Yesterday was my first non-blogging day, but that was because of a football (American soccer) game last night!
So…Dinner on Friday night was fabulous! Philippa (with a little help from Mum and friends…) made a mushroom tart to start, followed by lasagna and two salads, garlic bread and then a great strawberry trifle to finish. Everything was GREAT! Phil’s Uncle David and Aunt Anne joined us, and we have a really lovely evening! People are beginning to gather for Leo’s christening! Uncle David and Aunt Anne brought Leo a silver mug that has been in Phil’s family since 1832 – along with a family tree showing the relationships of everyone who had it, down to Leo. It is amazing; what a wonderful gift!
Up fairly early and we were out the door about 9. First went (believe it or not) to the Costco in Milton Keynes. We were curious to see what it was like, and were also looking for a really good road atlas (ours is rather out of date besides still residing in Tucson).
The Costco was amazing! It is laid out almost exactly like ours at home, even down to the bathroom locations (ask me how I know that…)! Robert talked to the manager (he wanted to see if our Amex Costco card would work there; it wouldn’t now, but will next year!) who said that all U.K. locations are laid out on the same plan as the U.S. Who knew? The store had a terrific wine section – lots of French, Australian and South African wines available. We did pick up a couple of bottles… The only difference was that this one wasn’t absolutely over-run with people and we could actually get to a check-out counter quickly! I’m sure that will change as word spreads across the country…
From Milton Keynes, we headed to Little Rollright, to see the Rollright stones – a Neolithic stone circle. Lovely drive across country; rather blustery weather, and lots and lots of rain patches. Had a good walk around the stone circle, and then took off for Bibury, our favorite Cotswold town, for lunch.
Rollright stones -
And of course it was lambing season...
Bibury, as per usual, was packed with people – at least three bus-loads full. We found the Catherine Wheel (local pub) and had a really lovely lunch! We both had starters of tomato soup with pesto and brown bread (excellent for a cold and blustery day!). R had trout – directly from the trout farm down the road -- with roasted potatoes. I had a wonderful supreme of corn-fed chicken with peas, bacon and pearl onions; just terrific! Declined dessert and started back toward Upton.
A few scenes from Bibury, including our favorite English hotel, the Bibury Court!
Took us about an hour to return about 3:30-ish. Dan’s sister Louise and her husband Alex and their 5-month old Amelie had arrived, and we had a nice visit. I got in a load of laundry, and with the sun coming out just a little bit, hung it out in the line to dry. Nobody here can understand why no one in AZ or CA hangs out their washing…(tried to explain about CCR’s and Associations), but didn’t manage too well; everyone incredulous. Doesn’t seem to make much sense, does it? Wonder if our neighbors would complain if we put up a washline…hmmm…
Football game came up quickly – Barcelona (MY team) vs. Man U. We did take out from a local restaurant – some pizza, some salad, some kebabs. WAY too much food around! Game was brilliant, as long as you were rooting for Barca! It was 1-1 at the half, but then Lionel Messi (greatest player in the world!) broke the deadlock in the second period, and it was capped off by David Villa’s third goal. VERY, very happy – as I sat in my Barca jersey with scarf around my neck…I know…I’m odd…
By the time it was over, and Phil’s best friend since childhood, Jill and her son, Ashley had arrived for a brief visit, I was too tired to blog…so…
Up about 6, and getting ready for the christening! Probably about 60 people…lots to do! So – more later!
Love,
m
x
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