U2 brings down the house.
UGH, HBO- really? Had to get the lawyers out? Sigh.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
From my Window
With the cold this morning
the blue of the sky seems washed white
and painful to see
and the moon a dead fingernail
chased by the weak sun
There is a fountain
improbably
jetting up white water
and steam just below a hill
past the parking lot
it looks like a white hot volcano
it's tumbling flow rising over frozen
grass, it's steam crystalizing in air
it looks inviting, a warm rescue in frigid wind
but I know it would
give me nothing
but grief
the blue of the sky seems washed white
and painful to see
and the moon a dead fingernail
chased by the weak sun
There is a fountain
improbably
jetting up white water
and steam just below a hill
past the parking lot
it looks like a white hot volcano
it's tumbling flow rising over frozen
grass, it's steam crystalizing in air
it looks inviting, a warm rescue in frigid wind
but I know it would
give me nothing
but grief
Sunday, January 04, 2009
UK Photo Blogging Pt. 1.0
I'm just going with random photo blogging day by day, because it is going to take me forever to write the posts I need to. Like with Paris (still working!).
As I've written, we stayed at the Arran House Hotel on Gower Street. I was too harsh on them in my original post- all the places we stayed were less hospitible and warm than I had in my fantasies, but that's my fault not theirs. Arran was well run and had two huge pluses- location on many major bus lines and comfortable beds. Just don't count on doing laundry there- 4 hours to dry jeans, awesome! Bathrooms = tiny, but so are all in London unless you are filthy rich; rooms = small, ditto.
The tea tray was incredible.
As I've written, we stayed at the Arran House Hotel on Gower Street. I was too harsh on them in my original post- all the places we stayed were less hospitible and warm than I had in my fantasies, but that's my fault not theirs. Arran was well run and had two huge pluses- location on many major bus lines and comfortable beds. Just don't count on doing laundry there- 4 hours to dry jeans, awesome! Bathrooms = tiny, but so are all in London unless you are filthy rich; rooms = small, ditto.
 |
| From Scotland 2008 |
Here we are heading to Pret a Portea on our second day. It was fun to bring a jacket and tie, but I did not need the tan slacks I brought and should have gone with another set of dark jeans. Now I know.
What did we do in London? First day was a nap and then the British Museum. Great to be around the corner from it. We found an excellent Greek restaurant around the corner from the museum- I'll look up the name for you in a bit, but it's the only one there. Don't go to the Chinese place there- roaches and indigestion, in no particular order.
Second day was high tea at the Barkley. We wanted to do quintissential London and UK things and tea is one of them! Browns is the most known of the known, but I found the Barkley pret a portea and thought it looked like a lot more fun:
 |
| From Scotland 2008 |
The tea sweets and savories.
 |
| From Scotland 2008 |
And we loved it. Getting the champagne for the parents is a big plus!
After tea, we went to Harrods to shop. I think its a legitimate tourist attraction and great fun. The toy department is huge, interactive and a hoot. I bought a scarf I love- probably paid twice as much as I should have on it- but with the exchange rate it was probably down to three times as much, who knows. The restaurant near the toy department is to be avoided at all costs, but the food stores on level 1 are to be visited! Too bad I didn't realize this until we had already eaten at the wrong place. And, yes, there is an opera singer in the escalator well.
 |
| From Scotland 2008 |
The tea tray was incredible.
Friday, January 02, 2009
My raw tweets from Scotland
Using these for notes for my journal:
Raw tweets for notes from travel in reverse order- start at bottom.
Forgot to mention the kids got to bunjee on monday- Aran managed backflips screaming she's going to be an astronaut. 2:10 AM Dec 31st, 2008
Great last day- london zoo, lion king matinee! Wow, the lion king is expensive and worth- amazing 2:09 AM Dec 31st, 2008
Sniff, going home today 2:08 AM Dec 31st, 2008
Last day! Oy. Zoo, then a show. 4:44 AM Dec 30th, 2008
At Durham, on way to kings cross london 7:52 AM Dec 29th, 2008
Visited Holyrood palace, shopping - but I ended up with nothing! The dynamic earth, turkish dinner. 2:01 PM Dec 28th, 2008
Brilliant calm, cold day in auld reeky. Nelson has a Campbell tartan vest that he is extremely proud of. Aran a kilt skirt. 1:57 PM Dec 28th, 2008
Whew tired. Enjoying holyrood, then the royal mile. Nelson's decided he wants a kilt. 7:11 AM Dec 28th, 2008
@medc2 nelson says hi 3:18 PM Dec 27th, 2008 from in reply to MedC2
And a big no to scotland bus travel. Poo. Train is 10000 times b etter. 3:16 PM Dec 27th, 2008
Ok, that was a long day. 3:15 PM Dec 27th, 2008
The real climate rears its head- worriers will be glad to hear our silkies do the trick- very warm! 2:37 AM Dec 27th, 2008
The slow journey home begins- edinburgh for two nights, then london for same. 2:35 AM Dec 27th, 2008
Glenmorangie 18 yo in sherry wood cask in front of a roaring fire 3:36 PM Dec 26th, 2008
Ach, best day yet with loads of video. We went up the mountain to feed the reindeer herd. 8:49 AM Dec 26th, 2008
Merry Christmas everyone! 3:51 AM Dec 25th, 2008
Santa came!! Shhhhhh 6:48 PM Dec 24th, 2008
Fyi- we saw two santas today. Nelson is pretty sure something is afoot. 1:40 PM Dec 24th, 2008
Complete kickass day to be a kid: santa train, reindeer center with another santa, funicular up the mountains 1:32 PM Dec 24th, 2008
No, they were plumbs. Yum. And now a stop to look aroond. Santa has a scottish btw. 6:54 AM Dec 24th, 2008
And minced meat pies! 6:50 AM Dec 24th, 2008
Wow, santa express has mulled wine. This is not the states, this is great! 6:49 AM Dec 24th, 2008
Santa train time! Off to the strathspey railway and a steam locomotive! 6:03 AM Dec 24th, 2008
Happy Christmas eve to everyone- reindeer and santa train today. 4:01 AM Dec 24th, 2008
Had haggis. Och. Super fantastic! Done gourmet style with a reduction and neeps. 2:49 PM Dec 23rd, 2008
Whew. Very short day. Then dark. Then whisky. Now I get it. 1:11 PM Dec 23rd, 2008
Ach oh ow... Ice skating in inverness. Cripes almighty my feet. 9:40 AM Dec 23rd, 2008
Highland air indeed- what a night sleep for everyone! We're never leaving. 2:34 AM Dec 23rd, 2008
@hokie_guru its in the 40s in scotland, well, high 30s tonight. 1:22 PM Dec 22nd, 2008
Edinburgh! Allo Scotland! 11:32 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
Woah, sunsetting at 330. On train still. 10:32 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
@medc2 ha- 55 in london. Off north now. 8:19 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
in reply to MedC2 Barrelling toward scotland and all of us are asleep. 8:
Me: hey dummy. Me: yes? Me: there is a 1st class lounge. Me: oh, that's nicer than starbucks. Me: why do I travel with you? 6:10 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
Saw an advert for sdmicros on a cab in london. Ha. 5:07 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
Gingerbread latte (what? Its my holiday!), nelson with lemonade, aran with cran raspberry, mom with filtered coffee neat. 5:03 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
At starbucks waiting for noon train to aviemore. The $100 upgrade to 1st class passes is looking brilliant. 5:01 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
whew, wrote more faster than I thought I could. In vino veritas. http://doughed.blogspot.com/ 3:22 PM Dec 21st, 2008 from web
What I've learned coming up on the blog: http://doughed.blogspot.com 3:06 PM Dec 21st, 2008 from web Engaging toot power under giant snowflake. Dad has now earned a number of drinks. 11:56 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Srsly, still on bus. Nelson driving number 9 cross town. Racing other #9 and losing! 11:55 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Whisky tango hotel? Rush hour on sunday? Yessah, london. Sitting on bus. Nelson is star of CCTV. 11:35 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Ah, ok, ice skating. You MUST make reservations. Nice. Dad blows one this but still batting .800 11:28 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Italian food then ice skating at somerset 9:07 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Saw "potted potter" slap jaw funny- all 7 books in 70 minutes. 9:06 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Well, I managed laundry after a fashion. But I know why I bought highefficiency machines years ago 4:19 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Zzzzz... Wht is it about laundry? So tired. Ice skating at somerset tomorrow. 5:41 PM Dec 20th, 2008
@MedC2 poot poot, Uncle Dan, giggle. Lots of that today. Aran shared in from the cab. 3:50 PM Dec 20th, 2008 from web in reply to MedC2
Wow, long day. Duck (dukw) tour, big ben, Sound of music, found Phyl's fav indian restaurant, laundry 3:47 PM Dec 20th, 2008 from web
@medc2 it was. Built in 1942 by GM! Went in the river next to MI6. Really. Nelsons sends farts. 9:16 AM Dec 20th, 2008
From the sound of music bar. Show in 10! 9:14 AM Dec 20th, 2008
Dukw was excellent. Quick italian lunch then off to sound of music. 7:19 AM Dec 20th, 2008
On thames in a dukw 6:54 AM Dec 20th, 2008
Wine and fire at the arran house. Whew- tea and shopping, what a day. 4:10 PM Dec 19th, 2008
@medc2 not eating cow brAins here. But seriously doubt the milk is remotely dangerous. 4:09 PM Dec 19th, 2008
I can highly recommend lodging on gower st. In london. Arran house is nice but all look great. 3:22 PM Dec 19th, 2008
Crap- data interruption. In london on tottenham. Nelson kicking sister. 2:53 PM Dec 19th, 2008
Freeeedom... Here comes the sky. At dulles terminal b soothing to dave m 5:54 PM Dec 17th, 2008
Almost at dulles. Woot! 2:50 PM Dec 17th, 2008
Raw tweets for notes from travel in reverse order- start at bottom.
Forgot to mention the kids got to bunjee on monday- Aran managed backflips screaming she's going to be an astronaut. 2:10 AM Dec 31st, 2008
Great last day- london zoo, lion king matinee! Wow, the lion king is expensive and worth- amazing 2:09 AM Dec 31st, 2008
Sniff, going home today 2:08 AM Dec 31st, 2008
Last day! Oy. Zoo, then a show. 4:44 AM Dec 30th, 2008
At Durham, on way to kings cross london 7:52 AM Dec 29th, 2008
Visited Holyrood palace, shopping - but I ended up with nothing! The dynamic earth, turkish dinner. 2:01 PM Dec 28th, 2008
Brilliant calm, cold day in auld reeky. Nelson has a Campbell tartan vest that he is extremely proud of. Aran a kilt skirt. 1:57 PM Dec 28th, 2008
Whew tired. Enjoying holyrood, then the royal mile. Nelson's decided he wants a kilt. 7:11 AM Dec 28th, 2008
@medc2 nelson says hi 3:18 PM Dec 27th, 2008 from in reply to MedC2
And a big no to scotland bus travel. Poo. Train is 10000 times b etter. 3:16 PM Dec 27th, 2008
Ok, that was a long day. 3:15 PM Dec 27th, 2008
The real climate rears its head- worriers will be glad to hear our silkies do the trick- very warm! 2:37 AM Dec 27th, 2008
The slow journey home begins- edinburgh for two nights, then london for same. 2:35 AM Dec 27th, 2008
Glenmorangie 18 yo in sherry wood cask in front of a roaring fire 3:36 PM Dec 26th, 2008
Ach, best day yet with loads of video. We went up the mountain to feed the reindeer herd. 8:49 AM Dec 26th, 2008
Merry Christmas everyone! 3:51 AM Dec 25th, 2008
Santa came!! Shhhhhh 6:48 PM Dec 24th, 2008
Fyi- we saw two santas today. Nelson is pretty sure something is afoot. 1:40 PM Dec 24th, 2008
Complete kickass day to be a kid: santa train, reindeer center with another santa, funicular up the mountains 1:32 PM Dec 24th, 2008
No, they were plumbs. Yum. And now a stop to look aroond. Santa has a scottish btw. 6:54 AM Dec 24th, 2008
And minced meat pies! 6:50 AM Dec 24th, 2008
Wow, santa express has mulled wine. This is not the states, this is great! 6:49 AM Dec 24th, 2008
Santa train time! Off to the strathspey railway and a steam locomotive! 6:03 AM Dec 24th, 2008
Happy Christmas eve to everyone- reindeer and santa train today. 4:01 AM Dec 24th, 2008
Had haggis. Och. Super fantastic! Done gourmet style with a reduction and neeps. 2:49 PM Dec 23rd, 2008
Whew. Very short day. Then dark. Then whisky. Now I get it. 1:11 PM Dec 23rd, 2008
Ach oh ow... Ice skating in inverness. Cripes almighty my feet. 9:40 AM Dec 23rd, 2008
Highland air indeed- what a night sleep for everyone! We're never leaving. 2:34 AM Dec 23rd, 2008
@hokie_guru its in the 40s in scotland, well, high 30s tonight. 1:22 PM Dec 22nd, 2008
Edinburgh! Allo Scotland! 11:32 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
Woah, sunsetting at 330. On train still. 10:32 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
@medc2 ha- 55 in london. Off north now. 8:19 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
in reply to MedC2 Barrelling toward scotland and all of us are asleep. 8:
Me: hey dummy. Me: yes? Me: there is a 1st class lounge. Me: oh, that's nicer than starbucks. Me: why do I travel with you? 6:10 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
Saw an advert for sdmicros on a cab in london. Ha. 5:07 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
Gingerbread latte (what? Its my holiday!), nelson with lemonade, aran with cran raspberry, mom with filtered coffee neat. 5:03 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
At starbucks waiting for noon train to aviemore. The $100 upgrade to 1st class passes is looking brilliant. 5:01 AM Dec 22nd, 2008
whew, wrote more faster than I thought I could. In vino veritas. http://doughed.blogspot.com/ 3:22 PM Dec 21st, 2008 from web
What I've learned coming up on the blog: http://doughed.blogspot.com 3:06 PM Dec 21st, 2008 from web Engaging toot power under giant snowflake. Dad has now earned a number of drinks. 11:56 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Srsly, still on bus. Nelson driving number 9 cross town. Racing other #9 and losing! 11:55 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Whisky tango hotel? Rush hour on sunday? Yessah, london. Sitting on bus. Nelson is star of CCTV. 11:35 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Ah, ok, ice skating. You MUST make reservations. Nice. Dad blows one this but still batting .800 11:28 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Italian food then ice skating at somerset 9:07 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Saw "potted potter" slap jaw funny- all 7 books in 70 minutes. 9:06 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Well, I managed laundry after a fashion. But I know why I bought highefficiency machines years ago 4:19 AM Dec 21st, 2008
Zzzzz... Wht is it about laundry? So tired. Ice skating at somerset tomorrow. 5:41 PM Dec 20th, 2008
@MedC2 poot poot, Uncle Dan, giggle. Lots of that today. Aran shared in from the cab. 3:50 PM Dec 20th, 2008 from web in reply to MedC2
Wow, long day. Duck (dukw) tour, big ben, Sound of music, found Phyl's fav indian restaurant, laundry 3:47 PM Dec 20th, 2008 from web
@medc2 it was. Built in 1942 by GM! Went in the river next to MI6. Really. Nelsons sends farts. 9:16 AM Dec 20th, 2008
From the sound of music bar. Show in 10! 9:14 AM Dec 20th, 2008
Dukw was excellent. Quick italian lunch then off to sound of music. 7:19 AM Dec 20th, 2008
On thames in a dukw 6:54 AM Dec 20th, 2008
Wine and fire at the arran house. Whew- tea and shopping, what a day. 4:10 PM Dec 19th, 2008
@medc2 not eating cow brAins here. But seriously doubt the milk is remotely dangerous. 4:09 PM Dec 19th, 2008
I can highly recommend lodging on gower st. In london. Arran house is nice but all look great. 3:22 PM Dec 19th, 2008
Crap- data interruption. In london on tottenham. Nelson kicking sister. 2:53 PM Dec 19th, 2008
Freeeedom... Here comes the sky. At dulles terminal b soothing to dave m 5:54 PM Dec 17th, 2008
Almost at dulles. Woot! 2:50 PM Dec 17th, 2008
Coming soon, photos and video
Raw and unedited. I'm going to work on captions, then some explanations, but bear with me as I am slow and tired:
http://picasaweb.google.com/doughed/Scotland2008
I didn't get near a computer after the first nights in London so I have lots of catching up to do. Luckily, lots of football on too, so I should plow through lots.
http://picasaweb.google.com/doughed/Scotland2008
I didn't get near a computer after the first nights in London so I have lots of catching up to do. Luckily, lots of football on too, so I should plow through lots.
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