We have left Passavant behind, and moved North into the shores of Lake Erie. On Thursday Kay and I did observations at a Montessori school for 6 to 12 year olds. I was amazed at the amount of voluntary cooperation between the youngsters. They were building electrical circuits in one group. And there was no bickering or arguments, just calm discussion. I was also surprised how ordered the classes were as, unlike a conventional school, the teachers seemed to have very little input, into the activities around the classroom. It was brilliant, and showed what can be done, if one puts ones mind to it. On Thursday afternoon we visited another Facility a few miles away which EU educated youngsters from 13 to 18. A amazing environment, with the school being situated in a wood, and the grounds were around a hundred acres. The building were in an old Dutch style, as the site is in Aimish country. I was very impressed by the calmness, and tranquillity of the atmosphere, and by the high levels of motivation shown by the kids, who after all, are left to structure their own days learning. A great day, and I learnt a lot about the Montessori teaching methods. Which seems to embody the ethos of, I can do it, I will do it. Without an overly high input from the staff.

Well Friday was a rest day, so Kay and I shot off go Cleveland for a little sightseeing, and duly arrived, in good spirits, at the Rock and Roll hall of fame. A great day out and reasonably priced to boot. The gift shop, as with most of these places was a little expensive, but I did manage to get myself a little momento. Pictures to follow.

Kay’s. Mentor and guide for the trip invited us for dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings, she turned out to be a great host, and a very eloquent talker. Absolutely charming and intelligent young lady. Thanks Jen. You’re a star.

Well it’s an admin day today, but before I sign off I feel I should mention the wildlife.Blue Jay’s everywhere, we were almost accosted by a Skunk crossing our path, but we did manage to dodge its rear facing Chemical warfare weapon. Stinking thing, nearly had us.

Well that’s it for now. I’ll be back soon, with more unintelligible gibbering in a day or two cheers friends and nosey gets.

Well today is Kay’s birthday. And we’re off on our travels, again. Short flight from Washington, and a Car ride to a little place called, Passavant. Waiting for the Cab, to take us to the Airport. I’ll miss the People here. They were lovely, and made us feel very welcome.

Moved from Wyndham gardens hotel, to the Crossroads Montessori Centre. The Staff, and executive members are such lovely people. Kind Courteous and very generous. Kay has been working hard, and I’ve been doing the Logistics role. You know, fetching supplies, doing the Dobi, and cooking the scran. Never realised how expensive groceries are this side of the pond. Have had two days here at the centre, wish we’d come here first. A beautiful apparent and great facilities.

The Centre has a great education system at its heart, and the staff work extremely hard to maintain excellent standards. The kids are so polite, and seem really happy at their studies. All involved, should be justifiably very proud of what they have achieved .

On a personal note, I’d like to extend my gratitude to all who have helped make our stay here so pleasurable. Thanks to Kathleen, and all her team.

Woke up to a slightly cloudy morning in DC, After a light brekkie it was off to Arlington military cemetery, pay ones respects. It turned out to be a massive hike around the place it is massive.

Went to the Tomb of the unknown soldier, watch the Guy March up and down a bit. He was immaculately dressed, and lost it when a group of visitors were chatting loudly, told them to shut up, and show some respect. Then it was back to the city for Lunch, in a British pub, Called the Elephant and Castle. Beer was good, and the food was really good fare, at a reasonable price. After lunch we bimbled up Pennsylvania Avenue, to see if that guy with the dodgy Barnet was home. Never seen so many coppers in my life. Then a bus load if US Marines made an entrance, all dressed in blues. And very smart they were to, apparently the guy with the dodgy barnet, had invited they over for a BBQ, and a few beers. Nice of him, I thought. Although They did look a little overdressed, for a piss up. Reminded me of the Mess Summer balls. Getting wrecked with your best gear on. Good times, well the parts I can remember were, at least.

Woke up in Washington DC. Hot and humid day but, heavy drizzle. Breakfast a bit of a non event not too impressed with the Hotel catering. Took a train into the city, a bit 9f sightseeing as one does, went to Capitol hill, pretty impress building as it goes. Then went to the supreme court building, qwhich has a large marble plaza in front of it. Sat on the steps, and had a surreal discussion about Brexit with a guy from Bournemouth, both agreed, had that vote been in the US, It would have been sorted by now. Don’t think there was much point petitioning here though.

So it was onto the Memorial, and the White House. And it absolutely threw it down. So another first, at 60 years of age I now own my first umbrella. Drowned rats, and in need of food, not impressed by the service in some places. But suitably refreshed and a little drier, it was onwards to the Andrew W Mellon building. Then back to the Hotel. Tired but happy as what despite the weather was a really good day. Thanks Kay, I’m glad I came.

All logistics in place, bags packed car hire, so much cheaper than a coach, and a lot more convenient. Just need the object of my affections to catch up. A million and one last minute things to do, will probably take an hour.

This Churchill fellowship has got real, research to be done, notes to type up, and reports to be written. Conclusions to be made. I’m tired just thinking about it.

Next report in a day or two, try to keep up.

So it

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton