Hot Cross Buns

<div style="text-align: center;">Imagine my delight</div><div style="text-align: center;">when I first laid eyes<br />on mythical 'hot cross buns'</div><div style="text-align: center;">sold in our grocery store<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCLFWHyOK1DgajSssxHlCrGXkDByRbETIPcEPZBJ7KJIMhp80isSPyhYY1eBkx_p0o_wmC5Oobox3_5gOUBdED7g0hoGVqdKDfb24vnUB3v-F1KF45QBSgAAyJibBlxxI7QWgAzmMnFIQ/s1600/DSC05039-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCLFWHyOK1DgajSssxHlCrGXkDByRbETIPcEPZBJ7KJIMhp80isSPyhYY1eBkx_p0o_wmC5Oobox3_5gOUBdED7g0hoGVqdKDfb24vnUB3v-F1KF45QBSgAAyJibBlxxI7QWgAzmMnFIQ/s640/DSC05039-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thinking they only existed in a nursery rhyme,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they've been available in stores a few weeks now<br />to be consumed on Good Friday or Easter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The dough is spiced and fruited</div><div style="text-align: center;">and a cross is cut into it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">According to a Church of England spokesperson,</div><div style="text-align: center;">'You have got the bread, as per communion,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you have got the spices that represent the spices Jesus was wrapped in the tomb,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and you have got the cross</div><div style="text-align: center;">They are fairly full of Christian symbolism'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And they cost more than a penny ;)<br /><br />Happy Easter<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photo by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8598312.stm">BBC</a></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>

Hot Cross Buns

Imagine my delightwhen I first laid eyeson mythical 'hot cross buns'sold in our grocery storeThinking they only existed in a nursery rhyme,they've been available in stores a few weeks nowto be consumed on Good Friday or EasterThe dough is spiced and fruitedand a cross is cut into itAccording to a Ch…

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A Day In The Houses Of Parliament

<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/AVvXsEikVVQA7YXyD6Ahra-yp3FZxjshe3y5lRv0TX8-vtjVGFGZ2xoQ51TAGM8B4N9vRk0tMX5_0OxxLuR_yPWCkwTT3mkdWo4kRzbyFW3RRAx_Ab8vgZ5lX3MvWr7r0TTZRzibiamEST2ca-Wj/s1600/Westminster_Parlement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVVQA7YXyD6Ahra-yp3FZxjshe3y5lRv0TX8-vtjVGFGZ2xoQ51TAGM8B4N9vRk0tMX5_0OxxLuR_yPWCkwTT3mkdWo4kRzbyFW3RRAx_Ab8vgZ5lX3MvWr7r0TTZRzibiamEST2ca-Wj/s400/Westminster_Parlement.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claude Monet's <i>The Houses of Parliament, Sunset</i> (1903)<br />-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Westminster">source</a>-</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A gorgeous Gothic landmark with a famous Clock Tower,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was really excited to see inside the Palace of Westminster</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once a royal medieval palace and now a major center of politics,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this building holds a lot of dramatic history</div><div style="text-align: center;">including the unsuccessful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpowder_Plot">Gunpowder Plot</a> in 1605,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a gruesome ending for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Cromwell#Death_and_posthumous_execution">Oliver Cromwell</a> in 1661,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a major fire in 1834,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and many bombings during World War II<br /><br />The interior of the Houses Of Parliament<br />is just as stunning as its exterior<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpGrOPA_U8LKbJiAoEDKKtxk8ZVLnmDX4J0Qeo4lvA6XV8QDeZMvW-oNgW-ArLb7hrmU9zrvsx52dx4Kf0HtmtqHd-VfCMVot7s0Ma47BBPxWU12klvKxIzokF-snkO-w7uoOVjnDNWrh/s1600/ImageVaultHandler.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpGrOPA_U8LKbJiAoEDKKtxk8ZVLnmDX4J0Qeo4lvA6XV8QDeZMvW-oNgW-ArLb7hrmU9zrvsx52dx4Kf0HtmtqHd-VfCMVot7s0Ma47BBPxWU12klvKxIzokF-snkO-w7uoOVjnDNWrh/s400/ImageVaultHandler.aspx.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After my tour, I was inspired to contact my local Member of Parliament (MP)<br />to request tickets for Question Time<br /><br />Every Wednesday for thirty minutes,<br />MPs fire questions at the Prime Minister in the House of Commons<br /><br />Wow - we have nothing like this in the US<br /><br />Reminding me of a schoolyard,<br />fingers are pointed,<br />the Speaker of the House yells 'Order!'<br />and<br />gasps, cheers and outbursts come from all political parties<br />in response to David Cameron's answers<br /><br />And they do it every week<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTg9FSK6Eivw_m-AGWjq9Ey7HFT6uSenq-8BfpQFMqSyXnJuY7CI83MGDApKcSB2RRhfDOdb8VN71twFvrfy2vzJCdBjmliDgu02RF_yXS-6uK6htKN0YX2MGIXJhO_Ag5NWAs-LOSb9xM/s1600/ImageVaultHandler.aspx+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTg9FSK6Eivw_m-AGWjq9Ey7HFT6uSenq-8BfpQFMqSyXnJuY7CI83MGDApKcSB2RRhfDOdb8VN71twFvrfy2vzJCdBjmliDgu02RF_yXS-6uK6htKN0YX2MGIXJhO_Ag5NWAs-LOSb9xM/s400/ImageVaultHandler.aspx+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Ranging from housing benefits to Alzheimers to poaching in Africa to Syria,<br />it made me realize how numerous and vast the issues are<br />and that these are mere mortals working on the state of affairs<br />within the same 24 hours the rest of us have<br /><br />Interestingly, David Cameron often referred to other politicians by saying,<br />'As my friend ___ rightly said...'<br />which made me realize<br /><br />these (mostly) men have been groomed to be politicians from an early age,<br />often attending the same boarding schools and universities<br />(Oxford or Cambridge)<br /><br />Which means, there is not a huge diversity in upbringing<br />and it means they have known each other a long time<br />perhaps with old lunchroom grudges<br />or as dorm room buddies<br /><br />It made me appreciate the diversity of our US politicians,<br />many whom have not met each other until their first day on Capitol Hill<br />and cover a wide scope of professional backgrounds<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-trMin0NxuMWjtl4-BwMwC42Hc9E2S5B17bbPN2H81BloYqsZ7-JGtPvBOPqhLbgXfttBqeb2F6S6qVVA872yeK9Ce2UI9psAe2Il_92rXSW8OxMgiEdi-mYzK1G8H_36w1wH18qn-33/s1600/ImageVaultHandler.aspx+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-trMin0NxuMWjtl4-BwMwC42Hc9E2S5B17bbPN2H81BloYqsZ7-JGtPvBOPqhLbgXfttBqeb2F6S6qVVA872yeK9Ce2UI9psAe2Il_92rXSW8OxMgiEdi-mYzK1G8H_36w1wH18qn-33/s400/ImageVaultHandler.aspx+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I was very impressed how solid David Cameron was throughout Question Time<br />He seemed very prepared and did not seem flustered by the jeers<br /><br />It would be fascinating to see American politicians grilled the same way<br />in such a format<br /><br />While the debates were lively, I'm not sure how much was accomplished<br />as they moved to the next topic quickly<br /><br />Unforgettable,<br />it was a huge privilege to see<br />including the three gentlemen wearing old-fashioned white wigs :)<br /><br />For anyone interested in history or politics,<br />the Houses of Parliament <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/">tour</a> is a must see<br /><br />If you are looking for amazing verbal jousting and quick comebacks,<br />Question Time is a must do<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Images 2-4 via Parliament <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/">website</a></span></i></div></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(A non-sponsored post)</span></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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>

A Day In The Houses Of Parliament

Claude Monet's The Houses of Parliament, Sunset (1903)-source-A gorgeous Gothic landmark with a famous Clock Tower,I was really excited to see inside the Palace of WestminsterOnce a royal medieval palace and now a major center of politics,this building holds a lot of dramatic historyincluding the un…

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English Garden Tips & Trends

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">With Spring taking it's time this year</div><div style="text-align: center;">to show its lovely face,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am chomping at the bit for some warmth and sunshine :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've collected pages from magazines and such over the years</div><div style="text-align: center;">to remember English garden tricks and tips</div><div style="text-align: center;">for when I return 'home' to a garden I can play in<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwufYBYDhFsoK0uiRuSgNOb9R-9WIARqfIj3LU0_4sX61gNahhszufbeisDCYFN5WAnUFG_TxN77A9ish9v0vGU3Aqu49ldZVoE39Zy0NHndvgby_P8UrXQHKxpToU5XtW8X_3bupfwd9/s1600/London+Florist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwufYBYDhFsoK0uiRuSgNOb9R-9WIARqfIj3LU0_4sX61gNahhszufbeisDCYFN5WAnUFG_TxN77A9ish9v0vGU3Aqu49ldZVoE39Zy0NHndvgby_P8UrXQHKxpToU5XtW8X_3bupfwd9/s1600/London+Florist.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a few ideas...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />- Plant 'biodynamically' by checking the lunar calendar<br />to see when the water table will be closer to the surface<br />similar to the ocean tides<br /><br /><div>This makes for better root development and</div><div>requires less 'watering in' new plantings<br /><br /><div>- If growing seeds, place a used tea bag at the bottom of each pot</div><div>to hold moisture and to give trace nutrients</div><div>Use more tea bags for larger pots</div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Dig a square planting hole, not round, for better root development<br /><br /><div>- Liquid feed all berry and flowering plants with tomato fertilizer, which contains potash,</div><div>to improve flowering and productivity</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Square pots are less tippy than round ones in the wind</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>- Consider the 3 R's: Repeat, Rhythm, Regularity when planting a new border</div><div>Limit color and number of species used<br />Mirror plantings across pathways when possible</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Pebbled and stoned areas are more rain-friendly than harder surfaces</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only do they look more attractive, but also allow rain to soak right through them</div><div style="text-align: center;">(England has mastered rain-management here)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXso6lFV5ZzT4XcGj7q5VqBDspGtf9mx6dl2FZjG_6mUR6zt2CLVV62fIlNVPRuwXei2RB3sSla6uwVBIi7IPDWrHHPpux0q2S53VOWwUnysDHL3K6nSXONrxqejVCR73lJFkmR1vEAiY/s1600/DSC_0204-0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXso6lFV5ZzT4XcGj7q5VqBDspGtf9mx6dl2FZjG_6mUR6zt2CLVV62fIlNVPRuwXei2RB3sSla6uwVBIi7IPDWrHHPpux0q2S53VOWwUnysDHL3K6nSXONrxqejVCR73lJFkmR1vEAiY/s1600/DSC_0204-0012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a list of current trends:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peat moss is harvested from bogs and fens </div><div style="text-align: center;">in the Republic of Ireland (70%) and within the United Kingdom (32%)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peat has been THE affordable and reliable growing medium in the UK since the 1940s,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but with an increased awareness of the importance of peatlands</div><div style="text-align: center;">and its unique supporting habitat,</div><div style="text-align: center;">gardeners and nurseries search for better alternatives<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv-_l4cuSJN-UJ_4ud5Z7MqePoMbyWMumNpo3wCAp5dvL3Uzv5rxbKcHnFQ2LUlIfSigZg9tWPJqV-U2uldAhwkZe3lbRpqt2V9XhyphenhyphengXdc5sskZRvTrPxW99ynYDTkebu4hx7aRA6RKxm/s1600/DSCN5438-0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv-_l4cuSJN-UJ_4ud5Z7MqePoMbyWMumNpo3wCAp5dvL3Uzv5rxbKcHnFQ2LUlIfSigZg9tWPJqV-U2uldAhwkZe3lbRpqt2V9XhyphenhyphengXdc5sskZRvTrPxW99ynYDTkebu4hx7aRA6RKxm/s1600/DSCN5438-0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although I believe xeriscape is a newer idea here than in the US,</div><div style="text-align: center;">there has been a need for it,<br />as parts of the country were in a drought last summer with a 'hosepipe' ban </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The roots of this movement seem to be from Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf<br /><br />Increasingly popular prairie or meadow gardens<br />grow grasses and North American natives such as<br />California Poppies and Echinacea/coneflower<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYIZ4-H4H2WbbBnlyhHilXPZLJsZ1XZL5F8J6k5djAj6BSXuj8dgXq-d8b8cpwy4mHfjUIOLBWdFfiZIVBaocEr6du4QLfAylg4EfE-m4a79Usqp-U-abtD7UFJkhRiAqOnjlCopaWDL4/s1600/DSC_0123-0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYIZ4-H4H2WbbBnlyhHilXPZLJsZ1XZL5F8J6k5djAj6BSXuj8dgXq-d8b8cpwy4mHfjUIOLBWdFfiZIVBaocEr6du4QLfAylg4EfE-m4a79Usqp-U-abtD7UFJkhRiAqOnjlCopaWDL4/s1600/DSC_0123-0141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Other European influences are obvious in grander gardens,</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as French <i>potagers</i> (kitchen gardens)</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Italian <i>parterres </i>with ornate clipped topiaries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEhS8U6-s8iX-9QP-fUkaJTMdBwdSMUDO9Vm-c7f_krBurV7bqEjQwIYh6nCHv_J4C_i9pG4BSpF6Oz7s3MYh1t9S67kp40BSrhp575PjPJRGzWaTJYOhIu6-u0E2qFc9R_6CyOqU9sQWce9/s1600/DSC_0216-0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8U6-s8iX-9QP-fUkaJTMdBwdSMUDO9Vm-c7f_krBurV7bqEjQwIYh6nCHv_J4C_i9pG4BSpF6Oz7s3MYh1t9S67kp40BSrhp575PjPJRGzWaTJYOhIu6-u0E2qFc9R_6CyOqU9sQWce9/s640/DSC_0216-0011.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the last month, the Royal Horticultural Society rolled out its</div><div style="text-align: center;">revised RHS Plant Hardiness <a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/News/Hardiness-rating-system-improved">Rating System</a> based on extreme temperatures</div><div style="text-align: center;">America has something similar with their USDA Plant Hardiness Zone <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/">Map</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">RHS gives plants distinguished 'Award of Garden Merit' (<a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Plant-trials-and-awards/Plant-awards/AGM-plants">AGM</a>) based on local trials</div><div style="text-align: center;">This label helps customers select reliable plants with good general performance and form,</div><div style="text-align: center;">are reasonably resistant to pests and diseases, and are fairly easy to grow</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/AVvXsEirCtlqfldwboZRSTNPHHDUeoIXpIft3rteKsiOGjZoYXC4pWsCugxke3XClJAtfbHZQvZF7HvXXBBm1jnDBx2aTm4sI5jPfR9h24LjCTA5lQfBJqDReOW4Zh8h95_9pcLoWbtu3WL1sKYG/s1600/DSCN5143-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCtlqfldwboZRSTNPHHDUeoIXpIft3rteKsiOGjZoYXC4pWsCugxke3XClJAtfbHZQvZF7HvXXBBm1jnDBx2aTm4sI5jPfR9h24LjCTA5lQfBJqDReOW4Zh8h95_9pcLoWbtu3WL1sKYG/s640/DSCN5143-014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AGM Trial Site at RHS Wisley Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />RHS members can order <a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Seed-list/Seed-list">seeds</a> for a minimal price,</div><div style="text-align: center;">with over 700 varieties from which to choose</div><div style="text-align: center;">including annuals, shrubs and trees</div><div style="text-align: center;">The list varies annually</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a brilliant way to keep quality plants in circulation around the country<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOct7fzYzSn2HsyWhNJHpbxyVnoNSCb0A1-IXuIFMmYoBy-xzy1xUnoAbWca4Kq2_gdfE0IsUhMidBfj2TLZl2JZp2LDIwZUvOaC-hGhVjOBVBfbXi42i1kL8gVPLnYFBL9-Ni8YAqUr6I/s1600/DSC_0237-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOct7fzYzSn2HsyWhNJHpbxyVnoNSCb0A1-IXuIFMmYoBy-xzy1xUnoAbWca4Kq2_gdfE0IsUhMidBfj2TLZl2JZp2LDIwZUvOaC-hGhVjOBVBfbXi42i1kL8gVPLnYFBL9-Ni8YAqUr6I/s640/DSC_0237-012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The elderly population grew up during World War II </div><div style="text-align: center;">and endured difficult living conditions post-war as well</div><div style="text-align: center;">They had their hands in the soil to grow their own food,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and this generation is the keen gardener of today<br /><br />They are the members of local garden clubs in villages</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is some concern that the gardening enthusiasm will wane </div><div style="text-align: center;">as the older generation passes on</div><div style="text-align: center;">Efforts are being made to foster gardening interest in the younger generations<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/AVvXsEhzctlvB2mkuxflkobEr5xxJUJhNA9RaGwL1ybKCNUE5bNYRc-lXD7E2XYTN5kvHvcOrA0O0x5-sJKVAsOx04yTJCBgca9Nc8pn0C5Aydyi9YyLHMFq7F_1Fe-QmrgYv_UHZJa6GtJIuxqR/s1600/DSCN5449-0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzctlvB2mkuxflkobEr5xxJUJhNA9RaGwL1ybKCNUE5bNYRc-lXD7E2XYTN5kvHvcOrA0O0x5-sJKVAsOx04yTJCBgca9Nc8pn0C5Aydyi9YyLHMFq7F_1Fe-QmrgYv_UHZJa6GtJIuxqR/s1600/DSCN5449-0131.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a local garden, children planted up shower caps, socks, and pajama bottoms</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Adopt a <a href="http://www.adoptahive.co.uk/">beehive</a>, <a href="http://pebblebed.co.uk/adopt-a-vine.php?ID=13&stylesheet=style">grapevine</a>, <a href="http://www.carshaltonlavender.btck.co.uk/Getinvolved">lavender row</a>, or <a href="http://www.rentacherrytree.co.uk/">cherry orchard</a><br />to support local farmers and to receive product<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FNUuSJcLJkVYP20KmuOox23-uubrHAN_EoV6ja672D3ebTAA_wpV1JHaiy67ctLxJ7w_ubktz0LpSr03nIVvFDi8-b_covHi-Qh2uF8VlivDVCAl2WPz9GwAwgm7G-nbcHmlOdOgmNuy/s1600/DSCN5414-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FNUuSJcLJkVYP20KmuOox23-uubrHAN_EoV6ja672D3ebTAA_wpV1JHaiy67ctLxJ7w_ubktz0LpSr03nIVvFDi8-b_covHi-Qh2uF8VlivDVCAl2WPz9GwAwgm7G-nbcHmlOdOgmNuy/s1600/DSCN5414-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The US and the UK share similar trends, such as<br />an effort to use fewer pesticides/go organic, a concern about the drop in bee population,<br />and more mindful planting to attract birds, bees, and insects to the garden<br /><br />In America,<br />you find permanent sprinklers, mulched gardens,<br />and almost no use of peat<br /><br />In the UK, you see 'water butts' collecting rainwater,<br />more use of top dressing (easier when there is no mulch to move aside),<br />moss in the lawn (I think its pretty, but I guess it is undesirable),<br />nurseries selling annuals in styrofoam containers (?!),<br />and garden-waste-only bins for curbside trash pickup<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/AVvXsEiM8e-kB-IPeQCOUYfLx4uBxZBDvJrB3-1RvU-2t1SQkMStMHKK3Wla16q_qLL89h4HarSm3dd6h4RXQwa93c6bGAmVnLiw66yvaPXFsj5uuitGL8NGngWocAAZ0qpBNLI5V7Qgs8HQNOyN/s1600/DSC_0328-0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8e-kB-IPeQCOUYfLx4uBxZBDvJrB3-1RvU-2t1SQkMStMHKK3Wla16q_qLL89h4HarSm3dd6h4RXQwa93c6bGAmVnLiw66yvaPXFsj5uuitGL8NGngWocAAZ0qpBNLI5V7Qgs8HQNOyN/s640/DSC_0328-0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growing in bags is seen in England, but not in the US</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />With England's perfect growing conditions<br />of cool summer temperatures, frequent rain,<br />and long daylight hours (closer to the North Pole)<br />it is no wonder this is the Garden Island<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk5ff8jDgxSd0aXJ2X1FsuCGqlcpQDGaZ6OmUscbXL_zg2iFpT52zNl516BDTM7pJzVivGqdIdsvmLLnIaWtZjEn3K4AspH1KMAtrqWe3et8WdzQuKOoqp2VMWgMydVj4Vy5GJKj3rJTh/s1600/DSC_0127-0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk5ff8jDgxSd0aXJ2X1FsuCGqlcpQDGaZ6OmUscbXL_zg2iFpT52zNl516BDTM7pJzVivGqdIdsvmLLnIaWtZjEn3K4AspH1KMAtrqWe3et8WdzQuKOoqp2VMWgMydVj4Vy5GJKj3rJTh/s640/DSC_0127-0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />But no matter where you live<br />there is no question gardening is<br />food for the eyes<br />and the soul<br /><br />Do you have any unusual garden tips to share?<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- all photos by me -</i></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Related Posts:</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/england-garden-island.html">England, The Garden Island</a> (incl gardens to visit)</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/rose-by-any-other-name.html">A Rose By Any Other Name...</a> (different name, same plant)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span><br /><div><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 Garden Tips & Trends

With Spring taking it's time this yearto show its lovely face,I am chomping at the bit for some warmth and sunshine :)I've collected pages from magazines and such over the yearsto remember English garden tricks and tipsfor when I return 'home' to a garden I can play inHere's a few ideas...- Plant 'b…

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England, The Garden Island

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I first moved to England</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was disappointed front gardens lacked the beauty</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd expected from the Garden Island<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc-GQE6pftUuW_kS2L0ALNpIh2iDt_LXTK5Jf_vmKlT2QXNuV8BTqlAAQsgnv8IESwvtge11DxhK6xN8iczR4srN1fPMyEYDU6THtEvDb7quvOUBh8DCxyBjXVP8psGEVmUmVc8EwyMa2/s1600/DSC_0026-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc-GQE6pftUuW_kS2L0ALNpIh2iDt_LXTK5Jf_vmKlT2QXNuV8BTqlAAQsgnv8IESwvtge11DxhK6xN8iczR4srN1fPMyEYDU6THtEvDb7quvOUBh8DCxyBjXVP8psGEVmUmVc8EwyMa2/s640/DSC_0026-012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But now I know care and attention is put into back gardens,</div><div style="text-align: center;">often a hidden oasis and private gem behind home facades<br /><br />So a plain looking home unsuspectingly could have<br />the most magnificent garden behind its fence</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why isn't more attention put toward the front garden in England?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps it is due to the English sense of privacy while gardening,</div><div style="text-align: center;">no need to spend effort in an area where they won't be hanging-out,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or it is too showy to have an impressive garden in the front<br /><br />Nonetheless, this is THE Garden Island<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First of all, let's talk English garden centers<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GJCnUlob_WhSGroYJ22zN0givrzXN-NemOAg28vhZWvdqtFOt3mpPNpmpw1ZU5SeJkwPk5mcoumMhJkHXEYoFijKfSXlk9WjyssoBjlBBpfl5nrhYyjfpcyUfGn42bVcZxoGlIssKs-O/s1600/DSC_0041-022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GJCnUlob_WhSGroYJ22zN0givrzXN-NemOAg28vhZWvdqtFOt3mpPNpmpw1ZU5SeJkwPk5mcoumMhJkHXEYoFijKfSXlk9WjyssoBjlBBpfl5nrhYyjfpcyUfGn42bVcZxoGlIssKs-O/s640/DSC_0041-022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They look very similar to American ones</div><div style="text-align: center;">with cement floors, nothing-fancy display stands, and simple signage</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But the local garden center offers much, much more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It may include a</div><div style="text-align: center;">tea room (almost always)</div><div style="text-align: center;">book shop</div><div style="text-align: center;">gift shop</div><div style="text-align: center;">farm shop</div><div style="text-align: center;">outerwear clothing shop</div><div style="text-align: center;">pet supplies</div><div style="text-align: center;">fake flowers</div><div style="text-align: center;">outdoor vintage antiques</div><div style="text-align: center;">picnic benches to eat your lunch on</div><div style="text-align: center;">a playset for children to use</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Brilliant!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip1HsOdGGn09TnSe24ytUOF4_UNNcwHzK9GSusl57V_rJ8pkLsCi_Ic4f4H0-s0X0yIzqttWLXFitGGxcX3cJnrMtFD0nLXK3anQOErJThg8ZZvUp-qgSwNS729ooXjnZPeRKGXkyC08H/s1600/DSC_0055-022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip1HsOdGGn09TnSe24ytUOF4_UNNcwHzK9GSusl57V_rJ8pkLsCi_Ic4f4H0-s0X0yIzqttWLXFitGGxcX3cJnrMtFD0nLXK3anQOErJThg8ZZvUp-qgSwNS729ooXjnZPeRKGXkyC08H/s640/DSC_0055-022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On a whole other level,</div><div style="text-align: center;">famous <a href="http://www.petershamnurseries.com/home.asp">Petersham Nurseries</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">offers not just lovely outdoor plants</div><div style="text-align: center;">and vintage home decor </div><div style="text-align: center;">but even a cafe which was awarded a Michelin Star in 2011</div><div style="text-align: center;">and is known for celebrity spotting</div><div style="text-align: center;">(not too far from London, if you come for a visit)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2pBFT8F8HvCm1F-wsQW47XP8KcI1DJaSL__0cyWpArdjnLl4FZtuDO_a0CMuGaM3A8xJUvwCYnu0SI_F8RlLr-yXSKKqMg5oZ-CDorJNsqDhns73mtjjk-nWtGM7QmIhLyrNMQKoH9pc/s1600/DSC_0081-0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2pBFT8F8HvCm1F-wsQW47XP8KcI1DJaSL__0cyWpArdjnLl4FZtuDO_a0CMuGaM3A8xJUvwCYnu0SI_F8RlLr-yXSKKqMg5oZ-CDorJNsqDhns73mtjjk-nWtGM7QmIhLyrNMQKoH9pc/s640/DSC_0081-0041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But you don't need to own a garden</div><div style="text-align: center;">to enjoy one</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see some of England's most gorgeous gardens here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ngs.org.uk/">The National Garden Scheme</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/">National Trust</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/">Royal Horticultural Society</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you seek gardens belonging to royalty,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you can see Prince Charles's <a href="http://www.highgrovegardens.com/">Highgrove Garden</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and Buckingham Palace <a href="http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/event/the-state-rooms-and-garden-highlights-tour">Gardens</a></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/AVvXsEi4tpEHVhsEbupmYOw4fwYAxe59gMZmJQ8rwlY3piTiu5aNuHOX-HQvMF3fPYbIX2QQEoq-Q-fzf98G9fQeGh8GQHVE50Wqd1g2ExoNCW633Ev59rQadzDV01TEld72r3yjCStjJY8t5mrP/s1600/DSC_0160-099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tpEHVhsEbupmYOw4fwYAxe59gMZmJQ8rwlY3piTiu5aNuHOX-HQvMF3fPYbIX2QQEoq-Q-fzf98G9fQeGh8GQHVE50Wqd1g2ExoNCW633Ev59rQadzDV01TEld72r3yjCStjJY8t5mrP/s640/DSC_0160-099.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry VIII's Hampton Court</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">RHS '<a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/gardening/community-gardening/britain-in-bloom">Britain In Bloom</a>' is the country's most popular horticultural campaign</div><div style="text-align: center;">with over 1,100 cities, towns, and villages </div><div style="text-align: center;">competing against each other </div><div style="text-align: center;">as to which has the most beautiful public spaces</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a great community builder,</div><div style="text-align: center;">free seeds and support are provided by</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)</div><div style="text-align: center;">to registered groups<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIusIuJvOe0Za9ZVBZBo9g9gpvLRw4EvbPVlEr3nICHANRKMwljTYXwloS9q2yCWbXymT75-l31zq8RKcvjiPyYnXntFZ9ah9EIL78v7V8iOBizVKxTuwwleFTiMGZZYARRVgeyCQQjGaH/s1600/DSC_0095-074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIusIuJvOe0Za9ZVBZBo9g9gpvLRw4EvbPVlEr3nICHANRKMwljTYXwloS9q2yCWbXymT75-l31zq8RKcvjiPyYnXntFZ9ah9EIL78v7V8iOBizVKxTuwwleFTiMGZZYARRVgeyCQQjGaH/s640/DSC_0095-074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Affordable allotment plots (community gardens)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> are seen in almost every village,</div><div style="text-align: center;">used mostly for growing edible crops</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not,<br />Indiana Jones-type plant hunters </div><div style="text-align: center;">continue to scour the planet for undiscovered flora to bring to the garden,</div><div style="text-align: center;">such as Tom Hart-Dyke who was kidnapped in Colombia</div><div style="text-align: center;">while hunting for rare orchids in 2000<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sWgwF1a3JSLN7XZ5NLZ-K_-Mufmni_WRL7hxttHlwcL8wnn0Up3Lhw8SkavTbrnk2tjNJUGh3QeLCo923_bE4eU3Yl5z7D6Tcs6R8GZLj8f8LbQC0R21cQbvjesERKUs3yD51THt7sfc/s1600/DSC_0021-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sWgwF1a3JSLN7XZ5NLZ-K_-Mufmni_WRL7hxttHlwcL8wnn0Up3Lhw8SkavTbrnk2tjNJUGh3QeLCo923_bE4eU3Yl5z7D6Tcs6R8GZLj8f8LbQC0R21cQbvjesERKUs3yD51THt7sfc/s640/DSC_0021-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Garden love' spreads</div><div style="text-align: center;">with informal plant and seed swaps between gardeners</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Countless garden courses are offered around the country,</div><div style="text-align: center;">including by <a href="http://www.sarahraven.com/">Sarah Raven</a> who has a Martha Stewart like status here<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the most formal level,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/">RHS</a> hosts the annual Chelsea Flower Show,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which is the catwalk for flowers and garden design</div><div style="text-align: center;">attracting competitors and visitors worldwide<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTXmgfaT4z3_kWg_gg-FmacB7J-o1OWnnWgLvnttOhfppKKMPoVj5BIhF7aYd24xEuIKry3uB7gp_8_9VcWEaJ9iaxawrbajNF6fy4_D5ZcD9f7BmtwFf_GkhV47vUd_2zcwNN3-qY2eh/s1600/DSC_0031-007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTXmgfaT4z3_kWg_gg-FmacB7J-o1OWnnWgLvnttOhfppKKMPoVj5BIhF7aYd24xEuIKry3uB7gp_8_9VcWEaJ9iaxawrbajNF6fy4_D5ZcD9f7BmtwFf_GkhV47vUd_2zcwNN3-qY2eh/s640/DSC_0031-007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What are some of the trends and tips from English gardeners?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't miss my next post :)<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Related posts:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/a-visit-to-prince-charless-highgrove.html">Trip to Prince Charles's Highgrove</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/obscure-gardens-world-garden-of-plants.html">Meeting Tom Hart-Dyke</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-2012-highlights.html">2012 Chelsea Flower Show</a></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span><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>

England, The Garden Island

When I first moved to EnglandI was disappointed front gardens lacked the beautyI'd expected from the Garden IslandBut now I know care and attention is put into back gardens,often a hidden oasis and private gem behind home facadesSo a plain looking home unsuspectingly could havethe most magnificent g…

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Crime in England vs US

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">I witnessed a crime yesterday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Actually, I witnessed 3 brave men chase down </div><div style="text-align: center;">a burglar who was fleeing by bike</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think he had stolen something from the small corner grocery store</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When they got him off his bike,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they held him on the street while they waited for the police to arrive</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Curiously, it was the policewoman who calmly talked to the perpetrator,</div><div style="text-align: center;">not one of the three policemen</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps policewomen are seen as non-threatening?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hadn't thought about this important role before</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The streets were filled with pedestrians when the whole thing happened</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sadly I saw many elderly people stand frozen, shocked, to see the event unfold</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clearly they were traumatized by what they saw</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope they slept okay last night</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I didn't</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Petty crime feels more pervasive in England than in the US</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As an expat said to me about her home country,</div><div style="text-align: center;">when third hand stories about crime start to become first hand stories with frequency,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you know there is a problem</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the US, I never knew anyone who came eye to eye with a criminal in the act</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here, I have a handful of friends who either witnessed a high street burglary</div><div style="text-align: center;">or were victims of home invasions</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know that America looks like the Wild West with our ownership of guns</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I do think a potential burglar thinking someone *might* have a gun at home</div><div style="text-align: center;">prevents many home invasions in America</div><div style="text-align: center;">(guns are illegal in England - police don't even carry them)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Early on I was given the advice that if someone is burglarizing my home in England,</div><div style="text-align: center;">do not intervene - just let them carry on and they won't hurt you</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In America, you can use whatever means to protect your home and family</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yet here, the news reports crime victims being prosecuted for harming a perpetrator</div><div style="text-align: center;">- intentionally or not -</div><div style="text-align: center;">It makes one feel defenseless</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do I feel safer in the US or in England?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel less likely to witness or be a victim of a crime in the US,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but if I do, it would be more violent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I guess my safety-o-meter feels about the same, just different</div><div style="text-align: center;">Either way, not that safe</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>

Crime in England vs US

I witnessed a crime yesterdayActually, I witnessed 3 brave men chase down a burglar who was fleeing by bikeI think he had stolen something from the small corner grocery storeWhen they got him off his bike,they held him on the street while they waited for the police to arriveCuriously, it was the pol…

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Sherlock Holmes In London

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Determined this year</div><div style="text-align: center;">to walk in the footsteps of famous British authors,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started my quest with Sherlock Holmes,</div><div style="text-align: center;">created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</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/AVvXsEgkbhsi4okfC5kwDBszx1hEdO4oze9ZgAZM5kKKGQNegha0gF8oVjK5un_F4RuPszTnVFqS2aUSp3anfD0s9m030p2Dm0aMlKiTetbbCLiuR-zHKe6RMhEhlJ_YS5a9LExE8K6q11zMkj5s/s1600/DSC04555-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbhsi4okfC5kwDBszx1hEdO4oze9ZgAZM5kKKGQNegha0gF8oVjK5un_F4RuPszTnVFqS2aUSp3anfD0s9m030p2Dm0aMlKiTetbbCLiuR-zHKe6RMhEhlJ_YS5a9LExE8K6q11zMkj5s/s640/DSC04555-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall Tiles at Baker Street Tube Station</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sherlock Holmes continues to be on bookshelves today,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as <u>The Hound of the Baskervilles</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">was awarded 128th place in the BBC's <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/">Big Read</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">as a treasured book by three quarters of a million voters</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/AVvXsEiwKqdR5K7K4m8VtOcrYBl4Sb5AI4qkQpb43r3f4-sR4N82UbfvbVLmwXmpmXJ7dc_yCWqIxscwxFTMCg44k6oZpuAmeno1DIF9NZcsPXD8G6Spms9T48Q6jvJ0VMylsM_6YashRLv_W48Q/s1600/DSC04566-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKqdR5K7K4m8VtOcrYBl4Sb5AI4qkQpb43r3f4-sR4N82UbfvbVLmwXmpmXJ7dc_yCWqIxscwxFTMCg44k6oZpuAmeno1DIF9NZcsPXD8G6Spms9T48Q6jvJ0VMylsM_6YashRLv_W48Q/s640/DSC04566-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you know Sherlock Holmes's Deerstalker cap is not mentioned in any of the books?<br />It is one of many Holmes's trademarks created by actors and/or illustrators</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An interesting fact about Doyle is</div><div style="text-align: center;">he was a Scottish physician without many patients</div><div style="text-align: center;">so he starting writing stories and novels in his office</div><div style="text-align: center;">in Portsmouth and later in London</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I love examples when an apparently bad situation </div><div style="text-align: center;">turns out to be a good thing)</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/AVvXsEhaKpKJLlhucfrcEAltj2EAWB2E9TscmJLYB7CXf8cIe_QLYavuZMs8ajSIP0sznRl0aQxYLj7hIEdZjfMfs3KoUSc2muk3kK8ZItq5TNW2huA0aPFwWUY_mw7OTVuGNyF4YLQo8sGRoCup/s1600/DSC04540-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKpKJLlhucfrcEAltj2EAWB2E9TscmJLYB7CXf8cIe_QLYavuZMs8ajSIP0sznRl0aQxYLj7hIEdZjfMfs3KoUSc2muk3kK8ZItq5TNW2huA0aPFwWUY_mw7OTVuGNyF4YLQo8sGRoCup/s640/DSC04540-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original gas lights from Doyle's era are still dotted around London</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Conan Doyle was first published in 1886</div><div style="text-align: center;">and continued to write until after World War I</div><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/AVvXsEgPOEekNm9PxRP6xpVPNIZkDBbxeTk4OeBK9BTmkJSK2ugtksSefjPRTUX_zDAklwNZ9QbW1eZpFecYEFHG9dJvWbE0SdxnJWbBA_Tv4N_bui70CToCIJPiCcEPSI7bZvqf8dAE6TCYCPbl/s1600/DSC04528-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOEekNm9PxRP6xpVPNIZkDBbxeTk4OeBK9BTmkJSK2ugtksSefjPRTUX_zDAklwNZ9QbW1eZpFecYEFHG9dJvWbE0SdxnJWbBA_Tv4N_bui70CToCIJPiCcEPSI7bZvqf8dAE6TCYCPbl/s640/DSC04528-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a playwright, Doyle also brought his popular Sherlock Holmes to the stage<br />(including to the Adelphi Theater seen here)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sherlock Holmes was a unique idea at the time</div><div style="text-align: center;">with his character reappearing repeatedly</div><div style="text-align: center;">in novels and short stories</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only were his contemporary readers </div><div style="text-align: center;">entranced by Holmes and his sidekick Watson,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but Doyle was clever to throw in tidbits </div><div style="text-align: center;">that would have been current, possibly to the week,</div><div style="text-align: center;">in his stories published in The Strand Magazine</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/AVvXsEhWbvRr6knslHmbcd9qnKWIOqnqEpW4dg9ilLPWSOfN0mcju5T0xntnd1uEPhanGGK6Ud3Ntm2Q8p-Wdt0LvYb6haMPvf_VHmQSVKtXbddT0M0GgVfNuTQXt_E4juPMtfkNcq_7pErhW3wx/s1600/DSC04530-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbvRr6knslHmbcd9qnKWIOqnqEpW4dg9ilLPWSOfN0mcju5T0xntnd1uEPhanGGK6Ud3Ntm2Q8p-Wdt0LvYb6haMPvf_VHmQSVKtXbddT0M0GgVfNuTQXt_E4juPMtfkNcq_7pErhW3wx/s640/DSC04530-001.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Previous entrance to The Strand Magazine office, which closed in 1950<br />The clock would have indicated wealth</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I read <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hound-Baskervilles-Arthur-Conan-Doyle/dp/0241952875/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362119396&sr=8-2">The Hound Of The Baskervilles</a> recently,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which gives Sherlock Holmes and Watson </div><div style="text-align: center;">completely different personas from the film, 'Sherlock Holmes' (2009)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The book is a short, quick read</div><div style="text-align: center;">which I would definitely recommended if you are looking for a classic</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I had no idea there were quagmires in Dartmoor!)</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/AVvXsEip6mZvvDIkBQWuIGo8KaBKpUVRQYKdMf2Fs-Bb9uPucBjTAssm93vTbH2zJ5O_TjFf_OoF3y2c_zcrRMrVjZNQVxhSWIQQwy-sBgHRRHP80Mqk-DOTbHGM-fqvchGXYF4ulIsL2alu6jrw/s1600/DSC04546-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6mZvvDIkBQWuIGo8KaBKpUVRQYKdMf2Fs-Bb9uPucBjTAssm93vTbH2zJ5O_TjFf_OoF3y2c_zcrRMrVjZNQVxhSWIQQwy-sBgHRRHP80Mqk-DOTbHGM-fqvchGXYF4ulIsL2alu6jrw/s640/DSC04546-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As for Sherlock Holmes locations in London,</div><div style="text-align: center;">there is no shortage :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</span><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>

Sherlock Holmes In London

Determined this yearto walk in the footsteps of famous British authors,I started my quest with Sherlock Holmes,created by Sir Arthur Conan DoyleWall Tiles at Baker Street Tube StationSherlock Holmes continues to be on bookshelves today,as The Hound of the Baskervilleswas awarded 128th place in the B…

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