Along for the ride:

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Yes. Thanks for asking:)


I rarely covet jewelry. This necklace, in silver and gold, spoke to me from the window of a little shop called "Pebbles". The casual mixture of gold and silver; some shiny smooth; some hammered to the  pewter-glinting texture of a winter sea, drew me in off the street. I even tried it on.
Hydrangea Horde look as though they're making a run for it, don't they?
Five-thirty a.m. after a reasonably restful night in my sleeper cabin; waking to a tray of tea and a croissant, served as I sat in my bunk. Time to get going to catch my flight back to the U.S. after a lightening trip to the U.K. for my Aunt Norma's funeral. 
I ventured out onto the still-quiet Paddington Station platform, guarded by a bronze bear in a big floppy hat.
"Good morning, gentlemen. Would you happen to know the whereabouts of the Heathrow Express?" 
"Why, yes. Thanks for asking" was the sunny reply, from a naughty middle-aged station guard, with a big cheeky smile on his face.
I love England!

26 comments:

  1. That comment would be a bit too cheeky for me I'm afraid. Station guards should be more helpful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephen, that's just the difference in national sense of humour that I'm talking about. (If I suggest relaxation of anal sphincter, that would probably offend, so I won't:)

      Delete
  2. Ha! I will have to remember that one. Though it might not go over well in Canada. We are more the type to apologize for the lack of signage and take you there directly. And give you a map for future reference. Or maybe that is just me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Birdie, there was surely signage, but I always choose humans first. I enjoy the interaction.

      Delete
  3. His idea of being flirtatious from what I remember of railwaymen....
    I like going back the the U.K. too...but not to live there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen, not necessarily flirtatious, but clever. The man is more than just the job, which I appreciated.

      Delete
  4. Did you buy the necklace? It's gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frances, the necklace was 360 pounds, so not a light decision. I was almost relieved that it was too short for my liking. More choker-like. It's deceptive on this mannequin. I could order it with some extra links and they have a website
      www.pebbles-st-ives.co.uk so I didn't have to do anything rash.

      Delete
  5. It's about time you popped up again hen, you were greatly missed.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chef, same to you! My excuse was a pinched nerve, since early June, that affected my arm and hand, plus drugs to go with it. So much icing I got freezer-burn:) No keyboarding for me.

    ReplyDelete
  7. A woman with so many talents could surely have employed a ghost writer to pound the keys until once more good health returned?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chef, is that gift of the blarney from too much time on the Emerald Isle?

      Delete
  8. Sorry your return to England wasn't for happier reasons but glad the guard cheered you along (put my dear daughter on the train to Paddington just this morning!). Good to read you again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trudi, love your images on the new website. I have to set myself up to follow you there.

      Delete
  9. I'm sorry your Aunt passed away, but it's very nice that the friendly station guard brought a smile to your face :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sara, I'm headed "Franceward" later this week. I won't expect humor from station guards there.

      Delete
  10. Agatha Christie might have had fine time with a woman alone stepping out of a sleeper at Paddington, wearing a necklace like that. I think you should get it.
    (Condolences on the death of your aunt, who I remember you mentioning in previous posts)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deborah, nice to see you around. Ms. Christie would have the whole affair swathed in fog, which wouldn't clear until the last clue was solved:)

      Delete
  11. Sorry about your aunt but if you got a pleasant visit (otherwise) out of it, it wasn’t all bad. So did you get the information you were after? You’re not still wandering Paddington Station, I take it?

    ReplyDelete
  12. That necklace is gorgeous. I am heading home at the end of this month and I am looking forward to a good laugh.I really miss the humour

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wally, enjoy the restoration of your funny-bone.

      Delete
  13. Love the necklace and the railway guard!

    Condolences on your aunts passing.

    ReplyDelete