I got to spend Valentine’s Day with my honey this year. And we were joined by 19 of his closest kin.

I had met James’ parents, his brother Matthew and his sister Susan on my trip to England in November. This time I got to meet more of the extended family at a combined birthday celebration for Matthew and James’ mum and “meet Kari” party which took place at James’ parents house in Tunbridge Wells. I must say I enjoyed the event quite a bit; fun conversations, and everyone was very kind and hospitable. The food that James’ mum prepared was amazing – what a spread! Overall it was a great party. Thanks to all involved!

We also made a trip to Cambridge on the 17th where we spend a bit more time with James’ Grandad (paternal) who treated us to a wonderful lunch at a rather chi chi hotel as well as tea at his flat later in the afternoon.

James and I did get to have our own Valentine’s celebration with dinner at the Sizzling Wok (great Thai food near the Reading University campus) on the evening of the 13th.

I love you, babe!

This morning James and I went to a gallery about 5 minutes walk from his house and met with an artist/jewelry designer who is going to make our wedding rings. James spotted some of her work in the gallery window and really liked the look of it so he talked to the folks in the gallery who helped us arrange to meet with her. Her name is Gaby, and she bounds rather than walks.

Before we saw some of her rings up close I had a very vague idea of what I might want – and ended up with something quite different. But both of us like the rings a lot and we’re quite pleased.

The name of the gallery is one of the best parts of the whole thing – it’s the Jelly Leg’d Chicken Arts Centre. How great is that?

In eight months and four days we’ll be wearing them.

So I’m here in England, and James has been teaching me about style sheets and such which meant things made much more sense when he taught me how to change the look of my blog. I could have just had him do it for me, but I like knowing how things work. And now if I want to change it again later, I can do it myself. Or ask James to remind me again… Anyway, I’m rather pleased with the outcome. I hope you like it!