Mar14

In the big Wheel

Posted on March 14, 2026 by utesmile

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Another day out in London

I love London.

Well, the London Eye was built in 1998 .

Only in the year 2000 it was opened for the public.

There are 32 capsules in total;

one for each of the London boroughs.

For superstitious reasons they are numbered up to 33,

with capsule 13 left out for good luck.

Fascinating London Eye facts below!

It was the World's Tallest Observation Wheel. 
It Wasn't Meant to Be Permanent.
It Offers Unrivalled Views of London. 
There are 32 Capsules but no Number 13.
The Capsules Travel at Walking Pace. 
It Was Built in Pieces Across Europe.
It has been in numerous films and TV shows. 
It is lit up every year for the New Year.

On top of the world

 
Even on a cloudy day 
the blue sky
is still there.

All pictures taken by me  with  Google Pixel

Mar12

♥ Being Grateful ♥ 39 ♥ Thankful Thursday

Posted on March 12, 2026 by utesmile

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When you are grateful, 
fear disappears and 
abundance appears.

Anthony Robbins

♥♥♥

Picture taken by me with Google Pixel. Other from Facebook.

Mar8

Rain, rain, rain …

Posted on March 8, 2026 by utesmile

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We still have lots of rain.

The odd dry day in between.

Yet the rain leaves beauty behind.

Love the drops on my Lupin

Some Tulips are so fast.

The mixed colour Camelia is beautiful

In the Springtime, 
the heart regrows hope. 

Angie Weiland-Crosby

Pictures by me on my Google pixel.

Mar5

♥ Being Grateful ♥ 38 ♥ Thankful Thursday

Posted on March 5, 2026 by utesmile

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Let us be grateful 
to the people who make us happy; 
they are the charming gardeners 
who make our souls blossom.

Marcel Proust

♥♥♥

Picture taken by me with Google Pixel. Other from Google.

Mar1

Outing with celebrities :-)

Posted on March 1, 2026 by utesmile

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London has so much to offer and

sometimes you need to step out.

We wanted to see the limelight and have fun.

Meeting the famous was fantastic.

I shared a Marmalade Sandwich with Paddington

I shook hands with all James Bonds.

I played piano with Elton John

I took E.T. out for a ride

Enjoying a word with Dame Judi Dench …

… and with Sir David Attenborough

I drove round the Universe with the Star Wars guys

There were plenty more

from the Marvel films,

stars, politians and royalty.

We spent a great time with all.

 
Surround yourself  
only with people
who are going 
to lift you higher.

Oprah Winfrey

All pictures taken by me Madame Tussauds with  Google Pixel

Feb26

♥ Being Grateful ♥ 37 ♥ Thankful Thursday

Posted on February 26, 2026 by utesmile

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If the only prayer you said 
was thank you, 
that would be enough.

Eckhardt Tolle

♥♥♥

Picture taken by me with Google Pixel. Other from Facebook.

Feb21

Kew Gardens 45th Smile ♥ Orchid Festival ♥

Posted on February 21, 2026 by utesmile

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The Orchids came from China this time.

Perfect timing for the Chinese new year.

The big dragon full of Orchids welcomed us.

So many Orchids in different shapes and colours.

These beautiful Ochids were displayed in lovely containers.

Animals were made of grasses and leaves

My favourite staircase full of Orchids

Beautiful red Lanterns everywhere

 
The best time 
to plant a tree 
was 20 years ago. 
The second best time is 
today.

Chinese Proverb

All pictures taken by me in Kew Gardens with Canon EOS and Google Pixel

Feb19

♥ Being Grateful ♥ 36 ♥ Thankful Thursday

Posted on February 19, 2026 by utesmile

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Let gratitude be the pillow 
upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. 
And let faith be the bridge you build 
to overcome evil and welcome good.

Maya Angelou

♥♥♥

Picture taken by me with Google Pixel. Other from Facebook.

Feb12

♥ Being Grateful ♥ 35 ♥ Thankful Thursday

Posted on February 12, 2026 by utesmile

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Gratitude is medicine 
for a heart devastated by tragedy.  
If you can only be thankful for the blue sky, 
then do so. 


Richelle E. Goodrich

♥♥♥

Picture taken by me with Google Pixel. Other from Facebook.

Feb8

I’ve seen the Starlight again 40 years on

Posted on February 8, 2026 by utesmile

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I saw it 1986 about 5 times 
as I loved it so much.

After 40 years, now, I saw it again
It has changed,
being updated
with new songs and more speed
in a purpose built theatre.

It was amazing,
fantastic music,
great Rollerskating.
I loved it again.

Then and now

1986 I loved it so, I bought the T-shirt

Only you
Have the power to move me....
The light is shining through
You gave me life not just existence.

I am the Starlight.
I have the power within me
I can achieve
Just believe in anything.

I am the Starlight,
Use the power within me
I can see it through.


Excerpts from lyrics of 'Only you' and 'I am the Starlight'
Andrew Lloys Webber/ Richard Stilgoe