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Monday, June 25, 2012

The British Eccentric

When I moved to England, I thought the term "British eccentric" had to be a falsehood.  Let me tell you, it isn't.  I thought I had seen eccentrics when I was living in South Carolina. The southern United States has a long tradition of eccentrics. We had a man who we thought was an American Civil War reenactor. It turns out he was just a guy with a really long beard who wore a confederate war hat and carried a brief case (containing God knows what), who sat at the local barbers shop to shoot the crap and trade fishing stories with the local folks...cause he could.  Believe me, we're loaded with eccentrics.  Here though, I can't throw a stone without hitting a colorful person.  For the record, by colorful I mean off their rockers and don't give a flying crap.  

When I first moved here we had a neighbor who would mow his lawn while wearing loafers and a tweed jacket...in the middle of July.  Then we had builders of a certain age (above 40 years old) who would blast loud techno music while they were laying bricks at the neighbors house.  There was also the man at the market who had shorts so short that I nearly saw "the twins".  This past week however took the cake.  The entire chocolate cake.

While I was doing my weekly errands in the local town, I saw two older people walking down the sidewalk.  They were the cutest elderly couple ever in the history of ever.  There was a dear old lady and a sweet old man. As they approached I could hear a jingle bell.  Odd.  Then I noticed there was a bell around the older gent's ankle.  Yes, a bell on a rope around his ankle.  He was jingling and jangling as he walked.  No, he wasn't a Morris dancer.  Well, at least he wasn't dressed as one and by my estimation he probably would have broken a hip if he tried to Morris dance.  There was a BELL AROUND HIS ANKLE!!  

At this point I couldn't help but kind of laugh to myself and wonder if it worked like a cat collar with a bell....

"Hush Mabel, Henry is coming.  I can hear his bell."

Monday, June 4, 2012

Diamond Jubilee

The closest thing the USA has to the Queen is The President.

There have been twelve US Presidents in the time that she has been on the throne.  60 years of continuity.

To this American it boggles the mind a bit.  One person, albeit "non political", who has guided a nation FOR 60 YEARS!

A nation who for the most part adores her.  Yes, there are some republicans here (not Republicans, mind you) who are against the crown, but for the most part, everyone respects if not loves The Queen.

I even find myself adopting an affection for The Queen.  She isn't my monarch, but she is a symbol of continuity in my life.  There has never been a moment in my life she hasn't been queen; I have gone through five Presidents though.  In fact, I remember telling my brother when we were growing up to call me The Queen, just because I thought she was the coolest.

I just have to say, it has been an amazing experience to be here in the UK for The Queen's diamond jubilee.  An experience that I will not soon forget.

I wish The Queen many more years of good health and a happy diamond jubilee.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Dear So and So...Bazinga!

Dear Kids,

If I have to shout or repeat myself anymore...well let's just say it won't be pleasant.  I am so sick of it.  When I give you clear directions, I expect that they be followed.  Capice?  *pretends to be a mob boss*

Love, Mom (or mum...whatever you feel like calling me at the time)
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Dear Everyone,

The news out of Syria is making me ill.  Seeing the bodies of children...  I just can't believe in 2012 that nothing can be done.

Sign the petition to stop the killing.

Heartbroken, Kat
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Dear Everyone (once again)

There is a food shortage in Niger and it is dire.  People are starving, but it hasn't hit the mainstream news. It was brought to my attention during the CybHer conference.  Recently my friend, Sian, travelled to Niger with World Vision to document the plight of the people of Niger.  Please, have a look at her blog, spread the word, and if you can, donate to feed those who can't help themselves.

Love, Kat
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Dear Weather,

Ok, so it is meh...kinda warm, but this rain is really harshing my mellow.  Sun?  Please?

Love, Kat
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Dear Lizabeast,

I know you don't have fleas, but the scratching you are constantly doing is making me go a bit well...bat shit insane.  If you don't stop, I am going to have to take you to the vet and we both know how much you enjoy THAT.  So, please, for the love of God, stop.

Love, Your Human Mom
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Dear Readers,

If you have your own letters, please link up!

Love, Kat
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