Costco!

I have heard a great deal about the wonders of Costco both in the US and here, but today was my first visit - to the store in Coventry.  Theo is a seasoned Costco visitor and was keen to get going.

There was much to remind me of the US supermarkets - not least the cakes!

And, had I been closer to the birds that I feed, I could have been tempted by these giant sized bird feeders..

..and industrial quantities of fat balls..

I was amazed at the variety of items on sale from yogurts to diamonds and will have to seek out our local Costco in the US when I get back.

Considering all the temptations we didn't buy too much..

Fun at the Playfarm

Today I joined Lauren and Theo at the Play Farm soft play centre where they met up with some of Theo's little friends.

Theo was busy practicing his 'standing' in the Ball Pool 

And loved looking at himself in the mirror 

Although it was hard to tell who enjoyed it most - Theo or the other 'big kid' in tow

Detroit

This week David has been in Detroit, Michigan for a conference/workshop.  It has been very cold and snowy and he sent these pictures, firstly of the International Motor Show which he visited - on one of the trade days - and then some outdoor pictures which give an idea of the weather.

This is the Detroit River, looking across to Windsor, Canada.  Detroit and Windsor together make up an 'international agglomeration' which is known as Detroit.  The river - here with ice floes - marks the boundary.

Although Reston is getting colder and may have some snow flurries in the coming week, winter in Detroit is truly freezing.

Wylie's Tea-Rooms

Shopping in Warwick today I decided to look for somewhere for a quick lunch.  There were long queues at the 'chain' coffee shops and, as Warwick has so many small restaurants and tea shops, I decided to try one.

Wylie's is situated off the Market Square along a narrow passageway.  The place is marked by the A board on the street and then a series of posters on the wall.

Inside it was everything you might expect of a tea room.  Lots of chintz, novelty teapots and homemade cakes.

There was an extensive menu of home cooked treats including a very ample traditional English afternoon tea comprising sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, cake and tea.

I chose my sandwich and cup of tea and enjoyed the ambiance.  Afterwards I explored the Emporium - selling old fashioned sweets, chocolates, tea and some rather interesting looking biscuits..

Just one week!

In the week since I was last here, Theo has perfected his crawling technique, to such an extent that the view we now see most often is this one..

He can certainly move and he is enjoying his new horizons ..

Morning Mist

Looking rather like an ethereal lake, mist hung in the valley this morning until the sun chased it away (and then, alas, disappeared itself)!

Relaxation

We had a lovely lunch and day with Maggie and family today.  Only one photo to share, though.

This is Sox, demonstrating the art of relaxation..