a couple of times. Just can't seem to get back on track. It'll be a week at 12:30am tomorrow morning since we've gotten home from England and I'm still a bit out of kilter. The heart Doctor was so pleased with me that I don't really have to go back except to have blood work done because of the medicines.

Kiddo graduates Thursday. Seems rather foolish, to me, that they actually have a ceremony when you're going from Kindergarten to First Grade. But, what the heck. I'll go and enjoy it. His last day of school is Friday, so he'll be able to come to Moosup earlier on Fridays during the summer. I'll still go to Groton Wednesdays and Thursdays but I'll stay there with him. We'll find some stuff to do I'm sure. He was funny when we were getting ready to bring him home this week. Wanted to know, "Can I borrow the iPad, Memere?" Cracked me up. And no, he didn't borrow the iPad. I did download a couple of racing games for him, though. He has to use it while sitting on the couch; that's my only caveat.

Quote: Repose without stagnation is the state most favorable to happiness. "The great felicity of life," says Seneca, "is to be without perturbations." __Bovee

Rape oil flowers . . .

One of the wonders of England - rape oil flowers in bloom all over the country. So magnificent when you're flying over them. I believe Grampa took this shot from the car on our way to the waterfall.

OK I'm getting pretty angry here. The photos won't download! I've contacted blogger. I hope they fix this now!

Normal . . . for what it's worth!

Yeah! I think we're finally un-jetlagged! Went to bed at 10:30 last night and got up at about 6:00 this morning. Not perfect, but almost! Feeling a lot better. The garden is looking fine. Everything is shooting up and the tomatoes that Kiddo was watering for us, at 50 cents a day are beautiful! Went to pick him up at school yesterday and he really was glad to see me! Told me right straight out that he had missed us! That felt good. He's such a neat character.

I'm going to start using some of the photos from England 2010 and then I'll be going back to Alaska 2006!

Quote: Speaking much is a sign of vanity, for he that is lavish in words is a niggard in deed. __Sir W. Raleigh

No way JFK . . .

Would never believe that Grampa and I would be up at 5:30am and both working on line! I'm finally feeling like a human being again. Maybe by the end of the day we'll be back in sync with the Eastern Time Zone.

The return flights were very good until we reached JFK. That name will forever stand in infamy. The KLM flights from Teeside to Schiphol, and Schiphol to JFK were very comfortable. We were served good food and the entertainment contraptions were in fine working order. I finally got a chance to watch Amadeus and also listened to about 2 hours of David Copperfield on audio book. But it all came to a halt when we landed early at JFK. We couldn't taxi to the gate because they were still loading a plane at that gate. When we did exit we sailed through customs and thought we were home free. What a foolish idea!

As we left customs and tried to find departure boards we ended up in a herd of people from every flight imaginable trying to drop off our customs and immigration forms to one customs officer! Mien Gott, we had just sailed through customs; our passports were stamped we were okayed. Have to stop here because Grampa is very hungry and we've got to go to Lizzy B's!

On with the story. After getting through the herd we headed no where in particular because there were no boards to check Departures again so we just followed Connecting Flights signs. Accidentally finding a Delta desk in Terminal 4 and cutting in the Business/Elite line we were told to take the train to Terminals 2 & 3. We did. Then we followed the signs to Terminal 2, down an elevator, across the street, up the curb, inside and up the stairs carrying our luggage all the way. Got in a queue from here to Baton Rouge in order to go through our third security check of the day. That was the good part! Found Gate 28 and the flight was moved to 29 and delayed for an hour and a quarter. When they finally got the plane to the Gate it had to be towed in, emptied etc. We boarded said Delta flight and were towed around the Gate area for a while. Two and a half hours later we departed JFK. Most incredible journey. Half an hour after take off we landed in Boston and the journey continued without interruption. Never again will we go through New York for any flights. I think I'd schedule through California first!

Puppy's Pop is now at his dentist appointment in Groton. I had mine yesterday and I really like Dr. Jennifer Mackey. The office is run by four young ladies. I'm sure Puppy's Pop will have a good visit! I've done my shopping at Stop & Shop in Danielson where I was able to get some "mushy peas" to go with our fish and chips! Hurrah for little blessings. Also went through the self check. Getting good at these modern things!

Quote: The bee, though it finds every rose has a thorn, comes back loaded with honey from his rambles, and why should not other tourists do the same. __Haliburton