Walks, wine, Siena, Buonconvento and more good pasta all enjoyed with awesome weather.  This is the first Mothers Day with no flower shop in 20 years (and we could celebrate Steve’s birthday without him being on delivery).

I was a good girl and did not volunteer at the local flower shop, tho’ the owner is a delight!

The Road Through Kiel

We left the Volvo dealership with only 5 miles to drive to arrive at the ship and we still got lost! We drove the car up the ramp, hopped out and went to our stateroom for a 13 hour boat trip from Gothenburg (gyoatbuhrg) Sweden to Kiel, Germany.

Once in Germany, “Lucy” had a great deal of difficulty getting used to Europe.  But we eventually found our Bed & Breakfast in Keukenhof, Netherlands and will be staying here for the next 2 days.

But let me tell you about the Autobahn…it’s raining, new car, new country, and the speed limit is 120!  We stayed to the right at a respectful 70 mph. That was fine, until 2 Smart cars passed us (we didnt count the Citroens and Mini Coopers).  We found the replica  of  “Noah’s Ark” in Dracken, and are near the flower fields which we will keep for tomorrow’s adventures.

It’s been a difficult day with being lost and everything in German or now Dutch.  Marriage is a daily commitment…we will try again tomorrow.

Reunion time for Gail and Debbie as we see her on the other side of the pond. In the small, quaint village of Barnoldswick in the county of Lancashire is the beacon of the town…all the color and joy that flowers can bring are located here in Gail’s shop. She is ably assisted by Melissa and we are gearing up for Mothers’ Day, March 22  . We are scheduled to be up at the crack of dawn the next few days to get prepared…a trip to Manchester early Sunday morning to pick up the first of the many flowers. I have been assigned a school order of 93 primulas to prepare, and Steve is back sweeping!  (it is SO much fun when it isn’t my shop)