That happens when we work the early shift one week and the next week we are on late shift.
So we get done at 3:00 PM on Saturday and don't have to be back to work until 2:00 PM
on Tuesday. Since June 24 was our 41st anniversary we headed to London to spend
the weekend. We took a taxi to Lingfield train station and
So we get done at 3:00 PM on Saturday and don't have to be back to work until 2:00 PM
on Tuesday. Since June 24 was our 41st anniversary we headed to London to spend
the weekend. We took a taxi to Lingfield train station and
headed into London Victoria Station on the train, a 51 minute ride.
Victoria Station
We stayed at the Park Plaza Victoria, a 3 minute walk from the train station. It was a real treat after spending the last 6 weeks or so in our tiny studio flat. We completely enjoyed everything about it. The air conditioning, the big bed (twins in the flat), TV, (no TV in the flat) and shower (the flats shower is about 3 square feet). We felt very pampered.
And we stopped at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Everyone takes off their shoes and wades along in the water.
We think that Princess Diana would love this, everyone playing and having a fun time.
The Tower of London where those British Crown Jewels are kept.
Tower Bridge
Here is the Parliament Building halfway covered up as they do some work.
There were plenty of Brexit protesters in front.
We walked by Westminster Abbey.
The queue (line) was much too long...another time, summer is very busy with tourists.
Later on Monday we stopped into the Buckingham Palace Shoppe
and had an Italian ice cream across the street.
Since Big Ben is all covered up. We got a picture of Little Ben.
The best advice you could ever get in London!
Nice they paint right on the street which way you should be looking for cars.
Successful trip to London. Rode the train, the tube, and a bus.
We were able to find our way around and make it safely back home.
It has been getting warmer, and no sign of rain lately. Although it was very close (clammy)
the other day. Last Saturday it was 91*, and with no air conditioning it was a bit warm in the flat.
We luckily were able to get this baby from the reception desk!
It has made a huge difference in our room.
The weather was perfect so after getting some dinner, we walked over to Buckingham Palace.
The balcony the Royal family comes out and waves on special occasions.
Queen Victoria Fountain in front of Buckingham Palace.
The gates at Green Park.
Matt even met the Queen!
Sunday morning we hopped on the tube and rode to Hyde Park Chapel to attend church. 
There was a fantastic talk given by a young man. He spoke about a saying that is on the
2 pound coin. The edge inscription says, 'standing on the shoulders of giants'. The quote is
attributed to Sir Isaac Newton acknowledging the debt he owed to other scientists: 'if I have
seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants'.
He also told about the stained glass in the Chartres Cathedral in France that features the four
Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) of the New Testament on the shoulders
of Old Testament prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel).
We all stand on the shoulders of giants. Everyday people who have made a difference in
our lives: parents, teachers, leaders, friends, ancestors. Their lives and examples have
helped shape us and prepare us for what lies ahead. Our ancestors always hoped that future generations would stand a little taller and reach a little high than they did. And so we
should seek to honor them by living up to their legacy. As we strive to stay on the covenant
path we think of those who went before us as encouragement. We learn from them
that we can do hard things, because they did hard things.
After church we walked down to Hyde Park.
These swans are on the Serpintine.
It really isn't a fountain at all, but a large circle of running water.
We think that Princess Diana would love this, everyone playing and having a fun time.
The Albert Memorial commemorates the death of Prince Albert in 1861 of typhoid.
There is lots more to see in Hyde Park, but we were tired so we rode a double decker bus
back to our hotel. We will go back another time.
Sunday evening we had a great meal at Tozi. A fabulous Italian Restaurant at our hotel.
That evening we sat on the bed and watched 'Home Alone' and laughed and laughed.
Apparently we are really enjoying the simple things now!
Monday morning we rode the tube to Westminister. Unfortunately this is what Big Ben
looks like until 2021. And Parliament to the left is also getting some work done.
We went on a Thames River Cruise. It was a great way to see some of the
famous spots along the river.
The Eye.
The Tower of London where those British Crown Jewels are kept.
The Shard, the building to the left of the bridge.
There were plenty of Brexit protesters in front.
We walked by Westminster Abbey.
The queue (line) was much too long...another time, summer is very busy with tourists.
and had an Italian ice cream across the street.
Nice they paint right on the street which way you should be looking for cars.
We were able to find our way around and make it safely back home.
It has been getting warmer, and no sign of rain lately. Although it was very close (clammy)
the other day. Last Saturday it was 91*, and with no air conditioning it was a bit warm in the flat.
It has made a huge difference in our room.
The Saturday movie was enjoyable because the room where where they are shown is air conditioned!
I think attendance at the movie was way up just because of that.
This movie "Goodbye Christopher Robin" was great!
The 100 acre wood is actually just south east of here in Ashdown Forest, East Sussex.
In the movie they show a sign to the town of East Grinstead...that's our town just down the road!
In the movie they show a sign to the town of East Grinstead...that's our town just down the road!