What a lovely day.

While walking the kids to school this morning, I was pleased to discover that the weather was absolutely perfect. I mean really, truly perfect. Not the super pretty type of perfect just superb walking-about-town-weather perfect. It was overcast but still bright and the warmest day we've had since I arrived. Some people were even in shorts and t-shirts. I, however, opted for my pumas, jeans and a thermal layered over a cami (levi jeans and forest green thermal over dark tan cami -- Lena would want the details). So, I came home, showered, grabbed a pear, made some tea, quickly hung the wash out on the line...

...where I made my first Spalding friend, in the back garden...

...and darted out the door for a nice walk in town. I found the post office and purchased some stamps and envelopes, then dropped by the 90 pence store for a box of tissues and just strolled around stopping by the river to sit for a while, walking through the bookstores and enjoying the architecture. There was a lovely breeze and I was just so comfortable and happy to know that I probably won't freeze every day that I'm here. And, very important detail, I made a pretty marvelous sandwich for lunch. I think I really like having that time while the kids are at school. Tomorrow I'm starting my tap class so that will also help to keep me busy.

After school we read every single one of the 20 or so library books we had brought home the other day and carted them back to the library to trade them in. We were going to max out my library card so I told the kids they had to use their own. They didn't know the difference anyway. As Inan would tell you, "we got loads, and loads of books!"

All in all it was a pretty successful day. In fact, I think it was the most stellar day we've had. They behaved themselves and even tidied up nicely when we got home. We had a heart to heart about doing what I ask the first time I ask and I think we've come to an understanding.