London Bridge is Falling Down...(part II)

This is what happens when you let men decorate! They are now in the armory at the Tower of London, however these columns were actually in a home (forgive me, I forget which one, but I'm guessing it wasn't frequented by the Mrs.)

"Ok mama, I'll keep a close eye out for the Queen's Guard. Bright red coats and tall, bear skin hats? Got it, I'm watching closely! I'm sure I'll see them any second now." (just kidding) These guards are marching towards their next station, a small changing of the guards.

I don't actually know what they are guarding, and come to think of it, nobody told us. Hmmm...

On the way back from changing guards. This picture is in the keep yard of the Tower of London; it looks like a little town. There are homes, a church, a forge, and gardens.

The kids with the guard in front of the Crown Jewel display. Seeing that many diamonds made me a bit light headed! Brittany said, "So, when the Queen needs her jewels she can just drive down here to get them?" You wouldn't believe the size of the golden punch bowl she owns!

This was the main gate into the Tower of London, they would sail right up to it from the River Thames. It used to have a different name, but since many of the prisoners were sent to the Tower for treachery the gate was renamed "Traitors Gate". Today the river is blocked from reaching up to the gate. By the way, only those of noble birth were brought to the Tower of London, this was not a prison for the ordinary bloke.

This was our tour guide, a Yoeman, or Beefeater, as they were nicknamed. He is among a few hundred men who have served as these special guards since the Tower was built. The yoemen and their families are the only residence at the Tower today. They got the nickname of Beefeater hundreds of years ago when, as part of their pay, they were given beef joints on a regular basis. The common man, at that period, couldn't afford meat very often. The meat isn't included in their benefits today, but how cool would that be to give your address as "The Tower of London" ?

Coming and going

Recently, my sister-in-law arrived for an extended visit. She will be with us for at least six months, maybe more. After I picked her up at the airport I got to thinking about making the same trip to pick up other family members we hope will visit us while we live here. I thought I would jot down some of the thoughts I had, in hopes of making getting here (and me getting to you) easier. Kayla arrived at Gatwick, which is one of two international airports near London (Heathrow is the other, just in case you didn't know). I was quite nervous to go and get her, afraid of the traffic, affraid of getting lost, and things of that sort. However, just the opposite happened; I had an easy time getting to the airport, an easy time finding a parking spot, and a relatively easy time getting Kayla away from the over zealous immigration officers who seemed suspicious of her. From my experience and the advice from others, Gatwick is easier to get to than Heathrow is. Both airports are about 100 miles from us, but the closest international airports. It took me about two hours to get to Gatwick from my house; which brings me to my next point - arrival time. Kayla's flight was due in at about 9:30 am, which meant that I had to leave my house at about 7:30. I would just like any of you travelers to keep that in mind when scheduling your flights. Two hours driving time for us...that is not to say we would prefer you find your own ride out to our place, the drive is very beautiful and not difficult; it just takes two hours. I imagine if anybody arrived before 9:30, they would end up sitting in the airport for a while because any earlier would be REALLY difficult for me. :) For those of you who might be more adventurous and want to try to ride the tube (the London Underground) out of London and have us meet you, don't bother. I have heard, and it seems logical, that any thiefs would spot a wary traveller quickly and you might become a target. Especially being tired, slightly disoriented, and carrying lots of things with you. When we rode the tube into London to go sightseeing we had a great time and didn't feel endangered at all. However, after travelling for so long and being in unfamiliar territory, it would be easy to get robbed, harassed, or otherwise irritated. Save the ride on the tube for sightseeing. All right, that's all I have for now. I do have some tips for planning your sightseeing if anyone needs it; of course, with access to the internet you can find about anything! E

Every Day Life

Brandon's first scout camporee!!

Making a todem pole with his den.

Bridging from Bears to Webelos. Brandon got started late in the school year, he had about three months to complete his requirements; he and Rhett worked very hard, and he spent much of his spare time reading the Bear handbook and deciding what requirements to do next, and they were able to complete enough so Brandon could move on to Webelos with the rest of the boys. Cub scouts is Brandon's favorite hobby now. Brittany played soccer for the first time. Brandon was chosen to be in the Spirit Club at his school. The Spirit Club put on a show with songs and positive messages for most of the school. This first picture is Brandon standing with other Spirit Club members, Raggedy Ann and Andy (who were special guests) and Rocky, the Lakenheath Elementary mascot. A few classes of first graders put on a Mother's Day show, complete with hand gestures and sign language. Tarah is in the middle, with a green shirt on. Our Tarah sweetie.