Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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Claire, when you are sleeping in the vineyards, do you get attacked by bugs? We get alot of gnats and mosquitoes in Illinois. I am currently spraying Borax 20 mule team mixed with water on my backyard with creeping charlie. If I am not spraying, my ankles get attacked by grasshoppers, moths, and other vermon in my weedy back yard. I think I might get some Avon skin so soft, as my ankles are pretty chewed up by now. I tell my DH......"do not mow that lawn.....I am busy killing it" The borax solution does not kill the grass, just the weeds. Part of the lawn, will be taken up with my new landscape feature with mulch, compact boxwoods, and some florals. I will be taking my dog on walks to go potty, and just pick it up and throw it away. That way, I won't have a nasty yard. Everyone else in our neighborhood walks their pets, and just picks up after them. I never understood why, and now I do.
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No bugs in the vineyard. I did hear roosters crowing and other sounds of nature. Plus some of the partying that was going on as I was sleeping off the "evening's festivities". A few dogs were "in conversation" though didn't hear any coyotes.
The big peril to a good harvest is birds (and weather), which is the reason for all the netting. I suspect it's the same with blueberries and raspberries. Though plenty of blackberries for all of us, including birds and bears. Had some of the most fab ones during my run this evening.
It's been a busy week, with my trip to NYC looming. Fortunately, it should be a bit cooler there next week. Just delightful here.
I made a braised chicken thigh dish with some pomegranate molasses that I got as a gift, plus sherry, fresh herbs and shallots, and orange olive oil and a few other items. Amazing and it went great with the roasted patty-pan squash and potatoes I had ready to go. Did I mention the beans I am working on???
Be good to your dogs....often much better as company than us humans. I will be meeting my "niece" Bluebell in about 4 weeks. She is already awaiting my visit so I can play with her and she can fetch balls for me in a West London park.
All of us who attended received a big Thank You from our host and winemaker. This speaks volumes and the finale to the most fabulous weekend ever. - Claire
p.s. Already thinking about next year and how I can get my far-flung friends to participate.
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My dog, Sylvester, is so spoiled. He is my side kick, helper, stress diffuser and companion. We have alot of fun and many good times. My DH snores loudly, which puts me on the couch with my precious poochie. DH has always snored, and it disturbs my sleep so much. One time at a wedding, we were in a room with our kids. I had to sleep in the lobby because I was so exhausted. I am working on a second bedroom this fall. I tell DH all the time, get a sleep study, only to be told NO. DPoochie and I are another level of our house currently and our nights are peaceful.
Here is to our four legged friends.....
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What a busy, if rewarding, week!!! Project completed will lead to more work. The never-ending grant proposal is at last intelligible, and all that remains is a major rewrite. But with the thinking straightened out, that should be relatively easy. (Says she optimistically.)
All is put away and washed from last weekend's adventure. I fly to NYC on Tuesday night to figure out the next great business venture with my business partner as well as see friends. So time to start packing.
I hear you Michelle (literally) on the snoring. One reason I don't do indoor camping on the Seattle-to-Portland at this point. My tent is extremely peaceful. No logs being sawn, and lots of fresh air. Not to mention CHEAPER!!!
Today marked the transition from Summer into Autumn. Started out warm and sunny, and managed to sneak in a run while still sunny and eat tons of uber-ripe blackberries. Tonight is delightfully cool and rainy. Had a steak dinner with summer veggies and a tomato salad. Will make pesto tomorrow in between the grant proposal rewrite. (Assuming basil at the farmers market.) Also get in a ride on my bicycle as well as another ride on Sunday.
Loving, loving, LOVING the rain. What a fantabulouus summer. Even if I am bummed to hear of Burt Reynolds' passing. That said, Heaven is now a lot livelier. - Claire
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I was sorry to hear of Burt Reynold's passing as well. He was such the heart throb with Eastwood, Redford and Bronson in the 70s. Sometimes, I will be on a tangent, where I will only watch tv shows from a certain era, example 1970s. It brings me back to a simpler time, when both of my parents were alive, ....I went to my first movie at a theatre, Jaws of course...... I try not to live in the past, but I do long for my childhood and am grateful for the memories.
I agree that today felt like a transitional weather day, and I don't mind. We were supposed to get remnants of the hurricane and we did get some rain. Love cooler weather....
Last night, Dpoochie kept me awake and I was miserable today. Something was aggravating him and he would not settle down. Hopefully, tonight, he will be calm and sleep. I have talked with my son several times since his move, and it feels real (sad). He has alot of homework in his master's program and will have to stay very focused. As long as he stays on task, he will do just fine. His Masters in Taxation will give him the hours he needs for his CPA exam next year. He has no time to fool around.....basically, he is living my life from the 1980s/early 90s'.....nose to grindstone, fun once every two weeks, study, study, study.
When I attended Pharmacy school at the University of Arizona, my dorm was for med and pharm students. We had rooms to study in and keep our belongings, but we had to sleep on a sleeping porch with about 60 other females. You could only sleep in your room if you were sick or your roommate was not there. I don't even recall if we had beds in our rooms then. I don't know how I slept through all of the noise, but I did. None of that even compares to my DH and his snorefest.
Hugs to all.....
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I know the drill, Michelle!!! More than once in my life and as recently as six months ago. Fortunately, I am in a new place.
Got in two bicycle rides this weekend, with another planned for tomorrow. That will get me up to the 60 miles for this week I need to keep on track with fitness. Proposal is under control.
Right now, focusing on the ratatouille and yellow Italian beans for dinner along with the beefalo burger I brought back from my trip last weekend. Add in the couscous, and it should be splendid fare. Perhaps, some raspberries for dessert? On top of the peaches and blackberries I had earlier. Blackberries were there for the picking and sun-ripened.
Looking forward to NYC, and even more to London. I will try to see Kinky Boots and Phantom, both of which I have never seen performed on stage. I want to see a serious play as only the Brits can do them. And perhaps Salome at the Coliseum. Lots of museum time as well. Not worried at all about exercise, as London is one of the best places in the world to get in walking. Including perhaps a stroll in Kew Gardens?
In the midst of all this, planning a reprise of the Naches Peak Loop hike so I can see the fall colors. Plus the Kitsap Color Classic two weekends from now. And do I dare mention work, as need to focus on that as well.
But none of this may come to pass, as I may expire first from the scent of the ratatouille which is in the oven achieving perfection...… - Claire
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Today, I ran to the sewing store, for more pleated fabric that I am putting on some t's and a long lace vest, to give them a pastoral look with a hint of Lagenlook. Dpoochie is moving slow, and seems restless today, so I am home for the duration. Tomorrow night, I will have some volleyball to watch. My husband is home, when I need a break, otherwise I would feel too guilty. Dpoochie stays at the front door, when I am away, awaiting my return. He has a bed beside the couch, and he lays down while I sew. I will post pics later of my projects. Of course, I will doll them up with accessories.
Oh, Claire, to be free, young and wild.........wait....that describes you!!! I can't wait to hear more about your trips... Are you going to Mood or MJ Trims when in NY? I love nice finishings and have been to both.
Hugs to all....back to my Dpoochie....
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Must admit that I do feel a bit young and wild, though spent much of today at the grindstone. Just love the over-jacket, and especially with the trim. Which reminds me that the weather is just perfect right now for something similar that I own.
Did a run a bit ago and brought in my bicycle as don't want to leave in my car which is spending a week at the repair shop having its 120k maintenance done. Simplifies getting to the airport for me (bus and light rail from there) and gives my repair person lots of time. I am so relieved to be done with the noise, so getting this work done should make it drive like a new car, AND it will be ready for late-fall and winter adventures.
The outfit reminds me that I need to figure out a better way of wearing a Majestic Paris V-neck sleeveless top I have that has Swarovski crystals around the neckline. I have never quite nailed the look.
Just bit the bullet and bought a new pair of running shoes online. Mine are pathetic. Wonder why they don't seem to hold up???
Need to think about what to bring to NYC...other than my umbrella which I am quite sure I will need. Also have a cool running outfit to make sure that I get in enough exercise. May also sign up for a bikeshare so I can do Central Park once again. I only did that once which was decades ago. Running outfit will work fine for that. First adventure will be getting from JFK into Manhattan via Airtrain and subway. Everything else is too slow and too expensive. Just easier, though they do everything they can (despite what they claim) to discourage taking public transport to the airports. Which reminds me that I need to check to see if they ever finished the proposed connection between Jamaica Station and Grand Central Station which was supposed to be done 2 years ago. More adventure.....
At least it's now easier to connect to the Upper East Side now. But should be a blast. - Claire
Just checked....connection won't open until 2022. Not holding my breath
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Wow, there is alot of water and air pressure on the east coast. Tonight, I have a headache, which started with the hurricane moving towards land. Even in Illinois, I believe that the hurricane affects us.
I have been working on my laundry, my dd laundry, taking care of Dpoochie and helping my sister who is vision impaired with her skin care. My dh has been yelling at the television when his baseball team is struggling, the Cubs, of course. Thank God the Cubs won today. Dpoochie and I escaped into the backyard in the 10th inning because you could cut the stress in the room with a knife. If I am ever in the car with dh, when the Cubs are on, he grumbles and is nasty to the radio. From April to November, I look for my own stable, happy, stress free space..
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michelle, I feel the same way about my husband and the vikings! This weekend is my niece's wedding in Indiana. We leave this afternoon. I tweaked my back so could be a bit of a miserable trip. Was hoping to have fun dancing darn it!
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Hey, girls, sorry I have been away. Have had sinus headaches for a couple of days, so I did not get much done. I did watch some NCAA Div I volleyball, and some high school games online. Did anyone else get sinus pressure headaches from the hurricane? I know I am in Illinois, but my thoughts are..... if you can see a weather pattern from space, it might impact us further than we know. iMy daughter, who lives on campus has had an on and off headache, and the farmers have been harvesting soy and corn.
I have been doing some sewing of the little caplets (which is what I will call them) to other t shirts, etc. I even bought shoulder pads to put on some t's with the caplets. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.
I think Claire is in NYC!!! Can't wait to hear all about her trip. How was your trip, GK?
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The trip went well. The worst of it was my back on Sunday. By the time we got Mom home to her town and then drove back to Iowa it was a total of 8 hours on the road. By the time we got home we were all exhausted. My husband and I did the opening prayer at the wedding. It went really well. My voice did get a little shaky but I didn't actually cry. In the busyness of it all I didn't actually get a picture taken with her which bums me out but the day just seem to fly by. I'm feeling really sorry for all the people that are out of power for the hurricane. I especially feel sorry for people that may be having active treatment. Having power is one of those things we take for granted until we lose it.
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Nice pic, GK. I feel so bad for all those receiving any type of active treatment, including radiation therapy. Once that is started, it has to be finished to be effective. I know that I checked off each day, as I went along, putting it behind me.
GK, you had the corn dome // corn sweat this summer. Our humidity was 80 percent and above. The corn has been coming down for harvest, and our humidity dropped to 40% today. That lack of moisture plus the hurricane effect, I think is what caused my headache. Went to Sam's Club today and to Walgreens. Just taking it easy to make sure I totally feel good the rest of the week.
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I am back and had a fabulous time. Will post pictures later once I get myself together. Wow, was it ever humid, but did everything anyway. Just loving that it's sunny and dry here. Also loving my view of the mountains.
I had a headache a couple of days while in NYC, undoubtedly from the oppressive humidity.
One of the fun things I did was rent a bicycle and do the Central Park loop. Very different experience cycling as no one has mirrors, signals to turn or change lanes, or tells you when they are about to cut in front of you. I felt very smug easily doing the hill at 110th Street as many had to get off and walk.
I had a marvelous time window shopping and exploring all the fashion. But for future purchases, and certainly not full price.
I was at a gathering of my friend's circle of friends and interesting how different I look. No one is fit in the same way that I am, though many are very fashionable. Fortunately, my friend and I had to get back to do a final shaping of a report so missed the worthy, but not appealing, play everyone was seeing.
I saw two of my old friends which was wonderful. One was an old boss of mine who caught me up on everyone.
Not quite ready to face the day.... - Claire
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Claire, welcome to the oppression of humidity. I do not thrive in the heat and humidity, but thrive more in cooler temps.
I am sure that with your olympic training style, you looked very different from your counterparts and fashionable too!!! What were they wearing and what did you wear? So, now that you have had a taste of the urban life, compared to mountains, streams, rivers, fields of lavender/tulips, farmers markets, which do you prefer for the time of your life? Personally, I like to visit urban areas, but then I like to return to a clean living environment (sans the corn domes.)
Tonight, I am going to a volleyball game with my sister and it should be very competitive. Thursday, I might take in a couple of finale games of a tournament and Friday is trivia. Saturday, my sil is having an art opening at her studio, with about 20 other artists and I may go to that.
Looking for pics from your awesome journey, Claire.
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Claire, welcome to the oppression of humidity. I do not thrive in the heat and humidity, but thrive more in cooler temps.
I am sure that with your olympic training style, you looked very different from your counterparts and fashionable too!!! What were they wearing and what did you wear? So, now that you have had a taste of the urban life, compared to mountains, streams, rivers, fields of lavender/tulips, farmers markets, which do you prefer for the time of your life? Personally, I like to visit urban areas, but then I like to return to a clean living environment (sans the corn domes.)
Tonight, I am going to a volleyball game with my sister and it should be very competitive. Thursday, I might take in a couple of finale games of a tournament and Friday is trivia. Saturday, my sil is having an art opening at her studio, with about 20 other artists and I may go to that.
Looking for pics from your awesome journey, Claire.
Edited to add: We have very high mold in our area and is again near 40 percent humidity. Our temps are in the 90s. Just resumed my Tamoxifen. I had to stop taking it on Sat/Sun/Mon with the bad headache. Felt like I needed to get it back into my system because I was having withdrawal feelings.
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Here are some pictures from my NYC trip. - Claire
Outside of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Loved the Delacroix exhibition.
Consoling myself with Viennese pastry and coffee when most of the Neue Galerie was closed because they were setting up a new exhibition. Even better than it looks, and one of my Top Ten ever
The late, great Bobby Short presides over the entry to the Hotel Carlyle.
Bemelmans Bar where he played. I got to touch the piano, quite the thrill.
Sitting area at the Hotel Carlyle. Many years ago, I had tea there.
Preview of handbag and designer clothing auction at Christie's.
Someone in her element post makeover at Bergdorf's. Bought the eyeshadow combo (YSL).
Gorgeous plates at Bergdorf's. Thought they were exquisite.
Setting sun from rooftop of Metropolitan Museum.
Hideous sculpture on same rooftop. This is a big deal and there is a second sculpture has yet to be unveiled. I referred to this one as the Fremont Troll East.
Another view of the setting sun.
Sunday in the park with rented bicycle. I didn't know that they made helmets that bad. The clasp didn't work, and mine work even when years old. Not to mention that I couldn't shift out of the lowest chain ring. But had fun anyway. Was hot and very sticky by this time.
Bethesda Fountain in Central Park with The Lake in the distance.
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Nice pics, especially the rooftop troll. How can they get away with that??? Where did you end up staying and did you get a good price? Always looking for deals on New York hotels. My bil used to be the bodyguard at Marriott Times Square for celebs and had deals with Marriott.
The coffee and pastry looked yummy. You, of course, looked fab. Love the post Berdorf's makeover plus you look very comfortable with Berdorf's in your background!!! Did you hear that Henri Bendel was closing? I am thinking some of these places should close up some of their real estate and go online. People still love their items, just look for them in different ways.
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I stayed with a friend so can't help you with the hotel. I cooked three out of five evenings which was my contribution. Really appreciated my bed when I got home. The Lord & Taylor flagship store is also being sold, and this may affect my friend Linn, who works in the Eastchester store.
Bergdorf's does quite a bit of their business online as part of the Neiman Marcus holdings. I also find a lot of their items on eBay which is where I can afford them. I go to the flagship store for a dose of haute fashion, plus I like to see these items for real.
The picture of me was taken at Christie's, not Bergdorf's. That is why there are handbags in the background. That said, I checked out handbags at Bergdorf's as well. Learned that I like my Muse Bag better than any of the current Saint Laurent collection.
I did hear about Bendel. It was quite the spot for high fashion about 40 years ago, and then reinvented itself as an accessories place. I snagged a lot of their costume jewelry earlier this year from the resale shop. All about the real estate.
The question about: how did I look different than the other ladies in the room?? I think I looked equally fashionable, though some came wearing corporate attire. The big two are my strength and vibrancy or energy. The first was evident doing the obligatory hugs and handshakes. But also evident in the way I carry myself, not to mention my sculpted upper body and powerful legs, toned by cycling. Two hours of cycling is vert different than 30 minutes on the exercise bicycle. Of course, I had a few other interests that were unique - my friend in the Carolinas (thankfully just fine) and another friend hiking in the Olympic Rain Forest. She and her hiking partner had to do a night hike to make it back before the tide came back in, a bit more adventure than they had counted on.
No one goes vineyard camping (or any other sort of camping or outdoor adventure) either. Different lifestyle, different perspective. If they have been to wineries, it was most likely California or Europe, and they stayed in four star hotels.
Speaking of which, I may do the Kitsap Fall Classic ride next Sunday, but only if the weather is reasonable. I usually wait until the last moment to sign up so that I don't get soaked to the skin, not to mention a rough ferry ride.
I ordered two pairs of dress, slim-fitting trousers on eBay yesterday as realized that I have worn most of those out. I have wider-legged ones (still in fashion, I might add) but narrow looks much better with a lot of tops and sweaters. I will need them for London. I just love the Dries van Noten sweater that came when I was traveling.
I am really hoping that a consulting project gets pushed back one week so that the work is AFTER my return from London. We shall see, and I can't say no. This is market research, not the nonprofit work, which is keeping me more than occupied for the two weeks before my trip to London. The market research work is fascinating as the subject is healthcare delivery for those 65 and older. In no way, a group that can be lumped together, with different needs health wise, and very different attitudes towards life.
Need to get rolling..... Down to two sets of financial statements to get the grant albatross out the door.....FINALLY!!! - Claire
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Below is what my day is shaping up to be like....105 degrees with a heat warning....ugh.... I have to go check my relative's cats. I will be back and read what Claire has written.
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I did get back and read Claire's updates. Thanks, Icietla, I love music like that!!!
Today was a run to feed the relative's cats, a brief foray into Macy's, a boat trip that wasn't and a dinner that was, a visit with my niece and her two poochies. Oh, yes, long distance consulting on what a relative was wearing to a reunion. My class reunion is being planned for next July. I think I will celebrate by spending a few weeks in Paris and London. Out of a class of 400, two people have decided to be the "hosts" and select everything themselves. Every other reunion has been run by committee. One of my friends wanted to participate, and the said they did not need her. She is a high profile RN with alot of patients and connections. Too much drama, time to be elsewhere. I wanted to go to Paris right before I was diagnosed, and now staying there for a while is on my bucket list. I want to visit the flea markets all over France and find small objects d'art to include in my jewelry pieces.
Hope everyone is having an incredible weekend!!!!
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Meetup with friend Friday was great fun, and I think I was able to be helpful as he does a bit of a career shift. Not to mention that we saw an amazing sunset over the Puget Sound. I used to see these all the time when I lived in Seattle. What a way to end summer!
Today, I did the Kitsap Color Classic. Not a lot of color, but fabulous views. Not to mention that I am now well-exercised. A 25-mile hilly route, and had to walk a few hills. Love the drama of the skies this time of year. - Claire
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This weekend's adventure consisted of a reprise of my July hike as I had never seen the autumn colors in the mountains. I was not disappointed. Legs are talking to me today, though I do need to get in a short bicycle ride. Also need to get most of the packing for my London trip done as I leave in 2 days and tomorrow is a work day. - Claire
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Glorious pictures, Claire. Can't wait to hear about your travels.
My phone was not charging and I had a couple of events this weekend. I now see a codependent relationship between me and my phone. I was totally freaking out, ready to send my phone off to Apple. Was able to get a new battery locally. I think Apple is having alot of faulty batteries.
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Leaving on a jet plane tomorrow evening.....and checked in! Next stop London, Heathrow.
Still a bit of packing to do and a few odds and ends to clear up, but so thrilled to be on my way. A milestone that I sometimes wondered if I would ever see.
Rainy and gloomy here, but that's part of the cycle. We have had glorious weather for several months and now it's time to nourish the earth and crops.
I expect to learn much, and can't wait to see how it all plays out. Major life milestone. Walk in the Chilterns and pub lunch on Saturday. Plus a host of other adventures. Can't believe that I am this fortunate. - Claire
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Claire, Have an amazing trip and we look forward to updates.
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Um, GK, we have had 105 degrees temp during last week of Sept., dropping to low 40's a week later, a torrential rain storm today and, my bushes are blooming flowers again. I am taking pics tomorrow, in disbelief.....
Hope everyone is having an awesome October. Hugs to all my girlz.
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Having a wonderful time in London, doing all the cultural things you can't do in Seattle. Yesterday was my High Victorian day with visits to Leighton House, the Victoria and Albert and Brompton Oratory. But limping around as somehow hurt my right foot. Back to sneakers, and possibly a foot wrap.
London is still my favorite city, and mostly fair weather other than last Saturday's walk in the Chilterns around Fingest. The church tower dates from the time of Richard the Lionhearted and the nave beams from the 15th Century. Fortunately, the pub is used to people arriving dripping wet, so all was well. I had a seat next to the fire and a splendid lunch.
I am staying at a place that is shabby chic, with most fixtures from the 1970s, so a trip back in time. I think the house dates from the 1840s. Two lovely black cats who are thrilled to have a guest. Two flights down to the loo and bath (not the same room). Portobello Market is great fun. I can get my morning tea, so all I really need to start out the day. Julie is an artist and great fun. She even knew which pastry shop I had most likely visited. (It was that good.)
Many more pastry shops per capita than even Seattle. I consider that a sign of civilization.
Dinner last night was at a local gastro pub. I got a bit of live theatre thrown in as the couple sitting right next to me were having quite the conversation. Like a one-act Pinter play which I think concluded in the bedroom. (Scene off stage.) I was remarking how perfectly Pinter captured this dialogue and speech pattern.
I need to get ready and go forth. Liberty of London and National Portrait Gallery today. National Gallery if I can fit it in. Just glorious out and the gardens are lovely. More later, along with pix, but those will wait until I get home. - Claire
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