I met Barbara!

Now that she is home and has posted about our meeting, I can divulge all and tell you that last Tuesday, I met a blogging friend for the first time! Barbara, from Ramblings from an English Garden suggested that we meet at Ashridge Estate, as she was looking after her daughter's home and pets near by. I live quite a way north of Ashridge,

but here in England, nothing is too far away really, so off I poddled down the motorway to find the meeting place at the visitor's centre. (I love driving, and after spending most of my life in SA, distance is never a problem!) I too had to deal with detours for roadworks which is the bane of any British motorist's life at the moment, but find it I did, and I knew her immediately. We waved at each other, and I do believe the conversation started within seconds. We didn't stop.

Barbara and Alan in front of the monument. I am not sure what the monument is for. I was too busy talking. Oops.

We talked about anything and everything, and it was great to compare stories about life at sea with her husband, Alan too. We all love walking, and after a couple of cups of coffee and some lunch to fortify us, we set off on a walk down the ridge to a nearby village. Thank heavens Barbara has done her post because so help me, I had forgotten the name of the place. Too busy talking, you see. And taking photos. Aldbury. That was the place. I just double checked. We were both armed with our cameras, and took masses of photographs. Barbara has some super ones up on her blog, so make sure you go and see.

This is a photo of the stocks from ancient times. You know... where they put people who had misbehaved.

The scenery was beautiful, and the company was great, and Barbara is a total delight. Alan is as well. I cannot think of a nicer way to meet someone in real life for the first time. I have spoken to Barb and Morning Glory before, and I already knew how simple it is too have a conversation with my blogging friends. We have all shared so much, and do have a unique perspective of each others' lives, and meeting in real life is just the same. We already know each other. Just the voices are new. It is good. It is fun. And it is an added dimension to this new and exciting world we have discovered.

So there you have it.

I MET A BLOGGING FRIEND IN REAL LIFE!!!!!!

And loved every minute of it. So what are we off to explore next time, Barbara??????