Step 1, ✅

We sent in our provisional driving license applications, along with our passports, exactly 9 days ago.  We had been told it could take up to 4 weeks to get everything back.  It was a bit nerve wracking being without a passport, especially both of us at the same time.  But got a nice surprise this morning:

As exciting as getting a provisional license SHOULD be, it is really just an unnecessary step, in my opinion.  Just fill out the application and pay 50£ for a learner's permit, no testing involved. Best part, have to carry the piece of paper and card together at all times.  Next step is to take the theory test whenever we can get an appointment, where ever that may be.  My attitude towards the whole process is not very good at all!

On a better note and I think more exciting is it is 6 p.m. and still light out!!

Can't wait for daylight savings time and then the loooooong summer nights

New favorite thing

Everyone has been telling me how wonderful it is to have groceries delivered to the house.  I've been resisting the temptation but gave in yesterday.  I think more than anything, I just didn't understand the process. WOW!!  SO simple, get online, place an order and pick a time for delivery.  And delivery is very cheap BUT usually free!  This could become a habit.  Best part, I tipped the delivery man a couple pounds and he said "bless you".  Can't recall ever getting that response before!

Stuff

Serengeti Sunset #2 (1/2 way done!)

Changed up the animal print and added some light-up jewelry

Still trying to figure out why Larry's hair looks so white under that hat!

 After months of broiling in the oven, Amazon.co.uk delivered a grill

Burger time!

End of the week bits and bobs….

The OCD has reared it's ugly head, broke down and bought my first garden "tool"

Received £100 from Northern Powergrid for when we lost electricity back in December due to the storm force winds.  I wonder if this has ever happened in the US?!  I think not!  Takes the sting out of having to throw away food that had spoiled.

Serengeti Sunset dinner/dance #1
Yes, we were forced to wear props

On Thursday, Jenny Crisp took me to the Humberside International Women's Club meeting (she's British but has lived in Prague and Germany).  I explained that I'm not one for commitments and not very reliable when it comes to organized activities but I'd give it a go (thought it best not to mention my anti-social tendencies just yet).  It wasn't TOOOOO painful but not sure if it's my cup of tea.

Major cloud action

It's been a tough, sad week

In Memory of

Andrew M. Zajack

1985 - 2014

The garden is coming to life

When we moved in, we knew that we were going to need a gardener.  Neither one of us enjoy taking care of a yard and we didn't even bring any gardening tools with us.  We were told that the owners used a service when they lived in the house but they were a bit expensive.  A business card was left for us in case we wanted to use their recommendation.  Not knowing what "a bit expensive" really means, I decided I'd try to find someone on my own.  My lovely friend Jenny Crisp in the next village over said she would be happy to give me the name of her gardener.  Along with the flowers that are blossoming, there must be a couple million weeds that are also sprouting so it won't be long and we'll really need to hire someone.  I was hoping to hold off until April.

Last night we popped over to the pub and of course, ran into Richard and Dave (Vic and his daughter went to London to see a play).  The topic of the yard came up and eventually Dave showed me a picture of a lawn he had striped.  I asked him are you in the landscaping business.  He said yes, he has his own company and would love to stop by next week to give me a quote for his services.  GREAT!  I've found a gardener, so easy!

This morning the cogs in my brain were in motion and I went looking for that business card.  Guess what the name on the card is!!  It's DAVE!  Sneaky lil bugger didn't think it necessary to tell me that he used to work for the owners!  I'm trapped!  Can't wait to get his quote!

 The roses have buds

 Daffodils?

 How many more of these are out there that I don't see?!!

Dear Mr. Window Washer,

Do you REALLY think I'm going to pay you for washing the windows today when the forecast calls for rain?!!!

Because it REALLY IS RAINING!!

End of the week bits and bobs

This week's mystery:  

 A package was delivered by Royal Mail, not expected

 but opened it 

Is this in anyway related to the police visit back in November?!  

Do I wait for a stranger to show up looking for it?  Probably not as I most likely won't answer the door!  Think I'll walk it over to the post office and let them deal with it

Wednesday had to be the worst day, weather wise, since I've been here.  The wind was blowing at least 50 miles per hour, the rain was sideways and even though the thermometer read 45 degrees, it felt like it was below freezing.  But I was invited to tea at the lovely Millers Tea Room and then was introduced to two new-to-me grocery stores.  Not the best day to be out and about but the company more than made up for it.

Yesterday, in preparation for Saturday's dinner/dance,  I went for a manicure.  I really only do manicures and pedicures for the massage so was interested to find out how a British manicure would compare.  WOW!!  NEVER AGAIN!!!  The most painful manicure I've had in my life!  Started out with a nice exfoliation, right into the torture.  I'm pretty sure she took off a layer of my nails as she was jamming my cuticles to my knuckles.  I wish I could have told her to back off but I was biting my lip so hard, I couldn't open my mouth.  And when she brought out the cuticle scissors, it took everything I had not to let the tears flow.  She grabbed a hold and with a flick of her wrist, took off what remained.  I was sure the towel was covered with blood!  She ended with a 10 second massage.  Oh how I miss the Houston nail salons!!

Boun giorno!

For the next 4 weekends, the refinery is hosting black-tie dinner/dances for all the employees.  We are required to attend all 4 (more on that later) and so we decided it was a good time to send our passports away to get our provisional driver's licenses.  But before we send them away, Larry planned a lovely getaway to Venice for us.  We left last Wednesday and returned yesterday.  We were quite anxious after seeing the weather forecast, 100% chance of rain just about everyday.  But we had the best weather and didn't have to deal with the summer crowds.  We had a fantastic time, ate great Italian food, walked for miles and miles and even got some shopping in!

For a mere 110 Euros we took the speed boat from the airport to Venice (sorry about the blurry picture but you get the idea)

Such a beautiful sight!!

Thursday morning was so gorgeous! We sat out in San Marco Piazza and soaked it all in!

Had to take a gondola ride

On Friday, went to Murano to shop for glass

Then on to Burano to look at the brightly colored houses

 Fresh pasta with shrimp (for me) and veal (for Larry)

Chocolate spaghetti with mint ice cream!

We never could have imagined what an interesting and great city Venice is!  Thank you Larry (thee best travel agent) for a great trip!

Olivia's 1st birthday

Olivia had her first birthday party last Sunday.  We were so sad that we couldn't be there but Lindsey kept us on FaceTime so it was almost like being there.

Happy Birthday to Olivia!  She's the sweetest and we love her!

Torture….

Sunday night, Larry and I crawled into bed at 7:57 and set the alarm clock for 11:30, determined to get some early sleep and wake up to watch the Super Bowl. His beloved Broncos were finally in the big game.  He's been a rabid fan for as long as I have known him and I'm sure for many years before that.  But it wasn't meant to be and the tv was shut off before the 2nd half.  To add more salt to the wound, Monday night we went to a POST Super Bowl party.  Can honestly say that I've never been to a party after the game but we went, re-watched the game and had a good time, despite the loss.

Velveeta shortage???  What Veleveeta shortage?!!

It's open again!!

Friday night we walked over to the pub as we had heard that it was under new management

Ran into Vic, Richard, Dave and their wives, can't get away from them :)!  Biggest crowd I've seen yet, hoping they can stay open!

Another "1st" experience

I realized last week that we had never washed our vehicles since we arrived here.  It really is a lost cause though because of the constant dampness but the dirt had finally got to me.  I haven't seen any American-type car washes, no drive thrus, no set of stalls to do it yourself.  I did find:

These machines are at most gas stations, probably the cheapest way to go.  Did not see any vacuums.

Another option:

Here, you drive into a parking lot, stay in your car and they wash the outside of the car, no inside.  We tried this option with Larry's car

Wow, looks brand new

I decided to try another place for my car

Here you get in line, stay in your car and if you're a first timer like me, wonder what the heck you are going to get.  There is no "menu" and not a lot of conversation, just hand gestures to keep you moving through

I did as I was told, after I got to the other end, got out of the car to ask how much to also get the inside vacuumed.  I'm not sure what nationality the crew was, I was thinking Bulgarian, German.  Actually my  first thought was gypsy, no disrespect intended.  They didn't know a lot of English but I figured out that I didn't have enough cash to get the vacuum and they only take cash.  

I feel clean again!!