It's a boy!

I just received this email from a local bar. Everyone is taking advantage... I mean celebrating the royal baby. So exciting though. My favourite line is the one that basically says "even if you aren't a fan of babies". Also they have my name as J since I think that will help me avoid identity fraud. I know... I'm super savvy. :)

Dear J

As the world welcomes the Prince of Cambridge, we’d like to congratulate Kate on becoming a new mum too, with our very own royal arrival – the Duchess Deluxe Bellini. Why not raise a glass with us and enjoy 50% off?

Get your halfprice cocktail >

Named in honour of Kate, our specially created cocktail is made from sparkling prosecco, Disaronno, and white peach purée.

Even if bellinis or babies aren’t your thing, there are plenty more drinks – and reasons – to celebrate at All Bar One Oxford.

It's a scorcher

This article makes me laugh. It has been gorgeous here for the past 2 weeks. That is right-just 2 weeks and look at the news.

Sizzling, sweltering or scorching – whichever way you describe it, this summer has already been a memorably hot one.

We are currently enjoying the longest spell of blazing sunshine for seven years after enduring a succession of washouts.

But what other historic heatwaves have stood the test of time to be remembered as truly Great British Summers? Below are our top five of the last century:

Mean Girl

So sadly, that would be me. They call the bikers around here kamikaze cyclers. (well not sure if "they" do but I do). It seems I have become a kamikaze walker. The summer is when the tourists flock to Oxford and it tends to get really annoying. They stand in packs so they take up the entire sidewalk and you can only go out into the street to avoid them. And when they walk they walk 5 across and they see you coming but don't move. It's like playing chicken with these people and I've always lost... until now. I think I've run into 5 people this last week. I had one kid that was seriously talking with his hands and I was running and he made a big gesture and I ran smack into his hand. Buddy-be aware of your surroundings! I know I sound like an old crotchety person but it just gets to you. So basically... don't get in my way. :)

Me again...

I feel like I've been pretty slack lately with the blog. It has been just over a year since I moved to Oxford. It is weird and cool to be able to say, last year at this time I was... and have it be in England. It's nice to feel more at home. And it's even nicer that the weather channel says it is going to be in the 80s and sunny for the next two weeks. I've been tricked before though but am trying to stay positive! Last week my friend Lisa came to visit me and we had a fun time in London, Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon. We were total Americans in Stratford where we got in a taxi at the train station and were quickly dropped off about a block later at our hotel. The taxi fare didn't even move off of the base rate. It was £2.40 for the ride and the taxi driver just laughed at us when he realized which hotel we were going to. It was like the James Bond where he just drives around the circle and gets out (except not quite as sexy) No offense, Lisa. :) The other funny thing was when we went punting in Oxford and had met 3 impressionable young college students the night before and asked them to join us for some punting. They later found out that we were using them for their punting skills. It is not that fun to steer a punt. But the one kid was horrible and each time I said it's ok I will do it or you are way too close to the front he would just ignore me. We ended up just zig zagging down the river when he was at the helm. Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July! I have been working to celebrate over here. Retribution from the Brits! :)