My sister and her husband and daughter just spent the Christmas Holiday in the U.K. She sent me pictures of the various castles they toured in Scotland and Wales and texted me about the midnight mass they attended in an ancient cathedral on Christmas Eve. They enjoyed revisiting some people and places they had seen before in England. Then, because of COVID, they had to get tested before getting onto their flight back home. Her daughter tested positive, so, that changed their plans.
Barbara and Grace ended up staying at a Bed and Breakfast near the Heathrow Airport and David took the flight home to America. The protocols said they'd have to stay for two weeks, then test again before taking the new flight. So, they have been stuck in England.
Barbara and Grace ended up staying at a Bed and Breakfast near the Heathrow Airport and David took the flight home to America. The protocols said they'd have to stay for two weeks, then test again before taking the new flight. So, they have been stuck in England.
One of the perks of being stuck in England is that no matter where you are some interesting place may be just outside your window. Their B&B overlooks a 900 year old Pub thought to be the fourth oldest pub in the entire country. It opened in 1106, when King Henry I was on the throne. It has some fascinating, yet grim history. The husband and wife owners of The Ostrich back in the 17th century committed 60 murders before slipping up and getting caught. (Think "Sweeny Todd" or "Arsenic and Old Lace.") Some people think the place is haunted. Outlaws through the centuries have used it as a hideout. Nowadays, it is a restaurant and hotel. You can get your fish and chips there and even spend the night. (Tempting, right?)
I love seeing this ancient Pub with the airplane just above it, and the satellite receiver.
This reminds me of a few years ago when I was doing the research to write "The Adventures of Dick Whittington." The setting was circa 1605. The vehicle was Old English Pantomime. The sets were half-timbered buildings. The costumes were Elizabethan. Even the songs were based on Nursery Rhymes and Sea Chanties from that time. All I can say is, I wish I had been stuck in England a few years back so I could have soaked up even more of that Old English atmosphere!
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