Rudders at Home

So, tonight we went to see a pantomime. We saw Henry Winkler playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and it was pretty cool. Fonzie was really pretty good as the villain! We have to say, this panto was even better than when we saw Ian Mckellan playing Widow Twanky in Aladdin at the Old Vic. I guess, maybe it wasn’t so much better, as different. Peter Pan was just sheer comedy. Lots of laughing, carrying on, and silly jokes. The pirates sang their own version of the Twelve Days of Christmas, on the 12th day receiving 12 gallons of water, at which point they brought out supersoakers and ran round the theater shooting people with water.

We also had a celebrity spotting at the theater as well. Sir Cliff Richard was in the box seat, and he really got picked on by one of the characters! I got a pic, which didn’t turn out very well, but it’s definitely him! Pretty good spot, if I do say so myself. A good start to the New Year’s eve celebrations.

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Yes, it’s arrived, finally. Christmas is here! And not to worry, Santa found us – he even left us a little note, and already Paul isn’t paying attention to his advice… I’ve even got photo evidence! I told Paul that if he wasn’t careful, Santa might come and take his new toys back home, but he keeps telling me Santa’s busy in the states, delivering pressies to those funny Connor’s.

I hear those old folks back home got some luggage that they weren’t expecting. Fancy that! I suppose though, if they must be world travelers, they should have the kit to do it. We can’t have them showing up in London pulling along cardboard boxes and what not. That would be about as cool as Nancy’s red shoes! I’ve told them to let Santa worry about the luggage and they should worry about making sure they’ve got the clothes to wear over here. You know how picky those Brits can be!  Well, not really, they’ve let me wander around here for four years looking like an all-American girl and I’ve only been poked a couple times with sticks! But then, I can run pretty fast, maybe they just haven’t been able to catch me!

So, Santa was good to us this year. Paul’s happily ignoring me all day with his new PSP game, I’m looking through cookbooks, trying to decide what to try next, and we’re all smelling good, what with the deodorant in the stockings and the perfume we’ve passed around to each other. I got a pretty fancy watch and a travel book as well. I must say this Santa knows just what I like! I better be good for next year!

We had our nice dinner last night, with a ham and mashed potatoes and ham gravy. Heaven, I must say, even though my ham gravy isn’t nearly as good as mom’s. I think it’s a bit to do with the ham, though as well. Either way, it was good. Today, we’re just hanging out, having a bit of this, a bit of that, and some ham sandwiches later this afternoon. Not to mention the two bottles of sparkling wine we’ve got in the fridge, just chilling down for the afternoon. It will be good, and

tomorrow, Boxing Day here in the UK, I’ll be making a trifle and hopefully making a lamb roast for dinner. Yum yum!

It’s been a great Christmas here. Nice and cozy, and for the next two days we get to just relax and enjoy everything. I hope you all get to as well.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

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Yes, till Christmas, but also to my last day at work. I do have to say I’m looking forward to them both. Christmas because I get some time off, and it’s great that it’s that time of year, and the job because I’m really looking forward to a new challenge in the New Year. I have to work between Christmas and New Year this year, but I’m planning to make it an easy time – just clean up, etc. I start my new job on the 3rd of January, with a few trips up to the Birmingham campus in the first couple weeks. It will be interesting, to say the least. I’m excited. It will be good.

Anyway, things here have been busy, with Christmas dos and the like. Friday was full with my work party during the day, and then Paul and I got all gussied up to go into town for his work party. He even got a kilt on and I tried to do my best. I don’t think I embarrassed him, though. At least I hope not!

Saturday we met some friends in town and did a nice touristy thing. We went on a Jack the Ripper walk, from London Walks. It was a pretty decent walk – I learned quite a bit, and Paul and I are definitely going to investigate more. I’ve been wanting to do one of these for ages, so it’s really good we went.

So, Friday I’ve got my leaving drinks, and next weekend, before New Year’s, we’re going to go see a pantomime. We’re going to see Peter Pan, with Henry Winkler. That’s going to be good. The only thing we have to think about now, to make things complete, is where we’re going to travel to next. Especially since I’ve got 28 days holiday next year!!

Maybe I’ll put up a new poll…

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..oh yes…Henry Winkler. And we’re going to go see Fonzie in a panto! How cool is that? We’re going to go to the Wimbledon theater and see Peter Pan. And Henry Winkler is in it as Captain Hook. Neato. We’ll let you know how it goes.

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Ok, I’m stressing out a bit. We just put up our Christmas decorations last weekend, I haven’t been able to make any cookies yet, I’m leaving my job in two and a half weeks, I’ve got two Christmas parties on Friday, and then on Saturday we’re meeting friends in town for a Jack the Ripper walk! Too much to do!

The thing I’m mainly worried about is the cookies. I usually try to make a number of different kinds, so that way we can have some to snack on and I can bring some in to work, but I simply haven’t had the time. Yes, the hamster has distracted me quite a bit, but things have just been too busy at the weekends. And I really want to make some because I wouldn’t mind treating our delivery folks to some. I guess I’ll have to crack down this Sunday and get baking!

Even though I haven’t got the baking done, I do pretty much have all the Christmas shopping done. Just need to get it all packed up and wrapped. Then I just need to make a trip or two to the grocery store.

I’m really happy we get paid early this month, but at the same time it’s a pain. Just means we’re waiting longer and living frugal till the end of January! It’s all good, though. It’s going to be fab.

Also, I promised a friend of mine I’d mention a website. Apparently someone she knows has written a book. It’s supposed to be a pretty good read. Have a look here.

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