The move so far

Its 9:15pm as I write this and the move so far has gone suprisingly well. Merrilyn picked up the keys at about 3pm following a full inventory. We've been told of a few odd & ends that need attention - such as a mismatched chair (it was apparently damaged on delivery and the replacement is a slightly different style), and a crack in one of the timber lamp tables. These are minor issues and something I guess we'll address in good time.

I came home from London early to start with the move. As a side bar I managed to pick up a fast train that took only about 15 minutes to go from Paddington to Slough! Amazing. This journey would normally take about 50 minutes. The shuttle train from Slough to Windsor only takes a little over 5 minutes so it certainly was a quick journey home. Unfortunately there are not too many of these. They are regional trains that extend out to Henley and beyond.

Merrilyn has done a great job preparing. Even though we're only moving down the road she had packaged most items up and bundled them by room. So all I had to do was take them downstairs to the car; drive them about a kilometre, and then haul them up two flights of stairs.

It was nice to see the apartment again. The new furniture looks good. Its neutral; the couches have highlight cushions; and the large dining table seats four easily. A plus for us is that the seats are vinyl. So we don't have to worry too much about James at meal times. The master bedroom has huge built in wardrobes so Merrilyn is pleased. An of course there's that view. Being on the second floor we look through the oak treetops in to the garden and on to the Long Walk. Merrilyn and James even saw some squirrels this afternoon.

A colleague helped me after dinner so we had the use of both cars and an extra pair of hands. So most things are now over there. Tonight we sleep at the old apartment and the bare essentials. Tomorrow morning Merrilyn will move the remaining bits and pieces and we hand back the keys at midday. Then we have the weekend to unpack and start making the place our own.

The apartment is ours!

This afternoon we finally got the news we've been waiting about 6 weeks for. We have a signed let agreement for our apartment. What a marathon. This afternoon Merrilyn visited the agent to exchange the contracts and sort out the final details for our move tomorrow.

We expect to get the keys in the afternoon following a fully inventory/audit provided by our relocation company. Then we'll ferry our kit from our current place to the new one. I've enlisted my colleagues for a stint in the evening so we'll have three Volvos in convoy! We'll complete the move Friday and hand back the keys.

You'll recall the new apartment has been fully renovated. Its got new carpets, furniture, drapes, and linen. We expect to buy only a few items - but nothing essential. I'm looking forward to gaining a study so I can finally move the laptop(s) from the table!

We'll keep you posted on the move.

Apartment update

It seems we are edging closer to final agreement. There is only one final clause to negotiate. We expect to have this closed tomorrow and the agreement signed. Which is just as well - as we plan to move in on Thursday afternoon. We dare to dream that this time next week we will be in our home. We'll keep you updated.

Meanwhile - I continue to spend time in London. This engagement will last at least three more weeks. I'm getting used to the commute. Its not too bad; only about an 1:15mins each way. The train journey from Windsor is pleasant. Its the crush on the tube at 9:00am that's not enviable. Speaking of which - its a strange way to travel. Being subterranean. You don't get a sense of the city above you. Only emerging at a station to either travel to work or to run some errand. Rather like a sea creature surfacing for air....

Paris Day 3 - Paris to Windsor

Our last day in Paris! Over a casual breakfast of croissants, juice, cereal and coffee we planned our day using the Metro map.

First stop was the Champs Elysees with a breathtaking view up to the Arc de Triomphe. The traffic was incredible but we ventured out into the middle of the Avenue to get the best 'straight-down-the-line' shots. (from a safety zone, not that the drivers took any notice!!) James was excited to descend down under the masive roundabout, the junction of 12 avenues, and up again into the middle, right underneath the Arch. It was noisy and he was grumpy so we had a quick look around.

The streets around the Arc de Triomphe are just beautiful and some of the grandest homes in Paris are located here. We just loved Avenue Foch!

Back underground and along to the Place de la Concorde. Martin regaled us with gory details of beheadings, including those of Louis XVI and Marie Antoniette. Rather creepy! We bought savoury crepes for lunch and once again, found a bench on the gravel overlooking the grass! (The French are paranoid about their grass. They advertise that many chairs are available for relaxation in the park...just don't put them on that inviting green stuff surrounding the dusty gravel areas). Watch out for rogue ducks in fountains, Mum!

It was a direct line from there through the Jardin des Tuileries to the Louvre. It was a fantastic sight of the glass pyramid (featured in the Da Vinci Code)in the forecourt. We really loved the classic French architecture surrounding us. Not enough time for the Louvre, unfortunately! Another time, perhaps...

One sight Martin didn't see last trip was the Basilica Sacre Coeur. It is a little out of the way but we felt it was worth the time. The nearest station took us into the heart of the Montmartre district. Very bohemian and chaotic and we would have liked to have spent a little more time exploring the colourful streets. Sacre Coeur sits atop a steep hill with many, many steps to the top! There was no way I was carrying either James or the stroller up those, so I sat in the shade and Mum and Martin tackled them. Very admirable! For those not as fit as my mother and my husband a funicular (rack-railway) can deliver you to the top. They were impressed and moved by the beauty of this church, especially when two organ chords reverberated around the mosaic-domed ceiling.

Nearly there! Train back to the hotel to collect our luggage and back again to Gare du Nord. We had a while to wait for the Eurostar check in so we had refreshments at an outdoor cafe. I took the opportunity to cross the road to buy some dinner for the train - quiches and baguettes.

We passed quickly through passport control - more stamps! - and boarded the train. We were lucky to be allocated 4 seats with a table between. Martin suggested a little pre-dinner drink from the 'Bar Car' and we felt absolutely decadent racing throguh France drinking gin and tonics! Now that doesn't happen every day!

Once on the English side of the channel the train was slow and the connecting train home to Windsor delayed. We finally arrived at our flat at 9.45pm - very weary and glad to be home but with some wonderful memories. Bonsoir!

Paris Day 2 - Giverny

Many years ago in 1989 as part of her Year 12 art projects Merrilyn made a 6 panel montage of Monet's Garden all in pressed flowers. It was a real family affair with anyone with a flower press being roped in to help. At that time Merrilyn and I had a dream that one day we would stand on the Japanese Bridge featured in Monet's paintings and this weekend that dream finally came true. Not that I expected to be there with a son-in-law and two year-old grandson either!! Merrilyn and I are thrilled that we had the opportunity to see this wonderful house and garden together.

For her birthday that year I gave Merrilyn a book "Linnea in Monet's Garden" This beautifully illustrated story about a little Swedish girl has been another catalyst for our visit. Linnea has been to Paris! and so now have we, and she has visited Monet's Garden and now, so have we. She stood on the same little Japanese Bridge that Monet painted in his Impressionistic style and now, so have we, along with thousands of other tourists!!! Thank you Martin for your patience in standing in the queue for an hour to get tickets. No mean feat in that heat!

We took the Metro (underground) to Gare Saint-Lazare where the train left for Vernon, the closest station to the village of Giverny. A cool air-conditioned 45 minute trip following the river Seine for most of the way ended with some lunch at the Creperie du Vexin where we had as the name suggests, crepes for lunch. James had banana and chocolate and watched the chef cook on his hot circular plates. On reflection a good choice as the eateries in Giverny were quaint but packed.

June is a great month to visit this very picturesque garden, although the blossoms and wisteria which festoons the Japanese bridge had finished many other summer flowering annuals and perennials sprawled in a profusion of pinks, lilacs, blues and greens, reflecting in the distinctive two-storey pink house with it's green shutters.

We enjoyed a couple of hours just meandering around and every vista was breathtaking. The famous waterlilies are to be found by taking the sub-subterranean passage under the road from the house to the banks of the River Epte. It was lovely to be down in the cool and we went crazy with the cameras! Merrilyn and I gt our "dream shot"on the bridge. It was hard to avoid all the other tourists but the mood was one of awe and admiration. At every turn of the winding path we were blessed with yet another treat for the eyes! James liked the little green boat and Merrilyn told him that Monet painted his 3 daughters in that very boat! Back through the tunnel and I was looking forward to perusing the gift shop. There was a lot of Linnea merchandise and we have some lovely mementos of that very special day now in our possession. Not a real Monet of course, but precious just the same!

Arrived back in the city at 5pm after a long, hot trip home and dropped by the store again. We bought Camembert, white wine, biscuits, baguettes and ripe nectarines and after quick showers we walked to the nearby Luxembourg Gardens for a picnic dinner. We found a spot on the grass overlooking the Palace and enjoyed our casual meal. James, as usual, ate all his and then sped off to be a train in the park. The Gendarmes came along eventually and asked us to kindly remove our chairs from the grass (apparently a big no-no in Paris!) and advised that the park would be closing in 10 minutes. As we were obeying these orders we heard them using whistles to herd the remaining straggles out of the gates!

Buoyed by good food and another beautiful evening Mum offered to babysit James and so Martin and I once more took the train to the Eiffel Tower. See what I mean about A LOT of trains? Martin wanted me to experience Paris by night and I wanted him to see the sparkling tower. Once there, the queues were minimal, well, it was 9.30pm. So we said let's go up and only queued for maybe 20 minutes. We took the lift right to the top and my old fear of heights was very close to the surface, I can tell you! It was a fantastic sight and we picked out all the landmarks and places we would visit tomorrow. We also located the area around our hotel. And were comforted by the thought that our tired little boy was finally asleep! A very busy day!

This time home at midnight and looking froward to one more day in this amazing city.

Paris Day 1 - Windsor to Paris

The big day has finally arrived and this morning we set off for Paris by train. Sounds very romantic, eh? Well, yes, if you love trains, and we caught lots of them!

Suitcase, backpacks and stroller ready, we walked up to Windsor Eton Riverside station and caught the 9.23 train into Waterloo. James was happy to be back on a train and was keen to look for boom gates. There are only a few so we entertained him with songs and other distractions out the window. Check in on the Eurostar at Waterloo was seamless and fairly quick. We were all thrilled to receive train stamps in our passports!

James has a book from the library called "A day in the life of a Train Driver". It recounts the day of a Eurostar driver from London, to Paris and back again. He just loves it and the library don't realise it's sort of on permanent loan! We have been reading and discussing the book and our impending trip so James knows what's going on. I can't believe it's actually happening!

Upon finding our carriage, Martin, James and I went to the front of the train and had a chat to the driver, Chris. He invited us into the cab and allowed James to sit in the drivers' seat. Martin and I were so excited and James would have been too if he hadn't be so over-awed!

The train left Waterloo and picked up speed heading toward Ashford, the last station before entering the Channel Tunnel. The trip under the sea is only 20minutes and most of the trip is through the French countryside. It is picturesque for the most part. Arriving at Paris Gare du Nord we descended into the underground RER rail system and took the train to Luxembourg station. This is the closest to our hotel in the Latin Quarter, only about 5 minutes' walk/stroll.

We were delighted with our hotel, the Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche. We had interconnecting double and twin rooms with balconies overlooking the streetscape. It was recently renovated but maintained it's classic French style - timber, heavy but lovely drapes, pretty tiles in the bathrooms and flocked wallpaper patterned with French calligraphy. The beds were soooo comfy and we were glad to collapse every night.

With no time to waste we changed and caught the underground to the Eiffel Tower.Martin was happy to be back there once more, being 12 years since his last visit. All of us were amazed and awed by this sight. If you haven't been there it's hard to imagine such towering grandeur, but for those who have, it is so great! I was surprised by the colour of the iron and the curved beauty of the lower arches.We decided not to queue to go up as the lines of people snaked their way around the 4 pillars. I checked out the menu for the famous Jules Verne restaurant and was not entirely surprised by the prices! Main meal of lobster was 79 euros, AUD$136. Drinks, entree, dessert, coffee extra, best view in the world from the Eiffel Tower, free!

We walked to get the best vantage point so as to get the whole tower in the camera view-finders! All this was hot work so we sat on the grass nearby and had ice-creams. Glaces! Thanks Marty!

But that's not all! Back on the train and up into the glorious sunshine to Notre Dame. The white marble facade shone in the bright light and we went inside to the cool cavern. There was a service in progress so we had to convince James to use his "Church Manners". He was very well behaved except he wanted to blow out all the candles! We said "no,no, shhh, shhh" but he didn't want to leave. Anyway, we eventually got him out and strolled down to Boulevard Saint Germain. We found a convenience store where we bought some food for our trip to Giverny. By tis time we were hungry again and stopped for dinner at an Italian restaurant. James had a real French omelette and bubbly water! He was more interested with a parking ticket machine nearby than dinner, but at least it kept him busy!

Our hot, tired feet were glad to reach the hotel and we cooled off and admired the late evening sun from our balconies. Hmmm...lovely evening! Too nice to sit inside! So Martin took care of James and Mum and I headed out AGAIN! We wanted to see the Eiffel Tower by night and as the days are so long here it was 10pm when we got to it. The sun hadn't completely set and as we wandered along the Seine we let out a shriek of delight as the Tower lit up with 10,000 (fact!) strobe lights which flashed and glittered and sparkled like a diamond necklace! I have never seen anything like it and thought "this is one of those special moments you never forget". Pinch, pinch. Walking backwards so as not to miss a moment of the spectacle, we crossed the river and walked to the top of the Palais de Chaillot, it's two arms embracing the Trocadero gardens. The precinct had an electric atmosphere as people danced, canoodled (!) and gathered in groups on the lawns and benches to enjoy the summer evening. We sat up on the top level overlooking the tower and fountains below until the Tower lit up again at 11pm.

Then we decided that if we didn't get going we'd sit there all night! So, rather than just jump the nearest train we walked slowly along the Avenue de New York heading eastwards to the Pont de l'Alma. It is here that the avenue becomes a tunnel and is where Diana died. I felt grief and anger and a sense of unfairness as cars whizzed by and an ambulance blared nearby. There is no proper memorial to her, just the Liberty Flame at the entrance which symbolizes the good relationship between the French and Americans. There were some flowers and ribbons on the small sculpture which glowed gold in the reflected city lights.

We finally arrived back at the hotel at 11.45pm. Phew!

See the our Paris photos here.

Update on our apartment

Some of you are probably interested in the saga of locking in our permanent apartment. Good news is that we are close to getting a signature. The landlords have reviewed the contract and have a few amendments. These should be ironed out in the few days. I'm expecting to have agreement either Monday or Tuesday. The move in date has slipped a week too. Fortunately we can extend our temporary accommodation to cover but we definitely have to be out by the end of the month. Hopefully not too long now...

End of a relaxing week

Its Friday evening and James is finally asleep. Its been warm (about 27 each day for those back in Melbourne!) and sometimes he finds it a little difficult to get to sleep. We'll hear him talking to his dog and singing.

Taking advantage of the warm evenings, last night we all went for a walk to the Great Park. We entered Ranger's Gate. As you enter you pass fields dotted with oak and then on to the village. I think this is a small group of homes occupied by the park employees. Further on we passed Queen Anne's Ride. Its a wonderful vantage for a view to the Castle. There's a millstone perched on its end. If you look at the photos you'll see James peering through.

We walked through the deer gate through some thick woods. It was about 8:30pm and the sun was getting low. Makes the shadows very interesting. James was sitting on my shoulders and we were both on the look out for squirrels. "Come on squirrels. We're waiting for you! We want to say hello." Finally we ended up at the Copper Horse.

James loves to play in the rocks at the base of the Copper Horse. He clambers over them and squeezes through gaps. As dusk was approaching we noticed a herd of deer in the fields at the end of the Long Walk. Its only about 40 metres walk so off we went. Arriving James was more interested in the water trough on the road that the horses can access. Oh well. We climbed back up the statue and watched the sun set. Then back off to the car arriving about 9:30pm.

See the photos here.

Girls' Day in London

[Special editorial from Lynne]

It looks like it's my turn to try my hand at blogging. So far I have managed to sit back and let the writers in the family do their bit but Merrilyn is reading "e-motion", the south west trains magazine!! and Martin has headed out the door at the very mention of blogging!! They have both done a fantastic job at keeping us all in the loop over these first few weeks of their stint in the Mother Country and I know we all appreciate their persistance. It's not easy when you've been out all day exploring new places then coming home to put it all down in writing.

Today Merrilyn and I had a chance to have a girl's day in London. After dropping James at Nursery (day care for you Aussies) we caught the train from Windsor to Waterloo. A short walk across Westminster Bridge brought the memories flowing back of previous trips to London. A new feature for me though was the huge bicycle wheel (London Eye) with little people pods at the end of the spokes which dominated the skyline from many viewpoints.

A quick trip on the Tube brought us out to the Kensington High Street and we walked across to Kensington Palace to visit a unique exhibition "Diana, Princess of Wales" by photographer Mario Testino. Tragically, his images taken for an article in Vanity Fair, turned out to be the last official portrait photographs taken of Diana. Also on display were some beautiful gowns which we had only seen in photographs actually displayed right in front of us. A short audio commentary on our personal audio handsets mentioned the designer and the occasions at which each gown was worn.

Merrilyn bought some peonies from a flower seller outside St.Mary's church to leave on the Kensington Palace gates as her tribute in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. A bit emotional so we decided a coffee would be in order and made our way to The Orangery where we partook of a latte and carrot cake. Very civilised!!

On the way back to Waterloo we checked out the Diana memorial fountain then walked through Hyde Park and caught the number 9 red double decker bus to Trafalgar Square station via Piccadilly. We got the front seats upstairs which gave us a great view the streets of London. At a point close to gridlock, three fire engines needed to cross our path at Piccadilly Circus... and what a circus it was... but finally the traffic sorted itself out and we travelled on to Trafalgar Square. Nelson's column and the lions are under renovation and you're not allowed to feed the pigeons (or the lions!) anymore but the fountains were all still going. We then hopped the tube to Waterloo where we bought another coffee and caught the 3.58 train back to Windsor just in time to pick James up. He was still having "tea" when we arrived...fluffy cheese on toast, a chocolate brownie and milk. Yumm!!

Note to coffee-lovers: Always, always ask for a 'strong' coffee and don't be surprised when it isn't! Oh well, at least we can get a decent coffee at home!

Off to bed now. A more relaxed day in store tomorrow. Might check out those soldiers again...Hmmmm!!!!!!

See the photos from today here.

Savill Garden #2

It is the end of the day and we are lovely and cool. We had a great morning out and came home just in time to beat the downpour!

Mum, James and I drove the 10 minutes to Savill Garden and were pleased to only pay 5.50 GBP as I now have my Advantage Card which admits me for free. We meandered and strolled and wound around and of course, visited James' favourite, the Queen's Golden Jubilee fountain.

After that we found a shady spot near some pines and ate our sandwiches for lunch. James was very tired by this time. He hopped into the stroller only to hop out again as we came across a great big bed of the Princess of Wales rose. I was just overjoyed! We took many photos. Mum is looking after my own rose whilst we're away. No pressure!

3 hours later on the way out we stopped at the outdoor cafe for coffee and an icy pole. The gorgeous shop that was open last week has since closed and will be located at the new visitor's centre next door in a week or so. We'll be going back then to look at all the pretty English things for sale! I told Mum to bring ALL her money!

This afternoon we had some errands to run up Peascod Street and Mum met our new friend at Carluccio's who welcomed us with traditional Italian hazelnut meringue biscuits. So of course I bought a packet...! It was raining and we had umbrellas and James took off all over the place but it was fun and we were glad to get home.

Martin is catching up with a friend in the city tonight so I'm preparing for tomorrow and Mum is writing postcards. Roo is fast asleep and looking forward to Nursery tomorrow.

You can see the recent Savill Garden photos here.

Guards and Fountains

29 today! Phew! But I am not complaining AT ALL because I fear I know what's coming! Although I am writing this blog Mum's comments are in brackets.

Martin was off to London on the train so Mum, James and I made a bee line up Peascod Street to see the guards and band. On the way we made the obligatory stop at the bouncing toys! (Great toys not seen in Australia)

The guards marched (past the Guild Hall) with the band on time as usual and Mum and I got all teary!(and the goosebumps came up. It was all that historic pomp and ceremony). I will never get tired of that spectacle! We waited until they had passed then 'chased' them up into the castle. James insisted that we wait and watch bollards and boom gates. We needed to do some shopping so we picked up some pasties and drinks and drove to Runnymede which is on the way to the supermarket! Pinch pinch!

We had a lovely hour sitting by the Thames watching boats cruise by and ducks and magpie geese eye off our lovely lunch! James finished his and ran round and round. He was so funny (and quite delighted the sailors by waving and yelling "Hullooo")

I actually got Mum to Sainsbury's (give me on-line shopping any day)- just the curiosity factor I think! She pushed a now fractious James around in the trolley and when we'd finished we headed home for a rest. I told James that after his sleep we'd go down to the Bachelor's Acre water fountain - works every time! So we did, and he spent a fun couple of hours splashing around and watering with his watering can. (The flowering cherry trees that were in bloom when Merrilyn and Martin arrived now have bunches of cherries which didn't taste too bad at all).

Mum made macaroni cheese for dinner followed by fresh British strawberries. We are now watching the World Cup - Go Italy! And YAY Australia! (Two people iin the park today actually asked if we were Australian and did we know that Australia beat Japan and I have been on a long walk around the streets taking pictures of gorgeous old houses. The gardens are full of roses, peonies in a huge range of shades from red to pale pinks and whites. The mock orange shrubs and honeysuckles are delightful with their scents permeating the warm evening.

Our photos from today are here.

Royal Watch

Another glorious day today, 28,and not as hot as yesterday thank goodness! Mum is in good shape and keeping up with all our walking!

We decided to take a walk around the area of the Great Park that Martin and James explored last weekend. It has a different approach to the Copper Horse from the Old Windsor side and adjacent to the Royal Lodge. The Queen Mother spent time here and we can see why! It's a beautiful part of Berkshire - our own backyard!

James was fascinated, as usual, with the automatic gates and buttons on tall poles to allow horses through. We walked up the road to the Horse and were nearly there when a Jaguar came driving along and we were very quick to get off the road.

We were stunned to realise it was the Queen and Prince Phillip driving themselves to church! Well, that's what one does at 11am on a Sunday morning, doesn't one? She looked lovely in a red/pink outfit including hat and was smiling. Probably amused by the looks on our faces! We had suspected something was up as we passed a number of Land Rovers on roads usually devoid of traffic. In hindsight these we certainly security.

We spent some time at the Horse and admiring the view and showing Mum again exactly where our new gate is! Time to head back so we did so via a mowed path around the back of the Royal Lodge.

Once back at our starting point we were at the entrance to the Lodge and as it was 12 o'clock decided to sit down and wait to see if the Royals made an exit. Upon some consultation with the Warden, Mum confirmed that they had indeed left. Oh well, there's always next week!

Home for lunch then off to Fleet to visit Peter, Diana, Richard and James Bennett. We arrived at 3 and spent a lovely couple of hours in the back yard, blessed with cool drinks, sunshine and yummy cake made by Diana! James thought it was great and of course, asked for more!

We checked out the 2 chooks, but there were no frogs in the pond due to an earlier snake giving them a bit of a fright! SNAAAKKKEEE??!! I wasn't keen but Peter had caught it and saved to show James. Ick. More like a big worm, really! I thought there were no snakes in England.....

James managed to stay awake for 5 minutes once in the car and we came home for dinner, bath and now bed. Marty surprised us with a dash down the street and delicious chocolate fudge brownie and Chunky Monkey banana ice cream for guess who? What a terrific way to end a most eventful day!

She's here!

At last, after counting down the sleeps, Mum has landed and is ensconced in our little abode! She had a decent flight and no troubles and was very glad to arrive. James was sooo happy to see her - his face lit up! Our drive to Heathrow was only 20minutes - very convenient.

So after a shower and light lunch we suggested a wee walk around our new home. We took Mum on the now familiar route of past Bachelor's Acre, up Brook Street past the artichokes, onto the Long Walk and past our gate, up Park Street and on to the Castle to show Ninny the boom gates and bollards, then James fell asleep. No wonder after only 20mins nap at home! Mum, Martin and I had an ice cream and walk along the Thames then wound our way home.

After a little while at home, Mum, James and I went down to Bachelor's Acre to see if the water fountain was on. As James peered into the fountain the fountain started up! He jumped and yelled and laughed lots! We spent an hour and a half just sitting watching James with his watering can. Such fun! He was in his speedos, sunscreen and hat and had a ball!

It's now 9pm and Mum and I are going to head out for a walk, just around the block as it's quite warm inside and Martin is watching the World Cup.

Busy day tomorrow! Off to Fleet and certainly more adventures!

Our photos from today are here.

Bollards and Fire Engines

It's another wonderfully warm and sunny evening (as I write this it's 19 degrees) - just perfect for a walk. For those reading along you'll know exactly where we went. Long Walk looping back to the Castle via the Mews.

On most of such walks James is happy to hitch a ride in the stroller. Tonight though he was keen to be a train so off he ran with his arms pumping back and forth. He didn't sleep this afternoon so is pretty tired. So no surprise that he tripped on the Long Walk and grazed his hand. But that didn't deter him - off he ran making chugging noises.

We said "hello" to the Queen at Canterbury Gates and then visited the Main entrance on Castle Hill. Tonight there must have been a service at St George's chapel as there was a stream of traffic out of the castle. Just perfect to watch the boom gates and bollards going up and down.

On the way home we decided to have a coffee at Carluccio's. This is becoming a favorite and may be a stand-in for Brunetti back home. In fact, Merrilyn and James have struck a friendship with Laura - the assistant at Carluccio's delicatessen. James is usually greeted with a sample of something delicious. Today is was some olives.

As we strolled through the Royal Arcade we passed a fire engine. We had to stop and I lifted James up so he could see the ladders and lights. James was all "oohhh and ahhhh". Just then a fireman appeared and asked James if he'd like to have a sit in the Engine. He opened the door and I popped James in the passenger seat. Wish I had a camera! James was a little unsure but he pointed out the jacket draped over the seat in front. As he sat another fireman turned up. Co-incidently the first fireman's name was Steve and the other James! So of course we explained that we knew a fireman (at least a part-time one!) named Steve back home.

We chatted for a while. The Windsor borough is apparently considered closing a station and relocating assets to Slough as a cost saving measure. Steve thinks that this is unlikely as the Queen is not about to jeopardise the town. And there are so many historic/old buildings in the area.

Finished off the walk home with a lovely coffee and chat. As Merrilyn said - the walks here are much more interesting than circuits of Nunawading.

Savill Garden

After a rather long day yesterday we decided to keep to our local area today. On our doorstep, no more than 10 minutes' drive, is the beautiful Savill Garden. We were keen to make the most of this great weather and spend as much time outdoors as possible.

The garden was established by Sir Eric Savill in 1932 with permission from George V. The aim was to create a garden befitting the grandeur of Windsor Great Park. The current Keeper of the Garden also oversees the Frogmore estate, the Valley Gardens (woodland sister to Savill) and over 200 more hectares of woodland within the Great Park.

The new visitors centre is due to open on 27th June and is quite impressive even in it's latter stage of construction. The roofline is certainly unique! To me it looks like a looooong Australian gumleaf!

The gardens are divided into many areas, including summer wood, spring wood, Golden Jubilee Garden, herbaceous borders, bog garden and rose garden. Many pockets but all blending into the next to create a stunning effect. James particularly liked the mother duck and 8 ducklings on the pond. He also enjoyed being a steam train on the paths, and the fountain in the Golden Jubilee garden.

We did a loop and headed back to the cafe for lunch. James fell asleep in the car very shortly after!

In the afternoon Martin and James re-visited the Great Park; wandering through the oak woods and arriving back at the Copper Horse with its vantage down the Long Walk to Windsor Castle. Our photos are here.

The Long Man and white cliffs

We woke this morning to a wonderful blue sky and a forecast of 24 degrees. Perfect conditions for an adventure.

Merrilyn and James got an early mark and headed off to the farmer's market that sets up once a month here at Windsor. In fact its located on St Leondard's Rd which is just at our door step. They returned with a few local items and we packed a picnic and were off by 10am.

We headed East for the M25 via the M4. As we approached the M3 interchange on the M25 the traffic slowed to about 15mph. That's how we spent then next half hour. With that mess behind us the traffic flowed well and we took the M23 south towards Brighton.

We had heard that East Sussex is a lovely part of England with rolling chalk hills. So we wanted to avoid simply driving on the motorway. Just south of Crawley turned east and headed towards Uckfield passing through Haywards Heath (love those names!).

At about 12:30 we made a short detour to Sheffield Park. Its a National Trust property which we thought should provide us a good picnic location. Turns out that there was a charge of 6.50BGP per adult so we'll save that for another day! Fortunately there was a lovely picnic area opposite the entrance. So we joined a number of other families and found some shade under an oak with a view over a crop field. We enjoyed some sandwiches, fresh stawberries, and Cotswold cold pressed apple juice.

Back in the car we headed towards Wilmington. On the way we passed through many small villages and drove through some spectacular countryside. Wilmington is a tiny, although very beautiful, village. So small in fact, that we drove right past it. It is the home of The Long Man. Its age and intent is not clearly known but there are records of its existence in the Priory dating to the 18th century. Popular belief is that this artifact may even be prehistoric. Regardless, it is a fascinating sight.

We all made our way up the Wilmington Hill via a footpath passing through lush crops. To encourage James along the way we pretended to be trains. He'd set off ahead of us with his arms pumping back and forth and making little chugging sounds. There were a few gates that he'd run up to and open for us. And when he tired Merrilyn and I would pretend to be boom gates. He'd come running to press an imaginary button to raise the boom gate so he could pass through. There are stunning views to be had on the top of the Hill. Although it was a little smoggy.

Making our way back to the road we decided to walk back through the village to a pub at the main road turnoff. Along the way we passed a lovely little church - Saint Mary & Saint Peter. Turns out that the church has its origins in the 12th century and is located with an historic Priory. Although the Priory is in ruins now the church,and in particular the grounds, are absolutely stunning. There is a Yew tree in the grounds that may be in the order of 1000 years old. If you take a look at the photos you'll see that its branches are propped up. There's even a series of chains binding the main branches together. According to a local it may be that Yew trees were planted to either ward off evil or possibly to use the branches as bows.

The gardens in this church were a gem. There were so many wonderful little suprises. The graveyards were divided into garden rooms. Some graves had daisies growing about a metre tall. (As Merrilyn said - the occupants are truely pushing up daisies!) Others had nearby wood benches covered in moss. Still others were bordered by flint walls. We took our time exploring.

When done we walked back into the village. Along the way we passed some quaint terraces and houses. Again with spring gardens in flower. We arrived at the pub for a cold drink about 3:30pm and decided to keep going through to Eastbourne.

Eastborne is popular this time of year. Although having only a pebble beach there are throngs of people and the sea front is lined with hotels and terraces. Just to the west of Eastborne is Beachy Head. There is a drive that takes you along the tops of magnificent chalk cliffs. We parked and took a walk. Its a little odd to find that there is no barrier to protect you from walking right off the top! But I guess it does allow you to take some spectacular photos of the white cliffs contrasting with the green grass and blue sky. We certainly took plenty. Check out the album.

At about 5:45pm we turned for home. Back along the A23, M23, M25 and then M4 we were home at about 7pm. And the sun is still high in the sky. Whilst Merrilyn have James his bath I grabbed some takeaway at a Chinese restaurant at the end of our street.

I've uploaded about 50 photos from today. You can see them here.

On tenterhooks

We're at the end of the week and still without a signed letting agreement with the landlord. Its a rather anxious time for us as the thought of losing the apartment is dreadful. It seems were caught in circumstances. The agent looking after the property resigned early in the week and was marched out the door. Her manager has taken over the caseload but is both overwhelmed and without a good relationship with the landlord. Additionally the person we deal with in the relocation company is on leave so again its a matter of our case being handled by her manager.

So here we are without any progress this week. On top of that we have found that most messages we leave are not being answered. Whilst we've been told that the property is ours is hard to feel assured when we wonder to what extent communication is occurring with the landlord.

This afternoon I managed to talk with the relocation company and they assure me that our position is understood and that it has priority. Although we are still some weeks of the start of the let we do hope that early next week we can get the signature and an inventory of the items so we can shop around for the major items we need such as linen and kitchen items.

In the back of our minds is the circumstances of a colleague who is yet to find a suitable property. Time is running out for them as they must vacate their temporary apartment in a few weeks. We hope we don't end up in a similar situation.

I'm sure everything will work out and we'll be celebrating shortly. Lets just hope its sometime next week!

...

But life is not all that bad! We've just come home from a lovely evening. We've had dinner out by the Thames with a stop for coffee and dessert at Carluccio's in the heart of Windsor. James loved Merrilyn's Pana Cotta, some strawberry gellati, and tacking some of my tiramisu.