thats more like it

In the midst of all that is not really spring, and all that is not really a break, a day of seasonal splendor broke through. Accordingly, we went out to soak up the unusually generous volume of warmth and sunshine. It was the first day since December that I haven't worn my down coat! It was amazing. 

We attended a joint Good Friday service between St. Ebbes and St. Aladates- a lovely picture of relationship and unity between two very different but mutually supportive churches in Oxford city center. Then, hot cross buns duly eaten, we emerged into unprecedented sun and warmth. It was almost sixty degrees and radiantly bright. Suddenly the flowers that looked so crazy blooming in the chilly air seemed natural- it was spring par excellence. There was only one thing to do: find somewhere with tables outside, get a drink, and and bask. Loretta and I did exactly that, then reveled in the University Park for a couple hours- feeding ducks, laying in the grass, looking at flowers- before the sun sank low and the chill returned. The magic was over. Today I was back in a down jacket. But yesterday heralded what is yet to come- and I loved every moment. 

not really spring, not really a break

Hilary term classes came to a close two weeks ago- our marathon spring break is well underway. Time to work. Work, you ask? Yep. Welcome to Oxford's Spring break. There are books to read and essays to write. Accordingly, I've been hard at work-plus getting to a handful of doctor and dentist appointments, and overseeing a group of visiting students from the States! Spring break doesn't exactly seem like an appropriate name for my experience. That said, the break is over a month long, allowing it to still provide  a reprieve from the timetable, the flexibility to sleep in as needed, and other such refreshments. 

Celebrated the end of term and the beginning of break with a trip to- you guessed it- Maison Blanc. 

The other good news about Spring break: going to Rome for several days with two of my girlfriends here. We planned the trip awhile back, knowing that we'd be working through the break and needed to set aside time- away from Oxford and its libraries- to actually have a break. Really looking forward to that next week! Until then, however, I have an essay that needs writing... 

sister visit: The Kilns

On the second to last day of Marcie's visit, my longtime friend Jonathan gave us a private tour of C.S. Lewis' home, The Kilns. As Lewis has been a significant influence in my life, visiting here was something of a milestone in my journey. 

A special and enjoyable visit all around- and all the more, as I got to share the experience with both an old friend, and my dear sister. 

sister visit: a walk in the park

Walking in University Parks with Marcie and my friend Loretta- it wasn't sunny, but at least it was dry! Thats good enough, in England!

sister visit: my everyday life

One special part of having Marcie here to visit was getting to share my everyday life with her. It meant a lot to me to have someone I love experience the Oxford chapter of my life with me for a few days. From staying in Wycliffe Hall to eating pastries at Maison Blanc- Marcie got more than just historic tourist Oxford. She got immersed in my Oxford.

sister visit: around downtown

sister visit!

My sister, Marcie, is here to visit for the week- a very special interlude in my busy term! Most days, she's hit the museums while I am in class then met me for coffee or a walk around downtown or the sprawling park near my residence... and we've had dinner together every day. She also came to my University classes with me Monday, and attended a session at my OCCA training program on Wednesday- so as to get the full sense of my experience here! She's been very patient with how busy I am and I am grateful to have such an understanding visitor! 

I am excited about tomorrow and Saturday, when I am free to spend the whole day with her. We plan to visit C.S. Lewis' house, see a few of Oxford's most architecturally rich colleges, walk through Christchurch meadows to the river, and spend an afternoon at Blenheim Palace-Winston Churchill's birthplace- just outside of town.