Season's Greetings

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you so much for reading and following</div><div style="text-align: center;">my adventures this year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You encourage me to do, to write, and to photograph</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm looking forward to seeing what 2014 will bring</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">See you there!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BLVq1hvUuW7p-dLqDTxPMRMXzK0_4YmK_AO6GEOlmLe_TVwbK96JEQo6CSSpcwAyW_KsaREoKTF7aVE8W8Rf5WC5jTsBvuDZBU6lVhMwYOIhjWm2xgk28WUkJ-jpLMWC8gX5CeVs3nzA/s1600/DSC04226-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BLVq1hvUuW7p-dLqDTxPMRMXzK0_4YmK_AO6GEOlmLe_TVwbK96JEQo6CSSpcwAyW_KsaREoKTF7aVE8W8Rf5WC5jTsBvuDZBU6lVhMwYOIhjWm2xgk28WUkJ-jpLMWC8gX5CeVs3nzA/s640/DSC04226-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />All the best,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photo my own -</span></i></div><br /><br />

Season's Greetings

Thank you so much for reading and following my adventures this year You encourage me to do, to write, and to photograph I'm looking forw...

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One Of Those Extraordinary Days

<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday, </div><div style="text-align: center;">not only was the date 11/12/13</div><div style="text-align: center;">(in the US 12/11/13)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyvBInQ3j2dPaFUGbB9cl6QLORnDjB5zZIEFuPf6LqdmSGuXQiNZnW_A9_tpza0M_jAqU1pTjlPK6yoTJetE7SnqmrT1FHXGorHIODL78B2ox4-eRhajXTp_GvtuRauLj1IyLi2Z8oYB-/s1600/photo+1-063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyvBInQ3j2dPaFUGbB9cl6QLORnDjB5zZIEFuPf6LqdmSGuXQiNZnW_A9_tpza0M_jAqU1pTjlPK6yoTJetE7SnqmrT1FHXGorHIODL78B2ox4-eRhajXTp_GvtuRauLj1IyLi2Z8oYB-/s640/photo+1-063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">but we had fog all. day. long.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This time of year </div><div style="text-align: center;">I drive by farmer fields</div><div style="text-align: center;">with gorgeous lone oak trees swallowed by fog at the base</div><div style="text-align: center;">- such a romantic look about it -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I often want to pull over to capture the moment</div><div style="text-align: center;">but we would be late for school</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyR21Hnc0XXD0U2V-89k0Au_-LuV97IE-MSEcm9Rmf1MU3CNjtUvWMfh4IKghlnujGcGhhJKwnaRTNG_ZfCE5q4M0B7jb19trm-CnHbSYOkD41D-xXRjQexvy9XUsWRC9G7hQ9ImdMOYq/s1600/photo+4-572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyR21Hnc0XXD0U2V-89k0Au_-LuV97IE-MSEcm9Rmf1MU3CNjtUvWMfh4IKghlnujGcGhhJKwnaRTNG_ZfCE5q4M0B7jb19trm-CnHbSYOkD41D-xXRjQexvy9XUsWRC9G7hQ9ImdMOYq/s640/photo+4-572.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once I get the kids dropped off,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the fog has disappeared</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not yesterday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvVhbtzLovQdYIvEKE4AVQyvMEmxuDIE-hgqa_oYgpmPYWOMY2zSsZ7GYivq81LckNbdNmy-cm8Vlu_QczCeQcFkW4kKAzkbHoyCTleQU7nqX0pYiDvcCE6TPT03S55FK2wedhHfKBskk/s1600/photo+1-064.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvVhbtzLovQdYIvEKE4AVQyvMEmxuDIE-hgqa_oYgpmPYWOMY2zSsZ7GYivq81LckNbdNmy-cm8Vlu_QczCeQcFkW4kKAzkbHoyCTleQU7nqX0pYiDvcCE6TPT03S55FK2wedhHfKBskk/s640/photo+1-064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I had most of the day to photograph at my leisure</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmMsQLVGCHZHe_wCXwtE3JZ1yDVg4CjvwvCbkNgctrYmpVuljrHijJYRUNDYZ3gRrYRLpfVKKsECy_vg1PR97STQmfvfO4lgkwiqk7mvVh6MKoKBT1PwmrY-qgxzfrZpCkxC3iptjzRiZ/s1600/photo+1-067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmMsQLVGCHZHe_wCXwtE3JZ1yDVg4CjvwvCbkNgctrYmpVuljrHijJYRUNDYZ3gRrYRLpfVKKsECy_vg1PR97STQmfvfO4lgkwiqk7mvVh6MKoKBT1PwmrY-qgxzfrZpCkxC3iptjzRiZ/s640/photo+1-067.JPG" width="638" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And to add to my photo snapping joy,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the night left behind a <i>hoar frost</i>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Which is code for seeing the invisible...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnnJ9VrEAWiPb-0OfG33GvrWd7Nh0P8alubXaKC3z2xTmjQewVg3cC8Nb2dFMdm3utwxfD8ebgue_9_vCLlvM9VbyrkNH9NhBb70JKHHwdB_FEx9IGbl0nbWDfheqUINHbUM1s7MIri8X/s1600/photo+4-059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnnJ9VrEAWiPb-0OfG33GvrWd7Nh0P8alubXaKC3z2xTmjQewVg3cC8Nb2dFMdm3utwxfD8ebgue_9_vCLlvM9VbyrkNH9NhBb70JKHHwdB_FEx9IGbl0nbWDfheqUINHbUM1s7MIri8X/s640/photo+4-059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Droplets of dew froze on spider webs</div><div style="text-align: center;">to reveal lacy gossamer handiwork</div><div style="text-align: center;">everywhere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fuzzy moss on tree trunks</div><div style="text-align: center;">begged for a closer look</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXeSV74j6Xc_r0ZIYKcbKxK901hyJqC0fViX_EtCcT8lM4lJPdSsnifd63RgTV_bOdF9OAYZ3D-DymRf39X8G9NT3_du9xWmrH87UZs5lY-Fs6l5gnHEZIAUNSORERjmUCTAPFD4oMpRV/s1600/photo+2-060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXeSV74j6Xc_r0ZIYKcbKxK901hyJqC0fViX_EtCcT8lM4lJPdSsnifd63RgTV_bOdF9OAYZ3D-DymRf39X8G9NT3_du9xWmrH87UZs5lY-Fs6l5gnHEZIAUNSORERjmUCTAPFD4oMpRV/s640/photo+2-060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In this little corner of England,</div><div style="text-align: center;">hoar frost may happen just a few times a year or not at all</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sort of like a rainbow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You feel lucky</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nuyvng4YaQOhy4ELXIcCeQBjPRBQA8OFQC2ji0ffMhc4DjnNNz4I6t9VpxZyK6sOXqkCFmLmMm1HpZzq4lg_A7kqh0Uwm8SqbiJebFa1dFMaZMcT1aFq3hfIAq96KqTilF9NK6jQehB3/s1600/photo+2-061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nuyvng4YaQOhy4ELXIcCeQBjPRBQA8OFQC2ji0ffMhc4DjnNNz4I6t9VpxZyK6sOXqkCFmLmMm1HpZzq4lg_A7kqh0Uwm8SqbiJebFa1dFMaZMcT1aFq3hfIAq96KqTilF9NK6jQehB3/s640/photo+2-061.JPG" width="638" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So as the sun set (at 3:51pm!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">the day ended with this dreamy landscape</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5Dt-DPu-a1g9Wfyl8AKqrSB_wYoHfirY4UHySSb_Ahf_8NvCYDpWNipH0uYkflCVf_Z-d7Z90QE4oRrSThpO16nMAWnZxiSeQM7Vu9yASTfVXHDLymlinZ7B9MVbiJajVcsZMnpNw2IU/s1600/photo+1-068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5Dt-DPu-a1g9Wfyl8AKqrSB_wYoHfirY4UHySSb_Ahf_8NvCYDpWNipH0uYkflCVf_Z-d7Z90QE4oRrSThpO16nMAWnZxiSeQM7Vu9yASTfVXHDLymlinZ7B9MVbiJajVcsZMnpNw2IU/s640/photo+1-068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hoping your December </div><div style="text-align: center;">is filled with many rainbow moments</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

One Of Those Extraordinary Days

Yesterday,  not only was the date 11/12/13 (in the US 12/11/13) but we had fog all. day. long. This time of year  I drive by farmer fields w...

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Creative Gifts

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Browsing the internet,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I found a few fun finds to share</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What's not to love about this</div><div style="text-align: center;">hand stamped butter knife?</div><div style="text-align: center;">(those scones look divine too!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV2iFEDVSaX3YsQwqVXg0lOhcs-sXb5cgacNX0UzICL7INqgcM1YwRgiBm6AvBjtJsluxDjLBR1vRzWvg4mRgMFf39zUmSI2Le1EA2LeMfyR0uwljZaRIe9ZeY-zg58NqNucYEE7rUER2/s1600/original_silver-plated-spread-the-love-butter-knife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV2iFEDVSaX3YsQwqVXg0lOhcs-sXb5cgacNX0UzICL7INqgcM1YwRgiBm6AvBjtJsluxDjLBR1vRzWvg4mRgMFf39zUmSI2Le1EA2LeMfyR0uwljZaRIe9ZeY-zg58NqNucYEE7rUER2/s640/original_silver-plated-spread-the-love-butter-knife.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sold by <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/thecutlerycommission/product/silver-plated-spread-the-love-butter-knife">The Cutlery Commission</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Map your life journey with hand stitches</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">UK, US, European and World maps are available</div><div style="text-align: center;">in different colors which can be further personalized</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4JEIuMGSsFCi1AxB0-o4BBSd09rpGY1WUZFeUr_Vd0VEZ7cXdVJj74ppY63Ui8ctJj3O8AjDMLTL-g78UCQHwmxEhe-FPg-5lKtIVI7IhusC73zeXThhk1CrIugIordCjla6jbbgSvmy/s1600/original_stitch-a-journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4JEIuMGSsFCi1AxB0-o4BBSd09rpGY1WUZFeUr_Vd0VEZ7cXdVJj74ppY63Ui8ctJj3O8AjDMLTL-g78UCQHwmxEhe-FPg-5lKtIVI7IhusC73zeXThhk1CrIugIordCjla6jbbgSvmy/s640/original_stitch-a-journey.jpg" width="556" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available through <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/thelittleboysroom/product/stitch-a-journey">The Little Boy's Room</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Something about this card planter makes me happy</div><div style="text-align: center;">with its little weather vane and bicycle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cress seeds included</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp99ny27uEHj74GH4Z-28qctbPG1WIYd9zPmZgHYUwKNg370RIOKTQhFBEVQf2bC8Pkv8Yx0T0LGGSVIVXbfLTm016tM-h9VKomLb5H00a6lmqu0AJK5gIglL6axx2Dx4qaD28lq0CKUi2/s1600/original_village-matchcarden-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp99ny27uEHj74GH4Z-28qctbPG1WIYd9zPmZgHYUwKNg370RIOKTQhFBEVQf2bC8Pkv8Yx0T0LGGSVIVXbfLTm016tM-h9VKomLb5H00a6lmqu0AJK5gIglL6axx2Dx4qaD28lq0CKUi2/s640/original_village-matchcarden-set.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/anotherstudio/product/village-matchcarden-set">Another Studio</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And look at this gorgeous piece of luggage</div><div style="text-align: center;">- ooh, the colors and design! -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You could pick that one out of the all-black-suitcase crowd!</div><div style="text-align: center;">But I'd be afraid someone would steal it because it is</div><div style="text-align: center;">soooo gooorrgeeous :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMQKWKwjTHuY7qiXbYdIq4X60IeZVIpVS2p67IAXa_iXD7kGDgjYv6O5ZAN7tXdWQ0hsYSJgJUGZI56uTUVAei12amqvELxjw0bhtrNc7CPWqGieT8LKqxobP93NdAjo5nHlmg37Mg9Z6/s1600/original_pip-studio-suitcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMQKWKwjTHuY7qiXbYdIq4X60IeZVIpVS2p67IAXa_iXD7kGDgjYv6O5ZAN7tXdWQ0hsYSJgJUGZI56uTUVAei12amqvELxjw0bhtrNc7CPWqGieT8LKqxobP93NdAjo5nHlmg37Mg9Z6/s640/original_pip-studio-suitcase.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pip Studio via <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/fiftyonepercent/product/pip-studio-suitcase">Fifty One Percent</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty confident you don't have this kooky clock</div><div style="text-align: center;">Instead of clock hands, the googly eyes tell you the time based on position</div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a conversation piece!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe the time is showing 12:25-ish :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxggQ36PbomO0-QZ-FwTqO5hlTy9XgP_4cYbTzI3MpzSLZOFQ_1pOYS7M0MzjAb2dZl7seIqfdajsGKwgC1M7JDWM8_7d_jazieCQkM8k1dzJMCddIRd7PaIssK7nGf1pJGj-wel37L_9/s1600/UKSuckClock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxggQ36PbomO0-QZ-FwTqO5hlTy9XgP_4cYbTzI3MpzSLZOFQ_1pOYS7M0MzjAb2dZl7seIqfdajsGKwgC1M7JDWM8_7d_jazieCQkM8k1dzJMCddIRd7PaIssK7nGf1pJGj-wel37L_9/s640/UKSuckClock.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.suck.uk.com/products/eyeclock/?category=house">Suck UK</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not much of a shopper,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I love giving creative gifts</div><div style="text-align: center;">(often hard to find)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have any unusual finds to share?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Creative Gifts

Browsing the internet, I found a few fun finds to share What's not to love about this hand stamped butter knife? (those scones look divi...

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Mudlarking In London

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Beachcombing the River Thames in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">is known as 'mudlarking'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQmWTVPGr3iPhCpHxBbpZ7DKInfahA3ZdfI1ijXzLd0ePhO9pmB5ozABU2tCQDzz2Ga7v_KRDOhliclrqrvjIBFdVJCL0P5INpal-vKfRMS7HiMfoO9VzNw4OLbanwnn-z7iKisjYUzAm/s1600/photo+1-172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQmWTVPGr3iPhCpHxBbpZ7DKInfahA3ZdfI1ijXzLd0ePhO9pmB5ozABU2tCQDzz2Ga7v_KRDOhliclrqrvjIBFdVJCL0P5INpal-vKfRMS7HiMfoO9VzNw4OLbanwnn-z7iKisjYUzAm/s640/photo+1-172.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the 18th and 19th centuries,</div><div style="text-align: center;">impoverished boys and girls aged 8 to 15</div><div style="text-align: center;">scavenged the river's mud at low tide </div><div style="text-align: center;">in search of treasures to sell</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a dirty and unsafe job,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as the river was a receptacle for raw sewage </div><div style="text-align: center;">and dumping ground for the city's rubbish</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today it is a bit of a gold mine for seeing into the past</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQzNbQ38ld9Y3uwwn8JNvfwRwr5K4SZ_c8_2btR1oYKvKj2RWz7m8JxLPXKtfSaLnJcS725grQFetogP4hOBFB8WSQmWi9VMJWdVtcOzgwUAb_YH-M7GYGr8WBNGhGMaCsmt1AXWWIzsn/s1600/photo+5-016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQzNbQ38ld9Y3uwwn8JNvfwRwr5K4SZ_c8_2btR1oYKvKj2RWz7m8JxLPXKtfSaLnJcS725grQFetogP4hOBFB8WSQmWi9VMJWdVtcOzgwUAb_YH-M7GYGr8WBNGhGMaCsmt1AXWWIzsn/s640/photo+5-016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Led by Fiona, a local expert archaeologist,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a group of us collected a few things along the bank</div><div style="text-align: center;">we thought might be of interest</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We showed her our loot,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and in a nonplussed way she told us much of it dated</div><div style="text-align: center;">to Victorian times or earlier</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once she showed us what to look for,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we saw Victorian roof tiles scattered on the bank</div><div style="text-align: center;">as well as old yellow bricks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clay tiles with grey streaks were Victorian</div><div style="text-align: center;">Solid red tiles could be dated to Tudor times</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And if tiles showed signs of being burned, </div><div style="text-align: center;">they could be from the Great Fire of London in 1666</div><div style="text-align: center;">(as they threw everything into the river to clean up after the fire)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaznQfOL15klzXut_GBblmXiq4gTPqBlyNDG6vjwFTzRJqkaS4BrXPh48g27blqESvlTfGw8wnisOLXg0CydYk9fPkTci_s2QR9cXO1aMgjf19Uk5Lx4OgiC36Ltrr0rpcD6NjVk9EZd1_/s1600/photo+4-019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaznQfOL15klzXut_GBblmXiq4gTPqBlyNDG6vjwFTzRJqkaS4BrXPh48g27blqESvlTfGw8wnisOLXg0CydYk9fPkTci_s2QR9cXO1aMgjf19Uk5Lx4OgiC36Ltrr0rpcD6NjVk9EZd1_/s640/photo+4-019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And yes, that's a bone</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We found glass waste from a factory that</div><div style="text-align: center;">operated nearby from 1700s - 1800s</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pottery known as 'tin-glazed ware'</div><div style="text-align: center;">would have been discarded</div><div style="text-align: center;">from kilns located on the shore </div><div style="text-align: center;">between 15th and 17th centuries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clay pipes were like cigarette butts of the time,</div><div style="text-align: center;">popular by smokers between 1580 and 1930</div><div style="text-align: center;">We saw these everywhere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9NIIa3OjQMN5odOKyJzDN366cNPKVAT1tgv8RxW-lLGvQYof5oJs41djLia_OOO_dxgWJvkkl-qcggeyjkkMJGzHqifV9MnJs8tgypNBNRCZ_FP1Xtvvz0bgtlLbuwGoEDsGjJTmVJ_4/s1600/photo+5-018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9NIIa3OjQMN5odOKyJzDN366cNPKVAT1tgv8RxW-lLGvQYof5oJs41djLia_OOO_dxgWJvkkl-qcggeyjkkMJGzHqifV9MnJs8tgypNBNRCZ_FP1Xtvvz0bgtlLbuwGoEDsGjJTmVJ_4/s640/photo+5-018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay pipes and a very old shard of tin-glazed ware (the piece with one blue stripe)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The plentiful metal nails and scrap were from the shipyard</div><div style="text-align: center;">that once stood where we searched </div><div style="text-align: center;">(late 1600s - late 1800s)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clearly they were handmade and did not look uniform in shape</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The most important discovery of the day</div><div style="text-align: center;">was a piece of coral found by someone in our group</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Fiona asked if she could take it to the Zoo as they are piecing together</div><div style="text-align: center;">what types of coral lived in the river -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although you could mudlark on your own,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you wouldn't know what you were seeing</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I would highly recommend giving it a go with Fiona</div><div style="text-align: center;">- great for all ages -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLG2MWK0qQtKpwGaO1SZADniEGL0pVlGgsB5XqS8Y2GI3jU2DbBoIU5zOTd5nhX4SYPfNHw8V4O4uRh8JX6c7nT2lzOKRKGoQ1t7Fzw29JRKNaoFt_deJOumuhwCvSXfz4jpV3REyH4dU/s1600/photo+2-020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLG2MWK0qQtKpwGaO1SZADniEGL0pVlGgsB5XqS8Y2GI3jU2DbBoIU5zOTd5nhX4SYPfNHw8V4O4uRh8JX6c7nT2lzOKRKGoQ1t7Fzw29JRKNaoFt_deJOumuhwCvSXfz4jpV3REyH4dU/s640/photo+2-020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were thrilled with our success</div><div style="text-align: center;">and thankful the bank was pebbly and mud-free</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll never look at the Thames the same :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mudlarking via <a href="http://www.walks.com/">London Walks</a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(a nonsponsored post)</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Mudlarking In London

Beachcombing the River Thames in London is known as 'mudlarking' In the 18th and 19th centuries, impoverished boys and girls aged 8 ...

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Thanksgiving's Hedgerows

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">As America celebrates Thanksgiving tomorrow</div><div style="text-align: center;">- a day of loved ones, traditional food, and American football -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">my family and I will celebrate our fourth year in a nation</div><div style="text-align: center;">that doesn't pause for the holiday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a new normal with new traditions,</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as traipsing down to a local pub with friends and family</div><div style="text-align: center;">for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The pub may serve Yorkshire Pudding as well as other English surprises</div><div style="text-align: center;">One never knows!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (pubs are family friendly</div><div style="text-align: center;">and not at all like American bars)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Darkness is a cloak as early as 4pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">and autumn leaves continue to fall gently like giant snowflakes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am delayed on the road lately</div><div style="text-align: center;">due to local hedges being trimmed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ2YeMjTNa3Vj75esCdpQEWz2bYKo2deF4rgwb_cwSRfmVzTKl9pXtC3_tF6l87UcfASwDq5bfTE-aDo12KtUOl9ogU1xJ79utPmOeeG-CpidNjuYNZDiLRNZGvJvMrZI13Ej3cetWg3T/s1600/photo+1-022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ2YeMjTNa3Vj75esCdpQEWz2bYKo2deF4rgwb_cwSRfmVzTKl9pXtC3_tF6l87UcfASwDq5bfTE-aDo12KtUOl9ogU1xJ79utPmOeeG-CpidNjuYNZDiLRNZGvJvMrZI13Ej3cetWg3T/s640/photo+1-022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you've visited the English countryside,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you cannot help but notice the hedgerows</div><div style="text-align: center;">that create perimeters around farmland and property</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hedges create super-highways for wildlife across the countryside</div><div style="text-align: center;">- so many are connected -</div><div style="text-align: center;">and provide a bounty of food with its berries and fruit</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A place of shelter, I find such great comfort in these living barriers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like a cutie-pie hedgehog traveling along the hedgerows,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I find thankfulness in the sweet tidbits and friends I meet along my path</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving, wherever you may be in the hedgerows :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photo by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Thanksgiving's Hedgerows

As America celebrates Thanksgiving tomorrow - a day of loved ones, traditional food, and American football - my family and I will celebrate ...

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Puppy Raised English

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hiya! </div><div style="text-align: center;">(that's English for 'hello')</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm Millie,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a 5 month old spaniel<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1C8zmG6Sj_nCW7EH_37kb0DuTQhJsJOPyJ_db4M-olKvy-FESiROPPOSk0cc8Vdx-kibxsRLmXZfv2_LWf2lNVGQTy4RsFIN7s3zz2igwidSMKUC1D0fhduVJ3SX3fPmvvokDy5WoS7j/s1600/photo+3-014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1C8zmG6Sj_nCW7EH_37kb0DuTQhJsJOPyJ_db4M-olKvy-FESiROPPOSk0cc8Vdx-kibxsRLmXZfv2_LWf2lNVGQTy4RsFIN7s3zz2igwidSMKUC1D0fhduVJ3SX3fPmvvokDy5WoS7j/s640/photo+3-014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to tell you a bit about my puppy class in England,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which may interest my American doggy friends</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is <u>really</u> different from the US!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl6XGxgPUQM4D13c00tZfS9bn0-7dc39R2f9ILuQL2bRg5psAEkCBenAPT6BKhzVXSj6B5pFemfGtD1LGEQWx4NbuSlOTz0w7g75gQZh2oOdXg7d9dB4J0v0ie7uBUwqAVB7MS9sR_MG_/s1600/photo+4-012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl6XGxgPUQM4D13c00tZfS9bn0-7dc39R2f9ILuQL2bRg5psAEkCBenAPT6BKhzVXSj6B5pFemfGtD1LGEQWx4NbuSlOTz0w7g75gQZh2oOdXg7d9dB4J0v0ie7uBUwqAVB7MS9sR_MG_/s640/photo+4-012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My school</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rain or shine</div><div style="text-align: center;">we meet weekly in a grassy field at a nearby farm</div><div style="text-align: center;">with chickens, guinea fowl and sheep</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Boris, Bertie, Tess, and Fleur are some of the pups in my 'small dog' class</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite part of class is off-leash playtime</div><div style="text-align: center;">to give my brain a little rest</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fleur is my best playmate</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you love those ears?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nnOubaAOloTP_PsJ7Ge9lwgxgX1Y2n1YGKlKaNH02rEfkF488u8vRSbwv-uxZqPgNKdGat7QPlOWZYeCfl2Voi1tBgVwN4azwWsZV347sAswIp8p3xEO86zgoKlxV0LJropauzXB80V9/s1600/photo+5+(6)-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nnOubaAOloTP_PsJ7Ge9lwgxgX1Y2n1YGKlKaNH02rEfkF488u8vRSbwv-uxZqPgNKdGat7QPlOWZYeCfl2Voi1tBgVwN4azwWsZV347sAswIp8p3xEO86zgoKlxV0LJropauzXB80V9/s400/photo+5+(6)-002.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Fleur, the sweetest French Bulldog</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I was surprised in my very first class</div><div style="text-align: center;">we worked on 'lie down' </div><div style="text-align: center;">(which would have come later in a US class)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The goal is to have me off leash in public </div><div style="text-align: center;">and under my owner's control at all times</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For our 5th class</div><div style="text-align: center;">we met for a country hike</div><div style="text-align: center;">- off leash -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At first we were a tumbly mess of puppy pile</div><div style="text-align: center;">- we are such a playful group -</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then one of us said, Hey! Our people left without us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So off we sprinted to find our owners</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although our humans were concerned we may run off,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we went for more tumbles and checked in with our owners periodically<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1aX2pVaUo6nRJ8yiA_RJb5JmfMAtThFHNR8r4pzKWYTlyRrqBs3H1BCl9RJBxfoiT4h_lDo-3H1bHwS4RIk10HTp1pTSlPhKfonpkNisIojqM98goWzWXYHDUw5tGg3mL2htd-T0fhiw/s1600/photo+3-009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1aX2pVaUo6nRJ8yiA_RJb5JmfMAtThFHNR8r4pzKWYTlyRrqBs3H1BCl9RJBxfoiT4h_lDo-3H1bHwS4RIk10HTp1pTSlPhKfonpkNisIojqM98goWzWXYHDUw5tGg3mL2htd-T0fhiw/s640/photo+3-009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At times Laura blew a whistle to indicate I needed to find her</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was rewarded with a treat and accolades and off I went again</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was super fun</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The following week we were back at the farm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Laura went on the other side of a fence and </div><div style="text-align: center;">I needed to work out how to get to her through a series of gates</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was in case I get stuck somewhere</div><div style="text-align: center;">and would have the confidence and knowledge to work it out by myself</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We continue to work on sit/stay and heel</div><div style="text-align: center;">on and off lead in school</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wow, is it hard when there are so many friends and good smells to distract me!<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabj6BABP1h_fEMUs4C-I0R_hhr51qs1RqvTBL01yHjfvgReuPKpN_a5z5Q7s8D0Ty0u5ehhwCPrHLG2TDjGymC839jf7ZfNbY6T37VatMqlrCh17MFlg-G6Lxjjmr1HIeepLZ1hhkdGVh/s1600/photo+1-015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabj6BABP1h_fEMUs4C-I0R_hhr51qs1RqvTBL01yHjfvgReuPKpN_a5z5Q7s8D0Ty0u5ehhwCPrHLG2TDjGymC839jf7ZfNbY6T37VatMqlrCh17MFlg-G6Lxjjmr1HIeepLZ1hhkdGVh/s640/photo+1-015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My classroom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a few weeks</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think the class will go for coffee for an hour</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I will practice my sit/stay/lie down next to Laura</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I should be well behaved the whole time I am in the coffee house</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hmm, sounds like a challenge</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think puppy classes are a lot different here</div><div style="text-align: center;">than in the US</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will grow up with my classmates, as the class is ongoing</div><div style="text-align: center;">At one point I can join a specialized spaniel group,</div><div style="text-align: center;">try agility classes or gun dog training</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For now,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have a lot to learn and practice</div><div style="text-align: center;">in my puppy class</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am a good girl</div><div style="text-align: center;">Woof :)<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by my person, laura -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Puppy Raised English

Hiya!  (that's English for 'hello') I'm Millie, a 5 month old spaniel I want to tell you a bit about my puppy class in Engla...

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Hint Hunt London

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Browsing <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186338-Activities-London_England.html">TripAdvisor</a>'s site for things to do,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was surprised to see this activity currently ranked</div><div style="text-align: center;">as the #1 Attraction in London</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbY6DF4ACVFWApFBLfri_M5xLRWzzTx1VApsV7w2m1Vs5Ix-QUk4utfGTgkpLygHnJIkOlPk1gbjmunrJYJ3AtV5YtJTIguXqD5B7JN4ayPex01KmwTx1AZtSBehK-AKWRP1DSURhbQd4O/s1600/541252_305351182869701_493306453_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbY6DF4ACVFWApFBLfri_M5xLRWzzTx1VApsV7w2m1Vs5Ix-QUk4utfGTgkpLygHnJIkOlPk1gbjmunrJYJ3AtV5YtJTIguXqD5B7JN4ayPex01KmwTx1AZtSBehK-AKWRP1DSURhbQd4O/s640/541252_305351182869701_493306453_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So me</div><div style="text-align: center;">(being me),</div><div style="text-align: center;">HAD to check it out</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shrouded in mystery,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt describes itself as</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A new simple and fun live escape game</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We lock up a handful of people (3 to 5)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>into a small space that looks like a normal room at first sight</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>However, it is a smartly designed environment where the captives</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>start discovering hidden objects, codes, keys, riddles and clues</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to help them escape the room in 60 minutes</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Created by a clever group of Hungarians, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt has locations in London, Paris, and Cape Town</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was CRAZY fun</div><div style="text-align: center;">I promise it is nothing you have ever done before</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfect for families or a group of friends,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hint Hunt is conveniently located across from Euston Station</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Put this on your 'must do' list for your next visit to London</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- minimum age of 9 with an adult -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More info: <a href="http://hinthunt.co.uk/">Hint Hunt</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><br />

Hint Hunt London

Browsing TripAdvisor 's site for things to do, I was surprised to see this activity currently ranked as the #1 Attraction in London So m...

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C.S. Lewis

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigLdcva5AE2KK58uTBuZ-Pl8mmvTnYGB6Xu7JKi04flONsuaELsEs1P057eLR_rfe8LhSnI9WV4gBQgmbZRYxCK-t8EtKdhZaj8OwileE_7eNBboYJfsaQKhur5WWOB59o8S8JgIZGV0V/s1600/DSC05444-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigLdcva5AE2KK58uTBuZ-Pl8mmvTnYGB6Xu7JKi04flONsuaELsEs1P057eLR_rfe8LhSnI9WV4gBQgmbZRYxCK-t8EtKdhZaj8OwileE_7eNBboYJfsaQKhur5WWOB59o8S8JgIZGV0V/s640/DSC05444-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Last week I traveled to Oxford</div><div style="text-align: center;">to visit the home of C.S. Lewis,</div><div style="text-align: center;">who is famously known for writing</div><div style="text-align: center;">'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Today,</div><div style="text-align: center;">his home 'The Kilns'</div><div style="text-align: center;">is not a museum but a residence</div><div style="text-align: center;">that houses visiting scholars</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So many fun things to tell you,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I'll try to stick to just a few...<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQE7UNJC24SxJt_wI0ATfIPP3ItPxZSM_L-_ivHInYyqHTC0LzjhWDLk6blSW3x_TnUMW9AgEWUOsY3NY0mwm6jeF7MCaO1WpVVhqudqWBJISqqbgnJ_owc5r3_ovVap5zN2wEH5AVCpm/s1600/DSC08450-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQE7UNJC24SxJt_wI0ATfIPP3ItPxZSM_L-_ivHInYyqHTC0LzjhWDLk6blSW3x_TnUMW9AgEWUOsY3NY0mwm6jeF7MCaO1WpVVhqudqWBJISqqbgnJ_owc5r3_ovVap5zN2wEH5AVCpm/s640/DSC08450-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having lost his bedroom key, <br />C.S. Lewis had to enter & exit his bedroom by the exterior stairs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1898</div><div style="text-align: center;">and was also known as 'Jack' in memory of his dog</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He was a professor at Oxford and Cambridge Universities</div><div style="text-align: center;">in Medieval and Renaissance Literature</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lewis knew many foreign languages<br />including Norse, Greek, and Latin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He would play Scrabble with his brother</div><div style="text-align: center;">and wife with two sets of tiles<br />- words in any foreign language were permissible -<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfkMl2e9LwgTqrDkm7sq6XSOR0U-7hh8jIfwcJy7ntEAofMGKiMv8f4U_44lLkAlp-T3Z6ha7ciGYZNNnarPnWnTtEiKpDBXaKsdiwyy6t5GHPtKqnV1Yh-U25y-lEtzjGpqSmk4p1Sn2/s1600/DSC08435-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfkMl2e9LwgTqrDkm7sq6XSOR0U-7hh8jIfwcJy7ntEAofMGKiMv8f4U_44lLkAlp-T3Z6ha7ciGYZNNnarPnWnTtEiKpDBXaKsdiwyy6t5GHPtKqnV1Yh-U25y-lEtzjGpqSmk4p1Sn2/s640/DSC08435-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining room where they played Scrabble</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">C.S. Lewis loved his house, The Kilns</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As he married later in life, he had had quite the bachelor pad</div><div style="text-align: center;">that was 'held up by books and cobwebs'<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16WzWd_jkq4ZCzVkUlTFnEn_Grfnf3sircUcOVax9o3pwugznW8wiNJ6gFYU0f0u5leCwnG3ja6AvcvMLYmiJGgfG84biKLgk1yh-x4vDunO_cZXzhYF2KTsPAjgGh6biaeYFBSwaDVBt/s1600/DSC08433-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16WzWd_jkq4ZCzVkUlTFnEn_Grfnf3sircUcOVax9o3pwugznW8wiNJ6gFYU0f0u5leCwnG3ja6AvcvMLYmiJGgfG84biKLgk1yh-x4vDunO_cZXzhYF2KTsPAjgGh6biaeYFBSwaDVBt/s640/DSC08433-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where C.S. Lewis chatted and smoked cigarettes with friends in his home</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With the help of photos,<br />the C.S. Lewis Foundation decided<br />to restore the house as to how it looked during WWII,<br />including blackout curtains<br /><br />You may remember<br />the four children in 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe'<br />sent to the countryside home of an old professor<br />to find safety during WWII<br /><br />Likewise, C.S. Lewis housed 4 children (all girls) during the war<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJeDDzE_4qLvkT4S6bgGUHt7kArc5F9Td4OfV2lHvIGPE1K6kgEifkxDf2PLW1_SPzBHE7RjIcL1wOk43Jw9RfehW3tWBRjP4v_UYkNGWXnZnKxjrR5J3dTYMzvzjTOdPSPThnETsi6u5/s1600/DSC08446-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJeDDzE_4qLvkT4S6bgGUHt7kArc5F9Td4OfV2lHvIGPE1K6kgEifkxDf2PLW1_SPzBHE7RjIcL1wOk43Jw9RfehW3tWBRjP4v_UYkNGWXnZnKxjrR5J3dTYMzvzjTOdPSPThnETsi6u5/s640/DSC08446-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is where C.S. Lewis most likely wrote his fictional books</div><div style="text-align: center;">(his nonfiction books probably were written in his office on campus)<br /><br /><div>From this window, C.S. Lewis would have viewed the nearby pond and woods</div>which were likely inspirations for his Narnia setting</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Interestingly, he did not use a typewriter,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but dipped his pen into an inkwell<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He claimed that during that pause to dip his pen</div><div style="text-align: center;">came his greatest creativity<br /><br />Although best known for 'The Chronicles of Narnia' written for children,<br />Lewis wrote 47 works of non-fiction, 11 fiction, and 4 poetry collections<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKcoH6BAMCsj0sAMJHDEGL0qxGsOlbkQX1GbTOOAplrKrBa16UwE41fqPMfQm3UXRqEihBSayjU3c5VNi4VsD24QqLx2nJMMEwHi-9bOOGpRckmoOLhZ7hs24mnK79j_cfUk7oXWXE0F7/s1600/DSC08466-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKcoH6BAMCsj0sAMJHDEGL0qxGsOlbkQX1GbTOOAplrKrBa16UwE41fqPMfQm3UXRqEihBSayjU3c5VNi4VsD24QqLx2nJMMEwHi-9bOOGpRckmoOLhZ7hs24mnK79j_cfUk7oXWXE0F7/s640/DSC08466-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of his closest friends was J.R.R. Tolkien</div><div style="text-align: center;">who wrote 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'<br /><br />Both men were professors at Oxford University,<br />served during WWI<br />and wrote during WWII<br /><br />They were passionate about words, languages, myths, and their religious faith<br />(Tolkien worked for the Oxford English Dictionary<br />defining words beginning with the letter 'W'<br />and later was a codebreaker during WWII)<br /><br />With unusual common interests<br />and fairy-tale success,<br />they were two peas in a pod, really<br /><br />In fact, it was Tolkien who influenced atheist Lewis to become a Christian<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74LmGpUPtB7fJGd8nOmXtZsDagLagujCjzn_vQXdczZnpvj1_M1POdKDSvkTqy7bhgvcmhHjwt_yq_8Hzp1EVlOmobajvHEnNN6z8ie3bExudacXqLlg0Z6V9dulLlLX3ziMl6MdovrPV/s1600/DSC08460-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74LmGpUPtB7fJGd8nOmXtZsDagLagujCjzn_vQXdczZnpvj1_M1POdKDSvkTqy7bhgvcmhHjwt_yq_8Hzp1EVlOmobajvHEnNN6z8ie3bExudacXqLlg0Z6V9dulLlLX3ziMl6MdovrPV/s640/DSC08460-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond and woods on C.S. Lewis's property</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />'The Chronicles of Narnia' series and 'The Lord of the Rings'<br />hold elements from fairy tales and mythology from other cultures<br />including Norse, Roman, Greek and Persian<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lewis, Tolkien, and a few other fellow writers</div><div style="text-align: center;">gathered at this pub weekly to discuss their current works<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They called themselves the 'Inklings'<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0U4wudANSQ8uS0w_jHZ1PKU3FLwIEZqfZKZ_95S2DfGhc0533w6AEtEXyeY-TmCNjG5-Z2ch0GdIYyHYB4ESxOy4Stvkz8EmeEuRDx29kDSzzTJ0oZtNi2VyuR7h2GCDl7NX8rgGIGUg/s1600/DSC08469-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0U4wudANSQ8uS0w_jHZ1PKU3FLwIEZqfZKZ_95S2DfGhc0533w6AEtEXyeY-TmCNjG5-Z2ch0GdIYyHYB4ESxOy4Stvkz8EmeEuRDx29kDSzzTJ0oZtNi2VyuR7h2GCDl7NX8rgGIGUg/s640/DSC08469-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aka 'The Bird And The Baby' Pub</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />In this pub<br />the Inklings talked, drank, and shared their latest writing projects,<br />providing constructive criticism of each others work<br />from 1939 - 1962<br /><br />Lewis's 'Screwtape Letters' and Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings'<br />were brought to the table here<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UVlV_gwwpRJOePBqN3PVaQdxHcI0PKDuN-XEExYcVvEwP9CAUfNtKhvK-ogSMuCyt5EIsIhSzls_BMDVb1UxJlz2z3xo8IRygRosrCQ_QoOsI3G7M9OV-__4VqmVF0kOolMzMh5CqAmt/s1600/DSC08475-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UVlV_gwwpRJOePBqN3PVaQdxHcI0PKDuN-XEExYcVvEwP9CAUfNtKhvK-ogSMuCyt5EIsIhSzls_BMDVb1UxJlz2z3xo8IRygRosrCQ_QoOsI3G7M9OV-__4VqmVF0kOolMzMh5CqAmt/s640/DSC08475-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />C.S. Lewis died fifty years ago on November 22nd,<br />the same day President Kennedy was assassinated<br />and author Aldous Huxley of 'Brave New World' died<br /><br />After Lewis died,<br />his furniture and possessions were auctioned off uneventfully<br />and the multiple acre estate was sold off<br /><br />Today, 'The Kilns' is no longer a house in the country<br />but in the middle of a working class neighborhood in Oxford<br /><br />His pond and woods are open to the public as a Wildlife Trust nature reserve<br /><br />On November 22nd of this year,<br />a memorial stone will be placed in C.S. Lewis's honor at<br />Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey<br />in the good company of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPncsQ7M9yS-Df-wFlo_K9HxYs0eC4xT746QiwBqdoplBWZJcSBtMuOgbv3_lmC5_IroYAHroe-U9rQW6zjjWijon-Zts74m_890wLVLWyEWQak7FbLw9LI_DI8wIm9ekZbF1UI_51k67/s1600/il_570xN.283609557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPncsQ7M9yS-Df-wFlo_K9HxYs0eC4xT746QiwBqdoplBWZJcSBtMuOgbv3_lmC5_IroYAHroe-U9rQW6zjjWijon-Zts74m_890wLVLWyEWQak7FbLw9LI_DI8wIm9ekZbF1UI_51k67/s640/il_570xN.283609557.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fine art print for sale via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JaneHeinrichs?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Jane Heinrichs</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />And to think this is how it all started...<br /><br /><i>''</i>The Lion <i>all began with a picture of a Faun carrying an umbrella</i><br /><i>and parcels in a snowy wood.</i><br /><i>This picture had been in my mind since I was about sixteen.</i><br /><i>Then one day, when I was about forty, I said to myself,</i><br /><i>'Let's try to make a story about it'.''</i><br /><i>- C.S. Lewis</i><br /><br />He is such a great story<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Read more about children evacuated during WWII <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/english-children-of-wwii.html">here</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Tours by appointment only, <a href="http://www.cslewis.org/ourprograms/thekilns/kilnstour/">here</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Source: </span><a href="http://www.cslewis.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">C.S.Lewis Foundation</a>, <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.wikipedia.com/">Wikipedia</a>, </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/11/29/cs-lewis-narnia-facts-_n_2209399.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Huffington Post</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

C.S. Lewis

Last week I traveled to Oxford to visit the home of C.S. Lewis, who is famously known for writing 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe...

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Hamptons pool house in the heart of Sydney

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aussie devotees of Hamptons style will instantly recognise this gorgeous pool house. It was featured in Australian House and Garden magazine and, along with the main house, it can now be yours. The interior design is by Lynda Kerry, and gardens are the work of William Dangar, so you know it's something special...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLBTTGH1GILd6_BVRHNLDvyx36JAKdUfTdgcfakd2x4h-938JhO3UObRSc1s3u8MS9Vy2PqZhCiWIkxHdiY6POInvqiDTRlJ7JNF0qulrg7aXZ6F9Q4wW8p0lfXffo6nx8hlucYy58ssv/s1600/image3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLBTTGH1GILd6_BVRHNLDvyx36JAKdUfTdgcfakd2x4h-938JhO3UObRSc1s3u8MS9Vy2PqZhCiWIkxHdiY6POInvqiDTRlJ7JNF0qulrg7aXZ6F9Q4wW8p0lfXffo6nx8hlucYy58ssv/s640/image3-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-VJF4rCyWN4isF9tWIdfV8ihu_GfaExg8JFLr17mVac7IMZKlNnswoUNMgVQy2K6HfCAV9X_oqkuPaB3C72r6XslHCVPgIyktRxyNCrjJd4gJebzFYYOWnd3Ns-zlU7n_XcaYV-eZJA2/s1600/image16-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-VJF4rCyWN4isF9tWIdfV8ihu_GfaExg8JFLr17mVac7IMZKlNnswoUNMgVQy2K6HfCAV9X_oqkuPaB3C72r6XslHCVPgIyktRxyNCrjJd4gJebzFYYOWnd3Ns-zlU7n_XcaYV-eZJA2/s640/image16-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tc9WQerx6uvK8sIIUo0oMb7hk94jQesFdCYDlkXYdWitcMJgUwfNiVXQBJgR1EmEx4YHPQ9ALD_mF7HDJtHypoPTIr73OR3fpsWRaahHdLmxvC3kOKfFVgAIWYKNc3rjN8APEo50JFcH/s1600/image7-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tc9WQerx6uvK8sIIUo0oMb7hk94jQesFdCYDlkXYdWitcMJgUwfNiVXQBJgR1EmEx4YHPQ9ALD_mF7HDJtHypoPTIr73OR3fpsWRaahHdLmxvC3kOKfFVgAIWYKNc3rjN8APEo50JFcH/s640/image7-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMshgwdOrkkdqpFFdxNwaUKkN24Sogrt_WftvEt1jKtcnOmkOX2RoMz-Evmukg6R6ELC010pCr_fkbmJGdj86IKFRQAIs7ho57B_LuD0zEqfTzHNlNJnJFgBYUBxF0MGUPjTBU3ahdqm0I/s1600/image15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMshgwdOrkkdqpFFdxNwaUKkN24Sogrt_WftvEt1jKtcnOmkOX2RoMz-Evmukg6R6ELC010pCr_fkbmJGdj86IKFRQAIs7ho57B_LuD0zEqfTzHNlNJnJFgBYUBxF0MGUPjTBU3ahdqm0I/s640/image15-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZSwjRcG_AeV7XHgJ5b714Oqdy2xfegN5SLwOOteToMHczmyi0AyCTkg_S0-h8_YY_ldwSTv9rT-KEKjRNb-evesDlxC-ZtmfMq_j_fNQxuckTNvwBtw_-CW2p8WtSbXaf5UV6pV1jc45/s1600/image17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZSwjRcG_AeV7XHgJ5b714Oqdy2xfegN5SLwOOteToMHczmyi0AyCTkg_S0-h8_YY_ldwSTv9rT-KEKjRNb-evesDlxC-ZtmfMq_j_fNQxuckTNvwBtw_-CW2p8WtSbXaf5UV6pV1jc45/s640/image17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dP8juT_AmTIVQ-qdPRtJy2tE1Orh04NKC8gSJrYrFYcgf7eVNCyV-83Iu7lU-5R0lnKeDsLGr6D2slhtoFpyXn1j3TYLXx-V1Y7QuWxQqb28BbxmmKvyzZRrQtklDYriIqXz3aH3yLCK/s1600/image2-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dP8juT_AmTIVQ-qdPRtJy2tE1Orh04NKC8gSJrYrFYcgf7eVNCyV-83Iu7lU-5R0lnKeDsLGr6D2slhtoFpyXn1j3TYLXx-V1Y7QuWxQqb28BbxmmKvyzZRrQtklDYriIqXz3aH3yLCK/s640/image2-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAhxXwqCmUAFRq83Q-0xD0M8yvzqFlVN0LoG-MzQDs0AWklVBiFPZEzEYRN73jKSNHtUMPOq9NBiG70Db4u6zXLM_wEVe0e0nht3SJW3cGqOnFM3gCQ-Yn1nImW3t1nSB9rsAa2Kvt2uJ/s1600/image9-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAhxXwqCmUAFRq83Q-0xD0M8yvzqFlVN0LoG-MzQDs0AWklVBiFPZEzEYRN73jKSNHtUMPOq9NBiG70Db4u6zXLM_wEVe0e0nht3SJW3cGqOnFM3gCQ-Yn1nImW3t1nSB9rsAa2Kvt2uJ/s640/image9-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love it when a house I've admired in a magazine is listed for sale - there's nothing I like better than a virtual sticky beak (expect maybe a real one). And it's always interesting to see how a home styled for a magazine shoot can be completely transformed. For those who haven't seen the House and Garden feature, here's the link to the <a href="http://homes.ninemsn.com.au/assetslideshow.aspx?assetid=149881" target="_blank">slideshow</a>. Link <a href="http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-115108727" target="_blank">here</a> to the real estate listing while it lasts....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>

Hamptons pool house in the heart of Sydney

Aussie devotees of Hamptons style will instantly recognise this gorgeous pool house. It was featured in Australian House and Garden magazine...

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