Ceremony of the Keyes

In 1994 we went to the UK to visit our new friends in several parts of the country, but our primary hosts were Howard and Mary Habron. Besides drinking a hell of a lot of beer, Howard arranged a real magical night at the end of trip.
Howard arranged for us to attend the Ceremony of the Keyes, which is in the Tower of London at night. I mean this was better than a date with Raquel Welch, but of course, that has not happened to me yet.
This ceremony has been going on every night since 1340. It is the formal locking of the gates at night at the Tower of London. On our night, about twenty people were attending the ceremony. Despite being a photographer, I was happy that no cameras or photography is allowed during the ceremony.
We showed up and were assigned our own Yeoman, who looked and acted like he was born and raised in the Tower. He was a very colorful retired army sergeant. Best of all, he bought us a pint of lager before and after the ceremony in the yeoman's pub.
We left the pub and walked to the gates just before the ceremony. As we did so, we walked by Traitors Gate were people were brought in off the Thames. Think of the people who never left the Tower.
After the Ceremony, after the last pint of lager, we all left the Tower. To be in the Tower at night was a very cool experience, and I felt like a hot tourist for being in there for the Ceremony.
Both the wife and I really appreciated the Habrons for the experience, and in fact, it was a magical night.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremony_of_the_Keys

Un visitado con Ron y Michelle

Ensenada, Mexico, is about 80 miles south of the USA border. It has been a fishing village for years, and many cruise lines now go into the port in Ensenada. Ron retired from our department years ago, and he later married a very nice Mexican lady and moved to Ensenada. Since leaving the department, Ron has made a living as a boat captain.
Personally, I think the boat captain living is absolutely wonderful but not for me. First of all, I get sea sick looking at a boat on water. Secondly, I know a great white shark is waiting for me in the ocean.
Anyway, the wife and I drove down to Ensenada on the toll road. Although I have travelled in Mexico, I have not travelled in Baja, Mexico. In fact it is a toll road, and I know because I had to stop three times to pay the toll. I also went through two army stops, think drugs.
It is beautiful, absolutely beautiful along the road. It stays very close to the coast, hence, lots of good views. Next time I will stop for fotos along the way.
Ron lives in a beautiful three floor house in a development on the side of a hill, which means a great view of the ocean from his patio.
Ron is smart! How smart? First thing we did is go on his patio, and had a cold Pacifico in a nice cold mug. This was followed by chips, salsa, and guacamole dip, thanks to his cute wife. This of course was followed by lunch; lunch was taquitos pollo with shreaded lettuce over them and salsa and cheese in the lettuce. Why am I describing the food? Because I love to eat and I love Mexican food; also, this food was great in taste and presentation (a fancy word I learned from Gordon Ramsey).
We had a great time talking about old days at the department. Oddly enough, I was in one 11-99 situation with Ron. It basically started out as two morons at a football game. We all responded, and I ended up wrestling one moron. The other moron, a very large strong young man, took a swing at Ron. Ron punched the guy once in the stomach, and the guy folded like a cheap chair.
Anyway, a great day with Ron and his great wife. Dona Michelle, usted es muy simpatica y nosotros quiermos regresar!