What I can do
* stay awake long enough to get a real attitude when things don’t go my way
* Pick my head up to look around – and smile at funny things.  I also do this smile and giggle thing in my sleep..
* Turn my head to face who ever is speaking and follow them around and then switch to the next person talking
* Have my first play date with Hannah (she is two weeks older than I am!)
* Change my sleep schedule all on my own to keep everyone guessing
* I can go to the office with mommy so I can be adored appropriately
* Experience diaper blowouts when my parents are least expecting it!

What I like/don’t like
* I like when daddy tries to burp me and i go to sleep instead
* I like when mommy sings and dances with me (even though she cannot carry a tune in a bucket.  Let’s hope I inherited daddy’s singing talent)
* I don’t like having my diaper changed this week
* I like sitting in mommy’s lap and staring at the computer
* I like only my specific pacifiers — don’t even thing about changing them on me!
* I don’t like when Omaha or Milton bark and go nuts
* I like my tummy time now
* I like taking cat naps on the sofa — but don’t think about putting me in the crib!
* I still like my bouncy chair — in small doses..

Mommy is hijacking this thread..

We had a busy week last week.  Ella and I had our ’6 week post natal” appointment.  Ella is perfect (but we all knew that).  I am fine and even back into all of my pre-pregnancy clothing..and (bragging rights here) not a stretch mark anywhere! Okay – some of the blouses don’t fit — but that is OK with us!

I took Ella into my office last week and there was almost enough adoration of Ella to satisfy even me. This week, I am back to working part time and having a hard time not running into the other room every 5 minutes just to look at Ella.  Next week will be the real test when I go back full time.  

David is taking to fatherhood like he was born to it… even calling me a mommy nazi for worrying too much.  Ella can tell the difference between mommy and daddy and has her preferences at difference times of the day.  Mostly — she prefers who ever will feed her by whatever means necessary.  David is definately Ella’s favorite sleeping place

Omaha and Milton did us proud when we brought Ella home — they are interested in the bald puppy but not put out too much.  When Ella cries — they will get a little upset but that is about all.  Harvey just wants to check everything out once a day and then disappear..

Ella has her likes and dislikes and is changing every day.  She is the center of our universe and makes each day an adventure — we never know what she will do next! She is more alert now and her facial expression change when you are talking to her.. I will try to get the video camera out and take a few quick moments..

What I can do
* hit toys on my play mat and act surprised when they move
* Pick my head up to look around
* Turn my head to face who ever is speaking and follow them around
* Gain enough weight to be within 1 pound of doubling my birth weight!!
* keep mommy and daddy busy buying me more clothing.. I have long legs (like mommy)
* Wrap daddy around my little fingers
* Use a pacifier (thanks grandma..(NB:  Grandma introduced a pacifier (supplied by Sarah and Kenny..and I like it — but they don’t sell those pacifiers here!!! (I am trying to be difficult.  Where’s the fun if it is easy to get!))
* Cry to show my displeasure
* Like something one minute and hate it the next…just to keep my parents on their toes

What I like/don’t like
* I like the ocean sound on my sound machine..i don’t like the birdsong
* I don’t like my doomoo this week
* I don’t like being put anywhere to sleep..I am ruler of this universe and therefore – I use everyone as a sleeping pad.
* I don’t like cold changing mats
* I like smiling while nursing — it is an evil little smile that makes mommy laugh
* I love sleeping on daddy (and make warning sounds every time he thinks about moving…)
* I like my daily playtime on my play mat..but do not even think about putting the nursery rhyme music on — its Mozart or jimmy buffet…period
* I don’t like my lamb skin sleeping pad .. its not like sleeping on daddy
* I like my bouncy chair–and one of these days i will be able to catch the toys on it and tell those rabbits what I think of them

We interrupt this post for a message from mommy

WE NEED PACIFIERS SENT TO US… PLEASE ASK GRANDMA FOR THE SPECIFICS. 

What I can do
* can stare at my hands and suck my thumb (or stuff my whole hand in my mouth)
* Pick my head up for short periods of time
* Turn my head to face who ever is speaking
* Put on a quarter of my birth weight (go Team McCoy)…not bad for a little one who arrived early!
* Outgrow my preemie clothing and diapers (thank you Aunt julie)
* Wrap daddy around my little fingers
* Use Grandma as a human sleeping pill
* Imitate my cousin Henry (ala narcoleptic eating… )
* Use Mommy as a pacifier

What I like/don’t like
* I like the sound machine Aunt Julie sent over…
* I don’t like it when Omaha barks
* I love my doomoo!!!!
* I don’t like even thinking about sleeping on anything that is not super soft
* I love making mommy and daddy loose sleep …
* I love sleeping on daddy (and make warning sounds every time he thinks about moving…)
* I don’t like cold changing tables or a dirty diaper… I will wake up from a deep sleep to tell everyone how unhappy I am at a dirty diaper
* I am ambivalent about about tummy time/activity center.. its ok in short spurts.
* I like my swing — but on my terms only
* I will tolerate the sling — if essential
* I love ruling the house!!!

Reito truly made Hennerton a neighborhood and was the first to welcome us over  2 years ago to our new home.  Reito was the kind of person who made everyone welcome and always had time for friends and neighbors.  Rest in peace Reito — you are deeply missed.

David has to go to the store to get milk and you give him a list like the one below…

microwave popcorn
mint chocolate chip ice cream bars
Sprite/Ginger Ale
Doughnuts (Krispy Kreme)
Eggs
Breads
Cookies
Hot Chocolate (Sugar free/caffeine free)
Marshmallows
Lettuce

Just for a little trip around the corner!

–Granted — the whole country is shut down right now due to the snow but my wonderful hubby will drive through anything for me!! Last week — he had to do another store run — and asked if I needed anything — I mentioned I was craving root beer — and he found some for me!!!

So — the root beer (and ice cream bars) are almost all gone!! Its weird because normally — I would never eat that many sweet things — but I just can’t get enough Ice Cream.  I think it is displacement.  I can’t get Taco Bell (or anything resembling American Mexican food) — so i go for junk instead.. Its not all junk — i am eating a ton of fruit and juice (new favorite pomegranate juice).  I also can’t get Wonton Soup (which i would kill for) or anything like that.. The hot and sour here comes with shrimp in it — so that marks it off the list..

I think I feel the need for another glass of juice coming on.. More later!

Baby update…
I got the birthing ball delivered about 2 weeks ago and I am slowly and reluctantly using it… It is supposed to help prevent a return of the PGP, get the little one into the optimal birthing position, the exercises are supposed to help with labor etc.. So, I try for 30 minutes a day doing the exercises and sitting on the ball .. but sometimes I am just too tired to do it.. i am such a wimp!  Funny thing is Omaha is terrified of the giant pink ball — unless i am sitting on it

We finally have the crib and stroller assembled.. so all furniture is done!! (yippee)….We even spent this last week end washing all of her clothing and linens, seperating into age appropriate bundles, sealing in vaccuum bags and now all of that is ready to go!  We are really only missing a few things and then we will be back on track with the project plan (you think I am kidding)…

We are attending childbirth education classes — which are interesting and helpful.  They go over all options — and pretty much keep their opinions to themselves.  The classes are run by two independant midwives — Sue and Sally and they are great! Sue is one of the owners of the center and Sally just joined after being an NHS midwife for years.  They tell everyone in the class the things that no one else really will — and have no problem translating English for American..    What I really like about it — is that is for David there is a group of similar situated men — and they are encouraged to participate… Last night — everyone was participating and enjoying themselves! Beat that!

Best part of it is that all the mommy’s to be are also taking the aquanatal classes — so we can catch up tonight as well.

Worst part of — the midwife is encouraging everyone to pack their hospital bags — yes I said bags! One for labor, one for baby, one for after delivery, and one for hubby.  Somehow it seems closer than it is when we have to pack the bags..

So — that is enough of an update for now — i will add more later…

Milton continues to earn the destructo name — yesterday – he ate the cord off the lamp in the living room – while it was still plugged in and managed not to get electrocuted! God protects fools and …..dumb dogs?

Seriously though — he is still destructive — but slowly taming it down a notch (which is like saying the Titantic is sinking slightly slower)…

He is now so well trained – that when the second alarm goes off in the morning — he inches his way to the pillows and knows he has 10 more minutes for cuddles. At night, all Brighid has to do is say the magic words bedtime and Milton walks into the bedroom and curls up into a little ball…

Milton and Omaha are getting more walks to different areas now due to the weather improving slightly.  They are soo funny though..when one wants attention — the other immediately has to have attention as well.  If Harvey wants attention — then the dogs circle like sharks until Harvey decides he has had enough. 

Omaha went to the vet for his monthly injection and David came home with a story that made me cry (not that it takes much to make me cry now a days).  Apparently, while David and Omaha were in the waiting room — a pug walked by and Omaha instantly got into the ‘puppy play with me stance’ and got all excited and wanted to go play and say hello.Normally, Omaha will ignore most dogs–but not a pug!. He obviously still misses Caesar too!

I have been feeling that we did not have enough of anything for the baby – so a-shopping we went!  We hit Babies ‘R Us like there was no tomorrow.  We got the Moses basket (no Reggie not to abandon her  and send her floating down the Thames — but for her to sleep in).. picked up a ton of clothes (on sale of course), changing mat, linens, etc.. I was looking at some clothes and lost David in the store for about ten minutes.   When I look up — I see him pushing the shopping trolley — with a 4 foot tall Teddy Bear in it!!  The look on his face was priceless! In case I have not said  last few hours — I have the greatest husband in the world!

So-after loading the haul into the car (and wondering if the teddy bear needs a seat belt).. we head to the next store for more baby stuff! We hit Mothercare (and – of course —there is another sale happening) and get the Moses basket stand and I score with some maternity clothes (getting sick of wearing the same things each week!), and more baby clothes.  Of course — I start looking at something, David disappears, and when we meet up – he has two of the cutest outfits that he found …Then, as we are standing in line at the check out — he starts looking at the rain slickers–I don’t think a newborn needs a rain slicker– but this England..

Off to TGI Fridays for lunch– I love English waiters — they are soo in efficient.  It took 2 hours to get a burger and some grilled chicken. 

We head back to the house — and agree that the dogs will freak when they see the bear so leave him in the car and bring in the rest of the stash.  David takes the boys for some walks and I get to satisfy my nesting urges and begin to lay out all of the clothes and sort by size.  Then, while David is out — i rearrange the bedroom.

We moved the bed down stairs when we got back from the States in September (partially due to my brief stint on bedrest and partially because I am a klutz and would likely fall down the spiral stairs eventually).. so we have three rooms upstairs that we are not using and one huge bedroom downstairs that has our bed and the changing table, the dresser, and, as soon as it is assembled–the crib.  Also – we have bookcases, a sofa, rocking chair and coffee tables in this one room.  It is a huge room — and will serve the three of us for the next 6 months. But – it needed a little rearranging – which I get lectured about as soon as David returned from the walk.

So – I think we are set for newborn clothes and the essentials.. we already have the pram, car seat, and of course – a loving home just waiting for our arrival..

Check out the link below and click through to pictures 5 and 7!
http://projects.ajcpets.com/gallery/view/atlanta-holiday-guide/santa-pets/08santapets6/2.html

Interesting side note — the AJC uses full editorial discretion and edited the comments submitted with the photos — edit – heck — they just inserted their own comments !

With Milton’s pedigreed bloodlines — we are having a debate whether or not to neuter him.  His grandfather was an Irish national champion — and he does have the papers to prove he comes with a good bloodline, but, he is a member of our family and not valued only for his breeding… I strongly believe in neutering all pets — but, as long as he does not get aggressive or overly amorous — I think I might be flexible on this one point.

Milton is — well — a wimp dog! He lets Omaha and Harvey bully him, never barks for anything other than attention.  He actually seems to get scared when Omaha barks at the front door! Milton is more of a lover than a fighter

He has lately taken to snuggling with Brighid on the sofa — and putting his head on her belly.  We think he is listening to the baby’s heart beat.  This morning, Brighid woke up early – Milton snuggled with her and the baby gave a swift kick while Milton was resting his head.. the look on his face was priceless!

The midwife says take it easy and to see an osteopath — which I did.  I was given some exercises and a back brace.. one week on – it still hurt like hell.  After the last appointment, while I was sick as a dog with the flu – I made the decision to stop wearing the brace — and guess what — by the time the flu was gone – so was the pain. 

Anyone who knows me – knows that I do not have much faith in “non traditional” type medicine, but, I am willing to try anything that does not involve bizarre pseudo natural herbal remedies.  I am pleasantly surprised.  I don’t know if it is the weekly massage – the exercises or what — but I am just relieved that I walk again (okay — I am waddling now — but you get my point).

The best part of this whole episode is that I can start back to my aquanatal classes.. I love these classes.  Its a bunch of prego whales in a pool (heated extra warm for us wimps) exercising.  The best part of it –David was reading a study where it says that women who take these classes are 40% less likely to need or use drugs during childbirth.. I like the sound of that!

We are more confident and happy than ever with our choice of care providers for the pregnancy and birth.  We are using a private midwife (as opposed to NHS midwfie — OB/GYN are not the primary pregnancy care givers) and also a private OB (who happens to be the director of the hospital where we will be giving birth–well — where I will be giving birth and David will be pacing).

This choice of providers is great — we have the midwife to look after me (and us) and the OB to look after the baby.  Other than this and one brief blip in September — this is a completely uneventful and healthy pregnancy..and baby is kicking my insides black and blue!

First of all — for those regular subscribers who have not been paying attention — we are expecting another arrival in March!  That’s right — our baby will be here in March (more on preggers and baby in another entry)…

Life in general is good — we are almost ready for Christmas and it is currently snowing outside.. yes — snowing – in December – who knew!

So – rather than one long entry – I am breaking this up into a baby blog and updating Milton’s Log.. check them out!

This year — David and I have both chosen to skip the normal card, cake and gift birthday rituals — since in March we will be celebrating the best birth-day of all — our baby is due at the end of March!!!

So – to back up a little.  I had to go to South Africa for business and about 3 or 4 days into my stay – I realized that I was craving the hotel’s pumpkin and ginger soup – I felt nauseaus if I did not have some of the soup.. Strange I thought.. but sometimes travel does weird things.

So – munching on  pumpkin and ginger soup, watching the fireworks for Nelson Mandela’s birthday out of my hotel window – and watching some cheesy Hallmark movie – I started to cry. For no reason – I switched the channel to live coverage of the festivities — and started crying again.  Then –  I began to wonder.. hmmm.. A quick glance at the calendar — and OMG — it might be true!!!

I ccould not call David and tell him when I am half a world away that I am pregnant – so I just kept the thought to myself until I could get my hands on a home pregnancy test.

My flight was long (14 plus hours)… and I finally arrived home.  I had to bite my tongue until we were in the car– and I still could not find the right words.  So – we were talking about normal, mundane things and how the trip was blah blah blah.  I suggested we stop off at the grocery store — because we might need to pick up a few things including a PG test.  David looks at me .. but we have been down this road before.

We get the groceries — and the test.  Come home – unpack — David takes the dogs out for a walk — and I run to the bathroom with the test and an egg timer (how appropriate)..The test was positive !!!! Now to tell David (he did not even know that I was going to take the test right away)…

David comes in from walking the dogs — and I put the stick on the table with a piece of paper covering it.. and call him into the living room.  I tell him to pick up the piece of paper — he does — then he looks again – and again.  I start bawling..

That starts this amazing adventure..We had already planned to travel to the states in September for a week and a half..

We spend the first week almost completely uneventful..and then friday morning, I end up in the ER with unexplained bleeding.  Turns out I have a subchorionic hemmorage and end up on bed rest for a week and a half.  
Scared out of my Wits and crying like a little kid — we make it through the bed rest and get the all clear from the doctor to fly home..

Bottom line — baby is fine, I am fine, David is fine — we are doing great!!

I will post more info as I can…

Actually — things have been nuts around here since we adopted Milton. 

Milton is now 11 weeks old!!! He had his first vet check up yesterday and his is in perfect shape…No problems at all …

Now for the fun stuff –This dog is amazing.  If he sleeps on top of David — he can go for up to 7 hours without needing to go outside.  If we leave him in his cage – he needs to go every two hours.  Still trying to work that one out.

Omaha and Milton are very slowly getting along.  Omaha is pouting and jealous of the attention that Milton is getting, but is adjusting.  Harvey has yelled at Milton several times, and, inadvertantly taught Milton a new trick.

Harvey was hissing at Milton and then turned and walked up the stairs – Milton — the wonder dog — followed.  yep – 11 weeks old and climbing stairs already – god help us!..

After checking out the websites for the two finalists — we opted for the Heritage Craft Show at Blenheim — since, if the rain kicked into a higher gear — we could still tour the palace..

Amazingly, it was only a 30 minute drive from our house – who knew!

We get to Blenheim – and, thanks to a 2 for 1 coupon from the Henley Standard — we breezed through the gates in the pouring rain and mud (thank goodness for a Range Rover)!  We check out the fare — all the booths are closed up due to the rain..As we get closer — we can hear the announcer calling the ferret races..Yes — ferret races..

We go from tent to tent and check out all the goods for sale.  We spot a wood carver and he sells these little incense burners in different shapes, etc.  Ever since B was a little girl — the little log cabins with the incense burners have reminded her of home — and, since we found one in the shape of a light house — sold! 

Then — off to the jewelry tent.  B bought a moonstone necklace from a jeweler called Pendragon of Cornwall.  Since the yearly re-reading of Mists of Avalon concluded this morning — how perfect!

Then to the hamster tent — yes — there is so little to do in the countryside that hamsters have their own guild. 

The drinks tent had a variety of drinks from “around the world”.. actually the UK and Ireland.  But we bought a bottle of Irish Cream that tastes better than baileys!

We stopped for a few and watched the jousting and swordplay from the re-enacters and checked out the blacksmith.  Then — a walk to the palace.

Don’t worry Mom — we did not go into the palace — just the grounds.  We are saving the palace for your next visit. 
We walked around the lake, to the farm, and back again.  We were walking by an enclosed pasture – on a path between the lake and the pasture watching the geese do what geese do.  We did not notice until there was no turning back — the path separated the geese from the water–and there were at least 10 gosling in the group.  There was one goose who never took her eyes off of us — until she lifted her wing to hiss–and out pops a little goose!

So – there we were back in ‘nam.. umm sorry – the path.. with half of the geese on one side of us – half on the other side.  After three or four tentative approaches — the geese started getting aggressive — so we implemented a strategic retreat. B thought that if the geese got close — she could just flap the umbrella at them — bad idea!

What to do — we were suddenly surrounded by a bunch of angry geese and sheep that were lining up on the other hill to watch the show…

We opted for a Clinton-esque maneuver.. we walked in the marshes by the lake — and made a run for it!

All in all — we walked for about 3 miles — and ended up back at the gift shop (yes, mom – we got you a thimble).. 

Back to the car park.. There is something so satisfying seeing jags and minis stuck in the mud with the parking attendants having to push them…The Range Rover had no problems! (That and the fact that David was smart enough to take the exit path that was not bogged down in mud)…

As we head home — we realize that it is the Sunday of a Bank Holiday weekend — and we need to stop at the store.. Most places close at 4 on Sundays and are closed on Monday – so we try our luck at the local farm shop. 

Luckily — we got there 10 minutes before closing — and what luck!  The clerks were wrapping up the produce that was just brought in — so we got veggies that were literally fresh off the vine! 

After dinner — there is a Braves’ game on TV — so David is banished to the “bar” to watch baseball and Brighid has the big tv to watch Shrek 2 (or anything else that takes her fancy)..

More tomorrow — we are planning on hitting another festival or the movies or somethings and pics should be posted of our goose chase…

We had our first large scale party at the house on Thursday — and we had a blast!  The party was my team, support, and another team, Services.  Both teams are from our division in the company.  It is really hard to be part of a new division in a much larger company — and still keep the “start up” feel that makes everyone want to work harder and truly enjoy their jobs.. But, I think that our division is keeping the feel and making everyone appreciate the fact that they are on the right team!!

The original plan was that I would cook almost everything on Wednesday night after work — and then just re-heat and arrange on Thursday.  But, when a customer calls and says that they are on their way to UK and they would like to meet on Wednesday — what choice do I have but to drop everything — and meet them.  So, on Wednesday — I was up at 4 am — on the train and heading  to the first customer site …then, to their head office..finally home around 9 at night.

Thursday — I worked from the house and managed to get 10 hours in before I logged off and started prepping for the party….

The night of the party — there was a bad accident on the motorway and it was shut down in both directions, almost everyone got lost and had to call for directions. Naturally, I started panicing thinking that no one was going to show and all my worrying and prep would be wasted — but, bingo — everyone showed up (about 30 minutes late) — but it was fun!

David manned the grill — and even managed to cook veggie burgers for my boss… Kinda cool — none of the “use seperate grill and utensils because I don’t want anything that touches animal products touching my food..” stuff that we have had to deal with in the past… The burgers and chicken were great and everyone mingled without issue. 

Even with the person who runs our division in attendance — no one really seemed to be in “business mode” — just a group of people getting along.

Then — the poker tournament!  Unfortunately, my team did not win — but services completely kicked support butt!  The side bet was that support would bring coffee or tea to services for a month.  Even though we lost — we still won since services is never in the office

Everyone left around midnight (David and I are both in zombie mode due to lack of sleep)– and we had a chat with our neighbors for about an hour outside…

Our neighbors are the ones that live in the former studio at the top of the hill in the backyard.. and we have not had a chance to just sit and chat with them.  Turns out that they bought a house and are moving in 2 months.  Figures — finally get to know them socially and they are leaving.. They are the neighbors with the German Shepherd that turns Omaha into a cowering puppy. 

Yesterday – while I was at work — the shepherd (cara) and Omaha actually had a mini-play date and got along wonderfully!  We definately need to get another puppy soon — Omaha seems soo lonely without Caesar.  Actually, the only sad part of the party — was knowing how much Caesar would have loved having all the people to beg belly-rubs from!

Another insane day at the office (with no sleep) — and I get home — have 1 glass of wine and am out like a light before 7 pm.  Of course — I made up for it and have been up since 4 this morning!!

This weekend we are going back to one of the dog rescue places and interviewing a puppy.  A border-collie mix who is only 3 months old.  We are still torn between getting a puppy who needs a home and will fit into our family versus getting the huge dog that I want (Great dane or mastiff)…We will know when we see the right puppy.

Later this weekend there is a Medieval Festival down the street — so we absolutely will be going.  I might take pics — so check back.

I am thinking about re-designing our website — its been the same scheme and colors for over a year… thank goodness for style sheets — i can change it at will.. You will be able to tell when and if that happens…

So — wide awake and no one else is stirring right now — might take the walk up to Penny Lane before the tourist traffic kicks in…

David selected the car (and I got my favorite color – or should i colour – Oxford blue).  He had his eye on a Range Rover down the street and could not resist!  So — we now have a car big enough to carry groceries – or anything I might find and even a special area caged off for Omaha!

David offically has his big boy car!

Of course — the car can go “off road” — but there’s no chance of that happening any time soon.  Now — if we can just finish reading the owners’ manual – we will be good to go!

Actually — things here are soo much easier.  I called insurance companies this morning — and within 15 minutes we had homeowners’ and car insurance–even with our funny accents and foreign drivers’ licenses.  Then — off to get the bank 

The joys of living in a village — I walk into the bank and the teller remembers me, addreses me by name and asks how David is doing (other than circling the block looking for a parking space).

Then to the car dealer–Mr. Sheffield.  What a nice guy! He has got to be in his sixties…and we heard his whole life story while filling out the paperwork for the car.  He even told us who to take our lawn mover to for repairs! 

Then — off to Reading to return the rental car.  Walked in — walked out. Then a walk to the train station.  A quick lunch at the station — take the train to twyford (we were going to change for wargrave — but took a taxi instead).

Since it was such a beautiful, sunny (yes — sunny – imagine that) day — we went for a ride in our new wheels!  Put the sun roof down – open all the windows — and go touring through the countryside (and tourist traffic) listening to Jimmy Buffet. 

One bright sunny day — and all the tourists come out!  The traffic was backed up over two miles just to get into Henley.. I hate to think what it will be like when the Regatta starts in a few weeks!

Enough for now — ciao~

On our last snow day, we saw that his front arm was a little swollen, so we took him to vet and he was diagnosed with a malicious mass cell tumor.  The only option to save his life was surgery. 

Since I was having surgery this week as well — it made sense for both of us to recoup together.

The most dangerous part of his surgery was the anesthesia — but he came through like the trouper he is.  Then, at 5.00 am yesterday morning, he decided to leave us and suffered from what the doctor believes is an anuerism that went straight to his brain. 

Taking a hiatus for a while — need to get myself healthy and mourn the passing of my oldest friend.

 B got to see family and friends (thanks for putting up with me mom).
Our goddaughter drew a picture for us — and it is now hanging in the kitchen – in the place of honor.

Before B went out of town — she cooked all day to make sure there was food for D..Well, I get back, and he only ate one of the meals! Depressing….

Seriously — the weather in GA was wonderful – it felt like an English summer. As soon as B got off the plane in London — boom — the cold weather hit her. Then, turns out there is snow on the way! Yes – snow! We had a hail storm last night (just the warm up for the snow). B slept all day to recover and woke up late.

As many of you know, Omaha is on a serious diet. The million dollar puppy has a diet that consists of hypo-allergenic food and no more treats. Turns out, the prescription food is very high in fat and he has been packing on the pounds (or kilos). So, after getting lectured by the vet — we have to weigh his food out. While B was out of town – D had to figure out the scale. He couldn’t…
This morning, B tries — yes, another example of ‘what does this button do’..and.. viola – the scale works. So there will be a very grumpy puppy.
We are just sitting here, thinking about heading to the farm shop for the best baked bread in the world… both of us are line, keeping an eye on the weather. If there are any updates — we will let you know.
Hapy Easter!

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However..if you really feel like sending a care package — feel free to!

Heniz 57 Sauce
Stove Top Stuffing
Large (500) Bottles of Advil
Macaroni and Cheese
Golden Mushroom Soup
A1 Steak Sauce
Saltines
Oriental Flavor Ramen noodles
Fritos
Twizzlers
Cocktail Sauce
King Sized Sheets!!!
Slippers
Cold Ease
Teeth Whitening Strips
Pioneer Country Gravy Mix
Baked Beans (real ones — not the English version)
matzo Ball soup mix
Welch’s Grape Jelly

Night one — get in late — order some dinner, relax in the room.  Lucky for us — we got a free room upgrade.

Day Two – lunch in a traditional Czech pub and its snowing! 

Night Two – dinner at our Italian restaurant, brisk walk in the cold to the corner for great pizza!

Day Three – Lunch at Cheers! walk around a little

Night Three — business dinner at a great restaurant

Day Four – hanging out with co-worker/friend in the Old Towne

Night Four – order in dinner — relax

Day Five – early start to the tourist areas…

Brighid fell in love with a handpainted ceramic store — and got conned into spending way too much money on a bowl..yes – a bowl!

David got a spyglass.

Shopping around, lunch here, drinks there..

Bought more crystal in our pattern…

Wander around the city – stroll past Mozart’s house…Eat lunch at a TGI Fridays– yes, David found a Friday’s and Brighid found a mall.  Who would have thought it..

Drinks on the site of Kafka’s family’s store.  We stop at a Cuban restaurant — and love the place.  The best mojito’s ever!  (Even though i am not a Hemmingway fan — it is kinda cool to sit at the same bar).

On the way back to the Metro – pop into a store — buy some absinthe for the house (just because we  can).

We almost miss our flight back home. 

Once we get home — surprise!  there is no heat and it is cold enough to snow outside.  Turns out the heater only works if you add more home heating oil..Calling around like crazy for three days and taking baths by boiling water on the hob.  Finally, on Friday — everything starts to work again, all because David asked the repairman -”What does this button do”. 

All in all — we had a wonderful time, a romantic anniversary, and, now, we have heat!

To update..

Valentine’s Day was magical.  David is up for husband of the year award.  Romantic homemade candlelit dinner, two dozen tulips, amazing..

Andrew John is still scheduled to arrive soon–check back for updates.

We have a serious case of spring fever–it was almost warm for the last week (about mid to high 50s). Naturally, we started getting the garden ready – getting new garden furniture – and a new BBQ for David . Then–it turned cold again. We cannot wait until we can be warm again.

B is off travelling again — Denmark, Paris (yuck!), Prague.. The worst thing about France is all of the French people.  Seriously — there is a different concept of business logic in use in Paris that is different from the rest of the world. 

We have settled the issue with the house — and are staying.  Now, we get serious about buying a car instead of renting.. (only if B can figure out how to drive on the wrong side of the road).

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been a while since we last updated our site.. So — holidays are gone.. sarah and kenny are married!  Seriously– let’s see..

• Brighid got a promotion at work


• We had a blast with everyone on the cruise


• We decided to stay in our house for another year… yes, that’s right, the mailing address stays the same.

more later.. gotta run..

!!!!Flood update !!!

When even a backwards, slanted piece of yellow-journalism like the Atlanta Journal and Constitution covers the floods in our area — you know something big must have happened (or its just a slow news day).

So – here’s the update.  Villages we went through last week, like Evesham and Tewkesbury are completely mired down and 350,000 people are still on drinking water restrictions.

More locally, Maidenhead was slammed last week – but seems to be making a recovery.

We were in Reading yesterday, and the Thames is overflowing, but not up to the streets yet.  Houses and shops were prepared with sandbags lined up–just in case.

On the really local level — the pub down the street has had its tables and benches by the river washed away and the river is almost to street level.

In Henley, no roads are closed yet–but the water was almost to the street.

Lucky for us — we are at the top of a hill overlooking the Thames Valley – so, we will not be affected (other than by re-routed traffic).

Another impact these floods are having is to bring the wild-life a little closer.  We are seeing more rabbits and birds in our yard, a deer and — dare we say it– a fox has taken up temporary residence.

More updates as the waters receeed.

The only downside is that the drive from the house to Brighid’s office is around 45 minutes each way — through “B” roads, etc.. So, we think we will have to keep looking.  If only this house were closer!

We looked at one house that had 5 bedrooms, a heated pool, a pool house, etc.. but was on the main road through the village..so that wouldn’t work.  Then, we looked at a cottage next to a golf course– beautiful — but someone else put an offer in before we were finished looking at the house.

We are in a bit of bind–have to have a new house within one week…furniture will arrive on the 14th — but we have no where to put it.  Then we will be gone for a week in March — so we are running out of time.

On the bright side — the boys are adjusting nicely..and Omaha went to the beach and had a blast… We will post those pics soon.

–Ciao

So we go about our daily routine..until the local police come knocking on our door.  Apparently, there was a home invasion type robbery a few weeks ago and they are asking everyone if they saw anything, heard anything, etc.  The police were very nice and made sure we had all of the department’s phone numbers in case we do see anything suspicious.  Here’s the kicker—they were polite, concerned about safety in the area, and willing to answer questions.  That’s the type of security provided by a local borough! Even though the crime happened weeks ago-they are still checking every possible avenue and letting everyone know that a crime happened in the area.  A single crime– no one was injured-no one was shot, and yet, they are still following up.  That would never happen in Georgia!  You could have a pedophile living on one side of you and a drug dealer across the street and never know.  The visit pretty much reinforced our idea that being here is good thing–its all about quality of life. 

After the police left we continued with our daily routine until BOOM! – the bomb was detonated in a controlled explosion and it rattled the house!  (I would say it knocked the pictures off the wall — but we don’t have anything to hang up)!  It appears that our area was the rehearsal for the d-day invasion. Some rehearsal – they used live rounds!  With beach erosion increasing–more rounds are being found on an almost weekly basis.  Since we have been here–this is the third explosion.  (Here’s  a link to it…http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/echotv/videonews/index.var.2178.0.0.php)

Then–the winds kicked in…70 mph.  When we look out the window — we can see  trees being bent and leaves scattered all over the place.  It would be a hurricane–if there were  heavy rain.  But, as usual, its a fine mist that comes down continually.  The wind is interfering with mobile phone reception, tv, and land lines…but everyone is taking it in stride.  The water is incredibly choppy-you can see the white-caps from the deck–and it is not supposed to let up for a few days.  (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/6273749.stm )

After the wind dies down we are supposed to get “winter weather”. So far, we have been warmer than Georgia and had rainy mornings, sunny afternoons, and pleasant nights.  It will be interesting to see how the “winter weather” turns out..Its January and we have not seen snow or ice–or anything winter like. 

More later…
Ciao