Loose ends to get ready - Trip Day 1 + 2

OMG, so much happened those days. The day we are leaving on another trip is getting closer and there is lots to take care of. But of course having a chance to say bye-bye to our boys across the river was welcomed when Sarah asked whether we could drive them to one of their business jobs which was not in their subdivision and too dangeress to drive there by themselves on their scooters. 

Yes, as soon as school was out for the summer break they wanted to earn money. And they are doing a great job. Their parents are getting a lot of comliments. 

It really was fun to see them in action.

No blog without flower pictures ha-ha. It looks like I finally figured out how to keep "Joseph's Coat" healthy. Unfortunately the other climbing rose is now dead. We have to decide what to do in the opposite planter when we are back. The flowers are changing colors from bud to full bloom and they have a lovely smell.

During the week we also had to deal with health issues. James' pacemaker monitor had sent a report to his doctor with needed addressing. We received a call. It was just a few days before our trip and we were worried that it might have to be cancelled. It was sorted out though, we got instructions and with prayers all should be well.

This amaryllis I found recently in the garage NOT being dormant. I took this photo on Monday June 22, just before we left for the airport:

Is this fair? It finally is blooming with all its glory when we are scheduled to go on a trip today. Of course we had been looking forward to this trip anxiously. And for those who love to read my blogs … you are traveling to Windsor first.

At 11:30am our driver arrived to bring us to Richmond Airport. Checking in to United seemed a bit of a problem for the desk person because we always use the US passports but we didn't bother with the visa for England because we have British passports of course. When it was all sorted out and the suitcases gone we decided to chill having some lunch. Soup and salad at Applebee's. 

We had quite some time at the gate until our plane from RIC to IAD left pretty much on time at 2:50pm. 

It is a very short flight but it didn't stay long looking like the above. It was rather bumpy which they pilot had told us right from the beginning.

United sends you lots of messages but this was really helpful. Info at which gate we arrive, out of which gate we will leave on the next flight. And how we get there. 9 minutes walking.  

Again we had quite a lot of time at the gate but we had really nice and fun conversations with other people. When we boarded it was raining. I don't know why but it delate the take-off somewhat. The captain kept us informed.

Finally! 7:40pm

Got to have a selfie! Our seats were very nice. 

At take off we always like to watch the flight info. 

When the plane is leveled it is cocktail and snack hour.

Later we had dinner. For the first time we had pre-ordered our dinner from the menu ... just because they kept sending me reminders that we should do it. Actually, it was very nice. A bit different. And you get yours first. Might have to it again.

It is a night flight and most passengers are sleeping. I am not good at that. I am looking for a movie but it is not a great success. Play a little on my phone, finally sleep a little until I am woken for breakfast.

We land 7:10am and the pilot appologizes for the 20 minutes delay.

Immigration was very quick and easy. Our luggage came fast too. Exiting the terminal I realized that I had forgotten the business card of Windsor Taxi. Oh, what now. A quick inquiry at an information stand didn't help. We decided that an Uber was the answer. 

I quickly downloaded the app on my phone. I had never done it. I was amazed. It showed us the way to the place were the driver would pick us up in the parking house. Step by step. It wanted us to take a photo of one of us so that the driver would find us. I found it all very impressive. The driver was very nice and navigating the heavy traffic nicely. We were at Jane's house in no time. He was very happy that I could even pay him in British pounds.

It was a record hot kind of day in England. But we enjoyed the sunny weather. Jane always loves her house open ... front door, back door, windows. And look at her garden. 

Cup of tea in the drawing room.

I had an errant to do in town. Jane and I went to the post office and Waitrose. Before going back again she showed me one shop I should see. Kitchen clutter in the front, arts and crafts things in the back. Yes, a nice store.

I had to take a photo of this "decoration" for Helen. She wanted us to bring some of the tea bags we always use, but she wrote back "not these" (in the photo)!

The downside of the weather. It is really too hot for a walk.

And because we had hardly slept in the night in the plane, our bodies tried to fall asleep in the comfortable chairs in the drawing room. Even the FIFA soccer match with England - Ghana (starting at 9pm) could not keep us awake and we went to bed.