5/14 found us at Gatwick at 9:05 on time—even though we got caught in the back up on take off at Orlando International and didn’t make it off the ground till about 10 (or a bit more) late…..We spent a bit of time buying Oyster cards for the Subway and train tickets to get to London–these 30 min. express trains every 15 min from Gatwick to Victoria Station.  The first time I came into this airport I was with Mike and we were on the Camel Tour and we were the only ones on the tour from Orlando–so they sent a driver and a Mercedes Sedan–it was a sweet trip….Mike is gone and so is a regular job…so we took the train along with tours paid for with a little cash and a lot of Camel bucks…so not at London yet.

Gatwick, it is London’s second-largest international airport and the second-busiest (by total passenger traffic) in the United Kingdom (after Heathrow). Gatwick is Europe’s leading airport for point-to-point flights  and has the world’s busiest single-use runway, with a maximum of 55 aircraft movements per hour. Its two terminals (North and South) cover an area of 98,000 m² (1,050,000 sq ft) and 160,000 m(1,700,000 sq ft), respectively.In 2015, 40.3 million passengers passed through the airport, a 5.7 per cent increase compared with 2014.   ^{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatwick_Airport}

You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford. -Samuel Johnson

But we weren’t London yet

Gatwick is over 30 miles from London—30 min. by express train.

And we expressed past small towns and a lot more that was England

Nothing is certain in London but expense. -William Shenstone

There’s a lot of gentle country side with land that has been cultivate when only Indians ruled our country and most of it was wild and unsettled.  Rolling hills and lanquid water.

All seen from a rumbling train that was almost lulling my sleepless body into a much needed nap–almost.

The English language is like London: proudly barbaric yet deeply civilised, too, common yet royal, vulgar yet processional, sacred yet profane. -Stephen Fry

Then into the outskirt…the newer parts of the city…the part that breaks new ground, but also encompasses ancient village and digs into the site of ancient events and past sacrifices….a town that continues to grow and thrive and build upwards and outwards.

Greater London’s population was estimated to be 8.63 million in January 2015, the highest level since 1939.

If London is a watercolor, New York is an oil painting. -Peter Shaffer

London where your eyes move from the old in the foreground and then move only slightly to the new just beyond….London founded so many years ago it seems almost to be in dawn of time and yet it continues on ever present, ever growing ever being.

London was founded by the Romans, who named it Londinium.

I like the spirit of this great London which I feel around me. Who but a coward would pass his whole life in hamlets; and for ever abandon his faculties to the eating rust of obscurity? -Charlotte Brontë

AND then there was Victoria Station.  This is the main concourse from the top of the huge escalator—we took the elevator as we were dragging luggage and things like that but I thought you’d like a perspective.  It is rarely quiet…it is always moving….the train and this room are below the surface of the city and it also has a bus station, a subway platform, shops, restaurants, bard and food stands and it covers an entire city block and on the level above has a complete shopping mall with a local (grocery store) herb shop, chemist (drug store), clothing, souvenirs shops and a food court with coffee shops, taco shop with Margarittas and lots more.

London Victoria station, generally known as Victoria,^[3] is a central London railway terminus and London Underground complex named after nearby Victoria Street, the latter being named after Queen Victoria.^[4] With over 81 million passenger entries and exits between April 2013 and March 2014, London Victoria is the second-busiest terminus in London (and the UK) after London Waterloo.^[5] It is one of 19 stations managed by Network Rail.^[6] The area around the station is an important interchange for other forms of transport: a local bus station is in the forecourt, and Victoria Coach Station for long-distance road coaches is nearby.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Victoria_station

It is not the walls that make the city, but the people who live within them. The walls of London may be battered, but the spirit of the Londoner stands resolute and undismayed. -George VI

This is our side of Victoria station…mall and more.

Walk about a block to our hotel and locked our luggage at their storage area till we could check in at 2 pm

And went for lunch about 1/2 a mile back along the route to

St. George’s Tavern where we made friends with our waiter

Only recently arrived in London too, it was slow when we wandered in for lunch and had fund discussing everything from history to drinks.

A fascinating past:  The St George’s Tavern takes centre stage in the history of entertainment as the ‘Godfather of the music hall, Charles Morton, transformed them from a restaurant to a saloon to put on entertainment. In 1840 it was converted so the wealthy could enjoy their night out with the various acts who did a ‘turn’.  They were one of the first venues in London to provide such entertainment.

There are two places in the world where men can most effectively disappear — the city of London and the South Seas. -Herman Melville

Oh and this by the way is their Lady’s restroom about of 3/4 of one wall:

Then we wandered off to see a cathedral and on the way we saw more of London

so much more

But it’s late and we have to be up and catch a train to Nottingham tomorrow so I must get to bed—I’ll do a special extra tomorrow—which I’ll write on the train on Westminster Cathedral (not Abbey) with our wandering about to find it and what we found….

I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air — or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, …into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained. -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

FIRST THERE WAS THE AIRPORT—WHERE WE ARRIVED EARLY and the best part was with our upgraded status (my Christmas present from Susi) we didn’t have to wait at all and were through to security after a quickie drop off the old luggage.   We stopped for a drink and a bloomin’ onion.  Plane left on time and we had dinner, drinks and dessert with out payment f any kind.

Oh and a big thanks to my roomie for bring Susi and I oh want to thank amy roomie for taking us both to the air port.  If there is anything more boring that settin’  at an airport–I did meet a couple of ladies that are older than me and have traveled all over, they were on their way to LONDON and then on to a Mediterrian Cruise….

There were kids playing

and

We also had some lovely ladies form Virgin taking care of everything–

All the planes have names—Ours was Jersey Girl—this is another Virgin flyer Ruby Tuesday.

And there we sat all ready and no place to go —yet.

Just a walk on the International Side

And then the time came:  FINALLY—AND we were bundled aboard in our upgraded section with 60 movies to choose from and beef stew with mashed potatoes or a chicken and rice creation and of course free wine to help us digest it yum.

Even the what to do in case of was animated, funny —a safety upgrade how rare

and fun.

And Praise the Lord we were finally taxing down the lanes—if somewhat slowly but eventual were heading out to a destination we had been planning on forever.

UNDER THE DIRECTION of our trusted Stews.

And of course we like all good day trippers were ready to do battle.

I mean we’re talking legendarily epic

F

FEATURING DYNAMIC DUOS

Great food

and everything you need for a great adventure

Including much better than average air plane food.

The latest in all equipment including salt & pepper shakers

So that was our first day on the way to the UK…..and it’s 8 PM here now on a Saturday in London and I’ve had 1 hour of sleep in the last 37 hrs, and Susi who had about 3 hrs in same time period is already out cold…not snoring yet but…..We made it safe and sound and checked in and did some exploring in London today which I’ll update you on tomorrow, I’m falling asleep as I type now. so gotta get a shower and get to bed…More later.

“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love

ONLY TWO DAYS—have my carry on decided on finally and I’m cleaning the middle of the house today.  Still doing my walkings and have a goal to have everything ready and just read and take it easy on Friday.  Keep your fingers crossed.

The population is very large, their homesteads numerous in the land and their cattle plentiful.  Julius Caesar in Gallic Wars Vol 12

Cait’s part in the new Clooney/Roberts movie that opens on Friday…sorry I’ll miss it, tell me how it was: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/05/04/caitriona-balfe-outlander-starz-money-monster/83873736/

VINTAGE Japanese Tea CUP saucer 4″ with Geishas and Flower in Center

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“I see that there is nothing (in Britain) which we should either fear or which we should rejoice.”  Cicero replying to his brother after 54BC invasion.

Rhinestones Pin with a Tear Drop Faux Pearl Drop 1 1/2″ BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE “V” Shape

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Elf Pixie Tree Stump Planter Vase Japan China

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ORIENTAL Peasant DOLL with Traditional Hat and Coconut Fiber Dress 6 1/2″ Vintage

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Another of those beautiful Longwood Sand Hill Cranes–the rest of the pics that are mine are from all over.

Still working on odds and ends–pounds should be here on time….only getting few hope to get decent rate in England thru our Virgin membership….so…..got house about half cleaned..two days to do the rest….I am deciding on how to bring stuff two suit cases and small carry on or what?????  I am like seriously stressed which is usual for me when I’m getting ready for major travel.

I have the clothes just about done—doing last min. laundry on Thurs and have just a few things to add once they’re washed.

Edward (III) outlived his successes: by the time he died, plague had ravaged his kingdom, most of the French territory was lost, and the enormous cost of his campaigns had made him unpopular and indebted….he is (now) remembered as one of England’s greatest warrior kings.  Richard Cavendish

How about a Tee with Jamie?http://www.redbubble.com/people/sassenach616/works/19106414-outlander-quote-jamies-eyes-diana-gabaldon?body_color=baby_blue&p=t-shirt&print_location=front&size=medium&style=mens&utm_source=google&utm_medium=google_products&utm_campaign=shopping&country_code=US&gclid=CjwKEAjwjca5BRCAyaPGi6_h8m8SJADryPLhJfjfsBH6V7M6ul80wvACnS98WmxhiVhBFPjZtRNu3hoCEc7w_wcB

and Dianna on the series and her newest book:  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-st-outlander-author-diana-gabaldon-starz-20150109-story.html

There was a tempting price on his head, but not a soul betrayed him.  After his restoration in 1660 the oak tree (where he hid after loosing a battle) flourished as the Royal Oak of many an inn sign, while the day of Charles (II)’s return to London was celebrated as Oak Apple Day.  Richard Cavendish

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The London Loos are everywhere and generally cost 20 pence—but if you’re out of change then there’s usually ones at parks, libraries and museums for free, or you can just find a Starbucks or McDonalds which are almost as plentiful in London as in the USA.

London’s pubs often have a long history:  Take for instance the Silver Cross….despite it’s exterior that looks like hundreds of newer pubs trying to look old, it was actually founded on this spot in the 17th century and it was multi-purpose–having been granted a brothel license in 1673.  Try the fish & chips—oh and watch out for the ghost said to be a girl in Tudor dress—though that would make her pre-date the pub as Elizabeth I–the last of the Tudors–died in 1603.

And while we’re about Tudors–Sir Thomas More (1478-1535) was a friend of Henry VIII but he was also a devoted Catholic and so he parted from Henry (because he wouldn’t agree with Henry’s taking England from the church), and eventually his head and became a Catholic martyr and eventually a saint (1935), as he was Henry’s Lord Chancellor he is now the patron saint of lawyers and politicians–the man can’t seem to get a break.  There’s a statue of him on Old Church Street in Chelsea (outside the church were his first wife is buried) as well as a corner memorial to him in the legal district on Carey Street  as he was a member of the Lincoln Inn.  His decendents live at Loseley Park near Guildford (More-Molyneux family) whose stones were plundered from Waverley Abbey. He was questioned at Lambeth Palace (over the Thames at Lambert Bridge in Westminster) by Thomas Cromwell (who Henry also had executed in 1540).  More by the way is buried at Canterbury.

“Much of the future queen’s  (Victoria) girlhood was actually spent in lonely unhappiness in a run-down set of apartments in Kensington Palace, where she felt unloved.”  Richard Cavendish

In Padstow (an old fishing village in Cornwall) they have a bizarre festival, on May Day, which some believe is the oldest folk festival in Europe.  The horse (yes that is it above) is on a boat shaped frame covered with black oilcloth trimmed in red and white (symbol of new life).

If you see the word Temple in a town’s name (as in Temple Balsall) it often means that the town was built on land belonging to or near to such property of the Order of the Knights Templar, a religious military order (founded 12th century) to guard shrines and pilgrims in the Holy Land.  Though originally they appear to have meant to be an order of brotherhood and poverty they seem to have went the other direction and became massively rich and powerful throughout Europe.  They wore white with red crosses (while another order of similar founding the Knights Hospitaller–similar but less military– who also became rich and famous– wore white crosses on black).  Eventually they became too powerful and charges from heresy to blasphemy were brought against them and with the loss of the Holy Lands and no need for their services they were suppress (read murdered by the powers that be who wanted their riches and feared their powers–primarily the French king) and disappeared from the grid, but have been the subject of legend and movie themes, not to mention treasure hunter, ever since.  Much of their property in England went to the St. John Knights, who’s history you can see at a museum in Clerkenwell, London.   To see one of their few remaining church with several effegies of the Templer Knights, themselves see the Temple Church also in London.

One of the famous captive of the 1847 London Zoo Jumbo went on to further fame when the elephant was purchased and shipped to the US by P.T. Barnum to become part of Barnum and Bailey’s Circus.  A later small boy became famous here too, when Harry Potter learned the language of snakes here at the reptile house.  The zoo is also home to over 600 endangered species and their breeding program helps keep them from becoming extinct.

Henry (II) has been described..as the greatest king that England ever knew.  The only shadows on his reign were the grisly murder of his chancellor (those people most have bulls eyes on their backs) and friend Thomas Becket (who was also made a saint and a martyr and Henry VIII had his shrine destroyed–him and More had a lot in common, including a Henry or so) and the rebellion and the treachery of his own family.  Henry died, at the end of a magnificent reign, the enemy of his wife and sons.  Richard Cavendish

Antique/Vintage Continental Brass Flint Lighter Japanese

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‘

Henry (V) was the last of the great warrior king of the Middle Ages.  In his short but extraordinary reign he expanded England’s territory in France, became heir to the French throne and led his army in one of the most iconic victories in English History at Agincourt.  Richard Cavendish

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This picture is from out and about in Longwood—the rest are from my favorite museum in Mt. Dora  http://www.mountdorahistorymuseum.com/

got these reminders today:

​Hello Linda! Your trip to London is less than a week away  FROM BOOKING.COM

Also notified that Southern Trails are going to be on strike on 20th (for one day).  We aren’t riding any trains on the 20th and mostly Virgin until after Susi leaves and then I’m doing the Southern  Hopefully the strike won’t get any longer or be moved to the 2 days in June when I am traveling with them.

BEDLAM:  BETHLEHAM HOSPITAL FOR THE DERANGED

PORT = GATE

WARD = One of the 26 areas the City of London–that square mile that formed London’s earliest residence–was divided for local administration.

Outlander called the best on TV:  http://hollywoodlife.com/2016/04/09/outlander-review-season-2-premiere-jamie-claire-france/

and http://www.outlandertvnews.com/2016/05/varietys-twitter-q-a-with-sam-heughan-video/   Sam’s answers twitter questions on this video

This city is rich in grocery, in cloth, linens, fisheries and has one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.    Stephen Perlin   1550

 Golfer TIE CLIP 1940s 2 1/2″

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Well we’re down to less than a week craziness.  I just made a quickie trip to the bank to order Pounds which hopefully will be delivered in the 2-3 days anticipated…..at the moment it costs about $1.54/each pound….which isn’t horrible I’ve seen the rate on dollars much worse.

This weekend we purchased odds and ends and got our hair cut and our nails and toes done so we’ll be all beautiful for the UK….went everywhere from Colonial Camera and Hobby http://www.cphfun.com/ where I got an extra battery for my camera—remind me I need to put that in charger–and a multi-card reader for my computer–BIG THANKS TO FRANK for all his help.  we made several other stop for assorted small items and ended the day with a late lunch early dinner at Cheese Cake Factory.   Then Sunday it was Hair Cuttery  http://www.haircuttery.com/ and then home to organize the stuff we’d gotten….I’m in the nervous what did I forget mode now…..Help.

The city is great in itself but also has spacious suburbs and a magnificently built castle called the Tower…In London kings are crowned in style and inaugurated in splendid ceremonies…It is a wonder for learned men.  George Braun and Franz Hogenberg–1572

Roman London was founded in approximately AD49 and had its first bridge (very close to the modern London Bridge) by AD50.  Tightly packed with wooden buildings  a fire around AD125 burned the city to the ground forcing it to be rebuilt AD125-130.

Name:  Londinium—it has been continuously settled since the Romans

By the 3rd century it had a massive wall that enclosed it’s 341 acres and contained approximately 30,000 people.

“The inhabitants…are extremely proud and overbearing and because the greater part, especially the tradespeople, seldom go into other countries but always remain in their houses in the city attending to their business, they care little for foreigners but scoff and laugh at them.”  Frederick, Duke of Wurttemberg   1592

BIG BEN IS THE NAME OF THE BELL—not the clock or the tower; it keeps Greenwich Mean Time–the line marking the beginning runs through London–except in the summer when they’re on spring forward hour just like us.  Oh and that beautiful building right below the tower is the mother of all parliaments.

Did you know that the British Empire at its height, was the largest empire ever known?

Henry III was extremely religious and on his way to meet Louis IX (king of France) he stopped to pray every time he met a priest, needless to say his journey took a long time….Louis learned his lesson from that and the next time they were to meet Louis banned all priest from Henry’s route.

John Hollybush a most excellent and perfect homish apothecary or homely physic book for all the griefs and diseases of the body–1561.

Trafalgar Square is the “strategic” center of London.  It was named for Lord Nelson’s victory over Napoleon’s fleet off Cape Trafalgar.  It contains Nelson’s Column (162 feet), four sculpted bronze lions.  A statue of Charles I is the spot where all distances to/from London are measured.  The financial district are to the east, shopping to the west, entertainment district to the north and the government the south.

Throats are blessed once a year at St. Etheldreda’s Ely Place in London.  It is done on Feb.  3 the Feast Day of St. Blaise, patron saint, of what else, throat troubles

In fulfillment of a bequest made by John Norton in 1612, members of the Stationers’ Company assemble every Ash Wednesday (to the present) in the crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral to hear the “Cakes & Ale” sermon, the refreshment being served on their return to Stationers’ Hall.

“My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than England’s hate; neither should death be less welcome unto me than such mishap betide me. ”  Elizabeth I

An underground river was dammed to make this center piece (The Serpentine) In one of London’s largest parks:  Hyde.  Here on Rotten Row was the city’s first street lighting and horse and riders are common here today as they were then.

In the middle of London is the relic of a mysterious temple of a long gone, popular Roman cult of a Persian God Mithras.  The temple is typical in that it is built partially underground and was discovered accidentally during building work in the aftermath of a bombing during World War II.

London’s underground is notorious besides the church crypts and house cellars there’s the artificial caves, like Jack Cade’s Cavern in Blackheath, ex-chalk mines which have occasionally subsided (they swallowed a horse in 1798) and were notorious haunt of gamblers, prostitutes and pleasure-seekers–in fact the authorities sealed them in 1835.  Oh and don’t forget Sweeney Todd’s saloon with its subterranean link to the pie shop on the other side of St. Dunstan in the West.

“They are good sailors, and better pirates, cunning, treacherous and thievish; above three hundred are said to be hanged annually at London.  Paul Hentzner TRAVELS IN ENGLAND 1598

LIGHTER SIDE Squeeze Vintage

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Which is the way to London Town?

One foot up, the other down,

That is the way to London town.

Traditional Song

BEAD CHOKER, Pastel Wooden Beads Vintage

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Also got this reminder from one of my London tours:

 I’m back–these pictures are still from Baldwin Park and a few other odds and ends

Wed. was preparing me for England I swear–dreary and at its best spitting rather than down pouring rain, so like what one expect in the UK, which is not known for its hospitable weather, but the people have for the most part always been kind and welcoming to me. But then I tend to be not what they expect in a Yank.

You might be interested to know that despite it’s reputation:  …in reality, New York City gets more precipitation — not just rain, but also snow — during the year. London gets the most rain in October: 2.42 inches is the average. NYC’s highest average comes in May and is almost double London’s (4.48 inches).   http://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-city-vs-london-comparison-2015-5   The same article says that London has 47% Green space–including 8 royal parks—to New York’s 14% and as to populations:  London’s stood at 8.3 million, while NYC stood at 8.4 million. London, however, has much more room for its inhabitants — it’s 138 square miles bigger than NYC.

Thursday the sun returned and it’s lovely again today and in the 70’s very chilly for here this time of year.  Mostly packed now..couldn’t find any bottles to put my shampoo in.  Just bought some shampoo (what I had was in huge bottles) and hope that works out OK.  Finally got my multiple month prescription so that should work.

As I write BST

Friday, May 6, 2016

74/23

°F°F | °C°C

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 52%

Wind: 9 mph

Creamer Teapot Shaped Server White with Gold Trim

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• So today is one week….leaving at latest flight for afternoon….and flight should take a bit over eight hours….I have my Outlander book and Virgin’s seat back entertainment not to mention food and did I mention the drinks are free…..as in alcohol?!

Turning off onto Old Palace Yard, the Courts of Law kept me company for a quarter hour; hinting in low whispers what numbers of people they are keeping awake, and how intensely wretched and horrible they were rendering the small hours to unfortunate suitors.  Charles Dickens

• 
• Here’s the Schedule:
• Arrive on 5/14–LONDON–ENGLAND
• Visit Westminster Abbey
• The Jewel Tower
• Banqueting Hall (if time)
•                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5/15:  LONDON

Necklace Links VINTAGE SILVER-TONE 12″ approx.

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PICTURES TODAY ARE FROM BALDWIN PARK

Packing clothes…always try them on before they go in case…3 pairs of slack (gonna add one more as soon as washing is done) each with 2 tops (also try these together so I know what they look like,  doing browns, blacks and a few purples—and brown and purple make up (purple will work with the all black outfits.  3 skirts with 2 blouses each like the slacks…underwear will go in last….but have tights as it’s a bit chilly in London–not to mention the Scottish highlands–for this Florida Girl.   Those will go in as soon as the suitcase is returned to the bedroom as I had it out to weight (majority of the stuff is packed and I’m at 30 lbs—which give me 20 lbs left—)I try to keep things at about 40 lbs to allow for my weighting facilities to be a bit off.

I am too crazy getting ready and have had much too much time to think about it which increases the tension and the what ifs and so on and so on.  Down to 9 days and you’d think I’m going to the north pole rather than London where I can buy anything I forgot.

…and about Kent Street in th Borough, and along a portion of the line of the Old Kent Road, the peace was seldom violently broken.  Charles Dickens.

Check out Night Manager:  (Outlander’s Tobias Menzes and Sherlock’s Jonathan Aris play two high-ranking officials with ties to Roper’s criminal empire).   http://in.ign.com/the-night-manager-1/91804/review/the-night-manager-miniseries-review

and Claire and Jamie in France…and Jamie in a brothel…http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/15/spoiler-room-flash-greys-anatomy-blacklist-spoilers

But it was always the case of London, as if in imitation of individual citizens belonging to it, had expiring fits and starts of restlessness.  Charles Dickens

Already put my Passport in the travel purse I’m taking as is the only train tickets I printed out (Edinburgh to London)…after that first one I opted to just take the pick them up at the train station (need a code–which is in my schedule book which is already on my carry on–it has confirmations of all my hotel reservations as well as other pertinent documents, addresses etc.—and the credit card I charged them with.  which is still in my regular use (and will be put in the travel purse as it’s small and will be what I’m traveling about the cities in—can keep it close to avoid those nasty pick pockets that big cities seem to breed like plague rats—oh wait that was a few centuries ago–the rats and plague while the pickpockets managed to live on)  The carry on has a #22 lb limit so basically will be my computer and the important items and my research book with all the fun facts in it.

…seeing nothing but the interminable tangle of streets, save at a corner here and there, two policemen in conversation, or the sergeant or inspector looking after his men.  Charles Dickens

Traveling to me is enjoyable.  I take a book, I take my computer and I keep myself busy–since taking the  8th (she’s working on a 9th) of Outlander series I’m sure it will hold my interest….and I veg between getting to airport and leaving on a jet plane…..or if I do get bored I take pictures–for instance the ones I put in yesterday and today—little compositions that don’t look bad (my opinion–hopefully yours) and you can use for decorative purposes or to divide up your blog.  Magazines work—or install some computer games for the airport wait….or you can people watch at the nearest bar—which there are several near the gates—given people’s need vs. reluctance to fly.

Now as I mentioned on this flight there are movies, TV shows and games all in the back of the seat you normally have to stare at anyway….and when you’re over that there’s even a map telling you your height (of the plane not your personally–you should have checked that before we left) and where you are (the plane emblem–would be kinda weird if it was a person—that little guy on the Google maps—that they put in a commercial recently—don’t remember the commercial maker but it was cute with the character doing a walk-about.)on a map that shows where you’re from—the origin of the plane not a picture of the town or your birth mom–and where you’re going to and if I remember right the distance left to go.

I’ll keep my computer with me as I can always work on my blog…though I’m keeping an old fashioned diary  this time.  It looks like a normal hard back but on the front says “NEVER STOP DREAMING”  and I thinks that’s a great idea….I’m old–er—no I’m OLD….but you can’t tell it if you hang with me….I told you I tried the dating service for my age and other than providing nursing service the men I met were not in my age group—though they were all younger than me.  Anyway I’m jotting down feelings, idea like that in this blue book which also shows a distant shore line, rippling water and a pleasant bank of low hanging clouds on the front and back.

The wild moon and clouds were as restless as an evil conscience in a tumbled bed, and the very shadow of the immensity of London seemed to lie oppressively upon the river.  Charles Dickens

also doing a bit of cleaning–things like refrigerator–items on the edge so as not to have to deal with horrible globs of mold, mildew like some mad scientist hobby shop—as I know the Roomie will just push them to the back to keep for my return and that is not something I wants to find upon return home…can give one nightmares for ever.  Also cabinets with things like pans and flatware…so he can find things easily and not have to curse my poor name while trying to find the tongs or the salt or what ever.  Obviously I am not the best house keeper in the world—but my novel is good and my blog ain’t bad either.

In those small hours when there was no movement in the streets, it afforded matter for reflection to take Newgate in the way, touching its rough stone, to think of the prisoners in their cleep, and then to glance in at the lodge over the spiked wicket, and see the fire and light of the watching turnkeys, on the white wall.

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Next I went to Billingsgate, in some hope of market-people, but it proving as yet too early, crossed London Bridge and got down by the water-side on the Surrey shore among the great brewery.  Charles Dickens.

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SO ANOTHER DAY—10 TO GO BEFORE WE LEAVE…..I have started checking my clothes and packing them away.  I will not take bunches—and the first weeks being much dressier than the last month….when I’m in the vacation area of Cornwall.

by the way the the main pictures today is a friend’s cat Max and this one just above is a yard in The Woodlands where we went for yard sales a couple of weeks ago.    The reminder are from my Dentist’s office!

and click for you listening music:

The westering sun slants into the churchyard by some unwonted entry, a few prismatic tears drop on an old tombstone, and a window that I thought was only dirty, is for a moment bejeweled.  Charles Dickens.

So I will order those this week….online is so much easier than when I first went to the UK in 2002 w/Mike.

This characteristic of London city greatly helps its being the quaint place it I in the weekly pause of business, and greatly helps my Sunday sensation in it of being the last man.  Charles Dickens

Beyond this there’s buying here–make up—I’m getting all new to take with me so nothing will run out or dry up or whatever makeup can and will do when you’re really counting on it.

I found my luggage tags so I’m good for that and I’ve already put them on the two I’m taking.  I’m bringing the new small one with me on board the plane going over but not planning on it to have that much in it–coming back will fill it up with stuff and check it.  And use my oversize purse as my carry on (I get 2 50# bags to check and 1 22# carry on, plus my purse, reading material and my coat.  I actually took a new sweater I bought for the trip and attached it to a lovely knit poncho that I have had for awhile—I attached it together to make a winter level coat for here and spring for there.

I am working on getting all my material for reference for my book saved (either typed in or scanned) to my computer so I won’t have to deal with excessive paper–most of my first drafts are more sketchy to establish the story and then I return later with details, descriptions and the like….it’s probably a bit awkward but it works for me and allows me to put layers into the story once I have the direction which comes from the characters emotions and so on, and if you never had characters with emotions then I suggest you not become an author.  They are less concerned with what they are sleeping on or the atmosphere of the cave that they are progressing their story in or exactly what they’re wearing…you know the stuff readers who haven’t been there need to round out the tale and which I can add later as I contemplate their truths.

One upon our time, that is to say, in this our time–the exact year, month, and day are of no matter–there dwelt in the city of London, a substantial citizen….  Charles Dickens

and of course there’s those little things like deodorant…Already have the toothpaste and brush (new of course) from a vendor that my friend picked up a spare one for me too.  Actually Virgin in the past has always given us a lovely little pack including toothpaste and brush (on my first flight on Virgin in 2002 the tooth brush had a small rubber duck attached, they don’t do that any more I wish they did), some aroma for your pillow—to help you sleep.  Also soft footies so you can take off those shoes and a eye mask to further your sleeping efforts.  Virgin flies direct Orlando to London, but besides that the food, the great service, the free drinks all keep me coming back and shouting their praises to the general public friends (not foes—let them change plane, pay for their own drinks and watch lousy movies—-)yes you get a pick on virgin from several possibilities in the movie category and you have your own screen and they supply headphones…there’s also British TV programs as well as games all available on the seat right in front of you.

In the sixteenth century and in the reign of Queen Elizabeth of glorious memory…there lived in the city of London a bold young prentice who loved his master’s daughter.  Charles Dickens

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The restlessness of a great city, and the way in which it tumbles and tosses before it can get to sleep, formed one of the first entertainments offered to the contemplation of us houseless people.  Charles Dickens

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Good morning—only 11 more days–are you ready….I am like in stressed out mode and will be until my body’s on that seat and the plane’s in the air…..

“….inspired by a mighty faith in the marvelousness of everything…” Charles Dickens

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Just how into Outlander are you–take this quiz and find out:

http://www.goodreads.com/quizzes/39096-outlander-tough-quiz

and making Poldark look chaste:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/04/02/outlander-the-historical-romance-that-makes-poldark

 Pictures are:  Sam Heughan & Team Outlander at Scotland’s Tough Mudder 2014

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