Funny how I always planned to keep this blog up on a daily basis but life just takes over and before you know it.......time has passed. And then you can't remember what's happened thru the days - weeks - well - months, really. So I will attempt to give any update as best as possible.
We have really come along on the house! The kitchen is almost finished. Roger did the wall tiles this weekend. We had the tiler out to do the floors in the kitchen and the bathroom last month. We have furniture and carpet and it feels like a real home now. Oddly enough, I can remember what we were doing a year ago this month and the magnitude of it all.....to think how we were living then.....is overwhelming. We were looking at photos not so long ago and found it very hard to believe the conditions we were living in then!
Kellan has been accepted into Colorado Christian University in Denver, Colorado. He is very excited as he has always wanted to attend there. Mind you, there's a little concern over finances as it is a private institution and costs a mere $26,000 a year!!! We are praying for the God of Financial Aid to shine down on us. Kellan's other big purchase was his 1998 Ford Mustang last month. Our car was totalled in an accident last November, resulting in this new set of wheels.
This past Sunday was Mother's Day here! I got a couple gifts from Roger and Jingle and we went out to dinner with his parents and sister who is visiting from Antigua. It didn't seem quite right since Kellan wasn't around but this way I get to celebrate twice. The holiday is just the same advertising campaign as it is in the States. Some things never change I guess, but we enjoyed our meal and returned home fat and sassy.
I've really become interested in the history of Taverham where I live. I've seen ruins nearby and it intrigues me no end. In a pasture nearby in the 1400's there was a priest who refused to denounce Christianity and was subsequently tied to a tree and killed by an arrow shot through his head. In the 1800's, this tree, which was in the middle of the pasture, was struck by lightening and in the base of the trunk was found what was thought to be, this same arrow. Other happenings of interest (well, to me anyway) is that a particular type of tree, a Yew, is usually found in the church yards. It is said that Pagans used to worship under these trees. The king of England at the time wanted to enforce Christianity so he built churches near all these Yew trees - thus hoping that when the weather was cold, all the Pagans would come into the churches to get away from the cold.
Speaking of cold, we actually have had an early spring this year with daffodils dotted all around. England is amazingly beautiful in the seasonal changes. It wasn't until this last weekend that things turned cold again and we are, at this point in time, expecting a major snow storm. Go figure.
We are going to London in April! We get a week off of work for the normal Easter break (nah nah nah nah nah naaaaaaaaaah). This also marks my year anniversary of being at the University.
So, yes....London.....we have to go to the American Embassy to get a particular form for Roger. Because I am an American citizen, I still have to report taxes. I don't have to pay, just report. This is a hassle. The other issue is that because I am married, Roger has to get an American tax id. Now, who thought up this inconvenience, I ask you?? He's got nothing to do with my income tax as I am filing separately anyway. However, it's a good reason to go and visit the sites again. We will also meet up with friends at night for an Indian Curry, of which I am a recent convert.
We are going to Greece in June and staying in the same hotel we stayed at in 1980! Two full weeks of sun and fun and memories! Interestingly enough, we have photos of the hotel owner's family from back then and can't wait to show them!
I have recently found out that I have to take the immigration test to stay in the U.K when my legal 2 years are up (in October). This consists of 24 questions. Even Roger says the sample questions he can't answer! That leaves a lot of hope for me. I mean, who really cares about what percentage of immigrant children live in London??! I resent the fact that I have gone through all the legal channels, work and pay taxes and am still considered an "immigrant". And everything costs - the book to study, the test to take - I feel my life has been one big test since living here.
The driving lessons continue. Pray for me.
And that's the latest from lovely Naaafolk. I wonder if any of you are still out there?? Until we type again..........
Cheers!
Jill
posted by Jill @ 2:58 AM
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