What country, friends, is this?

7:58pm: Is this thing on?

You know, I know there is a part of me that wants to write , to tell stories, wrestle with truths -- so why is there nothing but stale air floating around in my head?

Maybe it's because I've gone from all stress all the time to a stress free life -- the most stressful thing I've dealt with this past year is a nasty headcold.  I've heard there is no creativity without chaos.  Is that what I'm missing?  If so, I'm not sure I want any, thanks much.

Perhaps it's because I'm too isolated these days, but for the most part, I really like being quiet at home, although I suspect it's not all that good for me.  

Ugh.  I just don't know.  Maybe I'm just not a writer.

12:07pm: Medieval Fantasy vs. Modern Convenience
I love the history of the age of Knights and Castles, and I am definitely living in the right place to indulge myself in that, but for all my childhood dreams of becoming a knight, I think I will happily stay where I am put.

For one thing, if I were a person born into the same situation in the Middle Ages, I would most likely be the lowest of the low, add to that a feminine member of the lowest of the low and life would simply suck. I'd probably be dead by now.

The real clincher though, is the joy of mod cons (modern conveniences for my Yank buddies.) Let me sum it up in today's activities:

I am currently washing and drying laundry, and baking bread, while also communicating instantly with friends around the world, reading a delightful story, and getting ready to hop in a nice warm bath. You just can't beat that.

Rock on dot.com

10:19am: Things you can't get here...
I must say that I adore my new home, but there are a few things I can't get here that I do miss -- all food, no surprise there. So if anyone has nothing better to do with their time and money, send me a care package by the slow boat...

Rotel (what a wonderfully versatile ingredient)
Hominy (Mmm)
Sunflower Seeds (Roasted, salted, in the shell -- can't get them in the shell here, except in bird seed!!)
Dill Pickles (I don't know what these people think pickles are, but they are so NOT right.)
Lemon Pepper (Who'd a thunk it would be a rarity?)

I do have to say, that if these little piddly items are the things I miss, I must be pretty darn happy right where I am.

5:44pm: Life in a new country
Life is good.

The workplace I left behind is in minor turmoil (nothing to do with me, but I'd be in the middle if I were still there,) yet here I sit enjoying a bit of chocolate, hot tea, and a good book.

The temperatures back there are in the 40's (90+ F) and folks are swealtering while I am enjoying a cold Welsh Summer day of 18C/64F -- which suits me just fine.

After 4 months in transit, my belongings have arrived, and in the next few weeks I will have my leave to remain in the UK for the next two years.

Life is really good.

Rule Britannia!