Single Cream, Double Cream, Double Chin

Okay, I'm sad. Not one comment this week. That's it! I'm writing in the colour of blood red just to protest.

Well, partially my fault, as I've been in survival mode this week. Yes, just 'getting on' as they say here. We've been very occupied, both in terms of time and mental energy. Brian comes home tomorrow--PLEASE GOD LET HIS FLIGHT AND BUS NOT BE DELAYED!! I think you get the idea.

This is 'Grave yard cat'. She lives in the grounds around the Shirehampton Village Church and I'm sure she is a ghost!

I love dairy here. the town of Cheddar just around the corner. Cows here even look good enough to eat and all these different varieties of cream! Single, double, clotted and 20 more varieties I'm told. I think that the only thing we give so many catagories to in Edmonton is antifreeze!

Here's the only whole hedgehog I've been able to find. Emma made it when she went to Devon for her induction camp. By the way, it didn't stay whole for very long as Bonnie and I devored it! Much in the same way as the crows eat the fallen hedgehogs roadside here.

So, no huge discoveries this week, but the people postcards have been masterpieces! Let's start with last weekend.

The girls and I headed off to Bath which was stunning and beautiful in its autumn splendor. We love the street performers there. This guy in pink for example, was a unicyclist. I'm trying to convince Brian to wear an outfit like that. It's all the rage here, and as you know, European fashion is two years ahead of us in Canada! Gentlemen of Edmonton, get your tutus on!

Then, on Sunday, we had some very special times! Imagine this....Sunday afternoon, driving to Gloustershire. A hilly, winding road drive to Helen's brother's house. We approach, park and walk up the lane to their home. An old mill converted to houses. Theirs is the end and on the porch is a HUGE pumpkin--although, not like Canadian ones. This one has no telltale lines, like the ones all school kids draw on their scary jack-o-lanterns. I found that very interesting!

Then, we walk into this great stone kitchen (Nick and Andrea would probably say I'm being silly, but this is a kitchen that I might be able to actually create something edible in!) And then, after climbing not one, but two narrow staircases, we find lovely girl children!! Hooray!! Some new friends for E and B! Now, Emma and Bonnie see that these girls have a whole floor---converted attic--to themselves! This was most impressive! And the view of the Gloustershire hills! I`m sure that I would have a few more than necessary sick days if I lived here. Just so I could stare out the window drinking tea.

We had Sunday roast then. Please will someone just invent this in CANADA?!!!
Our walk afterwards went from their house, down through some lanes, up to their allotment (pigged out on Autumn raspberries--I'm not even gonna go there!) and through an alpaca and sheepfield. I'm happy to brag to you readers--this was truly an English experience. One in which only the most creative imagination could conjure up.

And, meeting Helen's brother and sister-in-law was so much fun! I'm just thankful that we have a whole year to meet again--actually we have plans to do a November sleep-over after a Celtic dance night at their hall. I'm bringing pasties for dinner just to let you know!

Then, after saying our good byes and getting home, we were following our noses to the next seating of another amazing dinner. This time with Ben's friend Ben. We got completely lost, but for some reason ended up fairly close to our destination. Ben came and rescued us and we followed with our tail between our legs to Montpelier, a very scenic and aMAZEing place...seriously, the roads through this part of Bristol are like a corn maze. But, we finally arrived and met another group of Bristolians (ok, I'm not sure that this is the correct term). In any case, Chris and her friend Stephane made this chicken and roasted vegetables. And with a giant glass of red wine, and great conversation, I truly thought that I could easily be Provence. Okay, I've actually never been there but after reading Peter Mayle's book, I'm pretty sure that it's a similar experience.

This gang of friends have it figured out. Each Sunday they meet at one person's place and that person is in charge of feeding everyone. I love this idea for many reasons! First of all, I'd be much more inclined to make a stunning meal for others on a Sunday--think leftovers!! Second, it totally alleviated the Sunday night dreads, and third, meeting everyone and just pilling through everyone's weekly gossip was so entertaining. I'm definitely adding this to my list of things that I will do when I get back to Edmonton. Anyone out there want to sign up? It'll give you a year to think about meal planning!

And, the people postcard factor was brilliant there! I've already been attached the moniker of the 'Canadian on Exchange' which suits me perfectly fine! Then there was Stephane, the orthopedic surgeon from France whose English is broken and perfectly charming, Chris, a physical therapist, Darren, an all encompassed computer/numbers guru who is awaiting his new contract, Ben another primary teacher, Ethina (sorry if my spellings are poor here), a Spanish student at U. of Bristol, her daughter Lola who is in year 8 and us. You can imagine us all sitting around this huge old table. Great fun!

Chris' house is a tall and skinny old, and I mean OLD, many story home. People in Edmonton pay years worth of salaries to make their houses look like this. The hardwood floors were foot wide planks, stone walls, interesting twists and turns. I guess there are no companies that can move houses overseas. Damn.

The last 2 weeks in school have been busy. Ok, very busy--I won't lie. At day's end, I'm pretty much pooped and my brain turns off around 8:00. Thank God for the continuous loop of old 'Friends' episodes. The thing about school here is that there are so many dimensions of differences. One thing that I'm really appreciating at the moment is NOT doing report cards. Sorry Ben. I should have warned you about that one.

I'm going to go out on a very thin limb right now. I think that we over assess students in my homeland. Now that I've worked without doing too many tests, quizzez, assignments I realize that kids don't have to be held accountable for every thing they learn. It actually does stick into their pliable little minds without the benefit of studying and regurgitation. Now, on the other hand, I wonder about the effectiveness of changing for phys. ed. classes in England. Ok, my limb is beginning to break. Change of topic. Here is a picture of the Bath Cathedral's main window with 56 scenes of Jesus' life. Wow!

Here's a sad, but true story from the natural world here in Cerney Lane. Each and every day, with the sun's rise, a crew of multisized gulls fly up from the Avon Gorge to line the street lamps and housetops. I thoroughly enjoy watching these little and big poopers arguing over pecking order and such. But I have learned something quite interesting about them. Here's the story.

Last Sunday, as we were walking back from our usual hourly trip to Connie's for treats, Mousse decided to be a road hump. (Yes, that's what they call them. In fact, you can see signs that say things like 'Humps for the next 3 miles'). Back to the story.

So, we approach the street and suddenly a Lurcher darts out from someone's yard. This dog has earned it's disposition let me tell you. So, there's Mousse the road hump, the lurcher breathing down over Mousse, drool dripping, teeth barred, and all time stands still. Now this is where the gulls come in. I'm not lying when I tell you this. Each and every gull stops, turns and with a slight cock of their heads, watches the Jaws and Claws scenario play out. I swear that they were placing bets, those cheeky things.

Seconds pass. No one moves. The gulls are silent and happy to be watching such an event. Rather like people driving by accidents on the road.

Suddenly the lurcher does what he's bred to do. Grabs a whole tailfull of fur and lifts poor dear Moussy off the ground. We all scream, the gulls start paying their debts to each other and Mousse climbs a tree.

The owner of the dog shows up, apologetic (but not really) and we rescue Mousse and hustle her off to First Aid. Both girls are horrified to have seen this, as am I. We're planning revenge on the Lurcher. Any ideas?

Friday night, our dear Darren came over with two prized items. A copy of the Disney movie, Ratatouille and 4 bottles of beer. Much needed and happily appreciated by all.

We are now off for a week. This is where I truly feel for Ben. Please someone, buy him extra ale for the weeks to come!!! He is settling in for a nice round of report cards and interviews, and we are off to Scotland. Hmm...where's the justice in that?

And, just to let you know, the Markos discovered the answer to last time's quiz. Something about a marble quarry. Sadly I'm not really sure of the answer myself now. The tourguide in London said that they had to go all the way to Alaska. Maybe he just made that up thinking that no one would really check it!

This week's quiz is a little easier. What animal made this poo? OH SHOOT!!! Someone erased my photo?! Now, who would do such a thing?

Ok, here's another question. What is fly tipping?

Here's a colourful shot of E and B sporting their new scarves from Marks and Spencer. That's what happens when Dad leaves--the mice will spend!

Here's a picture of me trying to teach E and B the etiquette of tea drinking at Sally Lunn's Bun shoppe in Bath. Notice the motherly look of reproach? Note to self: Don't give daughter the camera!

And, what would it be without a lovely picture of Mousse? She's a bit shy here after the story I told you.

Cheers,

beth

And, to leave you with a real head-turner...Literally!

This is Silver Man. Notice the glass ball in his hand.