A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

August 1, 2016

England Grand Tour, Leg VIII ~ Knutsford

Greetings!

I hope you are all doing well! I understand there is quite a bit of heat happening throughout the US and the same has been true throughout my travels here. For those of you who love it, enjoy it; for those of you who don't, may it cool off soon!

After our fun adventure in Liverpool, Shirley and I enjoyed a quiet and delicious dinner at the hotel. We turned in early as the next day dawned with a well-planned and delightfully well-attended soirĂ©e to allow even more bloggie friends to meet me and each other:
I must have asked them to say "knickers!"

Don't strain your peas, I've got lovely closeups for you!
Shirley BamptonAnita Hickson, Pat (Ros's friend), and Ros Crawford

And last, but not least:
Me, with Victoria's daughter Alexa, Blogland's youngest card artist
who is quite serious about (and quite excellent at) color arrangements!

I had such a lovely day meeting all these talented and beautiful ladies up close and personal. My only complaint was that the lunch ended too soon!

Lottie and her husband Jim stayed over at the hotel and joined me for dinner along with Anne and her husband David.

Thank you, Lottie and Jim! It was wonderful to be able to have extra time with you to get to know you even better. It was another amazing jam-packed day!

~~~

The next afternoon, David returned to go with me to the Gauntlet Birds of Prey. Long-time friends will know I love most birds and have a special love for the wee-est hummingbirds and the huge-est raptors. In this case, raptors were aplenty, including the most beautiful eagles, kites, and owls, and even (inexplicably) a small exhibit of meerkats! We also saw a thrilling flying exhibit!
Afterward, David and I drove through a beautiful valley to Anne and David's home where Anne made me her specialty: beef and potato pie!
Am I a lucky woman or what?! Thank you to Annie and David for the many, many ways you went out of your way to make my time in your neck of the woods so memorable and heart-warming! I will cherish our time together!

I'm lucky in friends and I lucky in weather. This day marked the twelfth straight day of some sunshine! 
Sometimes it took until late afternoon, but the sun has been out part of every day! A Guinness record, perhaps?!

To be continued ...

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

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62 comments:

Lisa Elton said...

So many card making artists gathered around one table!!

Greta said...

I'm trying so hard not to be exceedingly jealous--haha! Actually it's so much fun going along with you via pictures! Wishing you lots more fun..& sunshine!!..before you head home! Hugs, Greta

Bunny said...

Beef and potato pie sounds wonderful.

Carol L said...

I'm so enjoying your trip in pictures!!! Thanks for sharing and I'm so envious of you having such a wonderful time meeting everyone :)

Laurie Unger said...

I'm so glad that you're enjoying your visit with all these lovely talented ladies. I'm pea green with jealousy! One day......

Cat Craig said...

This is so delightful to be able to peek in on your adventures. Continue with the safe travels, and enjoy!

Happy Dance said...

As in the drinkable Guinness??! Hahaha. Another wonderful day filled with IRL meetings, delicious food, and friends whom most of us here on this side of the pond can only dream of meeting. How wonderful for you. I look forward to your travelog every day. Can't wait to hear more about it!! Have more fun, be a bit safe, and enjoy yourself!! xoxo Bev

Loll said...

I'm so enjoying meeting all the bloggie friends Dolly. And they have taken such good care of you. Crafters are the most generous and caring people. The fun continues, and you must have brought the sunshine with you, my friend. Because that's what you are ... pure sunshine! :) Looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip. It's been spectacular so far. Lolly xx

Birgit said...

It really looks like you are having the best time and so happy for you! It's so neat to be meeting fellow bloggers especially the cute one who seems a bit camera shy:) I love the bird pics and the meerkats....they always put a smile on my face

Sharron said...

Wow, look at you with all your wonderful crafty friends! Hope every one of your days brings sunshine and fun! Stay safe!!

Dr Sonia S V said...

Oooh Darnell I cant help but feel a wee bit envious of you....so lucky to meet so many wonderful crafter friends!! Sooo happy for you...cherish the wonderful memories
Cheers
Dr Sonia

Aileen said...

Totally enjoying all your posts. Not commenting on all but reading all. You must be the most popular crafter I know. So many people to catch up with, amazing. So good to see your keeping yourself well fed and seeing lots. Keep enjoying and posting.

MaryH said...

Oh thanks for sharing your glorious fun with all the rest of us. It was delightful to see some familiar faces and I'm SO excited (um, becited!) to read that you got to meet Our Anne! I know it was such a wonderful meeting of 2 great talents, and boy, did that pie look so yummy. The pictures are wonderful (good photography, girl). I'm happy reading that you're getting to see all these beautiful places, and even though it's hot, at least you have sunshine, not dreary rain to be slogging around in. And thanks so much for the p/card. How kind you are to think of us, when you've got so much activity going on! Big hugs - to you and to the friends you are meeting. Hope you're getting a good rest at night.

Cheryl W. said...

I'm just so happy for you, Darnell! Your trip looks amazing, and the opportunity to meet so many blogland friends must be the thrill of a lifetime. Safe travels as you journey on (or home).

Shona Chambers said...

Sunshine for that many days, must be a record!!!! Well done you for bringing the California sunshine with you for your holiday. The birds would have been fabulous to see and love those little meerkats. Everyone has been so wonderful welcoming you into their homes, you are certainly well loved!!

Helen said...

Great photos of your latest instalment. can't wait to see where you go next!

Kathyk said...

I'm really enjoying your roadshow, Darnell, so nice to put faces to names out there in blogland. Privileged to have been part of your roadshow too.

Can't wait for your take on the HLS retreat mate - such fun!

Enjoy the last few days of the roadshow and safe journey homeward.

Kathyk

Di said...

Am loving these diary entries of your trip around our country Darnell. Losing track of all the wonderful people you've met along the way! And there's more to come! Yay!

Hugs

Di xx

ike said...

I am so glad you are enjoying yourself and meeting all these wonderful people AND getting some good weather :-D

Hugz
IKE xx

Sue said...

WOW you sure are getting to meet a lot of bloggers.

So glad you are having so much fun and the weather is being good for you.

You take care. Sue

Stamps and Paper said...

W|hat a lovely gathering of 'bloggers' Darnell....love the birds of prey and Anne's pie looks delicious...Keep the photographs coming...

Anne x

kiwimeskreations said...

What a wonderful time you are having Darnell - so glad the weather is co-operating for you!! I must have knowed you were coming.
Blessings
Maxine

!neke said...

Darnell I see you stil enjoying your trip !!!!!!
Great and have fun !!!!!

Ineke X

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

You are having a wonderful trip!!

Mac Mable said...

Really enjoying reading about your fantastic trip. Also love seeing the photos and putting crafty names to faces. You sure look like you are having fun and being well taken care of...bring on the next installment x

Chriss Blagrave said...

Such a great pic-filled post with all of these sweet crafters! What a wonderful time to enjoy and cherish. We are so lucky that you are sharing ❤️đŸ˜˜
Do take care in your travels and continue to enjoy! XOX

Sandra H said...

Super photo's again Darnell and l truly wished l'd been there to meet you as you know other plans where in force l'm loving all of the photo's and when and where you go next your sure packing in plenty and hope to continue to do so enjoy the remaining time you have here sending lots of love. XX

Sandy said...

It's so fun to see faces attached to names I see on linkys. Glad you are having a good time and the weather is cooperating.

Brenda in IN said...

Wow, what a fantastic group of stampers you got to have lunch with. AND a brand new little stamper too! She looks so serious about her crafting. I'm so glad you got to visit the Gauntlet Birds of Prey. I did go look it up after you told me about it. Being able to have authentic homemade food from Anne's kitchen was a lovely gesture and such a treat. I believe you are the new "queen" over there, certainly they treated you like one.

Sharon Underwood said...

Wow, how neat to meet so many of your blogger friends! I am enjoying your posts as you travel. Hope you continue to have a wonderful trip!

conil said...

Just look how popular you are. What a terrific turn-out for your visit. You must have been so pleased. And they look like a group that likes to laugh, always a good thing. Did you eat all of Anne's beautiful pie? I only ask because you mentioned there has been a great deal of food and that pie looks fabulous. So glad you enjoying yourself and that the weather is being kind to you.

Shelly said...

Sounds like you're having an amazing time! :)
Such happy photos...thanks for sharing!

Em Louise Fairley said...

The party continues. You're such a blessing, Darnell!
Hugs,
Em xxx

Geri said...

WOW! Did we have fun today or what??? Sure did!!! I'm so glad that you are faithfully sharing your trip with us! Favorite today is the darling little 'mirror kitty' (channeling my inner Darnell)....with the beef & potato pie coming in as a close second!

Karenladd said...

Good grief Darnell!!! One would think you were a visiting head of state with all that attention, and the fancy luncheons! What a wonderful trip you're having...and with such warm and enthusiastic hosts and tour guides. When you first talked about going on this UK tour of crafty bloggers I had imagined you parked in one spot, attending a craft expo or something. I had no idea you would be on a real adventure. leaving your mark in all corners of England (and even Wales). Hmm, that makes it sound like you're a dog or cat laying claim to a new neighborhood, doesn't it? I hope you are having as much fun sharing your trip as we are following you along!

shirley-bee said...

If I'd known there were meerkats, I might have taken myself there for a look! Looking forward to your next instalment :)

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I've been enjoying your travels and photos. All this from my seat and no luggage fees!

Jean said...

Such an adventure!

Becca Cruger said...

Oh my goodness! So many crafters that are on my list to meet. So jealous!

Redanne said...

Ahh, it seems like just yesterday since we were together! So glad you got a picture of my favourite rusty skeleton when David drove you here too, he is pretty impressive (the skeleton is not bad either - lol!!). Hope you are still enjoying your time with crafty friends and that you have a safe journey home my dear friend!! Big hugs from us both, Annie and David xxxx

Flo said...

I soooo enjoy your travel diary--so much fun you're having, and wishing you more. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all those fine people and country!

Verna Angerhofer said...

It looks like you are having a wonderful tour of England. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Nora Noll said...

I am so jealous that you are doing this fun trip!! LOVE that you are able to meet up with so many fun bloggers. I would love to do this sometime!! Thank you for all the fun photos!!

Sybrina K said...

How sweet of you to let us join you vicariously! Thanks for sharing all these wonderful memories and great pics. :)

glitterandglue said...

Hi Darnell. What an amazing time you are having - I just wish I could have caught up with you whilst you have been over here. But... there we go... You sound as if you have now done this part of the land - are you coming to North Wales at all? or are you staying in England? I've been so enjoying looking at all your photos.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret (WOYWW - glitterandglue)

Ros Crawford said...

Oh this tour is working out splendidly! I'm so glad that you are having fun and meeting so many Brits along the way ... Love the photos and that meerkat is so cute! Enjoy your next stop!

Craftychris said...

Ooh another wonderful batch of photos! It all looks such fun! Alexa is so sweet, bless her and Anne's pie looks absolutely yummy! You look so happy - you deserve to be having the best time ever my friend! xxxxxxx

lilian said...

Great post Darnell and love all the pictures.

Lovely to meet you at the weekend,

Lilian

I Card Everyone said...

Let me just say: I WANT THE PIE!!! I'm enjoying your journey, D!!
=]

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Glad to see your UK tour is still going strong. I've been on one of my own the past five days, which included meeting another blogger all the way from the US of A!

Tina Z. said...

I am so enjoying your trip in pictures, pure pleasure! So glad that you are having a great time! And I think you brought sunshine with you. Enjoy!

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
What a popular gal you are and rightly so. I know you're somewhere over Canada now making your way back home and you will be missed on this side of the Atlantic.
It was a joy to meet you and hope you get to come back soon.
Best wishes.
Ang x

Liz said...

What an amazing adventure you've had, Darnell! It's been lovely to read about your travels, especially being able to put blogger faces to names. But....... I wish you'd left the good weather here. The last few days in Devon an Ark would have been a better bet than a caravan! đŸ˜‰ xx

Anita in France said...

What a joy to have seen every installment of your Big Adventure (so far) in one delicious sitting, Darnell ... looks like all that planning and charting helped to make it all go smoothly!! You took such a glorious tour, met up with so many lovely, warm, generous people (and they got to meet up with lovely, warm, generous you!), and ate and drank your way round England like a trooper!! Sorry I wasn't able to follow every day ... it's been crazy here and I've hardly been near the computer for weeks! What a catch up though ... each of your posts was well worth waiting for ... your energy and enthusiasm shines through every word and picture! Looking forward to hearing more details when the opportunity arises!!! LYAMYMCA! Big hugs and bisous, bisous, Anita :)

Brenda said...

Still catching up on my commenting Auntie! I love this days adventures! What fun to meet up with all those talented ladies, I love the pictures of them and you. How cute is the youngest creator?!!! Adorable! I also love the birds and meercats, that sounds like a fun place to go and yes, how lucky for you to have supper at Anne and David's house, and boy does the beef and potato pie look yummy!!! So glad you had sunshine everyday! The sky looks so beautiful. Hugs, Brenda

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

How wonderful to meet so many talented crafters! Great bird pics! Just wondering if the meerkats are serving as raptor food....

Julia Aston said...

What a wonderful lunch you had with SO many stamping friends! How lovely that you met Anne and Jenny - two that I know well as they are on the A Vintage Journey Team with me - would love to travel to England to meet them! Julia xx

Karen Dunbrook said...

how wonderful!!!

Lisa T said...

You are meeting so many people Darnell! And not only that, but their husbands too - and all of them so generous with their hospitality! That pie looked yummy... and it's lovely to see our craft grabs the imagination of even the youngest people.

Jenny Marples said...

It was fantastic to finally meet up with you and all the ladies in Cheshire! Thank you for organising such a wonderful get together and for my Hammie - he's sitting keeping an eye on the action chez Marples ;) So glad you've had such a fabulous trip to the UK xx

Michelle said...

Your luck with the sunshine was amazing! I lived in London many years ago for a year. In that year I think there were about 3 days with blue skies. I even took a photo of it one day so that I could keep it on my wall and remember what it looked like!

Barb said...

It's wonderful that through your visit you've brought so many blogland friends together. It's lovely to be able to put faces to names and I've really enjoyed reading about your travels. You've certainly done lots of eating and I have to comment on Anne's pie which looks absolutely delicious. Barbxx