29 February, Sunday: We got a late start for Southern Wales, but I was excited about going somewhere new. We worked a lot on the drive, and when we finished I got to enjoy the view.
We went over this huge suspension bridge that spanned the Severn Estuary. It was a toll bridge and cost 4 pounds 60. Between us we only had 4 pounds 29. How embarrassing. And luckily the toll booth operator took pity on us. We were driving a very expensive SUV and must have appeared to be real dopes to not have any money. We both laughed.
Swansea itself is a mixture of pretty and pretty ugly. The city sits on the sea and has an absolutely gorgeous beach and a huge lovely bay. I thought it was lovely. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Swansea, a not very nice hotel. Surprising, since most Holiday Inns are fairly decent.
I watched a little TV and that was it.
28 February, Saturday: Up early and after checking my email I went to Starbucks. Spent the rest of the day doing laundry and working on various projects. The difficult one was to rewrite a report I’d done last week. I’m not used to having to redo things in a major way, and I found it very difficult. There was some emotion attached to it as well, so that added to the difficulty factor.
I finished that one about seven and then started preparing for Monday’s presentation. After about 15 minutes I realized I didn’t have any energy left, so will begin again tomorrow morning.
The good thing that happened was speaking to Jill and the kids via phone while looking at each other on the web cam. My connection isn’t good enough to talk and look at the same time, so we use the phone to talk. When we tried to talk via computer, I hear them fine, but they can barely hear me, plus there’s a lot of noise. Kayla kept repeating, “I don’t know what’s wrong with your voice, Grandma.” She finally made it into a song. Made me laugh. She showed me a picture she’d made for me. Can’t believe it’s a little over a week and I’ll be there.
27 February, Friday: Walked to work through the snow. How beautiful it was, even though it only stuck for a short time and then only in shady areas. It took Simon two hours to drive to work today. The Brits aren’t used to snow and their driving reflects that.
Computer problems at work again. UGH! This made it so difficult to get things done. I planned to go home a little early in order to be able to deal with my work emails. Right as I was packing up my things, the thing was fixed. That was nice, but not nice enough to keep me there.
26 February, Thursday: Computer problems all day at work. Couldn’t connect to the network and thus couldn’t connect to the database in the US office. Luckily I had a lot more work I could do, so was able to work despite the connection problems. That finally resolved around 4 PM which was helpful and we were able to catch up.
My work permit and passport arrived this week and I’m so psyched. This means my travel isn’t limited (although my money still is). Yes, that was a joke, but not really. I really wish I’d brought my sleeping bag, then I could stay in hostels or even camp out.
The work permit allows me to stay until August 23rd. I’m sure I won’t stay that long. But it’s nice to have leeway if we need it. It really reduces any pressure we might feel. Actually though I don’t feel pressured about whether I’ll get the job done or not.
Talked to Jill and Kayla last night. We’re all so excited about my trip to LA in a few weeks. And I think I may give Kayla the (Disney) Mulan dress in March rather than wait for her birthday in May. Why? Because I’m her Grandma, that’s why.
Meant to write this Tuesday. But the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday isn’t celebrated as Mardi Gras here, but it is celebrated in an entirely different way. It’s Pancake Tuesday! Don’t know why, but everybody eats pancakes the day before Lent begins. I’ll have to ask how/why it started. I didn’t eat pancakes, because I didn’t feel like going out for a meal after work.
As I paid for my bus ticket today I noticed that you can buy unlimited transport by bus, tram, and train for a monthly fee. If I continue to go to Chorley every week that might be a good idea. It costs me £8.60 for a return ticket by Metro and train. That’s more than $15 and will soon start to drain my personal entertainment budget. It’s worth it though. I really don’t have activities after work. This brings a fun element to look forward to during the work week.
25 February, Wednesday: Bought my train ticket for tonight when I walked through the station to catch the bus to work. The bus stops at the station are lettered A through J, and many buses go my way. I discovered however that the easiest thing for me to do is just to go to G, because every bus that stops there stops at Cheshire Cheese or Navigation Road, the two places I can de-bus. Because I stopped to buy a train ticket I ended up at H instead of G, got on the bus and noticed the number was different than the ones I usually take. I asked, “Do you go to Broadheath?” “Only if it’s in Warrenton,” he replied. I didn’t get it, so asked, “Do you stop at Navigation Road, or Cheshire Cheese?” “If they’re in Warrenton, I do.” As I departed the bus I noticed that the sign on it said Warrenton. Sometimes I’m a ditz. (I can hear my siblings agreeing.)
I’m consistently amazed at how good the Brits are with using a minimum amount of words. I think my favourite is saying half seven instead of half past seven or even seven thirty. Plus lots of words are shortened—choc for chocolate, for example. Yet at other times, a seeming unnecessary syllable is added—aluminium rather than aluminum.
Left work at 4, and two people asked directions of me…and I was able to supply them. Hooray.
Took the Metro to Manchester Piccadilly (station). Saturday I’d been at Piccadilly Gardens but hadn’t made it as far as the station. It was cool. A modern, huge facility for both Metro and trains. The Chorley train (Blackpool North) was on the farthest track. But being a Bozarth, I’d allotted plenty of time since this was my first trip there. Our family has a genetic disease that forces us to be early.
It’s funny. Metrorail is basically the honour system. You buy a ticket (or not) and you get on. There are signs that say the fare is 20 pounds if you are caught without a ticket. So that’s nearly a $40 fine. I wondered if they ever checked for tickets. Well yesterday on the way to Manchester. The announcement came on, “Prepare to show your tickets.” We stopped and several uniformed people got on and checked everyone’s tickets. I looked outside and there were at least 10 people standing by officers, getting tickets written, and none of them were smiling. My car didn’t have one cheater. I smiled at the officer and said, “We’re the well-behaved section.” He laughed and said, “You are absolutely correct.”
Bron picked me up at Chorley. She’s a 25 year old, cute-as-a-bug, redhead, who just finished her masters in video and film. She not only heads up CSz UK, but directs childrens’ theatre as well. Nice, smart, and funny. Unfortunately her car makes really scary noises. Really scary.
Since I was early (see comments above), we stopped at the Chorley Theatre prior to going to practice. Nice, old theatre that was a cinema until the ‘20s. She’s directing a play there, currently in rehearsal.
Then we walked over to St. Mary’s Parish Hall where they do CSz practice. So funny. Bron is older than all the members of the troupe, yet I’m more than double her age. Yet I fit in. The kids were lovely (and talented), and they accepted me right off. I loved it. We played games and I was allowed to teach a few new ones, plus they taught me several that I didn’t know. Next week instead of rehearsal we have a two day workshop with people from Oregon I think (Pat and Ruth Short). I was going to go both Wednesday and Thursday nights but I just noticed that my flight from Dublin doesn’t get in until 8 PM on Wednesday and the workshop is from 7-10. I wouldn’t be able to get there until 9:30 or so. Shoot. Well, I’ll just go Thursday if they let me.
It was a different experience with younger players. Bron does a great job keeping them in line, and the kids are good kids. But the energy level bounces off the ceiling. I thought my group at home had lots of energy. No comparison. I really had fun and can’t wait to go back. Bron sent me a text message when I was on the train going home. She really made me feel welcome. And heaven knows I can use the practice. I’ve really missed this.
On the train ride from Chorley to Manchester, there was a very strange couple. I thought they were really drunk, but later decided they were high, and I think tripping. The young woman was hallucinating. She kept screaming instead of talking. Then when her boyfriend wanted her to get off the train, she screamed that she’d get off when the train stopped, and yelled, “Stop the train!” Of course it was already in the station, but not for her.
He finally convinced her the train had stopped and she jumped off. As they walked by, she put her face up against the window glass and acted as if she was kissing the guy across from me. Passionately kissing. He and I just laughed. I said, “That was probably the most fun you’ve had all day.” He said, “Certainly the most interesting thing that’s happened.” What a riot.
I hadn’t eaten since noon so at Piccadilly I grabbed some chips (fries) at Burger King. It was 10:30 and I was starving. I took the bag and happily munched—took the walk to the Metro section. Heard someone say, “Jeri?”
Can you believe that? In a city of nearly a million people, where I don’t know anyone, I hear my name. It was Carole and her husband, Derek, returning from Brighton. They’d been there all week, where Carole was attending training. Brings new meaning to “small world.”
24 February, Tuesday: I got on the bus and had to get off again. There was a car accident on the way to my stop so the buses were being diverted. I decided to walk to work in the rain rather than wait. I’d gotten up a half hour early and planned to get to work at 7:45 so I could get some editing done before the office opened at 9. But because I walked, I left the bus station at 7:30 and got to work at 8:10. So at least I had a little time to work on the Journal.
But I did have an adventure on the walk. There were four small boys waiting at a bus stop and one asked if I had a tissue. As I gave it to him I noticed his lip was bleeding. I asked what happened. He pointed to another kid and said, “He hit me.” But he smirked a bit. So I asked if he himself had started it. His friends laughed. The boy asked me why I wanted to know.
I said, “Because I want to know who to arrest.” They laughed. I said, “Go ahead and laugh. I’m a copper. Yes, I’m an old copper but a cop nonetheless. So who should I arrest.”
“You really a copper?”
I boldly lied and said “Yes.” I think they believed me. That was fun.
Work went by so quickly I just couldn’t believe it. I look forward to others returning to the office, so I can do my own job. Tomorrow Simon and Claire will be there, so I can do some other work.
And tomorrow night I won’t have to walk home with my computer on my back. Since I’ll be taking the train to Chorley after work, and will probably get home at 11 PM or so, there’s no way I’ll have time to work on my computer at night. Hooray. I’ll feel a lot lighter.
23 February, Monday: This day FLEW by. I got to work a few minutes after 8. I knew that Kev and I would be the only ones in the office so wanted to get a head start on the day. And I’m glad I did. We got out of there about 5:45 and I still hadn’t done several of the tasks that were due. So I hope tomorrow isn’t quite as busy. But it’s just Claire and me, so it’s not like anyone else will be there to do the work…just the two of us.
I spoke to a man from Scotland and a woman from Ireland, and with both I was so embarrassed because I had to keep asking them to repeat things. I kept putting it on being new, being American, being dumb, I don't know what excuse I'll use if it happens again. What's the odds of this happening twice in one day? Pretty good, I guess, if you're me.
I’m looking forward to Wednesday night when I’ll go to Chorley and “play” with the CSz crew. Unusual for me to have something fun to do after work during the week.
Came home and read a while, watched Coronation Street, the night time soap opera that is de rigueur. It’s really trashy, but fun.
22February, Sunday: Spoke to my daughter-in-law, Beata, this morning. They still think they’ll be moving back to the states in April, but aren’t 100% sure yet. Can’t wait to find out the exact date, so I can make arrangements to meet them.
Went to 10:00 Mass. Tony was the celebrant. It was nice to see someone I knew. Afterward there was coffee and biscuits in the church hall. I spoke to three different women and had nice conversations.
Talked so much I forgot to get coffee and biscuits, so I walked to a little café. It’s one I hadn’t been to before. The typical breakfast is beans, tomato, egg, mushrooms, has browns, sausage, bacon and toast. The vegetarian version is the same, without the sausage and bacon. By the way, bacon is what we in the states call Canadian bacon. I ordered the veg breakfast and realized that I never do eat the egg or mushrooms. I LOVE the tomato, potatoes and beans. And of course the toast. Went to pay and had no cash—I’d given it at church. And this café didn’t take credit cards. I said, I’ll leave my wallet here and run down to the bank and get money out. She laughed at me and said I didn’t need to leave anything, she trusted that I’d be back. How nice. I’ll have to give her a sticker and cheese head.
Then I went to Starbucks for another cup of coffee—I’d only had one at the café and wanted another. Sat there and read a while. Nice and relaxing. When I came home I started laundry again—it just takes forever. I can’t imagine how people with families do it. Worked on my taxes some more, but not seriously.
Chatted with Jill awhile and that’s all I did. Felt good to be lazy.
21 February, Saturday: Up at 8. Threw in a load of laundry, made the bed, checked my email, showered and then off to Manchester. £3 return on the Metrorail. Very short trip, 20 minutes. I decided I’d get off at Piccadilly Gardens rather than either of the two big railway stations (Victoria or Piccadilly). It was a good choice. Piccadilly Gardens isn’t a garden at all, but the Town Centre. Big square with tons of people. Could be NYC. Same feel. I imagine London will be the same way and I look forward to checking it out. I walked for hours. Lots of pedestrian shopping malls. Went to Selfridges, Marks & Spencer’s, Bh, and many more stores. Bought some new bras—aren’t you glad I shared that ? Might go back to the Bh and buy a short trench coat on sale for £25. It’s a bargain even though it translates to nearly $50.
Walked to Albert Square where the town hall is so huge and has a tall steeple. I thought it was a cathedral.
Behind it is the Manchester Peace Park with a sign that says Manchester, City of Peace. And Nuclear Free City. There’s also a big statue of a sitting woman surrounded by pigeons, all bronze.
Then I stumbled into Chinatown. I’d bought a small map but hadn’t even looked at it—wanted to let serendipity happen today. Next time I may have specific objectives.
(I keep humming “Manchester England England” from the musical Hair.)
Took lots of pictures but mostly of architecture. Did walk up to small groups of strangers a few times and ask them if they’d like me to take a picture of their group and then would someone please take a picture of me. I hate not having proof that I really was somewhere. One pic of me is in front of the Manchester Library, a beautiful round white building. Another is in front of a neat fountain in Piccadilly Gardens. Everything was lovely.
Early on I had coffee and a bun in an Italian café for breakfast. But for lunch—ah—for lunch I took advantage of being in Chinatown. Too many choices. So I ended up going to Pacific Chinese and Thai because the menu posted outside had lots of vegetarian choices. I chose well. For about 45 minutes I was the only non-Asian in the place.
I had Chinese tea, chilli sour soup (they warned me it was hot, and it was HOT, but oh so good), and my entrée was sweet and sour bean curd. That was superb and I even brought the leftovers home with me on the Metro. That’s the advantage of not having meat in your food. It doesn’t spoil. (Some would say bean curd was already spoiled.)
I drank a lot of water and tea, so I paid my bill, and found the loo. It was upstairs, where I also found the Thai part of the restaurant. I hadn’t really understood the greeter. So when she said, “Cheeeser tie?” I smiled and said, “Yes,” as I always do. Guess she asked if I wanted “Chinese or Thai.” But this time it wasn’t a British accent, it was Chinese. But I still said yes. Heck it’s worked for me so far.
My adventure continued. Found a pound store and bought some souvenirs for kids and for me. It was fun—but Rob and Beata, it’s no 100 Yen store, that’s for sure.
Found the ubiquitous Starbucks and had a coffee and dessert later in the afternoon. Then went back to the Gardens to wait for the tram. There was a guy standing there with his mum. He was dressed a bit eccentrically with a coat that looked like hair and hair that looked like Little Orphan Annie (if you don’t know, ask your parents). A guy who was obviously a little slow came up the other guy and said, “I like your coat and hair. It’s a little girly, but nice.” I burst out laughing. Of course the ever-polite Brits gave me a stare.
The tram went by a big store called TK Maxx. Is it a ripoff of TJ Maxx or is it a relative?
Manchester United was playing and the Metrorail went by the stadium. (You do know that’s the most popular football team around here, right? And you do know football here is called soccer in the US? I know you know that, but maybe some of my nieces and nephews don’t.) Anyway, the cars got overfull with people. It was like a NY subway at rush hour. And all of a sudden someone called out, “Tickets please.” We all laughed.
And for the first time, I heard the driver say, “Mind the gap.” It means watch out for the space between the car and the platform. I’d heard it and read about it for years. So it was cool to actually hear it in reality.
A very good day.
20 February, Friday: Today flew by. I really enjoy being this busy.
I went to Tesco’s after work to get milk in case Fr. Tony wants it for his coffee or tea. On the way home I heard the f word being screamed and then lots of threats. I must confess that in this upscale neighborhood the sounds seemed out of place. Except—it’s what I hear on Friday and Saturday nights, very late. Right behind my flat is a beautiful wooden fence and behind that is a walkway leading to Tesco, a store that’s open all night. So I hear the f word a lot on weekend nights. This time it was early though—around 6 PM. Four teenage boys were against one other boy. The screams were pretty even, BUT the lone guy had a board and was hitting one guy in the group. Even though he was the aggressor at that moment, it was obvious he had been bullied by the others. He was sobbing and yelling, “I told you to leave me alone.” Okay, he wasn’t saying it that nicely, but you get the gist. And he finally just took off running and sobbing the whole time. I came upon the group of four and noticed the back of one guy’s skull was bleeding badly. I spoke to him and said I was going to call an ambulance, but he convinced me he lived around the corner and was going home. I almost called the cops, but what was I going to say—they were cussing? One guy was bleeding?
One thing I did do though. I asked them to quit screaming the f word. Told them I was a Grandma. And they quit. That was pretty cool.
I went home and finished cleaning up my house. Fr. Tony came over about 8:15 and we had a really nice conversation. He’s a nice guy. Asked me to write an article for the parish magazine. So I’m going to do that I guess. Should be fun.
Tomorrow I’m going to Manchester via the Metrorail for the first time.
19 February, Thursday: Slept until 8 since I was going to work from home. Went to Starbucks and the young man showed me that he had the Big Cheese from Wisconsin sticker on the cash register. It was sweet.
Came home and worked all day on the report that’s due tomorrow. Emailed the draft to Simon at 7 PM and then cleaned up the house a bit since Fr. Tony’s coming over tomorrow. Will watch a little TV and read and then an early night.
Called Jill because I missed her but I forgot she was in Las Vegas. Ah, well…she’ll be home soon.
Exciting day? I think not.
18 February, Wednesday: A very, very crazy day at work. It seemed like we didn’t have any easy calls. They all required lots of work on everyone’s part. Simon left at noon to drive to Scotland for a meeting. And I had to leave at 4 because British Gas is coming to my flat. Apparently they have to physically check the inside of each house at least once a year, so it’s my turn. Tomorrow I’ll work from home. I have so much writing and copy-editing to do, and I can’t do it easily in the office. There’s a major report due Friday and I haven’t started it yet. I know it will easily take all day to do it. Then, there’s a journal that needs proofing/copy-editing.
I bought a scale last night for £3.50. I hate it. Not because it’s cheap (it is), but because it tells me horrible lies. Doesn’t it know that all this walking has made a svelte, fit woman out of me. Cheeky monkey. (I always wanted to write that. People here actually do say it.)
Claire said a neat word yesterday. Unfortunately she couldn’t spell it. Neither can I. But it sounds something like “boompf.” Please if you say it out loud you must attempt to say it with a Blackpool accent. And to really enjoy a listening sensation you must stand in the middle of Claire and Kev as they speak. Blackpool and Liverpool. It’s wonderful.
After listening to the news, I heard from the telly, “It’s Emmerdale and Robert really puts the cat amongst the pigeons.” Love that saying. (Emmerdale is one of the many night-time soap operas.)
Fr. Tony just called from St. Vincent de Paul Church. He’s going to stop by for a visit on Friday evening. My first visitor.
And tonight I received two more things to do from the US office. The good side of this is that I feel really loved. I wrote this while laughing.
17 February, Tuesday: It was good to have Claire back in the office again. Because of our recent travels, and the fact that she works Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, it’s been two weeks since I’ve seen her. I’m sure Carole is happy to have her back too. Everyone seems to be among the living today, regarding their recent illnesses, so that’s a good thing as well.
Simon and I spent a significant amount of time working on three major things: our plans for the Irish applicants, our presentation to a City School Board in Wales, and our major report due on 20 February.
We made arrangements to make a presentation to the Executive team in Milwaukee in March after my trip to LA to see Jill and her family. I’m looking forward to seeing friends in Milwaukee and also to presenting our recommendations to the CPI leadership.
I worked today from 8-6 and am tired. The bad thing was that when I left the office the manager of the building was locking the gates to the car park. I’d worked this late before, but hadn’t run into this situation.Luckily I caught him and said, “How do I get out when you lock this?” He gave me instructions, including walking in between buildings, giving a password to the security guard and then inputting a code into a keypad. From the land of James Bond I learned the ultra-secret way to get out of the place.
16 February, Monday: Today I’ll save you time. Worked. Came home. Made dinner. Crashed. (Gee, I could have written that in Milwaukee.)
15 February, Sunday: Drinking coffee and eating a cheese scone. Feeling pretty good about my life at the moment. And the best news EVER--> Blake is home from the hospital. What a great day for everyone in the family. I hope he sleeps well because Beth and Matt haven't gotten much sleep the last week in the hospital with him. Can't wait to see him and hold him. But by the time I get back to Quincy he'll probably be ready for college. :) Nah, I'll go home this summer some time, or maybe sooner, depending on when Rob and Beata move back from Japan. I haven't heard from them in a while, so I don't know what the plan is. Yesterday, Jill made arrangements to let them see the kids via webcam. I hope that came off okay....
Jill wrote that it was a great web-get-together. Rob and Beata from Japan got to talk to and see the whole California side of the family. Very cool indeed. I know that Kayla talks about Uncle Rob, so I hope she enjoyed it as much as I know Rob and Beata did.
Meant to write this Friday, but Kev and I were so busy I forgot. Remember when I wrote that he used the phrase, “You’ll be ‘happy as Larry’”? Well, he gave me a pamphlet he received from a bank and the headline says, “Happy as Larry,” and “You’ll feel great with up to 25,000 pounds to sort out your finances.” I guess he proved to me that he didn’t make it up.
I wrote my weekly report and sent it off, began my taxes, did my laundry, watched Calendar Girls (loved it), returned my movies, went grocery shopping, cooked dinner, and now am back on the computer. Even though I only went out for a short time today, and on the surface it appeared I had a lazy day, I really got a lot done. Too bad I didn’t clean. I really must do that.
...
14 February, Saturday: What a day! Drank my coffee as I strolled to the bus station. Took the bus to the Trafford Centre, a huge mall in a southwest suburb of Manchester. An hour ride. Interesting architecture and people along the way. Altrincham is very upscale. I traveled through many not-so-cool neighborhoods and listened to accents that weren’t very “posh.” Smelled some liquor-soaked gents as they left the pubs to ride home.
A lot of times I ride a double decker bus, as I did today. Haven’t gone on top yet. The circular stairs are very narrow and I don’t know if my hips will fit. Plus, why would I take more stairs—on purpose? It seems all the teens go upstairs, and none of the old folks.
Went to Selfridge’s at the mall first off to buy my hair products. At home Aveda is only sold in salons. Here two rather upscale department stores carry the products. I asked if they had a salon as I needed a haircut. When I went there and looked at the prices, I gasped. Yes, I did. The cheapest haircut by a junior stylist was 48 pounds. That would $90 or so back home.
At home I pay $45 for a senior stylist. Stacy (whose mom is from Wales) is wonderful. The salon is Vici Capilli—Latin for Conquer the Hair. I know Milwaukee is no NY or LA (too many letters in the name for one thing), but I know I get a pretty expensive haircut for Wisconsin. Trying to save money in expensive UK, I went to a Regis in the mall. In the US, Regis is a franchise salon that I’ve only seen in malls. They do decent work, but thrive on walk-ins. I think the basic cuts are $15 or so. The Regis salons here are part of that chain too, I found out. So I thought I’d get a reasonably inexpensive cut today while I searched to find a regular stylist in the area. I got a junior stylist for 32 pounds. Yep, that’s 60 bucks or so. This place is so expensive. England, I mean. I didn’t find Wales to be exorbitant, aside from the dratted exchange rate. Andrew was nice though. A very young man, and a former drag queen and dancer, he has a lithe kind of unisex body. I could easily see him being a beautiful woman in a dance review. His dream? To go to America and be a star.
I walked around the mall and found a 99p store. So I stocked up on cotton wool (cotton balls), tissues, shower gel, and other household sundries. Luckily I had my daypack with me. Oh, I also went to the Disney Store. Found a Mulan dress for Kayla’s birthday in May. She’s been wanting one since before Christmas and the store in LA has been out of them. She’ll be so excited.
Writing on the bus—and just passed a huge pub called the Old Cock. No comment.
Took the bus back home and dropped off my purchases. Changed the laundry, then walked to Blockbuster to get two movies. I’d bought the tickets in advance, on sale, and when I walked outside I saw two other Blockbuster tickets laying on the ground in the rain. I picked them up and thought, Wow, I’m lucky. I can get four movies if I want. When I got to the store and opened my wallet, my original ones were gone. Turned out, I’d been the one who’d dropped the tickets outside the flat. Amazing. I am one lucky dame.
Talked to Jill and the kids this afternoon. It was fun. Hunter was so talkative. He said, “Hi, Gram.” “Love you.” “Balloon.” And “Yes.” He’s really getting talkative. Of course Kayla was very verbal as usual. Loved it.
Tonight I watched the Magdalene Sisters. A troubling movie that engrossed me. Tomorrow the choice is Calendar Girls with Helen Mirren. After I watched the movie, I enjoyed the first installment of a new reality show called Regency House Party. Ten young adults live as if in Regency times for eight weeks. Fascinating. The men loved it and the women were stifled by it—at least during the first week. Each young woman had a chaperone who tried to marry off their charge. I’ll look forward to seeing iit each week.
Almost bedtime. I washed my duvet cover and now have to try to stuff the duvet back in. Not my favorite part of the weekend. G’night.
13 February, Friday: I got to work early and Jill was online when I signed on this morning. It was after 1 AM at her place. She had trouble sleeping so was completing a task. It was nice to talk to her, but I was still concerned. She had some work things on her mind and wanted to do some work so she could sleep soundly. Made sense to me.
Kevin arrived early too, and I was glad, and so grateful for his help. Kev and I are the only ones in the office today and so we’re kind of making it up as we go. Nah, just kidding. We’re each playing to our strengths. Kevin is taking Instructor calls and doing shipping, and I’m doing mail and database work. The rest—well, we’re putting it in piles for everyone else to take care of when they return.
I added the option for people to comment yesterday and it’s a really neat addition I think. I thank my friend David for suggesting it.
Dave asked if I’ve had a Shandy and he said it’s a combination of Guinness and lemonade. Kev said actually a traditional Shandy is bitter and lemonade, or you can make it with lager and lemonade. He said what you use Guinness in is a Tan and Black and it’s made with Guinness and black currant. I’m just the messenger, because I know nothing about this. I just know I like Smithwick’s and I like Stella Artois. I’m becoming a beer connoisseur.
Well, maybe not a connoisseur, but I am learning stuff. When Simon and I had dinner with Tony in Dublin he taught me a few “brew” things. I ordered a lager and the server said they didn’t have an Irish lager. What I mean by lager is a lighter beer that isn’t a bitter, a stout, or an ale. Turns out that in Ireland (don’t know about elsewhere) a lager is kind of a “fancy” beer, a plain old beer is what I really wanted. That’s a regular working-person’s drink if they don’t want the other brews (bitter, ale, or stout).
We stayed busy today although the phone didn't ring overly much. Got out of there around 5:20 and walked to the bus stop. As I was waiting to cross Manchester Road four different buses went by the bus stop I was heading to. I thought, "Well, at least there are tons of buses at this time of the evening." When I got to the stop, the buses stopped as well. :) I waited about 5 minutes and one came. I stepped aside for three people to get off, and then the bus driver closed the door and sped away. This was my first major ARRRRGGHHHH since I arrived. (I think there may have been one more, but I've forgotten it.) So I stepped back and waited, and waited, and you know...waited. Ten minutes later a bus arrived. I certainly could have walked home more quickly, but a drizzle had started, plus I was beat. So I paid my sixty pence and rode for a mile and a half or so.
Tomorrow I plan to go to the Trafford Centre, a big mall near Manchester. The reason I'm going to the mall is that I was told that Selfridges carries Aveda products which are what I use on my hair. And I also need to find a salon to get a haircut. Altrincham is so darn expensive, I thought maybe I could find a decent, less expensive place. We'll see.
12 February, Thursday: The ferry ride was quiet and we had ample opportunity for discussion. Got a lot done.
It was a beautiful day and the ride through Wales was lovely. While driving we stopped in a little village where there was an Antique Shop and Craft Center. I bought several souveniers to give as gifts.
Back home we have signs that say Deer Crossing, in Australia signs say Kangaroo Crossing, and today in Wales we saw a sign that said Badger Crossing. Made me smile.
We went to the office by a different route. Simon took me through the small village of Dunham-Massey, right outside of Altrincham. What a find! Very old houses and buildings. Tiny, narrow roads and bridges. I loved it.
When I got home after work I spoke to Jill and Kayla. It was so nice. Just four weeks and I’ll be visiting them. Can’t wait.
11 February, Wednesday: Forgot to mention that I had a Smithwick’s beer last night. One of Ireland’s brews. But it’s pronounced Smittick’s. So when I saw it written I didn’t realize it was the same beer.
We had another productive day, did five interviews and found a very likely candidate to call back for a second interview. So we have four excellent possibilities.
A funny incident happened today—When Simon and I walked out of the restaurant after lunch, there was a construction worker repairing part of a door. He was on one knee right in front of me. I walked up to him and said, “Yes, I’ll marry you.” He said, “Yep, I was in the mood for proposing.” Simon said I should have mentioned the large tool in the guy’s hand, but I thought better of it.
Kelly sent a few pictures of Blake from the NICU. He is absolutely adorable. I can’t wait to see him in person.
We’ll leave the hotel tomorrow morning at 7 to catch the ferry. I have a lot of work to do tonight, but I can’t stay awake.
10 February, Tuesday: Up early to prepare for the trip to Dublin. To Starbucks for coffee at 8 and when I got back to my flat I checked email and noticed Jill was online. It was 12:45 AM in California (8:45 here) and really late for her to be up. She said she was just getting a few tasks done. We talked until 1 AM her time and she had to get up in four hours to get the kids ready for daycare. Oh to be young again with so much energy. (Not really a wish, trust me.)
Simon picked me up at 10:30 and we went to Starbucks again, since he hadn’t had any coffee. We enjoyed the beautiful drive through Wales. I love the drive—the powerful majesty of the sea, the faded glory of the castles, and the pastoral grandeur of the farms and fences. Of course, Simon hates Wales, but I don’t care. I love it.
We stopped at the town with the longest name in the world and ate lunch. I also bought a duvet for my single bed, so I better get visitors now. The duvet was on sale for 9 pounds, and others I’ve seen were 30 pounds, so I got a real bargain at the woolen mill.
We took the Stena Line this time instead of the Irish Ferry and sat in Stena Plus—kind of a business club and we worked for nearly 3 of the 3 ½ hour trip, on the structure and action plan we’ll present to Dan, Dave and Judith. We landed at 5:45 and had an interview at 6:30 and dinner with an Advisory Board member at 8.
Both were enjoyable, especially the dinner, but I ate way too much. Got to my room at 10:15 PM and worked on the 38 emails I received (some work, some personal) until midnight.
9 February, Monday: Up early and got to the office b y 8. The day wasn’t horrifically busy, so I got a lot done. Simon, Carole and I had a very productive meeting about office operations and ideas for the future.
Left the office at five, a rarity for me, and took the bus home. After dinner, a colleague from the US office called and we debriefed for a while.
Then I watched the final of a British reality show, which was fun. A nice relaxing evening.
8 February, Sunday: Jill called me at 7 AM to say that Blake was airlifted to Children's Hospital in St. Louis and put on a ventilator. That's all she knows. I'm so scared. He's less than 24 hours old. I know Matt and Beth must be terrified. Guess all I can do is pray.
Returned my Blockbuster movie and picked up a cup of coffee. Made toast and beans for breakfast. One of my favorite things about English cuisine.
Saw a big sign over the street that says "11th Years--College Tasting Night." Finally figured out that it means juniors in high school can go to this meeting and check out different colleges. What a fun way of saying it.
So tired and concerned. Finding it hard to concentrate. Keep thinking of Blake.
THEN--at 1:30 PM my time, Paulette sent an email saying that all is going well, he should be home in three or four days. Doc said Blake was just having to work too hard to breathe.
Worked on my Weekly Report for Dan, finished it, and emailed it to him.
Heard from my niece Kelly tonight. She said Blake is already off the ventilator and is just taking oxygen and that Beth may be able to fee him tonight. God is good.
Not going to Manchester tomorrow after all. The person who I was to watch is sick and is being replaced by Kev. I've already seen him teach the last two weeks. So I'll go into the office with Simon and Carole. Then Tuesday will go to Dublin again to interview applicants for the Ireland position.
7 February, Saturday: At 12:05 AM the alarms went off on the landing outside my flat. Scared the hell out of me. I tried resetting my own alarm panel but it didn’t help. Called the emergency number (999) and spoke to the police operator. She asked if I saw an intruder, and I said no. She said they don’t respond to these types of alarms. Apparently almost all of them are false alarms. After I hung up, I went outside and looked around, with my raincoat over my robe. I saw no one else out, and there are sixteen apartments in my building. The 999 operator said that the alarms turn themselves off within 30 minutes because of a noise ordinance.
After 15-20 minutes it stopped. In the meantime I’d turned on the TV in the lounge to try to drown it out. Finally went back to sleep at 2:30 and woke up again at 7:30.
Went to Starbucks for my usual Saturday coffee. Had a berry scone and read a while. After doing a little grocery shopping, I came home to rest.
I believe I have the stupid sinus infection again. It appeared right before coming to the UK, but I got some antibiotics which I continued to take when I arrived here. Felt better immediately. Then Friday it started again with a sore throat. A few others at work have sore throats too. I’m praying mine doesn’t progress as it did before. I don’t want to have to go through finding a doctor here. Ah well, I’ll hope for the best.
Took a nap, then went out for a walk. Saturdays are really fun—it seems everyone in Altrincham is in the Town Centre. It buzzes with activity, buskers, entertainment for the kids, and tons of people.
I found a 99 p store. Not as cool as the 100 yen store, but cool. I bought a cheese grater. You can’t buy sliced or shredded cheese. I even asked someone in a deli if she would slice the cheese for me and she said they didn’t do that.
Around dinnertime Jill called and we used the webcams online. Hunter was sleeping but I got to talk and see Jill and Kayla. I love it.
A happy even…at 4:10 AM CT, 10:10 AM GMT, Blake was born. My great-nephew. Including my own kids, there are about 25 nieces and nephews. I love having such a big family.
Tomorrow will work at home. I have lots to do since I’ll be away from the office all week.
POSTED 10:35 PM UK time
6 February, Friday: Went to the post office at 7:30 AM to pick up a package. Wrong post office. Didn't know where the other one was. Took the bus to work, called the post office and they said they would deliver the package to my office. Turned out it was my DSL modem. I'm in computer heaven. Hooray. Also got an email saying the ADSL service has been turned on.
Work was extremely busy, and time went by much too quickly. I'll be doing work in bits and pieces all weekend I believe. But it will be very cool to have DSL running.
Caught up with personal email at home, watched a little TV and then to bed at 10:30 PM.
POSTED 7 Feb 1:30 AM UK time
5 February, Thursday: Up at six, did email, and finished packing. Met Kev at breakfast. What a beautiful, beautiful day. The sun is finally shining on the Isle of Man. We’d have definitely walked to the training site today except we had all our luggage. Such bad timing. I hope to get some pictures this afternoon on the way to the airport. Gorgeous architecture, primarily Victorian. Across from the Resource Centre is a prison—looking like an overgrown, topsy-turvy mansion.
I sat while the participants took their final exam. I drank tea from my Isle of Man cup—which some lucky friend or family member will receive as a gift—after I sterilize it of course.
Here’s what it says in a brochure: “Welcome to the Isle of Man, a unique destination with over 10,000 years of history, its own currency, stamps, national language (Manx Gaelic), and mile upon mile of unspoilt countryside and secluded beaches, yet less than 60 miles from the north west coast of England.”
It’s in the Irish Sea and is 13 by 33 miles (I got it a bit wrong earlier). It has the world’s oldest continuous parliament (Tynewald). There are Celtic crosses, ancient Viking burial grounds and medieval fortresses. And something about the House of Manannan, which is where the Island got its name, but I lost those details. Sorry.
After the class, the entire group went to the pub for a pint. They asked us, but Kev had already booked a cab to come to pick us up.
We had the cab stop at the Fairy Bridge so I could take a few pictures on the way to the airport.
Then at the airport, because I’m a Gold level flyer on AA (a BA partner), I got free entry into British Airway’s Departure Lounge, and Kev got to join me. Free coffee, tea, soda, wine and beer. And the beer is Stella Artois, my new favorite.
My plane left the Isle at 6:20 and I was back in my flat a little before 7:30. Same time zone too. Can’t believe it. And in that half hour flight, they served drinks and sandwiches. Plus my taxi only cost $9. That first guy must have cheated me.
Checked my email, called the US office, and now am watching TV. I’ll hit the sheets around 10 or so. It’s good to be home.
POSTED 5 February 8:26 PM UK Time
4 February, Wednesday: Not much to write about today. Rainy and windy as usual. After breakfast we took a cab to the training site. I brought my computer today and got tons done while Kev was training.
We walked back to the hotel after work and ate there tonight.
I did some more work on the computer and then packed up. Will be glad to get back to my flat tomorrow. And hope to come back here when the weather’s better.
My flight leaves at 6:20 tomorrow evening. Can you stand the excitement?
POSTED 4 February 9:32 PM UK time
3 February, Tuesday: Rainy and windy and the surf is absolutely beautiful. I took a few photos from the hotel dining room, but they didn’t turn out too good because I forgot to turn off the flash and it shows in the windows. Duh! The second one is better because it was at an angle, but still not good.
Now I’m sitting in the back of the training room. I served as an arbitrator during “Kevin’s Challenge,” a take-off on a TV game show, University Challenge. It was really fun and the class got into it with lots of enthusiasm.
New tidbit: it’s toe-mah-toe, but poe-tay-toe. Dunno why, but I find that interesting.
Kev is reviewing how to get out of a hair grab, but he’s making me smile. He’s from Liverpool and it sounds (to my American ears) that he’s saying “her” grab. He does speak very clearly, and I understand everything he says, except sometimes during breaks when he’s just chatting with someone and talks very fast.
Later: Had a good, filling lunch. Was thinking how cool it is, I’ve been here three weeks tomorrow and I’ve already been to Cork and Dublin, Ireland, the Isle of Man, through Wales, and on a ferry on the Irish Sea. I’m still in awe that I’m actually here.
Last night I read an email that said someone from my department in the US left the company. That means there’s no writer left, except the boss of the creative department. I hope they remember they can still use me to write and copy-edit while I’m gone.
Later: Dan J. and I finally connected via phone and it was good to talk to him and update each other on what’s going on in the respective offices. I hate that my mobile phone doesn’t work on the island. After I told him how much I loved it here in the UK, he reminded me that part of the deal was that I’d return to the US office when I finished this project.
Later still: Kev worked hard today. Then tonight we walked a mile or thereabouts to an Italian restaurant—Paparazzi’s. Excellent food and we had a Sicilian beer with our meal. Yum.
Another good day. But I’m looking forward to getting back to my little flat.
POSTED 3 February 10 PM UK time
2 February, Monday: If you’ve read my previous travelogs to New Zealand, Australia and Japan, you know my fascination with different types of bathrooms. (Of course, that’s expanded to include stone walls on this trip.) In my flat the flush mechanism is just like back home except on the opposite side of the tank. (Does that relate to driving? Hmmm.) But the amount of water in the bowl is minute compared to the States—conservation, perhaps? At work, the flush mechanism is on top of the tank is in two parts. Press half for just a tiny flush and press both sides for a BIG one. Great idea, I think. Very similar to the other countries I mentioned. At the Hilton there’s a button in the wall. Fascinating.
We’re at the Eastcliffe Resource Center in Douglas IOM (Isle of Man), a day centre for adults with learning disabilities. Upstairs is a tiny little training room, but Kevin is making it work. It’s raining LOTS, so we took a cab. But in nicer weather we’d walk—it’s a very short distance from the hotel, but up a steep hill.
Margaret, one of our contact people, said because of the weather, the mountain roads are closed and people would be late. She also said most island cultures have different views of time. Here it’s the concept of treedilooa (tray-di-lure), meaning “later is enough.” Love it.
One thing I really like is that in most hotels a full breakfast is included.
A couple of other new things I’ve learned so far in this location—first, Kev just said to the group, “He’s as happy as Larry.” I’ve never heard that one before, and hope I remember to ask him about it. The other thing—the menu at this centre includes “chat potatoes.” I asked what that meant and it’s new potatoes. So I ordered it for lunch.
Just now returned from a break and Kev said the Larry line is just a colloquialism and he doesn’t know where it came from.
Interesting tidbit: Kent University did a four-year study and found the British are the second-best queue-ers in the world. Russians are first.
For lunch we went to the onsite dining room. Had quite a filling meal. Some of the service users were still there. Quite a range of abilities and disabilities.
I got a ton of work done today, but still was able to listen to Kevin teach. Carole says the reason I can multi-task is that I’m a woman and we can all do that. For whatever reason, I really did pay attention to Kev and still finally made time to organize the notes from all the training I received in the states prior to coming here. This resulted in giving me much more on my to-do list.
Walked back to the hotel because it wasn’t raining. But I didn’t have my camera handy. Drat. The sea is gorgeous and rather dangerous-looking. I do want to get some photos if at all possible.
After checking my email and relaxing a little, I was ready for dinner. Kev and I walked to an Indian restaurant. It was cold and rainy, but the walk was sure worth it. The food was tasty and the company fun. The walk back was a little more rainy, but a little less cold. Was it the coffee or the spices in the food?
POSTED 2 February 8:30 PM UK Time
1 February, Sunday: An interesting day. I stayed in bed until 8, knowing Starbucks didn’t open until 9:30 on Sundays. After I got ready, I finished packing and got to Starbucks at 9:35. It wasn’t open and neither was the store, Sainsbury’s. Knowing that Tesco’s didn’t open until 11, I decided to just go to the airport really early and have coffee and brunch there.
The day was so beautiful I can hardly describe it. Sky so blue and bright—no clouds. So warm I just wore a sweater. The best day by far, weather-wise, in Altrincham. So I was leaving. Makes no sense.
Taxi picked me up and the driver was so friendly and warm. And—get this—it cost less than 10 pounds. When I came from the airport it was twice that, with tip. I can’t help but think it was legitimate, because Carole was there when I arrived and told me to give the guy a 20 pound note. I was pleasantly surprised today.
Was really hungry when I got to the airport so I had a Danish and a fruit bowl that was wonderful, plus lots of coffee.
The BA flight to the Isle of Man featured a small prop plane, reminding me of the ones used to fly home to Quincy. I’m also happy because both BA and Aer Lingus are partners with American Airlines, so I’m earning miles on an airline that flies to Quincy.
Kev’s plane arrived about five minutes after mine. We gathered our luggage and took a taxi to the Hilton.
Where to start! First it was raining and the wind was blowing really hard, I guess typical weather for the island this time of year. The island is about 12 miles by 25 miles, and it is jaw-dropping beautiful. Wow! Lush, so green with lovely homes and fascinating stone walls (one of my favorite things, remember?). The cab driver was a woman who spoke with pride about the island, but spoke in the third person. “They do this…” and “They do that…” So it seemed she wasn’t a native dweller.
We drove over a fairy bridge, which I mistakenly thought was a ferry bridge. Funny. Kevin and the taxi driver said there are notes and lights strung all over the bridge. Driver said the notes were “wishes.” How cool. Kev said there was a fairy glen in Wales that was the same way.
We drove on a coast road that had hotels on one side and an angry sea on the other. Powerful and mesmerizing. But of course my room doesn’t overlook the water. Drat!
Tonight the Super Bowl is on. But if it starts at 5 back home (Central Time) it would start at 11 here. Needless to say I wouldn’t want to stay awake all night to watch it, but will if I have to.
Kev is keen on watching it too, but he has to teach tomorrow, so I doubt if he’ll make it.
I got a free bottle of wine, because they couldn’t upgrade me and I’m an Honors member. I only drank one glass. It was good, then I also had a beer with dinner. That’s more than I drink in a week normally. The beer was a wonderful lager from Belgium—a Stella something or other. Will have to ask Kev tomorrow.
POSTED 9:06 PM UK time
