February First

New month - love our colourful "Joules" calendar, but this is mainly because I forgot my camera today...

Went to lunch in Woodstock with friends from Brazil - wonderful to see them. Walked through the residents' private entrance to Blenheim Park - frustrating to see such beauty and no way to blip it, but decided I probably needed reminding that it IS possible to appreciate something WITHOUT taking a photo of it... (isn't it??)

Then drove the 8 miles into Oxford (which is actually slightly less distance than the Rio-Niteroi bridge - incredible), and just enjoyed walking round this fairy-tale city.

Had a pale ale in the "Eagle and Child", known as the "Bird and Baby" by CS Lewis, Tolkein and friends, who met here every Tuesday.

Wonderful end to a special day because at last managed to link up to friends in rural spot we lived in Brazil, through Skype from our computer to their mobile - caught up on all the gossip and so happy to hear that it's all going well.