February 2007 Update

Hi Everyone,

Things are going well. Thought I’d put a bit of an update online. It’s early February, but feels more like March the way everything is blooming. Guess we didn’t need the groundhog to threaten us with ‘more’ of our winter weather.

Paul’s parents gave us a lovely bird feeder for Christmas that has been put by the back (dining room) window. While it has only been up a few weeks, we already have quite a few robins (small than the US robins ), tits, and even had a ring necked parakeet. Hopefully we’ll get even more as it gets warmer. Last summer we did see bats around at dusk quite often as well.

I’ve just ordered some plants for the back garden. As we’ll be moving in about 2 years (the house we’re buying is rented out), I’m going to put most of them in pots (blackberries / blueberries). I’ve also ordered  “Ailsa Craig” variety of tomatoes and some pumpkins. Paul’s mom is going to give us some other stuff as well (some runner beans which have lovely flowers, etc).

Paul’s thinking of getting an electric car for commuting into work. It ‘could’ be quite handy (especially as he goes in so early). Electric cars don’t have to pay the congestion charge (currently £8 = $16 dollars a day), and Paul can get a very cheap reserved parking space near his office (with a plug). One of our neighbors is getting one, so we’re going to see how they get on with it.

Paul and I had a ‘night out’ last Friday night. We hired a sitter for the second time in London (other than having Paul’s mum watch Ailsa a few times), and went to see Twelfth Night at the Old Vic – directed by Edward Hall with the Propeller Theatre Company. I’ve seen 2 other productions by them – with Rose Rage – Shakespeare’s Henry VI being one of my top theatre experiences of the past few years. Hopefully we’ll be able to get a few more nights out before the little bundle of joy arrives.

Well, we have about 4 more months to go till we get to meet baby number 2. The due date is May 30th. Yes, that is 3 days after Ailsa’s second birthday. I was so sick the first few months, I teased Paul by saying "It must be twins". I thought they more I said it the more nervous he might get that it would be true. Alas, at the first scan they confirmed that it is just one, so I couldn't use that joke anymore.

I’ve recently started wearing some orthotics that I had made to adjust my gait, as I can tell it has been ‘off’ for some time (perhaps since I twisted my right ankle really badly in the Summer of 1989) - not just because I'm pregnant. They do appear to be helping and I’m limping less often. It would be great if I could do a marathon with Dawn (not one of her double ones), but it will have to be once we’re done having kids and I have enough time to train. It will be awful on my joints, that’s why I think I will only give it one go.

I think we're going to invite everyone over for the Oxford Cambridge Boat race on April 7th. It would be great to see everyone before the new baby comes and things get a bit topsy-turvy. The finish line, just before Chiswick Bridge,  is just a short walk away from our place. The place that we’re buying (but won’t move into for a while as it is currently let out) is even closer to the finish line. We just need to get a bit organized (and buy a grill). I'll be staying home with Ailsa and anyone else who doesn't feel like venturing (or waddling) out into the crowd. It will be on TV anyway. Really, it is just an excuse to have everyone over.

If anyone is looking for something ‘new’ to cook for dinner, you might want to look at Jo’s new cook book “In the Mood for Some Food ". A lot of the recipes are fairly quick for those with limited time (like those with toddlers).

Other than that, we’re looking forward to having a lot of friends passing through in the next few months:

Julie F. in mid February (for one day)

Fabiola – for 6 weeks in April / May

Bronwyn – in June (just for a day) – and we’ll get to meet David

Jeff and Loren – in early November

...and Julie (Chris) and the boys – to be confirmed - prob for a long visit as Chris may be working out of The Netherlands for a few months.

..and my mom should be coming over in either June or around Christmas time.

At least those guest rooms sure will come in handy.  Whew.

Hope to hear from everyone soon. I'm going to try to be better at keeping in touch and meeting up with people now that I'm feeling better. I have a few other projects to work on in the next few months as well (scrapbooking Ailsa's photos...printing up photos for relatives from the past 8 months...re-organizing the house, etc).

Our front garden in early Feb. so much colour for so early in the year.

Hope everyone is doing well - Keep in touch,
Karen