Lots of Love!
W
Friday, June 26, 2009
I haven't forgotten you!
Hello there friends! I just wanted to post a short note to let you all know that I have not forgotten you whilst on our European adventure. We have been so busy hopping on trains, touring the Alps, soaking up the Italian sun, breathing in the Monte Carlo air, and playing with our friends at Disneyland Paris, that I've not had time (or energy) to collect and arrange my thoughts to share with you! I promise to share our adventures and pictures with you as soon as I can! Until then, I hope you are all doing well!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Guten Tag meine Freunden!
Greetings to you all from Zurich, Switzerland! Today is day #3 of our European adventure and I have managed to find a few lucid moments to share a bit of our European moments with you. Brian, the children, and I first set forth on our journey on Thursday afternoon from Aberdeen via plane through London to Frankfurt, Germany. There we met Brian’s parents at the hotel where found ourselves arriving a bit late to enjoy any local fare. So, like any good Americans, we found a McDonald’s in the shopping area outside of our hotel to indulge our hunger. When Bill, my father-in-law, asked for iced tea, the clerk responded abruptly with “We don’t have iced tea in Germany!” We all got a kick out of that one. As the family enjoyed their happy meals, I tempted my taste buds with a Prawn Lemon sandwich, which was basically a bunch of shrimps pressed together into a patty and fried like a McDonald’s hashbrown patty, served on a seasoned bun. It was actually quite tasty! ☺ Of course, the most amusing part of it was “Ich liebe es.” written everywhere. You know, “I’m loving it.” After our brief outing, we all retired to our rooms for the evening to make preparations for our first train ride the next morning; destination Heidelberg.
On Friday morning, we gathered ourselves and our things bright and early, enjoyed a nice breakfast in our hotel, and set out for the subway train station to catch a quick, yet stressful ride to the train station where we were to catch our train to Heidelberg. (Wow, could that sentence have been any longer any poorly written?) It took Brian and me about 15 minutes to figure out how to use the ticket machine in order to purchase our tickets for the subway. After doing so, the seven of us made our way to the platform with our many bags, strollers, and Jan’s roll-ator. We had about 20-30 seconds to get 6 people, a stroller (carrying Sadie), Jan’s roll-ator and 10 bags through a very small doorway and safely onto the subway. Whew! What a pain in the rumpus that was! Then, of course, we had to keep our luggage (and selves) from tossing about the train car as we stopped and started through many points between or entrance and our destination. Of course, then we had to change train cars once before we even made it to the Main train station. Methinks I’d rather skip a souvenir or two to take a taxi next time. :-P We live and learn, right?
Once we arrived at the train depot, we checked in and set about to find our train. Because Bill is so wonderful, he had booked us 1st class tickets aboard most of our trains, so we had two entire compartments to stretch out and enjoy while taking the short, 40 minute, journey to Heidelberg!
Later in the day, we decided to head down to Aldstadt (Old Town) for a boat ride down the Rhein.
Our taxi dropped us off a bit too early, and as a result, we were a couple of minutes late to take the ride, so we opted to just take in the sights of the area. A few of us walked down the river to the Old Town bridge. There, Brian took some pictures atop the bridge and of the gorgeous castle nestled into the mountain side. 
I enjoyed browsing through a few of the local tourist shops there. Afterwards, Brian and I decided to take the 2 mile walk back to the hotel, while the rest of the family took a taxi home. It was a very nice walk, with a lovely river view. We even encountered a gentleman dressed in what we Americans think of as traditional German festival attire. He didn’t appear to be heading to a festival, however, just out on a stroll with his wife!
We finished our day in Heidelberg with a nice dinner by the river at our hotel where I indulged myself with a Heidelberger Bier.
I am not a beer drinker, but you can’t go to Germany without having a German beer, right?
This morning, we awoke quite early and found our way (via taxi this time) to the Train Depot to embark on the next leg of our journey. This time, finding our way to Zurich. Again, our train accommodations were luxurious, having our own compartment with reclining seats right behind the engineer. This train had two engineer compartments, one at each end. During the first part of the ride, the engineer was actually located in the rear of the train, but later drove from the front of the train where Bryson loved getting to watch him “drive” the train. It was quite an experience. Admittedly, though, I slept a good portion of the ride. How nice to have the room to do so!
Today has been a “down” day in Zurich, one that has found us recovering from the many hours of travel over the past few days. We enjoyed a late lunch in the hotel and the retired to our rooms for some rest. Tonight will find the children going for a swim and then hopefully getting some much needed rest. Tomorrow we will set out for a 9 hour “Heidi” tour. It should be a fun day for all!
This trip, thus far, has been quite an interesting one. I am quite surprised at how much I actually do remember from my 3 years of German and how much more I don’t remember! Thankfully, a great deal of Germans and Swiss “sprechen Englisch”. I have had fun trying to translate menus and signs. I am kind of sad that we didn’t have more time in Germany, but hey, we have so much more to explore! Anyway, I look forward to what is in store for us tomorrow! Until then….Auf wiedersehen!
-W
Greetings to you all from Zurich, Switzerland! Today is day #3 of our European adventure and I have managed to find a few lucid moments to share a bit of our European moments with you. Brian, the children, and I first set forth on our journey on Thursday afternoon from Aberdeen via plane through London to Frankfurt, Germany. There we met Brian’s parents at the hotel where found ourselves arriving a bit late to enjoy any local fare. So, like any good Americans, we found a McDonald’s in the shopping area outside of our hotel to indulge our hunger. When Bill, my father-in-law, asked for iced tea, the clerk responded abruptly with “We don’t have iced tea in Germany!” We all got a kick out of that one. As the family enjoyed their happy meals, I tempted my taste buds with a Prawn Lemon sandwich, which was basically a bunch of shrimps pressed together into a patty and fried like a McDonald’s hashbrown patty, served on a seasoned bun. It was actually quite tasty! ☺ Of course, the most amusing part of it was “Ich liebe es.” written everywhere. You know, “I’m loving it.” After our brief outing, we all retired to our rooms for the evening to make preparations for our first train ride the next morning; destination Heidelberg.
On Friday morning, we gathered ourselves and our things bright and early, enjoyed a nice breakfast in our hotel, and set out for the subway train station to catch a quick, yet stressful ride to the train station where we were to catch our train to Heidelberg. (Wow, could that sentence have been any longer any poorly written?) It took Brian and me about 15 minutes to figure out how to use the ticket machine in order to purchase our tickets for the subway. After doing so, the seven of us made our way to the platform with our many bags, strollers, and Jan’s roll-ator. We had about 20-30 seconds to get 6 people, a stroller (carrying Sadie), Jan’s roll-ator and 10 bags through a very small doorway and safely onto the subway. Whew! What a pain in the rumpus that was! Then, of course, we had to keep our luggage (and selves) from tossing about the train car as we stopped and started through many points between or entrance and our destination. Of course, then we had to change train cars once before we even made it to the Main train station. Methinks I’d rather skip a souvenir or two to take a taxi next time. :-P We live and learn, right?
Once we arrived at the train depot, we checked in and set about to find our train. Because Bill is so wonderful, he had booked us 1st class tickets aboard most of our trains, so we had two entire compartments to stretch out and enjoy while taking the short, 40 minute, journey to Heidelberg!
Later in the day, we decided to head down to Aldstadt (Old Town) for a boat ride down the Rhein.
Our taxi dropped us off a bit too early, and as a result, we were a couple of minutes late to take the ride, so we opted to just take in the sights of the area. A few of us walked down the river to the Old Town bridge. There, Brian took some pictures atop the bridge and of the gorgeous castle nestled into the mountain side. 
I enjoyed browsing through a few of the local tourist shops there. Afterwards, Brian and I decided to take the 2 mile walk back to the hotel, while the rest of the family took a taxi home. It was a very nice walk, with a lovely river view. We even encountered a gentleman dressed in what we Americans think of as traditional German festival attire. He didn’t appear to be heading to a festival, however, just out on a stroll with his wife!We finished our day in Heidelberg with a nice dinner by the river at our hotel where I indulged myself with a Heidelberger Bier.
I am not a beer drinker, but you can’t go to Germany without having a German beer, right?This morning, we awoke quite early and found our way (via taxi this time) to the Train Depot to embark on the next leg of our journey. This time, finding our way to Zurich. Again, our train accommodations were luxurious, having our own compartment with reclining seats right behind the engineer. This train had two engineer compartments, one at each end. During the first part of the ride, the engineer was actually located in the rear of the train, but later drove from the front of the train where Bryson loved getting to watch him “drive” the train. It was quite an experience. Admittedly, though, I slept a good portion of the ride. How nice to have the room to do so!
Today has been a “down” day in Zurich, one that has found us recovering from the many hours of travel over the past few days. We enjoyed a late lunch in the hotel and the retired to our rooms for some rest. Tonight will find the children going for a swim and then hopefully getting some much needed rest. Tomorrow we will set out for a 9 hour “Heidi” tour. It should be a fun day for all!
This trip, thus far, has been quite an interesting one. I am quite surprised at how much I actually do remember from my 3 years of German and how much more I don’t remember! Thankfully, a great deal of Germans and Swiss “sprechen Englisch”. I have had fun trying to translate menus and signs. I am kind of sad that we didn’t have more time in Germany, but hey, we have so much more to explore! Anyway, I look forward to what is in store for us tomorrow! Until then….Auf wiedersehen!
-W
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Searching for Nessie...
Afternoon, friends! I am writing to you this lovely, lazy, Sunday afternoon with hope for an easier week this week. For those of you who have been following things, we announced this week our move from Aberdeen to Anchorage, Alaska. Since then, we have been busily preparing ourselves mentally for the change, as well as getting things in order for it. This week, too, found Aubrey finishing school for the semester, and found me engaged in my very first car accident. :-( So you can see why I am hoping for an easier week this week. :-)
Fortunately, this week should be a fairly easy one. I have the entire week to wash and pack our clothes for our upcoming vacation around Europe which begins this next weekend. I hope to have time while we are touring to update you on our adventures. For now, though, I promised a bit about our recent trip to Inverness, Scotland, the famed home of Loch Ness and its mysterious monster.
We drove up to Inverness on a Saturday morning, taking in the sites and a bit of shopping at a local shopping center. There we saw the most beautiful, and freshest strawberries I have ever seen. I suppose that is because the strawberry patch was just down the road from the market. :-) From there, we ventured to Cawdor castle, a still privately owned castle.
The lady of the house actually still lives there 6 months out of the year. I am sure if we had looked hard enough, and knew what she looked like, we would have seen her there. The tour was quite entertaining, as the room notes has been written in a quite cheeky manner by the late Laird Cawdor. It was the first castle we had seen that had a secret dungeon built into it. A very cool site, indeed. I just wish they had allowed us to take pictures inside. :-) This castle also had some gorgeous grounds, and even had a hedge maze, though it was closed to the public.
After we finished our tour of Cawdor castle, we ducked into a wool shop on the castle grounds and there I bought Bryson his very own Cawdor tartan kilt. I guess that makes him a clan member, now. :-) I've yet to dress him in his new duds, but rest assured when I do, there will be pictures a plenty!
We finished our day with a drive about Inverness, where we stopped downtown while Brian, Aubrey, and Bryson took some photos of downtown Inverness from a footbridge over the River Ness.
On Sunday, we departed our hotel early and set about on our search for Nessie. We drove around the massive and mysterious lake, shooting alot of beautiful pictures.
Unfortunately, we did not spot Nessie in the Loch, but we did stop off and enjoy an interactive tour of the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster at the local visitor center. I even took some pictures of some interesting facts for you to read...
Our final stop was to Urquhart castle, an ancient runied castle located on Loch Ness.
The views here were astounding, and the castle itself was amazing. Brian told me it was his favorite castle visit to date. Before heading down to the castle, Aubrey and Bryson played on a Trebuchet replica on the grounds where Brian gots some really nice pictures of the kids. From there we found our way down to the Loch's edge where castle Urquhart sits. Since an ancient ruined castle isn't very stroller friendly, Sadie and I found a nice sunny spot to sit, appropriately so, in the castle kitchen, while Brian, Aubrey, and Bryson ventured to the top of the tower and around the rest of the castle ruins. We finished our castle visit with a late lunch in the castle visitor center tea room and then journeyed our way back to Aberdeen where we all found a good night of sleep after a very busy weekend!
Brian got some really wonderful photos of this weekend trip, but the only ones I had to share were from my camera, so I apologize for the quality. I just wish you could see how amazing Scotland is for yourselves! Perhaps you can plan a trip to the Highlands one day, as we did on our adventure to Inverness....
Fortunately, this week should be a fairly easy one. I have the entire week to wash and pack our clothes for our upcoming vacation around Europe which begins this next weekend. I hope to have time while we are touring to update you on our adventures. For now, though, I promised a bit about our recent trip to Inverness, Scotland, the famed home of Loch Ness and its mysterious monster.
We drove up to Inverness on a Saturday morning, taking in the sites and a bit of shopping at a local shopping center. There we saw the most beautiful, and freshest strawberries I have ever seen. I suppose that is because the strawberry patch was just down the road from the market. :-) From there, we ventured to Cawdor castle, a still privately owned castle.
The lady of the house actually still lives there 6 months out of the year. I am sure if we had looked hard enough, and knew what she looked like, we would have seen her there. The tour was quite entertaining, as the room notes has been written in a quite cheeky manner by the late Laird Cawdor. It was the first castle we had seen that had a secret dungeon built into it. A very cool site, indeed. I just wish they had allowed us to take pictures inside. :-) This castle also had some gorgeous grounds, and even had a hedge maze, though it was closed to the public.
After we finished our tour of Cawdor castle, we ducked into a wool shop on the castle grounds and there I bought Bryson his very own Cawdor tartan kilt. I guess that makes him a clan member, now. :-) I've yet to dress him in his new duds, but rest assured when I do, there will be pictures a plenty!
We finished our day with a drive about Inverness, where we stopped downtown while Brian, Aubrey, and Bryson took some photos of downtown Inverness from a footbridge over the River Ness.
On Sunday, we departed our hotel early and set about on our search for Nessie. We drove around the massive and mysterious lake, shooting alot of beautiful pictures.
Unfortunately, we did not spot Nessie in the Loch, but we did stop off and enjoy an interactive tour of the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster at the local visitor center. I even took some pictures of some interesting facts for you to read...
Our final stop was to Urquhart castle, an ancient runied castle located on Loch Ness.
The views here were astounding, and the castle itself was amazing. Brian told me it was his favorite castle visit to date. Before heading down to the castle, Aubrey and Bryson played on a Trebuchet replica on the grounds where Brian gots some really nice pictures of the kids. From there we found our way down to the Loch's edge where castle Urquhart sits. Since an ancient ruined castle isn't very stroller friendly, Sadie and I found a nice sunny spot to sit, appropriately so, in the castle kitchen, while Brian, Aubrey, and Bryson ventured to the top of the tower and around the rest of the castle ruins. We finished our castle visit with a late lunch in the castle visitor center tea room and then journeyed our way back to Aberdeen where we all found a good night of sleep after a very busy weekend!Brian got some really wonderful photos of this weekend trip, but the only ones I had to share were from my camera, so I apologize for the quality. I just wish you could see how amazing Scotland is for yourselves! Perhaps you can plan a trip to the Highlands one day, as we did on our adventure to Inverness....
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
...the envelope please....
Good evening friends! I know in my last post, I promised some pics and a blurb about our trip to Inverness. I have not forgotten this; just have been a bit side tracked. I will post some pictures soon, but wanted first to share with you the latest development in the Whimsical World of Wendy.... As you all know, we have been sent here to Aberdeen Scotland on a short-term assignment with COP. Our stay here has been an amazing one, with still many adventures in our exploration of the UK and Europe still to come.
Today, however, we received our official marching orders for Brian's next assignment. Brian is really excited to announce that he has accepted a Supervisory position with COP in beautiful, balmy, (insert chortle here) Anchorage, Alaska! That's right folks, looks like the cool weather we've been acclimating to here in Scotland will soon turn colder! I suppose now we will add "Whirlwind" to the title of the blog since Brian's report date to Anchorage is August 1st. That means we will leave for our European holiday in less than two weeks, come back to Aberdeen for a short spell, and then head back to Bartlesville to start packing up the house and readying it for sale. Whew! Makes me tired just thinking about it. I guess we are in for a very busy summer. At least we will get to have some of that wonderful, muggy, Bartlesville heat before we depart. lol
While I am nervous and stressed about it all, I knew the possibility lay just within our grasp and I am so very proud of Brian for this promotion. I will deeply miss each of our wonderful friends and family that we will leave in Oklahoma, but look onward to yet another adventure! And, of course, our door will always be open for our friends and family should they make it that far north!
That's all from me for now. I am still sorting out my feelings, and compiling a mental to-do list for myself. Thankfully, there won't be much packing up to do on this end...but boy, I don't look forward to cleaning out the closets, nooks, and crannies of our house in B'ville....until next time, friends!
W
Today, however, we received our official marching orders for Brian's next assignment. Brian is really excited to announce that he has accepted a Supervisory position with COP in beautiful, balmy, (insert chortle here) Anchorage, Alaska! That's right folks, looks like the cool weather we've been acclimating to here in Scotland will soon turn colder! I suppose now we will add "Whirlwind" to the title of the blog since Brian's report date to Anchorage is August 1st. That means we will leave for our European holiday in less than two weeks, come back to Aberdeen for a short spell, and then head back to Bartlesville to start packing up the house and readying it for sale. Whew! Makes me tired just thinking about it. I guess we are in for a very busy summer. At least we will get to have some of that wonderful, muggy, Bartlesville heat before we depart. lol
While I am nervous and stressed about it all, I knew the possibility lay just within our grasp and I am so very proud of Brian for this promotion. I will deeply miss each of our wonderful friends and family that we will leave in Oklahoma, but look onward to yet another adventure! And, of course, our door will always be open for our friends and family should they make it that far north!
That's all from me for now. I am still sorting out my feelings, and compiling a mental to-do list for myself. Thankfully, there won't be much packing up to do on this end...but boy, I don't look forward to cleaning out the closets, nooks, and crannies of our house in B'ville....until next time, friends!
W
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Fun with the letter "F"
Evening, friends! It's been a while since I have written. I guess I have been lacking in motivation as of late to write. It has not been for a lack of goings on, though. Since my last post, I think we have visited at least 4 more castles, and searched for Nessie in Loch Ness.
A few weekends ago, we visited two more local castles. The first castle, Castle Fraser, reminded me of a Disney castle on the outside.
The views atop the tower were breathtaking too, despite my obvious fear o' height issues. Aubrey and Bryson enjoyed the grounds of the castle most of all. They had some interesting tree carvings, 
a giant worm that will soon grow "hair" (it had just been planted), 
and some good old fashioned swings. It was a nice Saturday! :-) On our way home, I had to stop off on the side of the road and have my picture taken in the Rape seed fields. This time of year, the Scottish countryside is full of this vibrant yellow crop.
The next day, we visited Fyvie castle.
This is another lovely, local castle. Castle Fyvie is supposedly one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. I have to admit, though, it didn't seem that spooky to me! :-) After a tour inside, we enjoyed some family time on the grounds outside. 
All in all, it was a really nice weekend with the family.
Well, that's all I have time to post for now...but stay tuned for more about Nessie, Bryson's wee kilt, and more castle visits....missing you all! - W
A few weekends ago, we visited two more local castles. The first castle, Castle Fraser, reminded me of a Disney castle on the outside.
The views atop the tower were breathtaking too, despite my obvious fear o' height issues. Aubrey and Bryson enjoyed the grounds of the castle most of all. They had some interesting tree carvings, 
a giant worm that will soon grow "hair" (it had just been planted), 
and some good old fashioned swings. It was a nice Saturday! :-) On our way home, I had to stop off on the side of the road and have my picture taken in the Rape seed fields. This time of year, the Scottish countryside is full of this vibrant yellow crop.
The next day, we visited Fyvie castle.
This is another lovely, local castle. Castle Fyvie is supposedly one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. I have to admit, though, it didn't seem that spooky to me! :-) After a tour inside, we enjoyed some family time on the grounds outside. 
All in all, it was a really nice weekend with the family.Well, that's all I have time to post for now...but stay tuned for more about Nessie, Bryson's wee kilt, and more castle visits....missing you all! - W
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Messy Play Day
Hello there friends!
Scottish greetings to you all. :-) Not much has been happening in my little world as of late. I guess you could say that I have been pretty bored and feeling somewhat lost. It seems that all I've to do is clean house and do laundry. Domesticity has never been one of my strengths, so naturally it is proving to be quite a challenge.
I think the greatest treatment for my insanity has been the hospitality of my next door neighbor, Susan. She is quite a remarkable woman. She and her husband are both doctors here in Aberdeen; her husband a surgeon and she a General Practitioner. Together they have 4 children under the age of 6 (lots of playmates for the kids, another great cure for my insanity.) Susan works three days a week and on her last two weekdays off, she has invited the munchkins and me to playdates. Today we went to our first Messy Play Day. This is a play group where the kids go to purposefully get messy. There Bryson and Sadie had the opportunity to paint, play with sand, pasta, playdough, and even colorful mashed potatoes. They had a really nice time and I too had a nice time visiting with Susan afterwards at her house while we sipped coffee and the kids played.
After our play date, I came home to finish up a cake project that I made for Brian's office-mate, Annetta. Here is a picture of the finished cake. Not the best model I have done, but I am hoping that she will like it anyway!
Tomorrow, the kids and I will have to venture out to the medical clinic where Bryson and Sadie both have appointments to meet with the Health Visitor. I think this is something like a well child check up like we have at home. I just hope they don't tell us that we have to do any more vaccinations.
Well, that is all for now. Perhaps this weekend we will take another local castle adventure. Who knows what will be in store...for now, though, pray for my sanity. :-)
W
Scottish greetings to you all. :-) Not much has been happening in my little world as of late. I guess you could say that I have been pretty bored and feeling somewhat lost. It seems that all I've to do is clean house and do laundry. Domesticity has never been one of my strengths, so naturally it is proving to be quite a challenge.
I think the greatest treatment for my insanity has been the hospitality of my next door neighbor, Susan. She is quite a remarkable woman. She and her husband are both doctors here in Aberdeen; her husband a surgeon and she a General Practitioner. Together they have 4 children under the age of 6 (lots of playmates for the kids, another great cure for my insanity.) Susan works three days a week and on her last two weekdays off, she has invited the munchkins and me to playdates. Today we went to our first Messy Play Day. This is a play group where the kids go to purposefully get messy. There Bryson and Sadie had the opportunity to paint, play with sand, pasta, playdough, and even colorful mashed potatoes. They had a really nice time and I too had a nice time visiting with Susan afterwards at her house while we sipped coffee and the kids played.
After our play date, I came home to finish up a cake project that I made for Brian's office-mate, Annetta. Here is a picture of the finished cake. Not the best model I have done, but I am hoping that she will like it anyway!
Tomorrow, the kids and I will have to venture out to the medical clinic where Bryson and Sadie both have appointments to meet with the Health Visitor. I think this is something like a well child check up like we have at home. I just hope they don't tell us that we have to do any more vaccinations.
Well, that is all for now. Perhaps this weekend we will take another local castle adventure. Who knows what will be in store...for now, though, pray for my sanity. :-)
W
Friday, May 15, 2009
Rufus and Me
Good morning, friends!
This installment of idle prattle comes to you bright and early here in Aberdeen. It is just a bit after 2 am here and true to form, I am in another sleepless night cycle. The good news is, I have time to sit (or lie in bed) and blog a bit. The bad news is, it may make perfect sense to me right now, but perhaps very little sense to you as you read it. :-) We always think we are wittier when extremely tired than we really are. I think the medical term is sleepy sillies.
Whatever sleepless state I am in, this week has still gone by pretty quickly and I am looking forward to another weekend. Nothing earth shatteringly exciting has occurred this week, which is fine by me. I've never been so relaxed in my life! It takes some getting used to, not having to be on the go all of the time. Life has kind of come to a stand still for me, but in a very positive way.
I had the opportunity today to visit with a dear friend for about an hour on the phone, a luxury I don't often indulge in. (If you look up phonaphobia in the dictionary, I am sure it has my picture in there for a reference). She and I discussed the positives of taking time out for ourselves in order to be better mums. (Yeah, I said it...mums. I am such a Brit. :-)) Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the "going" and "doing" of life that we don't take time out to just be ourselves and to do for ourselves. I know, I should not propagate selfishness and I don't mean to here. I just mean that sometimes we need to simplify life in order to be better people. If that means less errand running and more couch surfing then make it so. Just make sure you are sharing that couch with someone you love, like a cheeky little boy who loves his momma or an adoring husband who doesn't often get lovey snuggles. I guess what I am trying to say is slow is good and I am blessed to be taking it slow these days, while still enjoying life abroad.
After a night last night of bleery eyed insomnia, I was pretty tired today and ended up compromising with my inner to do list on the house work. I settled for cleaning downstairs and doing laundry and then spent the afternoon playing with sugar. I did another model based on Lorraine McKay's tutorials, which I lovingly call "Rufus and Me". The little girl is meant to be Aubrey and the puppy is one of our schnauzers, Rufus. I think it turned out pretty cute and I gave it to Aubrey. She is so excited to have it and wants to take it to school to show her friends. I doubt it will return in less than a dozen pieces, but if it makes her happy, than I am happy! :-)
Here are a few pics:
Well, I guess I will attempt to retire for now. I wish you a wonderful weekend and pleasant dreams, as I hope to have a bit of both myself! Cheers!- W
This installment of idle prattle comes to you bright and early here in Aberdeen. It is just a bit after 2 am here and true to form, I am in another sleepless night cycle. The good news is, I have time to sit (or lie in bed) and blog a bit. The bad news is, it may make perfect sense to me right now, but perhaps very little sense to you as you read it. :-) We always think we are wittier when extremely tired than we really are. I think the medical term is sleepy sillies.
Whatever sleepless state I am in, this week has still gone by pretty quickly and I am looking forward to another weekend. Nothing earth shatteringly exciting has occurred this week, which is fine by me. I've never been so relaxed in my life! It takes some getting used to, not having to be on the go all of the time. Life has kind of come to a stand still for me, but in a very positive way.
I had the opportunity today to visit with a dear friend for about an hour on the phone, a luxury I don't often indulge in. (If you look up phonaphobia in the dictionary, I am sure it has my picture in there for a reference). She and I discussed the positives of taking time out for ourselves in order to be better mums. (Yeah, I said it...mums. I am such a Brit. :-)) Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the "going" and "doing" of life that we don't take time out to just be ourselves and to do for ourselves. I know, I should not propagate selfishness and I don't mean to here. I just mean that sometimes we need to simplify life in order to be better people. If that means less errand running and more couch surfing then make it so. Just make sure you are sharing that couch with someone you love, like a cheeky little boy who loves his momma or an adoring husband who doesn't often get lovey snuggles. I guess what I am trying to say is slow is good and I am blessed to be taking it slow these days, while still enjoying life abroad.
After a night last night of bleery eyed insomnia, I was pretty tired today and ended up compromising with my inner to do list on the house work. I settled for cleaning downstairs and doing laundry and then spent the afternoon playing with sugar. I did another model based on Lorraine McKay's tutorials, which I lovingly call "Rufus and Me". The little girl is meant to be Aubrey and the puppy is one of our schnauzers, Rufus. I think it turned out pretty cute and I gave it to Aubrey. She is so excited to have it and wants to take it to school to show her friends. I doubt it will return in less than a dozen pieces, but if it makes her happy, than I am happy! :-)
Here are a few pics:
Well, I guess I will attempt to retire for now. I wish you a wonderful weekend and pleasant dreams, as I hope to have a bit of both myself! Cheers!- W
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A few Modeling projects
Just thought I would share a few more pictures of some of the sugar models I have been making. I tell ya, Lorraine McKay is amazing, if I only had a wee bit of her talent, I would go far. If you are ever interested in sugar art, you should check out her tutorials, they are wonderful! :-)
This is called a "Jimmy Hat". Apparently this is a familiar character here in Scotland. Notice his rosy red nose....he loves to frequent the pubs. After all, there is one on every corner here. lol
This is the baby on quilt that I was working on the other day. Poor thing, looked like his hands had been run over by a steam roller...very flat... I think I am better at feet. :-)
This is a bear I made to mourn the one that little Simon from across the street had snuffed out. Look at his sad little expression...
Lastly, here is the after shot of the poor defenseless teddy who had is ear ripped off and head bashed in. I still can't help but chuckle at how he looks. Perhaps I should add a white bandage to his wound. :-)
Maybe if I get my chores done, I can start another project tomorrow...Until then, cheers! - W
This is called a "Jimmy Hat". Apparently this is a familiar character here in Scotland. Notice his rosy red nose....he loves to frequent the pubs. After all, there is one on every corner here. lol
This is the baby on quilt that I was working on the other day. Poor thing, looked like his hands had been run over by a steam roller...very flat... I think I am better at feet. :-)
This is a bear I made to mourn the one that little Simon from across the street had snuffed out. Look at his sad little expression...
Lastly, here is the after shot of the poor defenseless teddy who had is ear ripped off and head bashed in. I still can't help but chuckle at how he looks. Perhaps I should add a white bandage to his wound. :-)
Maybe if I get my chores done, I can start another project tomorrow...Until then, cheers! - W
Happy Mother's Day
First off, let me say Happy Mother's Day to all of you lovely ladies out there. While today is not technically Mother's Day here in the U.K., I still enjoyed a McDonald's big breakfast in bed from my hubby. My children, of course, didn't even remember that it was Mother's Day. In fact, Aubrey's response when I told her the only thing I wanted for Mother's Day was for them to behave while we were out was "it's not Mother's Day here.". Oh well, I still had a nice day.
Today we ventured to Drum castle which is about 12 miles from our house, in Drumoak, Banchory. It was another lovely day for exploring and this time we actually went into the castle for a tour. Because of the fragile nature of the contents, we were not allowed to take photographs inside the castle. I did, however, take several pictures from my new dummy-proof camera of the outside of the castle and from atop the castle tower. (Wooh, another story for another day...Wendy + heights + narrow spaces + bats= terror.) The pictures I took can be found on my Facebook page.
One of the really nice things about the castle tours here are that most of them have quizzes for the kids. This castle had a picture quiz for Bryson's age and another for Aubrey's age group. They really enjoyed finding the clues and today they won a prize for their efforts.
After a bit of trauma from Brian's challenge to me to climb to the top of the tower, we headed home for the day, deciding to skip a second visit to Crathes castle and save it for another day. I think my ticker had all it could take for the day.
Once nestled again in the familiar comforts of home, I took an unintended snooze and awoke ready to finish my latest modeling project just in time for you moms. I am quite happy with how she turned out and am thinking of adding her to a decorated board and gifting her to my next door neighbor who's hair was my model's inspiration. Here she is....hope you ladies get a chance to do something you enjoy today, like I did getting to play with sugar and like my mommy model who is reading her favorite book! Blessings dear friends! Cheers!
- W
Today we ventured to Drum castle which is about 12 miles from our house, in Drumoak, Banchory. It was another lovely day for exploring and this time we actually went into the castle for a tour. Because of the fragile nature of the contents, we were not allowed to take photographs inside the castle. I did, however, take several pictures from my new dummy-proof camera of the outside of the castle and from atop the castle tower. (Wooh, another story for another day...Wendy + heights + narrow spaces + bats= terror.) The pictures I took can be found on my Facebook page.
One of the really nice things about the castle tours here are that most of them have quizzes for the kids. This castle had a picture quiz for Bryson's age and another for Aubrey's age group. They really enjoyed finding the clues and today they won a prize for their efforts.
After a bit of trauma from Brian's challenge to me to climb to the top of the tower, we headed home for the day, deciding to skip a second visit to Crathes castle and save it for another day. I think my ticker had all it could take for the day.
Once nestled again in the familiar comforts of home, I took an unintended snooze and awoke ready to finish my latest modeling project just in time for you moms. I am quite happy with how she turned out and am thinking of adding her to a decorated board and gifting her to my next door neighbor who's hair was my model's inspiration. Here she is....hope you ladies get a chance to do something you enjoy today, like I did getting to play with sugar and like my mommy model who is reading her favorite book! Blessings dear friends! Cheers!
- W
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Teddy Bears
Hello again! I would love to say that I have been jetting around Scotland admiring more castles this week, but alas, we had a much needed weekend at home. We ended up taking the kids to Fun Beach on Monday ( a bank holiday) evening to play some arcade games and to treat Brian to dinner at Frankie and Benny's as an early birthday treat. He was really looking forward to this cinnamon waffle dessert, the entire reason we waited for 45 minutes for a table. Unfortunately, had we read the sign above the door, we would have seen that they were out of desserts. Go figure!
Still, we had a nice long weekend together. It was a really great weekend for me. I got to go cake supply shopping and got a new camera that I can actually use. (In the dictionary, if you look up photography dummy, you will see my picture.) In my last post, I mentioned that I was hoping to get started on some figure modeling projects. I completed one this weekend, even though it was promptly destroyed by the little boy across the street. Poor teddy bear suffered from blunt force trauma. :-( Here is a picture of what it looked like in its pre-mortem state....
Currently I am working on a baby on a quilt. Currently, it is headless...but I hope to rectify that soon. Of course, before I can play, I have to get the laundry done.
Brian's birthday was yesterday. I made him "Nonicotti" for dinner. He requested manicotti, but I was unable to find manicotti pasta, so I made up my own concoction using smaller shells and my own blend of cheeses. It turned out pretty good if I say so myself. :-) I think he had a nice birthday, even though it was pretty low key. Do any of us really want to celebrate 35 anyway?
Well, that is all for now. I hope to finish my second project this week and will share it with you if I do. Until then, enjoy the rain because it brings out the most beautiful flowers...At least it does here! -W
Still, we had a nice long weekend together. It was a really great weekend for me. I got to go cake supply shopping and got a new camera that I can actually use. (In the dictionary, if you look up photography dummy, you will see my picture.) In my last post, I mentioned that I was hoping to get started on some figure modeling projects. I completed one this weekend, even though it was promptly destroyed by the little boy across the street. Poor teddy bear suffered from blunt force trauma. :-( Here is a picture of what it looked like in its pre-mortem state....
Currently I am working on a baby on a quilt. Currently, it is headless...but I hope to rectify that soon. Of course, before I can play, I have to get the laundry done.
Brian's birthday was yesterday. I made him "Nonicotti" for dinner. He requested manicotti, but I was unable to find manicotti pasta, so I made up my own concoction using smaller shells and my own blend of cheeses. It turned out pretty good if I say so myself. :-) I think he had a nice birthday, even though it was pretty low key. Do any of us really want to celebrate 35 anyway?
Well, that is all for now. I hope to finish my second project this week and will share it with you if I do. Until then, enjoy the rain because it brings out the most beautiful flowers...At least it does here! -W
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Simple Life
Afternoon again, friends.
I sit here today writing with both a sense of satisfaction and a bit of glum. Life in Scotland has really taken me back to a sense of simpler things. On the one hand, I am so pleased with our minimalistic lifestyle. I know what you are thinking, a two story fully furnished home is not at all minimalistic. It is, however, a lot less of the materialistic things that we had grown accustomed to in the U.S.
Just this morning, Brian and I were discussing how much we have enjoyed keeping things simple. Right now we have no satellite tv, no video game consoles hooked up, no overwhelming knick knacks or techno gadgets cluttering up our lives. It really does bring out a sense of peace in one's self to have a place for everything and to have everything in its place. We have even seriously reduced the number of times we eat out each week. In Bartlesville, we averaged (ashamedly) 5 or more times a week. Here, we might get take out from our favorite Fish and Chips place once a week. I enjoy cooking for the family (I love grocery delivery!) and have enjoyed having the time with all of them in the same place each evening.
Where the glumness comes in for me is that life has become so simple for me, that I feel as though I have somewhat lost my identity. I have no one to bake cakes for, do projects with, or to volunteer with. I know that these things come in time, but I feel a bit lost. I mean, there is only so much cleaning you can do in a day and getting down on the floor to play with the kids has never been an easy task for me. I find myself spending way too much time playing pointless games on Facebook and with every keystroke, I lose a bit of my day and a bit of my self. I know, that sounds so melodramatic, and in fact, you are right. I just need a hobby! LOL
So, as soon as I can make it back to the cake shop, I am going to pick up some supplies to practice my figure modelling, and I hope that you will indulge me by letting me post a picture of a project or two once in a while.
I mean, there has to be a balance between the satisfaction of simple life and keeping busy. This stint in Scotland will be the test of that. Anyway, I hope you are all well and are not getting blown away by those lovely April showers! Until then.... W
I sit here today writing with both a sense of satisfaction and a bit of glum. Life in Scotland has really taken me back to a sense of simpler things. On the one hand, I am so pleased with our minimalistic lifestyle. I know what you are thinking, a two story fully furnished home is not at all minimalistic. It is, however, a lot less of the materialistic things that we had grown accustomed to in the U.S.
Just this morning, Brian and I were discussing how much we have enjoyed keeping things simple. Right now we have no satellite tv, no video game consoles hooked up, no overwhelming knick knacks or techno gadgets cluttering up our lives. It really does bring out a sense of peace in one's self to have a place for everything and to have everything in its place. We have even seriously reduced the number of times we eat out each week. In Bartlesville, we averaged (ashamedly) 5 or more times a week. Here, we might get take out from our favorite Fish and Chips place once a week. I enjoy cooking for the family (I love grocery delivery!) and have enjoyed having the time with all of them in the same place each evening.
Where the glumness comes in for me is that life has become so simple for me, that I feel as though I have somewhat lost my identity. I have no one to bake cakes for, do projects with, or to volunteer with. I know that these things come in time, but I feel a bit lost. I mean, there is only so much cleaning you can do in a day and getting down on the floor to play with the kids has never been an easy task for me. I find myself spending way too much time playing pointless games on Facebook and with every keystroke, I lose a bit of my day and a bit of my self. I know, that sounds so melodramatic, and in fact, you are right. I just need a hobby! LOL
So, as soon as I can make it back to the cake shop, I am going to pick up some supplies to practice my figure modelling, and I hope that you will indulge me by letting me post a picture of a project or two once in a while.
I mean, there has to be a balance between the satisfaction of simple life and keeping busy. This stint in Scotland will be the test of that. Anyway, I hope you are all well and are not getting blown away by those lovely April showers! Until then.... W
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Birthdays, Burgers, and BT
Afternoon, all...
First let me make apologies for not updating the blog very frequently this week. BT (I think this might stand for British Telecommunications) cut our phone lines last week in error, cutting us off from the world around us. As it turns out, when you are the only phone company in town, you don't have to care about your customers, and therefore can leave them without service for weeks at a time. We finally got desperate and purchased a "pay as you go" Broadband service which allows me to write to you. Alas, however, we still have no way of calling the states until BT gets around to getting us back online. Blerg...
Anyway, in the past week, we have seen three birthday celebrations around here. The first being an early celebration of Brian's May 5th birthday while his parents were still in town. In recognition of his birthday, we took him to dinner at a UK chain restaurant Frankie and Benny's or Benny and Joon's, or Frankie and Johnie's; I can't really remember the name. It was a very kid friendly restaurant, touting a New York Italian 50s style. It was kind of a strange take on an American styled restaurant. The majority of us ordered cheeseburgers, since they are known for them there. I thought it was ironic that they proudly advertised Irish beef, when everywhere else in Scotland praises their Scottish Angus. In any case, the food was good, but the burger had a microwave dinner salsbury steak taste to it. I didn't mind it, but Brian and his dad thought it strange.
After dinner, we took the kids to a video arcade next to the restaurant (all located at Fun Beach in Aberdeen) where I amused myself with a 2 pence arcade game, losing about a pound in an hour. (I'm too cheap to ever try real gambling.) Since it was a school night, we headed home early while I prepared myself for the next birthday celebration, Bryson's 5th birthday.
Thursday morning, I began preparations for Bryson's birthday. He had requested a Thomas the Tank Engine cake. I didn't bring a large enough sheet pan to bake and carve my own train, so earlier in the week I had ventured out to a local cake shop for some supplies and ended up "hiring" a 3D cake pan. (As a side note, the cake supply area of this cake shop was smaller than my laundry room. There is really only room for one customer at a time to browse. Needless to say, I didn't tarry, picking up the sugarpaste I needed for the project and going about my way.) I didn't care for the look of the 3D train, and apparently neither did Bryson, as he proceeded to tell me throughout the day on his birthday of all of the ways the cake did not look like Thomas. I have to admit, it was certainly the ugliest cake I have made in a while. Oh well, I was limited. Still, he (and all of the neighborhood children) liked the taste of it, so I was satisfied.
For Bryson's birthday, we of course bought him a few more train pieces for his every growing Thomas set, but I also ordered the kids a couple of Didicars.
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B000HDQ24I/sr=8-1/qid=1240921454/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=468292&s=toys&qid=1240921454&sr=8-1)
Our next door neighbors have these little scooter cars and Aubrey and Bryson just went crazy over them. Now, that is all I hear in the afternoons, the roaring sound of racing Didicars.
The final birthday of the week was actually our neighbor's birthday. Aubrey and Bryson were invited to the party where they had a giant bouncy castle set up in the back yard. They had so much fun and the party lasted all afternoon. I finally told the kids they needed to come home because I was afraid that they had overstayed their welcome. As it turns out, it was just a really long party. They didn't even get to stay for cake! I don't know if this is indicative of parties here, but they sure make the most of them. :-)
The only other bit of excitement of the week, was an afternoon trip to Crathes castle. It is about 20 minutes drive from here and has a beautiful estate with gorgeous landscaped areas for the children to play. They also had a fun little playground for the children to play. While the castle itself is not as beautiful as Balmoral, the grounds were impressive and the kids were able to work out a lot of energy there. I would recommend a visit if you are ever in the area.
We also had to bid farewell to Bill and Jan this past weekend, as they ended their visit and headed back to the states. We had a really nice time with them and I already miss them. I know the kids do too.
Well, that is all I have to report for now. I apologize for the length and the disorganization of this post. Perhaps if I had internet access over the weekend, you would have had the opportunity to read about this in a few different more cleverly written posts. But, for now, this is as much as my jumbled brain can do!
Missing you all.... W
First let me make apologies for not updating the blog very frequently this week. BT (I think this might stand for British Telecommunications) cut our phone lines last week in error, cutting us off from the world around us. As it turns out, when you are the only phone company in town, you don't have to care about your customers, and therefore can leave them without service for weeks at a time. We finally got desperate and purchased a "pay as you go" Broadband service which allows me to write to you. Alas, however, we still have no way of calling the states until BT gets around to getting us back online. Blerg...
Anyway, in the past week, we have seen three birthday celebrations around here. The first being an early celebration of Brian's May 5th birthday while his parents were still in town. In recognition of his birthday, we took him to dinner at a UK chain restaurant Frankie and Benny's or Benny and Joon's, or Frankie and Johnie's; I can't really remember the name. It was a very kid friendly restaurant, touting a New York Italian 50s style. It was kind of a strange take on an American styled restaurant. The majority of us ordered cheeseburgers, since they are known for them there. I thought it was ironic that they proudly advertised Irish beef, when everywhere else in Scotland praises their Scottish Angus. In any case, the food was good, but the burger had a microwave dinner salsbury steak taste to it. I didn't mind it, but Brian and his dad thought it strange.
After dinner, we took the kids to a video arcade next to the restaurant (all located at Fun Beach in Aberdeen) where I amused myself with a 2 pence arcade game, losing about a pound in an hour. (I'm too cheap to ever try real gambling.) Since it was a school night, we headed home early while I prepared myself for the next birthday celebration, Bryson's 5th birthday.
Thursday morning, I began preparations for Bryson's birthday. He had requested a Thomas the Tank Engine cake. I didn't bring a large enough sheet pan to bake and carve my own train, so earlier in the week I had ventured out to a local cake shop for some supplies and ended up "hiring" a 3D cake pan. (As a side note, the cake supply area of this cake shop was smaller than my laundry room. There is really only room for one customer at a time to browse. Needless to say, I didn't tarry, picking up the sugarpaste I needed for the project and going about my way.) I didn't care for the look of the 3D train, and apparently neither did Bryson, as he proceeded to tell me throughout the day on his birthday of all of the ways the cake did not look like Thomas. I have to admit, it was certainly the ugliest cake I have made in a while. Oh well, I was limited. Still, he (and all of the neighborhood children) liked the taste of it, so I was satisfied.
For Bryson's birthday, we of course bought him a few more train pieces for his every growing Thomas set, but I also ordered the kids a couple of Didicars.
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B000HDQ24I/sr=8-1/qid=1240921454/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=468292&s=toys&qid=1240921454&sr=8-1)
Our next door neighbors have these little scooter cars and Aubrey and Bryson just went crazy over them. Now, that is all I hear in the afternoons, the roaring sound of racing Didicars.
The final birthday of the week was actually our neighbor's birthday. Aubrey and Bryson were invited to the party where they had a giant bouncy castle set up in the back yard. They had so much fun and the party lasted all afternoon. I finally told the kids they needed to come home because I was afraid that they had overstayed their welcome. As it turns out, it was just a really long party. They didn't even get to stay for cake! I don't know if this is indicative of parties here, but they sure make the most of them. :-)
The only other bit of excitement of the week, was an afternoon trip to Crathes castle. It is about 20 minutes drive from here and has a beautiful estate with gorgeous landscaped areas for the children to play. They also had a fun little playground for the children to play. While the castle itself is not as beautiful as Balmoral, the grounds were impressive and the kids were able to work out a lot of energy there. I would recommend a visit if you are ever in the area.
We also had to bid farewell to Bill and Jan this past weekend, as they ended their visit and headed back to the states. We had a really nice time with them and I already miss them. I know the kids do too.
Well, that is all I have to report for now. I apologize for the length and the disorganization of this post. Perhaps if I had internet access over the weekend, you would have had the opportunity to read about this in a few different more cleverly written posts. But, for now, this is as much as my jumbled brain can do!
Missing you all.... W
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Roundabouts, Royalty, and Lamb, oh my!
Evening all! This has been yet another fully packed weekend for me and I must admit, I am quite tired tonight. Of course, it is a good kind of tired! :-)
My weekend was surely off to a great start on Friday evening when my online grocery order was delivered without delay and was accompanied by a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, compliments of Asda. I cannot express the delight I feel when I think of the time I will save utilizing this service. In celebration of our grocery delivery, we ate fresh deli pizzas for dinner, which cost me 1 Pound a piece. That's right, $1.45 is all it cost for a 10" freshly made (not frozen) pizza. I fed the entire household of 7 for 7 pounds, and we had food left over. Brilliant! We all went to bed happy and full and I was eager for rest, since bright and early Saturday morning I would have my driving lesson.
Saturday morning arrived, and with my nerves in my throat, I awaited the arrival of my driving instructor. When Dave, a true Scotsman arrived, I prepared myself for my adventure. I asked Brian along for some moral support. For four hours I drove about Aberdeen, encountering one lesson after another, and rehearsing one Roundabout after another. Dave, a right patient fellow, and I did not always communicate effectively and I came across a blithering idiot at times. (Not that this is necessarily different from my communications with any other sort of person.) In my defense, however, I don't think he always understood my questions. After a break for some coffee and scones, we finished my lesson, returning once again to the safety of my own driveway. There he assessed me as a High Level 3 or Low Level 2 risk...meaning, keep off the curbs and watch where you are going cuz there is a crazy American woman on the loose in town! LOL Seriously, he said he wasn't too worried about my driving and that I would do better with time. I was so thrilled to be through with my lesson that I quickly ate lunch and then crashed into bed for a long unwinding nap while everyone else went shopping.
Saturday evening came about and the kids and I spent some time outside playing in the yard, where I was able to meet my neighbor Tim's wife, Susan. She is quite a lovely lady and I could see us having a nice friendship, especially since our children seem quite taken with each other. (She has 4, all around the same ages as my littles ones.) She invited me to coffee sometime, as well as invited the children to her son Josh's 4th birthday party next Sunday. Aubrey and Bryson are so excited about that! Her youngest, Sophie, is Sadie's age and it is uncanny how much they resemble one another...with blonde curls at the nape of the neck and chunky little knees. I should get a picture of the two of them together.
Sunday (this morning) we got up and decided to take a trip to Balmoral castle, the Scottish home of the Royal family. It is about 40 miles from Aberdeen, up north in the Highlands. This was the perfect day to make the drive, as we awoke to sunshine. In fact, the first words I heard this morning came from Bryson's mouth "Mommy! It isn't gray outside today!" Before we left, our neighbor Susan suggested we take in lunch at the Old Royal Station Cafe in Ballater. So, before heading to Balmoral, we stopped off and had lunch, (I had a beef and lamb burger) picked up a few souvenirs, and snapped a few pictures of the town. Once we finished lunch, we headed to the castle, where we were pleased to see that the Royal flag was flying, indicating that someone from the Royal family was on the estate. We were unable to tour the inside of the castle, with the exception of the Royal Ball room, but the outside of the castle was charming enough and quite beautiful.
All in all, it was a wonderful day and a wonderful weekend and I look forward to closing it out with a few pages from a book about the history of Scotland. I wonder what adventures are in store for us next weekend? Until next time, good night!
My weekend was surely off to a great start on Friday evening when my online grocery order was delivered without delay and was accompanied by a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, compliments of Asda. I cannot express the delight I feel when I think of the time I will save utilizing this service. In celebration of our grocery delivery, we ate fresh deli pizzas for dinner, which cost me 1 Pound a piece. That's right, $1.45 is all it cost for a 10" freshly made (not frozen) pizza. I fed the entire household of 7 for 7 pounds, and we had food left over. Brilliant! We all went to bed happy and full and I was eager for rest, since bright and early Saturday morning I would have my driving lesson.
Saturday morning arrived, and with my nerves in my throat, I awaited the arrival of my driving instructor. When Dave, a true Scotsman arrived, I prepared myself for my adventure. I asked Brian along for some moral support. For four hours I drove about Aberdeen, encountering one lesson after another, and rehearsing one Roundabout after another. Dave, a right patient fellow, and I did not always communicate effectively and I came across a blithering idiot at times. (Not that this is necessarily different from my communications with any other sort of person.) In my defense, however, I don't think he always understood my questions. After a break for some coffee and scones, we finished my lesson, returning once again to the safety of my own driveway. There he assessed me as a High Level 3 or Low Level 2 risk...meaning, keep off the curbs and watch where you are going cuz there is a crazy American woman on the loose in town! LOL Seriously, he said he wasn't too worried about my driving and that I would do better with time. I was so thrilled to be through with my lesson that I quickly ate lunch and then crashed into bed for a long unwinding nap while everyone else went shopping.
Saturday evening came about and the kids and I spent some time outside playing in the yard, where I was able to meet my neighbor Tim's wife, Susan. She is quite a lovely lady and I could see us having a nice friendship, especially since our children seem quite taken with each other. (She has 4, all around the same ages as my littles ones.) She invited me to coffee sometime, as well as invited the children to her son Josh's 4th birthday party next Sunday. Aubrey and Bryson are so excited about that! Her youngest, Sophie, is Sadie's age and it is uncanny how much they resemble one another...with blonde curls at the nape of the neck and chunky little knees. I should get a picture of the two of them together.
Sunday (this morning) we got up and decided to take a trip to Balmoral castle, the Scottish home of the Royal family. It is about 40 miles from Aberdeen, up north in the Highlands. This was the perfect day to make the drive, as we awoke to sunshine. In fact, the first words I heard this morning came from Bryson's mouth "Mommy! It isn't gray outside today!" Before we left, our neighbor Susan suggested we take in lunch at the Old Royal Station Cafe in Ballater. So, before heading to Balmoral, we stopped off and had lunch, (I had a beef and lamb burger) picked up a few souvenirs, and snapped a few pictures of the town. Once we finished lunch, we headed to the castle, where we were pleased to see that the Royal flag was flying, indicating that someone from the Royal family was on the estate. We were unable to tour the inside of the castle, with the exception of the Royal Ball room, but the outside of the castle was charming enough and quite beautiful.
All in all, it was a wonderful day and a wonderful weekend and I look forward to closing it out with a few pages from a book about the history of Scotland. I wonder what adventures are in store for us next weekend? Until next time, good night!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Knickerbocker Glory
Good morning all! It is another chilly, cheery day here in Aberdeen. I awoke this morning to the sound of our first garbage collection day; the large noisy truck making its way down our street. Thankfully, trash is collected but once a week! :-)
It is hard to believe that we've been in the new house for an entire week now and that I am proud to say we are all tucked away and organized. (Or should I say organised, as they would say here!) Bryson and Aubrey arrived home last night with the their grandparents, having taken a train from York England. They had such a wonderful time with Grammy and Grandad, though I think they may have not been on their best behavior while away.
Since we did not get the change to have an Easter egg hunt last weekend, the children were greeted with a chocolate egg hunt in the back garden when they arrived home and even Sadie got in on the action. Sadie had already enjoyed a bit of a hunt before they arrived, as she helped me to hide them. (Well, she collected them behind me as I hid them. LOL)
After we brought in bags, gave a tour of the house, and gathered ourselves, we set out for some Fish and Chips at "Great Britain's Number 1 Fish and Chips" restaurant, the Ashvale. I don't know if I mentioned this place in my last blog, but it truly is the best Fish and Chips I have ever eaten. I suppose that is what happens when you live right next to the sea and can get fresh fish daily!
Anyway, we all ordered a dessert, and being adventurous, I chose the Knickerbocker Glory. This is a favorite British dessert and I was so curious to try it. I am generally not a fan of ice cream, but I was being adventurous, after all! This delicious and suprisingly light dessert consisted of a strawberry half atop fresh whipped cream, atop strawberry ice cream, a layer of fresh peaches, a layer of vanilla ice cream, a layer of fresh pears and a layer of strawberry syrup in the bottom. All of it was topped off with a couple of wafer cookies that Aubrey likened to a peacock. It was really quite good. If ever in the area, I recommend you try one!
After dinner we made a quick stop at ASDA and then came home to retire for the night. All in all, it was a nice homecoming for the kids and once again nice to see some familiar faces.
Today, I am hoping to receive delivery of my first ever online grocery shopping experience. This is really quite wonderful, since I have not had my driving lesson yet and am unable to drive to the local grocery. I am actually quite excited about the prospect of having them delivered, saves so much time at the store!:-)
Aubrey and Bryson could not wait to break out their scooters that they have been missing since February. Both were greeted with the added bonus of meeting the kids next door who are right at their same ages. These children are from Ireland. I met their father who told me that there are several children on our street their ages. How wonderful! In fact, I haven't seen Aubrey and Bryson in the house since they went out to play! FABULOUS!
Well, that's all to report right now. When I have some free time, I will try to upload some London pictures for those of you who are not on facebook. Weekend blessings! W
It is hard to believe that we've been in the new house for an entire week now and that I am proud to say we are all tucked away and organized. (Or should I say organised, as they would say here!) Bryson and Aubrey arrived home last night with the their grandparents, having taken a train from York England. They had such a wonderful time with Grammy and Grandad, though I think they may have not been on their best behavior while away.
Since we did not get the change to have an Easter egg hunt last weekend, the children were greeted with a chocolate egg hunt in the back garden when they arrived home and even Sadie got in on the action. Sadie had already enjoyed a bit of a hunt before they arrived, as she helped me to hide them. (Well, she collected them behind me as I hid them. LOL)
After we brought in bags, gave a tour of the house, and gathered ourselves, we set out for some Fish and Chips at "Great Britain's Number 1 Fish and Chips" restaurant, the Ashvale. I don't know if I mentioned this place in my last blog, but it truly is the best Fish and Chips I have ever eaten. I suppose that is what happens when you live right next to the sea and can get fresh fish daily!
Anyway, we all ordered a dessert, and being adventurous, I chose the Knickerbocker Glory. This is a favorite British dessert and I was so curious to try it. I am generally not a fan of ice cream, but I was being adventurous, after all! This delicious and suprisingly light dessert consisted of a strawberry half atop fresh whipped cream, atop strawberry ice cream, a layer of fresh peaches, a layer of vanilla ice cream, a layer of fresh pears and a layer of strawberry syrup in the bottom. All of it was topped off with a couple of wafer cookies that Aubrey likened to a peacock. It was really quite good. If ever in the area, I recommend you try one!
After dinner we made a quick stop at ASDA and then came home to retire for the night. All in all, it was a nice homecoming for the kids and once again nice to see some familiar faces.Today, I am hoping to receive delivery of my first ever online grocery shopping experience. This is really quite wonderful, since I have not had my driving lesson yet and am unable to drive to the local grocery. I am actually quite excited about the prospect of having them delivered, saves so much time at the store!:-)
Aubrey and Bryson could not wait to break out their scooters that they have been missing since February. Both were greeted with the added bonus of meeting the kids next door who are right at their same ages. These children are from Ireland. I met their father who told me that there are several children on our street their ages. How wonderful! In fact, I haven't seen Aubrey and Bryson in the house since they went out to play! FABULOUS!
Well, that's all to report right now. When I have some free time, I will try to upload some London pictures for those of you who are not on facebook. Weekend blessings! W
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A taste of the familiar
Hello again! Today was a rather tedious and boring one for blogging, I am afraid. I spent the day continuing my quest to get the new house in order. I've almost completed things, with one final suitcase and a few odds and ends to finish up tomorrow. It will be good to have everything in order for a change! :-)
Probably the most interesting bit about my day was the chance to sit back and relax this evening with Pizza Hut delivery and a few hours of watching 30 Rock on DVD. DVD players are not the same here, so we are limited on what we can watch, but had the fortune of finding Season 1 yesterday at ASDA. It was a great reward for a couple of days of hard work. :-)
On the downside, however, I'm afraid my immune system is getting the better of me as I have developed quite an annoying sinus infection. Sadie attempted to help me cure my ills this evening by emptying an entire box of tissues around the living room. I just wish she would have given me one!
Anyway, it is always nice to experience a bit of the familiar when you aren't quite 100%. Btw...Pizza Hut pizza is as good or better here as it is at home! Until next time.... W
Probably the most interesting bit about my day was the chance to sit back and relax this evening with Pizza Hut delivery and a few hours of watching 30 Rock on DVD. DVD players are not the same here, so we are limited on what we can watch, but had the fortune of finding Season 1 yesterday at ASDA. It was a great reward for a couple of days of hard work. :-)
On the downside, however, I'm afraid my immune system is getting the better of me as I have developed quite an annoying sinus infection. Sadie attempted to help me cure my ills this evening by emptying an entire box of tissues around the living room. I just wish she would have given me one!
Anyway, it is always nice to experience a bit of the familiar when you aren't quite 100%. Btw...Pizza Hut pizza is as good or better here as it is at home! Until next time.... W
Good morning all from a lightly rainy day in Aberdeen! :-) It seems I have been quite busy as of late. On Good Friday, Brian, the kids, and I hopped a flight to London to meet my in-laws, Bill and Jan in London for the weekend. On the flight we were treated to a traditional English breakfast which consisted of egg scrambled, soft bacon, sausage, steamed tomatoes and mushrooms. It was quite delicious and even Aubrey thought so.
When we arrived in London, we took a hired car to our hotel, The County Court Marriot which is located next to the London Eye. Incidentally, it is named this because it used to house the County Court before it was converted into a hotel and museums (which house a Salvador Dali exhibit and a Movie Museum). The building itself is quite beautiful and sits along the Thames River. On our way, we happened upon the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. We also passed the Museum of Natural History where there were literally thousands of people lined up outside waiting to see the Darwin exhibit.
As we arrived to the hotel we saw a beautiful silver Rolls Royce exiting. We checked into our room and met Bill and Jan, whom we were delighted to see after a week of near solitude and strange faces. The rest of our first day, we spent dining in and resting, swimming, and enjoying the company.
On Saturday, after feasting on a rather large English Breakfast buffet in the hotel, we ventured out onto the street outside of our hotel. There we took in the cool misty air of London, along with thousands of other people on holiday. Just down the way was Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament (which are separated by color, red & green), Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street (which houses the Prime Minister), The Old Scotland Yard, MI5 and much more. It was a lovely site, though quite a bit of walking for my mother-in-law, so after a few hours, we returned to the comfort of our hotel.
On Sunday, Brian, Bill, Aubrey and Bryson took a ride on the London Eye while I stayed in with Jan and Sadie to pack up our things for our departure. After their return, we all took a tour on the River Thames, seeing the replica of The Globe Theater, as well as it's original location, The Anchor Pub, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and so much more. It was an amazing ride and Brian filmed the entire tour while I took photos. As soon as I get those photos downloaded, I will post them on my Facebook page to share with you. :-)
After completing our river tour, Brian and Aubrey toured the Movieum while the rest of us took time out for High Tea in our hotel where we enjoyed traditional finger sandwiches, fruit scones, tea cakes, and of course, tea. It was delicious and quite filling. I look forward to sharing a High Tea with Aubrey when she returns from holiday with Bill and Jan.
The end of our stay crept upon us quickly and soon it was time for Brian, Sadie, and I to say goodbye and to journey back home. Aubrey and Bryson stayed on to enjoy more sights in London with their grandparents during Aubrey's Easter break.
As side note: Easter is well celebrated in GB, but not in quite the same manner as in the states. Easter is celebrated with decadent chocolate eggs (not bunnies), given as gifts to all and used in egg hunts. There are no cheesy colorful plastic baskets with fake grass to be seen anywhere, much to Aubrey's dismay. Brian and I searched about for plastic eggs to give the children a belated egg hunt when they return and could find none...So, they shall hunt chocolate eggs instead!
We of course arrived home safely in Aberdeen Sunday night. Monday morning, bright and early, the movers arrived with the rest of our belongings and spent the morning unloading and unpacking; commenting on the amount of kitchen stuff I have! LOL They went upon their way and I set to the task of putting my house in order. I did quite well and as a result have the first floor squared away quite nicely. Today, however, (after I finish procrastinating by writing) I must finish the second floor in preparation for the family's return in a few days.
As you can see, life here is going quite well, as I am enjoying the newness of it all. I look forward to, however, meeting some people and getting to know more about life in Aberdeen!
When we arrived in London, we took a hired car to our hotel, The County Court Marriot which is located next to the London Eye. Incidentally, it is named this because it used to house the County Court before it was converted into a hotel and museums (which house a Salvador Dali exhibit and a Movie Museum). The building itself is quite beautiful and sits along the Thames River. On our way, we happened upon the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. We also passed the Museum of Natural History where there were literally thousands of people lined up outside waiting to see the Darwin exhibit.
As we arrived to the hotel we saw a beautiful silver Rolls Royce exiting. We checked into our room and met Bill and Jan, whom we were delighted to see after a week of near solitude and strange faces. The rest of our first day, we spent dining in and resting, swimming, and enjoying the company.
On Saturday, after feasting on a rather large English Breakfast buffet in the hotel, we ventured out onto the street outside of our hotel. There we took in the cool misty air of London, along with thousands of other people on holiday. Just down the way was Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament (which are separated by color, red & green), Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street (which houses the Prime Minister), The Old Scotland Yard, MI5 and much more. It was a lovely site, though quite a bit of walking for my mother-in-law, so after a few hours, we returned to the comfort of our hotel.
On Sunday, Brian, Bill, Aubrey and Bryson took a ride on the London Eye while I stayed in with Jan and Sadie to pack up our things for our departure. After their return, we all took a tour on the River Thames, seeing the replica of The Globe Theater, as well as it's original location, The Anchor Pub, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and so much more. It was an amazing ride and Brian filmed the entire tour while I took photos. As soon as I get those photos downloaded, I will post them on my Facebook page to share with you. :-)
After completing our river tour, Brian and Aubrey toured the Movieum while the rest of us took time out for High Tea in our hotel where we enjoyed traditional finger sandwiches, fruit scones, tea cakes, and of course, tea. It was delicious and quite filling. I look forward to sharing a High Tea with Aubrey when she returns from holiday with Bill and Jan.
The end of our stay crept upon us quickly and soon it was time for Brian, Sadie, and I to say goodbye and to journey back home. Aubrey and Bryson stayed on to enjoy more sights in London with their grandparents during Aubrey's Easter break.
As side note: Easter is well celebrated in GB, but not in quite the same manner as in the states. Easter is celebrated with decadent chocolate eggs (not bunnies), given as gifts to all and used in egg hunts. There are no cheesy colorful plastic baskets with fake grass to be seen anywhere, much to Aubrey's dismay. Brian and I searched about for plastic eggs to give the children a belated egg hunt when they return and could find none...So, they shall hunt chocolate eggs instead!
We of course arrived home safely in Aberdeen Sunday night. Monday morning, bright and early, the movers arrived with the rest of our belongings and spent the morning unloading and unpacking; commenting on the amount of kitchen stuff I have! LOL They went upon their way and I set to the task of putting my house in order. I did quite well and as a result have the first floor squared away quite nicely. Today, however, (after I finish procrastinating by writing) I must finish the second floor in preparation for the family's return in a few days.
As you can see, life here is going quite well, as I am enjoying the newness of it all. I look forward to, however, meeting some people and getting to know more about life in Aberdeen!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Taking a Few Steps Backwards
Good morning all! I say morning, because it is currently 12:41 a.m. here, or 00:41 as they refer to it in 24 hour time. Right now I am lying in my bed listening to the soft pitter patter of rain on the bedroom window of our new home. Our day began early yesterday morning, preparing Aubrey for school and, oh yeah...getting the heck out of that apartment. :-) I rushed around all morning cleaning up rooms, picking up toys, zipping up bags in hopes of having it all ready for the movers (or Removers as they were called) to arrive to retrieve our things. Naturally, they were very prompt, about 20 minutes early, actually.
It didn't take the two fine gentleman very long to pack our things onto the truck, completing our time in the apartment. I referred to them as gentlemen, because indeed they were. One constantly referred to me as Madam while the other was wearing a pressed shirt, tie, sweater vest and suit to move my junk around. I was quite impressed with them, even though one smelled strongly of pipe tobacco. Of course, our time with these gentleman was short, since all they had to transport was the mere air shipment and our suitcases. Our larger sea shipment is due to arrive on Monday. I am eager to receive it, since it has all of my beloved kitchen toys that I have been missing so dear!
Once everything was placed upstairs in the new house and Sadie was snuggled up in her new play yard for a snooze, I set to work unpacking all of the suitcases and boxes in an effort to sort all of our clothing for repacking for a trip to London tomorrow (now today). Needless to say, it was a very long day and my weary joints are feeling it.
One thing I find peculiar about this country is how inefficient (though certainly cost effective) laundry is. In both the apartment, and this house, I have experienced great frustration with the amount of time it takes to process one load of laundry. Mind you, I do not mind using a clothes drying rack, or a clothes line to dry my clothes, in fact, I rather enjoy the thought of taking a step back to enjoy the simplicity of life. What I find utterly mind boggling is how a tumble drier (this most recent one only 6 months old) can take an entire day to dry a small load of laundry. No, I'm not talking jeans or heavy cottons. I am talking a load of undies and socks. I had faster results rack drying a sweater than I did with those silly undies. Laundry here might prove to be the thread that unravels me...LOL Thank goodness for clothes lines, though it will take time for me to interpret whether or not the cloud cast means rain or not. As I have mentioned before, my track record is not so great.
Well, I suppose I have ranted enough for one blog. I am not sure when I will have a chance to write again, as we will be away for Easter weekend I will try to snap some photos and upload them if I have access to the Internet. Until then, Easter blessings to each of you and I hope that you take the time to appreciate the sacrifice made on this Good Friday, as well as the amazing redemption we receive as a result...W
It didn't take the two fine gentleman very long to pack our things onto the truck, completing our time in the apartment. I referred to them as gentlemen, because indeed they were. One constantly referred to me as Madam while the other was wearing a pressed shirt, tie, sweater vest and suit to move my junk around. I was quite impressed with them, even though one smelled strongly of pipe tobacco. Of course, our time with these gentleman was short, since all they had to transport was the mere air shipment and our suitcases. Our larger sea shipment is due to arrive on Monday. I am eager to receive it, since it has all of my beloved kitchen toys that I have been missing so dear!
Once everything was placed upstairs in the new house and Sadie was snuggled up in her new play yard for a snooze, I set to work unpacking all of the suitcases and boxes in an effort to sort all of our clothing for repacking for a trip to London tomorrow (now today). Needless to say, it was a very long day and my weary joints are feeling it.
One thing I find peculiar about this country is how inefficient (though certainly cost effective) laundry is. In both the apartment, and this house, I have experienced great frustration with the amount of time it takes to process one load of laundry. Mind you, I do not mind using a clothes drying rack, or a clothes line to dry my clothes, in fact, I rather enjoy the thought of taking a step back to enjoy the simplicity of life. What I find utterly mind boggling is how a tumble drier (this most recent one only 6 months old) can take an entire day to dry a small load of laundry. No, I'm not talking jeans or heavy cottons. I am talking a load of undies and socks. I had faster results rack drying a sweater than I did with those silly undies. Laundry here might prove to be the thread that unravels me...LOL Thank goodness for clothes lines, though it will take time for me to interpret whether or not the cloud cast means rain or not. As I have mentioned before, my track record is not so great.
Well, I suppose I have ranted enough for one blog. I am not sure when I will have a chance to write again, as we will be away for Easter weekend I will try to snap some photos and upload them if I have access to the Internet. Until then, Easter blessings to each of you and I hope that you take the time to appreciate the sacrifice made on this Good Friday, as well as the amazing redemption we receive as a result...W
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Short and Sweet
Halo again! Gonna be short tonight. We've a lot of packing up to do tonight because the movers will be here in the a.m. to move us to the new house. It is such a beautiful house and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to live in it. The homeowner is wonderful to work with, so I think it will be a great fit. Anyway, I am excited to get out of this apartment, my chubby-short legs don't handle three flights of steep stairs very well. LOL I can't wait to tell you all about moving day. Until then, though, I wish you all a wonderful evening... W
A Tour About Town
Yesterday was a pretty full day. Pat, from Relocation Scotland, took Bryson, Sadie and me on a driving tour around Aberdeen. I tried to take pictures, but am apparently too ignorant to work Brian's new camera. (Not surprising, really.) We drove all around Aberdeen and its suburbs. I would love to say that I absorbed it all like a sponge, but I am afraid that I missed most of it- so much to take in at once, I suppose. The city seems pretty straight forward, though and I am pretty sure that once I conquer the Roundabouts, I should be able to find my way around.
We only made a couple of stops on our tour, the first being at a local family oriented Country Club where we stopped for a tour and a cup of coffee. This was the first kid friendly country club I had ever been to and was quite pleased to see so many little ones (and available high chairs) in the small cafe where we had coffee. The Cafe is called The Observatory, as it has a beautiful view of the countryside, as well as of the playground outside. Poor Bryson kept wanting to go play on the toys. Our hostess ordered a Coffee and Scone, while I had the tastiest Mochachino. Bryson and Sadie each had a Dough Ring, which is a very light cake doughnut dipped in sugar (no icing). The experience was quite lovely. :-)
Upon finishing our coffee, we toured the facility as well as the Creche, which is a childcare facility for members to make use of while using the club. (How fab is that?) The best thing about this club, aside from the Kid Camps, kid classes, and all around kid friendliness is that it is right next to Aubrey's school. Just a footpath and we could pick her up from school. It is kind of a one stop shop of sorts, they have a full service salon, a gym, tennis courts, golf course, raquetball courts- a place to just go sit and read a book and sip coffee for a while as the kids are playing with other kids. We should look into joining...
Our second stop was at hospital. Yes, I left out the "the". Apparently "the" is not used as much with nouns here as in the states. I had to pick up the paperwork to register the family with a General Practice Clinic. Where you live dictates which clinic you attend. Since it is the National Healthcare System, it is not like choosing your own GP like at home. The upside, though, is that there is a brand new Children's Hospital, so our kids should be well cared for in case of emergency.
That pretty much concluded our tour about town. An interesting side note...yesterday I dressed Bryson in his new Rain Boots because I was expecting rain. This was a bit of an error, since it never did rain until after we were home and only a light shower at that. The locals commented on his "Wellies" (short for Wellington Boots) and got a chuckle at the fact that he was wearing them. That makes two days in a row that I mis-dressed the kids. Oh well, I will learn...
I have decided that I really need to invest in a small digital camera to take pictures to share with you. My iphone pictures do not do this city justice and as I stated before, I am not skilled enough to use Brian's big camera. :-)
One last bit of info...we take posession of the house on Hammerman today, and will be moving in tomorrow. No more apartment dwelling and three story climbing for this broad. :-) I'll take some photos when I can! Cheerio!
W
We only made a couple of stops on our tour, the first being at a local family oriented Country Club where we stopped for a tour and a cup of coffee. This was the first kid friendly country club I had ever been to and was quite pleased to see so many little ones (and available high chairs) in the small cafe where we had coffee. The Cafe is called The Observatory, as it has a beautiful view of the countryside, as well as of the playground outside. Poor Bryson kept wanting to go play on the toys. Our hostess ordered a Coffee and Scone, while I had the tastiest Mochachino. Bryson and Sadie each had a Dough Ring, which is a very light cake doughnut dipped in sugar (no icing). The experience was quite lovely. :-)
Upon finishing our coffee, we toured the facility as well as the Creche, which is a childcare facility for members to make use of while using the club. (How fab is that?) The best thing about this club, aside from the Kid Camps, kid classes, and all around kid friendliness is that it is right next to Aubrey's school. Just a footpath and we could pick her up from school. It is kind of a one stop shop of sorts, they have a full service salon, a gym, tennis courts, golf course, raquetball courts- a place to just go sit and read a book and sip coffee for a while as the kids are playing with other kids. We should look into joining...
Our second stop was at hospital. Yes, I left out the "the". Apparently "the" is not used as much with nouns here as in the states. I had to pick up the paperwork to register the family with a General Practice Clinic. Where you live dictates which clinic you attend. Since it is the National Healthcare System, it is not like choosing your own GP like at home. The upside, though, is that there is a brand new Children's Hospital, so our kids should be well cared for in case of emergency.
That pretty much concluded our tour about town. An interesting side note...yesterday I dressed Bryson in his new Rain Boots because I was expecting rain. This was a bit of an error, since it never did rain until after we were home and only a light shower at that. The locals commented on his "Wellies" (short for Wellington Boots) and got a chuckle at the fact that he was wearing them. That makes two days in a row that I mis-dressed the kids. Oh well, I will learn...
I have decided that I really need to invest in a small digital camera to take pictures to share with you. My iphone pictures do not do this city justice and as I stated before, I am not skilled enough to use Brian's big camera. :-)
One last bit of info...we take posession of the house on Hammerman today, and will be moving in tomorrow. No more apartment dwelling and three story climbing for this broad. :-) I'll take some photos when I can! Cheerio!
W
Monday, April 6, 2009
Aubrey's First Day of School
Guid eenin!
Today started off promptly at 6:00 a.m. this morning; that'd be midnight Central time. Aubrey was up and running, excited to start her first day at ISA (International School of Aberdeen). It was, quite possibly, the easiest school day preparation since the first day of school last fall. I suspect, however, the excitement will wear away soon and we will be back to dragging gloomy, groggy faces out from under snuggly blankets and into the harsh reality of business as usual.
Brian delivered Aubrey to school with fresh school supplies and a lovingly packed lunch (by mom). He then returned home to offer me my biggest challenge yet, driving him to work in weekday morning traffic. We loaded the wee ones into the car and off we went. I must say, despite my trepidation, I felt quite at ease (of course, that might of been the sleepy haze I was in guiding my nerves) behind the wrong-sided wheel. I managed to get him to work, soundly, perhaps not safely as I did bump the curb once along the way. The biggest measure would come when I had to remember my way home without my beloved co-pilot. (Let me just take a moment to praise the inventor of Tom-Tom and GPS technology, as well as the lovely voice-over artist who so delicately and reassuringly guided me home.) I managed to make it home, unscaithed and unshaken. A good start to the morning, indeed!
The rest of the school day for Bryson, Sadie, and me was quite uneventful, as I felt the weight of sleepiness pulling me down. Bryson watched hours (insert bad mommy comment here) watching a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD.
I spent the afternoon filling out more forms for Aubrey's school until time to collect Aubrey from the bus stop arrived. Since dad had taken her to school, this would be her first time on a school bus (other than field trips) since Kindergarten. I grabbed up the other two monkeys and headed out for the bus stop at the corner. It was glaringly obvious that I had not been in this climate for long, since the kids were underequipped for the cooler weather. (I was quite content in just a sweatshirt, but then I am almost always hot.) Since it is likely to rain tomorrow, perhaps I will practice my driving skills a bit and drive to the bus stop. After all, the only other mother there had done so! :-)
Aubrey was excited to share the events of her day with me, which made me happy. She had a bit of trouble in Science class, since she had never studied circuitry before. Otherwise, she had what I would call quite a successful day. If you would like to read about it, you can check out Aubrey's blog at http://aubreymills.blogspot.com/ Let's hope that tomorrow is an even better day! :-)
After such an eventful day, we decided to dine familiar. So, off to Burger King it was! LOL (And yeah, I made it back to the office without issue.)
That pretty much concludes what might seem to be a pretty ordinary day in such an extraordinary place. Tomorrow, the smallest munchkins and I will be touring about town with a guide from Relocation Scotland, sharing valuable information to help us to assimilate. Should be interesting. Guess I will check in with you later...Until then...Guid Cheerio the nou!
W
Today started off promptly at 6:00 a.m. this morning; that'd be midnight Central time. Aubrey was up and running, excited to start her first day at ISA (International School of Aberdeen). It was, quite possibly, the easiest school day preparation since the first day of school last fall. I suspect, however, the excitement will wear away soon and we will be back to dragging gloomy, groggy faces out from under snuggly blankets and into the harsh reality of business as usual.
Brian delivered Aubrey to school with fresh school supplies and a lovingly packed lunch (by mom). He then returned home to offer me my biggest challenge yet, driving him to work in weekday morning traffic. We loaded the wee ones into the car and off we went. I must say, despite my trepidation, I felt quite at ease (of course, that might of been the sleepy haze I was in guiding my nerves) behind the wrong-sided wheel. I managed to get him to work, soundly, perhaps not safely as I did bump the curb once along the way. The biggest measure would come when I had to remember my way home without my beloved co-pilot. (Let me just take a moment to praise the inventor of Tom-Tom and GPS technology, as well as the lovely voice-over artist who so delicately and reassuringly guided me home.) I managed to make it home, unscaithed and unshaken. A good start to the morning, indeed!
The rest of the school day for Bryson, Sadie, and me was quite uneventful, as I felt the weight of sleepiness pulling me down. Bryson watched hours (insert bad mommy comment here) watching a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD.
I spent the afternoon filling out more forms for Aubrey's school until time to collect Aubrey from the bus stop arrived. Since dad had taken her to school, this would be her first time on a school bus (other than field trips) since Kindergarten. I grabbed up the other two monkeys and headed out for the bus stop at the corner. It was glaringly obvious that I had not been in this climate for long, since the kids were underequipped for the cooler weather. (I was quite content in just a sweatshirt, but then I am almost always hot.) Since it is likely to rain tomorrow, perhaps I will practice my driving skills a bit and drive to the bus stop. After all, the only other mother there had done so! :-)
Aubrey was excited to share the events of her day with me, which made me happy. She had a bit of trouble in Science class, since she had never studied circuitry before. Otherwise, she had what I would call quite a successful day. If you would like to read about it, you can check out Aubrey's blog at http://aubreymills.blogspot.com/ Let's hope that tomorrow is an even better day! :-)
After such an eventful day, we decided to dine familiar. So, off to Burger King it was! LOL (And yeah, I made it back to the office without issue.)
That pretty much concludes what might seem to be a pretty ordinary day in such an extraordinary place. Tomorrow, the smallest munchkins and I will be touring about town with a guide from Relocation Scotland, sharing valuable information to help us to assimilate. Should be interesting. Guess I will check in with you later...Until then...Guid Cheerio the nou!
W
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Drive Time
It was a particularly lazy Sunday, which we really needed to help our bodies to continue the adjustment. After Brian and the kids went school supply shopping for Aubrey's first day of school, I swallowed my fear and went for my first drive.
Of course, I was not about to make my first driving attempt alone, so we packed the three kids in the car and off we went. I started my drive out simply by driving around and around the oval drive in front of our apartment. I drove around it so many times, I began to feel a bit car sick! :-) Brian decided then that it was time for me to venture out into the neighborhood. It took a bit to get my bearings, but in time I realized that I felt quite comfortable on the right side of the car and on the left side of the road. (Maybe it is a left-handed thing). I drove about our neighborhood for a bit, and then Brian took me down the simple route to his office.
Since he can only park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, it will be up to me to deliver and collect him on the off days. That means tomorrow I will be driving solo on the way home. Yikes! I am ever so grateful for Brian's Tom Tom which very gently and calmly directed me to and fro during the rest of my excursion. Very smartly, I might add, the kids were distracted with Nintendos and headphones during my short lesson, so as to lower the stress level.
I managed to take us to and from the ConocoPhillips campus twice and was satisfied with a job well done. I was adamant, however, that I not be taken down a Roundabout just yet. All in good time, right? I need to see it done a few more times, first. Of course, I will want to practice it a bit before I have my official driving lesson with a licensed instructor. I must say, though, that Brian is an awesome teacher...of course, I knew he was...he helped teach me how to drive 15+ years ago in the states! :-)
That pretty much concludes my excitement for today. The weather was lovely (see the picture I posted on Facebook) today and I am looking forward to the beauty that tomorrow brings. Until then, Baidh.
Of course, I was not about to make my first driving attempt alone, so we packed the three kids in the car and off we went. I started my drive out simply by driving around and around the oval drive in front of our apartment. I drove around it so many times, I began to feel a bit car sick! :-) Brian decided then that it was time for me to venture out into the neighborhood. It took a bit to get my bearings, but in time I realized that I felt quite comfortable on the right side of the car and on the left side of the road. (Maybe it is a left-handed thing). I drove about our neighborhood for a bit, and then Brian took me down the simple route to his office.
Since he can only park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, it will be up to me to deliver and collect him on the off days. That means tomorrow I will be driving solo on the way home. Yikes! I am ever so grateful for Brian's Tom Tom which very gently and calmly directed me to and fro during the rest of my excursion. Very smartly, I might add, the kids were distracted with Nintendos and headphones during my short lesson, so as to lower the stress level.
I managed to take us to and from the ConocoPhillips campus twice and was satisfied with a job well done. I was adamant, however, that I not be taken down a Roundabout just yet. All in good time, right? I need to see it done a few more times, first. Of course, I will want to practice it a bit before I have my official driving lesson with a licensed instructor. I must say, though, that Brian is an awesome teacher...of course, I knew he was...he helped teach me how to drive 15+ years ago in the states! :-)
That pretty much concludes my excitement for today. The weather was lovely (see the picture I posted on Facebook) today and I am looking forward to the beauty that tomorrow brings. Until then, Baidh.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Saturday in Aberdeen
Our first Saturday in Aberdeen has come and gone and while it was a leisurely one, we still enjoyed a few sights around town. After a very late night last night, the entire family slept in until 11:30 a.m. After we got around, we visited our new home, where we were greeted warmly by the home owner. The place is really quite lovely and the kids were quite taken with it, as well.
The neighborhood where will live is called The Campus because it used to be a college for secondary teachers. The school has since been demolished, but the dormitories were converted into flats and are really quite pretty. Perhaps when we get moved in, I will take some pictures to share with you. Apparently, our neighborhood is quite a diverse one, as well. We have neighbors from Ireland, France, Spain, and Russia to name a few. I think this will be a really neat environment for the kiddos.
After our visit to the house, we ventured out to the Sea for a look and then downtown for a quick tour. The buildings are so beautiful in downtown Aberdeen and I am so amazed at how many places there are in this town of 250,000. I think we could take our entire tour just exploring locally. While downtown, we saw a Bagpipe player playing outside what looked to be a wedding. Interestingly enough, he was the second man in a kilt I saw today. :-)
Brian has been trying to encourage me to drive him to work on Monday, but I must say I am so completely intimidated by the roads, rules, and other drivers here. Perhaps tomorrow I will actually get behind the wheel for a bit of practice.
A couple of interesting food items today... Dr. Pepper Zero (doesn't taste like Diet Dr. Pepper, but it will do.) and Crumpets. I never knew what a crumpet was until today...See attached photos, looks and tastes suspiciously like a pancake. Also, not surprising, Cadbury makes an amazing hot cocoa mix.
That's all for today. Perhaps something really intriguing will occur tomorrow...Mar sin leat.
The neighborhood where will live is called The Campus because it used to be a college for secondary teachers. The school has since been demolished, but the dormitories were converted into flats and are really quite pretty. Perhaps when we get moved in, I will take some pictures to share with you. Apparently, our neighborhood is quite a diverse one, as well. We have neighbors from Ireland, France, Spain, and Russia to name a few. I think this will be a really neat environment for the kiddos.
After our visit to the house, we ventured out to the Sea for a look and then downtown for a quick tour. The buildings are so beautiful in downtown Aberdeen and I am so amazed at how many places there are in this town of 250,000. I think we could take our entire tour just exploring locally. While downtown, we saw a Bagpipe player playing outside what looked to be a wedding. Interestingly enough, he was the second man in a kilt I saw today. :-)
Brian has been trying to encourage me to drive him to work on Monday, but I must say I am so completely intimidated by the roads, rules, and other drivers here. Perhaps tomorrow I will actually get behind the wheel for a bit of practice.
A couple of interesting food items today... Dr. Pepper Zero (doesn't taste like Diet Dr. Pepper, but it will do.) and Crumpets. I never knew what a crumpet was until today...See attached photos, looks and tastes suspiciously like a pancake. Also, not surprising, Cadbury makes an amazing hot cocoa mix.
That's all for today. Perhaps something really intriguing will occur tomorrow...Mar sin leat.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Okay, here I am again, another day is winding down, as my body continues to adjust to its new surroundings. Not a lot of excitement today, but we did visit Aubrey's new school and took a family outing to Asda (Walmart). The weather today was significantly cooler than yesterday and we awoke to a thick fog. A few folks we encountered were hopeful that it would lift, but it never did. I didn't care, though, because the cool temperature feels good to me right now.
We walked the kiddos down to a little park by our apartment and played with them for a spell before we made our Asda outing. It was nice to be outdoors, even though the kids were a bit chilly.
Asda is a very interesting place, almost like an upscale version of what we know of as Walmart. There is no frozen food section, all pre-prepared foods are in coolers, so you have the option to cook promptly or to freeze. They had so many interesting breads, pastas, meals, etc. that I am kind of looking forward to meal planning! :-) Also, prices for food are really quite reasonable, despite the current exchange rate. This is encouraging, to say the least. I have to say, though, I was tickled to find Weight Watcher's Wine in the Spirits aisle. Only 1 point per glass! I had a good chuckle and made Brian snap a photo with his cell phone...will upload it when I can. Guess that tea is not the only beverage of choice around here! :-) Until next time... Dia Leat...
We walked the kiddos down to a little park by our apartment and played with them for a spell before we made our Asda outing. It was nice to be outdoors, even though the kids were a bit chilly.
Asda is a very interesting place, almost like an upscale version of what we know of as Walmart. There is no frozen food section, all pre-prepared foods are in coolers, so you have the option to cook promptly or to freeze. They had so many interesting breads, pastas, meals, etc. that I am kind of looking forward to meal planning! :-) Also, prices for food are really quite reasonable, despite the current exchange rate. This is encouraging, to say the least. I have to say, though, I was tickled to find Weight Watcher's Wine in the Spirits aisle. Only 1 point per glass! I had a good chuckle and made Brian snap a photo with his cell phone...will upload it when I can. Guess that tea is not the only beverage of choice around here! :-) Until next time... Dia Leat...
Here it is early almost 5 p.m. on our first full day in Aberdeen. My body is starting to adjust to the time change, though I am still kind of tired. Aubrey and I are working on our blogs for the first time, and as unseasoned bloggers, they are likely to be a bit boring at first, but practice makes perfect, right?
Anyhoo, our flights from Bartlesville went very well. The flight from Bartlesville to Memphis was a bit smooshed, but thankfully quite short and uneventful. The real amazement came when we stepped foot onto the Airbus A330. We had so much room. I have never flown Business class before, so I felt like I was walking into a Day Spa for the first time. That's right, completely self-conscious of my behavior and worried I would look foolish. The kids thought it was great fun. I don't know what the other passengers thought, but I am sure it wasn't that travelling with three kids nearby was great fun.
As it turns out, they really like to feed and water (or wine for most folks) you alot in Business class. Seems like everytime I blinked someone was offering food or beverage. It was such a tremendous treat, but difficult to indulge since I was so tired. (Yeah, I forgot to mention the complete lack of sleep I had the night before.)
We made it to Amsterdam without much ado, and then on to Aberdeen. Upon our arrival in Aberdeen the weather was gorgeous (unlike today) as we awaited the approval of our Visas through Customs. Once we made it through, we collected our 13 bags, 4 back packs, 3 kids and a Partridge in a Pear tree and loaded up a van waiting outside for us. (Thank you Mary from Relocation Scotland). The kids were amazed at how taxis looked different here. Interestingly enough, they didn't seem to notice that we are actually driving on the other side of the road. Our driver was quite friendly and chatted with us as he drove us to our apartment. It was fun to listen to him speak. I don't think I will ever tire of hearing the beautiful dialects of this region.
After we arrived to the Apartment and settled in a bit, we took a ride in our Rental car (A Vauxhall) around Aberdeen while Brian educated me on driving on Round abouts. I am always so completely amazed at how well he picks these things up. He was meant to be a world traveler, I think. Anyway, he drove us by our soon to be new house where several kids were at play in the streets. Aubrey and Bryson would have bailed out of the car to greet them if we had slowed the car enough. They were so excited about everything. Finally, we made a stop at Asda, the UK version of Walmart (owned by Walmart) where Brian took the two older kids in with him to pick up some groceries. They were amused by the fact that Asda is two stories and has an escalator for shopping carts.
We rounded out our day with some fresh pizzas (from the Asda Deli) and some fussiness from Bryson. The kids were tucked away in bed by 9 p.m. (3 p.m. Central). I ended my day with two cups of hot tea. (Can't get Diet Dr. Pepper here, so I am making some huge sacrifices.) In honor of the great United Kingdom, I added milk to my tea for the first time ever. It was quite delicious, hence the second cup. I took a moment to breathe in the cool sea air from our apartment balcony as I sipped my tea, then retreated to bed with open windows. It was a lovely end to our first day.
Well, I think that is quite enough boredom for anyone to endure in one sitting. Perhaps the next note will share a reflection on European toilets to spice things up a bit...Until then, Beannachd leat! (A Scottish Gaelic goodbye)
Wendy
Anyhoo, our flights from Bartlesville went very well. The flight from Bartlesville to Memphis was a bit smooshed, but thankfully quite short and uneventful. The real amazement came when we stepped foot onto the Airbus A330. We had so much room. I have never flown Business class before, so I felt like I was walking into a Day Spa for the first time. That's right, completely self-conscious of my behavior and worried I would look foolish. The kids thought it was great fun. I don't know what the other passengers thought, but I am sure it wasn't that travelling with three kids nearby was great fun.
As it turns out, they really like to feed and water (or wine for most folks) you alot in Business class. Seems like everytime I blinked someone was offering food or beverage. It was such a tremendous treat, but difficult to indulge since I was so tired. (Yeah, I forgot to mention the complete lack of sleep I had the night before.)
We made it to Amsterdam without much ado, and then on to Aberdeen. Upon our arrival in Aberdeen the weather was gorgeous (unlike today) as we awaited the approval of our Visas through Customs. Once we made it through, we collected our 13 bags, 4 back packs, 3 kids and a Partridge in a Pear tree and loaded up a van waiting outside for us. (Thank you Mary from Relocation Scotland). The kids were amazed at how taxis looked different here. Interestingly enough, they didn't seem to notice that we are actually driving on the other side of the road. Our driver was quite friendly and chatted with us as he drove us to our apartment. It was fun to listen to him speak. I don't think I will ever tire of hearing the beautiful dialects of this region.
After we arrived to the Apartment and settled in a bit, we took a ride in our Rental car (A Vauxhall) around Aberdeen while Brian educated me on driving on Round abouts. I am always so completely amazed at how well he picks these things up. He was meant to be a world traveler, I think. Anyway, he drove us by our soon to be new house where several kids were at play in the streets. Aubrey and Bryson would have bailed out of the car to greet them if we had slowed the car enough. They were so excited about everything. Finally, we made a stop at Asda, the UK version of Walmart (owned by Walmart) where Brian took the two older kids in with him to pick up some groceries. They were amused by the fact that Asda is two stories and has an escalator for shopping carts.
We rounded out our day with some fresh pizzas (from the Asda Deli) and some fussiness from Bryson. The kids were tucked away in bed by 9 p.m. (3 p.m. Central). I ended my day with two cups of hot tea. (Can't get Diet Dr. Pepper here, so I am making some huge sacrifices.) In honor of the great United Kingdom, I added milk to my tea for the first time ever. It was quite delicious, hence the second cup. I took a moment to breathe in the cool sea air from our apartment balcony as I sipped my tea, then retreated to bed with open windows. It was a lovely end to our first day.
Well, I think that is quite enough boredom for anyone to endure in one sitting. Perhaps the next note will share a reflection on European toilets to spice things up a bit...Until then, Beannachd leat! (A Scottish Gaelic goodbye)
Wendy
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