Yes, so even though it is completely descended into darkness and all the streetlights are on, this does not automatically mean you are a dedicated employee worthy of commendation and Christmas bonuses extraordinaire. But should people want to praise, you, well... they can buy you a lovely Hendricks.
It does, however, make you want to come home and scarf down some lovely chili which you happened to cook for yourself yesterday, since noone was able to provide you with any on your recent trip home (although I hardly went hungry). In Britain, they spell chilli with 2 ls -- I do not approve of this, as it makes it look like a dessert product from Wendy's... That's Right.
Anyone who has not watched Top Gear really ought to make an effort to watch an episode. Surely there are some on YouTube. At the moment, am watching repeat of Sunday's show and am again laughing aloud. Thank goodness, I am by myself. So, this week's test challenge involves them testing several oldish cars of British manufacture; they compete against each other (the hosts, that is) and it is just hysterically funny.
The current test is the last one and is where they have taken each car and filled it to the brim with firehoses. There is a snorkle through the roof for the driver who dressed in a dry-suit sees how far he can drive around a racetrack before the water leaks out to the level of the bottom of the steering wheel. They are awarded 20-pence for each yard they drive or something like that. One of the cars wouldn't even fill up with two fire engines full of water, so they had to just let him start only part full. Then his door fell off. :)
Previously, they drove 30km/h across this really bumpy cobbled section, with a collander filled with raw eggs attached to the roof over the driver's head. They gained points for each gram of egg left at the end and lost points for each piece of the car which dislodged during the experience. titter
Things like this help relieve some of the madness (and the resulting fury in rational people) going on in other parts of the world, such as:
Sudan -- where an Englishwoman has been charged with blasphemy for allowing her classroom of 7-year-olds to name a teddy bear mohamed. Yes, 40 lashes is absolutely an appropriate reaction such an act of 'religious hatred'.
France -- where riots have been going on protesting the fact that two helmet-less (and obviously brainless) teenagers died when they drove their motorcycle into the side of a police car on a routine patrol and going in a perpendicular direction.
and, oh, just Pretty Much Everywhere...
I think it is time to knit and sit by my nice, normal self in my nice, normal little abode.
Why is it so hot?
And what are we doing in this handbasket?
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Monday, 26 November 2007
Roighty Ho.
Now that I have rested for a day and periodically gorged self (because I just didn't get enough to eat at Thanksgiving [loud snort]), ought to be working on getting back to 'normal' schedule which will involve being on 8.30a.m. bus -- but not until Wednesday morning! Instead, however, I foolishly drank a large 4-strength cup of Ethiopian java at approx. 4pm and now will probably be up until 3.30am again if I can decide upon a movie or a knitting project to focus on for longer than 27 seconds.
Driving back, stopped at St. Mary's (in village of Roughton on Cromer Road), lovely round tower church which has always been hidden behind greenery before and not really easily sighted from road.
It is quite interesting all that you can see when leaves are not on the trees. Thought would get some nice pictures of sunset in windows and churchyard, and lo and behold, the church itself was completely open and empty!
[There are still some simple niceties (if that is the right word) in Britain and simple aspects of humanity and trusting that are just perfectly wonderful and (sadly) quaint. Another trusting thing that always amazes me is when
people have eggs or vegetables of seedlings on a table at the front of their property (both in town and in the countryside) and there is a little sign saying how much they are and which is sat next to a little box for you to put your money in. This makes one want to weep for the fact that society as a whole cannot be like this.]
So, we went into the church, and it was so peaceful. One of the windows has really unusual colors with a fleur de lis motif (above). Note the intricate beams over the sanctuary area below
(Eamonn so cleverly located the light switches). This church is apparently one of the Top 20 round tower churches to visit.
Finally, this is the windmill right as you drive into Weybourne. The sea is just outside the picture to the right and over a field. I want to live in this windmill.
Today, was forced to 'take the air, because it will be good for you', and am mightily glad to have done so, as this improved my attitude in general which has been fairly consumed with violent and vengeful animosity towards Lloyd's bank since yesterday. (This shall no doubt be ranted upon at some later and more amusing time)
Since located camera lead about 30 minutes ago, am happy to provide some winter scenery from Touring Loons Expeditions (aka, Eamonn and Amrie).
After being plied with tea, managed to make it to car and SatNav (evil woman) assisted us in navigating to Cromer (which we know perfectly weli how to locate by ourselves), at which point, we went in search 
of seafood sustenance (mmmm!). It has become very windy during my absence. It is also quite cold. Darkness is good and descended by 4.02pm as well. The promenades in Cromer are closed, and this is probably for good reason as seafront would, no doubt, be littered not with Ribena cartons but with bodies wearied by hypothermia.
of seafood sustenance (mmmm!). It has become very windy during my absence. It is also quite cold. Darkness is good and descended by 4.02pm as well. The promenades in Cromer are closed, and this is probably for good reason as seafront would, no doubt, be littered not with Ribena cartons but with bodies wearied by hypothermia.I negated suggestion that we find nosh and sit on the beach and eat it -- mushy peas which do not warm you with their smooshed goodness are not worth choking down :) Did have lovely fish 
and chips and mushy peas lunch however, in cosy diner (or 'caff' as referred to in the Vote for Your Favourite Caff competition. Forgive me for being slightly pedantic, but is there a second 'f' in 'cafeteria'? I thought not.). On walk back to car, realised the alarming, and entirely new-experience, effect of one's teeth being so cold they hurt. Who knew?
and chips and mushy peas lunch however, in cosy diner (or 'caff' as referred to in the Vote for Your Favourite Caff competition. Forgive me for being slightly pedantic, but is there a second 'f' in 'cafeteria'? I thought not.). On walk back to car, realised the alarming, and entirely new-experience, effect of one's teeth being so cold they hurt. Who knew?Moved on down coast, through Sheringham, to Weybourne, which is next to the Muckleburgh Collection (believe have mentioned tanks before 
and the surprise they can cause when you are not expecting to have entered war zone during your walk on the seaside). This is one of the pebble beaches, where the rocks scream as they are forced back out with the tide. There were a surprising number of people out walking dogs and surf fishing and such. Did I mention the cold North Sea wind?
and the surprise they can cause when you are not expecting to have entered war zone during your walk on the seaside). This is one of the pebble beaches, where the rocks scream as they are forced back out with the tide. There were a surprising number of people out walking dogs and surf fishing and such. Did I mention the cold North Sea wind?Tall dirt cliffs slope up to the right at part of top of beach hill and this is good vantage point. From below, layers of different soils start out with this soft chalky rock layer with chunks of flint embedded and move up through sandier soil, dark dirt and something that looks like it has high iron composition. There is a construction of some sort of bricks up there in shape of solid box, but I have no idea what it is. Did I mention the wind? It was a little scary to stand to close to the side because of a) wind and b) fear of edge falling out from under you. But I am a brave child. Found a black bone of some sort and brought it home despite protests of hygiene and disgust. What would make a bone black? 
Due to wind, waves were quite large and boistrous, causing the water to be all foamy and white for about 20-30 yards out from the shore (although actually am really rubbish at judging distance -- it was just really far). Rowdy waves make the pebbles scream louder; really, this is quite eerie. Waves are breaking really far out beyond the white section if you look carefully. In foreground, you can see foam left on the rocks from retreating tide. This foam makes large piles and then blows around like fluff or medium-sized tumbleweeds in the most bizarre way (Has the wind been commented upon?). As well, spray from the waves makes your lips taste like salt and from a sideways vantage, you can see a sort of fog that the mist makes.
Driving back, stopped at St. Mary's (in village of Roughton on Cromer Road), lovely round tower church which has always been hidden behind greenery before and not really easily sighted from road.
It is quite interesting all that you can see when leaves are not on the trees. Thought would get some nice pictures of sunset in windows and churchyard, and lo and behold, the church itself was completely open and empty
people have eggs or vegetables of seedlings on a table at the front of their property (both in town and in the countryside) and there is a little sign saying how much they are and which is sat next to a little box for you to put your money in. This makes one want to weep for the fact that society as a whole cannot be like this.]
So, we went into the church, and it was so peaceful. One of the windows has really unusual colors with a fleur de lis motif (above). Note the intricate beams over the sanctuary area below
(Eamonn so cleverly located the light switches). This church is apparently one of the Top 20 round tower churches to visit.
Finally, this is the windmill right as you drive into Weybourne. The sea is just outside the picture to the right and over a field. I want to live in this windmill.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Understatement
It has been my observation today that Virginia highway signs are pinnacle of civilised understatement. While this is attractive approach and does not distract from the loveliness of the scenery, it can cause extreme navigational distress. If, however, you keep your head and follow your nose, you can regain the original path you were on before you were rudely jutted off on a left fork toward the Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary (that name just makes me laugh, although am sure it is an interesting and informative Park Service property).
Have had two conversations today encouraging the use of GPS, but it is against my principles to do so. In my opinion, GPS ruins perfectly sensible minds, becomes a crutch, and renders people unable to find their own posteriors with either or both hands. Am quite capable of finding my way with my excellent nose and problem-solving skills, thank you very much. One amusing note, however, was that there was an article in the NYTimes addressing the fact that women were not as fond of GPS as men, because men will follow directions given by the sexy woman's voice on GPS, when they would NOT listen to their own partner/wife giving precisely the same information (titter).
Have at this point made it to DC metro, and while this will distress several Extreme Shoppers with whom I am aquainted, I really like DC and Alexandria, Virginia better than NYC. There is just too much concrete and grime and too few trees there. Washington is really lovely, and the leaves are so pretty. One note about leaves: when you watch them go by out the train window, they are so vibrant, it is like seeing a river of Skittles flying past (not the purple and blue ones, of course. don't be nonsensical.)! Am staying in Alexandria and it is very cute and quaint; sadly will not have time to toodle about aimlessly, so will have to come back.
Speaking of return trip, shall take special care if car is ordered from Thrifty's UK website: despite a reservation printout having the thrifty.co.uk address at the bottom of the page, the company logo at the top left, and every sentence save one referring to Thrifty corporate hospitality and identity, my reservation was apparently a great comic trick, since my car was listed on the Dollar computer system (this discovered after unhelpful counter person had me call the 800# and spend 20 mins on hold). One will notice that the mention of 'every sentence save one' -- this is because that one informed the extremely careful reader how much Dollar RentACar appreciates their business. This is just assine, esp. after a particularly strenuous cardiovascular workout on the Washington Metro system and then across half of Reagan International Airport (including a surprise tour of an entire floor of a parking garage) with one's luggage. Arms now beginning to show muscular development in manner of Lenda Murray.
Car this time is a Dodge Avenger. Much better than the absurd HHR (with its blind spots and ridiculous sunvisor that only covers 1/3 of the side window). The Avenger has a hood kind of like a wannabe Bentley, very square and is large and black. My persona while driving is secret agent.
*******
Amusing radio witticism yesterday: radio talk show was discussing NYC pigeon problem and a possible new proposal that would outlaw feeding the pigeons. A man called in and asked if the outcome of such a law would be to make pigeons 'illegal avians' -- tee hee hee.
*******
I think it will be a good idea to turn the sound on my phone alarm tonight, so that I won't have to depend on the construction works outside to wake me up late tomorrow.
Have had two conversations today encouraging the use of GPS, but it is against my principles to do so. In my opinion, GPS ruins perfectly sensible minds, becomes a crutch, and renders people unable to find their own posteriors with either or both hands. Am quite capable of finding my way with my excellent nose and problem-solving skills, thank you very much. One amusing note, however, was that there was an article in the NYTimes addressing the fact that women were not as fond of GPS as men, because men will follow directions given by the sexy woman's voice on GPS, when they would NOT listen to their own partner/wife giving precisely the same information (titter).
Have at this point made it to DC metro, and while this will distress several Extreme Shoppers with whom I am aquainted, I really like DC and Alexandria, Virginia better than NYC. There is just too much concrete and grime and too few trees there. Washington is really lovely, and the leaves are so pretty. One note about leaves: when you watch them go by out the train window, they are so vibrant, it is like seeing a river of Skittles flying past (not the purple and blue ones, of course. don't be nonsensical.)! Am staying in Alexandria and it is very cute and quaint; sadly will not have time to toodle about aimlessly, so will have to come back.
Speaking of return trip, shall take special care if car is ordered from Thrifty's UK website: despite a reservation printout having the thrifty.co.uk address at the bottom of the page, the company logo at the top left, and every sentence save one referring to Thrifty corporate hospitality and identity, my reservation was apparently a great comic trick, since my car was listed on the Dollar computer system (this discovered after unhelpful counter person had me call the 800# and spend 20 mins on hold). One will notice that the mention of 'every sentence save one' -- this is because that one informed the extremely careful reader how much Dollar RentACar appreciates their business. This is just assine, esp. after a particularly strenuous cardiovascular workout on the Washington Metro system and then across half of Reagan International Airport (including a surprise tour of an entire floor of a parking garage) with one's luggage. Arms now beginning to show muscular development in manner of Lenda Murray.
Car this time is a Dodge Avenger. Much better than the absurd HHR (with its blind spots and ridiculous sunvisor that only covers 1/3 of the side window). The Avenger has a hood kind of like a wannabe Bentley, very square and is large and black. My persona while driving is secret agent.
*******
Amusing radio witticism yesterday: radio talk show was discussing NYC pigeon problem and a possible new proposal that would outlaw feeding the pigeons. A man called in and asked if the outcome of such a law would be to make pigeons 'illegal avians' -- tee hee hee.
*******
I think it will be a good idea to turn the sound on my phone alarm tonight, so that I won't have to depend on the construction works outside to wake me up late tomorrow.
Suspicious
Just as I am extremely suspicious of alien intervention in our food supply based on the universality of the Subway restaurant smell, I am beginning to harbour doubts about the sliced fruit at Hampton Inns (at breakfast). Grapes, melon, pineapple and oranges cannot taste the same in Texas as in Virginia as in Georgia as in Pennsylvania. And there is this slight counter-top cleanser tang that hits you at the back of the roof of your mouth.
As I say, all quite suspicious. (although perhaps not as disturbing as the congealed plastic they pass off as 'egg patties' -- I do not eat those)
As I say, all quite suspicious. (although perhaps not as disturbing as the congealed plastic they pass off as 'egg patties' -- I do not eat those)
Monday, 12 November 2007
7.30 a.m.
What genius decided that this would be a good hour for the exhibit hall at a conference to open? Who exactly is going to be there? No one; that is who. But Region X seems to be a little more emphatic that exhibitors be present during all exhibit hours than Region VIII since I have now been 'reminded' 14 times that I am to be downstairs at 7.30 tomorrow morning. The fact of the reminders is a little more annoying than the early hour; after all, I am on a rather earlyish body clock schedule. Am I 4 years old (no comments necessary here)? What are they going to do if I am not there -- tattle on me?
And I have missed all but about 24 film minutes of The Wizard of Oz since the dessert reception (at which exhibitors were to exhibit -- not themselves but their wares) lasted far past it's end time of 9.00 p.m. It is already to the part where they are going down the long hall to meet the wizard and the Cowardly Lion is covering his eyes...
And now, we have our alliterative section -- it makes me laugh when the Wizard says:
'You clinking clanking clacking collection of colligenous junk!' to the Tin Man
and
'You billowing bale of bovine fodder!' to the Scarecrow :)
Contacts now need to be removed from the eyeballs...
And I have missed all but about 24 film minutes of The Wizard of Oz since the dessert reception (at which exhibitors were to exhibit -- not themselves but their wares) lasted far past it's end time of 9.00 p.m. It is already to the part where they are going down the long hall to meet the wizard and the Cowardly Lion is covering his eyes...
And now, we have our alliterative section -- it makes me laugh when the Wizard says:
'You clinking clanking clacking collection of colligenous junk!' to the Tin Man
and
'You billowing bale of bovine fodder!' to the Scarecrow :)
Contacts now need to be removed from the eyeballs...
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Trains and Things
Have now ridden on my first inter-city Amtrak train (Amtrak is kind of a joke in much of the US). It was okay, really, although with a couple of odd notes (which of course I would like to complain about and mock). However, it would be more genteel perhaps to start with some compliments to the train:
* firstly, the seats in coach class have a heckuva lot of leg room;
* there are also these nifty little footrest things that swing down and can be adjusted to different heights;
* Americans seem to be quite pleasantly conscientious about picking up their rubbish on the train.
Now the mockery:
* Ummm, I had to sign my ticket before the ticket collector on the train would take it. Exactly what is the point of this? To show that I know which end of the pen the ink comes out of?
* There is a luggage limit. For both number of bags and weight and size of said bags. What?!?!?! I mean, it is a train; it doesn't need to be balanced like FoxNews (their slogan is 'Fair and Balanced', fyi). For the record, I was over the luggage limit -- way over, with my three bags and the fact that one of them weighed 173.9 lbs (just kidding) -- and was scolded by the ticket man, but then he said, 'Well, you just remember the 2-bag limit for next time...' Upon my expression of concern for getting back to DC on train next week, he said, 'Ahhh. Well, just tell them you travelled with these bags before.' Ooookay -- I guess we will just hope for nice people on Tuesday, too. It seems that although the loudspeaker announcements broadcast that you will not be allowed on the train with anything over the limits, it is not impossible to do so. My bags were eventually stored in the handicapped section, since luggage storage racks for an entire train car (not counting the overhead bins) measure approx. 18 inches wide and 6 feet tall, with no shelves in this completely inadequate space. Am glad that no one handicapped needed the space, although am not sure how they would have gotten a wheelchair through the train doors since they, and the connecting passageways, are about the width of my shoulders.
Now the comedy which almost was... but it wasn't:
Made very sensible decision to not attempt subway navigation, exited train station (only got stuck in elevator door once, and not at all on escalators!), and took taxi to Brooklyn with my obscene amount of luggage (not really obscene, just obscenely awkward since one piece is a large display box for a table display and frequently gets me stuck at comical angles in various doorways and at the occasional corner. Navigation is really not that outlandish -- it involves hauling large suitcase with one arm, whilst balancing display board on top of tiny rolling laptop case. A kickstart is required for both sides, though, with a sharp jab at the space right above the wheels to get bag into angle for wheeling. All very scientific.). Amtrak car hop called me Xena when he loaded my luggage in the taxi trunk :)
By this point, my forearms are impressively strong. It is too bad that I have been doing nothing else to improve muscle tone in the rest of my body.
However, today am going to walk on the Brooklyn Bridge, which is about three blocks away, I think -- although it looks as though the bridge goes overland for about the eqivalent of 7 blocks or so. Was not aware that bridge was oldest suspension bridge in US. Bear may go, but he might not be able to have his portrait taken as it would be traumatic if he blew into the East River.
Yesterday evening (evening was pretty much when I got here at 4.00pm, and it was pitch dark by 5.15), saw Statue of Liberty for first time and took picture of her from erratically-moving taxi. There is much hope to take a better one today, although do not think have time to go on SoL tour, which is a bit of a shame.
Am staying at Marriott Brooklyn Bridge, which is very nice (except for their $12.95/day +tax internet heist). My 36" flat screen HD tv is amazing, except that the twisty pedestal makes extremely loud and horrifying squeal when turned. Am surprisingly impressed by HD. And they have some lovely lotion from Bath and Body works called Orange Ginger (social identity and hotel chain aspirations of such by complimentary hotel bath items sounds like an interesting study). Now, I smell like an accompaniment to sushi :)
Xena out.
* firstly, the seats in coach class have a heckuva lot of leg room;
* there are also these nifty little footrest things that swing down and can be adjusted to different heights;
* Americans seem to be quite pleasantly conscientious about picking up their rubbish on the train.
Now the mockery:
* Ummm, I had to sign my ticket before the ticket collector on the train would take it. Exactly what is the point of this? To show that I know which end of the pen the ink comes out of?
* There is a luggage limit. For both number of bags and weight and size of said bags. What?!?!?! I mean, it is a train; it doesn't need to be balanced like FoxNews (their slogan is 'Fair and Balanced', fyi). For the record, I was over the luggage limit -- way over, with my three bags and the fact that one of them weighed 173.9 lbs (just kidding) -- and was scolded by the ticket man, but then he said, 'Well, you just remember the 2-bag limit for next time...' Upon my expression of concern for getting back to DC on train next week, he said, 'Ahhh. Well, just tell them you travelled with these bags before.' Ooookay -- I guess we will just hope for nice people on Tuesday, too. It seems that although the loudspeaker announcements broadcast that you will not be allowed on the train with anything over the limits, it is not impossible to do so. My bags were eventually stored in the handicapped section, since luggage storage racks for an entire train car (not counting the overhead bins) measure approx. 18 inches wide and 6 feet tall, with no shelves in this completely inadequate space. Am glad that no one handicapped needed the space, although am not sure how they would have gotten a wheelchair through the train doors since they, and the connecting passageways, are about the width of my shoulders.
Now the comedy which almost was... but it wasn't:
Made very sensible decision to not attempt subway navigation, exited train station (only got stuck in elevator door once, and not at all on escalators!), and took taxi to Brooklyn with my obscene amount of luggage (not really obscene, just obscenely awkward since one piece is a large display box for a table display and frequently gets me stuck at comical angles in various doorways and at the occasional corner. Navigation is really not that outlandish -- it involves hauling large suitcase with one arm, whilst balancing display board on top of tiny rolling laptop case. A kickstart is required for both sides, though, with a sharp jab at the space right above the wheels to get bag into angle for wheeling. All very scientific.). Amtrak car hop called me Xena when he loaded my luggage in the taxi trunk :)
By this point, my forearms are impressively strong. It is too bad that I have been doing nothing else to improve muscle tone in the rest of my body.
However, today am going to walk on the Brooklyn Bridge, which is about three blocks away, I think -- although it looks as though the bridge goes overland for about the eqivalent of 7 blocks or so. Was not aware that bridge was oldest suspension bridge in US. Bear may go, but he might not be able to have his portrait taken as it would be traumatic if he blew into the East River.
Yesterday evening (evening was pretty much when I got here at 4.00pm, and it was pitch dark by 5.15), saw Statue of Liberty for first time and took picture of her from erratically-moving taxi. There is much hope to take a better one today, although do not think have time to go on SoL tour, which is a bit of a shame.
Am staying at Marriott Brooklyn Bridge, which is very nice (except for their $12.95/day +tax internet heist). My 36" flat screen HD tv is amazing, except that the twisty pedestal makes extremely loud and horrifying squeal when turned. Am surprisingly impressed by HD. And they have some lovely lotion from Bath and Body works called Orange Ginger (social identity and hotel chain aspirations of such by complimentary hotel bath items sounds like an interesting study). Now, I smell like an accompaniment to sushi :)
Xena out.
Friday, 9 November 2007
Fast Walkers
It is my observation that one (well, Fast Walkers at least) moderates one's steps when coming up behind a Slow-Walker. Reason for this would be so as not to lower SW's Walking Esteem by making them feel silly for walking so blastedly slow in fashion of meanderer on Sunday Drive in Countryside (or on Thursday evening walk to hotel room to order three pieces of cheesecake and a milkshake from room service), and also so as not to appear like stalker following them to their room (although you would be so tired when you finally got there... since it will have taken 9 years).
Note: am speaking in reference to people walking slowly because they are lazy, not because they are not able to walk faster -- FWs of high moral character will not loom behind people in ASBO (anti-social behaviour order) manner.
Am currently v. pleased with my heritage as a descendent of a Fast Walker and Generally Bustly Person (aka, Oma; Ruthie; Cute Little Lady) and think that eventually we shall take over the world by Natural Selection. (As many readers are aware, plans for the Dictatorship are already being drawn up.)
WALK FASTER, GOSHDARNITT!
Walk like you mean it.
Move with a Purpose!
Note: am speaking in reference to people walking slowly because they are lazy, not because they are not able to walk faster -- FWs of high moral character will not loom behind people in ASBO (anti-social behaviour order) manner.
Am currently v. pleased with my heritage as a descendent of a Fast Walker and Generally Bustly Person (aka, Oma; Ruthie; Cute Little Lady) and think that eventually we shall take over the world by Natural Selection. (As many readers are aware, plans for the Dictatorship are already being drawn up.)
WALK FASTER, GOSHDARNITT!
Walk like you mean it.
Move with a Purpose!
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