You wanna go where everyone knows your name ...

... or at least where a few people do - Boston baby !

We're just back from our Christmas trip to Boston to visit Lisa, Kevin and the girls.  Alma has seen Lisa a few times since we all emigrated our respective ways, but the last time I saw the two lads was in 1999 - the very first time we went skiing in New Hampshire.  Sure t'was mighty !  To make us feel right at home they took us straight from the plane to an Irish pub for a couple of (socialable) drinks.  Now I'd be the first to question the authenticity of most Irish pubs as the vast majority are owned by non-Irish nationals cashing in on our greatest export.  This pub however - hand on heart - was the genuine article.  Within minutes of our arrival a fight broke out.  It was almost as if it had been staged specially for us just so that we could feel right at home.
Needless to say the lads were under fierce pressure after such a blazing start on the entertainment front, but true to form we had a brilliant time !

The first couple of days were all about eating, drinking and generally lazing around - I mean it was Christmas after all.  Most mornings we made a special effort to get up before noon, but it wasn't easy I can tell you.  Even the dog got in on the act after a while - though I don't think he really had the stamina for it.

On one of the days we took ourselves as far as the subway (not the 'restaurant') to hitch a ride to town for a good old fashioned walk about.  In classic style we had no clue where we were going - nor did we really care, right down to forgetting at the time that the "Cheers" bar was located in Boston.  Turns out there's two of em in Boston; the original and a replica.  Coincidently we came within a stone's throw of both - oh well.

We did happen upon the homeground - the "Garden" of both the "Bruins" (ice hockey) and the "Celtics" (basketball), and managed to catch a lovely sunset not too far from the original "Cheers" bar (am I starting to sound a little bitter yet?).

The "Garden".

Sunset in Boston ... not too far away from the original "Cheers" bar (bah humbug).

Later during the week we headed to New Hampshire to see if we could slot in a bit of skiing.  As it turned out the weather was too mild, so rather than attempt to ski on ice we decided to give it a miss.  Skipping all forms of snow related fun was not an option however so we had a good old tubing session with the kids.

The route to New Hampshire.

A view from the lakehouse we stayed in for the night.  The story wouldn't be complete without passing the ever so casual remark that the heating died at some stage during the night, so needless to say it was a little on the "fresh" side.  It could have been worse only for the fact that we had coincidently warmed up before going to bed via a hardcore session of "Just Dance 3" for the Wii - just to humour the children you'll understand.

Tubing with the kids.  Look who's having the most fun !  The superman move was optional (but I can assure you - highly recommended).

After getting back to Boston and to top it all off, we headed out for a meal on the final night only to discover that it was Alma's birthday !  She genuinely looked surprised (can't imagine why).   It's only a matter of time before they start asking for ID for these things.

Leak detection - Uncle Sam style

For those of you who haven't already read a couple of posts back, we've got a leak.

It's everyone's worst nightmare, but especially when you're house is made of papier mache - or wood as it's sometimes referred to.  When faced with a crisis of such dramatic proportions there's clearly only one thing to do - call the lads from Oakwood (corporate housing).  They don't quite have a "S" on their chest or run around wearing their underwear on the outside of the normal clothes (at least that I'm aware of), but they're good !

Within seconds (ok I'm perhaps overutilising my artistic license) the plumber dude was here.  Seconds later (and this time I'm not exaggerating) he's put his leak detection skills to full use.  Five holes in the ceiling later he's nailed that baby down !  Yes - you DO have a leak.

So now not only do we have a leak (nope - still not fixed) but we have five holes in the ceiling.  That's what I call an added bonus !  THANK YOU MR. SUPERHERO PLUMBER DUDE GUY.  Oh and let's not forget that the water is now switched off, the carpet stinks and in line with the X-Factor theme, no guesses who wants to go to the loo.

I've got that feeling, that Christmas feeling ...

It's Christmas time - even here in SD !

As newbies to the area it's especially hard during the day to get that Christmas feeling because, well let's face it - the sun is still beating down.  They're even predicting it's going to be 23C on Christmas day.  At night it's a slightly different story.  It's still really bright, but then for a very different reason.  The whole idea of conserving the planet hasn't quite made it this far yet so it's all about having electric personalities (if you did my drift).  It goes from the extravagant (by our modest standards) ...

to the ridiculous ...

to the downright perverted ...

I mean who seriously has the time to put up that many lights let alone setting them up so that it dances to the music that happens to be on at the time (not that you can see that from the photo).  On the other hand, it's not that different from the Halloween set in that respect (see here).  Rumour has it that they also go to great lengths on Paddy's Day and Easter.  The mind boggles.

We're falling behind but.......

... still alive and kicking. 

Finally managed to go to the X-Factor and actually GET-IN!!! (in your face William!!! ... not that I'm childish or anything)  It was brilliant!!!  I was in the excellent company of two very enthusiastic Dutch women, thanks Freke & Sandra!!  We had to queue for hours but it was a great chance to ''people watch'' and believe me there are some very strange, very botoxed people in LA.   When we finally got to our seats, we needed to go to the loo, of course!!!  We had to beg to be allowed to go, stating that instant death was almost eminent.  We were then escorted to the only two working loos - outside no less.  Now we all know how difficult it is to pee when somebody is waiting outside the door for you but knowing we were about to see the great (cue appropriate Dr. Evil move) Simon Cowell in person was enough to sort that out.  We managed to get great seats and clapped and screamed until we were hoarse.  We all enjoyed the show and seeing how it all works.  It's no wonder these women on TV look absolutely stunning, they are constantly surrounded by other women who are touching up their makeup, hair and even powdering the top of LA Reid's bald head!!!!

The surrounding area in LA ("The Grove") was also great.  We had lunch in the Cheesecake factory and coffee after the show, where we watched it (fake) snowing outside..  only in America!!!

On a separate note, I've started my golf lessons and cookery classes.  If I don't become the next best thing since Tiger Woods, then I'll give Martha Stewart a run for her money.  William has also joined the world of golf but we have to thread very carefully not to frighten him off.  The new clubs, specially tailored made to suit the freak he is, have been purchased.  Now we just need to make it all work perfectly... those of you who know William know what I'm talking about!!!  Fingers crossed.

Spent a day last week making Christmas cookies with some expert help from very experienced Americans. This is a holiday tradition and they spend hours and more sugar than you ever want to know about making and decorating Christmas cookies.  These are then lovingly packed into Christmas boxes and given as gifts to neighbors, teachers etc.  It was great to do, but I don't know if I'd have the patience to decorate so many cookies.  Maybe Martha Stewart has nothing to fear after all!! 

Today, as you can see I'm catching up on some long overdue correspondence and blogging while I'm waiting on the professional carpet cleaners to arrive.  Now I know that sounds very luxurious BUT it's not often you have mushrooms growing out of your carpet!!!!  It's not all glamor and fun filled days over here you know......  I have my stresses too.  I wonder what will I have for lunch????