Greswolde Arms Hotel Solihull

With time rapidly dwindling I went down to Banbury way this afternoon to visit my brother et famille before I leave, taking the opportunity to say goobye to two young nephews - one of whom was able to appreciate some of the implications of what I am doing, "But what if you get sick?" he asked. :-)

Back up to Stoke in the late evening. Last day of preparations tomorrow.

Sweet Jesus, I haven't even left yet and I am completely and utterly wrecked. It is just as well I am going away as I think I need a break from Jack Daniels if nothing else!!! I am sitting in Jayne Deasley's (you will always be Jayne Deasley, married or not...soz Kev!) dining room feeling like a mere shell of a person. Friday was Sue and Rob's wedding which was absolutely beautiful in every way. The only non beautiful thing about it was the nausea I suffered all the next ...

... live and work. It overlooks the plains where the Civil War was fought and was built after the war in 1750. It had a lovely lounge in which we had a drink and then drove back and did our packing.







We walked around to the local for a drink by the fire and then ordered Thai food.

Stephen drove us to Chipping Campden (20 min. away) for our 4 hour walk. It was bitterly cold as a wind was blowing but the sun was out. It was a lovely village and had a lovely open stone market hall from 1627 with an uneven stone floor.









We ...

... back to the river. We went and did a brass rubbing for 7 pounds 50p ($17) of the Earl of Warwick from 1406. We were so cold when we got home that I had to put my feet on the central heating pipes for ages. Called Lavinia in London and arranged to have dinner Monday night. Went to the local for a drink and then home for Coq au Vin.

... mouth! Because we got so damp we decided to do the 2 hour walk and not the 4 hour one. Ended up taking us 3 hours. We passed through a field of sheep – white and brown ones – and there were a lot of cute lambs and all the sheep were 'baaing’ at us.








Stratford-upon-Avon, England, United Kingdom hilaryramsey

... the two, had holes in the walls called murder holes to pour boiling water or shoot from to kill them.








We then climbed up and walked along the Ramparts and Towers along the whole front wall. It was so windy and cold. All day we were freezing and our feet were numb. It was about 2 degrees C.





Stratford-upon-Avon, England, United Kingdom hilaryramsey

... br>





We then went home and went for a drive to Bourton-on-the-Water. We paid 3 pounds to park the car for 3 hours and walked into the village called the Venice of the Cotswolds due to the number of little bridges over the shallow little stream running through the middle. Has lovely pubs and beautiful shops. Stopped for lunch and ...

... Castle is huge and imposing. We walked around cute little streets and went to a tearoom and had tea with scones and jam. Nathan had a hot chocolate with whipped cream. Took a photo of this really crooked shop. Drove the 1-1/2 hours to Stratford. Nathan fell asleep the last ½ hour. Stratford looks very cute in the dark. Stephen is walking distance to the river Avon and town centre and lives at 22 ...

... to Cadbury and Bournville. Sir is clear about making connections with previous lessons about the horrible conditions in most industrial cities and how this will be a contrast to what they have learned already. This is also the first time I have been able to see the interactive white board in full operation. The technology is very impressive. I will have to look into grant money for that. During the starter activity, many students want to offer ideas, perhaps so they can get ...