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Footpaths, Football, Flowers, Fine Houses, and New Friends

Bob and I spent much of our time during the last week getting even better acquainted with our “hood” — Isleworth, Brentford, Richmond, Kew, and Chiswick. We took in a play, Gaslight, at a lovely old theatre in Richmond. It reminded us a bit of the Paramount Theater in Austin. And we got in on a little of the Six Nations Rugby festivities by going to the pre-game activities at the famous Twickenham Stadium. We were outside (didn’t spring for the pricey tickets) the venue where Prince Harry and Princess Anne (as well as some footballers) were in attendance! England won big over Scotland to clinch the Six Nations cup. They (England) play Ireland today. If they win there, they would earn the Grand Slam, meaning they have won every game in the Six Nations championship.

We really loved our stay in Isleworth — awesome to be in a smaller, residential community with access to great running paths, good theatre, as well as easy access to the big city. The fact that we got to meet some new friends (human and animal) made it all the better.

The beautiful Richmond Theatre —

The stage set for the play, Gaslight

Some fun and informative finds walking to and along the Thames Path —

We passed this marker every time we walked to the Thames path
More local history
The White Swan Pub keeping their patrons informed of the daily tide levels
Looking across the Thames to Eel Island
Bob, Charlie, and Zoe in front of an elaborate fountain in York Park

We had a rugby (not football) day one Saturday, as we headed to the famous Twickenham Stadium to participate (people watch) ahead of the Six Nations match between England and Scotland.  England won that game easily but lost today to Ireland.  While England still wins the Six Nations Cup, they don’t win the Grand Slam (winning all of their games in the championship series).

Entrance to the stadium
Inside the Guinness Fan Zone
There was also a bubbles tent as well as food booths. This lunch of champions was temporarily abandoned by two gentleman who went to greet the team bus as it drove by. No one bothered it, and they came back.

New friends that our homeowners introduced us to, Bev and Rae, got us into the Kew Royal Gardens for free.  They are members and are able to bring guests.

The Princess of Wales Conservatory
Inside the conservatory
Hanging orchids
The treetops walk
Spring means daffodils here
We walked to Chiswick (pronounced Chisik) one day to see the Chiswick House and Gardens and the Fuller’s Brewery (photo ops only) and then toured the Syon House and Garden in Isleworth on its opening day of the season.

A boat on the Thames near Brentford
A lovely home in Chiswick
A Fuller’s Pub near the Fuller’s brewery — many pubs are owned by breweries
A waterfall in Chiswick House Park
The Earl of Burlington’s Chiswick House, built between 1725 and 1729

Syon House in Isleworth, viewed from across the Thames
The Great Hall in Syon House, the London residence of the Duke of Northumberland. we learned during the tour that the current Duke inherited the property and title when his older brother died.
The Long Corridor — awesome built-in bookcases with lots of old, family books

The conservatory on the grounds
Part of the gardens and pond

Bob and I with Rae and Bev (and Zoe and Charlie) in the Red Lion Pub across the street from where we housesit

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