Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall is a stone and timber fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of what is now northern England, begun in AD 122, during the rule of emperor Hadrian.

It was realy fun to drive all the way along Hadrian's Wall across the whole of Northern England. Only took one day, and was like stepping into a history book.

The Lake District of England

I've always wanted to see the Lake District, where authors such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth wrote. It is a beautiful place. We even got to see an ancient stone circle (basically a smaller version of Stonehenge). We drove there from London on our way to Edinburgh.

Our Hotel in the Lake District

Nancy Visits Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace in London was the official residence of Diana, Princess of Wales (until her death in 1997) and of Princess Margaret (until her death in 2002). There was a great exhibit on while I was there, called the "Enchanted Palace:"

At the heart of the Enchanted Palace journey is a quest for the seven princesses who once lived here. Their lives have been re-imagined as installations offering a fascinating interpretation of the palace’s hidden stories. The rebellious princess who ran from an arranged marriage into the arms of love. Sad queens who bore the pain and sadness of lost babies. The young heir to the throne who escaped the controlling grasp of her overprotective mother.

Visiting my friend Susan's Canal Boat

View from our hotel and our favorite breakfast crepes

Scenes from Hype Park, London

Leaving for Europe

Today Tim and I leave for Europe for a month. We'll have one week in London, one week in Scotland and two weeks in Italy!

Very sad day

Today is a really sad day. We had to put Zamboni to sleep today. He developed a very aggressive form of lung cancer and literally deteriorated dramatically in a few weeks time. Our vet Fran came to the house to help him leave this world before he was in pain and suffering. We were so lucky to have him be such a bright and happy spark in our lives for 15 years. He was the very best cat and is sorely missed. He will live in our hearts forever.

Nancy Receives Leadership Award

I received a leadership award in May from the ADC Future Summit. The Future Summit is a platform for the discussion of strategic trends and directions where Australia's business, government, academic and community leaders meet to develop actionable options for a sustainable, desirable and prosperous future. The Future Summit Patron is Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Future Summit 2010 was held on 24 and 25 May in Melbourne. Participants were invited from across all sectors of Australian society. Attendees were established leaders of their organisations or emerging leaders in senior leadership/executive roles. ADC endeavours to achieve significant representation from each sector (community, education, business and government), from across generations, and from a diversity of cultural/ethnic backgrounds from right around Australia. In addition, international representatives from the region and beyond are invited to add a strong global perspective to the Summit’s discussions.

Nancy Preparing for Renovation!

Echidna!

Today we were putting in some new trees in the back yard and accidentally disturbed an echidna! It is GREAT that we have one living in our backyard!