While growing up some of my favorite authors were Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt/Jean Plaidy, and T.H. White. This early experience with
British fiction developed into a life-long attraction to England, Ireland, Scotland and, generally, all things British. My first trip to England back in the 70's was part of a
high school cultural-exchange program. In 1994 I spent a week in Cambridge studying Gender Discrimination Law with U.S. Supreme Court
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I went back for the third time in February 2006. This trip was just for
fun and was dedicated to my love of Border Collies. I flew out of Cincinnati on a Thursday after work and came back on Monday. It
was a short amount of time to travel a long way, but I brought back Lark, which made the trip all the more special.
Sue Large (Wizaland) was the ultimate hostess. She picked me up at Gatwick and ferried me about to meet several breeders and see their
lovely dogs. The day I landed I visited Robert Harlow (Bordertime). Wow, what a facility! When I die, I want to come back as one of his dogs.
I also met Pat & Alan Wilkinson & Tracey Rankin (Altricia). Pat went to the trouble to make an authentic Shepherds pie in her Aga stove
(I had only read about Aga's before that, I had never seen one.) Her Shepherds pie beat the heck out of the frozen ones from Trader Joe's.
Alan collects the most wonderful dog-related pictures, art, tshatshkes, etc., and was happy to show off his treasures. Our last stop was to
meet Bob & Alison Tunnicliff (Littlethorn). I think they stayed up late just to see us because we were stuck in traffic on the M-1. We didn't
get to stay as long there, but I did get to see a lot of their dogs and we discussed some mutual lines we both have in our pedigrees.
The following day I visited Ann & Pete Stacey (Madeleys) while Sue snuck off and prepared a surprise party! Pete had to go to work, but Ann
showed me all her dogs, putting each one up on a grooming table so I could really see them. She also spent some time telling me about the dogs
she can remember from her childhood in Wales and we talked a lot about different working and show lines. Josie came and picked me up because
Sue was still "busy" and when we got back Bill convinced me to spend some time with him in the front parlor.
I finally figured out what was going on when I saw the massive amounts of food that Sue had spent all day preparing. Folks started showing up
and Bill Large's dry humour set the tone. What a thrill it was to visit and talk dogs with so many great breeders: Sue (of course), Josie Large (Wizinby), Di Venn (Miraje) and Dave,
Kathie Kinton (Kinaway), Ann Stacey (who came even though she had "baby-sat" me all afternoon), Anna Fox (Miranwiz)
and Ann Roden (Aalwiz) all at one time. I even had the opportunity to chat on the phone with Archie Hamilton (Bridgebank) and Brenda Spencer (Jenwisp).
EVERYONE that I met was so nice, and so knowledgable about Border Collies. I still have so much to learn about this wonderful breed.
My last day I got to see some Miranwiz puppies before doing a bit of sightseeing and shopping. The pup that Sue and I liked the best
is now doing well in the ring (Miranwiz Bossy Boots). The day was topped off with a
visit to artist John Silver. We sat and chatted in his studio and I even got to see some works in progress! John's talent is amazing and
he has a real feel for his subjects. I urge you to visit his website, which can be reached from my links page.
I didn't take as many pictures as I should have, and many that I took didn't turn out. Here are a few of my favorites, though.
