Return to the Motherland

We've just returned from long weekend in the States--New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and a very brief stint in New York (long enough to pay $8 toll to cross a bridge into NY then Oh Crap! Wrong rental car drop-off lot! and back over to NJ).

We arrived Thursday night, had a yummy dinner of chicken wings, BBQ chicken pizza, and more wings at UNO's then crashed out at the hotel. Adam loves chicken wings in the US as do I, the hotter the better!

Friday we took Grandma to New Hope, Pennsylvania, where sadly the mules had gone south for the winter so no barge ride. While we woke to snow (I'm noticing a trend whenever I travel) it melted off quickly and we had sun and blue skies most of the afternoon. There's a nice blend of museums, tchotchke shops, cafes and such. We stopped for a cuppa (2xEarl Grey, 1 almond for me) and Grandma educated Adam on local history, including Washington's crossing. Oh and I had my first attempt at parallel parking--although I've been corrected that my method does not meet the definition. MY definition is 'I parked parallel to the curb.' I also say why bother, anywhere worth going has valet!

Saturday we went to Princeton for lunch and the afternoon with the extended fam and Sunday we went into Philadelphia to meet my parents, in town for a conference. We did a quick historical walk including the Liberty Bell which I was just telling Luke about before we left.



I remember the bell being outside on Indepedence Mall when I was little, and oh yeah, you could touch it then too. Must be something Homeland Security-related, so glad they all searched my purse at each monument. I was impressed how they were able to pause in their conversations with each other long enough to rifle through my bag. I feel so much better knowing they, and the overweight, post-middle age guard in front of Independence Hall, are on the case. I guess it's a matter of doing something, no matter how useless and wasteful of taxpayer dollars, than doing nothing.

Ok enough this is not a political blog :)

Hope everyone is warm and well and has a Snuggie like me! Keep an eye out, I'm still working on editing the photos from the West Midlands Safari Park trip and will post soon.

XX

Quick Catch-Up

I have been remiss and falling behind on my blogging! We found a house, in Redditch, 5min walk to office for Adam. It's a 4 double-bed detached with en-suite (full master bath), family bathroom (full bath) and cloakroom (1/2 bath). 2 of the bedrooms have built-in wardrobes (reach-in closet with sliding doors) and we're getting it part-furnished. Earlier this week I went into work with Adam to meet with the owner and agent and pick what furniture we wanted. All white goods (appliances, regardless of color-in this case stainless), light fixtures, mirrors (yes all of those things are not standard here), gorgeous dining table and 6 leather chairs...few other pieces.

I may even get a job out of it, the next day the engineering manager asked after me and for my resume so hopefully we will chat soon. On the work front-have had several calls from recruiters, only interested in 1 so far but it requires security clearance and I'm not eligible but he said if I was a UK/EU citizen I'd be recommended to hiring manager. It's nice being able to pick and chose the right job, my preference is The Global Telcom Company unnamed here to avoid any copyright infringement; it is a great company and I could walk to work, to either building. Adam's is about 5min away and the other is just over a mile away.

It's warming up here, and by that I mean 10C and no snow...had some sun each day, and not just at sunrise :)

Hope everyone is well I'm going to put on dinner now (spaghetti and meatballs with corn on the cob and garlic cheese bread for Adam).

Oh forgot to mention, my boxes all arrived, everything intact! And I just finished a great book at I got on my first big library adventure, called "Sepulchre" by Kate Mosse (not the model though the author is British). She wrote "Labyrinth" a few years ago, it's in a similar vein and very, very, good. 2 thumbs and both big toes up!

Adam's Mum's 60th Birthday

Here are a few pics from Carol (Adam's mom) belated 60th Birthday get together.



Where to start the celebrations?
YATES WINE BAR OF COURSE!


Andrea and Mom dancing the night away on the dance floor!



We then headed over to The Red Hot Buffet Shack where we sat down to a wonderful selection of cuisine from the four corners of the world.

When you come to visit we will definitely take you! The food was soooo good!



This is Melissa, Adam's sister.


This is Dave (Adam's Stepdad) and Scott (Melissa's partner)


Andrea baked Mom a lovely Chocolate and Strawberry Sponge Birthday cake with a Cream center.
It was really nice and reminiscent of a Black Forest Gateau which went down a storm!

A quick stroll around Sherwood Forest

We took a drive up to Sherwood for a walk around the forest and then headed off to a nearby pub for lunch.

I snapped a few pictures along the way.

The "MAJOR OAK" is approx 1200yrs old.

We will no doubt take plenty more when the Robin Hood Festival kicks off.
Anyway... heres the pics.