Wrappin' it up....

Well here we are, at the end of 2011. Not sure where this year went.
James has been here and we've enjoyed having him. This next year he's off on a deployment. Not worried though, as that's a ways off. We had an enjoyable Christmas season. James had his 22nd birthday yesterday. In true tradition, we let him pick where he wanted to dine. Benihana. Who even knew there was one here. Luckily it was right next door in Chelsea. It was amazing. Oh it was typical Benihana food, but the dining area was in the basement and very classy. Tres chic.
Today, hubby and I ventured back to Greenwich. James wasn't inclined to go, so we went without him. Last time we didn't get to do everything. We did finish it off this time. Hiked up the hill to the observatory and the Prime Meridian. Informative, yet fun. It was a cool, crisp drizzly day.

Hubby and I got a cuppa at e tea pavilion in the park then headed back to see if the Cutty Sark was open yet. It's under renovation for this summer's Olympics. So no, it wasn't ready. But we knew there had been a pedestrian tunnel under the Thames frrom the north bank to the sound bank Greenwich. Let's see if we can find it. Yup. And it's still in use. This was built in the 19th century and still in use today.

I wanted to take hubby to the Dockland Museum up at Canary Wharf. I had been with the spouses group last month and found it really interesting. So we killed about 2 hrs there. A definite addition to anyone's list of things to do in London.
So, while we think, and contemplate if we can stay awake till midnight tonight, to ring in the the new year, I'll stop here and say " a glorious New Year" to you all.

Happy Christmas .....ya'll

So, here we are, the end of 2011, and hubby and I are enjoying an English Christmas. It's so very odd how different Christmas things are here than in the States. I expected, or thought it would be more like a Victorian Christmas here. But I guess that is just a Hollywood image. Cause there is little to no house decor, and the street decorations are minimal. But we did do up our place, tree and all.

We also did on minimal gifts this year. Hubby got practical gifts such as a badger shave brush, cookbooks, and a Scottish food hamper. I, on the other hand, got a regency tea caddy! It is now one of my favorite possessions. It just thrills me to think that 200 hundred years ago a London craftsman created a tea box, never thinking it would be around at this day. If only this box could tell us the story of where it's been.
I also got another wonderful gift from my boys. It's what I asked for - a recent photo. Aren't they handsome?!!

 So a happy Christmas, Joyous Noel, Froliche Weinnachten, and any other seasonal greetings to you.

Here Kitty Kitty.....

We are cat sitting. And not just any normal cat. Oh no. This is a show cat. He's not performing, but he's definitely a fluffy fur ball. Sky, as he is called, is so typically "cat". All our cat games and tricks work well on him. While his folks swelter in the Virgin Isles, he entertains himself here with brown grocery bags, wine corks rolling across wooden floors and a laser light dot to chase. He seems to be adjusting to our flat just fine. Since our Baby Boy will be arriving at the end of this week, he can enjoy curling up to the "puffy one".
So that brings us to Christmas. It's just around the corner! Gosh, how did that happen? We're ready. Since we're not doing anything, it's no trouble. Baby Boy arrives this week and we get to anjoy him for over a week before he goes back. I've got some cultural things planned, as well as a few fun ones. I hope he has a good time, but I'm concerned with entertaining him. Since he is older, and we are all so independent, I assume he'll take the oyster card and disappear. And I'm ok with that. It's his vacation, so he can drive his activities.
It's all good....
Especially since I got good news today from the doc. SPOILER ALERT - the following contains graphic conversation about females parts......I've had a lump in my breeast for the last three weeks. And not just a little dot of hardness. No, this was a massive, golfball diameter crusty lump. Yuck. But after working through the paperwork reequired here for the military to pay priviate doctors (not NHS please), I was seen by a specialist, who immediately sent me for a scan and ultrasound. Within a two hours I was scanned, diagnosed, drained and sent on my way. Looks like I'm "Lumpy, the cyst breasted girl". Ok, I can live with that. Cancer averted!! Yay!
My heart's out there for any of you who haven't gotten the good news that you are just lumpy. Hats and hair off to you fighters!

Squeeky clean in Bath

Ah Bath. While I love a good "tubby", I'm talking about the city of Bath. It really is, and has been one of my favorite places in all the world. There is something about the local Bath stone, with it's warm honey hue, mixed with the Federal (what us Americans call it)  architecture that makes it so pleasing and calming to the eye. It's not for everyone. I normally don't like cookie cutter repetition, but somehow it works perfectly here.

Plus add the bonus of the last weekend of the Christmas Market in the Abbey square. so nice. We took the train from Paddington Station last Friday and presto, an hour and a half later we were there. Nice! Of course we arrived after it was dark - seeing it's dark now around 4pm....So we just wandered around a bit. The city at night is even glorious with it's lights and Georgian appeal.

Saturday was filled with doing tourist sights. Yes, I got Hubby to go to No 1 Royal Crescent. He claims he enjoyed it. I think that's cause it was small and quick to get through. The hotel had a book on the city's architecture and I had spent the evening reading up. I feel like a pro now and could give a tour. We by-past the Fashion Museum in the basement of the Assembly Rooms. I had been there before. It is honestly the best costume museum I've ever seen. Amazing. But I knew that would be too much for Honey Bun. So we strolled up and down streets and alleys being in awe of the views, the people and the overall beauty of the place, I was looking forward to seeing all the antiques shops Ive heard about at Bath. We saw 2.....Apparently the market has dried up. What a shame. The one we do go into had amazing Federal and Georgian pieces. It is thrilling for me to touch something that was made, used and loved over 200 years ago. But I'm odd. You all know that.

 After looking at most of the sites ( we had to save something for Sunday) we found a Spanish restaurant and had tapas. Not too bad. I did find them lacking in vegetables. I was hankering for something green. Brits somehow think potatoes count as a veg. No, it's a starch. Bring on the frilly greens.

Then off to the Christmas Market for shopping, if need be. There were mostly vendors from the countryside, not from Germany as some have. but the wares were still good to enjoy.

Sunday brought a possibly drizzly day. but after the too last clean sunny days, that would be fine. we checked out, stowed our bags and  had 6 hrs to kill. so, more wandering, eating and even found a local Rugby game to watch from over the fence. We also had time to explore the New baths, which we've decided to come back for a day trip and enjoy the thermo spas, which still pump heated waters to the town. Of course its a modern facility, but I will be able to put aside that fact, as I float in the warm waters of the rooftop exterior pool. I dragged Hubby into the Pump Room for a cup of tea 9 And coffee for him) while we enjoyed some piano music and a newspaper. Besides we had time to kill off.  More roaming took us to a pleasant surprize - a Mexican burrito shop. Yum!  Normally we pass up places like this. But the hankering for greens and fiber drew us in. We were not disappointed. Of course one must walk teh River Avon while in Bath. It's a lovely stroll. I didi not do this last time and I'm glad we bothered to take the time.

As all things must comet to an end, this one did too. We have great photos, fond memories and a few mementos of our trip. Hopefully we can venture back before it's time to leave Jolly Olde England.

If its Tuesday, it must be Belgium.....

So I go to blog right now...and the text is all in Dutch. Yes, I'm still here in Brussels, but I figure I'd better scribe some of this down before I forget all.
The trip across, or should I say under, was fun. I used to think it would be scary to travel in the Chunnel, but actually it was over so quickly it's not an issue. I've also seem to have gotten over my unrealistic fear of different travel. I used to be very skid dish in tunnels, especially underwater ones... Eurostar was great.

The waiting lounge was nice and the train is luxurious and fast. Hubby and the other students were traveling in "business" class, while the spouses were traveling coach. But it was still great. While free wine flowed in the students car, we had to pay for ours. Cie la vie.
We arrived after dark and taxied our way to the NH Atlanta hotel. Very nice and in the city center, close to everything. Dinner was emass that night, with 13 of us trying to find a place to take us in. Had a lovely bucket of mussels.

mussels in Brussels...

Sophie and I decided to take a hop on hop off tour bus the next day, in order to learn the city. I've ridden these before, but this was an adventure. We got off at an early stop, wandered around a square, found a lovely chocolate shop and then wandered back for a pick up. An hour later, I finally called the company gos find out when the next bus was. Well, they had somehow changed the drop off route during that day, but didn't bother to tell us. We did get on another and headed out to the Atomium and mini Europe.
After all, we get €1.5 off the admission. Uh....it's another €12 to get in and takes an hour and a half...this being after the tour buses stop running. So not good on that one.,once back onto bus number three - oh yes and by the way, each bus seems to be different and we have to figure out which station to switch our plug in head sets to in order to get the English commentary. So we get into the city center and near our hotel, when then bus, which has been slugging along in traffic stops mid intersection. Then the driver yells "everyone off. I can go no further". ???? Turns out there was some accident way ahead and he'd had enough and was making a turn to head back, ignoring the remaining two stops. But hey, we were a block from our hotel so it was good. Sophie and I stopped at Hotel Metropolie (the oldest hotel in Brussles) and had some Kriek. Mmmm, nothing like cherry beer! Good stuff.

The next day, today, the students head back. But hubby and I had decided to stay an extra day. So while he's at the EC, I get to move hotels. Normally this is no biggie. But turns out today the bus, tram and metro operators are demonstrating and on a One day strike. Great. Only gets better when they are demonstrating in from of our hotel, with whistles, flags, music, fireworks. And the street is blocked off. So no taxis can come. I get to hoof it to the taxi stand a few blocks away. But it is also blocked off. The police said to head to central station for a cab. Bat, it's up hill....but on the way I spot a makeshift taxi stand. €15 flat rate to go anywhere today. Great! But do I have a choice? And let me mention, this demonstration is mobile. They will be marching across the city, toward out new hotel.......
I did have a fun morning today though. Let night, we say the Grand Place with it's lights to music. Just gorgeous! So I wanted to go this morning and take pictures in the day.

I had seen this 30 years ago (ahem) when I was here last. It looks smaller now.:)  I did wander down to see the mannekin pis. While I had no intention of taking a photo of this famous little guy, I did end up doing so, cause he was dressed in the demonstrators uniforms. Too cute.

On the way back I stumbled across the Brussels costume museum. Wow. It's tiny,but very good. They had lovely examples of Regency and Victorian clothes and fine samples of Belgian lace. It's truly amazing how fine bobbin lace is. It's one craft I'd love to learn. Of cours I would never be able to use the talent once learned. Who buys hand made lace? No one!

Ah, today was a lovely rainy morning. We had a leasurely start and headed off to the Autoworld museum. It was a nice collection of cars from the late 1890s to 1970s. Bugatti, Rolls, Mercedes, Minerva all abounded. It is a nice collection of early automotive engineering. We then hoofed it across the European district  to my museum of choice- the Horta Mueum.

It was Victor Horta's (one of the foremost leaders in the Arte Nuveau movement) home. Built around 1895, it is a stunning example of Arte Nuveau architecture. I'm so glad we took the time to cross the city for this wonder.
We stopped on the way to Eurostar at the Fat Boy sports bar on the place du Luxenbourg. There we we're treated to a free round of shots before being treated wonderfully by our French, yet English speaking, bartender. After 3 or 4 shots we staggered to the metro staion and boarded the train to the Midi station to catch the Eurostar back to London.
And guess what?.....we made it home

I can here the moans from here.....

Well I did it! I made my first fruitcake. I know, I know. I can here you all from here....BUT, my mom has a great fruitcake recipe which I tried two years ago when my eldest sister made it. The reason I like it is because it's made with dried fruit, and not those nasty "candied Fruit".There is nothing candied about them. They are disgusting flavored, over colored, bits of something that may, or may not have once been fruit-like. But this one is just dried fruits: apricots, dates, raisins, etc. And it has nuts  (pecans for mine) and shredded coconut. Yum. It also lacks the over spiced batter which tends to make it more of a spice cake than a fruitcake.
I fed some to hubby and he didn't die (or even make a face). Something to the effect was said about actually liking it. Either mice have gotten into it, or he's been nibbling on it.(but maybe I don't feed him enough...)
Of course any fruitcake worth it weight (and by gun there should be a lot of it) should be doused in an alcohol. Since I went to the Christmas faires this years, I purchased some Slider just for this purpose. What is Slider you say? It is Sloe (a berry) and cider liquor. God bless Sloe gin. It reappears this time of year just for a short while. Needless to say, I'm stocking up.
But back to the fruitcake.... So what is left has been wrapped in plastic wrap to preserve it lovely alcoholic content. I'd imagine it will be gone by Thanksgiving night.....

Light, delicious, with a bit of Slider run-off

Enjoying the Autumn....

Ah. It's so nice when the weather drops and there is the crispness in the air. I love it. I know it won't last - winter is coming. But for now, it's wonderful.
Hubby and I got out and about this weekend. Yesterday morning we took our favorite bus to the top of Sloane Street, to check out the Royal Thames Yacht Club, which we got an honorary 1 year membership to. Very she-she, but doable. Now we need to find some friends to take to tea there. I then dragged him across the street to Harvey Nicols to check out some perfume I've been reading about. Oddly, they didn't carry it. So, off to Harrods down the street. They had it- as they seem to have EVERYTHING. But it was too strong, even for me. So I'll pass on that. Back to Jean Nate (totally kidding)..some head home. On the way we stopped off at the restaurant where we'll be having Christmas dinner. That's right, no cooking this year. It's a first! And maybe a new tradition. I'm holding out for being away at Christmas from now on.....poked around some more and ended up at the Abington "pub" for a late lunch. It was ok, but pricey. Not going back.
Today, I dragged hubby of the the Capital car boot sale in Pimlico. I was expecting much, as a true car boot sale should be cheap and cheerful. But it was fun to go to one in the city.

Did pick up a few goodies- silk hankies for Hubby's suit pocket, a flask for m, a single bud vase for me, and Mrs Beetons book of home remedies. Should be good reading. Spent only about a tenner. Looking forward to wandering outside the city and get into REAL boot sales. Then bused on a new line back to the high Street. There we tried out a new (to us) cafe. Very yummy. Love finding new places to eat. Now, I just have to remember them.....

I think I've recovered.. I mean things are returning to their bland ways. The Girls are gone, and I've done the wash, put away the air mattresses, restocked the fridge and  had a time to nap. So, I resume my boring life. But it was great fun to have them here. I dragged them around to things I knew, and we discovered some things I didn't know. We walked, ate, drank, walked some more, and laughed more than I have in months. I miss them- and it's only been two days.
So, who's coming over next??  I am now know, by said Girlfriend, as the London Whisperer. Not too sure I know what that means....but I know it's a compliment.

Arrival at Heathrow

They were definitely lucky with the weather while here. Today I sit in lounge wear ( grubby old sweater and elasticized trousers) as the temp has dropped. It's 46 deg right now, and the heat has clicked on. I need to make a Darby pie for the International spouses get together tomorrow. We are supposed to bring a national cake or pastry... Um, American is made up of multi national and regions, so this is a tricky one. But I settled on Darby pie - crust, pecans, chocolate, and Bourbon. Good enough. I can make up a grand tale to go with it if need be.....
Below are some random shots from the time with the Girls.  Enjoy them.

Tea at The Muffin Man ( he's all over Cape Cod...)

Just in case you get lost

Pub Crawl before we had too many...

Remembrance Day observance

Horse Guards - so much closer than Buckingham Palace

It it ain't British.... it's CRAP!

Are you coming for a visit?   Here are some helpful tips!

While it seems simple "Looking Left" is tough, so my recommendation LOOK BOTH WAYS, the cars jump out

WALKING!  You are going to walk more that you have ever walked... you walk everywhere, so get some comfortable shoes, break them in or suffer the consequences!  You have been warned!

Bus or Tube?   We have used Public Transportation more in the last 8 days , than our entire life.... there is something truly refreshing about, not having a car... we do not miss it.... never having to worry about parking.. or having that extra glass or 2 of Wine!    The other factor, most cars are so small if the bus ran you over I don't think they would know it and keep moving...

The tube is underground, really underground.....never will you see escalators so steep "Visa Vi " "Tower of Terror", if you have height issues... this is not for you . 

This is an experience!  

MIND THE GAP!  Why because otherwise you wind up between the train and the platform!  

Any please do not worry if you forget anything, our new  favorite store "BOOTS"  has it all...... Really! 

As my London adventure comes to an end  I am truly blessed to have had the chance to explore London with my "Girls", I have have no sisters by blood, I have 2 wonderful sisters of the heart!  xoxox 

CHEERS!

Wait for it......Guest blogger tomorrow!!

That's right folks. WE are upgrading and having celebs writing my blog. Oh, you who thought I was witty, just wait till the mystery writer takes the pen, er..... keypad.

A Day at St Paul's.....

Today we had the spouse's tour of St Paul's Cathedral. Hubby's school arranged for a private tour, which consisted of a guided tour of the main floor and the crypts below. But the highlight was the tour up in the rafters, where the original wooden model is as well as the catwalks above the chapel area, library and great detail about the design and build by Christopher Wren. Nelson's and Wellington's tombs are below in the crypt and nicely lit. Very tasteful. I can only imagine how, back in the day, before electric lights, it must have been dark and depressing. But it's almost...beautiful now.
After dining at the crypt cafe, since we were starving, a few of us headed back up the 257 steps to the whispering gallery. It is the level 1/3 up the dome, where the acustics are so great, that when you face the wall and whisper, people on the opposite side, can hear you. Very cool. But then we decided to go up to the Stone Gallery, another 120 stairsteps. This level is 53 meters above the cathedral floor (you do the math!) took some great photos, but until hubby comes back with the laptop, I can't load them. So hold on, there a'coming.
It's amazing to think that there has been a place of worship called St Paul's on this spot for over 1400 years. Ah, but this the Olde Worlde....

It's been awhile....

Gosh, it's been some time since ive written. Need to jot things down, as im become forgetful in my old age. Still waiting for the weather to turn nasty. Looks like i've taken my sunny SD weather with me agin. We are 10 dedgrees above average this week. Just atarted to rain, but only this evening and part of tomorrow.
Kendall Szcempka has been staying with us for a few days while visiting her brother in town. Dragged her to then V&A, and took her and Cameron for tea and scone this morning. Cnt come all this way and not have a proper tea!
Hubby is away in America on a school "field trip". I believe this rain is the remainer of the storm that almostprevented his plane from landing in NYC. One of the group' s planes did get diverted to Maine. That would be interesting. Africans and Arabs in snow storm in Maine.....
Getting ready for the Girls to arrive in two days. It will be fun. Ive got things planned out, but I know it's always subject to change. There will be photos for that!!

Belgravia...

The spouses got a walking tour of Belgravia today. It started off with a detailed history and tour of Seaford House. It's amazing what people will do with money....

And then out the front door for about an hours tour of the local area, including Belgrave Square. We were told of the early development and plans for the once marshy outback of London, and how the builders modeled and changed the area. I finally learned what the difference between a Grade I and a Grade II listed building are!! We toured the area and were shown a lovely Edwardian built church, complete with Arts and Craft Movement tiling.

Andrew, our guide, also pointed out two olde time pubs, the Waitrose where Charles and Camilla shop and Margaret Thatcher's home.  We also toured Belgrave Square, which consists of 4 acres of treed paths and a small manicured lawn.

#74 Maggie's home, complete with police protection

Afterward, Sophie ( the Canadian) and I headed to the Nag's Head pub (one of the recommended) for lunch. Had a fabulous Shepherd's pie and a half pint. The publican was a bit old and very confused on who we were, even though he had just met us all. Another glorious walking tour in London.

Have you got a Cluedo?....

I sit here in the conservatory while it is beginning to rain. I love it in here on a rainy day. The drops hit the roof and it sounds like a bigger storm than it ever is. But I'm in good company - I have Col. Mustard and he has the candlestick....I'll let that sink in for a minute. Yes, it's true. We have our own Clue personality.

We couldn't resist. Both Hubby and I loved Clue as kids. Now over here it's call Cluedo (pronounced Clue dough). So I'm kept company- of course the rain has stopped now. And this is no surprize to me. I had washed down the front stairs leading to our flat this afternoon, cause the painters next door are finally done with the sanding and scraping. I thought "the minute I do this, it'll rain". Bingo!!
It's Fall here now. It arrived yesterday. Suddenly it was cold, windy and the crispness was in the air. Oddly, today Ive seen more shorts and short sleeved shirts than a few weeks back when it was in the upper 70's and folks were in Uggs and scarves.  They must be related to James....
Things are rolling along. Hubby is away overnight to Glasgow (darn him, that's where I want to go) for a Industry trip. He's visiting the shipyard where the Brits are building their new "carrier". So I'm here to hold down the fort.  That means a trip to the pub tonight!!
The Girls are coming over in a few weeks, and I'm getting the list of things to do and see ready. There are so many options, I cant remember them all. I'll let them pick and chose. otherwise it would be the historical tour of London. And I know better than that. It will be more like the shopping extravaganza tour for them. We will have back to back visitors for about three weeks. Hope I make it. I want to try for Amsterdam in early December before the next wave of guests come.
Point of this, book your places now. One week in March?April is already gone.

Little America....

It's really hard to write this. Not that anything has happened, rather I have my first head cold of the season. I just need to state this here and now, cause I'm not sure I'm thinking clearly and there'd is no telling what this will turn out like...the cold came on rather suddenly two days ago after I cleaned the house. So I naturally assumed I breathed too many fumes - plus they are scrapping paint next door. Surely my sore throat must be due to that. But by nightfall, it was obvious. Mr Healthy began to sniff and snort too. So when we got up the next morning, we both looked like death warmed up.
But no rest for the wicked. We had plans!! We had bought train tickets, and by gum we're heading north to RAF Lkenheath, to visit Little America! Ok. What this really means is the American air force has a base there and thus a commissary and exchange. When we were here last time, it was a three hour drive there, so we only went once. I remember it being a Mecca of Americanism. But this time, it seemed smaller and less grand. I guess I'm just not adjusted yet, or since therre is so much American stuff in London, the withdrawals are not as bad. (seriously, I think I can get anything at our local huge Whole Foods)
The other American on course has his family up at Lakenehath. This gave us a nice place to stay. Our goal was to get up by train, shop the exchange and commissary, load up on Thanksgiving supplies and head back. I had made a list of items to look out for. The exchange yielded only three of the ten things I wanted. No loss though. Do I really need half this stuff??.
Commissary worked out well. We knew we had to keep it to a minimum. After all, we're hauling this back the two hours via train. The only tricky part was it took us a good 20 minutes to locate the cranberry sauce. But we prevailed and now are fully ready for the big day in November. We'll get a turkey breast locally, as it needs to be small enough to fit into out counter top oven.
We're now jammied up and cooking a pot roast in the pressure cooker. Mmmmm, Sunday roast. Click on the Telly, eat some meat and two veg. Life is good.

Another Grand Day out.......

Since today nothing was on "the books", I thought I'd do some exploring before the "girl's" come over. I hopped on the number 9 bus toward Trafalgar Square and after tootling down Piccadilly, I arrived. Well heck, since I'm here, I might as well pop into the National Portrait Gallery. After all, it's free, as are most museums in London. I figured I look around a bit, while over an hour later I decided it was time to head out. Did I see everything? No. But I can always come back soon.

The square was full of people, now that the pigeons are gone. Kind of sad really. I still have the photo from years ago - me covered in pigeons. The official Olympic count down clock is there currently, telling everyone just how long till things really get crazy. Piccadilly Circus is scaffold-ed as much of the city is- getting ready for the influx of people from all over the planet.

I had thought about going north to Camden Town, since I was half the way there. Having previously looked up the bus number, I found the stop for the #29 around the square. Hopping on, I now know that "bendy" buses let people on at any door. Good to know. There are the oyster card readers throughout so you can scan your trip.
Just yesterday Dan had mentioned not trying to skive on the buses. Yeah, like I would! I was a good girl and did scan my card. About a mile down the road, at the next stop, the doors opened and the ride monitors hopped on, not letting anyone get off before they could check their cards. They caught quite a few people skiving. Hee Hee I had to laugh. Really, you couldn't spend £1.60 to rider? Well now you have a £50 fine. Another fine mess.....
I got off at Camden Town since big sis recommended it. It was ok. I expected more craziness and mod-ness, but I'm sure if I spent more time I could have found it. Roamed up the street and found Camden Market, an open air stall market. I may have to take some of you there for the shopping experience. Think, TJ but with English speaking vendors who are hawking mostly inexpensive mod clothing.

Well the time was getting away and since I left no note at home for hubby, I figured I'd tube it back. Wow, one gets around quickly by tube, but the view really sucks!!

Garden Flat - The uncut video

Several of you have asked for photo's of the house, and yet I decided that I didn't want to do that.  So instead, we have a Hubby Production entitled, "The Garden Flat" so that you can see where we live and decide if you really want to go through the effort of flying across "the pond" to visit.
 

Once again, this video is brought to you courtesy of Hubby Productions, no rights reserved.  Do not pass "Go". Do not collect $200......

To the Tower!!

We're getting out and about again on the weekends, which is nice. This is day four of 80 degree weather here in London town. And it looks like two more till it's back in the 60's. We took the opportunity, as much of London did, to get out and do things. So off to the Tower of London. Mike had never been - I had gone with the boys 13 years ago. Of course not much had changed!! It's defiantly worth the tour, and if any of you come over, we'll go. You get to see the crown jewels as well.
This last Thursday, we had a seminar dinner at Seaford House. Rear Admiral Willams hosted the evening, and it was a wonderful way to meet student and their spouses. Had some wine and curry, followed by dessert (or in my case fruit. Very accommodating) Of course, I was over dressed for the evening. Maybe that's my "thing"? The overdone American!

First day at Oxfam....

Had my first day volunteering at Oxfam, up on Kensington High street. Found out a lot about the charity and the store I'll be working at. First off, they have the largest turnover and generate more £ than any other Oxfam shop in the UK. Wow. But the "learning the ropes" had to begin. So, after meeting a few nice volunteers, they showed me what we'll be doing. I can say I'm very impressed. We get quite slot of donated bags per day, but we go through them as well. The big change for me is, learning and knowing that our product needs to meet the highest standard for the clientele. Apparently, we get the discerning shopper at our store. But going hand in hand with that, is the amazing donations we get. I saw Fendi, Diane Von Furstenberg, Burberry to name a few. There were plenty of high end brands that I don't know, but we sell too.
The things that empresses me most though, is then culling/sorting process. The stats they told me, was 80% of what we receive, we don't use!! Okay then...but wait. It doesn't disappear. Oxfam owns another company (I can't recall it's name) but it's a sorting distributing firm. We can be very picky about what we want to display for our customers- who want the best. But back to the culling. Items are divided up into special bags. Off they go to the firm, where they are looked over and redistributed to other Oxfam shops. Since we can't use them, other shops in other parts of the country can! What is left is then minced and sold to companies who need- cotton pulp or whatever. Is is a 1 million pound business which goes back into Oxfams coffers. So it's a win-win.
After culling, things are prices, steamed and racked ready to go out on the floor. I got to sort,steam and work the till today. I passed on pricing. I don't think it's my thing, but they have chart so pricing is standardized. This is good, because it's not based on the individual pricer. So, while things are more expensive than other shops, it's well priced for ours.
I'm really looking forward to my next day, probably working the till again. I have to get more comfortable with the coinage. But this poses no trouble, just requires using the little gray cells...

Been Busy.....

Here it is again, the weekend. But this week I've actually had stuff going on. It's about time too! I was really feeling like a human being, not a human doing. You would think after all the grief of unpacking I'd be needing a rest. But I think it actually spurned me on to get getting on with my life here in Jolly Olde England.
Tuesday I had an appointment to meet with the local Oxfam charity shop (thrift shop) director about volunteering. It's just up on the High street and would get me out of the house one or two days a week. Sounds good to me. Well, you need to go for an interview, I guess so they can see if you have all your arms and legs and can speak English - which I don't. I speak American. But I think I can translate enough to get by. It went well enough. I start this coming Tuesday. They're thinking about putting me on in the afternoons, which is fine for me. I'll start off with one day, and hopefully move up to two. Let's see how complicated my life gets first.
Later on that evening, Mike attended the second of three London clubs that all the students get to be honorary membeers of, for the year anyway. It was the RAC club on Pall Mall. I met up with Sophie, the Canadaian spouse, and we strolled down a very crowded Picadilly to the club. It was very impressively British. Like something you'd see in a 20's Movie. Yes, they did have quiet reading rooms too. We were given the grand tour. They have squash courts, a pool, a bar, a separate cocktail bar and a restaurant. After the tours, we were ushered downstairs to the bar for socializing. I got to meet a number of students. Raj, from India. Nice guy, hard to understand. Ewan, the Scot. Nigel the British Brigadier. Mike the Canadian. Steve, the other American. And numerous other slightly drunk students. We moved on to dinner upstairs, followed by after drinks back down. Port, yum.....
I had the Irish Flu the next day...
But Saturday, Mike and I decided to do one of our walks. He had bought a book at a local bookstore (yes, they are alive and well in Britian) so we began the task of trying to do all the 11 walks in London by the end of our time here. We figured we just go in order, as some of the places we have no idea where they are. Tour number one was Mayfair. It was a 3 mile tour and took us about three hours as well.

We started at Piccadilly Circus and walked westward on Piccadilly. Stopped a numerous Georgian buildings, The Royal Art Academy, then up onto back roads for historical sites and trivia.

We turned north to Berkley then Grovsner Squares. Found out about the Duke of Westminster, who still owns most of Westminster...And ended coming down Saville Road.

You have to so stop and read and look at the sights. Now these tours aren't the obvious things. The book is called "London's Hidden Walks" so there is much trivia that isn't on the beaten path. Should be fun!!
Now today is Sunday. I wanted to finally get around to playing with the pressure cooker we took from the "free" pile our neighbor had out in SD. But what to do. How about my rosemary, lemon chicken? I normally do this in the crockpot, but I didnt bring it along as I didn't want to risk damaging it with the voltage issue. Plus, who wants to run electricity for hours and hours when it's expensive here. So, the pressure cooker it is!

Well it came out lovely. So tender, lemony and done in only 25 minutes on the stove. Mike did up some roasted potatos in the mini oven and we topped it off with orange ginger green beans. So yummy. I will have to find more recipes to try. Mike thinks we should do coq au vin. Sounds good to me!!
I think it's time for a nap.....

Where is it?

Well, the bits lost so far have shown up. Mike cracked open, what he thought was his empty sea chest, only to find it chuck full if things. So Uncle Sam has his beard and arms again, the holiday wreaths have reappeared and some other things we didn't even know we had.....see too much stuff. But, now that everything has been open, the only thing I seem to be missing are the flannel sheets!! Now I KNOW I sent those. Where are they? Oh, Mike and I just did a thorough search, and we found them. Stupid me shoved them under the bed yesterday without even looking....
So the only real problems are the broken leather recliner, broken leg off the antique night stand. Ah yes, it is and "adventure".
All in all, I think this is some of the least damage we've had, while big items, there are less numbers.
I think it's also a record - house unpacked, livable, and completely sorted in TWO days. Wow!

Furniture's here....

Oh.... The shipment arrived yesterday... Ahhhhh....this is the part I hate!! I can't explain it, but clutter makes me nervous and feeling disoriented. So, now I have a whole house of it. Actually no, I worked like a busy bee yesterday and today. We have no more boxes to open, but man, do we have STUFF! I purged before we left. I need to it again. I think it has something to do with camping in the house with so little, you get accustomed to minimalism. Now, it's like the store barfed in my house. No one needs this much stuff, no one. I am embarrassed to admit this too. I feel dirty cause I have so much. It's not as if it's even good, quality things. It's just chochkies......
The other annoying thing is, we had the movers (nice guys) unbox. Never had them do this before. Well, they did all but about 6 boxes. But now we are missing bits and pieces. Uncle Sam has no beard or arms, so he's heading for the trash. I can't find others things as well. I know they got left in paper that wasnt unwraped all the way. Nothing valuable, just things I was waiting for. Why can't I loose something I'll never miss? Oh, maybe I have......

A Lamp to light the way... Ok, maybe two lamps

Oh, the wonderful feeling when you make a purchasing coup. And today was another day for that. I'd like to thank Ben Jones for putting me onto Gumtree.co.uk (move over Craigslist) where I discovered two beautiful used lamps. Let me back up with the "why we needed lamps bit". Our reception room, which functions as a dining and living room, is a bit of a cube. As in all the rooms of the flat, it also has the ceiling only halogen lights- which means it's either full on daylight, or pitch black after sundown. So, table lamps were needed. After looking at IKEA and Argos, everything seemed too modern chrome or plasticy. While that would do for now, wouldn't it be nice to get some real "adult" furniture. So I peeked at Gumtree and low and behold, there were two beautiful brass and alabaster lamps with silk shades. Yes please!
Part of the journey in life is to do new things. What surprises me now, is how discovery and new tasks really seem to throw me. Ten years ago, I wouldn't have batted an eye, but these days sometimes it seems overwhelming. It was like this today. Jeffrey, the lamp seller, rang me up this morning after Mike had left for school. "Am I still interested in the lamps?" but of course. I can't believe he still has them, since they were posted last Wednesday. He says I'm first on the list of people who are interested. I jump at the chance. But he's out in Surrey. Where is Surrey. Quick, a map! Ok, it's close to City of London. We chat on the phone and I figure I can navigate the trains. But I have to ask where his station is. Esher. He mentions taking the trains from Waterloo Station to Esher. Great, I can do that. I can get myself to Waterloo on the tube. Just have to make sure I don't miss the train, so I can meet him at the time he's expecting me. My heart is racing for the whole tube ride, and until I'm sitting on the South West train, I'm sure I'll have a heart attack. I hate being late.
Well I get there just fine. Jeffrey is an older gentleman (complete in suit) with gray hair, dress properly British. Too cute. We chit chat a bit. He gives me the lamps history and I mentioned they will be making the trip back to Singapore, where they had them as well. The best £35 I've spent so far.

And I learned how NOT to buy train tickets (at the station)....

Back to the Blogoshere

I'm tired. Achy actually. Mike and I just got home from a walk through and around Hyde Park. Phew. We opted not to attend the Thames Festival along with 1/2 of London, but chose to finally explore Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. Since we are now members of Historic Royal Palaces for a year, I fully intend to get my money out of it. Kensington palace is just a few blocks away anyway. Did the current tour, which is a very creative "enchanted palace" tour during their refurbishing for next summer and the Olympics. Much of London is under road/site works getting ready for the influx of millions of people....
Since we were in the park, I dragged Mike across it to find out where the closing night of Proms will be. They always hold it outdoors in the park. I figured we could possibly sit outside the paying area and still hear the music. Looks like that may be the case. We scouted out a great looking spot, and will return in a few hours for, hopefully, a free concert.
Yesterday we went out to Greenwich. It was a perfect day for it- not hot, but not chilly either.

We did the Welcome Center and the Royal Naval College grounds, Queen's Palace and the National Maritime Museum. Too pooped to hop it up the hill to the observatory and the Prime Meridian. We'll save that for another trip. So much to do.

Amended at 4pm.....we're NOT going to then Proms tonight , as then weather has turned from sunny to cloudsy and drizzly. Also, Josh Grobin has backed out since he's ill, and I really wanted to hear him. So, we'll be nice and cozy at home on our air mattress couch this evening, enjoying the Proms on the Telly. So much for planning anything...

Silver teapot lining....

It's the random, occasional, out-of-the-blue blessing that really gets me. Since our goods are MIA, and we are allowed to buy and claim items, I find that I really am missing my teapot! Sounds crazy (consider the author) but I've been making tea in the most unsatisfactory way....in another mug, then transferring it to my drinking mug. In this country especially, it is the most uncivilized way! Ya know how when you learn something, you tend to always do it that way. Well, a good Scottish friend decades back taught me the correct way to make and take tea. So I've been longing for my teapot....to make it properly.
I had decided it's been long enough. I NEED a pot. Being a creature of habit, I didn't want the large, multi person one either. I long for the small individual one. The correct one, for just one person in the morning. A trip up to the High Street, and Marks & Spencer was in order. Certainly they could hook me up with a proper pot. After perusing the kitchen dedptartment, I was aghast (there's a word ya don't see often) that they had NO tea pots what so ever. How can this be. In pure dismay, we wander into the cafe (highly recommend when you all come over) for at a cup of latte. After we order, I ask the gal behind the counter, "can I purchase a teapot from you since they don't sell them here.". "No she says, but if you want to donate to the charity till, I'll give you one".....Wow!! So Mike dumps all his change into the till, and she, Gerry (blessings on you girl) wraps it up for me.
There is a silver lining, even for teapots.

Where in the world is our furniture.

Well, actually, it's here in the UK. But talking to the movers, looks like it'll be ANOTHER week or so. (insert cricket noise here) There is nothing to do but go with it. Since they are over the time limit for delivering our goods, we are allowed to be reimbursed for things purchased. Going shopping tomorrow!
The weather is sunny and bright, near 70 today. Getting so stir crazy, Mike and I decided to go for another walk. There are many places still yet to explore. Most are on the High street. Wanted to take the bus to Piccadilly, but after waiting for the bus to come, our oyster cards wouldn't work. We figured it's because Mike set up the auto charge feature, and it needs 24 hrs to click in. In utter dismay, we walked down to a cafe we wanted to try. Oo lala. It's nice - a great place to take people when they come over. Coffees, paninis, soups, cakes.

Kurt, it reminds me of you....

I have to say I'm really loving the pastries here. I knew they were less sweet than at home. But my mind has not caught up to it yet. One takes a bite into a decadent cake and it doesn't throw your taste bids into a sugar coma. Ahh, it's a lovely thing.
Hit the local garden centre (Rassell's) on the way home. Just a few blocks from our place, it offers so many varieties of plants, even citrus trees. No, we're not buying a tree. Got some lovely end of the season geraniums for 50p each. Wicked. No need to root my own.