all aloney on my owney

Hello hello! Barny has been in Deutschland for the German Grand Prix since Wednesday...needless to say, I haven't done much since he left. This problem has been exacerbated by the fact that A. I don't know how to drive here and B. Banbury isn't considered the most happenin' town in England. What I have been doing, though, is looking at pretty bikes because Barn and I think it's a good idea I get one (he'll probably need one too, then, since I'll be wanting to take long rides through the Cotswolds with picnic in tow). I've had my eye on a few Pashley cycles for awhile now:

They are very expensive though, so maybe not. All their bikes are handmade in Stratford-upon-Avon (where Shakespeare was born) and they are probably the cutest bicycles ever. The one thing that surprises me - a lot of their cycles don't have mudguards. If riding a bike here is anything like riding a bike in Oregon (which it ought to be, since I have noticed no change in the crap summer weather since I've moved here), then having a bike with no protection from the wet is quite possibly the worst idea ever. On that note: make sure I end up with a bike that has 'em!

I know that Monica wanted more pictures of my "everyday life" (I will, Monica, promise!) but things have been pretty boring here at Chez Whitwham so I haven't taken any. But I will! Barn and I are going to see the final Harry Potter movie on Tuesday night so I will try and snap a few then...and the post box is literally right in front of the house here so perhaps I will run out and take a picture of that tomorrow...if it stops raining.

Until next time,
xoxo
Christina

week 1

Hello everyone! This will be the new home for all my pictures and stories! It has taken a little time to set-up (and I did it for all of my Americans) so hopefully you like it...

This past week has gone by pretty quickly...it's strange to think that I've already been here for over a week - my time here would be half over if I were just on holiday! The jetlag has not been kind to me, though. I think that it's probably harder when you don't have a set schedule and no one's really bothering you to get up at a certain time. Regardless, Barny and I have managed to accomplish quite a few things! We have purchased (and put together) a massive dresser from IKEA, got a new houseplant (Digby) to replace our dearly departed Seamus, and I have managed to unpack all of my suitcases.

Getting used to being a stay-at-home fiancée has been strange. I get up, do some laundry, then have all this time to myself to do whatever I please! There have been talks of driving school (other side of the car on the other side of the road!) and I have been looking into volunteering opportunities, granted they don't violate the terms of my visa.

All-in-all, things are good! I miss all of my friends and family in the US, but we will be back soon to visit and everyone is always welcome to come say hi :) There will be more interesting things to write about soon, for now, here is the view from our bedroom window:

love! xoxo