Sprinkler Fun

I remember spending summers running through the sprinklers in southern California in the days before air conditioners.  So, when the weather warmed up, I bought a sprinkler and set it up for Ollie.  He has had so much fun running through the sprinklers every afternoon. 

On our way to the Think Tank Museum

Walking through Birmingham's commercial center

The Bullring Shopping Center in Birmingham

From Wikipedia: The Bull Ring is a major commercial area of Birmingham. It has been an important feature of Birmingham since the Middle Ages, when its market was first held. Two shopping centres have been built in the area; in the 1960s, and then in 2003; the latter is styled as one word, Bullring.

Jamie Oliver has an Italian restaurant near the Bullring

Selfridge's Birmingham, the building is a local landmark

Church of St. Martin's

St Martin's is the original parish church of Birmingham. It stands between the Bull Ring shopping centre and the markets. The present Victorian church was built on the site of a 13th-century predecessor, which was documented in 1263. 

In 1873, the church was demolished and rebuilt by architect J. A. Chatwin, preserving the earlier tower and spire. 

Walking by Selfridges

There is a British period drama television series about Harry Selfridge and the original London department store. I really want to see it.  He was an American-born British retail magnate.  Apparently, he had a colorful life.  I know PBS showed the television series for any interested Americans.  I am hoping to see it soon!

Our New Home

I have decided to start a blog so I don't bore all of my facebook friends with tons of pictures about our new life in the UK.  This way, the people who are truly interested in what we are up to can click on the link and take a look.  This is our new home in Hatton Park, a new housing estate (a housing tract for the Americans), near Warwick.  There is a Victorian insane asylum and hospital in the center of the estate.  These beautiful, old buildings have been converted into posh flats.  The houses were built around them, but still keep some of the character of the original buildings.  What I like about the estate is that it is hilly offering nice views of Warwick and its surroundings.  It is also safe for children to ride bikes around and there are plenty of open green spaces.

Ollie walking with his new neighbourhood friends

The old Victorian hospital