tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74223433060019221202024-02-20T19:20:05.846-08:00KnittinggardenIt's a good day when yarn comes in the mail....Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-7241909200360812132018-01-01T17:28:00.001-08:002018-01-01T17:28:25.515-08:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part Twelve - Last Stop, London!We arrived in London by train from Oxford on Thursday morning, Oct. 12. After deciding that we didn't want to figure out the Tube while dealing with our luggage, we took a taxi to our hotel. We did buy our travel cards at the station so we were all set for tackling the underground later that night. This was our smallest room yet but worked for what we used it for.<br />
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Our hotel was in the Kensington neighborhood and chosen to be convenient to the things we wanted to do in London. We unpacked and headed out for a walk in Kensington Gardens. It's beautiful and huge. We noticed the Albert Memorial and walked by Kensington Palace and the statue of Queen Victoria. If we hadn't had our fill of palaces already, we would be in the right place to see more.<br />
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We kept walking and ended up at the Victoria and Albert Museum, which neither of us had seen before. It's an immense art museum with endless collections. A couple of things I liked were the room of tapestries (this one is so huge its incredible) and the costumes. Looking at the tapestries and imagining the fine work done by scores of people to get the colors and the patterns woven in exactly was mind boggling.<br />
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There were costumes from all sorts of productions from the Lion King to ballets. This is the tutu worn by Margot Fonteyn in Swan Lake in 1964. <br />
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I liked this costume worn by Elton John during his 1974-75 tour of the US. I might have seen him in it!<br />
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I was very excited because we had tickets to see The Book of Mormon that night. I had been exposed to the soundtrack while staying with my daughter a few years ago but never had succeeded in getting tickets (or being in town when it was playing in Seattle.) I decided to check in London and got very nice seats for no more money than we would have spent at home and besides...it was theatre in London! <br />
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We ventured onto the underground that evening and somehow figured out how to get to the right place and back again. The production was at the Prince of Wales Theatre, where it has been running since 2013. This show is raunchy, written by the South Park guys, but hilarious and the catchy music will keep you humming.<br />
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The next day was busy, too. Looking back on this, I don't wonder why it took me more than a week to recover after we got home! We took the tube to Westminster and got a glimpse of the London Eye and the Parliament building. <br />
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We hadn't planned ahead for a tour and they were all reserved, so we went across to the Cabinet War Rooms, which was a tour Pat was really looking forward to. If you see the movie, The Darkest Hour, you will see how the War Rooms were used. Churchill "led the war" from these underground rooms, even though he generally disliked being there and didn't spend any more time than necessary underground, usually sleeping at home. The exhibit is fascinating as you walk through the maze of corridors and look into the rooms that housed all aspects of the business of running a country at war. I didn't photograph much of these but here is the map room where the strategy was done.<br />
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A uniformed guard was stationed at the entrance. In those days, he was real 😊<br />
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After this part of the tour, you entered exhibits that explored all aspects of Churchill's long life and accomplishments. It was truly fascinating.<br />
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This is the original door from No. 10 Downing St.</div>
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After this interesting morning, we decided to take a further field trip to Greenwich. We took the underground as far as we could and then switched to an above ground train. I have to say that the system was pretty easy to use, even for us west coast folks whose cities never anticipated the need for mass transit... The trains got us pretty close and after a short walk we came to the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time, and the Royal Naval Museum. <br />
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After a walk up a pretty big hill, it was exciting to see the official marker for the Prime Meridian, 0 longitude and 0 latitude. It's marked on the side of the building, then you can follow the line down the building and across the ground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPs9lrxgooPjoqvPHiOsD4gmjFCYVt-QADfXrU8B0HutD1HGRmlzM5mx3H1fXoQLJ5StreTjflHHDtviQomKe5xe_0VBZf28AuB1jekWYI6WuM8pcdavL17CPKO4tkBdGJSWRpzGwI6Ix/s1600/IMG_3930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>There is also a display documenting standard times and measurements. The Shepard Gate Clock always shows Greenwich Mean Time and was installed here in 1852. <br />
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The view back to the city is breathtaking.<br />
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The Royal Naval Museum was getting ready to close but we took a quick tour through some parts we were interested in. This ship in a bottle was pretty cool!<br />
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While making our way back towards the train, we decided we were pretty tired and hungry, so stopped for a pub dinner. My first Shepard's Pie this trip...even though it looked a little fancy, it was good!<br />
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Okay, last two days. Walking some more...I've been trying to figure out why I gained some weight after we got back and decided that, even though we ate our way through the trip, we also walked for hours every day. Continuing the eating and ditching the walking was the problem, so I'm attempting to remedy that currently. </div>
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We took the train back downtown and visited Selfridge's. It was fun to see but it really is just a big department store and expensive to boot, so we didn't buy much there.</div>
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We picked up lunch and went over to Hyde Park. It was kind of cold and there really wasn't anywhere to sit, but we managed. We found our way to Princess Diana's Memorial fountain, which is a big installation and very beautiful. The water spills down in a lovely design and it's meant to be played in.<br />
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Beautiful views across the water:<br />
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That night we found a pub close to our hotel and I had my first ale. I like beer, but it has bothered my stomach in recent years so, while I was eager to try a traditional drink, I hesitated until almost the last night. It was good. Football (soccer) was on in the background!<br />
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The next day was a trip to the National History Museum. Throughout the trip, museums were some of the places that we found most interesting and enjoyable. This one had real dinosaur bones, so it was extra good.<br />
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This is the most intact Stegasaurus fossil ever found.<br />
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Mastodon:<br />
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Our Sunday night was spent with family - my cousin's son and his wife and kids moved to London a couple of years ago and we arranged to visit them. We were proud of the way we figured out how to get to their neighborhood - it took two trains and an Uber - but we made it! It was great to see them, we walked to their local pub for a traditional Sunday roast dinner. A real treat.<br />
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And that's that. The next morning, we took an Uber to Victoria Station, the Gatwick Express to the airport, and then the plane home. It tires me out just to write all this now. And we lived for a month out of two small suitcases and two backpacks. Something I never thought I could do but it worked out fine. The only extra stuff we had on the way back was a bag of gifts.<br />
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The view of the Seattle waterfront was a welcome sight. This was a fabulous trip but there's no place like home!<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-34549824934171294332017-12-28T17:24:00.001-08:002017-12-28T17:24:32.320-08:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part ElevenOkay, we are heading into our last week and I should finish the narrative in no time! We left off as we were riding the train to Oxford, which was where we picked up our next car. Our B&B was in Stow-on-the-Wold, which should have been a fairly quick and easy drive. Unfortunately, our GPS again conspired against us and by the time we figured out we were indeed going in the wrong direction, we had made our drive into a considerably longer one than it needed to be. I hesitate to say that we wasted time, since seeing any place in England was interesting, but we did have to do some backtracking to get where we needed to be. <br />
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We spent two nights in a very quaint building that was built in 1640. The narrow circular staircase and slant to the floors bore out this fact.<br />
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Imagine carrying two suitcases up these stairs!<br />
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We had heard good things about the Cotswolds and were looking forward to seeing some part of the area. Our first impression was that they are indeed popular with tourists, since even in October we were hard pressed to find a parking spot on the street. The buildings in this area are made from Cotswold stone, which is lighter in color than what we had seen in other parts of the country. As we drove around, we also saw lots of tree-lined roads, cobblestone walkways, and houses with thatched roofs. <br />
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The names of the towns are so charming - Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Camden, Cheltenham, Farmington, and of course the Upper and Lower Slaughters. We walked between these last two towns and, as Rick Steves told us in one of his travel videos, gates around here have to be left unlocked for walkers to pass through. We saw the famous water wheel and also the "kissing gate" that is inscribed in honor of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. <br />
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We had two enjoyable days here just mostly looking around.<br />
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We drove back to Oxford to return the car and to spend a few days exploring this historic setting. Our B&B was the most modern yet, with a real king-sized bed and actual room to walk around it. We were on a main road, which was handy for taking the bus to any destination we wanted to visit. <br />
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We took a walking tour of Oxford University on our first full day and were overwhelmed with information. A highlight was a visit to the Bodleian Library, where treasures on view included one of the original copies of the Magna Carta (damaged by mice in storage),<br />
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some of Shakespeare's original writing,<br />
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and a page from the original score of Handel's Messiah. <br />
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Being able to see these items was amazing. We also attended a lecture addressing food trends in Victorian times; so fun to attend an actual lecture at Oxford!<br />
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The buildings have incredible history; so much was thrown at us that we couldn't much remember what was what!<br />
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We walked along the Thames for a bit after another short bus ride. We could imagine punting along in the river, and witnessing crew races here.<br />
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Our next day was taken up with a visit to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Blenheim is the residence of the Duke of Marlborough and is the only non-royal country house in England to hold the title of palace. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.<br />
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Shortly after we arrived at the palace, the power went out, due to an outage in the nearby town of Woodstock. It didn't affect our visit too much, except for closing an area of the residence that had interactive exhibits and closing down some cash registers in the cafe. We joined an interesting walking tour of the inside of the building and learned that, although Churchill was born here, he never actually lived here, among other things. It is a huge and magnificent building on extensive grounds.<br />
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The next day found us back at the train station (look at all the bikes commuters leave here!) on our way to our final stop in London.</div>
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-33540126069509984572017-12-10T19:08:00.001-08:002017-12-10T19:08:55.042-08:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part TenOur last day in Keswick was also cold and rainy, but we wanted to see an ancient stone circle ala Stonehenge called Castlerigg. It wasn't far from town, so we got directions and headed out. Of course it's in the middle of nowhere, unmarked, down a little mud road but we eventually arrived. The information said that Castlerigg Stone Circle was built around 4500 years ago in the Neolithic period. As with Stonehenge, no one really knows the reason it was put here. Castlerigg is about 97.5 feet in diameter and formerly consisted of 42 stones, 38 of which remain. The stones vary in height from 3.5 feet to 7.5 feet. <br />
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The site is very picturesque and there are views for miles across the plains. This also means that the wind whips through, as it was on the day we visited. We took a quick walk around, a couple of photos, and ran back to the car. <br />
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We had the rest of the day, so visited the Derwent Pencil Museum, home of the world's first pencil. This was an interesting little place and we learned some about graphite mining and pencil making. The tickets to get in are pencils.<br />
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The most interesting story to me was one about secret map pencils used in World War II to get messages behind enemy lines. Special pencils were hollowed out and tiny maps and compasses were inserted and then bomber pilots could get them to POW camps to facilitate escape. It was fascinating.<br />
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From Keswick we headed to York. We drove the car to Carlisle, which is a little town not too far from Lanercost, which is where we started the English portion of our trip. This ended the circuitous route we had been on for the last week or so. We got on the train in Carlisle and headed across some new territory to York. Neither one of us could remember exactly why we decided to go to York, but once we were there we loved it.<br />
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The history lesson: York is an historic walled city at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. York was founded by the Romans in 71 AD. In the Middle Ages, it grew as a major wool trading center and became the capital of the northern ecclesiastical province of The Church of England, a role it has retained. The York Minster is the most prominent historic attraction. It is the cathedral of York and one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe. The Minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second highest office of the Church of England. It's big, beautiful and very important in the church scheme of things.<br />
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We arrived on the train and walked to our guesthouse, which wasn't too far. There are four gates that permit entry through the walls and one of them was between the train station and our destination. We got our first glimpse of the river on our walk. <br />
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We took a walk on the wall to see some of the sights and then came down near the art museum and spent an hour or so in there. They had an exhibit of Picasso's pottery which was interesting.<br />
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The other highlights were a visit to the National Railway Museum and the Minster. The Railway Museum was really interesting. It's large and has actual rail cars in there from antique ones to more modern. Some private carriages are there, too, and you can see how royalty traveled in their own luxury train cars.<br />
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The Minster is huge and breathtaking. We didn't take a guided tour but listened to some of the groups and wandered around on our own. I found it impossible to get a good picture that showed the immense size and grandeur of this building. <br />
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Constantine the Great: proclaimed Roman Emperor in York in AD 306. The age of things here is astounding.</div>
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Then we were off again by train (a very modern one) south to Oxford to prepare to drive again for a couple of days through the Cotswolds.<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-80207677659719894442017-12-10T12:49:00.002-08:002017-12-10T12:49:16.093-08:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part NineThis is getting ridiculous; we've been back for two months and my journal is only half finished. Since I'm doing this mostly so I can have a record of where we went and what we did, I'm going to complete it. There will probably be fewer words and more photos as I go along, but at least it will be done. As always, click on the photo to make it larger.<br />
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I left us at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham. We still had a car for this portion of the journey so we left there and headed for the lake district and Keswick (pronounced Kezick). This was a day of rainbows, as we left Barnard Castle in a light rain shower. <br />
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The roads weren't too busy, which was always a plus for us since when we drove we were both on high alert all the time. No knitting in the car for me!<br />
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Our first stop was at High Force waterfall, a place Pat had researched at home and we had decided to see. On its descent to the North Sea, the River Tees encounters a large outcrop of volcanic rock which runs across northern England from east to west. Much of Hadrian's Wall was built along the top of this natural rock formation. As the river traverses this rock formation (called Whin Sill), it drops by about 22 meters (71 feet) as one of England's most spectacular waterfalls, High Force. On a cold, windy, and rainy day it was indeed breathtaking. <br />
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At this time of year and in the rain, there aren't really any people around. You park in a lot and walk down a forested trail to the magnificent waterfall. I liked the signs warning to stay out of the water. I can't imagine any circumstance that would make swimming or wading here seem like a good idea!<br />
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Another couple happened by so we exchanged phones and photos, and headed back up the path to the car. The rest of the drive was dark and windy but luckily there still wasn't much traffic to bother us.<br />
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Keswick turned out to be a pleasant little town on the shores of Derwentwater, a fairly large, mostly unpopulated lake. The photos we saw before the trip showed us beautiful weather and lovely lake and mountain views, but we pretty much got cold and rainy. The town was nice, the people were very nice, but it was crowded with lots of cars and traffic and dogs! everywhere. Even in the fall when we thought tourist season would be winding down, the streets were full. We found out that it was voted one of the most dog friendly towns in England, and people would walk the streets with multiple dogs and they were also welcome at most restaurants. This was a problem for us, since Pat (post transplant) isn't supposed to be around animals. Also, when it's raining, your dinner tends to smell like wet dog when there are several at neighboring tables.<br />
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Be that as it may, we came to this area for a hike and we got to do that. Cat Bells is a fell (a high and barren landscape feature such as a mountain range) in the Lake District of England. It rises to a height of 1480 feet and is a popular hike. Pat had also researched this and picked it out as something we should try. We asked our host at the B&B and he told us how to walk to the lake and which boat to catch. You have to ride in an old wooden boat to get across to the beginning of the hike (or you can drive but the boat is a lot more scenic and fun.) <br />
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We intended to get on the boat that goes counterclockwise around the lake so as to get to the hiking point at the first stop. Of course, we got lost walking to the dock and missed that one. Our plan B was to go on the other boat and get off where we would have ended the hike and do it backwards. I vetoed that plan because I figured we'd get lost again. So we rode the boat almost all the way around the lake (takes only 20-30 minutes) and got off. It was a good thing, since after the first little while, the trail wasn't marked and we just followed the other people up the hill. It was muddy and cool and we had pretty good rain pants but not waterproof shoes. Yes, I had lots of layers stuffed under my raincoat trying to stay warm. Not the most flattering look! The hand knit hats and mittens were handy. <br />
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When we approached the summit, the wind picked up and the rain started and it really was miserable. We still didn't know where to find the trail back down and the other people around us didn't, either. We made the decision to go back the way we came and I'm glad we did. It was a fun hike with beautiful views. <br />
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We went back down and caught the boat for the last bit of the lake traverse. We stopped for fish and chips (and more dogs) and called it a day.<br />
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That night we walked back to the lake to attend a play at the community theatre, Theatre by the Lake. We saw a very good play entitled "Handbagged" and was subtitled "When Maggie Met the Queen." It detailed the meetings between Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth over the years and acquainted us with some British (and world) history that we hadn't known or thought about for years. Each woman's ubiquitous handbag carried at the elbow was the inspiration for the title. <br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-40518406214545533382017-10-29T11:44:00.000-07:002017-10-29T11:44:48.536-07:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part EightWe left Bamburgh Castle and headed for our next destination, a town called Barnard Castle in the County of Durham. This drive took us again through Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, which would be the second time we were in this vicinity. (Further proof of our circuitous route of travel.) The drive was pretty easy as drives in Britain go and we approached our destination in the late afternoon. We saw signs for Raby Castle, which was a place we intended to visit during our stay in this area. Since we were going right by and it was still open, we stopped. It was another very enjoyable visit. We were just in time as it closes for the winter in October.<br />
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Raby Castle is another privately owned place and was built in the 12th century by the Nevills. They owned it until the 1600s when ownership reverted to the crown. In 1626, the castle was purchased by the Vanes. The family still maintains ownership of the castle. It sits on a large piece of land, including a 200 acre deer park, and deer can be seen grazing on the grounds. Many rooms in the castle have been opened to the public and are furnished beautifully.<br />
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The great kitchen was built in 1360 and in daily use until 1954. It is immense.<br />
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This looks just like your dining room, right?<br />
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This room was where the servants ate and reminded me of the downstairs dining room on "Downton Abbey." <br />
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Imagine having an entry hall big enough to drive a carriage into.<br />
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Other rooms:<br />
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After admiring the castle and having a cup of tea and a scone in the tearoom, we drove on to our next B&B. This was a charming town again, and again had ruins of another castle. You can't seem to go anywhere in the UK without running into a castle!<br />
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Our room, again, was cozy but nice and the location was great.<br />
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We spent a lot of the next day touring the Bowes Art Museum, which we enjoyed immensely.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The Bowes Museum was built as a public art gallery for </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bowes_(art_collector)" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" title="John Bowes (art collector)">John Bowes</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> and his wife Josephine, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Countess of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Marino#Curacies" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" title="San Marino">Montalbo</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">, who both died before it opened in 1892. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">They spent a lifetime collecting art </span><span style="color: #222222;">for</span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> the museum and much, of course, has been added since. A </span>highlight<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is the Silver Swan, a mechanical piece built in the 18th century. It does its moving "show" just once a day now so as to preserve the mechanics. It is gorgeous.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is art of every kind in here and so much history that it's impossible to take it all in. Ceramics, stained glass, furniture, paintings, sculpture, textiles and clothing, toys, and on and on. This little town is </span>exceedingly<span style="font-family: inherit;"> fortunate to have such a resource nearby. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the food in the cafe was excellent!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-86926542265187007962017-10-20T12:22:00.002-07:002017-10-20T12:22:31.297-07:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part SevenI know this will ruin the suspense, but we made it home! Nevertheless, I will continue the posts so I will have a record of what we did and where we went and it will be here for whoever else is interested. It was hard to update the blog from the road, as it's more difficult to post from the iPad that I had and also the WiFi wasn't the best always. Now that the excuses are out of way, onward!<br />
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While we were planning, I happened to notice the little town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed on the map. It rang a bell because my book club had read <u>The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry </u>by Rachel Joyce some time ago. It's about a man who sets out to visit an old friend and ends up walking the length of England, ultimately arriving in Berwick. I also read the companion book, <u>The Love Song of Miss Queen Hennessy,</u> also set to a large degree in the same charming town. Since we were "in the neighborhood," I decided we should visit. This is where our route got a little circuitous. Berwick is the northernmost town in England and when we had taken the train from Edinburgh, we had probably gone right by it. Our B and B host told us that Berwick has actually changed hands between England and Scotland several times. We got into the car and drove north, actually crossing the border into Scotland for a time. <br />
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Berwick turned out to be a lovely walled city right on the north sea. We took a little walk on top of the wall to see the views and then found our accommodations. <br />
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We had a nice size room but the bed wasn't terribly comfortable. We were right near the water, atop one of the stone quays and looking out on the River Tweed. <br />
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We only stayed here one night and were charmed by the atmosphere and area. <br />
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Everything would have been perfect except for the coughing man at the restaurant. Have to watch those germs!<br />
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The next day we drove south to County Durham and the town of Barnard Castle. On the way, we stopped to see Bamburgh Castle, which turned out to be one of our favorite stops. We had heard about this castle when we were waiting for our tour in Iceland and were chatting with a couple from Australia. The wife was from Scotland originally, and told us if we were in the north of England, we had to see Bamburgh and so I wrote it down. It turned out to be on our way to Barnard Castle, so we stopped by. <br />
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Bamburgh sits on a rocky plateau high above the Northumberland coastline and is one of the largest inhabited castles in the world. Like most castles in this part of the world, it has been destroyed and rebuilt over the hundreds of years of its existence. Now owned by the Armstrong family, descendants of the first Lord Armstrong, it was opened to visitors in the mid 1900s. I think they had 14 furnished rooms to visit and the views (although windy) were spectacular here. The castle sits right above a beautiful beach and looks out to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. <br />
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The fireplaces in these old kitchens are huge, and there was a spinning wheel in here!</div>
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The furnishings were beautiful. <br />
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A little bit of driving excitement: Just imagine that this car is coming around the corner at 60 mph and you have to remember to dive for the ditch on the left side. Keeps you on your toes! And this was actually a much wider road than many we encountered. <br />
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I will stop this part of the adventure here, since we ended up visiting another nice castle before the day was over and that will keep for next time.<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-16522891435476621302017-10-05T06:08:00.001-07:002017-10-09T08:07:38.189-07:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part SixNow we start our rather convoluted path through the northern part of England. I had found a really nice looking bed and breakfast near Hadrian's Wall early in our planning and reserved for two nights that were available. At that point, we weren't sure where else we wanted to go, so as we added destinations, we ended up doing a bit of backtracking, but it's worked out fine. <div><br></div><div>From Edinburgh, we took the train to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where we encountered our first rental car. The plan was for me to drive most of the time, but after the first day, that plan went out the window. 😜 Pat turned out to drive very well but it still required vigilance from both of us at all times to ensure that we turned into the correct lane, kept to the left, and made it out of the roundabouts as we travelled clockwise. Whew! Anyway, we made it out of Newcastle, even though the two Sat-Navs we had were giving us opposite directions for awhile. We ditched one and got on better. We arrived at Lanercost successfully and found it to be as charming as we'd hoped, being an old farmhouse next to a Priory. There were chickens in the yard and sheep over the fence. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc-S_kt_h9NKLosqSViFPF62iVpCknfGYwr7pcIj2-i-62q9FbFzRyvgf5i5jXvXkeaJZMQgZEgkHk-VSvaWkqMl71aO-kDb_gU4_AKWQVPokOkb5Aki6qy3fS25O7boFLLHlGDTkhRPI/s640/blogger-image-1682614128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc-S_kt_h9NKLosqSViFPF62iVpCknfGYwr7pcIj2-i-62q9FbFzRyvgf5i5jXvXkeaJZMQgZEgkHk-VSvaWkqMl71aO-kDb_gU4_AKWQVPokOkb5Aki6qy3fS25O7boFLLHlGDTkhRPI/s640/blogger-image-1682614128.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAQKZB8DyP06azR-WNVuw6rmxnJOi7kiStPWzmNOcCT75R5R1jr_wC3gx7l9UCTEDpyO9mSRK_B0NtAQhsXmuUJ-Oh_k0MY8s8CHeQ4yEaOKgNrBXCbqFur39ypHzFRT6lnXYt7up5Trv/s640/blogger-image-753121176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAQKZB8DyP06azR-WNVuw6rmxnJOi7kiStPWzmNOcCT75R5R1jr_wC3gx7l9UCTEDpyO9mSRK_B0NtAQhsXmuUJ-Oh_k0MY8s8CHeQ4yEaOKgNrBXCbqFur39ypHzFRT6lnXYt7up5Trv/s640/blogger-image-753121176.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMvi3rb2pHO3tVmHpBWjlocDoENpl6STwJPQcRErJhEVVzHnI437kyx3hNp_saqB2dvroL55VQ7oSJ4gmpQUfRiDxg9emvCzfSwjr2IrkiPeLOPWQ275IODCL0m8sI7yd9QW3d85FtjHZ/s640/blogger-image--1223089006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMvi3rb2pHO3tVmHpBWjlocDoENpl6STwJPQcRErJhEVVzHnI437kyx3hNp_saqB2dvroL55VQ7oSJ4gmpQUfRiDxg9emvCzfSwjr2IrkiPeLOPWQ275IODCL0m8sI7yd9QW3d85FtjHZ/s640/blogger-image--1223089006.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUWwN43ubu3CwM2JD6UAvXbBWcZK9U83a_BqZhiilkyOXlTVC-17EMeADeqKDMtEYWH863IAvabvG3GVMlJjK6SXyplLJPnfL-_vjPSCsSmiP8x_ZIZcN8p5LLQGwCUbOiytTFpFPy-v4/s640/blogger-image--897670044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUWwN43ubu3CwM2JD6UAvXbBWcZK9U83a_BqZhiilkyOXlTVC-17EMeADeqKDMtEYWH863IAvabvG3GVMlJjK6SXyplLJPnfL-_vjPSCsSmiP8x_ZIZcN8p5LLQGwCUbOiytTFpFPy-v4/s640/blogger-image--897670044.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kQ_674tqhlIQYlevCHfzgEOUoHEn_wpys05_Y0v5zDNgMv3ZHKbmIDaiVWZ0BebsNfWweIYma9z33n2J8MXEYhS3IfdQVfNK-tvEN_quPCwSFzOVZ8rHSIXWKsMzd2Bo293jmUH5vdpE/s640/blogger-image--128557035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kQ_674tqhlIQYlevCHfzgEOUoHEn_wpys05_Y0v5zDNgMv3ZHKbmIDaiVWZ0BebsNfWweIYma9z33n2J8MXEYhS3IfdQVfNK-tvEN_quPCwSFzOVZ8rHSIXWKsMzd2Bo293jmUH5vdpE/s640/blogger-image--128557035.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc56IPmZllVRDRQusdjwIxdZRoYYEPPjIPz2u6USjo6x76Prln47EVVXBXthwNWddqse5rTPbV0lLm91r-1kNC3IlPoh2vRKvVO0oe7EEGGmSmcqQmt0kgkNYYLZGRt_3MGclRFTbO70x/s640/blogger-image--220602961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc56IPmZllVRDRQusdjwIxdZRoYYEPPjIPz2u6USjo6x76Prln47EVVXBXthwNWddqse5rTPbV0lLm91r-1kNC3IlPoh2vRKvVO0oe7EEGGmSmcqQmt0kgkNYYLZGRt_3MGclRFTbO70x/s640/blogger-image--220602961.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our room was fairly spacious for ancient house standards and the food and company here were excellent. </div><div><br></div><div>We set off in search of a Roman fort built on a section of Hadrian's Wall the next morning. It is called Housesteads, known as Vercovicium to the Romans. The fort is the best preserved of all 16 forts on the Roman frontier of Hadrian's Wall. The fort was begun around AD 124 and was occupied for about 280 years by up to 800 soldiers. We joined up with a free tour and learned some fascinating information about life in Roman times. There are just outlines of rooms and gates, so having an explanation of what we were seeing was very helpful. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRADvny-B9jEUg7rdNpzwTCf46MnSQm-Rtu3GaitATbmxs6xpJkmLBHoE4RJPx50TivssAUqxSDCiKalqTyQfKb9Wn5Rfs5Z33kvR7Ae3doOtvp1Q0tejdhOvzr8WURLoZ_AgHYTvDSQr/s640/blogger-image-45669334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRADvny-B9jEUg7rdNpzwTCf46MnSQm-Rtu3GaitATbmxs6xpJkmLBHoE4RJPx50TivssAUqxSDCiKalqTyQfKb9Wn5Rfs5Z33kvR7Ae3doOtvp1Q0tejdhOvzr8WURLoZ_AgHYTvDSQr/s640/blogger-image-45669334.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9Ho19VGlqeimGGWmkTVygasJQVjftWEG2f1yNWfXYO_6-ob1XomUxLak7n0we4oCRI6JHQ3_Nb8jhpymsKu-upUk_uJKX0OhBFhXiRWsnuGyTaoO79LSyavYc1MbiWui5es_gJ-QSFRD/s640/blogger-image-152581472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9Ho19VGlqeimGGWmkTVygasJQVjftWEG2f1yNWfXYO_6-ob1XomUxLak7n0we4oCRI6JHQ3_Nb8jhpymsKu-upUk_uJKX0OhBFhXiRWsnuGyTaoO79LSyavYc1MbiWui5es_gJ-QSFRD/s640/blogger-image-152581472.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxztBELiVdUd5sdn0FC0C9tRvS9K0IvXV-bKuzOt5Gss5Vc5VAIOxy0IzYP_GLEbVLbWL5vxh-6r6Xlgpz4datbLKlKNOKMWJ4yBttl-Xz4owh-PlYhrZFaGx987r5hYb5eO5BQXKyq8GX/s640/blogger-image-730973305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxztBELiVdUd5sdn0FC0C9tRvS9K0IvXV-bKuzOt5Gss5Vc5VAIOxy0IzYP_GLEbVLbWL5vxh-6r6Xlgpz4datbLKlKNOKMWJ4yBttl-Xz4owh-PlYhrZFaGx987r5hYb5eO5BQXKyq8GX/s640/blogger-image-730973305.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviC0ZvBPKmnpXlsKo1INO0iuZ2a8x65ak8VbxVzkJOdERlPLyduKFK3u2KY7NU4HYcuGiwsZPainYRz2OvCtHahnk5S0LMEYxlxCgJejPTkXz-RSr3SQLa3HgPxbEFA0pC61x7FiTwV_8/s640/blogger-image-601966603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviC0ZvBPKmnpXlsKo1INO0iuZ2a8x65ak8VbxVzkJOdERlPLyduKFK3u2KY7NU4HYcuGiwsZPainYRz2OvCtHahnk5S0LMEYxlxCgJejPTkXz-RSr3SQLa3HgPxbEFA0pC61x7FiTwV_8/s640/blogger-image-601966603.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_OwITCquOd3xbsGIRDMpl8DLIh8h9G9gl0rqYavtaabb4OW0IVCWr9YGYghz3p63hiPT7X_d9z7vLAXWa7qPSWo2pW56pic1Vi6APz2oRxIxLh7z_oxYAf3wBuDgtvWNP5rl-5jPxy3K/s640/blogger-image--1950787325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_OwITCquOd3xbsGIRDMpl8DLIh8h9G9gl0rqYavtaabb4OW0IVCWr9YGYghz3p63hiPT7X_d9z7vLAXWa7qPSWo2pW56pic1Vi6APz2oRxIxLh7z_oxYAf3wBuDgtvWNP5rl-5jPxy3K/s640/blogger-image--1950787325.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After the tour and a look at the museum, we walked up to the wall itself. It's not very high any more, having been taken apart by locals who used the stone to build walls and houses throughout the centuries. The wall remains are protected from this now. Where we walked is the only place you can actually walk on the top of the wall; it's under trees and over the years mud and leaves have strengthened the wall section. Otherwise, there are two sides of the wall and the inside area was filled with rubble so it isn't strong enough to bear weight. There were some great views from along the wall. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJbFDlA_20l0wzM5nwgMWe8tbk8YpDNrQXR6XXg5us9tsnSZsETKq6B4KocI_g5sU7pIh6Ngn_f_qbSOl81aQ7krIbeUzsnLPvwve4Y_PNQNWrxj_PsaezOXan4XnuMWT4ojVzQWx6w4U/s640/blogger-image-838265464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJbFDlA_20l0wzM5nwgMWe8tbk8YpDNrQXR6XXg5us9tsnSZsETKq6B4KocI_g5sU7pIh6Ngn_f_qbSOl81aQ7krIbeUzsnLPvwve4Y_PNQNWrxj_PsaezOXan4XnuMWT4ojVzQWx6w4U/s640/blogger-image-838265464.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M3xSyhhgXwCFCJm0TQVLvmLv9-Co5REjlziXuDVq7BEbpYxZit4evdhY4lSgH488xFkwANAXRN9IWkDY7pO0BUefQYoUFcENJBV3E-O2k-Bkw-rLot47qCtkfotSTb9KvhHxaXh-RjAV/s640/blogger-image-1518513737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M3xSyhhgXwCFCJm0TQVLvmLv9-Co5REjlziXuDVq7BEbpYxZit4evdhY4lSgH488xFkwANAXRN9IWkDY7pO0BUefQYoUFcENJBV3E-O2k-Bkw-rLot47qCtkfotSTb9KvhHxaXh-RjAV/s640/blogger-image-1518513737.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Pat proved to be an intrepid driver but we had our share of adrenaline going most of the time!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE7jaNyrrjp9Rg2FzFJKslme0lDDUnXinU14QGUrSXPs2_cgpsLh8f1WOWTXG03N7cqNHsRt6Ygie6raIH1Nh8xU4pkzuZxq3sGoscLKpVC5Stvj0jSEdjscm-KSur7klriRApputZaYM/s640/blogger-image-402085115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE7jaNyrrjp9Rg2FzFJKslme0lDDUnXinU14QGUrSXPs2_cgpsLh8f1WOWTXG03N7cqNHsRt6Ygie6raIH1Nh8xU4pkzuZxq3sGoscLKpVC5Stvj0jSEdjscm-KSur7klriRApputZaYM/s640/blogger-image-402085115.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The river near our B&B was lovely. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiridtbU_srJMt5HP0p1goN84xIVfKXdRGogyOTe6U2-d5o6feqCH5zeKRM24XoUx4Nr4zDD3x_uprgFp2XsMYNsE-5L1lEd8FRfmVM5F5BGCKWH_BQkB6WdnOtuFW7Zgd8PH75DaHOgGm7/s640/blogger-image-1220046924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiridtbU_srJMt5HP0p1goN84xIVfKXdRGogyOTe6U2-d5o6feqCH5zeKRM24XoUx4Nr4zDD3x_uprgFp2XsMYNsE-5L1lEd8FRfmVM5F5BGCKWH_BQkB6WdnOtuFW7Zgd8PH75DaHOgGm7/s640/blogger-image-1220046924.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>We moved on from here and went back north, getting into our convoluted but very enjoyable route. </div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-19317738668955975072017-10-04T08:57:00.001-07:002017-10-04T09:07:05.388-07:00The Great Adventure Part Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Continuing with the Edinburgh portion of the trip, we booked an all day bus trip to the ancient golf course of St. Andrews and through the fishing villages of Fife. It was a rainy day so we thought a bus tour would be good. <div><br></div><div>We started out by traversing Edinburgh to pick up all the other passengers. I was glad that we weren't driving! Rain, narrow streets, construction... and driving on the left. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2MHRI2iJSA1UARAWrYeOsdkXUyF3SZohkR68TLShD5-vFElX_lBbPGUAW_gxQasjjk2BHo9T4TLg83GGaPhnR3gm4lnRYtpzBVUzlxKv_Dzbg_IMYqbzFLcMyuWYaJb-Y-PWSxHzgc1k/s640/blogger-image-925759967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2MHRI2iJSA1UARAWrYeOsdkXUyF3SZohkR68TLShD5-vFElX_lBbPGUAW_gxQasjjk2BHo9T4TLg83GGaPhnR3gm4lnRYtpzBVUzlxKv_Dzbg_IMYqbzFLcMyuWYaJb-Y-PWSxHzgc1k/s640/blogger-image-925759967.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We headed out of town and stopped to photograph the new Queensferry bridge. It was opened in August (by the Queen!) and is the longest suspension bridge in the world and Britain's tallest. Unfortunately, the weather was still misty and we couldn't get a clear view across it. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bwRFFfMUzG01Qdly0vGKF7GW1Z9nTgk_pWcyBSibSBASROPxMlGMI4hpeoqjiTgt_Z7l1nLCpple8kkkaKqo6aCVtuotAKj4s0QB4iIoDmTJISa8mi_UCYVScgQYDfzrLIFlhNZk94OG/s640/blogger-image-1931004873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bwRFFfMUzG01Qdly0vGKF7GW1Z9nTgk_pWcyBSibSBASROPxMlGMI4hpeoqjiTgt_Z7l1nLCpple8kkkaKqo6aCVtuotAKj4s0QB4iIoDmTJISa8mi_UCYVScgQYDfzrLIFlhNZk94OG/s640/blogger-image-1931004873.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>The excitement here, at least for me, was locking myself into a toilet stall during our brief stop here. My motto, "never pass up a restroom," could have spelled disaster. Luckily I had my backpack with me with a nail clipper inside and I was able to MacGyver the lock open with the file part. </div><div><br></div><div>The next stop was Dunfermline, where we visited the Abbey, founded in 1072. There are a lot of old churches in The UK, many having been the scenes of conflict and destruction.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMhaKAJY8t2IVYH7prECpnRf8l3mvMuCFtlCUyyVyC335M0gMO7VGHAQAiuFutjo8BcM80v6AEq4UqamH19eFBGjJtN_xLCzFCra7R6_XzqLy5nuG7T1PEr4MAltv1zVfUsVVRif32Tv6/s640/blogger-image--196095493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMhaKAJY8t2IVYH7prECpnRf8l3mvMuCFtlCUyyVyC335M0gMO7VGHAQAiuFutjo8BcM80v6AEq4UqamH19eFBGjJtN_xLCzFCra7R6_XzqLy5nuG7T1PEr4MAltv1zVfUsVVRif32Tv6/s640/blogger-image--196095493.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUA1-iqJJ52Adjg5xUCRP1ejkuUDeyaIoxKGJosNh8DGnyJykcAXPKnbh3iScxc7qL8vOxhNbmPXyXkMXIzaKqtz6GqAPEaxf-p2X3BmYnGlR27lUKGjFytUgTnrmHCXDQTlu87SB7sc1/s640/blogger-image-433862392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUA1-iqJJ52Adjg5xUCRP1ejkuUDeyaIoxKGJosNh8DGnyJykcAXPKnbh3iScxc7qL8vOxhNbmPXyXkMXIzaKqtz6GqAPEaxf-p2X3BmYnGlR27lUKGjFytUgTnrmHCXDQTlu87SB7sc1/s640/blogger-image-433862392.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSN78q_sMjSIafkXcElqPPKlgPRne06zxITUxZmz88BQINgpfRWs3yJT3soYMCm2tcKSoBhr1-FBRbs6w7IFUOfwUBPbGPkcdLY41gB-z6Mt606kZXX9BH2-YoS2QV8A5d6-lWIsDK1oA/s640/blogger-image-538769747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSN78q_sMjSIafkXcElqPPKlgPRne06zxITUxZmz88BQINgpfRWs3yJT3soYMCm2tcKSoBhr1-FBRbs6w7IFUOfwUBPbGPkcdLY41gB-z6Mt606kZXX9BH2-YoS2QV8A5d6-lWIsDK1oA/s640/blogger-image-538769747.jpg"></a></font></div></div><div><br></div><div>Another interesting thing about this town is that it was the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie, and the original Carnegie library is here. We looked in there and the museum briefly and they were great. One of the rare book collections in the library:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pJxer7I57XqwbXKo6JG-FhJ79KKuot_jiSCNQYFb7-tZehwxDOYR63qQq0ifojE6VHbYoELlQY91UudZy819Xpf6JfaX3F75Dy17lurJfrfB7KHSnNWL5Ez7Bnqb67x1tNeiom-uL5G_/s640/blogger-image-1804658871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pJxer7I57XqwbXKo6JG-FhJ79KKuot_jiSCNQYFb7-tZehwxDOYR63qQq0ifojE6VHbYoELlQY91UudZy819Xpf6JfaX3F75Dy17lurJfrfB7KHSnNWL5Ez7Bnqb67x1tNeiom-uL5G_/s640/blogger-image-1804658871.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxht22eOOCJmu2uAQJC5xvi4vFR_Eaxl6vlykxqWZGtJcoYX-aymN8OtYIXxGyzJPjCy92pYDOY4nBPLydOiIxtTXYHDTeCfNFtvVTZ5PxQiCXzgw4tAoR2_MAMCtJpRiXo9NovcFhDxe/s640/blogger-image--226359091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxht22eOOCJmu2uAQJC5xvi4vFR_Eaxl6vlykxqWZGtJcoYX-aymN8OtYIXxGyzJPjCy92pYDOY4nBPLydOiIxtTXYHDTeCfNFtvVTZ5PxQiCXzgw4tAoR2_MAMCtJpRiXo9NovcFhDxe/s640/blogger-image--226359091.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Then we drove farther up the coast and stopped in a little fishing village called Anstruther. It was a picturesque little place. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzOytDgF6u-0QSeJYkNgwZWdY82NlzX5nGFpFgZyJJD6KUrvjDxA4jTbWC0uF2GSsDGKgpLw_is3ARWMKW87ApiD4tHgNbhsAYNaGnZYJvxDSpcnutHCGANCQd_REsp1uY4CZ-nWeQDgS/s640/blogger-image--1584760301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzOytDgF6u-0QSeJYkNgwZWdY82NlzX5nGFpFgZyJJD6KUrvjDxA4jTbWC0uF2GSsDGKgpLw_is3ARWMKW87ApiD4tHgNbhsAYNaGnZYJvxDSpcnutHCGANCQd_REsp1uY4CZ-nWeQDgS/s640/blogger-image--1584760301.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn11GaVC4Kj_soo8oDQmH_kNYC-0tZTaYr4FThuUqjEfb4jzCK9PIwneIj1ZjKpkHDN5dhUSq8ERUjS7UUDJU4noySFAoFGH5ZGeKfdvLA33KM1lUbLqeaeFKWZTIwBTKFTg5IM1gszylk/s640/blogger-image-199255829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn11GaVC4Kj_soo8oDQmH_kNYC-0tZTaYr4FThuUqjEfb4jzCK9PIwneIj1ZjKpkHDN5dhUSq8ERUjS7UUDJU4noySFAoFGH5ZGeKfdvLA33KM1lUbLqeaeFKWZTIwBTKFTg5IM1gszylk/s640/blogger-image-199255829.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLNV84tPdsMOtd3dBKUP5nm5sH0aTGgaq5q5j1U9YDhog6WQ_QnP10Yg9FCp4e3RJJKDbYQPKFyuTaAkknJ9ue1DpRZ-VS2S4XTMj57SMf4TII8iv1WZAKMmw8Y7iBDBJlRrJx3kwfRFI/s640/blogger-image--500294760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLNV84tPdsMOtd3dBKUP5nm5sH0aTGgaq5q5j1U9YDhog6WQ_QnP10Yg9FCp4e3RJJKDbYQPKFyuTaAkknJ9ue1DpRZ-VS2S4XTMj57SMf4TII8iv1WZAKMmw8Y7iBDBJlRrJx3kwfRFI/s640/blogger-image--500294760.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The highlight of the journey came next. Pat had been talking about going to St. Andrews since we mentioned Scotland as a destination. It's the home of Scotland's first university, founded in 1413, there are castle ruins nearby, and there is the Old Course, widely known as the home of golf. It's a beautiful course, right on the sea. The beach here is the one used in "Chariots of Fire" and is impressive even on a cold day. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vYmfvY_9cwDDmS_C4k_QB0W75cRSRJyYiLpgtYRaX6Ts-10O9Z3e4g5gIoDYW_M1SrwefVNDRpAMTY_2oV-tjYPIROzFFKp-xiFdIJN9cKf3kza6Co0hKEXi2kL1E8IDF_Dd9sqefV2m/s640/blogger-image--1977453926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vYmfvY_9cwDDmS_C4k_QB0W75cRSRJyYiLpgtYRaX6Ts-10O9Z3e4g5gIoDYW_M1SrwefVNDRpAMTY_2oV-tjYPIROzFFKp-xiFdIJN9cKf3kza6Co0hKEXi2kL1E8IDF_Dd9sqefV2m/s640/blogger-image--1977453926.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpsSZtj057CzD6h-XH5vDAj2ydzCv4R4nRPxZLc0jAst-hj1gU-Dn1xETNECvlSYeBV0Zp84LPIpq8wUBM9YNmWyu4KKNvZCskY1Gk4lZe0Z9TM2T-xwjeja70HS2EP3qiFbPz2OGNM9W/s640/blogger-image-1545287952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpsSZtj057CzD6h-XH5vDAj2ydzCv4R4nRPxZLc0jAst-hj1gU-Dn1xETNECvlSYeBV0Zp84LPIpq8wUBM9YNmWyu4KKNvZCskY1Gk4lZe0Z9TM2T-xwjeja70HS2EP3qiFbPz2OGNM9W/s640/blogger-image-1545287952.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-gmL_tKuXrbxJDCYYxVqqwg0G4JFT1nBuXkuxOmQP1eflV_1_zejmMNmstndw-zB5H02rysZSXhHhij1A1HkIKG3PThKD56qlL7hm7ahmvpBbxE-lMuSJZstudV-3WZBB4XQktClEIFG/s640/blogger-image--30479089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-gmL_tKuXrbxJDCYYxVqqwg0G4JFT1nBuXkuxOmQP1eflV_1_zejmMNmstndw-zB5H02rysZSXhHhij1A1HkIKG3PThKD56qlL7hm7ahmvpBbxE-lMuSJZstudV-3WZBB4XQktClEIFG/s640/blogger-image--30479089.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most golfers will be able to identify the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole. While we were waiting for golfers to pass by so we could stand on it, we had to wait longer while the caddy took photos of all of them on the bridge, too. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23H1SXG5m4ncDxDaYGcGLp426hPciXwSL2Is_4MM_7npL-6OfuMSVr8SwyaTO2NehsooVe2THOQF7_oxXBXBFb2_tKWhkahcDbgDv0QGB-T_DrUmwIrZy4x_54G8IW43tVyTPIEbX3r4O/s640/blogger-image--954405391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23H1SXG5m4ncDxDaYGcGLp426hPciXwSL2Is_4MM_7npL-6OfuMSVr8SwyaTO2NehsooVe2THOQF7_oxXBXBFb2_tKWhkahcDbgDv0QGB-T_DrUmwIrZy4x_54G8IW43tVyTPIEbX3r4O/s640/blogger-image--954405391.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AQewJNunCtyBkHd3A682Ak4Fljd-vi84LNnP9WvyssUkKfnFLxGfsv_1FTVKgZeKZUKOMGMkeX-GuUNlirpEd0trQHJG_OOvDPYNBUFLP3o0q50i6THSGCuuUlcvqraXv37b3NS1I0Y8/s640/blogger-image--1025053682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AQewJNunCtyBkHd3A682Ak4Fljd-vi84LNnP9WvyssUkKfnFLxGfsv_1FTVKgZeKZUKOMGMkeX-GuUNlirpEd0trQHJG_OOvDPYNBUFLP3o0q50i6THSGCuuUlcvqraXv37b3NS1I0Y8/s640/blogger-image--1025053682.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>The University buildings were very picturesque, and the ruined castle was a ruined castle. 😉</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKfKfcsAeWL631XR1KmilRcDjZA6PxDx4PB4yUEDNGpRjJFEl2FWWbUxRsLqlEDFyg1NcTUnsR-X1LNdCj9967e0OvHbT1VdpqZcBWI3_ZBLtEwvJDbiQObeNx8VJ9qSLmhEf7P2HiaYH/s640/blogger-image-1415530531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKfKfcsAeWL631XR1KmilRcDjZA6PxDx4PB4yUEDNGpRjJFEl2FWWbUxRsLqlEDFyg1NcTUnsR-X1LNdCj9967e0OvHbT1VdpqZcBWI3_ZBLtEwvJDbiQObeNx8VJ9qSLmhEf7P2HiaYH/s640/blogger-image-1415530531.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t7tf1nYhIc6xATbhOoYlgUUyOt9q6e_IN0Ttudf5Bu84eUXdm4Eu5CfCsRhOyO1AAUrn7aGAozYrt47ROx_hWszQHYVp6mLwOuUxDZ7vgG9pn3rmU7uEeWT8v0_1UDWSeyK7QDRHXfAa/s640/blogger-image--635294256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t7tf1nYhIc6xATbhOoYlgUUyOt9q6e_IN0Ttudf5Bu84eUXdm4Eu5CfCsRhOyO1AAUrn7aGAozYrt47ROx_hWszQHYVp6mLwOuUxDZ7vgG9pn3rmU7uEeWT8v0_1UDWSeyK7QDRHXfAa/s640/blogger-image--635294256.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The next day we visited Edinburgh Castle, which sits high on a hill overlooking the city. It's an impressive structure indeed, too full of Scottish military history for us to absorb. There has been a royal castle on the site from at least the 12th century and the site was a royal residence until 1633. By the 17th century it was principally used as a military barracks with a large garrison. It was besieged many times in its long history. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iF3yBWpoA2elJ_0x3pBJPBewo0r5A0GYjz0x9TD-UV0GCjBIE-kWmUExRbxnNW5gXuBRnkUEXuWt4OlAq-mZ9gt2EGuVkR6tTBkRfzx3Fvuuyc-ef0I9SUQJIeONyU2T-0mcXqIN9y5X/s640/blogger-image--1735493836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iF3yBWpoA2elJ_0x3pBJPBewo0r5A0GYjz0x9TD-UV0GCjBIE-kWmUExRbxnNW5gXuBRnkUEXuWt4OlAq-mZ9gt2EGuVkR6tTBkRfzx3Fvuuyc-ef0I9SUQJIeONyU2T-0mcXqIN9y5X/s640/blogger-image--1735493836.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One of the cannons is fired every day at 1:00. We didn't stay for that. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdR95wqEyXpgyGZMAwtf20DbsOVKPXuX0exZ8C_qRiRC-QPIiRdTom32we6x3s_Pd_uT5StqZ6VP4RgbpoFf4JgshII9j5H2nwwGH2JxSgsn1xdda3ZHDXE7sB1pVBtFiLo2yr8vvkneW/s640/blogger-image--330611827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdR95wqEyXpgyGZMAwtf20DbsOVKPXuX0exZ8C_qRiRC-QPIiRdTom32we6x3s_Pd_uT5StqZ6VP4RgbpoFf4JgshII9j5H2nwwGH2JxSgsn1xdda3ZHDXE7sB1pVBtFiLo2yr8vvkneW/s640/blogger-image--330611827.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iwd26W96-AbTVp_jZVhlZ9TilaYQPx17EUpzm9cQnRAACG_UTJEZxUVtnvYpybYuaSbGZg12eSkcAGyU278EhqtbjRdh1-ovcmvyS-btIVPf6Du4QpL4Or5k5KrgUgUR1Ty4dP-hANtb/s640/blogger-image--114069237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iwd26W96-AbTVp_jZVhlZ9TilaYQPx17EUpzm9cQnRAACG_UTJEZxUVtnvYpybYuaSbGZg12eSkcAGyU278EhqtbjRdh1-ovcmvyS-btIVPf6Du4QpL4Or5k5KrgUgUR1Ty4dP-hANtb/s640/blogger-image--114069237.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCV19NRz4MAJ5TNCcmdAzmCpJEezOfikg-5QDnxZu1lIO3DJzfJWQk8mxWdOIF0bCJDg9DBMZoiH6TGan3L9vC6Oyabtg-ZHKBISWHvUk_vGV7sdHa6gsZWqwXSc-0w8HLo8w2Cz_dEcea/s640/blogger-image--368949564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCV19NRz4MAJ5TNCcmdAzmCpJEezOfikg-5QDnxZu1lIO3DJzfJWQk8mxWdOIF0bCJDg9DBMZoiH6TGan3L9vC6Oyabtg-ZHKBISWHvUk_vGV7sdHa6gsZWqwXSc-0w8HLo8w2Cz_dEcea/s640/blogger-image--368949564.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3boLvZQXWfS6GB-OWdTE9rwbECdqaWK9ORHo8ym8HkVcVH8-f0pBr8P5En-7wqUy9TTD0dbWHRqvbI6-GFb7HXQ8SX-Q-DHH8VeYmnDWmMA2UmTd27i-t4l12pwmZixW0AyCP0q_6AwV/s640/blogger-image-502087807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3boLvZQXWfS6GB-OWdTE9rwbECdqaWK9ORHo8ym8HkVcVH8-f0pBr8P5En-7wqUy9TTD0dbWHRqvbI6-GFb7HXQ8SX-Q-DHH8VeYmnDWmMA2UmTd27i-t4l12pwmZixW0AyCP0q_6AwV/s640/blogger-image-502087807.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn3LViEdkCIciPnAZj0-Mjtq6C2AXaL22ojNby2Qy_Bgw2SvbZCIrb6y6FozpPNoZHBpRjGqy0IxHHhtM38KblaukOw73i-YbMEAM3lVzd75VR7w9zpi_ft0-8tgA5ikwHI1b4COS108a/s640/blogger-image--1784939119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn3LViEdkCIciPnAZj0-Mjtq6C2AXaL22ojNby2Qy_Bgw2SvbZCIrb6y6FozpPNoZHBpRjGqy0IxHHhtM38KblaukOw73i-YbMEAM3lVzd75VR7w9zpi_ft0-8tgA5ikwHI1b4COS108a/s640/blogger-image--1784939119.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The last day we spent at the Royal Botanic Garden before catching our train to England. It is a massive garden and so impressive, even slightly past peak season. We were disappointed that the glass houses were closed for renovation, but there still was plenty to see. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2ll_jdcvS0ozaiQB6rq-niBrpxNf4U2Xs7XMFKgYCJeggNo_sZcnMD_R991Gl8t236Q6NX8tB0yx9V0qd6WUxS71-E60hN1109yU9mxo1uQOCxmPUNuqjo62MQjrx59VfolrAukrs6Lg/s640/blogger-image-1345443647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2ll_jdcvS0ozaiQB6rq-niBrpxNf4U2Xs7XMFKgYCJeggNo_sZcnMD_R991Gl8t236Q6NX8tB0yx9V0qd6WUxS71-E60hN1109yU9mxo1uQOCxmPUNuqjo62MQjrx59VfolrAukrs6Lg/s640/blogger-image-1345443647.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJdcKND0NKkM2QXBoI2SgqlWTETGz4uUCekOZVh0u7vKe40L9xn7OdtmQzjbE-qkqnB8FNbxGexIvcabOELfdsyeE8D_8PfCl6ae3xoDUQYUhyphenhyphen4DQPeAXAy4MIzV-yWUpCQl84YDBNfC7/s640/blogger-image--1212437323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJdcKND0NKkM2QXBoI2SgqlWTETGz4uUCekOZVh0u7vKe40L9xn7OdtmQzjbE-qkqnB8FNbxGexIvcabOELfdsyeE8D_8PfCl6ae3xoDUQYUhyphenhyphen4DQPeAXAy4MIzV-yWUpCQl84YDBNfC7/s640/blogger-image--1212437323.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkEzRe24Bk6sp5Qhf4waWywMfne2Hl0Lf21-BXDgDg2LjFU6ZneoQsZwPlEqtU7g5NPCX_8nIjKRHDbUEJLW2uKTyGPa1Y_gFDUO34WIG43OAiEcTKXxvJuE7ptd6vQUpX_Cw9utXdVXd/s640/blogger-image--363237484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkEzRe24Bk6sp5Qhf4waWywMfne2Hl0Lf21-BXDgDg2LjFU6ZneoQsZwPlEqtU7g5NPCX_8nIjKRHDbUEJLW2uKTyGPa1Y_gFDUO34WIG43OAiEcTKXxvJuE7ptd6vQUpX_Cw9utXdVXd/s640/blogger-image--363237484.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aIrhb4I4xh01FyLF9sYnc6pU26HvDJBDOOKi8BRgMqZ8lISfJpUBWKEIZnYGiADo4U2JjZ96Y6NxmNBXDqzVG6_nC1DvhZ_8TVBM6MMaxZmZWbL8clTEIl1aO6h1vfUs4HBr_Z-dkZQC/s640/blogger-image-279805378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aIrhb4I4xh01FyLF9sYnc6pU26HvDJBDOOKi8BRgMqZ8lISfJpUBWKEIZnYGiADo4U2JjZ96Y6NxmNBXDqzVG6_nC1DvhZ_8TVBM6MMaxZmZWbL8clTEIl1aO6h1vfUs4HBr_Z-dkZQC/s640/blogger-image-279805378.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I especially liked the Queen Mother's Memorial Garden. The labyrinth is designed to form a series of interlocking 'E for Elizabeth' shapes. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkEv4FbYvtKP98zII33ne1qogz1IDStKYlfD9ZnyNMDFyJUpNGB6n_YXngzGxLEeyE50TIKRBs8-CcFJ_XSvbi7QuUnnPo5DxI4l3CG6oTpp3zlA7V6vwONsu_6L8ReeTSIaY09UQiVvv/s640/blogger-image--1693417796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkEv4FbYvtKP98zII33ne1qogz1IDStKYlfD9ZnyNMDFyJUpNGB6n_YXngzGxLEeyE50TIKRBs8-CcFJ_XSvbi7QuUnnPo5DxI4l3CG6oTpp3zlA7V6vwONsu_6L8ReeTSIaY09UQiVvv/s640/blogger-image--1693417796.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iFqF6gzWyfNWJTB0NHUwnss98jJ5PfJxld9_DsvUUAE4u3XWKGqOuLeD8aHRXUytOYuhDiBkdrwbQBPHLsMKWSOREti_xiZ6Y8GjYzCdTEI04DoBcQ-lCN6qJroBBYYm04BSdxLaLif1/s640/blogger-image--1667570495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iFqF6gzWyfNWJTB0NHUwnss98jJ5PfJxld9_DsvUUAE4u3XWKGqOuLeD8aHRXUytOYuhDiBkdrwbQBPHLsMKWSOREti_xiZ6Y8GjYzCdTEI04DoBcQ-lCN6qJroBBYYm04BSdxLaLif1/s640/blogger-image--1667570495.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The hedges are massive!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL73U9Ftjr41yG87oxOgdd4ypqDrItlyklE8ukyFU8XVNHG7_4yW2qOLbgDuEtfNEJ3m9h90QBFSADyHKYz6-V98Fn_nsP-VxA8XFNvGjudCJpSoXTDvsimAM7AUdQyYEuscnEg-ebVigl/s640/blogger-image--673063511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL73U9Ftjr41yG87oxOgdd4ypqDrItlyklE8ukyFU8XVNHG7_4yW2qOLbgDuEtfNEJ3m9h90QBFSADyHKYz6-V98Fn_nsP-VxA8XFNvGjudCJpSoXTDvsimAM7AUdQyYEuscnEg-ebVigl/s640/blogger-image--673063511.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This concludes the Scotland portion of our tour. We hope you've enjoyed it. We will continue to England on our next episode. 😊</div><div><br></div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-4208339387457779672017-10-04T07:04:00.001-07:002017-10-04T07:30:15.539-07:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part FourI am pretty far behind in documenting the parts of our journey, so this entry, while being about our stay in Edinburgh from Sept. 23-27, is being written Oct. 4. And today is 9 months post surgery and the report is that we're all doing well. Good news!<div><br></div><div>So, back to the trip. We got off the train at Waverly Station in Edinburgh and took a cab to our guest house, which was situated about a mile from the city center. We went for a walk and ended up at the National Museum of Scotland. This was one of our favorite places so far. It's immense in size and has all manner of exhibits. Even without paying to see the main historical exhibit on Bonnie Prince Charlie, we filled a couple of hours wandering around and looking at everything from technology, medical equipment development, transportation (there are small airplanes and a full size locomotive in there) and finally natural history which included models of dinosaur skeletons. A fascinating place that you could easily spend a day in. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaqUi7hJWGarY4cxi_ShyphenhyphenZcM5xTOOWBdJHVlI0U4xtsAYZarI4ITJjlnHvsJnfdOk8Egyj1e-A139g06s2F-Wzy0W8JRGq6e69lhrIXdbeF6fXjsN0jrzw-NK2VcMquo8432B5FCrLPS9/s640/blogger-image--2012950513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaqUi7hJWGarY4cxi_ShyphenhyphenZcM5xTOOWBdJHVlI0U4xtsAYZarI4ITJjlnHvsJnfdOk8Egyj1e-A139g06s2F-Wzy0W8JRGq6e69lhrIXdbeF6fXjsN0jrzw-NK2VcMquo8432B5FCrLPS9/s640/blogger-image--2012950513.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxmWPQCAwWa_A245AYz2Ke-BGx4Mq9a0YnSckGkRaZthr5L5nIeayi2x_hOWdpVgqf0Xk1t-WnSENX3tGznqrhXW_NOoRGasRswwOKVpoPHwi9tgSTAhRFESyGxyoXFXioxvAKctN5RPN/s640/blogger-image-1898706419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxmWPQCAwWa_A245AYz2Ke-BGx4Mq9a0YnSckGkRaZthr5L5nIeayi2x_hOWdpVgqf0Xk1t-WnSENX3tGznqrhXW_NOoRGasRswwOKVpoPHwi9tgSTAhRFESyGxyoXFXioxvAKctN5RPN/s640/blogger-image-1898706419.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5OxYj0dgn57TqXcMGvK5SJirA7igs0A_KCaH1R6XzQdyUvV24sUBvPwSolaf7gqr_Sl8HUFyND1EQaSnMs8dpCA4Z2_0l1NxNWYlXxk6_Kl23YnWU8WNTMp-Rq2cqp_vqbK596dz_ONd/s640/blogger-image--1061766709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5OxYj0dgn57TqXcMGvK5SJirA7igs0A_KCaH1R6XzQdyUvV24sUBvPwSolaf7gqr_Sl8HUFyND1EQaSnMs8dpCA4Z2_0l1NxNWYlXxk6_Kl23YnWU8WNTMp-Rq2cqp_vqbK596dz_ONd/s640/blogger-image--1061766709.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW_LVzN99COiHci5HE3EByYmQ2zu7gmq-BUMMBGNQKMEhS6Ni7x6iM8ohI5zISMO5h-Nm3MLs6MHGiKVJMiaFPn_DiFvn5mnTHZsqNDi3Y8_HlzaFYGnsPP78gAiNKXwnYRhoUaG-jMDq/s640/blogger-image--1580268073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW_LVzN99COiHci5HE3EByYmQ2zu7gmq-BUMMBGNQKMEhS6Ni7x6iM8ohI5zISMO5h-Nm3MLs6MHGiKVJMiaFPn_DiFvn5mnTHZsqNDi3Y8_HlzaFYGnsPP78gAiNKXwnYRhoUaG-jMDq/s640/blogger-image--1580268073.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We walked some more and then went to a whiskey pub recommended by our B&B host. We had our first fish and chips and Pat tried a whiskey. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QajTaNXP2A0xgHm1zn70Q_OibM8jDnGlh1QQ_ypBJD4yLU57pEFRzV6TxxiJgdhrr8_MShfLPC29Qc2k4dQrqedYyBuJqfmLDdvFi3UsMz8MtkU1SC4oub1kFWn83UmkLeDxtm8vR4Fb/s640/blogger-image--1003005224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QajTaNXP2A0xgHm1zn70Q_OibM8jDnGlh1QQ_ypBJD4yLU57pEFRzV6TxxiJgdhrr8_MShfLPC29Qc2k4dQrqedYyBuJqfmLDdvFi3UsMz8MtkU1SC4oub1kFWn83UmkLeDxtm8vR4Fb/s640/blogger-image--1003005224.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's Pat in front of St. Patrick's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9PU0WPQs6AM4FVrncXfHlAwkxUOs96TXxXRF5bi2ODn-OGU3CRMoJFPEc8JAcXFBJ6fzDFjLsis80-VJ-51uAMjqpcAU69bx0F7FkPCn1cdk7LyzmlMaZInJVB3sG5dBIx9uHCyzTc5r/s640/blogger-image-863703754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9PU0WPQs6AM4FVrncXfHlAwkxUOs96TXxXRF5bi2ODn-OGU3CRMoJFPEc8JAcXFBJ6fzDFjLsis80-VJ-51uAMjqpcAU69bx0F7FkPCn1cdk7LyzmlMaZInJVB3sG5dBIx9uHCyzTc5r/s640/blogger-image-863703754.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The next day we decided to walk up to Arthur's Seat, which is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park. It looked pretty straightforward when Rick Steves did it for the video! We found the base of it easily but had trouble identifying the path to the top. The signage is fairly nonexistant. Anyway, we walked up a ways and got some beautiful views, as this was still in the pleasant weather portion of the trip. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bSkv-aL7UO9cHUdbvzlYrleiwNB3-CoJ6vfYlbA2qMylwS1k34YvJbor6LnISmAzl7IdTInZXQ6QTRG3qd1lhxwwE98iFPWS_82PdAyIdwsy27-mr_PJAACJpbbLONymeXFaRhCEbHuC/s640/blogger-image--1287726172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bSkv-aL7UO9cHUdbvzlYrleiwNB3-CoJ6vfYlbA2qMylwS1k34YvJbor6LnISmAzl7IdTInZXQ6QTRG3qd1lhxwwE98iFPWS_82PdAyIdwsy27-mr_PJAACJpbbLONymeXFaRhCEbHuC/s640/blogger-image--1287726172.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG8kqSEJQ6Ano3p9pc85ju0WxvwTHUnlFDmJHGO-0rg9UGbQREB0Q_L6Mt7yig5lF4ggwgNkRGX8bdI5CZGbdz5u58JhyOxU85x1a33AWhDbzczSYtz0IlNFC02vWbGc6IUwY4d6lhuSs/s640/blogger-image--1498634323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG8kqSEJQ6Ano3p9pc85ju0WxvwTHUnlFDmJHGO-0rg9UGbQREB0Q_L6Mt7yig5lF4ggwgNkRGX8bdI5CZGbdz5u58JhyOxU85x1a33AWhDbzczSYtz0IlNFC02vWbGc6IUwY4d6lhuSs/s640/blogger-image--1498634323.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu26mChyeBcD3E2waHeQ4m7zOIcF_VfwulH4zUteaZ1CzW9qYfrIuUVv6Z9Od09vRsKrCyclR6b1m8jxTfD_ug0oV5lk5aNIljSadcbIjBHUEQtxrK_DCZ1XfpLK-pxg9QR4N3ZdXLK1j/s640/blogger-image--1346272525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu26mChyeBcD3E2waHeQ4m7zOIcF_VfwulH4zUteaZ1CzW9qYfrIuUVv6Z9Od09vRsKrCyclR6b1m8jxTfD_ug0oV5lk5aNIljSadcbIjBHUEQtxrK_DCZ1XfpLK-pxg9QR4N3ZdXLK1j/s640/blogger-image--1346272525.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Later that day we took a train to Falkirk, as it was a place Pat had decided would be interesting, and it was. There is a rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. It is the only rotating boat lift in the world and raises boats 79 feet, replacing a series of 11 locks that were previously needed to connect the two waterways. It's out in a little town and there's a water park and boat rides. On a cool and rainy day, there wasn't a lot going on, but we got to see it work before we had to leave. I have a cool lime-lapse video of it going around halfway but it won't load on my iPad. It's on my Instagram post (@lboatsman). </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMpDQ9-sAiwjDW3vPyBGZSdwR3Yf_NFV_M7OZODEph_CHekjsMTpXCSEguVWKMtM11Ne6oibClLiIr-lO1BqXRygE0KRZ0lAXtV7k-oPiH3CpKoHJqe3BHmY-HwEWrZV4SJbWe8Hjog7Z/s640/blogger-image-2043666009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMpDQ9-sAiwjDW3vPyBGZSdwR3Yf_NFV_M7OZODEph_CHekjsMTpXCSEguVWKMtM11Ne6oibClLiIr-lO1BqXRygE0KRZ0lAXtV7k-oPiH3CpKoHJqe3BHmY-HwEWrZV4SJbWe8Hjog7Z/s640/blogger-image-2043666009.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div> Then we went to see the Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world, standing at one hundred feet tall. They are located quite near the Falkirk Wheel, in Helix park. We stopped by on the way back to the train station and took some quick photos. They are magnificent. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI-GT_tUR59qth4qI_wP9kLGsvDX1Wie5do8I000b7y72b-OVIWnuphHNVc-3fuVlbnZHQaErnt89ICyOkNZlQgpbegnvqoEaWS33gEIW8P-k9CoF4HKmnrAPqmm1sNJq-eU4nGBLBVcF/s640/blogger-image--1197325502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI-GT_tUR59qth4qI_wP9kLGsvDX1Wie5do8I000b7y72b-OVIWnuphHNVc-3fuVlbnZHQaErnt89ICyOkNZlQgpbegnvqoEaWS33gEIW8P-k9CoF4HKmnrAPqmm1sNJq-eU4nGBLBVcF/s640/blogger-image--1197325502.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnY2Vo06OAEWANrRr43lsTsqB-prnuwJThLBR4zgN4jt744DMzbSIDWS7mmqqZAXRu58e70r3VC_9iyMSrLeWDJOGR4zckDVAWLysQSVABlMDnuwM6w04RpNWctk2b31o5bqyzEW6qw-V/s640/blogger-image--2015678160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnY2Vo06OAEWANrRr43lsTsqB-prnuwJThLBR4zgN4jt744DMzbSIDWS7mmqqZAXRu58e70r3VC_9iyMSrLeWDJOGR4zckDVAWLysQSVABlMDnuwM6w04RpNWctk2b31o5bqyzEW6qw-V/s640/blogger-image--2015678160.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-83410114496233484892017-09-30T12:57:00.001-07:002017-09-30T12:59:17.595-07:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part ThreeAfter Iceland, we flew to Glasgow to start the main portion of the trip. We had intended to spend two nights in Glasgow and take a day trip into the western highlands but I messed up the dates and we only had one day there. We took a cab from the airport and the driver kindly gave us an overview of driving in Britain. This would prove helpful later. 😊. <div><br></div><div>We were able to check into our hotel early and then headed out for food and to do a hop on hop off bus tour. Buying the tickets online proved to be a mistake since the bus company needed a printed copy and we wasted a bunch of time finding a way to print them. But once we got going, we got a nice overview of the city without much trouble. </div><div><br></div><div>Glasgow is a pretty big city with a lot of interesting architecture. It was very walking friendly and pretty easy to find our way around in. Our hotel was right next to the Central train station which made getting to Edinburgh the next day an easy prospect. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YYAULO9FbpUrgOt_Yuf6E-tO4cXHrRdxCb2i4BjavRz0ZIKFCv0sQKuniv_KPUTTW0YU1J7XWOcEdKQ-YpIhEjbIHL0c44zfRKyN2KQZfSFXGsyfWUlDz2lpq-xDYlHtjf0mUXCNUTG_/s640/blogger-image-1738214278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YYAULO9FbpUrgOt_Yuf6E-tO4cXHrRdxCb2i4BjavRz0ZIKFCv0sQKuniv_KPUTTW0YU1J7XWOcEdKQ-YpIhEjbIHL0c44zfRKyN2KQZfSFXGsyfWUlDz2lpq-xDYlHtjf0mUXCNUTG_/s640/blogger-image-1738214278.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzao7keLtHAcdOaYFIqAg7CLVWsrfsz-kyBuO52APtl3joy4vnrpPpnDFucoAlqDRAkQeSq1aANZXeon72NyLkm7YWhPi20znu3nHgcQINVqoVatL1PMasyR1R-wReq0oEX1_BiYt0cbA/s640/blogger-image--1905788046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzao7keLtHAcdOaYFIqAg7CLVWsrfsz-kyBuO52APtl3joy4vnrpPpnDFucoAlqDRAkQeSq1aANZXeon72NyLkm7YWhPi20znu3nHgcQINVqoVatL1PMasyR1R-wReq0oEX1_BiYt0cbA/s640/blogger-image--1905788046.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnb3xctsNEI5bRoZ0z76RfqNvGBDjfetziHeA_ECCtAjty5ALpXhh8Q28KHlKEYKlHcrARrFIe2NaoFTLV26nv_zq1tyl6EDF1tCRANYKPrIYobhq1jiEDZglnYJrb9aUBtDHVpnaC7ef/s640/blogger-image-1768614511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnb3xctsNEI5bRoZ0z76RfqNvGBDjfetziHeA_ECCtAjty5ALpXhh8Q28KHlKEYKlHcrARrFIe2NaoFTLV26nv_zq1tyl6EDF1tCRANYKPrIYobhq1jiEDZglnYJrb9aUBtDHVpnaC7ef/s640/blogger-image-1768614511.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp9iboG1a1gIQululU6kcAjnuozw_pRFHdKVYnItPvT-647-W0ZiSQdVPqXTmPMBeiTmryuJ44UQ7emKBYJHgaubwGwXt-uiyOLFzk0SXoIprumOfcUMfxeg08AV5E_zkuibQdtuDmG7k/s640/blogger-image--1848682308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp9iboG1a1gIQululU6kcAjnuozw_pRFHdKVYnItPvT-647-W0ZiSQdVPqXTmPMBeiTmryuJ44UQ7emKBYJHgaubwGwXt-uiyOLFzk0SXoIprumOfcUMfxeg08AV5E_zkuibQdtuDmG7k/s640/blogger-image--1848682308.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We came across a women's dress shop that had treadle<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> sewing machines stacked up in all the windows. That was amazing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYkga77SQke8bIme1HQ_9evZkQp8UmUoO-FW3mU4lFZ55yHSjZhukoQScD4b4_E5GNhGfNC3uUqF3JuYTkMw2CvxYBJroDHnIH9BnS1TOuaIZkzPi3WebEiuTHK7Y-YEN24FkA3TZTXky/s640/blogger-image--1485567511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYkga77SQke8bIme1HQ_9evZkQp8UmUoO-FW3mU4lFZ55yHSjZhukoQScD4b4_E5GNhGfNC3uUqF3JuYTkMw2CvxYBJroDHnIH9BnS1TOuaIZkzPi3WebEiuTHK7Y-YEN24FkA3TZTXky/s640/blogger-image--1485567511.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The second day we went to the Modern Art Museum since we weren't leaving on the train until midday. It was an lovely building with an interesting history and some good exhibits. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM_31ZgresgLHRDP6nzIlgvTxOQ5FEIxK5DtRWdndX_kzW0c604YUCV0z3ldEevFjCosOds4aHvZ8FKYi-Bbnp8kkW3uG3zXVChgV20xjBWkG3j886SviHmcmHRz1pzJVu67MxwcpCe3o/s640/blogger-image--1818579028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM_31ZgresgLHRDP6nzIlgvTxOQ5FEIxK5DtRWdndX_kzW0c604YUCV0z3ldEevFjCosOds4aHvZ8FKYi-Bbnp8kkW3uG3zXVChgV20xjBWkG3j886SviHmcmHRz1pzJVu67MxwcpCe3o/s640/blogger-image--1818579028.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Out front is Admiral Wellington, who always has a traffic cone on his head here in Glasgow. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwa3wNTGhLnmvA42JcVfOACJdljeWdVOrKH0Z56tSvZG-on1MfYUQkZlzzJNVUqJwNjSZX-CRGu7u4EslTfAyWFV2Bbx4OJU_5cvsNwRLhH0EaVZ-3oxpw70lsEP0mw4ME_TCiXRsIuHf/s640/blogger-image--1883825793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwa3wNTGhLnmvA42JcVfOACJdljeWdVOrKH0Z56tSvZG-on1MfYUQkZlzzJNVUqJwNjSZX-CRGu7u4EslTfAyWFV2Bbx4OJU_5cvsNwRLhH0EaVZ-3oxpw70lsEP0mw4ME_TCiXRsIuHf/s640/blogger-image--1883825793.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our first train ride was good. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0wpJTvbvGmXZjSqp8eeVQFLZemDm0ntXn374S2PcgD2ZXBX0s6zKD2CdNh2uht8snwltvOJod0VO-R7yj7lKJw4rAkLEmz5sG6Yr68skzqu04SdVYrn33-9MbKeWx_jSOyzqmiP0z8zS/s640/blogger-image-365204799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0wpJTvbvGmXZjSqp8eeVQFLZemDm0ntXn374S2PcgD2ZXBX0s6zKD2CdNh2uht8snwltvOJod0VO-R7yj7lKJw4rAkLEmz5sG6Yr68skzqu04SdVYrn33-9MbKeWx_jSOyzqmiP0z8zS/s640/blogger-image-365204799.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-41329869226626450522017-09-27T03:44:00.001-07:002017-09-27T09:24:03.856-07:00The Great Adventure 2017 Part TwoWe'll finish up Iceland now. We've done so many things that I've gotten behind on my chronicle. If you're following along on Instagram, you're up to date (@lboatsman). <div><br></div><div>We went on a Golden Circle tour our second day in Reykjavik. We were picked up at our hotel by the Troll Tours small bus, which luckily had room for us since the hotel clerk had reserved for the next day by mistake. Our driver was a perky and entertaining young woman who drove rather exuberantly and nicely didn't talk constantly the whole day. She likes to do the tour in reverse so as to avoid some of the crowds. It was a cold, rainy day. </div><div><br></div><div>Our first stop wasn't one of the main attractions but was a mall in a small town with an unpronounceable name. She stopped there to show us where, when the mall was being built, a crack was discovered that was actually the edges of the North American and European tectonic plates. We would see much more of these rock walls on a later stop today. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyo9cRm4HPcOesakoc7iDlgVbfovVqZ6BvnL4fBSW5jNOJnSobB-7S_msfvXat-St10eOQco1QmdmRjNqdU-GUV5VUZkHXivVpoPqwKbtFY9E_Hrgm67RMLvLwNk3zsPdhQj7d5kKQ9Frs/s640/blogger-image-465085670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyo9cRm4HPcOesakoc7iDlgVbfovVqZ6BvnL4fBSW5jNOJnSobB-7S_msfvXat-St10eOQco1QmdmRjNqdU-GUV5VUZkHXivVpoPqwKbtFY9E_Hrgm67RMLvLwNk3zsPdhQj7d5kKQ9Frs/s640/blogger-image-465085670.jpg"></font></a></div><div><br></div><div>There was a small cafe and bakery there where we saw bread that had been baked by being steamed underground. There are lava chambers underground which make the ground so hot that things can cook in it. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNseugU8T5ViPI6zQPJdHeMXWWbkAJeb-B5W8yk59aLQmg5WR8r1a1hz3VDtP06JH7jKDkeiisUN-w39IMpqKnq4cA-o82kvY_jZpTeAMiACKpK6ZkUgKYT892hERyXSjrap48F2TnQVm/s640/blogger-image-482842649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNseugU8T5ViPI6zQPJdHeMXWWbkAJeb-B5W8yk59aLQmg5WR8r1a1hz3VDtP06JH7jKDkeiisUN-w39IMpqKnq4cA-o82kvY_jZpTeAMiACKpK6ZkUgKYT892hERyXSjrap48F2TnQVm/s640/blogger-image-482842649.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Our next stop was at the Gullfoss waterfall. This is an immense, powerful waterfall, whose gorge was formed by flash flood waters that forced their way through cracks in the basalt lava layers. The average water flow in Gullfoss is enough to fill 60 transportation containers with water in one second. It was amazing. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5O8SDFub6D6wgTrIttj3Qf8IVf1lssCA9ZGoHdI2yP69saM-xQz2xh0uGt8Zc1OLOcLabpvcDwa_F2RhFbLGjTPN673Nb19C51XzAK9aHDMGPGZwVx1si_-iFzAuusVaunca6vFIXWnV/s640/blogger-image-1177042662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5O8SDFub6D6wgTrIttj3Qf8IVf1lssCA9ZGoHdI2yP69saM-xQz2xh0uGt8Zc1OLOcLabpvcDwa_F2RhFbLGjTPN673Nb19C51XzAK9aHDMGPGZwVx1si_-iFzAuusVaunca6vFIXWnV/s640/blogger-image-1177042662.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOKBl722Zx0G6lB16be-MhquMvc_uf1yz9XRr6pum65lBDm9oZlVx7BYkrsS97sLuc-opNYeSdxZJFzTHAjqAa1ga58MxoULa_hC3D4dEDPj3BSlNvmhQd3hk5lf59vuJ8HyKbmVaRHUB/s640/blogger-image-1884874009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOKBl722Zx0G6lB16be-MhquMvc_uf1yz9XRr6pum65lBDm9oZlVx7BYkrsS97sLuc-opNYeSdxZJFzTHAjqAa1ga58MxoULa_hC3D4dEDPj3BSlNvmhQd3hk5lf59vuJ8HyKbmVaRHUB/s640/blogger-image-1884874009.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5FVcsM9dbVmISW5hgwixlTXFNDdF9Zc6dWcCcEKX1q-2QGWel3vA1YW_1QNNMBgs8kTpXbIaAxMPHzVC5tIcclveLYuKLhqeZ76yOrNqDrRi1cwmpidN_g4MrzpkifJwIlhZSfK7gAHj/s640/blogger-image-1590411485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5FVcsM9dbVmISW5hgwixlTXFNDdF9Zc6dWcCcEKX1q-2QGWel3vA1YW_1QNNMBgs8kTpXbIaAxMPHzVC5tIcclveLYuKLhqeZ76yOrNqDrRi1cwmpidN_g4MrzpkifJwIlhZSfK7gAHj/s640/blogger-image-1590411485.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Then we went to see Geysir, an area of boiling and erupting pools reminiscent of the ones at Yellowstone. The main geyser doesn't erupt now but we saw another one and some steaming pools. We were told that the word geyser came from the name of this ancient-named Geysir (pronounced gay-zir). </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vZoShLWzhRKDTOk9VdzstqJYX0e9TRXbPyXU31n3_GMWHIKMczF7xd4OTPpFVDeLojVXRGlvPJcJhhlkKJOJJTFYA5sf0tv1tLZbUvT-IIpPNgck8cw6OhAHx7KJiQvTiueU0jDPJzz9/s640/blogger-image--1643157002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vZoShLWzhRKDTOk9VdzstqJYX0e9TRXbPyXU31n3_GMWHIKMczF7xd4OTPpFVDeLojVXRGlvPJcJhhlkKJOJJTFYA5sf0tv1tLZbUvT-IIpPNgck8cw6OhAHx7KJiQvTiueU0jDPJzz9/s640/blogger-image--1643157002.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifth65mzHcB3nAMEWYnolbFaJK-ye3CyYLt5JjFxmU3bqJLwGGrF00FWPGcOeQ5zyN06-1jf_068ZDZcyT5SItihMnZJfK0ntzIrN3LrsWQA5l-CSpS7wtpwGkENQpvFtclL9IPmhbophn/s640/blogger-image-1481119085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifth65mzHcB3nAMEWYnolbFaJK-ye3CyYLt5JjFxmU3bqJLwGGrF00FWPGcOeQ5zyN06-1jf_068ZDZcyT5SItihMnZJfK0ntzIrN3LrsWQA5l-CSpS7wtpwGkENQpvFtclL9IPmhbophn/s640/blogger-image-1481119085.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlg2v_j3lG2kLmP6DTQB3IM1EkzgTfLBIuYer4GZmpsWgC40CQPgJfcvy4pl7dYFg9XiWwLPgDACRKf6KutYJLjwkxOvNRoaL4seYQf4-ZLGXf8EiSi89geMAt7-_J5o1Gw_NMM9Nh9rB/s640/blogger-image-99377827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlg2v_j3lG2kLmP6DTQB3IM1EkzgTfLBIuYer4GZmpsWgC40CQPgJfcvy4pl7dYFg9XiWwLPgDACRKf6KutYJLjwkxOvNRoaL4seYQf4-ZLGXf8EiSi89geMAt7-_J5o1Gw_NMM9Nh9rB/s640/blogger-image-99377827.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We had lunch here and probably spent $40 on two bowls of soup...Iceland is nothing if not expensive! There was much knitting inspiration in the shop :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5MKV_LBmfCJJUwIQvAzBnfEg66yV3Q6Fo4u3eggfSMJMZyC790v2qUyf3txcVrFCsxmRYiN_Fx_GbnYLjdgdl4ayNl21L85GX4Ogxnw2nUXH0aF-cWzANVHnZAurYvNHB8VO3cjnv_lF/s640/blogger-image--3671224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5MKV_LBmfCJJUwIQvAzBnfEg66yV3Q6Fo4u3eggfSMJMZyC790v2qUyf3txcVrFCsxmRYiN_Fx_GbnYLjdgdl4ayNl21L85GX4Ogxnw2nUXH0aF-cWzANVHnZAurYvNHB8VO3cjnv_lF/s640/blogger-image--3671224.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The last stop was at the Pingvellir National Park. This was interesting as it was the seat of Icelandic government from about the 900s and also the place where the two tectonic plates are very visible. Very scenic. And we saw the lady who had my coat for the second time that day!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09Frx_Ma8u1R-MOkxW8O071phHcY_1DehzJGQXPSvHt7HCPwWQwwEAtP7KXWtJh6YYsNMLiHZQ4IEFNioxzQDfGJO_rM343X0zg3uo9uzJft9HjlttQSypxvoan9RL3I_DlMZYxowQynM/s640/blogger-image-1792981628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09Frx_Ma8u1R-MOkxW8O071phHcY_1DehzJGQXPSvHt7HCPwWQwwEAtP7KXWtJh6YYsNMLiHZQ4IEFNioxzQDfGJO_rM343X0zg3uo9uzJft9HjlttQSypxvoan9RL3I_DlMZYxowQynM/s640/blogger-image-1792981628.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipflc4_3yHgwa3Syx49ECicRhZbETgNdrelAyzcr8Q88RxL9Sjg0g92IoJyhQFVfatTXHKyt8M-4iJX7kiUuc2duDKrTvkeDppU5taIH2psgxIgwNBs0xw2-tI2USf-dqIW73vaARd9g5M/s640/blogger-image-685686349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipflc4_3yHgwa3Syx49ECicRhZbETgNdrelAyzcr8Q88RxL9Sjg0g92IoJyhQFVfatTXHKyt8M-4iJX7kiUuc2duDKrTvkeDppU5taIH2psgxIgwNBs0xw2-tI2USf-dqIW73vaARd9g5M/s640/blogger-image-685686349.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt4HZlZ2iZRhkcZKAmgEqXGgvjUA6JZwBC48iy8UjG_Nw_O6Nb9rBelhUZ2Zpti2q6TYwIr7FrOQVAumOuPrK0YBpyWtwRmy6FiduzbPjA0ouIxNe5nUIsFZp_8GGivI0gHhW4p_BAyyu/s640/blogger-image-457826841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt4HZlZ2iZRhkcZKAmgEqXGgvjUA6JZwBC48iy8UjG_Nw_O6Nb9rBelhUZ2Zpti2q6TYwIr7FrOQVAumOuPrK0YBpyWtwRmy6FiduzbPjA0ouIxNe5nUIsFZp_8GGivI0gHhW4p_BAyyu/s640/blogger-image-457826841.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We were told that Game of Thrones used these walls in their filming. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQYhLMUlznkPU2-NvR_6GHSyScs754TUSdvTYmbswgLGgDK5W6X5csCM_KM629i8x-WYkynG0v6Nt_wpcNTWRepqehLPRQ7ZiJDudlbNchalqrWcHINuiw-eTDlJu_laetITLBtiH2ek0/s640/blogger-image--1282351943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQYhLMUlznkPU2-NvR_6GHSyScs754TUSdvTYmbswgLGgDK5W6X5csCM_KM629i8x-WYkynG0v6Nt_wpcNTWRepqehLPRQ7ZiJDudlbNchalqrWcHINuiw-eTDlJu_laetITLBtiH2ek0/s640/blogger-image--1282351943.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>We had a good dinner at the hotel; lucky since it was still raining and we didn't want to go out again. </div><div><br></div><div>Our third day in Iceland was mostly taken up by moving closer to the airport but we did some walking in the morning and visited a section of Reykjavik we hadn't seen before. The city hall goes across the pond and is an interesting building. We found a Viking (Saga) museum which was fun and then caught a bus to the airport and a taxi to our next hotel. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UbQdjtfnMBwUXvSA62ELSLOrqEk9a_cycbmLlHg6_ZW5rZmGjS_wsd-Y6jDKqXEJYrFvF61qq9Mv9AjOQVhS19GiG3BCYiu9v1zqG-KFZ_x4-RsGMCpgL0hIAhKTwsNECcT6tGUqAJXS/s640/blogger-image-2076035811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UbQdjtfnMBwUXvSA62ELSLOrqEk9a_cycbmLlHg6_ZW5rZmGjS_wsd-Y6jDKqXEJYrFvF61qq9Mv9AjOQVhS19GiG3BCYiu9v1zqG-KFZ_x4-RsGMCpgL0hIAhKTwsNECcT6tGUqAJXS/s640/blogger-image-2076035811.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmO7AhB7kafNe2nqWyI8yOctYIjcUqG4vQacWshlWBsEKqwK94nXK9TwTseIQ0SXGJh-nBM50EiEbICb_cdnaljygtiGaPLCpf3XXIeP1Dy-mTCPfr6ST_YeDhzzBcprEGV7stapxxEnI/s640/blogger-image-2060912964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmO7AhB7kafNe2nqWyI8yOctYIjcUqG4vQacWshlWBsEKqwK94nXK9TwTseIQ0SXGJh-nBM50EiEbICb_cdnaljygtiGaPLCpf3XXIeP1Dy-mTCPfr6ST_YeDhzzBcprEGV7stapxxEnI/s640/blogger-image-2060912964.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It was a scenic little place right on a marina and we had a good dinner nearby. We had to be up before 5:00 am the next day for our flight to Glasgow so our night was early. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDukAzhJtrZJr4FMnuLJMwyy2xLksHzs2nXXmLmuYuXg8wttBR4Vz2E9qKPZt8xDvZpl_jCbNgoEtfCuRH0MgY7or3YCQClRGxdRwO1GGSLPdtnoWTTVUBwHaS7aDP0y-q4xUp5vtm_GuN/s640/blogger-image-62197722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDukAzhJtrZJr4FMnuLJMwyy2xLksHzs2nXXmLmuYuXg8wttBR4Vz2E9qKPZt8xDvZpl_jCbNgoEtfCuRH0MgY7or3YCQClRGxdRwO1GGSLPdtnoWTTVUBwHaS7aDP0y-q4xUp5vtm_GuN/s640/blogger-image-62197722.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6STiZPXhtCMSyQQJyEPeXg5-WwOQ4yIiG5XUzqnY2lrEkW6IhBy2pEsgFeAoU96cM3dO6eNwBcgZf3GQFoxysmpFzYhQNHa6ZndRTe8LF1Bt_mKimwBixrmJgEuJIFs6XkBEFINXXDvF/s640/blogger-image-222854414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6STiZPXhtCMSyQQJyEPeXg5-WwOQ4yIiG5XUzqnY2lrEkW6IhBy2pEsgFeAoU96cM3dO6eNwBcgZf3GQFoxysmpFzYhQNHa6ZndRTe8LF1Bt_mKimwBixrmJgEuJIFs6XkBEFINXXDvF/s640/blogger-image-222854414.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzN7Rchca06E7SsJSWxEVycMqdMERkuKsInIQKBlKSu1mgrAIKT8o763PKyzQ1hWSqBtHfvWGEFlGjQtIpKDQ3epAN5gzunJEHpFo9EY8vJOg-wq4PvFBF527h9cmw4NH9r3mW2D8rr9Q/s640/blogger-image-2099859484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzN7Rchca06E7SsJSWxEVycMqdMERkuKsInIQKBlKSu1mgrAIKT8o763PKyzQ1hWSqBtHfvWGEFlGjQtIpKDQ3epAN5gzunJEHpFo9EY8vJOg-wq4PvFBF527h9cmw4NH9r3mW2D8rr9Q/s640/blogger-image-2099859484.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-65030447514504880982017-09-21T10:45:00.001-07:002017-09-21T14:14:37.243-07:00Family VisitAfter doing the great adventure post one, I noticed I had neglected to chronicle the other family visits this summer. The Princess came! For almost a week! We had the pleasure of her company without Prince Charming, who visited after she left. He was in Seattle for work and stayed one night; fixing one of the tv stands was a great contribution. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0DeKkA9ig8ISu0mX_R0SpHvaCnJqr_CkOMaZC-OSXU2AMBNt825d_QZYPaBl_qHx5kaDFT1mdmQ8EknBOjI81ffuMZQn-krNlROtd0Ufz3ZJkR84vFB9mGOAK4inH6fnYIlS71duxlj-/s640/blogger-image-1722577740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0DeKkA9ig8ISu0mX_R0SpHvaCnJqr_CkOMaZC-OSXU2AMBNt825d_QZYPaBl_qHx5kaDFT1mdmQ8EknBOjI81ffuMZQn-krNlROtd0Ufz3ZJkR84vFB9mGOAK4inH6fnYIlS71duxlj-/s640/blogger-image-1722577740.jpg"></a></div><br><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Anyway, the Princess helped us cook, assisted with some arts and crafts, hung out on the raft and in the yard, went to a Mariners game, and enjoyed a larger family gathering, which included cousins from California and more local relatives. We also took a drive to Mt St Helens, which happened on a beautiful</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> day and was so interesting. The time, of course, went by much too quickly. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeN96ZIKty-BBWYtWn1-WyKiAHfz1lGMFKuel6zk-9KIF5lM3xJK9_GOsC5rAD4yK7XrtpWaYWBEw3G6xiWELLNqYG6cBTMtlpgyMoKd7B75BJApmO7ES1O2Wbgnb6jWbkud-xD9pfUUF/s640/blogger-image--431429747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeN96ZIKty-BBWYtWn1-WyKiAHfz1lGMFKuel6zk-9KIF5lM3xJK9_GOsC5rAD4yK7XrtpWaYWBEw3G6xiWELLNqYG6cBTMtlpgyMoKd7B75BJApmO7ES1O2Wbgnb6jWbkud-xD9pfUUF/s640/blogger-image--431429747.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8ChK86dHp_m8k_lGTE0RHXwk-D8mBYetdldrYs-A48vbijIuvxAZXi_-lZIGOIYeclOqYIvnj0gdJtM_sQtrD8RoSIeJ4RE3GLWX3xLXV1HM5FJ7co1H0fIeGqi__-wOpKnjlSKNZIN0/s640/blogger-image--772648605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8ChK86dHp_m8k_lGTE0RHXwk-D8mBYetdldrYs-A48vbijIuvxAZXi_-lZIGOIYeclOqYIvnj0gdJtM_sQtrD8RoSIeJ4RE3GLWX3xLXV1HM5FJ7co1H0fIeGqi__-wOpKnjlSKNZIN0/s640/blogger-image--772648605.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXD0BARvMAVmUABXaVD7851-ZPcB18bMvmpd1a-3Gho11C4XZGAiK_cMZwgf85oTh0tTj5lVnwJgDOhkclHsE52T3-HhY3k8CQ3fp_HkC5eOBKjQ13LSFdf-mC0XPt86FHZ7s3G3T7YiH/s640/blogger-image-1252363641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXD0BARvMAVmUABXaVD7851-ZPcB18bMvmpd1a-3Gho11C4XZGAiK_cMZwgf85oTh0tTj5lVnwJgDOhkclHsE52T3-HhY3k8CQ3fp_HkC5eOBKjQ13LSFdf-mC0XPt86FHZ7s3G3T7YiH/s640/blogger-image-1252363641.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlNa6QJU3NselbGOBQ0V9esf-s-uo23DA5RkJ2RwA0liP2g74xU3oeqXTNhGHrGsD1mweOr2LQKmBBfEhwXAbO8mJLTq_bejRiucBdefeadD_zAqICsf09z8pQbujPq_V3YIU_geHo5O_/s640/blogger-image--935207329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlNa6QJU3NselbGOBQ0V9esf-s-uo23DA5RkJ2RwA0liP2g74xU3oeqXTNhGHrGsD1mweOr2LQKmBBfEhwXAbO8mJLTq_bejRiucBdefeadD_zAqICsf09z8pQbujPq_V3YIU_geHo5O_/s640/blogger-image--935207329.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrCqByUDgK15IsR8WSMwk4h_QC47IIOCO8-WZIUrh-KEpWiNQntg5jfAVRUvcRKIjoLtlb9X9C5aYE_b6LoLoaU4ZT8UzFYygyTh0FO7rV4ScBjRQlxq8Y-lmctlJ9mk6Pn8QZUtHFVW3/s640/blogger-image--1735728775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrCqByUDgK15IsR8WSMwk4h_QC47IIOCO8-WZIUrh-KEpWiNQntg5jfAVRUvcRKIjoLtlb9X9C5aYE_b6LoLoaU4ZT8UzFYygyTh0FO7rV4ScBjRQlxq8Y-lmctlJ9mk6Pn8QZUtHFVW3/s640/blogger-image--1735728775.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNmTA7GFglv_Bb3bVW4CDisitg-Ao5FS_EJDOicxcmFAwNue3y1rUuRM0aQJG3gmqy3OlXJ_LqtfaDIzJXiouWN55LdwPFQikAjazpy04PcCcsc6FaU1i0GOJV4hTrGDjTGCbTeEIHnjG/s640/blogger-image--7775891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNmTA7GFglv_Bb3bVW4CDisitg-Ao5FS_EJDOicxcmFAwNue3y1rUuRM0aQJG3gmqy3OlXJ_LqtfaDIzJXiouWN55LdwPFQikAjazpy04PcCcsc6FaU1i0GOJV4hTrGDjTGCbTeEIHnjG/s640/blogger-image--7775891.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Great visits, great memories. Can't wait for more. </div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-89354573581435253902017-09-21T09:53:00.001-07:002017-09-27T03:45:03.863-07:00The Great Adventure of 2017 Part OneIf you've been following along here, you know that prior to the kidney transplant, we were tied to a dialysis center for about three years. The only travel we did was by car and if it was for more than a couple of days, Pat had to schedule dialysis along the way. The transplant meant we were free to roam and we began to make plans in June. Despite some low white count issues and some viruses popping up, Pat was cleared to leave the country. We left on Monday afternoon, Sept. 18, and arrived at our first stop in Iceland early the next morning. <div><br></div><div>Our first glimpse of Iceland from the air showed how barren it is. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwne0Dhb-ehEcTJ4SmsK_RKmA9fYGTBir91zBqlYGDlSwYB2c_Pb2cuH4cQ6ghaYCeKwzOBvkyKxzSyKYRrYYIbyqXE1IvqOOf3So89BmH7x4ujei6LYI2AvGdOE4zsOeObQrRmGhuFWTe/s640/blogger-image--1275952800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwne0Dhb-ehEcTJ4SmsK_RKmA9fYGTBir91zBqlYGDlSwYB2c_Pb2cuH4cQ6ghaYCeKwzOBvkyKxzSyKYRrYYIbyqXE1IvqOOf3So89BmH7x4ujei6LYI2AvGdOE4zsOeObQrRmGhuFWTe/s640/blogger-image--1275952800.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We tried to stay up all day and only ended up taking a couple of short, inadvertent naps. We were lucky and got to check into our hotel room when we got there at 9 am so had a home base. We first walked back to a little deli we had seen from the bus and had a couple of pastries and coffee. Then we walked down to the waterfront to a statue called Sun Voyager, which may resemble a Viking ship but in fact is a dream boat and ode to the sun, sculpted by Jon Gunnar Arnason. Mount Esja barely peeks through the clouds across the water. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuV6kFW-0_j9hQwiOotKmpuPrwzk0HhGhafWvz4vx-_ZGobWzrEd1MRv6jsy_wRFhN_Zm8zQ1V5qWOT26cndMtCSiL0f9_FLQ3fHwgFOKHgVVS7ZFTVAF9-smmvQ8eWNi1ZAJV6XDdGGh/s640/blogger-image--1849201040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuV6kFW-0_j9hQwiOotKmpuPrwzk0HhGhafWvz4vx-_ZGobWzrEd1MRv6jsy_wRFhN_Zm8zQ1V5qWOT26cndMtCSiL0f9_FLQ3fHwgFOKHgVVS7ZFTVAF9-smmvQ8eWNi1ZAJV6XDdGGh/s640/blogger-image--1849201040.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After the first foray out, I think we went back and rested, then took a longer walk and visited the Asmundur Sveinsson sculpture gallery and then an art gallery. The sculpture gallery was housed in the artist's former home and studio, which he had also designed and built. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPyxm68PSDdfL9cHRj_rdPtruSqEO4ngRbHuT2ij9kuSEbJRbZKVJZzw9gJkKWhUDm07qeY-Hf_KaWFYOntgRXF8ZbGyOB4hX3ccy37WT_5VfR6ydF-xxAiQ77ppHdbD849TQZp4ptlDD/s640/blogger-image--1857435117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPyxm68PSDdfL9cHRj_rdPtruSqEO4ngRbHuT2ij9kuSEbJRbZKVJZzw9gJkKWhUDm07qeY-Hf_KaWFYOntgRXF8ZbGyOB4hX3ccy37WT_5VfR6ydF-xxAiQ77ppHdbD849TQZp4ptlDD/s640/blogger-image--1857435117.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4kjEaQjSjOg9dHHsoqP2ZlIjghyphenhyphen4pN-jD4bVOAWf_uLCKj4VayaS7qy5AnWW5H1JFwmC7OL0rYexWQ3XdTUQR7-Z7_REnhsXruW3VQd3Bq142MV2m2zlDHLk9TTXyzh4FVXGjORFC661/s640/blogger-image-1089180284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4kjEaQjSjOg9dHHsoqP2ZlIjghyphenhyphen4pN-jD4bVOAWf_uLCKj4VayaS7qy5AnWW5H1JFwmC7OL0rYexWQ3XdTUQR7-Z7_REnhsXruW3VQd3Bq142MV2m2zlDHLk9TTXyzh4FVXGjORFC661/s640/blogger-image-1089180284.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">names of places and streets were often incomprehensible, which made it challenging trying to read the map to get anywhere. </span></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mw1QC4UtGV-CywwBBWAxTalrIGkiXhOwEBcMKV_CIIRyHj9OLwaEJmRRKnJiCNG2Wd3q5pTYI4Y86festFY3WcKMcE1ChR_SgZzRp9x0rd_irkUliAbi-f-uInBrlj4NYz_OJ6_sOZuG/s640/blogger-image--132819895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mw1QC4UtGV-CywwBBWAxTalrIGkiXhOwEBcMKV_CIIRyHj9OLwaEJmRRKnJiCNG2Wd3q5pTYI4Y86festFY3WcKMcE1ChR_SgZzRp9x0rd_irkUliAbi-f-uInBrlj4NYz_OJ6_sOZuG/s640/blogger-image--132819895.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There's a lot of graffiti and street art here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVnUTUjS_kgW4TXlt4ok5vLb7b5TSixTBhsJtNSMy5ltMHUBdw74L2wMktXHcx34IIoXI5W3K5pnN875ijWCXqxop9rHq78mER1aFGKCeH-7Xq8y7dXAMPC3hijZRc0nNpeJeAU4ajocB/s640/blogger-image-1718517217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVnUTUjS_kgW4TXlt4ok5vLb7b5TSixTBhsJtNSMy5ltMHUBdw74L2wMktXHcx34IIoXI5W3K5pnN875ijWCXqxop9rHq78mER1aFGKCeH-7Xq8y7dXAMPC3hijZRc0nNpeJeAU4ajocB/s640/blogger-image-1718517217.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The neighborhoods are charming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5Xl8cAQ1dMj9YlXV-WIPpLkED1FQw-LwYzhCLeG_SiBM9d-CkBLnWZW7lk-_I6iHYfVaoFLbCrSfuuitJcu8kZBt6_5VLeJKdGzTt71ccTlB2JMtL2peihrovn0-thgmRU_Yc9PmGxUq/s640/blogger-image--791900512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5Xl8cAQ1dMj9YlXV-WIPpLkED1FQw-LwYzhCLeG_SiBM9d-CkBLnWZW7lk-_I6iHYfVaoFLbCrSfuuitJcu8kZBt6_5VLeJKdGzTt71ccTlB2JMtL2peihrovn0-thgmRU_Yc9PmGxUq/s640/blogger-image--791900512.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More tomorrow - we went on a whole day tour in the rain and saw some awesome things. </div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-63671454443601255842017-08-31T18:12:00.000-07:002017-08-31T18:12:03.800-07:00Seven Months, going on EightOur seven month-iversary passed with no fanfare, which is good, since it means that nothing much was going wrong. My doctor was concerned with my electrolyte balance, so she had me check that a couple of times and start drinking a supplement which is supposed to replenish electrolytes lost due to exercise. I guess you do sweat during swimming but I don't know if that's the reason they're a little out of balance. I made Pat take my lab report to the nephrologist who is the head of the transplant program at the UW and he thought everything looked fine for this stage. I will take him at his word for the expert that he is and go on my merry way until the one year checkup in January.<br />
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In family news, we had a visit from Mr. Hollywood and his GF earlier in the month. It was so good to see them and, of course, the visit was much too short. When they weren't sightseeing or entertaining, this was their favorite spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZMopLvUNugbfeDjnN75w4w7olzzGipd04hwqjhLLnon88vbKOyTyAGCOVRkLSdRyKXj-qZ69GQnloxALV8uGDnkzZdU3mTMkmOxDoqMMQwBBoYq1ZakUnZS2_b_ZaHlUriVEF6IlYLDp/s1600/IMG_9627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZMopLvUNugbfeDjnN75w4w7olzzGipd04hwqjhLLnon88vbKOyTyAGCOVRkLSdRyKXj-qZ69GQnloxALV8uGDnkzZdU3mTMkmOxDoqMMQwBBoYq1ZakUnZS2_b_ZaHlUriVEF6IlYLDp/s320/IMG_9627.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So what else have I been doing? Knitting, of course. I've been working on some handspun socks, which are getting close to being finished. Since I last posted, I made a pullover sweater, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brickyard">Brickyard</a>, which I don't think looks as good on me as it does on the people wearing it on the pattern page, but oh well. I used Wollmeise Blend for the first time in the Moses colorway. I had lusted after this color for years and had the chance to buy it some months ago. It's as beautiful as I thought it would be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoYIC4LzerTCQFdJIdNJ7OGs1cpXBZuVZwtbpdqQNYUSK5GsX1FfGI1kdMbPZzH-1jX0g49yIjhi23OuhI1BVZt1a5S9yALMiQ8ASo1hobmSaC-0KeRNqJYuG_qRiuU3Wy8uYBEjvVr7D/s1600/IMG_9766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoYIC4LzerTCQFdJIdNJ7OGs1cpXBZuVZwtbpdqQNYUSK5GsX1FfGI1kdMbPZzH-1jX0g49yIjhi23OuhI1BVZt1a5S9yALMiQ8ASo1hobmSaC-0KeRNqJYuG_qRiuU3Wy8uYBEjvVr7D/s320/IMG_9766.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rBH-8YwWDTXQdw5vGaJ63BGtlXGlRBZVX_QvXrw1V3-PW7VcqyBsaFKblmaJHDDrdLiAle3EBg9Adn348aHVOSOptnC42rKfcfTDydYCwWE5vJbivbAFJPFla-2d5JD3VnQt6OfYqI2K/s1600/IMG_9765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rBH-8YwWDTXQdw5vGaJ63BGtlXGlRBZVX_QvXrw1V3-PW7VcqyBsaFKblmaJHDDrdLiAle3EBg9Adn348aHVOSOptnC42rKfcfTDydYCwWE5vJbivbAFJPFla-2d5JD3VnQt6OfYqI2K/s320/IMG_9765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also made two hats, one from handspun falkland from Into The Whirled<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIcic0IbS4aKtbN5xsQoKk6eFH_WLdRQob13k3vcnxetoUm8-FjEz8E8vemqZn_HZ0gUwNsmOv5ifw-LUlD5cCuUznKdHxkhr8d7x6XNYNosbPkH6fGWxwTLs1C0FPdeDnTYeNMBh78UR/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIcic0IbS4aKtbN5xsQoKk6eFH_WLdRQob13k3vcnxetoUm8-FjEz8E8vemqZn_HZ0gUwNsmOv5ifw-LUlD5cCuUznKdHxkhr8d7x6XNYNosbPkH6fGWxwTLs1C0FPdeDnTYeNMBh78UR/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and one from Cascade 220 superwash.<br />
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They are both <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/malabrigo-head-thingie">Malabrigo Head Thingies</a>, which I find to be a hat that is easy to make and will fit most people. <br />
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I made the hats for Pat and me because we are finally getting to go on a trip! Labs have been good enough that the doctors gave permission for a month's absence, so on Sept. 18th we fly to Iceland for a few days, then on to Scotland and England for the remainder of a month. We're going to try to do a northern lights tour in Iceland, which is where I thought we might need hats. I'm sure whatever type of clothing we bring, it will be not enough of what we need. We are going expecting cool and rainy weather but, just like here in Seattle, you never know. Whatever happens, I know we'll have a good time and I'll keep a travelog here and on Instagram, updating when we have WiFi. I've been obsessively checking each hotel we consider for the presence of WiFi in the rooms, so think we should be ok. 😏<br />
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In the latest chapter of Crazy Athletic Things I Decide to Do, I swam across Lake Washington last Sunday with about 400 other people. For those who don't know, Lake Washington is the largest lake in King County and the second largest natural lake in the state of Washington. Compared to Lake Wilderness where we live and I swim, Lake Washington is a sea and Lake Wilderness is a pond. We have only electric motors on our lake, Lake Washington has ski boats, tugboats, seaplanes and industrial barges. The longest and second longest floating bridges in the world cross it. It's pretty big. And very pretty.<br />
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Always a sucker for a good cause, I signed up for the Park to Park swim benefitting Seattle Children's Hospital. The distance from the park in Seattle to the park on the east side of the lake in Kirkland was 1.3 miles. I had swum that distance a few times here at my little lake. That distance involves me going from one end to the other and then swimming back and forth a little bit until my Apple Watch tells me I've gone far enough. I knew I could swim that far.<br />
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The difference, though, was major. Even though we had a nice, calm morning for our swim, waves on a lake that big are constant. Add a few hundred swimmers, support craft including a few big police boats to watch for unobservant boaters threatening to zoom through the line of buoys and swimmers, and you have significant chop. <br />
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I made it, though, and it only took me a few minutes longer than I thought it would. I'm a slow swimmer at best and so being able to arrive on the far shore ahead of about 40 other people was icing on my cake. Will I do it again next year? Don't know. Maybe if I forget about how much water went up my nose....<br />
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Stay tuned for more exciting happenings and travel adventure. Enjoy the labor day weekend here in the states and I'll be back soon.<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-34597780144401125162017-07-18T13:21:00.000-07:002017-07-18T13:21:04.286-07:00Six Month Check UpPat and I had our six month checkup yesterday and our partners, Steve and Janis, had theirs on July 13th. They come a much longer way than we do to get to the UW Medical Center, so we drove in and met them for lunch last Thursday. It's so gratifying to get to "see" my former kidney in a healthy, grateful recipient. We had a nice lunch and caught up on all the details.<br />
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Our checkups went well, Pat has to have labs once a week for awhile to follow up on a white cell problem that hasn't been fully managed yet. He apparently has a pretty strong immune system and while that is usually good, in this case, it can cause problems when the anti-rejection medication is too high in an effort to keep viruses, etc. at bay and pushes his white count so low that he's unable to fight off any stray germ and that's dangerous. The chemistry and balancing act is amazingly sophisticated and I wonder how people who received transplants years ago managed. <br />
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Anyway, he is doing well and the good news is that he got permission for us to travel out of the country this fall! So planning will be full steam ahead now. We already purchased airfare and plan to fly to Iceland in mid-September, stay there three days and then continue to Glasgow. We don't have exact plans made yet but will probably stay in Scotland a week or so, definitely visiting Edinburgh and then take the train down into England. We'll spend the rest of the month visiting areas of England that we haven't been to before, probably the lake district, Cornwall, possibly Bath and Oxford and end up in London to fly home in mid-October. It should be a grand time.<br />
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My checkup was also fine but, critical person that I am, I managed to convince myself that I'm not where I should be. My creatinine was 1.04, which is actually higher than it was two weeks after surgery. Now this can be due to the exercise that I'm doing, as creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and intense exercise can increase muscle breakdown. However, I don't know if my slow swimming is intense exercise and I was disappointed in the result. The nurse practitioner who went over the labs, however, was not concerned and informed me that my kidney function was about 77% of previous, when I had two kidneys. I guess that is good news but I was hoping for quicker recovery back to a higher number.<br />
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While I'm certainly not a high level athlete, I do expect my body to do what I want it to and to respond quickly and successfully. I know this kidney stuff is somewhat out of my control except for the requirement that I follow the dietary, fluid intake, and medication restrictions that I've been given. I feel fine, can pretty much do whatever I want to, and enabled another human being to live a healthy life. Not bad for a 64 year old "old lady!"<br />
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I finished some more spinning: 203 yards of Organic Wool from Southern Cross Fibre. It came out really nicely.<br />
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I also finished the Russell Street Shawl, although the ends aren't all woven in yet. I wanted to lay it out and see how I liked it, as I really miscalculated the yardage I would need for my main color and ran out way before the end. I decided to take some more scraps and make a few larger stripes and I really like how it looks. Hooray for improvisation!<br />
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I also made some raspberry freezer jam. Yum!<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-26261691487742119642017-07-09T11:39:00.000-07:002017-07-09T11:39:12.836-07:00Six Months Snuck Up on UsJuly 4th was six months post surgery. As we were visiting with my sister and brother-in-law and waiting for nightfall and fireworks, Pat realized what the date was and what it meant. I guess it's good that we feel so relatively normal that we're not counting down the days! <br />
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Things have been going well in general. Pat had another problem with low white count but a medication adjustment, a shot, and a few days put him back into the safe range again. Other than that and still feeling like going to sleep at 8:30, we're good. The champagne was a celebratory prop; we don't really drink any more. 😉<br />
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Our six month check up will be on July 17th, so I'll report on that in a couple of weeks. Steve and Janis (our exchange partners) have their check ups on the 13th and we're going to meet them for lunch that day. It will be nice to catch up and get eyes on our respective former kidneys!<br />
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In other news, I finished my Kimba Shawl and think it's beautiful. I really like how the colors work in it.<br />
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I haven't finished Russel Street yet, but it's getting close. The remaining yarn ball is also getting small, but I have a plan in case I run out before the final mini stripes are done. Yarn chicken....<br />
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It's Tour de Fleece again - a spinning event that runs during the Tour de France. I've been spinning and managed to get two skeins of yarn done so far.<br />
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This one is Polwarth/Silk from Edgewood Garden Studios, spun on my Hansen miniSpinner and chain plyed on my Lendrum.</div>
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This is South African Superfine wool from Southern Cross Fibre and it was spun and plyed on the Lendrum.</div>
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I started knitting a sock yesterday out of handspun superwash Blueface wool and nylon from Gale's Art that I spun last year and three plyed during Spinzilla. They'll be thick and nice for wearing around the house when it gets cooler.</div>
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I spent some time with my wheels outside the past week or so. I like to take my Lendrum out onto the upper deck and my miniSpinner goes out to the patio below onto the table or lounge. Such a luxury to have options! And I never tire of my lake view. </div>
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Last night's full moon was especially spectacular. I wish I could take better photos!</div>
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Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-90283012852753436882017-06-04T16:05:00.000-07:002017-06-04T16:42:01.816-07:00Five Months!When last we checked, I was happily settled in the warm weather, swimming and toasting my backside. There was knitting being done and I actually finished the brioche shawl and the gradient one. Unfortunately, I didn't have room in my suitcase to bring them home, so they remain in the desert. They both came out nicely, despite my ineptness at the brioche section of the first shawl. The brioche itself isn't hard but I couldn't quite get the ends of the rows done right. It looked okay in the end, though.<br />
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I'm still working on Russell Street, and it's progressing nicely through the colorful mini skeins. There are going to be a whole bunch of ends to weave in, and lots of picking up of stitches. Hopefully it will be worth it in the end.<br />
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I started another shawl, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kimba-2">Kimba</a>, by Ambah O'Brien. She had a coupon code for some of her patterns so I bought a few. I'm doing the small size of this one as I'm not a fan of huge shawls usually. I like this first color a lot and it will progress into two more colors as it grows.<br />
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I decided to bring out my spinning wheel for a change of pace when it got too hot to do much of anything outside. I spun a big braid of JulieSpins Falkland. I didn't have any big bobbins for my Lendrum wheel so I had to make two sections, which I then plied together into one big hank of yarn.<br />
I had a couple of interested visitors, Mr. and Ms. Hollywood, who each tried their hand at some spinning. They decided it was harder than it looked! We had a nice visit over the Memorial Day weekend, which was right before I returned to Washington.<br />
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Now to the physical fitness news. I mentioned last time that I was training to do the swimming in a triathlon here at our lake. If you're a long time reader, you might remember that I did the whole sprint distance triathlon two years ago and ran the 5K last year. This time I teamed up with my sister-in-law and her husband and we did the Olympic distance. I swam a little less than a mile, Joel rode almost 28 miles on his bike and Julie ran 6.3 miles. We had fun, we finished, we didn't set any speed records. I'm almost the slowest swimmer in the world but I wasn't last!! That was awesome. I start out slow so didn't have too much trouble dealing with the crowd of other swimmers, since they were far ahead of me in no time. I was fast enough to get the first leg over before the sprint swimmers came up and overtook me, so that was good. I settled into my rhythm and breathing and didn't have to breaststroke the whole way so that was also good. The medals were much better this year, too!<br />
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One of my training mornings. Yes, that water was cold but my wetsuit was awesome and kept me plenty warm, even though my arms and legs were exposed.<br />
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Right after I finished my swim and turned the timing chip over to Joel.<br />
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Joel finishing up his bike ride and hurrying into the transition area to give Julie the timing chip.<br />
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Julie coming in strongly from her run.<br />
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The Team!</div>
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Pat and I continue to feel well and, aside from an evening or two when I felt like going to bed at 8:30, I've regained my energy. A very good month!<br />
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Oh, and I almost forgot (again! 😳) We celebrated our 21st anniversary on Friday. How time flies!<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-56539789267041920242017-05-08T12:02:00.003-07:002017-05-08T12:02:53.693-07:00Four Months, Four Days, and All is WellMay the 4th (be with you) was four months post surgery. Too bad we weren't in Vegas...lucky number 4 for sure! Anyway, there isn't much to report on the health front, which is good. Pat and I are in Palm Desert for a little break from the rain. He came down ahead of me and I came a few days after returning from our awesome spa trip. We've been walking a lot and enjoying the fact that we can be outside without coats on. <br />
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We've had some crazy weather here just as the rest of the country has, though. There were seasonal temps when I got here (high 80s and 90s), then four or so days of highs up to 106, then a day of rain that didn't get up to 70. Things should be going back to normal now for awhile but you never know. There was snow in the mountains this morning, which I would have to say is extremely rare for Palm Springs in May.<br />
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I jumped back into my beloved exercise class right away and so far I've been able to keep up fine. In addition to that, I've been going to the community center pool and swimming on the off days. I can still swim a mile, folks, so it looks like things are on track for the <a href="https://www.lakewildernesstriathlon.com/">Lake Wilderness Triathlon</a> relay that I have planned to do with my sister-in-law and her husband as the rest of my team. We're going to do the Olympic distance, which means I'll have to swim 0.9 miles in the lake, which will be a darn sight colder than the pool here in the desert. I have my shortie wetsuit and hopefully that will be enough to keep me warmish. We'll see....there never seems to be an end to the things I decide to challenge myself with. 😏 Keeps me from getting old!<br />
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Other than that, some knitting has been getting done. I'm working on two shawls, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/LaurieB/all-about-that-brioche">All About That Brioche</a><br />
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and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/LaurieB/good-to-the-last-drop-3-easy-side-to-side-shawls">Good to the Last Drop</a>. <br />
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Then, since that wasn't enough, I decided to start another one today since I get bored easily. I went through my stash here and picked out some mini skeins and a nice dark skein of Plucky Feet for the main color and will cast on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/LaurieB/russell-street">Russell Street</a>.<br />
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One of these will be my airplane knitting on the way home at the end of the month.<br />
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Yesterday was the cool and rainy day so after a nice long walk in the morning, we settled down for some time at home. I've been working on a blanket here and up until yesterday it was too hot to work on it, since it's getting pretty big. Yesterday was perfect to have a wool blanket on my lap!<br />
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Oh, a cool thing we saw...we were driving up to our condo the other day and saw a Sharp Shinned Hawk at the edge of the driveway getting a drink of water from the puddle that forms there from sprinkler runoff. Photos are from the car and we didn't want to get too close, but he shows up pretty well. He lives in one of the big trees near our place and usually makes his presence known with his squeaky call and large droppings on the patio and umbrella!<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-5050072841464392442017-04-26T10:35:00.000-07:002017-04-26T10:35:00.466-07:00Sixth Hike and We're Done<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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As always, coming to the end of a stay at our beloved Green Valley Spa is always hard. This time it was especially so, since we don't know what the future will bring. Under new management, our destination spa is changing and we don't know how things will shake out. We were able to cobble together our usual complete package and the accommodations, treatments, food, and hikes were pretty much the same as always but lack of guests and the rumblings of renovations were a worry. We will watch to see what happens and know that our hiking guide friends should always be around to walk us and entertain us through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/greenvalleyhiking/">Green Valley Hiking</a> no matter where we might end up staying. The grounds, and especially the many roses, are a big part of why we love it.</div>
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Our last hike was with Kim and was a good one. We went out along a road in Snow Canyon Park and then up into Padre Canyon when we said that we wanted a little more hike than walk. The scenery was beautiful as always and we used some of Marc's techniques learned earlier.</div>
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I remembered to use my arms to support some of my body weight to keep me out of the water.<br />
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My sister put too much weight on her foot and slippage occurred!</div>
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Hopefully this isn't the end of an era. The trip this year was to celebrate my recovery from the kidney donation surgery and to thank my wonderful sister and daughter for their good care. Next year will be our regularly scheduled spa year due to a major birthday with a large number attached. We will see what the year brings and where our adventure takes us. <br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-30870001113141711822017-04-26T10:03:00.000-07:002017-04-26T10:05:41.140-07:00Day Five Hike<div>
This time we hiked with Marc, who is a wealth of information, entertainment, and technical advice. As he leads, he shows us alternative ways to approach whatever terrain is ahead. Here he leads my sister up a stone incline, no doubt explaining the proper foot placement and the value of walking on the toes. When we come to a downhill section, he will show us how to go backwards to minimize slipping and also how to place feet and use hands to increase confidence and stability. While in many cases just walking normally would work, being aware of other techniques is very helpful and getting used to using your body in different ways and calling arm and core muscles into play can really make a difference in confidence. I always learn a lot from Marc. Plus, he loves my hand knit hats and I was able to increase his supply this time! Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo.<br />
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The desert plant were blooming like crazy this time. </div>
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This is indigo, which is so much darker and richer in color than what is captured here.</div>
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We were really up on top of a big rock but it looks like we're just sitting on the ground.<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-67849238297535041432017-04-26T09:52:00.000-07:002017-04-26T09:52:00.867-07:00Day Four and Back on Track<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This was the day of the petroglyphs. We've been on this hike before, but it's always so interesting to see these ancient carvings. What do they mean? They could mean anything..."expert" interpretations are probably no more accurate than our guesses. Everyone seems to see something different but it's fun to speculate. This was our first day without our Princess, who had to go back to work, and we missed her a lot!</div>
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Our intrepid guide, Kim, pointed out some interesting things he noticed in the drawings. If you're in southern Utah and in need of hiking guides, check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/greenvalleyhiking/">Green Valley Hiking</a>. They're on Facebook now but are working on their website. All the guides are personable and very knowledgeable about the area and are now no longer formally attached to the spa but have a separate company. We love them! </div>
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-63596715252993991742017-04-21T16:18:00.001-07:002017-04-22T20:27:22.294-07:00Day Three and Feeling Fine<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our third hike was a good one; not as strenuous as the previous day's. There was some uphill climbing but not too much. We had to walk through quite a bit of sand, though, and that makes for sore legs the next day. We saw more beautiful views; the colors and rock formations never cease to amaze. It's so different here from what I'm used to in the northwest and also in the California desert. We got to see the butterfly rock again and that's always a treat. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH4ec3q4zA1ak-GqMMiawUMJctcvEgd8M1a-NKsx0mRs7ASoyKZzdd4pjmGtzYONXzxPb959hK6SdoRct55G16sLR2PAQkDZRc-cMOw-xjyGkX2Ym_iY2bazJG4nFXwQMjj7K7VCHfWf6/s640/blogger-image-720629638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH4ec3q4zA1ak-GqMMiawUMJctcvEgd8M1a-NKsx0mRs7ASoyKZzdd4pjmGtzYONXzxPb959hK6SdoRct55G16sLR2PAQkDZRc-cMOw-xjyGkX2Ym_iY2bazJG4nFXwQMjj7K7VCHfWf6/s640/blogger-image-720629638.jpg"></a></font></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; 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background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><br></div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-66837988727401208372017-04-21T14:37:00.001-07:002017-04-22T20:41:49.331-07:00Second Day Hike and I'm not so Cocky AnymoreWe've been here to the Green Valley Spa and Resort in St. George, UT several times and many of the hikes are repeats for us. Nevertheless, there is always something new to see and experience. This hike to Scout's Cave in Snow Canyon State Park is always a favorite but yesterday it kicked my butt. I know I'm just barely three months post surgery, but I was feeling pretty cocky about how much energy I had regained. Sure, I can walk 5 flat miles at home without having to rush to take a nap, but somehow 4+ miles of up and down (mostly up!) in high desert altitude is different. Imagine that! My pounding heart, shortness of breath and slow walking made me realize that I'm not quite back yet but I'm very grateful to still be able to do this, even at a slower pace. But look out next time!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFlJB83ztCR7zzLQH4w8mevadWZAmIBfpKZs-t2USosxnsW97F4BIod9WqDwz4PNCaKHe4K0-MKnhO-khCm4uhEf_UxHTPOyMWVFZb0v872A_2vSmqcSUgoeODsq7oT4wvfGcvTwpF6nu/s640/blogger-image-1975495228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFlJB83ztCR7zzLQH4w8mevadWZAmIBfpKZs-t2USosxnsW97F4BIod9WqDwz4PNCaKHe4K0-MKnhO-khCm4uhEf_UxHTPOyMWVFZb0v872A_2vSmqcSUgoeODsq7oT4wvfGcvTwpF6nu/s640/blogger-image-1975495228.jpg"></a></div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4PLSnMugJ0dcTp5Ehj_O05UUuxpuNSueth9IgrFI1i2w_2UzVYLfgLEgaKUbP0PVPpAIo1UtXfOvsthnmj3SCnkSklSpD5DCyCJ2HGVj2kZYRpTHS84k35PbVbQvFKDJ7LwYKuPk74au/s640/blogger-image--870311577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4PLSnMugJ0dcTp5Ehj_O05UUuxpuNSueth9IgrFI1i2w_2UzVYLfgLEgaKUbP0PVPpAIo1UtXfOvsthnmj3SCnkSklSpD5DCyCJ2HGVj2kZYRpTHS84k35PbVbQvFKDJ7LwYKuPk74au/s640/blogger-image--870311577.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0sSsGbZrnpUhFGmJ3hJSFV05r_AUdiAbu5EpVukui70kDD6CanZsV17smRCE45e5enIudKljmGYocQRRKgtS7Qv39en5eoDzosZXLjXlegChcAf13B2eTS5mbip2B6GfR8EBjzTOdejH/s640/blogger-image-989697425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0sSsGbZrnpUhFGmJ3hJSFV05r_AUdiAbu5EpVukui70kDD6CanZsV17smRCE45e5enIudKljmGYocQRRKgtS7Qv39en5eoDzosZXLjXlegChcAf13B2eTS5mbip2B6GfR8EBjzTOdejH/s640/blogger-image-989697425.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6ZyIt4oeY2t6FlHuprG-NEs7RfsDxaxVrUUw0Q9UiIwfQki1FF_X9QgvYQlvROoZwVxtWPt4YxbjHxtaoaW1fH1x0Q7O-0sq74XzAow12L6DkuqT5cVIuCz2QzCW8VY7gPGzHXXMns4-/s640/blogger-image-1562715069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6ZyIt4oeY2t6FlHuprG-NEs7RfsDxaxVrUUw0Q9UiIwfQki1FF_X9QgvYQlvROoZwVxtWPt4YxbjHxtaoaW1fH1x0Q7O-0sq74XzAow12L6DkuqT5cVIuCz2QzCW8VY7gPGzHXXMns4-/s640/blogger-image-1562715069.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZdFyZDYElmc2HIuN3xPF1AlUyTuMjLsH2J-vIqo6bPh2LXLPr9VX8RCIM57nFInJCNZL9S0KGXUxOKCsASMTppY6ffgm_FAILQfClhmBFY6816xKtNe4KhUL7KDvtElexryuBeVb7_it/s640/blogger-image-395294597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZdFyZDYElmc2HIuN3xPF1AlUyTuMjLsH2J-vIqo6bPh2LXLPr9VX8RCIM57nFInJCNZL9S0KGXUxOKCsASMTppY6ffgm_FAILQfClhmBFY6816xKtNe4KhUL7KDvtElexryuBeVb7_it/s640/blogger-image-395294597.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yx6U00Sr-MFvVWBO7EouexUP0G8g5Ed2wcrNucyzNAUFMt2lZdmXvHJG8hYTdPdyrl3sG1GhzQLNZnl3kGZwmS_D7nEmxnh4yhOHtha34Qfp-DWdyVXpgK7mzJUhAnK6zQuv48SSJE3u/s640/blogger-image--1250366760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yx6U00Sr-MFvVWBO7EouexUP0G8g5Ed2wcrNucyzNAUFMt2lZdmXvHJG8hYTdPdyrl3sG1GhzQLNZnl3kGZwmS_D7nEmxnh4yhOHtha34Qfp-DWdyVXpgK7mzJUhAnK6zQuv48SSJE3u/s640/blogger-image--1250366760.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-82704272911323685362017-04-19T14:14:00.000-07:002017-04-19T14:26:38.085-07:00What a Difference a Day Makes!Yesterday - Seattle, WA<br>
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Today - St. George, Utah</div>
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No comparison! 😎</div>
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Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7422343306001922120.post-70430634439078538612017-04-06T15:16:00.001-07:002017-04-07T12:17:25.574-07:00Three Months and the Long Awaited Meet Up!On Tuesday, April 4th, we were three months post surgery. The doctors and/or kidney exchange officials have a rule that no contact between transplant exchange partners (donor and recipient) can be made prior to 90 days. Even though all four of us were doing well and had given prior permission, we had to wait for that time to pass. Finally the day was here!<br />
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Facilitated by the University of Washington's public information editor, a television interview was scheduled to document the event. This was the first time two transplants had been done in the UW hospital at the same time with organs donated by living local donors. Publicizing the program and the event will hopefully bring awareness of the great work being done at our university's transplant program and also encourage more living donation. (I just typed loving donation accidentally but that's a pretty accurate description of it, too. 😊)<br />
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Our meeting was set to take place at the UW research facility at South Lake Union. Pat and I arrived a little bit early and were met and put into a conference room after going through a dark walkway. There was to be no catching sight of the other pair! They were in another room being interviewed by the TV crew (Matt Lorch of Q13 news in the Seattle area) and his photographer, Marc LeCuyer. When they finished, it was our turn. We were asked a lot of questions and given an opportunity to explain the circumstances leading up to the double transplant exchange. After that, we were taken into a room where Steve and Janis were waiting. I was nervous, but seeing their smiling faces waiting for us was so reassuring and I headed right to Janis for a hug. <br />
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We visited for a few minutes and Steve (my recipient) gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. <br />
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The cameras rolled as they caught our initial reactions to each other and as we talked to the doctors who were there and looked at the poster sized photos of Janis' kidney being removed and readied to be placed into Pat. Amazing!<br />
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After all the tv stuff was finished, we continued to chat to each other and eventually decided to continue our conversation over lunch. We live about an hour south of town and Steve and Janis live a couple of hours north of town, so getting some nourishment before heading back out onto the road was a good idea! Janis' lovely daughter Taylor was along for the morning and we enjoyed getting to know her, too. <br />
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During these conversations, we discovered some amazing coincidences between us.<br />
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*Janis drives a Volvo S40 and we also have one.<br />
*Janis had thyroid surgery to remove part of her thyroid gland and I had surgery to remove all of mine.<br />
*I have been doing yoga for 16 years and love it. Janis recently started practicing.<br />
*Taylor said "You both have the same pants on". Good observation - they looked identical.<br />
*Janis mentioned that her health testing took longer to complete because the doctors had noticed a cyst on her right kidney and she had to have an extra ultrasound. I had the same thing! Usually left kidneys are removed for donation since they are easier to reach but we both gave up the right one.<br />
*Janis works in the Costco bakery and I've eaten my share of bagels and muffins from there!<br />
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Our meeting was wonderful and couldn't have gone better, in my opinion. Steve and Pat shared dialysis experiences and surgery/recovery stories. Janis and I had a lot to share about the process of being approved for surgery, the excitement of finding out that there was another couple in the area that were perfect matches, and our recovery experiences. I recovered much easier and quicker than she did, due to the placement of my incision and I'm sorry she had more problems and pain. But I thank my Dr. Baktha for his excellent work and my great outcome. <br />
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Then we had the fun of watching our story (maybe more than once 😉) on the local tv news. It's always amazing when you see a couple of hours of interview footage condensed to a four minute story but they did some nice editing and I think it turned out well and got the word out about the University of Washington's wonderful transplant program and also the possibility of living donation. I don't think that many people think about living donors unless the opportunity hits them right in the face, but altruistic donors are saving lives of strangers every day. PSA: take care of your body and your health in case some day the opportunity arises for you to share. Drink lots of water for kidney health! And the lesson for the transplant recipients is "Live like your donor is watching." In this case, I keep an eye on Janis' former kidney (named Wilson) and she can keep an eye on mine (unnamed by me but Steve has my blessing to name it!) <br />
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Here is the story kindly provided to me for download by the folks at KCPQ Channel 13 in Seattle. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Knittinggardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703304713115152486noreply@blogger.com1