Happy Chinese New Year

2006 is the Year of the Dog.

Imagine what the streets of China's citys and town look like: Lights, dragons, and people everywhere.
So have a good Chinese meal to celebrate!!! xoxox

The Game of Life



Recently, we have all been trying to find some different outlets to pass the time. Ed and I decided that The Game of Life was perfect! Loved and played by all of us as kids, we re-lived a part of our childhood last night. The Game has changed slightly, with a few new things being added, but the aim is the same ... win the most money!!! We've also got Monopoly and The Train Game (Ticket to Ride), so hopefully we'll have more evenings of competitive board gameing! xoxox

The board game, pre game. Check out the newness (and it was only 5 pound from Amazon!!!)

The "spinner"! See the little cars? (I'm the green North American driver).

Dave and Gem trying to sort out money...it was Gem's first time playing!!!

The Game nearer the end. Dave won...then Ed...then me...then Gem. Classic.

C'est Moi

C'est Moi

I was tagged by The Glorious Soprano,
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1- Babysitter, Au pair, cleaner (all in one)
2- receptionist at Veronique
3- Pub general staff
4- dog walker

Four movies you could watch over and over:
1- Pretty Woman
2- My Big Fat Greek Wedding
3- The Incredibles
4- Men with Brooms

Four places you have lived:
1- Baie d’Urfe
2- Little and Great Tew, UK
3- Upper Heyford, UK
4- Canterbury, UK

Four t.v. shows you love to watch:
1- CSI (all three)
2- That 70's Show
3- Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
4- Red Dwarf

Four places you have been on vacation:
1- Landsend, Cornwall
2- Paris
3- Sweden
4- Denmark

Four websites you visit daily:
1- For Better or for Worse
2- The Foxy Drama Queen
3- Doodlebugz
4- UKC email/Yahoo! email

Four of your favourite foods:
1- Aunt Barbara’s Casserole
2- chinese foods
3- Dad's turkeys and gravey
4- white chocolate

Four places you'd rather be right now:
1- At home with family
2- in a swimming pool
3- someplace with big drifts of snow
4- in front of a campfire...with "mashfellows"


Four bloggers you are tagging:
Doodlebugz
The Country Parsen
Starfish
The Glorious Soprano

Belated Birthday...

Just as we broke up for the Christmas holidays, Ben turned 20. And even though it's late, I made him a cake. Carrot as requested. (Kayleigh your next....)

HAPPY (BELATED) BIRTHDAY BEN

Loopy Birds


As I walk through campus day to day, from class to class, I listen to the birds making their songs. This is all well and good, but this is the scene that greets me as I walk out my front door.
Frosty grass! I was very pleased when I saw it all covered in cold morning sunlight. It was quite chillsome in the air today, and later coming out of the gym I saw this...A frozen lake/pond! Which is why I'm confused when I hear birds I'm used to hearing in April or May when there are crocus popping up, and daffodils. The sound of melting snow can be heard, and the ice on the roads melts away. Why then are those birds singing here , in January???
I also believe their day/night judgment is off too. I can be walking out at midnight, and still hear birds I should hear at 6am, no sooner. Am I missing something? I think the birds on campus are rebelling against the natural forces that be.

Bored, Broke, and Braindead

It's official and generally agreed that there's a sense of sameness in the air. Personally, I need stimulation, both mental and social. However with little means it's hard to do anything without either A) walking a half mile one way, or B) something we can all enjoy together. We've watch a million movies, we all walk everywhere anywhere, and we can't afford to go far...humph!
Last night, we-three-couples got together for a Sunday roast, which was a nice change. Dave and Gem, you cook a good meal! If only these sort of things were free, we could do them when ever...but alas no. The movie on the other hand... let's just say I will never think of a lawnmower in the same way.
The only place is up!

Finding Peace and Tranquility

I looked out of my window this afternoon, and was very glad to have my camera on hand. It didn't last long, so I'm gald I caught this moment when I did. My schedual is often busy, isn't it the same for all? However these brief moments happend all the time, and if we don't look up every now and again, than how are we to see them? This sunset looked different seconds after I took the photo. I'm sharing this second I saw, with you all.

One Week Done!

Hey there folkes! As is made blatantly obvious by the title, we are now officially one week into term. Now, we've had one lecture from each course, and next week the seminars come. The teachers seem enthusiastic, so hopefully it'll rub off. On the other hand, our block of flats will be questioned next week with regards to the misfortune of the fire extinguishers...I'm innocent! I now have a very important date with a girlie movie, and a big bowl of popcorn! (Won't be as good as when you make it, Hun!) Hope y'all are well??? xoxox

I'm Back....
Hey Ya'll! I'm back on campus and waiting to start my 2nd term. I've had one class so far and I could hear the ears shifting back into listening-in-class mode...ugh. I've spent the early afternoon, cleaning my little hovel, and thinking of what to put into the ravioli I'm making for myself and Ed this evening. Beef mince, soy sauce, Chinese 5 spice, onion...maybe. As I mentioned, one of my resolutions was not to procrastinate (cough), I hopefully will follow this through in my school work. For example: essay to be started a month before they're due...well that's the idea, anyway. Take it easy all, and I'll keep you posted!

A Lasting Tradition

This Christmas I took it upon myself to do the Popcorn Puzzle . The puzzle that used to live at my Grandparents' farm now lives with us, and it is my duty to continue a tradition. When I opened the box of the puzzle, in it I found a piece of paper. On it, it read:

"On December 29, 1985, at about 11:00PM, this puzzle was completed by (My Mum), who had worked on it for two evenings. CAC Jr."

So I set to work, and when I completed it. My Mother's exclamation was: "You didn't have little children running around!" After all, Catherine was nearly 4, Allie was almost 12, and I was on the way in T minus 4 months. I felt it necessary to add to the paper:

"On December 28, 2005 at about 5:30pm, this puzzle was completed by (Me) who worked on it for a day (w/ no children running around, Mummy). S.M.C.C"

Almost 20 years to the day, I did the puzzle...and I'll do it again!

We Start the New Year...

As per request, I'm including in this blog some photos. I've started the New Year, relaxed and optimistic. I'm looking forward to going back to school, but happy for the time I had at home. We are all enjoying the new kitchen, as well as putting in the new toys: microwave, lights, cookie cooling rack. I also had a really nice time visiting Ed's house. After getting over my nerves of meeting his mother (which turned out to be unnecessary) I was able to relax into the warm and welcoming environment easily. As for my New Year's resolutions? I've vowed to dredge up that lasting patience I used to have, and not to do any dished which aren't mine, or Ed's. I've also given up procrastination...but I gave that up last year too, so who knows. All the best for the New year to everyone. Take it easy, enjoy the sunshine, and smell the roses. Lots of Love! xoxox