A Typical Day

Wedding Day
This last Saturday was pretty typical in our lives and on our street. We woke up, Skip had a cup of coffee and I had a cup of tea. (I know, how British! hahaha) While I was pouring the water for my tea, I started hearing a banging noise. Skip thought it was the washing machine but that wasn't going. It had been very cold during the night so I started wondering about the pipes or the water heater. I quickly turned off the water only to find that the "banging" was now a "booming" and getting louder.

You know when you think you smell smoke, so you walk around sniffing the air, almost hyperventilating because you KNOW there's something wrong? Well, that was me walking around listening to every wall! Then I realized the noise was coming from outside. Recently, men have been working across the street, cutting down trees and also doing road work. I assumed that this was the "booming" I was hearing. I go to the front door and was so shocked!

There is an Hindu Temple across the street and down a few houses from our house. Someone was getting married! It was the neatest thing I've ever seen, while standing at the front door, in my robe with a cup of tea in my hand! There were men beating drums, leading women who were clapping, singing and shouting. They were followed by the groom dressed in white and gold clothes, riding a white horse. When they arrived at the front of the temple the procession stopped and the ladies started doing this high pitched yell....I can't write how it sounds.....but it might go something like "Ieiiiiyyyeeeee... ieeiiiiyyyyhhhh". (I know.......that was just stupid.)

The whole thing reminded me of Revelation and how Christ will come back riding a white horse. It also reminded me of the joy of the arrival of the groom in the Jewish wedding, especially in the Bible. I have no idea what it means in the Hindu culture but it really made me think about what I might be doing when Christ comes back. I just hope I'm dressed in something besides my robe and I don't mistake the whole thing for my water heater!

I would never see this on the streets of Tyler, Texas. How cool.


Oliver Twist
Just up the street from my house a couple of trees have been removed. Yes, I already said that but I wanted to repeat it just in case you didn't listen the first time. hahahaha Now, I can see the house across the street. Skip loves to look at this old house but I think it's kinda sad and depressing. Of course, in the dark cold nights of November anything will look sad and depressing....also a little bit spooky. (I know, I write a lot about that.....but it's true....these old buildings look creepy at night.)

One evening I realized why I don't like to look at the old house. I had recently watched Oliver Twist...the OLD black and white version....not the happy musical....and the house reminds me of some horrible place orphans would live. I don't see many lights on there....so I think the poor little children are put to bed early. I'm not sure, but at night I think I hear their faint sad songs. I probably should raise money for them.....I must think of a name for my foundation.

Skip tells me that if I would just walk around the corner, I would see that this building is being renovated for apartments...."flats". I just don't have the heart to walk around the corner.....plus, my story is much better. Yes, I'm ready for Abby and Ben to come home because I have too much time on my hands! AND no, I'm not on medication......hahahahahahahahaha

1975 Was A Good Year
When we moved, we didn't bring a lot of electrical appliances. The voltage is different and it would have added to the weight of our shipment. With no military community, I don't know a lot of people who are moving and trying to get rid of things! So, I get things off of FreeCycle or from the kindness of friends. What we can't get, we have decided not to buy since we won't be here for very long. So, I don't have a microwave, toaster, CD player, blender, mixer.....you know, things you really can live without.

For the longest time, I didn't have a vacuum cleaner. We do have carpet and so I took to sweeping the carpet, which doesn't work too well and when I have the time I took packing tape and pulled up lint off the carpet! I know, how sad! I should have enlisted one of those children from the spooky house across the street to come in and clean!

I sent out a request on FreeCycle for a working vacuum. A very nice lady rang me up and told me she had an older vacuum I could have. I was thrilled! She didn't tell me a lot about the vacuum and I didn't really care....it worked and it was free so that was enough for me. My friend, Tara agreed to pick it up for me and she brought it to my house.

When I saw the vacuum, Tara and I both laughed! This is a WONDERFUL 1975 gold-ish Electrolux vacuum AND IT STILL WORKS! The lady even kept the original instructions and a spare filter! Of course I'm going to keep it and use it....but some day...when I start my own museum, I know what my first piece will be!

Update On Mary Poppins
It has been determined that Mary Poppins did not accidentally step in front of the London bus. It seems that she was pushed.......by the Supernanny!!!! Police are seeking Supernanny for questioning. If you see Supernanny please do not try to approach her as she is armed!

Mary Poppins is recovering in hospital.
OREO
Life in general is slower paced for me right now and very good! I have settled in and love the area that we call home. Christian is just growing and showing so much personality. All the great stuff is from me.....his little temper is of course.....not mine at all......hahahahahahahaha With time to spend focused on Christian, I get to treasure little moments.
The first time I gave him his very own Oreo cookie to hold I didn't have to wonder if he liked it!