Wednesday afternoon saw Peter and I take a bus into Cheapside in the central city. Our first stop was at St Mary Le Bow Church. This church and its bells are probably one of the most famous in London - and to be born within the sound of the bow bells was the sign of a true Londoner or Cockney. Peter's grandfather was one who was able to claim to be a true Cockney and he regularly reminded the family that he was born "within the sound of the bow bells". The church...

Some of you will know that Sharryn and Garey have often travelled with us.  During those travels Garey has been the self-appointed washing fairy.  Our washing gets collected, and then mysteriously arrives back on our bed fully laundered and folded.  We are missing you Garey. Even on holiday the domestics still need to be completed and with no Garey with us we need to attend to it ourselves.  Today we had to google and find a self service laund...

Arriving in London in the middle of May we thought it would be at the end of spring with summer just around the corner. Somehow the weatherman didn't check his calendar and he is still sending out winter weather. After two reasonable days we woke to greyness again today and by the time we left the studio it was raining and then the cold wind set in. When we were packing in NZ we decided to include an umbrella each - we have worn one out and it had to be replaced ...

As we have visited London on a number of occasions now we do not feel that we have to revisit many of the London icons. However saying the that, when we have seen them during this visit we stop, take a photo and reminisce. Today we decided to have a day in the city. As we are staying, by choice, in suburban Hackney we take the London overground train initially, then change to the underground. The London public transport route planner has become our Bible and is...

Last year I (Gill) decided that I would like to research both sides of my children's family tree. I have spent many many hours sitting at the computer working through a number of family tree websites. However it is never possible to say 'I have finished' as there is always more to do. It is possible to become quite addicted! Peter's maternal grandparents came to New Zealand in late 1922 and his mother, Julie, was the only child born in New Zealand. The older thre...