Packing Up

It was a huge project to sort and pack two years worth of stuff. I had a "garage" sale, but only one person showed up. Also, one day I sold household goods and another day I sold toys at the church playgroup X and I attended. I also made 4 trips to the charity shop. The movers came for the rest. We had to leave a few things behind and give them to the neighbors.

We couldn't sell our car, so we left it with friends to take care-thanks so much. Selling the car was a mess. I was missing one document that we needed to sell it. After we left, I had to get another insurance policy so it could be test driven. Thanks C. You saved the day.

Curry and a Movie

A night to think of anything but moving, jobs, and so on. And a chance to say goodbye to our wonderful sitter N.

Punting at Cambridge University

After scrambling and negotiating (much to our English friends amazement when we told them we negotiated) we came up with 20 pounds and 10 euros for a punting ride. Our tour guide was great. He made the kids laugh several times with silly singing and "hitting" his head on the bridges. He even told a funny (and maybe true) story about Prince Charles bodyguard passing the tests better then himself. It was worth every penny for the ride and the history lesson. I understand the University process better then I even have. Also, it was just a lovely day out.

X Man

"I found the marshmallows, that wasn't a good hiding place." says X.

Car camping at Kelling Heath in Norfolk

We had a successful (and rather cold) first camping experience with the kids. We had a good time and kids were very happy. We cooked on a little grill for dinner and had breakfast at the restaurant to warm up. Everyone was in bed by 7:30 trying to get warm. I can't wait to take them in MN where we can have a fire and wooded campsite. It was different here in that we camped in a big row of tents in a field.

Wish I had ordered these. Yum.

National Health Service

People have asked us what nationalized health service is like. Our general impression is that in this case, you get what you pay for. Basically it is cheap (for the individual person), but they don't really do anything. You pay a nominal amount for a prescription, and can make an appointment to see a doctor for free. Unfortunately, it seems like when you see a doctor they don't do anything. We joked that if you went in with a broken leg, they would say, yes, you have a broken leg, I would stay off it for a while. It is our understanding the Doctors are allowed 7 minutes per patient. You are assigned a clinic in your area, and get one of 20 or so doctors at any given appointment. The goal is to move you home after giving birth within in hours. Access to specialists is very limited. We have all sought out a private doctor while here for treatment. Despite its problems, I will take my USA Healthcare any day. I am sure that many of my English friends would disagree. It is all about what you are use to having.

Where to next?

Wouldn't you like to know!