Moving Home and Enjoying The New Neighbourhood In The English Countryside

It was a surprisingly mammoth task moving house considering all of our belongings fitted into one room. We hired a van and loaded it up and went off to our new home. Luckily my brother was on hand to help and was rewarded with the biggest fish and chips ever and, for all the Americans, yes this did include mushy peas, curry sauce and gravy! After we had got all that fuel we then spent the next two days unpacking, going to Ikea and building furniture.  I think I may have to enter Luke for a flat pack competition as he is a pro now. One item in particular proved invaluable, the steps. This was because we discovered I could not reach any of the high shelves without it, it is almost like being a hobbit in a normal sized house!

Amazingly, we fully furnished the house in two days after staying up for pretty much 48 hours, which I never want to do again. There was also a ridiculous amount of cutlery which has proved invaluable and came from Luke’s great aunty. There were things I had never seen before including an egg piercer and slicer! Now my salads will look uber posh, or it will look like I have spent far too much time perfectly slicing eggs…

We are also now the proud owners of an apple tree so all I have to do is go to the front garden pick a few apples and hey presto, there is a few apple scones or a crumble. It is like being in the Good Life! Well, when I say that is all I have to do I usually send Luke for fear of any lurking spiders as I am a coward when it comes to those. One night I saw one that looked like a black widow (honestly) in the lean-to and then it was Luke who had to do all the jobs in their for the next few days. Conveniently that meant he had to do the all of the cleaning and all of the clearing of excess cardboard…

However , our manic unpacking and building things meant that we had time left during our holiday (yes, I know, what a relaxing holiday!)  to explore our new neighbourhood from our old little cottage. We borrowed my parents dog for the walk and I think we may have actually managed to tire her out. At one point, as we carried her over the final gate (yes really, she hasn’t mastered them herself yet), she struggled to remain being carried and was reluctant to have her paws touch the ground. Tuh I should have just borrowed one of the paragliders and hitched a lift down the hill for her.

 

Crafty Event

My reputation as a crafter seems to have preceded me and I recently received some information, from a family friend, about a ‘Meet The Crafter’ event. Naturally, I leapt at the chance to do anything crafty or learn more skills. As I eagerly awaited the day for meeting the crafters Luke began to squirrel away any item of clothing, or treasured possession, for fear of what I may turn it into when I got home from the event. As it turns out he was wise to do this as I learnt how to use ties, cards, socks and clothes in ways I had never thought of. This included snake shaped draught excluders made from ties, decorations made from tiny circles of Christmas cards and of course, cushions.

I was bundled off to the event with my American patchwork quilt in tow as something to show at the ‘make and tell’ themed session, which made me feel a little bit like I was on my way to primary school and I began to wonder where my rucksack and lunchbox were. I arrived and was welcomed into the beautiful Whitworth Gallery by a friendly receptionist who looked like he had spent the majority of the morning showing people where to go for the craft event. I was able to tell my left from my right and navigated myself through the beautiful gallery and upstairs where I was greeted by a swarm of red t-shirt clad people.

It was then coffee time and I, somewhat awkwardly, stood and watched all the guest crafters set up their tables as other participants milled around or chatted. Thankfully there were other people on their own and this proved a great conversation starter. We were introduced to all the guest crafters, by the weather presenter from the local news, these crafters included- Folksy, Rubbish Revamped,  made at green view  and Pebble Blossom. There were many more fantastic crafters and it was great that they had been invited to help with the event. It was fascinating to hear about how they got into craft and were able to make a great career from it. I think it helps that they are all so passionate about their craft.

Then it was time for a quick whistle stop tour, and it was quick, around the crafters tables. You had seven minutes at each table and as soon as the tambourine jangled you had to move to the next table. It was a mixture of speed dating and musical chairs, all you needed was a pass the parcel game thrown in and you had the perfect party. This speediness meant it was a fantastic way to meet all the guest crafters and enjoy the variety of their skills. There was lots of tips and ideas for crafting projects and business from making blinds, pin cushions, recycling household items and creating instruments from fabric. All of the guest crafters were very friendly, inspiring and informative. It would be great to set up a craft business. However, I don’t think Luke would appreciate the cottage being turned into my ‘craft space’. His feet have only just recovered from the accidental needles left in my wake whilst I was happily quilting. He now dives for his shoes whenever I mention the word sewing…oh dear.

After a speedy lunch in the lovely cafe, whose staff I felt a bit sorry for as we all descended on them at once in search of food and drink, I returned upstairs to be shown what my ‘upcycling ‘ group project would entail. Who knew what you could do with a piece of felt! The group was given different parts of clothes to help dress a mannequin under the instruction of a very nice lady from Rubbish Revamped. I was tasked with turning a T-Shirt into something snazzy along with a lovely lady from the group of event organisers.

Who knew that fishes, seaweed and pebbles could be made from felt! I have now got lots of ideas for using felt on my future cushions. Luckily, for him, Luke is not in the habit of wearing felt jumpers so his clothes are safe…for now.

Other groups made sculptures, fashion items and cushions. Everyone seemed to enjoy the event and talking about craft ideas, sharing advice and swopping the best places to buy material from.

It was a very well organised event and it was obvious how much effort had gone into the day. I learnt a lot from the other crafters and it was also great to meet other crafters who enjoy making an assortment of things. What is more perfect is that I now have a new house , which I shall now consider my own large blank canvas, to try out all the new ideas on . I wonder if Luke would notice if our cottage was craftily transformed or if he would mind if two of his ties suddenly became a snake draught excluder??

 

Teeth, Biscuits and Throwing A Few Penguin-esque Moves

I am still getting used to being back in the UK. It is odd not having people ‘welcome’ me everywhere I go or telling me to ‘have a nice day’. Maybe I should start wearing a badge requesting this? Although this could, quite possibly, appear a tad bit pompous. Yet, I did get a warm welcome from my local post office owner as I went in to purchase an armful of all sorts of english biccies to fill up my make shift biscuit tin.

Don’t worry, my job search hasn’t led to me nibbling biscuits all day. Although I am having far too much coffee with a splash of the Hazelnut syrup that I brought back from America. No. This assortment of  sugary delights are for my new role as an administrator. My eclectic biscuit tin now contains oaty hobnobs, crunchy digestives, squashed fly biscuits and of course the english classic – rich tea.

I have to say, english biscuits are so much better than American biscuits (Sorry America!). However, it did cause me to spend a good few minutes trying to spoon out the soggy remains of biscuit halves from my cup of coffee after a spot of overenthusiastic dunking.

This biscuity indulgence led me straight through the doors of my local gym. I then spent an hour replicating the penguins I had seen the previous evening on Frozen Plant but a less cute and fluffy version. A happy footed penguin I was not. (please watch). This is because I had signed up for a ‘Tone and Trim’ class which meant trying our legs together with resistance bands before being instructed to do steps, lunges, grapevines, curls and knee lifts. All of this was achieved whilst still having our feet tied together. It would be an understatment to say this was easy but I managed to waddle my way through the class without breaking any bones or the resistance band. It was then a test of my intelligence to regain my freedom from the band. Finally free, I retreated back to my secret sewing missions, surrounded by autumn treats from America.

I even surprised myself after completing a bit of my project with my thumbs still in tact. Maybe I am improving?

An area where I am not improving in is my trips to the dentist so I decided it was about time to have my teeth checked and I have to go back. Therefore, I will be starting my Advent not with the usual chocolates from an Advent calender but some fillings.

Maybe the biscuits weren’t such a good idea.

My day only proceeded to get worse when I arrived home to a parcel. I was very excited as I knew it was the plug that I needed to be able to work my mums new American coffee machine. I brought for her but have a secret wish to covet it as this is the one big thing, apart from Luke, that I have missed from America. Much to my dismay and bewilderment the plug I was sent was an English plug to convert it into an English plug socket. What on earth is the point of this! I am a bit ashamed at how long it took me to work out why the american plug was not fitting into the adapter and then it was time to contact the suppliers and try to solve the problem. Now I shall begin my hunt for a plug once more and I will just have to be content using the kettle for now. I also have another dilemma to solve. Somewhere in my boxed up items is a ticking clock. I do not want to open these boxes until I get my own house so is there a way of stopping the clock without opening them? or will I have to continue to feel like Captain Hook until the batteries run out. I fear my sanity might disappear before that point.

 

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.

 

I traveled among unknown men (and women! sorry William), In lands beyond the sea: Nor England! Did I know till then What love I bore to thee.

I’m settling back into the English way of life, slowly! It has been great to see some firm favourites again from kettles, Tetley tea,

PG Tips (including Monkey),

to roundabouts!

(Don’t worry. No-one was hurt in the making of this picture as I was not driving at the time)

Of course, it didn’t feel like I was back before I had been to see my grandparents for an eagerly anticipated catch up over a cuppa. I arrived just in time to see my Granddad get his Manchester City top on and was collected by my lovely Godfather. There were quick hugs all around and the boys went off to the match in a huddle of blue and with a flask of tea in tow. This time the flask did contain a teabag as last time apparently this was the one vital ingredient which was omitted. Then it was time for my Nana and I to get down to the really, serious business. Nattering.

I left my Grandparent’s quite a few hours later as both my Nana and myself  can talk for England. It was then time to take my parent’s boisterous puppy out onto the field. It was so refreshing to be in an English field. No matter where you go they always appear greener and I have no idea why. Or whether this is real of psychological.

I made it back, still with the puppy even though it was touch and go when she sped off and disappeared, and decided to introduce here to the peanut butter dog biscuits. Turns out that this is one picky pooch. She will not eat them unless you break them in half for her first.

Honestly! I suppose it is my own fault for encouraging her with peanut butter biscuits. She will be wanting a coat like the other American dogs or, heaven forbid, a set of wings like the ones the dogs were wearing for Halloween. Oh dear.

It was then time to tackle the sparse Trick or Treaters. This included helping a mini witch, a mini spider man and a mini wizard to choose some sweets from the Roses tin much to the amusement of their mothers. I had to go through each flavour untill the mini witch went away with her first choice anyway. I had no problem helping the other older bunch of Trick or Treaters as I ensured they knew they could take more than one sweet each. However, I didn’t mean for them then to grab huge handfuls and leave me with a sorry-looking tin of chocolates. I was just glad no other spooky characters knocked on the door for the rest of the night. Yet the damage had already been done as there was no more of the flavours I liked. Oh well I just had to find a trick then.

This trick turned out to be job hunting. There are so many strange jobs out there that I am not quite sure where to start. I have a  choice of applying for a call centre, a milker (yes, a real cow milker), an administrator or a dog walker? However, it appears you need previous experience or qualifications for all these roles. Unfortunately I just have a Politics degree which doesn’t seem to be helping me out at the moment. Maybe I could launch my own shop? Unfortunately someone has beaten me to setting up a local frozen yoghurt shop. Maybe a dog bakery would be a good idea? Or a sewing shop as I have just started another secret sewing project. Needles at the ready!

 

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.

 

Finding The AnSa

We had another driving error after Luke very cleverly drove us into the Avis car park instead of into the terminal five car park at Chicago airport. I think he secretly wanted to revisit his car ‘sweet-shop’ but he insists he didn’t. We were a bit perplexed when we found ourselves on a one way street with nowhere to go apart from into a spot for returning cars. We certainly did not want to do that! However, we then found out a way of procuring an Avis car without any authorisation as we nervously pulled up to the security booth and frantically tried to think of a way to explain our current predicament. We began to tell our story but as soon as he heard we were there by accident and we wanted to keep our rented car, which was from Indianapolis, he waved us through. Even though we had shown no documents to prove that we hadn’t just sneaked into that car park and were trying to steal a car.

After that dilemma we managed to get parked up and waited in the terminal for the AnSa to arrive. I waited patiently, almost, as herds of people came bounding through the doors into loved ones arms or the less loved presence of their taxi drivers.

Then I spotted a short, hobbit like person accompanied by a mildly taller person appear through the doors. Finally, the AnSa had arrived in the form of my mother and sister (Annette and Sarah, AKA AnSa). It was an exciting reunion as I was informed that Luke and I looked American and I let AnSa know they still looked decidedly British. It was then time to return to the car, chatting along the way, and we drove back to the hostel. It was here that Luke waited ever so patiently as we tried to organise our room, suitcases, various outfits and sneaked in a quick drink.

He was still sitting in the lobby as we returned half an hour later (He is so good, or well-trained). It was then deep pan pizza time. We stopped at Pizzeria Uno.

Well you can’t come to Chicago and not try one! So we thought why not try two. Then we thought why not try them with some calamari, salad and garlic bread thrown in.

This was a tad over indulgent, which we realised when we saw the enormity of the task that lay ahead as the friendly waitress struggled to place the mammoth pie before us. It was a mixture of the gooiest cheese and tomato sauce which was complimented beautiful by a textured crust. It was almost like a pizza version of a Quiche and although it was a struggle to finish the last few mouthfuls it was definitely worth it!. We even found a smidgen of room to sit outside The Bourgeoise Pig and enjoy a warming Hot Chocolate later on before hitting the hostel.

After we had said goodbye to our driver for the trip, also known as Luke, we walked back to the hostel. Here we had a quick drink and went to bed. I was then awoken to a strange noise and this now appears to be a recurring event whenever I stay in this hostel. From the depths of my sister’s bag there was something ringing. It turned out to be her alarm. If this had gone off in England it would have been perfectly fine, maybe even welcomed, but it was nowhere near morning in Chicago. My sister eventually opened her eyes, stretched and very comically announced ‘Morning, man I feel good’ in her best fake American accent. To which I brusquely replied that we had only been asleep for a few hours and it was not morning. It was in fact half eleven in the evening and her alarm had woken us all up! It was then a stop-start evening with each one of us taking it in turns to wake up everyone else every so often. Thankfully the clock finally displayed six am. I vaulted out of bed, which is no mean feat from the bottom of a bunk bed,and we went in search of a much-needed coffee. Plus a few bagels and quite possibly an injection of peanut butter. It was then off to explore the wonders of the windy city.

 

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.