Less than one month until I embark upon my 13th trip to England (over 21 years!). Never mind the work that has to be done before I can leave, never mind the ridiculously messy house to be cleaned, never mind the garden that should be shaped up before I go away (since it will be almost summer when I return). Never mind all those important, time consuming, rather unappealing tasks to accomplish. Instead, I focus my time and energy upon the more interesting and enticing projects--what to pack? What to wear? Where shall we go, what shall we do, when shall we do it, once we arrive in England?
The basic framework of that plan is already set. Two nights in London, one week in a cottage in Chipping Campden, followed by three nights in Wells, three nights in Bath, and the remaining five nights in London. We have plane tickets (of course), cottage and hotel reservations, rail passes and a rental car. We have our places to stay and our modes of travel set up. The rest can be filled in later. But isn't it fun to think about it now? Much more fun than cleaning house.
So, how did this all come about? Well, I must admit I was barely off the plane from last year's fantastic trip to England with my friends, before I was itching to return.
I thought (correctly) that my parents would be willing to go along with me. Last year I loaded up on maps and books about the Cotswolds, so I was anxious to go back and use them. Shortly after Christmas I started keeping an eye out for good (relatively reasonable) airfares, eventually something came up, tickets were purchased, and here we are, almost on the way.
Here's last year's intrepid travel team--Pam, Jennifer, Kristin, and Jenifer--outside Haydon House in Bath.
And who are our travellers this year? Here they are, Anne & Bob Timm. Don't they look ready to traipse the footpaths of the English countryside? 
And of course me, Anglophile, tea drinker, scone eater, and very, very brave person, who is willing to spend three weeks travelling in the close company of her parents, just to get a chance to get back to England two years in a row! Since my first trip to England in 1986 (junior year abroad), I have returned many, many times and I never tire of England. I love the streets of London and the footpaths of the countryside, the antiques markets and department stores (like Harrods!), the great cathedrals and cozy cottages, the fish and chips and the scones with clotted cream.
So, in a little over three weeks (yikes), one way or another, the work will be done, the bags will be packed, and we will be on our way to England, once again.
**********************
Here is one task which has already been accomplished prior to heading off to England--the Whidbey Island Half Marathon on April 15. The weather was fine and the road was fast--but hilly!
Here I am starting the half marathon in Oak Harbor (white jacket and pink cap). Don't I look happy and carefree? The next picture is just before the midway point....
And finally I am almost at the finish line...
Happily arriving in Coupeville!
Here is my cheering squad--(plus my dad, who is taking the picture).
The basic framework of that plan is already set. Two nights in London, one week in a cottage in Chipping Campden, followed by three nights in Wells, three nights in Bath, and the remaining five nights in London. We have plane tickets (of course), cottage and hotel reservations, rail passes and a rental car. We have our places to stay and our modes of travel set up. The rest can be filled in later. But isn't it fun to think about it now? Much more fun than cleaning house.
So, how did this all come about? Well, I must admit I was barely off the plane from last year's fantastic trip to England with my friends, before I was itching to return.
I thought (correctly) that my parents would be willing to go along with me. Last year I loaded up on maps and books about the Cotswolds, so I was anxious to go back and use them. Shortly after Christmas I started keeping an eye out for good (relatively reasonable) airfares, eventually something came up, tickets were purchased, and here we are, almost on the way.Here's last year's intrepid travel team--Pam, Jennifer, Kristin, and Jenifer--outside Haydon House in Bath.
And who are our travellers this year? Here they are, Anne & Bob Timm. Don't they look ready to traipse the footpaths of the English countryside? 
And of course me, Anglophile, tea drinker, scone eater, and very, very brave person, who is willing to spend three weeks travelling in the close company of her parents, just to get a chance to get back to England two years in a row! Since my first trip to England in 1986 (junior year abroad), I have returned many, many times and I never tire of England. I love the streets of London and the footpaths of the countryside, the antiques markets and department stores (like Harrods!), the great cathedrals and cozy cottages, the fish and chips and the scones with clotted cream.So, in a little over three weeks (yikes), one way or another, the work will be done, the bags will be packed, and we will be on our way to England, once again.
**********************
Here is one task which has already been accomplished prior to heading off to England--the Whidbey Island Half Marathon on April 15. The weather was fine and the road was fast--but hilly!
Here I am starting the half marathon in Oak Harbor (white jacket and pink cap). Don't I look happy and carefree? The next picture is just before the midway point....
And finally I am almost at the finish line...Happily arriving in Coupeville!
Here is my cheering squad--(plus my dad, who is taking the picture).
