A new dream adventure trip. . . . . . . . . and the winner is -

I always see myself in this particular painting by the talented American artist

 Jessie Willcox Smith.

Philadelphia born, she was one of the most prominent female 

illustrators of the late 19th early 20th century.

I excelled in geography which was always my favorite subject at school. 

I adored maps, looking at them, tracing them, coloring them.

I loved learning who lived where, what they grew on the land, how they 

made their living, the weather they had to contend with, what made each

 continent and country so different.

I never thought I would actually set foot in all seven continents (I have to thank

 my great friend Paula for that, who else would have taken me to Antarctica in 2013). . . . 

 . . . . . or that many of my exotic travels would happen when I reached my golden years!

The game brought up some interesting responses as you can see if you

 return HERE where all your comments are now visible. I will respond later to 

your questions on that post.

I've already visited some of the countries. Others are on my 'maybe someday' list.

A couple are perhaps a wee bit dangerous in the current world upheaval so I'm

not chomping at the bit to visit them.

Thanks to everyone who joined in.

Seven of you guessed the correct country, amazing KENYA.

We will be based in the most amazing safari camp in the Mara Plains.

Bob pulled one of those names out of his safari hat . . . . . . and the winner

 is. . . . . . . . ROSEMARY a great UK blogger who takes and shares the most

 beautiful photos.

Congratulations dear Rosemary, I know that you, like me, enjoys traveling to

 wonderful places. Please send me your mailing address via e-mail (it's in my profile) 

 and I'll be posting a memento from Kenya when I return in late September.

Closer to trip time I'm going to love showing you all where we are going. It's going to be

 a very exciting safari I'm certain, and at last I will get my real 'Out of Africa' fix on this one!

Jackie's Garden. . . . . . . . . . . .

My granddaughter Jasmin enjoying the evening in Jackie's garden in Torquay, Devon.

This is my dear forever friend Jacqueline, usually called Jackie. As mentioned in 

a previous post, we gals met before birth when our mums were friends and pregnant 

with us at the same time!  

My previous visit to Jackie's home was a few years back and she was faced with 

quite a mess of a garden - she won't mind me saying that as, after 71 years as 

friends, we can talk like that without hurting feelings, right?

I was overwhelmed this visit when I saw that a most beautiful English garden

had evolved, thanks to some excellent landscaping/hardscaping, and obviously a 

great plantsman who knew the perfect plants for her space.

Jackie - it's a really fabulous garden now and I hope you are out there 
enjoying the weekend surrounded by beautiful blooms.

The kiss of the sun for pardon

The song of the birds for mirth

One is nearer God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth

"God's Garden" - Dorothy Frances Gurney - 1858-1932

Friendship at Christmas. . . . . .

I've certainly been extra busy the past week - but had such a great time with 

family, and many wonderful friends, as we all prepare for Christmas. 

Mary and Paula - Two Old Birds

via Rob Pheil

This week, fabulous friend Paula came all the way to North Carolina 

from San Francisco -  accompanied by great friends Kim and Rob - for a fun three day 

pre-Christmas visit, where we shopped and ate and shopped some more--------and to 

attend my granddaughter Jasmin's special Christmas choral concert.  

The day this pic was taken in front of the most appropriate shop sign at 

the Vintage Village, 'Two Old Birds', was the anniversary of the day the 

two of us first met 52 years ago in Washington, DC. If you aren't familiar with 

our awesome longtime friendship, go HERE to see where Paula took me in 

2013 to celebrate 50 years as BFF's.

Whoever knew that two adventurous 'young chicks' from the same town in England, 

would meet here, in the nation's capital, and form a bond which has lasted over 

half a century!

Paula, Kim and Rob, thanks so much for coming to see us--------

and have a fabulous Christmas in California.

CHEERIO…………………as we fly away!

We're off across the pond this evening! Arrive at Heathrow in the morning, then hop on a coach for the hour plus ride to Southampton. Our wonderful friends Jean and Mike from Devon will be meeting us for an evening of dining and chatting, catching up with all the news. They are staying over at our hotel so they can spend the following morning with us prior to our embarking the Queen Victoria. I feel so fortunate to have one of my very dearest school friends still so close that she, and her lovely hubby, would drive all that way across the south of England for a little visit with us. Jean and I shared school days and fun days as teens. Later, after I emigrated to the USA, we kept in touch, always got together when I visited home, and they came to visit me here in Raleigh once.  
Something very special, Jean was a super, caring friend to my mother in her later years, helping when I could not be there, my mother loved her and Mike very much. Jean you were the best ~ I've always been so grateful to have you as our friend. A tear falling here ~ I'll be hugging you both soon!

Packing update:
No, didn't manage to get everything in that one suitcase. With a pout and a sigh I had to hang a few clothes back in the closet, but I am taking all the shoes as planned - one pair tucked into Bob's luggage, another in my carryon bag, the others in my checked bag. Happy feet here!

Next post will be from across the pond dear readers…………………