I cannot believe it has been so long since I last wrote! The days seem to blend one into the next so easily, so I'll try to remember all that has happened so far:

Friday - After he got off work, James and I drove to Oxford and had dinner at Jamie's. I'm going to bet that EVERY single thing on that menu is delicious. We ended up just sharing lots of little things like olives and bread, soup, and cheeses. YUM! Then, we strolled around the city wherever our feet took us, ending up in some really old, gorgeous parts of Oxford. Then he took me to D&G's, where they make homemade ice cream! It stays light out here so late, that by 10:00pm, it only feels like dusk so we're able to do more.

Saturday - James and I drove to a lovely little river town called Henley-on-Thames. We had lunch and window shopped before taking a stroll along the river. They are preparing for the regatta in a few weeks, so already tents were up and people were rowing along. The weather here has been lovely, so even when there are clouds, it is easy to relax. Later that evening, we all went down to an open field where the village was holding an annual get-together. Everyone was very nice and welcoming, and all seemed eager to meet James' Californian girlfriend...emphasis on the Californian. :)

Sunday - We had a lovely Father's Day bbq at Simon and Selina's house. Of course, since we were actually bbqing, it rained. But it was a nice soft rain, and we still managed to fit under the patio table umbrella and dine on meats, breads, salad, and homemade meringue pies. The grand prix was on tv as well, so there was a nice mix of conversation and entertainment. After that, James and drove to a little village called Bourton-on-the-Water. After strolling about, we stopped for tea next to the river and watched a mother duck and her rebellious little ducklings. Humanity and nature blend out here with a mutual respect that I don't see in the southern california. After coming home, we went for a long walk through the fields. I still marvel at the ability to cross through people's fields on public footpaths. One field would have us traipsing through buttercups, another would pass us right through the middle of grazing sheep. It actually makes exercising fun! You never know what you'll see next!

Monday - Yesterday, obviously everyone was headed back to work. But, I ran a few errands in town with James, and in the evening, we made dinner for his mom and dad and then walked up to the pub where his sister was working and had a pint. Later that evening, however, we realized that someone must have come into their back garden and stolen their pet, Phil the ferret! It was a sad way to end the evening, particularly because they lost their cat a few weeks back as well.

Overall, everything here is so relaxing. If we want to walk, there are footpaths in all directions. If we want to sleep, we nap. If we're looking for fun, we play a board game or drive to another village. It feels foreign to me to not be stressed out after such a busy year... I think tonight James and I will go meet up with some of his friends at a pub. *nail bite* It should be good though. I'm looking forward to putting some faces to the people he has told me about over the last few months. I'll let you know whow it goes... :)