Everyday life

     We have not done anything "exciting", or noteworthy recently.  Just the "normal" every day business.  As far as our every day business, I'll write a bit about that today.
     I have found a fitness club.  I know it will never be the same to me as my Jazzercise ladies, or as Jazzercise, but I gotta do something.  I am not that enthralled by it as yet; perhaps it'll grow on me.  Gotta give it a fair chance.

W & N playing in one of the boxes shortly after arriving here in July.  They are playing spaceship-W is manning the controls, and N is doing some adjustments.



W and N        Brothers and Friends

    G is working VERY hard.  I believe he is still learning the ropes of day-to-day operations, but he's learning!  He has about a 20 minute commute from our home to his job, which is in Runcorn (NE of Chester).  He is currently in Germany, and will be going on to Italy.  His boss (who is in America) was to meet w G on Monday (yesterday).  Sunday evening, the flight was cancelled.  Boss was rebooked to fly out yesterday, and would then catch up w G in Germany today (Tues).  Apparently it was not meant to be.  Boss was over Lake Michigan (had departed from O'Hare, Chicago), and he heard beeps and whistles and alarms, not overhead, but could hear it going on, as well as scuffling.  There was a fire in the cockpit.  Plane directed to turn around and do a landing back @ OHare.  Stopped all the other planes from their queuing and their departures and landings.  Told passengers to get into the crash position-as they were not sure if landing gear would come out, or not with the fire.  It did, and they were allowed to then sit upright.  It was so smoky in the cockpit, a window had to be opened (not really a window-because of the pressure, but whatever method they have up there to "heavily ventilate"--more than normal--- the cockpit cavity.  Pilots had their masks on ....  When Boss landed, all they could offer him was the next flight to Germany, which would be leaving today (Tues).  Boss decided to scrap it, as by the time he got there, it'd be almost too late, and not worth it.
     J has been doing a family tree of sorts (for fun).  Managed to trace both paternal and maternal grandmothers back to Germany, and the city.  Kirsbach, Kreis Adenau, Rheinpfalz, Germany-the patriarch was born on or about the year 1678.  (Mom and Mary--#1 in the Koenigs-Koenigs-King family tree book.)   Some people have really done a lot of work!!  Family members-if any of you have any info for tracing the family tree back on the paternal and maternal grandfathers' sides, let us know.  (That'd be the Heller/Ausloos side.)  G thought he'd try to see where it all started, as long as he's currently there.  However, J did some research, and that city is no longer there.

J, W, & N with April, the horse.  The wellies are a must!!  (I don't have a pair yet, but seriously need  them!!!)

     J seems to be doing well at his school.  They seem very strict, and give out a lot of detentions for first infractions of various rules, from dress code, to academics.  (J has not received any, as yet.)  The school appears to be quite rigorous, both academically, as well as in sport.  He seems to be enjoying it as well.  Schools here have 3 terms.  First term, he studies German, (which he DISlikes!), 2nd term French, and 3rd, Spanish.  He also takes Latin, which he LOVES!  Who knew?  (All these languages are compulsory.)  Wish I could learn some of it!!
     W and N are also doing fine in their school.  French is the language to learn here.  (In the States, they were learning Spanish.)  N has learned, "bonjour", W "learned" the days of the week, but was trying so hard to remember them to tell me, that he forgot them!!  Oh well.....

W and N waiting for April, so they can feed her some blueberries.  (If you look real close, you can see the berries on the post between the boys.) April is not a friendly horse; we were warned that she bites.  I think they ended up waiting for her to wander over to them, then threw the berries into the field.  I don't think April liked the blueberries.

    
    
     That's a brief update on our doings.  Hope all's well with all of you.  Feel free to update me on your doings!!  Lots of love to all xoxoxoxox

Colleagues

     One of G's colleagues invited our family to his 15th anniversary dinner, which was Sunday noon.  They are Indian, so the kids encountered some new styles of dressing, and different foods.  They had a few different types of curry.  They also met a couple where the wife was from Spain, and the husband was from Columbia.  Chester is pretty homogeneous, in regards to race and appearance, so it was good to expose them to something different.  Even in Hubertus, there was some diversity, but not a lot.  I don't think there is much diversity in W/N's school; J's has a smattering.  It's difficult to expose the kids to diversity, if we live in an area that's pretty homogeneous.  The UK has A LOT of Indian restaurants, and I believe they even serve curry on the school lunch menu.  There are not an abundance of Indian people, I think the UK just really enjoys their Indian food.  The saying is that you can get better/more authentic Indian food in the UK than in India.  I also heard it was the British national food, however, I am not sure if that is true.
     As I've blogged previously, G's predecessor returned to the US this past weekend.  They haven't lived in the US in awhile, as they lived in the UK for 4 years, and prior to that, they were in China for a number of years.  When an ex-pat returns to the US, they need to rid themselves of UK electronics, as they won't work in the US without converters.  There are usually postings, so others can purchase their items.  I am very happy to report, that I now have a condensing dryer!!!  There are many settings on it, including iron dry, cupboard dry, very dry, and extra dry.  We also gained a super-duper shredder (beats our 20# one we had that kept overheating), and some Chinese electric lamps.  And, I now have an alarm clock.  And we have lots of power strips and transformers.  It's the little things in life, right?
     G will be going to Sweden on Wed, for an overnight trip.  Lands in Stockholm.  Won't really be able to see the country, as he will be working.

J's Post

Kids having fun in WOWBALLS( No, sadly, there not us)

Hi it's J

We saw this as we were walking back from the Mercyside Maritime Museum. These little "hamster balls" were called WOWBALLS and were blown up by a leaf blower (Dad thought that was kind of funny).Us 3 kids really wanted to go on them but it was the end of the day and everyone was getting sick of looking around, and wanted to go home, but dad did say that when company comes we would go down to Liverpool and see these things again and that time we would be able to go into them( so come as soon as possible!!!). also, you may not be able to see this but the balls are tethered on shore with ropes. You can kind of see the green rope hanging from the farthest ball away. Mom then later went online and looked at there website (if you like to look yourself just clink on this link WOWBALLS LINK.)  the prices were 5pounds for 10 mins. Well that's all for now! I'll write again soon, and don't forget to visit us as soon as possible!!( We REALLY want to go on them!!!)

-J

Liverpool

    


Albert Dock and Liverpool skyline, as seen from the Liverpool Eye.


     On Saturday, we went to Liverpool for the day.  Got a rather late start, as we slept in, then had pancakes, but we left by 10.  To get to Liverpool from our area, you need to go through an underwater tunnel (well, I guess you could go around, but there's the time factor), which the kids thought was the best ever.  There are many museums along the waterfront.  Liverpool has a group of 6 museums that are all free.  The maritime museum has been having a Titanic exhibit on, which is why we originally decided to go to Liverpool for the day.

Liverpool Eye-the London Eye is quite a bit larger than its Liverpool cousin.



Liverpool Eye, next to the Echo Convention Arena.

     One of the first things we saw when we got out of the carpark was the Liverpool Eye.  Of course, the kids wanted to go on it, although J was a little unsure (he's afraid of heights).  So we went, and got some pictures of the city.

Liverpool obviously has a lot of Beatles museums and shops.  Docked in the harbor, is, what else, the Yellow Submarine.  Here it is seen from the Liverpool Eye.

  Next, we needed to get some lunch.  We ate outside, and there were some very friendly pigeons/sea gulls.  They even came and took the bun off of W's plate.  We were surrounded, which W and N got a huge kick out of.



Seagull, on the look out for some food.

     We walked along the waterfront, and ended at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.  Lots of neat exhibits.  Liverpool, being a port city, must watch for items being smuggled in.  There was an exhibit entitled, "Seized," all about different things that have been smuggled in, both in historical times, as well as current times.  And the items that have held the smuggled goods.  Also about counterfeit "fakes"-including a bunch of Olympic sunglasses that were counterfeit, hollowed out stuffed animals, etc.  There're some very creative people out there.  Also an exhibit about emigrants, and people emigrating to the US.

Kids in front of the Museum.

     Then there was the special Titanic exhibit.  A lot of the $$ to fund the building of the ship came from Liverpool, and there were MANY workers on the Titanic from Liverpool.  Bruce Ismay was from Liverpool  The ship was made in Belfast, N Ireland, but was supposed to stop in Liverpool as its first stop, but it didn't, as it was behind schedule.  It had failed its first test for seaworthiness, and had a near miss with another boat.  The Museum had a re-enactor of the chief baker for the Titanic.  The baker told the story of the sinking.  J used to be a Titanic buff; he's outgrown it some, but still finds it interesting.  He enjoyed it, and asked the fellow some ?s afterward.  He was friends with the gentleman (who's from Liverpool) who took a lot of the pics that we all recognize of the Titanic, as he went in the Mir that went down to explore the Titanic.  A lot of the pictures were in the numerous books J has on the topic.  The museum chose to only exhibit items from the debris field surrounding the Titanic, rather than items removed from the Titanic, which is what the exhibit that went around the country a few years ago had.  The museum also had its regular exhibit on the Lusitania, Olympic and Titanic.  J said this was the coolest museum.  I said, "You say that about every museum."  He just smiled, as he knows its true.

   

Picture taken along the waterfront.  I thought it was an interesting vantage point and looked, as the Brits say, "brilliant"!!!!

Olympians at King's

     Just a quick post today.  J's school is having an exciting event today.  There were 4 Olympians that won medals in London, and they attended King's.  I believe all of them won in rowing.  Those Olympians are returning to King's today to inspire those currently attending.  Rowing is very big over here.  The note from the Headmaster did say parents could attend, but went on to say there would be no parking at King's because media people would be there.  The parking thing is a bit of a problem.  King's is kinda on your way out of town--there is no parking on the sides of the road, I'm not even sure if there are sidewalks along the road at that area.  Because of all the chaos and congestion when I pick J up, we'd contemplated having a meeting spot down the street for pick up, but there really isn't anything nearby that I would consider safe for him to walk to, unless it's like a mile away.  With it raining here so much, that's not really the best option.  We'll probably have him take the city bus eventually-he would only have to make one changeover.  He's up for it.  He would like to stay at the library after school.
     On other Olympic news, the Paralympic Torch went by just a few miles from our house.  This was done the weekend we were in London, so we missed it, but the local streets where the torch was run still have the banners up.  This was done a smidge north of us, in Ellesmere Port.
     Nothing else new, but I thought it was kinda neat that J would see some Olympians.  The likelihood of seeing them here is much increased, as all of their athletes are from such a small radius, in comparison to the States, where we are all spread out so much.
     Have a good weekend all.  Perhaps skype with some of you.....

Officially Ready 4 Guests!

     Last you heard, N had finally gotten into school, much to his dismay.  We were able to celebrate this past Saturday evening.  We had 2 American couples and their children over.  One of the couples is G's predecessor.  They have a 2 1/2 yr old, and their newborn (born the day before we arrived in the UK).  They will be returning to the US on Sat 08/09/12.  The second couple is a co-worker of G's; they have 3 children-8 yr old girl, 7? yr old boy, and 3 yr old boy--so their kids played well with ours, and the 2 1/2 yr old played along too.  This couple has 1 year remaining in the UK.  So I guess you could say we're officially ready for guests.  First come, first serve.
     We had a very enjoyable evening--it was a very American bbq--not by intent-just how it turned out.  Chicken on the grill.  Wanted to make the sauce we usually make with it that uses French dressing as the base; however, no French dressing to be found.  I've learned to look up ingredients on the computer beforehand, and I'm getting better at converting cups to grams, ounces and pounds to grams, etc, etc.  Fahrenheit to Celsius....  Wanted to make a salad I make, but no Karo syrup here.  Although, now I did receive some from the American couple returning to the US.  Also some Hershey's syrup and canned pumpkin.  Apparently all hot commodities.  They also do not have ground mustard here (the dried kind).  I've put an order in for whichever American is due back here first, to bring me some.  G's coming home at least in December, so should get some then, if not sooner!  I tried to make my Grandma's 7-layer salad.  I made a salad, but it wasn't the same as Grandma's, but everyone loved it just the same, so I guess it was OK.  The dressing was different, and the bacon here is different, so that made it different as well.  We had other classic American goodies too.  We have a stereo system that plays music in the kitchen/living room combo, the lounge (sitting room), den and our bedroom.  G finally set it up so we could listen to cd's also.  I had John Cougar Mellencamp playing--never really realized how American his music was, or how many references to US he has.  Obviously, he's rather outspoken on his lean to the left.  You won't hear JCM played over here.  Like I said, it was a very American evening, although not by intent. 
     Sunday evening, we decided to try out our 1 babysitter.  She looked even younger when she arrived, although she's 21.  I guess it went ok.  She managed to play some games with the kids, like piggie in the middle--our monkey in the middle.
     On Monday, we went to W and N's school to get some uniforms for them.  They are pretty reasonably priced--~9pounds for the shirt, and you can get the pants anywhere.  Most schools wear a charcoal grey on the bottom.  I got 2 pair of grey pants for N for 6 pounds, and W too at the local grocery store.  Store has maybe 20 aisles of "other stuff".  Household, books, clothing, clocks...   (Exchange rate is roughly $1.60 to 1 pound.)



 

J on his day of orientation to Yr 7 at King's

J had a day of orientation on Tuesday. He reports they have very tight security. All the buildings have a code you have to punch in to enter, and the code changes half way thru the day, and he is not allowed to tell his parents the code. If a kid is caught in the halls with a parent that hasn't been checked in, they receive detention. Parents are to enter thru the main entrance, and get checked in properly. I suppose its harder to manage security when there are multiple buildings. If they're late for class, detention. But....I don't need to pack a snack for him, as they get up to 9 digestives (cookies) at break time, and watered down lemonade. He was quite happy about this, as I always stress a healthy snack--fruit, healthy granola bar, cheese, yogurt.... Cookies!! Definitely more of a "big kid" school than his former, in that he changes buildings, although the buildings are pretty close together.  Also, there are A weeks and B weeks, and his classes switch dependent on the week.  Rather different than staying in the same classroom in the same school building all day.  Classes may prove to be more intense and rigorous as well.  I think it's his chemistry and biology that are both taught by Dr's in their area.



J, W, N on their first day of school in the UK

 Today (Wednesday) was the first official day of school for all kids.  J went off without any problems, as he'd had orientation yesterday.  W and N were rather reserved on the playground during drop off time, as all the other children were playing and running, and they didn't know anyone.  The Headmistress came and got the 2 of them from me, and put them in the appropriate lines to enter the building- divided by Year group.  While they were waiting to enter, N tried seeing me, trying to see around people.  When he finally saw me, he had to blow me a kiss:)  He was hoping he could sit by W for lunch.
     Things went ok for all the kids.  Pick up was kinda crazy.  Picked up W/N, then proceeded to J's school.  It was crazy!!!  Traffic backed up for ~ 2 miles, trying to get into the school.  None of the kids drive to school, very unlike the US.  Kids can't get their license until 17 here.  No wonder all of J's classmates have phones.  We're holding out as long as we can, but we'll probably have to cave soon.  I am hoping the crazy congestion at his school stops once school is in full swing, including extra-curriculars.  Dropping off in the am was not a problem, as I drop J off ~45 to 1hr before school, so I can be back in time to drop the other 2 off.  (He goes into the library.)  That far before school, there was no back up of people.
     By special request, here are pics.  Of J on the day of his orientation, and of all 3 this morning, the first day of school.  (I told you J's blazer was U-G-L-Y!!!!)  I didn't realize, but W/N were supposed to be wearing their jumpers.  They were the only 2 with white shirts on, without the crest on it, not even dress shirts, and no tie.  They'll be wearing their jumpers tomorrow.  I thought it'd be warm enough that they wouldn't need them, but it is pretty cool here in the am, like 50s/14C.  Not to mention, it's probably the real dress code.

Taken from our side/rear garden.  Although it rains plenty, we do not see a lot of rainbows.

      As you know, we're very near Ireland, where the leprechauns live.  Also at the end of the rainbow.  Check out the rainbow pic I took from our rear garden.  Speaking of Ireland, G will be going to Dublin for the day tomorrow.  For work, not for fun.  W asked if he was flying there.  Don't know how good W is with geography, he's kinda young.  Apparently he needs a little refresher on the British Isles.  Or even a lesson on it.  Perhaps first grade didn't cover that!  I told him G wasn't going to swim there.

     Wishing everyone a great back to school.  Hope it's going smoothly wherever you are, even if you're not going back to school!  Will write more soon.......