Thursday 22nd January

Getting back into the routine of things.  Set the alarm for 7 o'clock (goodness knows why, I NEVER sleep as late at 7 o'clock) to be up for Kiwanis.    The speaker was from the Salvation Army talking about a new programme they have launched 'Bridges out of Poverty', and in which a lot of the local churches, Emmanuel included, are taking part.   It is a serious problem affecting a third of the population of Shawnee.  One of the causes he cited are all the businesses exploiting the problem, ie the loan sharks with their businesses all over town, offering 'Pay Day Loans', they're practically on every street.   I thought of the Emmanuel member who owns most of these businesses and wondered how they felt about them.

 

I could go on, I took copious notes for next week's bulletin, but perhaps this is as much as you want to know.

 

I later went along to Communion at Emmanuel, and afterwards six of us went to lunch.   Last Thursday they went to a restaurant on the edge of town, in a parking lot behind a gas station, which I couldn't find, although they told me today that they saw me drive past, and they were all asking each other if anyone had my cell phone number.  So today they asked me to choose the restaurant and I suggested a Mexican place that has just recently opened (like we need more Mexican restaurants in Shawnee)   The food was quite nice, I had rice and beans and guacamole, and a  serving of roast vegetables - I didn't like the look of the meat on offer - but it was a very, and I mean very, fast food place.    We had to line up, cafeteria style, and were served our selection from a buffet.   We did sit and linger for quite a while afterwards though.

 

This evening I went to see 'American Sniper' with Pattisue.  It was very tense, very exciting, I am still trying to process it all,  I have never seen so much blood and gore.   There were a few shots of the hero at home with his family, but most of it was from the battlefield.    I certainly think Clint Eastwood deserves every Oscar going  for his brilliant production and direction, and I will see it again if it comes downtown to pick up on the points I missed.   I think I also need to read the book, I had forgotten what the war in Iraq was about and Pattisue was informing me out in the car park of the Democrats' take on it .  She said I also need to ask a Republican.

 

One thing that struck me - and Pattisue mentioned it too when we came out - was that in the midst of all the battle and fighting and sniping the film's hero was making phone calls to his wife in the US.  I was thinking that  I can't somehow see a British Commanding Officer countenancing that, or is this modern warfare and I am behind the times.

 

In the news.................and I find this somewhat scary.

 

The Yemeni Govt has fallen, in spite of Obama confidently asserting recently that all was well.  And this evening the 90 year old, pro US  King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia died.   And most scary of all is that the Jerusalem Post reported that Iran has an intercontinental ballistic missile, never before seen in public, 27 metres or 88,5 feet in length, just outside Tehran, which it is said poses a threat to the US due to its expanded range.

 

I would put money on Israel taking it out, and sooner rather than later.

Update on State of the Union Address

A friend reading my blog gave me a more accurate account of the State of the Union address - I was more focused on the partying, the hugging, kissing etc.   Her comment is copied below.

"I just read your blog about the State of the Union address, which I also watched.  I think you got it explained in an accurate way, with one exception.  My understanding is that he proposed to give low and middle income people tax breaks and to pay for it with tax on the rich.....which, of course, the Republicans won't allow!  Some felt he was getting ready to give the 2016 Democratic candidate plenty of ammunition to show how the Republicans are only looking out for the rich 1%".

Post 'State of the Union' day

Well, I was ensconced in front of the television last night watching the State of the Union address, which is a cross between The Budget and the State Opening of Parliament.   I didn't even have half a mind on a craft project, I was giving it my full attention.   Not being a US taxpayer though I wasn't worrying about tax increases which seemed to be concerning most people - although the increases were all going to be for the rich, and I am not in that category anyway.

 

The beginning is like the State Opening of Parliament; the Sergeant at Arms announces the President's arrival and he walks down an aisle of cheering, clapping people, there's much kissing and hand shaking before he gets to the podium.  Thinks "this is a Republican House, who are all these happy, joyful people".   I've been in this country so long now I recognise all the members of Congress milling around, it was just like watching a party going on.

 

Then he gets to the podium and then it's like the Budget.   At least the context of the speech is - taxes, state of the economy etc.   But whereas our MPs listen in grave, sombre silence to the Chancellor, the President is clapped and applauded all the way through, it's bedlam.   At one point the camera pans round to a little group of stony faced people sitting silently, and I think "they must be the Republicans".  

 

So that was all quite entertaining.   Back to the holiday pics.

I didn't get these in any sort of order, which I suppose I need to do if I am go to show them to the Kiwani members.



 

Should have done something about the hair.    This is Peterborough Cathedral.

 

Earlier I showed an interior picture of The Blitz café, a lovely little café in Kettering Jeremy took me to, decked out like WW11.  He also took a picture of me standing outside it, but I'm not keen on people standing in front of places, even if I'd had a nice hairdo.  It detracts from the subject of the photo.

 



Jeremy with precious grand daughters and their cousin Stephen.

 

to be continued.........................

 



 



Martin Luther King Day

A holiday.  ie banks are closed but everything else is open, even the Senior Centre.

 

There's not a lot to write about because I have just been sat in front of the television getting square eyes, but working on my needlework project so not entirely wasting time.   Since the tv remote only knows Fox News - it has even lost its way to the Food Network - I am becoming incredibly well informed on the news - pause for hollow/derisive laughter from liberal family and friends.

 

I've arranged to go to  the movies this afternoon with Pattisue to see 'American Sniper', but am beginning to think this might not be a good day, it is being said that cinemas are going to be very full - and in Shawnee there are four performances in two cinemas - I think I might give her a ring and see what she says.    Tomorrow might have been a good day when the nation is sat is front of the television watching the President's State of the Union address, but then she intends to watch it too, and has already ruled out the movie while it's on.

 

From the holiday pics -

Davina, Jeremy, Tim.

 

With grandson, Tom at St Pancras.

 



Jeremy took me to Purley to see my old friends Anne and Bill.

Just called Pattisue about the movie and we have decided to go on Thursday instead.  She was having second thoughts about today as well.   She said back in the 60s she went to see The Alamo on a holiday, the cinema was packed with youngsters and every time a Mexican was shot there was cheers and uproar.   I asked if she thought there was going to be cheers and uproar every time a baddy was shot in American Sniper, and she thought there might be.

Wednesday 14th January

Since I got back I have been playing the 'tired, old lady' card, and just hunkered down at home.  I still didn't really feel like going out today but decided I had to make an effort, or else I was going to become a recluse.   Went first to the hospital to do my chaplaincy round, and was glad when I got there.   It was good to see Chaplain Bill again and catch up.

 

This evening I went for the Wednesday meal at Emmanuel, and afterwards joined Fr Bill's discussion group.

 

I came across a list of words that have a different meaning in Oklahoma from everywhere else.  And copied a few of them.

Seasons

What it means everywhere else: The four times there are major changes in weather throughout the year: summer, fall, winter, and spring.
What it means in Oklahoma: Tornado, summer, and freezing. How true and at the moment it is freezing.

Traffic

What it means everywhere else: When there are a lot of cars on the road and drivers get a little backed up.
What it means in Oklahoma: A phenomenon many Oklahomans have never actually experienced.

Sack

What it means everywhere else: A sturdy bag, or what you hit at night when you’re sleepy.
What it means in Oklahoma: The thing you carry your groceries home in.    ie a plastic bag

Sky

What it means everywhere else: The atmosphere surrounding Earth that’s visible when you look up.
What it means in Oklahoma: The thing you don’t even look up at—you look around at—and is maybe the most beautiful thing in the world, whether it’s clear and blue, or starry, or orange from the sunset.  (Skies here are incredible)

Steak

What it means everywhere else: A high quality cut of beef that’s usually eaten on special occasions.
What it means in Oklahoma: A cut of beef that’s fried like chicken (ie coated in batter) and smothered in delicious gravy.  I dispute the ‘delicious’.  On menus it appears as ‘chicken fried steak’ Retch, vomit. 

Oysters

What it means everywhere else: Saltwater clams that are eaten straight off the shell.
What it means in Oklahoma: A different kind of oyster that comes not from the sea, but from parts of a bull that you don’t really like to think about when you’re eating them. Also known as calf fries.

Thunder

What it means everywhere else: The loud rumbling noise in the sky after lightning.
What it means in Oklahoma: The best basketball team in the entire world, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

To continue the holiday pics -

Precious grand daughter Miranda.  Miranda was looking after me because Tim was working and Davina was back at school.

 

A little café/restaurant in Kettering decked out like it is WWII.  I have a picture of the outside, I will try and find it tomorrow.

The idea of the hour glasses is that you select one according to the strength you want the tea to be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 13th January

When I got back the weather was very grey and damp, and it has been like that until today which was bright and sunny.    It is as well I haven't needed to do anything as I have been very tired from the journey back.   Just went out briefly for a bit of shopping - amazed that the car started up first time after standing out so long, not going anywhere.  It might be an old banger that has seen better days, but it's not bad.

 

So I have just been watching television and sewing, working on a Christmas present that wasn't finished in time.   I have worked on it all day and just done a little patch, so I don't know how long it will take.

 

I didn't take many pictures, but will put up from time to time some that I took.

 

 

A couple of Christmas ones.

 

With Tim and precious grand daughters, and my teddy which is a hot water bottle.   I should have done something about my hair before I left, I know I've just let myself go lately.  Am thinking I might look for a hairdresser tomorrow to get it cut.

 

In the news............... which has been all about Obama's failure to join in a solidarity march  in Paris with 42 other world leaders.   I'm sure you've heard about it.    I don't often venture into Facebook but I did today, and came across a post (is that what you call it?)  from someone saying that of course he could not go, the security he would need could not have been provided, it would have been too much.   What!!!!!!!!!!!    There were more than 40 world leaders all marching together, the security they needed - and obviously had - is unimaginable.  Is it being suggested that it wouldn't have been enough for Obama?   He would need additional security, his life is more precious than David Cameron's, Angela Merkel's, Netanyahu's et al.   Or is because he is, after all, the "Leader of the Free World"?????????

 

And while I am ranting about Obama - There is a doctor locked up in prison in Pakistan because he gave the CIA the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden.    And I heard that Pakistan has just been given billions of dollars in aid from the US.   Can anyone explain to me the thinking behind that, the morality of it?

 

Words are beginning to fail me, I'll jump off my soapbox.

 

Travelling back I had an interesting chat with a US immigration officer who asked me where "home" was.   I told him I no longer knew; so he asked where my allegiance is, is it to the Queen, to which I replied, fervently, "oh yes".   He then referred to the fact that we will be home when we have passed on, and seeing I recognised the theological point he was making we finished the conversation with a high five.   

 

 

9th January

At least that is what it says on my computer, 11.30 pm, I wouldn't otherwise know.   I arrived back in the middle of the night, but not sure what night, went to bed, was having a lovely deep sleep when I was woken up at 8.30 (as it was dark I hazarded a guess that was pm) by my blessed cat wanting to be let out.  But I guess she's been traumatised by my absence so I've forgiven her.

 

I have had an absolutely wonderful time.   Had lovely Christmas with Jeremy and Pat, and Jeremy cooked the best turkey ever, so often it is overdone and dry, but this was just right.   And we had our traditional family Boxing Day lunch of cold roast beef and bubble and squeak and Branston pickle.

 

The rest of the time Jeremy took me out and about, dining out and visiting places, and my grandson Tom visited us in Kettering.   When I sort out my pictures - which is not top of the 'to do' list - I might post some here.    As well as dining out Jeremy also made me some wonderful meals at home, and I've had lashings of smoked salmon and bubbly - smoked salmon is available here but it is a very inferior product, I don't buy it.    He also recorded some television programmes he knew I would like, including the series of 'Great British Baking' which was great (I heard a rumour that was coming here on the PBS channel).   He also took me to see my good friends Anne and Bill in Purley - Anne and I have been friends since I was 9, so that was good.

 

Tim and family went to China for Christmas, but Jeremy took me there from Heathrow when I arrived, so I was able to see them before they left and exchange Christmas gifts.  Then he had to bring the girls back for school so I saw him and precious grand daughters again before I left.

 

So, as I said, it has all been wonderful.

 

The journey back was a bit less so.  Being old and confused like I am, I left my residence card at home but I wasn't worrying about it, I'd taken a note of my social security number, thought they'd easily look me up, isn't everyone and everything on a database now?   Was a bit nonplussed at Dallas when immigration officer asked for it then snapped my passport shut with a kind of  "can't let you in then" gesture.   He sent me off to a seedy waiting room full of exhausted looking people, just like those I see on the news looking as if they have been trying to get across the southern border.   After a couple of hours in there (this is why I am always glad to have a few hours connection time at Dallas) when they'd checked me out with Homeland Security I was allowed back in.

 

So I board the plane at Dallas for OK City and after an hour or two on the tarmac the pilot admits that the plane has been leaking hydraulic fluid.   I suppose I should be glad he noticed before we took off.  We waited a bit longer for the technicians to fix it, then they decided it wasn't going to be a 'quick fix' and we had better get off while they try and find another plane - the pilot sounded a bit dubious that they would, but the faulty one was moved out, and another one was found fairly quickly, but of course all the luggage had to come off, then be loaded on to the replacement and that took some time.

I was so happy and relieved to see my driver, Charlie still waiting for me at OKC.

 

Got home and my friend Jay, who has been feeding Bubbles, had left the porch lights on, and an indoor light, and it was all warm and welcoming.   She'd cleaned the house and it is so bright and shining, and she has prettily angled all my knick knacks and everything, I don't want to touch anything.

 

I'll be back on the blog later when I've caught up.