Elephants in London

A couple weekends ago I went to a park with a date to see this collection of hand painted elephants. Previously they had been distributed in varied places around London (200 of them !)They were for sale to support an elephant rescue charity. I think they were mostly painted by local artists- as I recognized the work of a few who show in local galleries.They were all pretty amazing and all together an incredible sight!

The " WEDDING"

Here's some pics from their actual ceremony night.It was held in a lovely old mansion in a park. One of the nicest and classiest "weddings " I've been to THE social event of the season..Didn't get that many good pics. But it was a great gathering of all of us from theUS, work and a few others they've met along the way here.

"Hen party"

Two lovely friends-Becky and Susan- Americans who came over with me- got together here- and fell in love. As civil unions are allowed here for gays and lesbians- they decided to tie the knot. These are pics from their "hen party " or shower. it was actuallly rather sophistiacated (not a drunken pink cowboy hats thing..But they did have some Goth belly dancers. And a couple Kareoke stars.

More random London

More London pics and the yellow grass pics were taken from the train on the way to Wales.It is called "rape" and it is really an intense yellow against the rest of thelandscape. It was very striking.Someday I'll paint it!

Random London

Here's some random London shots. A few from Richmond- the park with odd trees and a pub by the river (Thames). Also, one day "whilst" walking into the nearest shopping area by work- a horse driven hearse went by and I had my camera ! Not the best of shots but an unusual site. Also a lovely flower laden cart by a pub (above pics)

More sailing

Here's some more sailing shots- Brrrr!

Gone Sailing

Hi all- Trying to update here- So I went sailing this Spring- before the nice weather set in. Up in Wales by the isle of Anglesey.I am on a sailing/dating website where people look for crew, company and occasionally romance. This trip was just a " company" jaunt as it turned out.But then- hard to have romance on a 25 foot space- on the sea- with the loo in the center of your "tent"!(and only a curtain to divide you) Also-after the first day- with no shower - personal hygiene can be an issue!
But no worries- had a good time despite being VERY cold the first 2 days.In fact the first day- we didn't sail- it was raining.So hung out on board- read, slept, talked and played scrabble by candlelight.The next day we went out through the strait past Puffin Island (a bird reserve) to a little bay village.Stayed on board that night though. It was a bit rough at times- I had to wear 3 layers of clothes(yes, I've gained weight- as I QUIT SMOKING- but not too much- it's the layers!!) But I like bouncing up and down on the water. You may not know this- but my Dad used to have and race yachts on lake Michigan.I never learned the ropes really but I have always loved being on the water and I figure living on a island now- it's a good time to get out there and do it !!My Skipper- Chris- was very easy going- a good cook- and handled "Dansaskip" fine on his own. So I mostly relaxed and enjoyed. - Anyway- our 3rd day we sailed back to Bangor and the weather was very nice for once- and very smooth sailing.Though I'd prefer lolling about in the sun in the Med-- it still was fun- and I hope to hook up with some other sailors this summer too- ya never know where it might lead.. but at least it's a good day out.