Ding Dong, Ding Dong

I'm staying in Bakewell, England, in the Peak District, for a wedding.  This 800 year old parrish church is nearby in the village of Ashford-in-the-Water.  Now, remember, Columbus arrived on the shores of North America about 500 years ago.

The Bellringers

These folks had to pull hard to ring the bells announcing Paul and Heidi's wedding.  What history there was in this old, old church..........800 years old is hard for my little doggie brain to fathom

Uh-Oh, Pictures Ahead.....Say Cheese

Looks like it may be a moment before the wedding party is ready.....

That's Better.....Picture Perfect

Paul Evans, fellow surfer and writer (Surf Europe), and his beautiful bride, Heidi Russell, shared their special day with good friends and family.  I was so happy to be included! 

Step Back in Time

The perfect setting for a wedding....quiet and charming, a setting that would take your breath away!

The Typical English Village

Churches are scattered all over the English countryside with graveyards that look like this.  Did you notice the homes in the background.  The residences, all with chimneys, are usually made of stone to keep out the winter weather.  Ashford-in-the-Water is a little north and west of central England almost in the heart of his island country.

Mother of the Bride

Heidi's mom, Eleanor, was so very happy on her daughter's weddng day.  She posed with me next to the Sheepwash Bridge which was said to have been built by invading Roman soldiers over 1,000 years ago.

Farewell to Bakewell

I loved my stay right in the middle of this little English town which is famous all over the country for its pastries called "Bakewell Tarts",  so much charm, so many interesting sights, so many kind English folks, so many new friends to make!

Getting Comfy at the Saracens

I am in the arms of David Donavon in the King Charles Suite.  He is the owner of this quaint and very old hotel in Southwell, England, in the heart of Nottinghamshire.  It's pretty posh!

Naptime, Anyone?

Yes, The King Charles Suite is quite comfy.  Can you imagaine such a fancy bed?  Nighty, night!

Oh, the View, the View

I delight in looking out windows that touch the floor.  This one in the Saracens Hotel is perfect!  I could peer out through the ivy all day long!

The English and their Plants

Strolling through Southwell was heaven.  I loved this little garden shop and all the healthy greens arranged so beautifully.  Too bad I couldn't take one home with me.

Looking for the Perfect Dress

I was lucky enough to share the day in Southwell with two good friends, Nikki and her sister, Bernadette.  We were looking for a mother-of-the-bride dress.  I had fun!!  This shop was super fancy even though the dresses were on consignment and had come in from all over England.

Peek-a-Boo

Wow!  I was surrounded by Cinderella's ball dresses.  Did Bernadette ever find the perfect one for her daughter's wedding? Not that day!

Wheeeeeeeee!!

Bernadette, driving on the right, remember we are in England, and Nikki, and me leaving Southwell after a whirlwind day of shopping and sightseeing, but still no fancy dress.

Sharing the Day with Friends

I am so grateful for friends, and my Mom.  Laughing, talking, and spending time together with people who care about me is what I love the most.  Nikki is on the left next to Bernadette.  That's Mom and me in the back seat.  What a wonderful day we had in the English countryside!

Uh, Oh, I had Better be Patient

Heading out to Nottingham.........and, believe me, these signs spoke the truth.

Whenever you are traveling abroad, make sure you check the status of public transportation, especially on the weekend.

Central England, Here I Come!

I love the train the best!  Riding the rails is in my blood.........my first adventure was on a train.

I am on my way to Robin Hood country......Nottinghamshire......in the East Midlands.

High, Ho, Robin Hood?

Whew, to step back in time is to visit this famous city in the East Midlands, England.  It's just a short 127 mile train ride from London.  It was cold there......make sure you bring a jacket and a sweater, even if it's summer!

Privileges of the Politically Connected

Elle and I are standing in front of the Lord Mayor of Nottinghams's car, a fancy Jaguar.  He'll never get a ticket because that's one of the benefits of being the leader of the city.  He can park anywhere!