Little discoveries

After six weeks in Buckinghamshire, settling in, finding my way around and unpacking I feel I haven’t had many adventures, but when I look at the things I’ve done in that time I’m now not so sure! Here is the abridged version of what I’ve been up to!

I have discovered the hard way and within hours of arrival that the emergency number is 999. I have been to Oxford and discovered the wonderful covered markets. I have soaked up the Olympic atmosphere and was in Henley on Thame with a British friend when Team GB won their first gold, it helped that Australia won Silver and NZ the Bronze. 

Lovely produce at the covered markets in Oxford

Oxford Olympic spirit in full force 

Was here for the first Team GB Gold!

I have driven to Poole on the coast, twice and discovered the fabulous New Forest to look at and then pick up a puppy. I have acquired a new puppy. The puppy has been socialised from Poole to Golders Hill Park in Hampstead, Thame to Chesham and beyond. 

Loved the friendly wild horses of New Forest

This horse popped over to say hello

This vehicle is 1 HP :)

The puppy loves bubbles

I have unpacked about 163 boxes of belongings from Shanghai. I have put away the contents of about 149!!!I have been to the recycling centre approx 78 times to discard all of the empty boxes. Have filled in numerous insurance forms for items that didn’t quite make it here intact. I have been to a car boot sale....and bought a concrete Koala that we have named Kevin...he sits next to our terracotta warriors, Fred and Barney in the garden!

I have driven into Central London and Heathrow... twice and we all survived. Apologies to British drivers for my roundabout shenanigans...we don’t have them in Australia, I will get used to them and they are wonderful. Roundabouts would be a disaster in Shanghai! I have caught up with wonderful friends and fellow adventurers from my Shanghai days and in the process discovered a few good pub lunches. I have also discovered 2 cafes, 3 pubs, 1 butcher/pie maker, a bakery and an Indian restaurant in my village...all walking distance from home. I have had a Pimms...or two...

Love the pub signs...you will see more on my blog!

Pimm's o'clock

I have stumbled upon a great Jazz session at Lowndes Park in Chesham one sunny Sunday afternoon and a music festival in Henley on Thame. I have found lots of beautiful green open spaces and walks and I have breathed in so much clean air I feel healthier already.

Music in the park, Chesham

The walk to the field where the puppy runs free

I have got my two beautiful girls ready for their new school adventure and kitted them out in “Harry Potterish” uniforms. We celebrated my older daughter's 14th birthday with lots of food, fun and laughs..and a new puppy.

I can now drive in a 30 mile radius without the help of James my trusty GPS and the new love of my life. James is an Aussie who says things like, take the Motorway...it's time to cruise and Maaate...do a Uey (U turn) when you can. Without James I may have discovered Scotland by now.

I now look forward to many more adventures with my little family, friends I hope to make along the way and of course James...my trusty GPS. You are welcome to join me and my family as we discover all the UK and beyond has to offer