Christmas Photos

A Very Vichikov Family Christmas

 

 

 

 

Our very talented friend, Julie Simon, over at www.julieflynnphotography.com helped us celebrate Christmas by taking our photos at the spectacularly festive Leadenhall Market and in front of the Lloyd's of London urban marvel.

A Day in the Life of...

Here are some aspects our daily lives in London...

 This is where we go to church, three tube stops east of us. We're in the Hyde Park Ward which starts at 9 am and let me tell you, it is NOT easy getting up, going out in the pouring rain and walking close to a mile in addition to the tube ride.High heels became the bane of my existence. Occasionally, I also go to the Family History Center in the basement and have already made some family history headway!

 This is typically what we have on our shelf. You'll notice all the British/Euro regulars that we took a quick fondness to. Golden treacle syrup (instead of maple) which tastes similar to caramel. We love it. Nutella, the usual all-star. Aero bubbling hot chocolate, which was a by product of their ever popular Aero bar. Hartley's jam, LOTS of ketchup, and two tubs of straight peanut butter, which is much easier to find this time round in London, but still doesn't compare to American.

This is our beloved tube stop. Denis and I grace these platforms several times a day, though we also go to West Kensington station on occasion.

A view from the south side of the Thames which we regularly see when we go out.

Denis bundled up as we walk Soho.

Tree lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square. The tree come from Norway and they've been gifting one to London ever since 1947 as a thank you for the assistance they gave the Norwegians during WW11.

How British are you?

This McDonald's ad is plastered all over the city and its either a good or bad sign for my British/American side that I totally get it. Do you?

More of Our Place and Some Extras

Our kitchen, complete with clothes in the washer!

Our refrigerator. Yes, we do in fact survive out of this. And there is our Trader Joe's bag making a real life appearance.

Bedroom with the cupboards no regular sized person can reach.

View from our bedroom windows.

The plants that are almost dead. RIP basil and black peppermint.

Up at Primrose Hill. The sole reason I included this picture is to show you my "Chubbs" (Happy Gilmore) wooden hand impersonation.

Christmas has arrived in London. I'm so glad we Americans give thanks beforehand.

Werewolf? There wolf.

If any of you can guess what movie the title is from, you will win...my praise. Now onto what the post is about. We went to Durham and Mashem a few weekends ago with our basement mate, Mike and friend Mark. It was lovely. Mike drove, we ate Haribo and slept, and before you know it we were looking at why England is truly magnificent...greenery! Green grassy hills for miles and miles! The entire drive I just kept thinking about what my mother would do for grass like this to naturally appear on the property in Montana. Here are some pics of the trip.

We'll start off with an ode to England... and one of my favorite songs. Name the author and song...and you'll win Denis' praise.

And did those feet in ancient time

        Walk upon England's mountains green?
    And was the holy Lamb of God
        On England's pleasant pastures seen?
    And did the Countenance Divine
        Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
    And was Jerusalem builded here
        Among those dark Satanic mills?

    Bring me my bow of burning gold:
        Bring me my arrows of desire:
    Bring me my spear: O clouds, unfold!
        Bring me my chariot of fire!
    I will not cease from mental fight,
        Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
    Till we have built Jerusalem
        In England's green and pleasant land.

Durham

Market in the town square

Cathedral

Mike, Mark and Denis

A pair

The house from circa 1779

Our Place

Okay many have been asking to see pictures of our place. Unfortunately, it has not been clean enough since we moved in to take pictures (we can't help it! We had to repack since they treated the carpets)Here's what we've got so far:

We'll get some sort of print/painting for above the fireplace.


Look! I've decorated for Fall. Yep, I'm done. Nevermind the paper sorting pile.

Our ceiling pendant that is begging for a pretty light to hang from it. Maybe next year.


So yes, we are still missing kitchen, hallway, bedroom, bathrooms, exterior. All in due time.

Activities Update #2

Night at the O2

The Jazz were playing the Bulls that night as part of their European Expo, and Di asked Carlos if he had a few extra tickets. Luckily he did, but Denis couldn't end up going but he came to see the O2 anyway. It must be the the largest tent known to man. Complete with little villages of restaurants inside.

Outing to Borough Market

We went to Borough Market for a food excursion and were not disappointed.


Old pets.



Then we saw this (yes, the awesome stripe coordination combined with melting cheese).



And had to have some.


Potatoes, cornichons, and onions taking a bath in raclette. What can be better than this?

A street by our house with trees on the balcony that Denis particularly likes.