We've now returned from our week-long holiday in Paris. City exploration was the main part of the adventure, but we did spend a day in Disneyland Paris--which was, of course, it's own brand of fun.
We have aches in places that we didn't know could ache from all the walking and are happy to be sleeping in our own beds tonight. We experienced nearly everything that a city could throw our way and had a great time.
The pictures are uploading now. 3 cameras worth...so it's going to take a while to get them to where I can blog the best of them.
And it's official, Blondie is has a new name...it's "MoreDrama". So it's now, me, Paulster, Drama and MoreDrama.
More to come once the photos get loaded!
Saturday 7 August 2010
Thursday 29 July 2010
One More Sleep 'Til Paris
I can't believe that we're already to the end of July and just one more month of summer to go. But that does mean that tomorrow morning, Paulster, Drama, Blondie (who's on the verge of being renamed Drama2) and I will set off on the Eurostar for a week in Paris.
That part of the adventure isn't what I'm looking forward to...been there, done that.
The part that I'm looking forward to is watching Drama and Blondie discover Paris, as a city.
Blondie has gotten to work on learning the french names for all types of fruit and a few other words. Some of it she'd learned in school, but she's definitely interested in it. Favourite French word so far...Pamplemousse.
We'll see how much she's willing to say out loud to a french waiter!
We've watched Dr. Who's encounter with Vincent Van Gough and of course they want to go up the Eiffel Tower. With a whole city to explore and a day or two in Disneyland Paris, we might need a vacation to recover from our vacation when we get back!
That part of the adventure isn't what I'm looking forward to...been there, done that.
The part that I'm looking forward to is watching Drama and Blondie discover Paris, as a city.
Blondie has gotten to work on learning the french names for all types of fruit and a few other words. Some of it she'd learned in school, but she's definitely interested in it. Favourite French word so far...Pamplemousse.
We'll see how much she's willing to say out loud to a french waiter!
We've watched Dr. Who's encounter with Vincent Van Gough and of course they want to go up the Eiffel Tower. With a whole city to explore and a day or two in Disneyland Paris, we might need a vacation to recover from our vacation when we get back!
Friday 16 July 2010
Forgetting Something Important
Ok, so things have been a little quiet lately on the 'ol blog. Before I get any more wise cracks from readers who have been really, really patient waiting on a post...
It's not like there's been nothing to report. (you may have to read that sentence twice...excessive use of negatives)
In the past few months, there's been almost too much going on to keep up with.
Here's a list...in the order in which my brain pulls it up:
1) Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood in concert
2) Norah Jones in concert
3) Rob Schneider's stand up show in a giant upside down purple cow...yes, there will be pictures of that posted. You kind of have to see it to believe it...
4) Watched Paul and his sister run a 10K
5) Flown back and forth to Texas twice...one time routing through Canada to see Banana and Sven and the splendour of Niagara Falls
6) Watched my brother marry a lovely, sweet woman who complements him beautifully
7) Hugged ALL 4 of my nephews and their parents
8) Eaten sushi with my mom
9) Experienced the wonders of XpresSpa in the airport
10) Shopped with my favourite Aunt
11) Read several books (Julia Child's My Life in France was a highlight--thank you LB2!
12) Laughed hysterically while watching Total Wipeout
13) Had a great night out with several girlfriends and their friends
14) Went to my 20 year High School reunion
15) Recalled some of the most fun moments of my life that I would never, ever want to repeat
16) Baked (and ate) lots of chocolate chip cookies and even shared some of them with the neighbours
17) Planned my summer holiday to Paris and a weekend trip to Zurich
...and countless other things.
All that...and no blog posts?! What's up?
The truth is, I've been feeling a little sorry for myself...mainly due to a health issue that is NOTHING compared to what many people I know and love have been through...but nonetheless has impaired my running and other activities I enjoy, my overall energy levels and generally left me feeling blue. I'm not real good at coping with situations that I cannot control and this is one of those things that I can't fix on my own. (I know that the fact that I'm a control freak will be quite a revelation to all my blog readers out there!...sorry for springing it on you like that).
I was walking to the bus stop the other day to go somewhere...when I was reminded to count the blessings in my life rather than focussing on the negatives. The road where I catch the bus has a Crematorium/Funeral Home on it, so seeing a funeral procession isn't an unusual experience. But this day, a hearse rolled past with a gleaming white casket in it... I didn't need to know who she was to know she was someone special. The faces of the people in the family cars and trailing vehicles said it all...
I am grateful to the woman in the casket who was obviously so dear to so many for reminding that I have my life, my friends, my family and I need to be grateful for that, living my life to the fullest. And with that, it will be a good long while before I revisit the pit of despair I've been allowing myself to crawl into lately.
It's not like there's been nothing to report. (you may have to read that sentence twice...excessive use of negatives)
In the past few months, there's been almost too much going on to keep up with.
Here's a list...in the order in which my brain pulls it up:
1) Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood in concert
2) Norah Jones in concert
3) Rob Schneider's stand up show in a giant upside down purple cow...yes, there will be pictures of that posted. You kind of have to see it to believe it...
4) Watched Paul and his sister run a 10K
5) Flown back and forth to Texas twice...one time routing through Canada to see Banana and Sven and the splendour of Niagara Falls
6) Watched my brother marry a lovely, sweet woman who complements him beautifully
7) Hugged ALL 4 of my nephews and their parents
8) Eaten sushi with my mom
9) Experienced the wonders of XpresSpa in the airport
10) Shopped with my favourite Aunt
11) Read several books (Julia Child's My Life in France was a highlight--thank you LB2!
12) Laughed hysterically while watching Total Wipeout
13) Had a great night out with several girlfriends and their friends
14) Went to my 20 year High School reunion
15) Recalled some of the most fun moments of my life that I would never, ever want to repeat
16) Baked (and ate) lots of chocolate chip cookies and even shared some of them with the neighbours
17) Planned my summer holiday to Paris and a weekend trip to Zurich
...and countless other things.
All that...and no blog posts?! What's up?
The truth is, I've been feeling a little sorry for myself...mainly due to a health issue that is NOTHING compared to what many people I know and love have been through...but nonetheless has impaired my running and other activities I enjoy, my overall energy levels and generally left me feeling blue. I'm not real good at coping with situations that I cannot control and this is one of those things that I can't fix on my own. (I know that the fact that I'm a control freak will be quite a revelation to all my blog readers out there!...sorry for springing it on you like that).
I was walking to the bus stop the other day to go somewhere...when I was reminded to count the blessings in my life rather than focussing on the negatives. The road where I catch the bus has a Crematorium/Funeral Home on it, so seeing a funeral procession isn't an unusual experience. But this day, a hearse rolled past with a gleaming white casket in it... I didn't need to know who she was to know she was someone special. The faces of the people in the family cars and trailing vehicles said it all...
I am grateful to the woman in the casket who was obviously so dear to so many for reminding that I have my life, my friends, my family and I need to be grateful for that, living my life to the fullest. And with that, it will be a good long while before I revisit the pit of despair I've been allowing myself to crawl into lately.
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Breaking the Silence
So, have you heard the crickets chirping from this blog lately? I have not one good excuse for not having updated the blog lately. In fact, We've had several blogworthy events since the marathon in April...some day, I'll catch it up.
I really just wanted to do two things, say Hi, and break the blog silence.
So, the CyninLondon blog is not dead, it's just been in a coma for a while.
There's some stuff on my mind, so you'll be hearing from me soon!
Hugs, Cyn
I really just wanted to do two things, say Hi, and break the blog silence.
So, the CyninLondon blog is not dead, it's just been in a coma for a while.
There's some stuff on my mind, so you'll be hearing from me soon!
Hugs, Cyn
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Thirteen
This past Sunday was the 30th Annual London Marathon. My friend and colleague, Hachie Gal, was one of the 40,000+ competitors. It was her 13th marathon. Like last year, she ran in support of the Guide Dogs. It's not too late to donate. Here's the link where you can donate online.
Here's Hachie Gal with a Guide Dog at the marathon expo.
There goes our girl from the first pit-stop. Spot the flag.
And here comes our girl at mile 18. Texas flag shorts a blaze!
Despite the vast numbers of Road Crew members, we managed to miss our girl at two consecutive stops. You just can't get the help these days. We were disappointed with ourselves for leaving her without supplies for nearly half of the race.
This is the third marathon I've witnessed and I continue to be in awe of people who can muster the strength that making it 26.2 miles to the finish line requires. It is truly amazing.
Blondie and Drama and other friends/family of Hachie Gal joined the Road Crew this year. And we made posters:
Like last year, many of the competitors were in fancy dress [costume]. The full complement of characters were around. The most odd was a giraffe that had to have suffered when the wind picked up.
Of course, a few celebs were on the course. The only one I spotted (thanks to his giant butterfly wings) was Sir Richard Branson.
A highlight of the day was pushing Drama and Blondie out close to the runners with bags of Jelly Babies. For the US contingent, these are pure sugar gummy bear-type candies that make perfect fuel for runners. We had our poster up and called out to the runners that we had Jelly Babies for them and they ran past, grabbing candies and trucking on. It took a bag getting dumped on the pavement to perfect the technique...but we managed to give out 6 bags or so throughout the day.
Road Crew members: Martini, C1, & K gearing up for the day ahead.
And Crew Chief, Budman with newbie, M2.
And post-race, M&M flanking Hachie Gal and Budman.
Again, an awe inspiring event with energy that sets the whole city on fire.
Hachie Gal, you are simply amazing! Congratulations on completing number 13.
Here's Hachie Gal with a Guide Dog at the marathon expo.
There goes our girl from the first pit-stop. Spot the flag.
And here comes our girl at mile 18. Texas flag shorts a blaze!
Despite the vast numbers of Road Crew members, we managed to miss our girl at two consecutive stops. You just can't get the help these days. We were disappointed with ourselves for leaving her without supplies for nearly half of the race.
This is the third marathon I've witnessed and I continue to be in awe of people who can muster the strength that making it 26.2 miles to the finish line requires. It is truly amazing.
Blondie and Drama and other friends/family of Hachie Gal joined the Road Crew this year. And we made posters:
Like last year, many of the competitors were in fancy dress [costume]. The full complement of characters were around. The most odd was a giraffe that had to have suffered when the wind picked up.
Of course, a few celebs were on the course. The only one I spotted (thanks to his giant butterfly wings) was Sir Richard Branson.
A highlight of the day was pushing Drama and Blondie out close to the runners with bags of Jelly Babies. For the US contingent, these are pure sugar gummy bear-type candies that make perfect fuel for runners. We had our poster up and called out to the runners that we had Jelly Babies for them and they ran past, grabbing candies and trucking on. It took a bag getting dumped on the pavement to perfect the technique...but we managed to give out 6 bags or so throughout the day.
Road Crew members: Martini, C1, & K gearing up for the day ahead.
And Crew Chief, Budman with newbie, M2.
And post-race, M&M flanking Hachie Gal and Budman.
Again, an awe inspiring event with energy that sets the whole city on fire.
Hachie Gal, you are simply amazing! Congratulations on completing number 13.
Friday 2 April 2010
It's a Good Friday
...for baking cookies!
My little helpers are here for Easter Weekend and today and Monday are "Bank Holidays" (officially no work). So what are we to do when it rains all day in London?
Bake, of course.
Thanks to Nigella Lawson, the UK's Domestic Goddess--we have a recipe for butter cookies with icing for our inspiration.
So off we go...
Dough made, check. Dough rested in the fridge, check.
Roll out the dough to start the cutting, check. Here's Drama doing her bit.
And Blondie with her cut outs ready to pop in the oven.
The fun part is making the icing different colours, as you can see by the grins.
And then of course, putting the yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue icing on the cookies.
Here are a few shots of the finished project.
You can see the resemblance, can't you?!
Random ending to the blog post!
And during all that...a squirrel visited the backyard to eat the birdseed.
(Of course, I had to take the picture through my filthy kitchen window so as not to make him run off) Unlike Texas, this is the ONLY squirrel in my back garden. They aren't overunning the place--thankfully.
My little helpers are here for Easter Weekend and today and Monday are "Bank Holidays" (officially no work). So what are we to do when it rains all day in London?
Bake, of course.
Thanks to Nigella Lawson, the UK's Domestic Goddess--we have a recipe for butter cookies with icing for our inspiration.
So off we go...
Dough made, check. Dough rested in the fridge, check.
Roll out the dough to start the cutting, check. Here's Drama doing her bit.
And Blondie with her cut outs ready to pop in the oven.
The fun part is making the icing different colours, as you can see by the grins.
And then of course, putting the yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue icing on the cookies.
Here are a few shots of the finished project.
You can see the resemblance, can't you?!
Random ending to the blog post!
And during all that...a squirrel visited the backyard to eat the birdseed.
(Of course, I had to take the picture through my filthy kitchen window so as not to make him run off) Unlike Texas, this is the ONLY squirrel in my back garden. They aren't overunning the place--thankfully.
Tuesday 30 March 2010
I Want to Be...
Your Sledgehammer! Why don't you call my name?
Lyrics from the most fabulous Peter Gabriel. But do you think that he sang that iconic song during the concert in London on Sunday night? NO, HE DID NOT! Are Paulster and I angry about that? YES WE ARE!
We're getting over it, but how in the world can a musician who was defined by an album get away with doing 2 songs from that album during a concert? The songs we wanted to hear...In Your Eyes, Red Rain, Sledgehammer, Big Time...you get the idea...pretty much anything from the Album So that was released in 1986.
It's like Michael Jackson doing a concert without singing Thriller, or Madonna without Like a Virgin--what the heck?!
Before I go on too much of a rant, I must say that on the whole, it was a good show. He had the "New Blood" Orchestra with him and some great female backing singers. I guess it's a sign I'm getting OLD, when I enjoy having rocking 80's tunes set to orchestral arrangements. Whatever. It was pretty magical at some points.
Here's a sample from Salisbury Hill:
Admit it, it sounds pretty darn great, doesn't it?!
Here's a pic of Mr. Gabriel on stage:
And another of a cool backdrop.
So, iTunes, here I come--there are some songs I still want to hear!
Lyrics from the most fabulous Peter Gabriel. But do you think that he sang that iconic song during the concert in London on Sunday night? NO, HE DID NOT! Are Paulster and I angry about that? YES WE ARE!
We're getting over it, but how in the world can a musician who was defined by an album get away with doing 2 songs from that album during a concert? The songs we wanted to hear...In Your Eyes, Red Rain, Sledgehammer, Big Time...you get the idea...pretty much anything from the Album So that was released in 1986.
It's like Michael Jackson doing a concert without singing Thriller, or Madonna without Like a Virgin--what the heck?!
Before I go on too much of a rant, I must say that on the whole, it was a good show. He had the "New Blood" Orchestra with him and some great female backing singers. I guess it's a sign I'm getting OLD, when I enjoy having rocking 80's tunes set to orchestral arrangements. Whatever. It was pretty magical at some points.
Here's a sample from Salisbury Hill:
Admit it, it sounds pretty darn great, doesn't it?!
Here's a pic of Mr. Gabriel on stage:
And another of a cool backdrop.
So, iTunes, here I come--there are some songs I still want to hear!
Thursday 11 March 2010
Quality Time
It's been a VERY long time since my twin brother and I got to hang out and have a significant amount of quality time. But last weekend, we made up for lost time. Clinton came to London to look at an airplane for some colleagues who were considering the purchase.
Having gotten business out of the way during the first 10 hours after he landed, we had all day Saturday and Sunday to play.
First--stock up with Starbucks. Check.
Second--stop on the Jubilee Bridge and take pictures with your iPhone. Check.
You are the ultimate American tourist!
And I join in...with my Starbucks cup! (You can take the girl out of Texas...)
Here's a shot of Paulster, Drama, Blondie and Clinton on the Jubilee Bridge.
Cyn's Standard 48 hour First-timer Tour includes a River Cruise, "flight" on the London Eye, and a visit to the Tower of London. So...true to form, off we went.
Here's a self-portrait from the deck of the cruise. It was sooooo cold--but beautifully sunny!
A shot of Clinton and the girls...before we all retreated to the warmth of the inside of the boat!
On to the Eye...
Blondie...
And everyone...
I never get tired of that view...
Day 2: The Monument to the Great Fire of London (1666)...you can almost see Clinton down there.
Clinton modelling his Howls for Haiti shirt at the Tower.
On the walk back to the Tube...City Hall and a look back at Tower Bridge.
Long overdue, but what a great visit!
Having gotten business out of the way during the first 10 hours after he landed, we had all day Saturday and Sunday to play.
First--stock up with Starbucks. Check.
Second--stop on the Jubilee Bridge and take pictures with your iPhone. Check.
You are the ultimate American tourist!
And I join in...with my Starbucks cup! (You can take the girl out of Texas...)
Here's a shot of Paulster, Drama, Blondie and Clinton on the Jubilee Bridge.
Cyn's Standard 48 hour First-timer Tour includes a River Cruise, "flight" on the London Eye, and a visit to the Tower of London. So...true to form, off we went.
Here's a self-portrait from the deck of the cruise. It was sooooo cold--but beautifully sunny!
A shot of Clinton and the girls...before we all retreated to the warmth of the inside of the boat!
On to the Eye...
Blondie...
And everyone...
I never get tired of that view...
Day 2: The Monument to the Great Fire of London (1666)...you can almost see Clinton down there.
Clinton modelling his Howls for Haiti shirt at the Tower.
On the walk back to the Tube...City Hall and a look back at Tower Bridge.
Long overdue, but what a great visit!
Monday 1 March 2010
The Miracle of the Internet
It is with laptop running wirelessly that I inform you we have successfully re-established the Miracle of the Internet in our home! Well, I can't exactly take credit for it...I did unpack the new router and plugged it in...it was Paulster who made it work.
I had accidentally plugged something in wrong, so Paulster had to call tech support who diagnosed the problem. Doh! Oh well, so I did it correctly the last two times...getting it wrong once isn't so bad. In my defense, I was on a conference call at the time of assembly--so attention divided. Excuses, excuses! ;)
While it was nice to have a technological break on some fronts...on others, it was just down right inconvenient not to have it.
So, pictures from the weekend in Sheffield for Dora and Paulster's birthday are currently uploading for blog posting soon. Among other activities that we need to catch up on! Stay tuned!!!
I had accidentally plugged something in wrong, so Paulster had to call tech support who diagnosed the problem. Doh! Oh well, so I did it correctly the last two times...getting it wrong once isn't so bad. In my defense, I was on a conference call at the time of assembly--so attention divided. Excuses, excuses! ;)
While it was nice to have a technological break on some fronts...on others, it was just down right inconvenient not to have it.
So, pictures from the weekend in Sheffield for Dora and Paulster's birthday are currently uploading for blog posting soon. Among other activities that we need to catch up on! Stay tuned!!!
Wednesday 24 February 2010
A Trip Back in Time
Well, I can't actually remember when the last time was that my house did NOT have an internet connection. But that's the condition we find ourselves in at the moment.
A not-so-funny comedy of errors is to blame, I'll spare you the details of administrative "issues" at the phone/broadband company and communication problems that spawned this whole thing.
So, it's not that we haven't done anything fun in the last month--in fact, we have. I just haven't had a way to upload photos and post on the blog from the homestead.
Yes, I could've done it from the office, but suddenly, I find myself pretty busy--so haven't taken the time to use the office connection to post.
So...apologies. This little problem should be remedied at some time tomorrow--but it will likely be the weekend before I catch up on a few posts.
Later!
A not-so-funny comedy of errors is to blame, I'll spare you the details of administrative "issues" at the phone/broadband company and communication problems that spawned this whole thing.
So, it's not that we haven't done anything fun in the last month--in fact, we have. I just haven't had a way to upload photos and post on the blog from the homestead.
Yes, I could've done it from the office, but suddenly, I find myself pretty busy--so haven't taken the time to use the office connection to post.
So...apologies. This little problem should be remedied at some time tomorrow--but it will likely be the weekend before I catch up on a few posts.
Later!
Saturday 23 January 2010
National TV Awards
On a school night, Hachie Gal, Budman and Paulster and I ventured off to the O2 arena in East London. Paulster had secured tickets to the National TV Awards. Essentially, like a small version of the People's Choice Awards in the US. There are only 11 awards given--so it wasn't a long programme--but it was fun. Everyone votes for their favourite shows and viola...award given.
The show opened with a song from the XFactor [think American Idol] winner. It's the resurrected "Don't Stop Believing" from Journey.
And a truly hideous performance "Under Pressure" from the doofus twins, John and Edward (Jedward) with a special guest appearance by Vanilla Ice. Jedward "failed out" of XFactor...but they were kept in far longer than their talent warranted. Those two look like Pee Wee Herman's love children. Wherever did they dig up Robert Van Winkle, that mug. A couple of years ago, he was on the UK "reality" show Big Brother. I guess they just keep dredging him up for the freak show value.
The outgoing Dr. Who (David Tennant) won a Best Actor award and the show won as well. He's a personal favourite of mine, so I tried to get a snapshot of him from the Big Screen. Turns out, I managed to get every contorted, terrible shot of his handsomeness...
I was not gifted with the timing that night on the photos...
One of our favourite shows, Gavin & Stacy, won, so we were happy from the start.
Most of the people were dressed like they were going to a cocktail party with tiny dresses, tuxes and LOTS of sequins. Not all age-appropriate or body-shape appropriate--so the people watching was at least half of the night's entertainment.
Another fun night out in London!
The show opened with a song from the XFactor [think American Idol] winner. It's the resurrected "Don't Stop Believing" from Journey.
And a truly hideous performance "Under Pressure" from the doofus twins, John and Edward (Jedward) with a special guest appearance by Vanilla Ice. Jedward "failed out" of XFactor...but they were kept in far longer than their talent warranted. Those two look like Pee Wee Herman's love children. Wherever did they dig up Robert Van Winkle, that mug. A couple of years ago, he was on the UK "reality" show Big Brother. I guess they just keep dredging him up for the freak show value.
The outgoing Dr. Who (David Tennant) won a Best Actor award and the show won as well. He's a personal favourite of mine, so I tried to get a snapshot of him from the Big Screen. Turns out, I managed to get every contorted, terrible shot of his handsomeness...
I was not gifted with the timing that night on the photos...
One of our favourite shows, Gavin & Stacy, won, so we were happy from the start.
Most of the people were dressed like they were going to a cocktail party with tiny dresses, tuxes and LOTS of sequins. Not all age-appropriate or body-shape appropriate--so the people watching was at least half of the night's entertainment.
Another fun night out in London!
Sunday 17 January 2010
Makeovers!
On Friday, it was time for Drama and Blondie to shed their locks and take on new looks for 2010! My hairdresser, Miss D comes to the house and we turn the dining room into the beauty parlor. I just got a trim, but Drama and Blondie went for much more dramatic new styles!
Here are the before pictures:
Drama
Blondie
And After!
The locks that are now history!
Lovely!!!
Here are the before pictures:
Drama
Blondie
And After!
The locks that are now history!
Lovely!!!
Saturday 16 January 2010
Happy New Year
Well, better late than never, I guess...but I wanted to wish all my blog readers a Happy New Year. I know you're out there, even if you're just lurking and never post a comment (although I'd love to hear from more of you!)
It's hard to believe that 2009 is over and 2010 is in full swing.
I'm sure it will be an eventful year!
Paulster and I celebrated in our traditional way (except last year when we went to a party)--which was make our way to a pub on the Southbank of the river Thames in London, claw our way to the bar a couple of times--wow, it's crowded--and then wander out into the street to watch the fireworks from just below the London Eye.
It's always a spectacular show (the fireworks, I mean)--and people watching in the pub is always a hoot...one of my favourite past times.
Here are a few photos of the evening:
Something new for the blog this year...a video!
And the happy revellers ringing in the new year with a self-portrait! [Special Note for AC: Note the hat...just like yours!!! Surely did keep my head warm on that cold, cold night!]
Wishing you and yours a very healthy and happy 2010!!!
It's hard to believe that 2009 is over and 2010 is in full swing.
I'm sure it will be an eventful year!
Paulster and I celebrated in our traditional way (except last year when we went to a party)--which was make our way to a pub on the Southbank of the river Thames in London, claw our way to the bar a couple of times--wow, it's crowded--and then wander out into the street to watch the fireworks from just below the London Eye.
It's always a spectacular show (the fireworks, I mean)--and people watching in the pub is always a hoot...one of my favourite past times.
Here are a few photos of the evening:
Something new for the blog this year...a video!
And the happy revellers ringing in the new year with a self-portrait! [Special Note for AC: Note the hat...just like yours!!! Surely did keep my head warm on that cold, cold night!]
Wishing you and yours a very healthy and happy 2010!!!
Thursday 14 January 2010
Cabin Fever
So...it's not really a cabin as much as a house in a London suburb...but, it's real. Cabin Fever.
I'm so sick of being in the house that a trip to do mundane errands like go to the Post Office, the pharmacy and photo shop were quite a treat this afternoon.
Since before Christmas--when we had the lovely snowfall that made me full of the joys of Christmas, we've had off and on, more of the same weather.
So much for being joyful after weeks of it.
I have to admit that the first 2 weeks of lounging was nice, catching up on a series and a half of House that we had recorded on our TIVO-type device, cooking and sleeping was great. Also, that was around the Christmas/New Year celebrations...so always something to do.
But this week, I've had a cold and between that and the weather, I'm feeling a bit grouchy.
A welcome respite has been a really excellent Christmas present. It was something that I didn't even know that I wanted--but Paulster used his brain and came up with a good one. The Sookie Stackhouse series of books by Charlaine Harris. This is the group of books that the new TV series TrueBlood is based on.
So, there are 8 books in the boxed set that I got for Christmas, a 9th one that is out and a 10th one due out in May.
Some of you may not be interested--it's a bit graphic and is about vampires and other "supernatural" creatures--but I was thoroughly captivated by the first TV series. We're anxiously awaiting the second series--that has apparently already started (and may be finished by now) in the US.
I always get a kick out of reading the books that a TV series or movie is based on and then trying to pick out the threads that are similar. With Dexter, the first book and the first series were nearly identical, except at the end. Then, the TV series took a hard right turn and kept going. Not necessarily a bad turn, just different than the books. And Bones was the same.
I've just now finished the last of the 8 books in my little set and am logging on to Amazon to get the 9th one ordered and the 10th one on pre-order for May.
I have to warn you that, in my experience, if you mix high powered Sudafed with these books for several days, you're likely to have some odd dreams.
On the other hand, they're quick reads and creative storytelling--so well worth waking every hour to make sure there's not a vampire breathing down on you--that turns out to just be your cat sharing your pillow.
They definitely get my endorsement!
I'm so sick of being in the house that a trip to do mundane errands like go to the Post Office, the pharmacy and photo shop were quite a treat this afternoon.
Since before Christmas--when we had the lovely snowfall that made me full of the joys of Christmas, we've had off and on, more of the same weather.
So much for being joyful after weeks of it.
I have to admit that the first 2 weeks of lounging was nice, catching up on a series and a half of House that we had recorded on our TIVO-type device, cooking and sleeping was great. Also, that was around the Christmas/New Year celebrations...so always something to do.
But this week, I've had a cold and between that and the weather, I'm feeling a bit grouchy.
A welcome respite has been a really excellent Christmas present. It was something that I didn't even know that I wanted--but Paulster used his brain and came up with a good one. The Sookie Stackhouse series of books by Charlaine Harris. This is the group of books that the new TV series TrueBlood is based on.
So, there are 8 books in the boxed set that I got for Christmas, a 9th one that is out and a 10th one due out in May.
Some of you may not be interested--it's a bit graphic and is about vampires and other "supernatural" creatures--but I was thoroughly captivated by the first TV series. We're anxiously awaiting the second series--that has apparently already started (and may be finished by now) in the US.
I always get a kick out of reading the books that a TV series or movie is based on and then trying to pick out the threads that are similar. With Dexter, the first book and the first series were nearly identical, except at the end. Then, the TV series took a hard right turn and kept going. Not necessarily a bad turn, just different than the books. And Bones was the same.
I've just now finished the last of the 8 books in my little set and am logging on to Amazon to get the 9th one ordered and the 10th one on pre-order for May.
I have to warn you that, in my experience, if you mix high powered Sudafed with these books for several days, you're likely to have some odd dreams.
On the other hand, they're quick reads and creative storytelling--so well worth waking every hour to make sure there's not a vampire breathing down on you--that turns out to just be your cat sharing your pillow.
They definitely get my endorsement!
Saturday 9 January 2010
Christmas Catchup
The last post was about the snow and how that managed to get me in the Christmas mood. By now, we've had lots of snow now and it's frankly getting a bit old!
But let's look at Christmas...
We get to have two Christmases. One, adult only and low key. The second, when the girls get here on Boxing Day and we get the full assault of child-like excitement at Christmas--it's contagious!
So, on Christmas Day, Hachie Gal and Budman came over for a leisurely lunch.
The humans in the house were not the only ones lounging around. After having set the table with the crystal, silver and antique china, Sulley made himself at home.
Cat (and most of the cat hair) safely removed from the table and the humans sat down for lunch.
It's hard not to act and look a bit silly when you open a Christmas craker and put on the paper hat. But it's mandatory for celebrating a UK Christmas.
And for the second Christmas--even I got into the photos with my hat...
After Santa's arrival...
Note the big red card on the tree...Santa brought something that couldn't be opened until the 29th of December. That turned out to be tickets to the Miley Cyrus concert in London that night. Wow! ...and that'll have to be the subject of another post.
Here's Blondie, showing off the trash bin that Santa brought for her room. Practical Santa...
And here's Drama, showing off her Hannah Montana calendar.
And here's Kenny, contemplating the Remote Control Tarantula that Emilie got...
Hachie Gal & Budman gave the girls some "snow". A test tube with some magic stuff in it, that once you add water, it turns into snow. Very fun.
Here's Blondie making her snow. Thanks HG & B for the hours of activity. Will post what the "snow" eventually morphed into later--once the girls applied their creativity.
And my friend Melissa hooked me up with some Shrinky Dinks when I was in Texas. They presented hours of fun and lots of homemade jewelry and fridge magnets.
Here's Blondie with her finished product that is her version of the Gruffalo.
All around, two great Christmas celebrations.
But let's look at Christmas...
We get to have two Christmases. One, adult only and low key. The second, when the girls get here on Boxing Day and we get the full assault of child-like excitement at Christmas--it's contagious!
So, on Christmas Day, Hachie Gal and Budman came over for a leisurely lunch.
The humans in the house were not the only ones lounging around. After having set the table with the crystal, silver and antique china, Sulley made himself at home.
Cat (and most of the cat hair) safely removed from the table and the humans sat down for lunch.
It's hard not to act and look a bit silly when you open a Christmas craker and put on the paper hat. But it's mandatory for celebrating a UK Christmas.
And for the second Christmas--even I got into the photos with my hat...
After Santa's arrival...
Note the big red card on the tree...Santa brought something that couldn't be opened until the 29th of December. That turned out to be tickets to the Miley Cyrus concert in London that night. Wow! ...and that'll have to be the subject of another post.
Here's Blondie, showing off the trash bin that Santa brought for her room. Practical Santa...
And here's Drama, showing off her Hannah Montana calendar.
And here's Kenny, contemplating the Remote Control Tarantula that Emilie got...
Hachie Gal & Budman gave the girls some "snow". A test tube with some magic stuff in it, that once you add water, it turns into snow. Very fun.
Here's Blondie making her snow. Thanks HG & B for the hours of activity. Will post what the "snow" eventually morphed into later--once the girls applied their creativity.
And my friend Melissa hooked me up with some Shrinky Dinks when I was in Texas. They presented hours of fun and lots of homemade jewelry and fridge magnets.
Here's Blondie with her finished product that is her version of the Gruffalo.
All around, two great Christmas celebrations.
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