tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36582652011-07-14T19:33:08.719-05:00Notes from Lenora, wherever she may belenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.comBlogger5721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-8041601116321913362007-02-23T21:05:00.000-05:002007-03-04T22:13:28.394-05:00

Up early this morning to meet Michiko-san and Fumiko-san at Mitaka station. Fumiko-san asked us to be there at 9:40 a.m. She had reserved tickets for the four of us to the Ghibli Museum with an entrance time of 10 a.m. It seems you can't just show up and buy an admission ticket. This museum, dedicated to the works of Hayao Miyazaki of Spirited Away fame, is so popular that you must apply for

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-87282009431747407832007-02-22T23:55:00.000-05:002007-03-04T21:04:38.073-05:00

Another beautiful day. Sunny and warm enough at times to dispense with my windbreaker. We started off at Ueno with a visit to one of our favorite places in Tokyo, the Shitamachi Museum. Shitamachi translates to "downtown" and the museum covers everyday life in early 19th century Tokyo. It is a small museum, easy to do in under an hour, and the exhibits are engaging. We had funny little man act as

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-72006655812358396022007-02-21T23:58:00.000-05:002007-03-04T21:04:05.428-05:00

We had lovely weather today, cool and sunny. Brad and I went to the Nihombashi area to drop in on two of Tokyo's grand old department stores. We were there when they opened the doors at Takashimaya and were greeted with deep bows and choruses of "irrashaimase" (welcome) as we passed from one department to another. This department store tradition gives one a chance to feel what it must be like to

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-8849701007550827142007-02-20T21:22:00.000-05:002007-03-02T21:01:36.224-05:00

I'm having trouble logging into blogger and it is not lableing my posts with the correct dates. I'll have to fix that when I get home, unless I pop into an internet cafe while we are here.Today, Tuesday the 20th, we got together with Michiko again and with her friend Fumiko. It was raining again and rather chilly. We started off at Asakusa, one of our favorite spots in Tokyo. We shopped the

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-3229094066852031322007-02-19T23:11:00.000-05:002007-03-02T20:59:13.878-05:00

Today I got together with two of my friends from DigitalEve Japan, Kristen and MJ. They are both flickr buddies now. Kristen had suggested an excursion to Atami, a resort city on a peninsula south of Tokyo. We would visit Atami Baien, an orchard planted with hundreds of plum trees, now in bloom. Later we could have lunch and visit an onsen (hot spring spa). I met Kristen at Tokyo Station where we

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-49118258344368709912007-02-18T22:41:00.000-05:002007-03-02T20:58:18.825-05:00

Last night I called Michiko and firmed up our plans to meet her for the Takahatafudo Shrine sale. (Shrine sales are antique and collectible markets held on Sundays at various shrines and temples.) In typical Tokyo fashion, Michiko was precise in her directions: we were to catch the 10:30 Keio Line train from platform 3 at Shinjuku station. We were to board car 3 and Michiko would enter our car

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-79997419171155616972007-02-17T23:19:00.000-05:002007-03-02T20:57:00.207-05:00

For such a long flight (14 hours in the air) our trip to Tokyo went by fairly painlessly. We left our house around 8:45 a.m. and with a stop to tank up the car made our way to Dulles airport. We encountered a few spots of heavy traffic but nothing major. By 10 a.m., as Brad had predicted, we were pulling into the parking lot at Dulles where the real challenge of finding a spot cleared of snow

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-73159637320852059012007-02-16T07:41:00.000-05:002007-02-16T07:43:34.902-05:00

I haven't been here for awhile...life just seems so busy these days. Partly because I'm working nearly full-time lately. But that's good cuz I've earned enough to have some spending money when we arrive in Tokyo. We leave this morning. We are thrilled to pieces. We've made plans already with our friends who live there. I'll try to update my blog while we're in Tokyo.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1165087636972025402006-12-02T14:21:00.000-05:002007-02-05T02:32:34.760-05:00

Last week we experienced lots of morning fog, making me homesick for Harrogate. I love taking photos in the fog but, since I was working freelance at Michael's all week, my only chance to catch a photo of the fog was during my morning commute.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1161718981926119522006-10-21T22:26:00.001-05:002006-10-24T14:43:01.960-05:00

Quite a full day today. JoAnn and I headed out to Hampden to do some shopping. It was fun poking around in the funky shops up and down the Avenue. We had lunch at Cafe Hon where the atmosphere was rather chaotic. From there we headed down to Little Italy where we were to meet Domenica and Anna's house. Domenica had assured me there'd be no trouble finding a parking spot at that time of day (2 p.m

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1161718979017785502006-10-21T22:26:00.000-05:002006-10-24T14:42:59.080-05:00

Quite a full day today. JoAnn and I headed out to Hampden to do some shopping. It was fun poking around in the funky shops up and down the Avenue. We had lunch at Cafe Hon where the atmosphere was rather chaotic. From there we headed down to Little Italy where we were to meet Domenica and Anna's house. Domenica had assured me there'd be no trouble finding a parking spot at that time of day (2 p.m

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1161398594243281622006-10-20T21:38:00.000-05:002006-10-20T21:43:14.266-05:00

I was feeling a little under the weather today. I really felt like staying in my jammies and watching TV all day but I managed to motivate myself to finish one chore I've been putting off for a while. I took down all the sheer curtains in the living room and dining room, ironed them and then rehung them. I had previously hung them up wet after washing them, hoping the wrinkles would fall out,

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1161308170341396592006-10-19T20:06:00.000-05:002006-10-19T20:37:20.400-05:00

I haven't posted in a while. I've been struggling to adapt to life in the U.S. It's not easy after being an ex-pat for six years. We've also been really really busy getting settled in. Today I finally downloaded all the photos I've taken since last July when we were still living in England. It was fun looking through them...I got to relive our trips to London and Scotland. I had almost forgotten

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1156961928731104892006-08-30T13:00:00.000-05:002006-10-20T21:44:06.743-05:00

My good friend Becky called me the other day and asked me if I was ready to jump back into freelancing again. She and I used to work together as typesetters way back when. She now works out of her house doing freelance design and production. She said one of her clients called about a big project that she might not have time for. Rather than turn it down she offered to bring me in on the project.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1155996823825102632006-08-19T09:08:00.000-05:002006-08-19T09:13:43.863-05:00

We've been busy busy busy lately and no time for me to get to the library to update my blog. but the most important development in our move occurred yesterday. Brad went to Dr. Benson's and picked Ginger up and brought him home. He looks great! he's lost a lot of weight but looks good as a slender kitty. He is spending most of his time in the basement and seems to like sitting on the top basement

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1156469177824767862006-08-13T17:16:00.000-05:002006-08-24T20:26:17.826-05:00

We drive back from Ohio today and moved back into our house. Aside from the stuff from storage which has filled up our basement the house is nearly empty. We bought ourselves a deluxe queen size air mattress. It has two levels to it so it's as tall as a mattress and box spring. You can adjust the firmness with the built-in air pump. It is surprisingly comfy. In the kitchen we've got a folding

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1156469592220626922006-08-12T16:26:00.000-05:002006-08-24T20:33:12.223-05:00

We took off on Thursday morning are headed west to visit Brad's family in Ohio. It's been about a year since we've been there. Last year we came back for his Dad's 80th birthday. It's nice to hang out with the Siersdorfer clan again. We have been spending most of our time at Newton Square visiting with Brad's parents. Joyce breezes in now and then, always bearing pots or bowls or packages of food

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1155130109642971912006-08-04T15:26:00.000-05:002006-08-24T20:15:55.570-05:00

Today we were scheduled to receive our hold baggage and storage. The hold baggage never came and the movers did not arrive with the stuff we had in storage until after 5 pm. It didn't take them long to empty the truck. Most of the stuff went straight to the basement. Some of it will end up in the trash. Other stuff we might try to sell on eBay or at a garage sale. We were at times bemused and at

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1155129934533000672006-08-02T16:14:00.000-05:002006-08-09T08:25:35.986-05:00

Today I set up an appointment to visit with Ginger and discuss his condition with Dr. Benson. I arrived early so I could have some extra time with our purrboy. When the vet technician brought him out he was looking about with intense curiosity and, I was relieved to note, no apparent stress. I spent a bit of time with Ginger in one of the examination rooms. It was sooo good to cuddle with my

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1154309622966445582006-07-30T20:25:00.000-05:002006-07-30T20:33:42.983-05:00

After breakfast at Cafe Hon we spent most of the day at the house today. Brad has been working like a madman refinishing our hardwood floors. He sanded down the first floor today and laid down a coat of varnish. While he was doing that I busied myself cleaning up around the house, mostly in the kitchen. We picked up snowballs on the way to JoAnn's to check in on her kitties. She called today to

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1154233108813159982006-07-29T23:02:00.000-05:002006-07-29T23:18:32.983-05:00

I bought a car today. Selected a used Camry from Carmax. It's a 2006 with only 9000 miles on it. Rides like a dream. It's silver with charcoal interior. Thank got the car shopping isi over with. It has been a real struggle test driving cars in this relentless heat and humidity.We've been stopping by the house everyday and doing a bit of work each day. We are pleased that the house is in really

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1154089946383090292006-07-28T07:27:00.000-05:002006-07-28T07:32:26.396-05:00

Baby it's HOT outside. Hot humid and muggy. No surprises there, but there are plenty of other things that are causing us to raise our eyebrows. Such as the cost of living, which seems to have taken a great leap since we last lived here. A simple lunch at Cafe Hon put us back 30 bucks. Gas is more than $3 a gallon. Yegads! On the other hand, we've begun car shopping and are finding that the car

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1154090805853280722006-07-26T07:32:00.000-05:002006-07-29T22:59:56.713-05:00

This is what it takes to travel from Harrogate to Linthicum:Get up at the crack of dawn. We ordered a wake-up call for 5:30 a.m. so we could be ready to walk out the door with our 4 suitcases and 2 carryons at 7 a.m. We are checking out of the Ascot House Hotel before breakfast is served. We figured we'd grab coffee and a bite to eat at the airport. (dream on...)Drive two hours to get to

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1153736107589182272006-07-24T05:00:00.000-05:002006-07-24T05:15:07.626-05:00

Today is our last full day in Harrogate. The past week has been so hectic I can scarcely get my head around the idea that we move back to the US tomorrow. Brad said he has to keep reminding himself that it not just another visit but a big move. I feel the same way.We took the train from London yesterday morning. We got up early and had some breakfast at the little coffee shop near our hotel.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1153738362470555892006-07-22T15:49:00.000-05:002006-07-24T05:53:33.803-05:00

How to spend our last day in London??? We went to Somerset House, one of the recommendations from Heather and Graham. There were some special events going on this weekend and admission was free into the art galleries. Enjoyed our visit and I even had a splash in the water fountain in the courtyard. Very refreshing.Visited Harrods. Caught a matinee: See How They Run. A farce. Very cute and lots

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1153738121260551852006-07-21T16:43:00.000-05:002006-07-24T05:48:41.263-05:00

Malcolm prepared our breakfast for us in his kitchen while we sat at the table nearby. He is a nice, chatty fellow. After breakfast he dropped us off at the Hampton rail station. What should have been a quick ride into London turned into a 2-hour hassle. We took the train to Wimbledon where we should have been able to hop onto a tube to Gloucester Road but the trains running in that direction

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1153737222203055342006-07-20T15:24:00.000-05:002006-07-24T05:33:42.203-05:00

We got a late start on our drive down south this morning. We made a few last attempts to find the dog grooming glove that Sherrilyn is looking for but could not find it anywhere. We somehow ended up near Ilkley so stopped at Bettys for a light bite. Now we have visited every Bettys and have a voucher for a free cream tea. We eventually got on the road to Hampton. Traffic was not too bad, even on

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1153736652322479422006-07-19T17:16:00.000-05:002006-07-24T05:24:41.190-05:00

Spent the morning on base doing the laundry. Ugh! Met Jean Smith in the afternoon. She gave me a nice little book of photos of cats and treated me to lunch at Catwalk Cafe. It was her first time there and I introduced her to the wonderful bacon,brie and avocado salad and the delicious cream scones. We were going to make the rounds of the charity shops in town but it was just too damn hot. We

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1153237498833513362006-07-18T10:36:00.000-05:002006-07-18T10:44:59.656-05:00

One last breakfast at Ardblair. Brad had muesli and the Scottish pancakes and bacon; while I had porridge and a fruit platter. We've thoroughly enjoyed our stay here in the Highlands and have had a cosy comfy stay at our B&B. The only bad part was having to climb up a rather steep hill to get to the B&B from the town centre, but as Brad has pointed out, almost all the B&Bs within walking distance

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1153155669240347762006-07-17T11:40:00.000-05:002006-07-17T12:01:09.323-05:00

Tonight is our last night in Scotland. We will be sorry to leave; we both enjoy it so much here. We dream someday of having a home here...we'd spent our winters in Scotland and our summers in Tokyo... dream on.During our first full day in Ft. William we took a hike through Glen Nevis. The trail follows alongside the Nevis Gorge and was extremely rocky and a bit scary at points. The views were

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1152885095243486632006-07-14T08:38:00.000-05:002006-07-14T08:51:35.296-05:00

Wow, so much has happened since I was last able to make an entry. ginger is safely home in Maryland now but he had to stay an extra night at Heathrow airport. There was a problem with the cargo area in the plane he was scheduled to fly on making it unfit for him to travel. He seems to have handled everything just fine though. JoAnn picked him up at the airport and has taken him to the boarding

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1152526789348163382006-07-10T05:03:00.000-05:002006-07-10T05:23:45.123-05:00

It was gray and rainy as we drove to Cosy Cattery to pick Ginger up and take him to Manchester airport. He was bright-eyed and curious as we loaded him into the car. The cattery lady reported that he'd only had one soft BM while there, which was a relief to hear. However, she said he hadn't used his litter pan yet that morning. Oh well, we drove off prepared to have to make an emergency clean-up

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1152372883003289932006-07-08T10:26:00.000-05:002006-07-08T10:34:43.006-05:00

For some reason, I could not get to sleep last night. I was tired alright but my head was spinning with the things we have left to do before leaving the UK. Top on the list, of course, is taking Ginger to the airport on Sunday. I'm pretty sure I've got all his paperwork in order and that things will go okay for his journey back home but deep down inside I am still worried sick over it. I think I

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1152286848093914082006-07-07T10:30:00.000-05:002006-07-08T10:26:21.966-05:00

We turned in our keys to 9B Park Parade yesterday. The move went well but I can't believe how tiring it is to stand around in a hot house (we moved during a mini-heatwave in Harrogate) and watch three chaps pack up all your wordly belongings. We had booked three days for our household goods and with three workers the days were not that long. They finished up around 2:30 the first and second and

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1151941260324387802006-07-03T10:31:00.000-05:002006-07-03T10:45:29.813-05:00

This day has finally arrived. I think neither Brad nor I was prepared mentally or emotionally for this. We were up till quite late last night making the final preparations for the movers and were absolutely exhausted by the time we got to the furnished apt. where we will be staying for the next week. Even though I was so tired I had trouble getting to sleep. We arose early (I was not happy to

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1151271238837607512006-06-25T16:30:00.000-05:002006-06-25T16:33:58.853-05:00

My computer monitor broke. Then the internet connection broke. NTL is supposed to fix our defective set-top box on Monday. We've hooked up an old monitor with poor image quality. Been getting ready for the big move. Ginger's been sick off and on this week (diarrhea and vomiting) and so I'm worried sick about him being able to travel back to the states. we only have one more week in this house.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1150745753158260322006-06-19T14:28:00.000-05:002006-06-19T14:35:53.170-05:00

We had breakfast at Bettys this morning. It's Brad's very favorite place for breakfast in the entire world, I believe. He warned me we'd be back there an inordinate amount of time before we leave the UK. After breakfast we did a bit of shopping in town. I'm looking for a horsehair hound glove (for dog grooming) that a friend asked about. It is made and available only in the UK. No luck in the

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1150660449343666732006-06-18T14:50:00.000-05:002006-06-18T14:54:09.343-05:00

Brad returned this morning at 10 a.m. Oh, what a relief and joy it is to have him back here. This is the very longest we have been separated since we were married and I hope we are never separated from each other this long again. He is quite weary from his travels, but has been good and did not take a nap. We strolled into town, did a bit of window shopping, had coffee and scones at the Catwalk

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1150660184482472622006-06-16T15:17:00.000-05:002006-06-18T14:49:44.483-05:00

Today I went to Donna's house in Ilkley to play Mah Jongg. As I was chatting with Donna inside, Carolyn came in and announced that the Italian man was outside. I didn't know what this was all about so stepped outside with the others to see. The Italian man drives a truck that is stocked with Italian groceries. He comes to Donna's neighborhood periodically because, Donna says, there are a couple

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1150659782038355012006-06-15T14:37:00.000-05:002006-06-18T14:43:02.050-05:00

Today we hiked across Embsay and Barden moors. Again we were instructed to bring a packed lunch. I didn't forget mine this time. Listening to the weather forecast and considering we would be hiking up on the moors I thought it would be a cool cloud-covered day. Turned out to be surprisingly warm and sunny. I made sure I slathered on plenty of sunscreen, especially on my sunburned neck. The hike

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1150620853000233672006-06-14T15:41:00.000-05:002006-06-18T14:55:53.736-05:00

Oh, I've been trying to keep up with my blog and document the days running up to our packout in July but I haven't done a very good job of it. Guess I've just been too busy getting ready for the move. I've finally gotten everything sorted for Ginger's departure. We will see him off at the air cargo terminal at Manchester Airport on Sunday, July 9. He'll fly from there to Heathrow where he will

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1150623981164922172006-06-08T15:55:00.000-05:002006-06-18T04:46:21.233-05:00

THE TRAIL ABOVE WATLOWES VALLEY IN MALHAMDALETo my delight, I hiked to Malham Cove with my hiking group today. Malhamdale is one of my very favorite spots in Yorkshire...possibly in the world. We were supposed to bring a packed lunch so we could dine al fresco at Gordale Scar. I'd made a nice sandwich the night before and gathered some fruit and biscuits but walked out the door without my lunch.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148902874438011872006-05-29T06:40:00.000-05:002006-05-29T18:58:38.953-05:00

Last year I was amazed and perturbed by the hail we received one day in May. It's happening again right now. No longer amazed but still perturbed.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148829882012063062006-05-28T10:00:00.000-05:002006-05-28T10:24:42.050-05:00

Weather forecasters on the telly and the internet all agreed: today would be the only sunny day of the bank holiday weekend. The sun was shining as I gathered my things together for a little hike. I'd downloaded the routes of two hikes from Swinsty Reservoir from the Yorkshire Water website. One of them would take me around John O'Gaunt's Reservoir, near the ruins of John O'Gaunt's castle (

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148830196783589282006-05-28T03:24:00.000-05:002006-05-28T10:29:56.783-05:00

I did not sleep well last night. I tossed and turned nearly all night. At one point Ginger climbed on the bed and nuzzled up next to me which felt warm and comforting and almost always helps me fall asleep. Then I heard Ginger sneezing off and on throughout the night. He's been sneezing since I got back from Texas. At first only once or twice a day. But starting last night, with much more

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148754426142052522006-05-27T12:53:00.000-05:002006-05-27T13:30:21.446-05:00

Yesterday I went touring some catteries in the area. I've got to find a place for Ginger to stay while we are packing out and before he flies home. His usual home away from home, Cosy Cattery, can only accommodate him from 2-8 July. We don't fly home until 25 July. I'd been hoping Ginger could fly with us but for various complicated reasons we've decided to send him home ahead of us. My sister

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148490302152386282006-05-24T12:01:00.000-05:002006-05-24T12:05:02.153-05:00

I reported to the print shop this morning only to be disappointed. The project I was to work on has been "sorted out". The director of the print shop will be on holiday for two weeks starting Friday. His client, knowing he would be away, sent him the project early so he will finish it before he leaves instead of having me work on it while he is away. There is still a chance that some design work

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148490081981166022006-05-23T11:48:00.000-05:002006-05-24T12:01:22.036-05:00

I think I actually managed to get a bit of sleep on the flight home. At least the in-flight time seem to go by more quickly than I expected so I suspect that I conked out a few times. My flight arrived at Manchester airport around 8:30 a.m. For the first time I took the train home from the airport. I didn't have too much luggage so it seemed a manageable option and it was. About a fifteen-minute

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148488374347882532006-05-22T16:12:00.000-05:002006-05-24T11:47:36.923-05:00

JoAnn got up at 6 a.m. to get ready to head back to the airport. I'd've liked to've slept in a bit later, but she was the driver. Our plan was to head back to the airport and find someplace there for breakfast. We got to the airport by 8 a.m. JoAnn already had her boarding pass which she'd printed off of Bing's computer the day before. I checked my luggage in and got my boarding pass at the

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148487139828580972006-05-21T16:43:00.000-05:002006-05-24T11:12:19.940-05:00

Today was the day that most people were heading back home. Vince and Jody and Domenica and Brenda all left early to head back to the airport. JoAnn and I planned to explore some of the property around the cabin before heading over to the ranch. Before we had left the cabin, JoAnn received a call from her cat sitter. Abbey was very sick. JoAnn instructed her cat sitter to take Abbey to the vet. We

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148483082878337332006-05-20T17:39:00.000-05:002006-05-24T11:40:15.573-05:00

I was eager to take a hike on one of the trails surrounding our cabin, so after everyone was showere and dressed and had scrounged up some breakfast we hit the trail around 9 a.m. Brenda had left earlier to go fishing with Bing at the ranch. JoAnn had been warned about chiggers -- nasty little buggers that cause a fiercesome rash, so I decided to wear long pants, socks and shoes even though it

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148476649733190682006-05-19T17:50:00.000-05:002006-05-24T09:39:38.410-05:00

JoAnn and I got up early, far too early, my body and brain groaned, but we were in Texas and wanted to make the most of our time there. Dawn and Mitchell had invited us to come to their cabin for coffee. Joe and Phyllis were to supply the breakfast food. Mitchell said he'd be up by 5 a.m. and said we could drop in whenever we liked. Well, we weren't up that early but early enough to have some

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148470448249667992006-05-18T17:29:00.000-05:002006-05-24T06:44:50.423-05:00

I arose at the crack of dawn (before 5 a.m.) to get ready for my journey to Dallas. My flight was scheduled to leave at 10:45 a.m., so in order to get to Manchester airport by 8:45 a.m. the taxi company said they needed to pick me up at 6:30 a.m. And then he shows up knocking on my door at 6:20 a.m. Gack! It was smooth sailing to the airport. I was hoping we'd go the back way but the driver said

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148467886713467752006-05-17T14:47:00.000-05:002006-05-24T05:51:26.713-05:00

This afternoon I dropped Ginger off at Cosy Cattery. He always puts up a fuss when I gather him up and put him in his crate for the drive out there, but once he's at the cattery he is perfectly relaxed and quite at home. He really does have comfy quarters there and a lovely view of a garden. The house seems so empty and quiet now without both of my boys to keep me company.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1148467626746642722006-05-16T16:05:00.000-05:002006-05-24T05:47:06.846-05:00

Today I made the arrangements for our flight home to Maryland. We will be flying out on Tuesday, July 25 on Continental Airlines. We'll leave out of Manchester airport and fly into BWI via Newark. I didn't have much choice in airline or route. Had to accept the cheapest fare available on a US carrier. I will certainly be sad to leave England but I won't think about that now...

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1147722865633952002006-05-15T14:41:00.000-05:002006-05-15T14:54:25.646-05:00

Again, more than a week since my last post...I guess you could say a lot is going on. I'm setting up the dates for our pack out and flight from the UK. We'll be moving back to Maryland in just a couple of months and it hardly seems real. Been living overseas for the past six years and loving being an expat. Will feel strange livin' in the USA (again)...as I typed those last few words I could hear

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1147723218748711932006-05-11T14:54:00.000-05:002006-05-24T06:34:51.166-05:00

I received a phone call this afternoon from one of the employment agencies in Leeds. Seems they'd been trying to reach me all day but I'd been out hiking in a glorious bluebell wood on a rare sunny day. A small design firm in Harrogate (next-door to Bettys) has just won an account with Tesco and needs an artworker for two months. They need someone proficient in Quark and good with typography and

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1147022144909224352006-05-07T11:57:00.000-05:002006-05-07T12:51:21.640-05:00

As I finished eating my breakfast my eyelids got heavier and heavier and I was overcome by fatigue. I knew it was bad to take a nap right after eating but I was thoroughly exhausted. I hadn't slept well last night, got up at the crack of dawn and had had a vigorous 2-hour hike. So I did take a nap with Ginger cuddled up under the covers with me. I had to drag myself out of bed for the second time

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1147003286618214862006-05-07T06:53:00.000-05:002006-05-07T11:56:52.216-05:00

Oh dear, where has the time gone? It's been two weeks since I made an entry in my blog. Rather than try to back track and make post dated entries I will just pick up here and run with it.My alarm went off at 4 a.m. this morning. I dragged myself out of bed around 4:20 looked out the window and saw that it was wet but no longer raining. I popped in the shower and got dressed. Why so early? This

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1147002785143323392006-04-23T16:39:00.000-05:002006-05-07T06:53:05.153-05:00

We took it easy today and did not rush off to do any sightseeing. I told Heather and Graham I was just as happy to hang out with them at home as to go off sightseeing. In the morning I went with them to a nearby garden centre where they shopped for lawn mowers. Later at home I sat down at the computer with Heather and introduced her to some basics on the eBay website. Though I have used eBay to

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1145780578901834912006-04-23T03:14:00.000-05:002006-05-07T06:39:24.490-05:00

Yesterday we took a scenic drive over to the village of Lacock. Alongt the way we passed Avebury where there are some fabulous standing stones and a white horse cut into a chalk hillside. The white horse was cut in 1780 on Cherhill Down and we viewed it while driving on the curiously named Labour-in-Vain Hill. I was quite tempted to ask Heather and Graham to take a detour to the Avebury standing

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1145699539334962052006-04-22T04:40:00.000-05:002006-04-22T05:28:42.053-05:00

I'm visiting friends who live in the village of Compton near Oxford. I took the train down on Thursday afternoon after dropping Ginger off at the kitty ritz. He seemed quite calm about the whole affair so I think he must like staying at the Cosy Cattery. Or at least, he doesn't mind it so much that it makes him anxious. That's a relief -- sometimes I feel so guilty dropping him off at the cattery

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1145210297352437902006-04-16T12:50:00.000-05:002006-04-16T12:58:17.353-05:00

I slept in late this morning, had a leisurely breakfast then decided to go pick up the Sunday paper. It's a pretty day outside alternating between cloudy and sunny skies. When the sun is out it is nice and warm; when it goes behind the clouds it is quite chilly. I picked up the paper at the news agent and then decided to take a stroll through town. It's Easter Sunday so the streets of Harrogate

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1145209823812331712006-04-15T12:41:00.000-05:002006-04-16T12:50:23.823-05:00

Vince and I had breakfast at Bettys this morning. We had poached eggs on toast and they were delicious as usual. After breakfast we walked over to the 20-minute photo place and dropped off our film for processing onto a CD. I took Vince on a walk over to Valley Gardens while we waited for the CD to be ready. I was glad that, despite how busy we've been, I did get a chance to show Vince around

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1145206043877397192006-04-14T16:19:00.000-05:002006-04-16T11:50:18.480-05:00

WHITBY ABBEYTHE 199 STEPSVIEW FROM THE ABBEYIn a way it was a good decision to postpone our visit to Whitby till today. The weather is much better today -- the wind has died down and the sunshine is predicted to last all day long for a change. The downside is that this is Good Friday, a big holiday in Britain and Whitby is a popular destination. We got to Whitby early enough to get a good parking

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144949133154870822006-04-13T16:21:00.000-05:002006-04-16T11:18:48.466-05:00

VIEW OF NIDDERDALE FROM BRIMHAM ROCKSDWARFED BY BRIMHAM ROCKSON THE FOOTPATH FROM GRASSINGTON TO LINTON FALLSI abandoned my plan to visit Whitby this morning after listening to the news. The newscasters stated that traffic would be at record levels as today (Maundy Thursday) is the most heavily trafficked day of the Easter holiday weekend. The weather report wasn't much better: strong winds with

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144948886344313922006-04-12T12:17:00.000-05:002006-04-16T10:58:06.486-05:00

I drove to the base this morning to get gas and check mail. I picked Ginger up from the cattery. Our purrboy was quite happy to come home and has been very affectionate. It will break my heart to take him back to the cattery next Thursday when I head down south to visit Heather and Graham for a long weekend.The day started out bright and dry. We were on the road at 11 a.m. for an excursion into

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144948620729864352006-04-11T12:09:00.000-05:002006-04-16T10:25:50.590-05:00

MEMORIAL TO SHAKESPEARE IN HOLY TRINITY CHURCH15TH-CENTURY ALMSHOUSES IN STRATFORDBreakfast at the Sequoia House Hotel was your typical English B&B fare. We both had (wet) scrambled eggs and toast. We could have had full English breakfast fare but neither us had the appetite for it. Our plan today was to walk into town to tour the other Shakespeare properties there and then walk over to Anne

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144948179801821202006-04-10T12:01:00.000-05:002006-04-16T08:29:28.843-05:00

SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACEVINCE AT SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACEThe train from London to York was rather crowded. When we arrived in York we discoverd our luggage was underneath a huge pile of other luggage so had to wait till most everyone else had disembarked. As it turns out we had more than an hour layover for our train to Harrogate, so we nipped over to Puccino's Cafe for some cappuccino. I ran

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144572073431338042006-04-09T03:39:00.000-05:002006-04-09T03:41:13.433-05:00

Hard to believe our stay in London is just about over. We've checked out of the hotel and are back at Bread and Butter, the internet cafe. We'll catch the 10:45 train out of Kings Cross and arrive in Harrogate in the late afternoon. Monday morning we head off by car for Stratford-upon-Avon.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144519766975592202006-04-08T12:56:00.000-05:002006-04-17T14:07:02.143-05:00

THE RUSSELL HOTEL PRESIDES OVER RUSSELL SQUARESICILIAN AVENUE, JUST OFF BLOOMSBURY SQUAREA COUPLE OF SICILIANSAfter our visit to the internet cafe Vince wanted to take a breather and relax a bit before beginning another day of sightseeing. While he rested up at the hotel I explored the area around our hotel a bit more. I walked through Russell Square again and it looked more picturesque than ever

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144490283370244632006-04-08T04:44:00.000-05:002006-04-17T12:01:36.640-05:00

ST. PAUL'S OVER MY SHOULDERCAN YOU FIND THE RUSSELL SQUARE IN THIS PHOTO?We're at yet another internet cafe near our hotel. This one is called Bread and Butter and is also a proper cafe serving food and coffee. We've ordered double-shot cappuccinos but they're too hot to drink yet. I was awakened promptly at 8 a.m. by the phone ringing. I thought it was the wake-up call I had ordered the night

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144343761034468752006-04-06T12:01:00.000-05:002006-04-17T11:44:02.316-05:00

THE WORLD'S SMALLEST HOTEL ROOMVAN GOGH'S BEDROOM IN ARLESAT THE BRITISH MUSEUMWe have checked into our rooms now. The tiniest room I think I've ever stayed in. It reminds me of the painting Van Gogh did of his room in Arles, but I think he had more room. My room is neat and clean, though, and I've plenty of space to store my clothes and suitcase. The bathroom has stylish modern features. The

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144324558248778942006-04-06T06:54:00.000-05:002006-04-16T07:33:39.146-05:00

VINCE IN FRONT OF THE HARLINGFORD HOTELVince and I met at the Harlingford Hotel within minutes of each other. Remarkable since he had flown in to Heathrow from San Francisco and I had taken the train down from Harrogate. We can't check into our room till 1 pm but from what I can see, it looks like a really nice hotel. Very convenient location, just a short walk from Kings Cross and we are at an

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1144248269063024742006-04-01T09:32:00.000-05:002006-04-05T09:57:19.070-05:00

PHONE BOX LINE-UPFLOODING ON THE STRAYI had grand plans of driving all the way to Whitby by myself today. I got up early and was ready to head out the door a little past 8 a.m. Despite the sunny weather forecast by three websites and the BBC, it was pouring down rain. I decided to go anyhow, thinking, ahhh, it's just a passing spring shower. The rain got heavier and heavier the further along the

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1143712503096576602006-03-30T04:50:00.000-05:002006-03-30T11:41:36.690-05:00

The first cat in this video is doing a very good imitation of our Ginger cat who has been known to howl "hello" now and then. This video, discovered while browsing through flickr, comes from a cool site called YouTube. I've just signed up. Soon I hope to upload some video clips of my own. Maybe I'll be able to broadcast Hello from Ginger some day.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1143497691764090792006-03-27T17:12:00.000-05:002006-03-27T17:14:51.766-05:00

The boiler is still not fixed. The part that was ordered on Thursday afternoon for overnight delivery was sent to York today by mistake. The repairman is supposed to be here tomorrow afternoon with the part. I'm not holding my breath.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1143497452859717182006-03-26T17:03:00.000-05:002006-03-27T17:16:06.333-05:00

CROCUSES ON THE STRAYToday we sprang forward. I always hate turning the clock ahead every spring. Hate losing that hour. But, must admit, enjoy the extra hour of daylight. In the U.S. we call this "Daylight Saving Time" but the British call it "British Summer Time". Oh, the British and their dry wit. It only barely feels like spring time yet. It was a bit cooler today than yesterday and rather

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1143489187868304032006-03-25T15:40:00.000-05:002006-03-27T17:02:10.523-05:00

NOSTERFIELD NATURE RESERVEI went on another RSPB outing today. The weather was agreeable for a change with nearly balmy temperatures, though a bit windy. I didn't even wear my winter coat and at one point during the day only needed my fleece jacket. I caught a ride with Philip, an avid birder who doesn't mind driving and knows the area fairly well. We went to Nosterfield Nature Reserve, located

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1143245813046179552006-03-24T06:07:00.000-05:002006-03-24T19:16:53.046-05:00

Simply dreadful weather today. Raining most of the day though not too cold. Then the fog set in. It was bad in the afternoon and worse yet as the day dragged on. It's a real pea-souper out there right now.I'm coming up with ways of dealing with a cold house with no hot water. I've been boiling water to wash up with. I use a big stainless steel bowl to hold my water in and mug to ladle it out with

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1143244956050454442006-03-23T18:58:00.000-05:002006-03-24T19:06:58.146-05:00

PACKHORSE BRIDGEEWE AND SOME STURDY-LOOKING LAMBSThis morning I called the repairman, he couldn't come out till 4 pm. So, I said fine, and continued getting ready for my hike with my hiking group. Incredibly enough, there was just enough warm water to take a shower. It was another nice day. Not as fine as yesterday, but sunshiny and dry. We did the Dacre Walls Walk -- an invigorating walk that

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1143244483817353852006-03-22T17:37:00.000-05:002006-03-24T19:05:15.533-05:00

This morning I was dragged out of sleep by a curious groaning straining whizzing buzzing noise. I was groggy and first thought the sound was in my dreams, then slowly I realized the noise was real and I'd better figure out what it was. I hauled myself out of bed and discovered our boiler was the cause of the racket. I didn't have a clue what was going on. Eventually the noise stopped. The heat

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1142790230979043752006-03-19T12:28:00.000-05:002006-03-19T12:48:36.476-05:00

I went to a book fair at the Crown Hotel yesterday and spent a good hour or so rummaging through the books, maps and prints on offer. I came across a first edition of JRR Tolkien's Hobbit with an asking price of £350! There were several copies of Mrs. Beetons book on household management to be had, as well as first editions of the Tale of Tom Kitten and The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. Several

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1142715957267211902006-03-18T15:56:00.000-05:002006-03-18T16:15:18.663-05:00

Every year, I am heartened by the appearance of crocuses on the Stray. Oh this means spring is nearly here, right? Every year, I take my camera out and try to capture the beauty of the wonderful sprays of color across the grassy green of Harrogate. Every year, there is a late snowfall and we are treated to the contrast of delicate blooms in powdery snow. This year, winter seems to've saved its

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1142636919637210722006-03-15T18:00:00.000-05:002006-03-17T18:09:44.663-05:00

There was an interesting item this evening on our local BBC news program, Look North. It seems there is a railway underpass in Castleford, West Yorkshire, called Tickle Cock Bridge. In an effort to revitalize Castleford, the name was changed to something a little more discreet: Tittle Cott Bridge. I laughed out loud at that one. At any rate, the PC powers that be were ultimately foiled, as the

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1142277974054526632006-03-13T14:22:00.000-05:002006-03-13T14:27:39.650-05:00

Winter does not want to give up the ghost in Harrogate. This year's crop of crocuses have been making a brave attempt to bloom in spite of the dreadful weather. This photo shows the snow we received on Sunday. The weathermen are calling for more snow, sleet and ice tomorrow. This news seems all the more chilling when I get word from my sister that today's forecast temperature back home in the US

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1141841212168213272006-03-08T12:55:00.000-05:002006-03-08T13:06:52.183-05:00

I dreamt last night that I went to Rome and forgot to bring my camera with me. I was terribly distraught. In my dream I was on a foreign study course with some of my hiking/mah jongg friends. I began racking my brain trying to figure out a way I could get my hands on a camera during my stay in Rome. I could go back and get it (remember, this is a dream!). No. that would take too long and cost too

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1141505519734839722006-03-04T15:42:00.000-05:002006-03-06T17:49:57.043-05:00

BETTYS CAFE ON A SNOWY DAY IN HARROGATEPHIL WILLIS AND SIR MENZIES CAMPBELL IN HARROGATEIt snowed yesterday and I slept in a bit too late this morning to get very many photos of the snow. The sun was shining brightly and the snow was melting quickly. I took the photo of Bettys shortly before running into a minor media mob in the center of Harrogate. Phil Willis, the Liberal Democrat MP for

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1141248523864423262006-03-01T16:28:00.000-05:002006-03-01T16:28:43.870-05:00

The Hills in Winter Originally uploaded by AJK aka Max. This shot by a fellow flickerite helps show how cold it's been here lately. We were warned that this would be one of Britain's coldest winters in many years. It took a while, but the cold has set in. Tomorrow morning at 6 am the temperature is predicted to be -5C (23F) with a wind chill of -9C (15F). The high will only get to 3C (37F

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1140546523733281002006-02-21T13:25:00.000-05:002006-02-21T13:28:43.750-05:00

The weather here is so changeable. Sunshine one minute, rain the next. These conditions seem ideal for rainbow formation. I've seen more rainbows in my two and a half years in Harrogate than in my entire life. For example, yesterday I was coming upstairs with a laundry basket full of clothes. I looked up and saw a rainbow through the transom of my front door. I dropped the laundry basket at the

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1139925564066560472006-02-14T08:55:00.000-05:002006-02-14T09:18:03.636-05:00

BETTYS PETITS FOURSBETTYS BUTTER BISCUIT HEARTSI gave Brad some caramel hearts from Bettys. He gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. We'll go out to eat at Bower's Bistro tonight. I am savoring the moments he is home. He will leave early on Thursday morning and will be gone for at least four months on an overseas assignment.

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1139926304349389612006-02-11T09:05:00.000-05:002006-02-21T08:55:46.843-05:00

I checked email this morning hoping to hear from Brad. He's in Maryland on business but is expected home tomorrow for a few days. I was bummed when there was no message from him. I decided to head out to check for mail at our post office and then go to the grocery store to buy ingredients for his favorite meal (spaghetti and meatballs). On the way from the post office to Waitrose my mobile phone

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1139008643321102582006-02-03T18:12:00.000-05:002006-02-04T08:13:19.233-05:00

create your own visited countries mapThis map indicates in red all the countries I've traveled to or lived in. It's 15% of the world. It's a bit deceiving because the entire continent of Australia is red but I only visited Sydney once on vacation. I generated this map from a website I discovered through one of my flickr contacts. It's just one of many web tools and sites I've found out about on

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1138836347678705202006-02-01T18:08:00.000-05:002006-02-05T13:18:07.306-05:00

This morning I woke up to another cold gray gloomy day. As I drove through Harrogate town center I noticed the bare tree branches against a dingy white sky. Ugh. Winter in northern England. I was headed west, just a few miles out of town, in the direction of Skipton. It came upon me gradually -- but my mood began to lift. There was something different in the air. Before I knew it I had entered

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1138485815795255872006-01-28T16:19:00.000-05:002006-01-28T17:11:07.096-05:00

WHELDRAKE INGSBIRD HIDEToday I went on my first outing with the Harrogate RSPB Local Group. I've been volunteering for the group for several months now, attending indoor meetings (usually a slide show) and (long drawn out) committee meetings. I've designed a website for the group and design and produce the group's newsletter. I'm currently working on designing a logo for the group. It was nice to

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1137951477948545092006-01-22T12:32:00.000-05:002006-01-22T12:45:16.156-05:00

In Tokyo they've got snow. In Baltimore and Ohio they've got partly cloudy skies and highs in the mid-40s. Here in Harrogate the temperature hovers just below 30°F (-1°C) and a gloomy fog has shrouded the town all day long. Weather forecasters have been talking about a Siberian cold front heading our way. I've put Beatles music on to help cheer me up. Hmmm... this also calls for a nice cup of tea

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1137870684181316222006-01-21T14:11:00.000-05:002006-01-21T14:14:52.736-05:00

lambs! Originally uploaded by Ilja. One of my flickr contacts has just posted a photo of lambs in a field. You can just barely see the little lambkin huddled up against its mother in the foreground. I was amazed to see that the photo was taken today. I usually don't expect to see lambs until around March. But this is a good and happy sign...spring is on its way. Yes, I must keep reminding

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1137797523143067702006-01-20T17:39:00.000-05:002006-01-29T05:19:54.953-05:00

GINZA STREET CORNER, CIRCA 1948GINZA STREET CORNER, 2003Today's my Mom's birthday so she's been in my thoughts a lot. I really do miss her so much. I dug up this photo my dad took when they were in Tokyo. I think it's my favorite photo he took of her. When Brad and I lived in Tokyo I was on a mission to locate the street corner where the photo was taken. Seems like it would have been easy to look

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1137612494830911842006-01-18T14:10:00.000-05:002006-01-18T14:33:03.610-05:00

CHANGING ROOMS IN THE FRIGIDARIUMTHE MAJESTIC HOTEL LOOMS OVER HARROGATE TOWNHOUSESToday I and a friend took a tour of Harrogate's Turkish Baths and Health Spa. The Baths, one of three such 19th-century facilities in England, are a stunning example of Arabian-inspired Victorian architecture. The Turkish Baths are an intergral part of the Royal Baths building, parts of which have been redeveloped

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658265.post-1137096054051020712006-01-12T14:44:00.000-05:002006-01-12T15:00:54.070-05:00

Today my hiking group held its holiday luncheon. We decided to celebrate in January as many of us were either very busy or traveling out of town during December. We started the day of, as usual, with a hike, this time from Bilton through the Nidd Gorge. When I had heard we were hiking the Nidd Gorge I knew we were in for some muddy going. This will be my third time hiking the Gorge. Each time has

lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11340396250721000704noreply@blogger.com0