A visit to St. Albans.

I visited St. Albans on my first visit to England.  It is such a peaceful place to go.  Pictures can't capture the historical feel of the town and the majesty of the Cathedral.  Alban was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity at a time when the Romans occupied England.  As you can imagine, his conversion was not acceptable so he was killed.  The Abby was constructed on the sight of his demise in honor of his memory.  It used to be a much larger complex but the Cathedral is all that remains.  It is still an active church.  The interior has many small intimate worship areas as well as the three great cathedral rooms.  The architecture inside is amazing and must be seen first hand.  There is a large central  monument for St. Alban.  Many people have been buried in the floor and walls inside of the cathedral as well as in the cemetery that runs along one side.  The earliest date I saw was in the 1500's.  Construction of the Abby began in the 9th century and continued on for many years and many leaders. Tomorrow, Monday, we leave for Scotland early in the morning.  We will take a train from Hemel to London and then take the train from London up to Edinburgh (pronounced Edinburough).  So, I won't be able to add to my blog until we return on Friday.  Have a great week everyone!

A visit with friends and a walk.

Today, Hilary and I went to Berkhamstead to visit her sister Jill and husband Howard.  Oh, and George their beloved dog.  We had a lovely visit and then Howard and George accompanied us to Bridgewater Estate for a walk on Ashridge.  The Bridgewater Estate is now a Business College.  The first photo is of Howard, George and Hilary walking ahead of me.  As you can see it was a beautiful area.  The second is a glimpse of what I saw as we walked.  It was muddy on the path because it rained all night, but, the afternoon weather was very comfortable.  George led the way and we enjoyed our time there.
We have been watching Wimbledon on the tele as well as keeping track of the Formula 1 Raceway practice runs.  Hilary is a big fan and gets very emotional when her athletes are under performing.
It is daylight at 4:00 in the morning which is very confusing when you awaken and wonder what time it is and the sun is brightly shining through the window drapes, then you realize that it is only 4 a.m..  It is light until 10:00 in the evening when the sky dims for night fall so, I'm thinking it's earlier than it is.  So, I am still adjusting to the time zone but it doesn't interfere with my fun.
Oh, before I forget, I had fish and chips for dinner.  It was a special request of mine and Hilary complied under protest.  It was delicious but I couldn't eat the batter, too heavy. :-)

Friday in Hemel.

 I am still trying to figure out how to put a picture in my blog so be patient and they will start appearing.  I can't believe I have been here two days already, though today is not over yet.  The weather has been holding and we haven't had anymore rain.  I feel so lucky to have a friend to stay with and have a home to relax in.  It is all familiar from my first visit.Hilary and I went into downtown Hemel today.  Last trip I didn't get into downtown.  We walked through the shopping mall in door and out.  Just window shopping today.  I want to wait until after our trip to SCOTLAND!!!  Before I spend any money for fun.

Tomorrow we will be visiting with Hilary's sister Jill.  Sunday we will go on our first sight seeing trip to St. Albans.   Monday we will be getting on the Train first to London and then to Edinburgh, SCOTLAND!!!  I'm sure you cannot tell that I am excited.  So, it is tea time so I must go for now.

I have landed!

After a long yet uneventful flight, I landed at London Heathrow Airport safe and sound.  Then after going through customs and getting my suitcase I was happily greeted by Hilary patiently waiting for me.  It had been pouring down rain all morning and Hilary had to drive in it.  When I got off the plane the sun was out, the sky was blue with a few white clouds, and it didn't rain again the rest of the day. It is Thursday already, I slept until 10:30 and now ready for the day. I am ignoring the fact that I lost a day while in the sky so my body can quickly adjust to the time change.  It is great to be back at 26 Ramsen Rise.  Hilary's garden is as charming as ever with the rain and then sun it is flourishing.  It will be a day of rest and a little grocery shopping.  I am anxious to get out and explore.