Todd and I had a fabulous weekend out in the English countryside. His boss, Robert, invited us to spend the weekend at his country home. Robert purchased the Old Vickarage in Elham (about 20 miles from Canterbury) about 2 years ago. It is this magnificent estate across the street from the village church. The views were spectacular! Robert was kind enough to extend the invitation to Foster as well, as Robert has 2 dogs. Foster is still recovering from all the hours of extended play with a 2 year old terrier and an 8 month old labrador! So, in addition to staying on this lovely estate, the real luxury was getting to sleep in a bed. We have been using an air mattress the past few weeks and I think it may be on it's last legs. Fortunately, the sea shipment arrives on Friday!

Part of our adventure this weekend was a trip in to Canterbury -- for lack of a better word, AMAZING! The history in this place blows my mind. This cathedral was built before any modern advances and it is exquisite. The detail and the structure--everything intentionally built with care and meaning. The docents were wonderful, giving us the history in story form...much more interesting than facts and dates.

We took the train back to London on Sunday morning -- Foster is a great traveller. It helps that people here like their dogs. He just settles in and enjoys the ride. No anxiety whatsoever; just happy to be along. It makes it all the nicer for Todd and I to enjoy the sites. The countryside was beautiful. We have been blessed with Chamber of Commerce weather -- bluebird skies and gentle breezes. So, this has brought all of the locals out to enjoy the city. Additionally, the beginning of Chinese New Year was celebrated on Sunday with a Dragon parade through downtown London. We missed the parade but there were lots of festivities in which to partake. The thing about a big city: it doesn't take a whole lot to have a crowd. It was a nice juxtaposition of the remote countryside and the bustling city. I'm hopeful that we will have more experiences like this.

Tonight we are headed to the theater with a business associate of Todd's...going to see wicked at the Apollo Theater. I've heard great things about the musical; regardless, it's LONDON THEATER! I hope this is enough to tempt you all to come visit. :)