Finally, A Slow Day

All was quiet today after Linda and Bill departed for the airport about 10, accompanied by Laura and Olivia to send them off. There were reportedly tears on all sides. Meanwhile, at home, Scott and the little girls undertook some needed domestic chores, including shopping and housecleaning. After the hyperactive pace of the last few weeks, everyone needed a break. When Laura and Olivia returned home, Olivia set out to finish neglected homework (Yes, Olivia, I KNOW it's Saturday) while Laura studied for her final in her wine class Monday. The little girls watched cartoons while Scott headed for the laundromat, dragging a suitcase stuffed with sheets and towels. In many ways, it was just as well we stayed at home. Not only are many of the major tube lines down for maintenance this weekend, but the weather is absolutely gorgeous--the best we've seen since arriving here. As a result, enormous numbers of groundhog-esque Britons came out of their holes today and took to the streets and sidewalks. Although London streets are always busy, I think there were two or three times as many people about as usual today. I can't even imagine what places like Covent Garden must have been like today. For us, we were just glad to bask in the sunshine, the blissful pigritude of having nowhere in particular to be and the pleasure of each other's company.