Thanksgiving comes early

After missing America, and chatting to a friend who happens to be half American, I decided to invite her and another friend for a pre-thanksgiving meal. However, as we had lived in Indiana I decided to make an unconventional thanksgiving meal and chose Maple-Mustard Pulled Pork for dinner. I used the recipe from BBC Good Food website.

Ingredients

200g Sea-Salt

300g Light Brown Sugar

2kg Pork Shoulder

100 ml Maple Syrup

100g Wholegrain Mustard

English Mustard Powder

1. Mix the sea salt and 200g of the sugar in a large food bag, add the pork and coat it well. (If you don’t have a bag, rub over the pork in a dish and cover with cling film.) Leave in the fridge overnight.
   

   

   
2. The next day, remove the pork and wipe down the meat with kitchen paper. Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Mix the remaining sugar, the maple syrup, mustards and some ground pepper. Rub half the mixture over the pork and sit it on a rack in a roasting tin. Roast for 6 hrs.
   

   

   
3. 

   

   Spoon the remaining maple mixture over the pork and roast for 1 hr more.

   
4. Rest the meat for 30 mins on a plate loosely covered with foil. To serve, tear the pork into big fat chunks and, after skimming the surface, spoon over any juices from the tin.
   

   

I also managed to rustle up some Pumpkin Bread

as I eagerly awaited the arrival of my friends who , when they arrived, were full of bags and legs. I had forgotten just how tall they were. I began to have a glimpse into what Hobbit‘s may feel like, which has begun to happen more regularly, as I was surrounded by each friend who are nearly a foot taller than me each! My home had become filled with tall people. I was almost tempted to bring my steps along for the first venture. This could have proved a useful weapon , or an aid to leap over any available hedge, as, during a ramble over to the local pub, we were being followed by very scary cows. I had wanted to show my friends, from more smokey industrial places, the charms of the country. What I hadn’t accounted for was the menacing, possibly evil, cows. Yes, really, they were terrifying for things that my friend says just “poop and make milk”, think of the menacing cows in the advert where they are wanting their milk back and that was these cows, but somewhat less friendlier. I was just glad my tall friends came in handy as I was a coward and hid behind them. However, all of this was forgotten once we were sat in front of a roaring fire with a very large glass of wine… or two..

After a few more glasses it was time to head back to see if the pork was nearly pulled. I was worried at first it looked more like a big piece of charcoal however, thankfully, once it was ‘pulled’ it looked right. I then served it with Aunt Jemina’s corn bread, maple glazed carrots and green beans. The corn bread was the oddest way I have ever made bread before.

All I had to do was add an egg and milk to the bag, shake it then pour the mixture into cardboard tray that had arrived in the box. it all seemed a little bit lazy however the result was very tasty and I was pleasantly surprised.

We then vegged out on the sofa with  a few American choccies and saturday night TV.

Then Luke decided to make his own contribution in the morning by making pancakes…

Can you imagine if  I had taken him up on his offer to cook the pork!? Howver, I must admit my attempt was no better. Luckily, I had an emergency set. They were scotch but, really, what is the difference? I served this with croissants, bacon and pumpkin bread. I then banished the incredibly tall people from my house (this banishment was sweetened with a loaf of pumpkin bread and cinnamon teddies), and began to feel like a normal sized person again. Untill I had to use my steps to reach something on the top shelf.

 

London West End In A Day

This year I managed to snag a fantastic Valentines Day present. A trip to London’s West End to see Les Miserables. After weeks of planning, albeit mainly the crucial picnic items for the train journey, we finally made our way to Shaftesbury Avenue .

It was a little bit difficult getting up early and organising ourselves for the train but we made it with time to spare. It is a good job really as we had to pay for parking via a automated telephone system as Luke is a bit like the queen and never has enough change. Well, like the advert says ‘who carries change in the 21st Century?’ and implies that this telephone system is so much more efficient. I can assure you it is not. Prehaps it would be more efficient if it was a live person. However, by the time it would have taken us to pay, in change, for over ten cars we were still trying to convince the automated telephone person that our licence plate contained a B and not a V, as well as a N and not an M. I feared it was a loosing battle as the automated voice kept cheerfully repeating the incorrect letters back to us and we kept repeating, not so cheerfully, the correct letters back. Finally we had a breakthrough and our car was parked for. Next time we will make sure we have enough of our anti-21st Century change.

It was then time to settle down on the train before having one change over. I kept trying to sneak some nibbles from our picnic supplies but Luke was having none of it. He insisted we wait untill we were on the long train. It was worth the wait. Thanks to a well-known store this was not just any picnic, this was a electic mix of nibbles attempting to be a picnic and it was perfect. Nothing beats munching on ‘British’ themed sandwiches and looking out at the countryside.

Well maybe if they were home made and we were munching them whilst actually sitting in the countryside, instead of on a train, would beat it but it was a close second. I had even brought cocktail sausages, as well as sushi.

I told you it was eclectic!

After eating far too much we rolled off the train at Euston and fought our way onto a tube filled with green people. No, they weren’t all train sick. It just happened to be St Paddy’s day which we happen to make much more of a fuss about than St George. This green theme carried on throughout the day as the green people got progressively louder, friendlier and less stable on their feet. Everywhere you looked there was at least one Guiness hat standing above the crowds. We also followed a trail of clovers to the theatre.

We followed a few of these to Leicester Square and made a quick detour into the M&M shop for a quick chocolate fix , as well as looking at some other interesting shops. Yes, we went to London and did no sightseeing but I found a few quirky shops, typical! Some were almost like being back in Indiana

Then we found the theatre.

It was a lovely old theatre which looked a bit like somebody’s house once you got outside with lopsided walls and floors that seemed to have little hills in them for no reason.

We found our seats and it was a good job I don’t have vertigo as it was very high up! There was an amazing atmosphere and we certainly did hear the people sing, as well as some more slightly annoying rustling of sweet wrappers. It was a fantastic production and got a standing ovation, which could be a bit perilous as everyone leaned forward to see the cast and seem to forget about the steep drop!

It was then back to Covent Garden

and on to one of our old haunts before America- Wagamama’s. Think delicious noodles served in an almost school canteen layout with everyone sat on benches and the food arriving at sporadic times. It was gorgeous and we certainly made a good dint on the menu.

It was then back among the green people to work our way back to the train. I was astounded when a man came bounding down the escalator next to us and wondered why he was the only one on it who was going in the same direction as us. It was, of course, because he was running down an escalator which was meant fo going up. He appeared in good spirits yelling ‘Hola Senorita!’ at every girl who caught his eye, whilst remaining upright. I have problems staying on the escalators, as well as treadmills but that is a whole other story, when I am going the right way let alone going the wrong way. Although I did try to get on the wrong escalator once, going in the wrong direction, and stood for a while just wondering why I wasn’t moving. This was much to the amusement of the other shoppers and much to my embarrassment. Maybe I should have acted with as much panache as this gentleman and tried to bound up the escalator anyway. Although, I can envision how that might have gone catastrophically wrong. Therefore, I almost burst into rapturous applause when he bobbed all they way down to the bottom, in tact. However, I refrained, as it appeared to be a daily occurence for the other tube passengers who didn’t even bat an eyelid. Alas, I must live a sheltered life.

It was them time to go up the 139 steps at Covent garden as the lifts were overflowing. Every so often the announcement would insist people wait for the lifts as the stairs were meant for emergencies. Yet, we had joined a mass exodus of people going up, ignoring the announcements, and we were not about to turn around. I started this spiral upwards admiring the engineering of the tube and how far down they went. This admiration faded as there seemed to be no end in sight and we kept passing people who had stopped to catch their breaths. We finally arrived at the top much to the puzzled faces of other commuters who looked like they had just realised there were still staircases in the tube. Unless they were wondering if we knew of some secret passage way that no one else did. Very Harry Potter esque.

It was then onto the train, sans picnic this time but we did have chewy sweets, and we snoozed our way back to Manchester.

 

Bootcamp, Time To Grow Up and Christmas Baking

I have finally recovered after making my first christmas cake, on  Stir-up Sunday, which actually looks rather good. It’s all very surprising. I shall just have to wait for the feedback from the taste-testers on Christmas day and then I will know if I have been triumphant or defeated by a mountain of dried fruit and a flurry of flour. For now I shall just have to ’feed’ my lovely little Christmas cake every week on a diet of sweet almondy amaretto. What a diet!. This will be a mission in itself as it will require me to remove the cake, extremely carefully, from its secret red box.  I just hope I don’t drop it or completely drench it in liqueur. I fear that before Christmas it will end up either being a pile of crumbs on the floor or a major fire hazard that will threaten to ignite into a ball of fire at anytime.

I have been having an interesting week so far filled with walks and work. I have decided to delve deeply into the murky world of graduate schemes, yet again, in the vain hope I shall secure myself a ‘grown-up’ job. I think it is time as I am almost twenty-four now. It is about time that I bravely branch out into the corporate world, if I can ever pass the endless amounts of online tests and assessment questions. As I haven’t done maths since GCSE I think I may have to re-aquaint myself with my hidden numerate side. For now I am really enjoying exploring how a small business works. However, I don’t think I can say the same for my boss as I continually mind-boggle him with my endless questions and ideas which I think are ‘original’ but have almost always been thought of before. Therefore, I usually leave my boss sitting agog or rolling his eyes. Me thinks I will have to tone down my endless wittering for the sake of their sanity! (and for my job!). However, I think I managed to placate him with some home-made scones during my lunch break. Just about.

I have also been going to the gym in the evenings and last night was no exception although, in hindsight, maybe it should have been. I was disappointed last week that I didn’t find the class as challenging as I wanted to, apart from the penguin antics. Well bring back the penguin antics I say as I realised I was in trouble when the instructor informed us today was bootcamp day. The aim of the class? make us work out untill we feel sick. Alarm bells rang in my head and I was panicked to see that there was no emergency dustbin in the room. Yet the class was rather enjoyable and there was only one minor collision with another lady as we bolted across the room repeatedly. Co-ordination has never been my stong point.

I enjoyed this class because it reminded me a bit of bootcamp in  Indianapolis, minus Todd shouting orders at us. I still think that the Indy bootcamp was the best thing I have done as the classes were challenging and interesting and all of the people were so lovely. I did think about incorporating some of their spirit into the class but as no-one else was whooping or cheering when it got difficult I restrained myself. I had to really bite my tongue when a lady next to me paused for a break as I didn’t think a cheer of  ’You’ve almost made it’ or ‘keep going girl’ would have gone down so well in this decidedly British exercise class. When the class did get hard I had a quick word of encouragement with myself as no-one else was  going to do this. I told myself I am the girl who ran up memorials numerous times, jumped up boulders, did judo press-ups in a military park and crawled up a steep river bank backwards. Therefore, I could cope with this class. Sounds quite something doesn’t it? and my pep talk did work for a few minutes. Then we were instructed to do the inevitably evil Burpees and I almost fell over.  

I retreated back home and began exploring the endless possibilities of what cupcakes to make for Christmas and I am glad I have started looking now as there are far too many I want to make. Unless Santa is feeling particularly hungry on the 24th then I need to get baking now otherwise we will end up with a mountain of cupcakes and I don’t think my family will appreciate me force feeding them these after a Christmas dinner. Although that all depends on who is making the Christmas dinner. I am not saying which parent is better but one definitely is so maybe I will make some extra cakes just in case! On the other hand, now I have written this I may have to eat the cakes myself as I think I have just drastically reduced my chances of being given any Christmas dinner!

 

Walks, Fireworks and Crafts

Since I have been back I have spent the majority of time in John Lewis for various reasons but mainly catching up with people. I did spend most of my time trying to find my way around as the store has completely changed since I have last been home. However, I was pleased to see that it is confusing other regular shoppers as the same people were looping me while we were both looking for the same section. It turned into a bit of a comical, impromptu treasure hunt to see where the christmas section had been moved too. For once I was pleased that I was not the odd one out because I didn’t know where I was going! I have then spent the rest of the time taking the dog for her walks, which she eagerly prepares for by running around in continuous circles at the front door untill you take her out. These walks also included a jaunt through Wilmslow Park, where Poppy either went perilously close to muddy puddles or ran behind our legs if another dog dared to approach her. I’m afraid ‘guard dog‘ is not a phrase that can be readily applied to this dog. Ferocious she is definitely not. This became even more apparent when fireworks were going off all weekend which led to Poppy hiding underneath people’s legs and eventually underneath one of my jumpers. Even Catherine Wheels made her jump. I’m just glad she hadn’t been in Indy during the 4th July! She would have probably leapt from the balcony!

I have also had a chance to cook a bit and this included making an anniversary meal for my parents who have been together for rather a long time now which is an amazement achievement. I’m not quite sure if Luke will be able to put up with me for over thirty years! or if he does it will be because of some strategically placed ear plugs. However, if we do I may replicate the meal I made (please see my ‘making..’ page). It did turn out much better than I thought. I was a bit experimental with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of cumin here and there but it came together nicely. I think my parents will think they have a live in slave temporarily now! So I have made my room a little untidy just so they know I am not. Although at the moment the only person that it is affecting is me so it appears to be a ‘cut your nose off to spite your face’ dilemma.

I then continued my endless job hunt with endless job websites. I did find a very enticing job of becoming a lead explorer taking a group of children across a desert. There was just one snag with this fantastic job. You needed previous desert experience. Now I don’t think my time making a  few misshapen sandcastle would count and  I wont get any relevant experience in Cheshire unless I go to the local playground. I could try very hard to use my imagination to turn the sand box into a version of  the Sahara Desert. I believe I could achieve this but I suspect my potential employers would not agree that this was sufficient or quite the experience they had in mind.  By the end of one day I needed a break away from the computer and curled up to watch Kirsty Alsop’s new programme about crafts. Coincidently the episode was about sewing cushions and there were some cushion-makers who were doing things I had never thought could be done, like making cushions out of lama hair and strategically placing rabbits onto the cushions. That will have to be my next projects. I was quite contented for an hour sewing my own cushions whilst being inspired by the programme. That was untill I stabbed myself with the needle and had to give in.

I then discovered that one of the joys of being back in the UK is definitely being able to watch some decent tele without the ridiculous adverts every five minutes, usually informing you of a fantastic new medicine before then letting you know it could potentially kill you.  I was able to peacefully watch the English Strictly Come Dancing and Downton Abbey. As well as watching some very cute penguins on the amazing Frozen Planet. They were all so lovely. I especially like the fact that it is the males who make the nests and look over the eggs whilst the females get to go into the sea and find the food. I think we should try to implement this into our society? Although I am not very good at fishing, let alone fishing without a net, and avoiding huge whales which made me want to  shout at the tele to instruct the penguins on how they could escape. It was more tense than Jaws!  Maybe we could modify it to a quick stop off at the shops every so often instead.

Meanwhile Luke remains in Indianapolis and if this wasn’t bad enough he spent the weekend going for runs in Eagle Creek Park, drinks in Broad Ripple, and nipping into Yogulatte! Although I may get my own back and try out the new frozen yogurt place near where I live now. Yet just to rub salt into my small cut after leaving the states Luke has gone and retrieved a new car which just happens to be a Mustang. I’m a tad disappointed, if I have to be honest. My only consolation is that it is white and will need cleaning. All the time. Constantly.

 

Au Revoir Hoosiers

So I began counting down the hours untill my departure from the US and what better way to do this than to revisit my favourite place and drag my mum along with me. This place was of course the library. I thought I would reward my mum for helping me spring clean the flat as I don’t really trust Luke to clean it properly once I have left. Men, in general, seem to have the absurd idea that cleaning incorporates a quick hover and maybe a wipe down of the surfaces if you are lucky. This implies that they think the dusting, mopping, cleaning the toilet and the oven are all conducted by the magic house elves. I wish!

We arrived at the library as it was going dark and it was beautifully lit up. I thought my mum would never want to leave the child’s section, especially when I popped her into an egg for a sit down. We then rented some scary themed DVDs for our ‘Halloween‘ night and I took mum to the sixth floor of the library, to see the view of the skyline, before leaving this place for the last time. It is not nice saying goodbye to things but luckily we had been to the Flying Cupcake Bakery before so I was hoping that a cupcake would soften the blow.

We then arrived back to the flat to find that my sister had decorated the table in Halloween style and was playing a Halloween soundtrack (0) .

My favourite being the Werewolves of London which always conjures up images of my dad bopping away to it. However my sister did not see why this was a scary song. Well she lives in London so maybe she has seen some Werewolves?

We then tucked into a bowl of chilli whilst being watched by our friendly ghost companions.

Afterwards we settled down to watch our scary films. However, no-one else appreciated the Jeckyll and Hyde movie I had rented. They seemed to miss the artistic quality of watching a black and white silent movie with words in bubbles popping up. Oh well, I did try. It was then time to re-weigh the suitcases and have our final sleep in Indianapolis.

After a restless sleep it was up early and time to load up the car. Luke was very, very happy that he had changed the car as we just about squeezed all six suitcases and various bags into the boot. With the car sufficiently weighed down it was straight onto the highway to Chicago. There was a slight blip when we had a police escort

so we took a detour into what looked like the set of a wild west movie. I kept expecting to see some tumbleweed but after crossing a few train tracks we were back onto the open road.

After a quick Subway we made it to the airport and struggled to get all of bags to the check out desk. I was praying that the bags were the right weight and the hole in one of mine did not get any bigger. We began to get worried as the airport lady tutted at the couple in front informing them they were a stone over weight on each of their suitcases and that it would cost an extra one-hundred and thirty dollars! I gulped as we approached the desk, especially as she informed us they could be no more than twenty-one kilograms when we were sure it was twenty-three however I thought it was best not to argue. The first suitcase went on and was a pound overweight. She let us off on this one but informed us that none of the others could be the slightest overweight. She was slightly scary, and a bit of a ball-breaker, and Luke and I nervously placed the other suitcases on. I couldn’t believe my luck. Two were forty-nine pounds when the limit was fifty! I’m glad I took some extra shoes out before we entered the airport. I just had to suffer one more ticking off about the hole in my suitcase and we had made it through checking in.

It was then a teary goodbye to Luke. I’m glad I didn’t wear mascara and I felt a bit pathetic as it is only five weeks apart. Maybe I had an allergy? However, I picked myself up and blew my nose and approached security with a somewhat of a fake bravado. I made it through for the first time ever without setting the beep off. However I did cause a jam in the x-ray scanner. Whoops! I then had to wait for Sarah and mum who were being asked to remove candles from their bags before putting them back in. I had warned them so I was fairly smug.

 

Burning Autumn Leaves!

After recovering from our jaunt to Nashville we settled in and watched a film on Friday accompanied by some fish pie (please see making and baking etc page).

It was the perfect friday night. Then after a slight mishap on Saturday with tensions frayed we all came back together to have a completely over-the-top, over indulgent dinner. That is the last time I shall go shopping with Luke and Sarah! They managed to sneak all the things into the trolley that I usually never buy. Now I know what it is like to go shopping with children. At least none of them had a temper tantrum on the floor!

After somehow managing to convince Sarah that Luke can drive his car remotely by sitting in the back and using his phone (she is not a driver herself) we returned to Riley accompanied by burgers, hot dogs, rolos, kitkats, bread rolls, onion rings, chips, candy apples and cheese squares. We got a film to watch during our mammoth feast and I could not move for quite a few hours after. I did think I had nearly lost my burger after Sarah dropped it in the oven, cheese slice down onto the heated pipes. It was then a quick emergency rescue involving Sarah, Luke and myself to retrieve the fallen burger and all was well. It just needed some patch up surgery using the tools of ketchup and cheese slices and it was perfect.

Still feeling full we made it out for a run after Sarah, who obviously has not read my Elevator Etiquette, exited the lift the wrong way much to the amusement of the people remaining in the lift. The run wasn’t so good as I had cramp but we got to have a nice walk before heading to the lively Broad Ripple Village. We settled in at the Three Sisters Cafe and carried on with our mammoth eating session with much better food. I had the ‘King of Siam‘,

mum had ‘Steve and Linda’s',

Luke had the standard turkey club and Sarah had a mushroom burger. It was a struggle not to get take out boxed before heading to Zionsville to show everyone the christmas shop. There was then a quick stop at our place of worship, seeing as it was Sunday, and we picked up a few treats from The Fresh Market.

Including making our own peanut and almond butter!

We then retreated to Indy, Listening to Bluegrass music thanks to Luke, and settled in with a salad and DVD.

It was back to working times on Monday so Sarah and I staggered our visits to the gym, which confused the reception man as Sarah came in after me asking where the gym was. Bearing in mind we look similar, I come in every day and chat to the man and I had already arrived earlier. No wonder he was confused! I came back earlier and had a coffee with mum. It was over coffee we noticed a burning leaves smell. I poked my head out of the balcony to make sure it was from outside and I thought it was. We then had breakfast when Sarah returned and when she nipped outside she discovered my plant pot was quietly smoking away as the eaves had caught fire. Aha, that was the burning leaves smell! Sarah had set my plant pot on fire! It was then a quick formation of a water chain to put it out.

No one wants a fire on the 22nd floor! We then left Sarah in the flat without any flammable item and had a wonder down Mass Ave before returning for a jacuzzi and sauna.

It was a quick plate of pasta once Luke returned and then it was time to hit Walmart with a toffee apple for the road.

Having persuaded Luke not to buy a baby grow for himself or anyone else, Mum and Sarah brought enough candles to open their own shop!

Luke then had to buy a new can of soup for himself as Sarah had pinched his at lunch, without adding the water to it so no wonder it tasted odd! Then Mum had picked out a pumpkin for me, which somehow ended up in the lady in fronts bags so we then had to do an exchange to retrieve our dollar pumpkin with mum singing ‘I need a dollar’ in my ear the whole time. Typical! It was then off home and a chance to explain to mum that the steam vents were not hot water springs! I don’t know where she thinks we live. Luke decided he needed something to cope with all the oestrogen so he played this song- (o) and headed to the only place that would provide him with a remedy, and quiet time. Yogulatte.

Here, after showing mum that she actually need the yoghurt in the pot and not all over the floor, we settled down with an array of yoghurt and toppings. There was even a pumpkin flavour! heaven.

Yet as the yoghurt melted and I finished off the remaining slush and my saved pieces of cookie dough (as you always save the best till last) I remembered that this will be my last Yogulatte and I melted a bit with it. I will definitely miss those pots of goodness. We then got to witness a fender-bender from the perfect vantage point on our balcony. It was there I left mum and Sarah absorbed with the goings on below. They were particularly excited as the fire engine pulled up.

I left them too it and began re-working my suitcase or the tenth time.

 

He Is Not Staying!!

I have to be honest here and admit to doing something I inherently dislike. Lying to my Mother. I also had to lie to my sister which I don’t like doing.  Yet, sometimes, it doesn’t quite seem as bad as lying to my mum. In my defence it was a nice lie and one I can not believe they actually believed. I told them that it was a legal requirement for everyone in Indiana to keep an overnight bag in their car at all times in case of a tornado. My sister was puzzled as to why she would need a pair of knickers and a toothbrush in the event of a tornado and why a police officer would tell her off for not having these items. Nevertheless they appeared to believe it. I had told them this lie because I had booked an overnight stay in Nashville (IN) as their surprise early Christmas present.  However, I had to let them know at breakfast on Thursday Morning as I remembered that the room had a whirlpool in it. I thought that I would be pushing my luck if I told them it was also the legal requirement to carry a swimming costume wherever you went in case of a tornado. Although maybe I could have gotten away with it? Lied and said it was something to do with having to shelter in a bath?

So, after  taking my sister on a run around Indianapolis in the freezing rain and wind because I am so nice!, we had good breakfast of scones and the remains of my pumpkin bread and it was here I unvieled the surprise, over a mouthfull of scone. I left my mum researching Brown County and took my sister to the local supermarket to have a look around and to collect some goodies for lunch.

With soup and salad secured we had a bit more of a relaxed afternoon of reading and napping before our taxi driver (also known as Luke) returned from work to whisk us away to Nashville.  We had time to pack our bags before setting off on the hour drive to Nashville through beautiful countryside, gorgeously golden leafy trees and thankfully no tornadoes as I had been worried that I had just tempted fate. We then arrived in the quaint village, which felt like being on a film set of an American movie. We went to check in at the hotel and had a funny moment with the receptionist as we were all insisting that Luke was not staying. She was even informing Luke he wasn’t staying by the end of our conversation. Poor Luke! No, tonight he was just the driver although he did get a delicious dinner out of it. Before this dinner we located our suite. Yes, a suite! Turns out our ‘room’ was a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom containing two magnificently grand sleigh beds.

It was perfect! It was almost a hardship to leave the room to go to dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. Untill they brought out the salad and a box of crackers, which were extremely addictive.

Followed by a steak and brown sugar glazed sweet potato.

Then, funnily enough, it was no hardship at all.

We said a quick goodbye to luke as it was straight back to the suite for drinks in the whirlpool followed by a few hours watching Hocus Pocus before retreating to the most comfy sleigh beds imaginable. It was extremely hard to get out of bed in the morning but luckily mum was on hand to kickstart us with a mug of super strong coffee from our little kitchen. We then waited as long as possible before leaving the room for a buffet breakfast of biscuits, gravy, pancakes, cakes, scrambled eggs, porridge and crispy bacon.

We then left one suitcase with reception and began our mystical tour of Nashville. There were lots of little boutiques everywhere but in the beginning all mum was interested in was getting photographs of American cars for my dad!

However, the lure of the fudge, popcorn, craft and candle shops proved to much of a distraction. We managed to buy lots of these things except candles. We indulged in various flavours of popcorn including peanut butter and jam, honey mustard and strawberry. It was here that we got to watch them making fudge and caramel apples. We tried to grab a caramel apple later on but there was none to be had anywhere! We were very disappointed. I guess that is always why you should get something you want when you see it!

Then we got some nice fudge to eat whilst sitting in the sunshine in a little square outside of the winery.

It was a perfect fall day and I couldn’t have asked for a nicer day or better company.

We all loved looking around the shops and the window displays. Although we had a few bags and I was worried I would break something! Luckily I think the only damage I did was knocking a plug out of its socket causing the window display’s fairy lights to cease shining.

We even got to find a scrapbook shop although the whole process of making one is very perplexing to me and something I will get a chance to try and figure out due to a lovely early christmas present form my sister. There was also a very interesting dog bakery (of course!) and they even sold cigars for dogs! As long as they were over eight weeks old.

However my favourite were the doggie gingerbread men. They looked so good that even I was tempted by one!

Don’t worry I resisted both, just about, but I almost couldn’t resist leaving my mum in one of the rocking chairs on a fantastic trinket stores porch or possibly on this bench with my sister

but I thought people may miss them so I retrieved them before moving onto look at some other fantastic places.

I was incredibly tempted to leave my mum here, as it was a teacher’s boarding house but she was saved by a cinnamon ice cream.

We were then scooped up by Luke and driven back through the scenic part of Brown County. After meandering back through what must be the only hilly part of Indiana that I have seen so far i began to make a fish pie for dinner and we snuggled down to watch Jane Eyre. We also, finally , got to have our caramel apples on a stick after Luke thoughtfully brought some back with him. Although we repaid him by making him watch Jane Eyre. Maybe that wasn’t entirely fair on him.

 

LuAnSa Head Up The Magnificent Mile

I managed to bundle AnSa onto the El and we made it to the Magnificent Mile. I also managed to ignore the feeling that I looked like a cross between Peter Pan and Robin Hood after my sister had ‘dressed me’ in her green jeans. The latter was hard to ignore. I kept feeling like I should be flying through the buildings are drawing a bow and arrow. Luckily I did neither.

Here we enjoyed treats from Hershey and Ghiradelli as well as exploring the shops.

A trendy cardigan was purchased from H&M and not by my sister or myself, lots of chocolate presents were brought and we enjoyed the architecture of Chicago before picking up a fantastic Italian style lunch from a deli nestled underneath the Hancock Observatory. It was then off to the magical bean to see this famous sculpture and take a minute to just enjoy the beautiful buildings surrounding the Millennium Park. It began to get more windy and cold so we retreated back to the hostel. We bolted down in the hostel for a few hours before we each felt brave enough, and slightly more awake enough, to venture to the shops in Lincoln Park. We managed to escape the clutches of any scary figures as we scuttled past various houses adorned with Halloween paraphernalia.

We retrieved a huge pile of nibbles and a DVD from the supermarket and made up a mock sofa in the hostel.

It was very comfy and we had a really nice,cosy girls night before going to sleep. Luckily, for my sister’s sake, no alarms were to be heard until the next morning.

After an uninterrupted sleep we enjoyed a great breakfast again. I can tell I am going to have to pull out all my hosting charms when they return with me to Indy to keep them in the current state to which they are accustomed too! However, we did have to wait for milk for a bit and then the poor man who reinstalled the milk carton managed to spill it al over the floor. Everyone then waited to see if somebody else would be brave enough to retrieve some milk and as soon as I saw the first person take the initiative and go up to the pump I followed suit. We were checked out by a very friendly and helpful member of staff before we headed back into the city to Magnificent Mile. The weather had really taken a turn for the worse so we sheltered in Starbucks and made life plans before swiftly retreating back to Lincoln Park. Our swiftness was diminished somewhat when we were unable to follow my sister onto the platform as we did not have enough money on our cards. We then abandoned her in search of a place to top up our cards. We then finally made it back to my sister and headed to The Bourgeoise Pig for a warming bowl of soup and some Hummus.

We then braved the wild outdoors once more to pick up a bag filled with wonderful meatloaf cupcakes for our train journey back. We ordered a taxi early due to the hostels advice because the rain can cause delays. We arrived at the train station early and settled down with some books. It was then all aboard the Amtrak for the Hoosier State. Once onboard we head a feast fit for a Queen in the form of a turkey meatloaf topped with stuffing and cranberry sauce;

An Asian inspired chicken meatloaf topped with noodles and plum sauce;

and a salmon meatloaf topped with garlic mash.

We all tried a bit of each others, well I almost missed out on the turkey one as it leapt of my fork whilst I was transferring it over and my heart skipped a beat as it landed on the floor of the train. After smearing cranberry sauce over my travel pillow. I quickly applied the twenty-second rule and retrieved the fallen meatloaf and deftly popped it back into my box. It was then all quiet on the Amtrak front as we munched, with a significant amount of satisfaction, on an array of flavours that were just too good to not to savour every morsel. I definitely did not drop any more on the floor! This fantastic feast almost took the edge of having to stop repeatedly for huge freight trains, which caused us to be delayed yet again.

It was then a bone shakingly bumpy ride back to Indianapolis and we were continually delayed. It ended up with us being the last ones on our carriage and it all began to feel a bit eerie. It then turned into an atmosphere of frustration as we were sat just five minutes away from our final destination but could not go any further due to signal failure. Luckily, even though we were an hour late, we were able to disembark in Indianapolis and met up with our beloved driver once more who had again been sat waiting patiently for us! I then showed off the flat to AnSa and made them follow the customary procedures of induction into the LuLu’s world and this of course included a tour of the balcony. Even if it was raining heavily and their were howling winds whipping around the building.

Related articles

• Shop ‘Til You Drop: Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival (psfk.com)
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• Christmas & New Year Time in Chicago (ebookers.com)
• The wonder of Christmas on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (orbitz.com)
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The LuLus Head To The Windy City

I started off my morning in a much more Russian way than I had anticipated with a shot of vodka. This was an honest mistake and a complete accident. I mistook the water bottle I had placed some vodka in for actual, real water. I got quite a shock I can tell you as my throat began to burn. However, it did mean that I was much happier to begin our road trip to the windy city. We set off with flasks of hot tea and coffee and a cup holder full of starbursts in tow but no more alcohol.

Yet the throat burning mistake did have the slight advantage of helping me go straight to sleep once I was snuggled in the car with my seat warmer on. Much to the annoyance of Luke as I blissfully snored away whilst he was having to keep awake in order to drive. At least there are some perks to not being allowed to drive in America not only am I always the designated drinker but I get to sleep as well and I did both of this roles quite successfully that morning.

We made one stop to get petrol and Luke found out, after repeatedly trying to fill the car up, that it did not take petrol. It did in fact take diesel and I was more than a little bit smug when I was the one to point this out to him after he kept on trying to make the petrol pump work. I had kept quiet until he resorted to reading the car manual. It was at this point that I just had to suggest using the diesel pump. I soon lost this smugness as we realised that Chicago is an hour behind Indiana and I was the one who had suggested having an early start. This early start meant we were going to arrive well before anything opened. Whoops! Yet I reclaimed the smugness again, it is a constant battle, after Luke ended up getting us lost driving through a steel works factory. With no end in sight I had nothing to do but admire the buildings and wonder if this is what a rat in a maze feels like. However, we eventually made it our of the mills and headed into the city.

We had a lovely drive by the shoreline, listening to a spot of Sinatra, and then ventured to the Museum of Science and Industry. Here we got to explore an old german submarine, my ideal eco house and then I made another mistake of the day by agrreing to go on a flight simulator, with just me and Luke. I knew it wasn’t going to be good when the assistant told me I could get a prize if I knew what people said on Halloween. My mouth answered for me before my brain had time to engage and I heard the words “Happy Halloween” echo around the room before my brain piped up with “Trick or Treat“. Well, Luke and the assistant fell about laughing and needless to say I did not receive the bonus prize. Instead we got to go on a two-man plane with Luke being the pilot and I was in charge of the guns. I realised just how big this mistake was when I was dangling upside down with my legs flailing and Luke informing me that he really does quite like flying upside down. He continued to fly upside down despite my insistent protest to ‘turn me back round’. We emerged safely from the pod although my hair looked like I had been swept through a hedge backwards.

We then got to sit in a non-moving plane before leaving the museum to check in at out hostel.

It was the off to The Bourgeoise Pig for a huge sandwich before we explored a bit of Lincoln Park.

We then bravely went to Magnificent Mileand indulge in chocolate and shops.

Unfortunately, the Redhead Piano Bar was very quiet so we retreated to the hostel for some drinks and a picnic. This time I was pleased to have vodka instead of water! We managed to get to sleep and were up early the next morning to further indulge ourselves with bagels before setting off on a mammoth trek through the old part of Lincoln Park and carried on going all the way to the bean (Cloud Sculpture).

Along the way we had a Starbucks and even though it was freezing I choose a frappacino, don’t ask me why but I then subsequently got brain freeze and I only have myself to blame. We then followed a trail along a very odd bridge and made it to Navy Pier.

It was then a quick dash back to the hostel so that we could drive to the airport to collect our V.I.G (Very Important Guests)

 

Autumn Leaves As Lu Prepares To Leave

After my mammoth baking session I was able to emerge victorious with a batch of fifty-eight misshapen, but thankfully tasty, scones. I think I would have been a floury mess if they hadn’t turned out so well! It was then off to Luke’s favourite place called Avis. It is like a sweet shop for car lovers and Luke certainly has been taking full advantage of the pix n’ mix option!. You go in and give back the old car and then wander around to choose your new cars. Well, not everyone does but Luke always wants to make sure the car is right. The cars are all open so you can see if they suit your expectations of comfiness and the keys are even left in the ignition! However, I wouldn’t suggest driving one away. I was tempted to but it is best to wait untill you are authorised. That is unless you want to face a scary barrier and an even more frighteningly scary little, older lady who is always in the security box.

We headed back to Riley in our eight seater feeling like we should have a large brood in the back. Oh well, I nearly gave Luke a heart attack when I mentioned one day. Bearing in mind it has enough room for six more people. Actually, that comment surprised me as well. I think I have been playing ‘housewife’ too long so it was a good thing that I had my last day of doing this on friday. I have felt, at times, like I am a mixture of housewife and lady-who-lunches as I spend a lot of time in the gym, cleaning, baking, going shopping and out for coffee. I will soon get a huge shock when I return to reality, but it is one I am looking forward to. However, what I am not looking forward to is trying to get my suitcases home. Each one requires me to sit on them before they will close and I still have things I need to pack. I may have to resort to drastic measures, like stealing my mum or sisters luggage allowance. That may be a little mean?

We decided to have a lovely last weekend as the LuLu’s before each Lu went their different ways and became separated by an ocean but I’m positive that Luke will at least be able to eat as I have frozen the majority of scones for him. This weekend included having our final trip to the cinema and we watched Clooney’s new political thriller which makes you lose faith in the whole system but it is enjoyable. I then , finally, got my hair cut. I asked to get rid of the dead bits and it turns out the majority was dead as I now have very short hair! Oh well, less maintenance which suits me fine. I found Luke sat right at the back of the car working, which I thought may have looked a little odd. Once I had coaxed him back to the front of the car we decided to go on a drive that led us to Monroe State Forest. We nearly didn’t make it as I almost fatally wounded one of us when I opened a bottle I had filled with Diet Coke. The lid exploded off with a huge pop never to be seen again. I’m just glad that I didn’t smash one of the windows or my nose. We sat in silence for a minute to reflect on the accident we had just narrowly missed. After that shock we cautiously made our way to the forest. It was breathtaking with all the gold and red leaves.

We stopped and had a homemade scone by a smooth, crystal lake. Well it was smooth untill Luke began launching fruit into it. I decided we should make a swift departure before He there something else in just so he could see the ripples. I imagine that I would make a huge ripple so I thought it was safer to head back before he decided to launch me in as well.

I then made some progress on making a Moroccan meal for the LuLu’s last meal alone in Indy. This consisted of oddly shaped falafel followed by equally odd meatballs nestled amongst some couscous.

It was actually rather nice and I loved the contrast of the cinnamon and curry powder. It was a sort of homage to the meal we had at the Saffron Cafe (Please see- meatballs). I then spent the rest of the evening cajoling Luke into packing because we are going to Chicago tomorrow. I don’t know why but I am always packed at least a week in advance whereas Luke manages to pack a night, or on one occasion a few hours, before travelling anywhere. Maybe it is a male/female difference? or im too organised, luke is not and my bossiness is falling on deaf ears. In a few weeks I shall have to stick post-it notes around the flat to maintain the appropriate level of nagging whilst I’m not there.

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