Have I really not blogged since last year? What on earth have I been doing?
Well, settling in mostly, I guess and getting used to life with my wonderful man in USA. My friend Helen told me that she tells her grand-daughter the story of her lovely friend who went to marry her Prince Charming in America, then she shows her USA on the globe that she has. It's my claim to fame - I'm in a bedtme story!
Lynn and Brian from the Irish Inn have been very friendly and I've been out to lunch with Lynn and her Mom. Her Mom loved the fact that I said we were having a "girly day out". Mango even came visiting with us to the Irish Inn and just loved the fireplace, sat on the chimney piece and enjoyed walking along the beams in the great room. Brian loved the tattie scones I made for him and Lynn even suggested I make them and sell them. I just don't know if there would be a great market, although Tom's cousin Pam and her DH Will loved them when we visited. We've also been to see Penny and Ernst and Pat and her family in Virginia Beach. Pat has been my facebook friend and it was really good to meet for real at last.
Well, Tom's been surprised that the neighbours have now included us in their invitations and we went next door to Julie and Kyle's for a Christmas Dessert Get-together which was great! Of course I agonised a bit over what to make and bring along until Tom suggested trifle. We had no custard at the time so had to use cooked pudding and it worked well, tasted delicious and was a hit with all who tasted it. Julie then very kindly brought us in some bread and butter pudding in the dish we left behind. Very neighbourly! They also invited us to their Superbowl party - another first for me - even though I had no idea what was happening in the game.
Now I'm getting ready to go to my new knitting group in Herrin. I went on Ravelry looking for local groups and Michele from the next town replied and volunteered to take me to one that she knew about and had been to a few times. I went for the first time last week and enjoyed every minute. The women were all very friendly and of course there is 'something' about knitting or crocheting together that feels so good! The fact that the group 'hangs out' in The Yarn Shoppe might not be good for my purse, however, as there are so many beautiful yarns on those shelves! I might not resist today!
This morning, I've tried Mhairi's recipe for good old Scottish tablet (which Tom loves) and it seems to be setting nicely right now, so I'll take some along for my knitting buddies, and see if they like it as much as they enjoy my accent!!

Would you believe I'm a very happily married woman!

We got married last Saturday (September 25 2010) at The Irish Inn, Ozark, IL. I'm so happy sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if it's really happening to me! Tom and I waited so long to be together and now it just feels so natural and right.

Stef and Craig came over with me on Monday July 26 and so it felt like a lovely family holiday while they were here. Although Tom was working, he took us sightseeing and the boys had a great time on their first visit to USA.

Mango's growing fast and is a delight to us. A wee kitten as lively and crazy as this one just suits us - fits right into the family! He loves chasing squirrels, birds and bugs but can usually only catch leaves. Of course it's Fall now and the weather suits me just fine. Snuggling up with my wonderful new hubby and my crochet - what more can I wish for? Well, remember I thought I couldn't live without work? Just call me the happy housewife! Long may it last!

Almost on my way to USA!

Only 11 days until I'm off to start a new chapter of my life in USA with my lovely fiance Tom. So excited that it's really happening now after such a long wait, but saying farewell to family and friends is very very difficult. I know I'll be home for holidays and I hope that lots of folk will come and visit us in Carbondale, but it's still painful doing so many things for the 'last time'!
I'm lucky that my two sons are travelling out with me on Monday 26 July for their first ever holiday in the States, and I hope not their last!
Our wee kitten Mango has settled in so well with Tom, and I watch him on webcam every night. I've been looking at Animal Rescue places near Carbondale and thinking I could maybe volunteer some of my time there until I get a Green Card so I can earn some money again! The only thing is ~ can I resist taking all the wee kittens home with me if they're not re-homed with new families!!??
I've knitted socks for Jeneece and am working on a crochet gift for Joanna to take with me. I thought I would have loads of time to crochet when I stopped work, but days have been busy and somehow the time flies by!

Moving right on ....

Well, just forgot my password but sorted after a lot of footering so back in business! I've given up my flat on Cedar Street and am presently living with my son Stef, hoping every day that I'll get the all clear from the medics and will be on my way to USA. I've been here two weeks already, but living out of a suitcase as all my other stuff has been shipped to Chicago. Cooking, cleaning, and crochet fill my days, and time is going verrrry slowly indeed.
Tom brought our wee kitten Mango home on Sunday, and I can't wait to see him 'in person' or should that be 'in kitten'?! He's a cheeky, lively wee thing and I really enjoyed watching him on webcam last night.

A new beginning (again) ??

Hey it's May - the sun is shining (well today at least) and I'm having a break from clearing out stuff in preparation for my move to USA. Yes I had a blog with the same title as this one, but for some reason I'm not being allowed into it to update ..... so let's start again!!

I've just taken voluntary redundancy from work so have plenty time to blog (no excuses anymore for blank pages)!! Between de-cluttering, crochet and farewell gatherings, I've been kept busy in the week and a half that I've not been gainfully employed. I've also had a few appointments at hospital as apparently I need a very clean bill of health to get my long awaited fiancee visa.

Thinking about e-baying some 'treasures' but will they be treasured by anyone else but me? Time will tell I guess.