Two birthdays today Fiona and Willow, as we farewelled this jewel in the crown of London with its green walks and many parks.
Showers overnight and cooler as we head to Hampton Court. The rain got heavier and as we arrived we were told it was only a car park not suitable for large vehicles and the man on the gate suggested we try the train station. We drove round the corner but that car park had a barrier arm, there was a coach park but it was £15......the joys of motorhomeing. Had a coffee to see if the rain eased but it got heavier, so we decided to give it a miss and to continue on.
The sat nav and the map couldn't agree so we ended up going the long way towards Melton Mowbray to Northfield Farm at Oakham. We arrived just on closing but they let us into the shop and we bought some fresh pork chops, eggs, milk and 2 local Ales, Rutland Panther and Rutland Osprey, bit dear but parking overnight is free. The rain had stopped and it is dry here so fine for tonight's stop.
This site was in the Britstop book, no photo and the car park turns out to be more of a layby for cars to park when visiting the shop. However it was on a quiet, narrow, country road so fine for a free night.
Asian pork and vegetables for dinner washed down with local Rutland ales.
Wednesday, 30 August 2017
Tuesday, 29 August 2017
Tues 29 Aug 20° Dulwich House Sit
Our final day here, stripped the beds and washed the sheets and made the bed up for George so they dont have to do it when they return tonight.
Another great drying day and our last walk with Badger and Pickle.
After lunch moved everything back to Bessie, then cleaned the house ready for the family on their return.
Cooked a meal so Heidi didn't have to come back and start cooking.
Good handover, they had a terrific holiday sailing off Turkey so everyone had a great break, we had a lovely surprise they had bought us a yummy gift of real Turkish delight which we had a piece...or two.....with our cuppa back at Bessie.
Great house sit, lovely family we had a great time but now it's on to the next adventure.
Another great drying day and our last walk with Badger and Pickle.
After lunch moved everything back to Bessie, then cleaned the house ready for the family on their return.
Cooked a meal so Heidi didn't have to come back and start cooking.
Good handover, they had a terrific holiday sailing off Turkey so everyone had a great break, we had a lovely surprise they had bought us a yummy gift of real Turkish delight which we had a piece...or two.....with our cuppa back at Bessie.
Great house sit, lovely family we had a great time but now it's on to the next adventure.
Mon 28 Aug 22° Dulwich House Sit
Wow what another fantastic day got up 27°, the news said this was the hottest bank holiday on record........ washed the towels and they got dry very quickly.
On our walk today met Lyn and Brian again, another long chat. The park was very busy again today as you would expect on Bank Holiday.
After lunch walked to the shop for provisions for dinner tomorrow for the family's return, then to Bessie, put the gas on for the fridge to get cold to load up tomorrow for our departure.
Mushroom omelet ford dinner.
On our walk today met Lyn and Brian again, another long chat. The park was very busy again today as you would expect on Bank Holiday.
After lunch walked to the shop for provisions for dinner tomorrow for the family's return, then to Bessie, put the gas on for the fridge to get cold to load up tomorrow for our departure.
Mushroom omelet ford dinner.
Sunday, 27 August 2017
Sun 27 Aug 22° Dulwich House Sit
What a stunning day again today, lovely walk with the dogs, clear blue skies, it was incredible to watch the Gatwick flights overhead, criss crossing the sky, big ones, smaller ones, low ones and high ones all traveling on the invisible highway in the sky, amazing how they always manage to travel along with no accidents.
We moved Bessie again and gave her a bit of an airing. Came back and sat in the back garden on the comfy swing reading the Sunday paper, very relaxing afternoon.
Pork chops and roasting with mix veg for dinner.
We moved Bessie again and gave her a bit of an airing. Came back and sat in the back garden on the comfy swing reading the Sunday paper, very relaxing afternoon.
Pork chops and roasting with mix veg for dinner.
Sat 26 Aug 23° Dulwich House Sit
Woke to a warm sunny day again, we could definately get used to this, first long spell of good weather.
On our walk today it was very busy in both parks, with lots of people out enjoying the weekend weather, people walking, running, with dogs or children or playing sport.
Pickle and Badger very well behaved the whole way round it was a real pleasure.
After lunch we walked to Herne Hill to get some nibbles for tonight, Jenna and Alex coming for drinks before going out to dinner at local Turkish restaurant. Unfortunately the market is only on Sundays, but we're able to get want we wanted.
Enjoyed our pre dinner drinks and chat and walked to the restaurant, a bit of a laugh with the waiter, a very pleasant evening, good conversation and very tasty food, great to have the time together.
We walked back but Jenna had new shoes on and we walking a bit more than she had anticipated. Continued our evening at the house then they got an Uber taxi home.
They are off to see friends in Geneva next weekend, then Japan in October so we wont see them until Xmas in Portugal. Something to look forward to.
On our walk today it was very busy in both parks, with lots of people out enjoying the weekend weather, people walking, running, with dogs or children or playing sport.
Pickle and Badger very well behaved the whole way round it was a real pleasure.
After lunch we walked to Herne Hill to get some nibbles for tonight, Jenna and Alex coming for drinks before going out to dinner at local Turkish restaurant. Unfortunately the market is only on Sundays, but we're able to get want we wanted.
Enjoyed our pre dinner drinks and chat and walked to the restaurant, a bit of a laugh with the waiter, a very pleasant evening, good conversation and very tasty food, great to have the time together.
We walked back but Jenna had new shoes on and we walking a bit more than she had anticipated. Continued our evening at the house then they got an Uber taxi home.
They are off to see friends in Geneva next weekend, then Japan in October so we wont see them until Xmas in Portugal. Something to look forward to.
Fri 25 Aug 18° Dulwich House Sit
Another lovely day, after our walk put a wash on which should dry in this weather.
After lunch went to Bessie, took a few bits back and brought a couple back, another chilled out day with nowhere to drive to and nowhere to plot a course for, we are enjoying this time before we get back on the road next week., 23° at 4pm washing nice and dry.
Salmon and salad for dinner.
After lunch went to Bessie, took a few bits back and brought a couple back, another chilled out day with nowhere to drive to and nowhere to plot a course for, we are enjoying this time before we get back on the road next week., 23° at 4pm washing nice and dry.
Salmon and salad for dinner.
Friday, 25 August 2017
Thurs 24 Aug 19° Dulwich House Sit
After our morning walk with the dogs, we caught the no. 3 bus into Trafalgar Square, walked to Haymarket to NZ house to see if we could get voting papers, all changed from 40 odd years ago, no more NZ bits and pieces, not aloud in anymore, just a desk, the women behind who had terrible hair do and weird colour stripes gave us leaflet about voting. Not a very good impression for visitors looking into NZ., must be getting old.
Turns out we can print voting papers after 6th September for a postal vote, however as we will be touring Scotland looks like this will be the first election we will miss voting in. Never mind , we did try.
Walked to Covent Garden, walked and bus to the Old Bailey, not sitting at the moment and can't just go in for a look anyway, so bit dissapointing. So we walked the streets of London and got the bus back, called into the local pub Half Moon, had a well deserved pint in a very well designed garden bar, very warm pleasant evening.
Chicken, mushrooms and veg with potatoes for dinner.
Turns out we can print voting papers after 6th September for a postal vote, however as we will be touring Scotland looks like this will be the first election we will miss voting in. Never mind , we did try.
Walked to Covent Garden, walked and bus to the Old Bailey, not sitting at the moment and can't just go in for a look anyway, so bit dissapointing. So we walked the streets of London and got the bus back, called into the local pub Half Moon, had a well deserved pint in a very well designed garden bar, very warm pleasant evening.
Chicken, mushrooms and veg with potatoes for dinner.
Wed 23 Aug 20° Dulwich House Sit
Walked the dogs, met Lyn and Brian again, long chat, they were interested in our motorhome and travels.
There was a man waiting for us at back gate to the playing fields when we got back, asked us if he could have a copy of the key to the gate into Belair Park, told him Heidi had to negotiate to have access and to ask her about it when they get back next week.
Walked to sainsburys at Herne Hill to get a few bits, the bus stop was closed due to shop renovations so had to walk back loaded up, good weight exercise haha.
Relaxing afternoon, deleted 2 years of old emails to try to free up some space on my tablet. Tony mowed the lawns, not a very good fly mow, seemed to hack it, still better than it was. Tony has now mown lawns in Lincoln, Limerick and London.
There was a man waiting for us at back gate to the playing fields when we got back, asked us if he could have a copy of the key to the gate into Belair Park, told him Heidi had to negotiate to have access and to ask her about it when they get back next week.
Walked to sainsburys at Herne Hill to get a few bits, the bus stop was closed due to shop renovations so had to walk back loaded up, good weight exercise haha.
Relaxing afternoon, deleted 2 years of old emails to try to free up some space on my tablet. Tony mowed the lawns, not a very good fly mow, seemed to hack it, still better than it was. Tony has now mown lawns in Lincoln, Limerick and London.
Tues 22 Aug 19° Dulwich House Sit
Warm and steamy today for our walk with the dogs, they are a pleasure to walk and let run off lead, they have been very well trained, come when called, don't wander too far and are extremely good with other dogs.
Planning day today, looked at return fares, return ferry etc and more notes for Scotland.
Planning day today, looked at return fares, return ferry etc and more notes for Scotland.
Mon 21 Aug 20° Dulwich House Sit
Wet overnight, damp underfoot when we walked the dogs through the playing fields that had just been mown, so grass stuck to our shoes. Met Lyn and Brian again walking their dog.
Relaxing day today, the day Big Ben stops ringing for 4 years while Elizabeth tower is being renovated, it will ring on special occasions and New Years Eve only.
Creamy chicken stir fry for dinner,
Relaxing day today, the day Big Ben stops ringing for 4 years while Elizabeth tower is being renovated, it will ring on special occasions and New Years Eve only.
Creamy chicken stir fry for dinner,
Monday, 21 August 2017
Sun 20 Aug 19° Dulwich House Sit
Walked the dogs then got the no.3 bus to Trafalgar Square and the 23 bus to St.Paul's Cathedral where Prue, Jenna and Rachel were waiting for us. Prue's birthday today.
We got in the security queue and entered the magnificent building, greeted by wonderful organ music. Tony and Prue went to sit for the service and singing and were very taken with the new order of females able to take the service, the Very Reverend Deacon taking the service today.
Jenna Rachel and myself walked around and into the garden admiring the architecture.
After the service we crossed the road to a cafe for lunch before the girls went to catch the hop on hop off bus and Tony and I wandered around before going back to Dulwich.
We moved Bessie, emptied the freezer and turned off the gas, Tony had a play with the dogs before we fed them and left to get buses back to Streatham. We had bubbles and nibbles for Prue birthday then walked in light rain to The Bull, a gastro pub where we were joined by Alex's parents for dinner.
After a very tasty and plentiful mini roast £8, we walked back to Jenna and Alex' for coffee and birthday cake.
A lovely day and evening and so good to all be together for Prue's birthday. We farewelled Prue and Rachel as they had a day out with friends tomorrow then they were off to York for a wedding.
Jenna phoned the Uber taxi £8 and we went back to the house sit.
We got in the security queue and entered the magnificent building, greeted by wonderful organ music. Tony and Prue went to sit for the service and singing and were very taken with the new order of females able to take the service, the Very Reverend Deacon taking the service today.
Jenna Rachel and myself walked around and into the garden admiring the architecture.
After the service we crossed the road to a cafe for lunch before the girls went to catch the hop on hop off bus and Tony and I wandered around before going back to Dulwich.
We moved Bessie, emptied the freezer and turned off the gas, Tony had a play with the dogs before we fed them and left to get buses back to Streatham. We had bubbles and nibbles for Prue birthday then walked in light rain to The Bull, a gastro pub where we were joined by Alex's parents for dinner.
After a very tasty and plentiful mini roast £8, we walked back to Jenna and Alex' for coffee and birthday cake.
A lovely day and evening and so good to all be together for Prue's birthday. We farewelled Prue and Rachel as they had a day out with friends tomorrow then they were off to York for a wedding.
Jenna phoned the Uber taxi £8 and we went back to the house sit.
Sat 19 Aug 18° Dulwich House Sit
After breakfast and our dog walk Tony took the bus back to Streatham for his day out with Jenna, Alex, Prue and Rachel.
They got the train in to Victoria, then another to Westminster looked around the area at all the sites, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster and the bridge, they were amazed at the amount of extra security and barriers installed along possible tourist danger points.
Got on the Thames cruise for trip down to Greenwich, taking in London Eye, Tower of London and many other historical points as pointed out by the skipper on board who provided excellent free commentary. Sounds like the same crew that took Pat and I on Tuesday.
Met at Greenwich by Tony and Prue sister Fiona and husband Peter and after quick local village and market tour went back to their house for lunch. Very impressed by all the renovations made since our last visit and hope they have the time to enjoy it.
After a delicious lunch provided by Fiona, and a good catch up, reunion, they had to make a hasty retreat back to the dock, quick look at the CuttySark and caught their ferry back to city Tower Bridge.
They walked to the Tower of London and the Monument then up the Shard to see the amazing views, but felt a little uneasy as they have now imposed a dress code but still were able to go up and have a look 32 floors up.
They then walked to Covent Garden where Prue treated them all to £9 cocktails £18 in the Shard, and a nibbles platter.
Alex then took them to a chocolate specialty shop some 3 flights of stairs down into the depths below the streets of London on Fleet Street. Extremely expensive chocolates and even more expensive packaging. Alex bought a couple of specials, nice to have a look.
Tony made his way back to Dulwich by bus and the others went home by train to Streatham.
In the meantime I updated the blog, plotted a rough route on the Scotland map and looked up busses to get into St Paul's Cathedral in the morning.
Another great family day out.
They got the train in to Victoria, then another to Westminster looked around the area at all the sites, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster and the bridge, they were amazed at the amount of extra security and barriers installed along possible tourist danger points.
Got on the Thames cruise for trip down to Greenwich, taking in London Eye, Tower of London and many other historical points as pointed out by the skipper on board who provided excellent free commentary. Sounds like the same crew that took Pat and I on Tuesday.
Met at Greenwich by Tony and Prue sister Fiona and husband Peter and after quick local village and market tour went back to their house for lunch. Very impressed by all the renovations made since our last visit and hope they have the time to enjoy it.
After a delicious lunch provided by Fiona, and a good catch up, reunion, they had to make a hasty retreat back to the dock, quick look at the CuttySark and caught their ferry back to city Tower Bridge.
They walked to the Tower of London and the Monument then up the Shard to see the amazing views, but felt a little uneasy as they have now imposed a dress code but still were able to go up and have a look 32 floors up.
They then walked to Covent Garden where Prue treated them all to £9 cocktails £18 in the Shard, and a nibbles platter.
Alex then took them to a chocolate specialty shop some 3 flights of stairs down into the depths below the streets of London on Fleet Street. Extremely expensive chocolates and even more expensive packaging. Alex bought a couple of specials, nice to have a look.
Tony made his way back to Dulwich by bus and the others went home by train to Streatham.
In the meantime I updated the blog, plotted a rough route on the Scotland map and looked up busses to get into St Paul's Cathedral in the morning.
Another great family day out.
Saturday, 19 August 2017
Fri 18 Aug 23° Dulwich House Sit
After we walked the dogs, we caught the 201 bus to Streatham then changed to the 118 to Streatham Common.......my oyster card not accepted...no money on it...whoops...the driver let us on to next stop to a shop so we could top it up...a very kind women told us that trains take a lot and each bus trip is £1.80 .
Topped up both cards and got the next 118 which stopped right opposite Jenna and Alex flat. We had managed to get appointment at Jenna 's dentist for a clean and Polish, very handy right next to the station. Very gentle and friendly staff, £55 each and free samples of tooth picks, toothpaste and I bought some more floss sticks.
Pouring with rain when we came out, so sheltered in their porch till it eased up then ran over the road to the pub for lunch, great the way a lot of pubs have diversified to cafe style food with tea and coffee at lunch time. We had a child's breakfast, sausage or bacon with egg and beans on toast £4.50 each and we had a pot of spiced apple tea.
Jenna arrived home from work, Alex shortly after, got in the car and drove to Tesco supermarket for provisions for tonight's BBQ. It was raining hard as we came out so drove back to their place unloaded the shopping left Alex to sort and prepare and we hit the road to the airport. Traffic was horrendous and rain didn't help, the plane landed, we messaged to say 20 mins away so they said they would have a coffee.
Arrived and got a park straight away, met up and it was a a lovely surprise for Prue and Rachel.
The queue for coffee was so long they hadn't had one, so we all got takeaway coffee's and hit the traffic jam back to Streatham.
Tony and I had to dash back to feed the dogs, so Prue came with us to see Bessie, while Rachel had a shower, Tony drove the car back fed and played with the dogs whike I took Prue to see our Bessie.
Then all back in the car to Jenna and Alex for delicious bbq cooked on his new gas bbq that his parents bought him for his birthday. Very enjoyable and successful evening.
Topped up both cards and got the next 118 which stopped right opposite Jenna and Alex flat. We had managed to get appointment at Jenna 's dentist for a clean and Polish, very handy right next to the station. Very gentle and friendly staff, £55 each and free samples of tooth picks, toothpaste and I bought some more floss sticks.
Pouring with rain when we came out, so sheltered in their porch till it eased up then ran over the road to the pub for lunch, great the way a lot of pubs have diversified to cafe style food with tea and coffee at lunch time. We had a child's breakfast, sausage or bacon with egg and beans on toast £4.50 each and we had a pot of spiced apple tea.
Jenna arrived home from work, Alex shortly after, got in the car and drove to Tesco supermarket for provisions for tonight's BBQ. It was raining hard as we came out so drove back to their place unloaded the shopping left Alex to sort and prepare and we hit the road to the airport. Traffic was horrendous and rain didn't help, the plane landed, we messaged to say 20 mins away so they said they would have a coffee.
Arrived and got a park straight away, met up and it was a a lovely surprise for Prue and Rachel.
Tony and I had to dash back to feed the dogs, so Prue came with us to see Bessie, while Rachel had a shower, Tony drove the car back fed and played with the dogs whike I took Prue to see our Bessie.
Then all back in the car to Jenna and Alex for delicious bbq cooked on his new gas bbq that his parents bought him for his birthday. Very enjoyable and successful evening.
Thurs 17 Aug 19° Dulwich House sit
Wet overnight, we walked to Bessie to check and get any washing, bedding etc. Came back still looked a bit grey overhead, walked the dogs and met ex neighbours Lyn and Brian again walking their dog. The sun came out and had a good walk and with dogs hitting balls with one of the kids hockey sticks and dogs chasing the balls. They had a good run.
Did the washing and hung it out in the sunshine. Updated blog, Tony read the paper. then I cut his hair and gave his beard a good trim for surprise meeting of Tony's sister and niece Prue and Rachel tomorrow from NZ over here for a wedding.
Domestic day today.
Did the washing and hung it out in the sunshine. Updated blog, Tony read the paper. then I cut his hair and gave his beard a good trim for surprise meeting of Tony's sister and niece Prue and Rachel tomorrow from NZ over here for a wedding.
Domestic day today.
Wed 16 Aug 18° Dulwich House Sit
After breakfast Pat came with us on dog walk then we went on bus into Trafalgar Square. We had a little look around then lunch in Weatherspoons before getting the bus to Victoria coach station to see Pat safely on her way back to Lincoln.
Roadworks were causing diversions all over the area, we found the bus stop but traffic was at a standstill.
Farewelled Pat, crossed the road to the train station and Tony realised he had Pats food and purse in his back pack. Quickly turned round , ran back to coach station and found Pat .....relief all round and another laugh and memory for the memory bank.
We got the train back to Herne Hill, into chemist to get rest of Tony's meds and walked back to the house. Jenna rang with plans and ideas for Saturday with Prue and Rachel and meeting at Fiona and Peter's for lunch.
Satay chicken for dinner.
Roadworks were causing diversions all over the area, we found the bus stop but traffic was at a standstill.
Farewelled Pat, crossed the road to the train station and Tony realised he had Pats food and purse in his back pack. Quickly turned round , ran back to coach station and found Pat .....relief all round and another laugh and memory for the memory bank.
We got the train back to Herne Hill, into chemist to get rest of Tony's meds and walked back to the house. Jenna rang with plans and ideas for Saturday with Prue and Rachel and meeting at Fiona and Peter's for lunch.
Satay chicken for dinner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)