Summer has finally arrived and yes the temperature has made it to 30 degrees.

Epsom Races.

It wasn't the nicest of days for one of the most prestigous race days on the social calendar. Lucky for us we had bought tickets into the Lonsdale enclosure which didn't have a dress code. Ponchos out and strappy shoes not recommended.

Our section was on the finish line and across from the Queens enclosure. After she arrived we didn't see her again until the main race.

It was cold and wet.

Our enclosure in the centre of the track

Must protect the food

Glastonbury or Races?

Champagne for the big race

Looking at the weather before the big race

Much stricter dress code in the Queens enclosure

The divot dudes make a return

Wimbledon

We read all the different ways to get tickets and had decided to go and join 'The Queue' early (about 6am) on the second day when Steve saw an advert for the sale of unwanted Debenture tickets. They are released 2 days ahead at midday so both of us had a computer and watched the BBC news count down to 12:00. Woo hoo, we get to sleep in and sit on centre court! For the record we tried to get 2 more tickets for friends of ours but they had sold out in 90sec.

We got there at 10:30, so we had some time before the matches started at midday and even then play was only on the outside courts. This gave us a chance to bag a seat for Sam Stosur's match. The crowd was 90% aussie. When we left after the first set (which Stosur won), there was a crowd surge for our 2 seats.

Centre court

Roddick serving - please note that Claire took this photo!!!!

Venus Williams after a fairly easy match

Murray warming up

Murray celebrating

Relaxing on 'Henman Hill' or 'Murray Mound' during Venus's match So close yet so far. We found Federer on the practice courts, and then tried for an autograph but had to surrender the fence to the children.

Umpires swap out. The old man was challenged by Murray on numerous occasions but experience showed through in the end.

The change of balls routine is one the kids have practiced!!

We have about 10 days left in London before we embark on the trip home. Stay tuned...

LONDON

Here is another selection of photos from in and around London.

We went to Last Night of the Proms. The main event is held inside Royal Albert Hall, but they also hold a separate concert in Hyde Park. They also televise the official finale.

Sunrise from our apartment.

Walking through Hyde Park one night.

Claire's work Christmas party.

Chinese New Year in our street.

Valentine's Day daffodil plant. Days 1, 5 and 10

Visit to the HMS Belfast.

Dover Castle.

Underground war tunnel at Dover Castle

Cliff walk in Dover.

Thames Path - Richmond to Kingston

Kingston Bridge

London Loop - Kingston to Teddington. Leg of Mutton Pond.

Heron Pond

Deer in Bushy Park.

Manchester

When Claire had the opportunity to work in Manchester for 3 weeks, she took the new digital camera with her. Unfortunately, she didn't take the charger so not as many photos as there could have been.

Work put her up in a very nice mezzanine studio apartment with canal views straight towards the Manchester United Football stadium. There were some amazing sunrises and sunsets through the double story glass windows. Some blackout curtains would have been useful for sleeping though. The canal lights were very bright.

Like the rest of England, Manchester did get some of the snow but nothing like what fell in London. It did make for an interesting walk to the lab in heeled boots though.


There were no games on that weekend so we decided to see behind the scenes. Claire is still not converted to football!

Nice day, still have heat lamps on the pitch


A bit of strategy in the change room.

Where the players enter the pitch


If you have to watch a game, these are seats you want. Coaches only though.


The camera ran out of battery so the last piccy is just to show the entrance to the shopping centre. Most importantly it had a Boost Juice Bar! It is the little things that we miss the most. Claire is on the way to finishing the first loyalty card, especially as now there is one in London as well.
The Trafford Centre