The past month of so has been entirely unphotogenic, filled as it has been with exams, clouds and early nights. The weather gods have been kind with us since though - for the post-exam week we had glorious, sunburn-inducing heat, perfect for the traditional leavers' soaking ritual, bike rides, picnics, Pimms on the pier, cider at the Balgrove Larder Steak Barn, lunch at the Seafood Restaurant, smoothies and a harmonica in the cathedral grounds, beers and smokes in the garden, and much else besides. And when the fog did hit, we sheltered beneath an old parachute in the sand dunes (naturally) and played ridiculous drinking rules during Eurovision. St Andrews, you do summer good.
Last night was the Kate Kennedy Club's annual May Ball. I haven't attended since first year, but it was one of the best nights of the year. The sun came out just in time for champagne at a friend's and some photos by the sea at Kinkell Farm, before heading in to dinner and alot of wine accompanied by a jazz band! We screamed our head off on fairground rides, drank way too many gin and tonics, ate oysters, tried absinthe and danced until 3am. Luckily we managed to grab a taxi before the rush for buses began and raved all the way home as our driver assured us "I bring the party wherever I go"... I think a day in bed is much needed after an amazing night.
Through Gabby I've been lucky enough to meet a wonderful bunch of Spanish-speaking friends. This Friday we headed for Mexican food and margaritas at The Grill House and The Vic to celebrate Cristina's birthday and talked girl-crushes, recent erotic publications, and the merits of metrosexual haircuts.
After a very long two weeks of presentations, essays, interviews and 12 hour work shifts, the pressure is finally off a bit. We celebrated with drinks for my awesome friend Sazzle's 21st birthday... perhaps too many drinks, as the above note to myself shows what happens when you come up with an "amazing idea for a poem" when drunk.
Before heading back up to the Bubble I managed to get to my Gran's for our family Sunday dinner on Easter. It was so good to see everyone (especially my cousin's baby Maddy who's gotten so big!) As per, the ladies did the washing up while the men watched the football after dinner. Oddly enough I don't mind this at my Gran's and actually love the old-fashioned-ness of it. At 5 o'clock we sat down to tea and Gran gave me some holy water from mass: only at the Blair's.
I don't know why we keep the Blessed Charles and St Francis of Assisi in the fridge, but we do. I don't know what the rationale is that places The Two Ronnies between Dickens and The Moonstone. I love how Gran leaves us bizarre notes in random places (like the dishwasher..) I love coming home and being reminded of all the quirks that a house builds up when it's been lived in for so long.
1. The first Pimms of the year, drunk in the Blue Blazer
2. Wine and espresso on sunny George Street
3. The Dean Gallery
5. All Bar One for Rahul's birthday
7. Scottish sunbathing
8. Sunday walks
