Day 224 of 365: Hornsea Rock City???

Left Edinburgh very early this morning to head to Yorkshire. Specifically Hornsea, Yorkshire to see our friend Roger.

I slept most of the time in the car, but at one point Ian slapped my leg so I could wake up to see The Angel of the North.


I know, my shot is terrible because normally it looks like this:


But I had JUST woken up, and I wanted to hurry up and get a shot of it. Mind you, the closer we got, the better my shot would have been, buuuutttt I was still half asleep.

So we finally arrived in Hornsea where Roger met us outside.


We met his Mum (lovely woman. If you ever read this, Ruth, you're wonderful :) ).

Then Ian, Roger, and I played Beatles RockBand for about an hour (we're SO totally getting a Wii and the RockBand set once we can afford it). Ian rocked as Ringo. And Roger and I took turns playing on Paul's bass (which was used as lead guitar) and singing.



Then we headed out to The Deep, which is the aquarium in Hull. Had a really great time there...and even made a new friend:


After The Deep, we went to a Chinese buffet where if you ate and were out by 7pm, it cost £3 less. We ate fast! lol

Oh yes, and today is our 6 month wedding anniversary. Woo hoo! :)

Day 223 of 365: Boarding all Passengers

Attention all passengers, Concord is now about to take off! I'll be your stewardess for this flight.

O.k., so the drive to Loch Ness was MUCH longer than Ian and I thought it would be. Sooooo....after checking some emails, putzing on the hotel computers (£1 for 20 minutes...better than the airport atlesat), we decided to drive 45 minutes east of Edinburgh to check out the National Museum of Flight.

It was cold and rainy, but thankfully most of the exhibits were inside. There was also a really cool interactive bit that Ian and I enjoyed. It was for children, but who said we're not kids at heart?!

Also, since we had the hired car, and there was lots of space in the parking lot, Ian wanted to see if I could start, move, and stop a manual car without stalling it. And you know what? I DID! :) Sooo....within the next few months I will be taking some more driving lessons, but in a manual.

Anyways...

After getting back I really wanted to go to this Christmas store by the Castle. So Ian and I trekked up the hill once again, only to purchase nothing because it was so pricey!

But, the Castle at night was quite beautiful...


Tomorrow it's off to Yorkshire to see our friend Roger!

Day 222 of 365: You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello

Left Cologne today (booooo!!) to head to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Ian and I had always wanted to visit Edinburgh, so for a bit of "alone time" we're spending a few days here to explore.



Today we went to Edinburgh Castle. Quite massive, I must say. And we basically walked up a hill that was almost at a 90 degree angle. Bad move. Our legs were like jello by the time we got to the top. But, was a good time. And from the top you could see all of Edinburgh.

Tomorrow we may go and see Loch Ness if the drive isn't too bad.

Day 221 of 365: A Day in Cologne

Photo(s) to come after I get the disk in the post

Today Ian and I got a tour around Cologne from Mel.

We woke up, had a lazy breakfast, and then headed into the city.

There we spent lots of time looking at Cologne Cathedral, which I absolutely fell in love with. Beautiful. And, the bones of The Three Wise Men are inside.

We walked around even more afterwards. Mel showed us a spot where they're digging up an old Roman bath.

We went to the Lindt chocolate factory as well..where we got a free piece. :)

Then we took a photo at the "usual spot" next to the bridge.

Was a wonderfully, beautiful day. I really liked Cologne, but also, the weekend brought Mel and I closer together, I think. She and I got to talk a lot more, which was nice. Looking forward to her move to England in 6 months time. :)

Day 220 of 365: All Together Now

L to R: Mel, me, Ian, Jan, Veerle, Abel

Well, just about anyway.

Arrived in Germany last night. Mel met Ian and I at the airport in Dusseldorf. We had a very tasty pizza after waiting about 45 minutes for the guy to deliver it to Mel's place (we got a free bottle of wine though!).

Today the three of us traveled up to Meeden, The Netherlands to see our Dutchies - Jan, Abel, and little Veerle. Today was the first day I met Veerle. I knew I would love her so much. :) It was tough leaving the Dutchies again. Never like saying good bye to them. But, the seven hours we all spent together were wonderful.

Day 219 of 365: Leavin' on a Jet Plane

No photo for today because I'm too busy getting ready to head out to Germany to kick off our holiday.

Photo tomorrow though!

Off to the airport!

Day 218 of 365: Oh, It Is Love

Ian and I went to Morrisons tonight to do a quick shop for Mum since we leave tomorrow for our holiday.

He FINALLY got the computer lap desk he's wanted for quite some time.

I think I may have been replaced...lol.

Day 217 of 365: Girl, You Better Work...

Went to a training course for activity coordinators today. I'm really glad I said I would go!

Got lots of ideas from other coordinators in the county, met lots of nice people, and even got a few email contacts.

Looking forward to the next meeting in November. :)

Day 216 of 365: Mmmmm mmmmmmm good!

My first kebab since moving to England.

It's basically a gyro, only without the Greek sauce.

It. Was. DELICIOUS!

Jamie mentioned once that kebabs are really good when you're pissed, although I may just eat mine when I'm sober, thankyouverymuch...lol. But I believe her! Kebabs to the English is like Taco Bell to Americans.

Day 215 of 365: I Gotta Wear Shades...

...because my new work uniform polo shirt is so bright I could go out, stand on the M3, and not even be hit at night.

And this photo doesn't even do it justice. If I used the flash on the photo, it looked white, so this had to be taken without the flash, and with bad overhead lighting.

Oh well, even the residents said "We'll never overlook you again!"

Day 214 of 365:

Eat fresh!

Subway does not taste the same as it does in the States. I find that the light mayonase is a bit weird tasting. But, I'll still order a foot long and scarf it down.

Quiz tonight! We shall see how we do.

Day 213 of 365: Girly Day

Today I was a "lady that lunches" with my SIL, Kathryn.

We went to this little place called Annie's in Timsbury.

LOVELY food. Had a BLT sandwich and some chips.

There was also a wedding lunch going on at the time, so we got to see the bride and groom walk in.

But before I left to pick up K, I took a photo of Miss Fudge sleeping on the back table:

Day 212 of 365: What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours?

Nacho cheese!!!

Hardy har har, right?

*ahem* Anywho...

Sooooo Ian and I have been getting the Old El Paso kits to make different Mexican favorites, and tonight I made enchiladas and some cheesy nachos. They were all absolutely DELICIOUS!

Yum!

And I wanted to eat my enchiladas while they were still hot, so this is what Ian left me for the nachos. :p

Day 211 of 365: Stop, In the Name of Love

My view on the way to work.

And yes, you may just be able to see that I listen to Chris Moyles on the way to work in the morning. LOVE his show. No wonder he's been on the radio for so long.

Anyway, which is the really busy roundabout that I approach that EVERYONE seems to use in the morning. Drives me nuts.

But I felt bad for the guy on the motorbike in front of me because shortly after he got into the queue, his bike stalled to the point where he couldn't restart it, so he had to pull over into the bus lane on the left.

Poor guy.

And this shot was taken after I had sat in the queue of traffic for about 10 minutes. And the line goes for about half a mile behind me. It's crazy in the morning.

Day 210 of 365: Isn't She Lovely?

These are the trees in the front of where I work. They looked absolutely gorgeous today when I got in, so I had to take a photo of them. Every day I notice that they've changed color a bit more. The residents love looking at these.

Today was a long day. Had a family meeting night tonight, and I thought there would be a lot of family members, but only about 10 showed up. Oh well, atleast it made it a bit easier to speak in front of everyone. They gave me a round of applause, which was nice. Buuutt....working a 9 hour day isn't all that nice. lol Oh well, atleast I can leave early on Friday, and I had a lie in this morning, which was nice. I miss snuggling in bed with Ian in the morning....we haven't really gotten to do it that much lately.

Day 209 of 365: Wet Wet Wet

This is a bad photo, but this is just to show why you don't buy a French car....

It rained buckets and sheets today, and we now have a leak in either our sun roof or some other seal, so the fabric right above your head on the driver's side is wet.

Lovely.

Day 208 of 365: Fiiiirreeee

Had fire safety training today for work.

I left the house before 8am to get there for 9am...only because I had to pass the M3 entrances and whatnot to get there. So I left early, per Ian's suggestion.

I got there at 8:15am. LOL

We learned about fires (obviously), used extinguishers, went into a smoke room, got to wear some gear, and I even got soot on my face. I didn't do too well though on the extinguisher, because I was a bit scared, buuutt...eventually I put the fire out. Wish I would've had my phone to take a photo of my colleagues and I in the gear.

So now I'm watching the clouds roll by debating on whether or not I should wash the car. I'm afraid that if I do so, it'll just rain shortly after. Decisions decisions......

Day 207 of 365: Another Sunday Night

Crap image, I know.

That's what happens when you don't take a photo all day, then try to take one on your mobile in a dark pub.

Anywho.....another lazy Sunday was had by Ian and I. I took a nap after putting on two layers of clothes and getting under the duvet because I was freezing, and The Hubba Bubba watched the grand prix. Poor Lewis Hamilton...

I spoke to my brother on the phone last night and he's doing much better. He's hopefully going to be discharged from the hospital on Monday. But, he sounded good.

Oh yes, and the pub quiz. We came in last. BAH! Oh well. It was really tough this evening. We had fun though, which is the most important part.

Now, off to bed since I've got fire safety training tomorrow.

Day 206 of 365: Come Together Right Now

Today has been a gorgeous day!

Ian and I had breakfast then walked down to Romsey to pick up a few things. We walked back, and got ready to go to Stockbridge to check out some John Lennon art.

There were about 20 pieces inside, although not originals (like I thought some would be). It was nice, but would've been even cooler if they were originals. Aw well, still was nice. There were LOADS of CCTV cameras though, so I only took photos outside.

Then Ian and I went to the Army Flying Museum which was nice. Starting to appreciate old military things more now.

Now we're vegging out and I will be having fresh tuna for the first time this evening. None of this canned stuff. :)

Day 205 of 365: They Call It Mellow Yellow

I see yellow buses taking loads of kids to school every day. Damn you roundabout that leads to all the schools!!! Cars and buses. That's my view in the morning.

Today is also the 8 yr. anniversary of 9/11. Still makes me think a lot whenever this day arrives.

Also, my Grandmother passed away on 9/11 (although not the same year as terrorist attacks).

And then last night I found out my younger brother is in the hospital with either pneumonia or Tuberculosis, although it's looking more like it's pneumonia. Hopefully he'll be all right. Atleast he was able to email me (they have Wi-Fi in hospitals now???).

Day 204 of 365: Sit Sit Sit

Every day I drive home from work, I always end up sitting next to this street sign for like, FOREVER.

Driving through Winchester during rush hour isn't exactly my cup of tea. The traffic is usually backed up to the hospital, and I feel as though I sit in my car for far too long. This sign though is right before a mini roundabout where more people come from the right that I feel is necessary.

Nobody wants to drive into Winchester....everyone leaves it at 5PM.....

Day 203 of 365: Oh, England.....Your Football Is So Good

Watched the footie this evening with Ian.

It was England vs. Croatia and we won the game this evening. :)

I'm actually really starting to get into football now.

Day 202 of 365: Money...That's What I Want

Went to Sainsbury's after work today to pick up a few things, as well as get fuel...this is all I had left after getting everything I needed.

Now, yesterday I had tried to get fuel on the way home, but I couldn't get the gas cap open. Soooo....I felt like an idiot at the fuel station.

So I asked Ian why he screwed the darn thing on so tight.

Little did I know that in England you have to use your key to open your gas cap!!! We don't do that in the States.

So, I used the key today (no problems) but I went in to pre-pay, and the guy working behind the counter was like, "We don't do pre-pay here" and some other woman customer was laughing at me because I said "Oh, well, I'm just used to doing that." Bugger!

But, after all that, I successfully got 15 GBP's worth of fuel. Enough to JUST get me through the rest of the work week.

Day 201 of 365: I See Trees of Green.....

....and other colors too?! Can you see the bit of yellow peeking through?

The leaves are changing already.

But I must say, I can't wait to see the trees changing. I'm going to be in awe while driving to work once it REALLY gets going.

So today was pretty uneventful at work, although the quote of the day is definitely from a resident. She had her birthday yesterday, and I was reading cards to her.

Since my b-day is next month, I asked her how old she thinks I will be. She said "Oh, I think 20." I said "Well, thank you, but I'll be 28!"

She then said very seriously, "Well, I've only seen you in the dark, really...."

I busted up laughing. Bless her! :)

Anyway....

So Ian and I tested out our walking boots today taking about a 2 mile walk around Romsey.


They were quite comfy.

Day 200 of 365: Sunday Family Times

Wow.....I've made it to day 200 already?! Never though I would get here..lol.

Anyway, spent the day with Ian's cousins Jonnie and Sue again.

They came over about 12:30pm today to spend the afternoon and have lunch.

I've eaten SO much today (and this past week) that I seriously need to get on the exercise kick now, and try and lose some weight.

I was showing Sue photos when our wedding, and she noticed how much thinner I was then. *sighs* The joys of not working and eating everything in sight has caught up with me.

Sooooooooo........now I must work my butt off (literally). I feel like a lump.

Buuuutt.....a photo of the family:

Day 199 of 365: "Turn Left at Greenland"

Spent the day with Ian's cousins, Sue and Jonnie. They're from Wigan, but are currently traveling around England to head back to Spain.

Sooo...went and saw them at their camp site (which is in The New Forest and we got to see Shetland ponies), then we went for a carvery.

Afterwards we went for a walk through Ringwood, where we came across a pub with an American flag out front! :)


And as we were walking back to the car, we passed by an old church (and if you know me, you know my love of old churches). Ian saw something crawling around, and look who we saw:


A little hedgehog! The first time I've seen one here. I was able to touch the little fella as well (well, I'm assuming it was a fella). He curled up into his protective ball. And you would think he looks furry, but he felt really hard. Poor little guy was really scared though, because he was still curled up when we left the cemetery.

Day 198 of 365: It's Friday, I'm In Love

Annnddd I didn't take a photo today either.

Oh well.

Just had work really, and a relaxing evening with Ian.

Day 197 of 365: Rain and Shine

Went to Bournemouth with Ian, Mel and Rob today....where the weather was very bi-polar.

We thought that the weather was supposed to be nice, but it was cold, REALLY windy (I had sand in my ears!), and it rained quite a bit.

Buuutt....we have good memories.

Ian drew a heart in the sand for he and I as well:


It's so nice to spend days with friends and have good laughs.

Now, only have to work tomorrow and then off for the weekend!

Day 196 of 365: A Night of Good Friends, Good Food, and Good Drinks

Ian and I had our friends Mel and Rob come down to visit.

Rob and Mel just got engaged in Paris this past Sunday, and since Rob lives near London, after they got back they came down to visit The New Forest with us.

We went into Winchester for a meal and walk around, although it rained TERRIBLY and it was really cold. Bah!

Then it was off to the hotel where a night of laughs, fun, food, and lots of drinking began and ended.

Mel was quite concerned for me though. I ordered a Bacardi and Coke, and she said "Oh, hon, you're drinking lots of different stuff....." I had no beer, but lots of wine, cider, champagne, and spirits. I was good though, but well and drunk. :)

Then the gifts that Ian and I got the newly engaged couple were used later on, for photos that are inappropriate for anyone's eyes...lol.

Day 195 of 365: Metal on Metal

When we were at ASDA yesterday, Ian found the documentary, "Anvil: The Story of Anvil" on DVD for like, 7 quid.

Welll......I had heard of it, but never knew who Anvil were. (If you'd like to know more about them, you can click on the Wikipedia Link HERE)

So I thought the documentary would be rubbish, since it was about a heavy metal band. But I really liked it! It was quite good, and I really felt for the band.

So even if you don't like heavy metal.....it's still a documentary that I would recommend.