Our friends Mark and Sarah have been great enough to help us get outside of Birmingham a little to realize that there is more to our England existence than never-ending city. Last week, we were happy to go day-tripping with them to two fantastic destinations: Ironbridge Gorge and Bridgnorth. They are fantastically old and exciting places. Here are nearly 90 photos from the day.

About Ironbridge Gorge: The world’s first cast iron bridge was built over the River Severn at Coalbrookdale in 1779. Not only iron founders and industrial spies flocked to see this wondrous bridge, but also artists and travelers. The Bridge had a far reaching impact: on local society and the economy, on bridge design and on the use of cast iron in building. The story of the bridge’s conservation begins in 1784 with reports of cracks in the Southern abutments, and is brought up to date with the English Heritage sponsored work of 1999. One of Shropshire’s top attractions, the Ironbridge Gorge is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Click here for more information about Ironbridge Gorge.

About Bridgnorth: The town is divided in two - a high town and low town. There are caves, a castle, a cliff railway, a civil war and catastrophes that all had a bearing on the town seen today. Bordered and divided by Britain’s longest river, The Severn, there are spectacular views of the valley and low town from the high town.King Charles I, upon visiting the town in 1642 remarked that the view is “the finest in my domain”. The town has two unique heritage railways: a Cliff Railway that climbs from the Severn to the high town and the famous Severn Valley Railway operating vintage trains on a beautiful sixteen mile stretch of riverside line. Click here for more information about Bridgnorth.

Congratulations are due to Robert and Natalie as they are now engaged to be married!

Our team couldn’t be happier for them as they’re pushing ahead into what some call “It’s about time, Robert” territory. We wholeheartedly pray for these two as they are making plans and pursuing their future with each other. All the best, friends…

Today is a pretty big day. In my entire memory (which is considerable - *wink) I cannot remember when I have accomplished or have come close to accomplishing a New Year’s Resolution that I have set for myself. This year is different.

My resolution for this year was to be able to run for 5k (or 3 miles / 30 minutes). I am happy to say that after my morning run, I am just 5 short minutes away from being able to run it! I’m so happy. I’ve really been striving to be a runner, even though I’ve never been one in history. I feel it is one of the healthiest things I can do and I enjoy the introvert time while I’m out there getting it done.

I’ve been working hard for many, many months at going from being a non-exerciser to being ever so close to running for 30, non-stop minutes. It’s a great feeling and I just wanted to share. Side note: if you’re not a runner, but are interested in giving it a go, you really should look at this resource: Podrunner Intervals.