Wow! Look at this!

This is the most unpredictable blog hoster. For a week I couldn't get anywhere near it. Do you suppose it was because England is a Bermuda triangle of blogs?

Our friend Graham is probably reading this with trepidation, wondering just what I'll say about our visit to his corner of the world, the lovely Yorkshire. He's wondering if I'll mention M. I won't, Graham! Your secret is safe!

A few observations about England, based on my recent personal experience:

1. Most individuals answer to either Pat or Dick.

2. Doors tend to slam shut, especially the one at the Hawes Creamery, which actually caused jars of relish and jam to topple from shelves.

3. The English seem particularly proud of having discovered the latrines of early Britons, Vikings, Romans and other medieval peoples. We toured latrines in all the castles and ruins.

4. The countryside is gorgeous, and we enjoyed what we could see when hedges and walls weren't blocking the view.

5. The cheese is great. So are the sausages, the cheese pie, the grain mustard and the chutney.

6. The word "rubbish" is used quite freely, in many contexts.

7. Some people -- notably Tony F. -- have showers in their homes!

8. They seem to think I have an accent.

9. When you go in a castle, there is no fake Cinderella sitting on a tufted chair, pretending to like children while counting the minutes until her smoke break.

10. The English are the friendliest, most fun people! I love them.

We had a loov-ly time and many thanks to Pat and Dick  for their hospitality.

We arrived home around 8 p.m. yesterday (midnight English time). Rex and Kayti went straight to bed. I, of course, had to get in a few games of Scrabble first!