Braai's and Bryants

When I came to visit in March I was pleased to learn that in addition to the Australians, Lloyd has a group of South African friends.  I guess I am used to hearing the South African accent so much that it feels sort of familiar to me, reminds me of my 'friends' Gail & Bryan - so I automatically think they're going to be my friend, too.  :) Luckily the weather was really great in Aug & Sept so we got to attend several braais with the South Africans.  We've had some terrific food at the braais and I've also made some yummy stuff  to show off   share.  One braai we handed over a bunch of tupperware bins full of sausage balls (we knew you'd pick that one, Dad!) and buffalo chicken bites.  It took all morning to cook our food and then I was handed completely empty bins maybe 6 or 7 mins after we put them down on the table.  As Borat would say: Great Success!

Braai-day

Fun with camera settings!

Jerry, Jen, Lloyd

Lloyd and I are spreading the 'beer chicken culture!
We gave Gareth a beer can chicken roaster for his
bday and can't wait to do a taste test soon.   

True Blood vamps?

A picture is worth 1,000 words

At the beginning of September, Tara & Cody came to visit on their way back from a trip to Ireland. I knew Tara was coming to visit even before I had a place to live in London...she threatened she'd be here no matter what.  They had just a short time in the city ('That's not nearly enough time to introduce them to London!" exclaimed Lloyd) but we were determined to make the most of it.  Take no mercy on the travelers weary feet! :) We took the train to Waterloo and then walked to the museums and the outdoor market.  It is one of my favorite little markets b/c you can buy cheap mini-glasses of nice wine and the market itself is a nice quaint size; lots of variety without being overbearing.  Poor Cody couldn't make up his mind since there were so many good options! We walked across the Thames right at sunset and it was a breezy, beautiful mild night.  

Pretty clouds over the Thames

My friend of...26yrs??? Geez...that makes me feel ancient! :)  Fort Worth, Tennessee, London! <3
Love you, girl

Finally got the shot

Photo bomb #1

On the way to Covent Garden we passed Trafalgar Square to find a big screen setup to watch the Paralympics.

Apparently there's a street
artist who goes around
town discreetly painting sign

Then we made our way to Covent garden for pizza and wine on the square.

On Sunday morning we woke up and went to church at Westminster Abbey.  The choir was exquisite and the acoustics amazing in the beautiful, thousand year-old church.  

Walking 'advert', as the British would say! Jolly old chap

After spending the afternoon eating walking through Burough market we headed over to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.  

Across the Thames from the Tower of London and on the south side of the Thames are some funny looking glass buildings.  I believe the furthest building on the left is City Hall which caused lots of commotion when it was built.  On a tour boat I once heard it called a 'giant glass testicle'.  ha!