Lusts in Oxford: From Jericho to Summertown

We moved into our new flat last week which is a nice, modern and spacious 3-bedroom apartment in Summertown. After some initial teething problems with telephone, internet and plumbing, we have settled in nicely and much prefer it here. Summertown is a bit like a small version of Toorak. I have noticed that it is de rigeur, here, to wear Ugg boots. As a fashion statement. Hilarious! So two years ago for Aussie Gen Ys. There are all these middle aged women zipping about Summertown (from beauty salon, to lunch date) in designer digs and Ugg Boots (in the rain, cold and even snow!). Will someone tell these madams that Ugg Boots are to be worn inside one's house as slippers!!!!

Mark managed to lose his passport within the first 3 weeks of being in the UK so had to venture into London to attend an appointment at Australia House in order to re-apply for a new one. Was greeted outside the Australian Embassy by a bunch of dreadlocked hippies protesting against logging in Tasmania. Managed to take in a few tourist sights whilst in London such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Hyde Park. Looking forward to seeing London properly - so much to see and do!

While Melbourne wilts in the 40 degree plus heat, the mercury in Oxford is struggling to get above zero. We woke this morning to a complete 'white out' as Oxford was covered in snow. It then proceeded to snow all day and probably will for the rest of the week. It really looks spectacular. Noah loved making footprints with his 'wellies' and throwing snowballs into the canal. England has really been affected by the 'adverse weather' with many transport services and airports shut down, and many shops and businesses closed as people can't get to work. Many of the schools have also closed, leaving angry parents with nowhere to send their kids and without childcare. It's costing the country truck loads of money but it's incredible that a place as 'sophisticated' as England has no contingency and cannot cope with 24 hours of snow, much to the amusement of the media.

The boys are great. Noah starts nursery tomorrow and is excited at the prospect of learning to read. Ethan started crawling 2 weeks ago and cannot be stopped. It was much easier when he was less mobile. Ethan starts Monkey Music classes tomorrow too - so hopefully we can start to get to know other people here. We did meet a couple of the local playground mums and kids on Saturday who said Noah had a broad Aussie accent (I think just a polite way of saying that they couldn't understand a word he said!) We're sure it won't be long before he is speaking like an Oxfordshire Pom!

Mark has been at work the past two weekends so we're looking forward to having some free weekends to do some day trips (weather permitting!). Meaghan is going stir crazy and needs some respite from the kids.