Charles Dickens Birthplace

"God bless us every one!"

-A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens 1843)

Charles John Huffam Dickens was born February 7th, 1812 in Portsmouth, England. Regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian period and the creator of some of the worlds most memorable  fictional characters, he was the author of 15 novels and hundreds of short-stories.

It happens to be the 200th anniversary of his birth. Yesterday Paul and I visited the birthplace of this famous man. It was really really neat.

Mark and Josephine

Here are some of the favorites from Mark and Josephine's engagement pictures. 

Chichester Cathedral

Last week we headed over to Chichester to check out the cathedral there. It was absolutely stunning! Built in 1076 the church seems as long as a city block! 

(click photos to enlarge)

An arial view of the cathedral

Inside...

Richard Fitzalan Earl of Arundel, and his second wife Eleanor holding hands.

All the bishops through the years....

Part of the original Roman road that was laid before the church was built.

A view of the church from the gardens

Big Tree

 After lunch today we strolled through the local Gatcome park. In one corner we found a massive tree that must be at least a couple hundred years old. It was quite the tree! We thought it was really cool so we got some pictures of it.

Walk Into Town

Today the weather was very beautiful. Paul, Josephine, and I walked to the bus stop and headed down to the city center. We decided to split up and meet back at 5pm. Josephine was meeting Mark for lunch so Paul and I decided to check out the town. We went to the harbor, an old church, and then sat down by the water for a while. Great day!

Paul got this shot of this couple hanging out together.....

Old church whose roof was blown off durning WW II

We bought some cherries and fresh-made donuts....really good!

Catching some sun while journaling. :)

My little friend....a bird!

Work Day

Today was a bit of a work day for us. Mark headed off to his job and we felt like we should do something productive. Paul weeded the garden and fixed one of their bikes while I helped Josephine clean the house and make Eggplant Parmesan. It was a great day and beautiful weather.

After dinner Paul and I took a walk though the little town of Portsmouth.  Its a nice English village.

Enjoy the pictures from the day! 

(click to enlarge)

Starting on the garden....

All done

A English street

An English speed limit sign

A great shot of the flag...

Its really windy here!!

Some fun pictures!