In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb.
Hence we have 'the rule of thumb'
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury.
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better..
Coca-Cola was originally green.
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on.
Hence the phrase......... 'goodnight, sleep tight.'
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's'
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.
Enjoy!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Yoda Lives!
Here is a funny story.
My 6 year old is addicted to Star Wars in a very obsessive way...if he could be an Ewok he would be one.
One rainy day in NH (yes the 5 millionth one) I took the crew to go & paint pottery before they killed each other at home.
To my 6 year olds delight there were 2 naked Yoda's waiting to be painted. He choose one ....anything for an easy life as I am at that stage of the summer vacation!
This kept him busy for a good hour and a half. The other children were also engrossed in their painting...what bliss!
Then of course followed the "we're starving" routine. So my sister n law & I plus the 6 year old nipped to a store to get snacks. That is when things started to go wrong.
I was in line at the store when I received a phone call from my daughter. Unfortunately there had been an accident and my niece had knocked the table & Yoda had fallen & broken into hundreds of pieces! I.E. he was no more!
My first reaction was thank god my child was with us as he is still prone to tantrums and it would have been a 911 call to the police to come & control him!
Apparently as Yoda fell the whole shop gasped & then went silent. Of course it was full as what else do you do with kids on a rainy day on vacation?
However luck was on our side. They grabbed the last naked Yoda & all started to paint him.
I explained to my sister in law that we needed to stall for time by speaking french and spelling words so that my child could not comprehend what was going on. Her face was a picture!
Ten minutes later we got the "all clear" call and returned to get the rest of the clan.
Three days later we picked up their masterpieces to bring home. Number 3 was so proud of his Yoda..bragging about how hard he had worked, is it really good mummy etc, etc?
We have decided not to tell him until he graduates!
Meanwhile Yoda sits on his windowsill so that he can wave to him on our return home every day!
Photo's to follow
My 6 year old is addicted to Star Wars in a very obsessive way...if he could be an Ewok he would be one.
One rainy day in NH (yes the 5 millionth one) I took the crew to go & paint pottery before they killed each other at home.
To my 6 year olds delight there were 2 naked Yoda's waiting to be painted. He choose one ....anything for an easy life as I am at that stage of the summer vacation!
This kept him busy for a good hour and a half. The other children were also engrossed in their painting...what bliss!
Then of course followed the "we're starving" routine. So my sister n law & I plus the 6 year old nipped to a store to get snacks. That is when things started to go wrong.
I was in line at the store when I received a phone call from my daughter. Unfortunately there had been an accident and my niece had knocked the table & Yoda had fallen & broken into hundreds of pieces! I.E. he was no more!
My first reaction was thank god my child was with us as he is still prone to tantrums and it would have been a 911 call to the police to come & control him!
Apparently as Yoda fell the whole shop gasped & then went silent. Of course it was full as what else do you do with kids on a rainy day on vacation?
However luck was on our side. They grabbed the last naked Yoda & all started to paint him.
I explained to my sister in law that we needed to stall for time by speaking french and spelling words so that my child could not comprehend what was going on. Her face was a picture!
Ten minutes later we got the "all clear" call and returned to get the rest of the clan.
Three days later we picked up their masterpieces to bring home. Number 3 was so proud of his Yoda..bragging about how hard he had worked, is it really good mummy etc, etc?
We have decided not to tell him until he graduates!
Meanwhile Yoda sits on his windowsill so that he can wave to him on our return home every day!
Photo's to follow
Friday, July 24, 2009
A Happy week in Maine.....
Looking for the big crab.....
This is called boat recycling....
The big boot...I swore I would never wear a pair of these when I arrived in USA 14 years ago....2 weeks after my arrival & 3 feet of snow I made my first purchase of Sorrel Boots.
Hmmm flying little devil jumps into my mind...tut tut!Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Is it Fall?
OK so the warmer weather is here but what the heck....why should I feel the need to be wearing a fleece?
It's just not right! Did Mother Nature forget the summer season?
NH summers are normally hot in the 90's and humid......he hmmmmm where are you?
We are having cool breezes and 60-70 degree weather. We are being jipped! As for rain bucketloads!
We suffer the 6 months of icy snow and then bask in the hot sun during the 3 months of summer trying to warm up our old bones.
Not this year.
Maybe it is time to move somewhere with a kinder climate......oh yes I forgot that there is a recession on i.e. everything has gone up in price except for the wages that have come down.
Number 2 is off camping I would have packed his ski jacket for warmth except that he lost it in the Spring the rotter!
Wish me luck I am taking number one & my niece to the Mall....now there is a stressful scenario!
It's just not right! Did Mother Nature forget the summer season?
NH summers are normally hot in the 90's and humid......he hmmmmm where are you?
We are having cool breezes and 60-70 degree weather. We are being jipped! As for rain bucketloads!
We suffer the 6 months of icy snow and then bask in the hot sun during the 3 months of summer trying to warm up our old bones.
Not this year.
Maybe it is time to move somewhere with a kinder climate......oh yes I forgot that there is a recession on i.e. everything has gone up in price except for the wages that have come down.
Number 2 is off camping I would have packed his ski jacket for warmth except that he lost it in the Spring the rotter!
Wish me luck I am taking number one & my niece to the Mall....now there is a stressful scenario!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Good Books.
Now that summer is here I am dissolving myself in a mountain of books. All the ones that I have meant to read or just "not got around to" are actually being read & then shelved.
Here are a few of my recommendations:
1. Firefly Lane by Kristan Hannah.
Folks if you fancy having a reminisce and a good cry this is the book for you. A definite "I cannot put down" type of book.
Here is a quick synopsis from her website: Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you…and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget…one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend.
2. Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay.
Yet again a "I cannot put it down" type of book. This is so sad yet riveting. It stresses the strength of sibling love from such an early age. This is about the Holocaust and how it affects a family. It jumps between the present day and the past as a woman becomes obsessed with revealing the truth about what happened to the Holocaust family. A tear jerker with historical facts that again is very,very difficult to put down i.e. boxed mac & cheese for dinner!
3. Still Me by Christopher Reeve.
This is Superman's autobiography which gives a deep insight into his accident, his old lifestyle and how he adapts to his new situation. It is very moving, a little too in depth about medical stuff at times but good when you need a change from an easier read. I am still reading this one as I have to be in the mood for it, if you know what I mean?
I would love to hear from anybody who can recommend a good book.....I know those with babies & full time jobs are probably laughing at that one!
Happy Reading & please let me know if you agree/disagree with my opinions of the above.
Happy Summer!
Here are a few of my recommendations:
1. Firefly Lane by Kristan Hannah.
Folks if you fancy having a reminisce and a good cry this is the book for you. A definite "I cannot put down" type of book.
Here is a quick synopsis from her website: Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you…and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget…one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend.
2. Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay.
Yet again a "I cannot put it down" type of book. This is so sad yet riveting. It stresses the strength of sibling love from such an early age. This is about the Holocaust and how it affects a family. It jumps between the present day and the past as a woman becomes obsessed with revealing the truth about what happened to the Holocaust family. A tear jerker with historical facts that again is very,very difficult to put down i.e. boxed mac & cheese for dinner!
3. Still Me by Christopher Reeve.
This is Superman's autobiography which gives a deep insight into his accident, his old lifestyle and how he adapts to his new situation. It is very moving, a little too in depth about medical stuff at times but good when you need a change from an easier read. I am still reading this one as I have to be in the mood for it, if you know what I mean?
I would love to hear from anybody who can recommend a good book.....I know those with babies & full time jobs are probably laughing at that one!
Happy Reading & please let me know if you agree/disagree with my opinions of the above.
Happy Summer!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
It's here!
Yippee the sun is here today...off to the lake or a darn good dunking.....if its warm enough!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Summer days where are you?
Oh my this weather is a killer! Summer in NH is supposed to be hot lazy days at the beach, jumping in the lake as you are so, so, so hot, BBQ's, margarita's, day trips to the ocean, playing croquet on the lawn, wiffle ball, large family parties & just trying to stay cool.
Not this year!
I believe that we have had rain 23 out of 26 days and not just a drizzly rain. The kind of holy moly look at the floods kind of rain.
Needless to say we are all a little damp & heading towards the doldrums. I also have guests from the UK so I am trying hard to invent stuff to do every day.
Yesterday it was the movies...today maybe we will paint pottery? Hiking is out as the mosquito's are in full breed mode & the English need a trip to the pharmacy for every bite! We did pick strawberries however they are a little mushy!
So what is everybody else doing in this lousy weather? My age range to keep amused is aged 6-14 years old which is also a wee bit challenging!
Come on sun!
Not this year!
I believe that we have had rain 23 out of 26 days and not just a drizzly rain. The kind of holy moly look at the floods kind of rain.
Needless to say we are all a little damp & heading towards the doldrums. I also have guests from the UK so I am trying hard to invent stuff to do every day.
Yesterday it was the movies...today maybe we will paint pottery? Hiking is out as the mosquito's are in full breed mode & the English need a trip to the pharmacy for every bite! We did pick strawberries however they are a little mushy!
So what is everybody else doing in this lousy weather? My age range to keep amused is aged 6-14 years old which is also a wee bit challenging!
Come on sun!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
My Mum
Today is the anniversary of my mums death.
This is dedicated to my mum to let her know how much she was loved and is still desperately missed.
It is a shock to realise that you have been gone for a whole year.
Its more of a shock how my sister, brother and I have coped in your absence.
Every day I think of you mum.
The children all had superb report cards this year and you were not there to share them.
My daffodils that you advised me to pull up as they had not flowered for 3 years suddenly came into bloom in the woods......I thought of you.
Number 3 became the State Champion in the 2oo metres and I picked the phone up to call you.
Our new puppy Molly is so loving you would love her. I remember how good you were with Hamlet.
I am knitting a beast of a jumper and get into such a tangle yet I am determined to complete this monstrosity as I have no mentor to advise me over the phone.
I went to number 3's Kindergarten concert and had a flashback as you were here for the other two's concert. I had a good cry before I left and then thought of you and went to pick up a lady who has no car & took her to the concert to watch her niece....the sort of thing that you would do.
"Your view" over the lake is a constant reminder of your presence which I find comforting.
My garden is a jungle of tangled weeds, overgrown plants and STUFF...I need your advice on making it into an English cottage garden.
The children will all be in full time school in the fall .......I feel old!
Their wardrobes are going down hill rapidly since you were the main "tasteful" shopper.
Number 1 needs a fashion advisor...apparently I cannot fill this role!
I cannot reproduce your cheese and onion flan!
Number 3's blankie is deteriorating rapidly...there is no-one to mend it.
The recession is still in full force......is it due to you not shopping anymore I wonder?
Michael Jackson has just died.......can you remember when my heart had been broken and I played "One Day In your life for weeks non stop on the record player?" I still have the single yet of course no record player!
Sadly Farah Fawcett too has died....do you remember that I WAS Sabrina?
I promise that I will always wear lipstick & keep my standards up!
Mum you were a great inspiration to me and I only hope that I can follow in your footsteps.
I love you mum & miss you more than words can say.
XXX
This is dedicated to my mum to let her know how much she was loved and is still desperately missed.
It is a shock to realise that you have been gone for a whole year.
Its more of a shock how my sister, brother and I have coped in your absence.
Every day I think of you mum.
The children all had superb report cards this year and you were not there to share them.
My daffodils that you advised me to pull up as they had not flowered for 3 years suddenly came into bloom in the woods......I thought of you.
Number 3 became the State Champion in the 2oo metres and I picked the phone up to call you.
Our new puppy Molly is so loving you would love her. I remember how good you were with Hamlet.
I am knitting a beast of a jumper and get into such a tangle yet I am determined to complete this monstrosity as I have no mentor to advise me over the phone.
I went to number 3's Kindergarten concert and had a flashback as you were here for the other two's concert. I had a good cry before I left and then thought of you and went to pick up a lady who has no car & took her to the concert to watch her niece....the sort of thing that you would do.
"Your view" over the lake is a constant reminder of your presence which I find comforting.
My garden is a jungle of tangled weeds, overgrown plants and STUFF...I need your advice on making it into an English cottage garden.
The children will all be in full time school in the fall .......I feel old!
Their wardrobes are going down hill rapidly since you were the main "tasteful" shopper.
Number 1 needs a fashion advisor...apparently I cannot fill this role!
I cannot reproduce your cheese and onion flan!
Number 3's blankie is deteriorating rapidly...there is no-one to mend it.
The recession is still in full force......is it due to you not shopping anymore I wonder?
Michael Jackson has just died.......can you remember when my heart had been broken and I played "One Day In your life for weeks non stop on the record player?" I still have the single yet of course no record player!
Sadly Farah Fawcett too has died....do you remember that I WAS Sabrina?
I promise that I will always wear lipstick & keep my standards up!
Mum you were a great inspiration to me and I only hope that I can follow in your footsteps.
I love you mum & miss you more than words can say.
XXX
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