Monday June 27

We had quite a late start to the day. Waking up at 10 am will do that. Yes, we slept for 12 hours. Breakfast ended at 10:30 so we had to hustle to get there in time. We've found that the English love white bread.  It seems to be the only option. I spent some time in our cute room writing yesterday's blog. I was almost done when the Internet disconnected and I lost about half of the post. So frustrating. I went and sat in the pub to try again. I was able to finish it up there but couldn't review it which I find challenging. That perfectionist streak coming through there. :)

We left the Inn about 2 and headed out to see if we could see something of Highclere Castle - from Downton Abby (a show we've seen every episode of). Unfortunately it was closed to the public. Very close by was Beacon Hill. It's 860' to the top. Before we headed up there we drove on some back roads (which we probably weren't suppose to be on) that are used by the farmers. The whole area is covered with massive fields of wheat (heads still very green - tidbit for Ivan), poppies (not sure what those will be used for) and pasture for the sheep. No sheep out and about today though.

Climbing Beacon Hill was an adventure. I was wearing sandals with little tread. The area had recently had significant rainfall and part of the path was greasy mud. On the sides of the path was that deadly plant we saw on our trip last year. The one that grows crazy tall and has white flowers. Emilee will remember what it's called. If you touch these guys you can get really sick. So we're trying to get up the hill without touching the plants or slipping. No time for hospital visits. Once past that section the path (at a 45 degree angle) turned to grass. We sure got a workout!

The view from the top was spectacular. You could see the Engish countryside for miles. And there, off to the left, was Highclere Castle! The flag was flying so the owners were home. It was about 75 degrees with the sun shining and a slight breeze. Perfect weather and an amazing view. We decided that the climb was well worth it.

Back in the car, we headed off to Winchester - which the folks in the pub told us was a 'lovely spot". We walked around a bit and then stopped for a drink and a pastry. It was about 5 o'clock at this point so most of the shops were closing up. Winchester Cathedral (the building of it started in the 900s) was in the heart of the town. The ticket booth was closed so we were able to get in for free - nice. It, as all churches here are, was beautiful. One thing that makes this church especially interesting is that Jane Austin was buried in it. Outside we found a tombstone of a man in his 20s who apparently died (in the early 1700s) of high fever because his drink wasn't the right temperature. No kidding. It said so on his tombstone - which also warned others not to make the same mistake. We wondered what really gave him the fever.

As we started back for our Inn, we looked for an interesting place to eat. The Carpenters' Arms was were we landed. (I don't know why so many places have the word "arms" in it.) The soccer playoffs are on right now and the game was to start at 8. The British team was playing. The menu offered some interesting options. We started with "ham hock and chicken terrine with rhubarb purée and toasts". I found it rather bland but Dave liked it. For the main course Dave had roasted pork belly on bubble and squeak (poached egg with Hollandaise sauce and cumbrian ham crisp) and I had a bacon chop (super salty pork chop) and chunky fries. Dave's pork came with a piece of very well done pork rind which he loved. Me, not so much. Dessert was sticky toffee cake and ice cream. Does it sound good Laura?

We got back to the Inn about 9 and found a new TV channel - Dave ja va. Seriously! Still awake at midnight. :(

A bit more info on the car - since I figure the boys are interested in this. It's a 6 speed 308 diesel that gets 70 miles to the gallon. I know Dave wants to see how fast it will go. Everytime he steps on the gas to pass someone he gets excited about how much power it has.

One thing I learned today: When served tea, get the tea bag out as soon as possible. It's far too dark by the time it gets to me.

One new thing I experienced today: Shopping in a grocery store with lots of teens on a school trip from an Eastern European country. It was crowded but great fun! I love being with people who are different from me.

Most powerful moment of the day: Enjoying a wonderful supper with the love of my life where both of us were totally relaxed and stress free. The pace of our days here is slow with no pressures. What a gift!

One pleasurable experience: Hearing the waitress say "cutlery" and chocolate bar. Words we don't hear in MI.