Finally it's warm here!

The weather here isn't like home at all. It's milder, and colder. Tuesday was our first "warm" day, and it only just got over 70F. :) Today it was 30C, so in the 80s. People here don't know how to deal with the heat so they get dehydrated and throw up. It's funny the things you know and take for granted- like taking a water bottle with you when it's warm!

The kittens are young cats now, they were 6 months on the 20th. I can't believe how much they've grown! They are amazing little guys, attentive and affectionate. Whenever I stub my toe or shout "Ouch!" really loud, they come to check on me! And even though Nelly swats them often for no reason, when she meows and is upset they go check on her too. :) I'm thinking of taking all 3 cats on holiday with me over the next weekend, I think it'd be better than leaving them at home. Also it would help them get more used to each other.

It's an exciting time to be in England! The 2012 Olympics are in London this summer, and 2012 is the Queen's 60th year or reign, called the Diamond Jubilee. There are lots of extra public holidays which is great, and people are having street parties and all sorts of events to celebrate.

It turns out my horse Henry is even more stubborn than I previous thought. He will not cooperate for any reason, unless you have a Lifesaver to give him. Today I tried to put his bridle and bit on him, and he refused point blank. Someone helping me tried to force the issue but Henry is too strong. They both got really stressed, so I took Henry to calm him down and brought him back. I decided to try another way, and respect his right to say No. I spoke very softly to him, and only put something on him if he didn't object. Not the usual method but nothing to lose at this point! He responded very differently to me. "Reins ok, bit not. " So I took the reins and hooked them to his head collar. That was fine. "Saddle ok, you in the saddle not." So I took the saddle off to try bareback, still a No. But a calm No that was respected by me and not forced against his will. I don't want to sit on an animal's back if he doesn't want me there. So I walked him around, that was ok.

Pring for you all!

xx Kristi