Back home in Seattle we also have these changes and they are just as awesome to see. What has changed for us, is that we walk everywhere now and we take the time look at the trees and foliage in a way that we never made time for in the past.
Silly I know. Stop and smell the roses and all that. It's true, we all need to take the time to slow down and absorb our surroundings wherever that may be and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells that accompany each season.
The main reason that I have been so close to all of this and have had the time to really embrace the changing season is that when thousands upon thousands of leaves have fallen in your path every day you really start to think about it. When thousands upon thousands of leaves have fallen in your own yard and garden area then someone gets to rake them all up and stuff them into bags for recycling day. And when every other day there seems to be twice as many as the day before, you rake them up quite regularly.
Now back home I would have gotten out the trusty gas-powered leaf blower/mulcher and moved them all into a ginormous pile and maybe blown a few into the neighbors yard or down the street and then bag them all up.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on ones perspective, I gave up all of those wonderful and manly tools when we packed up to move over here. So it's a small push broom and rake for me now. I can't complain though, as no one will listen, and I am finding that it is a great overall feeling to get outside and just take care of the leaves or anything else that needs doing and as the Nike ad says, "Just do it". I am in great shape too because of all the walking and yard work so it feels good too!
Moving on, I am now taking an English 101 course for creative writing, studying the French language, practicing scales on my guitar, and lifting weights four days a week. I know, when will I find time to get a job right? I have applied for my National Identification Number, NIN, so one day soon I can legally work here and have medical without all of the insurance hassle that we have in the states. This is not all I'm doing of course: I cook (some meals), clean, shop, care for Haley, walk Lynne to the station and meet her at the end of the day when I can. Plus the many things and details that need to be taken care of daily at our flat here in Highbury. There are also repairs and deliveries that need to be handled. So I am keeping myself busy.
Here's an interesting fact. Did you know that when you walk into a pharmacy over here (they are everywhere) you simply hand them your scrip and in less than five minutes you are on your way with meds in hand! No waiting around for your insurance provider to give the OK. Depending on your circumstances you may or may not have a co-pay. Easy!
There are many things here that just seem easier but there are things too that just seem crazy to an American. Visiting the doctor has actually been easier for us over here. Far easier than we had anticipated or had even been told. The walk-in clinic near us has around 17 rooms with either a doctor or nurse practitioner to see you quickly or you come back at an appointed time when they are swamped. It has been a quick in and out for us thus far.
But some things over here are just so different from what we are used to. Mainly it's the language if you can believe that. I know right? Both countries speak English but it's the little things. We all know that it's a "lift" over here and an "elevator" back home. As Americans we like to use euphimisms for things like the "restroom" when over here it's either the "loo" or my favorite, the "toilet". You ask for the toilet because that's what you need right? They tend to call it as they see it over here and besides who really takes a "rest" in the "restroom" or do you really need to go to the "bathroom" when one does not intend to "bathe". Other differences in speech may occur when you arrive at at counter or bar and someone asks "Are you OK?" or "Is everything all right?" They aren't asking if you feel well or that you look off or something, they are simply asking, "May I help you?"
There are many more differences than that and I think I'll spend more time on that subject after a bit. (that's another one) Bits and bobs, which means many things but usually refers to accesories of some kind. "Did you sort out all the bits and bobs that you needed to start your project?" Or something along those lines.
Anyway, we have been busy cooking over here and I can't wait to share the recipes and pictures with you next time I sit down to write from over the big pond. So for now it's...
Cheers!
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