A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

July 19, 2016

England Grand Tour, Leg I ~ Southampton

Greetings!

I made it! Today we are broadcasting live from the beautiful banks of Southampton UK!

After a bit of a delay, I arrived safely and was soon kindly transported from London to Southampton by Chrissie. I've had a lovely three days spent at times with Chrissie, Di, and Mrs. A. I even brought lovely sunny weather with me!

Today I had lunch with several of my bloggie friends from this part of England:
 Grand Harbour Hotel
Bottom Row: Sue Steed, me, Jane WillisChrissie Stokes
I think you can tell it was a delightful, rambunctious, and very fun gathering of friends! And now I have to dash off again. I'll save more area photos and stories about losing my knickers for another day. Wait? What? Also, I seem to have a very tiny pin head, don't I? Well, that explains a lot!!

Tomorrow I'm off for Salisbury ...

~~~

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90 comments:

Happy Dance said...

Been thinking of you and your trip, Miss Belle of the Ball!! You look fantastic and it must be wonderful to meet these sweet ladies in real life. You just go on and enjoy, and I look forward to seeing and hearing more about your trip. Don't forget to have fun, with or without your knickers.... xoxoxo Bev

Sue said...

awwww Darnell - lovely photo's - what an adventure, sending its of love and hugs for a wonderful trip.
Sue...xxx

Linda said...

Looks like you're having fun ..... and enjoying the food! Safe and happy travels hun xx

Lisa said...

What beautiful pictures!! How fun to meet up with so many blog buddies!! It looks like such a wonderful time!! Enjoy your trip and safe travels!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Brenda in IN said...

I'm so happy to hear from you. Di and Mrs. A are just adorable and it was so nice of Chrissie to meet you and squire you around. All the ladies are just lovely and look like they are having a great time with you. I didn't realize this was going to be an X-rated trip without your knickers and I can't wait to hear the story. Thanks for identifying the ladies for us. Carry on.

Liz said...

Fabulous pictures, Darnell, thanks for sharing the photos. Looking forward to meeting you on Saturday. :-D xx

Glennis F said...

Lucky you to meet up with bloggy friends. Have a great holiday

Sandy said...

Looks like you're having a fabulous trip, and how lovely to meet all those women you (we) know from their blogs. Keep having fun and sharing photos.

Pia S said...

Hope someday I'll met some of the wonderful ladies from blogland too. Enjoy your trip!!

Unknown said...

Glad you have arrived safely and thank you for bringing the sunshine x you look as if you are having a wonderful time meeting your blogging friends and am so looking forward to Thursday when we finally meet up too x

Loll said...

I'm so happy to hear that you arrived safely. What a lot of fun to meet all those lovely ladies. Thanks so much for sharing a group shot and the individual ones. Your trip is off to a great start! Can't wait to see more when you have time to post! xx

Geri said...

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for sharing these pics with us! So nice to see all the wonderful women that joined you for what appears to be a very, VERY fun time!!! I've been checking my e-mail constantly hoping to see you pop into my mailbox...and here you are! Made me smile all over my face!

Looking forward to more pics! Have fun pal!

xx oo

Karenladd said...

Oh my goodness, what a lovely group....and a nice big table to fit all manner of yummy taste treats! Thanks for identifying everyone so we can all feel as if we were there with you all. Hoping your trip was a smooth one, although your lost knickers have piqued my interest! Can't wait to see the rest of your travel photos as you bounce through the UK, and spread some crafty cheer!

Linda said...

It looks like you are having a great time so far. Thanks for sharing pictures. Have a safe and fun trip.

Ruth said...

Welcome to Blighty! Thank you for bringing the gorgeous weather!! Enjoy the rest of your trip :) xx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Did you actually lose your knickers or did you just forget to pack them? I don't travel often but I am known for visiting the local Kmart (etc) for some article of clothing (usually knickers) that I left behind.

Marianne said...

Looks like you are having a wonderful time, Darnell. It must be llovely to meet so many of your blogging friends. And I understand this is just the beginning of your tour...
Marianne x

Carol L said...

What great photos, and everyone seems to be having the time of their lives! I hope you continue having great fun - with or without your knickers! LOL

HJ said...

So glad to hear you are having a wonderful time with all your blogging friends. They probably need the sunshine you brought them!!Can't wait to hear more about your travels as you proceed with your itinerary and your lovely friends.

Kathleen said...

Fabulous gathering all look very happy.
So you have lost a few things well I hope on the day we meet you loose your camera.
Enjoy your next stop.

Kath x

Nora Noll said...

Oh what a fun time you are having!! LOVE the photos!!

Redanne said...

How fabulous to see all the wonderful pictures Darnell, you look amazing and it seems you had a fun soiree with those lovely ladies! Take care and enjoy the next few days. I am so looking forward to meeting up with you!!! Big hugs and safe onward travels.... Love and hugs, Annie xxx

Jean said...

How cool!

Sybrina K said...

Darnell, So very happy for you! Can't wait to see more pics. Enjoy!!!

Verna Angerhofer said...

How wonderful! I am so glad you are having a fun time with other blogging friends.

Donna said...

Fun, fun! Enjoy every minute!

Tina Z. said...

Looks like you're having a lot of fun :)))))))), thank you for sharing.
Enjoy!

Sarah said...

You were on my mind all day and, as promised, I toasted you all with coffee at lunchtime!! Wave as you pass my part of Dorset tomorrow xxxx

Sue - said...

Hi Darnell you're quick off the mark getting the photos posted! It was a great day and lovely to meet you and everyone else. Hugs Sue!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh, this is a great meeting of crafty friends! Lovely photos, you all seem very happy! Enjoy the rest of your time there!

Susan said...

What a fabulous thing to do - connecting with all those UK stampers! I'm green with envy. Enjoy the next leg of the journey and I'm looking forward to more posts!

Marybeth said...

Ive been thinking about you and wondering if you are having fun and most of all safe,I forgot where you were traveling too. So happy to hear all is well and you are having a great time. Thanks for sharing photos! Happy and fun group!

A Consuming Passion said...

So pleased to hear that summer has arrived in time for your trip! It means you get to see the UK at it's best. I hope you get to meet up with lots more of your blogging buddies to........such fun. ENjoy 😊

Pat said...

What a wonderful gathering Darnell and some great pictures with the ladies. Have a good onward journey to Salisury, it's not very far from Southampton. Looking forward to Thursday! x

Kathyk said...

Looks like the Darnell Roadshow is a huge success, you all seem full of smiles .. onwards and westwards, can't wait for the next batch of pix

Stay cool

Kathyk

Mrs A. said...

It was a lovely fun day spent amongst super friends. Thank you for organising and getting us altogether. Still in shock about the knickers though. Hugs Mrs A.

Bonnie said...

ENJOY!!!! Somehow I know you will!

dottielottie said...

Lovely to see your photos Darnell and glad to hear you arrived here in the UK safely. Looks like fun times meeting up with your fellow bloggers But I cannot wait to hear the tale about the nickers, told in a way, I'm sure that only you could tell lol. Looking forward to our get together so see you soon my friend. Hugs Lottie x

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

Such a happy crowd Darnell! Thank you for bringing sunshine with you - we don't get it that often in our part of the world! Glad you are enjoying your trip so far and having fun. I'm excited that we are going to meet at long last on Thursday! Enjoy the rest of your trip and see you soon! Hazel xx
My Card Attic

Lynn said...

Lucky, lucky you! Look at all those beautiful smiling faces. Hope you have the trip of a lifetime! xx

Laurie Unger said...

totally fun seeing everyone! Keep the pictures coming!

Pam said...

How awesome is this? hat a grand time you must be having! Enjoy!

Kim Heggins said...

Fabulous photos...just love all the sweet faces and can't wait to hear the story of your missing knickers (my mom always told me to carry an extra pair in my handbag). Miss you!

Birgit said...

How great to visit with blogger friends and no you don't have a pin head size.....you look great and happy. Enjoy your trip!

Sharron said...

How wonderful to see you getting to share some time with so many friends. Looks like you are having a fantastic time. Stay safe and have fun!

Bobby said...

A trip of a lifetime and you deserve it, Darnell. It must be a thrill meeting all those lovely ladies who follow you in blogland.

Lisa Elton said...

Those pretty smiles say it all!! So happy you arrived safely Darnell, ENJOY yourself!!

Jacquie Southas said...

Love all those smiling faces! Hope the jet lag hasn't been too bad and please, please remember to look right/left/right when crossing the road, not left/right/left!!

Dr Sonia S V said...

WOW Darnell...sooo fun and I am sooo glad you shared the photos...so many like Di and Mrs A are my blogger friends and its simply awesome to see you all together
Cheers
Dr Sonia

sandie said...

Looking forward to meeting you. I keep meaning to tell Chrissie that I went to St. Anne's school in Southampton and gre up in Twyfird and my whole Family live in Southampton and Winxhester.....could you pass the message on as perhaps we could meet up next time I am there xx

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, So glad you made over here and have met up with your blogging friends.

Have fun in Salisbury. Sue

Di said...

What can I say? For those of you who now know Darnell, wasn't it a fun day?! For those of you about to meet her, make sure you get all the actions over the knickers tale 😁

Safe travelling on from Southampton my friend. Mwah!

Hugs

Di xx

Kath said...

Fabulous photos and so glad to hear you've landed safely - and are causing mayhem along the way. Looking forward to seeing you on Friday and hearing about the knickers!
Kath x

Aileen said...

How does it feel to be a celeb do you sign autographs.. I laughed when you called yourself a pinhead, is that because you have a nicely shaped head with a hairdoo that is not full of frizz so sits just nicely.. I too use to use that term as I have very fine hair with barely a kink so my head always looks smaller than others. Just remember we are made of more delicate layout than most and they do love to admire us lol.

kiwimeskreations said...

What a wonderful time - glad you arrived safely and are enjoying yourself
Blessings
Maxine

Lizzy Hill said...

GLAD you're there & enjoying it!! Salisbury is one of my favest EVER spots.....lovely to see your bloggy friends, too!!!

Rahmat said...

WOW Darnell, how fun to meet crafty friends, whom you see on the blogland in person. I am sure you are loving it. Enjoy the HLS retreat too, looking forward to see plenty of photos. I wish I bump into someone from blogland in my part of the world too. A very happy post, surely brought smiles on my face. Enjoy the rest of the trip.

Carole Pollard said...

Wonderful just enjoy Love and hugs Carole x

Marilyn said...

Looks like you are having lots of fun!! Love the pictures

KandA said...

What super photos. Glad you got here safely and you're having so much fun and I can't wait to hear the knickers tale. Off to email you now about Sunday xx

Craftychris said...

Ooh Darnell! I had the most wonderful day, thank you and it was amazing to meet you! Fab photos. Will bloggy visit all the other fabulous ladies I met yesterday when I have recovered a bit. Thank you again! Oodles of Love. Chris xxxxxx

Nan G said...

What fun! Look forward to seeing more pics. Enjoy!

Em Louise Fairley said...

So glad you arrived safely! See you in a few days! Eek!
Hugs,
Em xxx

Michele K. Henderson said...

Wow! That looks like SO much fun! Enjoy your holiday!

Jane Willis said...

It was so lovely to meet you and all the other gorgeous ladies, with or without knickers! I felt so embarrassed being late - you don't know it but I'm a compulsively early person and it really didn't show yesterday. Thank you for bringing summer sunshine, not inly to those of us who were there, but to the whole of the UK - hope it continues for the rest of your trip
Jane

Cara said...

Looks like you all had a fab time. See you next week! Cara x

Patti said...

Woo hoo! I was hoping you would share some pictures!! You all look MAVALOUS!! DAHLINGS!!!

Have a blast we'll be anxiously awaiting the next leg of your adventure!!

Patti

conil said...

Oh my goodness...look at you with all your talented friends. Sincerely hope you're having the best time EVER! Leave it to your to travel all the way across the Atlantic to lose your knickers...hmmmm!

Anonymous said...

How Fun Darnell!!! LOVE the pics!

Cat Craig said...

So glad you arrived safely and are enjoying your meet ups! Love that you gave us all a peek!

Chrissie said...

Isn't it great when you meet someone IRL who is exactly as they seem in cyberspace!
Here's to a continued friendship!
A super time was had by all at The Grand Harbour!
See you again soon!
Chrissie xx

Petra Swart said...

Love your photo's, Darnell!!!! Must be so wonderful meeting all of these ladies IRL!!!! Can't wait to hear and see more of your trip!!!! Have fun!!!!!
Hugz

Debs Willis said...

What a fun day & great to meet you at long last! Lovely to meet other bloggers & swap stories (& Chips! Thanks Kim!)
Hope you had a fab time at Stonehenge & Hammy took a selfie ��
Mwah!
Debs xxxx

Cheryl W. said...

I'm so glad you're having a grand time in the U.K. I am also a pin-headed lady, so I understand your concern about that issue. Power to the pinheads!!! he he

Sarn said...

You sure picked a good time to come to the UK weather-wise Darnell!

Looks like you've been having a blast already and have lots more fun times to come during your UK tour!

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Anonymous said...

Of course it is always hot and sunny in the UK! My parents met in Southampton and I haven't been there for years. Your lunch photos are wonderful - very professional and glam. Ali x

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Playing catchup here and very excited for you! Wonderful photos and adventures. Enjoy!

I Card Everyone said...

I am wondering if these ladies get together often? Wouldn't that be lovely to have so many crafters in one place! Looks like you're having a romping good time! Carry on!
=]

Brenda said...

Wow, what a dream come true Auntie!!! Everyone looks so beautiful and it looks like you all are having quite a good time as it should be! But something is different looking about you Auntie, you are looking even younger than you did! Is it new glasses??? Or just wonderful weather over the pond?! Or maybe it is the air over there???? What ever it is, you are looking even more fabulous than you usually do! I think you are having a grand time and I'm happy about that!! Can't wait to hear and see more about your trip. Hugs, Brenda

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Darnell
Looks like you ladies had a lot of fun. I hope that you are going to be suitably under-attired tomorrow as I don't want anything putting me off my lunch lol!
Ang x

oldpunca said...

It seems, you have a great time in England! Thank you for sharing. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

cm said...

Despite being late with commenting, know that my heart was pitter-pattering happily that you arrived safe, sound and, evidently, knicker-less! Stories? Yes please! My husband forgets his knickers on more occasions than I care to mention. I've snuck an a couple pairs into his travel bag, because we know he's likely to forget again...). You and the gals: fabulous! A most joy-filled time being had by all!
Hugs~c

Neet said...

Just started playing catch up. Things are settling a little bit here so I am able to get on here for an hour or so. Lovely to see you enjoying your trip.
Hugs, Neet xx

Donna said...

I saw on Mrs. A's blog you were visiting so had to pop over and see if you had pictures! You must be having an awesome time, enjoy and thanks for posting pictures!

Greta said...

Just catching up after my trip to the East coast & am so glad you made it to England safe & sound! What a lovely group of ladies--can only imagine all the fun you had! Thanks for sharing the great photos, Darnell!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Wow, you got to meet all of these crafty friends! I am really enjoying your photos! This must be one of your best.trips.ever!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

It's incredible how many blog friends you have met in the UK. It must have taken a lot of planning/organizing to make it happen. Well done! xx

Barb said...

Wonderful photos of you with all those lovely ladies. As Shirley (above) commented your journey must have taken some awesome planning. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Barbxx

TK said...

How awesome this must be, not only to travel to these places, but to meet all these crafty buddies! Happy, happy, happy for you!

Shona Chambers said...

I don't know what's happening to my blog post emails but I seem to not be getting any of yours anymore, as well as many others, so trying to catch up on your holiday adventures. So glad you made it safely and how wonderful to meet so many of your friends face to face. Off to read the next one!