Victorian's Secrets

Saturday I enjoyed a (freezing) fun day out with a couple of friends at Stockport Market Hall as it was a Victorian theme launching of the historic Market hall. I joined Lucy and Christine and we had a wander around the stalls (I had hoped there'd be more Christmas-themed stuff but it was basically a normal market - a flea market type thing). Most of the stall owners and workers were dressed up in Victorian garb and there were some traveling choirs singing and things. I took some photos which are in the following slideshow followed by a cute and cheerful video of Christine and Lucy sharing what they know about Stockport...and the drink which is warm and brown in colour that is so famous here.

I get It, yet I really don't

Thanksgiving - I'm thankful for technology!

So today is Thanksgiving, not a holiday over here of course. And haven't thought much about it except I was wishing that I was hanging with family in Phoenix as they are watching the NFL (American football) and having a nice time. And when I got home from my evening, I saw my sister online via Yahoo Messenger. In the end, I fished out my webcam and even the headset (with microphone) so that I could receive the incoming call my niece did on the computer (via Yahoo again). LOVE technology! Unfortunately, while they looked gorgeous and made up, I had washed my face and gotten ready for beddy-bye. However, I managed to grab a picture to show the screens and us, and the whole thing made my night! I'm still giddy from chatting with Mom, Shannon, Devin and Sierra and send them huge hugs!! And yay to The Cowboys for their (so far) pummelling of The Seahawks!

Country walking

Went walking today with friends Garry and John. Since I've not had a car, I've not really taken Abby anywhere that she can go off leash and really run but today we were able to get her out and she loved it! She had so much energy, ran and rolled. It was cold and crisp though it had rained recently so it was definitely muddy. As we were rounding the River Goyt, though, the heavens opened up and we got caught in a hail storm. Luckily John had a spare hat in his bag (he was the only one who had a backpack) so it helped a bit. Eventually the hail stopped and we finished our walk with a nice tea at Vernon House. Unfortunately, Abby had to sit outside in her cold, wet fur for about 30 minutes. But she was great and now we are home, warm in front of the fire with a nice cup of tea.


We were under a bare tree hoping for some cover from hail, but Abby was undeterred. She rolled in something smelly. Could've been worse, I only had to wash her neck and side of face when we got home.

Yeah, this is a good look for me...NOT. But it was great to have anyway, it got cold!

River Goyt.


Such a cute couple (I kid, I kid!)

"The hills are alive...with the sound of music....da da da daaaaaa."

We approached what was my real goal, Vernon House where warm beverages were on tap.

I Don't Get It - Part II

I Don't Get It

Sorry, I don't get it...potted palm trees lining the platforms at Manchester Piccadilly Train Station? Just doesn't seem right somehow!

Oral Fixation

You know how they say each of us has a twin (not of the same-egg kind) in the world (by the way, are these the same "they" that say there is the "one" for each of us in love?)...well this is Zoe's twin, named Bettie Page. I am still laughing at how many things I can count in her mouth! God knows what she has stuffed down her throat!

Brussels - UPDATED

I'm sure the city is great, but this post is an appreciation of the "love it or hate it" vegetable that is brussel sprouts. And I am in the "love it" category. They are a pain to prepare so I rarely get them (they just sit in the fridge waiting to be cleaned) but I got some cut and clean ready to go from Marks and Spencers. A bit of salt and pepper (and maybe some butter) and yummmmmmmmy!

And yes, they are also good for you. Apparently, nine sprouts weigh about 90g. Eating 300g daily has been shown to reduce free radical damage in the body. To some people sprouts can taste very bitter. Brussels sprouts are called “goitrogens” – when these are eaten in very large amounts, they can cause goitre. I have no idea what any of that means but I like 'em!

Update: well after a couple not so pleasant dashes to the loo in the middle of the night, I thought I should see what "goitre" means. Well, that wasn't my problem last night, but who knew too many brussels could cause this?

A funny thing happened the other day...

On Friday I was temping at an office, doing administrative work. And at about 3pm I was starting to want a drink of some kind, wondered if I should go over to the coffee shop and get something and bring it back when I heard a tap at the door of the room I was working in and there stood a girl with a tea trolley! The trolley had tea, coffee, biscuits (cookies), milk, sugar and sweeteners! I had a white tea with 2 sweeteners in a lovely mug, all made to order by her (and I had 3 of the cookies too!) and evidently this is a daily afternoon occurrence. How civilised is THAT?

Ahhhhh, the Sweet Smell of Gun Powder in the Evening

While walking Abby this evening, there were fireworks going off everywhere. I mean, I know the British are quite pleased with our decision to elect President Elect Obama, but fireworks right here in Stockport? Well, despite the (reserved) jubilation of the US possibly having some turnarounds in the coming years, the fireworks weren't for that (obviously I knew that but was hoping that I was returning to my witty self now that my cough is clearing, please let me know if it has, balanced self-evaluation hasn't returned yet.) The actual occasion is Guy Gawkes Night, which seems to have be more regularly called now Bonfire Night. And along with it comes fireworks that children and people of all ages can enjoy (I guess they're not illegal here to buy). Thus lots of fireworks around the neighborhood. About 3/4 of the way through our walk, I succumbed and started trying to get photos. Why, you ask? I can't explain it. I mean, we have all seen fireworks and what's more, believe it or not, British fireworks look no different from American ones! Still, here are a couple (crappy) shots.


YES WE CAN...YES WE DID!
I have to admit to some faint homesickness yesterday and today - there was quite a lot of news coverage of the election here. And Facebook had a lot of friends commenting on the election, even a friend who lives in Amsterdam had a Yes We Can party and an allnighter while they watched the election results unfold. I guess it felt I was missing out on a "moment" or maybe the homesickness is because the holidays are approaching, not sure, but either way I have felt a bit mopey. I was pleased to wake up this morning to the news of a new president elect that I could get behind.

Weekly Entertainment Guide

Well to be honest I don't have much to share. As you can see from my previous post, I've been unwell for several days and went on a marathon of The Restaurant. Since then, I've caught up on a few American shows (Dear Santa - please send iTunes gift certificates - in US dollars to help me keep up with my fav shows) and wished I had a sports package on my satellite system so I could enjoy some NFL. I could upgrade but let's be serious, would it be worth it? The whole fun of NFL is largely the Sunday experience and with the time difference, I'd be quite limited on when I'd enjoy the games. I checked NFL.com and they show games online but it's always Sunday evening games which makes it middle of the night here.

Speaking of sports, I got asked today on the street by a two guys (one had a camera, one had a microphone so hey, they seemed legit), "What one item could you not live without?" I answered my pillow and explained (after asked) what happens when I don't have it (I don't sleep, I get tired, I get cranky). What does this have to do with sports you ask? Well after they thanked me profusely for being so easy to work with, a real pleasure (okay, I'm just taking artistic license there), they said I could see it on Sky Sports channel Saturday morning.

This weekend the weekly cinema "club" is back in action and on our agenda is A Quantum of Solace, and that's happening Saturday evening. Sunday evening I'm going with another friend to see W. It was her suggestion so I'll report back what we think. I also have on DVD (from my online rental place), The Orphanage, Cloverfield and several episodes of The 4400.

So please tell me what you couldn't live without HERE!