Cemeteries

Before leaving on holiday, I found a self guided walking tour naming the locations CS Lewis would have been familiar. We walked for hours. Thank goodness we had lovely weather. 

On Mansfield Road, we found this home. It is where CS Lewis spent his first night in Oxford way back in 1916.

We came to a crossroad. Realized this is the road our bed and breakfast is on. Holywell Street. Clicked a few photos from a different perspective. I do believe Holywell Street is one of the most lovely streets in all of Oxford.

Call me weird, but cemeteries are fascinating. So many stories between the dash on those markers. This one was part of the tour. A few of Lewis' circle of friends are buried in this perish cemetery.

Hugo Dyson. A fellow Inkling. He died in 1975.

Austin Farrer. An Anglican philosopher, theologian, and biblical scholar. He was a close friend of CS Lewis. Austin went to CS Lewis and gave him last sacraments before his death. Austin died in 1968.

Charles Williams. Another fellow Inkling who passed in 1945.

This is the grave of Kenneth Grahame.

Any guesses what he wrote? A few clues:

Toad
Mr Badger
Mole

Why yes, it's the classic tale of  The Wind in the Willows.

Cemeteries to me are a walk through history. It can be where ideas are formed.

Did you know Dickens was out one evening strolling through a cemetery. It was there he found the name Ebenezer Scroggie carved on a marker. Hence, A Christmas Carol is born.





      

Blackwell's

Blackwell's. Basically book heaven.

I have arrived.
The famous bookstore in Oxford.
I'm here. I'm really here.

What's Blackwell's, you ask?
I won't judge you for not knowing. I really won't.
Here's a description.

Now you know.

The place is massive. Books everywhere.
I had researched the bookstore before leaving home. I was greatly looking forward to visiting.

I dreamed a terrible dream some weeks before our holiday. I dreamed I had walked up to the front door of Blackwell's only to find it closed for renovations. I woke up in a cold sweat. Ran for my computer and looked up the website to be sure the dates we were in Oxford coincided with Blackwell's hours. Whew! It was only a dream. A nightmare for sure.

By far, Blackwell's is the best bookshop in all the world. Floors and floors of books.

My hubby knows me. I was going to be here awhile. He spent a bit of time with me and then decided to go back to the bed and breakfast. "Take your time," he said.

"You do realize I could be here for hours," I replied.

"I know." He winked at me and left me to my books.

Hours later, I made my way back to the bed and breakfast. Empty handed.

My hubby was shocked. "Didn't you buy anything?"

"A lot," I answered.

"Where's the bag of goods?"

"Wouldn't fit in my luggage so I had to have it all shipped home."

Bug eyed hubby replied, "You're kidding, right?"

I grinned. "Nope."

His eyes became dollar signs!

And sure enough, a week or so after returning from our holiday, the treasured box arrived. I got to relive Blackwell's all over again. And hubby got to pay the bill! 

Hiking and Fresh Air

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do. Especially when it's somewhere I've never been before. While on holiday in New England, we found aha moments every day. It was glorious.

We found a Tram in the state park and said, "Why not!"

Off we rode, all the way to the top. I bet the skiing out here is incredible.

The leaves weren't quite to peak, but the view was still pretty epic.

"If you love someone tell them. Most importantly stay close to your friends. Let it make a difference in your day and theirs."-Jerry Warlop

Inspiration is everywhere. Even on a hike.

We hiked up here for hours.
The fresh air alone was worth every step.

On our way up, the tram operator made us think. All of us.
He said, "Lets play a game."
He proceeded to ask us which states had the same letter of the alphabet as its capitol?

I think I remember him saying there are four.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Honolulu, Hawaii

Hmmmm....I think I need to google this!!  Can you do it without looking?
It was actually a fun little brain exercise.

At the bottom of the tram was the ski museum.

Ever heard of Bode Miller?

Some skier! Pretty well known in these parts.

Obviously he's pretty awesome.
Skiing. He does it well.

Made me think of that saying...
"You can do anything, but not everything."

Pick one thing. One thing. And do it well.
Bode's just happens to be skiing. He does it, and he does it well.

What do you do well?

Famous Tavern

All roads lead somewhere.
We weaved our way through cobblestone streets and narrow passageways.

Where'd we end up?

Here. At the Turf Tavern.

It was closed but the owner still let us take a peek.
Apparently, it's all the rage.  A pretty popular hangout.
I have no doubt. Just read the sign!

No matter where you go to get a bite to eat in England, the pubs are cozy. The Turf Tavern feels like your're eating in someone's backyard.
Plants and flowers spilling from their boxes complete the ambiance.

Liquid encouragement anyone?

The Turf is famous!

Oxford. It's full of Magic.

Remember. It says 'alleged.'

Recognize any names?

A fun little detour on our way to our next destination. We thought we'd have time to come back and eat. We didn't.
Just another good excuse to go back on holiday and visit Oxford again. Twist my arm.     

I wanna go back

Yesterday it snowed. Made me late for work. Not sure what it is about the first measurable snow of the season, but drivers forget how to...DRIVE.

We've turned the clocks back and rolled up the garden hoses. Winter seems to be knocking on our doors.

I'm not ready. I want to go back to Fall where the trees are splattered with hues of red, orange and yellow.

I want to go back to leaf  peeping in New England.
Outstanding scenery.
More to come!

Bed and Breakfast. The only way to stay

When you go on holiday, where do you like to stay?

For me, the only choice is a bed and breakfast. It's the best way to be a local. The inn keepers know all the secrets to the villages. Where to eat, what lines to avoid, best places to tour. It's a win win.

Besides, how can you not stay in a place like this?

Look at it. The stuff of fairy tales. 

That's our inn with the purple flowers bursting from the windows.
Ever wonder what an inn looks like?  Come. Take a peek inside.

A comfy chair, a lamp, and lavender. How can you not read in this cozy corner?

This is where we sat for breakfast each morning.

Tea, granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, breakfast sandwiches made with cheese and yummy English bacon. We never got hungry.

Up the stairs we went to get our first glimpse of our room. We learned on this trip we packed too much. Our luggage was heavy. Note to self. Next time, pack lighter.

Every morning, I had tea. It has become a daily ritual in my life. The simple things in life truly are the best.

Can you even stand it? CS Lewis books in our room! I was in my glory. Such serendipity. My favorite author's books on display for me to touch and open and count all the ones I have on my bookshelf at home. I had no idea what was in store for me in the next few days, but you can bet I was awake to find out.