Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Time is going by so fast and there is so much to do and so many people to see and I haven't managed to phone anyone yet!

Tuesday we spent all day clearing the loft and packing boxes, so much stuff.

In the evening we went to dinner at James' house with his parents and sister. It was such a lovely warm evening and we were able to sit outside which was lovely. We had a lovely dinner and sat chatting. Jon, unfortunately, was very tired and nodded off sitting in the chair and was very embarrassed but everyone understood.

Wednesday morning we had a lie in but really should have been up earlier as we went down to Audley End to catch the train to London and only just made it,

We arrived at Liverpool Street and as our ticket time for the exhibition was 12.00 we only just had enough time to get the tube across to the Palace.

When we got out it was raining and we had nothing with us so bought an umbrella and I bought a poncho which ripped pretty much as soon as I put it on!! We grabbed a coffee and walked/ran up and arrived just on time.

the security to get into the Palace is like an airport and it was very busy. We could have missed the exhibition as it was all anatomy pictures of Leonardo da Vinchi and I thought it was going to be his paintings so we didn't actually stay long there.

We then went into the State Rooms, more queueing and more security. You get given an audio guide with headphones which was very good and you walk through at your own pace. I loved it all and it was a shame not to be able to take photos. Some of the ceilings and chandeliers are just wonderful.

We had lunch when we got out and managed to share a table with an American couple who were very impressed with it all. We then walked through the gardens and back out to the street and down to the Mews and more security. We enjoyed the Mews as it was more relaxed but by this time we were getting very tired.

We then went to the front of the Palace and took some photos before getting the tube to Tower Bridge to take photos of the Olympic rings. Another quick trip to Liverpool Street and hopefully a cup of tea but as we arrived the train was about to leave and so we ran for it!!! We were very thirsty!

When we arrived back at Audley End we rang Jane and said we would go over to see her. The GPS on the car gave us directions and told us to stay on the A11 'for a long time'!!

We enjoyed seeing Jane and Jason's house which is really nice and we enjoyed watching the rabbits playing in the garden with the cats which was really cute. Jon and Jane went out for fish and chips and mushy peas.

Thursday
We spent all day doing things in the house, sorting the space over the garage and packing all the boxes up, washing and doing odd jobs around the house. We took loads of things down to the charity shop again and put lots of stuff into the skip. We are getting there but it looks like a pigsty at the minute!!

We went out with Roger and Mary for an Indian at night which was very nice. We walked home and we were glad to get into bed.

Friday
I was awake early so went down and did all my ironing. It is another lovely day, we are being so lucky with the weather.

Jon took me to meet Elaine at the Bedford Lodge (I used to work with Elaine at the surgery). We sat outside and had lunch in the sun and a lovely catch up. We watched all the people arriving to stay at the hotel, Jessie J is playing at the racecourse tonight, all with their fancy clothes. Elaine brought me a lovely bunch of flowers. I had a very nice roast beef sandwich.

Elaine dropped me off in Newmarket and I went to buy cards and confetti and just happened to find two very nice dresses!!! I saw a jacket in CC which might go with the dress that I have bought for Jane's wedding. They have put it on hold for me and I will go in with the dress to see if it matches.

I got a taxi back home and had a cup of tea and a sit down before getting ready to go out for dinner with my friends from the surgery where I worked.

I met Sonia at 7.00 and we had a drink and a catch up before going across the street to the Thai restaurant for a lovely dinner. there were ten of us and we all had a good time.

We, Sonia, Justine and I went back to the Rutland for another drink - tonic water - and then Justine's husband picked us up and took me home.

It was really hot last night but I am not complaining.

WEATHER
Mostly hot and sunny, some cloudy spells 24 -28 degrees.