A Random Five post [014] — Feline Friday — Northampshire Visit

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My Five for Today: ...

One:  This is Midnight, may he RIP.  Midnight was my BIL's (Danny's) very good friend and favorite cat. 

But he died in surgery this week. Danny has several cats, another was on my blog for Feline Friday (link) when he was stocking our Katrin from a high perch.

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Earlier this week we visited with our friends, Graham and Marion, in Northampshire (U.K.).  We stayed two days there. 

We couldn't decide which was the best, their wonderful hospitality, all of the sights they showed us, or all of the good British foods they made or led us to. 

This picture was taken while we had a lunch break.  We were at the Spencer Manor (Princess Diana's home) which we visited with them.  Following will be a three pictures of cats that I found in their home. [You can make any picture larger by clicking on it.]

Two:  This ceramic cat on the left swings in the upstairs bath.  You can see a little of his swing as he hangs from a ceiling light switch.

Three:  Next is Splodge.  He was named that because as a baby he had a dark "splodge" (U.K. for the American English word of 'splotch') on his head between his ears.  I say was because he also has been RIP for several years.  He was Marion's favorite of the litter. 

Two others were 'splodged cats' having grey stripes and splotches.  Splodge lost his splodge while still a kitten. (Google link for images of other "splodge cats")

 

Four:  These five kittens in their home greeted us at breakfast.  They were all holding toast for us.  With our toast we had jam and filtered coffee.

At various times of the day and with our other meals we also had tea.  Afternoon tea (no picture) was also with Marion's delicious baked goods.  My favorite was her mince meat cake.



Five:  Assorted pictures of eating themes follow.  (Note: this will be my last Feline Friday post and Random Five post for a few weeks as my blogging will be halted for an August break.)

 

We had American food on July 31 at a Buddies USA restaurant (link).  Mrs. Jim had a nice looking hamburger with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.  The rest of us had hot dogs for the U.S. National Hot Day Month's ending. 

I had this chili dog.  It was very similar to an American chili dog with wiener, cheese, chili, and onion.  With it came a salad, French fries ('chips'), and three Burger King style onion rings. Except that the onion was fried in a German style while U.S. onions are raw and chopped.  It was so good that I didn't even put any French's Mustard on until the last few bites.

    

 

I took this picture of their home from the garden (back yard U.S. calls it).  Showing the best is the conservatory.  We ate our meals at the table you can see behind the outdoor bench.  It reminded me a lot of my sun room/sleeping porch that was my evening bed room while I was growing up on the farm. 

 

This is my plate that was our final meal, supper, before we left for home.  Marion had made a meat pie served with steamed broccoli and carrots.  We like the English meat pies.  Shepherd's pie is the most famous and it is made with ground lamb. 

I'll end with this group of pub pictures.  The night before we ate at the Jolly Inn. Shown is the bar which is a test to see if we can be seated before stopping there for a drink order.

We all stopped at the bar.  I had a fish pie made primarily with salmon and other vegetables.  I was also served dish of vegetables as a side and shared with Graham his 'chips' (very delicious French fries).  Mrs. Jim had the special, Marion had a duck leg, and Graham had a steak.

 

 

The Jolly Inn Pub front and back.  The pub was along the highway leading into town (or going out) and behind it was a pasture.  It was time for the cows to come home for eating and milking.  If you make this picture larger you might be able to see a couple of the little calves following along.

 

==> I'm linked with Steve's Burnt Food for this today, go see his cat. 
He and others have a Mr. Linky going there so you can see other cats too.

 

==> I am also  linked up today with Nancy at A Rural Journal. She conducts her "A Random Five" blog hop there. Click that link to read other "A Random Five" posts or to join in with your own.

==> Click on any picture for a larger size and a better view.

 

==> Be seeing you (BCNU) after my August Break.