Friday, December 31, 2010

Stonehenge

On my way to Michael's for Christmas, we passed by Stonehenge and he was gracious enough to stop and let me take a quick photo as the sun set. Unfortunately, it had closed for the day so we couldn't get closer but it was pretty neat even if I did have to experience it from the road.




I confess that I couldn't remember much about why Stonehenge is a World Heritage site so had to do some research when I got home. Here is more info if you would like.
Hopefully I will be back with much better photos the next time around. Happy New Year everyone! Can you believe it is 2011??? I can't......

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Working His Way to a Lump of Coal

Tucker and I were invited to Michael's parent's house for Christmas. So we got ready for our road trip with me pulling out the wine (to smotth the way with Michael's family) and packing Tucker's bag. After being packed, I had to head out for a few last minute gift deliveries.

Imagine my surprise when I return to find that Tucker has removed EVERYTHING from his overnight bag and proceeded to eat all his Christmas gifts. Are you kidding me? The bag was on the kitchen counter! From the photo you'll see lots of bits of plastic where 1) he ate four days worth of dog treats 2) ate the entire Jumbone that was wrapped 3) ate all of his glucosamine dog snacks 4) attempted to bury his meaty bone behind a plant in the dining room 4) chewed threw three layers of plastic grocery bag and had just started eating his dog food when I returned.


Tucker is seriously lucky that Santa let him enjoy his full belly by the fire instead of in the shed! Naughty, naughty dog. Too smart for his own good...... More Christmas photos soon. My first British Christmas was filled with good cheer, lots of fun and lovely photos. Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful.....

You may have heard that England has been hit with some snowy weather. Well, I have to tell you.... it is fantastic!


Tucker and I started out for our morning run with a light dusting of snow on the ground. Just enough to make it festive. Tucker has his snappy red coat on as the temperature was just below freezing.


We went along one of our favorite paths by the river. Was seriously skipping in the snow and finally getting into the Christmas spirit. However, that wasn't the end of it. After about a half an hour, it started snowing again.


And looked what happened! We got over four inches in 2 hours. Incredible! Proper snow too. Meaning = you could build a snow man. Needless to say a few things ground to a halt but I don't blame 'em. If this had happened that fast in Chicago, there wouldn't be any cars on the street either. It's going to be cold this week as well. Yeah! I have to admit... it reminds me of Chicago.. and I like it.


Sunday, December 12, 2010

Exhausted...but Employed

If you are wondering where I have been lately, I've been wondering that too. After getting back from the States, I spent a few days attempting to get my life in order before starting full time employment. I'm excited to be working again but geesh! Who thought working five days in a row again would be so hard?!?!? Actually, the work part seems to be the easiest to adapt to, it's my commute that is killing me at the moment. But, I'll figure it out soon.
So - as I've been doing nothing interesting of late, I'll leave you with a picture of Winnie, who will love you as long as you give her enough prosciutto. (Trust me) Also, as I've started work now, I also need to buy a car and find a new place to live. So the posts may be a little sparse as I get my feet under me again. Good news though.... the new job comes with 25 days of vacation/holiday so I should have plenty of opportunities for some new travels. Happy holidays!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Three Weeks

I was in the States for three weeks and had a great time. I didn't take lots of pictures or really do much more than visit family, friends and my house. I did eat a lot however. So, in about 4 photos, this is all I did for three weeks. :o)

First I have to show you this picture of my brother and nephew. They brought the baby into the bed and my brother was so freaked out he would roll on top of him that he fell asleep with his arms by his sides. The little man looks pretty comfortable however.


I also visited my other brother out in Cali who was kind enough to take me cycling. He took the day off of work but still had to field a few phone calls. Apparently crime never takes a day off.


I made my brother ride to the ocean. A little gray, but still a warm day.


Other than visiting my two brothers and their wives and my parents, I ate a lot. And I mean A LOT. This dinner was fried chicken and waffles. As usual, I couldn't resist a food picture. And I have to say, it was darn delicious. Due to my healthy appetite of grease, Mexican food, In n Out Burger, Five Guys Burgers, Chipotle, Baja Fresh, Steak n' Shake, pancakes, waffles, cinnamon rolls, pierogis and nachos- I'm having a little trouble fitting into my clothes. What can I say? I'm just building that nice layer to keep me warm through winter. Ah... the joys of vacation......