We just finished the sad process of filing our taxes for the US and now we're facing the even more depressing task of filing our UK taxes. Pricewaterhouse Coopers is doing a fine job, don't get me wrong...they just speak in a language that I don't understand and tell me things that I don't want to hear. Sure, we have an agreement between our two countries that ensures we aren't double taxed on our income, but it's all the other little things that they do tax that might push me over the edge.
Apparently, most people don't file a tax return in the UK. If you pay your 40% (!!!!!) income tax as you earn your income and pay the 20% sales tax (VAT, and you don't have a choice), then you should be good with the government. You're left with no money, and therefore, are not required to give up anymore. However, if you are lucky enough to get some private insurance from your company (which then gives you dental, vision--yenno, things you actually use more than seeing a GP for a cold), well then by golly, you'll pay. So it turns out all these cool things that our PruHealth gives us (free movie tickets, etc), aren't actually...free. Thanks...but no thanks, Adobe.
On top of that, if I bring anymore money over from the States, the UK will tax any interest earned in the US. I know that's minimal, since our interest rates in the US have been hovering slightly above 0%, but still--it's mine!
Grumble, grumble...we'll get over it soon.
Anyway, other than that D-R-A-M-A, we've been soaking in the great weather. Regatta set-up is in full-swing and I'll get a good picture of the grandstands soon. Fun fact that I learned from a friend: the rowing scenes from the movie The Social Network, were filmed right at our Henley bridge and along our stretch of the Thames River. Pretty cool!
Here's what else we've been up to:
1. Dorian and I went to check out Legoland Windsor. I'm happy to report that it's pretty much Legoland San Diego, just much closer for me to get to and had a Mini Land that it want to build in my back garden. Instead of Las Vegas, New York, and San Francisco, Legoland Windsor has intricate displays of Denmark, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Italy, Sweden, and several other European destinations. The park offers a pre-school pass, which, for the price of a single ticket entry, gives me (or any guardian) and Dorian both access to the park for a year. The only stipulation is that we can't go during school holidays or weekends. Guess this will be our Friday hangouts until summer vacation! Here are some pictures from our day:
2. We used one of our (non)free perks from our PruHealth Insurance last weekend. We got ourselves memberships to the National Trust, which gives us access to beautiful National Trust properties across the UK. The two near our house are Grey's Court and Cliveden. We chose to visit Cliveden, home to several great Dukes, Earls, and Countesses for our first trip and happened upon a birthday event for Nancy Astor, wife of the final owner of the estate, William Astor. There were actors around every corner, totally in character and chatting with us during our picnic like it was 1920! Good party, Nancy!
3. Dorian had a preschool field trip to a place in Fawley called the McAlpine Estates. The property is where the steam Faire happens each year and it turns out, one of his teachers lives on a house on the estate. Her father happens to work for the McAlpines and takes care of the many animals on their property. We got a behind-the-scenes tour on some off-roading golf buggies (or Polarus ATV something or other) and got to drive right up to the animals. Sure beat going to the zoo!
4. Audrey and Dorian had their May Faire at school and both had some dance performances. Dorian's dance was all flower power with scarves and floral headbands, swaying and jumping to "Let It Go". I only took a video and can't figure out how to grab a still shot from it, so you'll just have to use your imagination. Think: cute.
Audrey was in two May Pole dances. Other than the pole and various bright ribbons, the partner dance reminded me of square dancing in the States. While it almost looked like some Pagan ritual, I was just a bit in awe at how the older kids weaved around each other at pretty high speeds, didn't crash, and made pretty ribbon patterns on the pole. The performances ended up getting rained out, but hey, Audrey and Dorian were already done, so...
5. We took a hike up one of the public footpaths across the street from our house. Apparently, if people walk a certain path for something like over a year without the landowner fighting it legally, that path becomes public. So as we walked, we came upon private property, but we're able to follow the footpath and cut right through the landowner's fields. Not only that, the sheep on his property get to roam free across the footpath and Dorian got several chances to freak them out..."Come heeeeeere sheeeeeeep!!"
6. Most exciting part of these last few weeks! Stegen's old buddy from San Francisco came out to London for some business and took time on Friday to hop on the train and come see us in Henley. It was ridiculously exciting to see Jay, our first friend Henley visitor from the States. We took him to our favorite pub, The Three Tuns, ate a fab meal, walked along the river, showed him the house, and sent him off with Stegen to another pub to catch up. I know we're not in London proper, but Henley is beautiful and apparently, pretty famous. If you're in London and willing to spare a day, please come out to the country and see another side of England. Jay told us it was totally worth it and that the town was so picture perfect, he felt like he was in a movie. So glad you came out, Jay! See you in Copenhagen?
Well, it's half-term break here so we're taking the week to explore Northern York and Edinburgh in Scotland. I was meant to meet up with my friend that I met in Australia, but in my lack-of-brain-cells state, mixed up the dates and will just miss her. Ah well, as long as the rain stays away-ish, we'll be sure to have some great adventures.
