Hello everyone. This will not be a long blog entry for this is probably my saddest day since I set foot onto UK soil. This morning, I had to say "good-bye" to my brother, Marty, as he headed back to the U.S. after a two month stay in England with me. I managed to hold back my tears until we got to the airport, but then the flood gates opened!!! I could not believe that my little brother and I spent so much time together and had a great time with each other's company. Marty will always have such a special place in my heart since getting to know him so well. Marty and I are so much alike, yet very different. Even though today has been m saddest day in the UK, the two months my brother and I spent together is an experience I would never, ever, EVER trade for all the money in the world, or for that matter -- my life.
Marty, I love you to death and I am so proud, honored and blessed that you are my brother. Thank you so much for all your kindness, support, laughs, fun and most of love. See ya soon, brother.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Stonehenge
Stonehenge - what else can I say? 5000 years (circa 3100 BC) of architecture stemming from the early Neolithic age which is still standing in the farmlands of England today. What a wonderous sight to see!!!
Stonehenge is located in an area in the southwestern part of England, near a town called Amesbury in Wiltshire County. I can type all day about the history and facts about Stonehenge, but you can Google this topic to get more information about this historical site. I am going to tell you about my "experience" of Stonehenge. Marty and I took a train from Reading to Salibury to get near Stonehenge. Then, we opted to take a tour bus to the site, which was an excellent idea. Marty and I sat on the top deck right against the front window. We had a great spot for sightseeing and taking pictures.
The drive from the station to the sight was breathtaking!!! The countryside in Whiltshire county is covered with historical sites and structures. Spread across the farmlands around are prehistoric burial mounds called " barrows." These mounds date back to before Stonehenge was constructed. The drive to Stonehenge creeps along very windy roads lined with trees. Coming over one of the ridges, Stonehenge appears like a magnificant monument to the past. Marty and I would not fathom the idea that we were seeing an site preserved for thousands of years - before the time of Jesus.
Walking up to Stonehenge, we were able to stand about 15 - 20 yards away fron the stones and listen to all the history discovered from these stones. Leading up to Stonehenge is an area called "The Avenue" which is a ceremonial pathway from the Avon River to Stonehenge, which our ancient ancestors walked to this worship site. Standing at Stonehenge and looking away from the stones, we could see some of the burial mounds and picture that area filled with pine trees. Over the centuries, this area became cultivated farmland, which it still is today.
It is totally impossible to share with you just how amazingly blessed and awe-struck I felt while being at Stonehenge. And when God belivered a beautiful sunset to the day, I could feel the spiritual energy eminating from this ancient worship place called "Stonehenge." This achitechtural phenomenon is older than the Great Pyramid at Giza. If there is any place on earth that connects us with the past, it is at Stonehenge. I strongly recommend that one visits Stonehenge during their lifetime. This was definately a God-inspired day by going back in time to a prehistoric era.
Stonehenge is located in an area in the southwestern part of England, near a town called Amesbury in Wiltshire County. I can type all day about the history and facts about Stonehenge, but you can Google this topic to get more information about this historical site. I am going to tell you about my "experience" of Stonehenge. Marty and I took a train from Reading to Salibury to get near Stonehenge. Then, we opted to take a tour bus to the site, which was an excellent idea. Marty and I sat on the top deck right against the front window. We had a great spot for sightseeing and taking pictures.
The drive from the station to the sight was breathtaking!!! The countryside in Whiltshire county is covered with historical sites and structures. Spread across the farmlands around are prehistoric burial mounds called " barrows." These mounds date back to before Stonehenge was constructed. The drive to Stonehenge creeps along very windy roads lined with trees. Coming over one of the ridges, Stonehenge appears like a magnificant monument to the past. Marty and I would not fathom the idea that we were seeing an site preserved for thousands of years - before the time of Jesus.
Walking up to Stonehenge, we were able to stand about 15 - 20 yards away fron the stones and listen to all the history discovered from these stones. Leading up to Stonehenge is an area called "The Avenue" which is a ceremonial pathway from the Avon River to Stonehenge, which our ancient ancestors walked to this worship site. Standing at Stonehenge and looking away from the stones, we could see some of the burial mounds and picture that area filled with pine trees. Over the centuries, this area became cultivated farmland, which it still is today.
It is totally impossible to share with you just how amazingly blessed and awe-struck I felt while being at Stonehenge. And when God belivered a beautiful sunset to the day, I could feel the spiritual energy eminating from this ancient worship place called "Stonehenge." This achitechtural phenomenon is older than the Great Pyramid at Giza. If there is any place on earth that connects us with the past, it is at Stonehenge. I strongly recommend that one visits Stonehenge during their lifetime. This was definately a God-inspired day by going back in time to a prehistoric era.
Windsor Castle w/ Marty
I took Marty, my brother, to see Windsor Castle with which I am quite familiar. This - my third visit to the castle - was quite different from the last two. When Marty and I went this time, the castle garden was open AND the state rooms inside the castle were open asw well. Both were absolutely beautiful, spectacular, and very impressive. Since no one is permitted to take pictures inside the castle, I do not have any pictures of the state rooms, but I do have some lovely pictures of Marty and I in the garden, along with some beautiful flowers. Unfortunately St. George's Chapel was not open to the public since we went on a Sunday.
After walking through the castle itself and the grounds, Marty and I went for a walk along the Thames River, and while we were watching the swans, we saw something hilarious. Does anyony know how swans find food - aside from the bread-throwers along the water? They stick their heads in the water and use their back legs to stretch their necks to the bottom of the river with their butts sticking out of the water. We were laughing so hard that we had tears. Seeing that just made our day complete. It was just a wonderful, relaxing day with my brother.
After walking through the castle itself and the grounds, Marty and I went for a walk along the Thames River, and while we were watching the swans, we saw something hilarious. Does anyony know how swans find food - aside from the bread-throwers along the water? They stick their heads in the water and use their back legs to stretch their necks to the bottom of the river with their butts sticking out of the water. We were laughing so hard that we had tears. Seeing that just made our day complete. It was just a wonderful, relaxing day with my brother.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Chelsea vs Manchester United
My brother and I had a GREAT time watching the Chelsea vs Manchester United football (soccer) match this past Sunday!!! The match was at Wembley Stadium in London where much of the 2012 Olympics will be held. Marty and I took the train from Reading to London -Paddinton Station (see picture) then took the Bakerloo Line on the Underground to Wembley Park Station. As we "herded" our way with the rest of the Chelsea/ManU masses, we could not help laughing at the banter back and forth between the fans. I felt like I was at a Steelers/Browns game.
Marty and I made sure we got to the stadium earlt so we could take pictures (see pictures). The stadium is MASSIVE (90,000 capacity) with a huge arch outside. So cool!!! About 45 minutes before the start of the match, Marty and I went inside to enjoy the pre-game festivities. Since everyone was outside partying, Marty and I got to see the "WEMBLEY" logo on the seats (see pictures). The festivities before the game included huge banners or the teams logos, pictures of the coaches and the teams' logo mascots (see pictures) - and lots of loud music. We were seated in the Chelsea side of the stadium - YEAH!!! I had my USA World Cup T-shirt on but since I was cheering for Chelsea, I was not bothered. There were two men in front of us who were cheering for ManU. NOT a good idea. Fooball fans over here are ruthless - like the old Steelers/Browns game.
When ManU scored first, the two men stood up and cheered. These two received a glaring stare thay could kill. Then, in the second half, when ManU scored again, they did nothing. They just sat there and did not say a word. Smart!!! On the back of the tickets, it states that fans are not permitted to weqar opposing colored shirts in their respective sections. If you notice (see picture), there are seats down the middle of the stadium separating the Chelsea fans from the ManU fans. Once again - Smart!!! The game was very fun even though Chelsea lost. It was a fund-raiser for young footballers all over the UK and it was a success.
On the way home, Marty and I met up with my friends, Katie and Jay. We walked back to the train station in a herd of Chelsea and ManU fans with bantering back and forth about how each team sucks. Marty, Katie, Jay and I were laughing under our breath but we did not show it. On the Underground on the way back to the train station, the Chelsea fans were trying to get us (USA folks) made by chanting things against the USA. Ummmmm . . . didn't work. Once again, we just chuckled. When Marty and I got home, we were exhausted; however, we both said that we would never trade this day for anything -- even a Steelers playoff win. The Super Bowl is something totally different. Enjoy the photos - we sure had fun taking them.
Marty and I made sure we got to the stadium earlt so we could take pictures (see pictures). The stadium is MASSIVE (90,000 capacity) with a huge arch outside. So cool!!! About 45 minutes before the start of the match, Marty and I went inside to enjoy the pre-game festivities. Since everyone was outside partying, Marty and I got to see the "WEMBLEY" logo on the seats (see pictures). The festivities before the game included huge banners or the teams logos, pictures of the coaches and the teams' logo mascots (see pictures) - and lots of loud music. We were seated in the Chelsea side of the stadium - YEAH!!! I had my USA World Cup T-shirt on but since I was cheering for Chelsea, I was not bothered. There were two men in front of us who were cheering for ManU. NOT a good idea. Fooball fans over here are ruthless - like the old Steelers/Browns game.
When ManU scored first, the two men stood up and cheered. These two received a glaring stare thay could kill. Then, in the second half, when ManU scored again, they did nothing. They just sat there and did not say a word. Smart!!! On the back of the tickets, it states that fans are not permitted to weqar opposing colored shirts in their respective sections. If you notice (see picture), there are seats down the middle of the stadium separating the Chelsea fans from the ManU fans. Once again - Smart!!! The game was very fun even though Chelsea lost. It was a fund-raiser for young footballers all over the UK and it was a success.
On the way home, Marty and I met up with my friends, Katie and Jay. We walked back to the train station in a herd of Chelsea and ManU fans with bantering back and forth about how each team sucks. Marty, Katie, Jay and I were laughing under our breath but we did not show it. On the Underground on the way back to the train station, the Chelsea fans were trying to get us (USA folks) made by chanting things against the USA. Ummmmm . . . didn't work. Once again, we just chuckled. When Marty and I got home, we were exhausted; however, we both said that we would never trade this day for anything -- even a Steelers playoff win. The Super Bowl is something totally different. Enjoy the photos - we sure had fun taking them.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
August 1st
Hi ya, folks!!! Nice to be back - although as you can see, it will not be as often. Well, I turned 44 years last week on July 27th. Marty, my brother who is over here visiting me and looking for a new job, took me to dinner at a place called "Old Orleans." Yup, that's right, a taste from home. It was decorated with all things from N'Awlins (New Orleans) as well as the taste and sound from Cajun Country. I received a HUGE birthday gift that day from God in the form of 22 boxes with all my belongings!!! Can you believe that gift?!!! I know that "all things are possible with God;" but I never thought this could happen on my birthday of all days. Go figure.
Now that I told you about Marty, my brother being here, I can't remember if I wrote this in a previous blogpost or not. Yeah, Marty arrived here on July 14th and will be staying for until September 14th (two months). I have to say that I am so happy to have him here, but I am not sure Marty likes me hovering over him all the time. I just can't help myself - I miss having family and friends around and I know his time here will come to an end, so I am trying to suck everything I have out of this time with him. I just hope he will laugh about this time at family gatherings in the future. Knowing Marty, I'm sure we will.
I really have not been doing too much prior to Marty coming here. Mostly work, laundry, grocery shopping, paying the bills, and sleeping - you know, the domestic crap. This week I have to be in court two days, which is not too bad since social workers are not permitted to talk in court (unless on the witness stand). Yea for me!!! The rest of the week I will be "putting out fires" or catching up on paperwork. Next Sunday, Marty and I are going to a major soccer (football) game against Chelsea vs. Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London. I cannot believe I was able to get these tickets for Marty and I. I promise to post pictures.
I have to be getting to bed so i have enough energy this week to withsatnd all the parents and kids and others shouting names at me and telling me how I don't know what I'm doing or that I should just go back to America and mess up the lives of "my own." Different country, same shit. Here's something I challenge anyone who reads this blog to do -- if you ever come across a social worker who works in child protectionor for children's social services, please thank them for saving the life of a child, no matter how much bad press they get. We really do have hearts and feelings. As I said before, I wish this job did not exsist. Well, time for bed. Good night.
Now that I told you about Marty, my brother being here, I can't remember if I wrote this in a previous blogpost or not. Yeah, Marty arrived here on July 14th and will be staying for until September 14th (two months). I have to say that I am so happy to have him here, but I am not sure Marty likes me hovering over him all the time. I just can't help myself - I miss having family and friends around and I know his time here will come to an end, so I am trying to suck everything I have out of this time with him. I just hope he will laugh about this time at family gatherings in the future. Knowing Marty, I'm sure we will.
I really have not been doing too much prior to Marty coming here. Mostly work, laundry, grocery shopping, paying the bills, and sleeping - you know, the domestic crap. This week I have to be in court two days, which is not too bad since social workers are not permitted to talk in court (unless on the witness stand). Yea for me!!! The rest of the week I will be "putting out fires" or catching up on paperwork. Next Sunday, Marty and I are going to a major soccer (football) game against Chelsea vs. Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London. I cannot believe I was able to get these tickets for Marty and I. I promise to post pictures.
I have to be getting to bed so i have enough energy this week to withsatnd all the parents and kids and others shouting names at me and telling me how I don't know what I'm doing or that I should just go back to America and mess up the lives of "my own." Different country, same shit. Here's something I challenge anyone who reads this blog to do -- if you ever come across a social worker who works in child protectionor for children's social services, please thank them for saving the life of a child, no matter how much bad press they get. We really do have hearts and feelings. As I said before, I wish this job did not exsist. Well, time for bed. Good night.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
USA vs England
I and two of my fellow collegues from the U.S.decided to go to one of the local pubs to watch the World Cup soccer game. I wore my U.S.A. T-shirt; however, I did wear a jacket over it so I was not too obvious that I was cheering for my home-town boys. As we entered the pub, there were red and white flags (St. George's flag) everywhere and shirts with the logo of England (three lions within a sheild) on every person. My collegues and I made our way to the second flood and parked ourselves right in front of the big screen projector TV. Before the game started, we silently sang the Star-Spangled Banner.
As we watched the game playout, the locals became louder and drunker. That was our clue to become "actresses" and pretend to cheer for England all the while we were cheering for the USA. When England scored first, the pub erupted in shouts of joy and my collegues and I yelled in disgust. However, no one in the place knew we were upset because they were cheering so much. The second half we the complete opposite - much to our liking. When the goalie for England missed the ball and the USA scored, the pub again erupted in noise; only this time the the screames were of disgust and anger. That gave us the chance to whoop and hollar for the USA team. Again, there was so much noise in the pub, no one realized that we were actually cheering for the USA.
Even though the game ended in a tie, we considered is a victory because we had been getting so much "trash talk" about how the USA doesn't stand a chance against England since England's "sport" is football (soccer). Well, they failed to recognize that many of the players on the USA team play regularly in England or in the European leagues. Huh. . . English boasting. Dummies. After the game was over, we were all smiles as the English faithful were walking out in disbelief. Over the following days, he goalie for England was chastised in the newspapers on the TV and on the radio. I felt very sad for him. The English were blaming one person for their team's tie. However, being a diehard Steeler fan, I can definately understand their reaction to the goal.
As we watched the game playout, the locals became louder and drunker. That was our clue to become "actresses" and pretend to cheer for England all the while we were cheering for the USA. When England scored first, the pub erupted in shouts of joy and my collegues and I yelled in disgust. However, no one in the place knew we were upset because they were cheering so much. The second half we the complete opposite - much to our liking. When the goalie for England missed the ball and the USA scored, the pub again erupted in noise; only this time the the screames were of disgust and anger. That gave us the chance to whoop and hollar for the USA team. Again, there was so much noise in the pub, no one realized that we were actually cheering for the USA.
Even though the game ended in a tie, we considered is a victory because we had been getting so much "trash talk" about how the USA doesn't stand a chance against England since England's "sport" is football (soccer). Well, they failed to recognize that many of the players on the USA team play regularly in England or in the European leagues. Huh. . . English boasting. Dummies. After the game was over, we were all smiles as the English faithful were walking out in disbelief. Over the following days, he goalie for England was chastised in the newspapers on the TV and on the radio. I felt very sad for him. The English were blaming one person for their team's tie. However, being a diehard Steeler fan, I can definately understand their reaction to the goal.
Tea with the Queen
Well, back on June 14th, as you already know, I was invited to have lunch with the Queen in Windsor Castle. It was absolutely fantastic! We were all seated outside St George's Chapel inside the Windsor Castle walls. As we sat waiting for the Queen to pass by, we had wine and cucumber sandwiches. I wore a short sleeveless, blue, white & black sundress. I looked cute!!! No hat, but I did have my hair done.
After about two hours of eating, drinking and chatting, the parade of soldiers on foot and on horses started to process from the castle house down to St. George's Chapel. It was sooooooo awesome to see all of them!!! Then, the trumpeters blew their horns and soon we saw these people in deep, blue hats with white plumes walking towards us. It was the Royal Family: HMH Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles (yuck); Prince William; Prince Andrew and Princess Anne. I had to keep pinching myself to see if I was actually seeing the Royal Family. AND, they walked past me about 10 feet away!!! I could have reached out and touched them. They were dressed in their royal robes, plumed hats, and the Queen had two page boys holding her robe. Very posh!!!!
I also got to see Lady Margaret Thatcher drive by in a car to the chapel. Once inside the chapel, the ceremony was broadcast over loud-speakers to the crowd outside. This ceremony was only about 1/2 hour long. After the chapel ceremony, the royal family members and their spouses rode back to the castle in a horse and carriage. First the Queen & Prince Phillip, then Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and someone woman I did not recognize, then Prince William and his gAmerican irlfriend, then Princess Anne and her husband (I think). Anyways, it was very spectacular. While I do not have pictures of this event right now, as soon as I get them I will post them to this page.
A GREAT DAY for me!!!
After about two hours of eating, drinking and chatting, the parade of soldiers on foot and on horses started to process from the castle house down to St. George's Chapel. It was sooooooo awesome to see all of them!!! Then, the trumpeters blew their horns and soon we saw these people in deep, blue hats with white plumes walking towards us. It was the Royal Family: HMH Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles (yuck); Prince William; Prince Andrew and Princess Anne. I had to keep pinching myself to see if I was actually seeing the Royal Family. AND, they walked past me about 10 feet away!!! I could have reached out and touched them. They were dressed in their royal robes, plumed hats, and the Queen had two page boys holding her robe. Very posh!!!!
I also got to see Lady Margaret Thatcher drive by in a car to the chapel. Once inside the chapel, the ceremony was broadcast over loud-speakers to the crowd outside. This ceremony was only about 1/2 hour long. After the chapel ceremony, the royal family members and their spouses rode back to the castle in a horse and carriage. First the Queen & Prince Phillip, then Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and someone woman I did not recognize, then Prince William and his gAmerican irlfriend, then Princess Anne and her husband (I think). Anyways, it was very spectacular. While I do not have pictures of this event right now, as soon as I get them I will post them to this page.
A GREAT DAY for me!!!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
I'M BACK!!!
Hi everyone!!! Sorry I have away for a while but I am back to updating my blog again. So much has happened in the last month since I last entered something one here. What I am going to try to do is give you and update on what's currently been happeneing, then post something from the past month. By mid-August, I should be caught up with my entries. Just hang with me folks -- I will try my best to gt ewverything on here.
Well, my brother has finally made it to England. He got here on Wednesday morning when I picked him up from Heathrow Airport. He was sooooooooooooo tired that he fell asleep on the busride to Reading. When we got to my house, he unpacked just a few things then went to sleep for several hours. We then went shopping for a few items he needed, we returned and I made us dinner, then he went to sleep again. On Thursday, we just walked around Reading so I could just get him acclimated to Engalnd. We exchanged his currency and just enjoyed sitting and talking.
Yesterday (Friday), I had to go into work for a few hours then I was going to come home to relax with Marty. Well, the few hours turned into a whole day of work. I should know better by now that was going to happen. What the heck was I thinking? Duhhhhh . . . Today, I am taking Marty into London for the first itme to show him the famous sights and try to teach him how to navigate the Underground. I think Marty will pick it up very quickly. The weather has been a bit damp the last few days, but that is blowing through and today should be very sunny and pleasant. I am looking forward to today with Marty and will post pictures later.
Once again folks, sorry about the delay -- but I'm back. Cheers!!
Well, my brother has finally made it to England. He got here on Wednesday morning when I picked him up from Heathrow Airport. He was sooooooooooooo tired that he fell asleep on the busride to Reading. When we got to my house, he unpacked just a few things then went to sleep for several hours. We then went shopping for a few items he needed, we returned and I made us dinner, then he went to sleep again. On Thursday, we just walked around Reading so I could just get him acclimated to Engalnd. We exchanged his currency and just enjoyed sitting and talking.
Yesterday (Friday), I had to go into work for a few hours then I was going to come home to relax with Marty. Well, the few hours turned into a whole day of work. I should know better by now that was going to happen. What the heck was I thinking? Duhhhhh . . . Today, I am taking Marty into London for the first itme to show him the famous sights and try to teach him how to navigate the Underground. I think Marty will pick it up very quickly. The weather has been a bit damp the last few days, but that is blowing through and today should be very sunny and pleasant. I am looking forward to today with Marty and will post pictures later.
Once again folks, sorry about the delay -- but I'm back. Cheers!!
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Hat Issues
Okay, I really need some guidence on this one. Everyone knows that I'm having lunch with the Queen and other members of the royal family on June 14th. However, I have to wear a hat along with my new dress, gloves and shoes. I was going to wear my Pirates ballcap, but then decided that was too "wintery" since it is black & gold. Then, since it is spring, I was going to wear a bright orange hunting cap to add color to my outfit. However, someone said that would be drawing too much attention to mself (although I tend to disagree with them). Therefore, I am asking for help in this area. What style and color should I wear to "lunch with the Queen?"
I did bring a black ski cap with me as well; however, that would tend to be more of an evening hat if I were to be invited to dinner instead of lunch. Any and all suggestions are welcomed.
Check out my recent ideas in the photos to the right.
I did bring a black ski cap with me as well; however, that would tend to be more of an evening hat if I were to be invited to dinner instead of lunch. Any and all suggestions are welcomed.
Check out my recent ideas in the photos to the right.
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