November blues

Since November 1st, I have been fighting a cold. Yes, it has really been a month. This is a picture of my shelf where I get ready for the day! Here are a few of the things I have been doing to try and fight this cold:

1. 3 visits to the doctor

2. A course of antibiotics

3. Chicken Soup

4. Vicks on my chest, throat, and feet.

5. Hot bowls of Olbas oil.

6. Airborne

7. Berocca

8. Daily muli-vitamin

9. Cod liver oil

10. Lemon, honey, and ginger drinks

11. Night Cough Nurse and Day Nurse

12. A herbal remedy made at an apothecary

13. And through it all.... tons of sleep!

We have most of the same medicines here, but they all have different names. They do the same thing.... Nighttime coughing, sneezing, so you can sleep = Night Nurse. Going to the pharmacy was quite frustrating. I am barley standing and trying to describe my symptoms. The woman says-You need Olbas oil. Me- what? Her- Olbas oil. Me- I'm sorry, what? Her- Olbas oil. Me- I'm sorry, I hear you. But I can't tell what you are saying. Her- Olbas oil. Me- What is that?!! Her- I'll show you. Me- Thanks.

It has been a solid month. I am ready to be healthy.

Forcast: Squally Rain

Two funny things happened before 8 a.m. today. That is a guaranteed good day no matter what!

First: This morning, I went to take Chula for her morning 'run'. When we opened the door, I realized there was wet in the air. Two years ago, I would have called it rain. One year ago, I might have said mist. Today, I didn't even turn back for a raincoat! I had a hat on; Chula would get wiped down when we got back....so, out we went! It was kind of fun. I know that is sick and twisted for a California girl. But, I have learned to love that wet. I didn't know that it would start raining- for real rain. But, as I said earlier... I did have on a hat... and Chula did get wiped down. So I still say~ a fun time!

Second: I have started watching BBC Breakfast for some news in the morning. Today, they did the weather forecast as "squally rain". What?! When I got to work and asked someone about it, she had to look it up on Wikipedia! Here was a picture we found... The really funny thing is that I looked almost exactly like this on my way to work this morning!

So, I can tough the wet. And, I can tough a squall. All in all, a great morning.

Pheasant Dinners

This is a pheasant. Isn't he beautiful. Beautiful colors. Beautiful bird. But, as a farmer's daughter I can acknowledge that something is beautiful... and yummy! I have grown up all my life knowing that my daddy is a pheasant hunter. His home state, South Dakota, has wonderful pheasant hunting. The hunting season opener is practically a major national holiday in our family; all the available Fjellands come from near and far to enjoy a weekend together. My family (by that I mean the extended family) even has a Fjelland Fjeasant Fjort. It's a small 'man cave' that is all fixed up for to stay in when everyone is in town for opening weekend. The best part of hunting is.... they come away with tasty pheasant birds! Pheasant dinners are a special night at our house. It is hard to make and takes my dad hours of work, but it is really yummy!



This year for Christmas/ Hanukkah gift I suggested a quilted table runner for my folks. My mom had the idea of a pheasant dinner themed table runner ~ She recently picked up some amazing ultra suede placemats in fall/pheasant colors. With four days home sick last week, I managed to finish this table runner. To tell you the truth, I really love the fabrics. I think the real reason I quilt is because I'm addicted to the fabrics! This project has sleek, modern fabrics ~ which is just like my parents. And a fairly modern look (Ironically, I learned this pattern is called flying geese.) On top of the gorgeous fabrics, I think this little guy turned out good enough to go on a table! The corners and points are almost exactly where they should be. After about 20 quilts, I finally feel like I might be 'an intermediate' quilter.



The hardest part of living so far away is that I had to pack the precious little bundle into an envelop and trust it to Royal Mail. However, I did take a flip video and asked my parents to watch the video while they were on the phone with me so I could hear the initial ohh and ahh. I hope they enjoy this splash of color on their table this year. Wish I could be home for the tasty pheasant dinner too!

Autumn in Richmond Park

I love several things about Richmond, but I do have a favorite! Richmond Park. Richmond Park is one of the neatest places I have ever seen. It has been around since 1272, is 2500 acres, and has 650 free roaming deer. Royal Parks say that Richmond park has changed little over the years~but I disagree! I see it changing day to day and month to month. If I went to the park every day I would never tire of a route or path because it never feels the same!

Chula is a great excuse to get outside and go walking in the park. I have even started jogging with her before work. (Sunrise in the park is really amazing... but that feels like the subject for another blog!) This Saturday I made the most of a few sunny, glorious hours with Chula and a camera. A photo is supposed to be worth 1,000 words... but these just don't do justice to the real beauty. Chula, do you agree?

Budapest ~ Tony & Sarah

Tony and Sarah used to live down the street from us in Richmond. There were times when we would spend almost the whole weekend together. But a few months ago, they moved to Budapest, Hungry and we miss them terribly. To finish up our half-term trip, we flew from Baltimore to Budapest! One of my favorite moments of the weekend was the hug from Tony when we first saw them!! (Tony is an amazing hugger!)

What's that? You wonder why they moved to Hungry? Me too!! :) Sarah accepted a new job with her company and Tony is starting a MBA program. Even with these great opportunities, I was nervous about how the transition would be for them. I can't imagine moving to a country that speaks Hungarian and trying to make friends and feel at home. I quickly learned that all my fears were miss founded! They are doing so wonderful it filled my heart with joy!

We had an amazing weekend filled with sight seeing, delicious food, and meeting some of their new friends. Even though it was hard to say goodbye, I know the next time we are together it will feel like no time has passed! Thank you to Tony and Sarah for a memorable weekend together!