Day 243 of 365: Sunny Sunday!

What better way to spend it than a Birthday BBQ?! Our compliments to the chef!

(And as a reward, Tony, you make it into 'the blog.')

Tony & Emma's youngest turned one today, so Matt and I, along with Em & Daz, joined everyone to celebrate with burgers, brats, and kebabs while the kids all perfected their flips on the new trampoline.

Matt and I might have had a go as well, but since we're grown-ups now, we're too mature...


Or ARE we??

Day 242 of 365: The Temperature's Rising...

No, really...it is. 72 degrees today and not a cloud in the sky. That may not seem that warm to many of you, but to England, days like this come few and far between. Plus, not many homes have a need for air-conditioning as there aren't many sweltering days that require it on a regular basis.

Clearly, with Myst's heavy fur coat, his solution is to sleep belly-side-up on the gliding foot-stool.

All he needs now is a fruity, cold drink with a fancy umbrella.

And yes, I tried to censor his dignity...although he doesn't have a problem being open.

Day 241 of 365: Just a Little Walk in the Park

When I saw the sun wasn't about to go away any time soon today, I decided to high-tail it to Himley Hall & Park for a little walk around. It has been closed the past couple of days for some unknown reason and each time I drive by the main gates, I want to go in. So, today I did just that.

There's a small, yet gorgeous lake where people have sailboats and there are ducks all around. People were all comfortably lounging on blankets while kids played fetch with their dogs and dads did airplanes with their toddlers. It was really relaxing.

Himley Hall itself is a stately home that dates back to the 18th century and the grounds surrounding are beautiful.

I took a little gander back into the woods a bit and discovered this...


Not on the grandest of scales in terms of waterfalls, but it had a soothing little trickle. Plus, I discovered a family of ducks with some ducklings...so I stalked them for a while until my camera battery died.

Sadly, the weekend is already upon us and that can only mean one thing. Just two more days of peace and quiet before I'm back in a classroom of well-rested 10-year-olds.

Better enjoy it now!

Day 240 of 365: Perform a U-Turn When Possible

Today I threw caution to the wind and decided to go for a drive to Kinver. Matt took me to Kinver Edge on my first trip to England in 2006 and I fell in love with the little town. It's so quaint and definitely a place we wouldn't mind living.

Since Kinver is less than 10 miles away, I felt confident in my navigation skills to find my way there. What I didn't count on was gorgeous scenery and a fantastic playlist on the radio to distract me from my turnoff. By the time I realised I had gone too far, I saw signs welcoming me to Bridgnorth -- a further 12 miles from Kinver!

Mileage may not seem so much to those in the US, but it is here when it's nothing but winding, narrow, country roads.

I didn't drive into the town centre, but took the first opportunity to turn around and head back home. After all, I didn't want Matt to worry when he returned home from work since the last he knew, I was popping to the store for bread and soda.

I stopped at a dinky petrol station on the way back to try and capture the beauty of the countryside, but I fear my camera is on its last leg. All my photos seems to have a blur about them anymore. Also, I'm still trying to figure out the range of the hilly/mountain persuasion in the background. I don't think I was that close to Wales. Ludlow maybe? Oh well.

Anyway, here's to hoping the sun continues to grace Britain for the remainder of the week and weekend.

*holds breath*

Day 239 of 365: Addiction

Italian dressing...and veg.

Must. Get. Professional. Help.

On the positive side, it beats my ice-cream phase last week.

Day 238 of 365: Lorry Ride

This is the more picturesque of my photo choices this evening. Matt got a call last night to drive to Bradford, near Leeds, for a delivery today and he invited me to join him (since I'm on break all week and need to be entertained.) We also had to stop near Nottingham on the way back and despite my best efforts...there were no sightings of any men in tights through Sherwood Forest.

On a funnier note, hubby took a chance to point this out to me when we were leaving Bradford...


I think I actually used to CALL people Dilbags at one point...circa 1994 (or now even still...but who's keeping track?). Just funny to see what people name things.

Overall it was a pretty pleasant day. The weather held up and the drive was nice. Also, did you know these things DON'T have seat belts?! I kept trying to reach for mine and put it on every time I'd get back in the cab.

I'm so happy I got to spend the day with hubby and also really glad to have gotten more of an appreciation of how challenging it can be to drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle. People in cars should really be mindful next time you see one signaling to get out or when you think it's no big deal to cut one off on the motorway.

I certainly won't be picking fights any time soon.

Day 237 of 365: Vroom! Vroom!

Meg's got wheeeeeelz! (Yes, I know how to spell...lay off.)

I'm purchasing Emma's car and we FINALLY got it insured today, which means I HAVE A CAR THAT IS MINE ALL MINE! *Muah-ah-ah-ahhh!*

Also...glad to be keeping the legend alive.