New Years Ramblings/Catch Up

Excuse the planned absence. I know I had only just started getting the blog going again, but I took a conscious step away from my writing projects when I went to America for Thanksgiving, and then Christmas took over and now it's mid-Juanuary, and how the hell did that happen? Distractions are now minimal, so the writing can resume.

Speaking of my trip to California for Thanksgiving, it was wonderful. 10 days seemed to stretch into what felt like weeks and I soaked up my adorable niece and nephew, memorized their curls and porcelain cheeks to carry with me until I see them again. I filled up on my mom and dad, as much as one can in limited time until their trip here in September (yay!) And I shared laughs with my best friend and siblings to keep me going. I don't get to see them as much as I want to, so I try to make sure that the time I am with them is a nice combination of memory making activities (dress shopping with my mom and sister, a breathtaking hike with my brother, a trip to Magic Mountain with he and my dad) as well as lazy days playing games, eating mom's cooking and just talking.

It might sound odd, but I look at time with my family as "refueling time." I fill up on them as much as I can and take it with me back to England. Beyond that, I see myself as two people: England Aindrea and America Aindrea. I am much the same person, although in America I'm a little younger, a little more carefree - and I think that's a result of the people that surround me there; my tribe. So not only do I fill up on my family, I fill up on America Aindrea, and try to bring her back to balance out England Aindrea - a little more stressed and frazzled but very happy, working hard to become the best version of myself, and getting closer than ever before.

2015 was a great year. So many wonderful things happened for me/us. We got to start the year with my family in California before returning to England. A few months later we bought and moved into our first real home, which has proven to be a lot of work but such a joy. We also traveled to Paris and had some really good experiences. And for me, it was amazing to end the year in California for Thanksgiving - something I've wanted to do since I moved away (Thanksgiving should be a thing everywhere!)
But 2016 should be something to remember too. I'm continuing on my fitness journey which started in May, thanks to my husband encouraging me to join him in his workouts. In November, this intensified as I consulted a nutritionist and I feel fantastic. I'm over 30lbs down and counting. I'm still working on this, as well focusing on my writing and creative pursuits.

This year, I intend to surround myself with music and positivity, coffee and love, personal growth and achievement. 

In March my brother is coming to visit and we'll be traveling to Ireland for a few days together, something we are both very excited to do for our first time together. In August, Mick and I are traveling to the West Country for our 5th anniversary to stay in a cabin on a lake. The next week my parents arrive for a long overdue visit. And in January, my sister and her family should hopefully come for a visit too. I can't wait to open our home to my family and share time and make more memories with them, show them this beautiful country and the life we are making here.

Here's to a productive and satisfying, memorable year for everyone. xo

Veterans Day/Remembrance Day

Today at work, at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the radio announced two minutes of silence. I work for a busy recruitment agency where the phones are always ringing, people are always talking, the printer is always going and it's never, ever quiet.

I have never lost a loved one to the spoils of war, I have never known the terror of battle. But in those two silent minutes in my office, watching my colleagues' faces sombre and feeling the whole country come to a standstill, I couldn't help but feel emotional. What a great deal we owe to those who have served these two great countries I love and call home.

In America, it's Veterans Day, and here in Great Britain, it's Remembrance Day. Back home, we fly our flags proudly outside our homes, offices and shopping areas. Here in Great Britain, we wear red poppies pinned to our shirts or coats and present poppy wreaths at various war memorials.

Poppies hold special significance on Remembrance Day due to a famous poem written by a Canadian Doctor, Lt Col John McCrae, who was inspired by the poppies that grew on the battlefields in France. (you can find out more about this at this website)

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high,
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders' Fields.

Last year marked 100 years since the start of WWI and London showcased something amazing to commemorate this. Two artists made 888,246 porcelain poppies - 1 poppy for each British military fatality during the war - and covered the lawns of The Tower of London with them. It was all over the media and people could even buy a poppy to keep after the exhibit was taken down. London is always crazy busy, but I couldn't believe the crowds that gathered to see the poppies as they gradually went up from July through to November, when they gradually were taken down. We visited London a few times during this period, and we drove past the tower on more than one occasion. It was quite the sight to see and in my opinion, a truly moving and harrowing dedication. 888,246 lives given in just this one nation. Individuals with interests, hobbies, families and fears, just like any one of us. And yet when you put them all together like this, it simply paints a picture of blood and loss.

(images courtesy of google image search)

My grandparents were all WWII era adults. They grew up in the depression and saw what war really did to a country, and three of them served. My paternal grandfather served in the navy on ships, and I don't know a great deal about his time in the service, but my dad has told me that they never ate lamb in his house growing up, because Grandpa Bob had more than his fill of mutton on the ships!

My maternal grandmother was a first lieutenant nurse in the army, where she met my maternal grandfather. Grandpa was a Lieutenant Colonel and worked within army intelligence throughout an impressive military career. He served in WWII, the Korean War and had involvement with Vietnam. He was very high ranking and my mom has childhood memories of growing up on army bases all over the country, as well as Okinawa, where officer's houses normally said their rank and last name. Because Grandpa was involved in such secret business, the sign on their house only said "Mr. Miller" and didn't mention rank at all. My mom has also mentioned that she knew growing up that Grandpa had to carry cyanide tablets with him, just in case he was ever captured... He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service from 1963-65 and he was principally responsible for the counter-intelligence training of teams deployed in South East Asia. (shout out to my cousin Jen for all the info!)

Whether or not you know or love someone who is serving or has served, please take a moment today to appreciate what they've done.

Lest we forget. xo

An Autumn Recipe: Stuffed Butternut Squash

Happy weekend, everyone! The weather is wet and misty, made even chillier by gusting winds. It's a grey and homey day, so I thought it would be the perfect time to share a hearty Autumn dish that I cooked last week.

I think butternut sqaush is a fantastic vegetable and I'm really glad that it has gained popularity in the past few years. I first found this recipe while trolling on Pinterest for some low carb/paleo dinners. I'm always looking for a new way to prepare vegetables because I have one very picky husband who has the desire to eat more, but really struggles to do so. He likes sweet potato though, so I had a good feeling that he would like butternut squash, too. And he does.

(photo courtesy of http://www.forever-green.info)

I have made this recipe on a few occasions and have varied it each time. The way I made it this past week is definitely my favourite though.

You will need:
1 large butternut squash
1 large red onion
1 jar of your favourite sauce
1/2lb (about 500g) ground beef
Garlic salt or fresh garlic

Serves 2
Cooking time: 50 minutes

Start out by pre-heating your oven to 200C (about 390F). Slice your butternut squash in half lengthwise, remove and dispose of the seeds with a spoon, and place face down in a casserole dish. Add a little cold water to the dish, about half an inch - this will help keep the squash from burning and blistering. Cook on the middle rack for 30 minutes.

While your squash is baking, in a large frying pan combine 500g (about 1/2 lb) of ground beef, garlic granules and half of a red onion, chopped into thick strips. Once the meat is fully browned, add a jar of your favourite sauce and leave to simmer. I opted for a tomato and bacon sauce that I have used for pasta bakes in the past.

 When your squash is cooked, remove from the oven and leave to cool for a few minutes.

Transfer your cooked saucy meat (keep the frying pan handy!) into a large bowl. Scoop out the flesh of your squash, leaving a thin layer so that the skin keeps it's shape. Combine the flesh of the squash to the bowl with beef and stir. Place your squash skins in a clean and dry casserole dish.

Stuff the squash generously with the mixture and place back into the oven for 20 minutes. In the same pan you used to fry the meat, carmelise the other half of your red onion.

When the squash is finished, top with the carmelised onions and serve with your favourite vegetable.

Et voilà! It's filling and warming and tastes wonderful on a crisp night with the fire going in the background! 

Happy eating everyone! xo 

A History Lesson: Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night

If you're like me, you love any opportunity to learn about the customs, traditions, and holidays of another culture. Now, American and English cultures may not hold as many differences as other cultures - we have the same language (nearly), most of the same Hollywood entertainment, most of the same music and similar clothing styles, but there are still a lot of major differences. I won't get into these differences today, but I do want to talk about a British Holiday that you're probably not too familiar with.

Bonfire Night, also called Guy Fawkes Night, is one of the smaller British Holidays. It is celebrated on different scales - small backyard gatherings all the way up to large organised events which take place at castles, village greens, or county showgrounds. Bonfire Night recognises the night that Guy Fawkes and his group of political activists attempted to blow up Parliament with barrels of gunpowder back in 1605.

You may be thinking of the popular movie V: For Vendetta. I did see this movie, but I don't remember anything apart from Natalie Portman shaving her head. But if I remember correctly, it wasn't about the events of 1605, and instead recreated a similar situation in the not-so-distant future. It was good for one thing though, because you're probably aware of this poem, which is a nursery rhyme about the activities of Guy Fawkes on November 5th, 1605.

Remember, remember!
    The fifth of November,
    The Gunpowder treason and plot;
    I know of no reason
    Why the Gunpowder treason
    Should ever be forgot!
    

Guy Fawkes and his companions
    Did the scheme contrive,
    To blow the King and Parliament
    All up alive.
   

 Threescore barrels, laid below,
    To prove old England's overthrow.
    But, by God's providence, him they catch,
    With a dark lantern, lighting a match!
 

   A stick and a stake
    For King James's sake!
    If you won't give me one,
    I'll take two,
    The better for me,
    And the worse for you.
   

 A rope, a rope, to hang the Pope,
    A penn'orth of cheese to choke him,
    A pint of beer to wash it down,
    And a jolly good fire to burn him.
   

 Holloa, boys! holloa, boys! make the bells ring!
    Holloa, boys! holloa boys! God save the King!
    Hip, hip, hooor-r-r-ray!

There are various versions of the poem, so feel free to do some research on this website, (where I've found information to embellish the bits I already know of the story ) if you're interested. But if you just want the gist, I'll give you an overview. After the death of protestant Queen Elizabeth I, English Catholics who still remained even after the Reformation of Elizabeth's father, Henry VIII, were hoping that her successor and the new King, James I, would be more tolerant of the Catholic religion. It turned out that he wasn't, and an opposition decided that violent action was necessary. They came up with their plot to blow up Parliament by placing dozens of barrels of gun powder in the cellar so that they would kill the King, hopefully his heir, and other important members of the government. They hoped to then restore a Catholic monarchy.

But there's always a snitch. A member of this group wrote a letter to his friend, a member of Parliament, warning him to stay away from the famous building on this night. 

(courtesy of google images)

The plan was foiled as a result of this letter, and on the designated night, Guy Fawkes was found in the basement surrounded by 36 barrels of gun powder. As the news spread across the country on that very night, bonfires were lit to celebrate the safety of the King. Over the next few months, Fawkes was interrogated, tortured, and eventually hung for his crimes. 

Over 400 years later, the night is still recognised, and even still, every time Parliament and the Queen meet, guards traditionally search the cellar of the building. People observe the holiday with fireworks and a giant bonfire, burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes.

(image courtesy of http://www.hercampus.com)

 We normally attend Bonfire Night celebrations, and in past years we have gone to our old local village green (before we moved when we bought the new house) to watch fireworks and the bonfire. Another year we went to a larger organised event at a local family-day-out venue type place with some friends. There are usually some carnival rides and games if you go to large events, but the more local ones typically just have a bar for the grown ups, a couple games for the kids, and a booth selling warm sugar donuts for everyone, fried right before your eyes. Since I moved here, warm, freshly made sugar donuts have become synonymous with this time of year for me.

This year we didn't make any Bonfire Night plans, which is just as well, considering the awful wet weather. Oh, England.

Hope you learned something. xo

England VS America: Autumn

I haven't done a post like this for several years, but when I first moved to England, you guys loved when I did the comparison entries, such as "Out of the Mouths of Brits, Volumes I and II." When I wrote these posts, I had only been a resident of England for mere weeks. Now, it's been over four years, so I've had a lot of time to make more interesting observations. In some ways, I hands down prefer the way the English do things, and other things are *facepalm* worthy and make me miss home more than I can express.

Today, I want to talk about Autumn. I have so many wonderful memories growing up in California and Arizona surrounding this time of year. Autumn isn't a hugely recognizable season in the desert, what with the lack of trees and all, but it's still identifiable. And in Southern California, it's a bit more obvious. Blood red leaves, bright orange with crimson tips. Chilly, foggy mornings with that smokey, homey scent that hangs in the air and cool, clear afternoons. The buzz of life and work starts to slow down, and social gatherings multiply. I have pictures of myself as a tiny Aindrea sitting on pumpkins at the pumpkin patch seeking out that perfect jack-o-lantern. I have vivid memories of hay rides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, fall festivals and my mom's autumn decorations. I remember her terracotta pumpkins, the wooden cutout of pilgrims, the fake leaves in various shades of orange, and the paper turkey that came out at Thanksgiving. Oh, Thanksgiving. The amazing food, the parades, the football, and the family. All of these things have added up to make me what I am - a girl who simply lives for Autumn.

So how much luckier could a girl like me get, moving to England; a country with breathtaking Autumns? It actually gets COLD here, and I get to wear things like scarves and boots and leather jackets. The thousands of trees are covered in brilliant colored leaves that start to turn as early as August, and a few even manage to stay on the trees into early December. Autumn here is slow, drawn out and palpable, giving you time to really take it in and feel the transition of time. Another year coming to a brilliant end.

"Autumn is the final trick in nature's year-long magic show: 

It masks death with a spectacular display of beauty."

-Keith Hansen

But the sad truth of it? English people don't give a crap about this magical time of year. I'll be damned if I can find a single Autumn decoration, and the only reason I'm able to decorate at all is due to my mom sending me boxes of decorations most years. Halloween is only just starting to gain momentum here. So many people I know say that they find it odd, allowing their children to march up to complete strangers' houses and demand candy simply because they threw on a mask. I can't comprehend this, because I grew up with it. Everyone DID Halloween. I've witnessed five Halloweens here, and Saturday was the first time I actually saw a bonafide Trick-or-Treater. Halloween parties are becoming much more popular and this year, there were even a couple pumpkin patches springing up around the countryside. I support this like a fanatic - it's about time these people take Halloween seriously. The other day at work, I complained that the pumpkins in the grocery stores were all beat up and scraped, misshapen and obviously thrown unceremoniously into the back of a truck. One of my colleagues chuckled at me and said "this really bothers you doesn't it?" I didn't hesitate for a second before answering, "Yes! You've got to take pride in your pumpkins!"

And, let's face it, Thanksgiving will never be a thing here. For the last five Thanksgivings, it's just been another Thursday for me. I get up, go to work, and sit at my desk, turkeyless. At my lunch break I check my phone and all my loved ones stateside are posting pictures of pies baking, tables set with cornucopia centerpieces, and family photos. I go home after work and make a normal dinner, plop down in front of normal, everyday TV and let myself feel glum. Stupid England.
However, on the weekend immediately after Thanksgiving, we have a little ritual. I either invite friends/family around and throw my own little Thanksgiving, or at least make sure I make myself and Mick a nice turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes and some pie. Then I take down all my autumn decorations, and put up the tree and all my Christmas nik-naks. After that, Mick and I sit down in front of the TV with another helping of pie, and watch "Jingle All the Way."

In so many ways, I mourn the loss of my favourite family traditions, but at the same time, I get to make new ones with my husband, and every year I look forward to the taking down of autumn decor and transitioning into Christmas, and of course, watching his favourite Christmas film.

This year, however, I get the best of both. For the first time since I left home, I'm flying back for Thanksgiving, and I'm going solo. REAL Thanksgiving food with my friends and family, and even some bonus sunshine, because I definitely won't be seeing much of that in England for the next 5 months or so. In early December I'll fly back to my husband and my pug, and together we can play our parts in our little tradition.

Can't hardly wait. xo

A Revival & October Horror Challange

So here we are again. I'm staring at my laptop wondering how it has been nearly two years since I last visited this blog. However it came to be, it did, so let's just move on. Let's pick up where we left off.

So much has happened in the past two years, I don't really know where to start. The last time I wrote, Christmas 2013 was nearly upon us. We had a brief but very enjoyable visit from my mom, and I told you all about our new kitten, Hugo. About a month later, Hugo sadly disappeared. It was very sad timing, because just a week before, we adopted this mug.

This is Alfie, better known as Fred, Alfredo, Pickle, or my little Pickle-Biscuit. He's the worst, most lovable dog there ever was. He's disobedient and sneaky, greedy and stubborn. He's gorgeous, sweet, hilarious and very snuggly. He's my little best buddy, even despite the fact that he arrived in our home a week before the cat disappeared and I think this is rather suspicious, considering the cat didn't seem particularly fond of this stocky little barking nugget. Basically, I think the cat thought "what the hell have you brought into MY house? See you'se guys later" and found another, pug free home. It took me ages to get over the loss of little Hugo, but Alfie kept me company and now we are inseparable. Unless someone else is holding the food. He is loyal to she/he who holds the food.

Since I last wrote, Mick also took a new job. He still dabbles in freelance writing and has various projects going on with his interests, but he's also got a pretty sweet gig working in PR for a local budding organisation. Work is the same for me - good and busy, still in the same place.

About 10 months after Hugo decided to disappear and break my heart, I felt ready to get another kitten. Enter our gorgeous Isla.

She wasn't the most pleasant kitten, not like Hugo was. But she's beautiful and grew up to be lovely and fluffy with amazing markings and the bushiest tail you ever did see. She puts up with a lot from her Puggy brother, and loves to bring moths in the house from the garden and massacre them in the lounge while we watch TV. I know, gross right? But you've got to support their interests, I suppose.

The end of 2014 had wonderful cause for celebration - Mick and I returned to America to celebrate Christmas and New Years with my family. It had been two years since I had seen anyone, apart from my mom, and it was long overdue. We had a fantastic time enjoying the beautiful weather, seeing my favourite people and places, and just soaking up California goodness.

The biggest event of 2015 by far though, and the biggest step so far for myself and Mick, was becoming homeowners! After returning from America we decided it was time to start looking, even though at the time I was horribly homesick, falling from the high of being home and enjoying the many splendors that California has to offer - and as such, had absolutely no interest in setting any further roots in this grey and damp country that put so many miles between me and my loved ones.  We viewed a house or two, but my heart was not in it. And then we found it - a beautiful little three bedroom semi-detached on a quiet street, close to all our favourite stores and in the area we wanted to live. The owners showed us around on the evening we went to view, and when the lady went to turn on the light in the cupboard under the stairs and ducked out of sight, I glanced at Mick with that look on my face that he knows so well - the look that clearly states "I want it."
We fell in love with the house. It's a 1930's build so it has all kinds of character and charm, but it's also open and airy and bright, which satisfies my American tastes.
Everything went smoothly, and in April, we got our keys and spent a week getting ourselves moved in and all settled.

Home sweet home! We love it here and even though I was hesitant to buy, it's done wonders for me. I finally feel HOME. This is the sixth place I have lived since I moved to England 5 years ago, and it's such a wonderful feeling to finally know that this is it - we will be here for a long time and its OURS. Since this photo was taken, Mick really freshened things up by giving the garage a fresh coat of white glossy paint, my little trees decided to die (they've been disposed of) and I tucked the curtain back in the window upstairs (it was only that way for an hour or so!)

The summer of 2015 was a rainy one, but did bring with it a brief heat wave with temperatures that made me very happy my office is air conditioned and that our house seems to stay quite cool. In August, Mick surprised me massively with a weekend in Paris for my birthday. He got me all the way to the train station where you hop on the EuroStar before he gave me the tickets and clued me in on things. I of course got all teary and touched. We spent three and a half days in the City of Love seeing all the sights. I for one enjoyed the coffee and pastry far too much.

Yeah, he got some epic bonus points for this trip. It was so exciting to finally get to see a little slice of Europe, and Paris was lovely. It has a similar feel to London but it's not nearly as big and their underground is so much easier to manage. I have some really happy and unforgettable memories here - including wandering around the Louvre, everything feeling so surreal. The Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and so many others.

A few weeks later it was Micks birthday, and I had arranged a night away in Hertfordshire where we ate an amazing Italian dinner at a funky little restaurant and stayed in a little lodge in the country. The next morning was the real event though - a day as zookeepers. We got to feed otters, pick up alpaca poo, hang out with raccoons and a skunk, as well as the cutest lizard EVER.

So that brings us pretty much all the way through to the end of September. All I remember about October is that we watched lots and lots of horror movies. 30, to be exact. For some reason I thought it would be a great idea to give ourselves an October Horror Challenge, where we watched a Horror or Halloween themed film every night for the month. We did very well, only missing one night because of a cooking competition that Mick was taking part in for his department at work. As a result, we were up cooking until midnight, so didn't have a chance to do any movie-watchin'.

If you're interested in which films we watched - check out the list below. I've included a very very brief review of each, should you ever decide you want to commit to anything like this in the future.

Night 1: "Saw II" - unimpressive. I'm a fan of the first but this doesn't tempt me to finish the rest.
Night 2: "28 Days Later" - there's not much to say about this one, very solid zombie film.
Night 3:  "28 Weeks Later" - sequel to the above. I prefer this one to the original.
Nights 4-7: "Scream 1-4". Classic slasher films and you can't go wrong.
Night 8: "Dawn of the Dead" - another solid zombie movie that doesn't let down.
Night 9: "An American Haunting" - meh. It's hard to deliver with ghosty ones - this didn't.
Night 10: "American Mary"- twisted. Very interesting and unlike anything I've ever seen.
Night 11: "The Blair Witch Project" - just as bad as I remembered. Worse, actually.
Night 12: "Mirrors" - very different, I liked this one.
Night 13: "What Lies Beneath" - one of my all time favourites. Ever. Of all genres.
Night 14: "Friday the 13th" - the original. Couldn't get into this one. Also, ketchup blood.
Night 15: "Friday the 13th Part II" - slightly better than the first one.
Night 16: "Nightmare on Elm Street" - 2010 remake, one I really like, though I seem to be alone.
Night 17: "The Omen" - oh man, such a good movie. One of the gems of the 70s.
Night 18: "The Omen II" - also good, but not nearly as good as the first.
Night 19: "White Noise" - good but I fell asleep. Starting movies at 9 on a school night is hard.
Night 20: "Wrong Turn 2" - sick. Sick, sick, sick. But I liked it.
Night 21: "Pernicious" - could have been good... but don't even bother.
Night 22: "Insidious 3" we both nearly wet ourselves. So scary! Best movie of the month.
Night 23: "Eden Lake" - it's good but for some reason I don't really like it. 
Nights 24-26: "Hostels 1,2&3" - not at all what I expected and very, very good. Third one is meh.
Night 27: "The Devil's Rejects" - ugh. Waste of my night. Didn't even pay attention.
Night 28: missed due to cooking
Night 29: "Would You Rather?" - Not really a horror, but very interesting premise.
Night 30: "Hocus Pocus" for me (have to watch it every year with a girlfriend!) and "The Human Centipede" for Mick. I refuse to watch this one. Blech!

And for our final night, the original "Nightmare on Elm Street!" Which we didn't actually finish because it was very late and we were rather sleepy.

We are discussing perhaps taking part in a similar challenge for December, but with Christmas movies! A movie a night for a whole month is a bigger commitment than you might think, so I'm not sure if we will do it!

Well, that brings you up to speed on what we've been up to. You're going to be seeing a lot more of me. I've really missed writing in general, as well as working on this blog, so I've made a conscience decision to be more present here, as well as with other, personal writing projects. Writing has been a passion of mine since the tender age of 8, when my 4th grade teacher held Writing Workshop every morning to encourage our creativity. I have been hooked since then, until the past few years when I allowed life to get in the way. No more. No more.

I'll also be taking part in 30 Days of Thanks over on my Instagram account by expressing thanks all throughout the month of November, and not just on Thanksgiving Day! Join me! Or simply just follow along as I rack my brains before bed each night, trying to find a photo I took throughout the day and reminding myself that really, life is wonderful and full of so many blessings

It's good to be back. xo

Let's try this again...

Somehow I've allowed another 6 months to go by without visiting this blog. I really do want to keep this space alive, and so let's try this again. 

To get back in the swing of things, let me recap what's happened over the last few months...

April: one morning Mick and I woke up and spontaneously decided we had to get a kitten. 

Enter Hugo. 

We are so lucky that the random litter of kittens we found on Craigslist ended up being the sweetest kittens ever, and while Hugo is definitely mischievous, he's lovely and isn't destructive at all. Excepts when it comes to chewing on the bows of our Christmas presents under the tree, but that's a recent development. 

Now he's all growed up. 

June: we actually had summer weather this year, and I was fortunate enough to be taken to Berlin for a weekend with my work. It's a beautiful city and we were all very spoiled by our managing director. 

July: Mick's sister got married on the hottest day of the year in the ancient church in our village. The reception was beautiful and it was a very happy day. 

August: I somehow turned 27. This was made much easier by the amazing day Mick prepared for me. All I knew was that we were going to London. 

The day started with drinks at the top of the Gherkin, a delicious lunch, and a trip to a spa where fish ate my feet. 

We ended the day with dinner in Covent Garden then headed back to where we parked the car near Trafalgar Square. We were walking past various theatres and Mick pointed out the one showing The Bodyguard. "Don't you want to see that?" He asked, pointing at the marquee. "Yes!" I replied. "Oh good," he said, "because we have tickets for tonight." I couldn't believe it. It was the best birthday ever. 

September: we celebrated two years of marriage. I don't know where the time has gone! It was also Mick's birthday and I treated him to a day at the zoo, a picnic and dinner and a movie in the fancy gallery seating. 

October: we enjoyed seeing Russell Brand and Jake Bugg both at various venues in London. 

That's pretty much it. Now we are just getting ready for Christmas and waiting for the day after when my mom arrives for a 10 day visit. I'm very ready for Christmas!!!