Mini Hastings family reunion

Today was the Hastings gathering at the Strongs' (Amy & Ryan's). Sadly, Mom wasn't feeling well and didn't come, and several had to work. However, it was really good to see Terry, Angela and Danielle after quite a few months. Food was great, and we all enjoyed the visiting. Ryan indulged me in singing Christmas songs with his lovely tenor voice. Angela, Amy and Terry in back; Tucker and Anders ; Anna & Rob

Amy, Liz, Whitney & Terry (headless) in back; Danielle, Anna & Rob on couch.

Skating with the keikis

The day after Christmas was supposed to be the day to ski, but it was way too cold. So instead we went skating. Everyone fell, but no one broke anything. A good time was had by all!Tucker & Tutu

Lucy Jane

Rob & Anders

The Cotswolds

After leaving Oxford, we rented a car and drove to Stow-on-the-Wold. It was after dark when we found our B&B. I think it was our favorite. So warm and cozy, we spent a couple of hours after dinner downstairs by the fireplace reading.

Our B&B the next morning.

Our next stop was Fifield -- where mom's friend Chery Garvey and her husband spent six months.

Fifield Chapel

From Fifield, we went toBurford.

Mom being nibbled to death by the ducks.

Thence, to Bibery.

The scenery was gorgeous. I'm ready to go back!

Trip to Oxford

We spent a half day in Oxford -- again, not enough time.Mom in front of Radcliffe Camera (library reading room).

Entrance to Christ Church College. Most of the other colleges were closed to visitors.

Dining hall at Christ Church -- used in Harry Potter.

Quad at Christ Church College.

The Lake Country

We went from York west to the Lake Country for two days, stopping first in Ambleside. Bridge house in Ambleside as we began our trek to Grasmere.

We decided to make the 5-mile trek to Grasmere and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Wordsworth's home along the trek.

The scenery was marvelous. So peaceful along the way.

Second night we spent in Windermere, as our B&B in Ambleside was booked.

Lake Windermere from Bowness (near Windermere and home of Beatrix Potter).

Visit to York

Anna said it's not too late to post a few more pics of England. We had a lovely -- but too short -- visit to York. Yorkminster is magnificent. Went back for Evensong -- our second, as we'd done the same at St. Paul's in London the previous Sunday.

Front of Yorkminster.

Interior of Yorkminster.

Mom at one of the gates to the city.

Court and Todd's new home

Court and Todd moved into their new condo just in time to paint up/clean up/fix up (with major help from the Wieses) before our arrival for the holidays.

Exterior shot -- they're the end unit, upstairs.

Here's the red kitchen. We're not used to color, so were really impressed! Their bedroom is ice blue; spare bedroom is lime green. All looks so clean, fresh and lovely.

Living room

Location's great. Near shopping and freeway and only about 10 minutes from their work places and from Rob and Anna.

Christmas Day

Christmas day started early: Court got us up at 6:15 am so we could be to Rob's early for opening. 'Twas a short night, as Court kept us up until almost 2 am for one last game of Vicious Gin. (She won -- so guess it was worth it!) Our kids gave us a new digital camera, so have to show off the new toy.

Clara took the whole thing in!

Mom with the keikis.

This castle took many hours of hard work by Rob, the kids and me.

It's Cold!

I've been freezing. Can't wait to arrive in a land where people actually heat their homes!

Winter weather

It's been mostly cold, rainy and blustery lately. Clear in the morning, then the rain blows in. Today was no exception. I took a few pictures this morning. Needed to mow, but the rain came to early. Mandarin orange tree is producing pretty well this year for the first time. Good fruit, too!

Last couple of Avacado in the tree. Have had several for the first time this year. Some strings, but generally good flavor. Grew the tree from seed -- not generally recommended.

Hibiscus in bloom. With all the recent rain, everything is green and lush. Mom leaves the world of green for the world of white tomorrow night. I'll follow Thursday night. Friday it will feel like Christmas is upon us! Looking forward to seeing everyone in Utah (and to playing in the white stuff).

First big snow of the season

Mauna Loa

Mauna Kea

Closer view of Mauna Kea summit

Haven't seen the sun much in the last couple of days. I finally got so tired of our leaking roof (not enough buckets) that I called a roofer. His recommendation -- replace the whole thing. I suppose we should -- there goes your inheritance!

Time's flying. We'll be in Utah before we know it.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?

Mauna Kea Tues. morn out our bedroom window. Too green for words (finally).

Rest of the panorama (Mauna Loa).

Storm hit yesterday and this morning we had snow. If I can get a clear shot in the morning, I'll post it.

Thanksgiving weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday in Honolulu with Christian, Shandra and Whit. Our first surf meet on the North Shore, Lion King, Enchanted,

time at the Pali,

Thanksgiving dinner at Roy's -- my first in a restaurant (also my first foie gras stuffing!),

Arizona Memorial (after 30 years in Hawaii).

Sunday in London

Frost on the ground this morning when we walked across Kensington Park to church at the Hyde Park Ward.

Mom in front of Royal Albert Hall en route.
Interesting chapel, asymmetrical ceiling & organ pipes. Bishop & counselor from US. Speakers from Africa. Most reverent meeting in many years!
After Sacrament Meeting we went to the Victoria & Albert Museum. Gorgeous building -- interesting collections. Lamb and rosemary pot pie for lunch -- delicious!

Thence to the Natural History Museum.

Finished our adventures for the day by attending Evensong at St. Paul's cathedral in the City. Great organ, lovely choir of men and boys. Very enjoyable, although I'd have preferred more traditional (less modern/dissonant) music, and the echo made it hard to understand. Hope to try another before we leave.