Home for Christmas

When a snowstorm hit England 3 days before I was meant to be going home for Christmas, I was not impressed. Luckily enough I hate being told I can't do something. So while flights were being cancelled right, left and center, I was determined that I would be going home. And not only would I be going home but I would be snowed in on the other side.

And that is exactly what happened. I got to England as scheduled and got stuck for an extra 2 days! (I should teach seminars on the power of the mind.)

Shelly actually did get stuck in America for an extra couple of days, but I figured it was too soon to make fun of that.

We had a great time trying to do as many English things as one can cram into a week. For instance:

Shopping in London (also known as window shopping)

Going to the West End (we saw Jersey Boys and An Ideal Husband)

Having Kevin try mince pies, and being thankful he found them disgusting.

Learning how to French Braid (Although that would be French not English)

Going on long walks (can't decide if this is English or just my parents)

Going out for a Christmas Eve curry (I decided that this was probably very traditional as the 3 Wise Men could have very easily have ordered a Saag Paneer on their way to Bethlahem)

Dani - we were meant to email this to you, but obviously didn't, so surprise, we love you!

Pulling christmas crackers and wearing attractive paper crowns

Eating fishing and chips at a trendy pub in Soho (you know it is trendy when you are the only straight couple.)

Trying to become the English version of Mary-Kate and Ashley:

And a concidental quilt exhange. (My mum made me this beautiful tree skirt, with stockings to follow. And I made her a decorative Christmas quilt. We Saltzman's have mad skills)

There is no place like home for Christmas. Although I am willing to celebrate elsewhere...(this is a hint for my parents.)

Fah Hoo Forres

What's the best way to get out of here?

Take me to get some Butter-beer, see a parade and top the evening off with the Mannheim Steamrollers! (I'm not demanding.)

Butter tashes:

Turns out gigantic balloons in parades really aren't exciting.

However the balloon holders are super cool. Especially the balloon director. I was far more interested in them and their excellent jumpsuits than the stupid balloon.

How do I get me that job? Purchase a jumpsuit and practice my balloon directing in the mirror?

They copied my exact tree I have at home:

The Mannheim Steamrollers were brilliant. Especially as they did arrangements of music from the Grinch!

I just love me the Who's! They have taught me so much. Did you know Christmas comes without packages, boxes and bags?

And this is why Kevin is not allow to film, because I always mange to act a fool in front the camera, I belong behind:

Everyone loves Carol of the Bells!

With 12 days till Christmas we are now definitely in the Christmas spirit! I just need to try not to eat my weight in Christmas goodies between now and then.

'Appy Fanksgiving

After 6 years of being in America, I finally had my first Thanksgiving with my sisters. And to celebrate that fact we made t-shirts! What is more Thanksgiving than a Cockney accent? Due to my parents love I was able to go to a school that taught me how to speak properly and was able to avoid this awful accent. For those of you unsure how this sounds please seek Eliza Doolittle or any Woodford County alumni.

The Campbell family was kind enough to welcome the Saltzman Sisters + Kevin into their home as well as hosting the first Annual Campbell Regatta.

It was the Indians vs the Pilgrims. Object - build a boat out of PVC piping, card board and duct tape. Goal - make it across the river and back, with boat still in tact.

Team Pilgrim decided they wanted to go for the look of the oringial Mayflower and came up with this saavy design:

Team Indian AKA Team Tomahawk came up with this truly flawless design, complete with tomahawk!

It has been said that we found the perfect hybrid of a John boat and a kayak.

Once the boat/flawless hybrid had been made, it was time to take them off to the races!

Turns out the Mayflower didn't quite fit through the gate.

Or in the truck!

Just an everyday sight around the Campbell's neighborhood:By the time we had made it to the river the sun had completly gone down. Seeing as the Pilgrims braved far worse than this and the Indians aren't scared of anything (except White progression) we decided to race anyway.

I can't believe Michelle was brave enough to get into that thing. Please note that she had to sit on a chair to be high enough to row the oars....and yes, she had to row.

And now video footage of the Regatta!

(Sometimes I marvel at my commentating skills.)

We also did other things like eat, shop, watch Harry Potter, eat and play games, but in true Saltzman fashion, we only took one photo!

Perhaps it's time to make this an annual tradition?

Boston

We got to go visit the Critchfield's in Boston last weekend to partake in some Fall fun.

As soon as our plane touched down my Boston accent came on thick. Unfortunately the only thing I was able to master saying was "A bumpah stickah on your cah." For some reason I never got the opportunity to use it.

Since a picture is worth a 1000 words, I'll save myself some time:

Boston brought out our artistic side:

The highest apples were the sweetest:

Making the boys do all the hard work:

While we relaxed:

Now I'm no photographer, but come on, this is pretty good:

They are without a doubt some geeks in Boston:

If you have ever wondered what Kevy looked liked eating an apple, you're in luck!

We went to check out Salem, which is by far the strangest place I've ever been to:

Please note the witchy singing in the background and Katie's scared expression!

A beautiful Sunday walk and some great reactions to the camera:

We had such a great time in Boston, it is such a beautiful place and our hosts were fantastic. It made me sad I live in Orlando, although I think once the first winter storm hits, I will feel much better about life.

Ageism

Normally when it comes to women, people tend not to try and guess ages. This doens't seem to be the case for me.
People love to pin on an age on me. I've heard it all, including if my parent had signed my permission waiver at a local tumbling gym (that was 4 months ago.)
But the ageism that took place this weekend takes the Gold.

One of Kevin's deacons from church, who I have never met before, approached us Saturday evening, as Kevin and I were talking and asked Kevin (100% sincerely) if I was his wife or his daugther.

Granted he is 12 and his judgement is clearly off-whack.....but seriously!?!

Kevin doesn't look 40 and I surely don't look like I'm 15.

Or do I.... or does he?

Mini Adventures

We love our mini adventures. This past Labor day we decided that we should take 2.

First - we took the jet skis and jetted along St. John's river to Blue Springs National Park with the Hoggards. I finally wasn't afraid to get into Florida lake water as it was clear and you could see that there were no gators! But turns out no gators = freezing water! The temperature was about 75 degrees. I submerged my body up to my shoulders and swam for a couple strokes and called it good!

Please note the colour difference in the water. Above, St. John's river murky and gross = gators hiding everywhere. Below, clear Springs water = no gators hiding anywhere!

Second - we headed to the West coast, where the beaches our beautiful! White sand, unbelievably warm ocean water and tons of shells for me to collect (yes I have started a shell collection, don't judge me!)

We are dinner at a delicious fish restaurant on the sea while the sun set. My flounder was so deliciously fresh that I am pretty sure it was caught upon my order.

There was a wedding taking place at the same restaurant. The bride was getting some amazing photos, which of course I decided I need to try and recreate. Kevin was very embarrassed, I was having a great time.... until a stupid wave hit me and soaked me from my waist down

Hopefully our next mini adventure will be as beautiful as this:

(Don't tell anyone but Florida is starting to grow on me.)