Learning – willowdot21

Gloria Has an Egg Hunt.

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 15 Gloria has an egg hunt.

Gloria and Earl were having a read of Goodnight Moon when Gloria suddenly said “Do you think we will get an Easter Egg Earl?” Earl smiled and replied, “Well Gloria I am not really sure, what do you normally do at Easter?” Gloria looked surprised and Earl had to swallow deeply not to laugh! “Well said Gloria we usually go on an egg hunt!” So Earl got up and said ” Come on Gloria let’s go on an egg hunt!”

They looked in the garden but no there were no eggs!

So they asked Jingles and Ozzie and everyone else. They even woke Olivia up. Then they asked willow’s Sister and willow’s friend Louise. Not forgotting Charlie the nail lady. But no knew where the eggs were!

They looked in the playpark and the town but there were no eggs to be found 😔

So they knocked next door and asked Ben if he knew where the eggs might be. He didn’t but he suggested they looked around the flag pole and checked the flags. But still they could not find the eggs!

Then Earl said let’s ask willow and hubby if they know where the eggs are.

And Guess what they knew where the eggs were straight away! Hubby looked very sheepish and quickly said “willow ate them all!!” Gloria and Earl were distraught! “What!” Cried Gloria. She looked so disappointed. Hubby and willow smiled and said, “Don’t worry the eggs are safe ! No one has eaten them . Look they are here safe and sound!” Everyone laughed.

So Gloria had her Easter Eggs. And she was Happy.

And Earl was happy too. So was everyone else because Gloria was happy to share with everyone!

After they had finished both eggs it was time for a wash and then what do you think they did next ?

Yes they read Goodnight Moon. Happy Easter Everyone 🐇🐰🐣

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.

willow, Olivia,Earl and Gloria and a Cataract.

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

Day 13 Gloria learns about cataracts

Earl was having a lay down, he was tired. Gloria and Olivia were chatting about nothing in particular, just girly talk. When willow came across to join them. She sat down with Olivia.

“Hi everyone I have some news for you all” they all sat up and looked at willow. “What’s going on?” asked Olivia looking startled. “Yes” asked Gloria, “what’s going on ?” Earl snored.

“Well”said willow , “I am going to a hospital to get Lazer surgery to remove a cataract from my left eye. ” Gloria and Olivia looked horrified? …”Lazer surgery… A Cataract? What on earth” they both said together!

Gloria stood up and Olivia moved across to the window . ” Earl got up and calmly said. “Now calm down everyone, willow and I will explain it to you both. ” … Everyone way quiet and looked at willow. “Right, a cataract is a common, age-related condition. As I have got older the natural lens inside my eye has become cloudy. That makes me have blurry vision. It’s just like looking through a foggy window. ” Gloria looked sad, Oh willow does that mean you will not be able to read Goodnight Moon 🌝” and Olivia added ” Or weigh my food out?” They both looked worried 😟.

willow was about to answer when Earl put up his paw and continued. ” No you too it won’t come to that. Nowadays a cataract can be treated with a quick, safe outpatient surgery that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear, permanent artificial lens to restore vision. It’s as simple as that. Though I know for a fact willow is nervous and not really looking forward to tomorrow 💜”

Gloria and Olivia then asked “what will happen to us while willow is having her operation? ” Earl said, ” that’s not a problem hubby will be here to look after us. And I shall look after everyone while hubby drops willow off and then after the op while he picks willow up again. That also means, Gloria we might not get to do your blog for a couple of days as willow is taking a little break from all blogging while her eyes recover. ”

Gloria and Olivia were relieved to hear that . Then Ozzie and Jingles came across and they all read Goodnight Moon 🌝. Then as a special treat willow read it again to Gloria.

Gloria’s Spell

Word Prompt from Sammi

Spell

Challenge

Weekend Writing Prompt #461: This weekend your challenge is to write a poem or a piece of prose in exactly 13 words using the word “Spell”.

Gloria has put a spell on me
Her spirit makes me so happy

all photos © willowdot21

Gloria Goes To The Playground.

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

Day 12: Gloria goes to the playground.

“Today Earl” Gloria announced, “I am going to the play park with willow. ” Oh that will be fun Gloria. Why are you going there? ” Gloria smiled and then she said.. ” It’s like this Earl , I am missing the Aquaroomers and when willow suggested we go to the playground I was so pleased ” ” What a good idea Gloria, you will get fresh air, exercise and meet friends!”

Later willow got Gloria ready to go out.

So willow, Gloria, hubby and Olivia set off for a walk. Hubby was taking Olivia for her afternoon walk while willow and Gloria were heading for the playground. Unfortunately Olivia is not allowed in the playground. Olivia is retired now but if she was working and she was guiding say a blind mum and her children, or if she was with a grandparent with their grandchildren, she would be allowed in. So when they came up to the playground hubby and Olivia went off to the fields and willow and Gloria went the other way towards the playground.

Gloria on the climbing frame with a new friend.

Gloria had a lovely time and met lots of parents and children.. They all loved Gloria and we’re very interested to hear who Gloria was and they amazed when they heard that she came all the way from America.

Here are pictures of what Gloria did at the playground. It’s a nice place, all the equipment is built to safety standards. No sharp edges or anything that can hurt. The grass was covered in a rubber coating called “soft fall” that really pleased Gloria knowing she and everyone else was safe.

After Gloria had had enough time playing with all the other children it was time to meet hubby and Olivia. They had had a lovely walk too. So they all walked home for tea and cake 🍰 .

Later Gloria told the others about all the fun she had at the playground. And then they all read. Goodnight Moon 🌝

Gloria Plays Hide and Seek.

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

Day 11 Gloria visits Wokingham.

Earl and Gloria were sitting with Olivia who was resting after her morning walk. Earl ask Gloria if she had anything planned for the day. Olivia looked up and said “I do, I am going to have a sleep before my next walk! ” Earl and Gloria laughed! they thought that was funny.

So Olivia went to sleep and Earl and Gloria sat by the window and chatted. Gloria was thinking…that usually made Earl nervous when he could see she was thinking. Then Gloria’s eyes lit up and she said. “I remember Earl , willow is going to take me to town today.” Earl looked surprised . “willow and hubby took you to London already. ” ” Yes I know said Gloria but London is a city isn’t it Earl?” “Yes it is” said Earl “but we often call London, London Town.” “I see” said Gloria, ” well today willow said she was taking me to Wokingham Town.”

So later on Gloria was all ready in the rucksack. Hubby gave them a lift up town because it was so cold and he was going shopping to get Olivia some more carrots. …Never run out of carrots if your Labrador likes them!

Hubby dropped willow and Gloria off in Rose Street, so willow and Gloria set off towards the Church. On the way Gloria said she wanted to play hide and seek. willow said yes why not, along as Gloria didn’t really hide .. because willow didn’t want to loose her.

Below is the is the Parish Church All Saints. Can you spot Gloria.

All Saints Church in Wokingham is the town’s oldest building, with a history dating back to its original dedication between 1189 and 1193. Rebuilt in the 15th century, the church is known for its distinctive tower and significant Victorian restoration.

We popped across the road to the house on Tudor Corner . This is a very old house . Can you spot Gloria?

Then we went round the corner into Rose Street to look at the Georgian and Tudor mix of houses there. Can you spot Gloria.

Rose Street, is a historic street believed to be part of the town’s original medieval development, with early records referring to it as “La Rothe”. It is known for its enclosed, narrow character and features several listed, timber-framed buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Here is a really Tudor house still standing and still lived in.

In Rose Street Number 31 once housed the Maiden School. The school was established in 1795 following a charitable donation from Martha Palmer’s will. A few doors along at number 21 was the home of the National School. National Schools were founded in 1825 by the Church of England to provide rudimentary education to the poor. The two schools were amalgamated into one a few years later.

Oh! Where is Gloria Now ?

Rose Street has thirty-two listed buildings; the oldest is probably number 16-18, the WADE charity shop, which dates from the early fifteenth century. This was the time of the Black Death, the Battle of Crecy, Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’ and Edward III as King.

Here we are still in Rose 🌹 Street where is that Gloria.

Alongside the schools, Rose Street has also been home to numerous pubs. Today there is the Fifty-six which was previously the Metropolitan. But earlier there were others including the Eagle at number 9, and the curiously named the Poor Man’s Friend…. You can see the sign for the Fifty Six in the right hand photo.

This is another Church in Rose Street it’s also is a community centre for the old, the young and the in-between. But Gloria is no where to be seen!

Gloria was excited to see the Town Hall but where is she?

The original building on the site was a medieval guildhall completed in 1612. After significant industrial growth in the middle of the 19th century, as the silk industry and then the brick-making industry developed, civic leaders decided to replace the very dilapidated guildhall with a new structure.

The new building, which was designed by William Ford Poulton and William Henry Woodman in the Gothic style and built with red bricks from local sources, was officially opened by Lord Braybrooke on 6 June 1860.

In 1219, Wokingham received a charter to hold a weekly market. These early markets were likely held in Rose Street before moving to Market Place several centuries later.

all extra information, in small print is from Wikipedia

After all the fresh air and hide and seek Gloria was ready for an afternoon nap with Olivia

Then yes you’re right it was time to read Goodnight Moon 🌝

Gloria has a Manicure.

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

DAY 10 . Gloria meets a Manicurist.

Gloria was so excited she couldn’t wait for Earl to wake up! She had been pacing round the room and coughing loudly. She had already woken Olivia up. “What is the matter Gloria I was trying to sleep, willow isn’t even awake yet! ” I know” said Gloria “but Earl is still asleep and I need to talk to him now!” “Okay Gloria, I guess going back to sleep is out of the question?” Gloria nodded . Olivia heaved a sigh and then padded across to Earl and woke him up!

“Well Gloria what is so important that you have woken Olivia and me up for?” ” I am so excited willow has promised to take me to have my nails done… She is going for a mani… something and I am having one too! What is a mani thingi?” Gloria was almost dancing . Earl smiled at her excitement and then said kindly ” its a manicure Gloria, willow has one every month, she likes pretty nails. “Gloria’s head filled with questions she opened her mouth and they all came out! ” Does it hurt, what type of paint and do they use big brushes and …? ” Earl put his paw up “Gloria, it’s a treat, it doesn’t hurt, they have files for filing your nails into a pretty shape and lots of beautiful colours to choose from… Or you can have natural looking nails if you prefer. “Oh!” Said Gloria, “I like the sound of that” Gloria smiled and Earl and Olivia went back to sleep 🥱.

Finally after what seemed like a lifetime to Gloria willow got out the backpack and got Gloria ready to go.

As they walked Gloria had fun looking at everything in the area. When they arrived willow introduced Gloria to the lady who was called a manicurist ( someone who does nails and makes them pretty.) Her name was Charlie. Gloria immediately liked Charlie who picked her up to say hello and then found her a soft seat from where she could watch willow have her nails done.

Firstly Charlie took the old blue polish off of willow’s nails then she filed and shape them, then she put on lots of coats of varnish, base, builder and colour and finally top coat. After each coat willow put her hand into a little machine that set the varnish. The end result was lovely.

Next it was Gloria’s turn . Charlie put Gloria in the special chair and asked what she would like done, which colour would she like? Gloria thought looking at all the lovely colours…after five minutes of uming and arhing Gloria was confused! … Charlie kindly said ” perhaps I could choose for you Gloria 😉?” Gloria smiled ” yes please Charlie!”

So Charlie put some cream on some cotton wool and clipped it on to Gloria’s nails with lovely purple clips (purple is willow’s favourite colour, what is yours? What is Gloria’s favourite colour do you think?)

Then Charlie filed and shaped Gloria’s nails and made them neat and pretty. Gloria was delighted with the result. Then Charlie said because Gloria was not yet sixteen she thought she did not really need any colour. Then she said she thought Gloria had lovely natural nails and hands.

Gloria was so pleased and she thank Charlie for doing her nails. Gloria was even more pleased when Charlie said she could help herself to some sweets from Charlie’s big treats jar . Then it was time to go.

When they got home Gloria showed everyone her hands and they all agreed that they did look lovely. I bet you can guess what they did next.

Yes 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 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 🌙 🌝