DECORATING FOR A FIRST HOME

<br><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />LONG DISTANCE DECORATING</div><br /><br><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I have the most adorable clients far away in Houston.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrReFt4rezg4dC1LRfnTsNgsrpwYMsqOnchmCNIWIsjnypEBlg0HcgMJbo2SV2x9wGsxHbMhvoWdkjHmujfTn0RymxPCmzjgWYuxpM7yae4JrHZNSJTWW3NMkVRVxoeDu2fjzjUGBdvSH/s1600/216564_10150179263463184_1614046_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrReFt4rezg4dC1LRfnTsNgsrpwYMsqOnchmCNIWIsjnypEBlg0HcgMJbo2SV2x9wGsxHbMhvoWdkjHmujfTn0RymxPCmzjgWYuxpM7yae4JrHZNSJTWW3NMkVRVxoeDu2fjzjUGBdvSH/s640/216564_10150179263463184_1614046_n.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />It's been a big year for them....<br><br />They have a new baby - their first</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o1gp5h9LViucBJZZEqfchzge1fgi2iYbWeWSujSOVz4zTgeaxubKIoUqnGiAO1PVMeW7y67RBeMSsbuiFMxky_gVFmCaAunN-MZmcSa0W0RGXkFfLoFjddiSS4_983x3hY5JYHu4gs5o/s1600/558888_10100691911540699_2006342759_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-o1gp5h9LViucBJZZEqfchzge1fgi2iYbWeWSujSOVz4zTgeaxubKIoUqnGiAO1PVMeW7y67RBeMSsbuiFMxky_gVFmCaAunN-MZmcSa0W0RGXkFfLoFjddiSS4_983x3hY5JYHu4gs5o/s640/558888_10100691911540699_2006342759_n.jpg" width="426"></a></div><br /><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKTv8dqDwJb8ts8Q2-FMy6qWuDo0ulANIaJWmZpKLFW0Sjew_4zZqq2OAORUrN9uE9_bqIdXJeAOMjtUcBe147LqPbih-gYfywSJoFTkTR4YhpacG5VI8RbVyRREfhBBOjSRGfrIyleot/s1600/3604_10100691926321079_286568496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKTv8dqDwJb8ts8Q2-FMy6qWuDo0ulANIaJWmZpKLFW0Sjew_4zZqq2OAORUrN9uE9_bqIdXJeAOMjtUcBe147LqPbih-gYfywSJoFTkTR4YhpacG5VI8RbVyRREfhBBOjSRGfrIyleot/s400/3604_10100691926321079_286568496_n.jpg" width="400"></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />and are buying their first home.....<br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/long-distance-decorating-i-have-most.html#more">Read more »</a>

DECORATING FOR A FIRST HOME

LONG DISTANCE DECORATING I have the most adorable clients far away in Houston. It's been a big year for them.... They have a new baby - ...

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'Vintiquing' In England

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eviEPfzfKedEP8aKltj8l4kxY2UT3-LwXC66IouUEjTLbYEIImKPwtnMnBJ8A3nQXmCZrfRkmdkuh7vv6ANGn7gsmaJ9TEuQ8bMesf2LfsCInryXf-BYydq9EIthyphenhyphenAzyXXlLhWaXOFml/s1600/DSCN6814-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eviEPfzfKedEP8aKltj8l4kxY2UT3-LwXC66IouUEjTLbYEIImKPwtnMnBJ8A3nQXmCZrfRkmdkuh7vv6ANGn7gsmaJ9TEuQ8bMesf2LfsCInryXf-BYydq9EIthyphenhyphenAzyXXlLhWaXOFml/s640/DSCN6814-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portobello Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I almost wrote 'Nervous Nellie' when the form asked my name,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as I registered as a buyer at an antique auction house</div><div style="text-align: center;">along with experienced antique dealers</div><div style="text-align: center;">What had I gotten myself into?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The nice man gave me my numbered card to raise during the auction</div><div style="text-align: center;">(could I exchange it for my favorite number 9, please?)</div><div style="text-align: center;">(elderly lady behind me smiles and says her mom always asked for a 3)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was really the last frontier of buying cool vintage stuff for me</div><div style="text-align: center;">It showed my absolute dedication :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and I was sooooo nervous</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would I be able to understand their accent</div><div style="text-align: center;">as numbers flew out of their mouths?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dare I remove a stray hair tickling my cheek</div><div style="text-align: center;">in fear of accidentally buying something?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would my American accent 'out' me as a foreigner,</div><div style="text-align: center;">my shaky voice indicate my inexperience,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or would I accidentally double the price?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's how it worked:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I went a few days before the auction to view what was going to auction</div><div style="text-align: center;">I marked on my paper the items I was interested in (2 paintings)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The sheet indicated the opening bid</div><div style="text-align: center;">On that particular day, there were loads of furniture, artwork, and kitchen goodies</div><div style="text-align: center;">all at <i>incredibly</i> affordable prices/opening bids<br />Basically wholesale antiques!<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46JbO_m3S783bxulg1jdZTruSxJF7OQwBl7wWJb4yoAiVJkfUT-UqvgYdwn4E0WerZokiKbJ_bbVfRhfqbUeUrZf5tw1ZhgDPAbPBPpn-KGtTBIifPlKHMTjpYvPAP-6nP3Ts2_vbczTQ/s1600/DSC03933-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46JbO_m3S783bxulg1jdZTruSxJF7OQwBl7wWJb4yoAiVJkfUT-UqvgYdwn4E0WerZokiKbJ_bbVfRhfqbUeUrZf5tw1ZhgDPAbPBPpn-KGtTBIifPlKHMTjpYvPAP-6nP3Ts2_vbczTQ/s400/DSC03933-002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my recent purchases-<br />Groovy vintage printers tray by blogging friend, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Vintagesheetaddict?ref=ss_profile">Vintage Sheet Addict</a><br />Authentic letter blocks from <a href="http://www.the-bothy.co.uk/">The Bothy</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />The day of the auction I found about 70 people in the room</div><div style="text-align: center;">The auctioneer was very easy to understand and spoke slowly (yay!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">They went through the items only by number, so I'm glad I went on preview day to view the goods</div><div style="text-align: center;">Typically only about 2 or 3 people were bidding on a particular item</div><div style="text-align: center;">The highest bidder paid for the item and took it home that day</div><div style="text-align: center;">(delivery available)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because most of the bidders were dealers,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they would drop out from a bidding war early</div><div style="text-align: center;">as they didn't have the emotional tie to items</div><div style="text-align: center;">and needed to make a profit</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I got my two paintings at half the price I would have paid at an antique fair</div><div style="text-align: center;">with no embarrassing mishaps</div><div style="text-align: center;">- plus a story to go with it and conquering the fear of auctions :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUh2I_ggsjj36OeyyTD2Gv7FIEkKJ7oX7zvOn1tTDjbGoOhS5sBLGuPHjrCrprJW2jggVeQVtFaF4Oxzq2Eb-xpAZhGqsjYnlVuDBtSUOBe2B6V3bKubNXWwVIMfXKmHk28aT3hnt4i76/s1600/IMG_2312-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUh2I_ggsjj36OeyyTD2Gv7FIEkKJ7oX7zvOn1tTDjbGoOhS5sBLGuPHjrCrprJW2jggVeQVtFaF4Oxzq2Eb-xpAZhGqsjYnlVuDBtSUOBe2B6V3bKubNXWwVIMfXKmHk28aT3hnt4i76/s640/IMG_2312-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ardingly Antiques & Collection Fair</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But if you must know, </div><div style="text-align: center;">my happy happy place for vintiquing</div><div style="text-align: center;">is <a href="http://www.iacf.co.uk/ardingly/">Ardingly Antiques and Collection Fair</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">held only twice a year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is HUGE and jam-packed with vendors from all over Europe</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is open two days in a row, but only go the first day when it is full of vendors</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everything you could imagine is there</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is so freaky-good that I get giddy<br />each time I step foot among the treasures yet to be discovered</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have found London to be too expensive,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but nearby Surrey has some other great finds:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sunburyantiques.com/">Sunbury Antiques Market</a> (2x/mo)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hamptoncourtvillage.co.uk/Shopping-in-east-molesey.html">Hampton Court Village</a>, East Molesey  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dorking's <a href="http://www.dorkingantiques.com/">West Street</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bourne-mill-antiques.co.uk/">Bourne Mill Antiques Centre</a> & <a href="http://www.packhouse.com/">The Packhouse</a> in Farnham</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've found car boot and jumble sales have great deals </div><div style="text-align: center;">but rarely provide good loot</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The most bizarre thing I've seen in my foraging?<br />A container of human glass eyeballs from Victorian times(!)<br /><br />My recent brocante obsession?<br />Kitchen scales and kitchen containers<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have any tips to share?<br />Your obsession?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="color: #500050;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">More info: <a href="http://www.ewbankauctions.co.uk/">Ewbank Auctions</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Related post: <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/buying-vintage-in-england.html">Buying Vintage In England</a></span><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

'Vintiquing' In England

Portobello Road I almost wrote 'Nervous Nellie' when the form asked my name, as I registered as a buyer at an antique auction house ...

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Ho Ho Ho, and a Holiday Giveaway we go!

So I was going to run a short and sweet sale this year, but instead I've decided to extend it, and on top of that, I'm adding a giveaway to the mix!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhWa1YP9fGj1UexpDevSYWm65G1_usmwCwqs91J3SfrcFh59WG5lGMjIAW9MRF9oRyYoHxsBo65LCynppedyU5rLLY5vPBUfYyAWZSU3ARqmdcd_5iysVJ1u6ccjs6WtsBfVse3NxHLp6/s640/holiday+giveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/">www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com</a></div><br />Every time you purchase from either my Etsy store (or website, which is coming, I promise!) over the holiday season you'll go into the draw to receive their order <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!</span> I'll draw the winner on 21st December and announce the results on my blog and via email. So if you want to get that shopping sorted once and for all, and maybe win some goodies for yourself in the process, head on over and shop away!<br /><br />And in case you're wondering, the artwork you see in the above pic is a supersized version of my '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/99440107/on-sale-abstract-watercolor-ombre-in?ga_search_query=ombre" target="_blank">Ombre in Denim'.</a> Just goes to show that sometimes, more really is more....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**to clarify - all orders placed from 26th Nov until midnight 20th Dec will go into the draw, so all you early bird shoppers are included!**</span><br /><br /><br /><br />

Ho Ho Ho, and a Holiday Giveaway we go!

So I was going to run a short and sweet sale this year, but instead I've decided to extend it, and on top of that, I'm adding a give...

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A Social Profile Of Two Countries

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For years I've wanted to write this post<br />which highlights some interesting differences<br />(and similarities)<br />between the US and England<br /><br />I think it shows how culturally different we are<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxYEM-KA7M5k-8fjRTrMw8WUmT0JQMEMUR7ccu2JYlh7HKY6ht0EP7Ir-sq_K4Zsmnkatwz43o2kmiTM_9z6V30M8Kg5W1RonZp9p9raEpsxGi8RSWm2fJ_0yOAE0M6NksQX3SFZUw-3i/s1600/DSC03918-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxYEM-KA7M5k-8fjRTrMw8WUmT0JQMEMUR7ccu2JYlh7HKY6ht0EP7Ir-sq_K4Zsmnkatwz43o2kmiTM_9z6V30M8Kg5W1RonZp9p9raEpsxGi8RSWm2fJ_0yOAE0M6NksQX3SFZUw-3i/s640/DSC03918-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />With a bit of research,</div><div style="text-align: center;">here's a look at each country's stand on a handful of issues...<br /><br />*<br /><br /><u>Citizenship At Birth</u><br /><u><br /></u>US - <u>All</u> children born in the US are given American citizenship upon birth<br /><br />England - Automatic UK citizenship not granted to newborns of foreign parents<br /><br />*<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Legal Adulthood</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">US & England - 18 years old</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Legal Age To Vote</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">US & England - 18 years old</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />*<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Abortion</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">US & England - Yes<br />Remains <u>very</u> controversal in the US<br /><br />*<br /><br /><u>Separation Between Church And State</u><br /><br />US - Yes<br /><br />England - No<br />The constitutional monarch is also<br />Supreme Governor of the Church of England<br />and Defender of the Faith<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Particular Religion Observed In State/Public Schools</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">US - No</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">England - Yes<br />1/3 of publicly funded schools are religious in nature<br /><br /><br /><div>*<br /><br /></div><div><u>Legal Driving Age</u></div><div><br /></div><div>US - 16 years old, with a few state exceptions</div><div><br /></div><div>England - Age 17</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />*<br /><br /><br /><div><u>Legal Age To Buy & Smoke Cigarettes</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div>US - 18 years old</div><div><br /></div><div>England - 16 years old to smoke cigarettes</div><div>18 years old to buy them<br /><br />*<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Legal Age To Drink Alcohol</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">US - 21 years old</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">England - 5 years old if at home or on private premises</div><div style="text-align: center;">Age 16 in public establishment if with someone 18 yrs or older</div><div style="text-align: center;">18 years old to buy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPhg0vRvS7mdsAtPf5aZsL7ODGray8Rs1QqsRWbrSVQoxHFlcrDLeyFOCh51a9jm7AZob5gVHco8Rwi72iISLOaoItxQDu36FY7tIvfn_F_cjb0Awecj6fun3uHGCclkgiLnQwxG2CPxg/s1600/DSC03679-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPhg0vRvS7mdsAtPf5aZsL7ODGray8Rs1QqsRWbrSVQoxHFlcrDLeyFOCh51a9jm7AZob5gVHco8Rwi72iISLOaoItxQDu36FY7tIvfn_F_cjb0Awecj6fun3uHGCclkgiLnQwxG2CPxg/s640/DSC03679-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Minimum Age To Join Military</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">US - Age 17 with parental consent; 18 without consent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">England - 16 yrs old with parental consent; 18 without consent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />*<br /><br /><br /><div><u>Capital Punishment/Death Penalty</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div>US - Legal (and used) in select states</div><div><br /></div><div>England - No</div><br /><br />*<br /><br /><br /><div><u>Right To Bear Arms (Guns)</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div>US - Easily accessible with a background check<br /><br /></div><div>England - Very restricted; not carried by many police officers</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />*<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Trespassing Laws</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">US - Homeowners can do what is necessary to protect property & home, </div><div style="text-align: center;">including bodily harm to trespasser with support of the law<br />Trespassers do so at their own risk, with a real possibility of being shot by homeowner</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">England - Homeowners have little legal protection for defending home,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as they may be prosecuted for causing bodily harm to trespasser</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some squatters move into homes while owner is away,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and owner has little legal recourse</div><div style="text-align: center;">( both UK topics are being discussed currently )<br /><br />Although England is softer on crime,<br />crimes are less violent<br />with few crimes involving guns</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you find all this fascinating too?<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>-  photos by me </i></span><i style="font-size: small;"> -</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/healthcare_e/healthcare_young_people_e/young_people_health_and_personal.htm#Abortion">Citizen Advice Bureau</a>, <a href="http://www.army.mod.uk/">Army</a>, <a href="http://www.wikipedia.org/">Wikipedia</a>, <a href="http://www.secularism.org.uk/religion-in-schools.html">National Secular Society</a></span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

A Social Profile Of Two Countries

For years I've wanted to write this post which highlights some interesting differences (and similarities) between the US and England I t...

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Botanical art...and the sale continues

<br />Just wanted to let you know that after a little hiccup with my <a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Cyber Monday Etsy sale</a> (an unscheduled early end meant many of you missed the sale - so sorry!) I've extended it until midnight tonight...oh, and I've also added a brand new print. This orchid is the first in a new series of botanicals, which were going to be saved for my new online store, but what can I say...patience is not one of my virtues :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ztw5hQYWsYBqlJ1cMjucQDsre-Nx_-hA0CIK1gsvUg15VFdrzMnxuvNhxQuBJpbQmZC4HVAHYf1AiiwcqKZRloYq-06IW2cHKsa-qr31H0gM0BSfCUxaL3rp8n-OnbrtvdOn6gggAseS/s640/slipper+orchid+watermarked+etsy.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/">www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com</a></span></div><br />So click on the pic for 20% off everything in store while it lasts....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>

Botanical art...and the sale continues

Just wanted to let you know that after a little hiccup with my Cyber Monday Etsy sale (an unscheduled early end meant many of you missed th...

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It sale time!!

It's that time of year again - sale time! To celebrate the holiday season, I'm having a Cyber Monday sale in my Etsy store. All prints are 20% off, so hop on over and take a look around. But hurry - for a limited time only!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0lFov8JaKXKzklEHZZTQ3eOTsLS3MmJXt0-bTgIhgiDH43GlCeLYJV_piATpvMkKVBmwFLgYBMX3trQDQt-7KH5UqPg1KA8KxopuzTQURSsP9wQCSSKYk5V7HrogbOeSjGgZ_EZKfHf-/s640/cybermonday+20%2525+blog+banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/">www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com</a></span></div><br />Happy shopping!!<br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" />

It sale time!!

It's that time of year again - sale time! To celebrate the holiday season, I'm having a Cyber Monday sale in my Etsy store. All prin...

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English Children Of WWII

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Did you know 3 million English children were evacuated privately and by the government</div><div style="text-align: center;">from major targeted locations during the Second World War?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You've actually 'met' four of them already...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Right here...<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAOW1cgK1YIK-a_3DIWx2QCqBskjRDeS0c9TC0ZOUE5AImvMXwJC_ha_MxkBXxLIqcdC1-kswF7tfFhwags21rbzV6oJQzBrdsMDU2rF0VklKcyre3OHqrKrIBETILyZHcQTTFamAJUIK/s1600/the+lion5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAOW1cgK1YIK-a_3DIWx2QCqBskjRDeS0c9TC0ZOUE5AImvMXwJC_ha_MxkBXxLIqcdC1-kswF7tfFhwags21rbzV6oJQzBrdsMDU2rF0VklKcyre3OHqrKrIBETILyZHcQTTFamAJUIK/s320/the+lion5.JPG" width="233" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Chronicles-Narnia-Unabridged-AUDIOBOOK/dp/0007117329/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1353230164&sr=8-9">amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />'' <i>Once there were four children whose names were Peter,</i><br /><i>Susan, Edmund and Lucy. <b>This story is about something that happened to</b></i><br /><i><b>them when they were sent away from London during the war because</b></i><br /><i><b>of air-raids.</b> They were sent to the house of an old Professor who lived in</i><br /><i>the heart of the country, ten miles from the nearest railway station</i><br /><i>and two miles from the nearest post office. '' </i><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(bold text, my addition)</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Beginning in 1939<br />in a government-sponsored scheme,<br />children were transported en masse<br />via trains and buses to the English countryside<br />( often Wales and the West Country )<br /><br />Upon arrival,<br />many children were brought to a central location<br />and selected by foster families<br />based on appearance,<br />much like a cattle market<br />Can you imagine?<br /><br />An unusual event during an unusual time<br /><br />Some siblings were kept together,<br />but often they were not<br /><br />Most of these urban children had never visited a farm,<br />much less seen a cow before<br /><br />The government even transported some children<br />to safer havens in foreign countries by ship<br />with the real threat of torpedoes looming<br />( Canada, United States, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand )<br /><br />Most evacuees were away from home for <i>four or five years</i>,<br />experiencing the bulk of their childhood away from home<br /><br />Some children felt abandoned and terribly homesick,<br />while others saw it as a grand adventure to live a totally different life<br /><br /><i>'' ...let's go and explore tomorrow. You might find anything</i><br /><i>in a place like this. Did you see those mountains we came along?</i><br /><i>And the woods? ''</i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">- Peter, The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />Can you imagine being a parent during that time,<br />torn between your heart and head of letting<br />your children live with unscreened strangers for a indefinite amount of time<br />in hopes of them surviving the war?<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOutUoBjjM_PkKm0985vU4Tg1mLkKUOeM3Is3K6bXjzels5mujBbOWX0ssXtVyBVO4lgmt9eMYdGtC8JA7lw55kyf31KylVHVXt-jjJHNJE_NL5jQVZiCnT-COUvrXq7e510XD6sruIl/s1600/rcol_img_children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrOutUoBjjM_PkKm0985vU4Tg1mLkKUOeM3Is3K6bXjzels5mujBbOWX0ssXtVyBVO4lgmt9eMYdGtC8JA7lw55kyf31KylVHVXt-jjJHNJE_NL5jQVZiCnT-COUvrXq7e510XD6sruIl/s400/rcol_img_children.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of a typical evacuated child traveling <br />with gas mask, suitcase, and baggage tag with child's name<br />(Book <a href="http://www.juliesummers.co.uk/whenthechildren.php">here</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />How could a parent surrender their child to the great unknown?<br /><br />Well, those parents would not want to expose<br />their children to the tragedies they had witnessed in World War I<br /><br />They would want them to be safe from attack,<br />and would send them abroad if they thought it would be safer there<br />if Great Britain came under Nazi control<br /><br />( only 22 miles of channel separated England<br />from German-occupied France )<br /><br />There was huge pressure from the government<br />for parents to voluntarily evacuate their children<br />There was little time to decide<br /><br />Furthermore, there were no schools left in 'evacuated' cities<br />as most had moved to the country too<br /><br />I can't imagine the inner turmoil to 'do the right thing'<br />It would be impossible to know what that would be exactly<br /><br />Sadly, parents had a hard time visiting their children<br />with rations of petrol, little free time, long distances,<br />and transportation difficulties due to bombed systems<br /><br />What amazes me is that this affected<br /><i>a whole English generation still living today</i><br /> as evacuees and as hosts<br />(now in their 70s and older)<br />YET I never hear it referred to<br />- I just happened to stumble upon a book about it in the library -<br /><br />After the war,<br />children trickled back home<br />with new regional accents and country life experiences<br /><br />Many returning children had to adjust to a new home (as previous one bombed),<br />a biological family that seemed like strangers (many didn't recognize their aged parents),<br />and often a new family dynamic with no father, a new baby, or a stepfather in the home<br /><br />Some children became orphans or were young adults when the war ended,<br />so may not have ever returned 'home'<br /><br />The evacuation was a success in that it saved thousands of young lives<br />who may not have survived had they stayed<br /><br />But the break up of families was certainly a casualty of the war<br /><br />I don't know about you,<br />but it gives me a greater appreciation for the <i>privilege </i><br />of witnessing my kids' childhood<br /><br />And it makes me want to give them just one more squeeze before bedtime :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Read more:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Children-Came-Home-Evacuees/dp/1847398766/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353242396&sr=8-1">When The Children Came Home</a> by Julie Summers (my source)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-War-Diary-Flossie-Albright/dp/1406309400/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353242499&sr=1-1">My Secret War Diary, By Flossie Albright</a> by Marcia Williams (children's book) </span></div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

English Children Of WWII

Did you know 3 million English children were evacuated privately and by the government from major targeted locations during the Second World...

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THANKSGIVING AND GOBBLE, GOBBLE...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvnscWCPl7Qvx_YKFaKXD8DlCeVM94dAe0ym_ah1H3zGjH6FTSrBSd5DToxEpMp-L0aocqORQZEbH6GGSycFCoKw6mqNDWkHppPULWFVC0iB-oF8bahLideua7ca4GMyBplMnBVvlL9_7/s1600/305281488_PRLlexqf_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvnscWCPl7Qvx_YKFaKXD8DlCeVM94dAe0ym_ah1H3zGjH6FTSrBSd5DToxEpMp-L0aocqORQZEbH6GGSycFCoKw6mqNDWkHppPULWFVC0iB-oF8bahLideua7ca4GMyBplMnBVvlL9_7/s640/305281488_PRLlexqf_c.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />More fall posts - click and have a look!<br /><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2008/10/fabulous-fall.html">Fabulous Fall</a><br /><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/welcoming-fall.html">Welcoming Fall</a><br /><br /><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/visual-feasts.html">Visual Feasts</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Wishing you contented warm family time, good food, good thoughts.  <br /><br /><br /><br />Best wishes!</div><br />

THANKSGIVING AND GOBBLE, GOBBLE...

Happy Thanksgiving More fall posts - click and have a look! Fabulous Fall Welcoming Fall Visual Feasts Wishing you contented warm family tim...

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Exciting changes ahead...

I know I've been a terrible tease, with talk of new and exciting things to come, but please bear with me. At long last, I have a brand-spankin' new website on the way, and it's been a labour of love to get it up and running. It's <i>almost </i>there - just a few last-minute tweaks and tucks, and it'll be good to go. So for those of you who've been so patient and put up with my teasing ways, I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll be having a grand opening, with exclusive pieces, goodies and discounts to celebrate, so I hope you'll think it was worth the wait. In the meantime, I've finally managed to finish a work on canvas that's been doing a little teasing of its own. And for those of you who are partial to a bit of zesty neon, this should be right up your alley....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0VgMANF1wdLzp7dUJu6nRmjlaOj2-1RSYronmTSbySRu6V1-A-laN761xso8qGABbJWd6A1pNPBMMTUEKHq5i4dnG5Mg3WkvoiQpzJsUpdYmiPEJdYPomSmbEpYmrpyZn7wxsaEnjtGc/s1600/neon+abstract2+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0VgMANF1wdLzp7dUJu6nRmjlaOj2-1RSYronmTSbySRu6V1-A-laN761xso8qGABbJWd6A1pNPBMMTUEKHq5i4dnG5Mg3WkvoiQpzJsUpdYmiPEJdYPomSmbEpYmrpyZn7wxsaEnjtGc/s640/neon+abstract2+resize.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">'Atomic'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">mixed media on canvas</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">810mm x 810mm (30" x 30")</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been a stressful week - I have my last baby away at Schoolies. And after the terrible news that a young girl lost her life after falling from a balcony overnight, it makes it even harder to manage to stay calm. My heart breaks for the family and friends of this young woman, and I'm counting the minutes until I can pick my girl up. I know I'll be hugging her a little more tightly when she comes home tomorrow.....</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>

Exciting changes ahead...

I know I've been a terrible tease, with talk of new and exciting things to come, but please bear with me. At long last, I have a brand-s...

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Happy Thanksgiving From England

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLRb2NU3SIG6eX5zsMtWk0TkSumh7ZnFEddpNXu3XmQPzktPrck1RnUNY0m3OOoXjJl1fYeK4Rhc-OSomufJ7eQnF9voSyy3W1MPjTx3TsgQjpkheHn98SBLK13wPSAh4o5t6ce-tvFop/s1600/DSC03775-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLRb2NU3SIG6eX5zsMtWk0TkSumh7ZnFEddpNXu3XmQPzktPrck1RnUNY0m3OOoXjJl1fYeK4Rhc-OSomufJ7eQnF9voSyy3W1MPjTx3TsgQjpkheHn98SBLK13wPSAh4o5t6ce-tvFop/s640/DSC03775-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In England, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">there is no indication that Thursday is Thanksgiving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in the United States</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanksgiving is not ear-marked in the year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as a day off from school or work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is just like any other day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But for us, it will still be</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a time to share a meal with friends and family</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">void of gifts but full of friendship, food, and American football</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An evening set aside to reflect on all things we are grateful for and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">an opportunity to stop and count our blessings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the loveliest holidays in its purity and lack of commercialism</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a3vvXN2QDLTPShFLAYWi5ccUB0fRNl8OXyL_1CZjccbkPmvpDAt2AtDBM1HogxCi-Ogn5YFALkN7QmuX8K4LNIhc7NYixw1O0PAb5LEH45CfvKL1ybhx4laKlYGClDnAIM8b5gVJ84Ku/s1600/DSC03847-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a3vvXN2QDLTPShFLAYWi5ccUB0fRNl8OXyL_1CZjccbkPmvpDAt2AtDBM1HogxCi-Ogn5YFALkN7QmuX8K4LNIhc7NYixw1O0PAb5LEH45CfvKL1ybhx4laKlYGClDnAIM8b5gVJ84Ku/s640/DSC03847-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing your heart and home are warm with friends and family</div><div style="text-align: center;">and countless blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Happy Thanksgiving From England

In England,  there is no indication that Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States Thanksgiving is not ear-marked in the year as a day o...

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ITS A GIRL THING

<div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />PINK...</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMesQs04ddTwal_ua5zQNXQSp4URaLQRHaMSHywkkdoj8qDmiLArbdhNkjmhVwFrBBysYjkkk3NAH5TAPQVQ9xJLCNwg7Vb1AZjrmcFKSnBIoEaqtA_wn9wnwSfDA6nmtNtLx00j_-IBY/s1600/decorpad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMesQs04ddTwal_ua5zQNXQSp4URaLQRHaMSHywkkdoj8qDmiLArbdhNkjmhVwFrBBysYjkkk3NAH5TAPQVQ9xJLCNwg7Vb1AZjrmcFKSnBIoEaqtA_wn9wnwSfDA6nmtNtLx00j_-IBY/s640/decorpad.png" width="420"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br><br /><div style="border: currentColor; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I worked on a little girls room, and what better time to post about it</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />than while we are on the subject of pink.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I interviewed the 10 year old. I always interview kids about their rooms - </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Mostly because it is so fun to listen to their ideas</div><br /><br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/its-girl-thing.html#more">Read more »</a>

ITS A GIRL THING

PINK...  I worked on a little girls room, and what better time to post about it than while we are on the subject of pink. I interviewed t...

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In 'Loo' Of...

<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you imagine this award ceremony?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rb0ZqWAsicoLyluLwrCqqjH5hCfv71stf0aLlMtSTWcnTUwUY-Ub9gydrlefb_4bRZtPF_NsUNSJ3OYXMlmKc8cCFDF2sfS5vFsUOa2qk1jpwllbslugXZNZDffG4J91_gdKxrS1_E7v/s1600/IMG_2813-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rb0ZqWAsicoLyluLwrCqqjH5hCfv71stf0aLlMtSTWcnTUwUY-Ub9gydrlefb_4bRZtPF_NsUNSJ3OYXMlmKc8cCFDF2sfS5vFsUOa2qk1jpwllbslugXZNZDffG4J91_gdKxrS1_E7v/s400/IMG_2813-001.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking garage, Stratford-Upon-Avon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you are an American visiting England,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you quickly learn that asking for the 'bathroom' or 'restroom' </div><div style="text-align: center;">will only get you quizzical looks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Toilet' is what you are really looking for</div><div style="text-align: center;">(although it sounds crude to my ears)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Loo' is an informal British synonym thrown about as well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The origin of the curious word 'loo' is unknown,</div><div style="text-align: center;">although there are a few unsubstantiated theories circulating:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-  Medieval servants would yell 'gardyloo' </div><div style="text-align: center;">(from the French <i>regardez l'eau</i> 'watch out for the water')</div><div style="text-align: center;">as chamber posts were emptied out of upstairs windows into the street -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Using the French word <i>le lieu </i>(the place) sounds more polite -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- The trade name 'Waterloo' appeared on iron cisterns in many British outhouses</div><div style="text-align: center;">during the early 20th century -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I must say I have yet to meet a person here by the name of Lou,</div><div style="text-align: center;">much less Lulu</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Every good mom has moments of dueling their kids</div><div style="text-align: center;">with potty talk</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to my world :)  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photo by me -</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://oxforddictionaries.com/words/what-is-the-origin-of-the-word-loo">Oxford Dictionary</a></span></div><br /> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

In 'Loo' Of...

Can you imagine this award ceremony? Parking garage, Stratford-Upon-Avon If you are an American visiting England, you quickly learn that ask...

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Funny Trees

<br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_zjXcngTLcnTklzzBojvihkyjKsdvLNiGir3oy8s40uN_n4J1AZikPULQWClXZ67x3CcpDfWQYaMzFULGtZXHymTWyc7cJ5uRoksVqMAMrfdkicOLf5xpaO_IMKq7cGgkRNAQ9g6x-4B/s1600/DSCN7100-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_zjXcngTLcnTklzzBojvihkyjKsdvLNiGir3oy8s40uN_n4J1AZikPULQWClXZ67x3CcpDfWQYaMzFULGtZXHymTWyc7cJ5uRoksVqMAMrfdkicOLf5xpaO_IMKq7cGgkRNAQ9g6x-4B/s640/DSCN7100-001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Linden/lime (<i>Tilia</i>) trees in winter</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout Europe you find these Dr Seuss-esque trees with nubby branches</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Practiced since medieval times in Europe,</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">trees have been 'pollarded' for wood and for livestock feed (fodder)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today the technique is used to shape trees, decrease shade,</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and confine branches from obstructing streetlights or tangling in overhead wires</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But primarily</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think many like the look of a 'tidy' tree</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk-BUWS9uXV0dapVHXXwwC373tu6vMm4Dz7oxcxDwUPeqKV79Vu2haXBV1n5fN9e7G0IAvabA2Tnv-YO93I_2CCFM_ynKz-FWiMJ1_REPzcqhncoCODuwrJ57TKOGJuPHmMe_r-DA1MH6/s1600/IMG_2611-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk-BUWS9uXV0dapVHXXwwC373tu6vMm4Dz7oxcxDwUPeqKV79Vu2haXBV1n5fN9e7G0IAvabA2Tnv-YO93I_2CCFM_ynKz-FWiMJ1_REPzcqhncoCODuwrJ57TKOGJuPHmMe_r-DA1MH6/s640/IMG_2611-001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Pollard limes in summer</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With less weight and a controlled size,</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">pollarding a tree does decrease wind and snow damage </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and thus increase longevity</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet I was taught in the US</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">that a pollard tree may have a shorter life-span </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">due to the stress of regular cutting</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and the tree putting all of its energy into creating branches in the Spring</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and delaying leaf growth for photosynthesis</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Possibly</span><span style="line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> due to this difference in school of thought and tradition,</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">you see these dramatically pruned trees in Europe but not in the US</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trees I see in England as pollards include</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">willows (<i>Salix</i>), lindens/limes (<i>Tilia</i>), and planes (<i>Platanus</i>)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you think?</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Sources: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding">Wikipedia</a>, <a href="http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=156">RHS</a></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Funny Trees

Linden/lime ( Tilia ) trees in winter Throughout Europe you find these Dr Seuss-esque trees with nubby branches Practiced since medieval tim...

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London: Underground Tube Map

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">You may not have heard of Harry Beck</div><div style="text-align: center;">but you have seen his most famous work</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the</div><div style="text-align: center;">London Underground Tube Map</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi60kmfJfX5_hMPOC4HUlf3sYSYlQTq2enKTiYmAhE7n-_vYFoZ3xTBgfTmCq3d2QXg49pMjPnufiemUVJkN9Fp8sF_R70Ht_Jq_KBZbrwkk3eyrdz9uiqNOivC5QYdWROyHHPSaPNFfM/s1600/tube.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi60kmfJfX5_hMPOC4HUlf3sYSYlQTq2enKTiYmAhE7n-_vYFoZ3xTBgfTmCq3d2QXg49pMjPnufiemUVJkN9Fp8sF_R70Ht_Jq_KBZbrwkk3eyrdz9uiqNOivC5QYdWROyHHPSaPNFfM/s640/tube.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not geographically accurate, but simplified for users</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Fzs3vzaC4Ct1bTh8ss2eSwVjyy3POf3jB3Hd9AMBvD3DU9SoXc_oL-YzJ7tcKI52-Inlyd4D1p4mcnlGzob9zjknf4JxMmrs7pZaGsvFCtnZhESSAk3Ybuk0YpmtYahTGWaMnaS7H-r/s1600/800px-London_Underground_Zone_1.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Fzs3vzaC4Ct1bTh8ss2eSwVjyy3POf3jB3Hd9AMBvD3DU9SoXc_oL-YzJ7tcKI52-Inlyd4D1p4mcnlGzob9zjknf4JxMmrs7pZaGsvFCtnZhESSAk3Ybuk0YpmtYahTGWaMnaS7H-r/s640/800px-London_Underground_Zone_1.svg.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unofficial map of  Zone 1<br />Geographically, more correct placement of stations</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In 1931 this English engineering draftsman drew up </div><div style="text-align: center;">a simplified diagram in his uncommissioned spare time</div><div style="text-align: center;">(he was later paid a nominal amount for the original concept)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">London Underground was skeptical of his radical proposal at first</div><div style="text-align: center;">but Beck's map gained immediate popularity </div><div style="text-align: center;">and is now a British design classic</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beck color coded the train lines (brown for Bakerloo, for example)</div><div style="text-align: center;">and continued to redesign the map until 1960</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out this fun map I stumbled upon recently</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzKOkbKvi8vfjjy7MQUA3vYK8kULYUpe2I4a4o0zKEAdgjJ-SJ-2x_j-woXLnY6Iye-PQUVdY8ZUvymrkAB2v_31FM9KlA00igq_6k_b8gvhySX0WjpOXEJBe3fuy6YgU2z_z3PppBPnQ/s1600/tubefilmmap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzKOkbKvi8vfjjy7MQUA3vYK8kULYUpe2I4a4o0zKEAdgjJ-SJ-2x_j-woXLnY6Iye-PQUVdY8ZUvymrkAB2v_31FM9KlA00igq_6k_b8gvhySX0WjpOXEJBe3fuy6YgU2z_z3PppBPnQ/s1600/tubefilmmap.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London film location map<br />available via <a href="http://shop.tfl.gov.uk/design-collections/underground-film-map/product/underground-film-map-poster.html">Transport for London</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think the lesson here is to go with your gut instinct</div><div style="text-align: center;">and if at first you don't succeed, try, try again</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nice job, Mr Beck</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sources: Wikipedia <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Beck">1</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_map">2</a>, <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/1106.aspx">TfL</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

London: Underground Tube Map

You may not have heard of Harry Beck but you have seen his most famous work the London Underground Tube Map Not geographically accurate, but...

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More About Me

<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for all your questions last month</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To be honest, I wasn't sure anyone</div><div style="text-align: center;">would have any 'wonders' about <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/yep-thats-me.html">me</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Over time I will answer more questions...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfQ3FduCejdMWKm2B9VS6H5Ph7-4C5T2o1rZY7yJReErnBoz8DklUd0GGNmlUNhdJlTbNaGeIAg7qkfNvGpbEDG4-MQi0tLYb-1Mh5ekW1Cv76j2kgc2rPxUBrsDlBiUXEoBJvp9RXH7V/s1600/DSC_0006-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfQ3FduCejdMWKm2B9VS6H5Ph7-4C5T2o1rZY7yJReErnBoz8DklUd0GGNmlUNhdJlTbNaGeIAg7qkfNvGpbEDG4-MQi0tLYb-1Mh5ekW1Cv76j2kgc2rPxUBrsDlBiUXEoBJvp9RXH7V/s640/DSC_0006-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><i><b>What do you miss most from the US?</b></i><br /><i><b>What have you enjoyed the most in England?</b></i><br /><br />The people: I miss the important people in our lives in the US<br />and miss being there for them in their time of need and celebration<br />I miss being a part of my friends' daily lives<br /><br />On the flip side, I adore my new friendships here<br />that I will treasure for a lifetime;<br />I am savoring our time together,<br />knowing we will not be here forever<br /><br />But I know you were asking for more :) So,<br />I miss owning a home - someplace we can truly make our own,<br />paint the walls, choose our own curtains, feel really rooted<br />Yeah, I also miss my American washer & dryer<br /><br />I miss affordable, stylish, one-stop-shopping Target,<br />everyday conveniences (drive thrus)<br />and great customer service<br /><br />Sometimes I miss biscuits & gravy like mad<br />(like, yesterday - big time)<br /><br />I don't miss all the bossy billboards in the US<br />telling me who to call, what to buy, etc<br /><br />This is my drive to school, billboard free<br />It's a nice way to start the day :)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6lRq-tBq9vPChzBlBMapzTajDHblDzzVvVT3ZrspXMzHIJvqdjBkHNcrar0g6McTXJZ0f6bFAyPlit2MW11MCQRSbsCJJSmzMjbBBMPKaIqSImM4UMXv3n_enTGOJPb49nZWTNd_HQlK/s1600/DSCN5806-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6lRq-tBq9vPChzBlBMapzTajDHblDzzVvVT3ZrspXMzHIJvqdjBkHNcrar0g6McTXJZ0f6bFAyPlit2MW11MCQRSbsCJJSmzMjbBBMPKaIqSImM4UMXv3n_enTGOJPb49nZWTNd_HQlK/s640/DSCN5806-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />As a visual person, I LOVE ENGLAND<br />It is just so beautiful at every turn<br />- the gardens, the villages, the architecture -<br /><br />I love the accents (I'm shallow like that)<br />and I love that I'm surrounded by history<br /><br />Of course I love the accessibility to so many other interesting places<br /><br />It is fascinating to live under<br />a government with different ideology<br />as well as be a part of the European Union and all that that means<br /><br />But on a deeper level,<br />England has provided a place for me to step out of the known<br />and reinvent myself<br /><br />I walked away from my old routines and sought out new ones<br /><br />With blogging, I'm exploring the writer and photographer in me<br /><br />While my days were just as full as in the US,<br />they look different<br /><br />With excellent brain food,<br />my mind is always whirling<br />witnessed just the other day as I turned on my empty dryer<br /> :)<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

More About Me

Thank you for all your questions last month To be honest, I wasn't sure anyone would have any 'wonders' about me Over time I wil...

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Election Night At The US Embassy

<div style="text-align: center;"><br />What better place to watch the election unfold<br />than in the US Embassy in London?!<br /><br />{ cameras not allowed, so all from my phone }<br /><br />The Embassy was all lit up,<br />with tight security<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf44ynmLxnM2x79ToBzelGbLesU9PktqdVC1nNuAS9qLM3jcZ0fjxYYqXEpapE_TZGpZ5LsUexpVLEB5mEgY6Ujyh3J3NN7Q9NQ52bNWzAIoKZ5dFqitaeBdCtGXn4-EjuKv1Tr6p8-T7/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf44ynmLxnM2x79ToBzelGbLesU9PktqdVC1nNuAS9qLM3jcZ0fjxYYqXEpapE_TZGpZ5LsUexpVLEB5mEgY6Ujyh3J3NN7Q9NQ52bNWzAIoKZ5dFqitaeBdCtGXn4-EjuKv1Tr6p8-T7/s400/photo+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Live Dixieland music greeted us - so distinctly American!<br /><br />Ambassador Susman welcomed the crowd<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErnKIuSLQ6PkPuv78W-BvdGXf1FPCP6dKd3OJEfA-7XeetnXSDuNnedSpXvr7qPmQ2B-3Lov9iBpeuuU13Y_dlQD3OAxQ_Ytmw0FKf47aPUmYDzmEktMK_sXXtHvtt8_0Dtx1dv8c18pu/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErnKIuSLQ6PkPuv78W-BvdGXf1FPCP6dKd3OJEfA-7XeetnXSDuNnedSpXvr7qPmQ2B-3Lov9iBpeuuU13Y_dlQD3OAxQ_Ytmw0FKf47aPUmYDzmEktMK_sXXtHvtt8_0Dtx1dv8c18pu/s400/photo4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />We were surrounded by<br />1500 other Americans<br />{ Republicans & Democrats }<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNseoH-S6Xri4j0fIcev2QGDiH1v6OgaFAzSGVzZBYaUHKAU4ZieeSZVwIvcE6CqdaLGBgvD9OrwH9CeFM6ftCyL7dfo0IqOBx0xIAwDMIAGguSgR6VwBYjwwQ1iK18m1B5ydRTUiWi8qe/s1600/photo7.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNseoH-S6Xri4j0fIcev2QGDiH1v6OgaFAzSGVzZBYaUHKAU4ZieeSZVwIvcE6CqdaLGBgvD9OrwH9CeFM6ftCyL7dfo0IqOBx0xIAwDMIAGguSgR6VwBYjwwQ1iK18m1B5ydRTUiWi8qe/s400/photo7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">US newscasts were aired on screens throughout the Embassy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked through the Media Center,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with the BBC set up </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">among others</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TgUYMs21YlCVCwFBIit7t7KgZdBwarkzQ1GqtoI_YdgoL9NvDxCMuk1DjUZQxTQsBsCbn26om8i1FNbu_DYak5LVVBVHcqH2JdEesCtpdaRTMxxbUaDDrxiOvJ-fvI72dcPMsqYegPz8/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TgUYMs21YlCVCwFBIit7t7KgZdBwarkzQ1GqtoI_YdgoL9NvDxCMuk1DjUZQxTQsBsCbn26om8i1FNbu_DYak5LVVBVHcqH2JdEesCtpdaRTMxxbUaDDrxiOvJ-fvI72dcPMsqYegPz8/s400/photo3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Difficult to see,<br />but a computerized map was filled in throughout the night<br />as results were reported<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz2przhNDcYCEneONrStAQR8JIrtL4BotDOSSWYalkNudFhkDjqPxW_7x6WRsiu1ZbHsqsYqwcqnDN-InyDJJmY_1x402llp41otnTpe52mkP6s5_sa5enL-AKiNS4705QQB6NL4yzK7u/s1600/photo6-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz2przhNDcYCEneONrStAQR8JIrtL4BotDOSSWYalkNudFhkDjqPxW_7x6WRsiu1ZbHsqsYqwcqnDN-InyDJJmY_1x402llp41otnTpe52mkP6s5_sa5enL-AKiNS4705QQB6NL4yzK7u/s400/photo6-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The basement held a bar and live band</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMr0-BtEVGh28x7mB1ujlTcVon4hwghyphenhyphen4o7On0KIPC9lDLqYiW8eICn_743JYelAWua9vBRx9bD6aW2bb6pwL4dLJ7G15VJpFIZVrYW088TG7ZRvB0TC508_mr61Go6kEyxyM2U9XJoEzF/s1600/photo15.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMr0-BtEVGh28x7mB1ujlTcVon4hwghyphenhyphen4o7On0KIPC9lDLqYiW8eICn_743JYelAWua9vBRx9bD6aW2bb6pwL4dLJ7G15VJpFIZVrYW088TG7ZRvB0TC508_mr61Go6kEyxyM2U9XJoEzF/s400/photo15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">McDonald's and finger food were served</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi9ov9Ucp8CuqOuXSO8OnUEMtUZNoAiC0vxuyB_gvOGSDWIn-M7npgcven5a0_WaPM-3aPASSTk2BTaOaiC1Wt0-bxr-8gry4yjXc5lI0zye54q-pUOCIV1Ylc3qoF5x8wOFBSMy_33lD/s1600/photo14.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi9ov9Ucp8CuqOuXSO8OnUEMtUZNoAiC0vxuyB_gvOGSDWIn-M7npgcven5a0_WaPM-3aPASSTk2BTaOaiC1Wt0-bxr-8gry4yjXc5lI0zye54q-pUOCIV1Ylc3qoF5x8wOFBSMy_33lD/s400/photo14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The Election Party started at 10p<br />with costumed Elvis, Statue Of Liberty, and Uncle Sam<br />walking around<br /><br />Due to the difference in time zones,<br />we knew the results wouldn't roll in until 4am<br />at the earliest<br /><br />So we left -<br />happy we had gone to the party<br />and happy to be going to bed<br />:)<br /><br />***<br /><br />The US Embassy has been in Grosvenor Square since 1960<br />and is the largest American Embassy in Western Europe<br /><br />A new US Embassy is being built across the River Thames in Wandsworth<br />( near Battersea )<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiscm0ejJAVqcCItjGtexytwbwJS2ejUHreVtmCgRfpZSnQR5bp2ti8FrJsiFGTbi_OWnZrLifI4nqdKHcEKY4Q3oIUpelD9ug0kcDKoAyLX2tEOjVSfklUoE9HnukaCxhNFaOskLfd5mE/s1600/Embassy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiscm0ejJAVqcCItjGtexytwbwJS2ejUHreVtmCgRfpZSnQR5bp2ti8FrJsiFGTbi_OWnZrLifI4nqdKHcEKY4Q3oIUpelD9ug0kcDKoAyLX2tEOjVSfklUoE9HnukaCxhNFaOskLfd5mE/s400/Embassy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassylondon/4586432491/in/set-72157624011945708/">credit</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It should be completed in 2017<br /><br />A few fun facts:<br /><br />In December 1777,<br />Morocco was the first nation to publicly recognize the new United States<br />Together they maintain the United States' longest unbroken treaty<br /><br />Benjamin Franklin had the first overseas mission of the United States<br />in Paris, France in 1779<br />{ and in London, you can visit his only remaining <a href="http://www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org/site/sections/default.htm">home</a> in the world }<br /><br />The first American Embassy was in The Hague, Netherlands<br />where John Adams was the first US Ambassador (1782)<br /><br />Later<br />Adams became the US Ambassador to Great Britain (1785)<br />and then the second President of the United States (1797 - 1801)<br /><br />You knew I couldn't resist throwing in a bit of trivia,<br />didn't you ;)<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">all photos by me</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">unless otherwise noted </span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Us_embassy#Europe">Wikipedia</a> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Election Night At The US Embassy

What better place to watch the election unfold than in the US Embassy in London?! { cameras not allowed, so all from my phone } The Embassy ...

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IN THE PINK

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />SURVIVOR!</div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzsypqgbDuDziK0O1HhNALn3VPmka8zBOFEO9H0dAVEkc728EkwAGUzRio3gpk_rNtCvDJhA18KWuEfkC5KrFwk5K2RggMfaYpOpwWLgdB6e_7ryml3UUwgu2SNeILNNWljQryV_LV07u/s1600/aishablogs2+bs+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzsypqgbDuDziK0O1HhNALn3VPmka8zBOFEO9H0dAVEkc728EkwAGUzRio3gpk_rNtCvDJhA18KWuEfkC5KrFwk5K2RggMfaYpOpwWLgdB6e_7ryml3UUwgu2SNeILNNWljQryV_LV07u/s640/aishablogs2+bs+com.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />In honor of my sister's recent successful completion of her breast cancer surgery, </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />chemotherapy and radiation...[the second of my sisters to undergo this ordeal...] </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /> and for breast cancer survivors everywhere</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />today is PINK day!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-_4WHkwl-9P5G0CZtdjgRqSsDpGZ1kH2a4OAgArVX6DERWyaf1QmlkCGXlPYXLhtZtCEosqNwoX9GQurqi5nYk_b44Nl4xrEgIHPaVCGrqqGznh3Nyq5Ckri3iJ-B6pyhAyHNU4AiwAC/s1600/Breast-Cancer-Awareness-1-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-_4WHkwl-9P5G0CZtdjgRqSsDpGZ1kH2a4OAgArVX6DERWyaf1QmlkCGXlPYXLhtZtCEosqNwoX9GQurqi5nYk_b44Nl4xrEgIHPaVCGrqqGznh3Nyq5Ckri3iJ-B6pyhAyHNU4AiwAC/s400/Breast-Cancer-Awareness-1-.jpg" width="328"></a></div><br /><br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/in-pink.html#more">Read more »</a>

IN THE PINK

SURVIVOR! In honor of my sister's recent successful completion of her breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation...[the second o...

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Fanciful Toadstools

Posted By Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNzRl34pKZnBO7E0JDvLb8Z6zpFS4RUTaNGKidCvbF1fOiE6dyc8NhgyQtnlTMhWhl8qSM1XCacAIae4UFeCcuo31vHmOYlJGo5TZaJzYHrtMRzpjK6Mtxs69wwDJvakZoYLjp_Eed8jo/s1600/IMG_2785-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNzRl34pKZnBO7E0JDvLb8Z6zpFS4RUTaNGKidCvbF1fOiE6dyc8NhgyQtnlTMhWhl8qSM1XCacAIae4UFeCcuo31vHmOYlJGo5TZaJzYHrtMRzpjK6Mtxs69wwDJvakZoYLjp_Eed8jo/s400/IMG_2785-006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on these beauties</div><div style="text-align: center;">when we first moved to England</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought they only existed in fairy tales</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you love their girly 'skirts'?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are Fly Agaric toadstools</div><div style="text-align: center;">and are 'toadstools' by definition because they are poisonous</div><div style="text-align: center;">(mushrooms are edible)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You'll find them under birch and pine trees</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With a commanding size and color,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you can't miss them on the forest floor </div><div style="text-align: center;">this season :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EX969qf5vqWDtOJm2I5zdWVKjeiylEs1jkcv410qQ9umxwF0eb2WtB-GkNySe3WVP9LU_iXyBLxwelfLnNm9jQMbkOVmz53POzmtPn49j7jPAzduM7JygOpPrWEyToMhzQ-NtFVIkdi1/s1600/IMG_2777-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EX969qf5vqWDtOJm2I5zdWVKjeiylEs1jkcv410qQ9umxwF0eb2WtB-GkNySe3WVP9LU_iXyBLxwelfLnNm9jQMbkOVmz53POzmtPn49j7jPAzduM7JygOpPrWEyToMhzQ-NtFVIkdi1/s400/IMG_2777-003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This image shows the stages of the Fly Agaric</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the youngest cap in the foreground</div><div style="text-align: center;">which will gain more spots and flatten as it ages</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aren't they delightful?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And btw,</div><div style="text-align: center;">England schools really do have competing houses and prefects</div><div style="text-align: center;">just like in <i>Harry Potter</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Makes you wonder what is </div><div style="text-align: center;">fact and fiction sometimes...<br />;)<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Fanciful Toadstools

Posted By Happy Homemaker UK I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on these beauties when we first moved to England I thought the...

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