September 29, 2015

 Hangin' With Harry

Had an awesome day with my pals Harry, Ron and Hermione! It took us a few trains, but we managed to find Warner Brothers Studio and take the Making of Harry Potter tour. Last November you may remember that we answered the call to "All things Potter" by spending a week at Universal Studios in Orlando. Today's tour was different because we got to walk through the actual sets and look at all the actual props and costumes. I arrived in full geekdom- wearing my Griffindor sweatshirt and Timeturner necklace. I was a little self conscious because not many people were adorned in Potter couture. However, after the last gift shop, I was in good company!

I'm really glad that we spent most of the day there even though I felt a little guilty for not seeing some true London sites. However, on our way we found Westminster Cathedral while looking for Westminster Abbey. This turned out to be a good mistake because we were greeted by a delightful tour guide who gave a "top quality" tour.

Westminster Cathedral

Entering Hogwarts

Don and I on a self guided tour!

A huge model of Hogwarts that they used for filming 

September 28, 2015

The City, The Castle and The Ripper

This was a jam packed day! We spent the morning on a bus tour so we could take in all of London. There is so much to see...many parks, museums, the London bridge, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben (which by the way is the name of the bell, not the clock..who knew?). All within 600 some square miles and enjoyed by 9 million people! We ended up at Buckingham Palace in a prime spot to see the guards march in to change shifts. We weren't close enough to see the actual changing of the guard because you have to get there hours earlier but the parade was impressive. Our British tour guide was a walking encyclopedia with great stories. After the ceremony she declared, "....we may not be the best at everything but the English are the best in pomp and circumstance!"

We then headed out of town to Windsor Castle - the favorite home of Queen Elizabeth. She currently is at her summer home in Scotland so Lizzie and I will have to catch up another time. Windor castle is huge and it took the whole afternoon to see just a part of it. I'm pretty sure that I could handle this way of living!

Last night we took the Tube to the financial district to meet our Jack the Ripper guide. Kevin was an expert on the Jack the Ripper crime spree and took us on a walking tour of all the significant locations of all the macabre events. It was more historical than gory and very interesting. I was worried that we would be walking in empty dark places but we found that things start hopping in London around 9pm. The restaurants are full and it was a Monday night- we need to get out more! 

Over 20,000 steps on ye ol' 

pedometer today...time to crash!

London Bridge

The moat at Windsor castle is now a garden

Walking in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper

September 27, 2015

We Have Arrived!

We landed in London at 12:30pm their time and 5:30am our time. After a long wait for our ride to the hotel we finally arrived at our hotel in the Shepards Bush area. Our tour director threatened us with bodily harm if we didn't fight the urge to go to bed so we didn't even look at that soft and inviting piece of dreamy furniture when we dropped off our bags in the room. Even though it has been 30 some years since we have been in her high school classroom, Mrs. K. still has that super teacher power over us! 

We set off down the street and found the Tube (subway) station and acquired our Oyster passes for the week. We then caught up with sisters Lori and Barb and brother in law Antonio. Barb and Antonio only had to hop over from Italy so they were not feeling jet lagged at all. Still not wanting to give in to the call of our pillows, we headed to our first pub ....The Brewdog. 

We celebrated Lori's birthday, after a long and agonizing dinner provided by the tour company, with a delicious chocolate cake Barb was able to score down the street. We don't get to wish Lori a happy birthday in person very often since she lives in California, so it was extra special ....and being in London as well is an added bonus!

Finally time for bed!

Debby and Don in front of our hotel

London's version of the dollar store!

All together at our first pub

Happy Birthday!

September 24, 2015

Thursday Night Fever!

It's late and I have tons to do but I just have to write this! Tonight we went to the Arvada Center to see Saturday Night Fever - The Musical. As soon as the lights went down and the opening scene began, I had a major flashback! Whoa! The clothes, the music, the hair! I was right back in high school again! I remember the Saturday afternoon that me and my hot date (Don) checked out an event at the high school that  introduced us to the new dance craze...Disco! We won an album - Ethel Merman Sings Disco! 

The musical tonight had great music, fantastic dancing, and an awesome set. As with the movie, the plot was weak but the performers kept us entertained with their dance moves. The main character played by Ian Campayno rivaled John Travolta - that boy could dance! I decided tonight that the only way I am going to fight off this fifty flab is to have a dance party every night after school..who's in? I can't find my Ethel Merman album but I just downloaded the original Saturday Night Fever soundtrack! Now to check EBay for that disco ball......

September 13, 2015

A Family Affair

It was another busy football weekend for the Ostwalds. Saturday, the Rams lost in overtime which was a heartbreaker because we outplayed the Minnesota Gophers until the 4th quarter. But our tailgater was a winner before the game with the Taj-mahaul. Today, the whole family got to attend the Bronco Defense Extravaganza....I mean the Bronco game and enjoy a win. Hec..I would attend a lawn growing competition if it meant we would all be together! It is great to be a family unit when we can.

Tailgater fun!

Happy that my kids didn't spill as much food as the cute one behind us! My shoes are still sticky!

September 6, 2015

Ready For Some Football

Football season kicked off for me in a big way this week. Thursday night Alex and I went to the final Bronco preseason game but Don missed out since he was out of town. We carpooled with the Nelson family who enjoyed the experience even though I made them walk 10 miles (or so it seemed like) from the car to the stadium. My philosophy is that if you don't pay for parking you have more money for green chili fries and beer! 

On Saturday we attended the first CSU Ram football game- or should I say stomping - which resulted in a 65 to 13 win! It was an orange out game honoring the Aggies history which also meant a wardrobe challenge for me. The last few orange out games were when it was cool so I only have an orange hoodie. I mean, how many people go out of their way to buy orange clothes that don't have a jack o lantern on them? Oh well, I did my best to show my spirit and it was great to see Paige...and Jared...and Michelle!

Tonight was our family's second annual Morg League Fantasy Football draft. My strategy this year was supposed to be based on the thigh size of prospective players but unfortunately I didn't do my research so I defaulted to players with cool names. I'm feeling confident with the unique monikers on my roster and feel that this will be a great season for me. Go Donna's Dominators!

Fun with the Nelsons

Manning? Whatever..I go for the green chili fries!

Ostwalds (+1) in Orange