New Dilema

[cheryls]

Rupert asked me to schedule the week of the bank holiday in August off. He wants to take another little holiday before Alex goes back to school in September. Now the Dilema. Where should we go? It has to be the UK because we have to go by car and we have to take our dog with us so it has to be pet friendly. Rupert is talking about Scotland now. He wants 2-3 nights in a hotel or B & B that accepts dogs. He wants to have good walking areas, things to see and good food too. Not asking for much are we? Oh and the topper is: Can't be TOO Expensive either. Before anyone suggests it, I do not camp. Has to be a hotel or B & B.

[Windsong]

Scotland is lovely and there are plenty of places to roam.  Steve and I went there is November so finding someplace cheap to stay was fairly easy.  This time of year I don't know about. Scotland is full of little boarding places and little hotels.

There is always the Lake District or the yorkshire Dales.  The Dales are full of beautiful spots and out of the way places to stay.

[Lotus Freak]

my vote is for the Lake District Loads of places in the Peak District as well. You do realise I'm suggesting these places because they're close to me an we coul meet up for a meal and drinks

[weesoul]

I would say Scotland because it's the best place in the world...not that I'm biased or anything!   

However, it's a very long drive for you isn't it?  Have you considered the Hadrian's Wall area?  Great walks and gorgeous scenery.  Lots of B & B's and small hotels along the way, however I'm sure you'll need a reservation.  That's probably true for anyplace this time of year.

annie

[steveg]

(Warning Long!)

Paula and I had a trip to Scotland a couple of years ago, as she mentioned. We went up for a mixture of our wedding anniversary and an invitation to another Expat’s home for a sort of Canadian/American Thanksgiving get together (some of you will remember Michelle and Sean, who at the time lived in Stirling?)

Our Anniversary was the 4th November (Friday), but we actually set off early on the Saturday morning. We took a short break for some breakfast on the M6 and then onto the border and a visit to Gretna and the Blacksmith’s shop. It is VERY touristy and lots of all things Scotland for sale and very busy with coach parties and of course……Weddings! We enjoyed the visit and were fortunate to see a couple getting married over the anvil.

WE carried on up the A74 and approached Glasgow, on a whim I decided not to head for Stirling but to follow the M8 around Glasgow and head towards Loch Lomond – that was a smart move – it truly is a marvellous place and somewhere I would like to spend more time exploring. After a few hours there we set off for Stirling and, with a short stop at a tea shop for tea and a snack we arrived at out hotel. We had booked into a Travelodge, simply because it was handy and cheap – it was fine and fulfilled exactly what we required.

That night we found a local pub/Restaurant and had dinner there seated in the conservatory with a decent view across Stirling. It proved to be a wonderful venue for viewing all the fireworks going off for Guy Fawkes Night – It certainly added something to the enjoyment of the meal!

The next day, after scouting out where Michelle lived for later in the afternoon – we went to the Wallace museum and monument on a hill overlooking Stirling and one of his past battlefields. Because of Paula’s disability, we were given permission to drive to the top of the hill and the monument. Unfortunately the only way to climb up the monument (and museum) itself is via a lot of stairs, so that was out, but we did visit the cafeteria and had some excellent tea and shortbread and we spent a good while looking out from the wall over the city of Stirling to the Castle and beyond to the Highlands in the misty distance. We were also fortunate that one of the mini van drivers (for that is how people normally get up the hill) took time out to speak to us and tell us a lot about the monument and the view we were drinking in – it made a great addition to our visit.

In the afternoon and early evening we went to the thanksgiving get together and had a quiet evening watching TV that night.

The next day we set off early and drove to Dundee for breakfast and then on to Arbroath as I know Paula *loves* smoked white fish and I had to give her the chance to try a real fresh Arbroath “Smokie” – and boy did she love it too! – we ate some and bought some to take back home. Back to the roads and to Dundee again and across the Tay Bridge into Fife. We passed RAF Leuchars on the way to St Andrews – which impressed me immensely, being an avid fan of all things golf – it all looks so ordinary from the side of the road! Finally we started the long drive home via the Forth Bridge and a stop in Edinburgh for a bit of shopping and a Starbucks Coffee.

A steady drive home to end 3 days away, and an excellent time – yes there is LOADS and LOADS more to see in Scotland, but we enjoyed it a great deal and will certainly do more of the same (but different locations) – I for one would endorse your choice of Scotland as a destination, equally you would really enjoy a visit to the Lake district, an area whose beauty is unsurpassed, except perhaps by the Scottish Highlands itself. Both of these places are littered with cheap overnight boarding houses and “bed and breakfast” establishments if you are prepared to risk it and set off without a booking?

The Yorkshire dales are very beautiful and definitely a place to visit, but are much different to the “hilly bits” of Scotland or the lakes – some places in the dales to see are Aysgarth falls - you will recognise it as where the fight scenes in the water in the film “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” – Thirsk, where the real surgery of James Herriot (Alf White) was, and still is, albeit the old surgery has now been turned into a very interesting museum dedicated to the stories and TV series. Hawes for a traditional Ham and Eggs tea and lovely scenery – Malham, for a spectacular cove and overhang used by many climbers and the “Moon Like” weather worn stone at the top

Cheryl – wherever you choose you will all have a great time

Cheers

Steve

[weesoul]

Steve, you've inspired me to have an expat gathering at our house when we return.....mind you it won't be until sometime in 2010.   Beds for 4 guests plus 2 sofas.   

annie

[steveg]

Steve, you've inspired me to have an expat gathering at our house when we return.....mind you it won't be until sometime in 2010.   Beds for 4 guests plus 2 sofas.   

annie

If there's an early booking discount get Paula and I  booked in now please Annie! 

[Lotus Freak]

oh Annie, if you ever have a get together I hope I'll be invited. I won't be upset if you don't invite me so don't feel presurred I've only been to Gretna and it was for a quick visit as we were driving around the area an paid a visit to Birdoswald.

[weesoul]

[

If there's an early booking discount get Paula and I  booked in now please Annie! 

Of course!  Show up with beer and good snacks and you've be made very welcome.... okay...you don't have to bring snacks, just beer...

2010 is going to be a very very busy year!  2 or 3 trips and many visitors!  Oh, and home redecorating as well.....  whew...I'm tired!

annie

We can definitely bring beer and some baked goodies!  I would probably insist on bringing something "for the house" as my Mom often said!  I love baking so goodies of some sort would be ariving with us!

I don't know how I did this, but I meant to reply to this post and instead, I'm IN the post.  Sorry Annie

[cheryls]

I heard about that one Annie, from Leigh. They had a really good time. I also noticed Erin sent you something on your blog and I was wondering if that was the same Erin that Leigh took to your house? I heard everyone pigged out on the good food and had a great time.

Rupert is still looking at Scotland for our holiday. I am leaving it up to him but giving him your suggestions.

[weesoul]

I heard about that one Annie, from Leigh. They had a really good time. I also noticed Erin sent you something on your blog and I was wondering if that was the same Erin that Leigh took to your house? I heard everyone pigged out on the good food and had a great time.

Rupert is still looking at Scotland for our holiday. I am leaving it up to him but giving him your suggestions.

Aye, it's the same Erin.  She is in Canada now and they have 2 kids. 

Leigh is renting our house until we return. 

annie 

annie

[cheryls]

I rememger when Erin returned to the states. We never heard froim her again as far as I know. I have always liked Leigh and glad to know she is takin care of your house too. We will all have to meet up sometime. You asked me about Letchworh which I believe is in Hertfordshire and we are in No. Buckinhamshire so it would be a couple hours drive from us. One day we will all do something.

[weesoul]

I rememger when Erin returned to the states. We never heard froim her again as far as I know. I have always liked Leigh and glad to know she is takin care of your house too. We will all have to meet up sometime. You asked me about Letchworh which I believe is in Hertfordshire and we are in No. Buckinhamshire so it would be a couple hours drive from us. One day we will all do something.

Soon after they returned to the states Erin's husband got a job in Canada.  I think they are happy there.  Too cold for me though!

We are so grateful we have people in our house that we trust and know will take good care of it.   It really was a load of our minds when they agreed to rent from us.  That was my biggest worry before we came.

I thought MK was fairly close to Herts?  Ah well, we could meet up halfway.   

annie

[Lotus Freak]

Oh wow, that's a name from the past. I miss Leigh, I really liked her and it never dawned on me that's the same Leigh. Annie, the next time you speak to her please tell her hello from me.

I don't remember who Erin is...

[weesoul]

Oh wow, that's a name from the past. I miss Leigh, I really liked her and it never dawned on me that's the same Leigh. Annie, the next time you speak to her please tell her hello from me.

I don't remember who Erin is...

Will tell her.  Email her every week or two.  She complains about all the rain and I complain about the lack of it! 

Erin was the wife of a Phd theology student in Edinburgh and she was a social worker.  They had to leave when his uni was finished.  She had a baby while here, compliments of the NHS.

annie

[cheryls]

Dilema now settled. I had to work at a store today and am really sunburnt now but when I got home Rupert gave me this link and said "this is where we are going". Sounds lovely to me. I love places like this.


MTA: Removed place as we have now re-booked elsewhere.

[weesoul]

That looks lovely Cheryl!  The scenery around that area is stunning.  I have driven past in a car and also took my brothers family through that area on the Harry Potter train.  You must go to Skye!  If you are a fan of fish you get get excellent fresh haddock and chips in Mallaig or anywhere along that coast. 

Enjoy your trip! 

annie

[cheryls]

Will keep it in mind Annie. I told Ru what you said so he started looking it up and likes the idea. I can eat
fish but he is allergic. I am looking forward to a long drive and just playing tourist for a few days then a long drive back but having a few days to unwind before going back to work. This is the first time in my entire life that I can honestly say I have had 2 holidays in one year and I still have 13 days left to take between now and April!!!

[weesoul]

Will keep it in mind Annie. I told Ru what you said so he started looking it up and likes the idea. I can eat
fish but he is allergic. I am looking forward to a long drive and just playing tourist for a few days then a long drive back but having a few days to unwind before going back to work. This is the first time in my entire life that I can honestly say I have had 2 holidays in one year and I still have 13 days left to take between now and April!!!

It will be a very nice trip!  Hope the weather cooperates.  Take lots of pics and post them, k?

When we return from Uganda one of the things I reallly want to do is see all the bits of Scotland I haven't seen yet like the north and also the Outer Hebrides.

annie

[Windsong]

Looks like you will be having a great time!  I want to see more of Scotland.....I really love it up there!  Its so wild and beautiful out of the cities!

[Lotus Freak]

very jealous, I wouldn't mind going there. Looks like a fab place Cheryl. I'm on the hunt for a holiday this year and it's starting to look like we might be going to Costa del Sol...we shall see.

[cheryls]

After seeing 124 hits on this subject hubs and I decided that is a bit abnormal. We don't need any stalkers about and we have decided to change locations. I find it sad yet almost funny that there are certain people in this world who just can't let things go. Not meaning to be cryptic but they know who they are and I know who they are. Tsk Tsk Tsk. Maybe I will post pics after our holiday. I should have done that in the first place. It's a pain trying to relocate but it has been done.

[Molly Mockford]

After seeing 124 hits on this subject hubs and I decided that is a bit abnormal.

Not in the slightest!  If only half-a-dozen forum members look at the topic each time that there is a new post, the "hit" numbers soon rise.   Look at the figures for just some of the other topics in this section - the next eight in order, as at the date/time I'm viewing the board:

New Dilema - 21 replies, 146 views
Back to the Broads - 16 replies, 152 views
Pictures from Canterbury and Sissinghurst - 5 replies, 67 views
question - 5 replies, 80 views
Northumberland National Park and Hadrian's Wall - 4 replies, 198 views
london ramblings - 3 replies, 217 views
Lake District  -    30 replies, 671 views
Boating - 14 replies, 287 views
Edinburgh Tattoo Weekend – Trip Report - 6 replies, 178 views

Now, remembering that as well as the number of replies, there is always an originating post (so that 16 replies means 17 posts in all), it is simplicity itself to calculate the number of views per post, as follows:

New Dilema  -   6.6
Back to the Broads - 8.9
Pictures from Canterbury and Sissinghurst - 11.2
question - 13.3
Northumberland National Park and Hadrian's Wall - 39.6
london ramblings - 54.3
Lake District  -    21.6
Boating - 19.1
Edinburgh Tattoo Weekend – Trip Report - 25.4

So you can plainly see that this topic has in fact fewer views than the other topics!

Remember, also, that all but a very small area of the forum is open for anybody in the world to view - the entire ethos of the forum is openness and honesty.  Anybody can read this topic without logging in, and this would of course never be shown in the statistics, which naturally relate to logged-in readers only!

So let's not get paranoid about this, and start talking about stalkers.  There is absolutely nothing in the figures relating to this topic to suggest anything of the sort.  I do strongly recommend that those members who arrived here as refugees from one of the other forums should do their utmost, after nearly two full years here, to cast off the cloak of suspicion and distrust with which they arrived, and place a little bit of courteous trust in the current membership of this forum.

[cheryls]

Sorry Molly but I don't think you have the right to discuss "mistrust or suspicions" when you clearly have never been stalked. I know for a fact people were called at work, had letters sent, been reported to their IP server and signed up to numerous Porn sites as many other people can attest to but we have been asked not to bring that trash over here I have respectfully not done so. Are people still watching us and our posts? Of course they are because they are bored and paranoid themselves.

Remove the topic if you wish. I should never have put it up in the first place but please don't be so patronizing in your posts.

[Molly Mockford]

Cheryl, I have explained to you how the number of Views on each topic is arrived at - and explained that it is perfectly possible for anybody to read almost every topic on the forum without logging in.  You expressed displeasure at the number of times that this topic has been viewed by registered members of the forum, and that to me sounds offensive to the other members.

Of course stalkers exist - we all know of celebrities who have been stalked, and no doubt all the forms of harrassment which you itemise, and more, have been used against them.  However, it would be the height of foolishness for a deliberate stalker to join a forum and read a topic for the sake of hoping to make one single poster to that topic uncomfortable!  As I stressed, a stalker could read the topic as often as he wanted without ever joining the forum, or logging in if he joined.  If you suspect a real-life stalker of that kind, your best approach is to the police - not making insinuations against the other members of the forum.

[cheryls]

Molly, just so you arer aware I HAVE discussed this through E-mail with several other member of thsi forum who have agreed with me. Of course there are people who sign up just tp lurk. If anyone "other forum members" are distressed please tell them to PM me and I will gladly discuss but your post sounded patronizing. You have often said this is an open forum but I don't find that when YOU have PM'd people in the past asking them to change theirs screen name without consulting the rest of the board. I am not having a "go at you" personally but I take offense to you making me look paranoid when I clearly know better. As I said, remove the post and we won't have this problem.

[steveg]

  If you suspect a real-life stalker of that kind, your best approach is to the police - not making insinuations against the other members of the forum.

Erm..... Lets be fair. At no time has anyone made any insinuations against other members of the forum. The way I read it was that Cheryl suspected that there has been excessive following of her posts and other activities taken against her and her family by persons unknown, who may well be, as you pointed out and Cheryl knows, anonymous non members of the forum.

Cheryl's actual words were "I find it sad yet almost funny that there are certain people in this world who just can't let things go."

I also find that your breakdown of the views and posts on some subjects also to be fair and reasonable, and one I tend to agree with. However, this can never change a feeling that someone may have of being followed or stalked as it is now known - similar to the feeling you can never regain in your home after a burglar has been in there - all may very well be fine now, but it doesn't feel so.

Cheryl has past history which none of us will fully understand, so I think we should respect her feelings and leave it to settle again

Certainly lets not any of us fall out over it.

Best Wishes to you both

Steve

[Molly Mockford]

Molly, just so you arer aware I HAVE discussed this through E-mail with several other member of thsi forum who have agreed with me. Of course there are people who sign up just tp lurk.

I am sure that other members of the forum will have expressed agreement and support - this is exactly the sort of place to provide this kind of comfort!  However, I can reassure you that there is no registered member who has only lurked and who is logging in on a regular basis.  The last time that a member who has never posted logged on was 18 days ago, and he is known personally to me;  the next longest was a member who registered, logged in as soon as approved and then never returned - and that was 23 days ago;  another did exactly the same 36 days ago.

You may see it as patronising, Cheryl, but I am offering you hard facts.  I explained exactly how the topic views are calculated, and demonstrated that this topic had in fact fewer views per post than any of the next eight in the board.  I can assure you that there is no member of the forum who has never posted and yet who is logging in on a regular basis.  If you are being stalked, it is not by a member of this forum - regardless of whether other members are prepared to agree with you in e-mail.  For heavens' sake - if other members thought they were being stalked by a member here, wouldn't they have written to the Admin Team to complain about it?

[Molly Mockford]

Erm..... Lets be fair. At no time has anyone made any insinuations against other members of the forum. The way I read it was that Cheryl suspected that there has been excessive following of her posts and other activities taken against her and her family by persons unknown, who may well be, as you pointed out and Cheryl knows, anonymous non members of the forum.

No, Steve.  Anonymous non-members of the forum can read almost all the topics - but unless they are logged in, the number of Views recorded against each topic does not change.  (If that were the case, every visit by the Google bot would increment the views for every topic!)  It was the number of views of the topic which Cheryl specifically said that she objected to;  those views are only ever by registered members who are logged in;  the only possible conclusion is that it is these registered members of the forum, who log in regularly, who are being mistrusted - simply because they are following a particular topic!

I also find that your breakdown of the views and posts on some subjects also to be fair and reasonable, and one I tend to agree with. However, this can never change a feeling that someone may have of being followed or stalked as it is now known - similar to the feeling you can never regain in your home after a burglar has been in there - all may very well be fine now, but it doesn't feel so.

Cheryl has past history which none of us will fully understand, so I think we should respect her feelings and leave it to settle again

Indeed, and if she suspects a real-life stalker, rather than just one who is reading the topics in a forum of which they are a member, I repeat my strong advice that she should contact the police.  It would be downright foolhardy not to!  The police these days are fully aware of the dangers of stalkers - even internet stalkers - and will respond sympathetically.

[Molly Mockford]

No, Steve.  Anonymous non-members of the forum can read almost all the topics - but unless they are logged in, the number of Views recorded against each topic does not change.  (If that were the case, every visit by the Google bot would increment the views for every topic!) 

My sincere apologies to Steve and to Cheryl - Howard has demonstrated a way in which the Views can be incremented even when one is not logged on - it sometimes does it, and sometimes not, it seems, depending on factors which we still haven't 100% identified.  I still don't think that visits from Google could possibly increment it, or there would be no topics with low figures such as 4 or 6 views - but there are certainly circumstances in which visiting a topic while not logged on can increase its number of views by 1.

[steveg]

Thank you for the apology Molly, but none is necessary to me - I was merely pointing out that whatever any of the rest of us feel, if someone themselves feels "creeped out" for whatever reason, then no amount of facts can change that feeling, and that maybe the best bet would be to leave the matter alone and it will all settle down again.

I have too much regard for the both of you to stand idly by an watch you both argue (or even to a point disagree!) 

best Wishes

Steve