The Cotswolds

I went up to Oxford last weekend and instead of doing our usual shopping trip into town, we took a lovely day trip into the Cotswold with friends, Nuria and Roger. We were so surprised about the snow left over from a snow storm a week ago and wondered why each piece of land had different variants of it. The favorite part of my day was when we stopped at this little village by the river (it was so picturesque) and later, stopping for delicious scones and the best hot chocolate was an ideal treat.

My first movie.

For our national headquarters away day, I had to do some editing for videos that were to be presented and my video won....I think it was because of Nilton, who is featured in the video. It was my first time editing it and luckily my good friend and colleague Magnus lent me his mac. Going forward I think we will now have a yearly film festival!

Because it is such a large file, the quality isn't that fantastic (but you can get the idea)?!

White wonderland and empty office snow fights

I fell asleep last Sunday evening as a slight snow blanketed my street. At bedtime, I didn't think the snow would keep...but awoke for the second time in England, to a winter wonderland (see photo one). Ringing back and forth to colleagues, few decided to trek in. 'Its only snow' said one, but he was defeated by the cancellation of London's rail. Buses failed their routes too.

Teenagers on the news were laughing excitedly saying, 'not in my life time has there been snow like this' and it was true. For the first time in 18 years there was enough snow to 'stick' in the big smoke.

Belen and I, with boots on, treked to work, but not without a snowball fight (see photo 4). Everyone was smiling and running around, posh older people and random labourers were trying to peg each other with snow delights. When I got to work colleagues were manning the door with snowballs a ready (see photo three). I stayed for four hours, I was one of 8 or 9 out of 100 who actually made it into the office and were advised to leave as a second storm was supposedly approaching.

I went home watched scary movies and made a snowman with Belen and of course had more snowball fights.

The next day at work we shared stories and photos (Magnus and Anna made a huge squirrel) and we all went to the pub for lunch where a GIANT penquin, someone's left over fun, kept us entertained.

I know all of you east coasters are thinking, what snow??!! but it made the doom and gloom of the credit crunch seem all ok and the monday blues go away.