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Thursday, 9 December 2010
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
National Take It In the Ear Day
oh whatever that means!
Something interesting that I noticed...actually three things.
1) There are a variety of gargoyles in the market square. They are not typical gargoyles. They are birds. Little carven birds of a multitude of species. One would think that they are representative of the birds of the North East but when you notice the chameleon, you tend to change your mind. Pictures to follow soon.
2) I cannot upload a video on here to save my life at the same time while uploading to youtube. I hate this IP. If you've gone to my channel, it ain't on there yet. I'm working on it.
3) October and November each have 24 posts. I think to myself, wow. I could make that an actual thing each month.
Kept Natalie today *again* mainly because I'm a wuss when it comes to the two mile journey that takes 90 minutes to complete. Yes, we could walk, but the sidewalks are not cleared and there's hills and there's construction. So, must brave the elements and wait for the bus and hopefully, if it is convenient for the driver, be picked up in reasonable time frame. You will not believe how many buses are running routes, yet say they are Not In Service.
So why not take my P.O.S. car? Ladies and gentlemen, because I wish to make life a little more difficult. It's been declared SORN. Standard Off Road Notification. My wings are clipped. Please do not speak of this to us. It is not for discussion. Also, I felt it among the heights of idiocy to continue to pay tax on a car that is over 17 years old. I'd pay for a tag, but not tax. I'd pay for insurance, but not the fee to purchase insurance. I want to rip some heads off. Again, this is not up for discussion. I'm merely enraged by the amount of circus one puts oneself through when owning a vehicle in this country.
***
My friend Lauren did some wonderful playing around with a picture that I posted here earlier... I share with you:
Something interesting that I noticed...actually three things.
1) There are a variety of gargoyles in the market square. They are not typical gargoyles. They are birds. Little carven birds of a multitude of species. One would think that they are representative of the birds of the North East but when you notice the chameleon, you tend to change your mind. Pictures to follow soon.
2) I cannot upload a video on here to save my life at the same time while uploading to youtube. I hate this IP. If you've gone to my channel, it ain't on there yet. I'm working on it.
3) October and November each have 24 posts. I think to myself, wow. I could make that an actual thing each month.
Kept Natalie today *again* mainly because I'm a wuss when it comes to the two mile journey that takes 90 minutes to complete. Yes, we could walk, but the sidewalks are not cleared and there's hills and there's construction. So, must brave the elements and wait for the bus and hopefully, if it is convenient for the driver, be picked up in reasonable time frame. You will not believe how many buses are running routes, yet say they are Not In Service.
So why not take my P.O.S. car? Ladies and gentlemen, because I wish to make life a little more difficult. It's been declared SORN. Standard Off Road Notification. My wings are clipped. Please do not speak of this to us. It is not for discussion. Also, I felt it among the heights of idiocy to continue to pay tax on a car that is over 17 years old. I'd pay for a tag, but not tax. I'd pay for insurance, but not the fee to purchase insurance. I want to rip some heads off. Again, this is not up for discussion. I'm merely enraged by the amount of circus one puts oneself through when owning a vehicle in this country.
***
My friend Lauren did some wonderful playing around with a picture that I posted here earlier... I share with you:
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| Lauren Helvey did all this. I think that she made the picture something special. When is she going to start her own blog that I can follow and comment upon? Thanks Lauren! |
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
National Cotton Candy Day and National Remember Remember the Seventh of December.
Okay, I just made that last National Day up. But seriously folks, it caught me by surprise that today is December 7th. I can't remember the last time I didn't talk/learn/teach/listen to PSAs about 12-7-1941. Lemme tell ya, it ain't in the collective national consciousness here.
Today was the Tuesday performance of the Nursery/Reception classes' Nativity Play. Natalie is an angel and so that's what she was in the play. Hurka durr!
I didn't go to today's performance because I was not assigned to today's performance. I'm assigned to the second one, on Thursday. Fine by me. They'll do better on Thursday. I'll be giving Dan's ticket away since he's in France. Hmmm... that's a gives me a good idea for the next poll.
Bought her a halo today, too late to be in the picture above. Found it in a card shop, so even though she didn't have it today, she'll have it for Thursday, the most important day. I told her it was an angel hat. She's currently sporting it while gazing intently into our hand-held mirror and speaking in a squeakier than normal voice.
Me: "What do you think about your halo?"
Nat: "My top! It's getting fluffy!"
True. Because it has little feathers that on it that obviously were taken from baby birds. Just so my kid can impersonate the heavenly host.
Been there, done that. When I was five-ish, I attended a churchie school. Lutheran, maybe. Can't remember. Not important. Anyway, I was a angel in that nativity play and I remember being ticked off that I didn't get the big speaking part. Gabriel.
It went to a girl who quite rightly (I know it now) should have it. I'm sure my mom and dad's memories are different... to them, she was a little kid who was probably mumbling or maybe she read with gusto. All I remember is falling on the damn stairs that they built to display all us kindergarteners so we could sing "Away in a Manger" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing".
Apparently, not so much in Church of England schools. Nope, in C of E, angels are klutzes... not soaring sopranos and reverberating tenors as only five year olds can phrase.
You can also see another video on my youtube channel. mbrueokie.
Good news: My FBI background check came in! Thanks very much Fibbies! And now, I can finally work. And get paid. Doing what I enjoy.
Today was the Tuesday performance of the Nursery/Reception classes' Nativity Play. Natalie is an angel and so that's what she was in the play. Hurka durr!
 |
| Doncha just love red-eyed pictures that capture the moment for eternal posterity? |
Bought her a halo today, too late to be in the picture above. Found it in a card shop, so even though she didn't have it today, she'll have it for Thursday, the most important day. I told her it was an angel hat. She's currently sporting it while gazing intently into our hand-held mirror and speaking in a squeakier than normal voice.
Me: "What do you think about your halo?"
Nat: "My top! It's getting fluffy!"
True. Because it has little feathers that on it that obviously were taken from baby birds. Just so my kid can impersonate the heavenly host.
Been there, done that. When I was five-ish, I attended a churchie school. Lutheran, maybe. Can't remember. Not important. Anyway, I was a angel in that nativity play and I remember being ticked off that I didn't get the big speaking part. Gabriel.
It went to a girl who quite rightly (I know it now) should have it. I'm sure my mom and dad's memories are different... to them, she was a little kid who was probably mumbling or maybe she read with gusto. All I remember is falling on the damn stairs that they built to display all us kindergarteners so we could sing "Away in a Manger" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing".
Apparently, not so much in Church of England schools. Nope, in C of E, angels are klutzes... not soaring sopranos and reverberating tenors as only five year olds can phrase.
You can also see another video on my youtube channel. mbrueokie.
Good news: My FBI background check came in! Thanks very much Fibbies! And now, I can finally work. And get paid. Doing what I enjoy.
Sunday, 5 December 2010
National Wear Brown Shoes Day was also the day we visited Santa's Grotto.
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| Me: Hey kiddo, you wanna give them some money? Her: No.
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| In line for seeing Santa. |
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| Santa's house. |
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| Much excitement! And rightly so! for £3, Natalie got good conversation with Santa, did not have to sit on his lap, and got a wrapped present that cost more than the entry fee. That's what it's like here. Some things are exorbitantly priced and others, well, you get some damn fine value out of it. |
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| Like the merry-go-round, for instance. At 80p a ride... |
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| ...that gets that big of a smile? Yeah, is definitely worth it. |
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| Army band, I think. Can't be too sure, since they seem to be wearing Santa hats in lieu of the feathered berets I saw earlier. So refresh! |
Hostess with the mostest, or how I learned to love adult parties.
Went to grownup Christmas party last night. I've never been to a party quite like it. Dan met Brian and Ruth at the pub.They invited him to sit with them since he was alone. Turns out, they've moved back here recently. They were living in Australia and moved back to the county in May... SAME AS US! Just kidding.
This couple were extremely charming and welcoming to us. They were absolutely lovely to Natalie. Every one of those couple's friends and family were just as charming and welcoming as they were. The family friend who also moonlights as a card was entertaining, verbose, and mildly vexing. But not for me. Seemed he was intent on setting things on fire with Chinese lantern balloons.
It was very relaxing, fun, impressive. I'm having a time of it trying to get started on this anecdote.
We walked there, so they're close by. Just down the High Street; southern edge of Langley Moor. Maybe another 100 yards, then it's Meadowfield. I'm digressing already. Damn.
They live in one of the row, terrace houses. Three floors. And almighty Hermione's handbag, the house is deceptively large. From the exterior, you wouldn't know that there was space for large couches and a 12 seater dining room table.
There was a tree in the front room's window, then another tree in the dining room, just as large. In the nook under the stairs there was a miniature tree, although still quite sizable too. It was sitting atop a buffet (maybe? could've been a dresser.)
I was mildly irritated that I had to take off my *new* boots when we entered. But I totally understand why we did. I wouldn't have wanted to mess up her house by any means. And with all the mucky slush on the way, well, I took them off without any fuss. But I had my embarrassment because I was wearing my old white and gray athletic socks and my new pants were petite cut so, I looked awful from midcalf down. However, I'm fairly certain the rest of me was fabu. Just going off of Dan's catcall when he saw me. I actually went out and bought a party shirt for the occasion. Sparkly top. Make-up. Earrings. Autumn would've been proud. Crap, digressing again. What I'm eventually getting to is the food. I'm a foodie. It's what I noticed.
There were COURSES. Maybe it'd be better for me to say what I'm used to first. That way, you'll understand hopefully? Typical for standard party in my *youth* (I can't help but snicker at that) was a table shoved against a wall or a cluttered counter with large bowls of chips and/or pretzels, some confection of sweetness but only if it was a classy party. The iniquitable veggie tray and salsas and dips and quesos. Oh, and if I was feeling particulary Martha Stewarty, the lovely bacon and brown sugar wrapped wienies. All this largesse accompanied by the alcohol which was the main objective of our/my parties. Please know that I'm basically combining every party I attended since August 1997 until May 2010 into one so that I can recall what is tantamount to a trough or pasture. Moo.
Some parties didn't even have tasty refreshments that crunched. I will say that up until now, the best parties were always the ones Autumn had. Am I right y'all? Yeah. Digressing. Just trying to say that I really like my friend's skills even though... can't go anywhere with this.
So, first we're greeted and asked if we'd like some mulled wine!
Me: I love mulled wine! We're so much alike!
Me in Real Life: "Oh yes, please. I love it!"
Then, there's this long table in the dining room with lots of platters that have really interesting looking things. I tried one of each because a good many weren't anything like what we serve at our parties. Here's a brief summary...of round one
Mini scotch eggs- this size is scrambled eggs, surrounded by sausage..then battered and deep fried. I think I mentioned deep fried Twinkies to my conversation companion at this point. All I got in return was "Huh? What's a Twinkie?"
Cheesy poufs- yes, seriously.
Twiglets- tasted like a burned oven scraping
Veggie quiche- didn't eat! Hate quiche.
Vegetarian sausage on toothpicks, with pickled cocktail pearl onions and cheese. - Liked the sausage, I'd serve it.
Ubiquitous vegetable tray- Everything was julienned. Weird. Nice. But weird.
Small bowls of Nacho Cheese Doritos- I couldn't believe it ! Where do you get this!
large tray of cherry tomatoes, green olives and Wensleydale cheese cubes on toothpicks.
Surrounded by Pringles, salt and vinger & sour cream and onion
And then, began round two....which is simultaneous but towards the end of round one.
Sausage rolls
Pizza
Cheese tray with 5 different artisan cheeses (THEY WERE ROUND AND HAD BITS!)
Along with a Camembert. Oh so very stinky.
And finally, but I'm sure there was more to come; we left as it was close to 10:30 pm.
Homemade gingerbread cookies. Dipped in Chocolate
Homemade mincemeat pie.
Now, all while this is happening, people are standing around talking in the various rooms of the ground floor, just having a great time in general. And I was one of them. Ruth, the hostess, between her hostessing duties and talking to her friends, went out of her way to make sure my glass was always full, that I was okay. She even had her high school friend (also named Ruth) follow me around so that I would not be cut off from adult conversation while watching my kiddo prance around in the front room. Friend Ruth was lovely to talk to. Cousin Hannah was presh, just presh. She has two boys, one around Natalie's age and was sorry she didn't bring him for Natalie to meet. And then, when I told Hostess Ruth I was done for the night (she had asked me if I wanted to have a top off) she asked me if I would like a coffee and then asked me how I liked my coffee! Then she brought it to me after saying it might be about ten minutes since she had some things to sort out before... I dunno, I quit listening at that point. I was just blown away by someone asking me how I take my coffee.
Then! As we're leaving because we know we've got a tired little girl (and who'm I kidding...tired mom) Hostess Ruth says, quite sincerely, that she was sorry she didn't get to talk to me more and wondered if I might like to go on a lunch for drinks arrangement?
Me: OH HELL YEAH! You betchur ass I'd love to go have a drinky with a classy dame like you! You're close to my age! You've Traveled. You seem sane!
Me in Real Life: "That would be absolutely lovely. I think we've got your phone number still, on the Tesco receipt."
Ruth: "And that's a ..."
Me stopped listening because Me was screaming,"YOU IDIOT! CAN'T YOU JUST SAY YES AND SHUT THE HELL UP GRACIOUSLY? TESCO RECEIPT?!", while I'm scrambling around the entry hall looking for all child related paraphenalia and transportables, scarves and hats.
Dan's standing there writing something on his trademark mini-books and handing the paper to Brian who very sweetly is not judging me. But I really think that an outsider watching that exchange would've also found a lot to laugh at.
I assume is my phone number for Brian to give to Ruth when she is no longer having to deal with slobbery Me. Slobbery is like when you're running around with your head cut off (chickens do) and you're looking for stuff so that you don't leave it behind. And you're also happy but anxious to make good impression on someone who has just invited you to their house and you don't know them and they don't know you but you feel like you owe it to them to hide the ugly. Because you've just met and all.
So I try to recoup. It didn't go well in my head.
Me in RL: "I'll give you a call this week. Natalie's school may be out because of the weather, but there might be a day when we can get together for lunch or drinks."
Ruth: "Oh Natalie should come...."
I quit listening. I gotta stop doing that because I don't recall conversations well when I respond to stuff that I only half listen to.
Me: Natalie should come? Oh lady. You don't have any kids. Ain't no way imma be rockin' dat sweet pint with her in the room.
Instead, what I said was,
Me in RL: "Sure thing! Sounds great!"
This couple were extremely charming and welcoming to us. They were absolutely lovely to Natalie. Every one of those couple's friends and family were just as charming and welcoming as they were. The family friend who also moonlights as a card was entertaining, verbose, and mildly vexing. But not for me. Seemed he was intent on setting things on fire with Chinese lantern balloons.
It was very relaxing, fun, impressive. I'm having a time of it trying to get started on this anecdote.
We walked there, so they're close by. Just down the High Street; southern edge of Langley Moor. Maybe another 100 yards, then it's Meadowfield. I'm digressing already. Damn.
They live in one of the row, terrace houses. Three floors. And almighty Hermione's handbag, the house is deceptively large. From the exterior, you wouldn't know that there was space for large couches and a 12 seater dining room table.
There was a tree in the front room's window, then another tree in the dining room, just as large. In the nook under the stairs there was a miniature tree, although still quite sizable too. It was sitting atop a buffet (maybe? could've been a dresser.)
I was mildly irritated that I had to take off my *new* boots when we entered. But I totally understand why we did. I wouldn't have wanted to mess up her house by any means. And with all the mucky slush on the way, well, I took them off without any fuss. But I had my embarrassment because I was wearing my old white and gray athletic socks and my new pants were petite cut so, I looked awful from midcalf down. However, I'm fairly certain the rest of me was fabu. Just going off of Dan's catcall when he saw me. I actually went out and bought a party shirt for the occasion. Sparkly top. Make-up. Earrings. Autumn would've been proud. Crap, digressing again. What I'm eventually getting to is the food. I'm a foodie. It's what I noticed.
There were COURSES. Maybe it'd be better for me to say what I'm used to first. That way, you'll understand hopefully? Typical for standard party in my *youth* (I can't help but snicker at that) was a table shoved against a wall or a cluttered counter with large bowls of chips and/or pretzels, some confection of sweetness but only if it was a classy party. The iniquitable veggie tray and salsas and dips and quesos. Oh, and if I was feeling particulary Martha Stewarty, the lovely bacon and brown sugar wrapped wienies. All this largesse accompanied by the alcohol which was the main objective of our/my parties. Please know that I'm basically combining every party I attended since August 1997 until May 2010 into one so that I can recall what is tantamount to a trough or pasture. Moo.
Some parties didn't even have tasty refreshments that crunched. I will say that up until now, the best parties were always the ones Autumn had. Am I right y'all? Yeah. Digressing. Just trying to say that I really like my friend's skills even though... can't go anywhere with this.
So, first we're greeted and asked if we'd like some mulled wine!
Me: I love mulled wine! We're so much alike!
Me in Real Life: "Oh yes, please. I love it!"
Then, there's this long table in the dining room with lots of platters that have really interesting looking things. I tried one of each because a good many weren't anything like what we serve at our parties. Here's a brief summary...of round one
Mini scotch eggs- this size is scrambled eggs, surrounded by sausage..then battered and deep fried. I think I mentioned deep fried Twinkies to my conversation companion at this point. All I got in return was "Huh? What's a Twinkie?"
Cheesy poufs- yes, seriously.
Twiglets- tasted like a burned oven scraping
Veggie quiche- didn't eat! Hate quiche.
Vegetarian sausage on toothpicks, with pickled cocktail pearl onions and cheese. - Liked the sausage, I'd serve it.
Ubiquitous vegetable tray- Everything was julienned. Weird. Nice. But weird.
Small bowls of Nacho Cheese Doritos- I couldn't believe it ! Where do you get this!
large tray of cherry tomatoes, green olives and Wensleydale cheese cubes on toothpicks.
Surrounded by Pringles, salt and vinger & sour cream and onion
And then, began round two....which is simultaneous but towards the end of round one.
Sausage rolls
Pizza
Cheese tray with 5 different artisan cheeses (THEY WERE ROUND AND HAD BITS!)
Along with a Camembert. Oh so very stinky.
And finally, but I'm sure there was more to come; we left as it was close to 10:30 pm.
Homemade gingerbread cookies. Dipped in Chocolate
Homemade mincemeat pie.
Now, all while this is happening, people are standing around talking in the various rooms of the ground floor, just having a great time in general. And I was one of them. Ruth, the hostess, between her hostessing duties and talking to her friends, went out of her way to make sure my glass was always full, that I was okay. She even had her high school friend (also named Ruth) follow me around so that I would not be cut off from adult conversation while watching my kiddo prance around in the front room. Friend Ruth was lovely to talk to. Cousin Hannah was presh, just presh. She has two boys, one around Natalie's age and was sorry she didn't bring him for Natalie to meet. And then, when I told Hostess Ruth I was done for the night (she had asked me if I wanted to have a top off) she asked me if I would like a coffee and then asked me how I liked my coffee! Then she brought it to me after saying it might be about ten minutes since she had some things to sort out before... I dunno, I quit listening at that point. I was just blown away by someone asking me how I take my coffee.
Then! As we're leaving because we know we've got a tired little girl (and who'm I kidding...tired mom) Hostess Ruth says, quite sincerely, that she was sorry she didn't get to talk to me more and wondered if I might like to go on a lunch for drinks arrangement?
Me: OH HELL YEAH! You betchur ass I'd love to go have a drinky with a classy dame like you! You're close to my age! You've Traveled. You seem sane!
Me in Real Life: "That would be absolutely lovely. I think we've got your phone number still, on the Tesco receipt."
Ruth: "And that's a ..."
Me stopped listening because Me was screaming,"YOU IDIOT! CAN'T YOU JUST SAY YES AND SHUT THE HELL UP GRACIOUSLY? TESCO RECEIPT?!", while I'm scrambling around the entry hall looking for all child related paraphenalia and transportables, scarves and hats.
Dan's standing there writing something on his trademark mini-books and handing the paper to Brian who very sweetly is not judging me. But I really think that an outsider watching that exchange would've also found a lot to laugh at.
I assume is my phone number for Brian to give to Ruth when she is no longer having to deal with slobbery Me. Slobbery is like when you're running around with your head cut off (chickens do) and you're looking for stuff so that you don't leave it behind. And you're also happy but anxious to make good impression on someone who has just invited you to their house and you don't know them and they don't know you but you feel like you owe it to them to hide the ugly. Because you've just met and all.
So I try to recoup. It didn't go well in my head.
Me in RL: "I'll give you a call this week. Natalie's school may be out because of the weather, but there might be a day when we can get together for lunch or drinks."
Ruth: "Oh Natalie should come...."
I quit listening. I gotta stop doing that because I don't recall conversations well when I respond to stuff that I only half listen to.
Me: Natalie should come? Oh lady. You don't have any kids. Ain't no way imma be rockin' dat sweet pint with her in the room.
Instead, what I said was,
Me in RL: "Sure thing! Sounds great!"
Friday, 3 December 2010
National Roof Over Your Head Day
This accordion musician is usually to be found on the Silver St Bridge in rain, snow, or sun. I have always enjoyed hearing him playing, even if he doesn't play much variety. For me, is one of the things here that mean "Durham". Today, he wasn't playing his usual song. He was playing 'Frosty the Snowman'. IMMD!
St Oswald's was open today and thank goodness. From the moment Natalie woke up, it was snap snap snap snap at mommy. Dan commented on it and got on to Nat for it. And you know what? I hadn't realized she was crabby until he said something and then it was BANG. I could see it then. So we got out in good time, standing room only on the bus. Natalie was very good on the bus. She most always is.
I've taken a few pictures for you because it seems that I get more traffic when I have pictures than not.
First: Last night's dinner: Roast chicken, stuffing and BRUSSELS SPROUTS! Hey hey hey calm down now. This was a dinner of firsts: first time to roast chicken, first time to roast BrusSprouts, first time to use 15 pence stuffing. And it was very very very very very good!
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| No, that's a chicken. My oven is really small. |
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| Apologies. I didn't get to my camera fast enough before Dan found the chicken. |
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| This is the appropriate amount for two people and a 3 year old to consume. But dear sweet goodness, did I have gas later that night! |
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| "Do you know what the word 'nada' means? In all those Mexican films you made, did you ever pick up what it means?" "Isn't it a light chicken gravy?" Aah! I don't recommend the chicken Bisto. But beef Bisto ain't bad. I'd eat beef Bisto straight. |
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| First clear day in a week. |
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| Signs posted at intervals warned shoppers to beware of falling snow. There was music playing on outdoor speakers. Quite festive. At the end of this lane is Santa's Workshop. |
Thursday, 2 December 2010
National Fritters Day and Post 51. There be aliens here, yar!
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| CHEESE! Hurry up mom! Take the dang picture! While grocery shopping at Tesco yesterday, I made two impulse purchases. You can see them above. We needed an advent calendar! And The Snowman DVD! The calendar was £1.99 I think, and The Snowman was only £6. What a deal!   |
What can I tell you? Another day of snow. Got the big fat flakes again! School is closed. I made fruit tarts and for dinner, I'm going to make a roast chicken, for the first time!
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| and yes, I did buy two so that I could save £3... I got another one that was priced £6! |
I will take pictures of the process. This should be fun. I have project! Even have recipe ready to go. SO EASY.
Today is Thursday, trash day. Think they'll come?
Our backyard is just as lovely as the front:
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Day 6. Also known as National Pie Day and Eat a Red Apple Day.
It has snowed each day, off and on throughout the days. I'm glad Dan was able to make it back, but he leaves again at the end of the week to go back to Orsay.
Well, today I believe I will get Natalie to her school. It is open today. I have a conference with her teacher too, this afternoon. We'll see how the weather pans out for us. We've had a great time playing outside; we made a castle that looks just like the top of Mr Oogey Boogey-man's head. We threw snowballs at the house to make our kid laugh her head off. We've watched Christmas movies to get into a fun spirit for the holidays. The only trips I've made outside of our street have been to the grocery store...and that was four or five days ago. I've done dishes, but that's about all I've done for housework. More needs to be done. I need a shower. I'm irritable. I'd like to get some greenery to decorate the mantel.
I think I'm going to stop here so that I don't segue into complaints as I am dangerously close to doing so.
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