Sorry for the Delays

Sorry for the delays in my blog... It resembles the delays in the Underground service tonight (Friday). On our way back from China Town (eating Singapore Noodles) we got on the Piccadilly Line and switched at Earls Court for the District Line to Wimbledon. We were good, but both the Victoria Line and Bakerloo Line were cancelled for the evening.

Anyway, the delays (to my blog) have been caused by an extreme lack of Internet service. That is unless I wanted to pay for it. I'm currently paying 5 pounds (10 dollars) to get Internet access for 60 minutes. I've posted a blog from our Edinburgh trip and due to my expiring Internet access, this is all you get for today.

Back in the States on Sunday!

Edinburgh, Scotland

So far Brandi and I have been on a whirlwind trip. A flight that departed on Friday and arrived Saturday morning at London's Gatwick Airport. Being bold travellers we chose to try the Gatwick express train to Victoria station (easy to use and quick). We then got on the Underground Victoria line to London's Kings Cross train station. Fortunately, we were able to get on an earlier train to Edinburgh which departed at 1:00pm. We were then on a train (1 change) for 7 hours. We finally got into our Bed and Breakfast at about 8:30pm. It is important to note that I woke up early to get the score of the Penn State game on my iPhone. It was a good morning to find out that Penn State won and Florida lost. The only thing that could have made it better was if FSU lost so JoePa could open up a two game lead over Bowden.

Needless to say, our journey to Edinburgh was quite exhausting. But it did get better from there. Sunday we spent the day at the Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and Holyrood Park - which included a failed attempt to hike up to Arthurs Seat, an ancient volcanic vent.

Monday we booked a tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond. The trip was a 9 hour tour that gave us extended time to tour Stirling Castle and walk around at Loch Lomond. The weather wasn't the greatest as it rained on an off all day. When we got to the Loch, it was raining sideways. Nevertheless, we did get a chance to hike some of the waterfalls (pictured) and trails that border the loch. The most memorable part of the trip was the persistent car sickness. There are a lot of single lane roads (only fit one vehicle at a time) where we had to stop constantly for oncoming traffic. This constant stopping, starting, curvy roads and pot holes made for a long day of willing ourselves not to throw up. A few times I looked at Brandi and new she was on the verge of losing it. But our perseverance paid off and we made it back to Edinburgh without incident.

Now, were on our way back to London on the train. I am writing this on the train since the train has been the only place I've had a free Internet connection. And back to work it is for me. Meetings Wednesday and Thursday and then more site-seeing Friday and Saturday.

At last, an update!

So, it has been a while since I last updated you all on my progress. Not much has happened over the past ten days. I've basically been working around the house doing my duties as a stay at home dad with two dogs.

Today was a little exciting. After being sore from last night's hockey game (left hip) I decided to remove four stumps. Now the soreness has spread. But, the stumps are out and I am on my way to completing my list - handed to me by my wife of course. It has been a while since I've shared my list, so why don't we review it quickly.

1. Purchase and place Pennsylvania field stone in dry creek bed (photo)

2. Clean and seal outdoor bench (this can wait)

3. Lay edging in the front flower bed

4. Remove struggling Willow tree

5. Kill Yellow Jackets (a constant struggle)

6. Remove Stumps near sun room (Done! Sore!)

7. Get Mulch (two loads)

8. Call about refinancing (probably the worst time in history to refinance)

9. Get new fridge filter

10. Clean off dresser (never!)

11. Purchase chain saw (I can't wait for this one)

12. Download songs from iTunes (my wife likes some crappy songs)

13. Clean Fountain

14. Get a load of Mushroom Compost (man this stuff stinks)

The next big thing is installing 10 sections of vinyl picket fence that we've just ordered. The install should take me about 3 or 4 days of good weather to complete, depending on how many roots I have to dig through. Maybe my Dad will come down and help me install the fence (HINT HINT).

My travel is winding down, however, I will be in Jacksonville, FL on Monday and Tuesday (22nd, 23rd) and then I'll be heading to London on the 26th. Brandi and I are going to visit Scotland for a few days and then we'll be back in London for my Wimbledon meetings on the 1st and 2nd of October.

Finally Home

After 26 days on the road, I'm finally home and doing what I do best... Nothing! Actually, I arrived home on Friday and on Saturday and Sunday I assisted the new kid Steve Hepner set up a video wall in Hickory, NC. So today is my first real day off and I'm loving it.

As for the video wall set up, I am really getting too old for that. Everything is sore on me today. I was all gung-ho about going for a jog on the local mountain bike trail today, but when I walked to get the mail this morning my right butt-muscle told me that running would be a bad idea. However, Chase (the 4 year old black lab) is now telling me to ignore all of my pains and get moving, and of course take him with me.

I think a quick jog to the couch is going to be my exercise for the day.

Elton John

Elton John was spotted doing stats on Grandstand Court on Monday. Elton was overheard saying "I enjoy bringing a little style to the stats booth."