Gloria – willowdot21

Gloria gets ready to go home and gets a present.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Jennie and I came up with the idea that the children in the Aquaroom might like to find out about England..well my part of England. So we hit upon the idea of Gloria coming to stay so I could show her around. The Aquaroomers could follow my blog … And I would fill her Journal with stories and photos, for those who are there in Jennie’s class now and also future Aquaroomers. Jennie and I thought this was a great idea. So did Gloria. Below is a post aimed at The Aquaroomers I hope you and they like it!

Day 16 Gloria is given a present.

Gloria was busy yesterday packing and writing her Journal! Earl was helping her pack while Hubby was helping her write her journal. Hubby suddenly said,”Gloria I have something special for you to take home with you! ” “Really ” asked Gloria, “Is it a present for me?” Gloria likes presents . “Yes indeed a present for you from me and it is very special.”

Hubby went to his ‘Box of Special Things” and took out a round pin badge. ‘ This is a very special badge Gloria and if you put your pen down for a minute I shall tell you it’s story.

Gloria put down her pen down immediately and listed. Hubby took a sip of his tea and then began.

“A long time ago, there was a very big war called the World War I. When the war ended, many fields where soldiers had been were empty and quiet… but something bright and beautiful began to grow there — little red flowers called poppies 🌺.
People noticed these poppies and thought,
“Let’s use this flower to remember the brave soldiers who helped keep us safe.”
So the red poppy became a special symbol of remembering.
Not long after, in the 1920s, a caring group called the Royal British Legion was started.
It began in 1921, so now it has had its 100th birthday 🎉 (this year it is 105 years old)
The Royal British Legion helps:
Soldiers who were hurt in wars.
Families who feel sad or need help
Older veterans who need care
They are there to be kind and help people who served their country.
Every year, before a special day called Remembrance Day (on the 11th of November), people wear little red poppies.
The Royal British Legion gives out these poppies. People don’t have to pay a set price — they give a small donation 💰 if they can.
The money helps the charity keep caring for soldiers and their families.
So when you see a red poppy, it means: 🌺 “We remember.”
❤️ “We care.”
🤝 “We help.”
It’s a small flower with a very big meaning.”

Gloria loved that story and when Hubby put the badge on to her necklace she felt tears in her eyes and she noticed that hubby too had tears in his eyes. “Oh that is a lovely present, thank you so much hubby! I will treasure it always and tell the Aquaroomers all about what it means.” Hubby smiled.

Gloria was excited she rushed off to tell the others all about her present.

Gloria meets a Real Grenadier Guardsman !

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 14 Gloria meets Ben the Grenadier Guardsman.

Gloria asked Earl if she could go out to willows garden to see the flowers . When she noticed that there was someone at the flag pole next door. They were changing the flag! “What is going on ” she asked Earl ? Earl looked out and replied. ” Ah! that is Ben, Gloria, he lives nextdoor when he is not looking after the King and Queen at either Windsor or Buckingham Palace. He is a Grenadeir Guard. ” “Oh! ” Said Gloria “I see….. What is a Grenadeir Guard Earl?” Earl smiled “let’s ask willow if she will ask us out to ask him.”

Now the picture above is not Ben but that is exactly what Ben dresses like when he is at work it is called a uniform.

willow took Gloria out to meet Ben, who was very pleased to meet Gloria…they shook hands and Gloria asked Ben what a Grenadier Guardsman was. Ben smiled and said . “The Grenadier Guards are one of the British Army’s oldest infantry regiments. It was formed in 1656 in Bruges by King Charles II as part of his bodyguard. Originally the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, they were renamed in 1815 after defeating the French Imperial Guard at Waterloo. Known for their scarlet tunics and bearskins, they serve a dual role of elite frontline fighting and high-profile ceremonial duties protecting the Royals.”

Gloria was very impressed and asked “do you really look after the King and Queen and the other Royals?” “Yes ” said Ben “I do.”

“What are you doing to the Union Jack flag Ben?” Asked Gloria. “I am taking it down and putting up my Regimental Colours to fly while I am at home. ” “What are Regimental Colours when they are at home? Ben? ” Ben laughed ” It’s me at home Gloria…the flag of the Grenadier Guards is formally known as a Regimental Colour, which, unlike the Queen’s Colour, is often based on the Union Flag rather than being a plain crimson field. As the most senior infantry regiment in the British Army, the Grenadier Guard’s flags are steeped in royal history and are heavily laden with battle honours, symbolizing the regiment’s 360-year-old tradition” Ben paused there and Gloria said..” Wow! 360 years.. that is old… Are you that old Ben? ” “No Gloria , I am not! “

After Ben had put up his regimental colours he took a photo of Gloria climbing up to inspect the flag. Then Ben saluted Gloria and said goodbye, he was going off for his run…. A soldier, especially a Grenadeir Guard has to keep fit!

Then Gloria went into the back garden and had a look at some of willow’s flowers.

After all this information about the Grenadier Guard’s Gloria was tired so after she told everyone else about the new flag they all read Goodnight Moon.

Gloria Visits Windsor and Eton Part 2

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

DAY 10 . Gloria visits Windsor and Eton part2

Do you remember I said Gloria had so much fun that Louise and I decided it was time for lunch! But before we went to Pizza Express Gloria asked about the train that was on display in the station . So we back tracked to look at the train.

We had a close look at the information board and found out that it is a full-size replica steam locomotive named “The Queen,” representing the Great Western Railway (GWR) Achilles class 4-2-2 No. 3041. Built in 1982 for the “[Royalty & Empire]” exhibition, it was designed by Madame Tussauds to depict the train that carried Queen Victoria, who was the first British monarch to travel by rail. Gloria really wanted to drive the train so we had to explain that it was not a real train.

Then we went for Pizza ! We went to Pizza Express just down the hill from the Railway Station opposite the Castle walls. Gloria spent an age choosing what she wanted on the Menu. She finally chose Lazange.

While we were waiting for our food to arrive Gloria asked the Manager if she could see the kitchen. He very kindly said we could as long as she didn’t touch anything hot! So I carried her! As you can see she loved the smell of the cooking food.

When our food arrived we had a feast! Louise had chosen Canaloni and I had Lazange like Gloria and we also had salade. .. After lunch we went for a walk by the River Thames.

We had a look at the Theatre. This is the second theatre to stand on this site and opened on 13 December 1910. Built for Sir William Shipley and Captain Reginald Shipley. The first theatre was there from 1815 and had burnt down in 1908. The present theatre was designed by Frank Verity, the son of the theatre architect Thomas Verity. The building is Grade II listed and is the only unsubsidised producing theatre to operate all year round in the United Kingdom.

Gloria digesting her dinner by the River.

We walked back to the bridge to head to Eton. It’s a gentle 15min walk from the bridge to Eton College.

The Chapel Eton College from the river Thames.

Eton College is a world-renowned, independent boarding school for boys aged 13–18 in Eton, Berkshire, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI. As one of England’s most prestigious schools, it features a 1,300+ student body, 25 boarding houses, and a strong history of producing leaders, including numerous Prime Ministers and Royalty.

Originally established to provide free education to 70 poor scholars and prepare them for King’s College, Cambridge. It has evolved into an elite institution for 1,340 boys, known for its historic campus, strict traditional uniform, and prominent alumni.

For the 2024/25 academic year, Eton College fees are £17,583 per term (£52,749 annually). However, due to the addition of VAT from January 2025, fees are expected to rise to approximately £21,099.60 per term, bringing the annual total to over £63,000. There are three terms (Halves) in an academic year.

Gloria decided it was too posh and too expensive for her. Louise and I decided that Gloria had made the correct decision because she would miss the Aquaroomers too much 💜💜

So tired but happy we set off for home. Guess what Gloria did when she got home….

Gloria Visits Windsor and Eton .Part 1

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

DAY 10 : GLORIA GOES TO WINDSOR AND ETON.

The sun was warm through the window and Gloria and Earl were having a few quiet moments before everyone was up. willow was up though, she was in the kitchen with Olivia. Earl and Gloria could hear willow singing to Olivia.

” willow and her friend Louise are taking me to Windsor today. Earl do you know what Windsor is?” “I certainly do Gloria . It is a town in Berkshire, it’s very popular with the royal family and tourists. There is a Castle, a railway station, a Royal Theatre and the River Thames.” “That’s in London ” interrupted Gloria.”You’re right Gloria but it flows through Windsor too, as I was saying there is plenty to see and do. It’s one of the Royal family’s homes and they like Windsor very much. Are you going by train?” ” No, apparently we are going by bus…not just one but two.” Winked Gloria .

Later that morning Gloria was ready to go! She was in the Backpack. willow met Louise at the bus stop and they only had a few minutes to spare before the first bus arrived. Bus numbered 4. They found comfortable seats and off they went to Bracknell Bus Station. After asking at the office on which stand to catch the Windsor bus from, they went to Stand 3 and waited for the bus numbered 703.

Once on the second bus they all relaxed and chatted while Gloria watched out of the window. Gloria thought to herself this is like the train, lots of stops, some people got on with suitcases, they were going to Heathrow airport because this bus stopped at Terminal 5. Also some people got on with children wearing backpacks they were going to Legoland! Gloria almost wished she was going to Legoland!

As she did on the train, Gloria asked every time the bus stopped, are we there yet?

Gloria posted a letter a Queen Victoria post box.

As they got off of the bus the first place they saw was a very quaint building with lovely flower beds and a covered over portico area with benches. This is the Windsor Guildhall, the Town Hall, located on the High Street. Completed in 1690 by Sir Thomas Fitch, it is a Grade 1 listed building that historically has housed the town council, court, and market. Today, it is the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum and serves as a venue for ceremonies and weddings including Royal Weddings such as the one between the now King Charles and Queen Camilla. Gloria loved the flowers outside and insisted she had a photo taken sitting in them. Then she and Louise knocked on the on of the Mayor’s Parlour.

We then wondered along the High Street towards Windsor Castle. Louise and Gloria checked out the gift shops especially those with Teddy bears! Then we reached the Statue of Queen Victoria outside the Castle. The bronze statue of Queen Victoria is at the foot of Castle Hill, outside Windsor Castle. It was created by Sir Edgar Boehm and unveiled in 1887 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. The statue depicts her wearing a small coronet rather than a heavy state crown, reflecting her personal preference. Gloria thought Queen Victoria looked very stern. Louise and I agreed.

We decided to look at the Castle next. We were lucky there were no big queues! We told Gloria about the castle but there was so much information that she started to fall asleep!

The original castle was built in the 11th century, after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry 1st (who reigned from 1100 to 1135), it has been in constant use by the monarch and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe. The castle’s lavish early 19th-century state apartments were described
as a superb sequence of rooms, widely regarded as “the finest and most complete expression of later Georgian taste”. Inside the castle walls is the 15th-century St George’s Chapel, considered to be “one of the supreme achievements of English Perpendicular Gothic” design.

Originally designed to demonstrate Norman dominance around the outskirts of London and to oversee a strategically important part of the River Thames, Windsor Castle was originally built as a wooden motte-and-bailey castle, on a central mound of earth. Gradually it was replaced with stone fortifications. The castle withstood a prolonged siege during the First Barons’ War at the start of the 13th century and King Henry III commissioned a luxurious royal palace within the castle during the middle of that century. Later King Edward III went further, rebuilding the palace to make an even grander set of buildings. King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth Ist made increasing use of the castle as a royal court and centre for diplomatic entertainment.

Windsor Castle survived the tumultuous period of the English Civil War between 1642 to 1652, when it was used as a military headquarters by Parliamentary forces and a prison for King Charles I. At the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, King Charles II had much of Windsor Castle rebuilt, creating a set of extravagant interiors. After a period of neglect during the 18th century, King George III and George IV had King Charles II’s palace renovated and rebuilt at colossal expense, producing the current design of the state apartments. Queen Victoria made a few minor changes to the castle, which became the centre for royal entertainment for much of her reign. In the reign of King George VI, the Castle was used as a refuge by the royal family during the German bombing campaigns of the Second World War. The Castle caught on fire in 1992 and after an extensive restoration of several state rooms took place. The castle is currently a popular tourist attraction, a venue for hosting State visits, and was the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II from 2011 to 2022.

After looking at the castle, we decided we would go to the Railway Station to look at all the shops and stalls inside. We felt this would help to wake up our little Gloria who had fallen to sleep through boredom listening to all of the information about the castle .

So we popped across to the station. It’s a very vibrant place full of shops and stalls and restaurants and lots of people.

The station, which is directly opposite the castle, was specifically built for Queen Victoria in 1849 so she could get to get to the castle from London more easily than using the road system. The station had a dedicated royal waiting room.

Windsor Castle Station was formally opened on 8 October 1849 on the completion of the branch train line from Slough. The opening was after considerable opposition from the leadership of Eton College, a very expensive fee paying school. It is amusing to note that the leadership were convinced a railway in their vicinity would lead the Eton College boys astray.

Gloria had so much fun that Louise and I decided it was time for lunch! So we went to Pizza Express.

Before we went to Pizza Express Gloria asked about the train that is on display in the station but I will tell you all about that, lunch and our visit to Eton in part two tomorrow.

Gloria Meets A Guide Dog.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Jennie and I came up with the idea that the children in the Aquaroom might like to find out about England..well my part of England. So we hit upon the idea of Gloria coming to stay and I can show her around. The Aquaroomers can follow my blog … And I will fill her Journal with stories and photos, for those who are there in Jennie’s class now and also future Aquaroomers. Jennie and I think this is a great idea. So does Gloria. Below is a post aimed at The Aquaroomers I hope you and they like it!

Day 9 Gloria meets Oivia

Gloria was having her early morning chat with Earl when she sensed there was someone or something else in the room. “Earl there is something new in the room. Look it’s big and black. I am not sure what to do?” Earl looked over Gloria’s shoulder, he smiled and said “Oh Gloria that’s Olivia. She is a guide dog” .”What is a guide dog ” asked Gloria.

” I believe you call them service dogs Gloria,” “Oh yes I know what you mean Earl. Is she a dog that deals with fits, diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, cancer, hearing problems, paraplegic issues or blind people. ” ” She is a guide dog for blind people. Olivia actually retired last month, but she is a special dog. She worked an extra year because she was so good at her job. When she first started work saved her owner from walking under a bus. ” “What a heroine she is ” said Gloria.

“Shall we go and say hello to her” asked Gloria. Earl nodded and so they did.

“Good morning Olivia how are you today” asked Earl. “This is Gloria she is having a holiday with us !” ” Good morning Gloria it lovely to meet you! ” Gloria smiled and said ” likewise Miss Olivia.”

Gloria wanted to know all about Olivia and her job. She asked what is the guide dog for the blind association. So Olivia told her the facts. “The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (operating as Guide Dogs) is the world’s largest assistance dogs organization, providing independence and freedom to people with sight loss in the UK. Founded in 1931, it breeds and trains dogs, offers sighted guide training, and campaigns for the rights of those with visual impairments. Those are the facts Gloria” “Well” said Gloria , “when did you start your training.” “My training started the moment I was born. …. Tell you what Gloria, shall we watch some videos about how I was trained? “Oh yes Olivia that sounds like lots of fun 😊”

And so they did and here are the videos they watched.

Olivia asked Gloria if this was her first visit with willow and hubby and Gloria said it was and it had been very exciting. Olivia then said she had been here lots of times, sometimes with other dogs too. Gloria was interested to know why Olivia got to visit so often.

Olivia explained that guide dogs look after blind people…so say that the dog was ill or had an operation they would stay with someone who could see, and help them through their recovery. Or if the dog’s owner was ill or in hospital or had to go on work trip or a holiday the dog would go to a Guide Dog Association Volunteer. Gloria asked what a volunteer was. Olivia said that the volunteers were people who were trained. They can be puppies walkers or fosterers for trained, older working dogs and even retired dogs like herself. They look after guide dogs, in training, working or retired and the do it for free. The dogs bring their food and equipment with them so they are comfortable.

Gloria asked how long she was staying this time and Olivia said her owner and his wife were on a cruise so she was staying just over a fortnight! .. Gloria was very impressed. Olivia showed Gloria some of her pictures from earlier stays and some other dogs she had met. Not all guide dogs.

Then it was time to read Goodnight Moon and Olivia listened too.

Gloria has a Day Trip to London.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 8 Gloria goes to London

Gloria was up early and very excited. She told Earl that today was the day that willow and hubby were taking her up to London! Earl said “That’s wonderful Gloria, I came here from London, willow was born in London and hubby worked in London so they will have a great day planned. ” Gloria was positively beaming. ” We are going on a Train and a tube…. But I am not sure what a tube is?” “Ah!” Said Earl, a tube is a small but long train that goes along an underground tunnel. All the stations are under ground and there are lifts and escalators to reach the platforms. ” Well I never said Gloria…lifts and what’s the other thing, an escalator, Earl ?” “Moving stairs Gloria, that take you up and down! “

I came down stairs and asked Gloria if she would mind riding in a backpack because there was going to be a lot of walking today. Gloria thought about this and decided it would be a very good plan and fun too. So I helped Gloria into one of our backpacks. We tried three but none were quite right. Then we tried hubby’s new backpack and it was a perfect fit. Don’t you think Gloria looks happy and comfortable.

The three of us set off for the 20minute walk to the station. When we arrived we bought our tickets, all day travel cards including zones one to six on the tube. The lady in the ticket office said Gloria didn’t need a ticket because she was not old enough. We didn’t have to wait long for our train to arrive!

This is the view from inside the train. At first Gloria stayed in her bag on the seat having a good look around.

Then she got inquisitive as more people got on the train….then she asked me to lift her up so she could look out the window at the passing scenes.

The journey was an hour and ten minutes long with lots of stops 16 in all. At every stop Gloria asked “Are we there yet willow?” To which I replied “Nearly Gloria”. With my fingers crossed 🤞.

Finally we arrived at Waterloo Station and boy it was so busy. We were glad Gloria was in her bag… I think Gloria was too.

We left Waterloo Station, ( it’s called Waterloo after a huge battle which was fought on Sunday 18 June 1815, near Waterloo, which is ten miles from Brussels. Marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The French Imperial Army under the command of Napoleon were defeated by Arthur Wellesley and the Duke of Wellington)

The sun was out and the sky was blue and Gloria had a great view. We walked along the Thames and across the bridge towards The Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey past the London eye. Here are some photos.

Gloria spotted Big Ben and the houses of Parliament.

After Gloria had seen the houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey we headed off to see Downing Street. Then HorseGuards Parade, we were headed off towards Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column .(The Battle of Trafalgar took place on 21 October 1805.) Gloria wanted to see and know everything. I was glad to carry her because I did not want to loose her!

Next it it was time to walk the 25 minuite walk up the Mall to Buckingham Palace. Here are some pictures.

Then we walked through Green Park to catch the tube and head for the Tower of London! We went on the Tube, down two escalators Gloria thought it was so exciting!

We caught the tube from Green Park. One stop on the Jubilee line to Westminster then we changed to the district line five stations to Tower Hill. As we came out of the station we could see the Tower across the road. We stopped to show Gloria the remains of the Roman City of Londinium. A prominent, 2,000-year-old fragment of the Roman London Wall stands in a garden just outside Tower Hill underground station. Built around AD 200, this, along with a smaller section inside the station’s westbound platform, constitutes a significant, accessible remnant of the original 3rd-century, 2-mile boundary wall.

We crossed the road and walked around the castle walls and saw the statues of a lion and two lionesses. “Why are there statues of wild animals here asked Gloria” I explained that that area was called The Royal Menagerie of the Tower of London was a historic, centuries-old royal zoo established in the early 1200s by King John to showcase exotic, diplomatic gifts like lions, polar bears, and elephants. Located near the western entrance, it became a public attraction before moving to Regent’s Park in 1835 to become the London Zoo.

After we had walked around the outside of the walls and Gloria had her photo taken at Traitors Gate. Gloria asked me “what is Traitors Gate? ” I explained that Traitors Gate is an historic water-gate entrance to the Tower of London beneath St. Thomas’s Tower, built between 1275 and 1279 by Edward 1st. Known for transporting prisoners accused of treason via the River Thames during the Tudor period, it served as the dramatic, often final, entry point for high-profile figures such as Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More and Queen Elizabeth 1st thoy she actually came out again.

As we walked away from the Tower we walked towards the Thames … Gloria was so excited to see Tower Bridge!

Finally on our way to get the tube to start our journey home we walked along to Pudding Lane to see the monument where the fire of London started . I explained to Gloria that The Monument to the Great Fire of London, often called simply The Monument, is a 202-foot-tall Doric column situated near Pudding Lane in the City of London. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr. Robert Hooke, it was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the 1666 fire and celebrate the city’s rebuilding. I also told Gloria that if the monument was layed down on its side in the correct direction, it’s tip would reach the exact point where the fire started. Gloria thought that was very cool 😎

We were all tired by then so we got the tube to Waterloo and then the train home! Guess what Gloria did when she got in….Yes she told everyone all about her trip…then before going to sleep the all read GOODNIGHT MOON 🌙 🌝

Gloria Goes to Brighton and celebrates Mother’s Day.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 6 Gloria celebrates Mother’s Day.

Gloria and Earl where chatting when Earl asked Gloria if she knew what day it was. Gloria thought 🤔 and then she said “it’s Sunday Earl”. Earl said “Yes it Sunday but it is also Mother’s Day” Gloria thought then she said “but Mother’s Day is in May…” “Not in England Gloria it’s in March and it’s today. Did you notice willow’s middle and youngest son have already given her cards and chocolates. Now today willow and hubby are going to Brighton to visit their eldest son’. “Brighton? asked Gloria,”What’s that?”….” It’s a a town by the sea and guess what they are taking you” “Really” said Gloria “They are taking me too?”

*****

So we got ready and off we went. Gloria was sitting safe and comfortable in the back. It was a lovely day the sun was out and the traffic was light. We made good time.

When we arrived at P’s house the first job was to get P’s car going, it had a flat battery. Gloria decided to help, she was in charge of making sure the jump leads worked!

In the end the guys had to buy a new battery. While they were out Gloria tried out the furniture in P’s house…she found a comfy chair! When they came back the three of us and Gloria set off for a walk. We ended up at a pub…

Gloria liked the pub it was even nicer than the first one! She enjoyed a huge Sunday lunch with chicken and roasties and Yorkshire puddings.

After dinner we all walked home. We were all cold so P. Made up a fire in his wood burner … Gloria sat by the fire but at a safe distance.

When it was time to go home Gloria got into my bag she said she was going to look after my chocolates. I wonder 🤔

Then we drove home in the rain. Gloria thought the lights looked magical!

When we got home Glory told the boys all about her day. Then they all read Goodnight Moon with Gloria!

Gloria goes Go Karting.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 5 Gloria goes to Go Karting practice.

This morning when I came downstairs Gloria and Earl were sitting by the window discussing the weather. It was zero degrees outside and everywhere was white! This is what I heard. “Earl I am worried about the critters they must be cold and hungry out there.” ” There’s no need to worry Gloria willow’s hubby gives them fresh food and water ever day” That made Gloria feel much better.

I went in and told them both that we were taking Gloria Go Karting. We were off to see our oldest grandson practicing at Daytona circuit Sandown in Esher. I also told Gloria that yes there is a Daytona racetrack located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Because I could see she was thinking. Gloria smiled and asked if Earl was joining us. Earl was quick to say.. “Not today Gloria it’s too cold for me!”

So we unplugged our electric car 🚗 and we all went to our son’s house. Gloria was delighted to meet both of our grandsons. The youngest one was going out with his mum but was really glad to meet Gloria before he left. M our eldest grandson showed Gloria around!

She loved watching him driving on a video racing program he likes to practice on! She also sat by the screen and tried to distract him….she could not.

Then she decided to try out the exercise bike.. yes she was having lots of fun.

Then Gloria asked if she could try on our grandson’s crash helmet… I think it really suits her…. what do you think 🤔

Finally it was time for us to head off for practice ! So we all headed off in our son’s car…. Hubby, me , J and M. When we arrived Gloria had her photo taken at reception.

We saw all the cars lined up and ready to go!

While M was at the health and safety briefing Gloria was allowed to have a go in a go kart. A very kind Marshal took her photo as we were not allowed on the track.

Then it was time to watch M doing practice laps. We were so proud and excited to watch M do his best. He did the fastest laps in his group, hooray 🎉 🙌 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🙌🙌.

When we got home Gloria was exhausted but happy.. spent ages telling Earl all about her day. Then it was time to read Goodnight.Moon.

Gloria meets a nearly centenarian

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 4 Gloria meets Jingles and Ozzie

Gloria and Earl were having a chat. “Gloria, have you ever met a nearly centanerian?” Gloria looked confused “A nearly centanerian Earl, what’s that?” “It’s someone who is nearly one hundred!” “No Earl I have not, have you? ” Earl beamed and said ” yes Gloria I have, would you like to meet one, infact would you like to meet two!” Gloria thought about this question her eyes lit up and then she replied! “Yes please I would”

So Earl disappeared for a few minutes and came back with a photo of two very old and senior friends.

” Now these are Ozzie and Jingles, Gloria and they would very much like to meet you!”…

“Let’s meet Jingles first…he is looking a little different from this picture and he can tell you why”

” Hello Gloria I am willow’s old Teddy Bear. I have known her all of her life”Gloria thought for a moment then said “well I know willow is old but she is not nearly one hundred years old! Is she? ” “No” replied Jingles laughing, ” but I am because I was someone else’s Teddy before I met willow. Her name was Margret, she was my first little girl. We Teddy Bears often have more than one owner 💜” “Oh!” Said Gloria. ” I didn’t know that. Can you tell me why are you all called Teddy Bears .” “Now that is an interesting story Gloria. Teddy bears are named after President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. Apparently Mr Roosevelt was on a hunting trip. He refused to shoot a cornered bear. The story was made public and a candy shop owner Morris Michtom from Brooklyn decided to create a stuffed toy, calling it “Teddy’s Bear” with the President’s permission. Ever since then we have been called Teddy Bears.” Gloria was really excited. ” So all Teddy Bears are named after an American president… That makes me proud! But Jingles you look so different to your picture .. What happened to you.? “

“Well now Gloria it’s a rather nice story. willow’s hubby knew that she loves me very much and that she was sad that I was looking so old . He searched the internet and found a Teddy Bear Hospital . I was sent off by parcel post to a lovely place in Cornwall were a lady called Angie looked after me and restored me to health. She was really kind to me, she washed and mended me. She call what she did, a sympathetic renovation! Willow was so excited when I came home because she had no idea I had even been sent off. She said it was a wonderful surprise. And she cried because she was so happy. To be honest I cried too but no one saw “

Just then Earl came in with Ozzie who really looked in a state of poor repair. Poor Ozzie he needed to sit in the chair.

“Oh! my goodness” said Gloria “what has happened to you ?”

“Well said Ozzie, nothing really I just got old. I was truly loved by willow. Jingles and I have been the very best of friends forever. I also belonged to Margret before I was given to willow. ” “Oh! my goodness ” said Gloria.”are you the same age as Jingles?” “No Gloria, I am older and that’s what happened to me I just got old! Not long after I arrived at willow’s home her daddy made me a new suit out of one his socks. My old suit was blue and it had become very tatty”

Gloria thought long and hard then she looked at Earl and he nodded to her. Gloria them said. “Jingles and Ozzie I am Gloria and I am very pleased to meet you both. I come from America and I live with Jennie and all the children in the Aquaroom” Jingles and Ozzie both bow their heads and said that they were both very pleased to meet her too and they wanted to hear all about the children in the Aquaroom.

Earl noticed that Gloria looked a little sad he put his paw on her arm and asked why she looked sad, was she missing the children in the Aquaroom and Jennie. ..Gloria nodded, yes she was but she knew she was going back to them after her holiday so that was okay. No she was worried about Ozzie!

“Oh! No need to worry about me Gloria. I am going off to Cornwall in April to see Angie and be sympatheticly restored even though I am not a Teddy Bear…no I am a Rabbit 🐰” Everyone including Gloria laughed. Then it was time for everyone to read Goodnight Moon ….

Aquaroomers, who are those two bears on top of Gloria’s hat…. We will find out another day.

One-Liner Wednesday – A burning question Dog?,Doll? Or Gloria.

Conversation between my friend and I. My friend Lou has known that Gloria has been coming to stay with me for weeks. We have discussed it at length. Unfortunately we have totally missed understood each other? The day before yesterday we went out to lunch and a glass of wine. Eventually we finally ironed things out…