Unexpected pleasures....

Back in the states last week, I went to the MVA to change my home address to my parents house...yes I should have done that before I moved over but forgot considering all of the other things there are to do with an international move. Anyway, I went to the office, showed my drivers license (yes that is me in the picture) and whola...without having to show utility bills for the past two months, a passport, mortgage papers or rental agreements, my address was changed without issue. Very refreshing not to be treated like a criminal...common sense was used! 

Having the whole morning to myself....DH took the children out to SIL's house for breakfast.

Dreaming of a breakfast I had in Salzburg (I know how pathetic am I- but I love elaborate breakfasts)....poppy seed strudel, apple cake, little chocolate cakes, eggs, bacon, sausages, the most gorgeous bread with chive-y cream cheese, smoked salmon, the most amazing soft cheese with walnuts -I've searched the internet for it- I think it's mirabo walnut or rambol- if anyone knows please tell me -am willing to sell most possessions for it

I found the recipe for the poppy seed which I will make Christmas day- my son absolutely loved it.

Making pumpkin gingerbread.....mmmm

Putting up our Christmas tree (not unexpected, and a bit of a Charlie Browner- but still a pleasure!)

part 1

Everyone being awake and fed early enough to be out of the house by 8

Want to be in Dundee early I LOATHE city centre shopping on a Saturday and even more so at this time of year!

part 2  NOT  http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=20051.msg384591#msg384591

Receiving a parcel this morning - inside was a bag that i had ordered and was supposed to arrive at my sister's while I was visiting Canada last summer. It arrived two days after I left.   

And in the box, was the best surprise ever!!  Three teddy bears that were made for us by my most favourite aunt:  one in commemoration of our marriage, one for my daughter's birth and one for my son's birth.  I had left them with my sister when we started moving around.  I don't remember why we had left them behind but it's been 10 years since we had them in our home.  They are among our most treasured posessions.  What a happy surprise!!  The bears came home for Christmas!

The Mail is giving away The Slipper And The Rose tomorrow free.  I can't wait.  I have not seen that movie in years.  Of course I have to go buy The Mail now.

SO SO SO NOT the movie I thought it was.  But it's giving us a good laugh.  I did a search for the one I loved and found it, so I'm going to buy it. (I@m such a geek!)

I had a pretty good time at the Christmas Bizarre I went to, it gave me something to do for the afternoon.

Since the age of 3 jess has watched the little mermaid and Phil always goes out of the room at the part where king Triton gives Ariel a cuddle goodbye at her wedding...awww.

Hearing Joan Armatrading's The Weakness In Me on the radio.    
But it always makes me cry....  :\\\'(

one of my best gf's  visiting me  for the week..

Despite Josh having Eating/Teething problems, he slept through till almost 8am.

A luvley day with luvley company.

A luvley day with luvley company.

 

I didn't expect to be going to the US until much later next year, if at all (next year).  But it looks like we may be going in February!

Still to be confirmed, but my best friend and his long-time girlfriend have announced their (last-minute) wedding plans for mid-February!  It seems so soon (for us to go).  But that would end up being our annual trip, 'cause if we're spending the money to fly over - we'd also do Kansas & Florida.  I hate traveling in winter in the north & midwest, but Florida is likely to be gorgeous just then.  Although Florida may just end up being a lot of work, 'cause we plan to get the rest of my stuff shipped over once & for all now.

Some neighbours' sheep got loose this morning and were enjoying their newfound (and brief) freedom in the Castle grounds across the road from my house. I watched them through my bedroom window for a while, then broke down and braved the wind with my camera:

There are a couple of pictures here.

I love sheep!

I love sheep!

So cute, i love sheep too!