Supporting the Brits & 'Tubing' the Shenandoah River

This weekend, we heard that although Tim Henman did not make it through to the semi-fimals in the Legg Mason Tennis Classic here in DC, Andy Murray did (yay!), so on Saturday, we felt the need to go and show our support for the Scotsman and cheer him on at the semis.

Luckily the match started at 7pm, so the heat of the day was behind us - this is the second year we've been to this tournament; it's not a Wimbledon atmosphere by a long shot, but more of a Marlow Jazz Festival (ie beer vs Pimms!) -- very laid back, everyone enjoying themselves, no one standing on ceremony or formality. We wandered around the grounds, had some dinner, and sat in the evening sun and enjoyed the blues band before the match kicked off. Our seats sucked, even though we paid a fortune for them, but there were loads of seats available (I think that Americans unfortunately do not watch it if there are no Americans in the finals), so we were able to sit about 10 rows from courtside.

Andy Murray played fantastically well, only one or two signs of clenching in the 2nd set (we were so worried he's pull a 'Tim'!!). But he did fab, won the match, and we really had a great night out. The attendants there were so nice -- because they knew I was pregnant, they let us park right next to the entrance and let us leave first -- what lovely chaps!!

On Sunday, it was still hot, even though it had cooled dramatically from earlier in the week (we now deem the low 90s to be 'cool'!), so we headed up to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, for a bit of 'tubing' down the Shenandoah River - now, I know that sounds like a medical procedure, but I assure you it's not! Tubing is a large inner tube that you wedge your butt into, as you let the river currents take you downstream. What a great way to spend a few hours, meandering down the Shenandoah River; perfect for me, as I'm not in the best condition for our normal white-water rafting excursions! Baby loved it I'm sure, bobbing down the river on an inner-tube....we did this last year with John's Mum, Beck and the kids, and it reminded us what a great time we had with them last year.

Great day out, and very refreshing!!

Our new car! ...and our road trip in it - July 28-29th

It's been over a year and a half since we gave up the Mercedes (sob!) and came to the US, determined not to have a car. We lasted a long time, but now with the baby on the way, we decided it was now an unfortunate necessity. So, we've thrown our hat in the ring and got a car that will easily carry the enormous amount of baby stuff which we have somehow already accumulated (and the baby is still 3 months away!).

Here it is - we actually really enjoy it. I think you become accustomed when you don't have something, but then appreciate it more when you do. We were never really inconvenienced without a car - we are close to shops and the Metro, so getting around was always easy, and it felt good doing our bit for the environment. But this allows us to get farther afield, which is quite refreshing when you live in a city.

So, on our first day as new car owners, we took it on a proper Sunday drive, up to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This place puts Manassas to shame....at the height of the Civil War, over 50,000 people troops perished here. This is also where President Abraham Lincoln did his infamous 'Gettysburg Address'.

There are just rolling hills and fields as far as you can see, and monuments erected form each state, depicting which regiments died where. It was sombering, to say the least.

Afterwards, we headed about 10 miles outside of Gettysburg to the Adams County Winery, where we plunked ourselves under the shade of the vineyard and had a picnic. And of course did a little wine tasting and purchasing while we were there (it would have been rude not to!).

We also visited a cool place called the Round Barn Farm, and I'm sure you can guess why it's called that...! They have a lovely little farm shop there, where we got some freshly picked fruits and veggies.

John got a photo of the newly born baby goats (too cute!).

So, we both love the car and know it will be enjoyed for the next few years (and covered in baby spit-up) - ah, what we have to look forward to!!

Weekend in UK - July 15th 2006

I've just realised how much time has passed since I updated the blog.....apologies!! We've been very busy these past few weeks, the highlight being our trip (albeit fleeting) to the UK, to attend Jeremy and Aimee's wedding. And what a lovely occasion it was.

We left on the 7pm flight out of DC on Friday evening, arriving in London bright and early on Saturday morning. After a brief stopover to visit John's folks, we went to our B&B in Henley, to get ready for the afternoon's festivities. The weather was perfect for a wedding, particularly a wedding held at the Upper Thames Rowing Club, right on the Thames River!


The ceremony was beautiful, held in the gorgeous St Nicholas Church. Everyone then meandered down to the river, where the Reception was kicking off - the sun was shining, the Pimms was flowing, boats were meandering down river, it was just perfect for the bride and groom.

People were kicking off their shoes and sitting on the banks of the river, cooling off in the early evening sunshine. The hours flew by as we caught up with everyone, chatted, and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere.

At the end of the evening, boats were lit up and it became a parade of lights, a magical way to end a truly memorable day.

On Sunday, we left our lovely little B&B and headed over to John's folks for Sunday dinner - nice to catch up with the family - it was another hot day, dazzling sunshine - John had a great time playing cricket with the kids!

We headed back to the US on Tuesday morning, again another memorable weekend back in the UK.