European Journal July 4-5, 2010

We arrived in London's Heathrow Airport at around 10:20am, and were out of customs, with our luggage (all of it arrived!) an hour later. Bryan spotted our uniformed host almost immediately, but we're waiting for two other passengers arriving from a later flight.

We left Indianapolis arond 6:30pm on July 4th, for a short flight to Chicago.

We boarded our flight... and waited... and waited. Our 8:15pm departure became a 9:30pm departure. There was a mechanical problem and the paperwork took some time to complete. We were at the back of a huge (to me, anyway) plane. We lucked out, having an empty seat in our row. Bryan got to move to the aisle seat of our section, so neither of us had to sit next to anyone on our other side. We would have loved a window seat; the pilot said there was a great view of fireworks from the air!

I was pleasantly surprised with the on-flight (free!) entertainment. There were video games, movies, music, and tv shows. I played a game of tetris, while Bryan watched a movie. We had "dinner" at around 10:30pm. It was edible, if not a little tasty. A beef stew with mashed potatoes, a brownie, cheese and crackers, and a salad. There was a roll we each stowed away, "just in case," but never ate. After dinner, we settled in to go to bed. Breakfast was served around 9:30am London time (3:30am Indiana time). We deplaned at 10:20am local time.

Our uniformed host directed us to our bus, which took us to the Novotel London West. We registered for our room, and for an excursion to Windsor Palace for 1pm. We had just enough time to run up to the room to "freshen up." The room was modern, the only thing missing was washcloths, which we had packed. (It was recommended that we bring our own in our trip information.)

We took a coach to Windsor Castle with a very funny tour guide named "Owen." He gave a short tour of the Castle grounds up to the State Apartments, and then left us on our own. There was no photography allowed inside the Castle, which was a shame- it was simply glorious, and words aren't sufficient to describe the opulence and just how "over the top" everything wash. Every beam of the ceilings was ornate, and many ceilings had artwork on them. There were countless full suits of armor, and bayonets and other weapons on the walls. It was hard to believe that Queen Elizabeth lived here on the weekends! Our guide said she usually went to Windsor after lunch on Fridays, and returned to Buckingham after lunch on Mondays. We walked down to St. George's Cathedral after touring the State Apartments. Again, no photography was allowed inside. We saw some tombs, including a very non-descript tomb on the floor that King Henry VIII was buried in. We had some time for an ice cream cone at the entry to the Castle grounds, and then boarded our coach to go back to our hotel.

The square, white building in the distance is Eton College, where Princes William and Harry went to school.

St. George's Cathedral

The Queen's quarters... off limits to visitors, and monitored by guards.

Our hotel, Novotel, was very modern and had a little computer area in the lobby. After some emails to family, we asked the receptionist for suggestions for dinner. He suggested "The Swan," a traditional English pub a short walk from our hotel.

There was some confusion with where to sit, and where/how to order our beers. There was a bar downstairs, and a smaller bar with a dining room upstairs. We sat upstairs near a small window. Bryan got braised pork bellywith "mash and gravy", and I got fish and chips. The beer was room temperature. The service was great. We debated on getting dessert... "Eton Mess" was one choice... a play on Eton College. We walked back to our hotel, the effects of jet lag beginning to wear on us. We did a little laundry (hand washed in the sink), and went to bed.

It was a great first day in London, and also happened to mark one month of being married! I almost forgot to mention our dessert! After we left the swan, we walked to a little place called "Crepe Affaire" and ordered a dark chocolate crepe for "take away." It was quite tasty!

Back home again, in Indiana!

Kitty and I drove back to Indianapolis on June 27th. We made great time, due in part to her incessant meowing and my desire to get her OUT of the car.

We missed Bryan, who didn't get back until June 30th. Thankfully, the movers delivered our belongings on July 2nd, just in time for us to leave for Europe on July 4th!

Kitty LOVED the way the place looked with boxes everywhere and furniture in disarray.

She especially liked the bar stools next to the fiscus tree... it made her feel "wild."

She was so happy to have her Mom, Dad, and furniture back under the same roof! She found every nook, cranny, and corner in the place!

Bryan's Graduation

Bryan graduated Friday evening! We had dinner at La Pietra Cucina with the other fellow, Cedric and his family, and most of the physicians from Georgia Colon and Rectal. After the dinner, which was incredible, the fellow opened their gifts (framed certificates).

This may be Bryan's last graduation for awhile!

Erron, Dr. Ambrous, Cedric, Dr. Schertzer, Bryan, and Dr. Orangio Cedric and Bryan... victory at last!

As was tradition with the group, the fellows presented each physician with a "gag gift" that poked fun of their individual quirks! Here, Cedric is leading into a gift presentation... You can see his "mini-me" son, Caleb, off to the left of the picture.

The guys had a lot of fun, and spent some time planning each gift!

Dr. Schertzer, her husband, and Dr. Ambrous listening to the description behind Dr. Ambrous's gift...

A "time out" chair to sit down and cool off before losing his temper in the OR! Ha ha!

He did restrain from throwing any phones this year...

Dr. Orangio, who went through a divorce and a late mid-life crisis this year, was given his very own box of tatoos and an earring!

Dr. Armstrong had to leave to see a patient, but he was given a "Dummies Guide to Patents and Trademarks" to keep tabs on his many inventions.

And Dr. Schertzer, the lone female, received a toy tool kit for her mountain home that was constantly in need of repairs. The guys joked that they had trouble coming up with just one thing with Dr. Schertzer!

It was fun spending time with the group in a casual setting, and a nice ending to our year in Atlanta.

Bryan, we are all so proud of your accomplishments! Congratulations on completing your colorectal surgery fellowship with glowing recommendations!

Moving day!

We arrived back in Atlanta Monday evening, and both returned to work Wednesday morning. Bryan's contract included moving expenses back to Indiana, so we were fortunate to be able to hire a moving company to pack and move our belongings. Considering that Atlanta had a record string of over 90 degree days, this was even more appreciated! It was a looooong day... Kitty could tell you all about it. The movers arrived around 11:00, and didn't leave until 10:30pm! And not before a GIANT cockroach waltzed across the counter toward a pile of McDonald sandwiches I had gotten for their dinner...

But, we survived, and spent the night on a blow up mattress in our now mostly empty apartment before moving into a hotel the next day. Kitty was a welcomed guest at the La Quinta, for no extra charge!

She was quite pleased with this arrangement, and wondered why we didn't spend more nights in hotels, just the three of us.

Before we left the apartment, she spent a lot of time on top of the suitcase... presumably so we wouldn't leave her behind!

The hotel had all the comforts of home... food, water, a bed, and of course, mice. Kitty thinks she could get used to this kind of life!

Time in Terre Haute...

We drove down to Terre Haute Sunday afternoon to stay with Bryan's Mom and Dad for a day, before heading back to Atlanta. Riley rode with Grammy and Grampy, and spent the night, too! We had lots of time to play together.

I think Uncle Bry enjoyed playing with this water-painting picture as much as Riley did!

He did need some directions to get it just right, though.

Riley ended up splashing herself more than anything, but it was still fun trying to splash us!

Grampy had to help clean her dry off and rinse her shoes.

The budding artist...

We watched some Sesame Street movies... and learned some great new dances! And a lot of time was spent imitating Grammy...

Or, imitating Riley!

Riley had her own portable phone and wine glass, just like Grammy!

Riley was the only one who had to stop to "pump" for her babies, though.

What a good mommy...

The next morning, Riley had to practice walking in her high heels.

Show me how you do it, Grammy...

Now she's got the hang of it!

Riley also went for a "Colf Cart" ride with us, and did our grocery shopping in Grammy's pantry with her shopping cart. We paid her with play money. We sure enjoyed spending time with Riley and Bryan's Mom and Dad!