Although I do have to admit that like the follow up to a lot of great films its a bit lacking in murder larceny or even plain bigamy, but we enjoyed ourselves just the same.
But before I begin, a great welcome to all my new friends, I do try to visit the blogs of you all but have to admit that I can't physically read all your posts, but I do have a damn good go!.
I have now posted all my parcels to the giveaway winners and for my Apron swap so hope they arrive safely and that you like what I've sent.......
Big sis and I set off on our little trip to Kent last Tuesday and after a comfortable train journey and free bus travel!.. even in London arrived at our hotel about 3.30pm. We had been in touch with cousins on our dad's side and one of them came to fetch us, took us back to their's for a lovely and most welcome meal and then surprised us by announcing that all our cousins were coming to meet us! I have only ever met a couple of them and it was great to get to know them a little. Our evening passed so quickly, but I'm sure the neighbours would have been glad of that 'cos the noise must have been quite something.
I do hope they don't mind my including this group picture, I won't name them but I am so thrilled to have met them.
Over the next couple of days, armed with our bus passes we visited all the sites of our mum's early childhood, although the original buildings have long since gone.
We managed to trace granny's grave (mum's mum) and take some flowers, visited our own brother's grave in Strood and obtained lots of useful information to further our search at the Strood archive office.
Lovely pic of Strood with the tide out....
Nothing amazing found so far but a fascinating and well worthwhile trip.......our journey goes on....
As a complete break, although not entirely disconnected, as both our brothers were in the navy, we visited the Chatham Dockyard, and in fact one of our brothers was actually based here. We only had 3 hours to spare and so saw but a small fraction of the displays. Didn't even get into the museum! However even those with no connection at all would find plenty to amaze and interest them, but it would take a full day to see it all.
The entrance
The three war ships in the dry docks. We went inside the submarine, what an experience that must have been. 69 crew living in little more than cupboards with no baths or showers, for 14 weeks at a time. Talk about cosy. I cannot imagine (or want to) what it would be like!!
PS forget I ever mentioned my sister having any kind of affliction, 'cos I've never seen anyone half her age zip through narrow round hatches like she did. Talk about fearless, she makes you ashamed to ever moan about your lot!
A little interest for the train enthusiasts
A working rope factory where the rope walk is a full quarter of a mile long. They use bicycles to get up and down!
Well we certainly had the weather for our travels, and it has continued right up to today. Sunday the temperature hit 30 degrees here and we went to our local car boot to find the most stalls we have seen for ages. Found some little bargains, but more of that and some piccies later in the week.
I think I have bent your ears for long enough tonight, especially as you have had a rest from my ramblings and so are not quite up to them again.
I will therefore say good night and go and have myself a little read of your blogs, envy your bargains and gasp at your talent before I finally turn in.
TTFN
Jenny xx
