Wimbledon 2009

This year, I thought it was a good time for Ed and I to go to Wimbledon together. Ed had never been, and I hadn't been in 4 years so before I headed back to Canada and Ed to South Korea we made plans to go see the tennis. Friends of ours, Chris and Serena very kindly allowed us to stay at their house which is actually in Wimbledon. Ed and I had a great time visiting with both Chris and Serena and their children so that was an added bonus to the tennis. The weather seemed promising, so on the Saturday morning we headed out with a packed lunch, sunscreen, a hat and an umbrella. From past experience and advice from the marshals, I knew we were in for a good old shlep waiting to actually get into the grounds. We arrived at about 8:30am, and got in at 5:07pm. And there were still people queuing behind us! My last experience of the Wimbledon Queue left me horribly burned so I took extra precautions this time; for one thing I applied my 60+ sunscreen way more often supplemented by hiding under my hat and big red umbrella. Secondly, I took frequent naps while in the queue. This queue is not just waiting in line, it's an event of its own! The English are well known for their queues so if you must be in one, be in the queue for Wimbledon. You get stickers saying you queued, news papers with free stuff, and best of all you meet great people. For instance, Ed and I spent most of the time chatting with an Irish teacher, a teacher couple from Kent, and a Law intern from Purdue University. However once you cross the bridge and enter the grounds you shake hands and go your separate ways. Ed and I grabbed a Pimm's (£6.30 a glass!!) and sat and watched some doubles matches. We thought of going and sitting on Murray Mound (or Henman Hill) but there wasn't a blade of grass to be spared! Nonetheless it was a wonderful experience and one I intend to repeat in the years to come. Perhaps though I'll splash out on a ticket for one of the bigger courts, or maybe I'll just get to the queue a 5am??

Welcome!!
The Grounds at 8:30am, our first glimpse.
The Queue!!
Note the Sticker (The strawberry)
Inside finally.

A Ladies' doubles match. Cristea is on the left, I saw her play on TV too.
Their score board.
Me with my pricey Pimm's!
Yes, this is a picture of Federer on a TV screen...but it's the closest I got!!
Me with Ed in the stands :)

Bluewater

For a while now, Ed has said that he would take me to Blue Water shopping center. Blue Water is Europe's largest shopping mall, and I had to see it for myself. It's located in a abandoned quarry and has hundreds of shops, restaurants, and a cinema all within the complex. The decision to go was made absolute when Ed's friend said that A&W Rootbeer was available at a sweet shop in Bluewater. I absolutely love A&W's, and have been deprived of it while living in England. I have also been trying to convince Ed that A&W doesn't taste like dentist's mouthwash (?!). After going a bit mad with the pick & mix we came away from the shop with that plus a couple cans of A&W, and a bag of Hersey's kisses. If you ever find yourself in Bluewater, I suggest using a map. I was lucky Ed knew his way round; if it weren't for him, I'd probably still be there!

The Beautiful M40

Yes, alright not your typical blog material however I felt this one deserved a special post. You may recognize the sides of the motorway from The Vicar of Dibley. Feel free to sing along!

"The Lord is my Shepard....
...I shall not want" :)

The Rollright Stones

This weekend, Ed told me he had never been to the Rollright stones! In the almost 4 years we've been together I'm very surprised we haven't been there before now especially seeing as we live less than 30 minutes from them. So after finding Dad's handy little guide book from 1977 we headed out to have a look. Both Ed and I had a go at counting the King's Men stones within the circle. The legend is that no man can count the stones three times and end up with the same number after each count. Any man who does can be granted any wish he wants. A skeptical Ed went round three times and counted 71, 69, and 70. While I counted 76, 75, and 79 so I guess the Witches win again, and non of our wishes will be granted! The weather forecast wasn't optimistic, but luck was on our side because we had bright sun and a light breeze the whole time we were there. I hadn't been there in a couple years, and actually the last time I was there was with my Dad. I guess now I have to brush up on my tour guide spiel, so this was good practice! Here are just a few photos of our little outing.

Ed in the circle of King's Men stones.
A Gorgeous view looking into the South of Oxford from the circle of stones.
Me standing in front of the Whispering Knights.
The King Stone. There's a lovely tale that goes with this one... but I'll let you look it up.
Me with my Eddie in front of the King Stone.

Congratulations Ed B.A.!

This month marks the end of Ed's University career! It's taken four years of dedication, hard studying and some help from Dad's books but he did it! I though that it was highly appropriate to celebrate the momentous occasion with a cake (surprise surprise!). So what better type of cake then a Norse helmet made out of cake (of course)? Well, any trouble I went to was well worth it cause I'm so proud of Ed. It's hasn't been the easiest thing he's ever done, but he got through with flying colours. Well done, Sweety!!