First Rugby Game for Kelly & Boys

We were offered 4 free tickets to tonight's game Autumn Internationals - Wales vs Samoa. Kelly got a babysitter for Abbie and Preston and we took Hunter and Noah to the game. This was also their first time riding the British rail system into Cardiff as well so two firsts tonight for them.

Sunny Cool Day in Porthcawl

Porthcawl is another south wales coastal town about 10 miles west of our house.  Today was clear so we decided to head over and check out the waterfront area.  We were there late morning/mid day and it was low tide.  There is a nice boardwalk, with lots of rocky scrambling for most of the beach area, but also a nice sandy bay that we plan to check out next summer when the weather gets warm again.  After exploring we all had hot drinks - Coffee for Kelly and I, hot chocolates for the kids (but they liked to pretend it was coffee).

Quick Weekend in Montreal

On the way back from a US business trip, I routed up through montreal to visit some family and friends this past weekend.  I flew in Friday evening from Boston and met up with my good friend Roger.  He had got us seats at the pre-season NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks, so after landing at 6pm, clearing customs and changing in the car ride over, we were at the game by 7:10.  We had great seats!

This was only the start to a very fun evening that had us arriving back home around 3:30 AM.  Our goals was to cab it to old Montreal in hopes of getting a seat at Garde Manger (by Chuck Huges).  Lady luck was on our side: just as we walked in there was a couple leaving, and with about 30 minutes until the kitchen closed.  The menu looked so good we decided to pick a few things and share.  We starting with Lobster Poutine, and Jerk Crab legs, followed by a main course of Filet Mignon and Braised short ribs (slow cooked for 60 hours).  I finished the meal off with a low fat:) deep fried Mars bar. The food was supported by excellent wine, and amazing service.

Saturday turned out to be sunny and clear so after getting a morning shot of coffee we headed down to old Montreal to wander around.  What a great area for walking and exploring.

At the same time, my sister Leanne, her husband Nelson, my niece Karly, and my dad were driving down for the afternoon, so we all met up for lunch at a restaurant called Deville - Sort of an upscale retro diner with a fun atmosphere.  It was great to see family and hang out for the afternoon.

Alas, they had to get back to Ottawa, so that evening a number of other friends from Montreal and Ottawa got together for evening drinks and a meal at Zero8.  Alex and his wife Elise, Elise (different person) and her boyfriend Daniel, my friend Dale, and Roger of course. It was amazing to see so many friends that I haven't seen in some time - thanks everyone for making the trip down.  Look forward to the next time we can meet up.  

A quick whirlwind trip with a (very) early morning flight back to the UK on sunday but well worth it.  

 

Boston Common

In Boston for work this week. Crisp clear fall days. Early morning walk through historic Boston Common with the sun sparkling off the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House.

Margam Park

After rain all week, we were blessed with a beautiful clear and crisp fall weekend.  Saturday was spent working around the house.  On Sunday we decided to take the kids to Margam Park for a picnic lunch and some exploring.  It has been recommended to us a few times and since its only about 25 minutes from our house we thought it would be a fun Sunday outing.  

Margam Park is an 850 acre country estate that is one of the oldest human settlement areas in Glamorgan.  The current Tudor Style Castle was built in the early 19th century.  The park is covered with open grasslands, forests, animal park, kids play area, a train, a castle, ruines of an ancient abbey etc.  Here are some pictures from the outing.  Note the picture of the billy goat.  The kids called him the big billy goat from 'The Billy Goats Gruff'.