Hayzel sent me an email this afternoon (Janet is a colleague she works with) ...
"I
just heard on the radio that Madiba has
stopped breathing – he is very critical at present. Janet said to me
with the most serious face “Oh Hayzel would you like to go home!” I
nearly spat my coffee all over her…..
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Hammer time.
This is a bit of a rant, so excuse me a minute.
Whilst we're finding that living in the UK is generally wonderful and we are all happy that we made the right decision, there are a few things especially about the people living here in this part of Norfolk, that aren't all rosey rosey - at least from MY perspective. Kevin and Hayzel have different views because they are working in an office environment and aren't having to relate to the mummies and daddies outside Nursery, Primary schools - or as I do in my general daily interactions with people when you do a bit of shopping etc.
We are living in a village, it's definitely not a big metropolitan area or even a town - there are only two streets (to speak of) and the one street is the main thoroughfare between Ipswich and Norwich - the A140. It's got a library on it, a garage, two pubs, a few estate agents, hair dressers, tattoo parlour, bakery ... but that's about it. You literally blink and you're through Long Stratton - well if you're not stuck in a traffic jam because this road is hellish busy all the time.
The other street goes past the Co-op and another tiny little 'shopping centre' that has one cafe type shop in it, a butchers, thrift shop, stationers, takeaway fish & chips and a hairsalon that's gone bust. This road leads up to the schools. That's it really. Long Stratton is not Edenvale.
When I was looking for places for us to settle in, the focus was to find a place out in the country, not in a built up, heavily industrialised area, packed with housing estates. We wanted the country life in a village setting and that's what we've got. I think if this little village was in any other county in the UK it would be idyllic. The problem is we are in Norfolk, South Norfolk to be exact. These 'ere farmers are a weird lot.
I am taking care of the little ones, so I am going to and from the schools regularly throughout the day - I am brushing shoulders with the same women over and over again, in all weathers. This is a very small place (as I've said up there), so eventually you basically know everyone here by sight. We've been here 7 months, so I pretty much know which children belong to which parent now. (Nursery, Primary and High Schools - are all located within the same block).
I'm finding that Norfolk women (not the men so much) are really strange. I can't understand them at all. It's actually driving me round the bend, to be honest. Maybe it's because the ones I'm having to fraternise with are all of the younger generation (i.e. between 24 and 40), I don't know ... they see you every day, some days they will say hello and actually 'chat' for longer than 2 minutes (glory be, hold me down) ... the next day, they will stare straight through you and look the other way; or cross the road to avoid having to speak to you at all.
A good example is what just happened this morning. I took Ewan to Barclays Bank with me, as I had to go and deposit some money. The pedestrian crossing is situated right by a shop called Royston's Bakery, outside the shop, it's set up for people to have their tea and overpriced crumpets etc. alongside the main A140. So sitting there at the table is this great big fat bird and her equally fat sister with their assorted kids stuffing faces out there in the sun (well it's not raining today). There's no-one else on the street, just them. The daughter of the GBFB is in the same class as Ewan and he was trying to get her attention, calling her name 'Lacy! Lacy!' as we crossed the road but her mum kept pulling her to one side, so she couldn't hear him or see him properly. The GBFB didn't smile or greet me, just looked straight at me and then pointedly turned her head to one side and carried on talking to her sister.
I thought that I'd imagined it, so shrugged my shoulders and carried on up the path to Barclays.
After I'd done the banking, we again walked back along the path, to the pedestrian crossing - there were a couple of people in front of me, so we had to queue. Again, Ewan tried to get Lacy's attention and again the GBFB just stared at me, turned her head and looked away. So no, I wasn't imagining it. And this is the way they are here all the time.
I've been in the Co-op - christ there's only one supermarket here (Co-op), everyone uses it, women who have children at Ewan's nursery school work there and they will also not greet you, or speak to you and you are standing right in front of them at the counter. So bloody weird.
Maybe I'm too African. Har har. At least in Africa people have the grace to actually greet you and acknowledge that you're alive. Not here in Norfolk. I get the feeling that if I was knocked down in the street, the women here would just walk past and turn their head and pretend they hadn't seen all the blood on the road. I don't remember ever experiencing this level of ostracism from people in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Wales ... even the south in London. I don't quite know how to deal with it and it's making me right miserable.
Whilst we're finding that living in the UK is generally wonderful and we are all happy that we made the right decision, there are a few things especially about the people living here in this part of Norfolk, that aren't all rosey rosey - at least from MY perspective. Kevin and Hayzel have different views because they are working in an office environment and aren't having to relate to the mummies and daddies outside Nursery, Primary schools - or as I do in my general daily interactions with people when you do a bit of shopping etc.
We are living in a village, it's definitely not a big metropolitan area or even a town - there are only two streets (to speak of) and the one street is the main thoroughfare between Ipswich and Norwich - the A140. It's got a library on it, a garage, two pubs, a few estate agents, hair dressers, tattoo parlour, bakery ... but that's about it. You literally blink and you're through Long Stratton - well if you're not stuck in a traffic jam because this road is hellish busy all the time.
The other street goes past the Co-op and another tiny little 'shopping centre' that has one cafe type shop in it, a butchers, thrift shop, stationers, takeaway fish & chips and a hairsalon that's gone bust. This road leads up to the schools. That's it really. Long Stratton is not Edenvale.
When I was looking for places for us to settle in, the focus was to find a place out in the country, not in a built up, heavily industrialised area, packed with housing estates. We wanted the country life in a village setting and that's what we've got. I think if this little village was in any other county in the UK it would be idyllic. The problem is we are in Norfolk, South Norfolk to be exact. These 'ere farmers are a weird lot.
I am taking care of the little ones, so I am going to and from the schools regularly throughout the day - I am brushing shoulders with the same women over and over again, in all weathers. This is a very small place (as I've said up there), so eventually you basically know everyone here by sight. We've been here 7 months, so I pretty much know which children belong to which parent now. (Nursery, Primary and High Schools - are all located within the same block).
I'm finding that Norfolk women (not the men so much) are really strange. I can't understand them at all. It's actually driving me round the bend, to be honest. Maybe it's because the ones I'm having to fraternise with are all of the younger generation (i.e. between 24 and 40), I don't know ... they see you every day, some days they will say hello and actually 'chat' for longer than 2 minutes (glory be, hold me down) ... the next day, they will stare straight through you and look the other way; or cross the road to avoid having to speak to you at all.
A good example is what just happened this morning. I took Ewan to Barclays Bank with me, as I had to go and deposit some money. The pedestrian crossing is situated right by a shop called Royston's Bakery, outside the shop, it's set up for people to have their tea and overpriced crumpets etc. alongside the main A140. So sitting there at the table is this great big fat bird and her equally fat sister with their assorted kids stuffing faces out there in the sun (well it's not raining today). There's no-one else on the street, just them. The daughter of the GBFB is in the same class as Ewan and he was trying to get her attention, calling her name 'Lacy! Lacy!' as we crossed the road but her mum kept pulling her to one side, so she couldn't hear him or see him properly. The GBFB didn't smile or greet me, just looked straight at me and then pointedly turned her head to one side and carried on talking to her sister.
I thought that I'd imagined it, so shrugged my shoulders and carried on up the path to Barclays.
After I'd done the banking, we again walked back along the path, to the pedestrian crossing - there were a couple of people in front of me, so we had to queue. Again, Ewan tried to get Lacy's attention and again the GBFB just stared at me, turned her head and looked away. So no, I wasn't imagining it. And this is the way they are here all the time.
I've been in the Co-op - christ there's only one supermarket here (Co-op), everyone uses it, women who have children at Ewan's nursery school work there and they will also not greet you, or speak to you and you are standing right in front of them at the counter. So bloody weird.
Maybe I'm too African. Har har. At least in Africa people have the grace to actually greet you and acknowledge that you're alive. Not here in Norfolk. I get the feeling that if I was knocked down in the street, the women here would just walk past and turn their head and pretend they hadn't seen all the blood on the road. I don't remember ever experiencing this level of ostracism from people in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Wales ... even the south in London. I don't quite know how to deal with it and it's making me right miserable.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
busy days ...
Ewan amuses himself a lot these days ... he was watching CBeebies this morning (Mr. Tumbles, who was doing something about weight lifting) and next thing, he asks me for some paper. Goes away and draws a pair of dumb-bells that I had to cut out ...
Later in the morning, a huge parcel arrived for Kevin - he'd bought himself some new work clothes (har har), so now he and Ewan have matching outfits ...
A bit later on in the morning, a letter arrived from Granny and Grandpa for Faye and Ewan. Faye read everything out herself, including her birthday card and was very pleased to get a letter from her Granny - and stickers for her and Ewan! You've started a trend now, Ingrid! She's going to want to write you another letter soon enough.
This weekend is the Long Stratton Fete, there is a beer tent, stalls, live music and fireworks, I'm sure we'll go along and take some photos. I ordered more painting equipment - heavy structure gels and modelling paste - but it's still not enough for the kind of texture that I want to get in my work, so I'm going to head off down to the builder's supplies at the weekend and get some plaster. I'll post pictures of my finished pieces here when I'm done. I finished a big painting a while ago but I'm going to change it ... cough ... I'm always doing that!
Hayzel and Kevin went to Ewan's school this evening after work to meet his teacher, get his books and information about all of that - starting in September he will be going full day. It is very organised by the looks of things. I think he is very excited about starting 'big school' now.
I had two calls from Knighton today within 10 minutes of each other! Auntie Jean phoned to tell me that one bottle of wine was left at the hall and her friend brought it round the other day. Jean put it in the fridge and didn't think anything of it and then later on this evening, decided she'd open it (as you do). Lo and behold it was a South African wine from HERMANUS! and there on the label was a picture of the Whale Crier ... how weird is that! I like to think that it was my mum sending us a sign to show that she was thinking about us.
Then a bit later on, my Uncle Les phoned to get some help with accessing this here blog - so I hope he's sorted out his IT hiccups and can look at it now.
Don't forget to check out Steve's Hungarian blog when you have a minute - it's been very hot there this week I understand - about 35C, which is a South African kind of temperature.. Temperatures soared to about 18 degrees here in Norwich and the weathermen reckoned we were in the middle of a micro-heatwave (ha! that is so funny, I think)
Anyway I have to go and finish editing a very long transcript - will probably be at it until the wee hours of the morning. Hope everyone is fine. Love to all.
Later in the morning, a huge parcel arrived for Kevin - he'd bought himself some new work clothes (har har), so now he and Ewan have matching outfits ...
 |
| Not shortage of Super Heroes here at Spiders' Web |
A bit later on in the morning, a letter arrived from Granny and Grandpa for Faye and Ewan. Faye read everything out herself, including her birthday card and was very pleased to get a letter from her Granny - and stickers for her and Ewan! You've started a trend now, Ingrid! She's going to want to write you another letter soon enough.
This weekend is the Long Stratton Fete, there is a beer tent, stalls, live music and fireworks, I'm sure we'll go along and take some photos. I ordered more painting equipment - heavy structure gels and modelling paste - but it's still not enough for the kind of texture that I want to get in my work, so I'm going to head off down to the builder's supplies at the weekend and get some plaster. I'll post pictures of my finished pieces here when I'm done. I finished a big painting a while ago but I'm going to change it ... cough ... I'm always doing that!
Hayzel and Kevin went to Ewan's school this evening after work to meet his teacher, get his books and information about all of that - starting in September he will be going full day. It is very organised by the looks of things. I think he is very excited about starting 'big school' now.
I had two calls from Knighton today within 10 minutes of each other! Auntie Jean phoned to tell me that one bottle of wine was left at the hall and her friend brought it round the other day. Jean put it in the fridge and didn't think anything of it and then later on this evening, decided she'd open it (as you do). Lo and behold it was a South African wine from HERMANUS! and there on the label was a picture of the Whale Crier ... how weird is that! I like to think that it was my mum sending us a sign to show that she was thinking about us.
Then a bit later on, my Uncle Les phoned to get some help with accessing this here blog - so I hope he's sorted out his IT hiccups and can look at it now.
Don't forget to check out Steve's Hungarian blog when you have a minute - it's been very hot there this week I understand - about 35C, which is a South African kind of temperature.. Temperatures soared to about 18 degrees here in Norwich and the weathermen reckoned we were in the middle of a micro-heatwave (ha! that is so funny, I think)
Anyway I have to go and finish editing a very long transcript - will probably be at it until the wee hours of the morning. Hope everyone is fine. Love to all.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Everest Hall, Knighton - Jean's 80th Birthday Party
Well we are back from our little trip to Wales! It was a lovely weekend, not a strenuous drive (although Kevin did the drive, so I'm kinda speaking on his behalf and he may disagree with me!) It took about 4 and a half hours to get there. Knighton is on the border of Shropshire and Wales and we first went to the Knighton Hotel to check in.
Once we'd booked Kevin, Hayzel and the kids into the Knighton hotel, we walked round to Jean and then later, we left in convoy to go to Barbara's house.
Some more pictures from Hayzel's camera:
This is the walk way through from the Knighton to where Jean's house is, alongside the river. The last time I walked through here it was thick with snow!
We all descend on Jean's house!
A little later on Jean and I went back to her place to get into our ball gowns; Hayzel, Kevin and the kids went back into Knighton to spruce up ready for the do, that was scheduled to start at 7pm.
I forgot to take a photo of the pile of Champagne bottles on the other side of the reception area (opposite this arrangement).
A bevy of beauties hey? Left is Emily, then Abi, Hannah and little Bella. The girls are Hannah's daughters.
Congratulations to the ladies in the kitchen for the fabulous food, it was all delicious and plenty of it! The puddings were divine.
The kiddies played so nicely together. Ewan is completely besotted with Abigail, I think. He kept coming up to me, brushing my hair aside and whispering in my ear ... 'Can Abi come and visit us, Nana?' ... then 'Can Abi come and visit us and eat Chocolate Cake, Nana?'
Graham Trew one of Jean's dear friends about to launch into Jean's tribute speech!
Graham is no slouch in the classical music department, he's an accomplished Tenor, having performed all over the world, recorded many CD's - he sang in Cape Town Cathedral when Desmond Tutu was made Archbishop. He is Chairman of the Association of English Singers and Speakers and President of the Knighton Concert Society. He was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 2002. Oh and he sang for the Queen for about 27 years ... so if anyone is qualified to sing a little toon for Jean, he is.
Graham is also conductor (amongst many other duties and responsbilities) for the Knighton Choir and he got them all up on the stage a bit later on, to do an impromptu performance and to sing Happy Birthday to You.
Kevin filmed this, so I hope he can post it up here at some point in the future.
All in all it was a lovely evening, I'm sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Only downside for Hayzel, Kevin etc. was that there was a bloody Disco at the Knighton Hotel and they didn't actually get much sleep. I've sent the Knighton Hotel an email complaining about that.
Ewan was very impressed when Graham started singing for Jean. The kids were so good, it was such a pleasure having them there.
Faye, Bella and Abi played so nicely!
 |
| See how neatly Ewan packed his things in the 'cupboard' and set out his Woody and Scottish Piper Teddy on his pillow |
 |
| Faye was all sorted, after she commandeered the window sill next to her bed - everything all set out. |
Once we'd booked Kevin, Hayzel and the kids into the Knighton hotel, we walked round to Jean and then later, we left in convoy to go to Barbara's house.
Some more pictures from Hayzel's camera:
This is the walk way through from the Knighton to where Jean's house is, alongside the river. The last time I walked through here it was thick with snow!
 |
| The Town Crier's house is up the road where all those flower boxes are |
 |
| Knighton looking up the road towards the Clock tower |
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| Knighton looking down the road towards the hotel (on the right) |
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| Outside Barbara and Les's bungalow in Knucklas (just round the corner from Knighton) |
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| Jean, Emily, Hannah and some of the kiddies in Barbara's conservatory |
We all descend on Jean's house!
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| L to R Hannah, Les, Hayzel, Jean and Barbara |
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| Ewan, Faye, Honey and Bella |
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| Bella - what a little doll she is! |
 | ||
| My two Aunties - Jean and Barbara |
A little later on Jean and I went back to her place to get into our ball gowns; Hayzel, Kevin and the kids went back into Knighton to spruce up ready for the do, that was scheduled to start at 7pm.
 |
| All the tables set out and ready for the 60+ guests |
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| Some of the plates of Canapes that were handed out by our waitresses whilst we elegantly slurpe... er sipped Champagne |
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| The stage all decked out by the ladies. |
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| Inside the kitchen, preparing the food |
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| I don't know where I put those birthday cards! |
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| The Meyers arrive |
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| L to R Judith, Mark, Kevin and Hayzel |
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| Get in the line! |
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| The assembled guests munchin' on some grindage. |
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| The Birthday Girl |
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| Missy |
 | |
| I've been told to say a few words about Jean ... |
Graham is no slouch in the classical music department, he's an accomplished Tenor, having performed all over the world, recorded many CD's - he sang in Cape Town Cathedral when Desmond Tutu was made Archbishop. He is Chairman of the Association of English Singers and Speakers and President of the Knighton Concert Society. He was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 2002. Oh and he sang for the Queen for about 27 years ... so if anyone is qualified to sing a little toon for Jean, he is.
Scuse video, I had consumed almost a full bottle of white by the time I did this.
Graham is also conductor (amongst many other duties and responsbilities) for the Knighton Choir and he got them all up on the stage a bit later on, to do an impromptu performance and to sing Happy Birthday to You.
Kevin filmed this, so I hope he can post it up here at some point in the future.
All in all it was a lovely evening, I'm sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Only downside for Hayzel, Kevin etc. was that there was a bloody Disco at the Knighton Hotel and they didn't actually get much sleep. I've sent the Knighton Hotel an email complaining about that.
 |
| Barbara |
 |
| Graham organising the choir |
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| That Soprano in the front doesn't seem to be concentrating on the conductor |
Ewan was very impressed when Graham started singing for Jean. The kids were so good, it was such a pleasure having them there.
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| Yum - I only just managed to get a quick pic of the cake before the cooks started chopping it up for the guests. |
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| Bella and Faye |
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| At the end of the evening after the remaining plebs did a whizz around cleaning up. Doesn't she look pleased and happy! |
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