In search of Leprechauns

Well I'm off to Ireland tomorrow for one night. I fly into Belfast and out of Dublin. It's a quick trip that is one night and two very long days. I am flying RyanAir. They are a regional, low cost option for flying. They don't fly the major airports but if you need to get somewhere cheaply than this is your plane. My cost to fly from Birmingham, U.K. to Belfast, Ireland was .04 pence. That's right 4 pence. The pence over here is what we would call the penny. The taxes were about 20 sterling (sterling is the U.S. dollar). And if you want to check a bag it will cost you another ten sterling. Yes, if you want to change your clothes, brush your teeth and comb your hair, it's going to cost you. Needless to say, I will be checking a bag as I'm not quite fully European yet.

It's Not Easy Being Green

In the words of the famous Kermit the Frog. Today we ordered our own compost containers. I have to say I am quite excited about recycling our own trash. Having a yard is quite fun and I can certainly appreciate the independence that comes with having a home versus a condo or town home. No disrespect to any of you sharing homeowners as we still have one in Chicago but it is quite nice being at the top of the totem pole. We have planted a garden full of veggies, herbs and soon to be fruit trees. The next time you all see us, we will have green thumbs and be wearing overalls. I do have to give credit to two of our favorites Jeff and Allyson and all of their pro-activeness in saving this planet. I may even have to think twice the next time I'm filling up my gas guzzler of a Lexus, taking a 45 minute shower or running my electric dryer whilst looking in my American size fridge for an uber cold tasty beverage to take out on my air conditioned patio.

The BT man cometh.

Thank you Mr. BT man. Only in England does a monopoly of a company (BT) screw up not once but four times, send you confirmation of their screw ups and then send you a basket of wine, foie gras, chocolates, biscuits, mulling spices, crackers, cookies and other delights as an apology and all this after three months of free service and a credit for time served. No Joke! Not in The States! Are you kidding me? Triple this aggravation with any of the utility companies in Chicago and all you get is a big birdie (and no, it's not a cockatoo or a parrot) and increased rates.

It's all about Representing

Don't think I'm fickle but our "accent" sticks out like a BIG SHINY RUDOLPH'S NOSE. People often stare in our little house on the prairie town and we are quite frequently, seemingly asked "Where in America are you from?" Up until now I've never thought of my manner of speaking as that of having an accent. That is except for my tenure in Cincinnati where everyone knew I was from Michigan because of my nasal tone. Just call me Fran Drescher. NOT! I have to admit whilst in London at an Indian restaurant for dinner, a group of girls sat down next to us and began speaking in an American accent and I did think to myself for a brief moment "Wow, do they stick out." Wait a minute, that's what we sound like!
So in a feeble attempt to fit in along with a few non-functioning words that I'm probably not legally allowed to type in this blog, we purchased a Manchester United futbol Jacket so that when The Los Angeles Galaxy kicks their arse, I can rip off her red jacket in true Clark Kent fashion, stomp it in the dirt and scream at the top of my lungs "VIVA AMERICA!"

Just another Saturday Night

Some of you know from John's blog but last weekend we went to London. Our hi-light was dinner at a restaurant called "St. John Smithfield". Anyone that knows us, knows that restaurants are right up there for attractions and must visits on any of our trips. I think we spend more time researching food spots than we do planning anything else. As my nutrition professor said once "There's only one thing better than food". So anyway, above is a plate of our deee-lish starters; bone marrow w/ crispy bread and fried skate cheeks w/ aioli. The parsley and leek salad was harmony.



The cherry on the evening was when we were leaving and John spotted Ralph Fiennes sitting at a table by himself, reading a book with a backpack bigger than he was. Sarah and Matt move over, Ralph is in the house (In case you didn't know, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker had dinner next to us at Nobu Next Door in NYC).

Mr. Domestication

I have to say that my better half has been the master of making things happen. He can bring home the bacon (working for me and last company), clean the house, plant the garden, mow the lawn, blog three times a day, make dinner and take care of boo all without batting an eye. Seriously, when he's not taking pictures of everything imaginable (all the beers and ales he has been sampling) he has been getting things done. If you don't believe me you can see for yourself.

Not Yo Mama's Fish 'n' Chips

Tonight we tried a "chippie" that was close to our house. To say this is a fish stick is like calling the blimp a bath toy. I'm quite convinced when you order a cod and chips you get Moby Dick breaded and fried with a 5 lb. bag of potatoes.


The cod is moist and the breading is crisp. The chips/fries are a little soft for my taste but the mushy peas (baby food looking item in picture in styro-foam cup) are a perfect accompaniment. Of course it wouldn't be complete without a cider or beer and a little of the traditional vinegar. When you order they scoop the chips onto a piece of paper and place the cod on top of the chips. They then ask if you want vinegar or salt, proceed to wrap in the brown paper and make the hand off.

There's nothing to see here folks.

Think you can stand out in London? Not a chance! The consistent theme this past weekend in London was individuality. For people watching this place has to rate at the top of my list. Pick a tube station (no, that's not something you wear), corner, tourist attraction, restaurant and there is a sight to behold. The clothing pushes all limits of acceptable and not acceptable. If you don't believe me, come visit and we will be happy to show you around.

Close your eyes, lie back and enjoy the ride.

If your a foodie you'll understand the title. This morning I had two hard boiled English eggs for breakfast. Never in a million years would I have expected an egg to taste so deeeeeeee-lish! They were slightly sweet with the perfect creamy orange center. I don't know why but the eggs over here are just so much better. Lilly, you doll, would be closing your eyes for these. Oh, my!
If you're at all interested click eggs to discover the wonders of the British egg. This my friends just may be the redeeming salvation I have been searching for in my foreign home.