Sam Squared

       While on my trip, I have notariety to claim. I was chosen. Not once. Not  twice, but three times. This handsome boy sporting a tuxedo for all occasions jumped on my lap and snuggled in. I'm still a dog person but am also a cat person since so many magnificent ones have come into my life. Me and Milo having a good conversation. Siobhan bought him a mouse with catnip at the Fulham Palace Christmas Market and shared his joy with me once she was home. My last goodbye shot.    Another underreported highlight was the concert at Royal Albert Hall. I'm hoping this video posts. It's the last moments of Carmina Burana . Here's an ear worm I dare you to rid. This was the promo to purchase tickets.  I did not know the piece by name before Siobhan's suggestion, but recognized it from this clip.   

      I know I missed some sharing it thought I'd use this quiet morning to do a wrap up. This is photo heavy but doesn't begin to cover the trip. I think I touched on Bath then Lyme Regis working our way back to Bristol by way of Kingston Lacy and Corfe Castle. In that time between then and London, we were on the go. This included: Rugby, Wales vs Japan in Cardiff  Opening Theatrics complete with fire. Wales is a nation of  dragons after all. Sunday Roast Dinner prepared by her daughter...also in Wales. Then on Monday, a wander in the Forest of Dean.  What a beautiful forest.  Lacock Village and Abbey and Stourhead.  Lacock Abbey Cutest bakery in Lacock  Inside the Cloisters    The outside of the Abbey. The house at Stourhead was closed for holiday decorating but the amazing grounds were ready for exploring. The church on the grounds of Stourhead. We could go inside this building, still holding services. Cute cottage in the grounds...

           Not my usual Friday post after nearly a month of traveling but thought I'd do a placeholder type post. I'll finish up a bit more snippets of my trip at some point over the weekend. I got home around 2:00 yesterday, managed a bit of Thanksgiving family time, and now will be home most of the long weekend enjoying time with my immediate family including all the pets. I arrived home to three adult children, two dogs, and three cats, happy to see them all.       Overall, I think I was on budget with my trip, though my friend was so generous hosting me. I probably spent more on items to take home than I planned, but made some compromises too. I regret nothing and hope I can return the favors and be as gracious a host as Siobhan and family/ friends were to me and an open invitation stands. I'd never have been able to experience half of what I was able to on my own.       This weekend I'll get sorted and transition...

      We arrived in London yesterday midday and now I've got five full days before heading home. I am not a great travel blogger, just trying to appreciate the moments. I've enjoyed the National Trust properties but even more so, the time meeting family and friends of my friend met through the blogging community. The UK has made me feel at home. Here's just a random bit of pictures and not in day order and as I did some transferring to free up memory, entire days are not on my phone. I'll try to recap in the future and organize a bit and map the month as it's been an incredibly full itinerary, but with down time to talk and laugh. I'll sleep for days once home so unless I do a post from the airport, I'll be quiet until December starts.  Stourhead house was closed but here's an assortment of the spectacular grounds and cottages and entry points.  Kingston Lacy Kingston Lacy Remains of Corfe Castle  View from Corfe Castle of the village Tyntesfield  Bath...