A good day for a walk

This weekend was pretty low key. We have been finishing up with the unpacking and seem to be in good shape. Saturday we went into town and enjoyed the beautiful weather we have been blessed with. We have been told several times that this weather is highly unusual and to not get used to it.  As they say, we will be punished for good weather. Until that time comes, we will be outside.

Saturday night we were invited to a BBQ in Maidenhead, about a 15 min drive. Marks colleague extended the invitation to us and we jumped at the chance. This family moved over here last year from Utah. They also invited some of their neighbors as well. It was nice to talk to a local family. They gave us the scoop on where to travel with young kids, as they have two small boys of their own. It was a lovely time and the kids were plenty tired by the time we left. 

Today we met our landlords. Extremely nice couple and we were so happy to have them give us an officially tour of the house. By that I mean, how do we turn the heat on and get some lamps to work! Tricky buggers. 

After nap we decided to see what was beyond our gate in the back garden. We followed a few trails and ended upon a open garden tour located at the SAS business building near our house. Officially it is called the Wittington House and Estate.  Here is the link and a short blurb supplied by my husband:

http://www.sas.com/offices/europe/uk/corporate/wittington.pdf

"Given the beautiful surroundings, it’s no wonder walkers have visited the area for decades; a public right of way runs through the gardens, with a four-mile path leading from the main road to the Thames and riverside before rejoining the road. Wanting privacy and to protect his property, Lord Devonport built a 150-metre tunnel that, to this day, runs directly beneath the lawns. While the public still doesn’t have unfettered access, we’re a bit less private these days, and are delighted that local schools and charities use the grounds for fund-raising and educational activities."

If my office was located in this building and on these grounds I would always want to go to work. Given that these grounds are not often open to the public so we were happy to have a chance to look around. My pictures will not do it justice so you will just have to take my word for it- or check out the link.

This was us heading out of our garden. 

The trails open up to a nice field. It really feels like your in the middle of no where. 

 Approaching the building and grounds. 

A view from a lower patio looking up. Beyond the patio looks down on the Thames and one of the locks. 

Some Sound of Music spinning. (Mark's comment!)

Small koi pond. 

Oliver trying to wake up the statue. 

 And a race to end the day. 

It was a quiet, relaxing weekend. We do hope all of our US peeps enjoy your Labor Day weekend.

Cheers!