Sharpay Eagles and a Zebra with a case of the Tooty Fruities...

This past weekend we loaded a train and set out on our 5 hour travels to Edinburgh, Scotland. Let me just say...HOLY COW! That place is beautiful. Once again, thanks to Other Guy saving up his points, we were in a mac daddy hotel that had a view of the Edinburgh castle...literally! You can see the picture below...that was taken from our window. It was amazing. I can honestly say that this "westside" girl has never been in places as nice as what I have seen on my travels with Other Guy.

We kicked back a little on our first day there and just walked around the city and let the girls play at a playground that was very, very close to the hotel. It was nice just to chill a little. The next morning we set out to breakfast and unfortunately, Moe got her finger stuck in the elevator door. We literally had to pull it out. I am sure you can imagine the screams that followed. However, a special order of pancakes from the hostess at the restaurant quickly made things better. We started at Edinburgh Zoo. This zoo is 800 acres built on the side of a mountain. You spend 1/2 the time walking up the mountain and the other half walking down. It was really neat though. Their penguin exhibit was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. You could reach out and touch the little guys. Of course, they didn't want you to but you could if you are one of those "rule breakers" which I am not. We soon made our way to the zebras where there was a mama and baby that were so sweet. There were also two other zebras...a daddy and a brother according to the girls. There was a zebra that decided to role around in the dirt on his back which had us all giggling but then he began tooting whilst doing it and then we all just roared laughing. Other Guy got it on video, although it's probably shaky considering how much we were laughing.

On a side note, I have mentioned in prior posts that there is just something about me and animals. They all just feel the need to mate around me...not sure why but they do. So, to add to my list of Animals I have witnessed mating...we were able to see lions mating. I laughed my head off. We were peeking through this fence because you really couldn't see them any other way as they were secluded from the other lions. Anyway, you hear a big roar and then the song started playing...Let's get it on...Okay so that part is a little embellished but man o man you should have seen that lioness get ticked off at Mr. Man. She swatted at him and started roaring. The girls said he woke her up and made her mad. Other Guy and I just laughed harder. Other Guy said he was sure the lioness was smoking a cigarette when we left ;0)

The rest of our day was spent at the Castle. It was so cool. We went through a tour and heard some history and then walked around. That place is HUGE!!! The girls especially enjoyed the cannons. They also wanted to wish their grandparents a happy anniversary in a special way...

The next day we went to a place called Hollyrood. This has the castle that is the Queen's residence whilst in Scotland and it also has a large park. There is a part of the park called Arthur's Seat. It is a pretty big, no make that HUGE, climb. We figured what the heck and started out to see how far we could get. Two small children, a backpack, a large duffel bag and no stroller. Shockingly we made it halfway and the only reason we stopped was due to safety. It just became to steep and we worried about getting the girls back down.

Pre Climb

Post Climb

We ended the day back at the park where Curly got to Bungee Jump...well kinda. I've posted a picture so you can see. We promised Moe a ride on the Merry Go Round but she was too little. So, Other Guy cheered her up by offering her a favorite past time of hers. Chasing Sharpay Eagles...what are these you ask? Well, their official name is seagulls but not according to Moe! They will forever be Sharpey Eagles...I guess they can live with the Formingos.

Well, thanks for sharing in our travels...next weekend, it's Paris! Can't wait...

Peace Out!

No Negativity here...


There is a play park here in London that was built as a memorial to Princess Diana. It's a really cool park and you can only go in if you have kids. We have to take a tube to get there but the girls really love it. Tuesday night before putting the girls to bed, I promised them we would go back in the morning and I kept my promise.


We arrived to the gated, guard watched park in the pouring rain and crazy wind. I asked the girls if they wanted to stay and the quickly said yes. "Please mommy, the rain will stop soon and it will be so much fun!" Don't you just love that optimism? So, we stayed and they were right. The rain went away and we did have a great time. They never once complained about being cold, even though their clothes were damp and the wind was blowing like crazy. I was ready to call it a day and pout the whole way home because our day had been ruined. However, their smiles kept things positive and we stayed for a couple of hours. We built sand castles together that as Moe told Daddy later, looked like mountains. I never said I was the artist in the family, but I did try ;0) The day finished up with a ride in a pink bug and a headdressing. (I bought two scarves to try to use them as a belt but the girls decided to wear them like all the other "people they see!")


You can see some pics by clicking HERE!

We finished up the day with a healthy, all American dinner. If you don't believe me, just read the jar, yes I said jar...it will tell you.



Peace Out!!

Cantelopes and Honey Dudes...

Lasterday (as Moe calls it!) was pretty laid back, the girls played really well together and every time I suggested a park, they just said no thank you. They were patiently waiting for Other Guy to come home so he could go to the park with us. I think they really miss him when he's gone, what am I saying! Of course they miss him, I miss him! As I have said before that is the only downer to being here. My best friend works long hours and all my girl friends are a million miles away and we are living in a place that is a fraction of space of what our real home is. Other Guy's home arrival is the highlight of the day because they get another playmate and I get adult conversation!

There are a lot of positives here too! First of all, Other Guy and I started a diet whilst being here. Eat to Live was recommended by my doctor to help me lose weight and get my cholesterol and other things back in order. Just to give you a little bit of background...I have been gaining weight like crazy without any real reason. I exercise every day and Other Guy and I eat pretty good. I knew it was bad when Other Guy sat me down one night and said that even though he would love me no matter what, he was concerned about the weight. Not having any paternal medical background, I don't know what types of things might run in my genes! Back to the story though...

So, we started the diet and it has been great! It has helped us both! We have already lost weight, enough so that we are already having trouble keeping our pants pulled up. That brings a whole new problem...I forgot to bring a belt! Oh well, I'll take it. We eat lots of salads and tons of fresh fruit. The girls love it!

Last night at dinner Curly said that her favorite fruits were Honey Dudes and Cantelopes. Other Guy and I just laughed and she said, "Well, they are my favorite fruit!"

The girls do ask, on a regular basis, how many weeks we have left until we see our friends. They are already making plans for what they want to do. I just smile and give them an update of weeks, days, etc.

We are hoping to get back to Princess Diana's Memorial Park again today...we'll see, it just started raining.

Peace Out!

Don't you ever wish...


Yesterday morning, we were all waking up and starting the day when Curly posed a very interesting question...Don't you ever wish you only had one child? What? Other Guy and I looked at each other...did she just say what we think she said? No, we replied, that would mean there was no you or no Moe. She thought about it for a while and just shook her head.


When Other Guy and I went to bed last night, we just laughed out loud!


Well, for those of you who are sitting by the computer desperately waiting...here is an update on the Londoners.


Last week was pretty laid back. We tried to plan out our remaining weekends abroad. The girls and I went to the parks and the market and the fruit stand and the market and the fruit stand and the park and...oh, you get the point.


This weekend we did some of the "London" things we've been waiting to do. If things work out as planned, we won't be in town for the remainder of the weekends.


Other Guy started out at Parliament and then met us at the Transport Museum. The girls really enjoyed it. This place, boring as it sounds, really did things right for young kids. It gave them something to do and touch and climb on whilst Mummy and Daddy got to read lots of cool history on transportation in London. It was very fascinating and if you're every here, I highly recommend it!


We finished out the very rainy day at home and it was the first time we have ever uttered the words, "I'm bored!" It was nice to just kick back though.


Sunday we headed out to an area of town that closes down an entire street and hosts a flower market every Sunday. It was beautiful. We saw flowers and plants that I have never seen before. Other Guy took some pictures and I'll try to post those some time when he gets them loaded.


Other Guy heard about another children's zoo and well let's just say it wasn't pretty! Poor Other Guy...he tries so hard but in his defense, the advice came from a lady with no kids and let's be honest here, has probably NEVER been there. We walked in and looked at each other and said, "Yeah, we won't be here long...careful girls, try not to touch anything!!!" Just a little humor there!


We grabbed some lunch and then went paddle boating. The girls LOVED it. Other Guy and I were taken aback by how difficult it was, mainly because our feet are HUGE. Our poor children don't have a chance...they will have built-in skis when they are ready and they are usable in water or snow!


We ended our day at Hillsong and once again, we were blown away! There was a minister from Los Angeles and man, was he on FIRE! They do this amazing thing every week and quite frankly, I am moved to tears every time. It's hard to describe it in words without it sounding hokey but I'll try...


After they have sung two or three songs, the minister comes out with a hand full of cards. The cards are praises and prayer requests that he announces from stage so the whole church can rejoice with the amazing things God has done and the miraculous things He is going to do. There is music playing and the whole building is claiming the victory over these needs in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. It is so moving...


The service ended with the minister asking us to pray for a couple of teams that are all over the world. Before I know it, he says a team in Jacksonville Florida...WHAT!! I screamed out loud!! he said, "have you heard of this place?" I shook my head and he said, "are you from there?" YESSSSS, I screamed. There is a team there helping out Celebration Church in my home town. That was such a lift, I suddenly didn't feel so very far from home. Isn't that crazy????

The night ended on a very funny note...Curly was wearing braids that day and when we took them out, her hair appeared to be longer. She was running around the apartment singing, "My hair is longer...it's long like Pocahontas...look at my long hair..Hey Moe, do you want to have a party and celebrate my long hair!" Other Guy and I were cracking up! She is so funny! The best part about it was that Moe was just as happy, jumping and singing and more than willing to attend her big sister's party!


Oh one more thing...here are a couple of pics of the pad here in London.

This one is my favorite, but be careful, object are smaller than they appear!!!

Peace OUT!!!

Summer Time...

My friend, Daneen, wrote in her blog about a photo contest. The name of the blog is Five Minutes for Mom and you can view it here. The idea behind the contest is Summer Fun. They want you to post a photo that depicts what Summer is to you.

As you all know, the jolly 'ole King Family is in London for the remainder of their Summer. But out time here has already been filled with firsts and lots of memories.

I think this photo is what Summer Time is all about...being outside, having fun, ice cream, popcorn, corn dogs, face painting, laughing, etc., etc., etc.

Here you go...

Peace Out...and enjoy your Summer, it's over before you know it!

A time of the heart...

When we first heard about the possibility of London, Other Guy's job was presenting it as being an 18 month to 2 year gig. I really began praying, asking God if this was of Him and what the purpose would be of that kind of move.

To put it mildly, I am a do-er. If there is a need, I generally try to fill it, regardless of the consequences. I try to be "that" friend. The one that helps out in what ever way possible.

God soon revealed to me that He wanted our time in London to be a time of growth. A time of family, a time to grow in our relationship with Him. I tried to transfer that answer when we found out we would only be in London for 8 weeks.

After arriving, I wasn't quite feeling the whole kum ba ya! It was hot, Other Guy was working long hours, I kept getting lost, I had no friends, etc., etc., etc. I talked to my friend Addie about it. I told her that I didn't get how this was supposed to be a time about growing my relationship with God and my family and I had never felt so far away from God. She asked some questions, I answered and she reminded me, in her best pastor's wife way ;0), that I needed to get into the Word, even when I didn't feel like it. Blah, Blah, Blah!

So, I took her advice and things began to turn around! Last night, I experienced another first in London and the scene almost made me cry.

Other Guy, the girls and I sat down around our table and painted. We painted rainbows and people with long, long legs. We made clouds and birds. We painted notes to our friends, we laughed and complimented each other on our artistic abilities. It was wonderful! The girls had our undivided attention. There were no distractions of any kind...no TV, no computer, no phone...Just us! It was a memory I will keep forever.

I look forward to what He has in store for me for the remainder of my trip. I look forward to the growth I will have in Him.

Peace Out

This weekend...6 more weekends to go ;0)

Each weekend, we are trying to do different things. Since this is really the only time that Other Guy has off from work, to say we make the most of it, is an understatement!

We started Saturday off by waking up the girls early, shoving b-fast down their throats and heading for the train. We went to Legoland, which is in Windsor, so the actual train ride is about an hour. We had about a 20 minute walk to the train station though.

The weather did not start off well and quite frankly, I was worried. Other Guy and I were freezing as we walked in the rain (I forgot the umbrella) and the girls were riding in the stroller with their raincoats on but still getting a little wet.

They enjoyed the train ride and before you knew it we were there. The beginning of the day was cold and wet, but finally the sun came out and we were able to have lots of fun! The girls loved it and we had a great time too. The only "downer" to the day was that Other Guy and I broke our diet. It was too difficult finding food that fit in to our plan so we just hopped back on the wagon on Sunday!

Here are a couple of pics, as you can see, Other Guy is not crazy about rides that spin!









Sunday, we had the opportunity of a lifetime and went to Buckingham Palace. Other Guy waited in line for an hour to get tickets to wait in line to go in. The only stinky thing was that the stroller was not allowed. The girls were pretty cute though. We kept telling them that this is where the Queen lives. They loved it and kept asking where she was...on vacation we said. And that was good enough! Towards the middle of the tour, we were able to see the State Rooms decorated for a State Ball. That was really amazing...all the detail, holy cow. As we were exiting this room, Curly looks on the wall and sees some very fancy dishes and such displayed on a wall and table. She asked her daddy what they were and before daddy could respond, the lady standing next to the table told her that this was the Queen's China and it's very, very old.

Pause for a moment...when Curly was first starting to talk really well she started asking about her body parts and their names. When she asked about her girl part, Mommy chose to give her the actual name, vagina, instead of a cutesy name that would have to change later. However, Curly pronounced it her China and that stuck.

Now fast forward to the Palace and try to imagine the look on Curly's face as the lady is telling her these dishes are the Queen's China and it is very, very old. Other Guy and I busted out laughing. It was all we could do to contain our selves as Curly's lips curled up in utter disgust! It was great and I am laughing now as I type!

After that, we headed to the house for lunch and a break before heading to Hillsong for 5pm church. This week was AMAZING! The speaker was out of this world and he really spoke to me. His message was about the middle. He said it's easier to find God on the edges. Romans 8:38-39 says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The things that Paul writes about are all opposites of one another...the edges. Let me explain...

When you are experiencing a low point in your life, that is the moment that you cry out to God and lean on him in ways that you have never done before...and you find Him. When you are on a mountaintop, you are praising God for all of his blessing and wonders...and you find Him. However, when you are in the middle...well, Revelation 3:16 says it best, "So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth"

You see when you are in the middle, lukewarm, God wants to vomit you from his mouth. So I ask you...what edge have you been to?

Well, I guess I should end this long post. Take Care.

Peace Out

A list of "First Times" whilst in London:

• Today, I saw pigeons mating...I always wondered why there were so many of them...I guess now I know. However, I do find it odd that I am always the one who spots this type of thing. Maybe, it's my animal magnetism??? The camels at the KC Zoo sure think so ;0)

• I saw a Kookaburra bird today at Battersea Children's zoo, you know from the old children's song (Kookaburra Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree Merry merry king of the bush is he Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra Gay your life must be ) They really sound like humans laughing. It was so funny. Picture below.

• I saw a word that you don't usually see in a child oriented establishment. But, there it was right there by the Kookaburra cage...see picture below.

• I saw an entire bus line stopped for a man that kept yelling on the bus about Londoners looking at him "queerly" and then saying "they should take a look at how queer they look before they look at me." He then proceeded to make his way to the back of the bus and sit beside us, where he loudly asked Moe, "what are YOU looking at?" The bus driver, stopped the bus, called for the Scotland Yard and told us to get off and hop on the next bus...okay, fine with me...let's go girls.

• I ran into an American on the bus ride home from the above mentioned park. He, his wife and young son have been here for about a year and asked where we were from...Kansas, I said but originally from Florida. He said, "Oh I guess your not a big Chiefs fan this season!" and chuckled. I told him that actually we were still pretty big Jag fans but that the NFL played a part in bringing us to Kansas as a friend of our used to play for both teams. He asked who and I told him...to my surprise, he says "Oh yeah, Jon Quinn. I know him, well not personally but I have followed him for some time. I travel a lot so the first time I saw him was in the European League. Really nice guy, but an even better man. I really like what that guy stands for." Well, let's just say I had to pick my chin up off the ground. What do you say to that? "Oh come one, sure you know who I'm talking about...WHATEVER!" But this guy knew about the league in Europe! That was like forever ago. I guess when you make an impression, you make an impression...Well done Big Jon...well done!

• Curly and Moe had their first face painting today and boy were they excited. They are patiently awaiting the arrival of Other Guy as I type, they can not wait to show him their beautiful art work. Here's a pic of that too...

Well that's about it for now. We are headed to an amusement park tomorrow so I'll update you later.

Peace Out!

Oh the shame...

Well, I did it. I can't believe that I did it, but I did. And!!! what makes it worse is that I am admitting it for the whole world to see, right here on my blog.

I keep waiting any minute for there to be a knock on my door and for the fashion police to come busting in. I've been having nightmares about Joan & Melissa Rivers pointing their botox injected fingers at me and saying, "that's the one...she did it, take her in and take her kids from her too!"

Are you ready?

I pegged my kids pants yesterday. Go ahead, suck in your breath at the utter shock of this moment. But, at least, give me the opportunity to explain myself.

We were at St. James Park and the girls were wearing these new cotton pants. (By the way, Children's Place Outlet had them for like a dollar) and they wanted to play in the sand pit but they just kept tripping over their pants. So I called them over and tried to role them up but they just wouldn't stay people! I had to think fast...our afternoon was starting to go down hill...something had to be done. Suddenly an 80 something flashback hit me like a ton of bricks...I could peg their pants and just keep rolling them up that way. That should work, I'll try it and it did. It was like a ray of sunshine came down upon us and I started to hear music and it was beautiful and, and, and...

oh, it was just the royal marching band coming through the park. Oh, well, I lived my moment and thought the fashion gods were on my side.

Please keep it to yourself though, I don't want to damage the girls physique.

Peace Out

Interesting Oddities...

Other Guy and I were laying in bed a couple nights ago, just about to fall asleep when FLASH!

Again, FLASH! The light was lighting up our whole room.

Other Guy, "Did you see that?"

Me, "Yes, what is that?"

Other Guy, "Not sure...I'll look."

He gets out of bed and looks out of the blinds. Now, keep in mind that our windows open up to a courtyard type of area. Our building is like a a square with the center cut out of it, and there is that courtyard. Well, because of that, you can see straight into other windows and vice verse.

Other Guy, laughing, gets back into bed.

Me, "What was it?"

Other Guy, "You won't believe me...it's two girls taking pics of each other is lingerie."

Me, "Well, then...goodnight!"

Fast forward to the next day, the girls and I are walking through the park and we see a man walking his dog. The dog decides he has to pee and lifts himself into this yoga type position. It was so funny, I laughed out loud. Instead of lifting a leg or squatting, like most dogs. He balances himself on one leg and the lift the other leg straight out forward. It's hard to describe but it was hilarious!

Only in London, I guess.

The girls and I went to the Aquarium yesterday and had lots of fun. I met a nice lady in line who was there with her grandson, Leo. She offered to use her two for one coupon with me and so what should have cost us 24 pounds (48 US dollars) only cost us 15 pounds because that was all she would take! Then we went through the aquarium together and the kids enjoyed having another child around. They really miss their friends.

Anyway, off to the park this morning.

Peace Out!

Hot, Hungry & Homesick...


What is it about the word "Diet" that suddenly makes you hungry? Experts say to use the phrase "lifestyle change" but come on, let's be honest here...It's a diet, people! Other Guy and I have started a new lifestyle change today. It was recommended to me by my physician and it really seems to make sense. However, for the first time since arriving here, I woke up hungry. It was almost as if my body was quivering with fear. With this program, you essentially become a vegetarian for the first 6 weeks. (I bet you're laughing out loud right now, especially you Natasha!) The good news is you can eat whatever green veggies you want and as much of it as you want. You can also eat lots of fruits. All of this I am really excited about it but like I said, just the word diet makes me hungry. Most mornings, I forget to eat breakfast and then like an Aha moment, I eat something quickly before heading out. Today was different, like I said, I woke up hungry :0)



Yesterday was filled with stuff! We went to church and that was an experience in itself. The service lasted for 2 hours! And to think we give Tim grief if he goes over...that's a normal service for them. The music was cool and the preaching was okay. I am very spoiled at Grace by Tim & Ben and it's hard not to compare everybody else to them. The kiddo situation was different. You register your kids and then take them into Praise and Worship with you. After a few songs, they flash a message for kids to go to class and then you take your kids. The only problem is that you miss some of the music. Because they are so large and they meet in a theatre, the kids program is more like herding cats than children's church. The girls did say they sang some songs, but they did not know any of them. I'm just happy we have a place to go for the weeks we are here. Here is a picture of the worship, they were singing one of my favorite songs, Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone:



After church, we came 'home' to change and have a bite to eat. Then we were off to a park. Somebody at Other Guy's work told him about a cool place to take the girls. A petting zoo of sorts, similar to Deanna Rose for those of you who live in KC. Well we took 2 trains and walked a million miles to get there and found that they were having an Islamic Festival. Not quite our bag, but we went in any way. The girls enjoyed the play area and Daddy let them ride an amusement ride and then we were on our way home. (Speaking of the Islamic Festival, I'd love to talk to Karen or Tass about that...I have some questions.) Needless to say, I felt very under dressed being in my double tank top and shorts. Some of the women looked at me with a curled up lip but others just returned my smile. I was moved by a recent sermon I heard...Tass (Ben's dad) preached at our church recently and said, "Do not be intimidated, they only wanted to be loved.) I made sure I smiled and made personal contact with anybody I could but it made me wonder if I have ever made somebody feel that way when I am not the minority? Things that make you go hummmmmm!


Like the title says, I am a little homesick today. I'm not sure what it is but it's there none the less. Hopefully it will fade because it's a little early to be homesick, especially with 7 weeks to go. Other Guy and I are working on planning a trip to Paris...I'm pretty excited. It is sometimes surreal to think of little ole me being in a foreign country. I'm just a back woods country girl who never saw herself getting off of Jones Road, much less out of the country.


Well, gotta go...the girls are fighting. I guess the heat is getting to them too. Love you all.

Peace Out

A bunch of dead guys...

Yesterday was a packed day. We started out the morning at Westminster Abbey. That was AMAZING. I found myself in awe of the architecture. I can not fathom how people hundreds of years ago were able to create this stuff. It is beautiful. The girls did really well. The just rode around in their stroller, completely unaware of where they were or the significance it held.

I will say that all the names start to confuse you a little. What is it with the British? (No offense Alex!) They just keep naming their kids after moms, dads, grandparents, parents...Elizabeth I, Elizabeth II, Mary I, Mary II...who are they really??? George Foreman??? Come up with some original names people!!!

For some reason, it really disturbed me to know that Charles Darwin is buried there. I mean really, the man who claimed we "evolved" from apes. Did he really deserve to be buried in a church? In that church, no less? Oh well, I guess you could say, who's laughing now? I'm sorry, I guess that is a little harsh...the heat is getting to me.

After the abbey, we hopped a couple of tubes and went to Little Venice. Here in London, they have "walks." You pay a guy five pounds and then he takes you on a tour of an area and shows you things and tells you it's history. Although it was a long walk, it was really fascinating. Before yesterday, I didn't even know there was a place called Little Venice in London. Our guide was a really neat guy too.

Then we went back to St. James Park and sat down to watch a brass concert and eat ice cream. We were shortly kicked out of our seats because you have to "rent" them...no thank you, I'll just sit in the grass.

Well, I gotta run...we are headed off to church. There is a Hillsong church here and let me say, I am very, very excited. Music has always been a strong connection for me. I love listening to my Praise and Worship music and not having a car, I miss being able to sing my heart out to God. Did I mention how excited I am?

Peace Out...I'll update photos later.

So, let's fill you in on the last couple of days...



Yesterday, the girls and I got to spend the day with some friends from our church...Yes ladies and gents, Grace church has come to London. Okay, well maybe not the ENTIRE church but you have to admit it's pretty cool to know somebody here!



Our friends, Kevin & Suzanne and their kids, are here on a European vacation that started here in London. We enjoyed some museums together whilst Other Guy was working. The girls LOVED IT! It was so nice to have extra hands and have adult conversation. I just love them. They are also Curly's Sunday School Teachers so she immediately wanted to know if one of her best friends was with them. I don't think she fully grasps the distance thing.



Any hoo! I'll share some pics with them in a later post, maybe this evening.



Couple of funny stories...


Let me start by saying that I love our worship minister back home. He is like a brother to me and his wife is one of my nearest, dearest friends. That being said, I constantly harass him about odd things, like his choice of shoes. He likes to wear those shoes that make him look like he is still in middle school or maybe just a skater dude (which, to my knowledge, he is not!) Anyway, I think they are called Converse. Anyway, when we were on the plane, Curly sees a cartoon drawing of a guy that is about two inches big and says, "Look Daddy, it's Mr. Ben!" The cartoon figure was wearing a pair of those shoes ;0)



Today, we spent the majority of the afternoon at St. James Park. They usually feed the pelicans that are there but of course, not today. Oh well, we will try again next week. The girls did get to feed a couple of squirrels. A nice man gave them some peanuts to feed them and they came up and took them right out of their hands. Then they sat on their back legs and cracked them open and came back for more. It was really neat.


One other thing before I close. Upon arriving here I laid eyes upon one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. Needless to say, I am shocked as I type this that I am admitting this for all the world to read. I haven't even told Other Guy yet. I have fallen in love with a new love of my life. My heart skips a beat at the mere sight of this lovely creature. I am lost without him and think of him often. I think Other Guy is onto me though, the private eye he hired caught this picture of me and my new love...enjoy.



Peace Out!

Quick note.

Here are a few pics of our trip so far...I'll post some more later. We are off to Princess Diana's Memorial Park. It's cooler outside than inside ;0) Pray for me as I venture out on the tube with the girls by myself.

Peace Out!

Day 1:

Well not complain but here you go...

First off, the so called "full size" washer and dryer is CRAP! It's not a separate unit at all. It's this rinky dinky one use washer dryer combo. It is so small that last night I did a "load" of clothes and all that would fit was one outfit from each girl...did I mention that they are children and their clothes are small! And then to top it off, it takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to wash and dry.

Secondly (and this is a BIG ONE!) - there is NO AIR CONDITIONING!!! Yes people read it again and share my pain...THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING! Jolly ole chaps did provide us with a fan (two more should be coming) and hey we are able to crack the windows about 4-6 inches. Now, the high here for this time of year is only 71 but guess what...we are in a heat wave (of course we are!) and the high here is 82! Amazingly, Brian's job knew nothing about this soooooo...I'll try to look at the bright side, maybe I'll sweat the weight off while I'm here!

Enough complaining now - I just had to get it off my chest. There you have it, I can't change it so I'll try to work through it. I'll pull myself up by my boot straps and carry on.

Other Guy is at work today. I'm amazed that he is able to function. I was so tired this morning. Moe slept until 11 and Curly slept until I woke her up at NOON! They both woke up in the middle of the night fighting over covers, confused about where they were and Moe was hungry at 4:30 AM, yes I said AM!

We are hoping to get to the park today..I think it might be cooler outside than inside. It is pretty neat to hear the bells though. I'm not sure if it is from Big Ben or West Minster Abbey but either way, it's really neat.

Peace Out!

The rain in Spain, oops I mean London...

I'm sure you can tell by my title that the day started off a little rainy, okay a lot rainy! There was a part of me that thought of staying in and just sleeping but the call of coffee was too great so I decided to start the day.

When I was a little girl, I was a definite people pleaser. I had to excel at everything...if you don't believe me, you can ask my mom! I was a quite child (i know, hard to believe, right!) and I always made the A/B honor roll in school. Right around the time I turned 8, we moved to a place I still like to call God's country...Chattanooga Tennessee! Man, I loved that place. Even as a thirty-something, oops again I mean twenty-nine year old woman, the memories of that place are still fresh in my mind. I sincerely loved it there...that was until I received my first report card. Much to my dismay, you received a letter grade for none other than handwriting. What??? Are you serious??? That was the day it happened, the day I realized that all was not well in the place I loved for I received my very first C. Devastating, I know, I am shedding a tear just thinking of that memory.

So, you are probably asking yourself, what exactly does that have to do with London? Good thing you asked because as always, I have an answer. The way that I felt about handwriting and receiving that dreaded grade is the same way I feel when it comes to reading maps. I am no good at it. No matter how hard I try...I just stink at Geography! Today I set out on a trip to a location that Other Guy wanted me to see.

Breathe, Marie, you can do this! I just kept repeating that to myself over and over. I felt like I needed some type of GPS system with it's own motivational speaker built right into it. "You are an amazing navigator. You can do this! Even Christopher Columbus himself would be proud. You are smart, you are brave, you are talented and gosh darnit people like you, they really, really, like you!"

So maybe that is a little dramatic but it's what I kept telling myself as I braved my way through the streets of London to the main tube stop of Waterloo! I bought my ticket, found my way to the underground station, made my way onto the CORRECT train or tube or whatever it's called and even managed to get off at the right stop! YES I HAVE WON!!!! Take that you evil feeling of navigational inequality! You can not, I repeat CAN NOT hold me back with fear any longer!

I safely made my way back to the hotel after seeing the location Other Guy wanted me to see and even made it back in time for afternoon tea in the Executive Lounge. What is it with this place and their froo/froo lounges. Oh well, can't complain, all the tea, coffee, diet coke, whatever I want to drink and they even had cookies and little biscuits with butter and jam! BRILLIANT!

I was finally able to catch up with the wee ones today...although they fought the entire time we were on line together. The best part is that we have those video cameras so I got to see the whole thing too! Oh well, I miss them and it was so cute that they wanted to give me hugs and shoogies!

Well, this evening I am off to see a show...The Sound of Music. I am very excited as the movie holds a special place in my heart. It is a memory that my sisters and I will always share with our mum! Although as a single parent, she worked two, sometimes three jobs just to support us, she always took off of work the nights that Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz came on TV. We had a date with our mum on those nights and it was wonderful!

Well, gotta run, more later!

Peace Out!

Day 2, or is it Day 1?

I have had an interesting 24 hours here in the UK. After arriving last night, Other Guy and I took a quick stroll around the town. Well, maybe not a quick stroll but hey, going the wrong way sometimes has it's benefits. I was able to see the palace (which if you are interested, the Queen IS in as the British Flag was raised!), Big Ben, Parliament, a couple of parks, lots of cars, lots of people on bikes, or make that cycles but much to my dismay, not rats. Sorry Addie ;0) I will admit that by this point I was hungry so we settled in for a nice English dinner at none other than the world famous...Hard Rock Cafe. For those of you rolling your eyes right now, after 24 hours of travel and a long, I mean short stroll around London, I wasn't exactly in the mood to try something new. I wanted good ole comfort food!

Sleeping did not go well for either of us! I was having a rough time with the time difference and when I did actually sleep, Other Guy said I snored so loud that I kept him awake. He is currently on his way to Paris for another meeting. He will return on Thursday so maybe he'll get a couple good nights of rest without the sound of a freight train coming in through the window!!! hee/hee

Today we were off to see the town and I had a chance to truly experience London's travel system. I was quite dismayed by the fact that nothing is the same here. After walking a while and riding a train, I was in the mood for a good cup of coffee. However, all we could find was this hole in the wall coffee house that nobody's ever heard of...I took a picture to give you a good idea of what I'm talking about.

I mean REALLY, what does a Yank have to do to get a cup of coffee around this island?

We also had the opportunity to experience England's famed Fish and Chips. Other Guy uttered that words that would make his Pop proud, "At least we know, Captain D's is doing a good job!" What can I say...that's my man.

A few other things before I sign off, this is the million dollar question...Any guesses as to what the following contraption is and/or what it is used for? I had a good laugh over it. Tell me what you think and then I'll tell you the truth next go 'round.

For those interested, Other Guy and I visited some of the garden's outside of London today. They were quite beautiful, some of the "trees" were very American. Since I missed the tour of "trees" yesterday, there are a couple that Other Guy wants me to see tomorrow. They have more of a true London feel. We'll see how that goes...when we first moved to Kansas, my mum (lol) asked me how I was doing getting around in a new city and my reply was simply that I knew how to get to Target and the bathroom...well, here I know how to get to the bathroom. Let's see how an 'ole redneck makes her way around London by herself. If you hear anything strange on the news, just take up a collection and come bail me out!

I tried to call the girls a few minutes ago, only to realize the time difference a second or two later. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. I do miss them terribly but I know they are in good hands. I just hope it has not been difficult for them. Moe was having a tough time this trip with Daddy being gone and then her Mommy goes and deserts her too! I know, I know, let the guilt go! Okay, okay I can hear all of you now and I'm listening or trying to at least.

Take Care...more later!

Peace Out!

Karma...

Although I don't believe in Karma, I learned a lesson about it on this trip. In my opinion, she is a bitter little broad!

The past couple of days I have been having quite a bit of fun at Other Guy's expense. I've joked with my peeps about Other Guy being bumped from the posh/posh airlines that his company booked us to travel on. Other Guy needed to be here sooner than originally scheduled therefore he had to travel with all the common folk on good 'ole American Airlines. I snickered and joked about having the hard decisions to make, what meal would I chose, would I take advantage of the bed, what movie would I watch, who would I meet.

Well, like I said, the bitter lil woman reared her ugly head during my solo travel to London. I left my home at 11:30 am CST only to arrive at the airport and find that my flight had been delayed due to high winds in New York. With each delay, the realization hit harder that I was going to miss my posh/posh flight in NY to London. No problem, I called the airlines, there was a later flight that still had room...they would bump me to that flight with no charge to me. As they say here, Brilliant! I'd still be in London in time to have lunch with Other Guy.

As I sat in said posh/posh airline's private lounge, the departure time for said later flight came and went and went and went and went. Even my strong temper had no influence, it only lost me my seat in the posh/posh lounge. Finally at 2:30 EST, we began boarding our flight. Let me just say that I don't care how nice your "private lounge" is with all it's free food and booze, when you don't drink and you're not hungry it really doesn't help ease the pain. Seven and half hours in an airport is seven and half hours in an airport no matter where you are, what food they are serving or whether or not you have a cappuccino machine!

I finally arrived at the hotel in London at 5pm London time (11am CST). Yes, you read that correctly, that is almost 24 hours in travel and in any country that just stinks!

The only redeeming thing was the relieved look on Other Guy's face and the big hug and kiss that followed. Okay, so that made it a little better!

Well, off to bed, off to bed. We have an early morning!

Peace Out!