Fur-osh!

Rosie brought in a stick in today and preceded to dismantle it into tiny slivers. I knew I would have to get out the hoover for the 4th time that day, but couldn't resist letting her finish the job. She looked like she was having fun.

Still not used to it

I was driving around today when I saw a police car in my rear view mirror. I panicked, checked my speed and tried to remember if I had done any dodgy lane changing at the last roundabout. While I was analysing my driving, the police passed me and did some dodgy lane changing themselves, and I was reminded - again - how different policing is here from the States.

The cops here don't cruise around looking to bust you. You really have to be doing something bad to warrant being pulled over. Unless they're traffic cops, if you see police cars on the motorway, they're not bothered about you - they're likely en route to something else.

Funny how some things are just ingrained in you. After living here for nearly 5 years, I still have a fear of the police, even if I've not done anything wrong. How very American.

Girls Night In

The girls of North Deeside Road had a great night in on Friday. We put on our doggie PJ's (I'll let you guess which belongs to whom), had some Ben & Jerry's, and watched Ugly Betty. Rosie wore a fur coat. She always shows us up.

2008 or 1808?

The joy of living in cold, damp Britain is that you get to experience Dickensian-type problems in the "modern" era. Yes, they have indoor plumbing, but no, the taps aren't mixed (and plumbing is generally mounted external to the house). Yes, they have modern radiators and even underfloor heating (if you're lucky), but they still use coal for the fire.

Anyway, I've finally found out what's been wrong with my fingers during the winter. (Thankfully, I can dismiss arthritis, as I was actually tested for this by my dr.) Are you ready for it? I have chilblains.

Tuesday Dinner

Joni (aka the Roommate) and I had a productive visit to Costco the other night. Amongst the purchases was this packet of Quail eggs. Mmm. We thought we'd try them in a salad with tuna. Delish!

Delicacy


Beautiful pairing


Rosie helping


The finished product

Crathes Castle Walks

Ole came up for the weekend and we lucked out with great weather today (Saturday). So, we decided to all go out for a walk around the woods at Crathes Castle. Afterwards, Rosie went back for nap time in the car, while Joni, Ole & I had lunch outside at the new visitor centre.

Old Man Winter

GO AWAY!

We had our first frost of the season last night. And they're talking about snow (on the high ground) tonight. I'm not ready for it yet. I'd first like to have a summer, thank you very much.

Journey to Fairfield Road

We’ve moved. Well, most of us have, anyway. Rosie & I are still in Aberdeen, now joined by Joni, and Ole is in Newcastle. Things went really well. There was lots of cleaning to be done, but I suppose there always is. We really love the area we’ve moved to. It’s vibrant and close to everything, but at the same time our street is quiet and we’re about 60 seconds’ walk from the Town Moor (where they still graze cattle!). We like our flat too. Yes, we’d do some things differently if we owned it, but it’s a great place to move into and set up base.

I didn’t get a chance to take many photos, but here are a few for your enjoyment. I especially like the one of my lazy boy.