Happy Birthday Caterina!!!

It's my sister's Birthday today! However, she's not at home relaxing, eating Kraft Dinner...she's in Providence, Rhode Island, singing!!! Way to go, Thing. Have an awesome day, and don't forget to celebrate!
All my Love
xoxoxox

The Three Doodlebugz...


This entry is dedicated to my three wonderful nieces. One of the things I've found the hardest about living 5000+km away from my family, is not being there at special occasions. As you know, my sister recently had her third baby, Ella Grace. I've seen a few pictures of her, but I'll only get to meet the little one in July when I'm out there next. Pictures are one way of showing how people are changing, kids are growing, your house is decorated, your dog is looking, etc., but it's not the real thing. Pictures are visual stimulants, but have you ever smelt or heard something, like a coal burning fire, a turkey being roasted, an old song, or someone's laugh and thought: "that reminds me of...." I know I do it all the time. I get that familiar pull towards the memory and wish I could be there. My advice to anyone who lives near by their family members is, don't, whatever you do, take them for granted. I've lived in England for 3 years and four months, and there isn't a day I don't wonder what my family across the water is up to.

So, to you Morgan, Paige, and Ella, I will most likely be that-Aunt-you-didn't-see-very-often from your childhood memories, but if my love were rays of sunshine, It would be shining in your window all the time.

This goes for all my family reading this, blood related or extended!!!

XOXOXOXOX
I'm thinking of you always

The Pink Cake...

What do you do with cherry sauce that's been taking up space in your freezer since Thanksgiving??? You convert a chocolate cake recipe to a white cake, and swirl in the sauce, of course! It didn't turn out exactly how I imagined, but it's edible!
XOXOX

these.......

plus this........

equals this!!!!

Way To Go Girls!!!!

I want to say congrats to the UKC girls volleyball team. We played our last game yesterday afternoon against Oxford, and fought a close, fantastic battle. (You looked great from the bench!!!) I only hope I do you justice next year... It's been an awesome year, and I can't wait for the next!

UKC Girls Kick Ass!

An Anthropological Link...

This For Better or For Worse comic struck me as particularly appropriate for what I study here at Kent. I believe in the theory that there is no such thing as 'race', we are all the same underneath, and we are only different based on how our bodies reacted to certain environmental factors millions of years ago. We are all the same...remember that!
xoxox

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Kayleigh!!!

On December 30th, our girl Kayleigh was 19! Unfortunately, we were all at our homes and couldn't celebrate. So, even though she's home for the weekend, on Sunday we'll celebrate her special day! (We'll go out soon girl!)

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KAYLEIGH!
XOXOX

A Very Scary Concept...

Hey Y'all, I have a house for next year!!! I will be residing in Burbland of Canterbury in a pleasant little abode with Ed, my flatmate Tom, and Sue, a friend of his. Our original plan was to live in a group of 6: Dave, Gem, Kat, Ben, Ed, and myself. But that was quashed when A) all the 6-bedroom houses listed were actually taken, and B) some buggery bugger of person called up before we did on an absolutely gorgeous perfect house. At that point, we regrouped, and decided to split...ironic, isn't it? But fear not, the remaining 4 in the original 6 are not homeless. They live two doors down from us! Ideal isn't it? Which means we don't have far to run with the veg for the roast on Sundays :) This is an incredible weight off of my mind, but the gravity of it all sits in the drawer adjacent to me, with the words: "Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement" written on it. The best part...the kitchen colour scheme is sage green (that's not sage green, but it's the closest)!

XOXOX

Thanks Eddie for being so patient with me every time I say "I'm worried!"

"#35" Our little home....

WE GOT GOLD!!!

Congrats to the Lovely Ladies of the Ice! A strong game played against Sweden, resulted in a 4-1 WIN!!! USA for the Bronze, and Finland got the 'wooden medal' for 4th place. Let's hope the Canuck men have more luck in the near future!

WAY TO GO LADIES!

The food...Ed and I had a proper junk food fest! So worth it!

The handsome man himself (on the phone)! Taking a break from the essayage...I think I've convinced him that hockey is the most awesome sport!

Method of eating pickled onion flavour Monster Munch crisps:
1) Pick one, carefully.

2) Devour it whole.

3) enjoy, and repeat...just don't eat the bag!

XOXOXOX

hock·ey (hŏk'ē)

n. "A game played on ice in which two opposing teams of skaters, using curved sticks, try to drive a puck into the opponent's goal." Answers.com

A most basic description of a game loved en masse in Canada, among many other places. Despite the scars, stitches, patches, fights, 'jurseying', and other such disputess, this game is at the heart of 9.99/10 Canadians. The saying will forever remain true: "I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out!", but traditions such as: Hockey Night in Canada, NHL, Stanely Cup playoffs, Olympics, even those 5am practices you may have gone to as a kid, give this game a facet we treasure, and that is that it brings people together. I've dated a hockey player, and I always looked forward to those games where I met up with friends in the stands, and cheered on our boys!!! The Spirit is Strong, the hits are Hard, and the cheers are Loud! Tonight, though away from home-turf, I'm listening to the game online, eating loads of junk food (part of the traditionn, of course!), and rooting for the team of the founding country...CANADA! Lets go les girls!

Bonne chance a toutes nos joueuses!
Good luck to all our players!
XOXOXO

This One's for You, Thing!!!

My sister will appreciate today's For Better or For Worse
(She has cats.)









(click on the image to enlarge)
XOXOX

Online Radio!!!

I have discovered the joys of online radio. Bored with Radio One (listened to perpetually in the kitchen), I sought an alternative form of musical entertainment. Plus, I plan on listening to the Women's hockey final on Monday (CANADA for GOLD!!!) , so I needed to see if I could get the CBC's online radio feed. I got it loud and clear! My search did not stop there (cue evil laugh). I feel left out when all my friends talk about things that are happening in my Canadian home of Montreal. Songs, news, weather, the works. Plus when I'm back there in July, I want to hit the ground running. So, I went to the MIX 96 web site, and BINGO! I'm now listening to the MIX online.
Ed thinks it's kinda weird hearing adverts for "Brault & Martineau", as well as the French but he'll have to get used to it! :)

*sigh* I feel at home!
xoxox

Things Come in Threes!

The saying remains true! This week (tomorrow, actually) is the week our (now) group of 8 people are going to commit and sign for a house for next year. However, this is no longer for tomorrow, because of three misfortunes:

1. Dave, my flat mate fell ill Friday night (dodgy kebab, we thought) and is now in hospital until Tuesday.
2. Tom, another of my flatmates, is having to be available for the next couple of days, so the AA can come and tow his car to have it fixed, after he broke down off campus.
3. Ben, who was up in Carlisle visiting Ruth, hasn't been contacted, and so isn't completely in the loop. True, not exactly unfortunate, but it's a loose end.

So, with any luck, the agency will take pity on us and give us an appointment later in the week. Surely being in hospital is reason enough???
XOXOX

GET WELL SOON DAVE!
WE MISS YOU!

Welcome Baby Ella Grace!!!

The wait is over! My sister's family added little Ella Grace to their lives this morning. Both She and her Mummy are doing well, and will be home in the next couple of days!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxox

Counting Down the Hours...

Attention! Attention!

For all who didn't know, my sister is expecting her third baby to make their debut appearance in a matter of hours. My thoughts are with her whole family, and I can only hope that everything goes as smoothly as possible, and that both she and the baby cross the finish line with full health.

XOXOXOX

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Despite our changing weather today, the sun is winning the battle. The birds are cherpitty-chirping, and the breeze is light and warming. Perfect for Valentine's Day. Some of my friends don't like this holiday, but I do. It's not just an excuse to legitimately eat loads of chocolate, or go out for meal. It's a chance to write sappy letters, and send heart shaped cards with huge great big smooches on them, to all our friends. All of which contain basically the same message: "I was thinking about you, and thought I'd let you know I care about you!" In elementary school, we sent loads of little papery cards with either Scooby Doo, or the Care Bears on them, to every person in the class. Nowadays, we send nothing more than a smile. I think we should resurrect the 'in class valentines'. It's not only 6 to 9-year-olds who can send a cheesy message with "Be Mine" on it; I did it this year. I made my own, with colours and sparkles, and tacked them to my friends' doors. Call me immature, or whatever...I enjoyed it! It made me smile.

I got the chocolate...

I've sent out the valentines...

And my nails are done!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
XOXOX

Aunt Barbara's Casserole

One of the many traditions I'm trying to continue while living in my own hovel, is cooking family recipes. Last night, Ed and I wolfed down two very large plates of Aunt Barbara's . I did cheat a little, Mum made the sauce...:) There was another casserole dish the same size as this one. There's nothing like home cooking, so when you're not at home, bring the cooking with you! (Ma, do you recognize the weigh scales?)

(apparently, there were more cornflakes on top, but Dave ate them!)

2006 Winter Olympics Have Begun!!!


I am sorely upset that this year I'm missing out on the Olympics (no TV). Still in all my parents are keeping me in touch with the Hockey results (Go Team Canada!) I'm doing Olympic research for a stats essay for one of my courses at the moment, so I do get to look at all the sites. I suggest you check out the Torino web site http://olympic.org/uk/games/torino/index_uk.asp 30 years ago, Montreal held the Olympics. If you click on "Olympic Games" on the left of the page, you can see where all the Olympics, both Summer and Winter, were held. There are links with pictures and videos of all the games. I even watched the lighting of the torch from Montreal! I remember doing a project for the 1992 Winter Olympics when I was in Elementary school. I wrote about Myriam Bedard in the '94 Lillehammer Olympics. So lets hope that we have a recurrence of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics: Double GOLD in the hockey!!!

Good Luck to all the Participants!

The opening ceremonies from Torino, 2006


If I save my pennies.....look for me in crowd!


The 1976 Montreal Olympics mascot...any name that we know of?

Happy Birthday Gilly!!!

Over the weekend, we celebrated Gill's birthday. A full out tea party, with Angel Food cake, flapjacks, fruit salad, tea or coffee, all served on the good china. Using the Bridal Rose is always an indication that's a special occation, and the rule remains true.

Have a great year Gilly!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
xoxoxox

The Birthday Girl


Mummy the hostess, gracious as always. (Check out the cake!)


The Good China...enough said.
xox

The Birds....

Remember I said the birds were acting strangely? It's not just in Canterbury. I was on the bus heading back to campus, when out of my window I saw this:
I'm feeling a little stalked....!

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