We're past the half way point and well and truly into the English 'summer'. In fact we had to endure a 'heatwave' earlier this month when we had a week in the high 20s and the temperature soared past 30 degrees. If you thought the Poms complained about the cold, wait till they get started about the oppressive heat. Mind you, there is no such thing as air-conditioning so it did get mildly uncomfortable for a day or two. Even the hospital isn't air-conditioned so each patient had their own fan by the bedside. Unfortunately, the sun was short-lived and last weekend was back to reality - 17 degrees and rain. Not sure how the rain missed Lords where the Aussie cricket team needed it. It's no fun being an Aussie in England when their cricket team wins an Ashes test. And didn't the media jump on the bandwagon, going from bagging their incompetent team a week ago to worshipping their heroes.The last month has been a social one for us. We were thrilled to catch up with Rob and Cheryl (Mark's brother's future in-laws) who visited from Australia en route to their European tour (photo 1 below). We've been to dinner parties and lunches, and hosted the odd lunch ourselves. Photo 2 is at our place with the Baileys and Lubels, some fellow Antipodean friends and work colleagues. We attended the annual summer lunch at Marks bosses' 'manor', "Knights Spill" in the Costwolds, just outside of Oxford (photo 3). We thoroughly enjoyed this very traditional English garden party - complete with homemade chicken and leek pie and trifle for 'pudding'.
We've also been enjoying the company of our neighbours and friends, Marie and Raj and their two daughters Nitya and Namita who have paired up nicely with Noah and Ethan (their joint baths at night before we all have dinner together in Marie and Rajs' garden - are very cute!). We had a picnic on the banks of the canal near our house, accompanied by the cows and horses that graze freely in the meadow (Photos 4 and 5). We also made an attempt at berry picking before being washed out by the rain (photo 6). Nicest of all though are the beer gardens where it's great to soak up a bit of rare sun on the lawn with a pint of lager and a bag of crisps.
The school year is drawing to a close before "The Summer" and Noah has really enjoyed the end of school festivities at his nursery. The Aussie fairy bread went down a treat next to the sushi, Korean sweets, strawberries & cream and Brazilian chocolates at "International Day" and even Meaghan had to partake in the parent's race at "Sports Day". Thank goodness Noah didn't inherit his mothers' sports prowess - see photo of him winning a race and being presented with his medal. Meanwhile, Ethan continues to eat, drink and grow bigger (photos 9, 10). He really needs to start walking soon as he's getting way too heavy to carry.
Craving some real sun and sea we are off to Menorca (one of the Balearic islands off the coast of Spain) for a resort holiday this Saturday for one week. - Can't wait. Even the almost certain prospect of lobster red holidaying Poms can't put us off! 'til then, ole!
