Happy Birthday! ermm, wait...Are those the right words??

Today's Dawn's Birthday! Although she's not my sister by blood, I've grown up with her so she basically is my sister! I was fortunate enough to recently spend nearly 4 weeks with her, and although I've always felt close to her and comfortable around her, I now feel like we have a much stronger relationship. She's terribly funny, caring, and loving. Travelling 8+ hours with her overseas is a breeze, and I will treasure that trip forever! Bruno took care of us, and we certainly enjoyed it!
I'm thinking of Dawn today, in more ways than one. I love her so much!
Happy Birthday Dawn!
P.S. Dawn, don't forget our Alpha Dog date!

Well that's that.

Tonight at work I changed my watch back to Nova Scotia time.
I'm officially home.
boo.

I feel like everyone is starring at us...and I love it.

Well, it's Monday afternoon, and I'm home. Although it's nice to be in my own room with my own things, and to see my friends, I'm missing Jody and everyone back in England a lot.

Mom called one day last week and told us that Bruno, who she knows from the gym, was going to be on our flight. Hoping that his comment to "take care of us" meant first class, Dawn and I were excited about the flight. After sitting down Bruno, who was attending to first class, came back and told us that he'd wished put us in first class, but unfortunately it was full. He however left us with champagne, promising to take care of us. Not long later he returned with a basket in which there was wine - red for Dawn, and white for myself - cashews, and olives. Shortly later our meal arrived, and it was actually really really good. We each had more wine, and made jokes about the people around us being jealous, especially the woman across the asle who Dawn said looked over to make sure we were eating the same thing as her. We had another glass of wine, watched Rumor Has It, and Bruno brought us back Bailey's on ice and a delicious raspberry mousse. After reboarding in NFLD, Bruno gave us neat little air travel kits complete with a toothbrush, toothpaste, ear plugs, mints, eye mask, socks, foot hoof thing to help put shoes on, foot spray, face spray, lip balm, hand lotion, and a face cloth. We definitely were taken care of and agreed that anyone who pays for first class definitely get their money worth.

So, I stopped into the theatre last night, and to say people were happy to see me is an understatement. They all wanted hugs and looked at me like they hadn't seen me in years. It was nice to feel so loved :). I went to a staff screening as well, by the time I went to bed at 330 I'd been up for 27 hours. Funnily enough I felt like I could stay up even later! I'm fine today, after waking up at 12. It was nice to go to sleep in my own bed, but I missed Jody's house.

May 10th was the last time I blogged, when we had gotten back from the lake district. After that we had a visit from Tawny and Taylor on Friday. We headed into Lincoln where we underwent a fantastic photo shoot in the castle, and the ride home was halarious with my dancing in the front seat. Taylor got it all on tape and I'm eager to see it. Friday night we went out for Indian with T&T and the english lot, and headed back to Wendy's garden for snacks and treats :). It was a great evening. Saturday morning saw T&T off, and Dawn, Jody, Andy and I headed to Wales. We went to Caernarfon Castle which is where the Coronation of royalty takes place. Then we headed out to Llandudno which might be one of my favorite places in the world. It has a beautiful promenade and I loved walking the coast of the Irish Ocean at dusk, while Dawn screamed from the boardwalk, "Run Fern, RUUUUUUUUN!". We ate at what appeared to be a little pub, but walking in discovered a HUGE bar. My dinner was fantastic, and indian dish again, but we left shortly after due to the amount of smoke. Going to the oringinal pub we were going to eat at, we only stayed in long enough to use the toliets and get a drink because you could see the clouds of smoke. I got called a Tiger, it was very amusing. On Sunday we went to The Great Orme, Jody and I opting to hike up it and Dawn and Andy taking the tram. Once we reached the top we sat and had a warm drink, absorbed the scenery, and got photos taken! Wild West photos! They're absolutely halarious. The walk back down was a lot harder than the walk up (I've said that so much over my vacation!) but we enjoyed amusement from a little westie dog. Back down we drove to another area, I forget what it's called, and had food at a fish and chip place. Then the long journey home through the mist and fog in the peak district which was cool and scary at the same time. I made a comment about it being good we hadn't went to see Silent Hill. Stopping at a place for ice cream, I thought we were going to lose our minds laughing over Sean Connery and Dawn's impression of his saying "Shanks Shacy". Mondy night we went to Beryl's for Chinese and I had two plates as well as two servings of cheesecake and cream. Wednesday was my birthday, we went to the Harvest Moon for lunch, the lot came over for Cake and I got gifts :), then Dawn, Jody and I headed downtown Cleethorpes with Helen, Helen, Linda and Julie. Dinner at the Capri and then some bar hoping until we entered the Bags Ball. Warned about it being a meat market we didn't find it overly bad. Happily drunk, we danced the night away and today is the first day my legs don't hurt. Dawn says they hurt because I dance like a slut. I say she's jealous. On Thursday Jods was hung over, and later we went to the Harvest Moon again for some grease. That night we just relaxed and watched Big Brother. Friday found us off to Halifax to meet Heeae and Johnny, Dawn's friends from living in Korea. They were lovely and Halifax is beautiful. We went to a pub and sat around and chatted. I got slightly drunk off WKD's and Wine. But yet, I wasn't hung over on Saturday!!! Saturday saw us returning home at a decent time to see the boys and Tasha. We went to another Indian resturant where my supper ROCKED, shopped around Tesco a bit. Helen came over to visit one last time, and then we took the boys over to Wendy's. The rest of the night was spent relaxing and finishing packing.

It was a fantastic trip, and I still have to say that I love it over there. I can now understand Jody's view about Grimsby and Cleethorpes, but for me it's something so different from what I'm used to, I know I'd be okay living there. I love the lifestyle, the quiz nights, the local pubs. I love the boys and cannot wait to see them in July. I love how Jody and Andy so graciously open their home to me. I love Molly and her baby-like ways.

I can't wait for next year. I will have to save extra hard, but it will be worth it.

Fern Wimpley, live and stinky from New Waltham!

That's right. I stink (again!). At the rate I'm going no one is ever going to want to come near me! And what else may you have noticed? I've adopted an alias. What started as a joke actually managed to stick. Here, let me explain.

Yesterday morning, us three crazy's consisting of the secret behind "Les Castors" set off on the motorways of Northern England with one destination in mind-The Lake District. Before arriving at McDonald's for a not-so-quick breakfast (filled with cocaine jokes) Dawn had the ever so smooth suggestion of coming up with plant names for us. After Dawn's idea of deeming herself 'Emma Rose', I thought I'd be clever and wittingly suggest 'Fern' for my name. Well unfortunately for me that name stuck. I would be Fern for the rest of the trip. After much deliberation, when we arrived in the Lake District Dawn, Jody, and I were then to be known as Sage, Poppy, and Fern respectively. We're a bunch of crazies I tells ya.

After a lunch at a delighful inn with a fantastic view of a lake, we took a walk to the water to inquire about Kayaking. Headed towards the end of the lake, we drove down windy roads and never did find our kayaking haven. Deciding to keep going, we headed into another more quiet town to scope out some Bed and Breakfast's to crash in. The first one we came across was stunning (I can't even describe it, I'll leave that to the girls) however, there was no one home. So we continued down the road, passing sheep, baa'ing at them rather obnoxiously. Then we came upon another amazing B&B, again with no one home. It seemed we were unlucky in our wishes to stay in a rather old style B&B for the night. But then, THEN!! We saw a wickedly lovely B&B that, had vacancies, and guess what?! There was someone home! So we went in and talked to Sharon, the lovely woman who opened her home to us. She showed us the room she had available, and I believe all three of us fell in love. It was a two story room with a fushcia bathroom. Fern, Poppy, and Sage were sold. We were calling this place home for the night. A walk around the grounds presented prime photo ops, and despite Sage's persistence, I would not roll down the hill so she could video tape it.

We headed back to the car and headed into the next town in search of kayaking, but unfortunately it was closed. Again we tackled the windy roads, trying not to get creamed into the wall by passing crazy locals driving "way too fast" in Poppy's words. I think she just wanted to enjoy the "beautiful" views (Sage's words). Hahah, no really. The locals are crazy. Back to the B&B where we walked into town to the best local pub (said Sharon--we should have given her a name). Drinks, good food, and a cute bartender. Good conversation and a friendly, local atmosphere welcoming babies and dogs. What wasn't to love? Then we headed to the local Co-op for some Cider and WKD to drink in the courtyard. Easy drinking and an early night.

The next morning was met with a full english breakfast, Kayaking, and a leisurely walk around Ryder's Lake where I became Fern Wimpley, but I'll save that story for the girls. It's ironic that I was the one ridiculed for wearing flip flops when I was the only one out of us three who DIDN'T get blisters, and halfway through our walk I put on Dawn's shoes so she could wear my flip flops. I may not be so stupid afterall ;P Dawn's shoes were fine for me, and I must admit, I've fallen in love with them. Oh, and I lived up to my natural name, fetching us cold spring mountain water from a stream. Watch me get sick. That'd be just my luck. Either way, I was proud of myself!

All in all it was a pleasurable weekend. The scenery doesn't get justice in pictures, and I will never forget it. Nor will I forget the incredible softness of the toilet paper at out B&B. It was nice :)

Other than that we've been kicking around the area. Tried our hand at quiz night and got creamed again (insert boo's here. Les Castors SUCK). Got really drunk and stumbled into Cleethorpes on Saturday night. Never thought I'd stumble home at 5am. But good times.

I've really been enjoying myself and the idea of leaving makes me sick. Which makes my birthday bittersweet. I'm terribly excited for it because Sage and Poppy said they're going to get me a tiara (you only turn 21 once, and 21 means legal everywhere). However, at the same time, my birthday is only 4 days before I leave, and well, we're not talking about that.

Well it's been a good post, but I'm about to pass out. I can't wait to see what Batman has to say about my stench tonight, hahaha.

Is this a post in England?

I'm sitting here at Jody's computer while the boys lay on the fouton, awaiting sleep. I'm a wee bit buzzed after 2.5 coolers, and they've all gone to bed and left me. Tomorrow I believe we're going to Robin Hood's Bay (weather permitting) which I can say is probably one of my most favorite places on earth. I'll briefly recap what's been done so far.

Saturday
Arrived in London, went to the hotel, freshened up, and set off to meet T&T outside Big Ben. We ate at a little greek cafe, took in some sites (Buckingham palace, Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Westminister Abbey, St. James Park, Picadilly Circus, etc.) Then we had supper at a pub and some drinks, then moved on for some more sightseeing, and pictures. Then to another pub for drinks. In the Underground, we had to get off our train due to a security warning which we believed was a bomb threat. Our driver advised us to "If you can find an alternative way to get to your destination, I strongly suggest you do so." So off we went, into a taxi which was most exciting as I'd never been in one of those London type taxis and have always wanted to do so.

Sunday
Um, we got up and took the train to Paris. Found our hotel, checked in, and then took the Metro to the Louvre. Saw the Mona Lisa and the Venus D'Milo. Back to the hotel, freshened up, and found a place to eat. Then back to the hotel. T&T and J&A and I went to the Exotic Museum. Which is exactly how it sounds. Jody beat up a dude in the red light part of Paris (not really, but I'm sure she would have), then we missed our train and walked back most of the way. Tawny and I constantly exclaiming, "S'vous plait! Arret le voiture! Il y a une castor sur la rue!" And dying laughing. Tawny running to catch the bus to what is now the Paris theme song. Then we took pictures of a Merry-Go-Round, Jody caught her camera most wickedly, and I danced on the edge of a fountain. I swear, I could be France's Next Top Model. Then bed.

Monday
Found us at breakfast. I had nutella and banana crepes. YUM. Then we went to Notre Dame, and then the Eiffle. All the way to the top for T&T and J and me. Elevator was scary. I sent Hayden a text message. It was fun. But cold. Jody's socks were halarious. After that we separated, T&T and me to Sacre Coeur (where I got called a sexy lady), J&A and D somewhere else. We stopped at McDonald's where I ordered a Royal with Cheese (a la Pulp Fiction). It was my first quarter pounder and I never intend on eating another one because it was special for me because I loved that movie so much, especially that part. From SC we went back to the hotel to again, freshen up and then off to dinner we went. It was good. Then J,A,&D went back to crash at the hotel where T&T and me went to see the Eiffle at night. There I was told by another french man that I was beautiful. French men love me. Thus, I love Paris. We took pics, ran to get a train we thought we missed (my flip flops sounding like gunfire through the tunnels), and stopped at an internet place for T&T to book Amsterdam stuff. Then a lazy walk along the Sienne and past Notre Dame got us home around 3.

Tuesday
Up early so T&T and D& me could go to the Museum d'Orsay. A long line up. T&T had to leave to get earlier tickets to Amsterdam, and after over an hour of waiting, D and me gave up too. We walked back to the hotel to meet J&A, then from there we did the Arc d'Triomphe, Sephora (where I spend about 20 Euros) and then back to the hotel to grab our bags and head to Sacre Coeur. Then to the train and home. I had wine on the train, it was nice. Home to sleep, I love New Waltham.

Wednesday
Dawn and I were here while J&A went to work. Went out for lunch, I fell on the sidewalk and scrapped my knees. But don't worry, my ego bruised more than my body did. Then down St. Peter's Ave for some window shopping. Off to pick up the boys. Then home and a walk to Wheelsby Woods. Great weather. Molly is cute. Then stopped at Tesco where I loved the clothes and did a dancy jig in the middle of the store that Dawn video taped and it's halarious. Home for supper, then just hanging out.

Thursday
Got up, got ready. J&D and me took Molly to Hubbards Hills. Had Gregg's and Wine. I fell again when hitting Molly's ball with the tennis racket so hard I knocked myself over. They laughed, naturally. Walked though the park, it was wonderful. Home and relaxed. Then went to pub night with Wendy and Linda. We got like 4th place and won chocolate bars. Yay Les Castors!

Friday
Got up, got ready. Lunch at the Pear Tree with Wendy and Beryl. Good food, good desert, good company. Came home and relaxed in the sun. Took Molly for a walk. Relaxed again. Boys came over. Had dinner, took Molly out again, and then just hung out drinking coolers.

Having much fun, missed lots of stuff but tired now. This should contain you all even though most who read this are here with me!
Don't miss anyone!
Cheers!