Now that, mesdames et messieurs, was a good dayFollow

Up at 8 to glorious sunshine. Coffee, shower, ***** and shave. The Noblet said he needed a break from revision. Could we have a day out?

Roof down on the car, ne'er a cloud in the sky.

Headed south through Warwickshire where the countryside was a patchwork of fresh green and vibrant gold. Into Oxfordshire where the views were even more bite-the-back-of-your-hand picturesque.

Found the cemetery where JRR Tolkien's buried. Very touching. Next to his wife's name on the headstone it says "Luthien" and by his it says "Beren" Awwww. Some geek had placed an elvish text (on lamb-skin parchment) by the grave. Not sure about that

On into the centre of Oxford; parked at St Giles and sauntered around a few colleges and the Bodleian Library, then a cooling hour rowing on the Thames.

Went to the Eagle & Child Pub ("The Bird & Baby") and sat in the Rabbit Room where Tolkien & CS Lewis (the self-styled "Inklings") would boozily debate the merits of Middle-Earth vs Narnia. On the wall there was a charming note written in 1949 in rather wobbly handwriting saying "We the undersigned, having enjoyed the wares of the landlord, drink to his health" and signed by JRRT, Lewis & Tolkien Jr.

There we enjoyed a pint of ale and a plate of steak & taters. Nom nom nom.

Drove back along country lanes and accompanied the bird-song with the squeal of over-steer

A few cold cheeky beers in the garden with a good book rounded the day off nicely.

Now that, pilgrims, was a fUckin' good day

My son had coffee and a bagel waiting for me when I got up...he was already off to work.

I then drug my husband off to the garden store with me to get supplies for my herb garden. I got it all dug out, planted and nicely edged - think I may need some fencing, but otherwise it's completed. Then we went back to town for ice cream.

...it was a satisfying day.

(Happy Mom's day Nobby..)

Edited, May 12th 2008 12:53am by Elinda

¿En que asunto?

After a hellish week in the ER and hospitalization for the little one, today was a nice relaxing, non emergency day. I was woken up by Xavier at 6:30 am, gleefully showing me the photobook he made at school for me, filled with pictures of him in school during multiple activities. I passed back out until 10:30,woke up for coffee and cookie cake. I then headed to the gym for some peace and quiet, zoned out while I did cardio and swimming, and spent more time than usual in the hot tub and sauna.

After I chilled with my menfolk and enjoyed the comedic antics of the littlest one. I was taken out to my favorite burger join (I <3 5 Guys) and enjoyed the peace while hubby put both kids to bed.

Good times

Tare introduced me to 5 Guys when I first got down here and I've been in love ever since. We've got on3 located 5 minutes from us and another in the food court of the local mall. The one nearby us also has a great ice cream store next door called Kilwins, so we usually get burgers then ice cream after. Nom nom nom. If you ever come visit I'll make sure to take you guys there

It wasn't Mothers day in the UK.

God dropped trow and **** on me this week end.

The atheists wouldn't believe me. :(

Saturday was spent hopping on the BART (subway) train and heading over to Oakland to take another Microsoft Certification exam. Passed by the skin of my teeth (need a 700 to pass and I got just that)

Sunday morning was spent making cinnamon rolls for my wife for breakfast and giving her the pearl earrings and card that her stepdaughter and I picked out. After that she conked out for a couple of hours until I woke her up to get ready for an early dinner with the family. Between our two families we had 28 people come out for dinner at the Italian Social Club in San Francisco. Great food (family style and LOTS of it) great music and great company.