Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Last day posting from Europe! We were in the taxi on the way to Heathrow at 5:58 am. I hope the airport isn't too crowded. Apparently July 15 is a peak day of travel through Heathrow.

We did not make it to the National Gallery because there was no time. Harrods was interesting and SO EXPENSIVE! I saw a couple of great pants but they were too much. Jeans with rhinestones on them - I can't explain what they looked like but they were amazing. And cost the equivalent of $600. Too much for me though I might have gone as high as $300...

Westminster Abbey was incredible. I didn't realize it was a mausoleum as well as a church. So much history! There were sections where more modern people are buried such as scientists, poets, authors. So many pictures to choose from for FB.

And I have to say that High Tea is an excuse for gluttony. We couldn't finish what was on the tray. We do have 2 scones with us in case they are needed during our travels but unfortunately no clotted cream or jam with them. Sigh.

DH and I have been evaluating what has gone well or not about this trip. A few realizations: we get exhausted by cities - we don't like moving from one place to another frequently- lugging baggage is getting more difficult- 3 weeks is too long if going to multiple venues. Much of that is different from how I felt even 10 years ago, but something to really think about for the future. I want to go to Ireland with DD. 20 years ago we drove for a week and stayed at a different B&B every night. I loved it but I don't think I can do it that way now. Seven years ago I did a bus trip which moved every 2-3 nights but even that would not be appealing now.

Anyway, time to get home. It will be a LONG day of travel. Factoring in the time change I think it will be about 17 hours from the time we left the hotel until we walk in the door at home.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

I'm impressed by your travel reflections. I think sometimes we get so busy doing that we don't take time to acknowledge, this isn't for me anymore. And then take that step further, and figure out what is it that suits us at this point?

If you went to Ireland, you might not need to move around constantly. There are several smaller cities you could use for a base and plan day trips in various directions from those locations. Example maybe you would stay primarily in Dublin and Cork. Or Cork and Galway. I really like Dublin, but I enjoyed our stays in the smaller cities even more. Are you or DD comfortable driving? Once you're out of Dublin (which probably wouldn't phase you , except for the left side of the road thing, because its no worse traffic than Boston) the freeways are well maintained and the smaller roads are narrow, but not a ton of traffic.

Yes, I was thinking 2 stops would be best. I would drive as long as it isn't too much in the busy part of a city. Not sure that the parts of Ireland I loved best would be very accessible from a city though. I loved Dingle Peninsula.

199.7, Was awfully nice to see that one in the hundreds place again!

I bought a new to me cleaning and disinfectant, germicide, deodorizer product that is the BOMB! It's called KennelSol. So, the deep clean of the bedroom continued yesterday afternoon. Today I will be washing the walls, doors, and baseboards in the hallway. Once I get that done I can start on the kitchen cupboards for their quarterly wash. I'm telling you, dogs are dirty beasts without even trying. But again, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Liz, I too am impressed by your trip reflections! I am considering going to Austria in 2027 for the World Dog Show (which moves to a new location around the world each year). I'm planning out how to include Salzburg and Munich and how I want to do it. I may be lucky enough to travel with an Austrian friend who lives in Arizona. I hope Ron will want to come with me. I never know with him - especially because it will be around Easter time.

Great workout yesterday along with grooming dogs and cleaning. Yesterday's clients were two Wire Fox Terriers. Mother and Son.

Must get ready now for Eagle the Airedale Terrier.... adios!

You are really under 200 officially now with 2 readings under.

I bet Austria would be quite beautiful with the old buildings.

Whew! It's 2pm and I'm tired. :) I got up at 8:30 am, got dressed to workout, had breakfast, read the daily paper, tidied a few things in the kitchen, went to work out, stopped at the grocery store on the way home, unloaded the groceries and put them away, watered all my flowers and dead headed the petunias, and now I just finished my shower. Time to get dressed in real clothes, and then I'm going to use some over ripe bananas to make banana bread, and I'm going to get a calico bean hotdish going. And THEN the NYT Sunday Paper.

DBIL in Texas wants to go to Galveston again in the fall. He very generously invites us as his guests, using his Southwest points to buy the airfare, and covers the hotel. He and DH discussed it last night, and DBIL already booked everything today. So we'll be going to Galveston October 19 -25 and staying in my favorite hotel, The Galvez. DBIL said his accountant told him he was well set up, and his estate was well set up for his son and grandchildren and he should start spending his money. He said this is one way he wants to spend it. I gratefully accept. :)

Well time to go down to the kitchen, and get to the real event of the day: reading on the porch.

Ooooooo! You're getting the hang of this new life, aren't you!!!!! What a delightful day you've described.

Galveston! I have always thought that would be a great place to visit. What a great DBIL!

123.9, up almost a pound in one day!

You all are so much more ambitious than me, especially today. While Bella dog seems to be back to her usual self today, mama is not. I've had a pounding headache most of the day and already have taken two long naps after sleeping a full 9+ hours last night. Definitely have a summer bug of some sort brewing! Praying it isn't Covid again. Doesn't feel like it but always a concern!

Not much to report since I've just mostly been sleeping and lying around! Hopefully more exciting news tomorrow!

By the time you read this, I hope you are feeling better and headache free.

Up a pound in a day is perfectly normal!!!! That's two glasses of water. If your body is fighting something, it's normal to hold on to water and have inflammation.