Thanksgiving in Richmond

We weren't sure what we were getting into when we invited 10 friends to join us in our new flat in Richmond for Thanksgiving dinner - our first Thanksgiving as hosts - and that was before we discovered a WW pumpkin shortage!

We had all the best reasons to do so - Kyle, Carissa, Austin and Kathleen were visiting from the States - and what better way to introduce an American past-time to our English hosts?

Good thing the wall opens up to make one big room in our flat - big enough for one long table - set for the first time with our wedding china and crystal - thinking gratefully again of all our wonderful memories of each of you at our wedding as we cleaned the stickers off each piece the night before.



WW pumpkin shortage? Yes, that's right, apparently due to the precarious nature and relatively niche demand, pumpkin is only canned by Libby - and with a few bad harvests - no canned pumpkin was available outside of the US! What we didn't know, as we steamed and strained raw pumpkins, was how good it would taste. Can't imagine it any other way (and it's not just the bourbon whipped cream that made it so good!)


Yes, that's a Christmas tie, but how could Ladd resist? He was, after all, master of ceremonies and narrator for what would be a post-dinner tableau - plotted out a few nights prior after Sunday Roast and a few pints of ale - to re-create - the first Thanksgiving - or was it the history of America? One or the other...

When Kyle showed up with construction paper the task still seemed insurmountable - but sure enough, while the kitchen was a-flurry - Kathleen making biscuits, John-o making stuffing, everyone pitching in for the Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, roasted brussel sprouts, spinach, cranberry, you name it - Austin emerged with a Maker's Mark and an Indian headband, followed by Kyle, quickly asserting himself as chief. As if we didn't know.

Dinner was amazing, the bourbon whipped cream was like taking shots, and so the performance was to be had after all, with Kyle and Carissa as native americans, Sarah as a pilgrim, John-o and Michela as the vikings, we retraced a rough history. The English, of course, played the English. Someone forgot to tell Austin that he was meant to take video, so, well, this re-telling will have to do..unless there is a re-occurance next year?


Finished the night off at the pub, so as to not disturb the neighbors too much. We're thinking about doing it again, any takers, from any part of the globe? RSVP now...

Apologies...Let's catch up

It has been too long since we have posted and we are very sorry. Promise to get better!

Here is a run-down of the past 6 months of our lives.

June - Harry and Dublin!
Our great friend Harry visted in July. We enjoyed spending time with him, and what a better way than at a Radiohead concert in Dublin! The show was outside of Malahide Castle, and we loved every minute.












Harry was also kind enough to spend some time in our country cottage, Timothys Place and we took him to the local pub quiz. Since we have absolutely no knowledge of English trivia, most of the night is spent drinking with the pub owner Kevin. Check out Harry pouring a proper pint of ale. (Yes, we were the American Film Crew).





July - France!
We were lucky enough to be invited to a wedding in Southern France so took a week to properly explore. After 3 days in Paris, we took the TGV to a place called Crillon Le Brave in Provence (near Avignon). We can honestly say there is not much that can be considered more beautiful than Provence. Provence is home to wineries, colourful markets, and the most laid back, friendly people. The wedding weekend was filled with delicious meals, wine, and wonderful company. We must return soon!

Paris...we enjoyed great food and wine, had a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens, shopped, rode bikes, saw an Avedon exhibit...


Provence...we enjoyed more great food and wine, and relaxed in pure beauty.
This is the view from our hotel...The valleys of Provence.


The pool at Crillon Le Brave.


August - Denver!
We spent Labour day weekend in true form...camping with Sarah's family in Denver, Colorado! The weather was hot (which was well deserved since hot weather does not exist in England). Ladd spent mornings with Dan, Uncle John, and Ladd (yes Dan's dog is called Ladd too) on the lake wakeboarding. We ate great food, watched football, and loved the company.














It was Jacob's Birthday so we had a proper clam bake (+ Crab, + Scallops, + Shrimp, + Yumm).












September - Seattle!
After Denver we traveled to Seattle for Kyelee & Brandon's Wedding. Thanks to Robin Martin, the master planner, and a lot of great weather, we had a perfect week.

Since we miss it so much, the week started with a Mexican Fiesta at Rositas in Green Lake.Then the wedding festivities began with a Father of the Bride Golf Tourney, Bridal Shower, and Wedding Party dinner/drinks in the U District.










The rehearsal dinner was on the dock at Sheridan Beach Club. With margarita's, sun, and a view of Mt. Rainier, it was a perfect night.

The wedding was in the Martin's immaculate garden. The bride was beautiful, the crab tasty, and the wine flowing.












October - Ladd's Birthday!
Celebrated with a Mexican Fiesta as only appropriate.

Robin and John visit Engand (where in the world is the Obama button)

The Obama Train arrived early on a Friday morning in late April, and made it's way straight to Farnham!

Robin (delegate in training/Hillary stress case) and John (my wife left me for another man) were happy to be here!

The 4 Martins (the Mr. and Mrs. Martins, as they would be called when educating the student population of nearby Guildford on the ins and outs of American liberalism) were excited for a busy week of local events...hitting all the attractions of Farnham and Beyond!


















We begun with an educational day of English Royal History at Hampton Court.







































John was eventually bored (and worried about about what Robin's new garden might cost him) so we went for a pint in Thames Ditton. Robin tried her first cider and loved it!






The Martin family joined the Farnham Family for an Indian. John impressed the restaurant owners with his mastery of Hindii. Andy, Lee, Ladd, and Sarah impressed Robin and John with how much they could eat.
















Sunday, the family enjoyed a day in Farnham which included a rainy farmer's market and the scaling/gutting of a Sea Bream.

Monday, feeling rested and ready for some metropolitan culture, the Martin's visited the Big Smoke.

We began our day in East London with a tour of Forman and Sons Immaculate Food Packaging Mecca (which was too much to put on the sign so they just used a big fish). Clad in hair nets, lab coats, and shoe booties, the Martin's toured this Food Packaging Mecca and enjoyed samples of tasty smoked salmon, tuna, halibut, etc. When we were not offered the chocolates and champagne, we decided it was time to leave.









Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.

















Big Ben, Robin, Bobbies, and Barack












Tuesday night was a highlight! Pub Quiz at the Bat and Ball. Team Farnham was happy to have two more members of the pub quiz team and these 2 additional brains allowed us to tie our personnel best of 41 points (the winners normally bring in 60+).
















Now that we had run the Farnham Circuit twice, it was time to head to The Cotswolds, wellies in hand.







Our hotel, The Dial House in Bourton on the Water.


















We started our Cotswold adventure with a trip to Stratford Upon Avon so that we could put all of John's newly developed Shakespeare knowledge to the test.

A tour of Shakespeare's birthplace, his sister's home, (unfortunately the pewter museum was closed), dinner, and the showing of Taming of the Shrew by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Good times had by all!

We woke up the next morn to May Day! And lucky us, Bourton on the Water was privy to a Morris Dancing May Day Celebration! This is Sarah with her new friend Ellie.




After Sarah and Ladd joined the Morris Dancing extravaganza, the Martins went on a Cotswald Walk, as only the English know how.

Directions in hand (provided by the Bourton on the Water Tourist Office) we set off on our 3 hour tour. Mind you these directions did not contain a map, but step by step instructions through pastures, fields, and creeks. We couldn't imagine anything so picturesque, or a better way to spend May Day.


























































Our walk ended in the adorable town of Lower Slaughter where the Martins enjoyed tiny sandwiches (again, we are in England), Pinot Grigio (but close to Italy), and sun (not sure where that came from!). Our lunch was blessed with the company of Michael Moran, an MG Driving Englishman living the good life as an ex-pat in Poland. Look for his new book at an Amazon.com near you.



















Our last night at The Dial House was spent on a lovely dinner and the world's longest game of pitch.

On the way back to Farnham, the Martins stopped off in Oxford. After a brief period of envy, we realized we would never trade a Pac 10 experience for an Oxford education. Go Trojans!

Friday was an important day! The Martin Family joined Mr. Danson and his 5th graders for a day of liberal education. The children loved hearing about American politics and Robin loved the opportunity to talk Obama.
















Golf, of course, and Sarah's 26th BDay Celebration at our Local Pub (The Sandrock).




And so was the end. A great week spent with the Mr and Mrs Martins. We can now look forward to next year's European Adventure a la Robin and John.

April Showers...Snow Showers

Just when we thought spring had sprung... The cherry blossoms were out, tiny green leaves were peaking out of the trees, daylight savings time had started...and then...we woke up April 6th to snow!




Far from LA. The first time Sarah had seen snow outside her own home.













This is the top of our road. Cute, brr!
















We got out of bed, bundled up and went for a 'winter' walk through the country.













And made friends with some friendly (I think because they were hungry) horses.



























It is now 5pm, and most of the snow has melted. The snow was fun but we are really ready for spring.
Sarah leaves for Philadelphia Tuesday for a $250 million pitch! She is most excited about the King of Prussia mall however...when you shop with dollars it's half price right?

Hmmmm, snow has started up again. Fingers crossed spring comes soon.

Easter in Barcelona!

We were very excited for our first weekend trip in Europe - made possible by the Easter holiday schedule as only done in the commonwealth...a 4 day weekend the perfect opportunity to alight to the warmer end of the continent, if only slightly, we avoided freezing rain at least!

We were amazed at how well contemporary design worked here - inside and out it was strikingly beautiful, tastefully done, well represented, and fitting just right... guided by our wallpaper guide and a few good maps we did the city right and had a great time!

A few highlights...

MACBA housed incredible contemporary installations - the pigeon race for Latvia was a favorite...


























Santa Caterina Mercado - the most beautiful working market we've ever seen. Incredible produce, meats, whole pigs and legs of lamb...espresso bars serving locally sourced goods...absolutely delightfully modern...







Sagrada Familia...the most trippy Cathedral ever. Going to be incredible when finished, and already is in so many ways.... If you've never heard of Gaudi...look up his stuff:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaudi







































The Doors to Casa Batillo, a residence by Gaudi:





























Renting bikes and riding them around the city...










Frank Gehry's Fish, right outside our Hotel Arts:




















Late dinners mean late breakfasts...























A bit cold at the beach. Not viewable from this shot is the 60 year old woman taking her top off right below the wall. That was a bit shocking...























We can't wait to go back!