David & Jacqueline decided to do some day trips during the summer break. On what turned out to be the hottest day of the year (38°C in Zurich!), we went up to Kronberg in Kanton Appenzell i.R. and walked back down to Jakobsbad via the Kapelle St. Jakob (where some goats were resting out of the sun!). The effects of the various heat waves were very apparent – the ground was extremely dry. Some parts of the trail were quite steep with pebbles, so we were both happy to have walking sticks. Afterwards, we felt our knees and feet for a couple of days!
For many years, it was an established tradition to hold a Summer Grill in the courtyard between Schrennengasse 17 and 17a with our neighbours. Now that the building work is finished and coordinated with a visit of Eva, we invited our neighbours, new tenants and Penny the dog in S17 to an inaugural Summer Grill in the courtyard. Unfortunately, the Kanton of Zurich banned grills a few days beforehand because of the serious dryness of the vegetation. Emmanuel came to our rescue with an electric hot plate, so we could enjoy the traditional Wiedikerli with assorted salads and a wonderful dessert buffet. Much rosé was consumed! The newly conceived courtyard was just great, with the right atmosphere generated by the newly installed ground floor flat patio lamp and the Stöckli17a ground floor outside lights as the long and enjoyable evening moved on to dessert and more wine!
The front door of Schrennengasse 17 had to wait a bit longer than foreseen to get refurbished. We had to wait for the dusty building work to be completed. Only sixteen years (or so) later, the door has been revarnished for the next ten years!
To David’s own surprise, he reached his seventh anniversary at Bank Julius Baer in July 2026. From being a contractor, to being an employee, to becoming a pensioner and being a contractor again, it was a mostly enjoyable time at the bank, despite the “normal madness” that accompanies work in the finance sector!
The whole family memorably visited Oxford for the Eights (boat races) with Dom and Annelie in May 2016. This involved formal dinner in Hall in black tie! The opportunity arose again this year (ten years on) to attend the Boat Club dinner. Dom could make it, but Annelie was otherwise busy. After some arm twisting, we managed to get places for all four Christies, Dom and Sara. After brunch together, and an apéro on the roof of The Store (a new hotel opposite Balliol), we spent the afternoon down at the river watching people drink Pimm’s. We skipped the alcohol as it was so warm. Seán, Áedán and Sara also managed to fit in an afternoon of punting.
The Balliol Women’s Eight came third and we were repeatedly regaled of their potential for 2027 by the slightly sozzled newly elected Boat Club President (a woman!). Our two family guests also discovered the wonders of “sconcing” at formal dinner!
We all travelled by different routes. David and Jacqueline travelled by train via Paris and had two delightful meals there en route.
