Surfing North Devon August

We spent the bank holiday weekend in Croyde. Surfing was very entertaining. The guys did catch waves, however, my video seemed a bit chaotic. We had a great dinner at the Thatch pub - shelter from the rain. The weather was good enough on Sunday to cook breakfast and dinner at the campsite. Camping is definitely more of a weather adventure in the UK. Even in August, one must be equipped with wet weather gear, otherwise retreat to the nearest pub. Tim was outnumbered by South Africans, a Northern Irishman, a Canadian and myself, a Californian.

House Progress August

So, we are so close to moving in. It may look in a bit of a state but it's actually about 8 man days away from completion. However, having the men is a bit trickier as our painter and flooring guys are quite busy and Darren, our PM, threw his back out this past weekend. So, we are very close and somewhat far. This video illustrates a few subtleties: Firstly, our new car, the Passat. We bought this beast from Gavin. We love it as we can move sofas with it, one thing our former Polo couldn't manage (actually the Polo couldn't even manage to run). Anyway. Another point that could have been missed is the apple tree hovering over the car. I am eating some homemade apple sauce as I type this blog now. My work colleagues and husband will benefit from an apple crumble soon. Now, the traffic. Yes, we are next to a small yet busy road but I look at it like this: It's the UK. It's overcast and chilly most of the year, how many hours are we going to spend out in the garden compared to inside within the double glazed windows and surround sound stereo system? Exactly.

Quick San Francisco Visit August

I had a few minutes to spend with friends from home at the Grove in San Fran. Thanks Dana, Tori/MonSi/Maddy, Charlotte/Bijan, Ali/Tom, Kerry/Dave/Sam/Katie and Jenny (and Tim) for gathering one eve to catch up. As ever, there is never enough time but so great for a quick catch up. I'd also like to thank the City of San Francisco for opening up one more parking place otherwise I would have never made it on time... a good parking spot in San Fran can bring one to tears...

Leslie and Matt's Wedding California August

I only have a few pics from Leslie and Matt's wedding, mainly because we video'd most of it. Here, Lori and I are more made up than we ever have been. Only in America can the groomsmen hold the bride up at the alter. And outside the church, we blew bubbles under the azure sky (typical weather in California). The reception was in my parents back garden (no marquee needed as it's guaranteed sunny weather), amazing food especially the salmon dish, and more sunny weather made the day one to remember. If you are thinking I miss the weather in California, you are right.

Matt Leaving Drinks June

Sometimes we wonder if Matt practices his poses in front of the mirror. A productive day had by all - Coq D'argent drinks at lunch, Bar Cuba drinks in the eve. I'm not sure how many leaving drinks Matt's had with our company but his "Blue Steel" poses makes it all worth it. Kabir, definitely is posing for his next rock album cover in the pic below. This was such a momentous event that Emily travelled all the way out from California to attend.