Longboat

While Laura was here we were able to do a longboat cruise down one of the many canals that run throughout England. Originally, this was a primary mode of transporting goods throughout the country. You can see the longboat we were on (and Ted the Airdale) behind Laura and Wiley. It was the most gorgeous day. They met up with David and Jo (whose boat it is) outside of London in the morning and rode down to a pub where I met them for lunch. We then did the same ride back to their marina, passing a 15th century church that was destroyed partially when England split from the Catholic Church.

We got to experience 3 locks! Very cool experience. Picture above and below are from inside the lock.

Wiley and Mr. David driving the boat!

And then something happened that David and Jo both said they had never seen before. So, the locks have these big wooden doors to let water in or out. They have these huge wooden "poles" effectively that you use to swing them open or shut. There is a correct side one should be on to operate these "poles." When we came to each lock we got out and helped David do this. Unfortunately Laura got on the wrong side. It kept going and suddenly she was hanging on over the lock and water. It was pretty hilarious watching as you could see the progression of her face going from "Oh no." to "Well, guess I'll just lay over this thing and hold on."

We obviously had to let her hang a little bit so we could get a good picture! It was such a perfect day in perfect weather to see the amazing English countryside by water.

You know you live in England when...

...bangers and mash sound like a viable option for dinner.

And then you actually cook it.

And serve it to guests in your home.

Confused? We are having sausage and mashed potatoes for dinner.

Technically we are eating early, about the time of children's tea. Did I confuse you again? No, the English don't give their children Earl Grey tea at 5. Although I thought my friend was doing just that for awhile and was quite confused. They feed their children their dinner at 5. Just the children. Then Mum and Dad will eat later, I suppose once Dad is back from work.

Another odd dish that I've had [English] friends order at a restaurant and eat: rice pudding. It's not a misnomer. They actually make a pudding (another word for dessert, by the way) that is similar, I thought, to creme brulee that has rice in it. When I questioned this, asking "But there isn't actually rice grains in it?" They said, "Oh yes, there is. And it is delicious." (Or something perhaps that sounded more English...brilliant, nice, or beautiful, perhaps? Certainly not the American awesome!) Taking on my brusque American tongue, I informed them that that was the most bizarre idea I had ever heard--putting rice in a dessert!! Upon which I was forced to try it. Fine. It was fine. I can eat it. But as I told them that I still declared that it was just not natural to put rice in a dessert. (In the English's defense, I had one friend say it was a "boarding school dish" and she didn't really care for it either.)

Well at least I'm not fixing bubble and squeak. Or black pudding. Or toad-in-the-hole.

October Re-cap

Here is a quick re-cap of the rest of October in pictures...

We celebrated Wil's Birthday at a friend's cottage in Great Rissington (near Bourton on the Water) in the Cotswolds. The house was fantastic since it had all the kids toys there along with a huge garden. They keep fruit trees and veggies in the garden as well. We ate plums and apples off the tree (Wiley loved this)! We also went on a walk and found these horses.

While in Bourton on the Water, we went to Birdland. While I thought it was going to be a bit lame, I'm realizing that I actually kind of like birds. We saw the best penguin show (I made everyone stay and watch it until the end.) and then as we were leaving, this cockatoo just cracked us up with dancing and singing. It was hilarious.
Later in the month, we went to Disney on Ice!

And that brings us to Halloween, which I've already done pictures of...I think I'm up to date now! November happenings will be coming soon!

*If anyone is interested in renting the Cotswolds cottage, I can give you the information.