London at Long Last!

Well, finally I have the courage to start my London Blog. Or maybe just being shamed into it. Don't expect anything similar to either son or daughter cause I'm not that literate. But here goes: It was FABULOUS!! The best vacation I can ever remember being on.

38 years ago, I learned to tolerate flying because I was going to see my new husband; now I remember what it was that needed toleration. Sick--I get sick landing mostly but, at first, ascending also ( think mostly from terror). Now I will learn to fly because I get to see my son! It is definitely worth it!

OK so we got to Louisville airport the required 2 hrs. before we needed to be there to get checked in. The Dad went to go park the car while I began checking in. Everyone was so very kind and helpful and I was all done and getting the baggage checked when he came back. All was completed and we were waiting for our plane in 35 minutes. That was fine. We had books and had fun exploring the airport where we were allowed to be after security which was everywhere fun. The entire 20 min. ride to Cincinnati was awful for me as I was so scared. The Dad kept trying to get me to look out at all the interesting things to distract me, of course, but it made me sicker. Cincinnati was more of the same. Security was easy and people were so nice. I did get patted down during that one but it was done nicely. We had, I think a 4 hr. wait this time but, again, it was fine. I would rather have done that than have to hurry and find where we were to be.

Then, finally, we were airborn for London Gatwick. I wish I could say I got nice sleep and was refreshed when we got there but not true: I slept, maybe 1 hr. in all. The plane had lots of free space and The Dad went somewhere else and had a good nap--well, as good as can be expected stretched out over 3 seats. I tried to watch Chronicles of Narnia which I have wanted to see, but it made me even more nervous. I listened to my calming CDs and read a couple of books and then, wonder of wonders, WE WERE THERE!!!!

Most of the rest of the first day passed in a blur of sleepiness. We were allowed to sleep a couple of hours and that seemed to help The Dad. Me, I was just glazed over. We, then, went for a walking tour of the D.'s neighborhood (I refuse to call them "the Dunces" because they are anything but..even though I know from whence it came). It is very interesting and I would love to go back to the bagel shop when I am awake. The people are so nice! I think they made me play a game until it was a decent time to go to bed but I can't be sure. I did nicely for me in staying up but it was in body only: I was asleep the entire time.

The absolute best thing about London was MY KIDS!! I would have gone and done nothing but see them and have had a wonderful time but they are absolutely fantastic at hosting and kept us entertained the whole time. I was so impressed at how great they were! I don't think I have ever, in all my life, had more gracious hosts! I was so dumb that I didn't even know what I wanted to see. The possibilities were so overwhelming even though the girls loaned me books. There was just too much!! I told them only a couple of things I knew I wanted to see: British Museum, some ruins, a castle and some old cathedrals. They took that little information and gave us the best 10 days we have ever had. Every day, I found the "best thing" ever--my favorite thing. Now, I don't think I could pinpoint any "best" thing because there were so many. They told me, however, that I didn't have to have a best thing ever.

In days to come, I will tell you all about some of the wonderful things we saw. But today, I just want to say still one more thanks to the D.s for the wonderful time we both had. I could die happy now!

P.S. Brian, I will need to have you tell me how to do those photos because it didn't work the way I tried. Thanks!!