Back in the UK

When we arrived back at our house, along with our foot high grass, this was in our back yard. I had left my beautiful tomato garden that had such potential, hoping to come back and find juicy tomatoes on the vines, but I got this- A tomato graveyard. : (  The cold finally did them in. I now understand why all the Britons here grow their tomatoes in greenhouses.

On a happier note, I went back to school this week! I am a student at Newcastle University studying for an MRes in Immunobiology. It has been 9 years since I've been a full time student. So far, it has just been boring orientation stuff, but so far so good.

Kelly's first day of school! Age 31, Grade 17

So I know first day's of school are all about the new school clothes, but instead I went with a new school bag, used (new to me) Banana Republic jeans (from the best Salvation Army in Philly) and new socks for my first day!

The thrift store jeans were a "short" size, but evidently, not short enough for me. I had to hem just an inch by using this super easy and great looking technique.

Socks. There's just something about a new pair of socks that makes me happy to wake up in the morning! I thought I'd add a picture of them, just cause they don't get any exposure in the first photo.





The last "Back in the UK" item I have to report is for my mom.  Mom- Maggie loves her new dryer ball!

Stateside 2011 Videos

Todd's parents gave us this little handheld camera while we were home and I wanted to share three short videos I shot while in the States.

This video is from my parent's cabin near State College in PA. This summer some hornets decided that the living room window of the cabin would be a great place to build their nest. The entire nest covered about two feet of the window. Since they built it on the window you have privy to the inner workings of what goes on in the daily life of a hornet. You'll see my reflection in the window- these things cannot be helped.

This second video is from Chris and Kylie's wedding reception. The wedding and reception were filled with fun and lively music. Here's a video of Kylie and her sisters (bridesmaids) dancing it up...and Chris is giving it a good effort too!

This third video is of Jack Larkin having some fun on a play ground that we went to in NYC. I wish I had continued the video to get his "who are you?" face a few seconds later when he looked up and noticed some unknown woman was sitting on top of his play toy. This playground was super cool and we had a bit of fun ourselves. Unfortunately, this was the only video I shot there.

Stateside 2011

Todd and I had a great time in the States visiting family and friends for the past few weeks. 

It was quite an experience to be in NYC for the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We were a few of the lucky ones who got to see the memorial on the day it opened to the public.

Sept 12, 2011, WTC memorial

New WTC building, half way completed

I, also, wanted to see the new Gehry building that was completed this year downtown. It's one of the only residential buildings in downtown Manhattan. The Dancing House from our Prague trip (here) has the same architect, Frank Gehry. His idea behind the design was to introduce bay windows, where you can walk into the bay window in one of the apartments on the 70th floor (or any) and feel like you're standing in the air.

We were also lucky enough to be able to spend some time in NYC with the Larkins, who were kind enough to fit us into an existing New York trip. 

Doing what we do best with the Larkins- beer by the liter (notice mine is the tiny one)

Quinn and Jackson waiting patiently for us

And of course, the whole reason we were in the States in the first place- Chris and Kylie's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and a fun reception.

Rehearsal Dinner

This is a pretty terrible pic, but the only one I have of Todd officiating his first wedding!

More signage

Oh England, I've missed your silly British signs!

Divine Hat

I know at home the last thing you're thinking of right now is winter hats, but here on the temperate island of Great Britain where we are still wearing long sleeves all summer long, I've begun winter crocheting projects. So I wanted to post pictures of the new hat I've just finished. I found the pattern here and though it took me about seven tries to get it right, I finally have a finished product that I'm very happy with!

Belle's breakfast

I think Belle was trying to tell us that she was REALLY hungry this morning!

My growing garden

It's been fun to let our back yard grow and see what interesting things appear. Here is some pictures of what has been growing this spring/summer in my garden.

Crocosmia Lucifer- my crappy camera doesn't capture the fiery reddness of these flowers!

Pic from April-Tomatoes and Peppers planted from seed

No veggies yet, but MANY flowers!

A tree in our back yard with beautiful flowers

Tiny little rose bush

These daisies pop up in the oddest places