I'm getting there...

Today was a good day. The sun was shining, for starters. That in itself is a wonder in February, right? I took the bus into City Hospital to give them all of my personal and vital information, before staring my new job. They were kind and chipper. I jumped on what I thought was the same bus to get home and it was the "wrong" number 88. My poor husband really stresses over this one and knows not how it can be! It is honey...it really is so. The kindly bus driver gave me back £1.10 to catch the next bus...which i found VERY unusual...but shouldn't. (Especially cool considering the city had raised bus fare and I gave the wrong change in the morning. The driver had overlooked it, and I gave him the difference before exciting the bus. The look on his face was priceless...he seemed genuinely stunned. To think some people don't believe in karma...) I looked around and decided to walk and enhance my attempts to become fit. (I AM trying...honest...) I wavered a bit and actually decided to trust my instincts and knew it had to be close. I was right. In a city this size to find my way home on foot without asking directions or freaking out was a great feeling. Not that I would have attempted it at night, mind you. I am not yet that brave. Not monumental by any standards...but in my new-found life in England...it feels pretty damn good. As far as the £1.10....I can use it to start a fund in this city to get benches and covers at more bus stops for the elderly. Firmly implanted after speaking with a lovely elderly Welsh woman at my first stop this a.m.(ok...maybe I'll sit or take shelter once in awhile too...)

Time goes by....

Unfortunetly, the end of January the Thompson family lost Leanne, my-sister-in-law to cancer. She fought bravely for several years. The combination of Chemo and a very aggressive type of the disease finally took it's toll upon her. She left behind 3 small children, a devoted husband and family and many friends of equal devotion. People loved her. She had charm and spark. I selfishly regret that I had such little time to spend with her to get to know her. Fortunetly, she had the opportunity to die peacefully in their home...with Nick at her side. I have seen death many times over in my nursing career. I have never been so honored and humbled before. It was peaceful and dignified. Friends came by to say goodbye and those who loved her could say farewell as she would have wanted. Sadly, those who loved her were left behind to grieve. Having been honest and open with the children, from what I have seen, seemed to provide some, albeit slight comfort. So young, so unfair.

I would discuss any or all that has occurred in the last couple of months...but I believe that in this moment, it isn't necessary...for respect. All else pales.

Twas a Happy Christmas

Another Christmas has come and gone. Yet not just any Christmas...my first in England. Many things very much the same...a few quite different. My first in quite some time that was looked forward to by family and celebrated in the company of children the entire time. We were invited (or ordered:) to stay at my brother and sister-in-laws home in Alveley. I was more than happy...they have a lovely home in a quiet and pretty community. My other brother-in-law Jeremy and his wife Jackie were there too. Of course, Mum as well. Nick and Leanne have 3 lively children aged 3-7...and they ARE lively. Leanne is quite ill and the opportunity to share the holiday and help in any way was done whole heartedly. She loves Christmas and family...something so many of us take for granted. Life is so unfair at times.

The Eve was spent chatting with family and preparing items for the Christmas meal ahead of time. I assisted with broth and bread sauce. My best skill....kitchen helper. I can fetch spices, utensils and wash dishes like a whiz. I leave the true mixing and concocting to the pros....content to stand back and learn. In the evening, we had a meal of baked salmon and salad...very light and tasty. A lovely quiet eve with a few toddies and relaxation.

Early morning came and the chatter and much-too-loud cantor of small children wafted into the room. Soon they came bounding in all gleeful and merry. Nothing says Christmas like a small child giddy over the gummy eyeballs found in a stocking....yummy. *sigh* To be a kid again.

The day was full of preparation and present opening ... my jolly brother-in-law Nick playing Father Christmas this year....hat and all. I was spoiled rotten.

The meal was lovely and the usual fare....with the exception of a few bits and bobs....bread sauce...bacon wrapped prunes...(yes kids...prunes...) bacon wrapped mini sausages and I can't forget Christmas pudding.....(ok...I must be honest....this stuff is awful....like a soft fruitcake...full of the the taste of ginger, cloves and orange rind...not for the faint of heart...like me....it doesn't matter that they light it on fire before serving.....still tastes a bit much).

After the meal and dessert...there are medium sized tubular wrapped gifts by our plates. Like a large twisted wrapped toilet roll....only frilly. This would be a Christmas cracker....the family crosses arms and holds one end of their own and the one of the person seated next to them. The kids love this....as you can see...displayed by the lovely Victoria, Katherine and Elizabeth... At the count of 3....everyone pulls and the room fills with loud pops/cracks. The inside gifts are revealed...along with a crown and joke that is read aloud by each person. This was fun and different....although I had some silly plastic arrow trick that made no sense to me....my husband was kind enough to give me his silver floating heart...that's my guy. After the meal clean up...by the MEN...(now THAT is REALLY different...) It was an early night for everyone...too much merriment and crown wearing.....

The next day is another holiday here in Blighty....Boxing Day. A day that originated with giving gifts to the underpriveledged and employees. I hear that many years ago...some families didn't open their gifts until then. Pity the folks with children....what a long day Christmas must have been. Now...children aren't used to waiting....what a concept.
This Boxing Day....we attended a pantomime. Now...I had no idea what to expect short of a puppet show. Not exactly. A full stage production that is a cross between a broadway show and vaudeville. Much humor, costumes, and elaborate sets...both for children and adults. The type of adult humor that would NEVER be seen in the USA....shame. Such a need for lightening up. Afterwards a luncheon at N & L's friends' lovely Georgian and Victorian home. Amazing. Lovely and sharing people.

I will treasure the memories made with this holiday season. Friends and family met and made. I am grateful that I have been welcomed into such a grand and wholesome tradition. A Happy Christmas indeed.

I think I'll have another ale....

Having been here in England for nearly 4 months, I have visited a fair amount of pubs. My husband fancies that his goal is to find the perfect ale. I must say, I think we have a long and daunting task upon our hands. Of all I have stepped into, perhaps 1 or 2 were even worth taking more than 2 drinks from the pint...or half-pint most usually. Remember the Keystone beer commercials of days gone by that make light of "bitter beer face"? For me...it is still going strong here. Ugh. I have never had such a bitter lot in my life. With names such as "Brains Bread of Heaven" or "Angel of the North" one would expect a mix smooth as silk. Wrong. Perhaps the names given of "Brewdog Hop Rocker" or "Frog Island Croak & Stagger" are most fitting indeed. Fortunetly, most barkeeps are kind enough to give you the complementary sip to make sure you haven't ordered a pint of extreme pucker power. Of course...I should be drinking a "lager"....(yeek) or (gulp) a cider. Never one to shy away from a challenge...I will continue to experiment....or get my husband drunk with my shunned leftovers.

I reflect back upon the "bar" names in the states. Simple most days...to the point. Same idea...different country. Particularly in the area that we live in here in the Black Country, Waggon and Horses seems to be the name of choice. Sometimes seen with the rare "Old" thrown in front of it to mix things up a bit. Actually, I am told, "The Red Lion" is the common name of choice. Associating with flags, medieval kings....yadda, yadda. Haven't read up on that one yet. Of course....King /Queen Head is top on the list. Strange as that is. Stranger yet is many of the various other options: "Bull and Bladder" "The Bucket of Blood" "Donkey on Fire" and my personal simple and tasteful choice: "The Cock Inn". I reserve comment on that one. One thing I must note, the food in most pubs in Britain is FANTASTIC. Not the usual pizza and onion rings. I'm talking broiled salmon and garlic potatoes...and the puddings (desserts) are to die for. I would put most any pub's food up against most top notch restaurants in the USA. Brits take their eating VERY seriously....God love them for it. (My waistline hates it...but I'm still "sort of" on vacation.) My sister warned me that the food was awful here! How not so! Damn...it's too good most times.

Probably the reason why you will see several children in pubs here....it's a family affair. Hell...some even have play areas out back for the kids....no joke. Come on out...have a few snorts and drive the kids home...one part sarcasm...one part sad truth. Doesn't seem to pose much problem from what i read and hear. I'm still adjusting to all of it. Another of the many...."I'm not in America anymore" moments.

Also...forget that mandatory cigarette in the pub for all you smokers out there. Hey...no problem...beer "garden" outside (not so fun in winter....yet usually covered anyway...) and if needed...just take your drink outside of the pub and have a smoke. Depending what time of year....walk through town with it. (Many do anyway...especially in the smaller areas....discretion...no problem..) As long as people are having fun and nobody gets hurt...it's all good. It's just that occasional jack-ass that has to bugger it up for everyone else. Yet...no harm there...if the establishment is lucky enough to contact a policeperson....take the git to the cell and let everyone else get on with the merriment. Good and bad in everything. I just do as my age and choice dictates....have a nice pint or two...a great snack/dinner....perhaps a terrific tribute band (or actual popular artist) and get home before the all-too-lively are running the streets. No harm no foul.

Driving...think I'll take a train....

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have no problem driving. Alone, with a group, major city...I'll do it all. Until now. "Hmmm....drive on the left side, on the right side of the car....and you want me to shift too? That road will allow 2 cars at once, let alone a motorcycle or pedestrian? What's a round-a-bout...is an island the same thing? The light goes to yellow..then green?! You drive Matt....I have a headache...must have been that strong cuppa...." Wow. Yes...that is me now. Worried, nervous....and out of my element. A train or bus will take me where I need to go....well...skip the bus if you're on a schedule.

Don't get me wrong, I have driven a few times. Just ask my husband....or maybe not....he may get that look of terror again....and a small bead of sweat may roll off his cheek...or is that a tear..?? Never mind....

I have the ok to drive for up to a year on my US license without test. At least, they say that. I actually should have a nice big red L in my window to do it right. Honestly. They are everywhere here....(and no it doesn't stand for Loser...unless you are behind me while I am driving...) It means learner...and in Wales, a D...(for Dysgwr....yes, it really is a word....could be dumb or dork...but it means learner...so they say...) After your test, you are supposed to remove the L and use a P......(make up your own...but it SUPPOSEDLY means probation) Takes you back to the days of the Scarlett Letter doesn't it..? Frightening...) Plus...you must learn on a manual transmission...or it really doesn't count for much. Motorcycles are just as trying....or complicated dare I say. In actuality, I imagine that it does make them better drivers somehow....I have yet to see it most days.....(you think the Cabbies are bad in the states....hahaha....small beans..) I think perhaps being a pedestrian should have proper training...wear the big P or letter of choice or color....(hmm...maybe that would just make you an easier target...not sure on that one...)

No worries of getting stopped by a cop for any random reason....much less a good one. They are a rarity in these parts, unless on foot. They have decided to use speed cameras instead. Think of the money we could save in the USA....I won't go there. The cars are quite small in many cases...with "petrol" being at the equivalent of $8.00 a gallon....it's no wonder. No mindless "cruising" here....plus squeezing down a one-lane road with cars parked on both sides might be fun and challenging to some....not this kid. Like I said....I'll just take the train. Sit next to the crew going to the local "football" match and drink a beer on the ride....(yes..that is allowed too sports fans...)

Being the stubborn sort that I am....I will master this driving "thing" as well as I can. To the heavy sigh of relief of my other half....parking lots (if ever empty) and lonely college campuses will have to do for now... So next time you see my hubby and he looks a bit weathered and worn....you'll be clued in. Bless....

Relearning English...

I am proud of the fact that as time goes on I am getting more adjusted to the "English" language. Yes...you read that right. There appears to be many differences from the American form. I still have to moniter my words to prevent embarrassment to myself and worse yet, my poor husband. Bless him. (or simply "Bless.." as he prefers...:) He is a patient interpreter. Not only are many of the terms and words entirely different, but getting past the dialects is another challenge. One learns to listen very closely....I never imagined I would be on the other end of the polite smile and nod. Yet...I have been....many don't know what the hell I am saying either!! I love it...does that make me a silly cow or git..? Only my husband will really tell me for sure....kindly.

Where shall I begin? It's all good....and fun. Unless you are on a bus and have no idea where you are...in that case you just hope that they speak English in any form!! Yes...I am picking up on many phrases and terms....just to avoid confusion. Must remember....pants mean underwear... if knickers isn't used of course. The bathroom is where you bathe or wash only....toilet or "loo" is preferred for potty....oh and they don't use that one either.

I have always used "nappy" for sleep....not here....that would be the equivalent of diaper...."kip" would be right. Because if you have a kip....you must be knackered or shattered after your evening tea (meal) because you were quite peckish (hungry) and had to murder a chip butty (dinner fries on a cob....uh...bun) and jelly (jello) . Well...you get the point.

IN any case....books have been written on this subject, I'm sure....at least they could be. Yet...they would have to encompass all of Britain....not only British to Irish to Scottish and Welsh..(they probably wouldn't want to be included anyway...plus they still speak Welsh...no....REALLY) but WHERE they are from.....Black Country (yam yams), Geordie, Estuary, Cockney, Cornish...again...you get the point!

The best part is every day I am learning something new and that is the fun in it. Perhaps not to the unfortunate soul on the other end of the conversation. Thank goodness the folks here are more patient than we Americans. Bless.

Random

As difficult as it is to believe, I have been in England now nearly 3 months. In all honesty, some days it seems much longer! One word of warning if you travel here, my American friends and family....prepare to stand in line! They refer to them as "queues" here...fancy name...same pain. You wait on the phone, you wait in line, you wait in your car.....basically everywhere. My point...if you make your way over....don't hurry!! I could go on about that for a page...but i will spare everyone.
I decided to start a page with photos and notes as a type of diary so all could share the adventure from afar with me. Ok......honestly....I have been very busy lately and writing back sometimes takes me days. I will get back to the letters i receive as I can....so not to worry. It may take time....but i will....I know that most of you are just as busy as me...if not more so....and take time out to send me a note...I am grateful for that. This just enables me to get a general note out every couple of days or sooner, if I have time on my hands, and feel the need to trouble those of you who care to read it! :)

So much to reflect back upon over the last few months. Places I've seen, people I have come to know. I have seen some of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, the oldest villages, the most famous landmarks. I have driven on the left side of the road on the right side of the car. If you think driving in the USA is scarey...have a go over here....better yet...try to be a pedestrian! Now...THERE is an adventure! I have received a National Insurance Number (so they can't tax the hell out of me more than they already do..), credit & debit card/checking account, National Health Services Medical card...(yes...free health care....don't get excited....it's not very exciting...or great....ask anyone that lives here...or works for the NHS...) I have a job....(I have thus far cheated...my in-laws have employed me...but it's a start!) Quite a lot to process in only 3 months....(she pats herself on the back...since hubby is not here to thank AGAIN). Not too bad. Helps to have a partner who occasionally feels the need to put his foot firmly on my backside when i need the encouragement. I will add photos as I see fit and if anyone has specific requests for such...just mention. I will do my best to accomodate. When you live here....you tend to miss what someone visiting would possible catch. Oh, but believe me....I still notice a great deal! Sometimes all one can say is ..."Wow....they can't say that on US television.." or "Hmm....I forget I'm not in the US anymore..." Whatever the case may be! Cheerio then and as they say here in the Black Country....."Tarah!"