Be still my heart.  We went to England, and it was, beautiful, astounding, quaint, wonderful, educational, and so very much more.

I did miss you – really.  I wanted to be sharing what I was experiencing.  I know many of you have been there and done that, but for me it was an amazing journey.

What did I like best?  It is impossible to say.  Here are some first impressions.

What was not to love about our hotel in London – The Rubens at the Palace.  Yes, we were in the Queen’s neighborhood.

There was a handsome doorman to greet us.  Oh-oh-oh-oh!

The lobby.  The candelabra  took my breath away.

The room was elegant, but did we stay in a bordello?  Nah!

The Royal Mews was directly across the street from the hotel.  So English!  (More about this later.)

We walked one block, turned left at the corner, and there was Buckingham Palace.  The residence of the Monarch.  Sweet Mother of Pearl, I could not believe it.  We were visiting the Queen (sort of).

The palace is big (no jive!).  By the way, The Queen lives in Westminster.  Thought you would like to know.

The little guardsman was faithful in doing his duty.

The Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace is impressive.

The top of the memorial has two gold figures representing peace and victory.

Enormous bronze figures with lions are on each corner of the white marble surround.

This statue was given by the people of New Zealand.

The ornate iron gates to the garden were beyond beautiful.  Look at those lanterns!

A reflection pool was given by the people of Canada.  Imprints of maple leaves line the bottom of the shallow pools.  

Everywhere we looked there seemed to be another memorial.

Earlier in the day, a marathon was run here.

People were actually sleeping on the lawn.  For all the grandeur, people were comfortable and having a good time.

Just look at the lock on this gate.  I like it.  I love it.

All this happened in our first two hours in London, and we had two more weeks of adventure.  I promise I will not bore you will all the details of our trip, but I can’t help but share a little (or maybe too much).

Blessings to you and yours,

Many of you remember that when I got “The News”, I wrote, “When all of this is over, I am going to England.”  You have supported me the entire time, and encouraged us to take this trip.  I am grateful.  Thank you.