Travels with Debi: Last Day in London

I left this post unfinished for a few months, life has a way of evolving into things that you so totally don't expect. I have experienced some of these things- some totally amazing :)  and some very sad.  Undoubtedly you will hear more.  But for now, a finish to my trip....

Dingoes in the house!  

The huge greenhouse with some amazing plants.

As I finish off my travel stories, I have to say this was one of the most delightful and at the same time terrifying times of my life.  Lol. I wish I wasn't so tentative, but on the other hand, that doesn't stop me from doing much of anything.  My sanity just suffers for it.

Inside the greenhouse, I believe this is the palm house

And this, boys and girls, is where chocolate comes from

This last day in London involved a super side trip to a marvelous garden called Kew Gardens.  This place is HUGE and we barely got through a third of it I bet.  It was spectacular- the buildings, the gardens, the grounds....  but it did get pretty hot that day- well into the 80's.  Made going into the succulent and desert gardens a bit challenging, but it was all worth it.

I am pretty sure these are lotus blossoms

Part of the Princess of Wales conservatory collection

I love seeing these! A type of water lily I believe

I didn't take a lot of photos here, I really was enjoying my time, plus the sun was so strong the exposure was tricky.  That is ok, it was a wonderful day. Traveling to Kew on the train system was a training experience for me- if you remember from a previous post, I had to take the Tube for an hour to get to the airport....

Serious Japanese maple envy 

The greenhouses were spectacular, as were the grounds.  That is one of those places that I need to back and see again- so much of London I didn't get to experience.

Those roses, though

I wish I had taken more time photographing this

Loved the little vignettes that were everywhere

I regret not writing this post closer to June, but that is me.  I am a procrastinator.  but hey, at least I got my calendars done in plenty of time this year.  And didn't pull any bonehead moves like having it printed with white numbers on a white background.  That I don't even know how it happened, other than I fiddled around with things a lot last year...  I started downloading pictures way way earlier for this one, and paid attention to such things.  Goodness.  I might have a couple "art" calendars left and possible one abandoned house one, so if anyone wants one, let me know.

I can not begin to thank my hosts enough for the amazing trip I had back in June.  I think of it often, and when they post on facebook or Instagram I relive those moments again.  And I am so ready for more travels and I know that I can do any form of transportation I need thanks to the help from my dear friends, Anne-Sophie, Mark and Jonny.  They hold special places in my heart.  

Conquer your fears and find your joy.  Be brave, be ferocious, give it your all and give up control.  Life will give you those unexpected joys when you stop trying to direct it in any one direction....  if you stop trying to control your journey, you just might get where you always wanted to be.

July 2 and better yet, July 3!!

I am thrilled to report a few things here.....

FIRST of all, I did not gain back 25 - 30 pounds by being FORCED into a 3 day rest period by the swelling of 2 knees. (thank you to those of you responsible for talking me off the ledge)  I was positive that it would happen, convinced that I would not be able to get back to walking and eventually running ever again.  Whew, I exhaust myself sometimes.  It turns out that this exercise thing keeps me stable and somewhat sane.  And certainly a joy-filled person.  Some might call me a whacko, but I prefer the word, unpredictable or perhaps,  capricious.....  I won't go so far as to say unstable but, how about the more creative implications of quirky, mercurial or unpredictable??  Those are nice words!!

Anyway, I was able to get myself BACK on track Monday and Tuesday and KILLED it at the gym.  In other words, I was pretty sore the next day after my workout.  I am so glad to feel like I accomplished something.  Monday I made the erratic decision of doing dance class, which turned out to be fine, though my knee was a little stiff the next day.  BAD DEBI!!!!  But I had to dance,  just HAD to.  And it was good.  This morning, thank HEAVEN I was able to walk for over an hour. No pain and I have rested off and on through the day, and it appears that I must be on my way to some sort of recovery.  Which is also good because I am sure all of my friends and relatives are becoming weary from all of my complaining.  This is the first time in 18 months that I was not pretty much able to exercise how I wanted, and it certainly freaked me out.  But I can see now that I will be able to get through occasional times in my life that might prevent me from being active, so this was a great learning experience.  I guess. I do not want to do this again for a long time!  Or even ever......seriously

Mon Ami, Annette!

Tuesday, I kicked off my July lunchtime and joy festivities by going over to Mincoqua.  I had planned to try on some active wear sandals for fit, but turns out there is no such animal there anymore.  Hmmm.Will have to consult the internet, I guess.  Oh well, got some good things at the Trig's grocery store there (I M Healthy!) and some other little this and thats.  But most importantly, Annette and I (my partner in crime for Tuesday) got to catch up and have lunch at the Island Cafe.  It took a little while to get served as the hand held device they now use for putting in orders to the kitchen must have gone awry.  Which makes sense, as we were not able to use the internet over there very well at all.  Regardless, the food is wonderful, they have a nice selection of vegetarian choices and the iced coffee was sublime!

Vegetarian Baguette and fruit

 Speaking of food, I have a couple great recipes to share.  But that will be a little later on.

HOWEVER, I'd like to know how I got through my whole entire life without having grilled peaches and pineapple??!!!  Those are the most tasty things that you can imagine.  wow.

Anyway, the MA and I went canoeing after dinner on the 3rd of July, over at Schnurs Lake.  The lovely Busby family was kind enough to allow us to borrow their canoe and entrance to the lake.  More pics to follow on that as well!!

Whew, I have a few things left to blog about, but it is too dang hot right now.

Hope this wonderful, patriotic day finds you all happy, cool, and full of joy!