Saturday, January 2, 2010

There'll Always Be An England




I thought you might enjoy photos of the recent EnglishWhite Christmas. This is Miss College's roommate's family home outside of London. Appears to be an old stone mill they are restoring into a house. An English child, born and raised in the Heart of Dixie, with family repatriated to the U.K., this was Miss College Roommate's first ever White Christmas. She even got acquainted with the Lord of the Snow. lol





186 comments:

Ivy Green said...

"There'll Always Be an England" is an British patriotic song, written and distributed in the summer of 1939, but which became highly popular upon the outbreak of World War II. It was composed and written by Ross Parker & Harry Parr Davies. The words were written by Hugh Charles, and the most popular version was sung by Vera Lynn. (wiki)

There'll Always Be An England

Carol said...

Cool pics Ivy. Actually cold pics Ivy. Your daughter looks just like you. Which one is she? I assume, not the one in the middle.

Coreen said...

Ivy, lovely pics of what one expects to see
in the English countryside. In the spring, maybe an English country garden.

Half expecting Miss Marple to be wandering about....

The river scene is really neat. What town is
the house in.

Carol said...

Coreen, are you getting that severe weather they are talking about up your way ie the gusts of 50+mph?

Coreen said...

Carol,

Yes, the wind is howling, it is about 20, & expected to continue through Sunday, but infinitely better than up in Northern NE, and
Solar I think has a real deep freeze too.

Don may be heading back into some pretty cold
temps for NC as well.

I do have a flashlight nearby, just in case, the electricity goes....which would be nasty
because of the bitter cold tonite..

Carol said...

That's the warnings they have for your area on Accuweather.

Coreen said...

So far the gusts of 50+ are expected along the
CT/Rhode Island border way, New London, the
end of the state where the indian casinos
are.

Carol, glad you were lucky at the casinos, are
the many in LA, we only have the two...Both
are very big, lots of action, big name acts
appear as well....

Carol said...

We have one really big casino, L'Auberge du Lac and one medium sized, Isle of Capri, here in our town. The big one is building another big one, Sugar Cane Bay, right next door.

L'Auberge du Lac

About 40 miles down the road we have a good sized Indian casino. They have casinos in just about every medium to large city in La. One of our ex-governor's, Edwin Edwards, who is spending time in the Federal pen, saw to it that gambling came to La. He was a big gambler.

They do have some big name acts. Cindy Lauper was suppose to do a show New Year's Eve but she cancelled at the last minute. There were some pissed off people. I don't know who else comes even though I do get the ads for them.

Solar said...

Coreen,

I guess that it is finally cold...1 D; with a wind chill factor of 10-15 below. I know that you are a lot colder. Bundle up, and have plenty of hot drinks around...

If you don't have a back up for you power source (electricity) you should get one the very next chance that you get. You could have it running form your garage; or get a large type of inverter, with a large bus battery, I have both on the job sometimes.....

Solar said...

Don,

Here is a link for your pc, for when you don't have any other, or limited tv..and no cnn:

http://www.channelchooser.com/

Coreen said...

Yes, Solar, once Christmas is over, winter is
really here, so my way of counting down is
'how many days to pitchers & catchers?....& for
2010, that would February 17th for the New York Yankees....the Countdown has begun.....

One friend has a generator, but she said it is
really not easy for them to get it going....
so far, when we have lost power, it has been for more than a few hours...they are really pretty good & getting things up & running around here....

Coreen said...

should read not for more than a few hours.....

Coreen said...

Wow, just looked outside & just coming over the
roof is a really giant moon, just like in Moonstruck.....another favorite movie.....

Solar said...

Cosmos Moon...

Generators are pretty easy to operate, once you've done it once, or twice.

I have poured ( gas station) concrete at about 12-15 degrees outside...have to know how to do it...but it is not pleasant..every thing freezes after a few min.

Carol said...

I trying to finish watching my Werewolf movie but I have to take frequent breaks. Not a bad movie for a 1972 Werewolf movie. It's starring David Janssen and Barbara Rush. Doesn't help that it is set in Louisiana and during a full moon which seems to be a very similar circumstance in which I find myself right now. It's a good thing that my mystery sound wasn't a growl. It's another one of those online movies.

Carol said...

That big moon is coming up late tonight. I looked at it though the window. It's piercing thru the trees and surrounded by clouds giving it a particularly errie look. Would make a perfect back drop for a Werewolf movie.

I stepped outside to get a better look and startled something down below the porch. I don't know what it was but you should have seen me do some high stepping getting back in the camp.

Solar said...

Carol,

It wasn't a werewolf, it was a.....just don't invite it in...and have Maggie wear some garlic.....

Carol said...

If anyone has a hankering for a Werewolf movie tonight....

Moon of the Wolf

Carol said...

I have lots of garlic here Solar so I think I'm safe. Maggie is already tucked behind me because she heard a few leftover fire crackers go off in the distance.

Coreen said...

Garlic, grab the silver bullet & the shotgun...
and don't go outside, never go outside......

Carol, I think that movie was a tv movie,
I would have to watch it on my netbook, since
I still didn't get the guy here to get my sound back.....

Where are you finding these free movies on the
net sites....

Coreen said...

And remember the wooden stake is only good for
the vampire...

I love old scary movies, not the new ones, with
all the blood & gore, & body parts....not big
on the freddie, jason, etc. ones.....& the saw
1 through oblivion type either...

Coreen said...

I have csimiami & ncis reruns on, they are
on a marathon on different cable channels....

Solar said...

Move your head, just a little to the left...this won't hurt.!

Carol said...

And down in these parts it's called a Loup-Garou. French for werewolf.

Solar said...

Channel choosers . com will give you movies, and Cnn.

Carol said...

Yes, it is fun to watch the old scary movies, but better to have a few other people around. I remember when I was a kid and we'd go to the back room at one of my friend's houses and all cuddle up together for Shock Theater. Fond memories.

Solar said...

No Loup-Garou's in LA, just Vampires and witches....just like in Tejaz...

Carol said...

This movie is on Slash Control but actually from hulu. Have you ever checked out hulu.

Coreen said...

don't forget the chapcubra....

Coreen said...

that is chapacubra....

Carol said...

Solar, down in Mexico they are suppose to have those Chupacabras.

Carol said...

Boy, I was straining to remember the name of that thing, even called Mary, when I finally remembered it. I posted my comment and you already had it up.

Carol said...

Talk about thinking alike!

Carol said...

They even have it in Wikipedia. I think they have everything in Wikipedia.

Chupacabra

Solar said...

In Mejico, they the most dangerous parasite, is the two legged ban-dido , or drug lords....other than that, just you normal varmints...

Coreen said...

Carol, chupacabras aka goat suckers...

Carol said...

Did any of you ever watch that series, Kolchak: The Night Stalker? I used to love to watch them. I wonder if I can find them online.

Coreen said...

Carol, I loved Kolchak.....when they re-made it, it was not the same.

Coreen said...

there was one with erik estrada,chips about an aztec god...& wasn't there one about a spanish
moss monster.

And vampires were big...and zombies...now
there's a real LA thing, at least on the other
end of your state.....voodoo and all....

Solar said...

Kolchak, was good, cos you actually liked him getting into the jams that he did, and he wasn't to far apart from the monsters that he chased...and he only had one suit....he should have gone to the clothing factory...he would have looked good.....I guarantee it.....sorry that was over corny huh? Mary will like that one....

Coreen said...

And I liked the x-files too...

Carol said...

I remember watching one of those Night Stalker shows one night with this guy I was dating. He was a big hunk of a guy. Not too swift. It got to a real scary part and the toilet seat fell down in the bathroom. No Solar we weren't watching it in the bathroom but my friend had left the seat lid up.

When the seat fell down, my friend jumped into my lap. Almost broke my legs. Fine brave guy he turned out to be.

Coreen said...

Kolchak...one suit, you made my laugh...& reminded me of Columbo with his wrinkled suit...Kolchak (Columbo meets Dracula)

Coreen said...

and that full moon is high in the sky here now, at about ll o'clock....but still big & bright.....

Carol said...

Yes, tonight the moon came up later and rose more slowly. I got to watch it through my window for a good while.

Ivy Green said...

What an ordeal it was this evening trying to find a place to eat! We went to five restaurants before finding a place where the wait was less than an hour.

Carol said...

Where did you eat and what did you have? I love to hear about food Ivy.

Ivy Green said...

The reason for the restaurant crowds was the Papajohns.com Bowl game that was here in town. Poor Gamecocks were crying in their soup tonight.

Sad Sad Effort

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
We finally ended up at Superior Grill...Mexican food, everything made fresh...delicious! I hope the rice and beans can count for some New Year good luck.

Carol said...

Ivy, Alabama plays Texas on the 7th? That's a weird night for football.

Solar said...

See you tomorrow, that is if im able to get on line...later....

Carol said...

I hope they do too Ivy, but you should have had the peas and cabbage or brussels, at least. I wish I could send you my leftovers. I couldn't eat another pea today but I did have some more of the cabbage.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
I had some jelly on my toast yesterday. Does that count? It was homemade pear jam that my old friend Bear Woman made from the fruit in her orchard. Also sent a jar of honey from their bees. She probably would have sent eggs from her chickens if she could've figured out how to ship them without breakage. lol

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
Seems they're looking for ways to drag out the college bowl game season, so the championship game is now scheduled for the week after New Year's. Saved the best for last. lol

Carol said...

Does that bowl game have a name or it just the Championship bowl?

Carol said...

I didn't even watch LSU yesterday. Was afraid to and I'm glad I didn't. I heard that for the Saint's game tomorrow, Brees isn't playing. I guess they are going to rest him. I'm not sure I want to watch that game either.

Ivy Green said...

BCS National Championship

Ivy Green said...

Coreen,
The house and village is in Yorkshire. It's in James Herriot country. Did I ever love that TV series. lol

All Creatures Great and Small

Ivy Green said...

"He prayeth best, who loveth best
All things both great and small;
For the dear God who loveth us,
He made and loveth all."

~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
This was dinner. I think the place started in New Orleans and branched out. It is aptly named. I had their chicken fajitas. Hubs had the biggest shrimp I have ever seen.

Superior Grill

jan said...

Looks like everyone has gone to bed. We got home about 9 pm tonight and I have most everything put away. I just cannot leave it until morning. We had a great vacation. I didn't use a computer while away. I have not caught up on reading comments yet.

LAX was crazy today. It took us about 1 1/2 hrs just to get to the ticket desk - lots of Ohio State folks there. Not hard to recognize them.

So good to read some of your comments. I feel like I am really home now.

Will catch up in the morning.

Ivy, I love the scenes from
England. The river scene is spectacular. I have not visited England.

Mary said...

Jan,
Welcome home. Glad you had a great vacation. I knew you would. Where did you go? I think you may have said before but I don't remember. I would like to talk Carol into going on a cruise some day.

Ivy,
I love the pictures of England. All that snow is beautiful.

Carol said...

Welcome home Jan. Did you have fun? Did you take some pics? We missed you too!

You need to share your warm pics with us since everyone seems to be in the deep freeze. I'm going to have to spend the day preparing for some really cold weather we going to have later this week. With two places on piers and exposed pipes, I have lots of work to do.

The low 20s and below is nothing for you guys but for me it's a crisis.

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
So glad you are home. We missed you. We're eagerly awaiting your stories and pictures...

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
Do you leave a faucet dripping?

Carol said...

If I was going to be at the house I would but if the drain pipes freeze then leaving water running could pose a problem. I think I will try to drain everything and turn off all the water at the house. My washing machine and hot water heater are on a screened in porch on the north side of the house.

One year, when it was going to be unusually cold, I had to go to work down in a little town on the Gulf coast here. I left the water running and came home to an icicle hanging from the kitchen faucet.

Solar said...

Jan,

Glad that you are home.

Carol, do U have pipe insulation. If not homedepot has them.!

It was cold last night so I adjusted my thermostat to 62, it was hot..so going to leave it, on 58, at night, and 62 during the day....

I have a big house and shut off all rooms, that are not needed, and shut all vents, except in the bathrooms...I have seen a big savings from last year already...

Ivy Green said...

I guess you proved it's not a foolproof remedy. lol

Carol said...

Jan, do you think the extra time you spent in the airport was due to that guy who had the Detroit landing weinie roast?

You know it is sad that after all the time, money, and loss of privacy rights that have been wasted, our government officials still can't see huge red flags waving in front of them and we are no safer now than we were before 911. Good thing there are still those brave Joe Q Publics out there that come to the rescue.

Ivy Green said...

There may be a few more scenes of the English mill house and the town that I could put up in a new thread later today if y'all are not sick of seeing snow. I never did that photobucket thingy, so I don't have links to insert.

If Jan has any tropical scenes, that might be better to lift our spirits.

Actually, I like the month of January. It is our wedding anniversary month. lol

Carol said...

Since this is your anniversary month, I'm curious how you met your Hubs.

jan said...

Hi all, the link I am pasting was sent me this morning from a dear friend in Florida. She was a housemate of mine in Austin. Here it is. It lifted my spirits this morning - although I am still pretty "high" from the trip. Sorry that you just cannot click on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh7D2g5v-Sg

jan said...

Carol, getting through security was quick. The city of Angels was full of Ohio fans.They were the ones holding up the lines. They were very orderly however. I suppose there were some Oregon fans too but they were not wearing their colors like the Ohio's.

Solar said...

Sunday Morning had a great piece on Johnny Mercer: I didn't know that he wrote as many as 1,500 songs.......

jan said...

Mary, we went on a cruise of the "Mexican Riviera" Interesting name. We pulled anchor in L.A. and were at sea for 2 days, a stop in Cabo San Lucas, 2nd in Mazatlan, 3rd in Puerta Vallarta. The 3 cities were each very different. Vallarta from the ship looks like a U.S. city but different once in the city. I will write more about it later. I do have pic. I will get John to upload them today and send some later today.

Carol, Mary, Ivy, Chloe, Solar, Don - I missed all of you. John did do some e-mailing from the ship. It is rather expensive - so I did not. I could have, just not my thing on vacation. Next time, I will send a few words out.

The best part about this trip was our room had a balcony and we loved sitting out there and even just keeping to door open and hearing the ocean.

The 2nd best part was we joined the spa (a cost of course) and went every day to the pools and steam room. We both came back completely well from our respiratory issues. We both think it was the steam room that did it. So relaxing.

jan said...

Colleen, sorry I missed you above. I missed you too. Your pictures have been extraordinary. I have scanned the comments but enjoyed all the pics.

jan said...

Happy New Year to everyone! It was fun going back and reading your chatter on New Years.

Carol said...

Yes, love is all we need. That would be the solution for everything.

Anonymous said...

HI Jan. I am so happy that you are back. I missed you! (and all the nice things you always have to say to everyone).

I'm glad to hear that you had a good trip, and that you both came back without any respiratory problem. I saw what you said about the steam rooms, and I agree. I believe all humidity does wonders for the lungs. I hope you're rested in mind 'and' body, and that we'll continue to to hear more about your trip, as well as your soon to arrive retirement.

And has is that new great grand baby of yours? Can't wait to see a picture.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you back too Solar. Hope things are well with you too!

I haven't caught up on all the posts yet, so need to do that now.

Anonymous said...

"Wow, just looked outside & just coming over the
roof is a really giant moon, just like in Moonstruck.....another favorite movie....."


... well, I didn't get far yet. But Coreen, I couldn't believe that gorgeous huge moon last night either. What a sight! And Moonstruck was one of my favorite movies too. A real classic.

Solar said...

Chloe,

Im going to get in trouble with Coreen, but I think that Cher is a better actress than a singer. Great showmanship, and all. I think that she was great in Moonstruck....all of the characters were great......

Anonymous said...

"Sunday Morning had a great piece on Johnny Mercer: I didn't know that he wrote as many as 1,500 songs"

Solar, I had to look him up. Couldn't believe he wrote 'Fools Rush In', "Moon River', 'Jeepers Creepes' .... well, that's only three out of so many. http://www.johnnymercer.com/johnny_mercer.htm

Anonymous said...

I like Cher's acting better than her singing too. Does that mean I'm in trouble too Coreen? :)

That movie was the first time I saw Nicolas Cage. And he was a pretty strange character in it, but that's one of the things that made it so interesting. You're right, all the characters were so good--I'll never forget the first time I saw that movie. And there are only a handful I feel that way about.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if Don's back home yet. Looks like we're all in for some awfully cold weather, no matter where we live.

Ivy, this was an excellent post by the way. I love the pictures, and I always learn so much from you.

Solar said...

Remember over at tm, I slapped you once? The slap that Cher gave Sonny....Slap "snap out of it" .....I laughed my ass off when she did that...

Anonymous said...

That was funny in the movie. But I remember slapping you a few times, but I don't remember you slapping me. I don't think I would have let you get away with that.

Solar said...

U didn't. I had to apologize to U several times....

Anonymous said...

What I said about there being only a handful of movies that I look back on vividly, when seeing them the first time, no matter how long ago it was.

Another was 'Benny and Joon' ('93?). I like all those movies with a lot of human interaction and less 'noise'.

Like Steve Martin said in 'Grand Canyon' (another great movie): 'All life's great mysteries are solved in the movies' (paraphrasing).

I've leaned as much from movies as I have from real life.

Anonymous said...

Oooh? Was that the time you groveled?

Solar said...

Slap...I never grovel.!!

Anonymous said...

... oh yes you did. And it was fun to watch too.

Anonymous said...

How are things going with you?

Solar said...

I liked that movie with Helen Hunt, and Jack Nicholson....where he was a curmudgeon.....sorta like Don...that was an excellent movie.

Solar said...

Im fine, Chloe, thanks for asking.....My cold took a little longer to get over with..but no big deal....kinda cold here, but it's January, and I cant remember too many Jan,s that weren't....so it is just another month in the cycle.....I really do look a things like that; just a part of it all....

Anonymous said...

You mean 'As good as it gets'? Yes, that was an all time best movie. I went to see it more than once at the theater. To me, seeing a movie at home is not the same experience as seeing it at a nice theater. That's one of the very few things I miss now. Not getting to go to more movies. They're important to me. I've always been a big movie buff, but it's a lot harder to be here in Texas. And even more while Emma's so young.

Anonymous said...

I know Solar, but you have to admit that some parts are a lot better than others. When the weather is like it is now, it's a lot more of a struggle to be optimistic.

Or don't you agree with that?

Anonymous said...

... I'm just glad the holiday stuff is all over, and now we can get back to business.

Solar said...

Had to answer the phone. Yes that's the Movie....Have you ever thought about getting a front movie projector...thats on my wish list....

Anonymous said...

Solar, I looked up that book your son sent you. It looks like a fantastic book. He knows you so well.

Have you started reading it yet?

Anonymous said...

I don't want one of those projectors. It wouldn't be the same for me. The popcorn here just isn't as good. Ha! I'm serious. The mood just isn't the same.

Solar said...

Slap, snap out of it....pop corn is pop corn...

No Chlo, I haven't started reading it yet. I have to finish two others that im in the middle of....I don't know if I can...I just might break down and take a peek at it.....What I see already, is that it does give real history, not fabricated bs...

Solar said...

....like your new avatar...is that from home?

Anonymous said...

Ha, the popcorn was just kidding around, but I half mean it. Nothing like that smell, when you walk into a theater. And the one I go to here is so modern, it's almost futuristic. The best everything.

No, that avatar is not my photo. I got it online. I think it may be redwoods.

Dang, Emma's getting fussy, and I have to start my work a little early tonight. I'll have to check back a little later. Hope you're still around, because I've really enjoyed talking with you. You've been missed.

Anonymous said...

Solar, our tree's here are tall like that though. But they're oaks, pines, dogwoods and Magnolia. The oldest oaks are the ones that I love most. I like pines a lot too, but they've thinned out. They're not as hearty as the oaks. But then, they're more barren this time of year. Every thing is.

jan said...

Solar, so sorry to hear you have had a cold. Hope you are better now. I don't know when I will get to all the past posts and comments. I hate being sick.

Chloe, I dearly love good movies tt. I too like the human relationship ones. As good as it gets was one of my favorites too. I like those that have kooky characters. Actually they are more real characters, rather than kooky. I loved the little dog in that movie.

jan said...

Carol, the little movie showing all the people singing "Love is all you need" reminded me of the cruise. There were not many U.S. people. We were definitely in the minority. It was a real melting pot. It was more of a family cruise too. When we had meals, the tables seated between 6-12 people and you never knew who you might be sitting with. The cruise line advertises as "free-style cruising so meals were buffet style and we sat wherever we were able to find an empty seat to eat. The food was being served most of the time. We often met new people when we sat down to eat. Most people spoke English no matter where their country of origin. We talked at length with a couple from Russia, a young family from Germany and a man and his 2 daughters from Canada. We met a few people from the U.S. but not many. There were big extended families traveling together. I heard so many languages that I did not recognize. I did not hear any french. I understand Spanish and recognize Italian and Portuguese so heard these. People were very courteous but many were not necessarily friendly. The teens on the ship were quite rude. When I saw a teen coming in my direction, I just got out of their way. If I didn't they would just plow into me. That happened in the beginning.

jan said...

Solar, Do you have much wind where you live?

jan said...

Mary, I recommend a cruise if you can talk Carol into it. I think she would like it. We have only been on this one line- Norweigian Cruise line. I talked to other people who have been on other lines and I think I like this one best. The Carnival and Princess lines, I hear, are more popular with younger people. The staff on the NCL are excellent. They work hard at making the trip a pleasant one.

jan said...

I read 2 good books on the trip, An Almost Moon by Alice Sebold who wrote The Lovely Bones. It had a very different plot. Some might not like the story but she is a good writer. The plot begins with the main character killing her demented mother. Another book that was interesting was "The Ghost at the Table" also a sort of different plot. I will have to look up the author (woman) if anyone is interested. Its a story of 2 sisters.

jan said...

Solar, I like your avatar. I saw you said it is not you. Do you think it looks like you as a child?

don1one said...

Hidee-ho all. Back in NC, I-95 was packed so ended up driving straight through. Couldn't spend another night in a motel anyway. I spent 5 months in motels last year.

Happy back to the mainland Jan. Hope you had a lot of fun. And now that Solar is feeling well I can start picking on him again.

Beautiful snowy photos. Heard a story on NPR tonight about a group that was stuck in a pub for several days. They made it through three complete kegs before they were rescued.

Solar said...

Jan,

Your trip sounds very nice, and the way that they sat different people, from different countries is cool. There is a few restaurants like that here in Il. I have met a cpl of people that I have done some work for...concrete work. One long table, and you have to ask for the salt, pepper or what ever is in the middle, they get your order ready, and place it at the end of the table, so it has to be passed down....

I live just outside of Chicago, and it gets pretty windy around here...I don't recommend for people that aren't in a good physical shape to go out to much in it...but once this month is over...it's all down hill from there....glad to have you back.!!

jan said...

"I'm just glad the holiday stuff is all over, and now we can get back to business."

Chloe, I completely agree with you. I am always so glad when the holidays are over. I guess some people might think that is sad. I love just everyday life and the routine of everyday life. The holidays are a form of "madness" for me.

jan said...

Solar, thanks. I enjoyed the trip but real happy to be home. I have only been in Chicago a couple of times, and a memory that stands out is the ropes on the streets for people to hold onto when it is windy.

I too like the "family style" in eating places. There was a bakery cafe in Austin that had tables like that - and people all sat together at tables- whether you each other or not.

jan said...

Don, good to hear you are home too. I identify with driving straight through when on the way home. I do that too. After sleeping in motel beds, so nice to get home and sleep in my own bed.

Solar said...

Don,

It looks like everyone is back. Glad that you made it back safe also. You do a lot of driving, so U must be a good driver....buckle up.!

Solar said...

Tony, Baloney,

If your looking in on us. Im watchmaking a Spanish music award show..and some presenter, had a blue t-shirt that said "legalize Gay" a good show so far..

jan said...

Ivy, Thursday will be fun, your Crimson Tide is playing my Longhorns. I think you are a bigger fan of your team than I am of mine. I always root for the horns but am not terribly disappointed if they lose. My sons are a different breed. If U of OKlahoma loses a game they are depressed for a few hours - not too long. I don't take it as hard as they do if my team loses. So if Okla is playing Texas, I usually hope Okla wins.

Solar said...

Jan,

Thats not a pic of me when I was young, I was just giving U pinks a flower is all....

Carol said...

Jan, while you were on your cruise did you find that it would be easy to fall overboard like so many have done over the years. I thought about that when you mentioned you had a balcony outside your room.

don1one said...

Oh, I get it Solar. Trying to make points with the pinks while I was gone.

I think I was most impressed with the cows on the sidewalks in Chicago. They were fun to walk by and see. That and the aquarium.

So Carol, are you hosting a big party for us in the swamp with all of those winnings?

Carol said...

Come on over. I might need the body heat this week. I'm a little nervous about how cold it will get. They keep saying it will probably be colder than what they are reporting now. I know our cold doesn't impress any of you guys but I'm just not set up for those kinds of temps here.

Carol said...

I'm not worried about me being cold, I'm worried about my plumbing. Not enough time to do everything that would need to be done.

Solar said...

Carol,

Actually, I am worried about you somewhat. Frozen, broken water lines are no fun at all. I wish that I was there sometimes.....If they do freez, get out of there and go to the big house...hey that's a joke...you work in a jail..and your house is the big house...get it? never mind.

Don, not trying to get points...but just had one flower to them all to share...the rest (one dozen for each of them-Roses; froze on me) thats why im a little mad in that avatar....where are your flowers; cheap skate? hahaha

don1one said...

You should have told me Carol. I could have taken a sharp left on I-10 and come wrapped your pipes.

Solar said...

Carol,

It is never too late.! If you go out. get some pipe insularity, and get someone to wrap them..nothing to it...you might want to see about a propane heater..like the ones that you see on football games...I have a large, and mid size one....a canister that are interchangeably at home-depote last for 6-8 hrs....directley on the pipes; on the real cold nights....

Solar said...

Don,

Sounds like U put a lot of mile on your car. What kind do you drive??

Anonymous said...

There's only a couple of nights that are going to be freezing temperature Carol. Tomorrow and Thursday night here. But it'll be in the 40s during the day. I don't think any pipes are going to burst, if you leave them dripping a little bit.


The northerners are sending down all this cold weather. Give us a break guys!

Carol said...

This afternoon I was trying to get to the value so I can turn off the water at the house when the temp is due to drop. There was a clump of dirt over the turn off valve with some roots in it. It took everything I had in me to move that damn clump. Now that's pitiful when a clump of dirt kicks my ass.

It is my house I'm worried about. I'm not as worried about the camp. This place is much less complicated to deal with and all the pipes are wrapped. The house is not that high off the ground but has a lake under it from all the rain. The pipes are old. Also there is all that plumbing for my green pool to worry about. I have really neglected my house for a while now. I just can't manage both places but don't want to get rid of either.

Being single just isn't working out for me anymore.

Anonymous said...

" I love just everyday life and the routine of everyday life." The holidays are a form of "madness" for me.

Jan, We are so much alike. When you said that, I knew immediately that I feel the same way. Routine is important to me, and I find more meaning in the 'everyday' things, than I do in all the things that are supposed to be special. I am 'so' glad you're back. Not many people 'get me'. Ha.

Anonymous said...

.. oh, and this Jan: "The teens on the ship were quite rude."

'Teens' and 'rude' are synonymous, aren't they. :)

Jan, The older I get, the less tolerant I am of rude people.

Carol said...

I've only lived alone for the last 8 years. I used to have help. Being no spring chicken and having one of the most difficult jobs I've ever had doesn't leave a lot left in me to take care of everything I need to take care of.

Anonymous said...

... it can't be easy Carol.

Solar said...

On the Music award show that im half watching, one of the host, announcers told the public, that he had to send an important message to his friends, and family that were watching....every one expected him to say something to them.....he pulled out his cell phone and started texting from it....funny.!!

"he older I get, the less tolerant I am of rude people."

Get out of the way Gammy Chlo.

Anonymous said...

Carol, Wouldn't it be easier for you to keep your camp, and sell your house - so you could get something like a Condo for your safe place to go to in case of an emergency.

Anonymous said...

That text messaging joke isn't far from reality at all, Solar.

... and I'm gammy, not grammy. :)

Carol said...

I do need to think about that Chloe. I am kind of attached to the place. There is a lot I'd need to get rid of.

don1one said...

Or you could rent your house? That's not like really getting rid of it, you could always move back if you wanted.

It's a Saturn coupe Solar. Best car I've ever owned, even out does my Toyotas. Really too bad they're going away. I like the fact that I can put 8' 4x4s in this little sports car.

Carol said...

Is that what Emma calls you Chloe?

Solar said...

I said Gammy; if your looking for a fight...Don just got back.!!

Carol said...

Coreen, are you pulling for the Jets tonight? They need to win to stay in it. I've given up on the Saints. I don't think they can win another game unless they have been holding out for some reason. Don't understand what happened to them. How could they go from 13-0 season to can't win a game??

Anonymous said...

"There is a lot I'd need to get rid of."

Do it as soon as possible Carol. It's the only thing that is going to relieve pressure. The hardest part is always making the decision, at least that's the hard part for me. Once I do, I rush right into it, so I don't have a chance to forget exactly what I've set out to do.

I've been in the same type of situation lately, as you Carol. I'm in the process of making changes, so things will be easier for me to manage. What you said about managing things is the most important thing right now.
We have to make things easy, or we can't enjoy anything.

Trim the fat, so to speak. You have your camp, that you love, so it's a trade off. Sell the house, then get a condo that you can go to when you need rest. You'll go there, and there'll be nothing that you have to worry about doing - no guilt! But you'll still have the camp, that you love. And things are under control there too.

Solar said...

Carol,

They are not going all out to win. They have home field advantage, and don't want anyone hurt...I think that they have a very good chance to win the playoffs....your Saints; that is

Anonymous said...

"if your looking for a fight."

Ha! Hey, if you're around, I know I won't have to look far.

Anonymous said...

Carol, she's not quite talking yet, but that's what she will be calling me. It's easier for her to say, and that's what I want to use: Grammy without the r.

Solar said...

Just wait until Coreen sees what you said about Cher...I was just kidding, but you weren't.....she will check in just after she starts breathing again..she is probably watching football....

Anonymous said...

There you go, trying to get me in trouble with Coreen. Now you're going to try to convince Coreen that you were kidding? That's a laugh. Coreen is smart, she'll see right through you Solar.

I just really love Cher's acting. I wish she did more of it.

Anonymous said...

You think that one little wilted flower is going to get you out of trouble? It's going to take a whole lot more than that, the way you're going!

Anonymous said...

"if your looking for a fight...Don just got back.!!"

Aha, Now you're going to hide behind Don? Are you that afraid of me. LOL

Solar said...

two?

Anonymous said...

... two what?

Solar said...

Who wouldn't be afraid. They just don't know you like I do.!

All those powers, that you have.....

See you tomorrow, or later if I can get out of my neighbors house..going to check up on her, and put out her garbage...

Ivy Green said...

Don,
There were some pictures of Miss College's Roommate's family "stuck" in a pub...the Bull-and-Something-or-other? They might have been "stuck" by choice. I love pubs. I wish we had them. Bars don't count.

Anonymous said...

"All those powers, that you have....."

Ha! Now you're wisin' up.

I have to go to. See you tomorrow if....

don1one said...

This was an old mining town, the roads were to slick to get over the hill and out of town.

The Tan Hill Inn

Ivy Green said...

What. Colonel can't take a joke?

"In May 2007, Kentucky Fried Chicken threatened legal action against the Tan Hill Inn for trademark infringement over the use of the term "Family Feast" on the inn's Christmas Day menu."

Tan Hill Inn wiki

Ivy Green said...

SECOND highest pub! Carol, don't 'ya love it?

Cat and Fiddle

don1one said...

Yes, I wish we had pubs Ivy, though I've been to a few in the US. I've never been much of a bar person though. It's hard to meet people for interesting conversation, it's even less likely after they've been drinking all night.

jan said...

Ivy, I have not been to England. what are pubs like? How are they different from bars?

jan said...

Shame on KFC. Family feast is pretty common language.

Coreen said...

Yes, Carol, I am pleased with the NYJets opportunity to get to the playoffs...

the most unlikely team to have managed to make it...live to fight another day, they must go
to the Cincy to play the Bengals again next week, but one step at a time....

and give those Jet fans a special cheer, for braving a god awful night in Giant Stadium....it's been another most unpleasant day, with another 1+" of nuisance snow, 4 days in a row....

And as far as Cher, singing, movies, Vegas for about $60 million, whatever she wants, so "snap out of it!!!"

jan said...

Chloe, many times I read what you have said and think to myself that we are very much alike.

jan said...

Carol, I wish I had some words of encouragement for your dilemma about your house. I need to simplify my life by selling some stuff and getting rid of stuff, but I have a terrible time doing that.

jan said...

Coreen, I agree. One of the things I have admired about Cher is her originality and her ability to reinvent herself. She has managed in recent years to keep her life somewhat private too. Cheers for her. I have always loved her music.

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
The main difference with pubs is that the people in them are ENGLISH!

lol

jan said...

Coreen, so sorry but I called you Colleen earlier. I have a friend here whose name is Colleen. Please excuse. Is your mother staying in the Northeast or returning to Florida?

I have to say, I really enjoyed the warmer weather on the trip.

Solar said...

Oh, Oh. She woke up.!!

jan said...

Coreen, I hope you stay warm.

jan said...

I am off to bed. Tomorrow is a work day.

Solar said...

Coreen,

Today was the last real cold day for a while. It was around 10; by the end of the week; they say round 20 +. Stay warm in the long Jammies... ____ please.!

Mary said...

Jan,
I did go on a cruise in 2000. It was an NCL cruise and it was right after they went "free style". Alot of the people on the boat who had been on other cruises didn't like the "free style" cruising. They liked sitting with the same people every night for dinner. I loved it because, like you said, you got to meet different people. I also liked the fact that you could eat whenever you wanted and not at a set time. I learned that you need to take a nap during the day because they had alot of things that started at midnight.

Ivy Green said...

"Two thousand ten" is a tongue twister. I don't like the way it looks either. Can I just say "two-ten" for short?

Mary said...

Ivy,
How bout "twenty ten" for short?

Mary said...

I'm just glad 2009 is over with.

Ivy Green said...

Mary,
Extra syllable but I can handle it. How 'bout "twenten?" lol

Solar said...

Ivy,

been telling my friends two-10; or 2-ten. two-ten looks a lot better. thanks..twenty ten works for me also. G-night.

Ivy Green said...

Me too, but I have to pray twenten won't be worse...

don1one said...

I'm glad the whole decade is over. The Internet bubble burst in 2000 and it was all downhill after that.

I'm expecting great things this decade.

Mary said...

I like that one too. Actually "two ten" is fine also. As long as it's not "two nine". Not a good year for me.

Ivy Green said...

Mary,
I hope this will be a good one for you.

Mary said...

I'm expecting great things this decade, also. First off, I'm going to be a grandma in July and I'm very excited about that. I've been begging for a grandchild.

Ivy Green said...

Is somebody getting ready to fire up a new thread? Less than 20 comments to go before roll-over rover...

Mary said...

I have a feeling I will be visiting Solar's neck of the woods alot since my son lives in Chicago. I better learn to love cold weather.

Mary said...

Ivy, Didn't you say you had some more snow pictures of England? I never get tired of snow pictures.

Ivy Green said...

Mary,
I just put up a new thread with more English Christmas photos from Miss College's Roommate's trip.