tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.comments2024-02-28T22:43:49.960+00:00Asia VuMsCarolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comBlogger2318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-85016419961888716872020-02-26T06:26:54.029+00:002020-02-26T06:26:54.029+00:00It's good to *be* back - although it's bee...It's good to *be* back - although it's been so long that I was debating whether or not to just bin the whole thing and start from scratch! Encouraging to know that there are some 'old friends' out there!MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-24045082067836745062020-02-25T18:13:23.074+00:002020-02-25T18:13:23.074+00:00Nice to read you again; thank you for posting!Nice to read you again; thank you for posting!Oxfordshirehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02672007539580036817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-92233570595845731532016-07-30T08:05:05.742+01:002016-07-30T08:05:05.742+01:00Nance - I'm glad to hear we're not alone -...Nance - I'm glad to hear we're not alone - the personal touch is pretty gratifying, isn't it? I have to say, I would have been OK with a gyro if we'd ever had any available in TX, but the only time one could decent, freshly made gyros was during the annual Greek Festival at St. Sophia's. We went through a brief period where we bought the ready-to-prepare gyro kits, but they were invariably just disappointing. A well-made gyro is nearly as good as a doner in my book.<br /><br />Wilma - can you imagine the shape your cod and chips would be in by the time they got there if they *did* deliver to Tucson? You're probably better off just driving to San Diego. ; ) MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-82767159461188689662016-07-29T15:04:24.525+01:002016-07-29T15:04:24.525+01:00Oh, it's okay. Here at the Dept. we've Be...Oh, it's okay. Here at the Dept. we've Been There, Done That with our local Chinese restaurant years ago. At first, it would happen when we gave our phone number; later, it was after we gave our order; finally, it would be the moment Rick or I would say, "Hi, we'd like to order some carryout?" The thickly accented voice on the other end of the line would burst out happily, "Oh, oh! I know you! How you doing, okay? Everybody family okay? Good, good!" And once I had his daughters in class, their father (the owner of the restaurant) used to add, "Lin doing good? Do all her work?" And it didn't matter which of the girls it was, either. They both were named Lin (although one went by a nickname). <br /><br />Peter (pretty positive that's not his given name...) sold out to a relative and retired, so we miss that personal touch now when we order food. It's not nearly as Joyful an experience. <br /><br />I would love the Kebab Cuisine to take hold in the US. The closest thing we have here in NEO is, of course, the Gyro, but most of them around here are not wonderful.Nancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17627214346956206283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-52559129574779788642016-07-29T13:37:09.015+01:002016-07-29T13:37:09.015+01:00Do they deliver to Tucson? I want the cod and chip...Do they deliver to Tucson? I want the cod and chips. They look delicious. ��Wilmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03943837947695508102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-84788645704594632572016-07-15T09:44:07.989+01:002016-07-15T09:44:07.989+01:00Trish - I suppose it was an opportunity missed. I...Trish - I suppose it was an opportunity missed. I can assure you my neighbours would have appreciated it. Maybe we'll have a Halloween party.... As far as costumes go, I will need to break this to you gently, but -apparently - it's a generational thing. I would have thought cowboys, too, and a couple of my (ahem) older neighbours said the same thing. All the younger people with small children immediately said, "superheroes.' Clearly there is some pop culture going on that we've missed!<br /><br />Emma - a Fancy Dress Parade with mini Donalds would have been entertaining-yet-terrifying - much like the reality! It is funny how many people here were aware it was the 4th, though - some people at MrL's work asked if he planned on taking the day off! It had not occurred to him that a national holiday back home dedicated primarily to getting sunburnt and drunk could be parlayed into a legitimate excuse for taking a day off in England. ; ) <br /><br /><br />MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-50700551989869869962016-07-14T10:23:47.703+01:002016-07-14T10:23:47.703+01:00That's hilarious, although I am rather sad nob...That's hilarious, although I am rather sad nobody turned up as Donald, so many good fancy dress opportunities there! Yes, it's one of those holidays that we know very well in the UK, probably through films and media. I happened to visit on the 4th July once and I am very glad I did - first introduction to S'mores! :D BavarianSojournhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12701272367912860549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-70071558206169063292016-07-12T14:44:02.977+01:002016-07-12T14:44:02.977+01:00Did you not dress up as Honey Boo Boo, MsCaroline?...Did you not dress up as Honey Boo Boo, MsCaroline? How disappointing!<br />I must admit, I don't think I would have instantly thought of superheroes. I'd have gone for a cowboy ensemble, I think, or maybe a saloon girl.Trishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119443727504215312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-85792107482261697592016-07-06T22:43:19.294+01:002016-07-06T22:43:19.294+01:00Nance - I'm not upset at all, either. Just a ...Nance - I'm not upset at all, either. Just a bit surprised. As I said, cowboys, pilgrims, baseball players came to mind, certainly not superheroes. But it's was a very nice surprise, especially when one runs across so much anti-American sentiment in most other circumstances. It's not always pleasant to see yourself as others see you, but in this case, it was a pleasant surprise. MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-39999674703610844792016-07-06T14:31:12.084+01:002016-07-06T14:31:12.084+01:00Recently returned home from a Canada vacation, Ric...Recently returned home from a Canada vacation, Rick and I discussed this post. We agreed that we aren't upset in the least by the US being symbolized by superheroes. We rather like it. After all, in lots of movies, the villains have cool, detached British accents. The superheroes come in and rescue people, save the day, maybe with a lot of Michael Bay bombast and explosions, but we are Good and Strong and Prevail Over Evil. We stand for Truth and Justice.<br /><br />Oh sure, superheroes are Over The Top, but their powers are Used For The Good Of Others.<br /><br />I like it. I like it a lot. Make me a superhero any day.Nancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17627214346956206283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-57891260519536868572016-07-04T11:43:20.125+01:002016-07-04T11:43:20.125+01:00Thanks so much, Elizabeth. I am trying to get bac...Thanks so much, Elizabeth. I am trying to get back in the blogging habit, but it's not as easily said as done, as I'm sure you know! <br /><br />Brexit seems like an enormous mess at the moment. What's astounding to me is that it's clear that no one in authority (on either side) had any sort of plan for a 'leave' outcome. I'm still hoping I'll wake up one morning and find that it's all been declared null and void, but there doesn't seem much hope in that.MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-47417608503356475052016-07-03T21:29:52.142+01:002016-07-03T21:29:52.142+01:00Oh yes! What a great blog. Welcome back. And oh so...Oh yes! What a great blog. Welcome back. And oh so yes, times change and places don't. That quite often freaks me out. I returned to London after twenty years away and was almost affronted and certainly amazed that my life was so different and the buildings stood unchanged. Somerset house still being grand by the river. How could that be?<br />And brexit. Still reeling. Still feeling slightly sick. Am too sickened to do anger properly. Perhaps that will come. Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-9101927614105537362016-06-30T18:07:42.438+01:002016-06-30T18:07:42.438+01:00Thanks, Trish. I'm going to try and get the v...Thanks, Trish. I'm going to try and get the video to work - it's really gorgeous the way the projector works! That shot in the taxi was one of very few 'ritzy' moments in our lives, I can assure you. Very Cindrella-ish for a lady who lives in jeans, jumpers, and Ecchos 99% of the time. <br /><br />Brexit - would love to hear R's take on Brexit. They're going to need young people with all the economic smarts possible to sort this mess out for the forseeable future. Poor boy, I bet he *is* ready to explode! I've tried to inform myself (shared your clip from the Prof in Liverpool, in fact - that should have been required viewing for every single voter in the UK) responsibly and still can't understand how anyone could have voted for it. Certainly Bath and Bristol voted to remain (some people have asked if they, along with London, can stay in, since they didn't vote to get out.) <br /><br />Misery loves company - I knew you'd understand! xx<br />MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-44764305867568055842016-06-30T16:24:41.133+01:002016-06-30T16:24:41.133+01:00I loved seeing the wedding snaps on FB so it was g...I loved seeing the wedding snaps on FB so it was great to take a closer peek today. You two look so ritzy in the taxi. I do hope the shenanigans were kept to a minimum.<br /> <br />As to Brexit - words fail me - and my own son, studying politics, is in danger of combusting with each new development. <br /><br />Oh, your lovely boys. *sniffs with you*Trishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119443727504215312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-77650266542430223492016-06-10T06:36:43.457+01:002016-06-10T06:36:43.457+01:00stumbled on your blog while reading about seoul - ...stumbled on your blog while reading about seoul - am reading the newer entries on the UK & Trump in much amusement! Have you guys met the progeny of the dead mouse yet? hahaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-66600302804714017462016-04-27T08:12:57.282+01:002016-04-27T08:12:57.282+01:00Trish, I remember your comment, too, and can't...Trish, I remember your comment, too, and can't find it anywhere! Very odd, but maybe you're right and it *is* the mouse. I only wish I had the option to either vacate my kitchen or tear it apart - neither option seems very do-able. I can't really imagine our landlord encouraging us to tear up the floor or walls! It seems to be dissipating somewhat, so I have my fingers crossed...MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-75338040789026343132016-04-25T20:14:28.019+01:002016-04-25T20:14:28.019+01:00I was sure I commented on this post a few days ago...I was sure I commented on this post a few days ago but I must have imagined it or maybe the mouse got to it. I bet I was very funny and erudite, whereas now I can only say yes, we had a mouse behind Rory's cupboard in his room. Dougie nearly took the whole room apart trying to find the carcass. The smell did go eventually and you'll be pleased to know we moved Rory to another room until it did. Trishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119443727504215312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-40246215363882684722016-04-19T08:21:11.644+01:002016-04-19T08:21:11.644+01:00Lucie - thanks for stopping by! You described the ...Lucie - thanks for stopping by! You described the smell exactly - 'whiffy drain.....vomit inducing stench' sums it up completely. As far as I can tell, we have only had the one rodent visitor, thank goodness - and he (or she) seems to be decomposing (very slowly) somewhere behind my kitchen wall. If I had an infestation, I'd at least be able to do something about it - call an exterminator, set traps (we actually have set a number of them all over the kitchen, but they remain empty, which seems to confirm my guess that the visitor was, like yours, a one off.) It seemed like the stench was ever-so-slowly subsiding, but we were gone for the weekend and when we came home, it was pretty horrible still. Not sure if it has gotten worse, or if being away for a few days weakened any immunity we'd built up living 'in' it (so to speak.) I am hoping against hope for a long, hot spell (unlikely in England, I realize) that will speed the rate of desiccation. One really must live in hope, right? ; )MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-74746276681420918552016-04-18T13:12:08.877+01:002016-04-18T13:12:08.877+01:00I had a rat expire between the joists in my flat, ...I had a rat expire between the joists in my flat, which is a 16th century pub. You are right about the smell - starts a bit like a whiffy drain and ends up a vomit inducing stench. I had accompanying blow flies so it was a real pleasure coming home from work to the stink and windows buzzing with flies. I couldn't bear to use the kitchen or lounge as my landlord figured it was the kitchen zone and it's open plan. I should be grateful that I didn't have any kind of rat guests - seemed to be a one off caused by pest controller baiting and I drew the short straw for its resting place.Lucienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-9893535650890606992016-04-12T15:35:39.932+01:002016-04-12T15:35:39.932+01:00DD - Thanks for visiting! And you're right *ha...DD - Thanks for visiting! And you're right *hangs head in shame* - it *is* used in American English! I knew there was something besides 'rhyme scheme,' but it escaped me. However - unless some other clever reader brings another example to light - I think that really is about it. It's not that people don't understand it, mind you - it's just that there's something about it in AEn that gives off that little whiff of sneakiness. As far as the mouse goes - SIX weeks? Sigh. MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-12531579663600234582016-04-12T14:39:35.177+01:002016-04-12T14:39:35.177+01:00Lovely to discover your blog. Just wondering wheth...Lovely to discover your blog. Just wondering whether you have colour schemes in American English? Or 'color' schemes I suppose? Maybe only when the baddie wants to redecorate his lair .... hope your mouse smell is under control now. I'd say six weeks for it to disappear completely. DD's Diaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05398659302311180518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-25090311696930539302016-04-11T13:07:20.017+01:002016-04-11T13:07:20.017+01:00NVG - you know, we haven't even approached the...NVG - you know, we haven't even approached the landlord about it! We are trying very hard to be low-key, excellent tenants and handle all problems ourselves if possible (lease is coming up for renewal in July and we don't want to give him any excuses not to renew!) If we thought that a floorboard would solve the problem, MrL would have done it in a heartbeat - but it's very obvious that the smell is coming from behind a cabinet - and there is even a tiny mouse-sized gap between cabinet and wall that we think was the access port. ; ) We haven't had a single mouse - nor have we seen a sign of one in the 14 months we've been living here - until last week, and we've put out traps all over the kitchen (which have remained empty) - and nothing except carrier bags has been nibbled - no boxes or bags of cereals or crackers or any other kind of food -so I know it's not any sort of infestation or anything. Things are improving somewhat (smell-wise) so we are hopeful, but we will obviously speak to him if things get worse or it happens again. MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-44178922748597564112016-04-11T12:14:52.155+01:002016-04-11T12:14:52.155+01:00We have had the decomposing mouse problem before, ...We have had the decomposing mouse problem before, and eventually resorted to ripping up a floorboard. I think it will take at least couple of weeks if you don't do anything. Will the landlord help at all? I think it is their responsibility to send the council round to see if everything is being done to prevent mice (we had to do this when we were landlords). nappy valley girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10788949037047084412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-20897493618938522062016-04-11T11:35:03.909+01:002016-04-11T11:35:03.909+01:00Nance - it is apparently something that Americans ...Nance - it is apparently something that Americans just have to get used to, I expect. And I suppose it stands to reason that it's more difficult for people from socialist democracies (if I can just lump Canada together with most of Western Europe under that umbrella for the sake of brevity) to understand Republican politics. It's been nice having a break during the Obama administration (well, except for the ever-present gun control issue) hasn't it? MsCarolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03623997911568143459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4551977354338403876.post-46018565083534035952016-04-07T20:15:27.367+01:002016-04-07T20:15:27.367+01:00Sigh. It is awfully annoying to be the Representa...Sigh. It is awfully annoying to be the Representative American when the States are behaving badly overall. I remember having to answer for Bush43, and now, soon travelling to Canada, we will no doubt be asked to answer for Donald, too. Ugh.<br /><br />I will simply recycle the same responses over. Funny how they are from the same party, right?Nancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17627214346956206283noreply@blogger.com