Natalia's visit 1

In early June Natalia and Leandro came to visit from Long Island. They came last year too, but there were so many photos, I haven't yet got round to blogging it all. But I will, I will... Natalia likes plans. And lists. And she writes her lists and ticks things off and gets things done and feels good about that. She is very organised and driven and good with time. I, on the other hand, also like lists and write them, but lose them and then can't tick things off and feel good about it. We both like our food and wine, putting the world to rights, our kids awake and asleep. Back to the lists.

Visiting Lowestoft's (the UK's?) oldest smokehouse was top priority. Last year James got to go in while Natalia babysat kids in the car outside. This time we left Leandro snoozing safely while mine were at school. Here are the herrings coming down as kippers after an overnight smoke upstairs.

I usually get my mackerel from here and also my smoked, undyed, haddock, wrapped up in newspaper just as it used to be. I've tried the smoked prawns, but I'm not a fan.

Did I mention I have a job? I think not. I will have to get a pic for next time, but this is evidence of the hazards of my work - me showing a gashed knee after a spectacular crash on my bike outside my house. I work for Sustrans - an NGO campaigning for cycle routes, and we are doing a sustainable transport project in Lowestoft. I do a bit of everything, household canvassing, delivery and data entry. As everyone keeps reminding me, it gets me out of the house!! Actually I am really enjoying it and look forward to the last stint in the autumn.

We have a lovely putting green right near our house. Costs a fortune to play golf there, but after 5 it's empty so we often go and kick a ball about. The guy who runs it is called 'lawnmower man', and Alastair always likes to peer inside his hut there to check out the mower.

Actually, I only noticed this sign now. Ho hum, pretend we didn't see it.

And another hero, this time 'cuttin' man'. He cuts grass at the zoo on a tractor, 'don deer'. So there.

The Ankole cattle are my favourite animals at our 'Africa Alive' zoo. It's their colour that I love. I don't think Leandro shares my enthusiasm for brown.

But the Bob Builder cardi does suit him, though.