December 4, 2008
Softly falling snow
This morning I woke up to more snow! We are experiencing a “winter storm warning” which means we will get about 4 inches of wet snow by the end of the day. Yes, I know that this is nothing compared to what I am used to from living in Washington and Idaho but over here this much snow means that schools, motor ways, and bus routes will be closed. I’m sitting on my bed with the curtain open so that I can enjoy the snow falling outside while Christmas music is playing on my computer. Why am I at home on a work day you might ask? I have come down with my annual winter cold involving sore throat, loss of voice, and head ache. :( So, I’m recuperating at home and getting caught up on my blog.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Rule Britannia
November 30, 2008
Rule Britannia
Wanting to visit the port area of Edinburgh, Kim and I took a bus out to the North Sea. We decided to visit the royal yacht Britannia which was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a tourist attraction. We toured the several levels of the yacht including the state rooms which were not as grand as I thought they would be. I also can’t agree the queen’s taste in décor. The crew areas were also really interesting to see as well as the engine room. Enjoy these pictures:
Iron for sleeves and collars
Rule Britannia
Wanting to visit the port area of Edinburgh, Kim and I took a bus out to the North Sea. We decided to visit the royal yacht Britannia which was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a tourist attraction. We toured the several levels of the yacht including the state rooms which were not as grand as I thought they would be. I also can’t agree the queen’s taste in décor. The crew areas were also really interesting to see as well as the engine room. Enjoy these pictures:
Queen's room
Grand dining room
Bell
Iron for sleeves and collars
Medical room
Napkin holder for officers
Picture of knots
Flag locker
Edinburgh Castle
November 29, 2008
Edinburgh Castle
Another day in Edinburgh and the day to tour the castle. We again climbed up the steep incline to the castle. The castle is built into the stone on top of the hill so that it appears to merely be a part of the boulders and not a separate entity sitting atop the land. Inside the castle is almost a little village. There is an old hospital, a military prison, and military barracks. The castle appears menacing from the outside as one approaches it with the barrels of cannons peering out to defend the structure. This is also the location where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James. Here are some of the more interesting pictures with explanations
Entrance to the Castle
The defense portion with the cannons
The hostpital in the castle
Picture of a ship carved into the wall in the prisoner yard
Cannon
At the end of the day, we again ended up at The Tass, the pub we visited last night. For tea we had decided to try a quaint Italian café so did not have tea at the pub. Instead we had a variety of olives while we listened to more music. There were several other areas we would have like to visit including the Holyrood Palace which the queen usually visits in early December, and a Royal Gallery.
Edinburgh Castle
Another day in Edinburgh and the day to tour the castle. We again climbed up the steep incline to the castle. The castle is built into the stone on top of the hill so that it appears to merely be a part of the boulders and not a separate entity sitting atop the land. Inside the castle is almost a little village. There is an old hospital, a military prison, and military barracks. The castle appears menacing from the outside as one approaches it with the barrels of cannons peering out to defend the structure. This is also the location where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James. Here are some of the more interesting pictures with explanations
Entrance to the Castle The defense portion with the cannons The hostpital in the castle Picture of a ship carved into the wall in the prisoner yard Grave yard for officers dogs
CannonAt the end of the day, we again ended up at The Tass, the pub we visited last night. For tea we had decided to try a quaint Italian café so did not have tea at the pub. Instead we had a variety of olives while we listened to more music. There were several other areas we would have like to visit including the Holyrood Palace which the queen usually visits in early December, and a Royal Gallery.
Exploring Edinburgh
November 28, 2008
Exploring Edinburgh
After my exciting adventure last night, I enjoyed a bit of a sleep in this morning before bundling up to face the cold Scotland air and explore the historic city of Edinburgh. Our first stop was to visit a German Christmas market and enjoy a bratwurst with sauerkraut for lunch. Next, we toured an art gallery with a section on Scottish artists and then other such work by Raphael and Rembrandt. This is a picture of the Scott Monument; a tribute to Sir Walter Scott.
Exploring Edinburgh
After my exciting adventure last night, I enjoyed a bit of a sleep in this morning before bundling up to face the cold Scotland air and explore the historic city of Edinburgh. Our first stop was to visit a German Christmas market and enjoy a bratwurst with sauerkraut for lunch. Next, we toured an art gallery with a section on Scottish artists and then other such work by Raphael and Rembrandt. This is a picture of the Scott Monument; a tribute to Sir Walter Scott.
Eventually, we made our way up the climb to Edinburgh Castle; once there we were told that if we came back tomorrow we could get free admission! With the change of plans, I decided to get my Christmas shopping done today and then do tourist type things tomorrow. I toured a woolen mill and saw how tartan scarves and blankets were made and then wandered down Royal Mile Street. Edinburgh is known for its magnificent views so I was also snapping my camera a lot as we made our way down the street. One of my goals while being in Scotland was to try Haggis so that night we stopped in at a small pub and had haggis with mash and neeps, very yummy! While we were there, four men came in and started playing traditional Scottish folk music. It was fantastic! 
View from up by Edinburgh Castle
Day 2 conference and chasing trains
November 27, 2008
Day 2 conference and chasing trains
Today was the second day of the conference and again I made my way through the blustery wind to the conference center. One of my colleagues was presenting his research and there were several lectures so attend. Before it was time to take the taxi to the train station, I decided to check out the little shops on the dock. Mostly tourist type shops but still enjoyable to look around and find Christmas gifts. I then stopped in at a Costa (equivalent to Starbucks) and enjoyed an orange hot chocolate while reading a book. I caught a taxi to the train station and waited in the cold for my train to arrive. A disadvantage to train stations is that, although covered, they are open so that trains can pull up the platform and therefore do not provide any warmth. I had to make one connection in a town I had never been previously and so was a bit nervous since it would be completely dark. However, I had printed out a google map with the walking distance which indicated that the train station was only a 10 minute walk from the one at which I would be arriving. With a 30 min layover, I was convinced that I would have enough time to catch my next train. My first trip only lasted 20 minutes and I arrived in Warrington at a one-stop train depot. With no signs pointing the direction to the next train station, I found the only station employee on duty who informed me that it was actually a 20 minute walk and to follow down to the end of the street and turn right at a McDonalds. With no taxis in sight, I decided I would walk quickly dragging my rolling suitcase with one hand and my courier bag slung over my other shoulder. I walked through what appeared to be the down town area but all the shops were closed. After 10 minutes, I found a woman who again reiterated the same directions as the previous woman. However, when I reached the end of the street, there was no McDonald’s in sight. I decided to turn right anyways but had still not seen any signs pointing to the train station. At last I found one other person who told me that the station was at the end of the street but still another 10 minute walk. I knew I was pushing it for time and that there wouldn’t be another train to Edinburgh tonight so gathering up my things I ran in my clogs for the next eight minutes eventually reaching the station in a sweat and a panic at the time my train was due only to discover that my train was delayed by five minutes. I must have resembled a crazed marshmellow as I ran down the street in my flatmates oversized craeam colored parka she had loaned me. When the train arrived, it slowed just enough for myself and one other person to jump on and then picked up speed for the three hour trip to Edinburgh. I finally made it to Edinburgh and met up with Kim at the station.
Day 2 conference and chasing trains
Today was the second day of the conference and again I made my way through the blustery wind to the conference center. One of my colleagues was presenting his research and there were several lectures so attend. Before it was time to take the taxi to the train station, I decided to check out the little shops on the dock. Mostly tourist type shops but still enjoyable to look around and find Christmas gifts. I then stopped in at a Costa (equivalent to Starbucks) and enjoyed an orange hot chocolate while reading a book. I caught a taxi to the train station and waited in the cold for my train to arrive. A disadvantage to train stations is that, although covered, they are open so that trains can pull up the platform and therefore do not provide any warmth. I had to make one connection in a town I had never been previously and so was a bit nervous since it would be completely dark. However, I had printed out a google map with the walking distance which indicated that the train station was only a 10 minute walk from the one at which I would be arriving. With a 30 min layover, I was convinced that I would have enough time to catch my next train. My first trip only lasted 20 minutes and I arrived in Warrington at a one-stop train depot. With no signs pointing the direction to the next train station, I found the only station employee on duty who informed me that it was actually a 20 minute walk and to follow down to the end of the street and turn right at a McDonalds. With no taxis in sight, I decided I would walk quickly dragging my rolling suitcase with one hand and my courier bag slung over my other shoulder. I walked through what appeared to be the down town area but all the shops were closed. After 10 minutes, I found a woman who again reiterated the same directions as the previous woman. However, when I reached the end of the street, there was no McDonald’s in sight. I decided to turn right anyways but had still not seen any signs pointing to the train station. At last I found one other person who told me that the station was at the end of the street but still another 10 minute walk. I knew I was pushing it for time and that there wouldn’t be another train to Edinburgh tonight so gathering up my things I ran in my clogs for the next eight minutes eventually reaching the station in a sweat and a panic at the time my train was due only to discover that my train was delayed by five minutes. I must have resembled a crazed marshmellow as I ran down the street in my flatmates oversized craeam colored parka she had loaned me. When the train arrived, it slowed just enough for myself and one other person to jump on and then picked up speed for the three hour trip to Edinburgh. I finally made it to Edinburgh and met up with Kim at the station.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Day 1 conference
November 26, 2008
Day 1 Conference
My day began bright and early; and cold as the winds blew across the water carrying a frigid spray through the air. Bundled against the wind that tried to through me off-balance with every step, I made my way across the quaint bridge to the convention centre. Of recent build, the centre is a lovely building. Having attended the American Academy of Audiology conference 2 years ago in Denver, I had been forewarned that this would pale in comparison. And, yes, it was equivalent to AAA on a 1/10 of the scale but I did enjoy meeting other audiologists from the UK as well as hearing lectures fro some American audiologists including Doug Beck and Richard Seewald. The day ended with my bag full of free pens. We also attended a social in the evening directly next to my hotel but I didn’t stay long as the music was too loud for adequate conversation and the party theme consisted of one of my biggest fears, clowns.
Day 1 Conference
My day began bright and early; and cold as the winds blew across the water carrying a frigid spray through the air. Bundled against the wind that tried to through me off-balance with every step, I made my way across the quaint bridge to the convention centre. Of recent build, the centre is a lovely building. Having attended the American Academy of Audiology conference 2 years ago in Denver, I had been forewarned that this would pale in comparison. And, yes, it was equivalent to AAA on a 1/10 of the scale but I did enjoy meeting other audiologists from the UK as well as hearing lectures fro some American audiologists including Doug Beck and Richard Seewald. The day ended with my bag full of free pens. We also attended a social in the evening directly next to my hotel but I didn’t stay long as the music was too loud for adequate conversation and the party theme consisted of one of my biggest fears, clowns.
Goodnight Liverpool!
November 25, 2008
Goodnight Liverpool!
Tonight I rode with two co-workers the three hour drive to Liverpool. We drove through the beautiful Lake District (Beatrice Potter) but unfortunately it was pitch black and all I could see was the shadowy outline of the monstrous fells as they rose out of the darkness. Having lived the past four months in a town where the tallest building is four stories, I was in jaw dropping awe as we drove through downtown Liverpool with its modern architecture and sky scraper structures. Liverpool was recently awarded cultural center of the UK and this was evident with the street art adorning the walkways of the downtown. I’ve concluded that cities are definitely in their element at night and somehow become more beautiful. We drove across a bride and onto a dock. What? My hotel can’t be on a dock! But it was! It is one of the most quirky hotels I have stayed; the ceiling in my room is arced brick with a brick wall, large column in the center, and window which looks out on a water way where small boats are docked. Live on a dock surrounded by water, I am definitely in my element. I won’t have much time to explore as I’m supposed to be attending an audiology conference but this is one city that I will have to come back to visit again. For now, it is off to bed so Goodnight Liverpool!
Goodnight Liverpool!
Tonight I rode with two co-workers the three hour drive to Liverpool. We drove through the beautiful Lake District (Beatrice Potter) but unfortunately it was pitch black and all I could see was the shadowy outline of the monstrous fells as they rose out of the darkness. Having lived the past four months in a town where the tallest building is four stories, I was in jaw dropping awe as we drove through downtown Liverpool with its modern architecture and sky scraper structures. Liverpool was recently awarded cultural center of the UK and this was evident with the street art adorning the walkways of the downtown. I’ve concluded that cities are definitely in their element at night and somehow become more beautiful. We drove across a bride and onto a dock. What? My hotel can’t be on a dock! But it was! It is one of the most quirky hotels I have stayed; the ceiling in my room is arced brick with a brick wall, large column in the center, and window which looks out on a water way where small boats are docked. Live on a dock surrounded by water, I am definitely in my element. I won’t have much time to explore as I’m supposed to be attending an audiology conference but this is one city that I will have to come back to visit again. For now, it is off to bed so Goodnight Liverpool!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Waking up to...
November 23, 2008
Waking up to….
Waking up to….
SNOW!!! This morning I woke up, looked out the window, and was pleasantly surprised to see about 1 inch of snow covering the ground and cars outside my window. I didn’t know if I would get to see any snow while I was in England so this was such a nice surprise!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
A time to be...thankful
November 21, 2008
A time to be….thankful
Last night I had an early Thanksgiving dinner with 13 other people. There were a total of four Americans there; myself, my supervisor Kim, Sara from Texas, and another girl from Texas. We each brought a dish so that the traditional Thanksgiving dishes were covered; turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It was really funny to watch the non-Americans try some of the food which they are not accustomed too; the pumpkin pie was approached with apprehension but I think they all enjoyed it in the end. I left the party with a couple extra pieces of pumpkin pie when the hostess discovered that it is my favorite. It was an indescribable experience to spend an American holiday in another country with a mixture of Americans and non-Americans. It helped put into perspective the history behind Thanksgiving, what I have in my life and in my country for which to be thankful. Since most of you will have not celebrated Thanksgiving yet, I hope that you can all begin preparing your hearts and minds prior to the day to think about the founding of our country and the men and women who desired freedom to worship God and establish a country based on Biblical principles. Also, contemplate on how God has moved in your life and blessed you in unexpected ways over this past year. It is so easy to become tired every year in all the expectations to have a big meal and decorate the house and uphold family traditions that I start to feel tired and almost dread the holidays a bit. I pray that you would spend some time in contemplation and thankfulness this Thanksgiving.
A time to be….thankful
Last night I had an early Thanksgiving dinner with 13 other people. There were a total of four Americans there; myself, my supervisor Kim, Sara from Texas, and another girl from Texas. We each brought a dish so that the traditional Thanksgiving dishes were covered; turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It was really funny to watch the non-Americans try some of the food which they are not accustomed too; the pumpkin pie was approached with apprehension but I think they all enjoyed it in the end. I left the party with a couple extra pieces of pumpkin pie when the hostess discovered that it is my favorite. It was an indescribable experience to spend an American holiday in another country with a mixture of Americans and non-Americans. It helped put into perspective the history behind Thanksgiving, what I have in my life and in my country for which to be thankful. Since most of you will have not celebrated Thanksgiving yet, I hope that you can all begin preparing your hearts and minds prior to the day to think about the founding of our country and the men and women who desired freedom to worship God and establish a country based on Biblical principles. Also, contemplate on how God has moved in your life and blessed you in unexpected ways over this past year. It is so easy to become tired every year in all the expectations to have a big meal and decorate the house and uphold family traditions that I start to feel tired and almost dread the holidays a bit. I pray that you would spend some time in contemplation and thankfulness this Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 21, 2008
A time to be...sick
November 17, 2008
A time to be…sick
I’ve felt it coming on all weekend and finally it hit me full force this morning. The typical head cold crud. Not one to ever stay home from work, even though I probably should have today, I rolled out of bed landing with a thump on the floor sure to wake the person below me. We are very short staffed at work now with co-workers calling in almost daily saying that they are ill and unable to work so I was not about to abandon my patients due this pestering cold. Somehow managing to dress myself and make it out the door and to work, I stumbled through my appointments this morning. I called a hearing aid a battery for most of ten minutes, not understanding why my patient was looking at me like I’d lost my mind until I finally realized what I’d been saying and was at least able to laugh at myself. I knew I should finally go home when I tried to put right hearing aid in the left ear of the next patient. One of the “higher up” audiologists took pity on my and sent me home early afternoon. I went promptly to bed and slept until this evening. I am feeling a bit better now. With the stress of trying to get through our waiting lists by Christmas, we are all feeling a bit tired and stressed so please pray for good health for myself and the whole department.
A time to be…sick
I’ve felt it coming on all weekend and finally it hit me full force this morning. The typical head cold crud. Not one to ever stay home from work, even though I probably should have today, I rolled out of bed landing with a thump on the floor sure to wake the person below me. We are very short staffed at work now with co-workers calling in almost daily saying that they are ill and unable to work so I was not about to abandon my patients due this pestering cold. Somehow managing to dress myself and make it out the door and to work, I stumbled through my appointments this morning. I called a hearing aid a battery for most of ten minutes, not understanding why my patient was looking at me like I’d lost my mind until I finally realized what I’d been saying and was at least able to laugh at myself. I knew I should finally go home when I tried to put right hearing aid in the left ear of the next patient. One of the “higher up” audiologists took pity on my and sent me home early afternoon. I went promptly to bed and slept until this evening. I am feeling a bit better now. With the stress of trying to get through our waiting lists by Christmas, we are all feeling a bit tired and stressed so please pray for good health for myself and the whole department.
Modern day jokers
November 16, 2008
Modern day jokers
Today I experienced what I call “modern day royalty acting royal”. There are so many old traditions in which the royal family partakes and while watching Prince Charles 60th birthday on the television, I was witness to one of these events. In the old days of knights, kings, princesses, and stone castles, there were also court jesters. The function of these men was to entertain through riddles, music, and political satire. Today I watched modern jesters entertain the prince and the royal family during his birthday celebration. Comedians such as John Cleese, Robin Williams, Joan Hart, and other British comedians joked and amused the royal family with their antics. I’m not sure why I found this so amusing-probably because of the sense that this is such an old tradition and I was able to experience it in this old country full of tradition.
Modern day jokers
Today I experienced what I call “modern day royalty acting royal”. There are so many old traditions in which the royal family partakes and while watching Prince Charles 60th birthday on the television, I was witness to one of these events. In the old days of knights, kings, princesses, and stone castles, there were also court jesters. The function of these men was to entertain through riddles, music, and political satire. Today I watched modern jesters entertain the prince and the royal family during his birthday celebration. Comedians such as John Cleese, Robin Williams, Joan Hart, and other British comedians joked and amused the royal family with their antics. I’m not sure why I found this so amusing-probably because of the sense that this is such an old tradition and I was able to experience it in this old country full of tradition.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Swingin' in Saltburn
November 8, 2008
Swingin’ in Saltburn
Last night I had the enjoyment of traveling out the Saltburn and listening to a local Big Band concert at the Saltburn Golf Club. Several weeks ago, I met another American (probably the only one beside myself and Kim in this part of England :) ) from Texas who moved here six years ago as a missionary. Sara sings with this big band and it was such an enjoyment to hear these amateur musicians and Sara perform some of my favorite Big Band music; Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Rosemary Clooney, Gershwin. I was definitely the youngest person there but it was still a lot of fun and during the break, we were even given steak pie and mushy peas which is traditional food for Northeast England. A fun way to end a week!
Swingin’ in Saltburn
Last night I had the enjoyment of traveling out the Saltburn and listening to a local Big Band concert at the Saltburn Golf Club. Several weeks ago, I met another American (probably the only one beside myself and Kim in this part of England :) ) from Texas who moved here six years ago as a missionary. Sara sings with this big band and it was such an enjoyment to hear these amateur musicians and Sara perform some of my favorite Big Band music; Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Rosemary Clooney, Gershwin. I was definitely the youngest person there but it was still a lot of fun and during the break, we were even given steak pie and mushy peas which is traditional food for Northeast England. A fun way to end a week!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Hot Cross Buns
October 27, 2008
Hot Cross Buns
There are several things that American children want to experience in their life, or at least for me this is true. I grew up hearing the nursery rhyme “Hot Cross Buns” and always wondered what they looked like and if they were as tasty as my young mind envisioned. Yesterday, I was at the corner market and looking through the reduced and day old items when I came across Hot Cross Buns!! I was so excited that I purchased them, walked quickly home, and proudly displayed them in front of Jane. I’m sure that she just attributed my behavior to some strange American me
ntal state as I’m sure she often does when I have these strange outbursts over seemingly ordinary and unexciting objects. I set the package on the counter and then stared at it. She asked if I was going to eat one and I replied with “I don’t know how!” Amused, Jane told be that she prefers to toast them on the grill and then put butter on them. I tried that but decided that I prefer to have them straight out of the package. Hot cross buns are very similar to cinnamon rolls but have more spices and are not as gooey. Yum!
Hot Cross Buns
There are several things that American children want to experience in their life, or at least for me this is true. I grew up hearing the nursery rhyme “Hot Cross Buns” and always wondered what they looked like and if they were as tasty as my young mind envisioned. Yesterday, I was at the corner market and looking through the reduced and day old items when I came across Hot Cross Buns!! I was so excited that I purchased them, walked quickly home, and proudly displayed them in front of Jane. I’m sure that she just attributed my behavior to some strange American me
ntal state as I’m sure she often does when I have these strange outbursts over seemingly ordinary and unexciting objects. I set the package on the counter and then stared at it. She asked if I was going to eat one and I replied with “I don’t know how!” Amused, Jane told be that she prefers to toast them on the grill and then put butter on them. I tried that but decided that I prefer to have them straight out of the package. Hot cross buns are very similar to cinnamon rolls but have more spices and are not as gooey. Yum!Roseberry Topping
October 26, 2008
Roseberry Topping
Today my flatmate, Jane, and I decided to take advantage of the sunshine and somewhat warmer weather than we had previously been experiencing to hike up Roseberry Topping. This is a hill with a half-round cliff and one can hike to the very top and is one of the highest peaks where I live in the North York Moors. The name “Roseberry” came from Old Norse for ‘rock or crag’ (Odin) and “Topping” from the word ‘hill’ (toppen) so when combined the word Othensberg means Roseberry Topping in Old Norse. The explorer James Cook, whose childhood home is at a farm in nearby Great Ayton, also enjoyed climbing up the hill. Because the hill is ‘tall’ compared to the surrounding Moors, it can be seen from sea, and likewise, the sea can be seen from the top. An old rhyme says “When Roseberry Topping wears a cap, let Cleveland then beware of a clap!” as the appearance of the hill gave indication of the weather conditions. The climb begins with walking through woods and brush, then reaching a clearing where a shooting
shelter was erected for gentlemen to take cover during poor weather during a hunt. The res
t of the climb is up sandstone and brush where sheep graze so one must be careful where one steps! There are several gates to pass through known as ‘kissing gates’. I stood and waited for a nice English bloke to come by but alas no one stopped. Once at the top, we clung securely to our mittens, hats, and scarves as the wind tried to rip them from our hands. Not staying long at the top, we then trudged our way through the mud and brush back home. The flat top of the rock makes it a perfect location for a picnic so hopefully next spring when the wind is not as severe, we will go again and enjoy a picnic. 
Roseberry Topping
Today my flatmate, Jane, and I decided to take advantage of the sunshine and somewhat warmer weather than we had previously been experiencing to hike up Roseberry Topping. This is a hill with a half-round cliff and one can hike to the very top and is one of the highest peaks where I live in the North York Moors. The name “Roseberry” came from Old Norse for ‘rock or crag’ (Odin) and “Topping” from the word ‘hill’ (toppen) so when combined the word Othensberg means Roseberry Topping in Old Norse. The explorer James Cook, whose childhood home is at a farm in nearby Great Ayton, also enjoyed climbing up the hill. Because the hill is ‘tall’ compared to the surrounding Moors, it can be seen from sea, and likewise, the sea can be seen from the top. An old rhyme says “When Roseberry Topping wears a cap, let Cleveland then beware of a clap!” as the appearance of the hill gave indication of the weather conditions. The climb begins with walking through woods and brush, then reaching a clearing where a shooting
shelter was erected for gentlemen to take cover during poor weather during a hunt. The res
t of the climb is up sandstone and brush where sheep graze so one must be careful where one steps! There are several gates to pass through known as ‘kissing gates’. I stood and waited for a nice English bloke to come by but alas no one stopped. Once at the top, we clung securely to our mittens, hats, and scarves as the wind tried to rip them from our hands. Not staying long at the top, we then trudged our way through the mud and brush back home. The flat top of the rock makes it a perfect location for a picnic so hopefully next spring when the wind is not as severe, we will go again and enjoy a picnic. Penny for the guy?
October 19, 2008
Penny for the guy?
Today a lad came up to me and said “Penny for the guy?” Under any normal circumstance, I would have been completely confused by this question, but my British friends have been kind enough to not leave their American correspondent or Colonial friend (as I am often called) in the dark about an upcoming holiday unique to the UK. Guy Fawkes Day, or Bonfire Night as it is most often referred to, is November 5 but usually celebrated on the weekend. In my opinion, it is Britain’s excuse for being able to set off fireworks as the night involves setting off fire works and having a large bonfire on which a homemade ‘man’ representing Guy Fawkes is tossed once the bonfire has reached it’s most ravenous state. Guy Fawkes legend is of a man who conspired with the Duke of Northumberland (of Alnwick Castle) to blow up the house of parliament while it was in session. The Catholics in England had been persecuted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and then James I who took power following her death in 1603. The intolerance towards Catholics led 13 men to the decision to blow up parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder. His planned was foiled possibly by a letter sent warning of the attack and he was caught under the House of Lords with the gunpowder which led to his arrest, jailing, and then hanging. Penny for the guy is what children say a few weeks before Bonfire Night in order to raise money to buy the parts needed to put the man together. I will be celebrating Bonfire Night in Manchester with my flatmate, Jane, and will be enjoying some traditions such as toffee apples and other delicious English sweets!
Penny for the guy?
Today a lad came up to me and said “Penny for the guy?” Under any normal circumstance, I would have been completely confused by this question, but my British friends have been kind enough to not leave their American correspondent or Colonial friend (as I am often called) in the dark about an upcoming holiday unique to the UK. Guy Fawkes Day, or Bonfire Night as it is most often referred to, is November 5 but usually celebrated on the weekend. In my opinion, it is Britain’s excuse for being able to set off fireworks as the night involves setting off fire works and having a large bonfire on which a homemade ‘man’ representing Guy Fawkes is tossed once the bonfire has reached it’s most ravenous state. Guy Fawkes legend is of a man who conspired with the Duke of Northumberland (of Alnwick Castle) to blow up the house of parliament while it was in session. The Catholics in England had been persecuted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and then James I who took power following her death in 1603. The intolerance towards Catholics led 13 men to the decision to blow up parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder. His planned was foiled possibly by a letter sent warning of the attack and he was caught under the House of Lords with the gunpowder which led to his arrest, jailing, and then hanging. Penny for the guy is what children say a few weeks before Bonfire Night in order to raise money to buy the parts needed to put the man together. I will be celebrating Bonfire Night in Manchester with my flatmate, Jane, and will be enjoying some traditions such as toffee apples and other delicious English sweets!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Field Hockey
October 18, 2008
Field Hockey
Today I saw my first live field hockey game. My flatmate and also my co-worker, Jane, plays for the Norton Hockey Club and today they had a match on the pitch between her team and Durham University. I endured near hypothermia (the ocean wind blew in my face for two hours) while standing on feet that became so cold I couldn’t feel my toes even though I was bundled in all the warm clothes I brought with me plus my flatmate’s thick winter coat. After all that, the match was a draw as the final score was 1-0 Norton. I found it interesting watching 22 women run around a field the size of a soccer field while chasing a bright orange ball with little sticks but by the end of the match I still had no idea as to the rules of the game. I just hoped I cheered at the right time and didn’t embarrass Jane too much. Hopefully I will get to watch the footie (football) live while over here; I just need to find people with whom to go with as the fans can be out of control at times.
Field Hockey
Today I saw my first live field hockey game. My flatmate and also my co-worker, Jane, plays for the Norton Hockey Club and today they had a match on the pitch between her team and Durham University. I endured near hypothermia (the ocean wind blew in my face for two hours) while standing on feet that became so cold I couldn’t feel my toes even though I was bundled in all the warm clothes I brought with me plus my flatmate’s thick winter coat. After all that, the match was a draw as the final score was 1-0 Norton. I found it interesting watching 22 women run around a field the size of a soccer field while chasing a bright orange ball with little sticks but by the end of the match I still had no idea as to the rules of the game. I just hoped I cheered at the right time and didn’t embarrass Jane too much. Hopefully I will get to watch the footie (football) live while over here; I just need to find people with whom to go with as the fans can be out of control at times.
Ok God, I'll trust you but...
October 15, 2008
Ok, God, I’ll trust you, but…
Sometimes I amuse myself and then I think if I find amusement in my own illogical reasoning, how much more God gets amusement out of the silly things we try to do. It seems that whenever I want to trust God for something I always put a stipulation on it. Why is it so hard to simply trust him? God says to have “faith like a child” but I think most of us are very young when we loose that faith in humans. Maybe it was the time I jumped in the pool and my dad let me go all the way under water before grabbing me and then I was always cautious when jumping in the pool if someone said that they would catch me…would they really? Or maybe I lost it when I realized that mommy couldn’t take away the pain when I scraped my elbows when I crashed on my purple scooter…I trusted that she could make me better, but why did my elbows still hurt? Would all my scrapes hurt? I’ve naively thought that in my growth in my relationship with Christ that eventually things like trust would come more easily and naturally, or that I would reach a point when I would have completely mastered faith and could then move on to master other areas of the Christian walk. Maybe, among other things, it is one of those areas that I will always struggle with. It seems that as I’ve become older and the issues in my life and this world have become more complex it has also become more difficult for me to trust God. I find myself in a lack of faith resulting in putting stipulations on my prayers; “God, I’ll trust you to find a mate for me but only if you find one within the next 5 years” or “God, I’ll trust you to put me in the place for a job that you want me but it has to be on the west coast of the US.” My favorite one I caught myself doing was this “God, please keep me healthy and strong physically and be able to manage my weight better but please allow me to still eat icecream.” Huh!? After I prayed that the other night I stopped, thought about it, and then laughed out loud. I imagine God saying to himself, “Oh, my daughter, why don’t you trust me wholly in all areas of your life whether they are major or minor things. Don’t you know that I have plans for you? Plans to prosper you and not to harm you? Plans to bring you hope and a future?” Unlike my experiences with putting my faith and trust in humans, God has never let me down, he has always provided, always been faithful to me. Sometimes I forget about the things which I am trusting God to provide for me on a daily basis; food, clothing, a job, health, a roof over my head, a church family, friendships, finances, safety and protection. I trust him in these areas because in the Bible we are told not to worry about these things because God will provide. It isn’t until something doesn’t match up in my timeline that I start to doubt that God really does have plans for me. This is when I put stipulations on my prayers; maybe I think that I can somehow show God how much I want something, how quickly I want it, and the specifics about what I want as if God was a Santa Clause and I a child afraid that I will be given the wrong gift if I am not specific about what it is I want. How silly I must look to the God who created me and sustains me when I pray these silly prayers out of a lack of faith and a doubting spirit. This is just a reminder to trust everything to the one who provides everything. Man is limited, but God is limitless.
Ok, God, I’ll trust you, but…
Sometimes I amuse myself and then I think if I find amusement in my own illogical reasoning, how much more God gets amusement out of the silly things we try to do. It seems that whenever I want to trust God for something I always put a stipulation on it. Why is it so hard to simply trust him? God says to have “faith like a child” but I think most of us are very young when we loose that faith in humans. Maybe it was the time I jumped in the pool and my dad let me go all the way under water before grabbing me and then I was always cautious when jumping in the pool if someone said that they would catch me…would they really? Or maybe I lost it when I realized that mommy couldn’t take away the pain when I scraped my elbows when I crashed on my purple scooter…I trusted that she could make me better, but why did my elbows still hurt? Would all my scrapes hurt? I’ve naively thought that in my growth in my relationship with Christ that eventually things like trust would come more easily and naturally, or that I would reach a point when I would have completely mastered faith and could then move on to master other areas of the Christian walk. Maybe, among other things, it is one of those areas that I will always struggle with. It seems that as I’ve become older and the issues in my life and this world have become more complex it has also become more difficult for me to trust God. I find myself in a lack of faith resulting in putting stipulations on my prayers; “God, I’ll trust you to find a mate for me but only if you find one within the next 5 years” or “God, I’ll trust you to put me in the place for a job that you want me but it has to be on the west coast of the US.” My favorite one I caught myself doing was this “God, please keep me healthy and strong physically and be able to manage my weight better but please allow me to still eat icecream.” Huh!? After I prayed that the other night I stopped, thought about it, and then laughed out loud. I imagine God saying to himself, “Oh, my daughter, why don’t you trust me wholly in all areas of your life whether they are major or minor things. Don’t you know that I have plans for you? Plans to prosper you and not to harm you? Plans to bring you hope and a future?” Unlike my experiences with putting my faith and trust in humans, God has never let me down, he has always provided, always been faithful to me. Sometimes I forget about the things which I am trusting God to provide for me on a daily basis; food, clothing, a job, health, a roof over my head, a church family, friendships, finances, safety and protection. I trust him in these areas because in the Bible we are told not to worry about these things because God will provide. It isn’t until something doesn’t match up in my timeline that I start to doubt that God really does have plans for me. This is when I put stipulations on my prayers; maybe I think that I can somehow show God how much I want something, how quickly I want it, and the specifics about what I want as if God was a Santa Clause and I a child afraid that I will be given the wrong gift if I am not specific about what it is I want. How silly I must look to the God who created me and sustains me when I pray these silly prayers out of a lack of faith and a doubting spirit. This is just a reminder to trust everything to the one who provides everything. Man is limited, but God is limitless.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Laying down crowns
October 3, 2008
Laying down crowns
Today in church we sang a song with the words “we fall down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus”. While singing this song I began to think, “this song doesn’t apply to me, I don’t wear a crown, or do I?” I began to contemplate the “crowns” in my life, the things I treasure, the things in which I place my identity, the areas where my pride is found. Being honest here, I’ll list some; having the opportunity to live in England, my schooling and education, being an “almost” audiologist, being a daughter, a sister, my long-term goals in life. All these I hold into as if they were mine to earn, mine to maintain, and mine to keep forever. If I didn’t have a career as an audiologist to look forward to, what would my identity be? Instead, in the words of the song, we are called to lay all these “crown” or things we hold as important before Jesus. Not placing them as equal before him but placing them at his feet in an attitude of surrender and acknowledging his Lordship in our lives. So, as a Christian, what are the crowns that I should have? How about a career Christian; someone whose Christian life is exemplified in everything she does, how she interacts with other, and how she thinks about things. How about as a sister in Christ to the body of Christ and a child of God; someone who uplifts her Christian family, seeks wisdom and guidance from them, and finds encouragement in fellowship. Or, how about as a talented woman who uses the gifts God has given her and the opportunities He has made available to serve and grow while acknowledging who is the author and sustainer of her life. I think I’ll start to take off these heavy and burdensome crowns to put on the one crown of Christ. This has been my prayer this past week; that I would not cling to finding my identity in the temporary things of this world but would lay these before Jesus and seek after things which last.
Laying down crowns
Today in church we sang a song with the words “we fall down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus”. While singing this song I began to think, “this song doesn’t apply to me, I don’t wear a crown, or do I?” I began to contemplate the “crowns” in my life, the things I treasure, the things in which I place my identity, the areas where my pride is found. Being honest here, I’ll list some; having the opportunity to live in England, my schooling and education, being an “almost” audiologist, being a daughter, a sister, my long-term goals in life. All these I hold into as if they were mine to earn, mine to maintain, and mine to keep forever. If I didn’t have a career as an audiologist to look forward to, what would my identity be? Instead, in the words of the song, we are called to lay all these “crown” or things we hold as important before Jesus. Not placing them as equal before him but placing them at his feet in an attitude of surrender and acknowledging his Lordship in our lives. So, as a Christian, what are the crowns that I should have? How about a career Christian; someone whose Christian life is exemplified in everything she does, how she interacts with other, and how she thinks about things. How about as a sister in Christ to the body of Christ and a child of God; someone who uplifts her Christian family, seeks wisdom and guidance from them, and finds encouragement in fellowship. Or, how about as a talented woman who uses the gifts God has given her and the opportunities He has made available to serve and grow while acknowledging who is the author and sustainer of her life. I think I’ll start to take off these heavy and burdensome crowns to put on the one crown of Christ. This has been my prayer this past week; that I would not cling to finding my identity in the temporary things of this world but would lay these before Jesus and seek after things which last.
Redcar
October 4, 2008
Redcar trip
Sunday, after church, my flatmate, Jane, and I decided it was time to get out of the house. We
decided on traveling the Redcar; a very working class seaside town 
only 10 miles away. Bundled up in hats, scarves, mittens, and coats, we walked along the sand by the sea, wandered through amusing stores where they sell a little of everything and most of it I’m not even sure what it is used for. Hungry, we stopped at the oldest fish and chip (chippie) take away in England. And, even though it was freezing and our eyes and noses were running as bad as the leaky faucet in my bedroom sink, we couldn’t pass up some England icecream (yes, it is so much better than American!). My adventure filled weekend finally over, I’m back home preparing 
for the week ahead.
To get you all more involved, I decided to implement the “Where should Nancy go next?” game. You tell me where you would like me to go next; it can be a specific location or a site such as a castle, a church, a cathedral, a museum, etc and I will take picture and
then post about the location I visit.
Redcar trip
Sunday, after church, my flatmate, Jane, and I decided it was time to get out of the house. We
decided on traveling the Redcar; a very working class seaside town 
only 10 miles away. Bundled up in hats, scarves, mittens, and coats, we walked along the sand by the sea, wandered through amusing stores where they sell a little of everything and most of it I’m not even sure what it is used for. Hungry, we stopped at the oldest fish and chip (chippie) take away in England. And, even though it was freezing and our eyes and noses were running as bad as the leaky faucet in my bedroom sink, we couldn’t pass up some England icecream (yes, it is so much better than American!). My adventure filled weekend finally over, I’m back home preparing 
for the week ahead.To get you all more involved, I decided to implement the “Where should Nancy go next?” game. You tell me where you would like me to go next; it can be a specific location or a site such as a castle, a church, a cathedral, a museum, etc and I will take picture and
then post about the location I visit. Durham trip
October 3, 2008
Durham trip
This Saturday I decided to brave the Northeast England wind and rain to journey to Durham. I took an enclosed double-decker bus one hour north to the city of Durham and spent most of the morning and early afternoon touring Durham Cathedral. The history of this castle dates back to 1081-1096 and is built in the Norman/Romanesque style. Unfortunately no cameras are allowed because this is place of frequent pilgrimage and prayer. The cathedral is not as spectacular as York Minster
but there is a more solemn and humble feeling to the architecture. As a cathedral, a large portion of the grounds were the housing for the monks who lived and worked there. One of the reasons that it is a place of pilgrimage is due to the individual buried here; St. Cuthbert who died in 687 but whose body was later moved to the site of the cathedral during the Viking raids. In 1542, the Reformation brought destruction to the bejeweled shrine and now only a simple marble marker exists to indicate St. Cuthbert’s grave. St. Cuthbert is known for his gift of healing as well as his communal with nature; being dried by the breath of otters, fed by birds. In his time, many converted persons were reverting back to pagan traditions and superstition so he travelled throughout Northeast England teaching people and praying.
The remaining of the day I planned to visit Durham Castle but lost motivation and decided to wander through the cobbled streets and quaint stores. The weather became more severe and not being able to stop in at the coffee shop due to the queues, I decided to return to Middlesbrough mid afternoon. 
Durham trip
This Saturday I decided to brave the Northeast England wind and rain to journey to Durham. I took an enclosed double-decker bus one hour north to the city of Durham and spent most of the morning and early afternoon touring Durham Cathedral. The history of this castle dates back to 1081-1096 and is built in the Norman/Romanesque style. Unfortunately no cameras are allowed because this is place of frequent pilgrimage and prayer. The cathedral is not as spectacular as York Minster
but there is a more solemn and humble feeling to the architecture. As a cathedral, a large portion of the grounds were the housing for the monks who lived and worked there. One of the reasons that it is a place of pilgrimage is due to the individual buried here; St. Cuthbert who died in 687 but whose body was later moved to the site of the cathedral during the Viking raids. In 1542, the Reformation brought destruction to the bejeweled shrine and now only a simple marble marker exists to indicate St. Cuthbert’s grave. St. Cuthbert is known for his gift of healing as well as his communal with nature; being dried by the breath of otters, fed by birds. In his time, many converted persons were reverting back to pagan traditions and superstition so he travelled throughout Northeast England teaching people and praying.
The remaining of the day I planned to visit Durham Castle but lost motivation and decided to wander through the cobbled streets and quaint stores. The weather became more severe and not being able to stop in at the coffee shop due to the queues, I decided to return to Middlesbrough mid afternoon. 
October
October 1, 2008
Is it really October already?
Today I wrote 1/10/2008 on a form (yes, this is the way they put the date in England) and I couldn’t believe that it was already October. Have I already been here just over two months? The time is flying and in just over two months I’ll be home for Christmas. Is it just me or does time go faster as you get older?
Is it really October already?
Today I wrote 1/10/2008 on a form (yes, this is the way they put the date in England) and I couldn’t believe that it was already October. Have I already been here just over two months? The time is flying and in just over two months I’ll be home for Christmas. Is it just me or does time go faster as you get older?
Praise the Lord!
September 26, 2008
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
The words of the song To God be the Glory have been my first thoughts on waking up in the morning for the past few weeks. I have a heart full of praise because after much discouragement the Lord finally put me in the church I have been attending the past few weeks and is already giving me the Christian family and support I have been desiring since moving to England. I’m attending Middlesbrough Community Church which is the first church I have visited that has been alive! The diversity of individuals in the church is such an encouragement; intergenerational, new Christians, seasoned Christians, all worshiping together, encouraging one another, and reaching Middlesbrough for Christ. My first Sunday there I made the acquaintance of two girls my age and have since had dinner with them during the week and attended one of their lifegroups. One of the girls is from North Ireland and grew up attending a Free Methodist church there…so fun to meet another Free Methodist here in England. I hadn’t realized how discouraged I had become in the search for a church. I visited churches that preached God’s word but they weren’t alive, they weren’t growing, and they almost seemed to have become complacent and given up on making an impact in their city. I realized that I had begun to doubt that God would provide; but of course he would! To honor him with our worship and fellowship with other Christians brings him so much pleasure that who was I to doubt that God would take me to England and then leave me without my brothers and sisters in Christ. With a thankful heart, Nancy
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
The words of the song To God be the Glory have been my first thoughts on waking up in the morning for the past few weeks. I have a heart full of praise because after much discouragement the Lord finally put me in the church I have been attending the past few weeks and is already giving me the Christian family and support I have been desiring since moving to England. I’m attending Middlesbrough Community Church which is the first church I have visited that has been alive! The diversity of individuals in the church is such an encouragement; intergenerational, new Christians, seasoned Christians, all worshiping together, encouraging one another, and reaching Middlesbrough for Christ. My first Sunday there I made the acquaintance of two girls my age and have since had dinner with them during the week and attended one of their lifegroups. One of the girls is from North Ireland and grew up attending a Free Methodist church there…so fun to meet another Free Methodist here in England. I hadn’t realized how discouraged I had become in the search for a church. I visited churches that preached God’s word but they weren’t alive, they weren’t growing, and they almost seemed to have become complacent and given up on making an impact in their city. I realized that I had begun to doubt that God would provide; but of course he would! To honor him with our worship and fellowship with other Christians brings him so much pleasure that who was I to doubt that God would take me to England and then leave me without my brothers and sisters in Christ. With a thankful heart, Nancy
So now I know
September 29, 2008
So now I know
It took me awhile but I think I finally figured out why the hospital residences are so far from the hospital but right next to the mental hospital. When the employees start to go crazy they just escort them from their residence and next door to be admitted! There have been times walking back from work that I have seen individuals I would classify as slightly “strange”; they mutter to themselves, they stagger around, they are dressed oddly, and sometimes I wonder if they have escaped from the mental hospital or are hoping that some passerby will put them out of their misery and just admit them. It does bring me comfort that people like my house mate works there; he is a 6’5 300lb Scotsman that can appear quite intimidating if you are meeting him for the first time. Or maybe they just put him in our house since it seems that we are dubbed the “stressful jobs house” with my house mates working as surgical nurses, ward nurses, and then two audiologists under pressure to see all the patients on our waiting lists by Christmas. Just some humor for your day…got to love England!
So now I know
It took me awhile but I think I finally figured out why the hospital residences are so far from the hospital but right next to the mental hospital. When the employees start to go crazy they just escort them from their residence and next door to be admitted! There have been times walking back from work that I have seen individuals I would classify as slightly “strange”; they mutter to themselves, they stagger around, they are dressed oddly, and sometimes I wonder if they have escaped from the mental hospital or are hoping that some passerby will put them out of their misery and just admit them. It does bring me comfort that people like my house mate works there; he is a 6’5 300lb Scotsman that can appear quite intimidating if you are meeting him for the first time. Or maybe they just put him in our house since it seems that we are dubbed the “stressful jobs house” with my house mates working as surgical nurses, ward nurses, and then two audiologists under pressure to see all the patients on our waiting lists by Christmas. Just some humor for your day…got to love England!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Brotton
September 27, 2008
Brotton
This week I spent one afternoon counseling patients about hearing aids in the small rural town of Brotton. This is nearly a seaside town; the sea can be seen from the windows of the hospital but there are no homes on the waterfront. The windows of the hospital rooms that we were in also looked down on allotments; this is a very old British tradition in which each family is allotted a small amount of land in an enclosed area. This land is to grow vegetables or keep small animals such as geese, goats, and chickens. The adult males in the family take care of the plot of land and it is also a social time in which the men of the town can come together and work their allotment and then spend time having a few drinks, smoking, and talking about “men” things. Brotton was once very secluded from the surrounding villages and because of this many of the people look very similar…I’ll let you figure out why. I would see one patient and then call the next one back and it was as if I was speaking to the last patient’s brother or cousin the resemblance was that strong. Predominant characteristics seem to be large noses and ears and long oval faces. This is one of the first “rural” places I have visited and greatly enjoyed; it is very similar to being in a rural American town.
~Nancy
Brotton
This week I spent one afternoon counseling patients about hearing aids in the small rural town of Brotton. This is nearly a seaside town; the sea can be seen from the windows of the hospital but there are no homes on the waterfront. The windows of the hospital rooms that we were in also looked down on allotments; this is a very old British tradition in which each family is allotted a small amount of land in an enclosed area. This land is to grow vegetables or keep small animals such as geese, goats, and chickens. The adult males in the family take care of the plot of land and it is also a social time in which the men of the town can come together and work their allotment and then spend time having a few drinks, smoking, and talking about “men” things. Brotton was once very secluded from the surrounding villages and because of this many of the people look very similar…I’ll let you figure out why. I would see one patient and then call the next one back and it was as if I was speaking to the last patient’s brother or cousin the resemblance was that strong. Predominant characteristics seem to be large noses and ears and long oval faces. This is one of the first “rural” places I have visited and greatly enjoyed; it is very similar to being in a rural American town.
~Nancy
Silly American
September 26, 2008
Silly American
“Silly American” This is the name one of my flat mates gives me when I do something very “American” as I often do when I get tired. By the end of the week, I find myself happily tired and my brain seems to revert back to habits I have spent 25 years developing:
o Getting into the car as the passenger on the right side resulting in my flat mate saying “do you want to drive?”
o Using terminology that they don’t understand or means something different: pants (underwear over here), bathroom (toilet over here), quoting amounts in dollars rather than pounds, and using American slang.
o Waiting for the pedestrian walk sign while everyone is yelling at me from the other side of the street to cross the street.
I think I bring lots of amusement to my co-workers and my flat mates.
Silly American
“Silly American” This is the name one of my flat mates gives me when I do something very “American” as I often do when I get tired. By the end of the week, I find myself happily tired and my brain seems to revert back to habits I have spent 25 years developing:
o Getting into the car as the passenger on the right side resulting in my flat mate saying “do you want to drive?”
o Using terminology that they don’t understand or means something different: pants (underwear over here), bathroom (toilet over here), quoting amounts in dollars rather than pounds, and using American slang.
o Waiting for the pedestrian walk sign while everyone is yelling at me from the other side of the street to cross the street.
I think I bring lots of amusement to my co-workers and my flat mates.
Here is the vocabulary of the week:
Togs/costume: swim suit
Faff/faffer: someone who is taking a long time to get ready ex: she is just faffing about and we need to leave soon.
Chinless nob: someone from the upper class, royalty, usually someone from a "lower" class will use this term when referring to someone from the "upper" class.
Bless him/her: an expression ex: she is just so confused and doesn’t understand it, bless her.
Keen: interested, ex: she’s not too keen on going for a bike ride.
So, where are you from?
September 25, 2008
So, where are you from?
One of the most amusing parts of my day is when patients get that confused and slightly embarrassed look on their face when I start talking and I know that they don’t know where I am from because of my accent. I've even returned to the hearing aid room and had a husband and wife taking bets against each other as one thought I was Irish and the other thought I was American!! As approximately as I could, I’ve compiled a list of the places that people think I am from:
Canadian: 100+ people think I am from Canada
American: 70+ people think I am American
Irish: 2 people have thought I was Irish
Scottish: 1 person thought I was Scottish
Scandinavian: 1 person though I was from a Scandinavian country
Native American: 1 person thought I was a Native American
So, where are you from?
One of the most amusing parts of my day is when patients get that confused and slightly embarrassed look on their face when I start talking and I know that they don’t know where I am from because of my accent. I've even returned to the hearing aid room and had a husband and wife taking bets against each other as one thought I was Irish and the other thought I was American!! As approximately as I could, I’ve compiled a list of the places that people think I am from:
Canadian: 100+ people think I am from Canada
American: 70+ people think I am American
Irish: 2 people have thought I was Irish
Scottish: 1 person thought I was Scottish
Scandinavian: 1 person though I was from a Scandinavian country
Native American: 1 person thought I was a Native American
Saturday, September 20, 2008
St. Mary's Musings
September 20, 2008
St. Mary Musings
I promised I would write about what I was thinking while visiting St. Mary’s Parish Church today so here are my musings.
What first got my analytical mind working was the thought of climbing those steps every Sunday for church. But wait, there was also mid week prayer and the Vicar did not live near the church, in fact he lived in town at the bottom of the steps which means that the townsfolk climbed those steps several times a week, the vicar every day, and the other church caretakers were in charge of maintaining those steps. Not only that, but a river divides the town in half requiring the majority of townsfolk to have to cross the river to get to the stairs. You might be thinking that these were hard working people who were in shape enough to climb these steps without a problem and you might be right but consider that there was also elderly, those with chronic health problems, and children who may have struggled up those steps just to go worship God. By the time I had climbed to the top I was out of breath and my heart was in my throat; and I’m not that out of shape! I’ve been complaining recently about having to take the bus which costs 3.95 pounds and takes over an hour to get to church. I want something that is convenient, within walking distance, and that doesn’t take up the majority of my Sunday so that I still have time to spend rest of my day doing other activities. How lazy have we become when try to make our Christian life “convenient” so that it fits somewhere between our job, our family, our other responsibilities. I’m not just writing about Sunday service only, I’m also thinking about our prayer life. Does this sound familiar “Ok, if I wake up an extra half hour earlier then I would have time to read my Bible and pray, but I have that meeting today and I might be tired for it so maybe I should use that half hour to get some more sleep. I can read my Bible some other time.” This is a struggle for me on a daily basis, not just in going to church on Sunday. I was reminded today of these dedicated Christians who gave up the easy and convenient (staying home) to climb those steps to worship, to receive counsel, to pray, to fellowship. This week I’m going to be more aware of the times I push aside what should be priority for the things that are more convenient or when I justify my way out of doing I should be doing for what I want to be doing. Just some thoughts.
~Nancy
St. Mary Musings
I promised I would write about what I was thinking while visiting St. Mary’s Parish Church today so here are my musings.
What first got my analytical mind working was the thought of climbing those steps every Sunday for church. But wait, there was also mid week prayer and the Vicar did not live near the church, in fact he lived in town at the bottom of the steps which means that the townsfolk climbed those steps several times a week, the vicar every day, and the other church caretakers were in charge of maintaining those steps. Not only that, but a river divides the town in half requiring the majority of townsfolk to have to cross the river to get to the stairs. You might be thinking that these were hard working people who were in shape enough to climb these steps without a problem and you might be right but consider that there was also elderly, those with chronic health problems, and children who may have struggled up those steps just to go worship God. By the time I had climbed to the top I was out of breath and my heart was in my throat; and I’m not that out of shape! I’ve been complaining recently about having to take the bus which costs 3.95 pounds and takes over an hour to get to church. I want something that is convenient, within walking distance, and that doesn’t take up the majority of my Sunday so that I still have time to spend rest of my day doing other activities. How lazy have we become when try to make our Christian life “convenient” so that it fits somewhere between our job, our family, our other responsibilities. I’m not just writing about Sunday service only, I’m also thinking about our prayer life. Does this sound familiar “Ok, if I wake up an extra half hour earlier then I would have time to read my Bible and pray, but I have that meeting today and I might be tired for it so maybe I should use that half hour to get some more sleep. I can read my Bible some other time.” This is a struggle for me on a daily basis, not just in going to church on Sunday. I was reminded today of these dedicated Christians who gave up the easy and convenient (staying home) to climb those steps to worship, to receive counsel, to pray, to fellowship. This week I’m going to be more aware of the times I push aside what should be priority for the things that are more convenient or when I justify my way out of doing I should be doing for what I want to be doing. Just some thoughts.
~Nancy
Return to Whitby
September 20, 2008
Return to Whitby
Today I woke up early, caught the bus, and spent the day in Whitby. If you’ve already guessed it then you are right, Whitby is my favorite place in England. Why is that? I’m not sure but I think it is because of all the North Sea and the boats which remind me of my favorite place in the US; Poulsbo. This trip I went alone. I wasn’t sure if it would be very fun to go alone but I actually found that I had more freedom to see the things I wanted to and spend as much time at different places that I wanted. I decided to be a tourist and take the one hour tour bus trip around town. I am glad I did because I learned to much more about Whitby:
1. There are 199 steps up to the abbey and parish church which is still in use today. That means that every Sunday church goers climb 199 steep steps to go to church sometimes in gale force conditions.
2. Whitby was actually named something else but renamed by the Vikings. Any name ending in “by” is of Viking origin.
3. In a field near Whitby, the first German plane of WWII was shot down over England. The field is now known as Daniel’s Field.
4. Cleveland means Cliffland
5. The term daylight robbery is taken from the window tax: there used to be a tax for every window in a house so to get around that builders would build one continuous long window from the first floor to the top floor.
6. Whitby jet is just fossilized Monkey Puzzle tree
7. Whitby was the third largest ship building port behind London and Newcastle.
8. A Spittle is a hospital.
9. All the crab and lobster pots used today are made by individuals in the Whitby area.
10. When looking at the North Sea, one is actually looking North and not East as one would think being located on the east coast. There are only two locations in England where one can be on the East coast and actually looking North.
I also visited the Royal National Life Boat Museum which is free (I like free) which was very interesting because one of the first life preservers made out of corkscrew was tested here resulting in saving the life of the one man who was wearing it when the boat capsized while all the other crew was lost.
Last time I was at Whitby, I was with 7 other people so didn’t get to visit St. Mary’s Parish Church. My curiosity had been raised after finding out that the pulpit is decorated with ear trumpets because the wife of a past vicar had a hearing loss. This was one of the most moving churches I have been in thus far. It was built in the 1100-1200’s and took over 150 years to complete. Inside the church, the balcony contains the pews that have more leg room, are ornately carved, and varnished; these pews were paid for by the wealthiest families who sat in the balcony so that they were “above” the common folk. The pews below are plain and narrow. Some of these were sold and the names of the family painted on the end of the pew with the date. Other pews say “free” so that people who could not afford to buy a pew would sit there. Then, a grouping of pews nearest the pulpit says “For strangers only”. A section of the church is put aside for visitors to spend in prayer which I did for several moments.
I also ate fish and chips with mushy peas, and tea at a café and then had a Cadbury icecream cone to finish off my meal. I convinced myself that the 199 steps would help me work off the fried and fattening meal I had just eaten.
Well, that was my day’s adventure. I’m writing a separate entry about some thoughts I had while visiting St. Mary’s parish church.
Return to Whitby
Today I woke up early, caught the bus, and spent the day in Whitby. If you’ve already guessed it then you are right, Whitby is my favorite place in England. Why is that? I’m not sure but I think it is because of all the North Sea and the boats which remind me of my favorite place in the US; Poulsbo. This trip I went alone. I wasn’t sure if it would be very fun to go alone but I actually found that I had more freedom to see the things I wanted to and spend as much time at different places that I wanted. I decided to be a tourist and take the one hour tour bus trip around town. I am glad I did because I learned to much more about Whitby:
1. There are 199 steps up to the abbey and parish church which is still in use today. That means that every Sunday church goers climb 199 steep steps to go to church sometimes in gale force conditions.
2. Whitby was actually named something else but renamed by the Vikings. Any name ending in “by” is of Viking origin.
3. In a field near Whitby, the first German plane of WWII was shot down over England. The field is now known as Daniel’s Field.
4. Cleveland means Cliffland
5. The term daylight robbery is taken from the window tax: there used to be a tax for every window in a house so to get around that builders would build one continuous long window from the first floor to the top floor.
6. Whitby jet is just fossilized Monkey Puzzle tree
7. Whitby was the third largest ship building port behind London and Newcastle.
8. A Spittle is a hospital.
9. All the crab and lobster pots used today are made by individuals in the Whitby area.
10. When looking at the North Sea, one is actually looking North and not East as one would think being located on the east coast. There are only two locations in England where one can be on the East coast and actually looking North.
I also visited the Royal National Life Boat Museum which is free (I like free) which was very interesting because one of the first life preservers made out of corkscrew was tested here resulting in saving the life of the one man who was wearing it when the boat capsized while all the other crew was lost.
Last time I was at Whitby, I was with 7 other people so didn’t get to visit St. Mary’s Parish Church. My curiosity had been raised after finding out that the pulpit is decorated with ear trumpets because the wife of a past vicar had a hearing loss. This was one of the most moving churches I have been in thus far. It was built in the 1100-1200’s and took over 150 years to complete. Inside the church, the balcony contains the pews that have more leg room, are ornately carved, and varnished; these pews were paid for by the wealthiest families who sat in the balcony so that they were “above” the common folk. The pews below are plain and narrow. Some of these were sold and the names of the family painted on the end of the pew with the date. Other pews say “free” so that people who could not afford to buy a pew would sit there. Then, a grouping of pews nearest the pulpit says “For strangers only”. A section of the church is put aside for visitors to spend in prayer which I did for several moments.
I also ate fish and chips with mushy peas, and tea at a café and then had a Cadbury icecream cone to finish off my meal. I convinced myself that the 199 steps would help me work off the fried and fattening meal I had just eaten.
Well, that was my day’s adventure. I’m writing a separate entry about some thoughts I had while visiting St. Mary’s parish church.
~Nancy
Routine
September 18, 2008
Routine
In the past couple weeks my life has become very routine: Monday morning wake up, go to work, come home, go for a walk, make dinner, go to bed, wake up, etc through the week. Not that routine is bad, after all, we all seek stability in our lives and routine often provides that stability. But, in my case this routine has lulled me into a sense of security that all will be fine as long as I keep on doing what I have been doing, my routine. Instead, I need to always be alert and in prayer, thankful for these times of calm but praying that I would be prepared for times of turmoil. I’ve also become complacent and almost robotic in work. It is so routine that I’m not even present anymore. I’m not living in the moment, not seeing the needs of those around me and trying to meet those needs, not recognizing my needs and making an effort to stay spiritually healthy. Mark 13:33 says “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Jesus is speaking about his return. I’ve been meditating on this verse, being made aware that in my routine I have put down my guard and am more susceptible for the devil’s persuasion. I have accepted complacency in my life and not been filled with the urgency that I “do not know when that time will come” when Jesus returns and therefore minister to those who are lost in sin around me. My desire is to be completely aware in every area of my life, with whomever I interact with, and even when I’m by myself so that I am alert to the voice of God.
~Nancy
Routine
In the past couple weeks my life has become very routine: Monday morning wake up, go to work, come home, go for a walk, make dinner, go to bed, wake up, etc through the week. Not that routine is bad, after all, we all seek stability in our lives and routine often provides that stability. But, in my case this routine has lulled me into a sense of security that all will be fine as long as I keep on doing what I have been doing, my routine. Instead, I need to always be alert and in prayer, thankful for these times of calm but praying that I would be prepared for times of turmoil. I’ve also become complacent and almost robotic in work. It is so routine that I’m not even present anymore. I’m not living in the moment, not seeing the needs of those around me and trying to meet those needs, not recognizing my needs and making an effort to stay spiritually healthy. Mark 13:33 says “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Jesus is speaking about his return. I’ve been meditating on this verse, being made aware that in my routine I have put down my guard and am more susceptible for the devil’s persuasion. I have accepted complacency in my life and not been filled with the urgency that I “do not know when that time will come” when Jesus returns and therefore minister to those who are lost in sin around me. My desire is to be completely aware in every area of my life, with whomever I interact with, and even when I’m by myself so that I am alert to the voice of God.
~Nancy
Saturday, September 13, 2008
correction
Oops, for those that receive my newsletter and read my blog there is a correction: it was Constantine who was made emperor at York and NOT Augustine. Sorry about that. My Roman History was getting mixed up.
Pub quiz
September 11, 2008
Last night I experienced pub quizzing. Pub quizzing involves getting some friends together to form a team and then going to a pub (which is more of a restaurant than what we think of as a pub in America) and playing the equivalent to team Trivial Pursuit. The quiz announcer asks a trivia question and then the team must write down an answer. Once 15 questions have been asked, the team turns in their answer sheets and the team with the most questions right wins coupons to use at the pub. If there is a tie, there is a tie breaker question. The first round we didn’t do so well, then there was the picture round where you are given a sheet of faces and partial faces of famous people and have to identify them; we tied with two other teams and the tie breaker question was “when was the first mail order catalogue published?” My team voted for me to answer and I was the closest so my team won! The next round we again tied and the tie breaker question was “when was the first crossword puzzle published in a newspaper?” Again, my team voted for me to answer and, I won again! Many teams cheat in this game ie: texting friends or using their phone internet to look up answers but my team didn’t cheat at all and we won the most times! It is a really fun activity and hopefully I will be participating again in the future.
Vocab of the day:Last night I experienced pub quizzing. Pub quizzing involves getting some friends together to form a team and then going to a pub (which is more of a restaurant than what we think of as a pub in America) and playing the equivalent to team Trivial Pursuit. The quiz announcer asks a trivia question and then the team must write down an answer. Once 15 questions have been asked, the team turns in their answer sheets and the team with the most questions right wins coupons to use at the pub. If there is a tie, there is a tie breaker question. The first round we didn’t do so well, then there was the picture round where you are given a sheet of faces and partial faces of famous people and have to identify them; we tied with two other teams and the tie breaker question was “when was the first mail order catalogue published?” My team voted for me to answer and I was the closest so my team won! The next round we again tied and the tie breaker question was “when was the first crossword puzzle published in a newspaper?” Again, my team voted for me to answer and, I won again! Many teams cheat in this game ie: texting friends or using their phone internet to look up answers but my team didn’t cheat at all and we won the most times! It is a really fun activity and hopefully I will be participating again in the future.
Pips: seeds in oranges
Lugs: slang for ears
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Accent
August 29, 2008
Beautiful accent
Here is a quick and amusing post for your entertainment. Today a patient asked “where is that beautiful accent from?” At first I couldn’t believe that he was speaking to me. To me, my “accent” butchers the English language and sounds plain. After that comment, I asked some of my co-workers what they thought about my accent and they said that it is very interesting and unique and that the way in which I pronounce some words is very “appealing to the ears”. Wow, I’m actually living in a place where people want to hear me speak!
Beautiful accent
Here is a quick and amusing post for your entertainment. Today a patient asked “where is that beautiful accent from?” At first I couldn’t believe that he was speaking to me. To me, my “accent” butchers the English language and sounds plain. After that comment, I asked some of my co-workers what they thought about my accent and they said that it is very interesting and unique and that the way in which I pronounce some words is very “appealing to the ears”. Wow, I’m actually living in a place where people want to hear me speak!
Alnwick Castle
August 24, 2008
Alnwick Castle trip
*********Warning!! Must read York trip first!!!!***********
After enduring a night of cramped and cramping leg muscles, we awoke early to make the 8:00 metro into Newcastle. Having followed what we felt were round about direction to the hotel the night before, we decided to ask a hotel employee for a shortcut back to the metro station. Now, people in England don’t identify directions by street names but instead use landmarks and left and right turns. After thinking we understood her directions, we set out to the metro station. 50 minutes later and completely lost on an early Sunday morning, I managed to find two people out for a walk. When I asked them to point us to the W. Jesmond metro they replied with “W. Jesmond? Are you sure that is where you want to go? You are only half a block from the Jesmond station”. Well, by the time we made it into Newcastle we missed the early bus to Alnwick. Finally on the bus, we rode for an hour through pastoral countryside until finally arriving at the small town of Alnwick and Alnwick castle. History time!
Alnwick castle (pronounced An-ick) is still a working castle meaning that the Duke of Northumbria (Percy family) and his family live there 6 months in the winter and then live somewhere else in the summer so the castle is only open for tourists when the family is gone. It was built in the 1300’s as a medieval fortress and is one out of two of the largest castles in England.
While there, we toured the grounds, state rooms, viewed the Roman artifacts recovered in the surrounding areas, and the large china collection, and enjoyed some fun time dressing up and
playing some of the children’s games. We also enjoyed a birds or prey show and I got to pet a small owl! When we first entered the main gate, I spotted something soft and black in the grass. 
It was Bunyip, the Duke’s large and overweight black and white cat sitting there greeting visitors and enjoying being petted. I would later see him walking the grounds perhaps making his way to the catnip patch in the gardens.
The gardens themselves were another completely amazing experience. They are a rather recent creation being part of the vision of the Duchess of Northumberland to create a beautiful garden experience out of the derelict and forgotten original Alnwick gardens. The gardens contain a water display area including a Grand Cascade down the center, a rose garden, bamboo labyrinth, ornamental
garden, the world’s largest tree house, and my favorite, the poison garden. This required a guide to take one through the garden and explain the various type of deadly plants. The garden contains such plants as belladonna, mandrake, cannabis, rosemary, and catnip.
Our legs gave out more quickly today so we decided to catch the bus back to Newcastle mid afternoon. Since today was my 25th birthday, I really wanted some icecream to celebrate (I had been good and not had any icecream or cake since I’ve been in England as I was waiting until my birthday). When we got back to the castle café, it had already closed. Back in Newcastle, we passed many icecream shops but my travel companions were anxious to get to the train station and insisted that I could get icecream at the station. Once at the station, we discovered that we had an hour to wait so I went to one store only to discover that the icecream machine was broken, next, I went to a coffee stand to get a frappacino-like drink but the ice machine was broken. As it
ended up, I never did get to have icecream or anything to celebrate my birthday. Well, that was the end of 24 years and now the start of 25 years…let’s see what this next year has in store.
Alnwick Castle trip
*********Warning!! Must read York trip first!!!!***********
After enduring a night of cramped and cramping leg muscles, we awoke early to make the 8:00 metro into Newcastle. Having followed what we felt were round about direction to the hotel the night before, we decided to ask a hotel employee for a shortcut back to the metro station. Now, people in England don’t identify directions by street names but instead use landmarks and left and right turns. After thinking we understood her directions, we set out to the metro station. 50 minutes later and completely lost on an early Sunday morning, I managed to find two people out for a walk. When I asked them to point us to the W. Jesmond metro they replied with “W. Jesmond? Are you sure that is where you want to go? You are only half a block from the Jesmond station”. Well, by the time we made it into Newcastle we missed the early bus to Alnwick. Finally on the bus, we rode for an hour through pastoral countryside until finally arriving at the small town of Alnwick and Alnwick castle. History time!
Alnwick castle (pronounced An-ick) is still a working castle meaning that the Duke of Northumbria (Percy family) and his family live there 6 months in the winter and then live somewhere else in the summer so the castle is only open for tourists when the family is gone. It was built in the 1300’s as a medieval fortress and is one out of two of the largest castles in England.
While there, we toured the grounds, state rooms, viewed the Roman artifacts recovered in the surrounding areas, and the large china collection, and enjoyed some fun time dressing up and
playing some of the children’s games. We also enjoyed a birds or prey show and I got to pet a small owl! When we first entered the main gate, I spotted something soft and black in the grass. 
It was Bunyip, the Duke’s large and overweight black and white cat sitting there greeting visitors and enjoying being petted. I would later see him walking the grounds perhaps making his way to the catnip patch in the gardens.The gardens themselves were another completely amazing experience. They are a rather recent creation being part of the vision of the Duchess of Northumberland to create a beautiful garden experience out of the derelict and forgotten original Alnwick gardens. The gardens contain a water display area including a Grand Cascade down the center, a rose garden, bamboo labyrinth, ornamental
garden, the world’s largest tree house, and my favorite, the poison garden. This required a guide to take one through the garden and explain the various type of deadly plants. The garden contains such plants as belladonna, mandrake, cannabis, rosemary, and catnip.Our legs gave out more quickly today so we decided to catch the bus back to Newcastle mid afternoon. Since today was my 25th birthday, I really wanted some icecream to celebrate (I had been good and not had any icecream or cake since I’ve been in England as I was waiting until my birthday). When we got back to the castle café, it had already closed. Back in Newcastle, we passed many icecream shops but my travel companions were anxious to get to the train station and insisted that I could get icecream at the station. Once at the station, we discovered that we had an hour to wait so I went to one store only to discover that the icecream machine was broken, next, I went to a coffee stand to get a frappacino-like drink but the ice machine was broken. As it
ended up, I never did get to have icecream or anything to celebrate my birthday. Well, that was the end of 24 years and now the start of 25 years…let’s see what this next year has in store. York day trip
August 23, 2008
York day trip
This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the historical city of York. York was the most northern city controlled by the Roman Empire until the fifth century; therefore, many Roman ruins and influences still remain. The most notable place to visit is York Minster. Just a quick history lesson:
o A minster (mynster) is the Anglo-Saxon name for a missionary church which was built as a new center for Christian worship.
o A cathedral is the mother church of a diocese. It is where the bishop has his cathedra or seat which is only found in cathedrals.
York Minster is both a cathedral and a minster as it is the cathedral church for the Diocese of York. York Minster was first begun by Romans and the original foundation can still be found in the caverns below. It is also the location at which Constantine was made Emperor. Next, the North and South transepts were built in 1220-1260 and is of Norman Gothic era and architecture. The Nave and the Chapter House were built from 1280-1350 and the Quire from 1361-1472 and are a mixture of Medieval and Gothic stained glass and architecture. I’ve included some of the pictures with historical explanations.
1. Rose window: c. 1500. Commemorates the union of the houses of York and Lancaster wi
th the white roses representing the house of York and the red roses the house of Lancaster.
4. Chapter house: c. 13th century. Where the dean and chapter met to discuss administration issues. It has carvings which contain hidden messages; a cat chasing a mouse imbedded in the foliage, and the
Green Man which is a carving of Celtic origin and popular in Celtic architecture.
After completing the tour of the main level and crypts, we decided to wander into the nearby shops.
We had our dinner (lunch) at Betty’s tea room which is well known in England and then made our way to The Shambles. This is an area in which the homes are built at odd angles almost cartoon-like so that they appear to be falling or have crooked floors.
There was still one more activity to complete at the Minster; to climb 275 steps only 25in wide to the highest point in the Minster. Somehow I was at the front of the line and had to lead 20+ people to the top. For someone not completely comfortable with high places, this was quite a
feat. I passed signs along the way that essentially said “You aren’t going to make it…turn back NOW!” I knew I couldn’t stop because there was no place to turn around and go back down until I reached the top. So, with my heart in my throat, and trying not to look up or down, I crawled the last 100 steps to the top and collapsed in anxiety on a bench on the roof. Coming down was another feat as I had to tell my trembling legs to place themselves on each step as a gripped the thin metal rail for dear life. After that, we decided to walk the city wall back to the train station and catch the train to Newcastle. At Newcastle, we enjoyed a mezze at a Greek restaurant. Basically, this is a sample of 12 dishes split between three people…we were completely stuffed with some of the best Greek food I have ever tasted. We then took the metro up to West Jesmond, walked a mile to our hotel, and then collapsed in exhaustion awaiting our next day’s adventures….
York day trip
This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the historical city of York. York was the most northern city controlled by the Roman Empire until the fifth century; therefore, many Roman ruins and influences still remain. The most notable place to visit is York Minster. Just a quick history lesson:
o A minster (mynster) is the Anglo-Saxon name for a missionary church which was built as a new center for Christian worship.
o A cathedral is the mother church of a diocese. It is where the bishop has his cathedra or seat which is only found in cathedrals.
York Minster is both a cathedral and a minster as it is the cathedral church for the Diocese of York. York Minster was first begun by Romans and the original foundation can still be found in the caverns below. It is also the location at which Constantine was made Emperor. Next, the North and South transepts were built in 1220-1260 and is of Norman Gothic era and architecture. The Nave and the Chapter House were built from 1280-1350 and the Quire from 1361-1472 and are a mixture of Medieval and Gothic stained glass and architecture. I’ve included some of the pictures with historical explanations.
1. Rose window: c. 1500. Commemorates the union of the houses of York and Lancaster wi
th the white roses representing the house of York and the red roses the house of Lancaster.2. Five sisters window: c. 1260 contains gray and green “grisaille” glass in geometric patterns which is consistent with a Gothic design. 
3. Tree of Jesse: c. 1310. The tree shows Jesse at the bottom and then 
Jesus’ ancestors all the way up to Jesus at the top.
Jesus’ ancestors all the way up to Jesus at the top. 4. Chapter house: c. 13th century. Where the dean and chapter met to discuss administration issues. It has carvings which contain hidden messages; a cat chasing a mouse imbedded in the foliage, and the
Green Man which is a carving of Celtic origin and popular in Celtic architecture.After completing the tour of the main level and crypts, we decided to wander into the nearby shops.
We had our dinner (lunch) at Betty’s tea room which is well known in England and then made our way to The Shambles. This is an area in which the homes are built at odd angles almost cartoon-like so that they appear to be falling or have crooked floors.
There was still one more activity to complete at the Minster; to climb 275 steps only 25in wide to the highest point in the Minster. Somehow I was at the front of the line and had to lead 20+ people to the top. For someone not completely comfortable with high places, this was quite a
feat. I passed signs along the way that essentially said “You aren’t going to make it…turn back NOW!” I knew I couldn’t stop because there was no place to turn around and go back down until I reached the top. So, with my heart in my throat, and trying not to look up or down, I crawled the last 100 steps to the top and collapsed in anxiety on a bench on the roof. Coming down was another feat as I had to tell my trembling legs to place themselves on each step as a gripped the thin metal rail for dear life. After that, we decided to walk the city wall back to the train station and catch the train to Newcastle. At Newcastle, we enjoyed a mezze at a Greek restaurant. Basically, this is a sample of 12 dishes split between three people…we were completely stuffed with some of the best Greek food I have ever tasted. We then took the metro up to West Jesmond, walked a mile to our hotel, and then collapsed in exhaustion awaiting our next day’s adventures….Wednesday, August 20, 2008
My birthday weekend
August 20, 2008
For the past several years, my birthday has fallen during the first week of the fall semester which resulted in very few people wanting to celebrate due to starting classes. This year, my birthday falls at the perfect time! It is on Sunday, Aug 24, and this weekend is a bank holiday which means I don’t have work on Monday!! What am I doing? Getting out of Middlesbrough with my foreign friends ie: Kim (American) and Nikki (Filipino) both audiologists. Saturday morning, Kim and I are getting up early to catch the train to York which is a one of the most historical areas in the Northeast UK. We will spend the day there walking around, visiting the castle museum, and just being tourists. Then, we will take the train to Newcastle, meet up with Nikki for some Greek food, and spend the night at a B & B. In the morning, the three of us will travel to Alnwick castle which is still inhabited. It is known for its extensive gardens including a poison garden as well as having the largest tree house in the world. That night we will either come back to Middlesbrough or travel somewhere else depending on how adventurous we feel and how tired. It should be fun…pray for good weather and safety please. I’ll post some pictures when I return.
~Nancy
For the past several years, my birthday has fallen during the first week of the fall semester which resulted in very few people wanting to celebrate due to starting classes. This year, my birthday falls at the perfect time! It is on Sunday, Aug 24, and this weekend is a bank holiday which means I don’t have work on Monday!! What am I doing? Getting out of Middlesbrough with my foreign friends ie: Kim (American) and Nikki (Filipino) both audiologists. Saturday morning, Kim and I are getting up early to catch the train to York which is a one of the most historical areas in the Northeast UK. We will spend the day there walking around, visiting the castle museum, and just being tourists. Then, we will take the train to Newcastle, meet up with Nikki for some Greek food, and spend the night at a B & B. In the morning, the three of us will travel to Alnwick castle which is still inhabited. It is known for its extensive gardens including a poison garden as well as having the largest tree house in the world. That night we will either come back to Middlesbrough or travel somewhere else depending on how adventurous we feel and how tired. It should be fun…pray for good weather and safety please. I’ll post some pictures when I return.
~Nancy
Attack of the killer caterpillar
August 15, 2008
When I interviewed for this job, out of curiosity I asked about the variety of wildlife in this area. I was assured that there was nothing poisonous and nothing that would attack and hurt me. I believed them, that is, until today. I was walking home from clinic with my flat mate when we came across a strange looking creature in our path. It was about 2 inches long, rotund, a brilliant shade of green, and had a blue horn on what one can only presume was it’s head. Could this be some mystical woodland creature? My mission was to save it from the feet that would inevitably stomp on it. With a stick in hand, I poked and probed to move the creature off the foot path and into the safety of the foliage. With one swift sweep of my stick I attempted to send it flying into the brush when all of a sudden it fell from the stick, onto my pant leg, and remained fastened there. I the pants, I did a dance, and finally, I panicked! With one leg on the ground and the other in the air, I hopped around screaming “get it off! Get it off!” while my flat mate burst into laughter and came to my rescue brushing the now offensive creature off. What a sight we must have been; two professional women in professional dress screaming about a caterpillar. From now on, I will leave strange creatures to fend for themselves.
~Nancy
When I interviewed for this job, out of curiosity I asked about the variety of wildlife in this area. I was assured that there was nothing poisonous and nothing that would attack and hurt me. I believed them, that is, until today. I was walking home from clinic with my flat mate when we came across a strange looking creature in our path. It was about 2 inches long, rotund, a brilliant shade of green, and had a blue horn on what one can only presume was it’s head. Could this be some mystical woodland creature? My mission was to save it from the feet that would inevitably stomp on it. With a stick in hand, I poked and probed to move the creature off the foot path and into the safety of the foliage. With one swift sweep of my stick I attempted to send it flying into the brush when all of a sudden it fell from the stick, onto my pant leg, and remained fastened there. I the pants, I did a dance, and finally, I panicked! With one leg on the ground and the other in the air, I hopped around screaming “get it off! Get it off!” while my flat mate burst into laughter and came to my rescue brushing the now offensive creature off. What a sight we must have been; two professional women in professional dress screaming about a caterpillar. From now on, I will leave strange creatures to fend for themselves.
~Nancy
Still figuring it out
August 12, 2008
Sometimes I think I got it, sometimes I know I don’t. I’m still trying to figure out how to live in the UK…specifically Middlesbrough. I guess I need to give it more time; after all, I’ve only been here 2 weeks. I will share some of the things I’ve had to get used to:
Electric showers: Isn’t there a warning label on electrical equipment to keep chords and equipment away from water? Then why are there electric showers in the UK? I was hesitant and cautious to use the shower initially but eventually warmed to the idea of flipping a switch to turn the shower on and then adjusting the temperature as one would adjust the temperature of a stove element. That is, until this morning. I turned on the shower, got in, and was just finishing up when the shower box made a strange noise causing me to spring into action which involves falling out of a tub which is three feet off the ground, hitting the radiator, and getting water over everything. After regaining my composure, I explored the shower box and could not discover the cause of the noise. Nevertheless, I will brave the electric shower tomorrow in my effort to be clean!
Food: My roommates, a girl who lives above us, and me decided to cook dinner once a week together. They want me to cook “American” but when I suggested tacos, no one knew what those were. So, I went to the grocery store only to find that taco supplies comprise a small section of the aisle and are listed under “world foods”.
Food…again: One of my roommates and me decided to make dinner last night. We decided to have stroganoff. I grew up with a certain way of making beef stroganoff…so did she. At the grocery store, we ran into a huge conflict realizing that our concepts of the meal were completely different…she uses cube steak, I use hamburger, she uses onions and peppers, I use mushrooms, she doesn’t put it on noodles, I do. We ended up making the stroganoff “her way” but I will make mine some other time!
Accents, accents, and more accents!: In a country that could fit in the state of Washington, how can there be so many accents? Each morning I use the time walking over to the hospital with one of my roommates to reacclimatize my ears to hearing an English accent and my brain to understanding it. However, once in clinic and seeing patients, I will inevitably have a patient who speaks in such a way that they may as well have been from another planet if not from another country for all I can understand them! There is the Scotch accent, the Northern Irish, the Irish Republic, the Northeast English, the Southern English, the Northwest English, the Midlands, the Middlesbrough, the Newcastle, the upper class, the working class, the middle class accents. And then there is terminology which varies among regions….needless to say, by the end of the day my ears and brain are exhausted from listening.
Vocabulary of the day:
Trolley: a shopping cart
Dummies: a baby’s pacifier
Mobile: a cell phone
Take away: food to go (ex. Lets go to McDonald’s and get take away)
Smoggies: people who live in Middlesbrough
Geordies: people who live in Newcastle and speak with a distinct accent
Chips: French fries
Crisps: potato chips
Mate: used in place of “friend” ex: my mate Michelle just got married.
~Nancy
Sometimes I think I got it, sometimes I know I don’t. I’m still trying to figure out how to live in the UK…specifically Middlesbrough. I guess I need to give it more time; after all, I’ve only been here 2 weeks. I will share some of the things I’ve had to get used to:
Electric showers: Isn’t there a warning label on electrical equipment to keep chords and equipment away from water? Then why are there electric showers in the UK? I was hesitant and cautious to use the shower initially but eventually warmed to the idea of flipping a switch to turn the shower on and then adjusting the temperature as one would adjust the temperature of a stove element. That is, until this morning. I turned on the shower, got in, and was just finishing up when the shower box made a strange noise causing me to spring into action which involves falling out of a tub which is three feet off the ground, hitting the radiator, and getting water over everything. After regaining my composure, I explored the shower box and could not discover the cause of the noise. Nevertheless, I will brave the electric shower tomorrow in my effort to be clean!
Food: My roommates, a girl who lives above us, and me decided to cook dinner once a week together. They want me to cook “American” but when I suggested tacos, no one knew what those were. So, I went to the grocery store only to find that taco supplies comprise a small section of the aisle and are listed under “world foods”.
Food…again: One of my roommates and me decided to make dinner last night. We decided to have stroganoff. I grew up with a certain way of making beef stroganoff…so did she. At the grocery store, we ran into a huge conflict realizing that our concepts of the meal were completely different…she uses cube steak, I use hamburger, she uses onions and peppers, I use mushrooms, she doesn’t put it on noodles, I do. We ended up making the stroganoff “her way” but I will make mine some other time!
Accents, accents, and more accents!: In a country that could fit in the state of Washington, how can there be so many accents? Each morning I use the time walking over to the hospital with one of my roommates to reacclimatize my ears to hearing an English accent and my brain to understanding it. However, once in clinic and seeing patients, I will inevitably have a patient who speaks in such a way that they may as well have been from another planet if not from another country for all I can understand them! There is the Scotch accent, the Northern Irish, the Irish Republic, the Northeast English, the Southern English, the Northwest English, the Midlands, the Middlesbrough, the Newcastle, the upper class, the working class, the middle class accents. And then there is terminology which varies among regions….needless to say, by the end of the day my ears and brain are exhausted from listening.
Vocabulary of the day:
Trolley: a shopping cart
Dummies: a baby’s pacifier
Mobile: a cell phone
Take away: food to go (ex. Lets go to McDonald’s and get take away)
Smoggies: people who live in Middlesbrough
Geordies: people who live in Newcastle and speak with a distinct accent
Chips: French fries
Crisps: potato chips
Mate: used in place of “friend” ex: my mate Michelle just got married.
~Nancy
Whitby day trip
August 10, 2008
Today I visited the quaint seaside town of Whitby. Whitby is one of those towns that can make one feel nostalgic while letting the romantic mind wander. It is the quaint essential Victorian town with streets that narrow, shops with doors no higher than 5’5, and ornate architecture. Whitby is a tourist attraction which does not feel like a tourist town and contains at least three predominant types of shops; sweets or sweeties shops (all kinds of candy and chocolate), fish and chip shops, or shops which sell jet jewelry which is plentiful around the town. It also contains Whitby abbey; or shall I say it contains the ruins of the abbey which was destroyed by the Romans. In order to get to the abbey, one must climb ~190 steps (the count varied among us). Once at the top of the cliff overlooking the harbor and North Sea, one can walk around St. Mary’s church and the old grave yard with graves as far back as the early 1700’s. The facing on the graves is destroyed due to exposure to wind and sea water. The ruins of the abbey stand in the background and create a haunting sense as one traverse through the graveyard. The one other claim to fame this abbey, graveyard, and stretch of beach below claims is that it is the location of which the idea of Dracula originated and Bram Stoker wrote about him.
I visited Whitby with several other audiologists from my hospital and from a nearby hospital. They enjoyed watching me try my first meal of fish and chips with mushy peas! Yum!! (Everyone says not to eat fish and chips until you are at a seaside town because it s
upposedly tastes better there). It didn’t feel or taste as good as I climbed the 190 steps right afterwards L. By the time we left, we were all exhausted but Kim (my supervisor and audiologist from America) and I have the notion that we are going to move to Whitby and carpool into Middlesbrough together. No, I will not be getting a car and I don’t want to drive over here so I would have to trust Kim to get me there safely. We decided that until then, we would enjoy traveling out on weekends to Whitby via bus. If anyone comes to visit me, I will definitely take you to Whitby to enjoy some fish and chips and the beautiful area!
The day couldn’t have been better; therefore, it could only get worse. As we were walking to the car and past people lined along the water front eating fish and chips, I caught the movement of something large and white incoming. A seagull flew into a man eating his fish and chips, fell down on top of his fish and chips, bounced off him and ricocheted off me which resulted in the scream heard around Whitby (or at least in a 25 yard radius). Everyone got a good laugh including me after I stopped crying and shaking. Another end to another day in England.
Today I visited the quaint seaside town of Whitby. Whitby is one of those towns that can make one feel nostalgic while letting the romantic mind wander. It is the quaint essential Victorian town with streets that narrow, shops with doors no higher than 5’5, and ornate architecture. Whitby is a tourist attraction which does not feel like a tourist town and contains at least three predominant types of shops; sweets or sweeties shops (all kinds of candy and chocolate), fish and chip shops, or shops which sell jet jewelry which is plentiful around the town. It also contains Whitby abbey; or shall I say it contains the ruins of the abbey which was destroyed by the Romans. In order to get to the abbey, one must climb ~190 steps (the count varied among us). Once at the top of the cliff overlooking the harbor and North Sea, one can walk around St. Mary’s church and the old grave yard with graves as far back as the early 1700’s. The facing on the graves is destroyed due to exposure to wind and sea water. The ruins of the abbey stand in the background and create a haunting sense as one traverse through the graveyard. The one other claim to fame this abbey, graveyard, and stretch of beach below claims is that it is the location of which the idea of Dracula originated and Bram Stoker wrote about him.
I visited Whitby with several other audiologists from my hospital and from a nearby hospital. They enjoyed watching me try my first meal of fish and chips with mushy peas! Yum!! (Everyone says not to eat fish and chips until you are at a seaside town because it s
upposedly tastes better there). It didn’t feel or taste as good as I climbed the 190 steps right afterwards L. By the time we left, we were all exhausted but Kim (my supervisor and audiologist from America) and I have the notion that we are going to move to Whitby and carpool into Middlesbrough together. No, I will not be getting a car and I don’t want to drive over here so I would have to trust Kim to get me there safely. We decided that until then, we would enjoy traveling out on weekends to Whitby via bus. If anyone comes to visit me, I will definitely take you to Whitby to enjoy some fish and chips and the beautiful area!The day couldn’t have been better; therefore, it could only get worse. As we were walking to the car and past people lined along the water front eating fish and chips, I caught the movement of something large and white incoming. A seagull flew into a man eating his fish and chips, fell down on top of his fish and chips, bounced off him and ricocheted off me which resulted in the scream heard around Whitby (or at least in a 25 yard radius). Everyone got a good laugh including me after I stopped crying and shaking. Another end to another day in England.
~Nancy
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