Furniture Arrives

Finally we got our furniture, which we shipped the first week in January from Arizona. Now it's looking more like home. Movers showed up yesterday, after our shipment cleared customs. Our flat had just the bare essentials for us to move in, with only our clothes. So now we have our own sofas, cookware, bedding, pictures, and personal items. We even got our barbecue which we have missed since we've moved here. After 3 months of sleeping on a tiny Queen-sized bed, we got our own king bed. Now we have to figure out all over again, what to do with all the extra space in that big bed. I warned Julie, if we can't get this worked out soon, we're likely to get hit with a "non use" tax. It's a terrible thing, but it could happen. They tax everything here!

5.2 Earthquake

It hit about 1:00 in the morning. The bed was shaking, which woke me up. I didn't know if Julie was having a hot flash, or if my body was rejecting that Kidney pie I had earlier. After getting out of bed I was sure it was an earthquake, having been through two others. I ran into the next room to check on my golf clubs and they were OK. It was the strongest UK Earthquake in 25 years, centered in Lincolnshire, which is in the north. There was at least one person injured when a chimney fell through a roof. An aftershock is said, will hit in the next day or two. Although Julie and I seem fine with no physical injuries, there will no doubt be a lengthy mental recovery for us. Those concerned should send gifts and donations directly to our UK address, and e-mail "get well" wishes to us at rodman0830@aol.com. Remember, the more generous you feel, the better we'll feel!

Kidney Pie

Now there's some fine dining! I kept seeing it on the menu, and finally had to try it. I guess it tastes a little like liver. Not my favorite but the beer was sure good. In my lifetime I want to try everything on the menu. If you don't think you'll like something, just wait a few hours. When you're real hungry, it might taste ok. I hate to see somebody enjoying something I haven't tried.

The Guildford Spectrum

This is the largest leisure center in England, which I joined. All under one roof there are 4 pools, football stadium, 32 lane bowling alley, ice rink, squash courts, restaurant and bar, daycare, and complete gym and spa. There is parking for 1000 cars. This facility attracts families from everywhere in central and south England. And guess what......it's a 12 minute walk from our flat

UK Auto Insurance

The price is huge in this country if you drive without insurance. If you're pulled over by police and don't have insurance, your car is impounded immediately. This not only comes with a fine of 500 to 1000 pounds, but you get points against your license. You get points against you for any kind of driving ticket, and also having no insurance. When you get up to 12 points against you in a 3 year period, you loose your license.
There are traffic cammeras everywhere. They are so advanced that they not only detect speeding, but also a car that has no insurance by seeing the license number. So guess what; you get your picture taken, with a hefty fine, for speeding or no insurance. This doesn't totally eliminate the uninsured motorist, but it sure keeps most of them off the road. Any license number can be checked, anytime for insurance. Even a parked car can be towed off. In my opinion it's a darn good system.

Guildford Castle

This Castle is a 10 minute walk from our flat. Built in 1130's, Henry 111 made this the most luxurious castle in England. The walls are 6 to 8 feet thick, which is the reason most of these old castles are still standing today

Cold Washington State

Here is our summer Lake Chelan hide-away. This picture is as close as I want to be in the winter. I will go there in April to install a new boat lift, and get things ready for summer use. We will spend about 3 weeks there in August. I am now back in England with Julie, where we will continue to enjoy our new UK life.

Happy Birthday Kiana

Our first and only Grandchild is now 1 year old. Here she shows her dad how to eat the cake! So as I hang out in Arizona I get to see her a lot. I've even had the privelage of babysitting a few times. Even though I enjoy that a lot, I will keep track of all diaper changes, because in about 25 years I will need the same favor. Then a day later I get an invite to my 40 th class reunion in August. (Quincy High) Don't people have a way to make you feel old!

Goodby Harley

As I'm still in Arizona with plenty of sunshine, It's bike weaher. With the bike as my only means of transportation, I use it a lot. But It went up for sale this week. It doesn't make much sence to keep it in a garage for the next two years and pay for insurance. So I will make my way back to England next week and the Motorcycle will belong to someone that can enjoy it. The Arizona bike riding, and the summer trips to Sturges is part of the US Julie and I will miss.