Treats from America!

Hooray! What a treat to wake up this Monday still reveling in an epic Saints victory to have a shaggy, bearded man appear at our door holding a box. We have been suffering through a Royal Mail strike knowing that Grammy had sent a box of goodies. What a thrill to find some of the things we miss the most tucked into this cardboard box which truly felt like a hug from across the pond. Do you think it can even last one day in this house? I am vowing to make my Hot Tamale candies last. I'll let you know how that works out.

Today was one of those days that I pinch myself and ask, "Did we really get this opportunity?". It was cool and sunny with sailboats gliding effortlessly along the Solent. Tea and scones, as well as a full dose of articles and highlights of the Saints game, started the morning off right. Eventually, we all made it out to the tennis courts in our backyard.

After lunch, the older kids and I walked through town to the library. This is one of our favorite outings and we make the trip almost daily. William wields his library card with such pride, you can't help but smile. We browse the books, read, use the computers and even roam through the Maritime Museum which is housed there.

By the time we left the library, it was getting cloudy. On an average day it might appear gloomy. Today, however, it looked down right cozy. A perfect sky for going home to make pancakes and watch Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, both of which we found in our box of treats. I didn't hear much about that movie when it came out but we rented it from the library a few weeks ago. I got sucked in about halfway through and can't wait to watch the entire film. Dustin Hoffman gives his typical gimmicky performance a la Rain Man and I am not a very big fan of Natalie Portman. I must confess to being a HUGE Jason Bateman fan and the youngest star Zach Mills gives a sweet performance. I like the movie because all the characters improve on their flaws and are better people for knowing each other in the end. Don't we all hope for the same? I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the film:

"Your life is an occasion. Rise to it."

Cheers!
Dina