18 June 2015 - Early breakfast and afternoon walk

I am so enjoying my weekly breakfasts with Winette, even if it means getting up really early to do so!  Today she took me to Lower Marsh Market area near Waterloo to a hidden cafe.  Being early, the rest of the street was asleep but when we emerged after a delicious breakfast and non-stop talking, the street had come alive with market stalls and second hand trendy sort of retro shops.  A happening place it seems.  I headed back home after this and felt as if I'd been away for hours!  It does me good to have a break!!

School is winding up for Luke for this semester at least and we ploughed through today's work.  Annika is getting through her work but poor Tim, with dodgy internet and the Year 10 workload is feeling snowed under.  As he rightly says, in a class room, the teachers read articles out, there is class discussion and opportunity for questions and group learning.  With distance education, you are on your own, left to come up with ideas without influence from others.  This can be both a good and difficult thing.  It is a good forum for original ideas and slightly different thinking and not feeling swayed by the crowd but it is a hard slog, particularly in Year 10.

Inspired by Prince Caspian - on our somewhat hazardous stairs!

The lovely weather continues, even with a high UV rating for today!  We all set out for a walk to South Kensington with the Natural History Museum as the goal for Luke at least.  The kids wanted to stop for chess in Norfolk Square Gardens, which we did.  What a lovely spot!  At the other end of the gardens is a ping pong table with bats and a ball so Luke and I had a little go.

"Our" canal - who would believe London can be so tranquil/

Diligent Mrs Coot - I was wrong, she isn't a moorhen but a coot!

Norfolk Square Gardens

 Once we reached the museum, it was clear to me that Tim was really weary (he had already run 7 kms this morning and then walked 6 kms to South Kensington) and he needed to go home.  He insisted on walking the 6 kms back and who would argue with a determined 16 year old?  Annika and I decided to walk back with him.  Tiring but good to do.

Thistle in Hyde Park

The Long Water, Kensington Gardens

We stopped at the Squirrel Headquarters and chatted to a few who are friendly and looking for nuts.  So sweet but too fast for my camera this time.

Meanwhile Karl and Luke had a wonderful time at the Natural History Museum.  Luke could spend many more hours there.  So much learning going on in an enjoyable way and so close!  They, too, decided to walk home.  Luke is an amazing walker!  For a fussy eater who really didn't have much fuel on board so to speak, he came bouncing in full of excitement when they arrived home.

We were getting a bit tired of same old stove top meals with small pantry supply but today decided homemade hamburgers were on the menu.  Perfect for this type of weather and something everyone would eat, so we'll add them to our basic repertoire!