Martin's 36th Birthday

Today we celebrated my birthday in a rather unique way. Not only was it in England (of course a first), but we also decided on a lunch. And it was wall-to-wall kids!

My new UK extended family (both colleagues and their familes) all piled into the pub/bar Fifty-One. It was rather like an onslaught. The waiter kindly found us a group of tables at the rear which also afforded some space for the kids to run about. And they did! The food was good and some tucked into a Sunday roast.

Gary spent much thought on a "Go England" football supporter pack for the car. It included England flags, ariel ball, dice, bumper stickers, and - would you believe - an England air freshner. Whilst I don't think this will find its way onto the Volvo there are keen English car owners we've passed on the motorway with these damn flags fairly ripping off the side of the cars. That's what the World Cup will do to you in Europe!

This afternoon I sneaked into a local toy shop and bought James a small England soccer ball to play with in the local parks.

Whilst I'm making this entry, I'll also mention that on Saturday we returned to Henley-On-Thames for coffee with a colleauge that lives in the Greys Court Keep. We were keen to get a local's picture of living in Henley. Meanwhile James was intrigued with the two cats - Money Penny and Bond, James Bond. Afterwards we went for a walk through a footpath winding its way past the property and into a wood. It was the perfect place for a picnic. I've posted some photos in the Greys Court collection.