Sunday, December 31, 2023

Good afternoon. It’s a bright beautiful sunshiny day here in central Florida. The year 2023 has been one of changes around our home. We sold the RV, sold the Dodge truck, purchased a swim spa, and totally changed our lives around. We are no longer Gypsies roaming the north American highways.   😂  It’s all good. We are enjoying different things now and have a big cruise planned for September.

As we say goodbye to 2023, we remember those we have lost. It began with Mark‘s Sister Pam in February,  then cousin Kathy in June and an aunt at age 100 on Christmas day. Also lost was our wee squirrel Woody in October and Diane’s little Beau. Life goes on; memories remain. 

Thanks for being part of our lives as we navigate the long and winding road. 🥳🥂🍾 Happy New Year! ❤️

Friday, December 29, 2023

My mom and dad’s saga from 50 years ago continues with their travels in Spain. 

Saturday, January 27, 1973 (Torremolinos, Spain)

We were up by 9:30 today and no hangover! Out (after sunning) by noon to shop and walk. Weather is wonderful. Then after lunch downtown, we walked along the beach. Came home and rested up for tonight.

Decided to go back to the guitar player’s restaurant for dinner and arrived at the fashionable hour of 830. Many arrived at 10:15 for a meal. Serenaded and wined and dined – a lovely evening all around.

Sunday, January 28, 1973

I slept in until 1130. Amazing. Archie had been out on the patio since 830. We had a leisurely breakfast and sat some more.

I noticed that I say I must do “so-and-so” But I keep saying mañana. I’m getting to like this life and I can’t afford that!!

Went for a walk along the promenade, and on the way back stopped in at a restaurant for a beer and a Smorg  salad.

Had a good dinner – Arch cooked a roast and potatoes and carrots and we ate the whole thing. Delicious with candlelight and champagne.

Monday, January 29, 1973

Up by nine sunning and eating on the patio – a lovely day (no wind.) getting lazier every day – went downtown shopping – lots of people there. Had lunch and came back to the El Remo for a siesta. Shops all closed at two till 430 or 5 o’clock. Some open again, some don’t .. it seems to depend on how they feel. Went for a walk along the beach. Had steak supper at home – real lazy. Read books and in bed by 12!

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Thursday, January 25, 1973 – sunny and warm

After breakfast while the maids were tidying up, we went out to our patio in our bathing suits. It’s so warm – Arch has gone out to shop, but I’m sunbathing. Overlooking the. Patio is a hotel being finished up, and a man shoveling debris into a little cart pulled by three donkeys, waiting very patiently – people are bathing now in the Mediterranean, but no one in the swimming pool.

Out for supper in a darling restaurant. Came back and watched Spanish TV.

Friday, January 26, 1973

Time is flying by now – darn it. Sat out on our patio and bathing suits all morning. Then I forced myself to get dressed, and we went by taxi downtown and looked around the shops.

It’s a beautiful sunny day. So many things I’d love to be able to bring home. We ordered a bunch of posties (With names on) . They are light to bring home – walk back to El Remo all of 2 miles. I’m sure.

In the evening we went barhopping – finally in Barney‘s bar two blacks were speaking English, so was the proprietor – heavenly! And close to home, at a Spanish, restaurant and bar I was sure I was being serenaded by a handsome Spaniard on a Sitara. 

Friday, December 22, 2023

Tuesday, January 23, 1973

We were awakened by Maurice serving us coffee in bed. Such lucury! We packed up and were ready to leave by 10:30. Quite a fog today. Thanked our host and hostess, they sure were wonderful to us. Back in London by 1 PM so we parked our car by the underground station and went to London. We got Spanish money at a bank and finally went to Madame Tousart’s – “The Wax Works!”  Really enjoyed it!!

Picked up our car and went back to Joan’s  – the clan arrived and Alan suggested we go out for a pint, so it was the Airline hotel – Diamond Lil’s. Then to bed in Carol’s room.  

Wednesday, January 24, 1973

London airport – mild and cloudy.

Up and breakfasted. – Joanne, Carol, Tony and the children all stayed off the job or school and drove to the airport to see us off. Plane finally got airborne at 3:15 bound for Malaga. Uneventful except for my gallant husband. He whipped out his cigarette lighter (to light up a blonde sitting next to us) and it burst into flames! Burnt his hand, but not seriously but we did get some attention – I think some thought it was the start of a bombing. 

Got a cab in Malaga and went to our hotel in Torremolinos  – well, it is all breathtaking! Daylight till 715 here – so we could see everything. The hotel El Remo is so gorgeous. We have a three room suite complete with a modern kitchen and a washer, a 14 x 6 patio overlooking the Mediterranean. All furnished so beautifully in Spanish (what else) decor! 

Went out to a shop for supplies and stayed in for a change, had supper, a drink, and into our twin beds. Air-conditioned rooms – guess you need them in summer.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Good evening! Before I get back to my 1973 trip series blog, I wanted to post a picture of a very special gift that Mark and I received. 

Our friend Rick M in British Columbia is a skilled artisan in woodworking. His shop apparently is well equipped! Look at the beautiful inlaid wood on this Cribbage board!

The workmanship is amazing!

And, unlike cribbage boards commercially sold, this board swings open to reveal the pegs and card storage! 

What really touched us both is the inscription. ❤️ It’s 

Beautiful on so many levels. Thank you Rick, our dear friend.  

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Good evening. It’s been a day of tidying up after hosting a party for Robbie’s 13th birthday.  

Yeah, he was quite into the whole party! Both Robs and Bee even had a taste of cake! 

Twenty-one friends came out on a blustery Florida night to party with us. (The entire Florida peninsula was covered in a storm with gusting winds and blowing rain.) Shortly after the pizzas were delivered, the power went out, and stayed out until 1030 or 11 o’clock that night. 😂 Surprisingly though, no one left.  The party continued! What a great group of friends we have. 

Both Robbie and sister BeeZee opened presents … plenty of yummy treats and fun toys. 

Wednesday December 13, 2023

Monday, January 22, 1973

Maurice woke us up at 9:30 with a call of “Breakfast is ready” — boy, we slept well — such comfortable beds we’ve had over here.

We seem to have brought the sun to Wales, they tell us - it’s a cold bright day so we’re going out fora drive with Jean and Maurice to see some of Wales. 

We went into the Wye Valley and on for a beautiful drive — 

stopped for lunch in a pub, the Rose and Crown. The people are all so friendly. Then Maurice took us to an old Roman site - We paid to go in and saw the “Amphitheater” where the Christians were thrown to the lions - amazing - took some pictures. Wended our way back to Crick - such a lovely drive we had!

I laid down for a rest before the evening festivities. 

Left the manor at 7:30 for the 10 minute drive to the Castle. It was raining. Got inside the “Bar Room” - it was crowded and after a few minutes we were all told “to leave the 20th Century now and go to the “Great Hall” where a minstrel played the fiddle and our Lady welcomed us all then called out our separate parties to go up the winding stairs to the dining room - Lord & Lady Wellers and their guests Lord & Lady Tawns were ushered in. We were sat in an alcove seat (above the rest) and as soon as our host welcomed everyone we were singled out for a welcome by everyone - (from Winnipeg Canada.)

Our serving girl was called Lady Anne who was also one of the chorus. First, we had a heavy, tasty soup, and a loaf of bread, no spoons, just scoop it up. Then came a lovely dish of lamb, baked I think, and after that a half chicken done in honey and rosemary and baked potatoes and a beautiful salad. All this to be eaten with just a dagger knife. Oh, yes, we all had bibs on to help keep us clean. This was unlimited drinks of mead and heavy red. As soon as you took a sip, it seemed to be filled up again. There was entertainment all through the meal and after. It ended about 11 PM and we were invited to go to the bar , but we felt we had enough so we went home to our warm bed and room. 

Monday, December 11, 2023

Saturday, January 20, 1973

It looks like we are on the move again. Our motel is full and we can’t stay tonight. Oh well, we’ll find something. We went out and got our airline tickets to Torremolinos’s for Wednesday the 24th.

Round to Joan’s for a mugger – then back to the Charlton hotel, a small, 12 Room place - very clean and neat. Dressed for the party and out for supper. The party was in progress when we arrived. It got going quite wild by midnight, and Alan and Peg started us all on dancing and we didn’t stop till 3:30 AM. It was a very successful party. Tom and Syl stayed there the night, but we managed to get back to our hotel. 

Sunday, January 21, 1973

A slight hangover, but we put away a breakfast anyway, and went round to Joan’s to say goodbye to Syl and Tom. We’ll see the rest on Tuesday night. 

Had a fast drive down to Wales – a pleasant day for a drive, and we got on the M4, which is a beautiful “motorway.”

We arrived at the “Crick Manor” which is a private home (with a farm behind it.) The main part of the house was built in 1271. In fact, our bedroom is the original one – the kitchen and the dining room were added on in “Elizabethan Times”!!  It is a beautiful old house. I’m beginning to appreciate “old things” after seeing their home. From our bedroom window I can see a cow grazing. 

We arrived and met our host and hostess, Jean and Maurice Weller, who are friends of Steve and Greta Bloomer. Had a lovely dinner as soon as we arrived, then sat in their charming living room and listened to Maurice tell us some of the history of this place.

After supper, we all went out to one of their favorite pubs “The Huntsman” - Very fancy, horsey decor. There were a lot of people around – but the road was so narrow, winding, and with walls on both sides that I was afraid of drinking and not getting back.

We arrived home in one piece and got into a bed – it was lovely there. Their Linda had turned on the bottom electric blanket, so it was a real treat to get into a warm bed instead of shivering for the first half hour!

Sunday December 10, 2023

January 19, 1973

Hampton Court (Palace)

After breakfast we took a 30 minute walk around the Palace grounds adjacent to our motel - started building it in 1500. It is so huge and the gardens marvelous. Back to our room to write letters.

Had a nice supper in the Hotel then over to Joan’s - The Gang was there and Lynda washed and set my hair - Felt good to get it done. Watched the “telly” til after midnight then headed back to our motel got lost but eventually found it. 

Saturday, December 9, 2020

Wednesday, January 17, 1973

LittleHampton, UK

Weather – cloudy

The Beach Hotel is the only one in LittleHampton so that’s where we stayed – not too bad own bath and steam heat) - Nice dining room and meals – we phoned Bridget’s girl and told her we’re on our way to see her (tomorrow.)

Wednesday (17th)  Today is Linda’s birthday – I just realized it! Days are flying by – had our breakfast, then wrote to Sue. Started off driving in the sunshine along the coast. Stopped in Portsmouth to go aboard Nelson’s ship “The Victory” - quite a site! Every few minutes we heard “watch your head.” Stopped to  write postcards which are stamped right on the ship.

And onto to Bournemouth.

Found Bridget’s bungalow without too much trouble – she greeted us with – “hot water bottles are already in your bed” and our protest that we weren’t staying with her fell on deaf ears so we had supper then round to the local pub for a few – then into a warm bed. 

Thursday, January 18, up and breakfast with Bridget, then we started out for “home” near London. A beautiful day for a drive. We stopped for lunch at “the Wagoneer, and arrived at Joan’s at Hanworth 230 but she was out, so we drove on to find a place to stay near her. Two hours later, we were back at Joan’s place – nothing – After their supper, we all (Alan, Joan and Ernie) went out to the Grey Hound Hotel to see if we could get in. We were in luck – a motel (across the street) still the greyhound had a room for us. Hope to stay here now till Sunday. 

Out to the pub for a few, then to bed.

Friday, December 8, 2023

Tuesday, January 16, 1973

Up for breakfast – a frosty morning, but sunny - must write a few lines today. Our room is modern and beautiful and different with unusual lamps and lights (with shades.) I recommend this highly.

We started out, driving around and found a pub. Archie liked called “The Feathers.”  He and Harry were there in the great war, of course. The Publican was friendly, and we spent several hours there – had lunch then after closing, went to look for a church, that brother Harry and his regiment rebuilt for the people of Merstham. We found it and it’s now used for concerts, weddings and church plays. Inside is a plaque to the Canadian soldiers.

On our way to Brighton again - looking for a spot to stay the night. Some places are awful - we wouldn’t stay in them - so we drove on & on. Finally came to Land’s End - as far as Archie is concerned - we stay HERE or else! He’s had enough of these “B —- English drivers!” 

(Note: Tuesday

            3 Bridges

            Warm Sunny)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Sunday, January 14, 1973

Up a note for breakfast at 9 AM!! Going to drive to Hanworth (20 min) To get Joan to go to Eastbourne for a day – come back tomorrow – raining a bit.

The sun came out for three minutes yesterday – apparently the first time since Christmas!! Mild though – about 42°F. 

Left Joan’s house at noon. The gang were there to see us off. Had a lovely drive down.”South” – The sun came out and made a pleasant day. Stopped at East Granstead for a pint and lunch. We arrived at our destination about 3 PM.

Found Beryl and Mike’s place after asking a few questions. Saw June and David and after a short visit, we went out to find a bed for the night. Got A few beds – like a double room for us, and one twice the size with single beds for Joan. 

Back to Beryl’s for tea. Saw my aunt Bob for an hour – looks like my mom – found the Burlington hotel bar – stayed till closing – our hotel is the Cumberland - overlooking the sea.  

Monday, January 15, 2023

Up and at breakfast by 930 – Joanne enjoyed her palatial room and bath. Took a drive up Beachy Ppoint in Sussex – breathtaking view – but breezy – came back by way of Red Hill and Box Hill, and easily found our way to Joan’s - dropped her off and went back to East Grinstead for the night at a beautiful hotel called Ye Olde Felbridge Hotel complete with swimming pool. Down to visit a few pubs and so to bed.  

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Friday, January 12, 1973, overcast and 40°.

Up and packed – Archie has hired a car and we’ll be off. I can’t wait to eat so I went down to the “restaurant“ more like a huge ballroom, for coffee and toast. The waiter sneered at “toast,” - it was dinner time to him! 

Arch had our “hired” car delivered – we feel quite smart with a Ford Cortina four-door, 1973 model. We left London and drove to Dorking and got a room (very modern) in the “White Horse.” The oldest beams in the place date back to the 15th century. Drove around after dinner (which we had at the White Horse) and out to a pub Arch visited in the war. “The Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower” 

and had a pint or two – then searched and found another favorite pub “The Woodsman” also in Ashstead. We came back on dark roads to Darking in time for a pint at the local “The Boot Hole.”

Saturday, January 13, 1973 – overcast 33°

Quite damp today – first time we got up in time for breakfast – had it in the hotel dining room. Guess we’re finally getting accustomed to time. Going out for a drive. Drove all over the place – Aldershot, where we tried to find Archie‘s brother, Bob’s grave, but being Saturday, no one on duty. Then on Ashstead, Leatherhead, 

Kingston, and found Joan’s place again in Hanworth - a cup of tea and then a leisurely drive back to Dorking. (about 20 miles.) Had a quiet evening in front of the “telly.”

Monday, December 4, 2023

Just in case you missed yesterday’s blog and the introduction of my parents trip in 1973, that’s what’s going on here. 😂

Wednesday, January 10, 1973

Dad and me went out at noon, too late for breakfast. We took a walk, found something to eat, and walked to Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and the pigeons (one landed on my head.) We walked up the Strand, Hyde Park, (everything is old and dirty, with narrow streets and the roar of traffic.) We went back to our hotel for a rest.

Sylvia and Tom arrived and had a drink in our suite then we walked to Simpson’s for an excellent dinner in 160-year-old dining room. Home for nightcaps.

Thursday, January 11, 1973

Up late again – can’t get used to these hours – Joan phoned us, and after brunch, we got on the tube (underground train) and went to visit them. Got off the bus at the pub which is the landmark to find their place. Met her husband Ernie for the first time. He was sat in front of the (color) T.V. - a nice afternoon. Found out we were staying to dinner and the family drifted in – first Carol from her job at the gas station – then Alan, who is a salesman – then, Nick, Carol’s boyfriend, then came, Lynda, Tony, her hubby and children Mark six, Debbie 8. What a group (Also, Alan‘s girlfriend Peggy.)  we went out to a pub, 3 Fishes,  built and started in 1606. Later, Alan drove us all the way home. Tired tonight.

(To be continued tomorrow)

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Good morning. I’ve decided for the next few days to post my parents travel log from January 1973. Their friend Betty Fairburn gave my mom a trip book with a note that they were to write in it every day. My mother did … enjoy!

Date: January 8–19 73

Place: Winnipeg to London

Weather: cold

After a half hour delay, we took off for Preswick and London. The flight is jammed – they “scanned” all our hand luggage, and we “scanned “anyone who looked “different“. Beaujolais for supper and chicken. We dozed off and we’re awakened at the new time “5:15 a.m. for 7-Up, Coke or lemonade! We had champagne left from dinner – dozed again, and breakfast served at 6 AM. Loverly - Cold buns and lousy coffee. Arch had champagne, left from dinner. Couldn’t get off the plane in Scotland and the plane was so warm – we were running an hour late! 

Arriving finally London at 9:30 on Tuesday, January 9. Then, long wait to go through customs – then find our baggage. As we came along with a cart full of our luggage, we recognized Sylvia and Joan awaiting us (since 8 AM.!) We were introduced to Sylv’s husband, Tom, who is a great fellow. They hired a car and took us to our hotel, saw bits of London, on the way. 

Well, the “Regent Palace” is awful – so we moved to the Waldorf Hotel by cab. The gals are really charming and so helpful. After we moved in, we all went down to the Gaiety Pub for a few. At 3 o’clock it was time!! The darn place closes up till 730. So we came back to our suite to have a nap and we will all meet again later.

7:30 PM, Sylvia and Tom are here to take us out to dinner. Bracket Joan has gone to see her husband who is ill at home.] We walked a few blocks to Waterloo bridge, and a few steps more brought us to a stationary shop, which is a floating restaurant. we had a drink at one of their bars, then buy a deck for a delicious dinner overlooking the Thames - With “Big Ben” in the background. Then, downstairs to a different bar “the 30s bar”. One drink, 11 PM – everything closes up – so we walk back a few blocks to the Waldorf and said good night.  

Saturday December 2nd, 2023

Good afternoon! Welcome December … a magical time of the year!

Yesterday was bowling with friends; just practice. Last Wednesday I was great … 168 average but yesterday, not so much. 🤨 We had fun though. Mark bowled well, keeping up with Roger, a retired pro. 

Tonight is our neighborhood party with Alan Darcy entertaining. It’s bound to be fun! 

Nancy took this picture of Lake Eustis this week! Great sunrise! 

The Christmas party was fun! 🤩 The table decor was extra nice with party favor bags and special folded napkins like Christmas trees! 

Friends havin’ fun!

Lynn & Steve lookin’ Festivus