Chillin' out in England at our home away from home

In the conservatory (sunroom)

A nice thing about doing a six week home exchange is that you don't feel like you have to be out touring every day. Both our days in London were very long, with lots of walking so it is really nice to be able to take a day to read, make music, catch up on our journals, and enjoy the neighbourhood.  Early this morning I walked down to the "Local Centre" to stock up on basics. When you are in a different country, just going to the corner store is pretty fun - especially when it includes a trip to the bakery for some impressive English treats. This afternoon we sampled a couple of Cherry Bakewell Tarts which is a tart filled with almond sponge cake and jam with white icing and a cherry on top (I have a recipe linked).  Kendra has headed out  for a walk with her sketchbook as the sun is still shining on us which is very nice and the temperature is about 17C. There is lots of wind here and it is quite interesting to see all the clouds shoot past. Leif pointed out that unlike Vancouver, the area has no big mountains to stop the weather, hence the typical variable London pattern with clouds, sun and the occasional shower all in one day. 

The kitchen counter: marmalade, tea,
strawberries from Herefordshire
 and local bakery treats

back yard patio

 Leif without a guitar in his hands, for once

Scarlet Runner beans in the garden

Kendra is reading " Pillars of he Earth"

Steve's garden

That's more like it!