A lovely, rainy Sunday

Yesterday Steve and I spent our rainy Sunday in Newcastle. We weren't able to sight see in Durham due to the weather so we went to the movies instead.

We were going to see "Black Swan" so on the bus we jumped (I bought the bus tickets myself - first time trying that.) On our way, I suggested we go to see "The King's Speech" instead. We arrived at the bus stop by the Newcastle Library and walked to the Tyneside theatre. Wow. It's an old movie theatre that was renovated. (In the States, they just close them down.) There were red curtains, mosaic tiles and fancy carvings in the arches and such. And the concession stand included a full bar, coffee and popcorn (options of kettle or buttered - no extra butter options.)

The movie was so nice. It was a proper British movie at a proper British theatre. All on a rainy, English Sunday that needed to end in a Sunday roast.

We took the Metro (I got my own ticket there too!) We got to The Cluny which usually has quite good food but after the waitress talked to her hip friends and took their order, Steve was told "we're not taking orders." What? There was food being served (some being complained about too) but no food to be ordered for us? We left. I called to ask the kitchen what the story was. Apparently they only take orders every 30 minutes. Steve said that's not something he's ever heard of pubs doing. We walked on to the Quayside.

We went to the Pitcher & Piano for Sunday roast. This worked out well for my new blog project: Suzanne's Foodie Blog. Now I can document such new meals like Sunday Roast. (Yorkshire pudding is super tasty!)

We finished the evening by watching most of the Superbowl.(Too bad neither of us understand what's going on.) It was a very nice day and a great end to a fun weekend. Saturday Steve showed me how to get to Retail World so now I can walk to shops. I also have to phone my professor sometime soon too. Never had to do that before. I'll be so glad when this term is over.

Feels like February

It's been windy and rainy here in England.  We had to put putty on the bedroom window because it was making a horrible buzzing sound all night.  We also kept hearing what sounded like a window banging or a tree branch hitting the side of the building.  Finally Steve went outside to find a little gate door that was slamming in the wind.  Needless to say after our DIY work we were able to sleep much easier last night.  Jake even slept at Steve's feet.  I think they've bonded.

Since the weather's been a bit unwelcoming, I've been in the flat for most of the week.  I had a bit of a hard night last night when my professor told me that I'd get a low score if I didn't redo my school project.  I ended up changing it and resubmitting it.  I'm going to be so glad to get these classes over with in May.  I know that some librarians said their classes were easy but mine are just tough.  Tons of busy work and projects.  How I miss the days of good old reading and writing papers as an English student.

This weekend will be an adventure though.  Steve and I plan on visiting Durham Saturday, then on Sunday he'll show me the easy way to get to Retail World.  I have got to learn how to get around here.  Granted, it's only been two weeks but it's so hard to not just be able to get in the car and go somewhere when I want to.  Until then I have dishes to do.  It's pizza party night.  We can keep watching Sherlock and playing Little Big Planet 2 - both presents to Steve from Santa. 

Speaking of that; we still have to take the Christmas tree down.

Merry post-Christmas

Today Steve and I celebrated Christmas. I got a British cookbook, a Stephen Fry biography, pyjamas, shower and bath soaps (Lush!) and all sorts of cool things.

Last night we went to the Metro Centre, shopped for presents, ate chicken at Nando's then came home to wrap what would go under the tree. Today I'm making the turkey and mashed potatoes.

It's been easier than I though to get use to being here. I've been here for one week and already I know how to get to the store on my own. I still have to figure out how to get to Retail World and the Metro Centre on the bus alone. At least I can get a taxi if I absolutely need to.

I've had a wonderful post-Christmas so far. Jake is getting use to the place too. He's bonded with Steve more now and we have a nice little family life going on here. Soon I'll go to my interview to see if they'll let me in to the university to start teacher training in the Fall. They sent me a letter to fill out, making sure they charged me the right amount for tuition. That has to be a good sign that they plan on letting me in.

Four more days

It's my last weekend in Florida for a while. I cleaned up some but I've lounged more than anything. There's the kitchen garbage to be thrown out and a few boxes for donating to the charity shop. My box of handbags is the main donation.

Jake will visit the vet one last time on Monday to get his tick and tapeworm vaccine before we head across the pond Wednesday night. I have my new, (additional) big suitcase so I can manage things easier than having a bunch of small bags to cart through London.

There won't be a lot of touristy-ness going on next week. While I'd love to see London, with two 28" suitcases, a garnet bag, a carry-on, a cat and an 8 & 1/2 hour flight just completed, I think my sight seeing trip will have to be done one weekend in the near future.

These next four days will be just getting everything I absolutely need done, done. Cancel the utilities for February, pack, store, toss. I have to back up the computer with my new, fancy 1T external hard drive too.

Writing in the dark

The electricity's been off for almost two hours now. Luckily it's not a super hot (or cold) night. It was supposed to be back on by 9PM but it's now 8:55 and, nope, no power.

I have my plane tickets (one for Jake too) so we'll be heading to England next week. I'm so excited! I won't have to sit in dark rooms by myself anymore. Plus, we can have our own Christmas in January. We'll do the tree, movies, turkey, stockings, shopping and all as if it were December. I'm sure this will be a great story for the grandkids one day.

I now have electricity (FPL says a vehicle hit a power pole - Ohno!) and have the evening to study up for my Elem Ed test I'm taking on Friday.

I'm headed across the pond next week! Finally! I have Jake's pet passport to get finalized but his cargo ticket has been booked. My ticket is set too; Premium Economy this time so I can have more luggage allowance hopefully. So my adventures will be more adventurous very soon. Now I can post pictures and talk about my trips to museums and art galleries rather than shopping at the grocery store.

I was glad to see my back in the day friend, Crystal, for lunch last week too. There's a big part of me here and a big part of me that has a whole new beginning.