Yes, whinging is a real word! Last night, I heard it on television. That makes it real! A woman was complaining about something and the man said "If whinging was an Olympic sport, you would have the gold medal."I’m on the tube to Heathrow finally and it is pouring down rain. It’s even coming in the car when the doors are open because of the way the doors are slanted up into the roof. The sky looked clear when I left Mary Laurie’s so I took my time walking down the street with my luggage. Big mistake. About one minute from the station, I noticed that it was raining, how bizarre, here in sunny England! Imagine! I barely made it into the station before it really started coming down. But I got fairly wet just the same. A very nice woman helped me up the steps with my bags. At least I don’t have to worry about walking in the rain with my luggage at the airport. I can't believe that I've been in London since May 9th and haven't needed to use my umbrella.
I completely forgot to buy Ken his candy bars until last night after all the stores were closed. I do hope the airport has them. Mary Laurie said they would.
I’ve seen many exciting things here in England. But how many tapestries and beautifully painted walls does one need to see to know that the rich people lived opulently? How many stories about Henry VIII do I need to hear to know that he was an abominable, dreadful, hateful excuse for a king - or a man? The gardens were my favorite part of the trip. They change constantly and are always a pleasure to be in. I think Canterbury was my favorite place - unpretentious and full of good feelings. The people working there seemed to be happiest. Maybe it’s because I felt happy to be there that everyone seemed to be so much nicer. I was surprised by the west gate gardens and how quaint they were as well as the Kent (I never quite got the correct name) garden to the rear of the Cathedral.
I’m now on the plane to go home - thank goodness. I feel as though when I get home, I may never want to leave the country again. It’s so much trouble to go through security and customs and all that stuff. I did find Cadbury Flakes at the airport. They must know that people like to take candy home with them so they sell huge boxes of lots of different kinds of candy bars. I also bought my mom three tins of fancy tea from the Harrod's shop. With all this shopping and waiting in line to check my luggage earlier, I barely made it to my plane. Before I knew it, I only had 20 minutes before flight time and had to run through the airport. I was one of the last people board the plane because they like to get everyone on by the time I made it there.
Looking out of the plane, I can see the coast of Wales. It’s hard to believe that in a few hours, I will be far away from England, the island where I’ve spent the last 17 days and had such a nice vacation. During the time I was planning my trip, I had many concerns about how things would work out and whether or not I would have any problems. Luckily, I had no problems and everything went very smoothly.
Later - We’re about to land at Dulles and my trip is almost over. I don’t know who will be at the airport to pick me up or if Saucy will be with them. I hope so but I don’t want her to wait in the hot car so I guess I hope she’s home waiting for me. I certainly will be happy to see her.
Later, at home - I’m so glad to be home, I even told one of the guys in security that I am so glad to be back in this country. I’ve still got my lucky pound and my dad met me at the airport. Saucy and my mom waited in the car - it wasn’t too hot for them. They said that Saucy had a good time at their house. She had her own little vacation. The cats are find also. The house is in good shape but the grass needs to be cut. I’m going to make pizza tonight for dinner and unpack tomorrow.
It was a great vacation but it’s great to be back in the U.S. with my doggie!