Let's Get Physical ...!

Happy Weekend friends!  How's your week been?

Here at Barlow Towers it has been full on this week, so quite glad the weekend has finally arrived.

On Monday, Mr B and I had our annual physicals with our new doctor (our old one left so we took the opportunity of switching to a new practice after further research and recommendations from friends).  We were booked in for the first appointments of the morning, Mr B going first.  As part of your annual check up here, they give you any 'preventative' vaccinations that may be due and schedule labs (blood tests) and any other screening procedures that may also be due.

Before Mr B went in, I reminded him
"Don't forget that you had a tetanus shot last year, so you just need your flu jab ..."
"Yep ... got it" he said confidently as he scurried off.
Some 30 minutes later he reappeared in the waiting area, clutching a bundle of paperwork on his way down to the lab to get his blood tests done.
"All good" he quipped cheerfully "she said I am super fit and providing nothing odd on blood tests she doesn't need to see me again for 3 years unless I have a problem in the meantime ...  and I've had my tetanus" he added looking pleased with himself.  Oh good grief  **rolls eyes**
"Right, good.   So that's two of those you've had then.  What about your flu jab?"
"Eh?  Oh, well I didn't really want to have two in one go so I didn't bother with that one because I can get it at work anyway ..."  I have no words.

My turn next ... 45 minutes later,  I reappeared with plasters on both arms (as I was due for tetanus and flu shots), a stretchy bandage from lab work taken (which threatened to cut off the blood supply to my arm at any moment) an appointments for an annual mammogram and ... let's see ... what else?  Oh yes.  After mentioning that I had been experiencing some pelvic pain over the last couple of months, an examination revealed that evidently there is a blue suture thread that has now embedded itself where it shouldn't have, left over from my hysterectomy FOUR BLOODY YEARS AGO! Cosmic.   Oh ... soz if you were in the middle of your breakfast).   So I can now also add to my list an ultrasound and an appointment with a Gynecologist surgeon.  Yay me!  Better get that cheque book ready again ... ker-ching!

I have to say though, that I am still amazed at the efficiency of both the appointment scheduling system and the speed of receiving any results.  After an 8.30am appt. Mr B received a message on the 'patient online portal' at 4.50pm the same day with comprehensive results of his blood tests plus an accompanying message from the doctor confirming that he was indeed super healthy with no issues to worry about.   Mine didn't appear on there until the following morning, (but then I was an hour or so behind Mr B to be fair), but even so, impressive.  Back in the UK it was always at least a week, and then you were never actually given the test results.  Just instructions to ring the surgery to check the results in a week and then either 'they were all fine' from the stroppy receptionist or "you need to make another appointment", invariably followed by ..."but we don't have anything until 2 weeks on Thursday ..."  Let's just hope all my other appointments are dealt with just as efficiently.

On Thursday evening, Mr B and I had a date night with a difference - a couple's cooking class at the home of the lovely Maribeth Janssen of Making Memories by the Mouthful.  I had attended one of Maribeth's classes previously with some of the ladies from the Newcomers group I belong to and it was a really fun event, so thought it would be something different for Mr B and I to do together.  We were in a class with 3 other couples that we hadn't previously met, who were all friends/neighbours, and who turned out to be a fun and lively crowd.  Like me, the ladies of the group had all done a class before but not sure the husbands knew quite what to expect.  Let's just say I think they had all poured themselves a large glass (or three) of dutch courage before they arrived ... the remains of which they all arrived still clutching in large plastic cups!

Some of the husbands seemed to do more drinking than cooking ... nice apron btw

We were all assigned different elements of the meal to prepare and cook in pairs, Team Barlow being responsible for the Warm pretzels bites with baked cheese (Soooo good!).

Pretzels from scratch ... Not bad eh?!

The other couples made Watermelon Salad; Pesto Chicken Sandwiches on Focaccia and Ricotta Cake with Lemon Glaze.  Once everything was completed, we all sat down together to eat the fruits of our labour.  It was such a fun evening and nobody left hungry, that's for sure!

On Friday afternoon we continued the Team Barlow cooking theme by helping out at the Homecoming BBQ at Ethan's school, where Mr B cooked close to 100 burgers whilst I served with a couple of other willing helpers.  It was all a bit frantic and we smelt like we had just finished a shift at the Golden Arches by the time we got home, however, it felt good to 'do our bit' and be part of the Rancho Community (plus, as I'm on the PTO it wasn't really an option!).

The grill master at work ...

Whilst we're on the subject of school, it turns out that Ethan has a new Allie.  A fellow 14 year old Brit who has just moved over from Guernsey so that he can attend the affiliated Golf Academy (guessing he must be quite good then).   During the first week of school, their history teacher asked him where he was from, and after receiving a blank look he added
"... in-between England and France" to which the teacher replied
"Oh, right.  So you spend some time in England and some in France?"
"Er ... no ... it's literally an island ... in between England and France ..."  **snort**
This week they were both giving their English teacher a run for her money as they discussed their class novel 'The Great Gatsby'.
"...so what do you think the writer meant when he says they were 'conspiring against him'?" asked the teacher.
"It means they were going to dob him in" offered Guernsey
Blank look from teacher ... "Sorry ... dobimin?"
"He means they were going to grass him up" added Ethan helpfully.
"Grass ... what?" asked the teacher, now even more perplexed.

I can tell they are shaping up to be a good double act - watch this space, LOL!

This evening, we are all off to a Newcomers social event at 'Escape the Room' where you are locked in a room with a group of others and have to find and solve clues for your given scenario (ours is called 'The Dig') in order to complete the challenge and ... erm .... escape the room.  Let's hope that we can muster a complete brain between us or it could be a very long night ....!

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again next time.
TTFN
Bev x

What a smashing week ...!

Hello friends!

I have been having a smashing time this week ... literally!

Last weekend, I decided on a whim to clean the oven.  Not an urge that comes over me frequently I can assure you, however, I had cooked roast lamb when Eldest was over a couple of weeks ago and it had splattered fat everywhere ... ugh.

Thankfully, our oven here has a self clean setting, which involves heating itself to a gazillion degrees for three hours burning off all the grease and dirt in the process (it automatically locks itself and won't open until the cycle has finished and the oven has cooled).  When it has finished, all you have to do is wipe out the ash from the bottom of the oven and hey presto ... all clean and shiny again!  Genius!  (I have in the past been known to buy a new oven rather than get involved with rubber gloves, caustic cleaning solutions and brillo pads! ... yuk!).

Well, some while later once it had done it's thing,  and I was busy getting inky in the craft room,  Mr B appeared, asking whether I would like him to wipe out the oven?  (duh ....!)  Yes please that would be very helpful (he's such a good cleaner-upper).  What wasn't so helpful, was when he returned a few minutes later to tell me that the glass in the oven door had a big crack in it .... cosmic.  Something else for Dennis the Menace (as we affectionately call our landlord ... ok so maybe the 'affectionately' bit is a lie) to add to his list.  Luckily, we have a double oven so at least we can use that one in the meantime.  Just as well, as Lionel and Doris are coming for tea on Saturday afternoon and I need to get baking! (more on that in a minute).

Oops!

A few days later, on the way back from the early morning school drop off,  I stopped at the supermarket to pick up some ingredients that I needed for a cake for Saturday's tea.  As I got out of the car, I duly locked it I and was just putting the bunch of keys into my bag when they slipped out of my hand and landed on the tarmac with a thud.  To my horror, as I bent to retrieve them, the plastic fob for the keyless ignition that constitutes the car 'key' completely fell apart, sending bits of plastic, circuit boards and batteries in all directions! Noooooooo!

After scrabbling about on my hands and knees for several minutes in the car park, I managed to retrieve all the various pieces, but looking at them had no clue how they might all fit back together!  (I may have muttered the odd swear word ... or two ....at this point ) After a brief moment of panic - how on earth am I going to even unlock the car, never mind drive it anywhere?! - I pulled myself together, headed in to the store, sat down at a table in Starbucks and with all the pieces spread out in front of me set about trying to work out what went where.  A group of men (who all looked to be in their sixties) looked on from the next table - probably enjoying their retirement, escaping from their wives and catching up with their muckers for an early morning coffee and analysis of the previous night's game no doubt.  They were clearly wondering what on earth I was doing, although none ventured to ask ... or offer help ... thanks for that.

Hmmmm ... so this little round thing is clearly the battery, which must fit into that little round shaped groove there.  Then this circuit board thingy looks like it slots in there.  This plastic bit must clip in that piece there ... and then this metal bit - oh it's an actual key, LOL - clearly slots down inside there .. and then this half should clip onto that half ... YES!! Done it!!  It was as I was doing the obligatory 'Get In!' gesture and high fiving myself (not an easy move that), that I noticed the extra bit still left on the table.  Bollocks!  Well where the hell does THAT go?  **picks up fob to examine more closely. Curses as it all falls to pieces again.  Resists Basil Fawlty-like urge to jump up and down on said pieces whilst screeching like a banshee.  Sighs.  Starts again**

After another two attempts, I finally worked out out where the extra piece needed to go, but couldn't for the life of me work out how to get it in.  Holding together the almost assembled key, I headed back out to the car park and held my breathe as I pushed the 'unlock' button and heard the reassuring clunk of the door unlocking.  Phew!  Pressed 'Start' whilst still clutching the bodged key in my hand - also successful - Yay!  I decided I had better drive straight to the nearest Ford dealers and see if they could fix it, (which they did in about 5 minutes), before finally resuming my day.  

Right.  Where was I?  Ah yes, ingredients for cake.  Stopped at another supermarket on way home to pick up ground almonds and some glacé cherries - can't go wrong with a trusty old fashioned cherry cake can you?  Well, you can apparently.  After hunting up and down the baking aisle for ground almonds - not to be found anywhere - I found a small packet of something called 'almond flour'.  On closer inspection it said 'fine ground skinned almonds' ... the same thing possibly?  Well, let's give it a try.  Just as I was popping it into my trolley I noticed the price - $11.50!  WHA?!?  **gasps** I was about to put it back in disgust ... I could buy 3 cakes for that! ... but then curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to see if it truly was ground almonds so I decided to chalk it up in the name of research and suck it up.  Now I just need the cherries.  They were nowhere to be seen either.  Oh good grief, it shouldn't be this hard surely?!  I spotted an assistant ....

"Excuse me ... can you tell me where I can find glacé cherries please?"

"Oh you're about a month too early dear" she said with a smile

"Sorry, what?"

"We only get those a few weeks before Thanksgiving ..."

Oh for goodness sake!  Right ... Well you can keep your overpriced 'almond flour' as well then ... 

Lemon drizzle it is.

So, who are Lionel and Doris?  They are a really sweet South African couple, both in their 80's, that we met on one of our Sunday morning visits to Butterfields (our favorite Brunch place) almost a year ago now.  Turned out to be their favorite place too and so we bumped into them on a fairly regular basis after that.  Last February they invited us to their home for afternoon tea and treated us like long lost family - so sweet - and we left with armfuls of oranges and lemons from their citrus trees.  Anyway, time marched on - they were going off on a cruise and then visiting family in Europe - and we hadn't bumped into them in months.  In fact, we were beginning to wonder whether they were both ok.  Then a couple of weeks ago, there they were, both looking the picture of health.  We felt we were long overdue in returning their kind invitation and so they are coming this afternoon :)

A freshly made lemon syrup loaf (Nigella's recipe if you're interested) is sitting in the tin and I just need to knock up a few scones this morning (sadly they will have to be served with jam and whipped cream as can't find clotted here for love or money **sniff**) and then make a few dainty sandwiches before they arrive.  Quite looking forward to it.  Not sure Ethan feels the same though. When we bumped into them the other week Lionel asked him if he was any good with computers?  Sensing where this conversation might be going, he hesitantly admitted that he 'wasn't bad' ... Lionel then went on to explain that he was having trouble connecting to the Internet.  He could get on but then everything took ages to load.

"It may be your speed that's causing the problem" Ethan offered.  "Are you with Cox?" who are our cable/internet providers and the one most people seem to be with in our area.

"Er ... no ... I think I'm with Google..."  

To give him his due, Ethan did manage to keep a straight face and there was only the slightest hint of a raised eyebrow, as he tried to respectfully explain that Google probably wasn't his internet provider and was usually just a search engine, looking at me with an invisible speech bubble above his head that only I could see which clearly read "Shoot me now!" LOL. 

Let's just say that if he turns up later with a laptop under his arm, it could be a very long afternoon! 

Lionel & Doris (without laptop, much to Ethan's relief!)

Have a great week and hope to see you next time

TTFN

Bev x 

September ... do YOU remember?

Hello again friends - how's your week been?

I hope that all those with kids who went back to school this week managed to survive the last minute panic of 'Back to School' shopping for calculators and compasses, not to mention the most hideous task of all - sewing in bloody name tags.  Ugh!  Just the thought of it makes me break out in hives.

At Ethan's last school in the UK, every last piece of clothing - even his socks (I kid you not) had to have name tapes sewn into them.  No biro scribbling allowed on the washing instruction labels either let me tell you.  Only proper printed name tapes, sewn on with proper thread would suffice.  When my Mum was still with us and she would come and visit over the summer (the timing of which was not accidental), she would quite happily sit all afternoon with a giant pile of uniform neatly sewing in labels with the tiniest of stitches.   Bless her!  She had far more patience than I'll ever have.  I seem to recall the last time I conducted the exercise, I stitched the opening of two of Ethan's socks together and one of his jumpers to the arm of my cardigan!  **snort**

Thankfully, I have been spared this task here so far as last year Ethan managed to swerve P.E (or any type of sporting activity for that matter) as the requirement to graduate Middle School here is only 2 years of PE and as he had already done it every year in the UK he was deemed to have met the requirement and could choose to do Media Arts (in this case designing/making video games) instead if he wanted to.  No prizes for guessing which way that decision went!  Therefore, with no reason to ever change out of the clothes he left here in each morning, I decided not to bother. **smugface** This year though, being his first year of High School, there is to be no escape from the dreaded PE, although as this term takes the form of 'Health' (yes, the irony is not lost on me) I have had a reprieve until January.

This past Monday, was Labor Day here in the US and so a holiday weekend.  On Monday morning (well, I think it was still morning when he finally emerged from the teen cave),  Ethan announced that in addition to the list of books they are reading in English this year, he also had to have a 'personal book choice' which had to be a physical book and could not be on his Kindle.  Cosmic.
"Oh, and by the way,  I need it for tomorrow ..."  **rolls eyes**

Luckily, as everything here seems to be open whether it is holiday or not and nowhere is more than a 15 minute drive,  we headed off to Barnes & Noble so he could choose one.  We are all avid readers in our house, including Ethan (who can get through a book a week!) so this was not a hardship for him however, as we all have electronic reading devices, none of us had frequented an actual bookshop in quite a while.   As soon as I opened those doors and that first whiff of 'new book' smell wafted over me,  I realized how much I had missed it!  I have always loved books and as a little girl would look forward to those Saturday morning trips to the library with great anticipation and excitement (no Kindles in those days and a trip to W H Smiths would only be allowed if I was lucky enough to get a book token for a birthday or Christmas present).  I would wander up and down the aisles several times, making sure I had given everything due consideration, before carefully making my selection and couldn't wait to get back home to snuggle down on the sofa and be transported into another world.  What would the Famous Five get up to this time, and surely no-one could manage that much ginger beer without being sick?  Ahhhhh happy memories .... although those girls at Mallory Towers have a lot to answer for ...!   I heard on the news recently that here in America, physical books are now regaining their popularity over e-books and after our trip to the bookstore today, I have to say I can see why.  It was also very busy in there so it would seem others concur.

Anyway, these are the two books Ethan chose for this month - apparently they can add as many as they want to their list each quarter ... great ... they certainly don't come cheap.  Sadly the library has never been an option for Ethan as he will not entertain a book that someone else has read **sigh**.  Trust me, the amount he gets through I have tried several times!  Not that I mind really.  I can think of worse things that he could be doing that reading!  

Having lived in the UK all my life (and the early part of it 'up North') September has always heralded the start of Autumn ... collecting shiny brown conkers as they fell from the trees (a great spider deterrent allegedly.  Place In bowls and leave on windowsills in areas prone to the little devils), marveling at the leaves turning a hundred shades of red, orange and gold as we strolled through Sheffield Park to walk off our Sunday roast **sniff** and that distinct nip in the air as the nights start to draw in .... sorry, went all nostalgic there for a minute ... cue violins ... 

Now that I find myself living in Arizona,  it is quite disconcerting to be well into the second week of September and still be putting on shorts and a t shirt each morning, feeling relieved to get inside into the air conditioning as temperatures are still reaching 100 degrees and mourning the upcoming end to the monsoon season in another week or so (not sure if it knows that?!)  There is a slight hiny of a change creeping in now though.  Not sure I would ever describe it here as 'Autumn' as we know it, but the mornings are ever so slightly cooler than they were over the summer and it gets light a little later and dark a little earlier.  Other than that it seems to be business as usual, although having now been here through two Septembers, at least I do know that the cooler weather is coming ... eventually ... just not quite yet!

It doesn't seem to prevent everyone here pretending that 'Fall' is here though ...pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks, the shops are full of pumpkins and pine cones and halloween decor/ridiculous costumes (I can feel another outing to Target with Mr B coming on).  Hobby Lobby even has it's full array of Christmas trees and baubles on display!  You may recall that in a recent post I mentioned that I wanted to make an autumn wreath for the front door (you can read about that here) - well, I set about making one following this video tutorial from MayMay Made It Crafts in case you fancy having a go.  It was surprisingly easy to do.

I finally added the finishing touches to it this week and can't wait to put it up now but Mr B says it's still too early **sulky face**.  What do you think? (might have to get another hanger - not sure the green christmas one really works!)

... might just leave it up - he probably won't even notice!

I can't wait for some cooler weather now so that I can get back into my cooking & baking groove.  I have made the odd cake ... 

... still searching for that perfect chocolate cake recipe - this wasn't it

... and a tray of brownies or two over the summer, but somehow I am just not inspired to be in the kitchen cooking when it's 115 degrees, even with air conditioning.  Plus it's so easy (not to mention reasonable) to eat out here, especially during the summer months when most restaurants are less busy (as anyone with an ounce of sense and somewhere else to go clears off from June to Aug!) and who doesn't prefer eating out to shopping for, cooking & clearing up after a meal given the choice?  OK, you can put your hands down now.

Which reminds me ... when Eldest was over he introduced me to the blog of a friend of his, Rosie.  If you are a fellow foodie and especially for my friends that live in Brighton, you might want to check it out.  Click on the link Rosie's Puddings and Pies for refreshingly honest restaurant reviews, recipes and all things Brighton food related.  I love it!

Well think that's about all for another week. Hope all your little (and not so little) students have settled in without too much stress and worry and you are brushing up on those maths skills ready to help with the dreaded Algebra homework!  On the subject of algebra, I thought I would end on a humorous note with this classic rant from the legendary Billy Connolly (NB: don't watch if you're averse to the odd four letter word!)

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again next time.

TTFN
Bev x

Football Crazy ...!

Hello Campers! Hi-de-hi!

Hope you are all having a nice weekend. We are making the most of the last couple of days of Eldest's visit before he has to fly back to Blighty tomorrow :(  Can't believe it has gone so quick!  

We had great fun on our mega shopping expeditions, floating around in the pool and trying out new places for brunch/lunch whilst youngest was at school and Mr B was at work (purely for the sake of research obviously) and then introducing him to some of our favourite restaurants and Happy Hour spots in the evenings.  I think I have only managed to cook twice during the whole time he has been here ... Result!  (Diet starts Monday).

On Thursday evening we also managed to tick off another new experience from our list - going to watch an NFL game (albeit a friendly pre-season match) between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos.  As I am sure you are all well aware by now, sport is not really my thing and despite Mr B's best endeavours at a pre-match crash course on the rules of the game, I have to say I came away none the wiser!   At least proper football (whilst still as dull as ditchwater) is easy to understand - well, apart from the offside rule obviously.  11 players ... 3 substitutes ... 45 minutes each half ... try and kick the ball into the goal as many times as you can.  Simple as.  American football - not so much it turns out.  11 players ... 34 substitutes (I'm not even kidding) ... 4 quarters each lasting 15 minutes ... oh ok, an hour's not so bad.  Except it's not just one bloody hour is it?  It's at least three!  Because they keep stopping every 5 minutes for a rest or a 'time outs' as I believe it's called.  And what's with all the paraphernalia?  Helmets ... pads ... blimey, they wouldn't last 5 minutes in a proper game of rugby!  That's what you call a contact sport!   

Before all that though, we had to actually get into the ground.  As we had never been before, we weren't aware that we should have pre-purchased passes for the car parks nearest the stadium and so instead had to park in the neighbouring Outlet mall, which whilst not really very far away, still involved a 10 minute walk across the surface of the sun in a zillion degrees (even my eyeballs were sweating).  By the time we arrived at the gate we were all looking forward to getting inside in the air conditioning and downing a nice cold drink.  

"Oh, excuse me Ma'am ... " one of the security guards called after me, "... you can't take purses *handbags to you and me inside the grounds"

"Sorry, what?!"

He handed me a clear plastic bag.  

"You can put everything in there but you have to leave the purse outside".  

Cosmic.  That would have been a really useful piece of information to know beforehand wouldn't it?  I suppose it would be too much to ask to expect someone to actually think about that though eh?  Oh wait ... hang on ... it probably says on the ticket ...yes, that's it ... it's probably my own stupid fault for not reading it properly... let's have a look ... yep, thought so ... NOTHING! 

"Well what am I supposed to do with it exactly?" I asked, trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to hide my irritation

"Either dispose of it or leave it in your vehicle ..." replied the security guard, making no attempt whatsoever to hide his!

"Dispose of it?!?" It may not have been the most expensive bag in the world, but I was not quite ready to chuck it in the bin just yet ...

Mr B, quickly sensing that the next words to leave my mouth were likely to be of the four letter variety, and that I was very possibly about to spontaneously combust at any minute, valiantly offered to trek back across the Kalahari and take the offending article back to the car.  What a hero!

Once inside the (thankfully cool) stadium and cold drinks purchased, we made our way up the stairs to our seats in the 'nose bleed' section (I had made Mr B purchase the cheapest tickets so I wouldn't feel too bad if we wanted to ditch after an hour!) to await the return of Lawrence of Arabia.  As it turned out, it was quite a fun evening.  Don't get me wrong, the football was still boring as, but I amused myself by dancing along to all the music and irritating Ben by asking "what's happening now?" and "why are they doing that?" every two minutes. Lol.  He also decided what he wanted for Christmas this year whilst watching the game ... a Cardinals shirt?  No.  A Cheerleader apparently!  Dream on Son. Even Ethan, who doesn't normally do crowds .. or sports ... or for that matter any activities that don't involve a screen, controller and headphones,   seemed to have grasped some concept of the game and even said he had "quite enjoyed himself" *gasps!*. Not sure I'll be going back any time soon though!

This afternoon we spent a very interesting couple of hours exploring the MIM - Musical Instrument Museum - in Phoenix.  Some fascinating instruments, all arranged in rooms by Continent and accompanied by headsets which very cleverly played samples of music from each as you stood in front of them.   Sadly, the best they could come up with for England was a video of George Formby playing his Ukulele and a group of Morris Dancers with poles and bells!  

Well, just time for one more brunch with Eldest in the morning before we have to say farewell for this visit *sniff* and deliver him to the airport.  

Hope you all have a good week and a special 'good luck' to all the kids going back to school next week and especially those starting new secondary schools, I'll be thinking of you!  Have a blast ... best days of your life apparently ...!

TTFN

Bev x

Hello .... it's me!

Hello there Peeps!

Here at Barlow Towers I am busy getting a head start on this evening's dinner as our friend Krishna is coming over to join us.  He and I worked together at Amex a few years ago, (oh ... just worked out that it was actually NINE years ago ... Wow!) he in New Delhi and I in Burgess Hill.  We have always kept in touch but never in a million years did I ever think we would both end up living in Phoenix!  How funny is that?  Anyway, that of course means that we are now able to catch up in person instead of virtually, which is lovely.  

This past week I was also able to tick off an item from my bucket list - to see Adele sing live! Again, never thought that that would be in Phoenix of all places, but it probably worked in our favor as I know that some of my friends tried unsuccessfully for days to get through for tickets for her UK tour.  We managed to get tickets way back last year as soon as the dates were announced by using the Amex Platinum concierge service - a very under utilized but fanulous service if you ask me.  This is not an employee perk, but one of the benefits available to any Amex platinum cardholder.  We just called a couple of days ahead of tickets being released, gave them the price we were prepared to go up to and let them do the rest.  Result!  

Again I think fate played a hand here, as we had specified that we were happy to go on either of the two nights Adele was scheduled to perform here.  Sadly for so many disappointed fans, she had to cancel the second night's performance due to sickness (apparently she had been fighting off a cold for a few days which got the better of her after the previous night's performance ) and whilst this has now been rescheduled for a date in November, we wouldn't have been able to go as we have already booked a week away for Thanksgiving week.  So luck was on our side once again.  All I can say is if that's what she sounds like when she is fighting off a cold, I can't imagine what she sounds like in peak health!  She was PHENOMENAL!  (why do I always picture Muppets whenever I hear that word and want to follow with "Doo doo be doo doo ..."?)

It even rained!

I was sat next to a lady who reminded me of Roseanne Barr and was equally as funny.  She told me she had been a divorce lawyer for the past 31 years and was also now a judge in the divorce courts, adding "it's amazing the power you get from a polyester robe and a plastic gavel..." LOL.  She continued to keep me entertained as we waited for the show to begin and participated in a spot of the obligatory people watching.  And boy did we see some sights!  We tittered at the continuous stream of women who tottered past unable to walk in their skyscraper heels and those that had clearly forgotten to get dressed before they left home.  She also had me in hysterics when Mr B leaned over to introduce himself and she looked back at me with a deadpan face and said "I'll give you my card.  When you call just sing 'Hello ... it's me ..' and I'll remember who you from Adele".  I don't know if she is a good divorce lawyer but she would have made a great stand up comedian - she was hilarious! 

Last night was the first school PTO event of the year - a parents Mix & Mingle - which in the event was a really fun evening and whilst not a huge numbers of parents turned out, there was a good mix of both parents and teachers which was nice.  It was soooo hot though!  The event was held at a local bar & restaurant and we had exclusive use of their patio area.  Although it was covered and the misters were all on, it was still 108 degrees out ....  even my eyeballs were sweating!

After chatting to the new High School principal for a while who has just moved from an International school in Turkey, I left him talking to Mr B about Manchester United and Brexit and joined a group of Mums at a nearby table, halfway through their conversation where they were sharing where they were from and previous experiences at other International schools.  One lady, who sounded distinctly Eastern European to me, was saying she had lived in Germany, Prague and then Turkey.  "Oh ..!" I said.  "You should talk to the new Head.  He's just moved from Turkey!"  

"I know" she said.  "He's my husband..."!

Ah.  Should have seen that coming.  And it turns out she's from Canada.

Anyway, better get off and get the cocktail bar ready (don't think Krishna drinks much, but I can always have his) but before I do, thought I would share another quick drink recipe as many of you seemed to like the Frozen Pineapple Margarita I shared in this post. 

This one which I found on Pinterest was shared by another blogger on HowSweetItIs.com and is equally delicious ... 

Frozen Cherry Cosmos

Frozen Cherry Cosmos

Serves 2 to 4 (or just 2 in our case!)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberry juice ice cubes *see note below
• 1 cup regular ice cubes
• 1/2 cup tart cherry juice *I found this in the supermarket on the shelf with other juices - not fridge
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup Grand Marnier liqueur (or Cointreau if you have that instead)
• fresh cherries for garnish
• lime slices for garnish

Directions:

*You need to do a bit of prep in advance of making this drink (at least the day before).  Make the cranberry juice ice cubes by simply pouring cranberry juice cocktail into ice mounds and chucking them in your freezer (well, don't actually chuck 'em in or you will have a sticky red mess).   You need enough to get about 2 cups of ice.  You can obviously do this bit way in advance - I made a load and transferred them to a freezer bag so that they are sitting there ready when I need them :)

To make the cosmos, simply blend the cranberry ice cubes, regular ice, tart cherry juice, vodka, lime juice and Grand Marnier together in a blender until it's slushie-like.

Pour into glasses and garnish with cherries and limes.  Bam!

Let me know what you think if you decide to give this a try.

See you all next time

TTFN

Bev x

Trouble in Target ... !

Hi folks ... blimey, where does the time go?

It was 'back to school week' here in Arizona and so we are back to the 6am alarm calls, making packed lunches and early morning traffic ... ugh.  I think Ethan was ready to go back though (after being stuck at home with his mother for the last 12 weeks who can blame him) and excited to be finally starting High School after discovering when we moved last year that the school system was different and he still had another year of Middle School to do.  Not sure whether he was still quite as excited when he got home after the first day after an overview of each of the subjects on his schedule and discovering that Maths is a year of Geometry, History will focus largely on American Politics and English (ironically his least favorite subject **snort**) this year is 'American Literature' and their first book is The Great Gatsby.  LOL.  Apparently amongst the other books on the list, (which obviously includes To Kill a Mockingbird ... or To kill a Mockingjay as Mr B thinks it's called **rolls eyes**) is an American play adaptation of Ann Frank's Diary ... can't wait for that!

Of course, moody teen has also reached the age where he would rather eat his left arm than be seen out shopping with his parents at the weekend (an option I would also have chosen when I was 14 given the choice so suppose I don't really blame him).  And let's face it, as this morning's shopping expedition was a fairly typical example for Mr B and I, who could blame him? 

"We're just popping out to Target for a few bits and bobs ... do you want to come?"

"Er .... durr!  I'd rather eat my left arm!"  See?

Now, don't ask me why but now that we have this newfound freedom and get to venture out on our own again occasionally after 14 years of having to be responsible parents and 'setting a good example' (well, trying anyway), we seem to turn into a couple of giddy teenagers the minute we step out of the front door.  

This morning, we were headed to Target to pick up a few items.  (Btw, the last time we went to Target together, this happened ...)

Ahem ...   

Today, I needed a new hairbrush and a couple of ingredients for tonight's dinner (Beef Strogonoff in case you were wondering).  Within two minutes Mr B (read B for Bumble) could be found in the electronics aisle trying on some noise cancelling headphones (not on the list) and turning up the volume so high that the adjacent pair of headphones which, unbeknown to him were also connected to the same music source, began blaring 'Cake by the Ocean' at 100 decibels to the entire technology section.  As if this wasn't bad enough,  he then began shouting at the top of his voice  

"THESE ARE GOOD .... HAVE A LISTEN ... GO ON ...!" at the top of his voice whilst simultaneously doing his best Dad dancing impression as scores of terrified shoppers ran for cover.  Oh good Lord.  

Next, Sonos speakers (also not on the list).  

"I wonder how loud these go ... ?"  

After a withering look from the clearly not amused sales assistant who suddenly appeared at his side asking through clenched teeth ...

"Is there something I can help you with Sir?" I hastily dragged him away, focusing our attention back to the list.  Right.  Hairbrush ... After determining they didn't have the one I wanted, despite the gazillion others on the shelf, but having to check every one just to make sure, Mr B, clearly bored, wandered off again on his own (never a good idea).  I discovered him in the sun cream aisle (not on the list either).  "Do we need any more sun cream?"

"No.  We've got loads"

"Oh.  I like this one though ..." taking a large bottle of lotion of the shelf and then promptly dropping it from a great height onto the tiled floor where it promptly exploded, leaving thick white sun cream splattered across the majority of aisle 10 ...

As (thankfully) nobody was around to witness UV-gate, we cleaned up as best we could and quickly moved on clutching our sides with laughter and with tears rolling down our cheeks.

Oh look, the moisturizer aisle ... I had recently read an article which said that body creams and lotions actually made you hotter in warm weather as they trap in the moisture and stop your body cooling itself down.  Makes sense, I thought.  It advised using a spray or gel moisturizer,  which I had never really noticed, so I wanted to have a look to see if they stocked any as it is so dry here you can't survive without a good moisturizer but within 5 minutes of applying it I usually feel like I am going to spontaneously combust!  Ah yes, here's one.  I picked up a bottle which clearly contained a gel.  As I smeared a generous dollop onto my arm, I squinted at the label (as I didn't have my glasses on) ... 'Gel moisturizer with ... oil ...!'  Ewwww!  It had the consistency of melted lard and despite constant rubbing, it just wouldnt sink in, leaving a shiny oil slick down one arm.  This set us off giggling again, as I leant on the handle of the trolley and promptly slid off the end. LOL.  Time to grab what we needed and get out quick, as I think we've caused enough mayhem for one day.

Just time for a quick visit to Menchies for a frozen yoghurt before we headed back home.

"We're back!"

"Oh ok.  Did I miss anything?"

"Noooooo.  You'd have been bored ..."

"Thought so ..."

Although it is still over 100 degrees every day here, the sun is gradually sinking lower in the sky and there is a perceptible change signaling that Autumn (I'm still holding out from calling it Fall for as long as I can) will be on it's way before too long.  Not that that means hats, scarves and coats for us by any means, but hopefully nice sunny days which don't feel quite like walking out into a furnace (80s would be nice) and slightly cooler nights, however, I think we are still a month or two away from that yet sadly.

All the stores here though are having their 'end of summer' sales and the Fall Decor (dammit, failed already) is appearing, which I think is my favorite, along with all the Halloween stuff.  

Having now got the house to myself during the day once again, I can get started on all those craft projects which I have on my list to try.  Door wreaths are very popular here, for every season, and I have been wanting to have a go at making one from deco mesh, which I havent used before, so I think that will be the first on my list.  Something like this maybe ...?

Once again, Pinterest is my best friend.  Will show you the end result when I've finished, (although mine will probably look nothing like that, LOL)

Thanks for stopping by, have a great week and hope to see you again next time ...

TTFN

Bev x

Summer days ... drifting away!

Hi there - I hope you have all been lucky enough to grab some of that summer sunshine this week.  

Here in Scottsdale we have were visited by another monsoon again this week.  No high winds or dust storms this time but torrential rain and flash flooding in many local areas (thankfully not ours) due to the sheer amount of rain that fell over a short period and then of course all the water running down off the mountains into the valley.  Several people who had ignored the 'stupid driver' law (yes that really is a thing ... 'Turn around don't drown') had to be rescued from their cars ... Yikes!

Anyway, back to the final part of our Tehachapi Tale.  Where did we get to?  Oh yes.  That amazing feat of engineering that was the Tahachapi loop - what a riveting day out that turned out to be!

On the next day's sightseeing agenda was yet another of Karina's recommendations ... a self guided tour of the local wind farm (yes, it really was that desparate).  However, despite following the directions to the letter, once again we could not for the life of us work out where we were supposed to go.  This was becoming a bit of a theme. It was our own fault though - why we hadn't already learnt our lesson I don't know.  Christopher Columbus would never have discovered America if Karina had been navigating! Mind you, it wasn't as though the gigantic wind turbines were hard to spot from pretty much anywhere in the vicinity and quite frankly once you had seen one ...

So finally we came to our last day in Tehachapi (the longest week EVER) before we headed off to Santa Barbara for the weekend.  Today's resort-led excursion (for which read Karina leading the way in her jaloppi whilst we all followed behind in convey - a risky strategy if you ask me given her previous navigation track record) involved visiting three different ranches (thankfully all fairly close by) - a ranch for rescued race horses, an ostrich and an alpaca ranch.  

First was the United Pegasus Foundation, a non profit organisation dedicated to rescuing & rehabilitating thoroughbred horses, saving hundreds of former racehorses from slaughter and giving them a humane and deserved retirement.   All very admirable and I'm sure completely fascinating if you are into horses (a lot of famous names from the California race tracks apparently ... never heard of any of 'em but they all seemed to be slightly psychopathic) but not really my idea of a fun day out, especially in the 90 degree heat with no shade and flies ... lots of flies.  Some of the other guests caught a hint of our accents as we meandered our way round.  "What part of Australia are you from?"

Oh please ... still?!

After what felt like hours, but was probably about 40 minutes, trailing past scores of horses along endless dusty tracks (more orange feet) we got back in our cars and followed Karina to the next venue - Indian Point Ostrich ranch.  This was slightly more entertaining, but only slightly.  We saw a few large birds (and some of the feathered variety) and were introduced to Ralph - a large male ostrich who had been to LA and starred in a video with the group Megadeath! 

As we finished the tour, given by a very friendly lady called Susie, we were shepherded into the gift shop (in the hope they could flog another few feather dusters and jars of hand cream) and as we chatted she asked

"Whereabouts in Australia are you all from?"  

**sigh** "England actually"

"Oh!  I went to England back on 1984.  We landed at a tiny little airport, not a big one.  Oh what was it called?!"

Mr B helpfully offered suggestions ... Stansted?  No.  Luton?  No.  This went on for several minutes whilst we all racked our brains to think which tiny airport she could mean.  Suddenly she shouted triumphantly  "Got it!  Gatwick!" **face palm**  It's only the 9th busiest airport in Europe love - hardly tiny! Good grief.

The last stop on the tour was the alpaca ranch.  Cute, funny little things and my favorite of the day (although let's be honest there wasn't much to choose from).  This one was called Valentine on account of the heart shaped mark on her nose ... awww

Just as we were getting ready to leave, one of the other visitors asked what that noise was in the distance

"Oh that'll be the target practice at the prison"

Sorry what?  Prison?  Oh yes.  Turns out we were just a few miles from the California Correctional Institution - a supermax prison (which stands for super maximum security apparently).  Oh nice.  Yes, there it is - complete with guard towers (or gun turrets as I called them!)  Well, I suppose at least they didn't have to worry about anyone escaping - they would be begging to be let back in within hours!

Ethan and I were all packed and ready to leave at the crack of dawn the next morning, whilst Mr B, seemingly immune to the boredom, fannied about packing the boot with the aid of a set square ...  HURRY UP ALREADY! 

Eventually we said so long, farewell and DEFINITELY goodbye to Tehachapi and set off in the direction of Santa Barbara to find the rest of civilization.  

Three hours later we arrived to find not only civilisation, but 5*civilisation! Oh, thank you God!  

The For the next two days we didn't leave the hotel (except for an early morning stroll on the beach) and made the most of every luxury on offer ... and boy had we earned it!

So in summary, we had a great family holiday ... as usual, lots of laughs (usually still at Mr B's expense!) and we enjoyed spending time together but think we might be giving Tehachapi a wide berth in future especIally as when we got back and I was chatting to our Landlord (a retired geologist) he told me that the San Andreas fault runs right through the middle of it!  **gasps!**

Sadly the long summer holidays which seemed to stretch out before us for weeks on end just a mere moment ago are now almost at an end and its back to school this week.  If you had told me a couple of years ago that we would have a Freshman in a US High School, I would have thought you were mad!  The start of another exciting chapter ...

... AND it's only three weeks until Eldest arrived ... Woohoo!

Have a great week my friends and see you next time.

TTFN

Bev x