Wednesday HodgePodge

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. What's the last thing you did that someone else thought was super? DD2 was so happy when I gave her some reward points to rent a car for a week, during her recent trip to CA.

2. The last thing you ate that tasted superb?  
Pastries in Paris. Fresh macarons are the best!

3. Supersensitive, superstitious, superwoman, superambitious, supercilious, supervisor, superficial...pick a super word from the list and tell us how it relates to your life in some way recently or currently.   
If I were a superwoman, I wouldn't be so tired at the end of the day. But I have taken on the role of caregiver for Mr BC. He can't start or end the day without me helping with the dialysis connection, so he says! 

4. Do you love easily? If you're comfortable doing so, explain why you think that is. I'm not sure what this question is.  It is easy to love, the folks that I love.

5. Valentine's Day lands on a Tuesday this year. Will you mark the day in some way? If you're celebrating with a dinner out somewhere will it be on Tuesday or will you celebrate over the weekend?  
Mr BC wants to take some flowers to his dialysis team, as his appointment is on Valentine's day.  I have my cataract surgery on the next day so, I don't think dinner is in the cards.

6. What's something you are loving right now? 
Mercy Street and Victoria on PBS.

7 Write a three word (or less) phrase you'd like to see on a Valentine candy heart.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here. IMHO

I know, the President is entitled to nominate anyone he sees fit to give him advice and certainly we saw the judicial appointment coming.  But I don't see the Betsy DeVos appointment.  He should have rewarded her support with something like an ambassadorship to some  less important country. Rather than putting her in charge of something so important as education.  Her hearings were farcical, many Republicans, thought she was unqualified. It will be interesting to see if she is up to the job, but at the expense of kids?

 

On to Buckingham Palace and the Queen's Backyard

I've been to London to visit the Queen....although she wasn't there, she opened the the Palace for a visit....for £40.  I really wanted to do this, Mr BC almost bailed on me because of....walking.  In making plans, I forgot again that walking the mall in Joplin is different from walking the Mall at Buckingham Palace.  Taxi's from the start next time. 

Mr BC is somewhere on the steps of this statue.

Crowds Everywhere

I planted Mr BC at the Victoria Statue outside Buckingham Palace and went to find the ticket office. Then went back to get him when I found the ticket office around the side of the palace on Buckingham Palace Road.  The whole ticket taking was very well done as you might think.  It was a Friday and next to last day of the tours and crowded as expected. (Pictures of the inside of the palace are from the a web site.

Paul was able to go back stage a bit and take an elevator up and down.

You get the idea, the rooms actually seemed a little smaller with crowds and informational displays.  All very opulent, lots of Dutch painters, Chinese vases, silk, lavish ceilings and wallpaper. Between this and Windsor Castle, they were the reason, I didn't want to see Versailles on the French portion of the tour. I imagine the personal rooms being filled with tweed, tartan, chintz and corgis. 

One could take pictures outside, in the backyard. We had some coffee and sat on the porch, then made our way out. We could see Magpies and sea birds on the lawn and there was a small lake/pond, toilets (finally) and the ubiquitous gift shop with really nice (read, expensive) gifts. 

At the end of the walk out, I found where everyone got the ice cream they were eating, in front of the palace....I was craving something to eat by the time we got there. Good move, Liz and Phil!

We made our way to crowded Victoria underground...It was Friday night, remember and then to our hotel.  We had an excellent room service. We also noted the bus stop in front of the hotel and check bus service to the Tower of London for tomorrow.

When I Thought I Lost Mr BC in Westminster Abbey - Pt 2

Part One Here

Well, after our day of rest on day one we got up feeling more refreshed.* Our hotel provided a great breakfast and we feasted every morning to fuel our day. This should be the only picture of food from the H10 Waterloo, and I pulled it off the internet but this was what Mr Bankerchick had every morning, What I liked were the pastries, fruit, and they had smoothies, peach and strawberry.....yum!   We always had lunch out and about. 

 

We tackled the Tube again, as we had our Oyster Card, which worked for us the whole time we were in London.  It was only one stop to Westminster....It could have been walked but, we knew we would be walking a lot.  When we came out of the station, we were greeted by Big Ben. A big Just Think moment for Mr BC.  We never did get a good picture of Parliament (the traditional one) but did get this. 

 We then made our way to Westminster Abbey, a top spot on Mr BC's list.  Needless to say no photography in the Abbey, but we clicked as we waited in the line.
  

You buy your tickets at the door and the handset guide was free.  We used a London Pass and I would say we got our money's worth in admissions for the 3 days we purchased.  It advertises you can skip long lines, but those are only the ticket purchase line....it is your ticket.  But you still might have to stand in line if the ticket purchase is at the end of the entrance line or if there is another line to get in.....as was the case most every where we went .

Since 1560, the building is no longer an abbey nor a cathedral, having instead the  status of a "Royal Peculiar"—a church responsible directly to the sovereign. The  building itself is the original abbey church.Construction of the present church began in 1245, on the orders ofKing Henry III.^{[3] Wikipedia}

Queen Elizabeth I
Pinterest

Paul and I got separated during our visit, I had walked through at a leisurely pace so I waiJust ted for him at poets corner..(I have been here before) He had spent time Thinking at Queen Elizabeth's crypt, he explained when he caught up with me.  We moved on to the outside portion of the Abbey.

The Cloister

The Chapter House
They found and uncovered some 13th and 14th century paintings on the wall.  I did not take pictures, but pulled some off the Abbeys website to show some examples.  This picture was taken from the door.   Out side was the Oldest door in England which an Asian tourist was trying his hardest to open, that really tickled me!. 

By this time we were ready to have a bite to eat, so we went to the Cellarium Cafe which is Zagat rated.  Fourteenth-century Benedictine monks once stored their provisions in this bi-level space beside Westminster Abbey, which has been converted into a relaxed eatery where midpriced Modern British eats are served for lunch and afternoon tea; the bright, modern setting has vaulted ceilings, refectory-style oak timber tables and a small outside terrace.

Next up for the day....Buckingham Palace.


*  From this point on I won't be referring to how tired we always were at the end of a day of touring, any more, just know that it is implied.  I will spare you our pain, it would become very tiresome. Since this wasn't a food tour, we did a lot of room service for dinner rather than going out again.  I know this would be anathema to many.....sorry.

Mind the Gap - Pt 1 of the Great Adventure

And the stairs!

We weren't met at the airport by Go Ahead, because we choose to have extra days before the tour, so we were aware that we had to make our own way to the hotel.  Boy, Howdy! I made plans and some were good and others not so good.  We arrived at about 11:15 am, after the overnight flight.  All was good, I had made plans......

After clearing the passport part of arrival, we had to decide whether to take the Heathrow Express to Paddington or the Piccadilly Line to Bakerloo, to Waterloo station.  Since the Oyster card did not cover the Heathrow Express (I thought it did), we opted for the Underground, while it worked and we got to our destination, We would have done better on the train and a taxi to our destination. 

Next time in London, I will take more taxis  Less wear and tear on our tired bodies. We opted for less expense and adventure.....! Not the best choice.  I only remember the escalators on the underground,,,,,not the flights of stairs between different lines (with 1 suitcase and our carry ons in tow and Mr BC knees.) 

It was a really a short walk to our hotel from Waterloo Station but after the flight etc,  we were glad to be able to check into the hotel to nap, order room service and then sleep again.  The room was lovely, the bed was great, and room service was reasonable. This hotel had the best room and breakfast, of the whole trip.  This part of the trip was all my planning and so far...on day 2, I was regretting some of my planning decisions, but not the trip.

H10  London Waterloo Hotel from their website.

Next time: A good night rest and on to Westminster. 

Where am I? Oh yeah, Back to Bed

Two happy couples at the British Museum last week.

We are back from the great adventure and here I am at 3:00 am  awake and tired at the same time.  It was a lot easier adjusting to the time in Europe, than to the time here at home. We had a great time and I will post some pictures as soon as I get them downloaded or uploaded or whatever.  Which will be around Thanksgiving at the rate I am moving.  

Some Thoughts:

• London and Rome were fantastic and we will go back to see more.
• Paris is overrated.  I can say I have been there but, I don't particularly want to go back. We would visit like to visit the Normandy Landings areas sometime, then we will be done with France.  Also there are no fat people in France.
• The tour group was great and we had some very enjoyable company.  Nikki, our tour director was the best. Our guide Joel was so funny, the way the British can be.....very dry.
• We are not as young as we once were and tire easily.  My feet still hurt and I don't do museums as well as I use to.
  
• The Tube is much better than the Paris Metro.  I didn't get lost there as I can understand the English spoken by the English better than English spoken by the French.  There is truth to the London Underground being the best in the world.
• Buckingham Palace would be a hard place, in which to live,  I would have to place covers over all the furniture.  I found a Corgi hair on my jacket, but it turns out that it was one of Gwennie's that I carried all the way to London.  I left all the ones I could find on me, there.

Counting the Days-Me, Not the Dogs

Well Mr BC is almost finished with his packing, Since we are going to be gone a while, he didn't wait until the last minute.  He was sure our one bag was already close to  50 lbs it was only 28 lbs.  We should be way under the 50lbs even with our carry-ons.  I can't estimate anything, except maybe what my groceries are going to cost each week. 

We have to take the doggies to their boarding.  I didn't like the one that we used when we went to Utah.  All the bedding came back stinking.  I had to throw away one of the beds.  I decided on this one when I went to visit and the washer and dryer was running with bedding they provided.  They are going to be together in a Suite, la de dah,  It even has a TV, we always run the TV in the house when we leave them alone for an hour or so, that decide it, also it is part of a veterinary hospital.  We will take them for a long walk at the park on the way to boarding them.  We are good about taking them with us, but not this time.

I still have a couple of days to clean the house.  Does anyone else clean house before vacation? I like to come back to a uncluttered house and clean sheets, especially when I have stayed in hotels. Although it is more like always wear clean underwear in case your hit by a car.

Another nice thing about Go Ahead Tours is a sweet gal named Kate called me from the Boston Headquarters to give us some last minute tips, and see if we had any questions.  I thought that was a nice bit of Customer Service.  One of the things on my List was to call them.

Sunday Stealing

Do you have a sensitive gag reflex? 
I did before I had kids. You have to develop courage to keep them clean and healthy!
Where are you the most ticklish? 
I'm not. 
What was the last situation to upset you? 
The Republican debate.  Just the news in general.
Have you ever had an online argument? 
No, everyone has has been kind in the comments and I don't call people out.  I do like that Facebook is going to have a dislike button. It seems odd to Like something, negative, in agreement.
Do you like to listen to music while filling out surveys (memes)? 
Usually the TV is on. 
How long do you spend on the phone each day, on average? 
Not much at all.  I have never been a telephone talker.  I say what I called for and hang up.  I like that I can screen most calls. 
Is anything in your hair right now, like gel, hairspray, etc.? 
Paul Mitchell Smoothing serum. It is magic on my wiry gray hairs. 
When was the last time you were up before the sun? Do you like wearing sunglasses? Why or why not? Today!  
I am mostly up before it is light and to bed early.  I wear sunglasses to protect my aging eyes if the sun is out. The doctor say it will help deter the growth of my cataracts.  
Last show you watched? 
I saw an episode of Friends and Law and Order this morning early. I didn't say I do anything productive when I get up early!
Next vacation you’re going on? 
Almost everyone knows.....We are leaving for Europe next week.  My packing is almost done.
Do you regret doing anything you’ve done this week?  
Mostly NOT done last week....I only walked the mall 3 times and neglected walking the dogs 2 times.  I walk, for myself 5 times a week....and walk the dogs every day, after, unless it rains or snows...a couple of times this summer it was too hot to go out. 
Last night you felt? 
Constipated.....well, you asked! 
What are you wearing right now? 
My nightgown from last night.  I am going to shower after Sunday Morning is over. 
Have you ever kissed underneath the stars? 
Sure! 
What are you doing now? 
THIS!  
What plans do you have for tonight? 
Visit DD2 while she is here doing some laundry. Go finish packing the suitcase...maybe take a few things out.  
What’s the very first thing you do when you wake up, other than breathe?
Make coffee, and have a little something to eat. Week days drive to the mall to walk or turn on my computer so I can get some things done the rest of the day.  
Do you like reading? 
Oh yes, I have several books going, on my Kindle. I am on book four of Game of Thrones, several city tour books on London, Paris and Rome and a book about Bonnie and Clyde, Mr BC suggested to me. l read that when GOT gets to me.
Do you ever think about stuff and start crying? No, I don't cry much.  
Have you ever kicked a vending machine? No. 
Do people consider you smart? I hope so.  
Have you ever stayed online for a very long time waiting for someone? 
No, I like my tablet because I can check my mail....which may be the only thing I would wait for. 
Do you tend to be aware of what is going on around you? 
Regrettably, not so much as I get older.  
How much money did you spend yesterday?  $00.00
Is there anything in your past that you’d like to try again?
Let me think about that.  Maybe, relax more like this guy and not answer so many questions next time.

. 

Time for Me to Fly-Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Time for Me to Fly (1978)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) How often have you flown so far this year? Not at all this year, until next week when we Fly to London.  We have driven to Santa Barbara this year.


2) Think back to your last flight. Was it pleasant, stressful, or just uneventful? When I fly to Santa Barbara it is a little stressful, because I get on 3 different airplanes with its attendant takeoffs and landings.  Plus I lost my good all weather jacket on that trip.

3) According to the Airports Council International, the world’s busiest airport is Atlanta's Hartsfield. Have you ever been to Atlanta? 

I have driven through Atlanta before, and passed through the airport, getting somewhere else one time.

4) This week’s featured band, REO Speedwagon, took their name from a truck. Have you ever driven a truck? I drive our pick-up Rosie all the time and Mr BC went to Truck Driving School to learn how to drive 18 wheelers.


5) REO Speedwagon got their start in Champaign, Illinois, which is home to the U of I campus and, consequently, many bars. One of the most popular is the Blind Pig on Walnut Street. Give us the name of the bar, club or restaurant where you met up with friends in your younger days. 

Bob's Big Boy in Pasadena.

6) Recently, lead singer Kevin Cronin appeared on an infomercial, hawking TimeLife’s two CD set of Ultimate Rock Ballads. Have you ever purchased anything from TV? I have picked up some As Seen On TV stuff at the drugstore, but I have not ordered anything from TV directly.  I don't watch the Shopping Channels.

7) This song is from the CD, You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tunafish. Is there a can of tuna in your kitchen right now? Yes I have some envelopes of it on the shelf and I have 2 cans steadying my little filing cabinet which lost a wheel during our move. 

8) You Can Tuna Piano, but You Can’t Tunafish is available on eBay on vinyl, CD, cassette and 8 track. Did you have an 8 track player? Yes back in the day.  I think Mr BC has an old boom box in the garage that just plays the radio these days.

9) In 1978, when this song was popular, the first Susan B. Anthony Dollar was minted. How much do you have in coins in your wallet right now? I have a handful of pennies and a dime and 2 quarters.  In my travel purse I have some pounds and euros but no change.

Maybe a Travel Blog for the next Month?

I spent most of Sunday finalizing our itinerary for our trip.  We are taking a tour with a company call GoAhead Tours  I guess I will have more to say on that when the tour is over. Trip Advisor and other sites had primarily good reviews.  I liked this company because it had some group touring and time to plan on your own.  So that is what I have been doing the past week.  So much to do, so little time, in London, Paris and Rome. 

The plans are made the passports renewed and now I have to pack.  Mr BC and I have decided to go with one larger suitcase, and carryons. This will be the challenge.  To not, over pack.  I am one who wants to be prepared for every contingency, which is why we have a Motorhome....the way to pack, for everything!  One suitcase means that I will have to gather every thing together this week and then start paring down to the essentials. I think I have read every packing tips story on the internet, 

We plan to use the public transportation on our free days and I have been pouring over Google maps.  We also have looked into hop on hop off and have decided against it in London (underground and Bus), using the Batoboats and Metro in Paris, and give the Hop on Hop off Bus in Rome, along with the scheduled tours we have booked with the group.