Castlerigg Stone Circle-- Is it a Map?

One theory: the circle is a model of the surrounding Cumbrian mountains. Take a look at the stones in the right background, and compare them to the peaks behind them. Hmmm? 

The author in Leiden, June 7, 2005

Must Love Dogs: A typical English family-- Mum & Dad, 3 kids, 2 dogs-- on a Sunday outing at Castle Howard.

Greyfriar's Bobby: A memorial to a pup so loyal that when his master died, Bobby followed the mourners to Greyfriar's churchyard, in Edinburgh, and there he stayed, for fourteen years. He made occasional walks to a nearby pub where he was fed by Mrs. Ramsey, the owner.

Must Love Dogs (Not a Movie Review)

I haven't seen the new film (John Cusak, Diane Lane) of this title, but it could be the motto of the British people. They are mad about dogs. They take them everywhere-- to the shops, down the pub, to the park, Castle Howard, everywhere. I don't think I ever saw a "no dogs allowed" sign anywhere. Though there were some "no dog droppings" signs here and there.

That Old Time (really, really, old) Religion. Castlerigg stone circle, near Keswick, is estimated to have been built 2,500 years B.C.E.

"What are you doing now?"

Writing. Every morning: make coffee, write. Eat lunch, take a break. Read, research, write. I will continue to update the site with photos and reflections on the trip, so keep checking up. On Sundays, I'll be at Richard's church in Aitkin (sitting in the pew, there's a new perspective). Though I won't be returning to the church office in Brainerd until the Tuesday after Labor Day, if I'm out digging in the garden you don't have to pretend you don't see me. It's OK to come over and say hello.

Richard is reunited in Edinburgh with his old pal from confirmation class (First Presbyterian, Maumee, Ohio), John Knox.

London and Edinburgh

The Mayflower Pilgrims came from central England, from rural villages in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire. But it was events in London and Edinburgh that forced them to leave their country. In 1604, the first full year of his reign, King James I called a conference at Hampton Court Palace to discuss the state of the church. Non-conformists had hoped to win the King's favor. But King James I of Enland, who was also King James VI of Scotland, had developed a distaste for reformers, because of John Knox, who presided at the High Kirk of St. Giles in Edinburgh. Previously, Knox had openly criticized James' mother, Mary, for marrying her cousin (her cousin!) Henry Stuart, Earl of Darnley. James had had enough of reformers. At the end of the conference he announced, "I will make them conform themselves, or else I will harry them out of the land, or else do worse.” (Quoted in OED, p. 105, “harry” definition 3.b. To drive forth stripped of house or goods.) So he said, and so he did.

Chihuly at Kew. Works of Seatle artist Dale Chihuly were featured throughout the Royal Botanic Gardens. Julia took this photo, I think.

My favorite rose. I looked at them all. This one was the best.

The Houses of Parliament, and Westminster bridge and pier.

View from the loo in Kew: The Chinese Pagoda at the Royal Botanic gardens, as seen from our ensuite w.c. in Kew.

Our London Stay

Now, to fill in the gaps: I realized upon review that I hadn't written anything about our London stay. It was too brief. Every stay everywhere was too brief; that is enough reason to return. Pictured below are Richard, Jennifer & Julia on the train from London to Cambridge. We arrived by Eurostar train on Saturday, the 11th and found our B & B in Kew. Sunday, I went to church (see previous entry, The Church in the UK Today) and in the afternoon we walked through the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. That evening, we found our way by tube train to the home of Jon and Kate Grussing (Ann & Paul's son and daughter-in-law) and were well fed and enthusiastically entertained by their four children-- Alexandra-call-me-Alex, Charlotte, MAX (in all caps because he speaks in all caps, VERY LOUDLY, with all those sisters I suppose it's just to be heard above the din), and Madeleine. On Monday, we toured the Tower of London, took a boat ride to Westminster Pier, and "flew" the London Eye (a British Airways attraction, the largest ferris wheel in the world). I had hoped to get to Hampton Court Palace but now I will just have to go back. Shoot.

On the train from the Liverpool Street Station to Cambridge, Tuesday, June 14, 2005.

Home Now

We arrived home Wednesday night, July 6. When I've rested up a bit, I will begin posting photos from the trip.
Thursday, local reporters called for my "take" on the London bombings. All I can add to the global news reports is my own shock, sadness, and sympathy for the people of London. I called Ann Grussing and learned that their son Jon & family (who entertained us and gave us dinner Sunday evening, the 12th of June) are fine. I always felt safe in London, and would return in a heartbeat. With the rest of the world, I will wait for news of who was responsible for the violence.