The Rasmusens in Oxford

It’s easiest to write things in reaction to the photos we have, so I’ll do that.

We all went to Blenheim Palace last Saturday to hear three lectures by Douglas Wilson, a prominent Reformed pastor from Moscow, Idaho who runs the blog Blog and Mablog. Ben M., a DPhil student who goes to St. Ebbe’s, is his son-in-law.

Blenheim Palace from the Front

A Blenheim Courtyard

The conference was in one of the rooms in Palace, and between sessions we could roam the grounds along with other visitors.

Ben M. at Blenheim

Four Children at the Blenheim Lake

Dad was at high table at Nuffield twice in this past week, after the Benny Moldavanu (from Bonn) and Sergiu Hart (Israel) workshops. It might be interesting to see the guest list and three menus.

The Canal at the Frenchay Bridge

We went for a walk on Port Meadow with Ellie, one of Amelia’s classmates, to see the horses.

At Port Meadow

The End of the Canal Downtown

On another outing, we went to Wytham Woods, which is owned by the University. It took us about 3 months and two letters for the permit to arrive– and then two permits arrived separately within a week of each other! The Wood is not very attractive now– though the views are good– but it will be very nice in the Spring, and it is very large and not at all far away.  Spotting a badger set, we all went forward to investigate, and Helen’s leg found a deep hole and she fell flat and fast on her face.  Thankful that she was not carrying Faith at the time.

In Wytham Woods

Dad gave a workshop at Bath University, driving out and back. It went well, and Bath has some interesting people. The Indian restaurant he went to for dinner was very good, and was in a fancy Georgian building.

The Bath Economics Faculty

Dad, Amelia, Ben and Lillie took a trip South on Saturday. Mother, Elizabeth, and Faith stayed in Oxford to go to the Covered Market and the Library. It was 49 degrees and very clear, a good day to be out. We started at 10:15, and at 11:30 stopped at Beacon Hill in Hampshire, a hill fort. Ben was getting carsick and Lillie was hungry, so seeing the sign at the side of the A34, Dad decided a break was appropriate.

In just half an hour, we went up and down again. Lillie walked the whole way, a first for her. She enjoyed running a lot of the way down. The views were spectacular.

A View from Beacon Hill, Hampshire

Looking Down Beacon Hill

A View from Beacon Hill, Hampshire

We stopped a hawthorn tree partway up, for a rest and to have water and malt bread.

The Beacon Hill Ramparts

Our intention was to go to Portsmouth and see HMS Victory and the naval museum and go on a boat ride in the harbor. Lunchtime was coming on, though, so we stopped in Winchester, parking in the mall at the city center. We passed by King Canute’s Holy Trinity Church on the way in, and a Nepalese restaurant. Winchester seems to a big army center, and has a Gurkha museum.

A Vending Machine for Business Cards

We ate at the Eclipse Inn, in a 16th century building– a bean-ham-and mashed potatoes hotpot, and sausages and mashed potatoes, with some good Best Bitter. We spent two hours there, due to slow service and to Benjamin’s eating very slowly. The children were very good. Amelia and Lillie played Concentration cards. The food was good, too.

Playing Concentration at The Eclipse Inn, Winchester

We stopped at a religious book store. Ben bought a postcard to send to his friend Jack, and Lillie bought one too, in imitation. Dad bought a car fish symbol, and decided not to buy a 26 pound interlinear Bible.

On the way to the Cathedral, we stopped in for five minutes at the City Museum, seeing just a little of it. Eve Hitchens says that upstairs they have old real armor one can try on, so we’ll have to go back. Benjamin was very impatient to go on, as it was.

Winchester Museum Dress-Up

Sancta Joanna?

Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral

At Portchester Castle, the first thing we did was to go to the harbor, since Lillie was keen to see the ocean. There was a lot of flint and seaweed there, and some shells. We could see Portsmouth’s cranes across the bay. And there were two friendly robins.

A Portchester Robin

Who would have thought to see swans swimming in the sea?

Portchester Castle is a good one. The walls have all kinds of different stones and bricks in them. It was closing just as we arrived, though.

Swans in the Sea, Portchester

Portchester Castle: The Norman Keep

Portchester Castle: The Roman Walls and the Church Inside Them

Benjamin was very disappointed that the Royal Armouries had closed at 4 too, before we arrived. We did get to see the massive mortar and the 14 inch naval gun that were kept outside, though.

 Here are a  number of photos from daily life.

Sainsbury’s Cider

This cider, just 1% alcoholic, is good. Not too sweet.

Lizzie’s Den

The High Street Barbershop

Faith Eating Malties

The kids currently all seem to like Rice Crispies best, though. Weetabix’s day has come and gone.

Breed-Specific (Varietal) Eggs

Is it sympathy for birds, or gourmandizing  that makes these popular?

Amelia might write up the story of this outing.

Windblown on Dragon Hill

Dragon Hill-Bloodspot

Uffington Castle Ramparts

The White Horse, from Dragon Hill

The Fox and Hounds, Uffington

Benjamin wrote some good music using Finale Notepad. He wouldn’t pick a title, so Dad called it Mu 2.

News: Dad went to an Oliver Hart LSE seminar Thursday by bus, having lunch with Prof. Stake at the Greek fish and chips place on Tottenham Road, visiting the money and medieval exhibits at the British Museum, going to a used book store, and having dinner at the Wild Honey (wild pigeon, partridge, chocolate soup).

Countermarks, British Museum Money Exhibit

Power Outlet and Wireless in the Bus to London

We all went to the Museum of Oxford Saturday, which is very good. Lillie has started a new preschool, and it is good.