Explorer for the Day

Yesterday started the same...waking up early, driving the girls to school(except today Kate went too) and came back to an empty house. I decided to go for a run, hopped in the car and drove over to this path next to a canal. I was worried about leaving the car so I ended up driving back home and walking all the way back, which may have been a stupid decision because there were no sidewalks half the way and it took longer than expected. But I made it to the canal which was really cool. It had a bunch of house boats but like long gondola like boats that people live in called "canal cottages" I think and a few cottages on the banks. There is a tiny road to get to the houses where people can walk/run/bike. I don't think my description will give you a good idea of what it was actually like even though I wish it would, I guess it'll have to be seen by your own eyes(for those of you wanting to make a visit!). To get there I had to pass 2 one-way bridges and huge pastures just like a little country town you would see in a movie. 

The run turned into more of a walk and on the way back I noticed a public footpath on the side of the road so I thought, why not? It opened up into a huge field and went off into several different directions. I chose one and went with it...it was amazing. There were a few others I passed along the way but for the most part it was just me. It didn't seem like long, but when I checked my phone for the time I had been wandering around for nearly an hour. I hope I can get out and enjoy the area like this at least a few times a week, but I say that now! I took a few pictures on my phone but I'll have to go back with my camera so you can see more of what I'm talking about. 

Lisa and Gordon were having the neighbors over to christen their new barbeque so it was mine and Lisa's job to put the thing together. Somehow it didn't turn out right, supposedly it was the equipment not us, so it didn't really go as planned. Sasha & David the neighbors were over with their three kids Kiera, Liam and Finn(ley) who are seriously the cutest kids I think I've ever seen. Lisa picked up a case of Fosters so we had a few beers, ate tons of food, and watched a couple football matches. Overall, it was a good night with good conversation.

The girls had football in the morning but I decided to sleep in which was a good idea. Afterwards, we went over to a town called Milton Keynes(I think) which is where the big shopping center is. The drive was really nice (only about 20min) and the mall was huge, reminded me of being back home and not in the countryside! I didn't buy anything because the girls weren't really into shopping around so we headed home for some pizza and movies. Beth and I watched What a Girl Wants in my room and she asked if they were going to "snug" which sounds to me like making out and at school they have a "snugging tree" and she's only in 1st grade! 

Not sure what's up for tomorrow but I'll keep you posted.