We are at a Travelodge just outside Carlisle, at Todhills.

It has been a busy day.

I quietly slipped over to Martin's house and put the paving stones and plant pots in their front garden.

I went home, packed and made pancakes for this afternoon's birthday bar-b-q.

We spent a pleasant 2 hours at the party, then we left at 7pm to drive south.

Just short of the border, the rian started. It fairly poured down!

Yet we are warned this week will be hot! hot! hot!

Tomorrow we will either do Hadrian's Wall, or drive through the Lake District, an area of great natural beauty.

This photo I took during a Solemn High Mass in Sao Paolo just before Christmas 2008