28 September 2014 ~ Duke's Hotel

Listening to: Elvin Bishop ~ Honest I Do

I had tickets to see Elvin Bishop at the Berkeley Freight & Salvage but was unable to go since I'm traveling, so I'm listening to a few tracks off the internet.

I went to the Duke's Hotel in London on Wednesday night at the suggestion of a co-worker.

The sunset over Bridge over Thames was beautiful as I walked to the train station. By the way, I LOVE the train service here (except for last night when the track switch was broken, but I easily caught a bus and could walk the extra way...and the station attendees are very friendly and helpful).

The interest in checking out the Duke Hotel is the Ian Fleming - aka James Bond - Martini Bar. The servers are all dressed in white suit jackets - very formal. They don't take reservations nor can you add your name to a list, but the head waiter seems to know what's going on and will seat you as tables become available. Very posh.

It's also on an obscure off-street but I found without too much trouble with citymap gps.

They bring the drinks and fixings out on a cart right to your table.

They also serve a small bowl of olives and crackers.

I ordered the Tiger Tamaka Martini, in the forefront. Marshall and Robert also imbibed with me.

 Leaving the hotel we strolled by a building with this Chopin sign.

23 September 2014 ~ The Gherkin

Listening to: Brooke Fraser ~ Something in the Water

I went out for dinner last Friday in London, but before hand wanted to go for some drinks at the top of the "Gherkin" building. The building is officially named 30 St. Mary Axe, but affectionately called the Gherkin since it looks like a pickle. It is the second tallest building in the city of London and the sixth tallest building in all of London proper.

 I was told there was a bar/restaurant on top, but when I got there was politely told it was for occupants of the building only. So I went the next nearest place: Balls Brothers Wine Bar.

There are several throughout London, but which in heritage. The first was founded in 1860, featuring fine ports and sherries. In 1875 they coined the phrase "Quality First". Today, the "Future Looks Bright" with a revamped Wine and Champagne menu.

Whether a pub is crowded or the weather is nice, it's very popular to stand outside the establishment to co-mingle with friends/co-workers. This picture is of random people to highlight this point.

After a few Mai Tai's I headed off to dinner at Plum + Spilt Milk. I couldn't resist ordering the signature cocktail: Lady Violet. :Elderberry Vodka slowly infuses under a layer of champagne and Chambord Black Raspberry Liquor." This drink was named in honor of the fact that over 100 years ago the Great Northern Hotel was the first to have a smoking room for ladies.

20 September 2014 ~ Marina Place

Listening to: Russian Red ~ Loving Strangers

I arrived in London on Wed for a few weeks of work. I'm actually staying in Kingston Upon Thames, where I came a few months back and posted about.

I am staying at Marina Place, so it's only a 7 minute walk to my customer office. I'm on the first floor (not the ground floor) on the far left.

Walking across the bridge, you cannot see my apartment building, but it's less than a block from the river Thames.

Walking around the city center square, a group was leisurely listening to a violin solo.

This ornate building caught my attention.

And here are some close-up shots of the columns.

11 September 2014 ~ Grand-Nieces and -Nephews and Puppies, Oh My

Listening to:  Chris Isaak ~ Wicked Games


My brother and sister-in-law recently added these 2 adorable puppies to the family: Lana and Archer.

My grand-nephew is showing off his cool Hot Wheels in my favorite color - orange.

My grand-niece is driving the tractor like all well-raised Wisconsin farm girls.

Here are 2 short videos. The first is the above folks, along with Lana and Archer's "parents" playing "catch". The second is following a sudden thunderstorm and getting wet. Some adults were of the mindset that they should not go out and get wet, but I rallied the troops and went out into the rain myself, and everyone had dry clothes to put on afterwards.

http://youtu.be/QZJtRbA8yjo

http://youtu.be/2vr3njsThEA

7 September 2014 ~ Old Hickory

Listening to:  Alastair Green Band ~ Red Wine Woman


On my recent trip to Wisconsin, I went to Old Hickory Golf Club for dinner. It's a private golf club and according to the sign below part of the Beaver Dam community since 1920.  The dining room is open to the public on Friday nights. I may have been there for a wedding or two.

It recently came under new ownership and also a remodeling. Nice bar.

Of course I ordered an Old Fashioned. Delicious! Only Wisconsin-made are up to par, whether with brandy or southern comfort, sweet or sour.

Friday nights in Wisconsin are also famous for fish fry. I ordered perch with fries. Tasty.

1 Sept 2014 ~ Over Arizona

Listening to: Rory & Joey ~ I'm Not Lisa (a re-recording of a Jessi Colter song from 1975)


Here are some shots I got from the plane flying into and over Arizona coming up on sunset. Enjoy.