Post Of The Month Club: March

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Come and follow me to the first Post Of The Month Club</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR9p_C-Fuy88g0bet_hGMOYIINRpEGPCdkkscw-OjELN4J0mkFwFUoybAF84oX07EXXqCI_eoCgB44sUH6UYmsyE_CBuPxan9uH4eV8KRMw0JQtJrlNqZAabLWcfj8135yOse-4_YEvs/s1600/4485303_dLll3Lx7_c+%25281%2529-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCR9p_C-Fuy88g0bet_hGMOYIINRpEGPCdkkscw-OjELN4J0mkFwFUoybAF84oX07EXXqCI_eoCgB44sUH6UYmsyE_CBuPxan9uH4eV8KRMw0JQtJrlNqZAabLWcfj8135yOse-4_YEvs/s400/4485303_dLll3Lx7_c+%25281%2529-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/4485303/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So exciting to have you here!<br /><br />I saved a spot for you<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyEU1JB5zg01juxs3DLSwLcFkyZ7w46IufLxLaZmlnKANEhfdYgo2UfXj2VocprdEIxVscUmp_tiUvYHJv6r_IA03aCwZEInUX8U8mo7Xv9x5VyVeMdR4ycoACB8em81ukbVSjrICIdw/s1600/2448062_j0POZBnS_c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyEU1JB5zg01juxs3DLSwLcFkyZ7w46IufLxLaZmlnKANEhfdYgo2UfXj2VocprdEIxVscUmp_tiUvYHJv6r_IA03aCwZEInUX8U8mo7Xv9x5VyVeMdR4ycoACB8em81ukbVSjrICIdw/s400/2448062_j0POZBnS_c-1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/2448062/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With a napping house and lemonade<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bloggers can link up their best post of the month<br />And see, you've already done the work<br /><br />Share the love by visiting a few other blogs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would you mind adding my button to your lovely sidebar so more can join the fun next month?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, we'll do this the last day of each month</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you need help linking your post, just let me know<br />The linking will be open through the weekend</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy April Blogging :)</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=82643" type="text/javascript"></script>

Post Of The Month Club: March

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKCome and follow me to the first Post Of The Month Club[image]So exciting to have you here!I saved a spot for you[image]With a napping house and lemonadeBloggers can link up their best post of the monthAnd see, you've already done the workShare the love by visiting a few o…

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I adore the new issue of Adore magazine!

One of the best things by far about this whole blogging caper is meeting lovely fellow bloggers. Judy from <a href="http://verandahhouse.blogspot.com/">Verandah House</a> and I met last year, and she's an absolute sweetheart. I was thrilled to see her, along with fellow blogger (and fellow sweetheart!) Sharnel from <a href="http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/">My Life-My Loves</a>, featured in the April/May issue of <a href="http://www.adoremagazine.com/#!read">Adore magazine</a>. And what's more, Judy was sweet enough to mention my '<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68324832/abstract-ikat-new-series">Abstract Ikat</a>' painting in her feature.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_gaaZ5Exqkgt5JKe4Y03jsqgeD8laVqknU6pfqzoi2gX5oetn-K-9Dmj1zMyhp41k2lUm0gs5mEZvI0nQA-OLb5zdxTGUkmax35R7C20t9NaG3K1EEVSmSj38EqOujIqICP1jzAvbFQ/s1600/adore+magazine+april+2011+page+46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_gaaZ5Exqkgt5JKe4Y03jsqgeD8laVqknU6pfqzoi2gX5oetn-K-9Dmj1zMyhp41k2lUm0gs5mEZvI0nQA-OLb5zdxTGUkmax35R7C20t9NaG3K1EEVSmSj38EqOujIqICP1jzAvbFQ/s1600/adore+magazine+april+2011+page+46.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">you can check out the latest Adore magazine <a href="http://www.adoremagazine.com/#!read">here</a> - it's fabulous as always</span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jmwi8TxpFa_D57p8z1L6VOQhDRm8xWzKz-aT-mXeix9oLVDL78zGGXkMAdGH2f-qlWyI0mP_hKSUUIIAYqkqE9I7dogFpWmVwkPrAuxUV05wOPpjLDXM1Dge0nownZ7vKVC6oD1WtM0/s1600/fuze+interior+portrait+3+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jmwi8TxpFa_D57p8z1L6VOQhDRm8xWzKz-aT-mXeix9oLVDL78zGGXkMAdGH2f-qlWyI0mP_hKSUUIIAYqkqE9I7dogFpWmVwkPrAuxUV05wOPpjLDXM1Dge0nownZ7vKVC6oD1WtM0/s1600/fuze+interior+portrait+3+watermark.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">'Abstract Ikat'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">watercolour on paper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">210mm x 297mm</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">for sale on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68324832/abstract-ikat-new-series">Etsy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>And did you notice the stunning chinoiserie chair as well? It's one of Judy's gorgeous designs for <a href="http://verandahhouse.com.au/">Verandah House</a>, and available exclusively at her daughter Jess's online store - <a href="http://jessielaurenblog.blogspot.com/">Jessie Lauren</a>. Definitely on my wish-list (along with every other piece in the range!).<br /><br />Thanks so much Judy.....lunch is definitely on me next time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

I adore the new issue of Adore magazine!

One of the best things by far about this whole blogging caper is meeting lovely fellow bloggers. Judy from Verandah House and I met last year, and she's an absolute sweetheart. I was thrilled to see her, along with fellow blogger (and fellow sweetheart!) Sharnel from My Life-My Loves, featured in th…

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Fab Confab: Birthday Suits

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to another week of Fab Confab - where we have a little chat about a topic on Wednesdays</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is my burning topic for the day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS4obQEImPkGCA4-G-1UUZnt_UU1eFMpXQotmUEtQiKmyT3JDVORgSgter8C-w1Y5ErROZZKK1R2JD0eUhTBx8-D7-xb0N3Mc24Obw7CF-CRvsmzAehHqEbT8diiSDmkuiyg7ffx8Rvw/s1600/4098172_szd0EQjE_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS4obQEImPkGCA4-G-1UUZnt_UU1eFMpXQotmUEtQiKmyT3JDVORgSgter8C-w1Y5ErROZZKK1R2JD0eUhTBx8-D7-xb0N3Mc24Obw7CF-CRvsmzAehHqEbT8diiSDmkuiyg7ffx8Rvw/s400/4098172_szd0EQjE_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/4098172/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a well-known fact that Europe has topless beaches, nude public steam rooms, artwork without a stitch of clothing, and magazines at my kids eye level with 'everything' on display</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My young children have never seen so much skin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think in the US, there are two extremes - prim & proper and 'not'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In Europe, we have seen everyday bodies in their birthday suits yet more of the 'inappropriate' as well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think about raising kids in either environment? I'd love to know your thoughts</div><div style="text-align: center;">{Rated G comments only, of course}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Fab Confab: Birthday Suits

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKWelcome to another week of Fab Confab - where we have a little chat about a topic on WednesdaysHere is my burning topic for the day[image]It is a well-known fact that Europe has topless beaches, nude public steam rooms, artwork without a stitch of clothing, and magazines …

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Mary Had A Little Lamb

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAbjuGNHwCvR4tmEN0GcgJN1zSlxN7X35W9otJSl2fWyuwq2rlLeYstmix0tDWZyOXeN8P4PmhKDCNGlRwEHBI0jm72rOv_zeRd562mLrDcqyTeUkwHzhQMK8OM9ho4F_wNP3oAo8fzg/s1600/DSC_0055-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAbjuGNHwCvR4tmEN0GcgJN1zSlxN7X35W9otJSl2fWyuwq2rlLeYstmix0tDWZyOXeN8P4PmhKDCNGlRwEHBI0jm72rOv_zeRd562mLrDcqyTeUkwHzhQMK8OM9ho4F_wNP3oAo8fzg/s640/DSC_0055-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">The next few weeks in England are informally known as the 'lambing season'</div><div style="text-align: center;">Little lambs dot many of the hillsides</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Yj1yfKrUz5Hxin8oohRkdVEqQqBG9kB2K0K1WLrIBFY-irY_13e85BN0E0QSO3OGSd43yPCWUeRlEfNxo4clP1OjNCWMyfDwgplghKoWqHYfyXT6f-fdqDjiyBSlG6SjFe6pngzVIzk/s1600/DSC_0092-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Yj1yfKrUz5Hxin8oohRkdVEqQqBG9kB2K0K1WLrIBFY-irY_13e85BN0E0QSO3OGSd43yPCWUeRlEfNxo4clP1OjNCWMyfDwgplghKoWqHYfyXT6f-fdqDjiyBSlG6SjFe6pngzVIzk/s640/DSC_0092-42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Aren't they adorable?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDWN9A2YJcwE6lmJzyI9uejpJDUrO_JKUKGyGgwCSqQOpRA2C05zmyMog3sJynIctn6eOvzK-Drhz-QxuqdPbxGsAatYaSYi5WO1Nfw_Hv1_9yAZ6wUKMKR3ymXH2KRP0_mSIXffmKI0/s1600/DSC_0023-321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDWN9A2YJcwE6lmJzyI9uejpJDUrO_JKUKGyGgwCSqQOpRA2C05zmyMog3sJynIctn6eOvzK-Drhz-QxuqdPbxGsAatYaSYi5WO1Nfw_Hv1_9yAZ6wUKMKR3ymXH2KRP0_mSIXffmKI0/s640/DSC_0023-321.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smile!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And who could resist a pig race?! 'Grease Lightning' won :)</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgVYsYdp0ORsbjpOqJqH8XQE28w_vG0PbtOuPxR5GoAdUItQVhh25yrGo2LTMv0bXoKZQLbY2wr3odttZ_0kOqkGbjA3nRy43oQkB3oJxRXVYOCpG7w4C7eUnxNGEVmf9pCiSDhHXghI/s1600/DSC_0118-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgVYsYdp0ORsbjpOqJqH8XQE28w_vG0PbtOuPxR5GoAdUItQVhh25yrGo2LTMv0bXoKZQLbY2wr3odttZ_0kOqkGbjA3nRy43oQkB3oJxRXVYOCpG7w4C7eUnxNGEVmf9pCiSDhHXghI/s640/DSC_0118-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ooh, how cute am I?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWAhzwh6PQk0Ey5ASHn4W0iraFIOGkvmnxVmhW7oi7h0yCvqgKcVRrjlaiLau03eYmqHRxcHPnREQsYyDlkojv-NUyYTX5khn6OmbhP-tRTGo2YE-1RTNyec6NyHgR2MqglKXQ68Ymbs/s1600/DSC_0041-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWAhzwh6PQk0Ey5ASHn4W0iraFIOGkvmnxVmhW7oi7h0yCvqgKcVRrjlaiLau03eYmqHRxcHPnREQsYyDlkojv-NUyYTX5khn6OmbhP-tRTGo2YE-1RTNyec6NyHgR2MqglKXQ68Ymbs/s640/DSC_0041-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My kids wish their names were Mary (for she had a little lamb, ya know)</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- all photos taken by me -<br /><br /> Come Back :) Thursday is 'Post Of The Month Club' Linky Party (details <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2011/03/post-of-month-club-linky-party.html">here</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKThe next few weeks in England are informally known as the 'lambing season'Little lambs dot many of the hillsidesAren't they adorable?!Smile!And who could resist a pig race?! 'Grease Lightning' won :)Ooh, how cute am I?My kids wish their names were Mary (for she had a litt…

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Chinoiserie in Ming....and more

It's been so nice to finally get back into the studio over the weekend, and I definitely made the most of it. I've got some new blue and white paintings on the go, and yesterday I finished the first of them. I was commissioned to paint an antique chinoiserie plate to add my my client's collection, and here it is:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhfU5RgJf78BGLHHRctRkoQYcqJ2BbmmFJithaQKVieFy1qolct2W7Z9GDHoZHllfwpN7PWr3U7SnXXRZLAleQYZKeZpkyrrQBYsV6FF3AHjX0l_LBrBjA2NfR2IpuSYjI25CypKNFU8/s1600/fuze+chinoiserie+in+minh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhfU5RgJf78BGLHHRctRkoQYcqJ2BbmmFJithaQKVieFy1qolct2W7Z9GDHoZHllfwpN7PWr3U7SnXXRZLAleQYZKeZpkyrrQBYsV6FF3AHjX0l_LBrBjA2NfR2IpuSYjI25CypKNFU8/s1600/fuze+chinoiserie+in+minh.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> 'Chinoiserie in Ming'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">watercolour and pencil on paper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">210mm x 297mm (8.3" x 11.7")</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">original sold, prints for sale now on <span id="goog_985564055"></span>Etsy<span id="goog_985564056"></span></span></div><br /><br />I've often been asked whether my Chinoiserie series would ever be available in other colourways. Another client of mine collects vintage china in red, as does my lovely mum (I'll share some pics soon of her huge collection) so it was logical that these followed:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1yejzajiuOLh5Xvvu4OtjoiACadJtqdHZei4q7Mc4Fz2TbKph7eg2CaaA4rUFTsTE-1Y2Ax5kgxWy9jZocTGA0SRFDk6vT-ny1V3Uvzu6HeLQwJCBSwHpb8swCMJGE_3-iNGrl0lBHg/s1600/fuze+chinoiserie+in+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1yejzajiuOLh5Xvvu4OtjoiACadJtqdHZei4q7Mc4Fz2TbKph7eg2CaaA4rUFTsTE-1Y2Ax5kgxWy9jZocTGA0SRFDk6vT-ny1V3Uvzu6HeLQwJCBSwHpb8swCMJGE_3-iNGrl0lBHg/s1600/fuze+chinoiserie+in+pink.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">  'Chinoiserie in Pink'</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">watercolour and pencil on paper</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">210mm x 297mm (8.3" x 11.7")</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> prints for sale now on Etsy</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijn65LyC7xuS85NjlCiwctfIDNGkibBejinFCZJwkfaNx2kC7WPqm4FIoEw-TbtUXPq5aA_nN0_Pmw27KOsT82xmToNFYiX5r2ff3GPYIwiFQ3t4k6hYQ3MAxG7bUfI6xKfYfAr_sjgU/s1600/fuze+chinoiserie+in+ruby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijn65LyC7xuS85NjlCiwctfIDNGkibBejinFCZJwkfaNx2kC7WPqm4FIoEw-TbtUXPq5aA_nN0_Pmw27KOsT82xmToNFYiX5r2ff3GPYIwiFQ3t4k6hYQ3MAxG7bUfI6xKfYfAr_sjgU/s1600/fuze+chinoiserie+in+ruby.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> 'Chinoiserie in Ruby'</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">watercolour and pencil on paper</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">210mm x 297mm (8.3" x 11.7")</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">prints for sale now on Etsy</span></div><br /><br /><br />And that's not all.....check out my <a href="http://driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> over the coming days for lots more new goodies, in all sorts of glorious colours. If you 'like' my <a href="http://facebook.com/originalartbykerrishipp">Facebook page</a>, or follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/driftinteriors">Twitter</a>, you'll be the first to know whenever a new painting is added. So pop on over, I'd love to see you there!<br /><br />And before I forget. I will make sure I reply personally to each and every one of you that commented and messaged me recently. I've read and appreciated every one, so thank you and I'll make sure I reply over the coming week. Another twenty or so hours in each day would be rather handy right now!<br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />

Chinoiserie in Ming....and more

It's been so nice to finally get back into the studio over the weekend, and I definitely made the most of it. I've got some new blue and white paintings on the go, and yesterday I finished the first of them. I was commissioned to paint an antique chinoiserie plate to add my my client's collection, a…

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'Post Of The Month Club' Linky Party

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Join me at the end of each and every month for 'Post of the Month Club'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS6Q-4rPUjDzrdmV5sLsgPY0XFR6TAG0eqeFuOz1FGH47uJKTUS1YdcfdKVv_fT_i-hIu8sptPc-57s0X5yOIHoos7d3Y3gZpD_15s2ihlLzzuWvvf52SVRR26xfQf9tgyFgJMQJwXmg/s1600/Happy+Homemaker+20111-39a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS6Q-4rPUjDzrdmV5sLsgPY0XFR6TAG0eqeFuOz1FGH47uJKTUS1YdcfdKVv_fT_i-hIu8sptPc-57s0X5yOIHoos7d3Y3gZpD_15s2ihlLzzuWvvf52SVRR26xfQf9tgyFgJMQJwXmg/s320/Happy+Homemaker+20111-39a.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bloggers will be able to link up their favorite post of the month</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a great way to meet other bloggers and showcase your best work :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sound like fun?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can add my button to your column too - just cut and paste the HTML code into your sidebar</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This will help get the word out - because it is more fun when there are more at the party :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Readers without blogs - I think you're in for a treat :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wishing you a wonderful week wherever you are!</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

'Post Of The Month Club' Linky Party

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKJoin me at the end of each and every month for 'Post of the Month Club'Bloggers will be able to link up their favorite post of the monthIt is a great way to meet other bloggers and showcase your best work :) Sound like fun?I can't wait! You can add my button to your colum…

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Tangerine dream

Hi there everyone, long time no see. That's because I've been working my little fingers to the bone on some brand-spankin' new prints to add to my <a href="http://driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>. The new kids on the block are these tangerine 'Sea Plant' prints, in a bright, bold and beautiful orange.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiFyze-zFpJcu01ELGfCnxmJqlqqclSir-DO-Afg6qdNaQTEhYYIbnh9c3LcoOUHEX5RBE8OALLOS8MyxZFSltM1-5QwW7Kyvm_W1g1l8VTMxI0s1d4N-X7Lthif5FV_m0-otSo3WL64/s1600/fuze+seaweed+tangerine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiFyze-zFpJcu01ELGfCnxmJqlqqclSir-DO-Afg6qdNaQTEhYYIbnh9c3LcoOUHEX5RBE8OALLOS8MyxZFSltM1-5QwW7Kyvm_W1g1l8VTMxI0s1d4N-X7Lthif5FV_m0-otSo3WL64/s1600/fuze+seaweed+tangerine.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Seaweed in Tangerine' for sale on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70875936/seaweed-in-tangerine-new-colour">Etsy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXFGqpitJYwB6XUBN41SNsgR-jdBg8eBWVXMuHxFfMOaa1YoUrrOzo8oj9ZQLZvHgutlV16rf2NHwngHkXHg-IWTEzu4yq5OkEu8Ela6ZA-Vbmz-VG-0HOt1I-ZdICFtLGMFWedjYu5g/s1600/fuze+sea+fan+II+tangerine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXFGqpitJYwB6XUBN41SNsgR-jdBg8eBWVXMuHxFfMOaa1YoUrrOzo8oj9ZQLZvHgutlV16rf2NHwngHkXHg-IWTEzu4yq5OkEu8Ela6ZA-Vbmz-VG-0HOt1I-ZdICFtLGMFWedjYu5g/s1600/fuze+sea+fan+II+tangerine.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Sea Fan II in Tangerine' for sale on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70876515/sea-fan-ii-in-tangerine-new-colour">Etsy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcbkRp42yFOTLnZiY2xdAZdq-KYsIb7tn25nOkUXQauDMqRREEhUM62gQeovQcamrNxg_VhkT5bToEip8Ge0TghLeBZEq1KP4wXXxUZIQ36spR9eHuqDIbxR8rV6jySPC29FtQxloqgk/s1600/fuze+sea+coral+tangerine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcbkRp42yFOTLnZiY2xdAZdq-KYsIb7tn25nOkUXQauDMqRREEhUM62gQeovQcamrNxg_VhkT5bToEip8Ge0TghLeBZEq1KP4wXXxUZIQ36spR9eHuqDIbxR8rV6jySPC29FtQxloqgk/s1600/fuze+sea+coral+tangerine.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 'Sea Coral in Tangerine' for sale on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70872605/sea-coral-in-tangerine-new-colour">Etsy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8fj80ycs5qBPcLVkyLf0V9VJ4msbXlO3XpJFHAY7LO8P8Sm_g4iT7YyE-iyLL3l4HQ2TnUT6fq06apr-dHBJyYenVV0gdnIyB2O5JNSaHWMu7cnXCmiuubLJS0Y4DdZfgkSj6aLQ6AA/s1600/fuze+sea+fan+tangerine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8fj80ycs5qBPcLVkyLf0V9VJ4msbXlO3XpJFHAY7LO8P8Sm_g4iT7YyE-iyLL3l4HQ2TnUT6fq06apr-dHBJyYenVV0gdnIyB2O5JNSaHWMu7cnXCmiuubLJS0Y4DdZfgkSj6aLQ6AA/s1600/fuze+sea+fan+tangerine.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Sea Fan in Tangerine' for sale on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70876868/sea-fan-in-tangerine-new-colour">Etsy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'll be back in the saddle again this week, and tomorrow I'll show you what else I've been working on. Hope you're having a great weekend, and catch you all soon.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>

Tangerine dream

Hi there everyone, long time no see. That's because I've been working my little fingers to the bone on some brand-spankin' new prints to add to my Etsy shop. The new kids on the block are these tangerine 'Sea Plant' prints, in a bright, bold and beautiful orange.'Seaweed in Tangerine' for sale on Et…

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Happy Dance

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for all the well-wishes and for following for what feels like a never ending tale of getting my UK Driver's License. What great troupers you are! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For a quick recap, it is a three step process which takes at least 6 months to complete. International drivers have one year from arrival date to complete the steps successfully to be 'legal'. Only 44% of applicants pass each year (I've also heard 33%). Let's just call them the lottery winners. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMErQrsLLeDXaOdB8umzQmOyB6hrdCfSx-unBct4o2DcbnlW5we1qgJoqHtIaN60Hswytqfb7HFV7qtiuHM8H_DtHXPD79tqHxRzCl68wwQ_rN691axnH3cYr4jaONksciArDc7Nm7bno/s1600/1467763_sfzDeLM7_c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMErQrsLLeDXaOdB8umzQmOyB6hrdCfSx-unBct4o2DcbnlW5we1qgJoqHtIaN60Hswytqfb7HFV7qtiuHM8H_DtHXPD79tqHxRzCl68wwQ_rN691axnH3cYr4jaONksciArDc7Nm7bno/s400/1467763_sfzDeLM7_c-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/7540773/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Without a UK Driver's License after the year is up, they will impound your car in the rain at night leaving you and your kids in their pjs on the side of the road - possibly miles (or kilometers) away from home - if pulled over by the police. That visualization was all I needed to get the ball rolling. Big, heavy, spiky ball.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday I took the last step of driving with Mr Tester Man. Waiting to meet him, I did a big sigh of relief when I saw he looked like a kind, grandfatherly-type (who surely doesn't fail those who try really, really hard). Scratched record sound in the background, I was then horrified when he opened his mouth in the thickest Scottish accent ever. Ever. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even my accompanying driving instructor thought 'Uh oh' - he told me later. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfNfHoYJ36PpWMcWDFafgQuvqQ-U8cluV_OBpNH0IMgSmMfHjmA52qiM6XlIwl_dGDXoGeoZGNt4-p-w51eEUSkcA90bw7cwtsYmy9pUTEZ238VSWMUGFVnISGql8fLzDyamUZSz-8fs/s1600/6525669_IKYZFNp5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfNfHoYJ36PpWMcWDFafgQuvqQ-U8cluV_OBpNH0IMgSmMfHjmA52qiM6XlIwl_dGDXoGeoZGNt4-p-w51eEUSkcA90bw7cwtsYmy9pUTEZ238VSWMUGFVnISGql8fLzDyamUZSz-8fs/s400/6525669_IKYZFNp5_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6525669/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ironically during my driving lessons, I had mentioned every single potential catastrophe to my instructor that I could imagine. He had assured me I would be able to understand my Mr Tester Man (and a flock of pelicans were very unlikely to fly into my car during my test). His mantra was, 'Don't worry, Laura. Don't panic. You'll do fine'. But you know what he was really thinking.... (psycho)...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0tDADfl3NuBuiQemiAtdMIp_VcBaqueVKrAkj8y4yJcQDX89dirLD1Z4qRg5YnJRRNW-e664MGa11j8W-nQ3nVaG97PsUik_gRNUBC0UdV6Q2JeixGHYNujEFbxsIcxOjTEvA_H8Qzc/s1600/530811_o7K0RTvE_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0tDADfl3NuBuiQemiAtdMIp_VcBaqueVKrAkj8y4yJcQDX89dirLD1Z4qRg5YnJRRNW-e664MGa11j8W-nQ3nVaG97PsUik_gRNUBC0UdV6Q2JeixGHYNujEFbxsIcxOjTEvA_H8Qzc/s400/530811_o7K0RTvE_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers growing in the road<br />[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/530811/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back to the test - with Mr (Scottish) Tester Man repeating everything twice and a quick game of charades for clarification, I did all my turns and maneuvers 'good enough' to pass. After successfully completing my 3 Point Turn, a little 'Yippee!' escaped my lips. He chuckled a Scottish chuckle. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmCGiSwz1RVAvpLjOCfCYQxp3iPHWzswvdo5kbRK_MQNTvAzQaFNdVCMCbJUDX4CAh3u6aZhAJOz_E2KurOQhEjsHIA3pf_wC_7NNkXRqrlRdQaec2GQpYFkpbInJdM0hXiifg2pLcOw/s1600/7902819_STGuZ1kQ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmCGiSwz1RVAvpLjOCfCYQxp3iPHWzswvdo5kbRK_MQNTvAzQaFNdVCMCbJUDX4CAh3u6aZhAJOz_E2KurOQhEjsHIA3pf_wC_7NNkXRqrlRdQaec2GQpYFkpbInJdM0hXiifg2pLcOw/s640/7902819_STGuZ1kQ_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/7902819/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Definitely not a walk in the park, I received multiple check marks for insufficient mirror use. But I haven't met a person yet who hasn't been checked for that one repeatedly. Like Nadia Comaneci, is it possible to get a 'Perfect 10' on the practical driving test? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With marbles in his mouth, I had to ask Mr Tester Man to repeat what he said, because it sorta sounded like he said I passed. Or at least that's what I'm going with :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKfLTWhgf0S0YwV23beFUAMMs-GJSCuG1A3oymPSR2d8CFVDIB3zzuYOfNedEigpdklxP4nBhVpzaO6bkeUdCWK76a_E8gry8DOgZ8FuytvdGrjtEvL26TC73NX8J47HYj_NQl-fEqkE/s1600/7543077_uXWU5Dpw_c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKfLTWhgf0S0YwV23beFUAMMs-GJSCuG1A3oymPSR2d8CFVDIB3zzuYOfNedEigpdklxP4nBhVpzaO6bkeUdCWK76a_E8gry8DOgZ8FuytvdGrjtEvL26TC73NX8J47HYj_NQl-fEqkE/s400/7543077_uXWU5Dpw_c-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/7543077/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So Nervous Nellie can now drive legally throughout Europe and The Commonwealth. (Except for India - they don't have reciprocity since their driving is of a 'different standard'.) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXDDOAmxdxGNyRh54qC8DTwQpwFwO8u_eDsHGDA7yRDsoiH0iM_E2-parfZUnd0wbVlC7eG9NFeR0hzssK4kqSHNTWKUgSgVtfITQQw_zSs-_aYTtPA5NibmLGHc7WdipH8I7pL4op2o/s1600/map1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXDDOAmxdxGNyRh54qC8DTwQpwFwO8u_eDsHGDA7yRDsoiH0iM_E2-parfZUnd0wbVlC7eG9NFeR0hzssK4kqSHNTWKUgSgVtfITQQw_zSs-_aYTtPA5NibmLGHc7WdipH8I7pL4op2o/s400/map1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Commonwealth<br />[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Commonwealth">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You know you have good friends when they greet you with wine and cake to either drown your sorrows or celebrate. They admitted that 'really, the day could have gone either way'.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSuZbY1KN7HHTFwaviFVMeSdGz9arR3miNPn57cEsP9c3mzO29HvPqk3ZYi3tFbnXj6uxVj9lLsxS1RNKbC9Md-INhdXeUDNJ638YaRncjuYzwguw7GFkRdem0kBZ1X-h8E2RNKwrXRc/s1600/6649236_94Dbs80R_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSuZbY1KN7HHTFwaviFVMeSdGz9arR3miNPn57cEsP9c3mzO29HvPqk3ZYi3tFbnXj6uxVj9lLsxS1RNKbC9Md-INhdXeUDNJ638YaRncjuYzwguw7GFkRdem0kBZ1X-h8E2RNKwrXRc/s400/6649236_94Dbs80R_c.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6649236/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So happy to put my book, notes, and CD-ROMs in the closet for my husband to use. Now I need to take care of duties that have taken the back burner. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like calling the chimney sweep to clean our old Victorian chimney. I so love that. So English. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands...</div><div style="text-align: center;">{clap, clap}</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Backstories: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2010/07/recounting-first-day-driving.html">First Day Driving In The UK</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2010/10/nervous-nellie-gets-drivers-license_06.html">Applying For Provisional License</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2011/01/nervous-nellie-gets-drivers-license.html">Day Before Theory Test</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-program-has-been-interrupted.html">Failing Theory Test</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2011/03/adventures-in-roundabout.html">Day Before Practical Driving Test</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Linking to <a href="http://forblogs.blogspot.com/">For The Love Of Blogs</a></span></div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Happy Dance

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKThank you for all the well-wishes and for following for what feels like a never ending tale of getting my UK Driver's License. What great troupers you are! For a quick recap, it is a three step process which takes at least 6 months to complete. International drivers have …

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Adventures In A RoundAbout

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjQahDvFk5yU064a6Fio9ZzMxnteVY_uDgylUXjWmk5EA3iKIHdC0D-SD6TsIvW5y1EJl_NnGF4sVFA5kWAaarzMUgYS9udkuh88q52qEk9KeIqBmybLq05avgUEljxThe3T9cB3LeW4/s1600/1566017_1F3v97Yw_c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjQahDvFk5yU064a6Fio9ZzMxnteVY_uDgylUXjWmk5EA3iKIHdC0D-SD6TsIvW5y1EJl_NnGF4sVFA5kWAaarzMUgYS9udkuh88q52qEk9KeIqBmybLq05avgUEljxThe3T9cB3LeW4/s400/1566017_1F3v97Yw_c-1.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/1566017/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hello Mr. Driving Test Man,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I am very scared of you and your scary test. I know too many expats who have struggled to complete this rite of passage gracefully.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I took my second driving lesson last week, and it looks like I still have a lot to work on - although I have a clean record and have been driving for over 20 years. It doesn't help that the instructor recommends 4 lessons for me, when he suggested another expat only to take 2 (!).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I try so hard not to get confused in which lane and which indicator to use in a roundabout with more than 4 arms. Perhaps peeking through hand-covered eyes is blurring my vision. And frowned upon?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">An honest attempt is made to obey the speed limit, although I see it posted no where. One must be English and/or Harry Potter to see those invisible signs. That lucky broom-flying chap. And that darn handbrake alludes me (on my left side, not right). And could you tell me again why I need to apply it every time I'm stopped at a stoplight?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I sure hope I don't draw a blank when I 'tell you/show you' the brake fluid, legal tyre tread depth (1.6mm), and how to check the power steering. Couldn't I just give you the name of a local garage instead?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJPxPdeBUy8F0zmuca9rG7Ch-voa58dCN46Nzu5lmNLNN02_jC8RR6s7RCfT_cDW0z_ty6PJlYlnAQlDaXPa7uqbStVwtGT-3uR06-zqbDSyt1x4jgN7vhvC93QEQWOS93S-vTKGUMwY/s1600/2488254_1ihGDCRj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJPxPdeBUy8F0zmuca9rG7Ch-voa58dCN46Nzu5lmNLNN02_jC8RR6s7RCfT_cDW0z_ty6PJlYlnAQlDaXPa7uqbStVwtGT-3uR06-zqbDSyt1x4jgN7vhvC93QEQWOS93S-vTKGUMwY/s400/2488254_1ihGDCRj_c.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But chances are, I am<br />[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/2488254/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I've come to grips that I have 'stressed induced asthma' just thinking about this test. Perhaps I could use an inhaler filled with wine during the exam - a little spritz would calm the nerves and clear the mind :) Our little secret?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And please forgive me if I pull over to throw-up during the exam. That's just my butterflies finding the nearest emergency exit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I did pass the written exam on the second try, after all. They don't call me smarty-pants for nothing :) Or maybe they do. Call me that for nothing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ooh, let's go hunting for this sign. Like a scavenger hunt. Don't you know it is 'Fun Friday' on my blog? Wouldn't that be more fun? Testing with a twist. Maybe a friend will be holding it along my route. (Anyone, anyone?) Or maybe it will magically light up on my dashboard :) Magical, like those invisible ESP speed limit signs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkHw3HWPZJNmR-6eJ8axe0QLtGsUChSvRGUwcUzqX2xAbpxQaGfr_zdvRCXDZ-ZbFWxpDuRkSj_dUaXBOzB5XShtw4X-CG66D3u8z0FJryy99ewSJWQjXOTRE2kmKFwcYBuKLilhXKYM/s1600/242629_LnPTfvNC_c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkHw3HWPZJNmR-6eJ8axe0QLtGsUChSvRGUwcUzqX2xAbpxQaGfr_zdvRCXDZ-ZbFWxpDuRkSj_dUaXBOzB5XShtw4X-CG66D3u8z0FJryy99ewSJWQjXOTRE2kmKFwcYBuKLilhXKYM/s1600/242629_LnPTfvNC_c-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242629/">image</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">See you Friday, Mr. Driving Test Man. I'll be the one wearing a florescent safety vest and a decorative airsick bag around my neck. I'll bring a set for you too. I'm thoughtful like that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's to hoping the day will be unmemorable, Mr Mister. In a good way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kindest regards, Nervous Nellie</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you can bear to go back in time, read about my written driving test saga <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-program-has-been-interrupted.html">here</a>. Buried deep in another post, I did pass it two weeks later.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>

Adventures In A RoundAbout

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK[image]Hello Mr. Driving Test Man,I am very scared of you and your scary test. I know too many expats who have struggled to complete this rite of passage gracefully.I took my second driving lesson last week, and it looks like I still have a lot to work on - although I hav…

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Daffodils :: Yellow Drops Of Sunshine

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElDOqOee5vY9fRUAgquO1iKEOO4TSjx67mQ6meXV5mw27fnK2OKahGJ2akPj4UftcNEoYKZzZgzQxrYYvOZP1jBuLTu57J2N_6SMLMB9-Oce32j4qyFmctRvAyEpN6LG7apFaOh-7mIo/s1600/DSCN3689-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElDOqOee5vY9fRUAgquO1iKEOO4TSjx67mQ6meXV5mw27fnK2OKahGJ2akPj4UftcNEoYKZzZgzQxrYYvOZP1jBuLTu57J2N_6SMLMB9-Oce32j4qyFmctRvAyEpN6LG7apFaOh-7mIo/s400/DSCN3689-22.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Shhh, don't tell anyone the winters are bleak here, but last only a few months</div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter, what winter?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLrYDSBV1brqKixp_nL_oKiDygvtjy1iiZv6PzYocwbzvH-bAKANQa4ffHJdjtahd-QEnEH5fUhQ-ytNPoKPCzpVq97KtTcH5oRN1VqhC7d4_jYzUcLqHF_xM0CzCsj-ES54cdyvz3Z8/s1600/DSC_0052-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLrYDSBV1brqKixp_nL_oKiDygvtjy1iiZv6PzYocwbzvH-bAKANQa4ffHJdjtahd-QEnEH5fUhQ-ytNPoKPCzpVq97KtTcH5oRN1VqhC7d4_jYzUcLqHF_xM0CzCsj-ES54cdyvz3Z8/s640/DSC_0052-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous plum tree blossoms</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How I love the bumblebee's leg pouches filled with pollen. What clever design</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXssSxWvJ6VAPKdIwytT5B_nB8xKVxep-5vPYm5NAA5tbMIBCikOoonFqAwzV1L7mKhQ4yi3c58mLyvF4hINXueXiMiEF6FgK1JmAKpXUQHhV5NzHFwMqiEAEVbccw4-Ja1Wik9kwutM/s1600/DSC_0141-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXssSxWvJ6VAPKdIwytT5B_nB8xKVxep-5vPYm5NAA5tbMIBCikOoonFqAwzV1L7mKhQ4yi3c58mLyvF4hINXueXiMiEF6FgK1JmAKpXUQHhV5NzHFwMqiEAEVbccw4-Ja1Wik9kwutM/s640/DSC_0141-22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Quintessential England {<i>Sigh</i>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC8PEGwIinycy3zb4qQGftLJYlZZnKGSJ6YIWVHzr4KNfD2SvJ1Ev76iMSGnNApL5hOolstpikBG7viCMwLwCKgSWV9b99W01Zo-mAfSiqyf46LrcaxD6mJZqoKAVSEXg_tjh97u6EJE/s1600/DSC_0092-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC8PEGwIinycy3zb4qQGftLJYlZZnKGSJ6YIWVHzr4KNfD2SvJ1Ev76iMSGnNApL5hOolstpikBG7viCMwLwCKgSWV9b99W01Zo-mAfSiqyf46LrcaxD6mJZqoKAVSEXg_tjh97u6EJE/s640/DSC_0092-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is believed daffodils were introduced to England by the Romans</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_QDmYlik_hnW_tcj6sl4LpT7-RZ9BEtjUH3Z5bexs4JXBLUlcIYAfjhILjVcSXIJ4mfwWiLO3gXDAMP3LC4St54C1OL1C31TYXm-Hk4XcWsTLU1Mgvj2E0_HtuqZ3GxTZiRSDQlt4ek/s1600/DSC_0154-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_QDmYlik_hnW_tcj6sl4LpT7-RZ9BEtjUH3Z5bexs4JXBLUlcIYAfjhILjVcSXIJ4mfwWiLO3gXDAMP3LC4St54C1OL1C31TYXm-Hk4XcWsTLU1Mgvj2E0_HtuqZ3GxTZiRSDQlt4ek/s640/DSC_0154-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Now you might say, That's really not fair that you live there. And I'd say, Well, you're right :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">But know that I appreciate each and every day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- all photos taken by me -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source: 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names, by Diana Wells</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking to </span><a href="http://aplacefortea.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Place For Tea</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stuff and Nonsense</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">French Country Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.whipperberry.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">WhipperBerry</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Southern Daydreamer</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fishtail Cottage</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">At The Picket Fence</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">No Minimalist Here</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/">Common Ground</a>, <a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/">How Sweet The Sound</a>, <a href="http://forblogs.blogspot.com/">For The Love Of Blogs</a>, </span><a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Pink Saturday</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>

Daffodils :: Yellow Drops Of Sunshine

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKShhh, don't tell anyone the winters are bleak here, but last only a few monthsWinter, what winter?Gorgeous plum tree blossomsHow I love the bumblebee's leg pouches filled with pollen. What clever designQuintessential England {Sigh}It is believed daffodils were introduced …

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Let The Games Begin: An Olympic Tour

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Last week was such a treat - I viewed the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Village </div><div style="text-align: center;">in East London (Stratford)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kN7ce5sj-e0fjvns1VbR79CUob5diOAK7phaZLCyHJgD6T3xS97__oX0ZIcz2SpfdRIyiDD6wkk3TBn2cfWJtdcU5itaBP0CGdBpmcEUP54334ddZUO4NOfNTKtxIe5jCLdE3pqZGYM/s1600/DSCN3750-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kN7ce5sj-e0fjvns1VbR79CUob5diOAK7phaZLCyHJgD6T3xS97__oX0ZIcz2SpfdRIyiDD6wkk3TBn2cfWJtdcU5itaBP0CGdBpmcEUP54334ddZUO4NOfNTKtxIe5jCLdE3pqZGYM/s640/DSCN3750-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Games of the XXX Olympiad are scheduled in and around London from July 27th - August 12, 2012. London is the first city to host the modern Olympic Games three times, including 1908 and 1948.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You know how I like a good story, so here are a few:<br /><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM4Fxp5w1V0P92sZtiOOayzjDD8qs-TTkOtTXQ2ijFNyAxjM4sk08ByFPS7guCuzfH-fqotLnpWJbT3JhdB2PdXQne_FUtK3ppsBXgH93atD9xGeJGBpiHfl7YX8vtPXrvrtTBG76YlA/s1600/DSCN3771-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM4Fxp5w1V0P92sZtiOOayzjDD8qs-TTkOtTXQ2ijFNyAxjM4sk08ByFPS7guCuzfH-fqotLnpWJbT3JhdB2PdXQne_FUtK3ppsBXgH93atD9xGeJGBpiHfl7YX8vtPXrvrtTBG76YlA/s200/DSCN3771-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Past Olympic Athletes Interviewed</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Various French publications blamed French President Jacque Chirac for losing the bid for the 2012 Games (Paris had been favored). He did not know his microphone was still on when he said, 'We can't trust people [the British] who have such bad food. After Finland, it's the country with the worst food'. Oops. Two members of the International Olympic Committee were from Finland. Afterward, Paris lost by four votes - 50 to 54 - with London the surprised winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJyXp-IiF0WEGecbgfFT2MsNIMZlB1nKQgE1JSogyqUJA9J6e1-y2lciOPJD8hp_Srjzmo5FXGxgqi7L-6dtCtL3piRPc7yrnotHUu_ix9vrw6zvITOGDRwChDGGDgHWZC2-G4qmlX68/s1600/DSCN3746-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJyXp-IiF0WEGecbgfFT2MsNIMZlB1nKQgE1JSogyqUJA9J6e1-y2lciOPJD8hp_Srjzmo5FXGxgqi7L-6dtCtL3piRPc7yrnotHUu_ix9vrw6zvITOGDRwChDGGDgHWZC2-G4qmlX68/s200/DSCN3746-1.JPG" width="181" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you look closely, you'll see the Olympic logo reads 2012. It was designed to appeal to young people. Not exactly a wild success - a small number of people with photosensitive epilepsy reported seizures from animated footage of the logo (since removed). And in February 2011, Iran filed a complaint that the logo appeared to spell 'Zion' and threatened to boycott the Olympics (which they retracted).</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2012 Summer Olympics will host 26 sports; the Paralympics will feature 20 sports. Baseball and softball have been dropped, with female boxing as the only new addition. Golf and rugby sevens will be the newcomers in the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD8mWJGNMRv8eU1vaPNtVUn5Ro2bNDyi_8p6zKkmRHzYM9vGPDCOA0ROwWL7tNOQcQ1p_m35ouYduk1c_VyyAWYZ13dQx6BKzF_ZQJN349x3JdbKmp0pwJbPChzXshZfvzVjFsLewClY/s1600/DSCN3743-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD8mWJGNMRv8eU1vaPNtVUn5Ro2bNDyi_8p6zKkmRHzYM9vGPDCOA0ROwWL7tNOQcQ1p_m35ouYduk1c_VyyAWYZ13dQx6BKzF_ZQJN349x3JdbKmp0pwJbPChzXshZfvzVjFsLewClY/s640/DSCN3743-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of construction on a cloudy day</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The site of the Olympic Village has been raised 7 meters to prevent flooding. To raise the ground, cleverly they used the soil from the drilling of the Chunnel. Flooding is a concern, as the Olympic Village is surrounded by old canals re-drudged for transportation of building supplies and eventually people.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Major flooding occurred in London during the North Sea Flood of 1953. Due to a high spring tide, a severe storm, and the breaking of dykes in the Netherlands, flooding and loss of life occurred in 5 countries. It was one of Britain's most devastating natural disasters in history. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47Y2KOCY5Qx2Z_LtvKRbYxiT3FHlSL7uPzgLxv54S3tiOBEwR_aS6U8f5AL6DvETFUrsEtXj8SRx9X6C8bW3pxCl5-jamzrKFri6nsLreY3SgJXjlnDUvPDuOgVy5hXXNv6XEH5lYxo4/s1600/DSCN3752-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47Y2KOCY5Qx2Z_LtvKRbYxiT3FHlSL7uPzgLxv54S3tiOBEwR_aS6U8f5AL6DvETFUrsEtXj8SRx9X6C8bW3pxCl5-jamzrKFri6nsLreY3SgJXjlnDUvPDuOgVy5hXXNv6XEH5lYxo4/s640/DSCN3752-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'The Orbit' - art piece and observation deck (red tower)<br />The Aquatics Centre has 'wings' to resemble a gliding ray (rt of The Orbit)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Originally intended to revitalize a depressed area in East London (high unemployment due to the closing of docks), the site was already a blank canvas to become a new city. So when London won the bid in 2005, this area became the Olympic Village. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">'Revitalization' and 'sustainability' were constant themes running through the tour. Oversized new greenbelts will be real assets to the community, and many structures will be used or repurposed after the Olympics. Public transportation will be the only allowable means of travel to the games. Ten train lines, including the EuroStar, will lead to the area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg9uHUYfi65fORJ1MyV6qxhIxfSBOYH2LKotDLyERnAISzGgCe3VLs41et5EgdaeaLngtStXHRjhgE4Wl10mNjjLIxKoPIuUvmoiv0VgrMG9_S5aXL4tuqwM-edGXPmkY0R8ZnNzUpXs/s1600/DSCN3753-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg9uHUYfi65fORJ1MyV6qxhIxfSBOYH2LKotDLyERnAISzGgCe3VLs41et5EgdaeaLngtStXHRjhgE4Wl10mNjjLIxKoPIuUvmoiv0VgrMG9_S5aXL4tuqwM-edGXPmkY0R8ZnNzUpXs/s640/DSCN3753-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stadium and 'The Orbit'<br />White building in distance is the Basketball Arena<br />Unlike most structures, it will be removed after the Summer Games</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And if your eyes glaze over while watching sports (like mine), you may be interested to know Stella McCartney, famous English fashion designer and daughter to Sir Paul McCartney, will design the uniform for Team Great Britain. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The appointed designer for the ceremonies is Es Devlin, who helped create Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour. Joining Devlin as artistic director of the closing ceremonies is Kim Gavin, a ballet dancer and Take That Circus stager. David Arnold will be the music director for the events. It is sure to be a great show.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you have a chance to visit London before the 2012 Olympic Games, you don't have to miss out. <a href="http://www.blue-badge-guides.com/">Blue Badge Guides</a> offer daily tours of the area, and <a href="http://www.formans.co.uk/restaurant/">Formans Restaurant and Bar</a> has an excellent view of the Olympic Stadium.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What sport do you most look forward to watching in the Summer Olympics?<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sources: <a href="http://www.wikipedia.org/">Wikipedia</a>, The Independent (newspaper), local guide</span><br /><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>More Summer Olympics posts:</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/olympic-beach-volleyball.html">Olympic Beach Volleyball</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-day-at-olympic-park.html">A Day At The Olympic Park</a></span><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/london-dressed-for-olympics.html">London Dressed For The Olympics</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/behind-scenes-olympic-opening-ceremony.html">Behind The Scenes: An Olympic Opening Ceremony Performer</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/summer-olympics-i-just-cant-get-enough.html">Summer Olympics: I Just Can't Get Enough</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-summer-olympic-games.html">The Summer Olympic Games Begin</a> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-olympic-torch.html">The Olympic Torch</a> </span><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/signs-summer-olympics-are-coming.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'Signs' The Olympics Are Coming</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>

Let The Games Begin: An Olympic Tour

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKLast week was such a treat - I viewed the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Village in East London (Stratford)The Games of the XXX Olympiad are scheduled in and around London from July 27th - August 12, 2012. London is the first city to host the modern Olympic Games thre…

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