Erddig

Today we visited Erddig, an old (started about 1684) mansion and grounds located in Wales, with Phil, Elaine, and Elaine's childhood gilrfriend Freida.

Much of the sign-age in Wales is printed in Welsh and English. 

Fred, Fran, Elaine, & Phil

In its prime, the Lord who owned the place employed 15 housemaids, in addition to the cooks, gardeners, carpenter, blacksmith, etc. The maids slept on the top floor, but the men slept in outbuildings and stables.  (This photo was taken at the rear of the home.)

Here's the home from the front... but I couldn't get the whole building in the picture!

'Looks like a 'family tree', doesn't it? There are several, and they're growth is directed to create this shape!

On the way home we saw the remains of a church built in 1201. It was destroyed during the reformation. (The camera battery was discharged at this stage... but it's in the charger now!!!)

Park Gate - a former port in England just across the Dee from Wales

Fred, Fran, and Chris Gilbertson, (Fred's cousin), just before going for ice cream. (Good, but not as good as Jersey Junction!)
Chris retired last year, following a stroke, and is scheduled for back surgery next month.

Lake Windermere

Last week we went to the Lake District, and the weather couldn't have been better. (We've experienced some showers on a few days, but overall, the weather has been fantastic!)
Lake Windermere is the largest fresh water lake in the UK, and is about 10 miles long, and 220' deep at the deepest point. The 10mph speed limit was put into effect a few years ago to preserve the nature of the lake. (Speedboats and jetski's were taking over, but now it's fairly quiet, and very beautiful.)

The shore of the lake is spotted with sailboats and very large homes - like the one in the background.

The remains of an old home is still standing - although it is derelict and unoccupied.

Here's another cottage and boathouse on the lake...

We stopped and had tea at 'Cragwood Manor', a fabulous hotel near lake Windermere

English 'Tea and Scones' - and the flavor far surpasses the appearance.

A 'trailer' to the Dublin post

Things we have learned about hostel living.
1. think of looking at "elder" hostels so you don't feel older than dirt.
2. always ask what floor your room will be on.
3. always ask if there is an "lift" in the building (3 flights gets old fast)
4. check the bathroom service...
     ie:  is there hot water?
           how far away is the bathroom? (Fred's was next to our room, mine was waaaay  
           downnnnn the hallllll)
           does the shower head work?
           is there any water pressure?
           does the hostel cater to males? (Fred had good pressure and a shower                    
           head)
          is there a night life directly outside your window? (the pub next door had a live band every night)
5. always take your towel to the bathroom if you are a woman (men have
       towels in them for hand use)
6. Always look left before crossing the street.
7.  Smoking pot can make you friends!

Dublin

We spent a few days in Dublin - and stayed at the Litton Lane Hostel, near O'Connell St and the Liffey. [Our room was up three flights of stairs, and the hostel is without an elevator.] The manager must have felt sorry for us, (we were the oldest tenants), and gave us our towels without charging the customary fee and deposit.  The folks at the hostel were very helpful in directing us to various sights and attractions. We toured the city on the 'Hop-on/Hop-off bus, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip(s).

We saw the Book of Kells - located in Temple University's library, the National History museum, (aka, 'The Dead Zoo'), the National Library, where we looked - without success - for information regarding Fred's family history. [Most of the genealogical information was lost about 1916 during the Easter Rising, and the fire in the Post Office.]
We also toured Kilmainham Prison - which we both found Very interesting, and walked around the shopping areas.
The food in Dublin is great - but the prices were considerably higher than anything we've ever experienced.

Here's a view of the inside of Kilmainham Prison. {NOT as nice a place as the Litton Lane Hostel!!!