January 17, 2011 ACROSS THE POND

An uneventful trip to LAX with Ron at the wheel. A somewhat poignant goodbye as we've not been apart this long more than a few other times in our forty-five year marriage. I hurry to get out of the roadway so don't have time for tears but manage a heartfelt kiss and hug. I will miss him terribly. As a result of my handwringing over being late to the airport, we arrive with hours to spare and so give Ron the benefit of avoiding the worst of the rush hour en route home. Yes, it's bumper to bumper even on Martin Luther King Day. I am always thinking of my husband, yes? Joan and I settle back in the boarding area with a Starbucks latte and all of our diversions, happy as larks. And damn, the plane ends up to be half-empty. There's a bit of a stretch out possible during the wee hours of the night, even though my legs end up on the floor. Joan manages to curl up in two seats, but with my extra six inches of height, I can't quite manage it. Still, a few hours does help. The staff were very kind and, in spite of a bit of turbulence and me never figuring out how to work that damn game wand, the flight was pleasant and uneventful. By the time we land at Heathrow, the rain has stopped and the sun come out. Joan has cleverly brought along British currency so we grabbed a cab and we're off. Nice, boutique hotel in the middle of a lovely area. Tomorrow we'll be walking. Today we contented ourselves with a look around the hotel neighborhood and a cab ride to Harrod's for shopping (we looked and did not buy) and a great dinner. It's quite a place. I was a taken aback by the shrine to Diana and Dodi mid-store, but his father did purchase Harrod's, so there you go. I got some good pictures but will not do anything with my photos until I can come home and properly edit them for your viewing pleasure. Meanwhile, goodnight dear family and friends. I am to bed.