Everybody's Working for the Weekend.

Last night I worked from the couch until 12:30 Am. On a Friday? I know. But, I have a deadline and I really wanted to spend today and tomorrow work-free. So, I knocked it out last night.

Today we took it pretty easy because Skyler is recovering from a massive cold (her second illness since starting daycare) and Stew seems to be catching it. It was all delightfully relaxed. We strolled the village and stopped off for a grilled scone with clotted cream ice cream and fresh berries and then I went for my DUN, DUN, DUN...DRIVING LESSON.

mmm...grilled scones and a latte.

Today was the second time I was behind the wheel and I was nervous. I tried to drive a bit on Thursday which left Stew screaming, "WATCH THE CURB, WATCH THE CURB! OH MY GOD, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A FLAT TIRE!" You see, driving on the other side of the road makes you want to cling the curb. And, no we did not have a flat tire.

The experiment today went well, especailly considering I drove a manual. I am really very confused by the ever-present-roundabouts. I can understand them in theory, but I get so scared when I have to enter them. Seeing as how they are everywhere here, I have to get a grip on it. We're going out again tomorrow and are going to outfit the car with an "L" plate, which is what people learning do here. It's like a dunce cap for your car.

the little and the big at the Fat Loaf.

We also spent a bit of time wandering the neighboring towns to decide where to rent. I think it's likely we will stay where we are, but there are some more true village type communities we are also considering.

I truly wish we could buy. But, we don't have a feeling for how long we will be here and after our most recent ownership experience, we need to buy a house that we plan on making a long-term home- not as an investment. And, while we are reaching a point that we want to make a long-term commitment to something, we know our lives well enough to know that we can't say where that will be just yet. We love Manc, we really, really do. But, while it has everything we could want in a location it is missing the most important thing- my family.