My 23rd Birthday!!

Today, my Mum had to come to terms with her Baby turning 23. And I had a wonderful day to help her along with it! My day started when I arrived at work and was sung Happy Birthday by two of my colleagues. My work was painless and went by quickly, which was a treat. At the end of the end of the day my colleagues surprised me with cake and gifts! Ed was spending the week at my house, so came to pick me up from work. Mum had invited Gill and Sara with Polly, Graham and Dorothy, and Catherine and Mark for dinner, so we had to get a few things done. Mum had got a crown of venison, so it was roasting in the oven when I got home and it smelled gorgeous. I made shmam potatoes, and Ed served wine to all. Catherine provided the cake- She made her famous black forest gateau, and it was sublime! After dinner, we all enjoyed coffee and tea, and chocolates in the living room while I opened my pressies :) I really enjoyed myself, and felt very satisfied after the house was quiet. However things didn't end there. Thursday I went to the quiz night and met my friends there as usual, only this time bringing Ed with me to meet them. Much to my surprise they had baked another cake for me!! This one with our team logo on it, Gus the Orangutan! Though we didn't win the quiz, it didn't matter I had a great time nonetheless. The following night, Ed treated me to a Chinese take out (my favourite of course) so we ate that at home with Mum, who had an egg, while watching one of the movies Ed got me for my Birthday. I had a wonderful Birthday, every moment of it, and thank everyone who contributed!!

Easter 2009!

Happy Easter and happy new beginnings to all! This is a tricky season for us now as it was always one that revolved around church services and therefore reminds us of Daddy. However instead of cutting out church completely, we tried something different. For the first time in a few years, Mum and I went to a Sedar supper at Bloxham church, and it was lovely. It reminded us both of the good times we had at St. George's Sedars. On top of that, we had our own version of the First Light service when the power suddenly went out on Saturday night, plunging us into darkness. We brought light back into the house with candles spread throughout the livingroom. Easter Sunday instead of lamb, we ate whole salmon Mum had baked in the oven, accompanied by lots of fresh veg and new potatoes. And of course, what would Easter be in our house without the army of Easter eggs we've traditionally made throughout the years. As you may know, Mum started making these years ago as a fund raiser for the church. A few years ago I took over, but just made them for our friends and ourselves so made significantly fewer than Mum did! In the end another year done, and another year enjoyed! Hope the Easter Bunny was good to you all.

Squatter in the Bath

One fine sunny day, Mum called down to me from up stairs saying "quick Sarah, look out at the bird bath!!" So, I went straight to the window and saw a humongous pigeon consuming the entire width of the bird bath, and looking very pleased with himself! He remained there for sometime, too. I couldn't resist getting a couple snaps of the latest bath resident, and thought I'd share them.

Spring Time Blossoms

I will never get over how amazing Spring is in England. All the rain this country gets sure does help when the foliage wakes up again after winter. Already there are blossoms all over on cherry and apples trees, and tulips, daffodils, snow drops, forget-me-nots, lobelia, grape hyacinth, regular hyacinth, blue bells, wisteria....and so on and so on are over flowing in gardens and on road sides. The air smells of pollen and nectar and if a breeze picks up it takes thousands of petals from trees with it. Lawn movers are busy everywhere and hedge trimmers are joining in now too. Best of all though, the birds are in full song chirping in the warm sunshine. If only I could show you all of this, but unfortunately I'll have to settle for giving you a glimpse.