Weather

Can you believe we're already a week into March? Two things came to my attention today while I sat gazing out the window at the lingering sun and blue sky during my Social Policy lecture, first that I've officially contracted a case of spring fever and second that five months ago today I arrived in the UK. Of course the second realization comes with a side dish in that I'm over halfway through my year abroad. Instead of dwelling on this slightly worrying factor I've decided to make the most of my remaining four months (I mean really that's a lot of time: 18 weeks, 126 days, 3,024 hours...these are just approximations though) and trust me there are a ton of things to be looking forward to. Ireland adventure with Anne, Parents visiting, Ellen visiting (hopefully) the coming of the summer sun, and loads of fun around York, just to name a few! But why linger on things I haven't done yet and let m catch you up on what's been going on in the more present...present.

After taking a couple weeks off I've resumed my weekly outdoor adventures on a glorious Sunday that really brought in the first of March with a spring in my step. I traveled all the way to Masham in the Dales where we went a rambling through the countryside by stone quarries, fields of sheep, and even a few Shetland ponies. Even though the temperature remained flirting with the lower 40s the sun caused immense excitement as we stripped down to our shirtsleeves and basked in the quasi-warmth of the spring sun. I'm looking forward to this week's walk as we're going to Goathland in the moors, best known for its part in some well known British TV drama but subsequently also the location of Hogsmeade station as seen in the Harry Potter films. Oh yes, I'm sure you can feel the reverberations of my excitement through the Internet waves. Well most likely have (many) pictures from that so check the flickr at the beginning of next week.

Another bit of exciting news is that after numerous attempts, I finally managed to have my draught Sierra Nevada Pale Ale at Pivo. It was a long time coming but boy can I tell you, it was good. I brought the lads along (again) and they were all very pleased, especially Liam who had two pints. It was even served in posh Sierra Nevada pint glasses which are the traditional British size, i.e. 20 oz as opposed to the American 16oz. Of course it's not quite the same as back home but you know the moment I'm back in Chico you'll be able to find me at the tap room taking a round of the beer sampler with my father ;) Until then I think I'm going to take advantage of the multitude of local real ales on offer here because let's be honest, the Brits know how to brew their Ale.

Other than that I've just been working hard with school, I took a lazy week after my crazy week 6 but now I'm back on track and working hard to the end of term. Continuing my volunteer work at Barley Hall which is good fun and gives me an excuse to go into town on Fridays. Most of all I've been enjoying the delightful weather, weirdly enough it snowed a bit last night, but the past week has been blue skies, gorgeous clouds and even a bit of sun. See, I'm really adapting to the British culture, I'm spending a majority of my time talking about the weather, dear me. Getting late, must go to bed but first might check weather.com...'night.

Don't forget to check out flickr to see pictures too, for those who are more visual ;)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcgoslin/