Let's get cozy...

I found these dainty cushion covers and warm fleece throws a few weeks ago...just before it started snowing. They look so nice and warm in the living room. They are not luxurious and they didn't cost much but I just love them so I'm sharing them with you. By the way, I got them from Latham's at Potter Heigham, after a chilly but wonderful boat ride with my husband.

PS: Dear friend Wen - I promised to post the photos of these cushion covers so here they are! Hope you like them!

Here comes the Big Freeze!!!

I was only reminiscing winter last week and guess what? This morning, it was snowing!!!! Just when I thought it was only the start of autumn!!! It was a beautiful, beautiful sight! I don't normally open the curtains and if I do, I make sure that I draw the net curtains (I am very private!) but today, I opened all curtains and removed all the net curtains so I could look out the window and see how lovely the snow looks as it slowly falls from the sky.

I had a nice English breakfast with husband whislt we were looking out the windows. It was, indeed, a beautiful, snowy morning!

Come, dine with me!

One freezing evening, after husband had gone to work...I got very hungry. The easiest meal to prepare...pot noodles! When you are hungry, anything will do! So it was yummy! After that, I sat in front of the telly and have butter popcorn. Want some?

Reminiscing the Last Winter

I know that it's going to be colder very soon. I know that it's going to be freezing just like last year. But I am looking forward to the beautiful winter. These photographs here that I am sharing with you were the ones taken last winter (peak of winter here was February this year). I was like a child outside our house feeling the snow in my hands, walking on the snow on the ground and looking at my footprints. My husband told me the neighbours must be watching and laughing at me. I didn't mind. At least I was giving them some entertainment...whilst I was being entertained myself by the magnificence of nature.

The photograph above shows you just how crazy I went when I saw that it was snowing outside. Hubby took photos as he shook his head watching me dancing in the snow. Ha! It felt good doing that! I know it is crazy but it was good being crazy for a few seconds even just to enjoy myself. After all, it feels like it's been ages since the last time I danced in the rain or laughed my heart out or sang out of tune whilst in the shower. So, that day, I savoured the moment.

This is going to be my third winter in England and I am still excited. I know the roads get slippery, it's damp, it's wet, it's a lot of hassle when it snows but what the heck. It's still beautiful.

So, like my husband, I am looking forward to the next Big Freeze. Aren't you?

Heavenly

Illuminations in Blackpool

BLACKPOOL, Lancs., 28 October 2008.

Illuminations.

On driving...

I have started my driving lessons today. I have got a brilliant instructor. It was scary!!! I am looking forward to the time when I don't have to be scared, that driving will be second nature to me. Most of all, I am looking forward to driving my own car, not depending on anyone to take me anywhere! I am looking forward to my independence! So, what have I learned today so far? I know more than honking the horn now. I have learned how to turn the steering wheel which was a little bit tricky and needs a lot of getting used to. I have learned the use of clutch, brakes and the accelerator. I still panic when the car starts moving and can't get into any type of conversation as I have to focus on what I am doing. I know I've got a long way to go and exams to pass!!!!

But then the good thing is....I'm now learning! Yee-haa!!!

Blackpool and B&B

Blackpool, LANCS. - After taking me to Fleetwood, my husband and I went to Blackpool. We didn't know that the Illuminations had started so we've decided to stay there for the night so husband could show me what the Illuminations were like. We opted to stay in a B&B (Bed and Breakfast). We knew that B&Bs have the homely-feel, if you know what I mean. I like the atmosphere in B&Bs. Sadly, we were both disappointed when we went into our room. It was so small (well, what do we expect? B&B rooms are really small!) but the fact that it was the 'family room' that was given to us due to it being fully booked really shocked us! Although, the good thing about this place is that the hosts were absolutely amazing - friendly and hospitable. People seem to enjoy their company that's why they keep coming. The dining room was filled with thank you cards from all over the country. I bet they come because of the 'true Lancashire hospitality' that you experience in the place. The lady of the house, Linda, introduced us to other guests when we had tea at the bar before we went to bed. In the morning, she made sure we were welcomed and we felt at ease and at home. That's what you don't get when you go to a posh hotel, I guess.

Fish and Chips in Fleetwood

Fleetwood, LANCS. - To be honest, I am not very fond of fish and chips, unless I am starving. But in Fleetwood, you wouldn't want to miss their fish and chips. I don't know exactly how they do it, but the fish doesn't seem to be soaked in fat (cooking oil), it doesn't come dripping...and the chips are just exactly right! So, when hubby and I were in Lancashire and were done with the errand that we were there for, we drove to Fleetwood and had a lovely fish and chips. I wouldn't miss it for the world when in Lancashire! The photo on top was the meal I had whilst in Fleetwood. that was fish, chips, curry sauce and mushy peas! It was so yummy!!!!

Come and have some with me!

Ooops, sorry....couldn't wait!!!

Lancashire Tour in Autumn

The very cozy room at Premier Inn. Hubby and I were more than happy. The very clean, shiny bath, complete with liquid soap. Far more better than B&Bs.

The Wigan County Court

Wigan, LANCS. - Hubby and I were off to Lancashire to get some important documents for his son Jimmy. We were off at 3 p.m. and got to Wigan, after perhaps a hundred drive-arounds to find a place to stay, at 10 p.m. We finally found a place after so many phone calls to B&Bs which were all 'fully-booked' that night. We ended up getting a better place and a better deal with Premier Inn. But since there wasn't any more room available except one room for the disabled, we opted to get it. It was a nice, cozy room. We both had a nice, peaceful rest. In the morning, we were off to the Wigan County Court. I'm sharing with you some photos here.

Wintery Rains!

Rainy days once again in England!

Are you ready for winter?

Mood: Glad it's Saturday!

If you are in the Philippines, you are probably experiencing rain right now. In America, some of my friends say it's now getting chilly. Here where I am, it varies each day. Today, although it is sunny, the wind is quite cold. I can no longer wear a plain T-shirt just to put rubbish in the bin out of the door. I have to wear something thick.

So, are you ready for another big freeze? I am no longer dreading winter like two years ago. In fact, I am looking forward to wearing boots, gloves and coat. I have now learned how to layer my clothing. I have learned that if I wear layered thin tops, rather than a single thick jumper, I will be warmer. So, I want to think I am ready for the big freeze this year. I like feeling the cold wind on my skin. As long as I'm all bundled up, I don't mind. In fact, for some reason, it helps me to get rid of my headache when it is cold. I just go out, get some cold fresh air and in half an hour, my headache is gone. Without paracetamols. Or Aspirin. So, I am not really worried about it being cold. What I am dreading is the effect of not seeing the sun much. It is the winter blues I am worried about. Hopefully, it will not be as bad as when I first came to England more than two years ago. I think the trick is to keep your mind off it. Perhaps it's more psychological. Perhaps if my mind gets busy, I will be OK. I was better last year. I didn't cry much. I didn't get stroppy much. And hubby said I was a lot better so I guess I will believe it.

This year, I hope that the lesser amount of sunlight entering my eyes don't affect me much. I am looking forward to taking photographs and capturing winter memories once again. I am looking forward to walking on snowy pathways and look back at my footprints in the snow. Yes, I know, I am shallow. But winter, to me, is another beautiful season. So, yes, I want to look forward to it.

Ummmm, errrr, I mean, I am looking forward to it.

Am I addicted?

Mood: In a very happy mood today. It is getting cold but I don't know why, I like it. Ha! I've got some sort of illness. No, maybe it isn't that bad. Perhaps it's a syndrome. Yes, maybe that's what one may call it. Wait. No, it's not that serious really. Wait. Yes, I think it is. Maybe it's some sort of an addiction. But nothing serious. Just a little bit. Yes, maybe that's it. Okay, okay, woman, stop beating around the bush! Just say it! Alright, alright. Here's the thing. I think I am addicted to books. Yes, I am getting worried about it now. Or am I really? No, not worried-worried, just concerned-worried. Some say each one of us has some kind of an obsessive-compulsive behaviour. With some people, it is quite obvious but with some, it doesn't show very much. So perhaps mine doesn't show very much. Or perhaps it does if you would look at my bank account and you see how often I go to the bookshop!!! You see, when I go to a bookshop, almost without fail, I always buy a book that I like. Then when I get home, I put it by my bedside and read the 'Introduction' or the 'Acknowledgments' but never really get to reading the book. The book is put to one side, I go back to the bookshop again when I get the chance, see something that I like and almost with a feeling of some urgent need, I buy a new book, get home and the same thing happens. 'Ey, don't get me wrong. I do get to read some of them, after awhile, then really finish them from cover to cover...but it takes awhile for me to do that. So the books pile up. Hubby did not let me carry all of my books back home and I agreed as they were too heavy to put in my luggage. But over the last two years, the books that I have got here in England have piled up. I have noticed a few days ago that they have just accumulated so badly that the bookshelf that I have in the bedroom isn't enough anymore to hold them all. So some of them have to stay in a box by the bed. So, tell me, is this some sort of a syndrome that I need to see a Doctor for? Seriously, I am not worried. Because the books that I get are really good. I think this is something that got carried over from college. Yes, maybe. Maybe I'm a bookworm. No, I don't think so. Am I? Oh, God! No, I'm not! Hhhmmmm....I think I better stop writing down my thoughts or you might think I'm nuts! But before I go...would you like to have a look at the bookshelf I told you about? Here's a preview:

Like I told you, the books are almost everywhere so I now have to keep some of them in a box next to my bed. Here they are:

A special PS: To my friends - please do not worry. The truth is I haven't been to the bookshop for a month now. Plus - I don't have a credit card so I am not putting myself into debt for the sake of books. Just thought I'd write something funny today.

PS 2: But the photos are real.

When will I see you again?

We had to let our old Skoda Felicia go. It was a 10-year old car and we had it only for 2 and a half years but it became so dear to me and my husband. Yes, it's one of those mushy days for me again. It was our first car together and our first property after getting married. It took us to a lot of places - from all places in Norfolk to Lancashire, The Lake District, Yorkshire and back.

For the last 12 months, it's been having problems of all sorts. Then recently, the suspension collapsed. It was dangerous to drive and expensive to repair. So, hubby and I talked about it and decided to just give the good old car up and get a new one. It's just like my old computer 3 months ago, isn't it? Giving up something that's been there for quite awhile isn't easy. But sometimes you have to.

You know what? If I had the money, just if, you know what I would do? I'd have our little red Skoda repaired, all re-apholstered, cleaned, re-painted and everything else to make it look new again. But, then, I didn't have that kind of money, did I?

So, goodbye to you, our dear little old red Skoda....thank you for taking me to work for more than 2 years, for taking us safely to The Lake District on my birthday this year...and for all those times you sheltered us from the rain in Mundesley.

Has the world gotten small?

Warning: If you are not in the mood to listen to someone whining and moaning, don't read. Mood: A little bit fed up.

Saturday: Hubby took me to Fakenham. My first time there. It wasn't grand but something new to me as we are always in Norwich and sometimes I just feel like the world has gotten so small that I only get to see Norwich, Norwich, and Norwich. Sunday: You guessed it right - Norwich. Well, we went to the tip to chuck some rubbish for recycling (yes, we're trying to be a little bit environment-friendly) then headed to Asda in, hold your breath, yes - Norwich.

Home now. Yes, home. So nice to sit on the couch, by the fire, watching Mr Bean on Holiday.

For the whole week, it's going to be Norwich again. Monday to Friday.

I want to think there's life after 5-days of Norwich. Is it Norwich driving me mad or is it just me?

Remember these shoes?

Remember these beautiful red shoes that I was supposed to wear to the Summer Ball not too long ago? I finally wore them! We went to a banquet a few weeks ago. I totally forgot to tell you about it. I know, I know, you want to hear if they killed my feet. No, not really. Surprisingly, they were comfortable. I got home with a smile on my face, yes, because I could still walk after wearing them! Ha!

Born for each other

Do you remember David Pomeranz? He is a singer that became really popular in the Philippines a few years ago. I remember him having a concert with Sharon Cuneta and also guesting in Sharon's show. I don't find him exceptionally good but there is one song that he sang that I really really like. I have been listening to romantic music lately. No, I haven't taken any romantic pills lately but for some reason, this song keeps playing in my head. I keep thinking of getting married all over again to my husband and dancing a slow dance with him once again with all our friends and family looking, in the soft, lovely tune of David Pomeranz's Born For You. You know why I love the song? It's because every word of it seems to match the things that I want to say to my husband every day. Imagine the odds of the two of us meeting! I was halfway across the world and really, it seemed that the powers of the Universe conspired for us to meet - yes, exactly what the song says! That was five years ago when we met. ..and 3 months from now, hubby and I will be celebrating our 3rd Year Wedding Anniversary. It seems almost yesterday when we got married. Now we're turning 3! I didn't want to wait for December to sing this to my better half, so here's my favourite song for you, dear husband! Mwah! Born For You David Pomeranz Too many billion people Running around the planet What is the chance in heaven That you'd find your way to me Tell me what is this sweet sensation It's a miracle that's happened Though I searched for an explanation Only one thing it could be That I was born for you It was written in the stars Yes I was born for you And the choice was never ours It's as if the powers of the universe Conspired to make you mine And till the day I die I blessed the day that I was born for you Too many foolish people Trying to come between us None of them seems to matter When I looked into your eyes Now I know why I belong here In your arms I found the answer Somehow nothing would seemed so wrong here If they'd only realized That I was born for you And that you were born for me And in this random world This was clearly meant to be What we have the world Could never understand Or ever take away And till the day I die I blessed the day that I was born for you What we have the world Could never understand Or ever take away And as the years go by Until the day I die I blessed the day that I was born for you

Who is Mary Beeho?

Mood: Baffled

Today, I woke up with a name in my head. I had a very strange dream that I would like to share with you. I dreamed of my father introducing me to someone whose name was Mary Beeho. In my dream, she seemed to be a very important person to my father and she had a name badge from which I was able to read and get the correct spelling of her name - Mary Beeho. I have never heard of this name. I have never known of anyone whose name is Mary Beeho. So I got up and looked it up on the internet. There was only one very exact information and it looked like an obituary. It says: Mary K. Beeho, Born: Bath, Avon, England 1871. Died: Post 1881. Family: Beeho. Click here to see the link so you know what I'm talking about.

I sent my father a text message asking if he knew anyone by this name and he said no. I know I shouldn't really be bothered by a strange dream. After all, it is only a dream. But I have always believed that dreams are telling us something. Sometimes it even leads you to some information that you need or gives you some guidance.

I have been having really strange dreams the past few months and some of them even strangely happened. Like my husband losing two of his teeth. Weeks before he lost them, I had a dream that he was losing them, that they were very loose and were about to come off.

And now this.

If you know who Mary Beeho is or if you are this person and you are reading this (now this is really weird!), could you leave me a message? Well, I don't know what you should say, just say something perhaps?

Wells Next-the-Sea

Another very nice place that I will miss in the winter due to it being extremely cold near the sea. So, see you Wells Next-the-Sea after winter!

Sorbetes in Norfolk!

I've lived in Norfolk now for more than 2 years...I can't remember NOT seeing ice cream all year. I may be wrong but this is only my observation. Maybe ice cream shops are close during the peak of winter - I will check on that when winter comes! In the Philippines, we drink extremely hot coffee during the summer for 'merienda' (snacks or mid-afternoon mini-meal), here in England, people love ice cream, yes, even if it's cold. Hubby loves ice cream any time of the year. Yes, people, he doesn't mind eating ice cream during the winter! So, sharing with you a photograph taken with friends Jemi and Orren and hubby looking on as Jemima gets her ice cream at Norwich City Centre.