Trip to Philadelphia for Megan's Wedding

We're just back from a packed few days in Philadelphia for Megan's Wedding. We flew out on Wednesday to Stay at the Kimpton Monaco hotel, and had this frantic itinerary:

Wednesday: We flew to Philadelphia, and was picked up by Rick and Liz. After checking into the hotel, we went for dinner at Bistro 7 in the old City, having a selection of small plates.

Thursday: After breakfast at Menagerie Coffee, we got the 57 bus down to Oregon Avenue, and connected to the G bus and traveled to the shopping centre at South Columbus Boulevard and spent a few hours there, going past the wreck of the SS United States. Heading back to town, we headed back to town and had lunch at Common Wealth for another small plate selection, including fried green tomatoes. In the evening, we all met up for the Wedding Rehearsal dinner at The Olde Bar, in the Original Bookbinder's Building. A great evening out.

Friday: The day of the Wedding, and sadly it rained heavily all day. We got a Septa bus out to St. Dot's for the wedding....the weather being so bad that the wedding photos had to be taken inside. After the wedding we headed back into town, and headed over to the Curtis Building for the evening reception, which was great fun and a lot of food!

Saturday: In the morning we got up and had coffee at Menagerie, before a walk down to South Street, we eventually headed back into Center City to meet the others at Lucky Strike Bowling.In the evening, we had intended to have dinner at the 2nd Story Brewing Company, but due to s fire alarm, it was closed. So we ended up at Gaslight, which actually worked out a lot better for space, and we even got to see some impressive drumming buskers.

Sunday: For brunch, we went with Liz and rick to High Street on Market, for some very nice food. After checking out of the hotel, we headed back to Liz and Rick's for a few hours, before heading to the airport and flying home.

a few photos are below, but the majority are here:

PHILLY TRIP PHOTOS

Drums by Gaslight! from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Walk over Fairlop Waters

We went for a walk over Fairlop Waters today to enjoy the spring sunshine. The flowers and trees are starting to come out of hibernation, along with butterflies and a very active chaffinch.

The breeze meant a lot of people were boating on the lake, and we saw the new Little Haven Lookout post.

Red Moon

A very dull red moon rising in the sky tonight.

We're just back from a weekend in Swaffham with Liv and Richard. On Saturday we went into town to see the Saturday auction in the town square before heading off to Sherringham on the coast. We went for a walk along the sea front before heading around town, passing the steam railway. On the way home we stopped off at Walsingham to visit the Shrine there.

On Sunday, we took a trip to King's Lynn for lunch and a walk around (seeing the statue of Captain Vancouver), before heading home. A few photos are below, the rest are here:

SWAFFHAM WEEKEND PHOTOS

A week with Flat Stanley

Jeanine and Erich's son Brian sent me his Flat Stanley project from Philadelphia to take around London. I took him to quite a few places over the week he was here, as you can see from the photo album.

FLAT STANLEY PHOTOS

Tomahawk Steak!

We had a team lunch today at Smiths of Smithfield. A number of us went for the Tomahawk steak to share (£60 for two with fries and a bottle of Malbec included)....which was a big portion! Len had a Leek Tart, as he was saving himself for a Shepherd's Pie tonight...missing out on a few photo opportunities like these....

Walk to Fairlop and Barkingside

We went for a walk to Fairlop and Barkingside today. The weather a bit up and down...but at least not raining! Walking through Barkingside a shop being refurbished to a coffee shop showed its origins as a record shop once!

Walk up to Fairlop

We had some early spring sunshine today, so took a long walk up to Fairlop. Finding the cafe there closed, we carried on to Barkingside for a coffee and some lunch. Walking back you could finally feel some warmth in the sun for the first time this year.

Saturday day out

We upgraded the West Ham child's ticket to an adult one so that Siv could come along and have aday out with Fi, Sally and Trudie at West Ham. On a cold day it was disappointing that West Brom equalised in the 93rd minute, but a fun day out.

After the game we headed back to a packed Builder's Arms to watch England beat Wales in the rugby.

Saturday in Westcliff

We went to Westcliff to see Conor for his 18th Birthday, and had our first meeting with Coco at Grae and Fi's.