books read - Ordinary Thunderstorms

Another cracking ripping yarn by William Boyd. This guy really knows how to make you want to turn a page. I thoroughly recommend this writer having read two of his books (Restless) and completely enjoyed them both!

Tea Terrace in Guildford - a forgotten treasure1

Books.....

Picture Perfect - Jodi Picoult. Good and a very interesting subject but I dont think it was her best!

Bun Hill Row, Moorgate

Today we had a meeting with all the rest of IT Support at one of the actual colleges, Moorgate.

What a beautiful view from the window. I went up to London with Ana and had a wonderful time with her. The meeting however was a different cup of tea.....very strage way to run a dept!

Windsor CHampionship Show

I was trying to recall when I first exhibited at this show. I think it was with Folly in about 1994!! How scary is that?

Today it was just Brodie and myself. Thank God the heat calmed down for a day and it was a totally pleasant day with a light breeze to keep the dogs and handlers cool.
Brodie was a little out of practice as I've been away but still really pleased with his 3rd in Junior and even though he stood alone in novice the judge (Elaine Roberts) wrote a lot about him - cant wait to read it.

A return to Old Blighty

a mix of sadness and excitement is always how I feel when leaving California. I am sad to leave this wonderful state with all its wonderful people, sceneries, landscapes, food and attractions but soooo happy to be going home to my boys - a pain in the but they maybe but they are also the loves of my life!

Alan managed to get a seat upstairs on a 747. I've never done that before - OK so it wasnt Upper Class but it was just behind so as much leg room as you could need and what a view down to the runway!!

........then came the complete and utter shock. I've been recalled to the breast clinic for further investigation after a routine X-Ray. To say I'm terrified is the understatement.

I'm never going to drink again!!

Went to one of the nicest places I've ever been to - Sonoma, North California. Forget it's more well known sister Napa, Sonoma is a beautiful little American town surounded by some of the best wineries and vineyards I've had the pleasure to taste at.


We re-visited Cline. One of the first wineries we went to ten years ago, then only the Gloria Ferrer Cellars, then the amazing Nicholson Vineyard which I can totally recommend - good wine, lovely villa and really nice people - then onto Sonoma for lunch and a glass of Cline Merlot - hic!

The problem is that after sampling over 20 wines, a glass of Rose Brut Sparkling wine from Gloria Ferrer Cellars and a very rich meal at The Girl and the Fig I feel awful......I dont think I'll ever eat or drink again :)

A city that is wihtout a doubt the craziest I've ever been to - San Francisco!

What a city! Total and complete and utter madness. Tramps galore, business people, gay people, tourists and many cultures cram into this wonderful, loud city of weirdos!!

Sadly it was awful weather, in fact I could have stayed at home for this kind of weather. We left the ferry terminal at Tiburon in gorgeous morning sunshine and entered a city of low cloud, fog, strong winds and dullness - why did I leave the UK!!! The city however makes up for all that. Its just so loud, so weird and so over the top that you forget about the weather.

We shopped forever then got the cab back to the ferry terminal on pier 41 - back to sanity - Tiburon and sat by the pool for a couple of hours.

Maddest point of the day was without a doubt the queue for the iPhone4 - two plus blocks! I will be patient and wait...until I'm home :)

Hearst Castle - the ultimate folly!

William Randolph Hearst built this folly, five miles up a hill in 1922 - just before the famous crash of '29. The collection of furniture, art works, building and even imported ceilings and fireplaces from as far ago as the 12th century are truly a sight to behold. This isn't so much history but an art collection of history and one man's over extravagant attempt to create heaven in California! He lost everything when the crash came and money ran out - thankfully the state now own this amazing place so that everyone can see it.

Menege et Trois

Today we are a little tired so we filed down to Main Place Shopping Mall for a bit of retail therapy. Then onto the Block for lunch and then back to the hotel to sit by the pool, catch up on my book and then meet up with Suzette - the bar manager at the Red Lion hotel.

Suzette recommended a wine called Menage et Trois - which funnily enough is one recommended by Nik who lives in Arizona so it must be doing the rounds of popular wine!!