It’s COLD here. I don’t think the local temp has emerged out of the 30s for a good week or so. But yesterday we finally had something to show for it – snow! It snowed off and on for most of the day. It wasn’t cold enough to stick much, but it was fun for all of us to see it coming down. This morning, I (Jason) walked with the kids through Brompton Cemetery, just around the corner from us, where there was actually a good bit of snow on the ground – enough to throw a few snowballs at least. While the snow is fun, the cold makes the routine parts of life even more challenging. So it’s hard not to be thinking fondly of the balmy Southern California weather!
We had a good Thanksgiving, but certainly missed being with family and friends. We began the day with breakfast at the Troubadour. This is a café (by day) and performance venue (by night) right near our flat that has a very interesting and fairly famous history (see here if you’re interested: http://www.troubadour.co.uk/). The place has lots of character and serves a great breakfast. Afterward, while Oliver napped, I took Brendan and Lily to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where we climbed the 500-600 steps to the very top of the dome, working up a good turkey dinner appetite. Later in the evening I hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for all 30 or so LMU students at a local BBQ restaurant called Bodeans that had advertised a traditional fixed menu Thanksgiving dinner. The place is owned by Americans, so they did a great job with the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, etc. The highlight (for me) was that they had American football playing live. For better or worse, it wasn’t until we walked in and saw football on the TV screen that it really felt like Thanksgiving!
See below for pics of these various events. We’re at three weeks and counting. We’re very excited about getting home, but we also sense the urgency of needing to make the most of our remaining days here.
Thanksgiving dinner with students at Bodeans.
E and OKB at dinner.
The Troubadour.
B & L outside St. Paul's Cathedral. (Note the dome in the background before looking at the next pic.)
B and L above the dome.
Brompton Cemetery after snowfall.
Boy in the bubble.
Wow - it is all so idyllic. I love reading about what you are all up to. Glad you could enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal (complete with football). We've had some cold temps here over the past week - don't know if you've heard. Really, really chilly. But, it's supposed to be sunny and 70 today...typical Southern California weather. We miss you here! Looking forward to seeing you in the new year. And um - could Oliver be any cuter? Oh my. Silas is missing him in the nursery.
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