Leaving On a Jet Plane

SONG - Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver & Cass Elliot

Days 1 & 2 - Tuesday April 30 & Wednesday May1

So today I got on a plane with Mr. B and we are heading to London, picking up a car and driving to Bath for 5 nights. But first 10 hours of flying - yikes!  And when we get to Bath it will be Wednesday and raining all week!

 Not sure why I was surprised as Great Britain is known for its damp weather.  I guess we will get a quick induction to England. 

Neither of us slept much on the plane and as soon as we landed we grabbed our luggage, got on a shuttle to the car rental, became familiar with setting up the cars mapping system, jumped on the M4 and headed to our hotel in Bath.  

When asked by the receptionist as to what time she should reserve our breakfast for the next day, I said 9:30? And Mr. B said 10. The receptionist said “Ah, going to have a proper lie down then?” Love both the English accent and phrases!

Once outside, instead of rain we found musicians playing music in the sunshine on the Abbey square with tourists and locals enjoying themselves.

Our itinerary is Bath, Cotswolds, Lake District, Glasgow (where I had relatives), Stirling (where Mr. B had relatives), Edinburgh (where we both had relatives), down to York and finish it off with some time in London.

Hope you will come along with me on this journey  

“Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?”

Jane Austen

Heart Wreaths

Song - Can't Find My Way Home by Steve Winwood

Supplies:

  Green 18 gauge 18" long covered wire (for heart form)
  Paddle of 28 gauge floral wire
  Bay Laurel branches
  Various Ribbon
  Small bells

If it's a gift:
  Kraft paper box
  Excelsior or crinkle cut paper

Clean the leaves with a dry cloth so that the leaves may be used for cooking. (California Bay leaves are more aromatic than Turkish Bay so use less in your cooking).

Form your heart shape base with the 18 gauge covered wire and once you have a good design, copy it for the remaining wreath forms. Put several (2-3) leaves together. I alternated between bunches of 2 and bunches of 3 leaves.

Starting at the bottom of the heart, wrap the bunches of leaves with your floral wire and work your way up to the middle center of your wreath.

Don't worry if you seem to have a bit of a bare spot as you can always wire more leaves in later to fill it out.

To wire them on good and snug you may have to go thru the bottom of the leaves.  The wire will still catch the stem.

When you have done both sides, look for any areas that might need a few more leaves and add them to get a full little wreath.

Select your ribbon and make a bow attaching it with floral wire.  Add bells and a hanger.

As the leaves dry, they will curl and turn a sage green looking even more beautiful. And you or your gift recipient can use the leaves for cooking!

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."

 ~ Jane Austen