Do I miss my home?

We've lived here for 15 years now. We still get asked if we miss our home. I don't miss my hometown at all, not even my homeland, but I do miss my family...

Some days, I'd give ANYTHING for a cuppa tea and a hug from my Mum, go visit any of my sisters-in-law and have a glass of wine and a good laugh, or visit with some old friends and share a nice meal and catch up with them. Right now, I'd love to visit with a certain new baby girl :)

We do all this and more when we visit anyways, so, although it doesn't happen as often as we'd like it to ... it still happens.

For two very important people in my life, Mukilteo is their home - they don't know anything different. Curtis was 14 months old when we moved here, (two suitcases, a stroller and an infant car-seat were all we possessed, but that's another blog entry). Cadence was born here.

The kids think that a trip back home is a vacation, which it is, kind of. For me, its primarily to visit the family. My idea of a vacation is sunshine, sand, relaxation... The kids enjoy the differences in the cultures - Cadey revels in the spotlight of attention that her American Accent brings - she glows! And, they gain some understanding about why their parents are a 'little different' (we're not different at all - just displaced - everyone in Hull is like Craig and me).

Hull is very flat - extremely flat ... it sits on the plain of Holderness - a glacial moraine deposit, so is very fertile and so lots of agriculture, but these days lots of flooding too. There isn't scenery anything like WA state, but we do have the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, the North Sea with its fishing towns, cliffs, and wonderful beaches (when its not raining). Of course, there's always old places to explore - old settlements, castles, churches, museums ...

It is strange ... being raised in Northern English culture with very little disposable income and a "make do and mend" attitude. Friends were raised the same way - we have a common bond there. Very few people moved away and people with different skin colour or accents were few and far between. Leaving that place of normalcy and trying to become entrenched in a different environment has been interesting and fun. WA State is very diverse in its population, so you're free to be who you want to be and do what you want to do, because of the many cultures blending here already. We're just adding to that huge melting pot.

We felt for many years that we didn't completely fit in here. But those feelings have changed, thankfully. We realize that now, we don't quite fit in back home either. We've been gone too long, don't know the recent history, who's famous in that land, don't know the music, news, in-jokes, etc.

I must tell you about a funny thing happening to us on our last trip home. During our car journey north after landing at Heathrow, we stopped off at a 'motorway cafe' to get a meal and some 'goodies' for the trip.

This was quite a performance ... two jet-lagged adults, stressed, because they've just had to try to remember how to park a little (stick-shift, steering wheel on the other side of the) vehicle into a minuscule parking spot, two kids who really didn't want a meal because to them, its waaaay past their bed-time, but instead wanted to scarf down all the Cadbury's Chocolate they could get their hands on. Then the kids paying for their items with funny money - a 15 year old (with a British accent) asking for help counting out coins ... not knowing the value of each coin ... holding up the queue ... we were quite a sight!

Anyways, the style of ten pound note (or Tenner) in our possession last year had been taken out of circulation several years prior ... we didn't know this ... we tried to pay for our 'sweeties' with it ...

The cashier looked at us ... we knew something was wrong ... she looked down at the Tenner ... she looked at us again ... she must have thought we were nuts! (especially since we'd just had the fiasco with Curtis and his coins).

We sounded like her, looked like her, but judging by our blank expressions, we were utterly clueless.

"Ooooooh no, luv, you can't pay wiv this ..... where've ya bin fa 3 an arf years? ... ey June! come and 'av a look at this! This fella's got wun-a-vem old tennas"

The four of us turned purple with embarrassment and I whipped out my Visa card pronto.

We paid for our stuff ... on credit ... then as we were leaving, the cashier says (and Cadence does a fantastic mimic of this next line) ... "Fanks luv, fanks a bunch!"

I am proud to be British ... even prouder to come from Yorkshire. Would I ever want to return there to live?

No.

BOLLOCKS!

Erm ... no, I don't use bad language! And in this case, it isn't used as a 'bad' word ... well, maybe it was initially, but over the years it became a standard response ... almost a "Ditto" meaning, for those of us who've watched the movie "Ghost".

Let me explain, but first, here's the Wikipedia meaning of the word:

"Bollocks" is a word of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning "testicles". The word is often used figuratively in British English, as a noun to mean "nonsense", an expletive following a minor accident or misfortune, or an adjective to mean "poor quality" or "useless". Similarly, the common phrases "Bollocks to this!" or "That's a load of old bollocks" generally indicate disgust about a certain task, subject or opinion. Conversely, the word also figures in idiomatic phrases such as "the dog's bollocks" and "top bollock(s)", which usually refer to something which is admired, approved of or well-respected.

OK, now that you understand the meaning ...

Tomorrow is what was my Dad's birthday. He would be 74 if he were still walking this earth. I like to remember his birthday rather than the day he died.

I was Daddy's Little Girl. The youngest of 3 children, and quite an age gap between my 2 siblings and me. My sister, Sindee Jayne, is almost 8 years older, my brother Jonathan Mark is almost 6 older, and then me.

Dad and me had a special relationship. I think he had more free time when I was growing up, so I benefited more from spending time with him than my siblings. I truly enjoyed his company. I enjoyed hanging out with him in his workshop and garden - he taught me wood-turning, how to make fishing floats, tie knots, fix a flat bicycle tire, prune roses, grow Brussel Sprouts, Potatoes, Beans. We enjoyed bicycle rides, fishing, walking the dog and also a similar dry, quirky sense of humour. I'd quite often get myself in a pickle with whatever I was helping my Dad with, so I also became affectionately named (by him) at those moments as "Cack-handed Annie."

Then, I hit the teenage years. Everything changed. I was rebellious and we didn't get along too well. I didn't get along with my Mum either ... I was a difficult, angry teenager for several years there. I think it was about then that the 'bollocks' word came into play! He'd say "I love you" (in jest) and I'd reply ... 'bollocks'!

Fast forward 10 years or so, and I'm living in another country. I wrote letters every chance I got and made weekly phone calls to Mum and Dad and 'that word' began to get spoken again. One of us, before saying goodbye would say "I love you" and "that word" was ALWAYS the response! It became a game we'd play, wondering who'd say it first.

I did love my Dad. He loved me. In fact, it amazes me that he's been gone for almost 9 years, but the love I had for him is still in my heart, still as strong. My memories of my time with him are so rich.

He was a stubborn man, quiet, loved to potter about in his workshop, he loved to read, loved to learn new things, he had terrible handwriting, he enjoyed a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale with his Sunday lunch and he loved and adored his wife, children and grandchildren.

So tomorrow, in remembrance of my Dad, I'll say a prayer ... and just before I say "Amen," I'll add a quick "Bollocks" just for him - he wouldn't expect anything less! (Jesus understands).

Welcome to the world, Imogen Grace!

My sister's youngest daughter, my niece, Stephanie gave birth to a baby girl last month.

Welcome to the world, Imogen Grace! Although I've never seen you, I love you more than words can say. You'll probably be walking and talking by the time I do get to meet you.

My prayers for Stephanie right now are for her to have the energy and confidence to take care of this baby as a single, and very young, mother. I can't imagine how hard that is.

I'm so excited to be a great auntie! Every time I look at this photo, my heart strings are pulled 4952.32 miles and all I want is to have a moment with Imogen ... right now before she grows up. If my friends catch me in the act of giving extra cuddles and snuggles to their babies, this is the reason why!

Cuppa Tea

I've had these thoughts saved in my drafts folder for a few weeks now. Seems apt to post it now, following on the heels of yesterday's Tea Time Title.

Tea is the BEST drink in the whole wide world!

I know, living in Seattle - the COFFEE capital of the world that I should embrace the cuppa joe philosophy ... and I do - once a day!

Tea is what I drink with my breakfast, lunch and dinner and supper and anytime in-between. Before I begin a project. Before I go out. When I come back home. When anybody calls round. When I want to take a break. I'm sure you get the picture by now. The kettle is always on.

The hot amber nectar (orange pekoe/Tetley British Blend) and a splash of milk just works magic on me - giving me what I need to make it through...to the next cup!

Craig and I laugh about this because he's just as much of a tea freak as I am. He calls me on his cell-phone usually for one of two reasons: (1) when he's leaving work to tell me to "Gerra-brew-on", or (2) he forgot to set the video and needs a soccer game recording. I must admit that I have learned to enjoy other varieties of tea, but Craig, unfortunately has not.

He calls my other teas "foo-foo" tea, meaning anything not resembling that milky, malty elixir aka The Great British Cuppa.

My personal Foo-Foo Faves are Rooibos/African/Red tea/honeybush - they're all the same - caffeine free - but strong, full-bodied and sweet, Green Tea, but only with a berry infusion and oddly enough at bedtime I enjoy chamomile tea.

I've kind of flirted with coffee for many years. I seriously began to appreciate its energizing benefits when I began working out, well, AFTER working out! I can go home and vacuum right through the house, without stopping for a ... cuppa:) I drink a tall Americano, extra room and a tiny splash of cream, sometimes with a little cinnamon on top.

Craig, like I said, will not try coffee AT ALL - "nasty stuff" he calls it. Hot Chocolate, Starbucks Strawberries & Cream Frappucino, Raspberry Green Tea Lemonade are his faves. We quite often take a 'date walk' up to Starbucks - approximately 20 minutes walk away (with Meg). I'll order low-fat versions, or half the amount of sweetener (he's sweet enough already) of his drink, and embarrass the heck out of him for asking for something 'different'. As soon as I open my mouth and speak, I've got their attention anyways!

I see that there's a Pumpkin Spice Latte back on the chalkboard at Sbux this week ... hmmm, I believe Lattes are for people who don't really enjoy the taste of coffee. I'm sure by making that remark, I'll get some comments:)

Tea-Time!

I just read this today on the BBC News website. Pretty good news for us tea drinkers! Go on, give it a try ... you know you want to ... this article might convince you to do so ... Cheers!

Tea 'healthier' drink than water

The researchers recommend people consume three to four cups a day

Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty of water and may even have extra health benefits, say researchers.

The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates.

Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers, UK nutritionists found.

Experts believe flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea that promote health.

Healthy cuppa

These polyphenol antioxidants are found in many foods and plants, including tea leaves, and have been shown to help prevent cell damage.

Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so its got two things going for it Lead author Dr Ruxton

Public health nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton, and colleagues at Kings College London, looked at published studies on the health effects of tea consumption.

They found clear evidence that drinking three to four cups of tea a day can cut the chances of having a heart attack.

Some studies suggested tea consumption protected against cancer, although this effect was less clear-cut.

Other health benefits seen included protection against tooth plaque and potentially tooth decay, plus bone strengthening.

Dr Ruxton said: "Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it's got two things going for it."

Rehydrating

She said it was an urban myth that tea is dehydrating.

"Studies on caffeine have found very high doses dehydrate and everyone assumes that caffeine-containing beverages dehydrate. But even if you had a really, really strong cup of tea or coffee, which is quite hard to make, you would still have a net gain of fluid.

"Also, a cup of tea contains fluoride, which is good for the teeth," she added.

There was no evidence that tea consumption was harmful to health. However, research suggests that tea can impair the body's ability to absorb iron from food, meaning people at risk of anaemia should avoid drinking tea around mealtimes.

Tea is not dehydrating. It is a healthy drink Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation

Dr Ruxton's team found average tea consumption was just under three cups per day.

She said the increasing popularity of soft drinks meant many people were not drinking as much tea as before.

"Tea drinking is most common in older people, the 40 plus age range. In older people, tea sometimes made up about 70% of fluid intake so it is a really important contributor," she said.

Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation said: "Studies in the laboratory have shown potential health benefits.

"The evidence in humans is not as strong and more studies need to be done. But there are definite potential health benefits from the polyphenols in terms of reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancers.

"In terms of fluid intake, we recommend 1.5-2 litres per day and that can include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It is a healthy drink."

The Tea Council provided funding for the work. Dr Ruxton stressed that the work was independent.

Nope, its not Leprosy ...

... its an auto immune disease called Vitiligo - yeah, just like Michael Jackson has!

It is very visible at the moment because of my tan. The brown area is tan, the pink is my skin with the Vitiligo. Every summer it appears visibly larger.

This began somewhere in time between having the kids (92 - 95) - just areas in between my fingers which didn't tan in the summer.

Apparently, its very rare - affecting one or two people out of every hundred ... although I believe it to be genetic because my aunt and a great aunt (on my Dad's side of the family) have this too.

You can Google the name of the disease if you like - it comes up with various stories, alternative medicine, laser treatments, etc.

I just wanted to draw attention to the fact that it is NOT contagious, nor is it the beginning of Leprosy (honestly, folks have asked me that in the past), and it is not a scar from an accident.

As I was cuddling a friends baby at the weekend, I became acutely aware of the fact that my hands wrapped around this little bundle were being viewed just as much as he was! I'm not embarrassed by it at all, I just don't like the thought of people thinking that they can catch it from me!

It is appearing elsewhere on my body too - toes, elbows, hips, underarms, even around my mouth and eyebrows. The funny thing is that I'll notice a new outbreak, then several days later I'll notice a new patch on the other side of my body in exactly the same place. So mine has symmetry!

Areas of my body which have not seen sunshine in over 20 years - i.e. my hips, are affected, so Vitiligo is definitely not caused or accelerated by the sun. I wouldn't mind showing off my hips right now (with my weight loss), but only on a beach ... Hawaii springs to mind, but a Greek Island called Rhodes would be perfect (if you're ever wondering what to do for our 20th ... Craig ...?)

One day soon, I'll visit the dermatologist. I've read that treatments can be very hit and miss, and its not like its a serious condition, although it can be linked to other auto immune diseases, for example diabetes (which I have). Maybe I should follow up on that doctor referral after all ...

I count my blessings that I'm a white girl who can get away without covering it up too much for the time being.

Some people with darker skin suffer greatly through this disease. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4075652 tells the story of Lee Thomas, a black news reporter with Vitiligo.

It can also turn your hair white, if it appears on your scalp - hmmmm..... so that's nothing to do with my age right ...?

Does anybody else have this disease running in their family?

We're all Sisters!

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin,'
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain...
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!