Windsor Castle

I realize it is WAY overdue but wanted to share some really pretty photos of our fall trip to Windsor and Windsor Castle (as well as Frogmore House - see tomorrow's post). We actually took in all these sites in one day, as Frogmore is just a 15-20 minute walk away from Windsor Castle. I'll fess up right away - it was such a pretty day, that all the photos turned out wonderfully...I could not decide which ones to pick for the blog.

After walking briefly through the city of Windsor from the train station...





We arrived at Windsor Castle. For those not aware, Windsor Castle is one of several official residences of The Queen and is the largest occupied castle in the world. A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, the Castle remains a working palace today.





































Thanks for indulging me....

observation

I have now totally embraced UK English...I did not even flinch when spelling the word FABULOUS with a U. Next thing you know, I will be defending the right to organise, prioritise, and strategise with an S.

Who knows, I may even finally embrace all things Celsius and metric in 2009.

Great news...home folk coming our way

2009 has started out with a tremendous boost! The Budman and I have learned in the last few days that two couples are relocating to London in 2009....

First, the Budman's roommate from college and family are moving to London in late Spring 2009, although Jerry will be here sooner! Friends of over 30 years in the same city....FAB-U-LOUS!





To add to that great news, the Budman's brother and partner are also moving to London in late spring/early summer. Mike and Matt - we can't wait. Family in the same city, let alone country...that has not been a reality in almost a decade.



We are thrilled on both counts, but I must confess I do not envy either them the moves. The Budman/Hachie Gal international moving checklists have been shared (yes, such a thing exists).

2009 is off to a stupendous start!

Silver wedding anniversary

Yes, 25 years ago today the Budman and I were exchanging vows on a balmy January Saturday afternoon in Arlington, Texas! It is hard to imagine where 25 years actually goes, but a truly wonderful 25 years it has been. I am lucky to be married to my best friend and love of my life.... "Happy 25th Anniversary, Buddy!"



A glance down memory lane of photos from the big day...

Young Texas Christmas

The first part of the Christmas extravaganza included Christmas Eve presents and Christmas Day Lunch with the Budman's side of the family, although we were definitely missing Mike and Matt from the festivities.



Christmas Eve and the opening of gifts.





























Christmas Day lunch, including the UK crackers and crowns.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

We did finally get those Christmas cards mailed while we were in the US, but they actually resembled "Happy New Year" cards more than Christmas cards. Hopefully, if you are reading the blog, you have received your card, but if not, I can assure you it was a total oversight on our part.

In keeping with the tradition Budman and I have followed for the last few years, we always choose a travel photo for our Christmas cards...many of you may remember some from the previous years (B/H in red sweaters at the the Seoul palace, Budman and Hachie Gal with the Geishas in Japan, touring Angkor Wat in Cambodia, German winter courtesy of Joe G., B/H at the London Bridge)....This year was no different; after some reviewing of the year's photos, the photo of us at Royal Ascot Races was the winner!



I must confess that this photo has generated more comments and emails than most years, so thought I would share the locale with you since it has been a point of some interest...and yes, hats were a must that day.

In keeping with the sentiment expressed in the cards,

Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays and best wishes for the new year!

Gone and back again

Well, two weeks sounds like alot of time to be away for the holidays, except when you are returning to work. A GREAT Texas Christmas and New Year's awaited us and we enjoyed being with family and friends...highlights included:

* Spending time with niece and nephew, college kids at Baylor and ASU, respectively...fun kids and growing up to be nice adults to be around!

* Coffee, tea, and long talks with the Budman's parents.

* Chickenfoot with Peggy.

* a much overdue visit with sister, Amy.

* Shopping at Target...don't knock it until you don't have it.

* Tex-Mex (times at least 4 times)...we could have forgone the turkey and dressing for at least another couple of rounds of Mexican food.

* wide open highways of Texas...

* a Waxahachie house that is being lovingly looked after by Paul and Natalie - thanks guys!

* Loose Leaves Book Club lunch at Dove's Nest...nothing better than a bunch of gals chewing the fat! Thanks Becky and Beth for coordinating...

* Sunday School class get together in our honor: thanks to Janet and Keith for organizing and for all the folks who turned out. It was good hug your necks!

* The blessing of friendship, and for relationships that stand the test of time and distance...and the promise of future visits in London by several friends.

What I would like to have added to that list was good health...ok..it is nothing serious but the Budman and I were ill from the moment we touched down at DFW (actually Budman was ill starting Wednesday before we left London) and well after we landed at Heathrow. Nothing like a couple of trips to the local GP and an ER visit to get your New Year's off to a rip roaring start!

For all those people we saw and hugged necks, it was FAB-U-LOUS! For those we simply ran out of time to see, could not coordinate schedules, or fell ill on, our sincerest apologies.

All the best to you and your for a wonderful 2009!