New Years Eve consisted of much red wine, a glass of champagne and a generous helping of bourbon. As we watched TV, and counted down to the new year, I was lucky to be exposed to several great singers. If you have never heard of "The Secret Sisters", I suggest you check them out on itunes. Country fans will be amazed by the haunting voice of these two Alabama sisters. I find them incredible artists, and I'm sure you will too.
Watch them sing "Walking After Midnight", and I know you will be hooked.
Another artist I have never heard of, but is apparently quite popular here, is "Rumer". I only heard her sing one song, but her sound is similar to Carol Carpenter. Unfortunately, you cannot buy her CD in America without paying an absurd price. So, I plan to buy one here, and if you like her, I will certainly share my music with you.
Watch her sing here:
Unfortunately, my alcoholic overindulgence led to a very late morning. So late in fact that Lynne came in at 11:30am to check that I was still breathing. Embarrassed, I shot up and quickly and dressed and had a quick breakfast. About an hour later Jess and I headed off to the movies to see the most recent Harry Potter film. I was actually amazed by how good it was. I had stopped watching the films a while ago, because I thought there was too much being left out. However, I liked this film so much that I will most likely make plans to see the second part once it comes out.
The best part of the day was coming home to "Christmas" Dinner. Lynne spent her time in the kitchen while Jess and I were at the movies, and when we came home, I was warmly greeted by the comforting smells of a special winter meal. A golden chicken sat roasting in the oven, homegrown vegetables steamed merrily in the three story steamer, and Yorkshire puddings puffed up into light clouds of heaven. The meal was wonderful, but what made it even better was the company I was in. I feel so blessed to be here in England with… well, my family. I am a very fortunate person.
"Crackers", which are a common British tradition. The name is actually is a misnomer however. I originally thought they were full of crackers and that I was going to have to eat all of them before we could get to dessert. But actually, they are full of presents and a paper crown. Basically, you hold you cracker in your left hand, and the person to your left grabs the other end. This goes on until there is a full circle made. Then each person pulls on the crackers and they break, making a large cracking sound, and reveal a small trinket inside.
To top it all off, we were greeted by Jess's friends Jack and Ali who are very funny and kept me laughing all throughout the night. Jack was even adventurous enough to try some of the bourbon Dad had given Lynne and Jess when they visited us in America. I think he was quite shocked by the burn it left behind, but all in all was pleased with it. I hope to be able to spend more time with these two and Jess before I have to trudge by home.
Jack savoring the bourbon.
Jess, Ali and Jack.
WAH! I was so anxious to see pictures of the fabulous meal! I listened patiently twice to every delicious detail about that meal and there are no pictures of the food!?!? So glad you are having fun, but it is starting to sound like you aren't coming back. Better warn Lynne that she needs to stop spoiling you. :) Love you.
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