Walking with friends: Len's 50th Birthday

The birthday boy.

On Thursday 8th September, 1960, Len Erdwin was thrust in to this world!!!

On Wednesday 8th September, 2010, Len Erdwin was thrust upon London!!!

Saturday 4th September, 2010.

Len's birthday week began on Saturday 4th. Len had finished work on the Friday and was looking forward to a well deserved week off and a good day out on the Wednesday, to celebrate reaching 50. He arrived at my house at about 10am on the Saturday, while Emma and I were picking up his 'surprise.' Luckily Emma's brother, Adam, was at the house tiling the bathroom floor, so Len could get in. When we returned from collecting his 'surprise' we had to quickly hide it so that Len wouldn't see it. After a bite to eat, we left 'the boys' to it while we went to see Alysha in 'Hello, Mister Capello.'

On our return, from the play, it was decided that Len should have his surprise.

Adam kept Len busy in the garden while Me and Emma got things ready.

When we were sure that Len had his eyes shut, we carried it out in to the garden. Stuck it on the table and told him to open his eyes. As he opened his eyes he was silent and he just stared at it. I truly thought we had screwed up. It was then that he finally threw his arms out and said how happy he was.

(The 'surprise' was a birthday cake in the shape of a guitar. The lettering on the cake said, 'Len 50' and all around the base, on the icing, were musical notes and guitar shapes. It also read, 'Elvis 1935-1977'. The cake was based on a similar cake that Len had received for his 21st Birthday, which had also been an 'Elvis Cake.' My thanks go to Denise Cox from Tapestry Cakes, Watford for her excellent work. You're a Star.)

Once Len had got over the shock of the cake, and we had taken many photos of it, Len decided we should all try some. It tasted as good as it looked, if not better. A few more beers and cake and it was a great start to Len's Birthday week.

Wednesday 8th September, 2010.

Len and Swany arrived at my house at about 8:30am.

After a coffee I handed Len his birthday present. A black zippo lighter with a portrait of Elvis Presley on it. He seemed to like this present, too. 

Walking with Alysha: Clink & HMS Belfast

Alysha tries to take my head off with an axe.

Wednesday 4th August, 2010.

Today would be the day that Alysha and I would go on our annual trip to London. It is something we have done for the last few years. Sometimes we go to Museums, other times the sights and sometimes we just go and see what happens when we are there.

We were up early to make sure the cats and fish were fed and that I had had my coffee and Alysha her breakfast, then we were off.

We got to Watford Metropolitan Line Station at 09:30 and boarded our train to Baker Street. We then changed on to the Bakerloo Line and travelled a few stops to the Embankment. 

Once we reached the Embankment, we walked along Eastward along the North bank of the River Thames. Along the way I took a photograph of Alysha with one of the Sphinx, opposite the South Bank Centre. I took some shots of the 'Wellington' steam boat and various other touristy pics, too. 

We carried on along our route and crossed the Thames via the MillenniuM bridge. (Unfortunately it doesn't wobble any more.) 

Once on the South Bank we walked in to the courtyard of the Globe Theatre for a look-see. I took some pics of the flagstone slabs that are etched with many actors, playwrights and directors names. Outside of the courtyard, by the Thames, there was a street performer who was dressed-up as the invisible man. Of course I got a photo of Alysha with him. 

We then carried on along the Thames Path towards Southwark. As we walked along Clink Street, we decided that neither of us had ever been in to the Clink Prison Museum. We soon changed that!

Clink Prison Museum, 2010

The most notorious medieval prison.

Wednesday August 4, 2010.

I have walked by the Clink Museum on numerous occasions, but had never ventured inside. This was something that I needed to rectify, so I took my eldest daughter along, to see what it was like.

It is a an intriguing museum that makes up for its lack of size with lots of history. Many of the torture devices can be handled and there is plethora of ancient artefacts, too.

Walking with Emma: Euston to Borough Market... and beyond

Yesterday Emma and myself went to London for the day. It was an early start as we left the house at 09:15 and walked to Watford Junction. The train was on time and we arrived at Euston Station at 10:15. After all the snow that we had in Watford, it was strange to arrive in London and find none. (Not a flake, anywhere.)

Once at Euston we took a gentle stroll to Holborn and onto Fleet Street and then down to the Thames. Stopping every now and again to take Photos. We then crossed the Thames and headed for Borough Market, Southwark. After wandering around the Market, we had a beautiful Scotch Beef baguette with creamy horseradish. Delicious.

We then headed along the Southbank, towards Westminster, where there was a German Market, a book sale, street performers and a sculptor on the 'beach' creating a sand sculpture.

Whilst looking at the books I was noticed by a friend from Derby, who had travelled down to London for her Birthday. (How freaky to go to somewhere the size of London and see someone you know!)

We then crossed over Westminster Bridge and headed up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. Lots more photographs were taken of the Christmas Tree, Fountains, Statues and the Ice Polar Bear. 

Then we headed down the Mall to Buckingham Palace and on up to Marble Arch. More photographs before heading into Hyde Park for the Winter Wonderland. More food consumed and Hot Chocolate with Baileys. Perfect for warming you up on a cold afternoon.

We then retraced our steps and headed back to Trafalgar Square and onto Covent Garden. After a good look around the Market and Stalls, we took a slow walk back to Euston Station.

The journey home was warm and comfortable and we arrived home at 18:00.

According to Google Earth, we walked between 10 and 12 miles.

Fantastic! 

Horse Guards Parade

You Shall Not Pass.

Saturday December 19, 2009.

When walking along Whitehall, it is hard to miss the Life Guards, sitting proud astride their mounts, or standing silent in their alcoves at Horse Guards Parade. 

Standing in silence at Horse Guards Parade.

Walking through the arch, which is still the official entrance to St James's and Buckingham Palace, leads you on to the ceremonial parade ground, beyond. 

Horse Guards Parade and the parade ground.

If you time your visit you can watch the Changing of the Queen's Life Guard, which is always a crowd puller. 

Ready for inspection.

Within Horse Guards Parade is the Household Cavalry Museum, where you can try on the uniforms, learn about their history and also see the stables and regiment in action.