Well you have to look the part!

We went to see the Badminton at Wembly Arena. It was a fantastic experience, but was nothing like I expected - so much colour (especially pink), music and noise. There are 3 courts and all the games carry on simulataneously. I had to try and just concentrate on 1 game and ignore the others, but then if there was sudden loud applause or cheering, from the supporters of another game, it was hard not to look over and see what was happening on another court. Team GB were not playing. By the end of the session I had become a Thailand fan, mainly because Thailand had some very enthusiastic and colourful supporters that got the whole crowd involved rooting for them.

Colourful courts

Wembly Arena

View of Wembly Stadium

Up do

Amber's off to London with her fella to celebrate his birthday. I did her hair for her, jewels and all.
I played tennis this am for the first time in over 30 years. I don't remember it being so difficult and we only managed 1 set. I won 6:1 (I'm just showing off now).
Off to the Olympics tomorrow:) I thought the ceremony last night was fabulous. No medals for Team GB thus far. Unfortunately the badminton is in the Wembley arena, so I wont get to see the Olympic stadium itself.

Our yacht!

At the helm

Olympic Torch in Hornchurch

Not a bad view. Apparently this was a man called Stanley. Never seen or heard of him, but he looked a nice sought of chap. I bet he wasn't an Essex boy though.

Bart's

View of Bart's from the top of St. Paul's. But where's St.Mary's nurses home? They've only bloody knocked it down. We also looked for the George in Old Bailey, where we used to buy a pint & a cheap pizza (when we were poor student nurses!), but they've knocked that down too:(

St. Paul's Cathedral

I'm grimacing (I hate heights) not smiling

With the controversial Shard in the background

Climbed all 3 "layers". Alas, couldn't get the hang of the Whispering Gallery. Fantastic views from the top and then tea & cakes, at a price, in the Crypt. We were allowed to sit in the choir stalls for Evensong. Unfortunately the boys weren't there, but the Vicars Choir ( the men) were pretty good. The Introit was particularly impressive.

Ghost

Saw Ghost at the Piccadilly Theatre. Superb, but I was an emotional wreck by the end of it. At least I kept my emotions to myself - unlike some members of the audience who were literally howling!

Chatsworth House



mmm..I think they're called "Roses?"

Took mum-in- law with us on a rather rainy, but pleasant visit last Wednesday.

In the seniors club

Today we watched Joyful Noise at our local Vue cinema, which was thoroughly enjoyable. It was indeed joyous, in parts, but I managed to sob my heart out about 4 times too. This may have been partly because it was "Orange Tuesday", or some such thing, and the young lady at the ticket office sold us tickets at Senior Citizen prices with out question! Do I really look like an OAP? Oh well, at £3 a piece, we weren't about to own up. However, I was most disappointed that the tea & biscuits never arrived. I'm sure I have seen that advertised as part of the Senior Club.

Anticipation

Have bought a season ticket for launch hire on this lake. About 1 month to go...........Still have a couple of decisions to make on the "spec." such as, rowlocks or no rowlocks and are we sure about the name.

A la The Italian Job?

Bexhill- on- sea

Visted my parents in Bexhill-on -Sea and took them for a drive along the sea front. What a view!

Andy Murray v Roger Federer: the countdown

Ah well - home for a spot of lunch now. Then.....come on Roger and COME ON Andy!

Sent from my iPhone

Spooky!

I never used to mind walking through the graveyard on my way home from school, but on just one occasion, I am sure a hand came out of this very grave to try and grab me!
However, this place holds many happy memories.

Remembering Susan

Great to see this rose still flowering after 35 years. It was planted in memory of Susan Dury, who was killed in a RTA in Hall lane, aged 14. A lovely girl and a good Guiding friend.

Upminster

Just spent 1/2 hour, in between appointments for opticians etc, in Upminster walking round the graveyard thinking about past times and good friends.

 

We watched the Quarter Finals in the Nag's Head, Chichester. Come on Andy - I've taken annual leave just to watch you win the semi's tomorrow and then............

Last Ball of Summer



"Hauntingly elegant & theatrically enigmatic"

And why were we in Chichester? We bought a boat - so excited. We are having it built to our own specifications. (No, ERNIE hasn't come up). It should be ready to collect by August. More info. at a later date. We just need to think of a name - something quirky. Any ideas?

Sculpture in Paradise by Phillip Jackson

During our visit to Chichester Cathedral yesterday. I loved these, but you weren't allowed to touch...........and I wanted to

Ouch

Yes, I did bounce too - luckly not captured on camera.

Diamond Jubilee Sunday

In the warm and totally sober....

Olympic stadium Greenwich

We visited London on the day before the Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant. The atmosphere was great and people were already setting up camp along the embankment. We decicied to visit the newly restored Cutty Sark. Arrived at 13:55 - it closed at 14:00! Plan B:- took a riverbus along the Thames to Westminster and then walked back along the river looking at all the boats preparing for the Pageant.





I have no idea who these people are, but they insisted that I take a photo.

Mad Northerners along the Embankment

Alleyway in Horndon

And why would I object to exploring Horndon on the Hill's alleyways, stinging nettles and all, bare-legged (as opposed to leg-less) with my short shorts on?

Thames barge in textiles

This was my fave at the Textiles on the Hill exhibition

Belated blog