KBG in Oxford

We spent today (beautifully sunny and mild) in Oxford with Kerry, aka KBG, who is over visiting her sister in London. Lunch at Wagamamas (at Anna's insistence) was followed by a stroll around Oxford and plenty of good "catch-up" natter...

Touristy shot outside the Bodleian Library.

Anna and her NBF, KBG.

Ben's Books

In case you aren't up to speed with developments in the literary world, we thought you should know that Benjamin is opening a bookshop.

Yup, "Ben's Books" is coming soon (according to the poster he has blu-tacked to our front door). He is sole owner, manager and author (and his talents even extend to shop-fitting and decor - see his "boxes" below). Another promotional poster that he stuck on our outside garden wall reads: "Coming soon...Ben's Books! When you see a different poster here, we are open!"

I accept full credit.

Ben and his "boxes": Box 1 (to which he is pointing) for displaying books/stock.

Box 2 = white "Chateau Lagnet" box at his feet, appropriately used for storing his drinks and snacks while at work (well, a literary genius does need to keep up his strength).

Box 3 (on his lap) reads: "Have you biyed (sic) a book?" and "Only £1.50" (actually not a bad price for a first edition). (Please note that highly competitive Anna looks pretty introspective in the background. I reckon she doesn't quite like the thought of her brother getting all the attention and is already plotting a massive takeover or opposition venture. You might need to watch this space.)

Close-up of some of Ben's books. Who could resist titles like, "Guinea Pigs Baby" (no apostrophe but give him a break, he's only six), "Jump and Fly" and "Ben and Dan and the Magic Jail"?

And also...

Family portrait: all the Schonkens together in Bloxham.

Ben and Anna meeting their lovely great-great uncle, Ray, (who is 80 going on 30) in Winchester.

With Mary's cousin, Jane and Uncle Ray.

We spent Saturday afternoon supporting Benj Hector in his last home game for Banbury. Benj and Amy head back to Durban next week - we'll miss you guys!

With the Gerbers and Catriona's sister, Irene, at the cricket.

What's the time on your dandelion clock, Annie?

The girls being just plain silly at a braai/wood burning session at the Gerbers.

The boys putting the world's problems right.

Supper with Gill and Dave in South Oxfordshire (is Sieg nearly sitting on your lap, Dave??)