Returning to Dulles

 

An early start from Bath today to catch our flight back to the US.  A rainy drive up to Heathrow and then breakfast before we boarded the plane.

On arrival at Dulles a long wait in the immigration hall - two hours of queuing. 

Much more difficult for those arriving from countries covered by the new executive order as they waited to see whether they would be able to enter the US.

On entering the arrivals area there was a large gathering of supporters of refugees and those traveling from countries  affected by the order as well as anxious family members.  There was loud cheering as groups of travelers came through.  

 

These photos are not mine, they are borrowed from the web and show the crowds during the afternoon.  By the time we arrived there were larger crowds and many TV cameras and reporters as the Governor of Virginia was making a statement of support for the rally.

 

Encased Clock

 

We called in to Nero's Coffee Shop in Bath yesterday afternoon.  This shop has an old frontage at the corner of High Street and Northumberland Passage.  

Some renovations have been done and a long case clock has appeared which I don't remember seeing before, even in the days - some years ago now - when I visited the shop with Dad when it was J.W. Crook & Sons, Gents Outfitters.

 

The clock is in an oak case and was made by T Condliff of  Liverpool, according to the name on the face, perhaps in the late 19th Century. 

The strangest thing (apart from the awful bit of silver tape being used to keep the front of the case shut) is that the clock appears to be firmly wedged in its alcove at top and bottom - the clock extends above and behind the stone or concrete lintel at the top, as if at some point it had been bricked up and forgotten or encased in a cupboard.

Certainly a talking point over coffee..

Green Woodpecker

 

The Green Woodpecker is an infrequent visitor to Mum's Garden but this morning this handsome bird was feeding on the lawn, dipping his beak deep into the grass and David managed to capture these shots.

 

 

 

Quiet Play

 

Theo and Grandpa enjoyed some quiet play together this morning.

 

Ready for Play

 

Theo has been feeling a little under the weather this afternoon and so no photos - this one was taken on Sunday in Shillington.

 

After he went to bed this evening James set up this layout with his wooden railway - all ready for play tomorrow, when hopefully he will feel a little better.

 

Gone to Seed

 

The self-sown Golden Rod plants in Mum's garden are spectacular when in flower, but equally so in winter, covered in fluffy seeds.

The seeds attract the attention of small birds such as goldfinches but I have not been lucky enough to capture their visits.

 

Close up the seeds are very fluffy and it seems surprising that they have not been carried off on the wind.  

 

Family Sunday

 

A belated Christmas celebration today with David's family.  Theo was in his element with so many people to play with!

 

Before lunch we went for a walk in the garden - a funny selection of shadows!!

 

 

 

 

Theo checked out all the corners, including the Wendy house..

 

And the gates...

 

So much to explore..

 

 

A lovely day together.