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)
• Michigan Avenue aka The Magnificent Mile (candybarbie.com)
• Christmas & New Year Time in Chicago (ebookers.com)
• The wonder of Christmas on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (orbitz.com)
• From a Tourist’s Perspective (judichow.wordpress.com)
• Winding down in the Windy City (theglobeandmail.com)

 

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.

Related articles

• The LuLu’s Are Going On A Summer Holiday! (lhgardener1988.wordpress.com)
• This is not the post office?! (lhgardener1988.wordpress.com)
• Pumpkin Scones as good as Starbucks (or maybe even better) (nancycreative.wordpress.com)
• Autumn is here… sort of (taholtorf.wordpress.com)

 

Elevator Etiquette

Since I have moved here I have become aware of a slight difference in the correct etiquette between getting the lift in the UK and getting the elevator in the USA. I have noticed that there seems to be four processes to follow in the USA in order to successfully coordinate getting the elevator without offending anyone. I have outlined these below and detailed what these appear to entail.

Waiting For The Elevator

• If there is anyone else waiting acknowledge them with a nod or a smile.
• If you are feeling bold maybe offer up a comment about how long the elevator is taking or question out loud whether it is stuck on a certain floor.
• If you are by yourself maintain constant eye contact on the LED light as it flashes a countdown of numbers before reaching the desired one.

Entering The Elevator

• Never enter the elevator if someone is waiting to exit. This is a cardinal sin in the elevator world!
• Do not enter the elevator if there is a special curtain around the sides and padding on the floor. Chances are someone has ‘booked it’ and all you will succeed in doing is perplexing yourself as you press a floor button and then the door closes and opens without moving. If you do decide to ignore this rule you will be there for a very long time until somebody else informs you that somebody has booked it thus causing yourself to look a little bit silly.
• Always allow the person who has been waiting the longest to board the elevator first. Never jump the queue as then you will be stuck in a very confined space with all the people you have annoyed and essentially tried to leave behind. Jumping the elevator queue does not get you there quicker than everyone else because no matter how quickly you jump the line, the elevator doors do not close with as much speed.
• If you are the first one in, or the one who choses to stand beside the elevator floor buttons, always ask everyone which floor they would like before pressing your own. Do not just press your own and then stand there. No one like a lone elevator rider who doesn’t care about anyone else.
• If there are others in the elevator then try to face into the middle to provide a more cohesive and friendly atmosphere instead of standing with your back to everyone. If no-one else is in the elevator then go ahead and stand however you want. If you have a long journey you could even lie down or strike some yoga poses. If you are doing the latter make sure you keep a check on any slowing down of the elevator before your stop. Otherwise it could be a little bit awkward if the elevator doors open and you are there…. in the downward-dog pose. Trust me, I know, I speak from experience.

Elevator Journey

• During the elevator journey make sure you acknowledge everyone with a smile, a quick wiggle of the eyebrows or a simple hello.
• If there is a silent pause then there a few ways you can deal with this; enjoy the silence, if you are British say something irrelevant but very British (just so people can hear your accent) like ‘tally ho old chap’ as this works a treat and is guaranteed to get any conversation started, play some music to entertain everyone and provide them with elevator music or bring a dog with you. The latter is a great talking point as long as your pooch behaves. Alternatively if somebody else has a dog with them then this provides the perfect talking point.
• If anyone new enters the lift make sure to say hello or any other random comment like “Are you going to the food truck festival as well?”. Only use this if there is actually a food truck festival going on somewhere. If not you will just appear a little bit odd.
• If anyone leaves the elevator before you do make sure you bid them adieu with a ‘have a good day’ or ‘have a good night’.

Exiting The Elevator

• Exit the elevator and say a farewell to any left over occupants and if they say a farewell to you then reply with a ‘uh huh’ or ‘you too’.
• Never push someone out-of-the-way to exit the lift if they are in front of you. This will win you no support. Instead you will be infamously known as the person who pushes people in the elevator. If you do choose this route be prepared for everyone to turn their backs against you for the entire elevator lift, on all the elevators you take, period.
• Always go in the right direction after exiting the lift. Nothing screams dopey like initially heading one way only to then backtrack the other way whilst the remaining elevator occupants look on bemused as they wait for the door to close. Not good.

 

Time To Say Goodbye. Almost

It is with a slightly weighed down heart that I am beginning to prepare for my last few weeks in Indianapolis. Part of me is incredibly excited to get home and see everyone but I feel like I have just got settled and into a routine here albeit a somewhat ad hoc one. However, I now know I do not have to worry about Luke as he has found himself a hobby. He is trying to collect quarters. Quarters you may ask? but these are not just any quarters. These are the ones that have a different state on the back of them. This means that the first question he asks me when he comes in is if I have any new quarters for him. So, when he gets lonely (if he gets lonely) or misses the nagging he has the vending machines to go and visit. He seems to find endless amusement by changing notes and coins over and over again to see if he can get more of the quarters he needs. He might start to raise people’s suspicions though if he spends too long there. They will think he is trying to steal their contents!

I began to enjoy my last week having assured myself that Luke will be fine and he has the vending machines to have a chat. There was a slight glitch when the fire alarm going off. Whilst I was on the cross-trainer. Luckily it was a false alarm but it was slightly annoying or provided a nice breather, i’m not sure. I was then able to spend a few hours, with no disturbances, packing my suitcases up and I am beginning to realise I have a new dilemma. I seem to have acquired quite a few things since living here. That was not meant to happen! Not to mention my lovely shopping cart?! Unless I can disguise it as a carry-on bag? Or I may hide my sister in it and use her ticket for my cart as they are coming over next week. Surely she won’t mind. I’ll just have to make sure there in no spilt beer in there first and it will be all nice and cosy. All I have to do is sneakily wheel her on.

I was pleased that I manged to get my packing sorted as I was able to tootle along and say farewell to the market. I was excited to go and see what goodies were available and in season. I was all ready and thought I would grab a quick drink before heading out. Error. My flat now smells of soy sauce and it has done for a few hours. I was horrified to watch, in slow motion of course, as a bottle of the dark substance leapt from the fridge door rail and shattered all over the kitchen floor. I have yet to reach the puddle of soy sauce that I know is just floating around underneath the fridge. Yet, that wasn’t enough to deter me from the market it just delayed me. So after a speedy mop-up operation I went along to the market with a slight soy sauce smell clinging to me. Pleasant, maybe I shall produce my own perfume. I don’t think I anyone noticed?

Regardlessly I managed to grab a surprise present for someone from a lovely local farmer lady. I then returned to my smelly flat and lit as many candles as possible. I think I may even have to use a Yankee for this as a last resort. Oh well, I soon forgot about the smell as I indulged by making a fresh pot of coffee. My coffee machine is something I will find very, very hard to part with. Gosh, I am now going to have to actually pour hot water over coffee granules or, heaven forbid, make a cafetière! I then watched The Little Women. I have decided to make today slightly girlie, well as much as I can withstand, as Luke is away for the night. I then got sucked into watching an episode, or it might have been a couple, by accident of the real housewives series. It is far too addictive. I never liked Big Brother but this makes it ridiculously compulsive watching. I decided , after the third of fourth episode, to be a bit more mature and watch something educational. An American made documentary about the commoner who married Prince William, and her rear of the year sister. It is highly amusing how the Americans are portraying it. They adore them and it is very syrupy, slightly sycophantic and somewhat inaccurate.

 

Burlesque, Limos And Bringing The Pumpkins To Life

After a day finishing my secret sewing mission I was invited out for one quick drink with Luke and his colleagues. Well, you know when you are invited out for one quick drink that there is the distinct possibility it will be neither quick or just the one. As it turns out this is exactly what happened. So, quite a few drinks later we were still sat in the beer garden listening to some live music surrounded by a sea of red t-shirts due to a local Lilly fundraising day. Then after we all decided that enough drinks had been finished, especially on a work night, we escaped back home.

I felt very glad I did not have to go out to work on Friday and instead began the long process of beginning to pack all my belongings so I will be ready to leave Indianapolis in a few weeks.  It was a fairly sad process so I cheered myself up by a trip to Yogulatte with Luke and we sat on the wall, swinging our legs and just enjoying the beautiful colours of the autumn leaves.

Then we indulged even more with a cupcake from the Sweet Tooth Bakery. It was deliciously greedy of us.

We were then all set for a night in watching The Mentalist but we were lured away by something far more exciting. There was a food truckfestival below our balcony with an assotment of vans and delicacies.

However, what was more interesting was  when we saw a sign for the Angel Burlesque show so we thought why not? It was something new so we tootled along and got tickets. We then descended into the depths of the Murat Theatre and were led through an entrance coverded in a white drape and were seted at a candel lit table.

It was in a room which reminded me of the cabaret and it began to become full. The show was was a lot more funny than I though it would be. The women were so confident and had come up with some original sets, such as a mime artist and a ‘Where’s Wally?’ performance (or ‘Where’s Waldo’ as the Americans call it).

Now that is something I never quite pictured Wally doing.

After that new experience we decided to add personalities to our pumpkins

before heading to some more familiar territory on Saturday with a trip to the mall to get Luke’s early birthday present. We had to drive through the protests that have spilled over from New York to head to the mall for the present. With that purchased and a few more intended items, we did our customary walk around the food court to nibble on some samples before heading for a huge dinner at the Three Sisters Cafe. We sat out on the porch and enjoyed some huge sandwiches and various potatoes. I was then very glad that we had such a big dinner as we decided to go for some drinks with the other grads. This once again led to many more drinks and we ended up in The Wild Beaver with far too many shots

It was here that we met a group of Americansand were randomly invited to join them on their night out. This meant getting a limo, yes a real limo with alcohol supplied and everything, to another bar around the corner.

Yes this felt very lazy to me but we got to be lazy in style! The girls were lovely and it was a really enjoyable night out, although we found it difficult to explain why we didn’t get limos on our nights out in the UK. We explained that we walked or got taxis but they wondered if this was because we were poor? I couldn’t imagine having a limo on hire to take us to various bars every time we went out. Maybe I should try this next time I have a night out in the UK?

Unfortunately, I realised just how much we had drunk the next day and we spent all day on the sofa. Well I did. I sort of sent Luke out on errands for me which included picking up a huge Subway. Not just any Subway but a footlong. My hangover required it and it was just the cure for any hangover.

I then formerly added our two new members to the LuLu’s by lsetting them on fire. Don’t worry, this isn’t how I treat all newcomers. It was only the pumpkins!

 

Let The Dinners Comence

Having acquired my pumpkin, but I am yet to decide on its personality, I launched myself in to my next project. Bring on the sewing! I must be a glutton for punishment but here I am again surrounded by little squares and armed with a needle and thread. However, my thumbs did take some respite when I made some Rye bread. Yet, in the end, I wished I hadn’t bothered as an hour later I produced a rock hard, dense loaf that had nowhere to go but the bin. Oh dear , I felt a little bit embarrassed about my cooking debacle as it made a horrendous thudding down the rubbish shoot. Luckily, the bad cooking streak didn’t last as I ‘cooked’ off a week of fantastic dinners, and even better company, with a pizza night in my flat.

It was lovely to have everyone over as I haven’t seen them all since  before I went away! There had been a few questions directed at Luke as to what he had done with me so it was also my chance to prove I was still very much alive. So, after procuring some chairs and plates from another flat we all created our pizzas with various toppings and sat down to enjoy them. Well, all except one but I made sure I saved some cheesecake for him as the others actually liked it! Surprising after I informed them what was in it but it was actually rather good. Unlike the Rye bread but that debacle doesn’t need to be mentioned again. There was then an odd procession of people carrying various items such as chairs, pizzas and drinks across the hallways and down the lifts as we said  a prolonged goodbye and looked forward to ‘Indian Night’ at another friends, or what he affectionately referred to as ‘Gandhi’s revenge’, which worried and puzzled me somewhat.

All was revealed when we entered his flat the next night and were created by a lovely fragrant smell from the kitchen and caught a glimpse of huge pans of rice and sauce. We waited eagerly to try the drumsticks, biryani and then a deliciously sweet pudding called kheer. Before we got to eat we heard about my other friends dilemma with a ladybird invasion in her flat over a bowl of bombay mix.

With all of us clueless as to how to deal with ladybirds we still hadn’t found a solution so we tucked into a delicious feast that had obviously taken a lot of effort to make, which was greatly appreciated The chicken was very tasty and not dry,

the biryani was the perfect level of hotness

and I have yet to get my taste budsaround the pudding.

Is it more like porridge, pasta, muesli or warm cinnamon milk? who knows but luckily I went away with a box of it so I can keep trying to make up my mind. It’ll be a hard task but I am sure I will get through it.

It was then a day of removing the last straws of hay in my bag after our trip to the pumpkin patch and then beginning to sew on my balcony again. Isn’t it funny how things seem to come around in a full circle as I spent most of my first weeks sat on the balcony sewing. This time it was a little cooler but still very pleasant. I’m not so sure I can say the same about the sewing as I managed to get the needle stuck in various thumbs and fingers repeatedly. This hurt. A lot. Finally I was rescued, eventually, by the prospect of another lovely dinner tonight and another friends. She was cooking lasagna and apple pieso I couldn’t wait. I made a quick garlic flatbread roulade thing to take with me and we began a familiar process of transferring chairs, plates and cups across to the other flat.

We got to admire a beautiful Indianasky.

Then we were joined by a newbie who was fresh from the plane and tucked into a gorgeous vegetable lasagna, which was delicious especially as she had never made it before.

Then the apple pie was perfect, it even had a crumble topping!

Afterwards we all departed in dribs and drabs with an assortment of items and I managed to walk out of the flat with some hazelnut syrup for my morning’s coffee. Fabulous! It may just help spur me on to finish my sewing. Maybe. So we have had a perfect set of dinners and great company yet along the way I have managed to loose a part of one of my teeth. I now have everything crossed that I do not develop toothache before I get back to the UK! Oh well, the meals were definitely worth it.