Twirling In The Fields

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Peeking over hedgerows, coast to coast,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been on a quest to find a field of poppies</div><div style="text-align: center;">for months</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd researched on the internet where</div><div style="text-align: center;">to uncover their sneaky location</div><div style="text-align: center;">but ended up empty handed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Apparently it is like seeing a rainbow...</div><div style="text-align: center;">One year it is there, the next it is not</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These field poppies grow where the soil is very poor</div><div style="text-align: center;">and most fields are filled with productive crops</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once I surrendered to not seeing these red beauties en masse</div><div style="text-align: center;">I practically suffered whiplash upon seeing this near Stonehenge</div><div style="text-align: center;">(just east of Amesbury, for other chasers)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC66Vj2oGjIloO9qLWKodC8UVdRs4MwKlbttZLR7lkuiPT0u838sWnyOov3fQWuTEKdjHfVlHv5ScaRWXFZK4Ci2ZeQhrXmG1HGxRlyIYlvi3gv1rG-9sVVFWNupaWMgx-HW3bYdq7RSY/s1600/DSC01434-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC66Vj2oGjIloO9qLWKodC8UVdRs4MwKlbttZLR7lkuiPT0u838sWnyOov3fQWuTEKdjHfVlHv5ScaRWXFZK4Ci2ZeQhrXmG1HGxRlyIYlvi3gv1rG-9sVVFWNupaWMgx-HW3bYdq7RSY/s640/DSC01434-014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What you can't see is me jumping up and down behind the camera</div><div style="text-align: center;">yelling, YES!</div><div style="text-align: center;">while my precious children were hollering if we can go now with rolled eyes</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then</div><div style="text-align: center;">across the field</div><div style="text-align: center;">I spied another poppy/rainbow chaser</div><div style="text-align: center;">crouched in photo-shooting position </div><div style="text-align: center;">among grasses, poppies, and ouchy stinging nettle</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kinship</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As last week was a very warm and sunny one</div><div style="text-align: center;">there was lots of farm equipment ambling the roads and in the fields</div><div style="text-align: center;">frantic to bale hay before the rains returned</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEuBHnrAxirqZ-bkwYuDk997mXbd2YWCmF75abiYfrX6UQptPGx2iR4RfrAo5scN2LJ4Fy5BObWzTniwhie9vNjSAkO7Y7EismU-lZIxLTmJqYuv7bmm1eDdYTdEpvEFx9GIVfyhbUw4/s1600/DSC01372-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEuBHnrAxirqZ-bkwYuDk997mXbd2YWCmF75abiYfrX6UQptPGx2iR4RfrAo5scN2LJ4Fy5BObWzTniwhie9vNjSAkO7Y7EismU-lZIxLTmJqYuv7bmm1eDdYTdEpvEFx9GIVfyhbUw4/s640/DSC01372-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below you can see how the English refer to the landscape as a patchwork quilt</div><div style="text-align: center;">with small fields surrounded by hedgerows</div><div style="text-align: center;">So quaint, so 'English countryside'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w1-uMjqZ7kcjMIGatAJKJUyAC9Z6UiRKtge9twYtuw2lhTt1bHBYJl399DuiFXJtWvOxokark884j_q6M8IDZn5zy2xFMPviTYbmSHagoo0rsn7pLGwvDWm8X_uklG1QMCtV_Pe3_qI/s1600/IMG_0415-0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w1-uMjqZ7kcjMIGatAJKJUyAC9Z6UiRKtge9twYtuw2lhTt1bHBYJl399DuiFXJtWvOxokark884j_q6M8IDZn5zy2xFMPviTYbmSHagoo0rsn7pLGwvDWm8X_uklG1QMCtV_Pe3_qI/s640/IMG_0415-0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A303 'Highway To The Sun'</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*sigh*</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love it so</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Related post:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/happy-hedgerows.html">Happy Hedgerows</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Twirling In The Fields

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKPeeking over hedgerows, coast to coast,I've been on a quest to find a field of poppiesfor monthsI'd researched on the internet whereto uncover their sneaky locationbut ended up empty handedApparently it is like seeing a rainbow...One year it is there, the next it is notTh…

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The Summer Olympic Games Begin

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Seven years ago</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">when it was announced the Olympics would come to London</div><div style="text-align: center;">my husband turned to me and said</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>'We should go'</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJGcWEbkp8ZYzcjiQE-qNrMlF30hPKVGzwy_pmybKGUoDO1EDhcItDT6aBXLy5yhT_iqe-DpSAcOGEFq20AvP-2LIf-EGwAoKBEA8l9lY1wVpseECdGHlQHLEp-tldTDgZa9k6ZKoTJQ/s1600/DSC00735-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJGcWEbkp8ZYzcjiQE-qNrMlF30hPKVGzwy_pmybKGUoDO1EDhcItDT6aBXLy5yhT_iqe-DpSAcOGEFq20AvP-2LIf-EGwAoKBEA8l9lY1wVpseECdGHlQHLEp-tldTDgZa9k6ZKoTJQ/s400/DSC00735-002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tickets :)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Little did we know then</div><div style="text-align: center;">not only would be seeing the Olympic Games,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but we would be living here to witness</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Olympic Torch Relay,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Diamond Jubilee and The Royal Wedding</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Boy, do I feel like we totally won the lottery!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The last two years have been <i>magical</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Each event has been a 10 out of 10</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67NDb69qSFSDPkLoYh_icWOevHS9JNVJigNNLd62tKoPkvBPY5320DQqe9ipEuIgG8EL1_pc_TiR6_c32BcXjtkUrvDLsH7GYV-lh_LCg3oPeDRpm6-65pqw34Vq38iNjZ1gelvZHsjo/s1600/DSC01507-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67NDb69qSFSDPkLoYh_icWOevHS9JNVJigNNLd62tKoPkvBPY5320DQqe9ipEuIgG8EL1_pc_TiR6_c32BcXjtkUrvDLsH7GYV-lh_LCg3oPeDRpm6-65pqw34Vq38iNjZ1gelvZHsjo/s640/DSC01507-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last night we stayed up until 1am to watch the Opening Ceremony</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you watch it too?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I particularly loved the 'doves', the torch, and the fireworks</div><div style="text-align: center;">The British seemed to have loved the big event too</div><div style="text-align: center;">which had been shrouded in mystery</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Day One of the Olympics,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we walked to a nearby village to watch </div><div style="text-align: center;">the men's cycling road race</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB3pHn3wnaqee-Lv8Y4bfahpp0lONsf_YER6I5QuxmrU3gQ3K9bnADmrCKWhcyUd3Nogk_S6XUCdQ7Uq1MU3GYlmbjTwVK0-PhawMnppPdXpDHk-SFeGAklCiqJ0-DxDDMmILk63id7U/s1600/DSC_0143-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB3pHn3wnaqee-Lv8Y4bfahpp0lONsf_YER6I5QuxmrU3gQ3K9bnADmrCKWhcyUd3Nogk_S6XUCdQ7Uq1MU3GYlmbjTwVK0-PhawMnppPdXpDHk-SFeGAklCiqJ0-DxDDMmILk63id7U/s640/DSC_0143-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son's view of the race</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They went by so fast that had I blinked, I would have missed it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone was in a great mood</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the weather was gorgeous</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LdlgYP3aU3D-LgCEq4m2h4yECQRUmaiN8qIChun56GHntvGjCC-b5j8pDPU8pMjDSdNzO_FMy199meAoMNOUP9lYZlfjszyOKeMfMbHKkXdIOvaOxOMuXupe67a-vy8I15A0ATpQu8w/s1600/DSC01511-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LdlgYP3aU3D-LgCEq4m2h4yECQRUmaiN8qIChun56GHntvGjCC-b5j8pDPU8pMjDSdNzO_FMy199meAoMNOUP9lYZlfjszyOKeMfMbHKkXdIOvaOxOMuXupe67a-vy8I15A0ATpQu8w/s640/DSC01511-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congratulations to gold medalist, A.Vinokurov of Kazakhstan in blue & yellow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who am I rooting for?</div><div style="text-align: center;">The US</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Great Britain</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">and </div><div style="text-align: center;">Costa Rica</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I lived in Costa Rica in 1996</div><div style="text-align: center;">Claudia Poll won the country's second medal ever</div><div style="text-align: center;">which happened to be a gold!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(200 m freestyle swim in Atlanta)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her medal meant SO MUCH to the country</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Claudia became a national hero, putting Costa Rica on the Olympic map</div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, when she flew home,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Costa Ricans were outside</div><div style="text-align: center;">all over the country</div><div style="text-align: center;">with mirrors to reflect light toward her airplane</div><div style="text-align: center;">as a way to say congratulations, we're proud of you,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and welcome home</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've never seen anything like it</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I'll never forget it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knowing there are few Costa Ricans here to support their eleven athletes,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm happy to holler :)<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM2GZ8cB6POP-IiKdUJzeObbyMgToRCPaGR8dww-obU3K-7zpXIga_4Ozpic6NRkkNeUMeiHHA3upRa8b4vzL2dWZhTrGHsd4bEsmZq8c5wolHJV0mHCRcVwCsLkhvq9rHhs8fUDR3Ag/s1600/DSC_0179-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM2GZ8cB6POP-IiKdUJzeObbyMgToRCPaGR8dww-obU3K-7zpXIga_4Ozpic6NRkkNeUMeiHHA3upRa8b4vzL2dWZhTrGHsd4bEsmZq8c5wolHJV0mHCRcVwCsLkhvq9rHhs8fUDR3Ag/s640/DSC_0179-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Police giving lots of 'high fives'<br />I'd still be there if this End Of Race car hadn't driven by<br />I was ready for more :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lucky me, </div><div style="text-align: center;">RED WHITE AND BLUE</div><div style="text-align: center;">works to support the Great Britain, USA,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">and Costa Rican teams</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Go <span style="color: blue;">Great</span> <span style="color: red;">Ame</span><span style="color: blue;">Rica!</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(get it?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be showing you more over the next few weeks :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me and my kiddos -</span></i></div><br /><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>More Summer Olympics posts:</b></span><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/olympic-beach-volleyball.html">Olympic Beach Volleyball</a></span><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-day-at-olympic-park.html">A Day At The Olympic Park</a></span><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/london-dressed-for-olympics.html">London Dressed For The Olympics</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/behind-scenes-olympic-opening-ceremony.html">Behind The Scenes: An Olympic Opening Ceremony Performer</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/summer-olympics-i-just-cant-get-enough.html">Summer Olympics: I Just Can't Get Enough</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-olympic-torch.html">The Olympic Torch</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/signs-summer-olympics-are-coming.html">'Signs' The Olympics Are Coming</a> </span><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/let-games-begin-olympic-tour.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let The Games Begin: An Olympic Tour in 2011</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

The Summer Olympic Games Begin

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKSeven years agowhen it was announced the Olympics would come to Londonmy husband turned to me and said'We should go'Our tickets :)Little did we know thennot only would be seeing the Olympic Games,but we would be living here to witnessthe Olympic Torch Relay,The Diamond Ju…

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The Olympic Torch

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">How adorable is he?!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Olympic torchbearer Charlie Palmer</div><div style="text-align: center;">age 87 from Chilworth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I don't know if he or the torch is shining more :)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUC6jUC9ISKUtxHzy6Xx2_xy9Lp-xtTwt2-ZRPNDuoo8sLR6fqpiIhpLKH60Axm7JJ79KG8352bwVPTFlbZ3uq6ugdWaNpdF5SmoO3L6LOEsSSgTMUbDM0zlMd5sqVTtYUxgd66mDt3E/s1600/DSC00880-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUC6jUC9ISKUtxHzy6Xx2_xy9Lp-xtTwt2-ZRPNDuoo8sLR6fqpiIhpLKH60Axm7JJ79KG8352bwVPTFlbZ3uq6ugdWaNpdF5SmoO3L6LOEsSSgTMUbDM0zlMd5sqVTtYUxgd66mDt3E/s400/DSC00880-001.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stood next to his proud granddaughters </div><div style="text-align: center;">who said he received the exciting news 2<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/2</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>months ago that he'd been selected </div><div style="text-align: center;">For the longest time he thought someone was pulling his leg</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mr Palmer has been an active 'King Scout' as he joined Boy Scouts 75 years ago</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He received the Olympic flame from torchbearer Oliver Haydon from East Horsley</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURcczOrryEoBBH-JVibkxdxk6gcddlqOtVHYU22_uZNpPI2TohFc_Ivteg7ekPg2OaMvgb3b0uscIb9ZjeT5zVx1NQ06WbzmqCmqLe5ZtNjaR5fdhJ9EL4_K5DQm-z8nnRyIEdxiNwP4/s1600/DSC00912-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURcczOrryEoBBH-JVibkxdxk6gcddlqOtVHYU22_uZNpPI2TohFc_Ivteg7ekPg2OaMvgb3b0uscIb9ZjeT5zVx1NQ06WbzmqCmqLe5ZtNjaR5fdhJ9EL4_K5DQm-z8nnRyIEdxiNwP4/s640/DSC00912-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Kissing Point' in Shere</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The aluminum torch has 8000 laser cut circles representing</div><div style="text-align: center;">the 8000 inspirational torchbearers carrying the flame</div><div style="text-align: center;">8000 miles over a 70 day journey</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Impressively<br />the Olympic Torch Relay will be within 10 miles of 95% of the UK population </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe each torchbearer keeps his/her own torch (great memento!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Only the flame is exchanged </div><div style="text-align: center;">which will <span style="background-color: white;">light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony on Friday</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkoe3-tm9PhCuHMt0Xt6sAvR2GpyX18CUgSbZHxobhj3QMZdVtbSZyy8jO3T53DieWmfE0KlW-LC6BpbAK7tHBNkLypx3eWVHFq71wDHl5VaYXWsqj5JLDSJ_Ks2ErbQxhks39kSLbTw/s1600/DSC00968-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkoe3-tm9PhCuHMt0Xt6sAvR2GpyX18CUgSbZHxobhj3QMZdVtbSZyy8jO3T53DieWmfE0KlW-LC6BpbAK7tHBNkLypx3eWVHFq71wDHl5VaYXWsqj5JLDSJ_Ks2ErbQxhks39kSLbTw/s400/DSC00968-001.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I had thought the flame was carried continuously by people,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but actually it is in a vehicle quite a lot</div><div style="text-align: center;">between the 1,019 community visits</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Olympic Torch started its UK journey on May 19th</div><div style="text-align: center;">with David Beckham bringing the flame from Athens to England</div><div style="text-align: center;">abroad 'The Firefly', a purpose-designed British Airways jet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSaRARWenwU47MaD6TmfKJynGo3HdYU0aERwe9fdxjyEyjJkHTJ7T2ASYtUsZuWlf6L0NbMKNIoYs-dQgW0f_5t4TH-EU1jkZhRzlEirftKti-iSnkO5sDwLIhq87CgAtCjorHVJaInQ/s1600/DSC00750-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSaRARWenwU47MaD6TmfKJynGo3HdYU0aERwe9fdxjyEyjJkHTJ7T2ASYtUsZuWlf6L0NbMKNIoYs-dQgW0f_5t4TH-EU1jkZhRzlEirftKti-iSnkO5sDwLIhq87CgAtCjorHVJaInQ/s400/DSC00750-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus that transports torchbearers to their position</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />While sample torches were tested in BMW's high-tech wind tunnel,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the flame has gone out a few times during its journey due to</div><div style="text-align: center;">a gust of wind in Athens,</div><div style="text-align: center;">water during whitewater rafting on the Olympic canoe slalom,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and on a para-badminton wheelchair in Devon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Not to fear,</div><div style="text-align: center;">one of the four lanterns carrying the mother flame is always nearby to relight the torch<br />and a new torch is never more than 30 seconds away in case of 'droppage' </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The flame has gone on other fun and unique adventures such as</div><div style="text-align: center;">speeding along a zipline across River Tyne with Bear Grylls</div><div style="text-align: center;">flying above Eden Project's rainforest in a helium balloon</div><div style="text-align: center;">and travelling on top of a London Eye pod<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6mMeeQUxexvmPg8C2D-_1zIjIZIER_670c7t8CdlxyJLfyy4Lq2MlzAD-FYBlFX6Vj9WG9s7cVptlk8o4IoPKVhosgMnnVwLYfA-fHFxRDetSfMbFRYHndIk-2GsLM3J66w70QW9zyA/s1600/DSC00786-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6mMeeQUxexvmPg8C2D-_1zIjIZIER_670c7t8CdlxyJLfyy4Lq2MlzAD-FYBlFX6Vj9WG9s7cVptlk8o4IoPKVhosgMnnVwLYfA-fHFxRDetSfMbFRYHndIk-2GsLM3J66w70QW9zyA/s640/DSC00786-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For me, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I must admit it was a bit emotional seeing the torch go by</div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a historic moment for everyone witnessing it</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)<br /><br />And<br />at 8:12am this Friday<br />the nation will ring bells for 3 minutes to<br />kick off the first day of the London 2012 Summer Olympics<br />- <span style="background-color: white;">town hall bells, </span><span style="background-color: white;">church bells, bicycle bells, hand bells, door bells -</span><br /><br />Ting-a-ling :)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sources:</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://festival.london2012.com/events/9000961496">London 2012 Festival (bells)</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://news.discovery.com/adventure/olympic-torch-zipline-120613.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Discovery News</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-2170252/London-2012-Olympics-Flame-extinguished-torch-carried-white-water-rafting-boat.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Daily Mail</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.london2012.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">London2012</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.gosurrey.info/">GoSurrey</a></span><br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>More Summer Olympics posts:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/olympic-beach-volleyball.html">Olympic Beach Volleyball</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-day-at-olympic-park.html">A Day At The Olympic Park</a></span><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/london-dressed-for-olympics.html">London Dressed For The Olympics</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/behind-scenes-olympic-opening-ceremony.html" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Behind The Scenes: An Olympic Opening Ceremony Performer</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/summer-olympics-i-just-cant-get-enough.html" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Summer Olympics: I Just Can't Get Enough</a>  </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-summer-olympic-games.html" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The Summer Olympic Games Begin</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/signs-summer-olympics-are-coming.html" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">'Signs' The Olympics Are Coming</a> </span><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/let-games-begin-olympic-tour.html" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let The Games Begin: An Olympic Tour in 2011</span></a></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

The Olympic Torch

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKHow adorable is he?!This is Olympic torchbearer Charlie Palmerage 87 from ChilworthI don't know if he or the torch is shining more :)I stood next to his proud granddaughters who said he received the exciting news 21/2 months ago that he'd been selected For the longest tim…

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My exclusive range for Designer Boys

At long last I can spill the beans on some really exciting news! Earlier this year I met the lovely Gav and Waz from <a href="http://designerboyscollections.com/" target="_blank">Designer Boys</a> (and from the original series of The Block), and I was beyond thrilled when they approached me about designing an exclusive range of paintings for them. The boys have gone from strength to strength since their first tv appearance, and their framed art pieces are divine. I've just returned from the launch at Decoration and Design in Melbourne, and I can't tell you what a thrill it was to finally see all the hard work come together. I designed a series of coral paintings in three colourways, along with abstracts and butterflies. So, let me introduce.....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvU2iEloqKOZUCB6bbc2q-dJ7QFVd0dGn-XtoADMBE0M7qHLpM02tzQs_oQkG7djEbKlfd0gVyD_fGBXK3RJ0-Y1-2OfAb3Aaxh2fLZS9dvhMc3VSR0PmWufW_DBgZOpA6qY4ptxLi5_d/s1600/boys+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvU2iEloqKOZUCB6bbc2q-dJ7QFVd0dGn-XtoADMBE0M7qHLpM02tzQs_oQkG7djEbKlfd0gVyD_fGBXK3RJ0-Y1-2OfAb3Aaxh2fLZS9dvhMc3VSR0PmWufW_DBgZOpA6qY4ptxLi5_d/s640/boys+2.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> The Coral Collection in Rubine Red and Charcoal</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZZyH9SxY4EROgqwmtoAwWycPmrc-W9eaCsogLrVi1lQ79L8dd-7wfmHrRhz8ZBvThCEHHCT1uQjdePNxWID3C2a_EpddwQ3s09KxL1OvMEOxyC73ZTX57jvgsvMy80CT1R0mMYVA81rt/s1600/boys+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZZyH9SxY4EROgqwmtoAwWycPmrc-W9eaCsogLrVi1lQ79L8dd-7wfmHrRhz8ZBvThCEHHCT1uQjdePNxWID3C2a_EpddwQ3s09KxL1OvMEOxyC73ZTX57jvgsvMy80CT1R0mMYVA81rt/s640/boys+6.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HP1ENkjYbHd4vxiwNOHSwtqmW3cPC9VtUTeJM_73CwaXoBO_Qh0rrkXYztkQNIE07bwpG6tWoy23D_nMcOGLd3xwqIZdYis2NcuPLMoBRnH4TzXdfBpI1FoL0Z0io5qDvRJ6P1KBfPsq/s1600/boys1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HP1ENkjYbHd4vxiwNOHSwtqmW3cPC9VtUTeJM_73CwaXoBO_Qh0rrkXYztkQNIE07bwpG6tWoy23D_nMcOGLd3xwqIZdYis2NcuPLMoBRnH4TzXdfBpI1FoL0Z0io5qDvRJ6P1KBfPsq/s640/boys1.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfWfGfFoyyjaz7W3TgqmIZwTnA0kmLZDgOk2XMxI2d-ehg8HS5IV7Wmp2vtaX4PB7quKCEdx0x1Ux3qOzvQkvJ1tZZsjKGgmPN9KotuPtSQTeC0ngxhatqKE8fanrvIJK8fRZpwGzgbsK/s1600/boys+catalogue+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfWfGfFoyyjaz7W3TgqmIZwTnA0kmLZDgOk2XMxI2d-ehg8HS5IV7Wmp2vtaX4PB7quKCEdx0x1Ux3qOzvQkvJ1tZZsjKGgmPN9KotuPtSQTeC0ngxhatqKE8fanrvIJK8fRZpwGzgbsK/s640/boys+catalogue+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Coral Pairs and Triptychs in Indigo and Rubine - and 'design aficionado' Charlie :) Such a sweetie!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGik-kwascXU0v5H-NbBcTsIe5xpn-m8b6jNnGN8KG6MHR9NZVyzh7AJKlS7hWT9MvihxqpUFRURFUcIq7udsNMI1L3b2dSwqH7jL0aeyNIJAwph14CRkU92XxKuL2Drm-Olr7Tbme7DV/s1600/boys+catalogue+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGik-kwascXU0v5H-NbBcTsIe5xpn-m8b6jNnGN8KG6MHR9NZVyzh7AJKlS7hWT9MvihxqpUFRURFUcIq7udsNMI1L3b2dSwqH7jL0aeyNIJAwph14CRkU92XxKuL2Drm-Olr7Tbme7DV/s640/boys+catalogue+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">'Earthly Delight I and II' </span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o56DODcWTT1mohgOFMoNExXibRN9SOvhWsMXeWVIQF91UC7D1jWD4LkVwZfzQhXeK-hswTdaw_U3s1aqG-BGKLkjW4sV0xJh6j4OB8JzqlDxbdt4aIkBcQJP9jhFzmhJunR15bIYksXk/s1600/boys+catalogue+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o56DODcWTT1mohgOFMoNExXibRN9SOvhWsMXeWVIQF91UC7D1jWD4LkVwZfzQhXeK-hswTdaw_U3s1aqG-BGKLkjW4sV0xJh6j4OB8JzqlDxbdt4aIkBcQJP9jhFzmhJunR15bIYksXk/s640/boys+catalogue+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> 'Coastal Calm I & II'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyyguITUcMx4OojXJXjLjQcaDmBtyiDRzGIIggjb0OuwPe6bh50syDhR_xtcx7YvxtCalh1Kas3qFTGFsYMUlDb0c8hREQYMkkd4JUspKLwxx0mC5OHx5VXqaR2jJkHsNoQdXHolDV6uC/s1600/boys+catalogue+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyyguITUcMx4OojXJXjLjQcaDmBtyiDRzGIIggjb0OuwPe6bh50syDhR_xtcx7YvxtCalh1Kas3qFTGFsYMUlDb0c8hREQYMkkd4JUspKLwxx0mC5OHx5VXqaR2jJkHsNoQdXHolDV6uC/s640/boys+catalogue+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> 'Butterfly Harmony I & II'</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5VCVFMVtCe7zsObgeQaWkTyg6zEfwXKdmU4g7FRjLZpabKl2QdqZMkvH9yb5FVidwviQTfdwmkkQrvnp_XrVUNohGoaIz1zlr27cU5zZqTBY6FV7lb14no3IxxwtIpBjfuqgqwqrsgRH/s1600/boys+catalogue+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5VCVFMVtCe7zsObgeQaWkTyg6zEfwXKdmU4g7FRjLZpabKl2QdqZMkvH9yb5FVidwviQTfdwmkkQrvnp_XrVUNohGoaIz1zlr27cU5zZqTBY6FV7lb14no3IxxwtIpBjfuqgqwqrsgRH/s640/boys+catalogue+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">'Butterfly Harmony III and Butterfly Pair I, II & III'</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These pieces are all printed and framed right here in Australia, and the quality is absolutely first class. We've also chosen to feature these pieces in lovely bamboo frames, which complement the prints beautifully. I'm really proud of the range, and it's been an absolutely pleasure to work with such genuinely lovely guys. And there's no rest for the wicked, with plans already afoot for new paintings and designs - can't wait to get started!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you'd like more information on these pieces, or any of the Designer Boys range, you can purchase them through me at Driftwood Interiors. Just drop me a line at design@driftwoodinteriors.com au for more information.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

My exclusive range for Designer Boys

At long last I can spill the beans on some really exciting news! Earlier this year I met the lovely Gav and Waz from Designer Boys (and from the original series of The Block), and I was beyond thrilled when they approached me about designing an exclusive range of paintings for them. The boys have go…

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'Signs' The Summer Olympics Are Coming

Posted By Happy Homemaker<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Road closure signs are sprouting up around Surrey</div><div style="text-align: center;">for the upcoming Summer Olympic cycling races</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gpAzs3Yh3MOLGLIN2-n_PdTRv_DmowORgdYt70YW6O5M5hoGpJ6bWH6RMFKan8zIsb6Daa_9bdF6hSireVVeqZV8rPbvjnHJaRmrE448b4mdUcFujp4u2cobzUViobdeaP4ytWiIqz4/s1600/DSC00745-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gpAzs3Yh3MOLGLIN2-n_PdTRv_DmowORgdYt70YW6O5M5hoGpJ6bWH6RMFKan8zIsb6Daa_9bdF6hSireVVeqZV8rPbvjnHJaRmrE448b4mdUcFujp4u2cobzUViobdeaP4ytWiIqz4/s640/DSC00745-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These gorgeous 'tree tunnels' are typical in this area</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many Olympic cyclists who will ride these roads are in the Tour de France now</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Olympics start next week - you know I'll show you what I see :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- photo by me -</span></i></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>More Summer Olympics posts:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/olympic-beach-volleyball.html">Olympic Beach Volleyball</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-day-at-olympic-park.html">A Day At The Olympic Park</a></span><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/london-dressed-for-olympics.html">London Dressed For The Olympics</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/behind-scenes-olympic-opening-ceremony.html">Behind The Scenes: An Olympic Opening Ceremony Performer</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/summer-olympics-i-just-cant-get-enough.html">Summer Olympics: I Just Can't Get Enough</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-summer-olympic-games.html">The Summer Olympic Games Begin</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-olympic-torch.html">The Olympic Torch</a> </span><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/let-games-begin-olympic-tour.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let The Games Begin: An Olympic Tour in 2011</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

'Signs' The Summer Olympics Are Coming

Posted By Happy HomemakerRoad closure signs are sprouting up around Surreyfor the upcoming Summer Olympic cycling racesThese gorgeous 'tree tunnels' are typical in this areaMany Olympic cyclists who will ride these roads are in the Tour de France nowThe Olympics start next week - you know I'll show …

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English History For Kids

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There are many reasons the English know their history so well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For one, on such a small island</div><div style="text-align: center;">history is never far away with a short drive to a castle, museum,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or some sort of historical attraction<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvOzhpURHsSnac8IM0f1HCx4Ev_grNHC9YeH7oT5hzNW9llur-KpoHrQwCqmsGzpRMsbjme3-njqHEoizEoZsPfvJKJlVcY3tDN7I4Mw9GNarLbdRBHyBjn7qq0u7IppKk1kkHLLvglo/s1600/DSC_0493-006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvOzhpURHsSnac8IM0f1HCx4Ev_grNHC9YeH7oT5hzNW9llur-KpoHrQwCqmsGzpRMsbjme3-njqHEoizEoZsPfvJKJlVcY3tDN7I4Mw9GNarLbdRBHyBjn7qq0u7IppKk1kkHLLvglo/s640/DSC_0493-006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stonehenge<br />{ photo by me }</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">History is made appealing at an early age<br />through various books and TV shows</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as the 'Horrible Histories' series<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_cFryPJ3Oh5DfmDXIz_JJzwBrl8I-ruBt2eUhIDK_4PJqYKneC4DJoloN6QRFJgd0MtmgRLITkslgtHCMDSIaN8wMUqPl9EJCu3xV1zUwftIu9YaD5doIL23n2I-aHu2ck2Vmy9Dmn8/s1600/Horrible-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_cFryPJ3Oh5DfmDXIz_JJzwBrl8I-ruBt2eUhIDK_4PJqYKneC4DJoloN6QRFJgd0MtmgRLITkslgtHCMDSIaN8wMUqPl9EJCu3xV1zUwftIu9YaD5doIL23n2I-aHu2ck2Vmy9Dmn8/s400/Horrible-001.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Smashing-Saxons-Horrible-Histories/dp/1407104187/ref=pd_sim_b_26">Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Often describing gruesome details,</div><div style="text-align: center;">children are attracted to the real stories,</div><div style="text-align: center;">some more colorful than many of us could make up!<br /><br />My daughter has taken to this series...<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4vspdC8lJFZ7zceMBQV_IbLZ-ts_AFDTFcikWI5Gk8OgMqZn5VAHGOFka_Eu3z2gnJATHwZoeKKnP-K5a5Hvu69DGC26H8152ZaedKzcB8aDeasnNIlk9mYPsB3gvlWxPmEeCc0JgDw/s1600/51CXrzT0EwL._SS500_-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4vspdC8lJFZ7zceMBQV_IbLZ-ts_AFDTFcikWI5Gk8OgMqZn5VAHGOFka_Eu3z2gnJATHwZoeKKnP-K5a5Hvu69DGC26H8152ZaedKzcB8aDeasnNIlk9mYPsB3gvlWxPmEeCc0JgDw/s400/51CXrzT0EwL._SS500_-001.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Royal-Story-Kathryn-Lasky/dp/1407116215/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342181929&sr=1-1">Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beloved English works by Dickens, Shakespeare, and Austen</div><div style="text-align: center;">have been abridged for children to learn </div><div style="text-align: center;">these classics at an early age<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0aR_GFs3WK8UhvpnjglFUIq1IRncea5FUTL7RjzK55IX0uruSj8bx26fKb08YaWhYTaX2xoS9f-zl-SkYo0PnQCb1cz5anKWpx_ixcW8BImdbbTJLP4558SxTS3J3omjtdlCV7udDWg/s1600/Amazon3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0aR_GFs3WK8UhvpnjglFUIq1IRncea5FUTL7RjzK55IX0uruSj8bx26fKb08YaWhYTaX2xoS9f-zl-SkYo0PnQCb1cz5anKWpx_ixcW8BImdbbTJLP4558SxTS3J3omjtdlCV7udDWg/s400/Amazon3.JPG" width="261" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Expectations-Real-Reads-Tavner/dp/1906230013/ref=pd_sim_b_3">Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Okay, not historical, but I love this one for younger readers...<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDfSaa0HgzYzHV0hA5ljGLQx50j_sJHwohylicsHr-PKY_Zp6RPdWnVJdENIQf5cpqHCuD29yn9oNInfyy6DEu36bRnfbXOSRhrUyIiL4OfGOZJ17KW2KoW9bsawLfogGoE1GI82Lg7Q/s1600/Amazon1-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDfSaa0HgzYzHV0hA5ljGLQx50j_sJHwohylicsHr-PKY_Zp6RPdWnVJdENIQf5cpqHCuD29yn9oNInfyy6DEu36bRnfbXOSRhrUyIiL4OfGOZJ17KW2KoW9bsawLfogGoE1GI82Lg7Q/s400/Amazon1-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Queens-Knickers-Nicholas-Allan/dp/0099413140/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342528447&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Local venues stage theater performances of Shakespeare's works,</div><div style="text-align: center;">while the Last Night of the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms">Proms</a> concert offers British patriotic pieces</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In essence,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the English are surrounded by their history and culture all the time </div><div style="text-align: center;">from an early age<br />- geographically and leisurely -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I love that!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">:: More popular historical fiction ::<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asterix-Britain-Ren%C3%A9-Goscinny/dp/0752866192/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342181611&sr=1-1">Asterix</a> series (comic book) </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Baker-Street-Boys-ebook/dp/B007AEZUNG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342692355&sr=8-2">The Baker Street Mysteries</a> series</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Biggles-Goes-War-W-Johns/dp/0099634414/ref=pd_sim_b_5">Biggles</a> series </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cat-Among-Pigeons-Royal/dp/1405237597/ref=pd_sim_b_2">Cat Royal</a> series</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/London-Murder-Mysteries-Deadly-Fire/dp/1848120826/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342692675&sr=1-6">The London Murder Mysteries</a> series</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Books by <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kaspar-Prince-Cats-Michael-Morpurgo/dp/0007267002/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342181778&sr=1-7" style="background-color: white;">Michael Morpurgo</a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

English History For Kids

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKThere are many reasons the English know their history so wellFor one, on such a small islandhistory is never far away with a short drive to a castle, museum,or some sort of historical attractionStonehenge{ photo by me }History is made appealing at an early agethrough vari…

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Trip To Amalfi Coast, Italy

Posted By Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivC4hrgpopxMAM2dPT3oYJZqHR3LVCUHtGkB1AEY9Vve1Ksh4ADiWQtNfOFmfs9CSeKO9XxUUcbngU5DDphfPgeBRGLWZdGfptpVrkNHoMUBCugdL-Au_N3-0XRg1zqJ2OzfmUEJU_fk/s1600/IMG_3185-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivC4hrgpopxMAM2dPT3oYJZqHR3LVCUHtGkB1AEY9Vve1Ksh4ADiWQtNfOFmfs9CSeKO9XxUUcbngU5DDphfPgeBRGLWZdGfptpVrkNHoMUBCugdL-Au_N3-0XRg1zqJ2OzfmUEJU_fk/s640/IMG_3185-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know why, but the Amalfi Coast has been on my bucket list for the last few years</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We visited last month, and my family had to drag me back onto the plane</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTvxC69lAyViOkruEWQJ10aspVE7OYK22rcqPphKphUIgt2Jo6DhSmssinDzWZYwlB9kMOEBsZmGM4sqImZtzRFgOIjX1xQnvJyL9z8TNSixba12LCc0QDVcyuF8kgaqLZAlfkBs2oVw/s1600/IMG_3169-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTvxC69lAyViOkruEWQJ10aspVE7OYK22rcqPphKphUIgt2Jo6DhSmssinDzWZYwlB9kMOEBsZmGM4sqImZtzRFgOIjX1xQnvJyL9z8TNSixba12LCc0QDVcyuF8kgaqLZAlfkBs2oVw/s640/IMG_3169-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the water was warm enough so that even I could dip in</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh8qefUZzT0E4QLhbBcTNuW3G98b5Ox74Ygjt2u-Qx8MzMq3x_GzZ87bh0H9RF3ZGdU2ZzFYTdDqBkQ3KlL1qnd2PVb_kDjJbc40UzVOMPm3AJLjOcDS_sHNVCPHIXHYCZfTWzw7F1TM/s1600/IMG_3116-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh8qefUZzT0E4QLhbBcTNuW3G98b5Ox74Ygjt2u-Qx8MzMq3x_GzZ87bh0H9RF3ZGdU2ZzFYTdDqBkQ3KlL1qnd2PVb_kDjJbc40UzVOMPm3AJLjOcDS_sHNVCPHIXHYCZfTWzw7F1TM/s640/IMG_3116-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We visited the villages of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We didn't make it to the Isle of Capri </div><div style="text-align: center;">- saved for next time -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But we did make it to Pompeii, </div><div style="text-align: center;">buried by ash in 79AD by Mt Vesuvius</div><div style="text-align: center;">and rediscovered in 1748 under 20 feet of earth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4F43MOO7JmlZYH17CuEDDweWwnSrvMr6OIkpVD6wsSo8Zd6s7iAPWCI6IE0tmKB1XjV6T_4_WFqAs4vAhzREvsvFItju2xOlC7WAQhDRb01Zmu4zN1Wu0dkzvdTGY5EPt5cnlpiuhkE/s1600/IMG_3372-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4F43MOO7JmlZYH17CuEDDweWwnSrvMr6OIkpVD6wsSo8Zd6s7iAPWCI6IE0tmKB1XjV6T_4_WFqAs4vAhzREvsvFItju2xOlC7WAQhDRb01Zmu4zN1Wu0dkzvdTGY5EPt5cnlpiuhkE/s640/IMG_3372-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Vesuvius</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These Roman-straight streets were filled with sewage at the time</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the stepping stones pedestrians used to get across the road/sewer</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chariot wheels were the perfect width to get through them (you can see their ruts)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaHAbFlXYPdurarGZ2OqOOgLr5hQedwqLg480tG3KWfHM_q0d_8pSLO-qhHZQghfSgDzVLHsLuEItdOoAWxYS5Vw7rgMCC-bp9E46eq843JBgxaGpRb9UbZc4jLMZnHn-5_OP2xjQgV0/s1600/IMG_3019-0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaHAbFlXYPdurarGZ2OqOOgLr5hQedwqLg480tG3KWfHM_q0d_8pSLO-qhHZQghfSgDzVLHsLuEItdOoAWxYS5Vw7rgMCC-bp9E46eq843JBgxaGpRb9UbZc4jLMZnHn-5_OP2xjQgV0/s640/IMG_3019-0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />One of the largest European archaeological sites,<br />this city has not been completely unearthed<br />as funds have been diverted to saving and restoring what has already been discovered<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Og9rgY_lOPZpTY4QXNRyn2-Il55w5V98zEE85_0_pnBWgwHnWeGYkFAJFP2OkVxLGrF3CmjN3K5oKbyGtq8tWV2Gh7Xu0V3HuUk_oT1IvD9YlscPpqB0QgxKU1U0fI8FqrRhSL-tq8g/s1600/IMG_3042-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Og9rgY_lOPZpTY4QXNRyn2-Il55w5V98zEE85_0_pnBWgwHnWeGYkFAJFP2OkVxLGrF3CmjN3K5oKbyGtq8tWV2Gh7Xu0V3HuUk_oT1IvD9YlscPpqB0QgxKU1U0fI8FqrRhSL-tq8g/s640/IMG_3042-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Archaeologists</span><span style="background-color: white;"> discovered 'voids' where people and animals had decomposed</span><br /><br />Cleverly the voids were filled with plaster of paris to see what shape had been in the space,<br />revealing wooden doors, people, and animals<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Later we hiked up Mt Vesuvius to the crater</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hpPbX0wBGG_rCYxCeikLRw55A2Zy-gj4DTpviIgi2tSIiEip3jiGSFlvHWalxuJtJsccYp3QnG7g3lbxYmqlJvGPXJvz8457U0DDKrcXbSwRqwBln9ZoprJE4Fs67zTdoF-aM-RHS0k/s1600/IMG_3061-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hpPbX0wBGG_rCYxCeikLRw55A2Zy-gj4DTpviIgi2tSIiEip3jiGSFlvHWalxuJtJsccYp3QnG7g3lbxYmqlJvGPXJvz8457U0DDKrcXbSwRqwBln9ZoprJE4Fs67zTdoF-aM-RHS0k/s640/IMG_3061-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Vesuvius Crater</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a lot to see inside, but the outside of the crater was covered in this pink flower,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>centranthus ruber</i>/ Valerian</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know what this flower is</div><div style="text-align: center;">but it is gorgeous<br />and found along the coast</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fbR4LobBgKF_XG3_mZK_v1eGt46KOjgU7_KG_yB8womkELhCLUjLpEmGMxKizny4yTK5rEU4fl9yH1HMyFE8JcQIghqPSgbQJffy1CzTnmY-Dv2SAj0DNm_S-Rap8LHBc87y7tjqLP8/s1600/IMG_3342-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fbR4LobBgKF_XG3_mZK_v1eGt46KOjgU7_KG_yB8womkELhCLUjLpEmGMxKizny4yTK5rEU4fl9yH1HMyFE8JcQIghqPSgbQJffy1CzTnmY-Dv2SAj0DNm_S-Rap8LHBc87y7tjqLP8/s640/IMG_3342-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now back to my 'happy place'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhQf1bFu4jOTNWf58fKh9TqMEBU1kqNUCZnRkuCmFtiqJ1VtkJuaZUU6xLf_9MMMC-tPJ4Z7lDMvTFTyypI1F0i1W7P3YI8RO3lJ-deIe9x195k272j3yiXBT5qw5A1gfiO-RIjEp9ow/s1600/IMG_3180-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhQf1bFu4jOTNWf58fKh9TqMEBU1kqNUCZnRkuCmFtiqJ1VtkJuaZUU6xLf_9MMMC-tPJ4Z7lDMvTFTyypI1F0i1W7P3YI8RO3lJ-deIe9x195k272j3yiXBT5qw5A1gfiO-RIjEp9ow/s640/IMG_3180-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you love this guy's office? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><i>- all photos by me -</i></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Trip To Amalfi Coast, Italy

Posted By Happy Homemaker UKI don't know why, but the Amalfi Coast has been on my bucket list for the last few yearsWe visited last month, and my family had to drag me back onto the planeAnd the water was warm enough so that even I could dip inWe visited the villages of Amalfi, Positano and RavelloW…

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Tips: Planning A European Vacation

Posted By Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Putting together a European vacation can be really overwhelming</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are so many choices here<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I admit to finding myself frozen in indecision<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPxT8raUk8PPVMLKDwjv7vz_ZJrTgkGb40N-LTjAOIQIO0E5wLf352o3a1Ro2vpvEPhqfkfFQawnV0ioP4QPXzIwaIJEn-rAJJ_T5R1czaDdtU_W1GUjVDYWb6I_RjLR9DkV2KrLsu6k/s1600/DSC_0155-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPxT8raUk8PPVMLKDwjv7vz_ZJrTgkGb40N-LTjAOIQIO0E5wLf352o3a1Ro2vpvEPhqfkfFQawnV0ioP4QPXzIwaIJEn-rAJJ_T5R1czaDdtU_W1GUjVDYWb6I_RjLR9DkV2KrLsu6k/s640/DSC_0155-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Thanks to the internet<br />we can save money (but not time)<br />by becoming our own travel agents<br /><br />Here are a few tips I have picked up along the way:<br /><br />Google your desired location and click 'Images'<br />to see photos <span style="background-color: white;">captured by real people </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">to see if it is what you are looking for</span><br /><br />Use <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/">TripAdvisor</a> and <a href="http://www.expedia.com/">Expedia</a> to research the heck out of hotels by reading reviews<br />Look at photos posted by travelers as well as by hotels<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/">Cruise Critic</a> provides reviews on cruises<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jetsetter.com/">Jetsetter</a> offers great accommodation deals by signing up for their free alerts<br /><br /><a href="http://www.i-escape.com/">i-escape</a> has some good getaway ideas too</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJ6YDxdVEs-2z5JlJ1WMFRp8U-466h_-g230rYOUfKJsDkDxO9Pu9fT-wK5o6hbi5p3M9n796T5nulURqd-rVuRz1Hj0xmiZ-5WS5QjQdxQB4ATyhYWR63zEcuY2tjVI0kJZ654qOatk/s1600/IMG_2030-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJ6YDxdVEs-2z5JlJ1WMFRp8U-466h_-g230rYOUfKJsDkDxO9Pu9fT-wK5o6hbi5p3M9n796T5nulURqd-rVuRz1Hj0xmiZ-5WS5QjQdxQB4ATyhYWR63zEcuY2tjVI0kJZ654qOatk/s640/IMG_2030-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />If you have more than 2 people traveling in your group,<br />ask for quotes for creative rooming such as a Junior Suite,<br />which can be cheaper than a connecting room<br /><br />Ask the hotel to arrange transportation to/from the airport<br />It can be the same price as a taxi and takes out the stress of<br /><span style="background-color: white;">negotiating</span> a price in a foreign language/currency<br /><br />Find one stop shopping for airlines at <a href="http://www.kayak.com/">Kayak</a><br />The two major London airports are Heathrow and Gatwick,<br />gateways to many European cities from the US<br /><br />Discount airlines from England to the European continent<br />include <a href="http://www.easyjet.com/">Easy Jet</a> and <a href="http://www.ryanair.com/" style="background-color: white;">Ryan Air</a><br />among many more<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpi3b58elUiqneshdqMf2Qzkl0G8yJPG-Q92EAsK88lU6s_Y6VGEOuiLOoPfXgif0cgUdHDod0zaR3a5pvau7-wF8MRYMwAM__B2WtX1HXbwoD4JgC5f2U-I2X1CS72sg5C6Zm9CUeOc/s1600/DSCN4680-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpi3b58elUiqneshdqMf2Qzkl0G8yJPG-Q92EAsK88lU6s_Y6VGEOuiLOoPfXgif0cgUdHDod0zaR3a5pvau7-wF8MRYMwAM__B2WtX1HXbwoD4JgC5f2U-I2X1CS72sg5C6Zm9CUeOc/s640/DSCN4680-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The time of using travelers checks is way gone<br />Once you arrive at your destination<br />find an ATM to retrieve money in the local currency<br /><br />Most European hotels do not have clocks in the room,<br />so bring one<br /><br />Many countries within Europe have different plugs,<br />so buying one of these clever adapters is a good investment<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV45qTbvD4CNzWFAGQTw006uQ7mVO8KEkgxbo7gY54zqOTRnATkCX5cj-4ks4lBhNWvHEZb-EKfya_lVY5WglFP4BlIKyOquBGDTuMj1QoiF3AgHKkBykozPxZib94uL8kvZJOUaKH7XM/s1600/Brookstone+Adapter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV45qTbvD4CNzWFAGQTw006uQ7mVO8KEkgxbo7gY54zqOTRnATkCX5cj-4ks4lBhNWvHEZb-EKfya_lVY5WglFP4BlIKyOquBGDTuMj1QoiF3AgHKkBykozPxZib94uL8kvZJOUaKH7XM/s320/Brookstone+Adapter.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Global Adapter with 2 USB ports via <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/Global-Adapter-with-2-USB-ports?bkiid=SearchResults|CategoryProductList|599456p">Brookstone</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Don't bring your hair dryer or anything that creates heat (ie curling/straightening iron)<br /> because you'll need a electrical wattage converter too<br />Just use a hair dryer provided by the hotel<br /><br />If you plan to use your mobile phone abroad,<br />be sure to talk to your phone carrier in advance to get on a daily international plan<br />International roaming and calls can cost a fortune<br /><br />And you may want to take photos of your luggage with your camera phone<br />to show the airlines in case bags are lost in transit<br /><br />Lastly, learn from my <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/trip-to-devon.html">mistake</a>: bring your camera battery charger :)<br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span>What tips do you have to share?<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i><br /><i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;">* Traveling to England with kids? See my list of historical fiction for kids <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/english-history-for-kids.html">here</a> *</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Tips: Planning A European Vacation

Posted By Happy Homemaker UKPutting together a European vacation can be really overwhelmingThere are so many choices hereI admit to finding myself frozen in indecisionThanks to the internetwe can save money (but not time)by becoming our own travel agentsHere are a few tips I have picked up along the…

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Why Many Americans Don't Hold A Passport

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Some Europeans are shocked that less than half of American citizens hold a passport</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I've heard as few as 38%)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is quite expensive to travel abroad from the US</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the passport application is not cheap</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZq5axKL5ZjnxYYztEDrqpiU8-iJIb6ZvWvf7W6xHVj3NTBHcy_lZtMknk43QPOEIYwe4wkrglYlz2gkFL342D0qr73lYasWTlLsiG3LAb5erH8z__JNw3gctfEkdFqy5Q6wCl8uAqUA/s1600/IMG_0546-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZq5axKL5ZjnxYYztEDrqpiU8-iJIb6ZvWvf7W6xHVj3NTBHcy_lZtMknk43QPOEIYwe4wkrglYlz2gkFL342D0qr73lYasWTlLsiG3LAb5erH8z__JNw3gctfEkdFqy5Q6wCl8uAqUA/s640/IMG_0546-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Those who do travel abroad often make </div><div style="text-align: center;">Mexico or London their first international trip</div><div style="text-align: center;">depending on where they live in the US</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many Americans don't live near an international airport</div><div style="text-align: center;">so traveling abroad can include 2 layovers</div><div style="text-align: center;">making traveling cumbersome</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With the United States almost as large as Europe</div><div style="text-align: center;">most travel desires can be fulfilled within the country</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCe87DivyjfyHdYeqoPO1LUGeSHVIwh-qLgjKfsibzkacRBp1HHN6eXSwAwDrtCeK_51h3Fhxdp43iPxYPjYBpJ09TN0bbY-W36suDYuBhQ3GNPl2bwLHq0EZRtLagFEc6R59FY8otw3I/s1600/IMG_0834-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCe87DivyjfyHdYeqoPO1LUGeSHVIwh-qLgjKfsibzkacRBp1HHN6eXSwAwDrtCeK_51h3Fhxdp43iPxYPjYBpJ09TN0bbY-W36suDYuBhQ3GNPl2bwLHq0EZRtLagFEc6R59FY8otw3I/s400/IMG_0834-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone else find this funny?</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wanting world class surfing? Travel to Hawaii<br />Warm beaches? Lots of coastline from which to choose <br />Desert? American Southwest</div><div style="text-align: center;">Snow skiing? Rocky Mountains<br />Northern lights and igloos? Alaska</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful national parks in every state</div><div style="text-align: center;">Native American ruins? Mesa Verde </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Historical colonial village? Williamsburg</div><div style="text-align: center;">Museums? Smithsonian</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amusement parks? Orlando</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fashion and culture? LA and NYC </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoJTba3niBmag17jl9sqMnoFZg6Wu2T3582Gdbz-0OQ19qLToLoQjP9YmbBNiKGj2ylUCBZsYLo44DG6PPtJyjxfDh8pf_AwtGmK4acINJKPabXz0OOaQ6LeU6qzeL4tRV9CgeafkUs4/s1600/IMG_1286-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoJTba3niBmag17jl9sqMnoFZg6Wu2T3582Gdbz-0OQ19qLToLoQjP9YmbBNiKGj2ylUCBZsYLo44DG6PPtJyjxfDh8pf_AwtGmK4acINJKPabXz0OOaQ6LeU6qzeL4tRV9CgeafkUs4/s640/IMG_1286-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would most Americans like to travel abroad?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sure</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But you can see that one could be a tourist in the US for a lifetime</div><div style="text-align: center;">for a lot less <i>wonga </i>and no jet lag</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*wonga = money (my new favorite word)</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking to <a href="http://www.lifeonplanetbaby.com/2012/07/post-of-month-club-july-2012-edition.html">Life On Planet Baby</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Why Many Americans Don't Hold A Passport

Some Europeans are shocked that less than half of American citizens hold a passport(I've heard as few as 38%)It is quite expensive to travel abroad from the USand the passport application is not cheapThose who do travel abroad often make Mexico or London their first international tripdepending on wh…

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