I'm A Winner, A Researcher and a Giverawayer (Not sure how to spell that?)

I'm a Winner!

 Not only was November NaNoWriMo, it was PiBoIdMo.  I signed up for both, but due to unexpected  circumstances I wasn't able to finish NaNo....But I finished PiBo with 31 new ideas!  My plans are to compile all my ideas on to a piece of poster board and post it in my office.  Then I can check them off as I complete the first draft of each story.  (I love list making.) If you aren't sure what PiBoIdMo is, it's Picture Book Idea Month, Tara did a super job organizing it.  (*waves*)

I'm a Researcher...

 We found this on the beach in South Shields, England.  

We think it was a watch station of some sort for the Home Guard during WWII.

 This beautiful spot was beside a cafe' we stopped at on our way to Eden Camp.  

 As you enter this WWII POW camp you will notice the barbed wire fence and the watch towers.  Eden Camp house prisoners of war during WWII.  The prisoners were mostly Italian and German.  If they were good they were allowed to have day passes to work in local businesses and on farms.  There was a shortage of strong young men during the War as they were all off fighting.

 They had several examples of bomb shelters.  I am refraining from showing you all my photos. 

 Be thankful...I took a LOT.

 During the War every man, woman, child and baby was required to carry a gas mask with them at all times. The babies had units that they completely fit in and I'm sure it was their mums that carried it for them.

 A group of school children were on a visit to Eden Camp and were all labeled with identification labels and carried a small satchel, just like the children who were evacuated during the war.

 All sorts of artifacts were on display; from food

 to what a bombed building might look like,

 To examples of blacking out a room,

 to fashions,

and even popular toys.  This dolly is dressed in a woman's service uniform.

 Prisoners at Eden Camp enjoyed shows. 

 The treatment they endured was much much much kinder than the treatment the Allied Forces received.

 Bombs and planes showed the attitude of the Brits.

I hope you enjoyed a little bit of my research on my trip to England.  My next post will be on December 6th and I'll announce the winner of my English Goodie Bag Give Away.  If you haven't entered, please hop over HERE and enter.

I hope you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  

Hugs to all!