Up at 5 AM to catch our flight from Munich to Heathrow. What a shocker when we got to the rental car place off site and discovered there was a 2-hour wait to get processed even though our car was pre-paid. Apparently their system for validating credit cards was not working. Sigh. We upgraded to a car that is a little too large (Volve station wagon) but has a diesel engine and GPS. With only two significant detours/re-routings and once being honked at, we made it safely to Di and Brian Gowers beautiful home in the Cotwolds. Here is a picture of their back garden looking out toward sheep pastures.
We are also fortunate to have a couple of substitute kitties living here. This is Ra (the lighter, longer haired guy) and Miu (the darker striped one). Accommodations are deluxe--with heated towel bars in the bath no less--and the reunion really enjoyable. Lovely dinner and wide-ranging conversation. Beautiful countryside all around, as well.
