That Scarlet Pimpernel

Burger King -- the $1 alternative?

2009-11-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

It's the last day of your visit and the ATM isn't as friendly as it once was, $20 for a burger and fries is not in the cards. Be aware a Burger King is opening on the NorthEast corner of Washington & 11th Street, offering an affordable alternative. I don't often recommend fast food, but when necessity calls....

Tourists beware -- the $12 cocktail

2009-11-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Pity the poor tourist who wanders into a local beach gin joint to discover he's going to be charged $10 for a watered down drink (that's $10 before tip), add on the typical $2 tip and he won't get enough change back from his twenty to pay for a refill. (and the bartender is neither pretty or friendly!) I call it a rip off when you can go over to Twist any time from 1 - 9 and get 2 stiff drinks for $9. (Score and Halo have similar pricing but their hours vary (check out "The Wire" for schedules. During these hard economic times, don't get ripped off, especially when there are convenient alternatives. South Beach is fun and affordable!

Tropical Saturday

2009-08-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

With 3 tropical waves working their way west, Ocyavio, our loyal gardner is in taking out anything that would blow down if a storm does decide to call. Even without a storm it is very warm and humid -- the caymen procreating in the Everglades must feel right at home. Still our skies are blue and a truly pleasant trade wind is blowing -- we may escape another rain storm until tomorrow!

September is the depth of our slow season, which seems to be occuring early this year. I certainly don't miss the tourists -- it's just weird without them. Met some drunk Brits this week, who were annoying, it may be just as well that we're light on tourists!

Sunny Sunday

2009-08-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

yesterday we had an early rain shower that raised the humidity so once the sun got going it became very tropical -- hot! Stopped in at Twist to escape the heat, it was a popular idea as Adolino had a rather lively crowd. It's always a little weird when a place is full of locals I don't know (could they really be locals?) However it was a fun crowd and a pleasant afternoon. The Astors were in to retrieve some property Mrs Astor lost to an eager pickpocket (She really needs to learn caution around the less desireable types...) Fortunately everything important was retrieved in good order (relief all around!) We are meeting for a cocktail this afternoon.

canes

2009-08-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

One of the annoying things about walking with a cane & being handicapped on the left side is trying to carry anything (one hand useless, cane in the other). My solution is a backpack, which works adequately. I do often get the shop lifter inspection but that's par for the course in Mr President Bush's Great Recession.

pond scum

2009-08-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

One of the sad consequences of Mr President Bush's Great Recession is the number of locals who can no longer afford a decent drink. I have been shocked by the people who walk into a bar, order a drink, go to the head in mid-cocktail and sneak out the back without paying for the drink. Apparently they believe bartenders are born without memories. (they're not) This has caused a number of places to demand payment before delivering the order. Really can't blame them, but thank you for another minor annoyance, Mr President Bush! Drink thieves are just one more form of pond scum that have surfaced in the last year we've got to put up with, them and Burmese boas, iguanas, and Nile Moitor Lizards.

job hunting

2009-08-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

One of the humbling aspect's of Mr. President Bush's Grest Recession is seeking employment after a long vacation "why would you take 6 months off -- aren't you a slave to your paycheck? Why do you live in Miami (as opposed to DC)? Who have you been secretly working for? (I tell them any number of failed banks -- it's credible) Anyway, I've got a complaint -- lately I've noticed a high percentage of job ads that are actually a merger of 3 or 4 jobs. I'm a security analyst but the employer will be looking for a network architect/system adminitrator/security analyst and then they want to pay for the SysAmin -- probably the lowest paid skill. Got a call from a recruiter I've worked with in the past looking for a reference --we chatted for a while but then I lost his phone number

The neighbor

2009-08-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

In Miami I suppose everyone has a crazy neighbor -- we certainly do. This "gentleman" is more than a year behind in his condo fees (a common problem) and has 3 small vicious dogs who bark endlessly, specialize in fouling the sidewalks and get their kicks terrorizing the feral cats that protect us from beach rats and the occassional raccoon. Unfortunately Mr Asocial has taken to frequently running small errands naked. I for one really don't need the sight of an overweight 60 year old man dashing about in the buff to make my day -- now there's that blond across the way....

By the way, don't mess with feral cats. The other day one of the little terrorists escaped just in time to be cornered by the cats who apparently work quite efficiently together. That is the last time he'll be messing with them!

despicable

2009-08-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

I was recently installed in front of the television watching coverage of a Congessman's townhall meeting -- a woman was screaming something incoherent regarding the government murdering her grankmother (apparently Granny mysteriously survives!) The crowd was in an uproar. Certainly there sare lots of poorly informed, gullible people in this country who are ripe for exploitation by groups with a range of agendas -- and so it has ever been. The current health care nonsense being a prime example.

Last year I was working in England, where I suffered a series of strokes. The Brits put me in an intensive care unit , patched me up and sent me home -- 4 months later. No delays, no bills, no quotas, no red tape As a result I'm alive and walking today. All I can say is God bless the Brits! Anyone who tries to scare the gullible with tales of deficencies in the British system -- shame on you! I used to live in Washington, where I knew several very rich men involved in the "direct mail" industry. All of these very smart people had auctioned their souls for their wealth, they were despicable then and their successors are despicable today. Don't be gullible, don't believe them!

Snake oil salesmen & Extortion Rackets

2009-08-08T04:47:00.000-07:00

As we descend deeper into the Great Recession (thank you Mr. President Bush), the scum in the pond is surfacing. As you may know, I have been recovering from a prolonged stay in a British hospital (God bless the Brits!). Recently in deep boredom I decided to seek out employment (a job during a recession -- ok, I was naive!) Anyway, I posted my resume on a job site and began to get calls -- my resume is fairly deep and most of the calls were genuine. However, in my career f'ield certifications are the fad of the moment... hence, the snake oil salespeople. I've had several conversations with people hawking courses for thousands of dollars that guarantee the student will pass the certification exam (flee for the hills!) I've also gotten calls from "recruiters" who promise a job just as soon as I get certified. (could the 'recruiter" be working for the certification company...?) Basically, a genuine certification costs $5,000 - $12,000 to obtain, it then costs about $10,000/year to maintain -- and a person needs 3 to 5 certifications to be competitive in today's market. Obviously someone is making serious bucks here! and the extortion rackets are born. In one case there are 30,000 certified indivuals, 30,000! Obviously we are not talking rocket science -- or any other science! Yeah, I want to spend 10 grand to become one of 30,000. The test itself costs $600 - $700. fair enough -- 30,000 times $600 should keep any extortion artist in tailored suits!

Back to "normal"

2009-06-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Stopped in at Twist at the usual hour this afternoon, as predicted the rumor mill was spinning at warp speed. The Herald's story implied that the victim of Saturday's shooting had been in the bar (shooting in a gay bar is so much more sensational than shooting on the street) the Herald definitely has it wrong (I'm shocked!) The victim's family lawyer was also around -- this is South Beach -- rumors that the police shot the wrong guy were also circulating. It's sad the rumors had some credibility with many locals, the police are so disliked people will accept any story until it is disproven... I'll not pass along the more out there tales -- just the fact that a reliable version of events isn't available, which does noone any good. Yes we're back to Beach normal.

Thunder this afternoon warns our brief dry spell may be over. Our weather has been outstanding although day time temps are getting above 90F, which is just plain hot. Of course anything that encourages nudity among the physically fit is ok with me!

A beautiful morning

2009-06-03T04:26:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of South Beach is our early mornings with blue skies and a gentle trade wind, it makes you forget all the nastiness going on (until you accidently turn on Fox News. ) Well, we are in the rainy season and the hurricane season has officially started -- I do believe the ocean is a bit cool for a big one to pop up (I really, really do hope!)

The nightmare that was the Air France flight that went down has been in the news. The prospect of being onboard an airplane as it is going down has to be a horror I can do without. Some years ago a Japanese 747 went down, the investigators found haikus written by the passengers as the plane descended -- gave me new respect for the oriental mind!

As everyone knows, Mrs Astor is preparing a cookbook with Government Cheese as the key ingredient. Based on an article in the Herald, I have requested a recipe for Burmese boa to be created -- with 150,000 16-footers in the Everglades, sounds like cheap protein to me! Further, I am certain Mr Astor can find a use for several hundred running feet of boa leather.... Now if he can just find a use for Nile monitor leather!

Saturday morning at the beach

2009-03-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

Our string of beautiful mornings is continuing. The sun is up and the sky is blue -- Saturdays don't start much better. We also remain in the dry season. It sprinkled a bit yesterday -- somehow right on a Friday. I am tols Florida remains in a drought. Hard to believe after Hurricane Faye last year -- it dumped! but Florida is a strange place, so I can accept the experts' opinions.

Guilty! Guilty!! Guilty!!

2009-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Bernie Madoff has pled guilty and will likely be living at Federal expense for some years to come! I don't see that as appropriate to the crime, but probably as good as it's going to get.

Another beautiful morning in paradise!

2009-03-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

I am up early again, still the morning is looking fine. Yesterday was about as close to perfect as perfect gets, looks like a repeat today. My back garden remains in a post-winter state, not having started the spring growth spurt. The palms continue to drop fronds while other things are a bit spindley. It's certainly not the lush tropical environment a South Beach garden can be. Patience is all that is required and it will soon be rewarded if our great weather continues. As with so many others, I am on a job hunt. The continued winter up North has put me off a bit. Tech jobs in Miami are scarse -- darn!! Called into Twist yesterday to say hello to my friends Adolino and Miguel. The crowd was thin until a group of spring breaking coeds came in in search of liquid reinforcement. The kids to add needed energy to a room until they become a little over reinforced at which time they need to be sent to the Diner for chow. Our bikini weather is perfect for the locals but a bit too warm for thick blooded Yankees. The kids to often forget to hydrate -- which puts them on a slippery slope. Given the winter, the ocean is too cold for swimming unless you're from someplace north of the Carolinas -- it's all a matter of what you're used to. We get rip currants at this time of year. The lifeguards are doing a commendable job of keeping the slightly over inebriated out of trouble. (what those guys & gals put up with!!) Still a while away from sunrise -- time to get the morning economic gloom report...

Daily chores

2009-03-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

I find it useful to get into a daily routine of little chores. During our protracted winter moving about was challenging and some days it was just way easier to stay in bed. Last year I was trying to lighten the load in the closets (an on-going thing) so was dumping a big bag of trash each morning. Our gardener -- the ever energetic Octavio fell off a ladder last week (poor lamb!) and is out of commission for awhile. My landlord put a fountain in the back garden some time back that needs periodic topping up. So I now have a fountain topping up chore. I know! It's not much, but it gets me out into the garden each morning, where I can usually find other small things that need doing. At this point any exercise -- even just walking is a good thing.

HEH! CNBC

2009-03-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

With daylight savings time messing with my internal clock, I routinely awaken before the sun does. In spite of the dark, I can manage to make it from the bed to the television without mangling any (or many) toes and turn on CNBC to get the economic gloom report -- what a way to start a day! In the early morning they have a weather ticker giving high temps in major US cities for the day. Lately they have had the Miami item way, way off! Today Miami will be a bit north of 80F, what I refer to as bikini weather. Come on guys! What did we do to you? Get your stuff together and correct your forecasts, our tourists can use the motivation!! Hey New Yorkers! Free tans in South Beach!!

Speaking of television, last weekend Fox News blasted the AFL/CIO for holding their convention in Miami Beach (as opposed to Sydney Australia, I suppose. (click, click, click) that's the sound od me switching to MSNBC!! Fair and balanced? phooey!!

Warming up!

2009-02-07T06:49:00.000-08:00

I am told that my obsession with the local weather has been showing, guilty as charged. Given the recent chill, bikini reports were just not possible... Frustrating day, the antique commode in the bath has had a nervous breakdown -- wouldn't shut off as most good commodes do. A repair guy has been summoned and I am likely to get a new fangled replacement late this afternoon, which will be very disappointing. Went down to the pharmacy to collect the monthly meds -- but it's Saturday, so they weren't open (more frustration) A couple of good articles in the NY Times in the general area of how to lose big bucks in real estate (www.nytimes.com) funny how the get rich quick books ignore those nasty details. I particularly liked one term -- "short form due diligence" (avoid it) We're not totally out of the woods yet on the weather front, but it is decidedly better -- the bikinis are forecast to return Wednesday, can't wait! More empty storefronts in town, it's amazing more owners haven't taken "Mexican vacations" The old reliables (Twist and the 11th Street Diner) continue to hang in so rumors the sky was falling were overblown.

A beautiful mmorning

2009-01-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting my blog and I am deeply ashamed. SoBe is benefiting from an extended string of magnificent days. Absolutely the best and longest period during the holidays in my memory. We will likely see some sweater weather next week, but give me a break, we're headed toward mid-January (deep winter on my calendar) The beach is full of Europeans -- it's a cheap holiday because of the strength of the Euro. The Shrub economy -- oh, yes I can and do lay the mess on his dootstep -- someone has to be accountable and he was the Decider, has put several dear friends in very uncomfortable places. People are going to bed hungry -- and it's not the South Beach diet! Something has to be done, but it appears to be too much to expect anything decisive soon. Hunkering down seems too feeble given the scope of the problem. Mrs Astor promises a gourmet cookbook with hundreds of recipes using Government cheese -- I hope Mr Obama delivers big blocks of the stuff! The Madoff nightmare continues to unwind, revealing more and more newly impoverished elderly South Florida victims. Such a crime surely deserves an appropriately ghastly punishment -- if I see that jerk smiling one more time for the news cameras, I will happily suggest just such a punishment and offer to be the punisher, at no fee! Enough dark thoughts on this beautiful morning! It is 2009 and a new beginning -- get positive, there is/has to be an upside!

Drinking with Trailer Trash

2008-11-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

As often happens, mid-afternoon, I found myself nursing a manly cocktail at Twist, listening to the tales of life of Tommy Decker and generally mellowing out. As I came back to Earth, I realized that I was deep into the trailer trash zone, every third word spoken by the lady 2 seats down was profanity and the guy next to me was far too interested in the stack of tips awaiting Tommy's retrieval. I immediately took a long slurp off my drink and fled to The Palace, which was deader than dead -- ah well, at least I left the inhabitants of the 30-year old double-wides behind. Where to procure a decent cocktail on a Saturday afternoon in South Beach limited to people with 5 fingers or toes per hand or foot? hmmmmm, that is the question.....

Tuesday and no donutlands

2008-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

A fine, windy morning at the Beach. November has its moments... Everyone has recovered from their Obama victory champagne hangovers and the Beach is deathly quiet. If people were making any money it would be a favorite time as the legendary South Beach locals have the place to ourselves Hee Hee!! Unfortunately, empty restaurants and bars means those locals are living off their meager savings. And with the Starbucks numbers reported this morning, it seems the locals are strolling about uncaffeinated -- talk about horrors!! A lollow-up rumor has it that a fella can get 2 large coffees and 2 doughnuts at Donutland for the price of 1 Starbucks scone. Now if only we had a Donutland. I was alert early this morning, so got myself together, called up a taxi, and headed out to Epicure (30 minutes later, 2 bags packed full of goodies!) Fortunately, their individual cherry pies are a noble alternative to fresh doughnuts any day.

Sobering moment

2008-10-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

Miamians normally think of themselves as living in the tropics -- this morning adjusts that thinking. 17C may be a pleasant summer day in London, but it is chilly at the Beach. One of the amusing events on South Beach is when the mavens bring their furs out of the vault. A woman walking a palm lined street while sporting mink is straight out of Dali. The cool temps are a temporary event -- rather like a Wall Street rally. The furs will give way to bikinis soon enough.

Epicure

2008-10-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

The refrigerator was empty this morning, so, since I was up early I decided to venture over to my favorite SoBe deli/bakery/green grocer - Epicure. I can usually get a week's worth of salads, pastries, bread, milk, etc. into one of their very useful tote bags. As I recently discovered the ultimate decadent sandwich at the 11th St. Diner -- grilled cheese with bacon, I grabbed the makings -- $20 for a grilled cheese sandwich at the Diner just does not seem right to me -- even I can grill a cheese sandwich and fry off a few rashers of bacon!!!! A pound of their awesome shrimp salad is usually enough for 4 - 5 lunches (with the mayo in it, don't think I would chance it longer,) add a couple of more salads and I am in deli heaven. Today I am experimenting with macaroni salad -- I added pitted black olives and diced hot pickled peppers, OK, not too experimental. I noticed a fresh stock of stone crab claws in the fish counter -- when I am feeling richer!!

Travellers tips

2008-10-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

I recently completed a rather grand tour of Europe with my friend Mark. This is a short collection of thoughts related to that trip. As a recently handicapped person (stroke) I encountered obstacles that I had never considered before. I walk with a cane and can go reasonable distances without assistance.

Schipol airport (Amsterdam) Avoid -- unless you can walk unassisted for at least a mile and exceptionally long lines everywhere.

Amsterdam Avoid -- very handicapped unfriendly city, no hand rails to assist on stairs anywhere. Street traffic is a nightmare!!

Lakenheath airport, OK (grade A level) -- great wheelchair assistance.

Zurich airport -- Avoid you may be required to climb stairs to get into the airplane and it is a good trek to get out to the taxis, no wheelchair assistance offered.

Zurich city -- avoid, little to no handicap rails to get into or out of buildings. The trams have high steps that can be dangerous, getting to bathrooms in restaurants can be quite difficult -- not a handicapped friendly environment -- Surprisingly so!!

Miami airport ( grade A level) great handicapped wheelchair assistance that covers a long distance from airplane to taxi (tip generously -- they earn it!!)

British trains - it depends on your mobility -- I found them to be tolerable, still long-ish treks within the stations and the Brits are very rude, be careful!

British black taxis can present real obstacles -- getting in and out of a taxi can be quite difficult.

Almost ready for stage 2

2008-10-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Since returning from England, I have been culling the stuff in my apartment. This created quite a pile of boxes, books and other detrius. At last I am down to the last few boxes -- by the way, if you have not been handicapped, a large taped box can present quite a problem. Still, almost there -- I would thank my friends for their help, except none helped -- hmm, I am learning to sharpen my definition of friendship -- buying drinks and lunch for someone out of work does not make them your friend. So, no more drinks or lunches. Still, I do know who my friends are, for example, Alexis has been a good friend when I needed one. Others have not -- I guess I am culling more than stuff

One Bite at a Time

2008-07-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

When I got back to South Beach from the UK, I decided it was time for a serious cull of the household. My approach is simple, as I am quite limited in what I can do at one time, fill a trash bag every afternoon and tote it to the bins the following morning. It is surprising how quickly a pile can be cut down. This approach works well for a lot of problems. Persistence clearly has its rewards.

Critter!

2008-07-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry to disappoint, this is not about a horror movie. As I often do, I was up this morning at 5:00 a.m. and I stumbled into the living room to check email. Once securely seated, I was surprised to be eye-to-eye with a raccoon who was sitting on the steps outside the window hissing at me. My landlord feeds the feral cats that haunt our complex and I suspect the critter stopped in for a free midnight snack. Strange the cats left him alone -- feral cats are not the sharing kind. Aside from Walt Disney movies, the subject of critters in cities interests me. Even with the obvious dangers, cars, dogs, etc., they seem to manage well. I doubt I would do as well in their usual digs.

Operating with one arm

2008-07-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

I was in the UK for much of last week. The weather was largely surprisingly good and I saw many old friends and colleagues. Will go back in Sept., to try and catch a few fine fall days. After the January stroke, I was left paralyzed on my left side. Fortunately, I have pretty much recovered, with the exception of my left arm. I can totter about, if a bit slowly and with limited endurance -- which does seem to be improving. So, basically, I am a guy with a permanently broken left arm, which is hell on the typing and restricts me to ordering fish when out for dinner. I have been experimenting with opening things -- quart or larger Coke bottles are very, very hard, they also tend to collapse when pouring from them, while lots of vaccuum sealed stuff is impossible --rather than go mad with frustration, throw it away and never buy it again. Serves the manufacturer right to decline to buy their poorly designed nonsense. Fortunately God took pity on those he handicapped. Fruit and veg is generally pretty easy to deal with, especually if you have a spike board handy to stick it into. I encountered spike boards in the UK, but have not seen them over here. It is simply a square of plastic with a number of small nails (spikes) sticking through. Very simple to manufacture from an odd bit of plywood and highly recommended as an aid. As a country with lots of maimed war vets, the Brits tend to be clever about such things!

can the happy place be recreated?

2008-06-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

David and I were trapped at the Palace by a rain storm yesterday after having lunch at a near by Italian eatery. I ran into an ols friend and we had a short conversation about what has befallen our former favorite watering hole. Basically the place has no personality -- laughter is a thing of the past, it does not present any sort of value proposition for the customer and is pretty much a sterile hole -- and when did rap become Miami bar music !! So we mused about whether or not the old Palace could be recreated Clearly not with the current leadership, howerver the old crew is still around, so perhaps with ownership that understands what a beach bar is and some leaders that grasp what made the place work in the first place, maybe

italian eatery

Free at last!

2008-05-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

My British company of 2 weeks, aka the Princess and the Princeling return to the freezing UK before cocktails today, free at last! Yes, I am old, but these two are the most trying guests I can remember, however, enough kvetching, they're gone. On a related note, may I say how very tired I am of ungrateful people. I am not talking about serious behind kissing, I am talking about the occassional sincere thank you and maybe a handshake when someone dumps a couple of grand trying to insure you have a good time. This has happened several times with "friends" in the last couple of years, so, may I offer sincere gratitude to the many true friends who have helped me in the hospitals and since and an equally sincere UP YOURS to the users, the bank is closed. Lovely morning in SoBe after a big rain storm last evening, let's see if the Princess enjoys it -- nah, am i going loony?

Edison's Bash

2008-05-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Edison threw one of his evenings at Halo last night, lots of fun -- even if I had to make it an early evening. The tragedy of limiting myself to a single $5 cocktail is just unspeakable. Halo is a great space and their staff seemed very eager to please so it was quite a pleasant time for all. Edison pulled off his usual magic, filling the place with handsome beach boys and local celebs (or near enough) Miami could have a new Friday hotspot, with the Palace in ruins we can use one. in my opinion, Edison doesn't get enough credit for the large body of effort he has exerted for the Sobe social scene, hip-hip huuray!

home again

2008-05-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am home! Thank God almighty, I am home. I am still recovering from the January strokes but at least I am mobile and with Alexis' help able to keep the serfs in line. Unnfortunately the Palace has been lost. The happy place has been sold and is basically no more, $11 cocktails tend to minimize happiness Everyone is of course deeply saddened but such is life and people are moving on I am so glad to be out of the chill and damp of the UK, what an unfortunate place, of course being bedridden probably influenced my opinion of the place. Given the disaster that is BA, itseems unlikely that I will be returning any time soon. However I still have my little corner of paradise that is South Beach and the Purple Pimpernel shall ride again!

Travelling...

2007-12-28T07:32:00.000-08:00

The day is nearly over (!), will try to complete this before going to the airport. Norwich International is still all you could expect it to be... Schipol will be a bit more trying. Alexis has warned me, as always, to remain alert for potential assassins.

Cold day and Amsterdam promises to be colder. BA put on a sale this morning and I stopped procrastinating and bought a ticket to Miami. Good price. Will spend a couple of nights in London before getting aboard the big silver bird. Some pub grub at the Black Bird will be most welcome.

Christmas and Boxing Day have come and left. No damage done. I tend to be rather happy to see the holidays go -- such a lot of drama and other foolishness. This year good times were had by all, but still -- good riddance. Still looking forward to this weekend and a chance to say hail and farewell to a number of friends and acquaitences in the Netherlands. I will be back in the UK for an April wedding, but will spend the following week or so in Zurich (and maybe Paris), not Amsterdam. Some time away, plenty of time to scheme/plan.

Looking forward to a quiet January before the madness that is certain in Feb. Have 90% of the stuff sorted out, just needs some doing before I take off.

Well time to pack it in. Happy New Year to all! 2008's gotta be better...

Lavender House, etc.

2007-12-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Completed the last Christmas lunch yesterday. Quite a pleasant feast at the Lavender House in a a village nearby. An amusing place. Very pleased with their own efforts -- but isn't that how it should be? Quite expensive for a lunch ($100/head) of poached beef filet (Scottish). Good wine list, well priced. Still it was the best of a long series of meals, so it did have that going for it.

The UK has something called the Data Protection Act, which noone in Government seems to pay attention to. A long string of data losses keeps the Act in the news. The attitude is so Shrub-like, yes we have a law, no noone takes it seriously.... Ah well.

2 weeks til Christmas

2007-12-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost upon us (2 weeks). Strange this year. I am in final days here, negotiating a separation agreement, friends in Florida are bailing out of homes they can no longer afford, etc. Not very joyful.

At least I have had no recurrence of last week's nose bleed, which is a good thing. Will be nice to get home where I can control salt intake more easily. The Brits do love salt, but it is high on my no-no list. The blood pressure issue has me given up liquor (of all types), so I often feel a bit of a barbarian at dinner time...

Quite looking forward to my weekend get-away over New Year's. Norwich has become a bit stifeling. As usual at this time of year, I am a bit concerned about the weather, but that just goes with the territory. Speaking of, I have been watching Olga's progress through the Caribbean. Looks like it is headed to Mexico, do hope it avoids Florida.

Alexis and the boys have been busy with charity fund raisers. Noble causes. Right time of year. Good on 'em. Certainly keeps them busy.

I will certainly be winging home in early February. Quite a lot to get done, but should happen without too much sturm und drang. Have some vacation time to burn, so will stop into Zurich for a good week in mid- to late-January. By then I will likely be a bit frazzled, so some time within the walls of the Alpine fortress sounds right.

With that happy thought, I am off. About to wrap it up for the day. Seems we made some progress -- quite unexpected...

A grey Norfolk afternoon

2007-12-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

As we are now into December, it is only right that the weather has turned mostly grey. Not as bad as it sounds, as the clouds do seal in the warmth.

Got my cut off date the other day. Going home the first of February. Everyone was asking me how I could stand being in the UK. Now that I am leaving they are all finding excuses for me to stay around. Whatever. I am going home and hopefully the sooner the better. I know that I will have to adjust to eating properly cooked (not overcooked) veg, but sacrifices will have to be made in any case.

Going off to Amsterdam for New Year's. Spur of the moment thing. Good price on a nice room at a great hotel made up my mind for me. I think that Patrick is in Ireland, so probably won't run into him this time. Lots of other old acquaintences will undoubtedly be around. The Dutch tend to be in a good mood this time of year, or so I hope.

Take care in the ramp up to Christmas and behave yourself at the office parties!

Best wishes
P.

London, etc.

2007-11-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

Really nice weekend. Went down to London Friday afternoon to meet the Boss and a former colleague for drinks. Met at Ball Brothers, a very pleasant wine bar across from the Lloyd's building with some superior bottlings.

Drank far too much and ate too little. Finished off with a vintage Pol Roger, which they had on sale. Fantastic.

The Boss went home, so Chris and I made it over to my hotel. The Langham Hotel is one of those hotels. Very upper crust. Very civilized. We had a couple of more drinks and some drunk food. Chris went home and I went to bed. The Langham has enormous baths, so early Saturday a.m. I soaked and let the hangover ebb away. I had a shoot (Old Man with an Open Umbrella was my role), but it only lasted a couple of hours, which had me on the train and headed to Norwich by 1 p.m. I was home about 3:00. Very satisfying trip. My last gig for this year. No plans yet for Jan., etc.

Sunday I got a Tesco delivery that included (American name) a standing rib roast. It went into the oven in due course and I now have plenty of leftovers for a proper stew. British beef is sometimes a bit disappointing (spoiled by all those years in Iowa), but this chunk was wonderful washed down by a full bodied Chilean cabernet.

Our weather remains grey. Much of the Friday trip was in glorious sunshile, which certainly made a big difference. However we went back under the clouds Saturday and look to remain there for much of the week.

Saw a prediction today that Miami real estate will go down 33% in value over the next several years. Good time to be in the UK. Pretty soon SoBe real estate agents will be jumping off tall sand dunes up and down the beach (Drama Queens!!)

I have a new telephone that I need to programme. Have put it off long enough. Wish me luck!

Cheers

It's been a while...

2007-11-13T03:55:00.000-08:00

Seems that I have been neglecting my blog. Shame on me! Haven't had a lot to blog about, is the likely reason.

Did do a VERY English thing last Saturday. Attended a luncheon at the local rugby club, which was followed by a match (we lost), and post-match drinks. Dreadful day weather-wise, which made me feel very sorry for the lads on the field. All in all a fun day however, as rugby and heavy imbibing seem to go hand in glove. I was in bed by midnight, quite happy and snoring loudly.

Going down to London Friday for the weekend. I will have drinks with a former colleague Friday evening and I have a gig Saturday (Old Man with an Open Umbrella is my assigned role). Will return to Norwich Sunday a.m.

We are fully into autumn weather. Cold, wet and windy. Much of the continent seems to be having the same. Makes one long for the beaches of Miami.

Lovely meal last weekend at one of the better fish restaurants in Norwich. Plumb mussels and a dover sole on steroids (huge) washed down with a first class Meursault (white Burgundy). Certainly not cheap, but very satisfying. We will return to Brummel's.

Rudy has convinced me to stay in Norwich for Thanksgiving. Paris sounded good, but the weather has not been cooperative. It is an expensive trip to spend in a hotel room, rather than wandering from boite to boite. Paris will still be there for New Year's.

British trees and Miami magnolias

2007-10-15T02:22:00.000-07:00

I was reading a recent newspaper article on the number of really old trees around the British countryside. Seems to be a recently populated directory of trees believed to be at least 350 years old. Being avid gardeners, I am not surprised that they go out of their way to preserve these gorgeous specimens. Recently I have been keeping an eye out for big old trees -- especially oaks (this is England). And, yes, I have spied out quite a few. (something to do on long drives)

In Miami, my street is lined with huge old magnolias. Perfect shelter from the heat of a Miami summer day or rain storm. However, whenever a hurricane comes through, big chunks of the trees are scattered about -- like live oaks, old magnolias are majestic but not particularly flexible -- a bit like me. Guessing our trees were planted in the 1930's, we have a ways to go to compare to the Brits.

Dry and cool in London this last weekend. Great fun on one of the shoots -- a kooky photographer. The other was all business but very fast. Lovely dinner Saturday night, first class beef and a superb bottle of Pommard. Next weekend completes the string. Unless something comes up I will be free for 4 - 5 weekends, although I am told that if I choose to fatten up I could easily pick up some Santa shoots.... (don't think so -- once the weight goes on, it is quite reluctant to come off, besides the beards itch like crazy)

Fun stuff at work. (what's wrong with that sentence?) Should last through next week, when I will be on my short early-autumn Miami break.

Monday in Norwich

2007-10-08T03:51:00.000-07:00

Nice weekend and now back to the grind.

Went down to London Saturday morning. Uneventful trip. Brought a taxi back up yesterday afternoon. Rudy showed up in time for happy hour Saturday and stayed on for business. Lovely dinner Saturday evening, a nice Dover sole in a simple sauce and a good white Burgundy to wash it down. The British do fish well -- if it just didn't cost the world (MY GOODNESS!!)

The British are a bit rugby crazy at the moment, having beat Australia Saturday. The Brits can use of a bit of morale boosting.

The pound continues to perform well vis-a-vis the dollar ($2.03/pound). Inflation may be becoming an issue in the US, if so interest rates will have to rise -- certainly not something the Fed wants to do given fragility in the housing and mortgage market -- which will impact exchange rates.

Well, my coffee break is over, so back to work. Enjoy your week!

Thursday in Norwich

2007-10-04T02:51:00.001-07:00

Beautiful autumn morning in Norwich. Brilliant sun, if a bit cool.

Amsterdam last weekend was good fun. Unfortunately everyone was in a bit of a gray mood. I called Alexis Sunday and he cheered me up. Unusually, Sunday Patrick and I had a terrible time in the Grill at the Hotel de l'Europe for lunch. A grand place, but the waitress was not of this planet. Patrick speaks good Dutch and impeccable French, so no excuses for her. Wrong dishes were brought, long waits ensued while corrections were made, etc. I brought the late flight back, which worked out OK.

Still a couple of weeks to go before Miami. I will be in London each weekend. Becoming a bit fond of the place, although prices there still appall me. My friend Rudy will join me Saturday evening, so at least I won't be lonely.

Quite a lot going on at work (summer is over), so the days fly by. (thank goodness)

Logical end of week

2007-09-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

Logical end of week --- wheeeeeeeee Spending the weekend in Amsterdam. Glad to say that the weather forecast has been improved, although one always suspects the weather guys are just having a giggle at our expense.

Flying out of Norwich International is easy enough. Small airport, short lines, etc. Reminds me of Cedar Rapids all those years ago. Will get back Sunday evening, just in time for a 2-day off-site Monday/Tuesday. Never good timing for these things.

Very much looking forward to the October trip to SoBe. Another quickie, but that's OK. Maureen, Peter, et al are coming down from the NorthEast. Jeremy is back from South America. The usual suspects are all in evidence. And I am certain there will be a couple of surprises. I am sure good times will be had by all. AND it will be stone crab season!! hold me back!

Meeting the Boss for a beer after work, and it is about that time. Haven't been to the Surrey Tavern in some time. A bit of a shame, as I do enjoy the place. So, I'm off....... enjoy yourselves!!

Dressing, et al

2007-09-12T01:09:00.000-07:00

Had a tough time waking and dressing this morning. Everything got on in the right order but my sweater made it on backwards, etc. Ah well, not really out to impress anyone.

East Anglia is now firmly into the Autumnal mode -- cool and windy. Fortunately, not that wet. Zurich promises to be warmer this weekend, certainly worth the trip.

Enroute to Zurich, I am taking the long way around (London) to fly out of London City Airport. Far cheaper ($300/1.5 hours) and faster than Norwich International ($950/5 hours). I will go down tomorrow afternoon by train for an early evening flight. Coming back on Sunday is a bit of an adventure, as the trains will not be running, so a taxi will be required. Very eccentric, very British.

Truly looking forward to visiting a former haunt. There is an old stone bridge across the mouth of Lake Zurich where you can stand and see all the way up the lake to the foothills of the Alps. On a clear day, it is quite a sight. Autumn is generally spectacular, as the foliage is changing color and the frost has not yet killed off the flowers. If only the Swiss made a decent beer -- at least they have the sense to import some. The weekend will go quickly, but better a short visit than none.

In a couple of weeks, I will be again in Amstedam and then Miami. Nice time of the year to travel.

Looking at Paris or Strassbourg for Christmas. Christmas in Strassbourg and New Year's in Paris may be the Grand Compromise... I am not a major New Year's Eve partier, so I don't miss much just by staying home, although I shouldn't miss the opportunity to get out of town. (decisions, decisions...)

Dreaming of South Beach

2007-08-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

Back in Norwich after a fast weekend in South Beach. Even though it was blast furnace hot, it was very, very nice. The place will be crazy this weekend (Labor Day), so I went at the right time.

The flights were totally uneventful (as they should be), but spots of trouble. Going over, the flight information boards at Heathrow were down and finding out which gate to go to was a problem. Fortunately, a kindly desk clerk at Qatari Airlines took pity on me. Then coming back we were delayed by a horrific accident (head on) on a narrow stretch of road about 30 miles outside Norwich, which took an hour to clear.

In SoBe, Alexis, Leopoldo and I pigged out Saturday lunch at Smith & Wollensky. Just a wonderful place overlooking Government Cut for a long, long lunch. The sort of grand restaurant I love, as I fantasize about the drug deals, arms deals, murder for hire deals, daliances, etc. going on around me. Too much fun.

Alexis put on a grand brunch at the Palace Sunday. Dining off a table clad in a linen tablecloth and set with antique glasses at a beach bar is a bit over the top, but the food was only topped by the company.

Ditmar's bar has taken off, so, aside from killing himself with work, much of the start-up stress is going away. Now there are "issues" surrounding the ice cream shop next door. Always something in South Beach.

We are still in the ice box and I will be returning to FL in October (27 - 31 Oct). It will be another quick one, but....

On being unhappy

2007-08-20T03:12:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm. Got a note from a friend who is unhappy. Not just unhappy, very unhappy. I understand depression and its related maladies and I am relatively certain that my friend is clinically depressed.

A lot of acquaintences ask "how can you be happy in England?" My reply tends to be "why not". Yes, the summer has been cold. Yes, there are a ton of little annoyances. However, I have lived in many places far worse and besides, just "why not".

Complaining should not be confused with unhappiness. For one thing, complaining helps the locals feel superior. This confuses a British friend of mine a lot, but that is another topic.

As people age, it occurs to me that they tend to be more easily made unhappy. Maybe its hormones, maybe it is a loss of optimism, or maybe they have slipped into some sort of low-level despair. Whatever it is, it seems to me that there is very little chance of pulling out of it on their own.

I'll admit that I do have sympathy but very little time for the chronically unhappy. Life is too short.

YECH!!

2007-08-14T04:34:00.000-07:00

It just isn't fair -- closing in on mid-August and it's 63F at 12:35 p.m. The sky is foreboding -- rain.

10 days till Miami! Of course there is a low pressure area in the Eastern Atlantic that appears to be escalating into Tropical Storm status. It should reach Miami in about 11 days!! Jesus, you can take me now....

Dry day

2007-08-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

LOTS of drama at work. So silly really. There has to be (and is) a Queen at the center of it all.

Not a lot going on socially. I have finally gotten my caterer's attention, who managed an acceptable price quote. Good, I was afraid that I would have to find another location.

This is my weekend for errands. Lots of little things to do. At least there is a mail strike on (how Italian!), so no bills will arrive. A long lunch Saturday will make the day. Weather forecast is acceptable. Should be a nice time.

Lining up for Paris a week from today. Really ready for it. Hopefully, the beer at Open Cafe will be cold and the reception warm! Breakfast at the Cafe Beaubourg will be welcome.

A bit gray today. Ah well, suppose we have to have these days -- at least it is dry.

Stuff

2007-07-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

I no longer feel like a carping old woman -- no less than the New York Times has declared England's summer to be "wretched". Totally agree, it is. I am off to Amsterdam tomorrow a.m., and it's not much better there (ah, well -- at least the beer is cheaper!)

Bored at work at the moment. I have been tying up loose ends and came to my last one a bit ago. Now I have to kill a couple of hours before climbing into the big red shuttle bus and going home.

I have been enjoying Alexis' blog of late. Eros launched an arrow into his backside and he has been moony eyed ever since. Good for him. Being moony eyed has its charms...

Trying to line up a BBQ for 50 in mid-August. 1) doing an American BBQ in the UK is not without its challenges, 2) I am betting for better weather by then -- far from a sure bet. Still, should be good fun.

The Miami trip will end much of my weekend wanderings until next summer. For one thing, it is the last banking holiday until Christmas, for another, all the wandering is expensive(!) I'll continue once monthly weekends in Amsterdam until the weather turns truly nasty. Much more than that and I get a bit bitchy... age and creaky joints don't help!

London is fun!

2007-07-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

Had an early meeting in the City of London yesterday that I used as an excuse to go down early and spend the weekend.

As the rest of England struggled with flood waters, the weather in the capitol was largely agreeable and the inhabitants were in jolly form. "The Blackbird", my favorite pub, is located in the Earls Court neighborhood -- which is lucky as that was where my hotel was located. The Burn's Hotel is a pleasand, inexpensive place and proved a good base of operations.

A couple of afternoons watching the British Open at the Blackbird and a couple of evenings shoppping in Soho kept me in good humor. I do recommend it.

Off to Amsterdam Friday for the weekend.

10 years later

2007-07-18T01:38:00.001-07:00

You cannot live on South Beach and not be aware of the ghost of Gianni Versace. Ten years have passed since madness seized SoBe and bloody murder was in the news.

It is said by many locals that Versace put South Beach back on the map. His demands for models and use of the beach as a backdrop certainly created its own energy. The flamboyance of his lifestyle, the over-the-top nature of his guest lists, and the spectacular manner of his death have all contributed to a legend that has to be more fantasy than fact (or does it?)

Versace’s house, itself a fantasy of Mediterranean style and Italian overstatement is now a hotel. A couple of thousand a night will get you in. But, the house remains a morbid photo-op for camera equipped, sun poisoned tourists. His boutique is gone.

SoBe has had its ups and downs since his passing, but no one has stepped up and tried on his shoes. To me, it seems so much longer ago than 10 years, but calendars don’t lie. The Beach has changed a lot. Now it is the super hotels, Art Miami, and a non-stop series of lesser weekend “events” that drive the Beach. Gianni we miss you.

Feeling funky

2007-07-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

Not such a great weekend -- felt funky to retched all weekend. Called in to work yesterday. I am in today, but not up to snuff. At least the fever is over and I have medicated the headache into submission. I suspect an aircraft virus... incubation period is about right.

Temps remain cool and it manages to rain at least once a day. I am beginning to despair that we will see any summer this year. Only about 6 weeks left!

2007-07-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

Just back from a wonderful week in SoBe. The party machine there is superbly maintained and ever efficient -- a great time. Next trip to FL will be for Christmas.

D-Bar is open. Ditmar is understandably nervous, but I don't think he has a lot to worry about. In my opinion, consistency is the key and certainly a Viennese mix meister can do that. He was working through the opening pains -- didn't look too painful.

Stopped in at the duty free in Miami to grab some goodies for our PA, etc. Found Appleton Estate (rum) on sale -- a liter for $14 seemed like a bargain, I grabbed two.

The UK remains cool and damp. Waiting patiently for summer is getting hard to do. Good beer helps.

Alexis inadvertently brought up an old idea, "a life worth living". Certainly quality of life is a long standing issue. Good food, good company, one's health, etc. etc. all come to mind. I ran into quite a number of very unhappy people this trip and they seem to have lost the tune. Sad. So, the thought, when one loses a life worth living, how does one regain it. As I keep mine chained in a manner to please any sado-masochist, I have no fear of loss. Others don't seem to be as careful.

Miami Tomorrow!

2007-06-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

I am all aflutter (quite an image!), about to head down to London and then out to Heathrow tomorrow morning for a flight to MIA. To say that I am happy to be going home is such a gross understatement that it insults understatement. A cold and rather miserable (WET) week in Norwich closing out a cold and rather miserable month. Hopefully, SoBe will signal a new beginning for summer.

Managed to knock my list of things to do for a loop. The only thing I did not accomplish was to clean out the refrigerator. Still that is about 90% done and if I find any gray fuzzy bits when I get back, well that is the price of travel.

My stay in England has settled into quite a comfortable rut. Work - pub - dinner - bed (repeat 4 times) makes up a typical week. Putting up with some of the Brits is rather like putting up with some of Miamians, painful but tolerable. Some Brits tend to think of themselves as being experts in the friendly put down. Trouble is I don't find such things that friendly. However those snakes' fangs are short and their venom mild, so it is a nuisance, not a bother. Fortunately mixed in with the snakes, I have met some truly warm and qenuinely friendly folks here in every facet of my life that make the whole experience worthwhile. Now, if I only get used to warm beer!

The next time I go to the States, I will fly through Amsterdam. This whole London route is somewhat tedious and very expensive. I have basically been convinced that Amsterdam is a better option. The real problem is that KLM is just about as reliable as British trains.... (ouch)

I am planning a major BBQ for August (assuming August acts like August is supposed to act) and I am once again getting an education in British seafood. Fortunately, a friend has pointed me toward quite a fine fish monger. Education never stops.

Ditmar has taken over the back bar at the Palace. Quite a lot of stress for my favorite Austrian, but I am sure he can handle it. So, I will be back to my favorite location on the beach. As I am planning a few major pig-outs, it will be in and out, but I am certain it will be a great time.

I will try to post something about the 4th of July nonsense that will be going on....

Thursday

2007-06-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

A quiet Thursday in Norwich. Really a rather lovely day, if a bit cool (I prefer low 80F, rather than low 70F.) Still, it isn't raining -- which is something! Quite a few clouds about, so I won't be shocked if we get wet sometime in the next 24 hours.

Had a nice lunch the other day in a Norwich standard -- Adlard's was the first Michelin starred restaurant in Norwich. Wasn't terribly expensive, but not overwhelmingly good either. It would have been easy for expectations to be disappointed. I suppose, as often happens, the company saved the meal.

Will be nice to see tomorrow come. A very long week (began last Sunday). The Miami trip launches next Saturday.... come on Saturday!

Weekend Hello from Norwich

2007-06-15T02:35:00.000-07:00

TGIF! Quite happy to see the weekend come -- even if it will be short.

The UK has turned damp and will remain damp for some time to come. Sunday, the office will travel to Buckinghamshire, which I am told is somewhere "over there" on the island (it is a rather large island) -- where I am confident, it will be damp. The prospect of spending three days with a bunch of twittering consultants does not have me looking forward to the opportunity. Get it over with - make the boss happy, etc. ARG!!

Anyway, I scheduled a return trip to Amsterdam for late July and a Paris trip for early August and then back to Amsterdam for the summer banking holiday in late August. With the trip to Miami, I should be well travelled and happy. I think I will try Dublin in September (I am told they speak English there, which, if true, will be a relief).

Several articles in the press dealing with the real estate situation in the US and particularly in Miami. Lots of sad stories. Lots of stupid stories. Still a bit early, but likely to be some bargains, particularly for condos. Patience seems to be the key word.

At last Shrub seems to be unwinding. Had to happen and as is the nature of such things it seems to happen in spurts. Poll numbers in the twenties are not good. His riling up a number of Europeans on his trip to this neighborhood also seems ill advised. For a boss who cannot take bad news, it could be hard times. Just the law of averages seems that some good news has to be around the corner....

Quiet day in advance of being out of the office. Rather boring, but I suppose I should carry on. Alexis is keeping SoBe perking along, so I should do my duty here.

Amsterdam

2007-06-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

As always, Amsterdam is a mixed bag. It is so wonderful to see old friends, have a beer and a laugh, lust a little, etc. Then there are all the frustrations of the place -- far, far more annoying than in New York or Norwich (for that matter). Anyway, a nice weekend only interrupted by the rain.

On the annoying side, service certainly has not improved. Traffic is as bad as I have seen it anywhere. And, yes, anything that goes wrong is still my fault (I just accept this.)

Patrick, our slightly cynical philosopher, was in excellant form and a great companion. His observations tend to be quite erudite, more than biting, and often slanted with an Irish wit. I really enjoy his company. Unfortunately, coaxing him onto an airplane has never been within my capacities.

A couple of nice meals, although I felt Saturday's was superior, mostly for the service. Duck confit is a favorite, so not a hard pick over a filet that was stringy and whose sauce arrived late.

Sunday I popped around to a number of former haunts and found all to be perking along. Watched the Men's Final (Paris) Sunday at Amstel Taverne. The Taverne is across from the river, so lots of scenery. Very pleasant.

Monday morning was rather frustrating. Flights were messed up and I ended up being bounced. Got 350 euro out of a 2 hour wait, so really don't have a lot to complain about. Still, I was late to work, a bit cranky, etc. Not the way I would like to start a week.

Next weekend I am off for a several day workshop that the Boss has set up somewhere in the wilds of England. Not what I want to do on a weekend, but... one does one's duty.

Going back to Amsterdam at the end of July -- didn't run into a 7-foot Pink Drag Queen last time... Actually didn't do a lot of things that were on the list. Gotta finish the list!

I believe by now that the world is vividly aware that Ditmar has returned to the Palace. So, all will be right with the world when I return to Miami. Starting to pace.....

Pink Drag Queens and Other Tales

2007-06-05T00:03:00.000-07:00

Alexis' blog has been on a Polish bent for a couple of days, including recollections of a visit by a group of Poles, one of whom left while promising a tale of the 7 foot Pink Drag Queen of Warsaw. What fun.

I had a Dietrich moment years ago, but never a Pink Drag Queen moment. Ah well, I still have a few years... Alexis' story set me musing about a variety of bizarre circumstances that I have been thrown into over the decades. I don't think I have enough material to write a decent pot boiler biography, but there is still hope.

Off to Amsterdam Friday for the weekend. Patrick has alerted the brewery and a reserve stock of Heinekin has been laid in. If there is a place on this earth to meet a 7 foot Pink Drag Queen, Amsterdam is surely it. Gotta gather some more material

Weekend Hello from Norwich

2007-05-25T01:35:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh – TGIF! A rough week, good it see its back. Looking forward to a long weekend and, the inevitable, short week coming up.

Rather nice weather this week. Spring-like stuff. Highs in the low 70sF. Much better than what we were having and will have this weekend. Predicted Monday high in the 40sF. I got the chilli out of the freezer! My cold is history. Hopefully, it will be the last of the winter health events. Although the weekend weather is likely to cause another round of sniffles, which I will endeavour to avoid.

The Boss was up for a couple of days. Several very difficult discussions. I think progress was made, but in these things, progress is measured in inches.

Construction around my apartment seems to be transitioning into a new phase. They have opened a nice courtyard in front of the unit and the building across the way looks to be complete. A large building on the left side is still far from complete.

Norwich is pretty quiet. Given the weather forecast, I will order in groceries and keep a low profile through our bank holiday, Monday.

Everyone in South Beach is bracing for “Urban Beach Week” (whatever that means – to us it is “Hip Hop Week”). Once again, 300,000 “urban youth” are expected to descend on our 24 linear blocks of beach. Randie Hofer wrote a very timely open letter, although I doubt the audience it would benefit read such things. Alexis is determined to keep the Palace open, but I warned him to have an armoured get away car idling in the alley. In other news Marko has left SoBe for NYC. Looking for a bartending job. I wish him the best and predict a short search.

Just a few notes made their way across the pond. Everyone seems to be in fine form heading into the start of summer (however, if the British call this summer….it was 72F yesterday and the natives were carping about the “heat” – HEAT??, yes, they are mad)

I suspect I have rambled on quite long enough. Enjoy your holiday weekend! I will crank up the furnace and try to avoid shivering. My best wishes to all.

Weekend Hello from Norwich

2007-05-18T04:10:00.000-07:00

TGIF! A very demanding week -- I fear, no mercy for the wicked. The prospect of a quiet weekend is most welcome.

I am almost over a head cold that first appeared last Saturday afternoon. A few quite miserable nights. Will be a memory soon, although never soon enough.

Called in at King's Pub this week. Applied a nightly rum and cola to the cold -- worked wonders. Luke and Emily are a young couple that alternate shifts in the pub. Nice kids. Anyway, they'll likely take my advice and vacation on South Beach in July. Given Med prices (!!) (goodness!!!) SoBe is a major bargain, even after the airfares.

Rewatched an old favorite, "Gods and Monsters" last night. Alexis has a blog entry mentioning a monster movie fest in SoBe. So, I thought the last days of the Director of the Frankenstein movie was appropriate. I am not fond of flicks that explore the decline and loneliness of famous men with certain specific eccentricities, but this is an above average flick. Pull the shades, get a bowl of popcorn, and bring a hankie (or two).

TRYING to get a vacation scheduled. Such a lot of bother. For someone who is not terribly busy or important, I cannot figure out why it is so difficult. Did buy a ticket to Amsterdam, but was immediately told that I was required that weekend at a seminar in some stately home in Buckinghamshire (I kid you not -- there really is such a place!) National holiday (referred to as a "banking holiday" in the UK) a week from Monday. I will go down to London and try to stay out of trouble. (or maybe not)

Speaking of May 28, that is Memorial Day in South Beach. I have opened the South Beach Refugee Center and Dance Hall as usual for any fleeing residents. Hip Hop Weekend is almost universally dreaded on the Beach.

Seems that Mr Gonzales is going to outlive Mr Wolfowitz -- strange, but DC is a strange place. Mr Blair has, finally, announced his departure. Unclear how history will treat him. Unfairly, I suspect. Iraq clouds everything. Mr. Sarkozy has, of course, assumed the helm of the French ship of state. Seems to be full steam ahead, in circles. He is inheriting a mess. Certainly no jealousy on my part.

I have been monitoring the Miami real estate market via the Majestic Properties website. It may be my imagination, but it looks to me like some pretty serious repricing going on. Maybe I can afford to buy something if it continues. Hmmmmmm

Speaking of buying, bought a major mineral rarity this week - a stunning sperrylite. Unfortuately it will go directly into a safety deposit box. These days, that is where stunning mineral rarities go... (sad to say).

With that thought, I will return to productive efforts. Have a spectactular weekend! I hope to be back next week....

It's been awhile...

2007-05-16T03:13:00.000-07:00

Have had trouble logging on recently. It worked today, so....

Having some trouble over the Reverend Falwell's demise. Part of me wants to dance, but then again I know that would be wrong. (of, what the heck!) Hate mongers are a dime a dozen, but this one was personal to me -- I was raised a Southern Baptist and never for a moment agreed with anything that spewed out of his mouth! Well, he has gone on to own his great reward -- let's hope he was surprised at the reward.

We are experiencing an extended cool spell. About the same temps we had in the winter and the mandatory drizzle tends to make for miserable days. I tend to stick close to home (or work). I fear the weather will repeat last year - in which case MUCH warmer temps are in the offing.

Trying to figure out what I am suffering through. Either a head cold or an allergy. As I am running a low grade fever, I am hoping it is a cold (will be over sooner than an allergy...)

Planning a trip to Miami to warm up. 3 weeks beginning mid-June. Will stop in Amsterdam on the way over -- direct flights from Norwich International (I STILL get a giggle out of that name) to Schipol. A couple of days of good Dutch beer and Patrick's company sounds like just the solution for a long flight. Also a chance to stock up on cheese for Alexis, chocolate for Dietmar, etc. Hope to stay in my favorite hotel -- Bank's Mansion, a very civilized place.

Visited London since I last blogged. Great time. Surprised me a bit. Will go back down next weekend (depending on rail and all the usual nonsense).

OOPS- Time for lunch. Have fun! More later.

Tuesday in Norwich

2007-04-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

Alexis was a bit distressed when I referred to him as "old man" -- as I am older then he, I suppose I am not the one to talk! And as we are only as old as we feel -- he is one of the younger characters in my life.

Another dry day in Norwich, although the cloud cover is rather thick. It has been dry since I have been back. I suspect the local authorities will declare a draught in due course, which will turn all of the British gardeners into criminals.

I believe (hope) that the jet lag is in full retreat. Still waking up at 0500, but that is probably because I am falling asleep about 2100... (my British life is pretty boring)

The Zurich trip has been cancelled due to a series of meetings next week. Not at all happy about it as my vacation was on the calendar far earlier than any of the meetings. Plus I have yet to attend any meeting where anything important is decided. So, more blah, blah. At least in London I will not be far from a good beer -- which I am likely to want.

I have achieved everything on the calendar for today -- so, I have a chance to work on a couple of pet projects.... Have a good week.

Such a beautiful day

2007-04-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Although the entrail readers keep issuing dire warnings of cold, fire from the sky, snow, wind, locusts, frogs, etc., etc. we are experiencing another very nice day. Yesterday's trip down to London was uneventful -- the trains ran more or less on time, and the countryside was beautiful. When England blooms, it BLOOMS. Called in at the Surrey when I got back for an early dinner and reacquainted my tastebuds with draft Kronenbourg (love at first taste).

Broke a tooth today on a Snickers bar -- if you can't trust American candy bars... A chance to experience yet another essential part of British society, the Dentist.

Yesterday was Alexis' birthday. Scottie arranged a surprise party (YES!, I missed yet another SoBe social event of the decade) and seems to have caught the old man unawares. hehe

I got stuck with tons of office crap to work through while everyone else is partying in Prague (or so I will claim!). Have been busy today doing things that I would not usually volunteer to do -- not that volunteering had anything to do with it. Anyway, it has all been dealt with (hopefully!!) and I can go back to concentrating on recovering from jet lag.

Back in Norwich

2007-04-16T03:29:00.001-07:00

Back from Miami. Quite beautiful weather to welcome me back to Norwich – which after New York was quite nice.

The trip began well. Business class on SilverJet really is recommended. Good food, attentive service, etc. The trip was over before I noticed it had began. Overnight in New York also went well. Fun trip down to Splash, etc. Rather an indulgence, but what isn’t these days?

Everyone in Miami were in good form. Ran into most of those on the list. The first week, the city was overrun with a rather dreadful bunch of mid-western tourists. ARG! But was back in form for the second week.

Interesting that Happy Hour has clearly split between the Palace and Splash. Splash has some serious issues, not clear to me that it has staying power. However, with Ditmar running the show… The Palace has its own set of issues. Very clear to me that is has gone from a gay bar with a few straight bartenders into another realm – exactly what and where that realm is has me a bit confused. I kept having a niggling feeling that what I found special about SoBe was dying, but I was probably just having a bit of indigestion from Smith & Wollensky.

Patrick was in town from Zurich when I arrived. He was full of adventure stories from South America and, while a bit down due to a Peruvian stomach ailment, he was in good form. Very nice to see him.

The days streamed by and were over sooner than anticipated. As always, I had a very good time. This was more due to seeing friends than the old standbys, but doesn’t matter, a very good time.

Getting back here was somewhat more problematic. 5 hour delay getting up to New York. First a broken airplane necessitated a change of plane and then the weather turned against us. However, made it in time to call in on Michael at Splash. Visiting Michael is always a Michelin 3-star event (worth a special journey). Stayed at the Metro Hotel, which was Ok, but really nothing special. The return flight to London was also delayed (1.5 hours), but it was a very quick flight (6.5 hours).

I spent Saturday and most of yesterday in recovery mode. I will spend the Summer Bank Holiday in SoBe (21 – 29 July).

As things stand, I am looking forward to my next journey – Zurich for a birthday bash in early May. Will be quite special to see my Swiss friends and terrorize Cranberry at the same time.

Came back to a very quiet office. A conference in Praque has most of my colleagues on the road. The boss is in London, where I will be tomorrow, and so I am the Grand Fromage of the moment. (I never let my power go to my head!)

World events continue to bore. I did find the missing records incident to be amusing, but for all the wrong reasons… (shame on me) At least the financial markets provide food for thought.

With that happy thought, I am off. Everyone have a wonderful week!

SUN

2007-03-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

Three superb days, back-to-back, it doesn't get much better than this in late March this far north. Everyone is in a MUCH better mood than has been evident.

I have managed to dig quite a furrow with my pacing -- anticipation of SoBe. The nice weather makes the waiting bearable.

Norwich spring

2007-03-14T04:09:00.000-07:00

Spring seems to have arrived early in Norwich. Beautiful weather has brought out the flowers, which in garden-centric England ensures quite a display. Lots of bright colors after the drab of damp and dreary are most welcome.

Quite a lot going on, which ensures that the work days speed by. This is a good thing, as I rush home to cook up a storm -- the refrigerator is full to overflowing. After several months of eating bar and pub food, it is quite nice to eat like an American again. A fully stocked wine rack has also opened up some fun options.

Two and a half weeks until Miami -- I am pacing in anticipation. It will be so nice to return to 80F plus weather.

Buying clothes in Norwich has turned into an impossible ordeal, likely due to my inflexibility and English eccentricity. I plan on taking empty luggage to Miami and return with it full. I may also resort to shipping... (and I HATE to shop!!)

Working on my spring budget. Taxis are a major expense ($40 or so per day). Gotta work that out. I had a firm that was rock solid reliable, which kept me happy and discouraged pondering the issue. However, they have become quite unreliable, so I am no longer happy and trying to figure out how to keep them out of my pocket. Hmmmmm

Well, back to work for me. I hope it is spring-like wherever you are.

Forgiving family

2007-03-13T05:05:00.000-07:00

There is an old saying that you are born with your family, but you pick your friends.

In our lives, family sometimes would rather forget you, so your friends become your family. As with all families, we sometimes become unhappy with one or two members for what seems a perfectly sound reason, only to later regret the decision.

Decisions made in the heat of the moment, as well as things said in the same heat (particularly when alcohol is involved) must be foregivable. When your friends are your family, lose a family member and you have also lost a friend. I have friends & family all over the world, but I cannot afford that. Not many can.

Sad days, trying days

2007-03-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

Rumors are circulating that guillotines have appeared in front of the Palace in SoBe and that a gnarly old women is cackling as a rivulet of blood flows down Ocean Drive. Hopefully the rumors are malicious gossip originating from a desparate competitor...

Everyone not directly involved in events had best have on their happy faces and be readily buying cocktails for the victims. These are the times that try men's souls, also such are the times when one finds out who one's real friends are (and are not).

Either way, I find such drama to be inappropriate and deeply upsetting. I am hoping for a happy ending. (call me Pollyanna) Still, where can a man get a decent drink now!?!

Out of goals (again)

2007-03-05T04:39:00.000-08:00

I seem to have a recurring problem -- I keep running out of goals. It is either because I am brilliant at fulfilling my goals, or (more likely) I set simple, easy to achieve goals. Hmmmmm

My last set was to change my drink of choice to a healthier alternative (Cuba Libra to beer/red wine), get a good paying permanent job in Europe, and then some financial stuff that proper people don't discuss. Anyway, done, done, and done.

SO! What to do? What to do?

Miss Ann!

2007-03-05T04:35:00.000-08:00

Some time ago I had a bit of fun with things that I don't care about. Let me stress that I really, really do not care about any hate-filled bigoted throwbacks to less enlightened times -- Ann Coulter comes immediately to mind. It certainly is a shame that her Mother didn't teach her better, but, I stress, I don't care.

Norwich eccentricities

2007-02-28T05:58:00.001-08:00

The subject of adjusting to British eccentricities has come up again (and again). In turn around being fair play, the Brits see me as being very eccentric – and they’re not so sure that they approve. What am I doing in Norwich, for months at a time? And it seems like I may be here for months yet!! First of all, yes, I am eccentric but I am not about to go into that with a bunch of East Anglicans. I have found it very common for locals to be deeply suspicious of new comers, so really give it no thought. For example, after several months of drinking beer, I drank rum and coke last Friday night – my bartender was ready to summon the medics. It was all my fault because I had broken the established pattern(!)

Anyway, this is about British eccentricities. First of all there are the funny names – for food, for places, and for things. Knowing the name often gives little insight into the thing. Spotted Dick and Toad in a Hole being good examples…

Then there is the mystery shopping. I tried to buy a shirt the other day. In a good shop you need to know the collar size and the sleeve length when selecting a shirt. I was in a good shop, collar size was readily identifiable; however, sleeve lengths were nowhere to be found. I suppose everyone in the UK with a 16-1/2 inch neck has the same arm length… Short sleeved shirts were an alternative, but not for me. I asked a clerk and received a shrug for a reply. I suppose his wife buys his shirts for him.

I have lived in places before where the names of streets change without notice. That is very, very common here, although here a street can claim a new identity for a series of blocks only to revert to its old self further along. To confuse the Russians (or Napoleonic French), I suppose.

My apartment is a study in eccentricity – mood lighting in the bathroom makes shaving a death defying act, water that automatically shuts off without request or warning makes showering fun, etc., etc.

Norwich is certainly no more eccentric than Zurich and no less than Paris. Still, it will be nice to visit home and the eccentricities that I have come to accept.

Weekend Hello from Norwich

2007-02-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Weekend Hello from Norwich

Doing this a bit early as I have an Internet connection and I am bored. Snowy day. There is lots of heavy snow over much of the southern third of the country. Somehow we largely avoided the worst of it, although it continues to drift down. The English don’t handle snow well – think Atlanta or Washington. Therefore, I am “working from home” today.

I have discovered the catch in real estate rental in the UK. A “furnished” apartment basically requires a kitchen, a sofa, a bed, and (wisely enough) a commode with seat – I am not about to ask where that requirement came from. So, while I have possession of the keys, the apartment is not ready to be lived in – bother. Hence, I am back at the George Hotel, watching the snow drift down. I need to buy bedding and some odds and ends immediately, a TV and miscellaneous electronics, plus a living room suite and dining room table at some point. Aside from the furnished aspect of the apartment, I need to do something about all of the utilities, etc. Learning curves are fun…

Work continues to bump along. The gossips’ tongues are wagging, etc., so, I guess all is, in general, right with the world. At least, I am finding the work interesting.

Reports from South Beach indicate that Superbowl Weekend was totally over the top. The “Tiaras at the Palace” party hosted by Peter du Barry is already woven into SoBe legend. Alexis reported extensively on it via his blog. With the snow, I am certainly ready for Easter in SoBe.

The stock market is treating me right, particularly Cisco. (yeah!) It all feels right for a correction, although that could just be the after effect of the spaghetti Bolognese from dinner last evening.

Shrub continues to amuse, with his budget providing the latest belly laugh. Unfortunately, he may have the Dems over the barrel in doing anything meaningful about it. At least it will be a bit of a distraction from Iraq…

Several notes this weekend. Chuck reports that the weather is fine and hot in Palm Springs. A couple of surprise notes from old colleagues – all of whom seem to be doing well. Near daily updates from the Beach reporting no things too scandalous to make the blogs (fun stuff). A note from Steve that he is surviving the Iowa winter. Smoke signals from David that he is enjoying his Amazonian expedition. And indications that Jesse has had enough of the Long Island winter and is about to undertake a job hunting expedition to the wilds of Miami (and it goes without saying, the wilds are pretty wild).

Plotting my 55th birthday. Something rather grand with just enough sleaze for spice…. (more later)

Have a great weekend all. Stay warm!

Good things from mid-winter boredom

2007-02-04T01:50:00.000-08:00

Lots of planning going on. What else can one do when mid-winter boredom settles in? I am hip deep in maps, schedules, price lists and brochures. As an old fart, I need (and deserve) considerable vacation time. So, my planning is focused on get aways.

Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich, Alsace, and the south of France all demand a certain amount of attention. This is not to mention the new UK places -- Edinburgh, London, lots of country places, etc., etc.

Will there ever be enough time?

Reality isn't personal

2007-02-03T00:34:00.000-08:00

There is an interesting article in the IHT this morning that says "Las Vegas isn't fun when you know the odds." True enough, it was for me. Neither are Lottos. They say "you've got to play to win," they could as truthfully say, "we won't have your dollar if you don't play." There has to be a mathematical term for this: you've got to play to win, but you're not going to win.

An old friend of mine in the latter months of his life became very bitter because he did not win the Reader's Digest contest. I thought it was silly, but I also thought it very sad. A grown man should not care about such nonsense, let alone become genuinely bitter about it.

Long odds are long odds. Very unlikely to happen. The people who can afford the odds, tend not to play. So, the unfortunate truth is that people who really cannot afford to play, do. So, for the non-winners, nothing personal, just mathematics (and thanks for the dollar.)

There is an interesting version of this [legal scam] in the UK. The TV networks set up a "competition" during a movie or other long show. They ask a question. You answer the question by calling a toll phone number (and not the cheapest toll). Let's just say the questions are not particularly challenging... Anyway, a huge pool of "winners" is created from which a name is drawn and quite a nice "prize" is presented. Hmmmm. Millions of winners -- seems to be the person collecting the tolls isn't exactly a loser... To my mind, this is a true scam, because how can you be a winner -- when you don't win anything. Rather like Mom suggesting that the competition itself was reward enough, sorry Mom, I didn't buy that line when I was 4...

Actually, I am not free of superstition. I do believe that there is a germ of truth in the concept of karma. Bad things happen to good people, true enough, but also bad things happen to bad people. I try to stay in the positive karma area, not the bad. Just in case it isn't all mathematics...

Weekend Hello from Norwich

2007-02-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

OH, my, I have been a busy fella... New York was as wonderful as New York gets. Great lunch in a genuine meat market with Howard. Great burgundy and the expectable over the top chocolate dessert. Howard looks great and happy!

Good flights. BA has a coach+ class that I bought my way into. Not cheap, but I would say it was worth it. In real coach, I get off the plane feeling like crap -- in coach+ it was much, much better. No champagne, so I brought my own, the stewards were tolerant (I was smart enough to share).

Saw Michael at Twist Thursday and Friday evenings. Such fun. Such a great guy. Oh, New Yawk!

Stayed at a hotel in the mid-E. 30's. It was a superior room and it was terribly cold outside. So, if I am going to be cooped up in a hotel, why not there?? Very good. The Affinia Dumont.

Alexis has been doing his job, making me jealous. Superbowl Weekend in SoBe. EVERYONE is in town. Have fun boys!! Yes, I am jealous.

Have rented a 1BR apartment (flat) in central Norwich. Quite a pleasant place. Tiny garden in the back, concerned about my gardening responsibilities. A weed wacker is probably called for...

Work is progressing well. Some bumps (go figure), but nothing fatal.

Speaking of fatal -- I made it to 1 February!! I may be around for awhile! (seems good to me!) I will go and surprise my Doctor when in SoBe in April.

Called in at my local for beer and dinner this evening. Quite nice...

New York, New York

2007-01-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

Over the attitude -- New York does that to you. I like cities and it is a great city.

Stayed at a very nice hotel in the mid-East 30's, the Affinia Dumont. Affordable by Norwich standards, where flea bags run GBP100/night. Huge rooms, it is advertised as a "studio hotel", anyway, I recommend it. Even the room service was good.

Visited my ex-bartender, Michael, at Splash. Such a fun guy and a nice guy. I do wish I had more reasons to be in town when he is bartending...

Cold, cold, cold. That pretty much sums up the weather -- not snowy, just COLD. So much so that I stuck close to the heat and was not out sight seeing. Fun lunch with my friends Howard and Art at an upscale meat market, Del Frisco. Great beef, great wine - it was a good afternoon.

The flights were uneventful -- just the way I want them to be...

Strange as it probably seems, I am happy to be back in Norwich. This place is rather like a coccoon. Nice and warm.

Getting an attitude

2007-01-21T03:10:00.000-08:00

Well, it was going to happen sooner or later, I am either getting an attitude or becoming a cranky old man (maybe a bit of both). I am SO tired of know nothing people, people who (seemingly) whine for a living, people who are SO busy that they never actually complete anything, babbling people, people who cry all the time over trivial problems, people who agree to anything and do nothing, people who promise things they were not asked to promise and then don't deliver, and people who are plain dumb ass stupid for their living.

I know that some people are less bright than others, they are occassionally born without a sense of humor, or they're just drugged out. And I don't care. I can usually avoid those people. These days that seems to be the problem -- I can't. Damn.

The Political Rut

2007-01-21T00:18:00.000-08:00

The rut is when male deer are overwhelmed with their desire for female deer and they go mad. In this season, many, many deer are killed in road accidents.

We are in the season when politicians overwhelming desire for power drive them mad -- the Political Rut. Hopefully, we can keep them out of the roads.

Hillary Clinton interests me. Normally very savvy. She is the most polarizing individual in politics today. So, naturally, she is running for the Democratic nomination for President. She is formidable. She has Bill's political machine and Bill's money -- for that matter, she has Bill. Can she be nominated? Very likely. Can she be elected? Hmmmmmm (doubt it)

Obama also interest me. Great charisma. Great speaker. An intellect. So, naturally, he is running for the Democratic nomination for President. Lacks the machine. And, let's be frank, the man is black (is America ready for a black President?) Can he be nominated? One hopes so. Can he be elected? Again, one hopes so (but, doubt it)

There is also conventional wisdom. Only one Senator has been elected President in the history of the Republic. And that relied to some degree (blush) on the candidates father and a friendly Illinois political machine (ah-hem). (the dead were voting in Chicago that day)

There is also the electoral map. Neither party has a lock on enough states to take the election. Therefore, the swing states hold the decision. My feeling is that we need a Governor and preferably a Governor from the South or one of the Border States to take enough swing states to take the election. I suspect the rut isn't over.

Political correctness marches forward

2007-01-20T00:24:00.000-08:00

HRH Prince Charles has announced that he is cancelling his ski vacation to Switzerland in order to reduce his "carbon footprint". Ok, nice example made. Good one.

However, I am concerned that this is all a half thought out idea. What about those poor Swiss (giggles all around, now silence!) people and their need to entertain tourists -- at admittedly alarming prices? Will there be fewer flights? Fewer cars on the Swiss roads? Fewer fondue pots?

Some "environmentally friendly" things do make sense to me, eating locally grown produce instead of Kenyan green beans or Chilean raspberries makes sense. So does minimizing packaging, even if it means getting the odd bruised apple. I do walk alot, this is a conseqence of not driving, not virtue.

I do favor international travel -- maybe not for British royals, but for 99% of the population. I think it makes for a more understanding world and I mean, come on, the world can use as much understanding as it can get...

I am not particularly in favor of all the long distance movement of commercial goods, although I do not see an affordable alternative. Also, the more we can raise the general prosperity across the world, the less likely that events will be allowed to spin out of control in the future. (rich people are not suicide bombers -- or are they?)

I am very much in favor of getting our energy from non-petroleum sources (let's start capping some Middle Eastern oil wells) and getting much smarter about how we build and maintain things. Generally I find it amazing that we dig vast holes in the earth to get materials and then dig new vast holes to bury the same materials after we use them once. I am dubious about burying green house gases, as it is a gas, I really do suspect it will just percolate up over a long period of time. (etc.)

I think I do my bit to a point. I read newspapers and magazines online, instead of the print versions. I have asked the telephone companies to keep their huge yellow page books (even though they really want to give me one, as adverts pay for them). I have an energy saving refrigerator and air conditioner (that my landlord paid for). I take corporate shuttles to and from work and work in an environmentally friendly building. I drink tap beer, as opposed to bottled beer (ok, I'll quit -- this is getting a bit weird)...

Last word -- live your life and do your bit. Ski Switzerland!

Windy (again)

2007-01-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

It is shortly before 5:00 a.m. and the wind is screaming again... supposed to get worse tonight, some predictions are for 80 mph stuff.

Fire alarm last night at midnight. The ususal drill. Freeze on the sidewalk while the firemen search for the culprit. Everything is conspiring against a good night's sleep!

Gonna try to catch a hour's catnap....

Sunny Sunday

2007-01-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

After a prolonged spell of nasty weather, this morning broke windy but clear. I watched the BBC Sunday morning news shows, took a very luxurious bath, and escaped about noon for a nice long walk. Finished the walk over by a pub with the delightful nickname of "Murderers" (I suspect because they pump Murderer's Ale. I ducked in for a bit of lunch.

One of the nice things about the UK is that you can still get quite a lot of food brought back from "the Empire." Today was a very tasty Indian-style chicken curry. One of the unfortunate (to my tastes) things is that for much of the currays, satays, and even the Mexican foods, the teeth have been pulled and they tend to be quite bland. Today's curry was referred to as "medium", which in India is enough to send the tourists running for the water troughs, no such risk today. Still, it was quite satisfying.

Came back to the hotel to find the early sessions of a snooker tournie on this afternoon, and they are advertising the finals of a darts championship this evening. I will be happy.

Tales of drama from SoBe -- I suppose that I am lucky to be well located to be out of the field of fire. It is January, the beach is in the doldrums, why not a bit of drama to stir things back to life?

Lots of good rocks in Rob's auction this week (www.irocks.com). It will take an alarming amount of discipline not to spend a fortune. Ah, well, it is only a fortune...

Bangers and Mash, $20

2007-01-14T01:44:00.000-08:00

The costs in the UK continue to amaze me. I am sure this is partially the result of a 17% value added tax on almost everything, but still! Yesterday I was in a pub at lunch time (do not ask!!), so I had a pub lunch. Rather good sausages (bangers) and badly mashed potatoes (mash) and some "mature" green peas, for GBP 9.95 ($20). This was in addition to a pint of very good beer (GBP 3.10, $6). Actually, I had two ($12) beers, they really were quite good. So, a decidedly simple lunch in very simple surroundings and a very spartan tip took $36 out of the wallet.

I am looking at apartments. The original grand thought was to get a 3-bedroom apartment. A 3-bedroom apartment rents for about GBP 1,000/month. Then there is a mystery referred to as "Council Tax", which is I am informed is equivalent to dumping money into a landfill, and the usual utilities, etc. Bottom line, it will cost GBP 1,500 per month ($3,000). ARG! So, I am downsizing to a large-ish 1-bedroom for a bit more than $1,500/month (GBP 750).

Now the Government is talking about raising the cost of flying -- presumably putting it back to the days of only the wealthy flying and everyone else moving about on land transport. I was looking at flights from London to Miami over the Easter holiday (admittedly a high demand period), anyway, coach class flights were GBP 1,500 ($3,000). With a bit of ingenuity, I then looked at flights from Amsterdam, coach class flights were $600. (the difference in Business Class tickets was even more stark) PLUS flying out of London requires going down (presumably by train) the night before (hotel room) and taking a taxi out to whichever airport. That will add at least GBP500 to the total price of the trip ($1000). A person can fly out of Norwich International Airport (try not to be too impressed!) RT to Amsterdam for about $300, taxi and hotel within Amsterdam will add another $600 (so about the same price), but I get to drink beer with old friends and generally have a good time.... (some decision)

Getting used to British prices is taking a bit of getting used to, as a frugal Yankee, I doubt that I ever will.

Home delivery

2007-01-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

A friend in New York claims that you can live very well in Manhattan without ever leaving your apartment, because everything can be ordered and delivered. (I am not going to go too far down that road...)

Well, the same seems to be true in the sophisticated city of Norwich. Although the Internet, itself, seems suspect -- use of the Internet to simplify your life is greatly improving. I think I am going to like this place...

Weekend Hello from Norwich

2007-01-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

1. TGIF!

2. God, it is windy! and rainy! but not particularly cold (thank goodness!!)

The wind has been blasting for days. It has been sufficiently annoying that it is hard to sleep much of the time. It cannot keep this up for long... (he writes, hoping)

With all of the wind, I have not been doing much except work. Looked at some apartments last weekend, but did not find a fit. I am just going to have to downsize my want list (doesn't everyone demand a wine cellar?) Opening the bank account was the achievement of the week. Only the apartment remains, so...

Lots of SoBe pictures on Alexis' blog this week -- he's just torturing me. The Brits don't get why an American would leave SoBe to come over here. (I agree, it is damned odd) Besides, most of them grew up within an hour or two of Norwich, so, it probably is a bit of a stretch for them. Quite a parochial view -- the Swiss held much the same views. Actually, they do travel, but I suspect they don't really breathe until they get home again.

I have been enjoying British TV. Darts was the subject of the week. Interesting that a pub game can become such big money. The promoters have turned the tournies into a bit of a WWF (wrestling) event, quite amusing.

I have been planning some travel. South Beach for Easter (early April), Zurich & Alsace Mayday (early May), and Paris for the Spring Holiday (late May) -- after which, I will likely need a holiday from the holidays.

The Brits gave Shrub's Iraq speech heavy coverage. They describe him as "detached from reality", which I think is rather harsh but probably fair. Just how do we botch something up as badly as has been done in Iraq? I still do not think that the DC Boys actually realize that this is a mess of their making. I read, what I thought to be, an excellant analysis by an "old Arab hand" at some London think tank. His analysis was that the removal of Saddam allowed the old (real old) strife between Shia and Sunni to rekindle. He looked at Lebanon as another example (Hammas = Shia). If that is true, Iraq is just a stage for a much larger play and we will never get that genie back into the bottle because it isn't about power sharing -- it is about domination, and we don't play that game.

The Bank of England gave the local interest rates a hike (inflation being the issue). Seemed to surprise everyone and gave the pound a shot in the arm. It's all OK with me as I don't borrow money, and I am compensated in pounds.

A few notes. Hap is at sea (literally this time). Bob Brooks is visiting South Florida. Patrick is struggling through an Amsterdam winter. Maureen and Peter are (or will be shortly) visiting SoBe, etc., etc.

Well, it is 0420 and the wind has calmed down, so I am going to go back to bed and try to get a couple of hours of shut eye. You all have a fantastic weekend. I suspect it will be wet here, but I am re-growing webbed feet, so no big deal. Have fun!!

the royal "we"

2007-01-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

Did anyone else notice that during Shrub's Iraq speech, he substitututed the words "the American people" for a personal pronoun? Is this the 21st century version of the royal "we"?

Whatever, it didn't work. Lyndon Johnson's 1966/67 speeches keep ringing in my ears, same storyline, different set.

Things I don't care about

2007-01-07T22:34:00.000-08:00

In Britain the BBC has a fun show "Cranky Old Men" in which gentlemen of a certain age make milding caustic observations on a variety of subjects. And, Bob Shiefer, who I have always had a certain respect for, has a fun article out with the subject, "Things I don't care about." So, this has gotten me to thinking...

What don't I care about? - oh, Lord, there is so much... I don't care a whit about Britney Spears, K-Fed, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, et al, I don't even know why I know their names. I really, really don't care about Brad Pit or Leo DiCaprio (and all the other tabloid babies), I am sure they're nice enough fellows, but I've never met them and don't plan to.

I don't care about Nancy Pelosi -- don't be shocked -- because I do think that she will be a footnote to a footnote in the history of the Republic. (hopefully, this will change) I would not care about Shrub, except that he is President, and I find this sad.

I certainly do not care about the gory details of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. The poor lady is dead, let her rest. For that matter, I do not care about 99.99% of conspiracy theories, which I believe are the product of paranoid people and a bored press, both with too much time on their hands.

I totally do not care about the weird food coming out of some kitchens - leave chemistry to the chemists. Isn't this how we got all those poisonous fats that we are so fond of?

And, I absolutely do not care about the dreadful lives of incredibly overweight ladies, their equally huge "partners" and the bloated products of their "relationship" -- as exhibited daily on the string of TV "interview" and "reality" shows -- as in "Mum is preggers by my pimply-faced 14 year old boyfriend (whaaa!)". Give me Star Trek or CSI reruns (please).

And, as Bob observes, I am sure there are people who care about these things so I will leave them to them.

Courtesans

2007-01-07T04:37:00.000-08:00

I heard from an old acquaintance the other day, who asked for a rather large loan (email accounts never expire). I wasn't surprised and I did not extend him the loan, as I know that particular definition of the term "loan."

This set me to musing on the issue of people who make a living off of other people. Being of an "age", I have run across my fair share of these sorts -- sometimes to great amusement, other times to not such good memories. The profession has been referred to by a number of terms over the centuries, "courtesans" in the old royal and noble courts is the classiest term, "mistress" is confusing, "companion" is closer to the mark, and on the lowest end of the scale, "users". Alexis is fond of referring to the various retail creatures of the Palace as "courtesans" -- he and I both understand that this is to give them far too much credit.

My, likely former, acquaintance is atypical in that he is extraordinarily good at this trade (and believe me to be successful, it requires real skill). Poor Mr. Versace's murderer, A. Kunnanin (spelling is likely wrong) was of the sort, but not nearly as skillful. "Bob" is both exceptionally attractive and exceedingly social and he has made a very good living off a series of, mostly, mature ladies for over 30 years. Why he is looking for money is an interesting question, but not one for which I want or need an answer. Besides, there is a phase where it always seems to come down to the need for one last score -- and one more -- and one more...

I met "Bob" through a very wealthy mature socialite friend in New York over 20 years ago. Back then "Bob" was her walker, travel companion, and (I have always assumed) occassional lover. In her own words, "I keep him in cashmere, he keeps me happy." (I do adore adult relationships.) My friend passed on about 5 years later and I have run into "Bob" in Miami, Paris, and Amsterdam on the odd, and unexpected, day ever since. Running into "Bob" is always a delight, promising a fabulous afternoon or evening full of scandalous gossip, lots of laughs, likely inclusion in a very rare social event -- an exclusive opening, a sold out recital, etc., and a huge food and bar bill as other "friends" accumulated over the course of the day. In other words, "Bob" gave social value for money. Fair enough.

The really interesting aspect of even a casual relationship with a courtesan is that affection is often shared on both sides, although friendship (if there is one) is strictly one sided. Once you understand that one fine point, the relationship becomes adult.

Guys and gals like "Bob" typically settle into retirement with a wealthy partner and they grow old and happy together. Such a result can be considered to be "Bob's" final compromise.

I may hear from "Bob" again, although probably not. Once a mark says "no", they move on, there are so many others in the book... Still, if I run into him in London, the champagne will be on me (would it ever be any other way?)

Saturday!

2007-01-05T23:23:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast goes from bad to worse. ARG! Ah, well, I have me feet up and do believe that the weather can do its worst without endangering my mood.

Upon reflection last week was horrendous. Could get much worse, but I am confident that it won't. Still, need to get on the right side of the issues and manage effectively.

The BBC is reporting that the UK rat population is exploding. Shades of Washington, DC, when the ex-Mayor For Life (Mr. Barry) stopped the rat control treatment in certain parts of town where he did not get a majority vote (mostly the richer parts of town). In the UK, turns out that the "dear little old ladies" put out fruit piles for birds -- all you can eat rat buffets.... (are they really that silly? YES, have they ever heard of the Black Death? -- obviously not)

Well, I'm off, an English breakfast and some shopping. Hurrah, it's Saturday!!

TGIF

2007-01-04T23:52:00.000-08:00

What a week, thank God it's Friday! Dealing with 50 year old problem children just isn't my idea of fun. Unfortunately, you can't slap them and order them to just get over it. (damn!)

Trying very hard not to contract a case of mid-winter blues -- there are enough depressed people running around. Mid-month is a week away and January is always the longest month of the year, SO! We will be back in the sun soon enough.

Learning about the Brits is keeping me a bit amused. I am not thrilled that they are so incredibly self indulgent. From a personnel management standpoint that is, of course, rather easily exploited, although it does get to be a bit like herding cats. Lots and lots of whining and "what about me?" sorts of questions. Certainly, it is not how I remember the British that I have worked with in the past.

Still in the 50'sF, which means lots of clouds. Gray, rather wet, and windy - of course it could be gray, snowy and windy (as in the Alpine Fortress). I'll take what we've got.

Strange rumors from the other side of the pond. I'm taking it as post-holiday exhaustion, which will tend to take care of itself. Well time for round 4 with the kids... (wish me luck!)

Optimism

2007-01-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Oh, for God's sake -- the world is not ending, the progress of civilisation will continue, foie gras will continue to be available...

Yes, I am an aging reprobate, and aside from being quite proud of it, I must say that the Angels of Death need to get a clue. In the "Bubble Bursting" of 2001-2003 period I lost a significant forture, in the last 4 years I have made it all back and more (actually much more). Clouds pass through the sky and block the sun, but they move on. Get a grip!!

Today a long series of talking heads appeared on British TV, which I assume is happening all over the world. They preached regarding the "inevitable results" of the religous conflict issues, the economic issues, the general decline of the social contract, etc., etc., save my soul, etc. I think it is wonderful that over educated and socially inept individuals can make a living spouting nonsense on a national TV show.

That people can make that sort of money is because people often tend to be pessimistic. I am no Pollyanna, however, WHY? I get up in the morning and notice the sun is shining, the little birdies are singing, and people are busing getting into their daily routines. Yes, there are those that would seriously mess with my world, but the trick is not to let them.

Why we would allow a statistically insignificant number of nasty people to affect us is beyond me. I have no idea of the statistic probability of being struck dead by a lightening, but I suspect it is greater than being hurt (not killed) by a terrorist event. I know that both London and New York have been stuck by awful incidents, however, in cities with populations in the millions, the losses are not significant in the whole (I certainly acknowledge the individual pain incurred and I do deplore it). Still, I suggest the Angels of Death need to put out to pasture and the Angels of Light given their day.

We live in a wonderful day in a wonderful world. Get used to it.

Social rules

2007-01-01T00:21:00.000-08:00

I have no interest in assuming the mantle of Ms Manners, however an item on A.'s blog raised one of my pet peeves, "Fashion Fascists." An example is the widely misunderstood white pants rule. In SoBe, some inexperienced child of the great Midwest always seems to be on hand to point to someone in white pants around Thanksgiving. I should look up the actual reference, however, dear Ms Post did outlaw white pants after Labor Day EXCEPT IN THE SOUTH WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 80F. I suspect that is because light weight cotton pants would usually be white in the days when Ms Post was recording her thoughts. Of course when the child points out the error, he/she is making a worse error -- never point out a social gaff. Everyone in the know will know and if they don't, well.... So, pointing it out does not enhance your status, it actually diminishes it. Note: It is not out of bounds to look at an old friend with a raised eyebrow and whisper "Whatever was she thinking?", but always well out of earshot of the subject.

Another favorite pet peeve is how guests are treated. The Brits love to correct their guests, usually on some minor point. They seem to feel that doing so establishes Imperial superiority and keeps quests in their place. My Mother considers such a thing to be a serious breach of hospitality and would have skinned my sister and I alive if we corrected a guest. Guests cannot make an error -- at least not a minor one. Of course it is very possible for a guest to abuse hospitality, but that falls into an entirely different category of gaff.

And as long as I am getting this off my chest, the dinner party late rule. Unless pre-arranged if you are going to be more than 30 minutes late, call your host/hostess and beg foregiveness while explaining that your Father has died for the 4th time that year and you have been in a car accident while racing to the hospital and your ambulance is stuck in traffic on a causeway as you insisted your driver deliver you to the party... The notion that arriving an hour late somehow establishes what a busy and valuable guest you really are is just ego and crap. Oh by the way, you have still incurred a social debt and must settle it before you can expect another invitation from the same host. Everyone understands that things can come up and mistakes can be made, however, pay back is essential.

In summary:

Never point out a social gaff.
Never correct a guest.
Never show up at a dinner party more than 30 minutes late.

tired of restaurants

2006-12-30T02:41:00.000-08:00

I am truly tiring of restaurant food. Had a very nice fish meal at lunch yesterday in a first-rate place. The Brits do know how to cook fish -- simply and don't get messy with the saucing and presentation. Anyway some odd ingredient did not agree with me and I was soon in my bed being rather miserable. The things I didn't like about that -- aside from feeling like crap -- were, the meal cost $200 (for two) and I can easily prepare exactly the same meal for 20% of that cost (and end up with an apartment that smells like fish, and have a sink full of dirty dishes). Gotta find an apartment.

Having heard horror stories regarding British food, I have found most of them to be somewhat outrageous. The Brits do seem to like their food well cooked (mushy veg being a result) and relatively simple. However, I find the quality of ingredients to be very high and the excesses of the cooking can be easily corrected. So! I can live here happily as regards sustenance.

I am intending to solve the bank problem next week (my mission for the week.) This is more than an annoyance. It is a real problem. But that is for next week.

Survived an over stuffed Chrismas

2006-12-27T01:30:00.000-08:00

Glad to report that I have survived a Norwich Christmas and all of the cholestrol associated there with!

I didn’t have Internet connection over the weekend, so thanks all for the many lovely notes. Sorry that I could not respond in a timely manner.

It sounded like all were deep into revelry, and looked like it on Alexis’ blog. I am pretty much over the nostalgic aspects of the season and am deep into planning. Short week at work (obviously) and very quiet (again, obviously) so I will get the departmental plans drafted, which will keep the Boss at bay. He is currently in the States and most of the colleagues are taking an extended vacation. So!

Have moved hotels once again, back to The George. The staff at The Beeches were courteous but not friendly which seemed odd for an overgrown B&B. They were what the Brits refer to as "posh", which is less than a compliment. Also odd for Norwich, which seems to have more of a country atmosphere (friendlier) than a city atmosphere (more up tight). I won’t go back and really do not recommend it.

By the way, NEVER, EVER under any circumstances ask a Brit for directions. They CANNOT give directions. I am dyslexic, so giving complex oral direction is a waste of time anyway, but simple ones I do get. Example, the office PA said there was a nice pub “across the street from the hotel”, well only if you consider “across the street” to be down 6 blocks and across from the large church. Fortunately, I found quite a good map and just ask them to trace the route out – that works.

After the fog went to wherever fog goes, the weather has been cloudy but still mild. May be getting some rain later in the day – but this is England(!), so what should I expect? In the past, I have endured long stretches like this without visible ill effect and suspect I can do it again.

I visited the “market” Saturday. I grabbed some essentials: wine, cheese, fruit and bread. Nice market. Just about everything imaginable was readily available and reasonably priced (given where we are – the idea of “reasonable price” has significant regional variations).

I spoke with Patrick Monday. He was in good spirits having enjoyed the wonderful excesses of Paris to their fullest. We made a non-specific note in the calendar to meet up in the spring. A note from Craig that he is in Miami and that the weather’s windy but otherwise beautiful (damn!) A note from the Countess that she was tapping her noble foot in anticipation of visiting Peter in Newport for his annual Christmas feast (including a large roast beast).

The India trip is the big thing on the January calendar. Another visa is required(!), although I am promised that the travel people can arrange this one. Hope so. Given the flakiness of the rail system I am not looking forward to deep winter rail trips to London. I am still looking forward to seeing India again after 20-odd years. However, the last time I was there I brought amoebic dysentery home with me – something that I will go to some lengths not to repeat! The trip and related arrangements are things to worry about next week.

Gonna run for now. Happy New Year’s all and avoid the cheap “champagne” (and all other imitation goods!)

Foggy Norwich town

2006-12-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

I am building up a lot of respect for British fog. It has almost shut the nation down. Rail traffic is a mess and the airlines have cancelled all flights within the country and many outside of it. We are now into our third for fourth day of the stuff and it is forecast to last a couple more. Meanwhile it is quite chill, as a bath in 30 degree water is COLD, so is standing in fog at 30 degrees (F).

My Christmas plans have changed as a result of the railroads shutting down over Christmas and Boxing Day. I will experience my first Norwich Christmas -- SO looking forward to it!! Seriously, it should be fun and will give me several days to explore the town. I am moving hotels tomorrow as the George is full. Will stay at the Beeches, which looks to be a pleasant place and comes with a colleague's recommendation.

Several people have been arrested for the local crime spree -- the Ipswich Strangler. The British system allows people to be arrested without being charged and that is the phase that the police are in at the moment. Strange to an American, but...

Dinner with the Boss tonight. The Boss likes to eat well, so it will be a good bit of trenchering.

Hope to solve the apartment problem in the next 10 days. Found a good web site today, hope the information is up to date. Would be nice to be able to cook a meal... getting tired of eating other people's ideas of food.

Getting to be time to head out and prep for the feast. Everyone have a very merry Christmas (or whatever holiday you observe) and rememeber that you will have plenty of time in January to diet.

Guests coming Sunday Maud, put on the veg

2006-12-11T04:42:00.000-08:00

I have eaten several fine meals over the weekend, but consistently find British vegetables to be seriously overcooked. You know the kind, mushy and rather tasteless -- reminescent of how Mom used to cook them. No danger of e coli with them, but probably no danger of nutrition either. Anyway, except when I am preparing a cream soup, I like my veg to be mostly raw and kicking (rather like my lamb, beef, or duck breast...)

Alexis managed to blog from his deathbed to assert that he has been a victim of polonium poisoning due to his support for an obscure (but fun) claim filed by the descendent of a Hapsburg for a castle. I hope she gets the castle, and I hope Alexis survives the polonium -- or the flu... I almost offered the services of the Sand Castle's doctors, but remembered that they are much better at alchemy and entrail reading than actual medicine.

Speaking of, a group of us have an inside joke regarding assassins. Slipping on a step can become a sinister and macabre plot with almost no effort. Obviously the step was coated with goose fat by the "street person" observed lurking in the bushes the other day by the neighbor lady. Equally obviously, the "street person" was an assasin hired by a former dictator (or current dictator) seeking to prevent vital news from reaching the "right people" etc. etc. The whole idea is a bit silly for a bunch of middle aged reprobates, but it does kill the boredom of a quiet day at the beach. Plus assassins don't have to impersonate street people, they can also be beautiful courtesans who use their vile talents to lure unsuspecting victims into their lairs, where....

One of my favorite people on the planet is Brian, a REAL police officer living in the great Northeast. On his last visit to SoBe we all attended a wonderful Viennese lunch at Ditmar's, where Brian did a hilarious send up of Maureen, (The Countess Bedelia). It is my information that the Countess has gotten her revenge -- inquiring minds want to know, where is the evidence?

A (mostly) fabulous life

2006-12-09T04:14:00.000-08:00

As the year begins to wane, I become a bit nostalgic -- a definitive sign of achieving a "certain age".

2006 was a pretty good year, beginning with a beautiful starry night and dinner at the Palace and likely to end near the Opera in Paris. January and February in Paris and Nice, March through August in Zurich, a long "rest" in South Beach, and December back on the old sod (England).

And, it never fails to bemuse me how I meet people and friendships form. And not just people, fabulous people. This year I met Maureen, the Countess Bedelia, and Peter, the Countess du Berry as a result of my friendship with the ever fabulous Alexis. Also, the one and only Ian, an Argentine with a heart as big as the pampas.

Through Brian I met Bennet, everyone's favorite rising music star. As a consequence of extended Happy Hours I added Emiliano, a fabulous Argentine, Geraldine, an extremely fabulous (in so many ways) Columbian, Marco, an amazing Croat, and Gere, an eager Cuban.

Through my own devices I added a bunch of Swiss folk to the mix and am making the acquaintence of a gaggle of fun loving Brits. Then there were the boatload (literally) of French print models in Nice and the gang at Open Cafe in Paris.

As is so often true, some old friends left the stage. The Senator, Jim Brandon is such a brilliant, warm memory.

2007 promises to be as interesting, if not more interesting, than 2006. A new job. A new town. Norwich isn't London (thank God!) but London is 2 hours away (thank God!) I have a ton of things to get done and they will be done, in their own good time. In the mean time, there is wine to be drunk, songs to be sung, and friends to be hugged.... have a great year.

TGIF

2006-12-08T05:54:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! Long week, but it is over. Moving to a new hotel tonight. Hopefully will find an apartment tomorrow. Still lots to do...

London Tornado

2006-12-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

I am sure that my friends have heard about the London Tornado this morning. Awful thing. I expect a stream of "are you all right?" emails. OF COURSE I AM ALL RIGHT, I don't live in London!! (too many Americans think of the UK as being the greater City of London and someplace called Bath that may actually be on another island.) Not calling my friends stupid, just unaware...

Lots of confusion at lunch today. I was in Norwich picking up some paperwork, so stopped for a pub lunch. Ordered "scampi". Got a lesson in crustacean naming: in the UK, "shrimp" are the little Northsea shrimp (what we call salad shrimp), bigger shrimp are prawns, Dublin Bay Prawns are langoustines -- and inexplicably my "scampi" were deep friend langoustine tails. I have no idea what clawless lobsters (what we call langoustines) are called and was, frankly, a little scared to ask. I do know that clawed lobsters are called lobsters unless they're feeling French when they become Hommard. (ah, well, pass the melted butter and lemon)

Travel is always educational...

Jolly good time

2006-12-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

I have been minding my P's and Q's this week, or trying to. I am still in the late Victorian opulence of Sprowston Manor. Will switch over to the Regency opulence of the Anneston Hotel in town Friday afternoon. Had a really, really nice dinner this evening -- a ham pate, a giant dover sole, a nice glass of Reisling, and a cup of espresso (double). Hugely expensive, but that is par for the course!!

I am learning some of the English ways -- you generally have to ask for everything 4 times, it gets frustrating but eventually you get it. (4 times, WHY!!??) It seems to just be the way...

I am generally enjoying everything (except the rain). The Brits are stunned that we seem to be in an endless version of late autumn. After last year's endless Alpine winter -- be careful what you ask for. The BBC had a bit on the morning news that farms in Northumberland are still harvesting raspberries (!), now that does seem to validate the PM's global warming fears!!

Out last evening for beers with the office. Nice time, the English do know how to relax. An American tends to make them a bit nervous -- until the third round.

My stomach is full and I am feeling the jet lag, so the bed is calling. Have fun!

Snooker AND Rugby

2006-12-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today, the sports channels have shown a very fiesty series of rugby matches AND a 2 snooker semi-finals. If this is heaven, I can live with it...

The Old Sod and TGIF

2006-12-02T00:37:00.000-08:00

Rumors that I died a screaming death in a fireball over the Atlantic were spread by my enemies -- lies, lies, all lies. (I assume they were trying to get one of the Countesses to give up the combination to the jewel vault, so that the mourning jewels could be brought out... and the remainder carted away.)

Had an exhausting week in the office yesterday. SO, happy to have some recovery time.

The trip went as well as could be expected, I was napping at my hotel in Norwich by 4 p.m. Totally uneventful flight, just as I like 'em. The hotel is all I would expect in a fine UK hotel. Good tap beers, eccentric plumbing, and unreliable Internet access. Everyone is flawlessly friendly and correct, as it should be.

In the UK, nearly every sentence has a "please" or a "thank you" in it, with "very kinds", "no, no trouble at all, sir", "would you be so good as to's", and "too kinds" thrown in for good measure. At UK prices, that is also as it should be! Norwich is roughly a third the price of London, and I still gasp when I see some of the bills.

Have found an acceptable British ale (don't ask me the name! It is the first one on the right, "Thank you very much, too kind.") Very often you can find Continental beers on tap here. The hotel has Stella Artois (Belgian), it isn't bad, but I prefer Kronenbourg (Alsatian), which they do not have. So, it is ale or an occassional Stella. The hotel's lounge is typical of an upper middle class Victorian villa, absolutely magificent plasterwork. I don't normally even notice such things, but here it cannot be ignored. A great space for a pint.

This morning is the usual grey of December with temps in the low 40's. It should get into the low 50's by sundown (4:30). Thursday it rained, yesterday it rained, today it will rain -- the locals tell me it has been an unusually dry autumn, I can tell.

I left South Beach in good order, Douglas is about to open the extension to the Palace. I was given a guided tour, nice enough space. Hope it works out. I do think they are going to have some initial access difficulties, but that can likely be worked out. Left the landlord with a check for January rent, emptied the refrigerator, got the garbage out, etc., etc.

Work looks promising. A couple of longish meetings yesterday with the Boss. Lots to read up on and lots to do. Unlikely that I will be bored... The people in the office seem like a good lot. They went through a very painful thinning out process, so these are the survivors. The trend of downsizing staff has hit the UK hard. Lots of bitterness. Hopefully, we can turn that around with a bit of time.

Have been looking at the calendar. Will be in London for Christmas and, maybe New Year's. Do not plan on a return to SoBe before late March. However, that is a bit variable on some travel that is tentatively planned to New York. I'll know more when I know more.

One thing the English do really, really well is breakfast. So, I am off for a bit of "breakie" (sorry!) Have a brilliant weekend! I hope to get over the jet lag this weekend and avoid snoring in the office next week.