We haven't posted in nearly a week.....have had a problem with the computer....more on that later!
First on our agenda today is my 9:55 am appointment with the Dr. about my hand. We arrive 20 minutes early.....check out these posters in the waiting area....all of you mellow, golden, senior citizens will appreciate!!!
David is taking this picture....Dr. had to make room for all THREE of us....The Dr., who introduced himself as the Registrar????, is examining the X-rays from the previous day. I'm so very hopeful that the diagnosis is wrong. At the risk of another long wait, he suggests another X-ray.....can't tell well enough from these.. We wait another hour, but well worth the wait, cause he says, ``Yes, it is a break, but a very small one which does not require a cast!!!" Nearly kissed the man, whose name is Daniel Green, a graduate of Oxford. When we tell him that Oxford is our next stop, he suggests we go to his favorite pub, the Turf Pub. You bet, Daniel Green, and we will toast you!!! As we were leaving, he came running after us at the front door with the offer of a velcro, removable splint!!! Once again, no one asked for an insurance card nor one pence of cash!!!!!!!!
Sooooooo excited to be cast free....haven't put on the removable one yet.....just happy to know that I will be able to use the three fingers!
WW I and WWII memorials are all over the city. Many are encircled with the familiar red poppy flowers which signify remembrance of the fallen soldiers of WW I.
A tribute and memorial to the Women of WW II.....hmmm, don't see any poppies here?
The grey townhouse in the middle is #10......ahem, that would be the address of the Prime Minister, currently David Cameron.
Don't know what they are protesting against; similar to our White House, it's a typical scene on a typical day.
We are entering the Horse Guard stable and parade grounds. The Horse Guard is the mounted troopers of the Household Cavalry. They guard the official entrance of St. James's Palace and Buckingham Palace.
The "Changing of the Horse Guard" takes place here just after the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace; the horses parade down the Mall from the Palace to this point....and the new Horse Guard parades back to the Palace. While we did not witness either "Changing of the Guard", I imagine the horses to be as, if not more, impressive than the men. Note of interest: this is also where the Beach Volleyball event occurred during the London Olympics....We know cause David and McKenzie were here! They also got to see wrestling and the USA basketball!
As you may see from this map, St. James's Park parallels The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace.
The Common Coot.....seriously, that is its species
We tried many times to get pictures of the black swans in New Zealand and never could get close enough.....We were WAY close this time!
We had a picnic lunch atop the restaurant....a beautiful day to be outside....still celebrating the good news on my hand!!!!! Tom IS happy, he is just concentrating on taking this selfie. The old dogs learned some new tricks!
So many plaques, so much history, so many remarkable events and remarkable people...
Approaching Buckingham Palace, theses golden inlays are featured about every quarter mile: The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk.
The entrance gate to Buckingham
This Serviceman was preceded by many men in kilts.....and the people around us on the outside are singing "For he's a jolly good fellow".....extended family members who were not included in the royal invitation. Prince Charles presented this gentleman with a loooong string of medals.
The Palace on a beautiful, clear, warm day.....and we are able to see it well without the throngs of tourists wanting to witness the Changing of the Guard.
This Palace Guard (they guard both Palaces, Buckingham and St. James) is wearing the iconic bock furry hat. It is made of real bearskin.....and tall to be more impressive, intimidating and easily recognisable in a crowd.
This ugly picture is of St. James's Palace.....there was nowhere to get a good picture....it is so UNimpressive!!!! Built between 1530-36, it was home to the Sovereigns for 300 years. Since Queen Victoria, in 1837, The Sovereigns have lived in Buckingham Palace.
The oldest wine store in London
Perhaps not the oldest, but certainly the most "noted" cigar store in London....see below...
This is where Sir Winston bought his cigars!!!!! and a fitting prelude to our next, and last, stop...
McKenzie has joined us by now....she has never been to the Churchill War Rooms....David says that the three times he has been here before, there never has been a line.....we had to wait 30 minutes in the queue.
Built under the Treasury building in 1938 and opened in 1939, the War Rooms served as underground shelter for Churchill, his Cabinet and 100's of men and women who spent vital hours here from 1940-1945, defending and protecting their country from Hitler's attack. This area was reinforced during its construction to withstand a direct bomb hit of 500 lbs. Information about the War Rooms was guarded until the 1970's when renovation began to share its important history with the world.
The Cabinet meeting room
The dining room for Sir Winston and his wife "Clemmie" which was seldom used.
Map Room
The green phone was a direct line for Churchill and FDR only!!!!
Most slept in bunk rooms. This is for a senior Cabinet/Officer, signified not only by the single bed, but also a rug on the floor.
A different map room where the actual defines plans were plotted
Churchill's private bedroom.....where he spent only three nights of the entire wartime. On the wall opposite his bed was yet another map.
Below are just a few of mu favourite quotes from this remarkable man. These were in a section devoted entirely to the personal life of Sir Winston Churchill.
We spent 2 hours in this museum.....and the time flew. It was worth every minute. This remarkable man served his country till the age of 90. A fitting tribute and gratitude for his life.
