The blog will be back in January.
Have a wonderful, festive holiday season.
See you at the meeting center!!!
Paula
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Week 42 - Preview -...AND THE AWARD GOES TO..
First, I'd like to start of this week by sharing with you a milestone of my own...
I have now been with Weight Watchers International for 25 years!!! Last weekend, we had a celebration.
My gift from Weight Watchers is coming and IT IS JEWELRY!!! I'll show you when it gets here.
....now on to....Week 42 - Be Healthy Part 1
Riddle:
"I can unlock the door to not just weight loss, but also an overall healthy lifestyle. What am I?"
Question:
"What does a healthy lifestyle look like to you?"
"Feel like?"
Come this week and find out about a "Healthy Lifestyle".
Also, we will reveal the total weight loss for our LOSE FOR GOOD campaign.
Before I reveal the total....I will ask you to guess the weight of the food we've collected at our center. Once the food is weighed a PRIZE will be given to the person who's guess is closest to the actual pounds.
Week 41 - Roundup - Take Care Of Yourself
Remember why it is important to take care of yourself.
Figure out how much time you need to be successful at weight loss and how much time you actually have and where you can adjust, so that you can accomplish taking care of yourself.
Here's the six questions I gave you in the meeting (in case you missed them) to help you take care of yourself.
Put down on paper.....
1) Something you can do each day to take care of yourself by eating wisely.
2) Something you'll do this week to encourage yourself to eat wisely.
3) Something you can do each day to take care of yourself by moving more.
4) Something you can do this week to encourage yourself to move more.
5) Something you'll do each day to take care of your own needs/wants.
6) Something you'll do this week to take care of your own needs/wants.
Put this list and your own answers in a place you will see each day, like a bathroom mirror. Each day you wake and each night as you go to bed look at yourself and remember to love the person in the mirror too!!!
Figure out how much time you need to be successful at weight loss and how much time you actually have and where you can adjust, so that you can accomplish taking care of yourself.
Here's the six questions I gave you in the meeting (in case you missed them) to help you take care of yourself.
Put down on paper.....
1) Something you can do each day to take care of yourself by eating wisely.
2) Something you'll do this week to encourage yourself to eat wisely.
3) Something you can do each day to take care of yourself by moving more.
4) Something you can do this week to encourage yourself to move more.
5) Something you'll do each day to take care of your own needs/wants.
6) Something you'll do this week to take care of your own needs/wants.
Put this list and your own answers in a place you will see each day, like a bathroom mirror. Each day you wake and each night as you go to bed look at yourself and remember to love the person in the mirror too!!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Food Finds - Hummus and Crackers - 2 points!!!
Ak-Mak 100% Whole Wheat crackers. We purchased these at Trader Joe's, but you can find them at most of the local grocery stores. 5 crackers equals 2 points. It's more like a flat bread than a cracker.
Tribe Hummus - Purchased at Costco - This contains 16 individually contained servings of hummus. Each at 100 calories and 2 points.
Both items are great by themselves or for 4 points put them together as a snack or light meal.
Really delicious and great source of protein and fiber in both!!!
Week 41- Preview- Take Care Of Yourself
Taking care of yourself means, taking the time to eat wisely, move more, build helpful habits and attend weekly meetings. When you make your needs a priority, you are healthier, happier and more in control.
To be successful you need to take care of yourself so that you can better take care of others.
Come to the meeting and find out how you can accomplish this.
"If you think taking care of yourself is selfish, change your mind. If you don't, you're simply ducking your responsibilities." - Ann Richards (Former Governor of Texas)
To be successful you need to take care of yourself so that you can better take care of others.
Come to the meeting and find out how you can accomplish this.
"If you think taking care of yourself is selfish, change your mind. If you don't, you're simply ducking your responsibilities." - Ann Richards (Former Governor of Texas)
Week 40 Round Up - Too Exciting To Be Boring
By simply adding two points of food or two points of exercise that's different from your everyday choices, can prevent you from having BOREDOM with your food plan and your exercise program.
Come to the meeting and share what two point food choices you found to spice up your eating program.
Share something new that you were able to accomplish in your activity for just two points.
You may even see some two point options in this blog.....hint, hint, hint!
Come to the meeting and share what two point food choices you found to spice up your eating program.
Share something new that you were able to accomplish in your activity for just two points.
You may even see some two point options in this blog.....hint, hint, hint!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Week 39 - Preview - Feeling Not Feeding Your Feelings
57% of women over 18 who have to lose 11 + lbs. claim to over eat during emotional situations.
DUH!!!
When have you eaten in response to "feelings", even when you weren't truly hungry?
Emotional eating is common, and it can lead to overeating, which can hinder member's weight loss success.
This meeting will help you put some controls on your emotions rather than letting food and feelings be in control.
Can you distinguish between physical hunger and the desire to eat due to emotions?
You will learn what strategies you can use to manage your emotions without using food.
DUH!!!
When have you eaten in response to "feelings", even when you weren't truly hungry?
Emotional eating is common, and it can lead to overeating, which can hinder member's weight loss success.
This meeting will help you put some controls on your emotions rather than letting food and feelings be in control.
Can you distinguish between physical hunger and the desire to eat due to emotions?
You will learn what strategies you can use to manage your emotions without using food.
Week 38 Roundup - Goal Setting and Non Scale Measures Of Success
I think you understand the importance of goal setting and achieving those goals to your motivation and momentum of the program.
Please make sure you have a goal.
Be it weightloss goal, non-scale reward, or a health goal.
Having goals makes you successful!
"If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else." - L.J. Peter
Please make sure you have a goal.
Be it weightloss goal, non-scale reward, or a health goal.
Having goals makes you successful!
"If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else." - L.J. Peter
Food Finds - Triple Berry Bran Muffin Mix - Trader Joe's
This is a real easy and simple breakfast or snack at only 2 points.
It is high in fiber, low in fat.
All you need is two large eggs and a cup of water.
Enjoy - We did!
It is high in fiber, low in fat.
All you need is two large eggs and a cup of water.
Enjoy - We did!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Food Finds - Better'n Peanut Butter - Trader Joe's
This could be a Red Light Food for some people:
Peanut Butter
I've found a lower point choice for Peanut Butter.
Better'n Peanut Butter is
Serving Size: 2 Tbs.
100 Calories
2 Grams of Fat
2 Grams of Fiber
So, that equals 2 points for 2 Tbs.
To compare...If you have 2 Tbs. of Adam's Peanut Butter (which is way better for you than Skippy or one of those FYI) it's 5 points!!!
Better'n is mixture of peanut, soy and defatted peanut flour.
It's got a great taste.
The jar says 85% less fat, low sodium and 40% less calories than regular peanut butter.
For some reason I cannot upload a photo, AGAIN, this week.
I found this item at Trader Joe's, but if you want to take a look, check out their website:
http://www.betternpeanutbutter.com/
Peanut Butter
I've found a lower point choice for Peanut Butter.
Better'n Peanut Butter is
Serving Size: 2 Tbs.
100 Calories
2 Grams of Fat
2 Grams of Fiber
So, that equals 2 points for 2 Tbs.
To compare...If you have 2 Tbs. of Adam's Peanut Butter (which is way better for you than Skippy or one of those FYI) it's 5 points!!!
Better'n is mixture of peanut, soy and defatted peanut flour.
It's got a great taste.
The jar says 85% less fat, low sodium and 40% less calories than regular peanut butter.
For some reason I cannot upload a photo, AGAIN, this week.
I found this item at Trader Joe's, but if you want to take a look, check out their website:
http://www.betternpeanutbutter.com/
Week 37 - Round up - Trigger Foods
Trigger Foods are just like Red Light Foods; you can't stop at just one bite.
They're are primarily a sugar/fat combination or a fat/salt combination.
Being aware of what your trigger foods are, is very helpful. Find a substitute for some of these foods, or if you want to have these foods in your life "go out" to have them so they are not in your home. You'll have more portion control.
Yellow Light Foods are those foods that need caution and can lead to becoming Red Light Foods in some instances. Such as: A bowl of nuts at a party you are attending, can trigger you to eat the whole bowl. Each time you walk by or stand by it talking to friends. Stay mindful.
Find some healthy or Green Light low point choices instead of the Red/Yellow light foods. Have them on hand. There are many Weight Watcher products at your disposal here at the center.
They may fit the bill! :)
They're are primarily a sugar/fat combination or a fat/salt combination.
Being aware of what your trigger foods are, is very helpful. Find a substitute for some of these foods, or if you want to have these foods in your life "go out" to have them so they are not in your home. You'll have more portion control.
Yellow Light Foods are those foods that need caution and can lead to becoming Red Light Foods in some instances. Such as: A bowl of nuts at a party you are attending, can trigger you to eat the whole bowl. Each time you walk by or stand by it talking to friends. Stay mindful.
Find some healthy or Green Light low point choices instead of the Red/Yellow light foods. Have them on hand. There are many Weight Watcher products at your disposal here at the center.
They may fit the bill! :)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Be Back In Two Weeks
I know I said last week, that I was NOT on hiatus, but it ends up that YES I AM ON HIATUS.
It seems that all of us are still enjoying the beautiful weather and taking final summer vacations, etc....
So, I will be back to the blog in a couple weeks when we start our new series!!!!
Stay Tuned and Get Ready!!!
Have a wonderful summer,
Paula
It seems that all of us are still enjoying the beautiful weather and taking final summer vacations, etc....
So, I will be back to the blog in a couple weeks when we start our new series!!!!
Stay Tuned and Get Ready!!!
Have a wonderful summer,
Paula
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
On Hiatus?
No, the blog is not on hiatus, just lost in the shuffle.
Will be back with regularly scheduled programming soon.
Please check back.
See you at the meeting center!
Paula
Will be back with regularly scheduled programming soon.
Please check back.
See you at the meeting center!
Paula
Monday, August 3, 2009
Food Finds - Natures Path Cereal
Nature's Path Organic Synergy Cereal. I found this at Trader Joe's, but I believe Fred Meyer's carry this as well. This company is from Blaine. BUY LOCAL :)
This cereal has 8 whole grains, high fiber and low points value; very satisfying.
A serving is 1 1/2 points per serving. So, when I ate this, I doubled the portions! Woo Hoo!
This cereal has 8 whole grains, high fiber and low points value; very satisfying.
A serving is 1 1/2 points per serving. So, when I ate this, I doubled the portions! Woo Hoo!
Week 31 - Preview - Beyond Chicken Food Swap
Here are a couple pictures I promised from the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo II Splashdown. (When the astronauts returned to earth from the first mission on the moon).
This is the aircraft carrier - USS Hornet CVS 12 with my Dad, a 30 year veteran of the US Navy and it's CPO Air Traffic Controlman.
The Hornet is a permanent museum in Alameda, CA.
The next two photos were taken on the "hanger deck" of the Hornet. You may not have a concept of how large this vessel is. I hope this helps. This is a model of the capsule used in the Apollo II mission. It was used on the moon and then the astronauts returned to earth in this tiny vessel.
The following picture is of the Mobile Quarantine Facility. For those of you around when the mission occurred, you will remember that the government was concerned about "Space Bugs" and other contaminants from space. The astronauts spent 21 days in quarantine in this trailer. The Hornet took them to Hawaii, after the rescue. They spent the rest of their quarantine there in this trailer.
We spent three days with Buzz Aldrin, the pilot of the helicopter that retrieved the astronauts from the ocean, and several NASA personnel that were instrumental on this and many other missions. We heard many behind-the-scene stories of this monumental event. It was a special privilege to spend this time with my Dad, crew members and special guests.
This is the aircraft carrier - USS Hornet CVS 12 with my Dad, a 30 year veteran of the US Navy and it's CPO Air Traffic Controlman.
The Hornet is a permanent museum in Alameda, CA.The next two photos were taken on the "hanger deck" of the Hornet. You may not have a concept of how large this vessel is. I hope this helps. This is a model of the capsule used in the Apollo II mission. It was used on the moon and then the astronauts returned to earth in this tiny vessel.
The following picture is of the Mobile Quarantine Facility. For those of you around when the mission occurred, you will remember that the government was concerned about "Space Bugs" and other contaminants from space. The astronauts spent 21 days in quarantine in this trailer. The Hornet took them to Hawaii, after the rescue. They spent the rest of their quarantine there in this trailer.
We spent three days with Buzz Aldrin, the pilot of the helicopter that retrieved the astronauts from the ocean, and several NASA personnel that were instrumental on this and many other missions. We heard many behind-the-scene stories of this monumental event. It was a special privilege to spend this time with my Dad, crew members and special guests.
*** On to this week's topic ***
Sometimes we fall into eating ruts. Changing up food choices will promote satisfaction and long term weight loss success. This week remember to bring in labels, boxes, nutrition information on some of your favorite foods that have helped you be successful.
Each and every person will get an opportunity to swap ideas and basically give a little commercial for their product.
I look forward to finding out food ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bring as many items as you want this should be a FUN meeting :)
Week 30-Round Up - No More Dieting
Weight Watchers is not a diet, it's a lifestyle.
The Momentum Plan is satisfying and sustainable. Remember to
1) Eat Wisely - Including plenty of Filling Foods.
2) Use weekly Points allowance to stay satisfied and successful.
3) Incorporate Good Health Guidelines.
4) Move more - Staying active and finding an activity you enjoy will become even more important when you get to goal.
5) Think first - The scale is not the only indicator that you are getting somewhere. The ways you are changing your behaviors can be key indicators of long term progress too.
6) Attend Meetings - The research is strong: People who come to WW Meetings lose more weight than people try to lose weight on their own.
Challenge: Incorporate 5 + servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
The Momentum Plan is satisfying and sustainable. Remember to
1) Eat Wisely - Including plenty of Filling Foods.
2) Use weekly Points allowance to stay satisfied and successful.
3) Incorporate Good Health Guidelines.
4) Move more - Staying active and finding an activity you enjoy will become even more important when you get to goal.
5) Think first - The scale is not the only indicator that you are getting somewhere. The ways you are changing your behaviors can be key indicators of long term progress too.
6) Attend Meetings - The research is strong: People who come to WW Meetings lose more weight than people try to lose weight on their own.
Challenge: Incorporate 5 + servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Food Finds - Sandwich Thins & Mack's Flax
The bread below, is one of the varieties that comes from the Silver Hill's Bakery. Each slice is only 1 point. You can find this bread at most local stores, including the day old bakery store. I always keep several loaves in my freezer (tip: these loaves have no preservatives so keeping them in the freezer or refrigerator is recommended)
Here are those Orowheat Sandwich Thins that a lot of members have mentioned. I found them at Costco and Haggens. They are great for hamburgers or any kind of grilled sandwich as the entire bun or thins are only 1 point.
Here are those Orowheat Sandwich Thins that a lot of members have mentioned. I found them at Costco and Haggens. They are great for hamburgers or any kind of grilled sandwich as the entire bun or thins are only 1 point.
Week 29 - Preview - Move More Whatever the weather
Member success may be deterred during Summertime due to the belief that warmer weather makes it more difficult to exercise.
Members need to think about and plan their activities.
In order to avoid the heat of the day, you may want to exercise early in the morning or in the evening.
This is just one of the ideas we will discuss in our meeting this week.
One way that "I" change up my walking exercise with the dogs, is to find some new and different things to observe on our daily walks. For example: Check out the varieties of berries that might be ripening this time of year, learn about the plants and animals that you come across, by checking out a book at the library or looking for a small field guide online.
Visit some of the parks we have in town. Some have shaded paths and would be a relief to walking on the hot pavement.
Come this week to learn more about moving more in the Summertime.
Salmonberries
My walking buddies - Oliver and Meg
Wildflowers - yet to be named...I have to look this lovelies up.
By special request, one of the frogs that lives in my roses.
Members need to think about and plan their activities.
In order to avoid the heat of the day, you may want to exercise early in the morning or in the evening.
This is just one of the ideas we will discuss in our meeting this week.
One way that "I" change up my walking exercise with the dogs, is to find some new and different things to observe on our daily walks. For example: Check out the varieties of berries that might be ripening this time of year, learn about the plants and animals that you come across, by checking out a book at the library or looking for a small field guide online.
Visit some of the parks we have in town. Some have shaded paths and would be a relief to walking on the hot pavement.
Come this week to learn more about moving more in the Summertime.
Salmonberries
My walking buddies - Oliver and Meg
Wildflowers - yet to be named...I have to look this lovelies up.
By special request, one of the frogs that lives in my roses.See you this week!
Week 28-Roundup- The Weightloss Benefits Of Being On Vacation
I'm reminding you of the challenge this week...
At each meal you need to fill half your plate with fruits or vegetables. Also, decide how you will handle travel this Summer.
Vacations are all about taking care of yourself. If vacations are treated like "normal" days, we can take care of ourselves everyday.
Above are photos from today. We went shopping at Boxx Berry Farm. Unfortunately, blogger.com is giving us issues with our photos. Last week, it wouldn't let us upload one set of photos and this week we can upload, but not in order and we can't move them or add captions, lovely!
So, the first photo is of me adding low fat mozzarella cheese to a mainly vegetable pizza made with whole wheat pizza dough. You can purchase it from Trader Joe's. We had broccoli, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, patty-pan squash, minature pickled eggplants, lean meatballs, low fat pizza sauce. It was 3 points a slice. This pizza had 8 servings. Very filling, loaded with green diamond foods.
The rest of the photos are of Boxx B. Farm. It was a great day.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Food Finds - Non FAt Caesar Dressing and Fiber One Pancake/Waffle Mix
This was a member request for the brand of non-fat caesar dressing that I use. Because it's non-fat it is 0 points. It is good over salad and also a good thing to baste veggies for the grill.
This is another good way to incorporate fruits into a breakfast. Fiber One Pancake/Waffle Mix, I mentioned in the meeting. Each pancake/waffle is 1 point. Add fruit of your choice on top. You can put non-fat vanilla yogurt as a topping and think you are at IHOP. Enjoy!
This is another good way to incorporate fruits into a breakfast. Fiber One Pancake/Waffle Mix, I mentioned in the meeting. Each pancake/waffle is 1 point. Add fruit of your choice on top. You can put non-fat vanilla yogurt as a topping and think you are at IHOP. Enjoy!
Week 28 - Preview - The Weightloss Benefits Of Being On Vacation
Vacation travel can BOOST your weightloss. Agree? Or disagree?
When you feel you can stay on track while vacationing, your weightloss can be more consistant and you can feel more in control. Your plan feels less like a diet and more like a way of life.
We will discuss ways to make vacation being a weightloss experience for you.
When you feel you can stay on track while vacationing, your weightloss can be more consistant and you can feel more in control. Your plan feels less like a diet and more like a way of life.
We will discuss ways to make vacation being a weightloss experience for you.
Week 27- Round Up - 4 Weeks to 5 Servings A Day
Remember all the good reasons why we want to include fruits and vegetables into our daily lives.
This coming week's challenge is to include three different colors of fruits and vegetables everyday.
The tips discussed for breakfast, lunch and dinner gave me some great ideas and I will share those with you next week.
"Did you ever stop to taste a carrot? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can't taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie."
This past week was the annual American Cancer Society - Relay For Life in Downtown Bellingham.
We'd love to post some pictures, but Blogger is having issues this week. We will try again next week.
This coming week's challenge is to include three different colors of fruits and vegetables everyday.
The tips discussed for breakfast, lunch and dinner gave me some great ideas and I will share those with you next week.
"Did you ever stop to taste a carrot? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can't taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie."
This past week was the annual American Cancer Society - Relay For Life in Downtown Bellingham.
We'd love to post some pictures, but Blogger is having issues this week. We will try again next week.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Oxford, Cotswald, Stratford -Upon-Avon
Dear Members,
This is that last segment of our trip.
Below is a picture of one of the colleges in Oxford.
We saw Trinity College and Christ Church. For those of you that are Harry Potter fans this was the location of the dining hall at Hogwarts, plus a staircase in the same college is used in the film.
Lewis Caroll's father was a professor at Christ Church and there are elements of the college that inspired his stories. As an homage to him there is an Alice In Wonderland Window in the dining hall. You may be able to Google it; our pictures did not turn out.
We stopped at the village of Burford. It is in the Cotswolds. The Cotswalds is not a county, but a group of counties that are involved in the wool trade. We spent a week in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds. Burford is in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Each area also has it's own type of architecture due to the kind of rock/stone in the area. So as you drive through you will notice what area you are in by the color of shape of the stone on the buildings.
Burford was lovely. We had lunch here.
Then we did some browsing at a local shop and noticed a nice selection of Weight Watcher Products. Here are some sauces. The English love their "curries" so it's not surprising to find different Indian Sauces in the supermarket.
We also found some great cookies made for Weight Watchers by Walkers, the maker of the famous shortbread. These are white chocolate raspberry cookies. They are 1 and 1/2 points for 2 cookies!!
As we were leaving the village we had to take this picture. It's a perfect example of the beauty of this place.
On to Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's birthplace at Straford - Upon - Avon.
Anne's family's cottage has been perserved for many years and the gardens developed and maintained. It was so wonderful as they planted many types of sweet peas along the paths even those dating back to the 1600's. It smelled wonderful.
Shakespeare visited this cottage when he was wooing Anne. They did not live here.
Beautiful day
In London we walked the Millenium Bridge from St. Pauls Cathedral to Southwark where the reproduction of The Globe Theatre was built in 1993. It took 50 years to build.
It was built about 2 miles from the original spot. Currently the original location has another protected building on it so there is no way for them to excavate it. Next door to that location they did find the reminance of The Rose Theatre, which preceeded The Globe. Archeologists are currently working on the site.
The entire structure is put together with wooden pegs/dowels. There were no nails used in building this theatre. The stage is painted to represent heaven and hell and is similar to a Greek Stage, so that good/holy characters come down to the stage from above and may enter Hell through the floor. The audience was seated based on class. The lowest class (the groundlings) stood for hours on the bottom floor up against the stage. There could be at least 1000 people down there, then each floor represented higher classes. The highest class or royalty would sit behind the stage. It may not seem exciting to us, but they wanted to be seen by the public just as you were viewing the actors. We were told that they often interrupted the play and spoke with the actors and musicians just to get attention. There would be food and drink served at the shows that would last for hours (especially with all the interruptions) and there would hardly be any set dressing. The plays were speaking plays not action, so that is why Shakespeare's text was so rich. He wasn't putting on action blockbusters, but more like readings.
The film Shakespeare In Love does not accurately depict Shakespeare except for the fact that only men were allowed to be actors. It was considered extremely low class to be an actor and even worse for a woman. It would be worse than being a prostitute. Shakespeare was wealthy and successful, being a partner in this theatre and having a home in London and back in Stratford.
Today, we visited the Charles Dicken's Museum. (Charles Dickens was intregal in perserving William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford) The museum is located in a house that Charles and Catherine owned when they initally moved to London, before the Pickwick Papers really took off.
This is the first place we really were allowed to take photos inside. We have many, but only are showing you this one. The two paintings are of Charles and Catherine when they were first married and moved into this house. Both very happy. Heather says, "He was an amazing salvation for the Victorian poor, one of my favorite authors, but a real J*ck%ss of a husband and father."
It was about 90 degrees. I had Heather snap this picture of me in Charles and Catherine's back garden.
We left the museum and came back to the hotel for lunch and freshen up before seeing 39 Steps tonight in Piccadilly Circus.
At the High Street Kensington Underground Station there are creature comforts from: Marks & Spencer to Cornish Pasties to Boots Chemist.
The day before we leave, we just realized that Boots sells food!!!
And healthy choices, no less!!!
They have a line called "Shapers". They offer a multitude of food that is easily labeled for those of us that want to stay health conscious.
They use Traffic Light Nutrition. Meaning each item is labeled with Green dots indicating "go for it" foods, Yellow dots signifying " Enjoy Most of the Time" foods, and Red dots for "Indulge Now & Again" foods. This was so simple and easy. I hope the US comes up with the same system.
I will show you these products when I return, but here are some photographs.
By the way, they all tasted GREAT!!! We had a ginger ale that was to die for and that was only 15 calories for about 160z bottle!
This will be the last entry of my blog in England, as tomorrow we will be on the airplane coming home.
I will be seeing my At Work people at the City on Wednesday and WWU on Thursday. The rest of you I will see the start of next week - Monday and Tuesday.
I look forward to reconnecting with everyone and am anxious to see your progress while I've been gone.
Cheer-e-o from Merry Olde England!!!
Paula and Heather
This is that last segment of our trip.
Below is a picture of one of the colleges in Oxford.
We saw Trinity College and Christ Church. For those of you that are Harry Potter fans this was the location of the dining hall at Hogwarts, plus a staircase in the same college is used in the film.
Lewis Caroll's father was a professor at Christ Church and there are elements of the college that inspired his stories. As an homage to him there is an Alice In Wonderland Window in the dining hall. You may be able to Google it; our pictures did not turn out.
We stopped at the village of Burford. It is in the Cotswolds. The Cotswalds is not a county, but a group of counties that are involved in the wool trade. We spent a week in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds. Burford is in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Each area also has it's own type of architecture due to the kind of rock/stone in the area. So as you drive through you will notice what area you are in by the color of shape of the stone on the buildings.
Burford was lovely. We had lunch here.
Then we did some browsing at a local shop and noticed a nice selection of Weight Watcher Products. Here are some sauces. The English love their "curries" so it's not surprising to find different Indian Sauces in the supermarket.
We also found some great cookies made for Weight Watchers by Walkers, the maker of the famous shortbread. These are white chocolate raspberry cookies. They are 1 and 1/2 points for 2 cookies!!
As we were leaving the village we had to take this picture. It's a perfect example of the beauty of this place.
On to Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's birthplace at Straford - Upon - Avon.
Anne's family's cottage has been perserved for many years and the gardens developed and maintained. It was so wonderful as they planted many types of sweet peas along the paths even those dating back to the 1600's. It smelled wonderful.
Shakespeare visited this cottage when he was wooing Anne. They did not live here.
Beautiful day
In London we walked the Millenium Bridge from St. Pauls Cathedral to Southwark where the reproduction of The Globe Theatre was built in 1993. It took 50 years to build.
It was built about 2 miles from the original spot. Currently the original location has another protected building on it so there is no way for them to excavate it. Next door to that location they did find the reminance of The Rose Theatre, which preceeded The Globe. Archeologists are currently working on the site.
The entire structure is put together with wooden pegs/dowels. There were no nails used in building this theatre. The stage is painted to represent heaven and hell and is similar to a Greek Stage, so that good/holy characters come down to the stage from above and may enter Hell through the floor. The audience was seated based on class. The lowest class (the groundlings) stood for hours on the bottom floor up against the stage. There could be at least 1000 people down there, then each floor represented higher classes. The highest class or royalty would sit behind the stage. It may not seem exciting to us, but they wanted to be seen by the public just as you were viewing the actors. We were told that they often interrupted the play and spoke with the actors and musicians just to get attention. There would be food and drink served at the shows that would last for hours (especially with all the interruptions) and there would hardly be any set dressing. The plays were speaking plays not action, so that is why Shakespeare's text was so rich. He wasn't putting on action blockbusters, but more like readings.
The film Shakespeare In Love does not accurately depict Shakespeare except for the fact that only men were allowed to be actors. It was considered extremely low class to be an actor and even worse for a woman. It would be worse than being a prostitute. Shakespeare was wealthy and successful, being a partner in this theatre and having a home in London and back in Stratford.
Today, we visited the Charles Dicken's Museum. (Charles Dickens was intregal in perserving William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford) The museum is located in a house that Charles and Catherine owned when they initally moved to London, before the Pickwick Papers really took off.
This is the first place we really were allowed to take photos inside. We have many, but only are showing you this one. The two paintings are of Charles and Catherine when they were first married and moved into this house. Both very happy. Heather says, "He was an amazing salvation for the Victorian poor, one of my favorite authors, but a real J*ck%ss of a husband and father."
It was about 90 degrees. I had Heather snap this picture of me in Charles and Catherine's back garden.
We left the museum and came back to the hotel for lunch and freshen up before seeing 39 Steps tonight in Piccadilly Circus.
At the High Street Kensington Underground Station there are creature comforts from: Marks & Spencer to Cornish Pasties to Boots Chemist.
The day before we leave, we just realized that Boots sells food!!!
And healthy choices, no less!!!
They have a line called "Shapers". They offer a multitude of food that is easily labeled for those of us that want to stay health conscious.
They use Traffic Light Nutrition. Meaning each item is labeled with Green dots indicating "go for it" foods, Yellow dots signifying " Enjoy Most of the Time" foods, and Red dots for "Indulge Now & Again" foods. This was so simple and easy. I hope the US comes up with the same system.
I will show you these products when I return, but here are some photographs.
By the way, they all tasted GREAT!!! We had a ginger ale that was to die for and that was only 15 calories for about 160z bottle!
This will be the last entry of my blog in England, as tomorrow we will be on the airplane coming home.
I will be seeing my At Work people at the City on Wednesday and WWU on Thursday. The rest of you I will see the start of next week - Monday and Tuesday.
I look forward to reconnecting with everyone and am anxious to see your progress while I've been gone.
Cheer-e-o from Merry Olde England!!!
Paula and Heather
Friday, June 26, 2009
Henley, Hoff, Hampton Court and Henry VIII
Dear Members,
Besides walking, as an active past-time, another exercise the English participate in is rowing. One of the famous rowing competitions is the Henley Regatta.
We visited Henley On Thames on the way back into London. The regatta is this week along with Wimbledon and Ascot.
Whilst in Henley, this guy followed us around everywhere we went, with his entourage - seriously.
He even followed us back to our tour bus. Heather thought he might be working part time at Starbucks there in Henley, because he came in about 5 times while we were there. I think he was trying to use the restroom.
By the way, the English have a nickname for Starbucks, they call it St. Ar-bucks.
The tour group returned to London and flew back to the USA. My daughter and I are staying on until June 30th.
We went on to Hampton Court Palace the following day. It was a gorgeous day.
Heather went through the maze and back. She took a picture of this at its center.
This is an archway of Elm trees.
Hampton Court Palace is half Tudor structure and half Baroque
Here's a great shot of the baroque side with our friend Nigel and myself.
Here's a picture of one of the amazing ceilings in the palace.
There were celebrations and re-inactments while we are here commemorating the 500th year of Henry VIII ascension to the throne. So, there were actors portraying his six wives and himself on the grounds. They did an excellent job.
Katherine Parr
Today, we visited The Tower Of London. I've been many times and still enjoy going. This time they had a special exhibit on Henry VIII's armor. You may not know this, but we couldn't take pictures of most things as it is not allowed. So that's why you see mostly outside shots.
Here's the famous "traitors gate"
A guard at attention near the entrance to the vaults that hold the crown jewels. We saw those as well. They are too unbelievable to be real, but they are.
As we left the tower(s) we saw Tower Bridge from the Thames.
We attempted to see the reproduction of the original Globe Theatre, but they were closed. They will be open again on Sunday and we'll give it a try.
Here's a funny sign for one of the West End shows...I had to take the photo!!
We've ate well, but we've been walking our pants off as well. Plus it's really humid here too. We are having a great time all in all.
We even treated ourselves to a Cornish Ice Cream. I'll tell you about that when we get back.
Only a few days to go. It's really sped by.
Besides walking, as an active past-time, another exercise the English participate in is rowing. One of the famous rowing competitions is the Henley Regatta.
We visited Henley On Thames on the way back into London. The regatta is this week along with Wimbledon and Ascot.
Whilst in Henley, this guy followed us around everywhere we went, with his entourage - seriously.
He even followed us back to our tour bus. Heather thought he might be working part time at Starbucks there in Henley, because he came in about 5 times while we were there. I think he was trying to use the restroom.
By the way, the English have a nickname for Starbucks, they call it St. Ar-bucks.
The tour group returned to London and flew back to the USA. My daughter and I are staying on until June 30th.
We went on to Hampton Court Palace the following day. It was a gorgeous day.
Heather went through the maze and back. She took a picture of this at its center.
This is an archway of Elm trees.
Hampton Court Palace is half Tudor structure and half Baroque
Here's a great shot of the baroque side with our friend Nigel and myself.
Here's a picture of one of the amazing ceilings in the palace.
There were celebrations and re-inactments while we are here commemorating the 500th year of Henry VIII ascension to the throne. So, there were actors portraying his six wives and himself on the grounds. They did an excellent job.
Katherine Parr
Today, we visited The Tower Of London. I've been many times and still enjoy going. This time they had a special exhibit on Henry VIII's armor. You may not know this, but we couldn't take pictures of most things as it is not allowed. So that's why you see mostly outside shots.
Here's the famous "traitors gate"
A guard at attention near the entrance to the vaults that hold the crown jewels. We saw those as well. They are too unbelievable to be real, but they are.
As we left the tower(s) we saw Tower Bridge from the Thames.
We attempted to see the reproduction of the original Globe Theatre, but they were closed. They will be open again on Sunday and we'll give it a try.
Here's a funny sign for one of the West End shows...I had to take the photo!!
We've ate well, but we've been walking our pants off as well. Plus it's really humid here too. We are having a great time all in all.
We even treated ourselves to a Cornish Ice Cream. I'll tell you about that when we get back.
Only a few days to go. It's really sped by.
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