Jet Lag Averted

I'm not sure how I beat jet lag, but I have! Spent a lovely relaxing day with Ali - chatting in bed, drinking tea, enjoying the beauty that is Peacock Lane.



Met up with Wendy & Freddy on the Seafront.



How much does Freddy look like Richard??

xo

Brighton Welcomes Me Back

My plane left Vancouver yesterday at 2:20pm and I arrived at London Gatwick Airport at 8am. It never really got dark on the plane ride so I slept very little. Instead I was engaged in a quite lovely conversation with the couple sitting next to me - he actually works for NATO. I have to admit, although I did manage to pull North Atlantic Treaty Organization out of my head, I have no idea what NATO is or does. After our conversation, I'm no closer. But we did talk about living in Belgium and how that tiny country is so different depending on which part a person is in. In the North, attitudes and values are more aligned with the Dutch; in the south, more so with the French. Mike and his wife, Annette, were the perfect people to sit with. Interesting, funny, engaging and experienced travellers.

Getting through Customs always makes me a little anxious since we initial debacle coming into England in 2008. The agents always seem to have a tone. "Really, you'll be staying with friends the whole time?" - somehow how implying, "You have friends? I find that hard to believe". Thanks, buddy! And Welcome to England!

We managed to pack in a full day, fuelled by loads and loads of caffeine. First breakfast outside the Pavillion where Stuart was appalled when I wanted to order Eggs Benny. Not because of the food itself, but the fact that I would shorten "Benedict" to "Benny"!









Met up with Chris & Patou for a stroll through the Lanes, then decided to go into the country. We went through Rottingdean and passed this:

Which led, naturally, to this:

Then we took a stroll through Rudyard Kipling Garden, then off to the Vintage Fair in Firle. The saying is that one man's junk is another man's treasure, but a lot of time one man's junk is just that. Initially, Stuart said that no one could get into the car if they hadn't bought anything, but that was eventually amended to anyone who bought anything wasn't allowed back! (I did find a cloak, but it wasn't quite right...)

After a refreshing pear and soda at the Ram Inn, we carried on to Lewes, where we stopped in at the Snowdrop Pub for some lunch, then off to Kim & Tabs' place in the country. Finally, we made it to my home for the next two weeks - 81 Peacock Lane.

So much laughter and connectedness. I haven't been here in two years but it's like no time has passed at all.

Back in Vancouver

Well, what a trip!! Saturday night was out with the girls, although it wasn't quite the clubbing night we were hoping for, but we gave it our best nonetheless...























And the trip came full circle - on the flight back I sat next to a Brit from Bronte - we had a great time chatting away. Made the trip much more bearable, especially the 90 minute wait on the runway...

It was truly sad to leave Brighton - it feels like a second home to me. Love to all my friends that made this trip so wonderful. xoxoxo

Apparently it's Party Time Again

Good thing I'm back tomorrow - these guys look like they're planning to move in!

Yesterday we took a walk past Brighton Marina to the Undercliffs at Ovingdean. There is a little cafe where I was talking to a lovely woman with a Whippet named Sofie. Then I looked up and it was Fleur - what a wonderful surpise! We spent the afternoon with her and Maya strolling along the seafront. Serendipity is one of the joys of life.





Only two days left in England - I'm feeling very sad that my trip is coming to an end. And the weather seeems to know my mood as it is overcast and grey today...

Look Who's Coming for Dinner!

 

Cheeky buggers!!

Day in London

Yesterday had a lovely day shopping in Brighton. Fortified myself with a delicious latte at 33, then poked about in the North Laines. Bought myself a fabulous new bag - couldn't resist the handmade red leather beauty. I was completely knackered after that so had a well-deserved nap. Was gently woken up by Ali telling me it was time to go to the Chilli Pickle. One of the best meals I've had in Brighton. It made me change my opinion about lamb. Here I am with the lovely Moss siblings.






















Today we met up with Maria and went to the Tate Modern to see the Miro exhibit. Really interesting to see the progression from the early beginnings of his realist works to the surrealist end. And the Tate itself is a work of art.

The weather turned this morning and thus wasn't as crazy busy as the other times I've been in London. We had a long lunch at Fish! in Borough Market near London Bridge. Maria had the sardines - eyes and all...

 

Another successful day. Here's Ali rocking out on the train back.

Long Man of Wilmington

Today, Ali, Wendy & I travelled to the Long Man of Wilmington, a huge chalk figure in the East Sussex countryside. Like many things in England, his origins and meaning are unknown and debated. What I can tell you is that he is 227 feet tall and strikes quite a figure. During WW II the he was painted green to avoid being used as a landmark for German aircraft. In 2010, he was given a 20 penis. (Tee hee - that was a prank and it has subsequently washed away.)





The initial walk planned was 2.5 hours, but we quickly realized that was much too ambitious in the heat. Instead we took a lovely stroll along the bottom of the field, retraced our steps back and then off to Firle, and the Ram Inn pub for lunch. There I tried pigeon for the first time, although I could hear a pigeon cooing away and I felt a pang of guilt. We wandered around the county estate of Firle, which was amazing - still working after 500 years.








We walked by one of the houses and there was a basket of freshly baked bread. It was in the shape on an "s" so I had to buy it!



I found the day to be quite exhausting, so upon our return I went back to the beach for a nap. I needed my strength for table tennis at the Bristol Arms later. Didn't fare much better than last week, I'm afraid. That Chris is impossible to beat!

Oxford

Having a hard time writing the blog today - too much to tell!! We drove up to Oxford yesterday. Wow - talk about "steeped in history". It was truly inspiring to think of all the great minds that have gone there. Oxford is really magical. It is difficult to imagine modern students going to such a old univeristy. Seems incongruous somehow - one expects cloaks and wands, not jeans and laptops. Ali treated me to a lovely lunch at Jamie Oliver's Italia restaurant, then more poking about.

























The higlight was punting on the River Cherwell. Ali grew up in Oxford and had never done it! A tourist in her own town... A lovely student from Bristol University punted us about - an idyllic way to spend a sunny afternoon.



Then off to The Eagle & Child, known fondly as the Bird & Baby by it's resident writers JRR Tolkien & CS Lewis. It has been around since 1684 - put that in your pipe and smoke it!
















Met up with Nick & Eileen, who took the train down from Leamington Spa. Great to catch up with old friends in new settings. I really, really love this country.

Sunny Sunday

Had a leisurely morning yesterday, then popped over to Kim & Tabitha's had had a lovely visit in their garden. Sounds so English! We left there in order to get home for Formula 1, then cricket. I went to the beach. Today was the first really hot day so I was in heaven. Although not enough heaven to actually swin in the sea. I really want to, but there is always a breeze, so I never get quite hot enough to do so.



Came home to check in and decided to take a walk to the other end of the beach. I wanted to experience the great English public on a sunny Sunday afternoon but didn't want to subject Ali & Stuart to that! Put on my iPod and set out...








Had a delightful visit with Iain & Fleur - they had just returned from two children's parties and I think they were in need of some adult conversation!

Pork belly and potatoes for dinner, with homemade scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam for dessert.

Sleepy Saturday

I slept in until 9am this morning! But felt slightly guilty about it... A beautiful day in Brighton. Spent some time on the beach, lazed about and then realized there was a serious issue with the blog. All the pictures somehow disappeared. WTF?? Stuart, the love, is a computer expert, so he fixed up my computer and tutored me on new photo software. Several hours and some frustration later, the pictures are back.

We have been eating incredibly well. Delicious Sue "Go Go Granola" for breakfast, then Thai spicy beef on baby gem lettuce for an afternoon snack. Divine! To offset the hell of grocery shopping at Asda we are going to a posh sushi place tonight.

Soooooooooooo, let's talk about English sports. I am living with cricket fanatics. There is cricket on the radio, the telly, every room in this house. It is on the radio in the car, in the bathroom, in the kitchen. I cannot escape the cricket. And, still better, three more days to go!

This is Ali's prize cricket ball from the Sussex Cricket Club!

Birling Gap & Seven Sisters

Yesterday, Ali, Stuart & I went to Birling Gap & Seven Sisters which is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline in England. Exquisite.

And the chalk cliffs really are chalk! I tasted them myself!
















My handsome host.













After lunch we returned home to make homemade tortellini as my old friends Iain and Fleur were coming round for dinner with their daughter, Maya. We made three fillings - spinach & ricotta, squash & mushroom - delicious!








The cheesecake is ready to be served...

Day of Rest

Ali had to go to a funeral yesterday and Stuart works in London, so I had a day off. Nonetheless, I got up at 5:45, raring to go. I haven't listened to my iPod since I've been here, so I strapped it on and headed out to my old neighbourhood. I had promised to make granola and cheesecake and needed to pick up the ingredients for both. There is something comforting about going to a grocery store where you know where everything is.

I walked past both flats where Jay & I lived and felt a real pang of sadness. We were at our best here. So much has happened since we left England and I often think that things would have turned out differently had we been able to stay.



But no use getting maudlin... Carry on!

Checked out a meeting up the street at the Crypt. Don't get me wrong, it was another church basement, but at least it had a cool name. The English do things a little differently, but the same feelings of support, unity and friendship are there. It feels wonderful to be a part of something so vast and that has helped so many people.

Did a little shopping, bought a dress, then went home and whipped up the granola, then off to the beach. I love the rock beach. No sand to contend with and you can lay on an angle for premium napping and tanning comfort. And the slight breeze kept things at a perfect temperature.

Then back to make the cheesecake and compote - I know, I know - who is this woman??

This is the sweet pad I'm staying in - top floor. So another successful day in Brighton. I could get used to this.

Devil's Dyke

Yesterday Ali, Wendy and I went to Devil's Dyke, which is a wonderful National Trust park in the South Downs. If you know what the Downs are, great, because I cannot explain to you why something that seems to be tall is called something low.

It is not very far away from Brighton so we hopped into the car and bombed over there. There were a lot of other people milling about and quite a few people in hang gliders, which was really cool. However, once you get out the parking lot, the world sort of falls away. We were gently strolling along, gassing away and killing ourselves laughing when, without discussing it, we start to descend into England's largest dry valley. Legend has it that the Devil dug the valley to drown the parishioners of the Weald. I didn't know this going in...



It was all very beautiful until we reached the proverbial fork in the road. Somehow I took over from here. Yes, no sense of direction Sue. Yes, the same woman that when asked to lead to the ocean, promptly started trekking up hill - on a tiny Greek island! Anyhoo, I actually did alright. But only because I think all the trails eventually lead to the same place - straight back up the bloody huge hill. There were built-in steps and when we reached the first rest stop we noted that we didn't know whether we were 1/3, 1/2 or 2/3 of the way up, but sorrowfully agreed that it was most likely only 1/3. We weren't wrong.

But it was worth it! And the perfect justification for going to Bill's for lunch in Lewes. And ordering Bill's large salad seem to further justify indulging in a lovely dessert afterwards. OMG - it was all I could do to stay awake after that. I had a banana about 10pm for dinner...

Wakehurst

This trip is quite a different experience than when I first arrived. First of all, I get up at the crack of dawn. Okay, maybe not the crack, but pretty bloody early. Secondly, Ali has a car so we do a lot of zipping around. I still find it slightly unsettling driving down narrow country roads and have an oncoming car in the wrong lane. I trust her, but it is a little disconcerting nonetheless.

Yesterday we had to pick out new glasses for Stuart because he lost his playing golf. We were at the shop by 9am, picked them out and then had a lovely cup of coffee in the Pavilion Garden while we waited for them to be made.



We are doing everything at such a lovely pace. No rushing around, just doing what we want, when we want. Ali went for a run and I struggled with downloading pictures, then we made our way to Wendy's and then off to Wakehurst Mansion and its surrounding gardens. The drive through the countryside was exquisite. The old brick homes - it's hard to describe - especially since we were in the car gabbing away non-stop.

Wakehurst was quite breathtaking. We wandered around, oohed and aahed. It was just so lovely to be outside in nature. My pictures could not do the grounds justice! Despite the lovely, calm surroundings I could not help my self from chastising a small child from throwing rocks at a Canada goose; then a mallard. I believe I said, "Don't throw rocks at that goose from my country!" Luckily the eldest child felt the heat of my scrutiny because she gathered up the two deliquent toddlers while the mothers alternately shot me dirty looks and studiously ignored me. Lovely!

(BTW, boy and girl mallards look the same until they are about 6 months old - then the plumage of the boys start slowly changing over to the magnificent colors after that.)

We had a lovely tea and cake and chatted blissfully unaware that everyone had left, the gift shop was closed and it was nearing 6pm.

First Day!!

Ali & Stuart live on the opposite side of town from where we lived so it was cool to wander around and see things on the Kemp Town side. I got up super early yesterday (6am!) and we accomplished tons of stuff by 1pm – talked, talked, talked, went to the post office, wandered into the Lanes to have breakfast (another BLT for me!), went to buy scrubbies for the shower at Boots, walked along the beach in the beautiful sunshiny day, picked up the car.



Ready for some suntanning! The beach is insanely busy between West and Palace Pier, but on this side it is relatively quiet. So we set up our beach blanket and settled in for a snooze. Unfortunately that was the time that wind decided to pick up and a huge cloud swooped in to block the sun. Determined to make the best of it, I hunkered down in my bikini and promptly fell asleep. I could feel that it wasn’t broiling hot, but from my many years of Okanagan tanning experience, I knew that those rays were getting in despite the cloud and breeze!

After having a rather drooly nap on the beach, I figured a proper nap was in order, so after a cup of tea I retired to my lovely bedroom, donned the sheep pajamas and went back to sleep for a couple of hours. Woke up to delicious aromas of roast chicken – she cooks meat so lovingly for a vegetarian! We ate dinner, watched a Norwegian film called Troll Hunter and then off to bed (again).

My jet lag seems to have manifested itself in the way that I have no problem falling asleep, but wake up in the middle of the night. Luckily, I am reading a great book called “The Magicians” by Lev Grossman, which is quite wonderful – a darker look at magical schools.

Sue is Back in England!

My first day back in Brighton was fucking awesome! God, I have missed it! The strong sea air, the bracing wind, the slight hint of decay!

After my passport nightmare, which, thanks to Tonya (or was it Sonia?) at Canada Passport and my friends and co-workers, was resolved for a mere $307, a trip to Surrey and a few hours out of my work day, the rest of the trip over to the UK was easy.



I sat next to a Brit named Chris and to his left, a Danish-Canadian, Miana. Turns out that he works on contract for the British Navy on one of their huge aircraft carriers and she works for the small Canadian company that supplies the Navy’s navigation systems. And He lives in Salisbury, which is on the way to one of my prime destinations, Stonehenge! We had a great time gabbing away, although Chris was quite loaded by the end and asked me if I had ever been in love. Have I? I certainly thought I had, but how does one know for certain? It’s not like acupuncture – the needle slips into the right spot and your whole body resonates in an unanimous “yes!!”

Forgot my beautiful sheep leather jacket on the plane, so had to go back to get it, but it was a great chance to stretch my legs after the long flight. I didn’t sleep much despite taking melatonin and changing into my green sheep pajamas. Customs was a breeze. The customs officer asked me how I was getting to Brighton and when I responded that my friends were picking me up, he frowned slightly and stamped my (spanking brand new) passport.

Ali and Stuart were waiting right at the front of the arrivals gate with a sign reading “Ms Angle”. I had known she would have a sign, I just did. Stuart took some “action” shots of my expression upon arrival which are not flattering – I look like an ecstatic demon.

Drove from Heathrow to Brighton – the traffic is awful here, but Stuart does the commute four times a week in his beautiful BMW, so were here in no time. I remember the first trip in when Jay had sent a car for me thinking, oh my god – it looks just like England on tv!! The beautiful rolling hills and verdant countryside is just breathtaking.

I must admit that I was slightly nervous about coming back to Brighton because, really, I only knew Ali and the gang for a mere three months before our unfortunate return to Canada. Would we get along? Did we still have anything in common? I am so happy to say that it was like I was here yesterday. The bond is there – real and irrevocably solid.

Came back to the flat on the beach – just as I remembered it! Then had a bit to eat in Hove – yummy British rashers and chunky chips!! And off to Richard and Wendy’s flat that they had just purchased before we left in 2009. And a surprise – Maria was there as well! What a fantastic reunion. Everyone is still the same! Lots of laughter and catching up. And of course Richard’s outrageous anecdotes. The room was full of love and friendship. It truly felt like the day after our Christmas party two and a half years ago (but without the hangover for me!)

After a few hours catching up, we picked up Ali’s brother, Chris, who is awesome! Went across the street to the Bristol Arms and played ping pong. There was some fierce competition, but Chris, that spin doctor, definitely took the prize. Some would say (i.e. Ali, Stuart & myself) that Chris is too competitive, but that’s only because he whipped all our asses!

Stayed up until about 11pm – couldn’t believe I did it! Fell asleep under a cloud filled duvet to the sounds of my beloved seaside city.

Christmas 2009

Well, it's been a shitty year. Flying from Heathrow with a hangover on New Years Day is not recommended. Especially when Vancouver is embroiled in a three week long snow storm. I was stopped by Customs and questioned. Not interrogated or searched, but questioned. C'mon, can't you see I have a hangover, just spend $200 on a cab, $100 for overweight luggage and a took a trans-Atlantic flight?

Arriving home, my very much missed and beloved cats ignored me. On purpose. For about 60 minutes.

Then I got a job. The worst boss ever. I could tell you stories. Oh my god. If you need a veterinarian in your neighbourhood, please call me. I have inside information. And working in this clinic gave me a new and interesting (read: horrific) insight into the neuroses, greed and ego of professionals. And to think I worked for lawyers before this!!

Luckily, I went old school and sent my resumes in the mail and ended up with a job I'm liking. Not loving, but liking very much. With the clinic comes two cats, and a Labrador retriever. I especially love when I can have a special dog friend but not have to be the primary caregiver. Perfect.

Sad news in August.. My beloved and much talked about cat, Phillip, aka the Pirate,was diagnosed with renal lymphoma. He died a month later despite all our efforts. Oh god that hurt.

My oldest cat (and less talked about) Henry, was diagnosed with nasal lymphoma the same week (by way of endoscope, which was pretty cool) and I was trying to prepare myself to lose two cats at the same time. However, Henry seems to be a bionic cat. Let me list his issues: Cancer, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart murmur. He also suffers from FAD - flea allergy dermatitis and has had pemphigus foliaceous (an auto-immune disease). Count those: 7 things. Yet here he is, fast asleep at my side. BIONIC!

I hope for the best in the coming year. More prosperous would make Sue happy. And if anyone wants to know what I want for my birthday (Jan 14) I would like an IPod or new shoes, or dinner at a fancy restaurant or anything you care to give me.

I enjoyed writing that. Merry Christmas.

xo sue

Oops!

Played pitch & putt with Jay this afternoon in Burnaby. I hit many trees, but the best shot by far was dinging the side of the port-a-potty.

I completed my first week at my new job. Work is exhausting! I'm working with dogs again, and they are rangy, heavy, nippy and challenging. Oh, my aching back. Gotta start stretching in the morning! I fell asleep on the couch last night and nothing Jay did could dissuade me from staying there (i.e. all night). I woke up bright and early having to pee. No doubt because Phillip (who now weighs a hefty 17.5lbs) was on my stomach. I thought I would go back to Hastings Park and see what the new developments were.

It was obvious immediately that my supposition that the fish were up to no good was correct! There are literally millions of minnows populating the pond now. In just a week! Incredible.

 
 

No wonder the two Great Blue Herons have set up shop. I have never seen a heron hunt successfully before so I was thrilled when I espied one of them on the the opposite bank doing just that. Around this time a lovely Asian couple approached and I pointed out the minnows and the heron. The lady immediately started clapping and shouting - trying to scare the heron away so he wouldn't eat the fish. He gave her a withering look and kept on about his business. Nothing I or her husband said could deter her from attempting to stop the natural order of things. And nothing she did or said could keep the natural order of things from happening. Finally the heron started delicately wading deeper into the water and I was sure I would get to see the action, but just as he was about to "pounce", a red-breasted blackbird stormed towards him and started pecking at his hind end. Whaaat? No fish today! Or at least at that moment...