Pages

2024 Holiday

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 ...

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor!

*Life is too short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home. 
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and a pop-up box opens.
Click "Jump to Comment Form" and walla, no more car pool tunnel!
Mwah!
If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me
your email address so I can respond. Thank you!

90 comments:

  1. 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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. 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

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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

    ReplyDelete
  11. 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

    ReplyDelete
  12. 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

    ReplyDelete
  13. 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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 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

    ReplyDelete
  18. 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

    ReplyDelete
  19. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  20. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  22. 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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  25. Fun, fun! Enjoy every minute!

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. 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

    ReplyDelete
  28. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  30. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  31. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  32. 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 😊

    ReplyDelete
  33. 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

    ReplyDelete
  34. 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

    ReplyDelete
  35. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  36. ENJOY!!!! Somehow I know you will!

    ReplyDelete
  37. 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

    ReplyDelete
  38. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  40. totally fun seeing everyone! Keep the pictures coming!

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

    ReplyDelete
  42. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  43. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  44. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  45. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  47. 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!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. 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

    ReplyDelete
  49. 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

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

    Have fun in Salisbury. Sue

    ReplyDelete
  51. 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

    ReplyDelete
  52. 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

    ReplyDelete
  53. 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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  56. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wonderful just enjoy Love and hugs Carole x

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

    ReplyDelete
  59. 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

    ReplyDelete
  60. 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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  63. Wow! That looks like SO much fun! Enjoy your holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  64. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  66. 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

    ReplyDelete
  67. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  68. How Fun Darnell!!! LOVE the pics!

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

    ReplyDelete
  70. 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

    ReplyDelete
  71. 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

    ReplyDelete
  72. 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

    ReplyDelete
  73. 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

    ReplyDelete
  74. 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

    ReplyDelete
  75. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  77. 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!
    =]

    ReplyDelete
  78. 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

    ReplyDelete
  79. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  81. 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

    ReplyDelete
  82. 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

    ReplyDelete
  83. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  84. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  85. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  86. 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

    ReplyDelete
  87. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  89. 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!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for commenting on my blog post! I read and appreciate every one! Mwah! (Sorry I've had to set comments to moderate because of excessive spam.) Darnell