Safety Town

We have a great educational summer program here for 5- and 6-year olds called "Safety Town". A two-week half-day "camp" of sorts, it teaches kids safety lessons in fun and hands-on activities.
Boo and one of his best buds.

What a great way for your kids to learn about fire, water, bike, car, pedestrian, poison, animal and playground safety, as well as stranger danger lessons! I know Boo will absorb more coming from, oh, anyone else but me.

They have a miniature town, complete with railroad crossings and street signs, small houses and the yellow lines on the streets. They rode their bikes around the town to learn about bike safety, did crafts, and had fun. Boo loves firetrucks, so their field trip to the fire station to learn about fire safety was probably the highlight of the two weeks. (No matter how many visits to the station, he is never bored...)

On "graduation day", Pea and I watched Boo show us all his newfound skills while Pea played tourist, and made me take pictures of her in front of all the houses...

He's looking a bit big for those trikes....

A building sized just for Pea!

Safety buddies!

Moving Day

Ok, so I'm a titch behind on updating my blog...suffice it to say that its been crazy around here, and no one wants to hear all the bitching I've been doing, so it was safest to stay far, far away from the laptop.

To be honest, I think everyone should have to move once every few years, if only for the single purpose of clearing out all the accumulated crap - all that detria that we think we need, only to stuff it in the back of the closet. Oh, sure - I have plenty of things that I keep only due to sentimental value or because it is a family piece -- but then again, we have a lot of stuff that we kept due to sentimental value that is now long gone, or only because they were family pieces, but are really crap.

And when all is said and done, when the movers came to pack for storage, they packed up 7,500 pounds of stuff we aren't taking with us.

7,500 pounds, people.

Right. So we couldn't take anything from the living room, dining room, guest bedroom or office. We also left behind our bed and dresser (won't make the turn up the stairs). Anything that plugged into a wall was left behind. And we had to leave behind a fair chunk of our Christmas decorations but...no, scratch that - that didn't even make the truck. Its locked into a storage room in the basement. Which, come to think of it, will probably get seepage during heavy rains, and should have gone to storage.

So while we did have some big and heavy pieces, there were a LOT of boxes left over. What I really want to know is -- what the heck is in all those boxes???

I don't even know....

I guess, on the bright side, when we arrive in Hay, we will only have HALF the contents of our house to unpack. And if I play my cards right, my darling hubs will have unpacked a fair bit of it before we arrive.

Its all in the planning, people.

At the Home of "the Train Lady"

One of our favorite "events" is when Elaine Silets of "Huff and Puff Industries", known as "the Train Lady", opens her home for the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program. Her gorgeous 10-acre property is home to not only her family and business, but also five different gardens and miles of model trains interspersed. All in all, there is approximately 6,000 square feet of railroad, bridges, vignettes, and waterfalls and lakes to view.

Quite frankly, its a train lovers dream.

Before we can even get to the gardens, the kids need their first (but not last) ride on the train:

I simply couldn't seem to take a picture this particular morning to capture how extensive and spectacular the main garden was - its very spread out and the magic is diluted without the detail (and with all the other people interspersed.) Mrs. Silets creates - and creates is the correct word to be used - garden railways for people and companies all over the world. These aren't the basement railways of our childhood - the one-track layouts start at $7K and garden layouts at about $20K. These, needless to say, were spectacular.

Could he BE any more excited?

One of the most impressive bits of the property is the train layout Elaine created for her late husband, Harvey. Outside, it looks just like an old train depot. But inside? Ohhhh. Inside is a replica of the city of Chicago.

I was thrilled that we had the opportunity to see it, as I thought that last year might be the final viewing - she has donated it (the value estimated at over a cool $2mil) to the City of Chicago last year.

One of MY favorite places is her Japanese stream garden and its little train.

Perhaps a bit TOO peaceful for Princess Pea....

But lovely nonetheless....

It was one of the first real summer days we had experienced - sunny skies, warm weather, being together watching the kids' faces light up with each discovery, and lots of lots of trains - it was a perfect family outing.

New Friends

As I mentioned earlier, I learned through "Life in Hay" that there was another American/fellow Illinoisan living here in Hay, so before coming over, I sent a quick note to Leslie, the owner of the blog, and she returned my email with details of where Jackie worked and on what day I might find her there.

When we arrived at Broad Street Books, the accent of the lady at the front of the shop was distinctly un-English. Confirmation that we had indeed found Jackie was the SIU ball cap perched atop the head of her husband, Richie, who was seated beside her.

I think we gave her quite a shock as she wasn't aware of our coming to meet her. Thankfully, we didn't frighten her away, and we had a wonderful talk. They invited us to meet them for drinks later in the week, and I am oh so glad we did!

Last night we met them for drinks at Kilverts. Sitting outside in the garden with a half pint (I'm not stupid - I know I'm a lightweight and know that meeting for "a drink" does not mean just one), with a few fellows playing guitar & singing, dogs sitting beneath fellow patrons feet, and the marvelous company of Jackie and Richie - it was a great evening.

I find it both hilarious and comforting to come this far, only to meet someone who lived about 6 miles from where I went to college. Who else could I reminisce about the Spillway, or Booby's, or anything else related to Southern!

I like them very much, and would like to think that we have made our first friends here in Hay. Jackie is funny, warm, and down-to-earth. Richie is hilarious and has a story for just about everything. Boo will be speechless when he learns that Richie once toured with his favorite band - but we're leaving that information for Richie to tell Boo himself.

It makes me look forward to our return, as they are charming, lovely people. Pete agrees, even if it didn't take long for Jackie to say "you know, you remind me of someone, but I just can't place it..."

Hopefully, Pete won't much get referred to as "Simon Cowell's younger brother". I think he prefers saying that he works at "the Pill Factory", as it apparently is referred to here!

Pictures of Hay

I am ridiculously behind on my blogging, as there is so much to tell, I'm not sure where to start.

So while I gather my thoughts, I'll share some pictures of this lovely area....

Pete, enjoying some tea in the garden of the Swan Hotel, just after our arrival. It doesn't appear that jet lag has affected him much...

A view of the area from our hotel windown. The gorgeous gardens below (the picture doesn't do them justice) belong to the hotel.

Hay Castle, in the center of town.

A view down a random street.

Signage in Wales is first in Welsh and then in English. This has led to many missed turns for us, as by the time we got to the English, we were past the sign!

The Welsh are very proud of their culture, as as such it is taught in the schools. Boo and Pea will learn Welsh as a second language! (So they can read street signs for us, perhaps!) We did learn that at some point, they will also learn Spanish. We also learned that Boo can take piano lessons at school, and it appears there are many people here who might be able to teach him guitar - although it may not be classical, as he is currently learning with Suzuki. I doubt that he will be disappointed by that, as he really wants to learn to "rock it out!"

We've had such an interesting time. I met Leslie Arrowsmith, whose blog "Life in Hay" I have been following for some time. If you want an honest, open look at daily life in a small market town in Wales, she is worth a read! Through her blog I met Jackie (a fellow Illinoisan) - but that is worth another post alone! - and we even merited a mention on her blog!

Funny, what a small world it is with the internet. The owners of the house we are considering renting live in Australia, currently. The estate agent got quite a surprise when he opened a return email from them yesterday - they knew our names and that we were from Illinois (as they follow Leslie's blog to keep an eye on things at home!)

I'm told, however, that Hay should not be taken for either a traditional English village or Welsh village (it is actually on the England/Wales border). We were told that they town attracts people from all over, so we weren't really that unusual. We were also told that it attracts some eccentrics in the mix, and that the locals will help us sort out what is typical for the UK and what is a bit, um, unusual.

All in all, it has been a wonderful introduction to the area!

Greetings from Wales!

After an uneventful flight and a 3 hour drive through absolutely gorgeous countryside at alarminly high speeds, we arrived at The Swan Hotel here in Hay-on-Wye, Wales. It is every bit as lovely as its website shows it to be, and the people here are taking marvelous care of us. Our room offers a fantastic view of the gardens, which have been sunny and bright (until about an hour ago, when it clouded up and the rains started.)

Still, I won't complain (much) (because no one will listen, anyway) as we did have a lovely unexpected day of sunshine.

Hubs went off yesterday to meet and greet the company - apparently, the suggestion "it would be nice for all to show up to the meeting" got translated as "its manditory that all showed up to the meeting" so a jetlagged Pete pulled it together to give a short but apparently excellent speech to the company, and then was shuffled off to meetings for the rest of the day. I'm surprised that they let him in on the confusion, as it would have been a rather large boost to one's ego to have so many show up (about 250 or so) when the typical turnout is only 50. I think he was relieved to have it done with, he was nervous (although he never, ever shows it.)

Meanwhile, I have been busy as well.

It was an interesting start. Many of the shopkeepers were friendly but reserved, and much of the clothing stores I popped into didn't even greet me - they looked up, and continued their conversations. I wasn't feeling very hopeful about the fact that they are used to outsiders moving in and thus are very friendly & easy to approach.

Walking down the street I saw a little sign for a fitness center called "Gym and Tonic". That was enough to have me pop inside and get information (as, the way i'm eating here, I'll need to join before I leave! How do the Welsh stay so thin with all these creamy salad side dishes. Nom nom nom....) but I digress. Where was I? (Jet lag, remember?)

Oh, Gym and Tonic. So in I go to find the worlds smallest fitness center. The owner was cheerful and helpful. After a tour and more chatting, she offered to help me with anything I needed once i settled in. She was also a non-local, and had been through the move-in-get-settled bit. It was such a relief to hear welcoming words, I can't express it. And, though small (you work out by reservation - only 4 women are allowed at a time) I think it might be just what I need to get motivated. I'm sure I'll be back!

I popped in and out of some more bookstores, made a few small purchases (good thing I didn't pack my bag full). Did I mention how much I lurve books? I do, I really do. Also found another bookshop where, initially reserved, the shopkeeper jumped into conversation after a few questions, and proved to be very helpful and thoughtful. I do believe that moving here is going to push me outside of my ever so comfortable introverted personality. It makes my stomach churn to think of it - I'm just not good with meeting people...

What else...well, I blew up my flat iron on the first use. I think it warmed up, and 35 seconds into it, it just well, died. However, a local salon had a very posh pink one. I had to buy it! (well really I did, because it was the only one in town.) I'm looking at it as an investment, one Pete must appreciate (as otherwise he'd have to look at me in a frightening state the rest of the trip). I'd need one eventually.

One other thing I would need eventually is a phone, so I caved and purchased at a local phone shop. Pay-as-you-go, of course, because we-the-creditless-in-the-UK cannot get a phone contract! I was also sad to learn that O2, the service provider contracted to the iPhone, has no coverage here in Hay.

Anyone want to buy a slightly used iPhone? I'm crushed, simply crushed.

I rounded out my morning with a trip to the Estate Agent, a kind man at Russell Baldwin and Bright who was really helpful. I also popped into another estate agent, (who shall remain nameless) who was NOT helpful at all. I'm not much for name dropping, but it is apparently that I'm going to have to start introducing myself as "Mrs. Managing Director" if I want some people to help me out. I haven't done it yet, as I think it is a better judge of a person's character if I go in anonymous-like, and let them think me a normal person moving here. I decided to beg for help from someone who works with Pete - it seems his advance introductions are a happy medium - we get an introduction that says that we are serious but it doesn't make me feel like a pompous eejit.

Lastly, I popped into the local Primary School. It is a lovely jumble of colors and activity, and I really think that both Sam and Maddie will love it there. The teachers were kind, and the preschool teacher asked for Maddie's name so she could include it in what she needed to make up for the Fall Session. They even allowed me to take a few pictures, which will help ease the way for Maddie and Sam in terms of comfort.

All in all, I'm looking very hopeful regarding our pending move to this charming little village. It will turn us all upside down on our heads, but in the end, it will be very exciting.

But for now, the sun has popped back out for a bit and the rain stopped, so I think I'll go in search of something to nibble on while I wait for Pete to return!

Packing Hell

I'm in Hell, or at least what I imagine Hell to be like. No, I've never imagined it as fire and brimstone. I've always pictured it as your worst living nightmare, like endless aerobics with Richard Simmons on speed, or something like that.

I get corporate moves; people do them all the time. My neighbor Patty has moved endless times with her kids and has given me lots of great advice. What no one has talked about? The "first ever international move" from a corporate perspective.

Read, no one knows what the heck is going on. We are the test case. Its not fun. Poor hubs is trying to sort it out, but now he has work stuff to try to wrap up, and he's getting stressed out trying to get answers, too.

So....who is packing the stuff that goes to storage? I dunno. What about getting it to storage - who does that? I dunno. Do you know? Do you want to help? Can someone give me a magic eight ball? Cause at least that way, I'd get some kind of answer. (Although, given the situation, it would likely be "Reply Hazy, Try Again".

I think by the time this is all said and done, we aren't going to want to come back, because this is all too big a hassle. Seriously.

Oh, did I mention that my kids don't KNOW about the move yet? So i'm the evil lying mama. The Moving compnay surveyor comes today. Boo asks "who is he Mom? What is he doing?" Um...Er...Ah..."he's a painter. He's giving me an estimate in case Mr. Mike can't do it".

I felt about 2 inches tall, lying to my boy.

The lack of knowledge ALSO means that I can't pack up anything that should be going to storage. SO right now, I have piles. Lots of piles. Mostly in the spare bedroom. Oh, but its all for Grandma's next rummage sale, wink wink, nudge nudge.

And don't get me started about the toys. Yes, I know we have TOO. MANY. TOYS. In my defense, we have a ginormous basement and a garage-sale-lovin' grandma who is happy to fill it! So now, I have to determine which of the toys absolutely must go, and what to do with the remainder. Without crushing my kids' spirits in the process. (If you know 5yos, EVERYTHING is their favorite toy. And Pea has about 20 favorite stuffed animals...they rotate sleeping with her.)

So, if I survive the next month, it won't matter, 'cause I'm going to Hell for lying to my kids.

Please send beer and chocolate - oh, and earplugs, so I can block out Richard Simmons....

Make Me Laugh Monday - Literal Video

Last night, when I should have been packing/sorting/cleaning my kitchen/something productive, I was instead surfing the internet. I had a true purpose, but as usually happens when googling, one harmless link led to another blog and I ended up on a website with a link to this video on YouTube.

For those of us who were children of the '80's and lived on MTV, you will remember "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler. Yes, it was a great song to belt from the car as we were barrelling down backroads in my friend Christie's Dodge station wagon.

However, like much of the videos from that era, it was, well, darn weird. So, for a totally different take on things, here is a literal take on what is actually going on in the video.

If you are a laugh until you pee person, take a moment for a potty break - go ahead, the video will be here when you come back. If you don't, well, don't say I didn't warn you.



Sheer genius! I hope you enjoyed!