What Have We Been Up To?

Hello Everyone!

Boy, it's been too long since we've tried being organized and kept our blog up to date! I have so many photos and stories to post! We want to thank you all for checking this site on occasion, looking for updates! Hopefully we can remedy our "blogless symptoms"! I thought I'd jot down a few fun things we've been doing these days!

1. Driving! - AJ and I acquired a fun, little Citroen AX car and been having a blast with our newfound freedom! Not to disappoint the Colorado blood that now runs through us, I often demand at least one good "walk" a weekend. AJ found a great book on walks around the Bristol area, ranging from 5 miles to 25 miles. We've tackled about 8 so far...and we have been inspired by the England countryside! If any friends or family make it here for a visit, no doubt we'll want to drag you along on one of these ventures!

2. Fly-Tying! - AJ just joined the local fly-tying guild that meets on Wednesday nights. He tells me that he is one of the youngest attendees! It's a known fact that fly-fishing is an "older man's" sport here. Ahhh well! An early start is never harmful, I suppose!

3. Running! - Okay, I must admit...I am having a BLAST here! I joined the Great Western Runners days after we arrived here, and I just can't get enough. If I can explain, the enthusiasm for running here seems to surpass even that in Colorado...which is a BOLD statement! It's incredible! Folks are very serious about their running. Formal practice is available almost every day of the week, if you're up for it and every weekend has between 3 to 10 available races in the area. The cross country season just ended, with the last race this past Saturday here in Bristol at Blaise Castle. It was awesome! I think I scared AJ when I appeared to be in "La La Land" at the finish. It was a little warmer outside, I think. Ahh well, it was a successful race! AJ and I have our eyes set on the Brisol 10k coming up and then the Welsh Castle Relay in June! Lots of fun!

4. School/Work! - Nothing too exciting to report on this front, except good progress and good work, I suppose! AJ is flourishing under his "mentorship" program here at Trinity College. He's made a permanent home down in the basement of the college library and even has "his seat". Next year's freshman ought to beware...they better not sit in his spot! Ha.Ha. Work is going great for me, too! They give me so much responsibility that it's almost scary! I had a blast working on a hydraulic modelling job and was even summoned for meeting with the client in Glasgow & Edinburgh, Scotland! Boy, I was enamored with the sites, the accent (way strong!), and the scenery!

5. Church! - AJ and I are truly enjoying our Bible Study that meets every Thursday. Contrary to our experience with Honeymooners at Little Bible Chapel, we are about half the age of the next youngest attendees! Ha.Ha. There is great wisdom to gain from that, for sure! We've learned a lot and have enjoyed the engaging conversations and study.

I suppose I should sign off here and attend to my responsibilities here at work! Thanks for reading and we hope to be in touch sooner than later!

AJ & Andie

P.S. We're looking forward to our grand U.S. adventure in mid-April! We'll be in CO from Wed. April 16th - Fri. April 20th and WI from Thu. April 3rd - Fri. April 11th. Cheers!