Nite all!

We took the coach from London to Oxford, and Annie's store was just around the corner from our stop!  I was so excited!!!

Annie also had loads more fabric than we stock.... Something to think about maybe?

But my favorite item was the small table which had her sample jars

I love the thick (impasto) application of all the Chalk Paint® colors.  I'm definitely going to use this as inspiration for a piece I have at home.

I met two lovely ladies who work at Annie shop, Catherine & Amy (sp?).   David, Annie's husband, stopped by so I was able to say Hello (met in New Orleans).   I dropped off a gift for Annie, two books by Robert Munch, for her granddaughter.  If you haven't read his books to your children, you are in for a treat!

(Google Images)

Sometimes when you have looked forward to something so much, when you finally get there, it can be disappointing.  That was not the case here.  I was so excited to see Annie's store, and when we finally made it, it was inspiring.  I have several ideas to try out, and it was just like Annie, normal.

I'll share about Annie's store next (to keep you reading of course).  We took a walk through Oxford.  I did not understand that Oxford is the university and there are about 9 other colleges in the same town. I had always thought they were all under the University umbrella - like Cal with Letters & Sciences, etc. A wonderful lady explained to us that if you apply to a College, it becomes like your family, with a place to live, courses, and food.  If you apply to the university, it is only for courses, you must find your room & board.  I'm sure this is a very simplistic version and there are lots of other differences (plus, any misunderstandings or errors are all mine).

Walking towards the university

From the Westminster bridge we can see Parliment, Big Ben, and Westminster Abby.  All of whom were stunningly beautiful, very gothic and inspiring.

Then we crossed through St. James Park, and walked by Buckingham Palace.  Lots & lots of people!  Then we were off to more parks, loving all of the buildings, and the flowers everywhere.

I had read about an Antique & Art show in Berkeley Park, it sounded out of my price range but what better way to see examples of English antiques?  

At the ticket counter we met a lovely lady originally from Rocklin.  She was in London helping her daughter whom was running the Lapada show.  She was so nice and gave us tickets to the show.  It was full of beautifully maintained antiques, really incredible pieces, I was only itching to paint a few (haha).

Then we went to eat lunch (what would you call your 5th meal in 36 hours?). We tucked into a cute Resturaunt - Petrocchi.  Enjoyed a delicious butternut soup & bruschetta assortment, and saw Bill Nighy!  

Loved him in Love Actually & Pirates.  He looked very chic in a gorgeous suit & coat.  We told him we loved his work as he walked by & he stopped, smiled, and said Thank You.  What a fun moment.

From lunch we went to the changing of the guard at the Queens Horse Guard Parade grounds.  Another beautiful collection of buildings and history.  

We had timed it perfectly for the changing.

After touring the museum & feeling like we were sleeping standing up, it was finally late enough to check in and go to bed!

It was a lovely 1st day.

We are in England for the European Chalk Paint® Conference.  I am so excited, can't wait to see the international Stockist that we met in New Orleans (March) again.  Plus meet a whole bunch more from all across Europe. 

Since I have never been to Europe before, we flew in a few days early to get in some sight seeing before heading to Brighton for the conference.

The flight over was very smooth - thank you United Airlines.  We caught the flight in San Francisco & headed straight to London.  We left the house at 7AM Thursday to fly out of San Francisco at 1PM, arriving in London at 7AM Friday.  I keep mentioning dates & times to keep myself straightened out.  It was a beautiful day & the weather in San Francisco was stunning!

We elected to check our bags at the hotel & then walk around all day to keep awake, going to bed Friday evening around 7, getting acclimated to the time change quicker.  Great plan, except we were exhausted & around 3, it seemed as though time stopped!  

 

One final note -funny descriptions;

Choices for milk at Starbucks was skim or slightly skimmed milk, neither of which was 1/2&1/2

Baggage claim was Baggage Reclaim - much more to the point

Diaper change - Nappy Changer Unit

2.  Hawaii time difference is perfect!  Waking up at 7 am, no problem.  We get home & I can't open my eyes till after 10.  

Answer - You take everyone Canopy Ziplining at Piiholo Ranch.

They split up our group, which made it so much better because I didn't have to worry about the kids, always a Mom.  Goofy picture of the kids group.

Here's our group, not as goofy, but cute nonetheless.

We had a blast and although I was trepidation on the first zip, I LOVED every line after, especially the longest one

Mahalo

Bobbi