It is here!

This week millions of people across the UK have woken from winter hibernation. They blink back tears as they emerge into the bright sunlight accompanied by overexcited children and eager dogs who have been shut inside for months on end. There is a steady stream of customers exiting Argos with pedestal fans tucked firmly under their arms. Commuters are packing water bottles for the tube to counter the stifling heat. The parks and commons are crowded with families picnicking and pasty white (quickly turning lobster red) sunbathers. And it is still light at 9pm.

Summer has arrived.

It was 27 degrees today. That's a heatwave for this time of year when it usually averages about 16 degrees. This evening we showed our true British spirit and joined the crowds flocking to Wimbledon Common to search for Wombles. We managed to find a peaceful patch of grass for ourselves and spread out our rug for a picnic to watch the passersby. There was some excitement when we had to dodge a golf ball - we were situated just to the left to the 5th green on the golf course :) - but it was really relaxing after a very busy week at work.

I love the onset of summer here. It as if the warm weather drains the tension from people's faces and lifts the weight from their shoulders. People gather outside the pubs filling the city streets with light hearted chatter. Life is no longer about going to work and coming home in the dark - the days seem longer, as if the extended daylight hours have given everyone time to enjoy themselves. In short, life is good.

Hot or cold for the Away Day?

Our climate sense is all out of whack these days. We've just moved from sleeping under a thin doona to only needing a sheet as it has been 22 degrees during the day and down to a balmy 12 degrees at night - positively toasty! Meanwhile my parents have been complaining that it is cold at night and they've been having 12 degrees too. I'm dreading having to catch the tube during summer - it is already starting to get uncomfortably warm. It must be time for a 6 week break back in Oz right? I wish!

We haven't been doing anything really exciting lately. Both of us have had big deadlines at work which has meant early mornings for me and late nights for Phil. This past week my department at work had their Away Day. This involved about 80 of us gathering at a hotel in Hythe, a small town near Dover (of the White Cliffs fame) for two days of group activities, presentations and partying. It was great fun - a good chance to mingle with people outside the software team and to learn about what the other teams do. I was lucky to snag a newly redecorated room with wonderful sea views - not that I spent much time up there!

This weekend is the May Day long weekend and for the first time in about 4 years we are having it as a long weekend at home instead of jet-setting off into Europe somewhere. We must be getting slack! Really it is just an excuse to plan our next adventure ;)