This Will Come As No Surprise

His name is Ginger. He's 18 and he lives down the block. Don't worry, he's just visiting. I've talked to his mom and it's ok that he's here...

I noticed him the first week I got here and the last couple of days he's been outside our window, so I invited him in. Today I was preparing dinner - we're having some friends over - and I heard a noise, so I went to the door. He was patiently waiting on the doormat.

He's not a cuddler, but it sure is nice to have him around. I hope the boys and Sasha won't be jealous!

Thanks for the Empathy!

I thought I'd be a good girlfriend and get a couple of prescriptions filled for Jay today as he's been suffering awfully from gout for many weeks now. He's on a road trip to visit another video game studio across the country. Which, of course. means a few hours away here. I had a nap first - no use going out in the pouring rain... When I awoke it was beautiful out - the weather here is much like Victoria - constantly changing.

I thought I'd put the prescription in my back pocket - that way I would remember where I'd put it rather than frantically rummaging through my purse like I usually do. I was especially motivated as one of the drugs is Naproxen – an analgesic/anti-inflammatory prescribed not only for acute gout, but also for menstrual cramps, which I’M suffering from.

Anyway, I got to Boots and reached into my back pocket and good goddamn - the prescription wasn’t there. I frantically rummaged through my bag. The irony was not lost on me.

The problem of the lost prescription remained… I resigned myself to retracing my steps – the chances of finding it were slim, but I had to try. It’s always windy here, I’d walked for about 20 minutes already, there’s tons of people everywhere – shouldn’t be a problem!

The gods must have had empathy for girls with cramps today because I found it about a block away. Unbelievable.

You’d think that would conclude this little tale, but no. They didn’t have Naproxen at Boots and the clerk mentioned there seemed to be a supply problem with it and suggested I try another pharmacy… I decided to work my way back to our neighbourhood by way of the beach. The pebble beach is quite wonderful. I hadn’t actually walked along the water line yet, so I did – the sound of the water sucking back over the rocks is really amazing. I dipped my hand in and tasted the water – yup, it’s salty! Now I’ve experienced the Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Caribbean and the English Channel.




I went into Day Lewis Pharmacy and they filled it in a couple of minutes. And a mere three blocks from the flat. Could have saved myself a lot of time, but wouldn’t have this charming anecdote to relate to you!

Xoxo sue

PS the Naproxen works!

i put the wrong one up

bryan - in every english park - chubby pigeons and fatter squirrels.

Vancouverites - I phoned a few of you a couple of days ago. I sensed the "three week holiday" ending and I was afeared. Boredom at home is one thing. It can be easily remedied with friends. I have used my brain to reconfigure our home. And put up more suitable art. And to (gasp!) to cook. I made the most amazing salsa ever. To make sure I have always been lost. Maybe here I will be found.

Fox on the Run

I was out tonight - apparently the fox is equivalent to the raccoon here in England. They are opportunists and can survive in an urban setting. Go foxy lady, go!

A Fox in the City and I Don't Mean Me!

Jay and I were serenely watching a movie about Comrade Evilenko, the Communist serial killer who killed and ate 55 women and children when a fox sauntered past our window. No shit! A fox in downtown Brighton!! You can imagine the screeching (well, Jay was pretty quiet)...

Cissbury Ring

Nick and Eileen are fortunate to have a car, so on Sunday we took a drive up the coast. It's amazing how many little places there are between "here" and "wherever you are going". And then, seemingly all of sudden, you're surrounded by the beautiful English countryside.

We drove until we all had terrible hungers and stopped at the Black Horse (it reminded my of Pony) and had lunch. We were directed further into Finton to watch footie - Manchester United v. Arsenal. I stood in the way of the tv trying to get a drink and got yelled at by the locals. Apparently football is much more important than a Canadian hottie. I'm not sure why I was surprised. It's the same with sports at home... I did meet some nice Springer Spaniels, though - Benson and Mr. Baggins.

After Man U won the match, we drove up to check out the Cissbury Ring. Note to potential hikers - don't wear clogs. After a semi-treacherous steep climb, we were rewarded with a spectacular 360 degree view. Rolling hills, the white cliffs of Brighton and lots of sheep. Unfortunately, I left my camera at home and I can't figure out how to download pictures from my cellphone to my computer. I borrowed the picture above from the Finton website.

Anyway, the Cissbury Ring has been around since the Iron Age and BEFORE that, flint was mined there. So, this hillfort is really, really, really old. Plus, they have special cows that live there - I wanted to pet them, but their horns were rather daunting so I settled for taking a photo instead. Alas, it's in my phone so I can't show you.

A lovely weekend.