Merry Christmas!!

O'bama

Caught this song on tv this morning -- a little late, but made me laugh!

First outing

It took us 8 days, but we've finally made it out of the house. (to be fair, the first few days we were in the hospital, so that doesn't count).

Yep, it was time to leave the cozy home nest, and venture into the big bad world. Or perhaps not so bad -- fittingly enough for a baby with at least a little Seattle in her blood, where else could we make our first stroll but to Starbucks. Double tall skinny wet latte please. Er, and one for mom as well.

No, no, no -- but in time, it will be babycinos all around!

*ps -- the pram is actually red, but this picture was taken with my not-so-great camera phone

Statistics gone mad...

Amusing Frank Deford piece on stupidest statistics on NPR. Well, I guess they need to find something to put on the Jumbotron...

Baby classes

We had our first NCT class this Saturday. 5 sessions with other local first-time parents, trying to give us a better idea of what to expect for the birth... and beyond, for when you take this strange little creature home and have to look after it. Eek.

Five weeks to go, though (if all goes according to schedule) and we're slowly getting organised. We've got the car seat - thanks Cat! - and a crib - thanks Jon & Julie! - and even a rocking chair. And I think the baby monitor is powerful enough to stretch to the pub next door (thanks Margot!) And thanks to the fabulous shower 2 weeks ago, complete with suprise appearance (thanks Mom!) we've got books, toys, clothes, and an heirloom-to-be handmade blanket (thanks thanks thanks Stephanie!). Just a few more practicalities and we'll be set. Then it's just sit back and wait time. And wait. And wait!

Stitchery Show

After an incredibly busy couple of weeks, it was great to be able to take off Friday and make my semi-annual pilgrimage to the Twisted Thread Knitting and Stitching Show. And to shake things up a bit, I decided to go all the way to Harrogate for this autumn's show (well, because I missed the recent London one, thanks to our lovely trip to Portugal).

While I'm not sure I'd make the 8+ hour round trip again just for the show, I will say it was a pretty good one. It seemed to have a much broader spread of needle crafts than the London shows -- though still had my favourite, Michael Powell and others I like, including Nutmeg (those 3d kits are tricky, but look fantastic).

To give my feet a rest, I also took in a workshop -- and now have a slightly better idea of how to do a patchwork quilt, however 1 hour was not *quite* enough to finish a project, even the small one the teacher started us off with. I must must must complete it at home soon - or risk a) forgetting how and b) adding yet another item to my unfinished projects file!

The most impressive part of the show -- like every year -- was the textile art exhibition -- so so so inspirational. Where do they get their ideas?!

My favourites this year? Roy and Barbara Hirst retrospective -- who do absolutely amazing stump work (also called, I learned, raised embroidery). Unfortunately I didn't have my cameras, so no photos. So meticulous.

I also enjoyed a more modern artist, Claire Moynihan, and her witty 'Moth Balls'. I don't know why, but they just grabbed my attention. Clever, beautiful, intricate -- just the sort of thing I'd love to come up with one day... when of course I begin my new career as an international textile artist. Hmm...

Baby on board

Probably the worst thing about being pregnant and working in London is the public transport commute. For some reason (British reserve? Yes, I know I'm not actually British, but I've been here long enough to acquire some local habits) I just cannot bring myself to ask for a seat. And yet, on a crowded tube, after a long day at work, that's what I want more than anything.

That same British reserve, however, is what stops people from offering seats I think. "Hmm... is she pregnant? Or just fat? I wouldn't want to insult her... so I just won't say anything at all." So I stand, and sigh, and stick my belly out to make it look more pregnant-y, not just wobbly over-eating-y. And I've even taken to wearing this somewhat embarrassing Baby on Board pin Transport for London gives out to help my case.

Of course, for any of these tactics to work, I need to at least be standing somewhere near a seat, rather than in the crush near the door. In addition, fellow passengers need to actually be looking around, rather than the usual state of eyes-in-book/paper/magazine or vacantly looking nowhere in particular.

So, I stand for a few stops, and usually manage to nab a seat at some point in the journey when something opens up. Occasionally, though, the offer does come, and is gratefully accepted. Perhaps not surprisingly, it's pretty much almost women, and usually at least 30+ I'd guess. There are still a few months left for men and yoof to prove themselves, however, so we'll see how things go until December.

But I'll certainly be standing for any pregnant women I see in the future -- er, after I'm no longer one of them, that is!

Vote Barack!

I cannot possibly keep track of all the Obama songs and videos on YouTube... but do like this one!

Sports team name puzzle

Thanks NPR for another enjoyable Sunday challenge. I only say enjoyable because it's one I managed to solve!

""Nonclassical analysis" contains eight different letters. Two of them occur once, two of them occur twice, two of them occur three times, and two of them occur four times each. Which sports team's name has this same property?"

Answers on a card, please, by Thursday 3pm. Or submit online -- you've just got to be near a phone at 3pm Thursday Eastern time.

Tiny bubbles...

I'm not sure if I should tsk-tsk or applaud the work of 'Mr Bubbles' -- who recently turned the Trafalgar Square fountains into a massive bubble bath. Ok, yes, it probably cost a little to clean it up, but it looks like it was relatively safe material (household detergents, etc), and I'm sure that if I had just happened to be walking by and saw a foamy fountain, it would've brought a smile to my face.

More Portugal photos...

Online at Flickr -- I know there should be some way to embed them here, but too tired to figure it out. Also I'm not sure why, when my photos were in order when I uploaded them, they're now all over the place... so the chronology is a bit off -- but hey, we were only there for 3 days, so it shouldn't be that confusing!

Quite interesting encounter

So, a couple weeks ago, I wandered into Stanfords, the amazing travel bookstore in Covent Garden, on the lookout for a suitable guidebook to the Algarve.

Culinary-suggestion-filled Top 10 Guide in hand, I wandered to the check out to pay for my purchase, when I realised the store seemed a bit more crowded than usual, even for a sunny Saturday afternoon. And then I realised the crowd wasn't milling about or shopping. No, they were standing. And looking. And taking pictures. All in the direction of a single man, at a desk, signing books.

Who? What? Could it be? None other than my ultimate dream dinner party guest, the erudite, self-deprecatingly pompous but never annoyingly arrogant, current QI and former Bafta presenter, raconteur, comic actor, dork, and all around national treasure that is Stephen Fry. Ok Mom, maybe not Prince William for celeb-ness, but between the two, I know who I'd rather have a real conversation with.

I promptly grabbed his most recent book, jumped in the queue, and agonised during the 25 minute wait over something suitably witty to say in my 15 second encounter. Aaaagh, the pressure. One of the assistants manning the line gave me a Post-It note on which I was to write any personalisation I requested. Double aaack! How could I possibly presume to put words in the pen of one of my idols?

But presume I did, and as I finally got to his side, I handed over the book -- a photo-heavy travelogue of his journey around all 50 US States in a black cab, companion piece to his current BBC show. And my Post-it, full of scribbles and re-writes, finally saying simply: "To Ashley & Stefanie: All 50 states, catch me if you can."

And I told him about our family state 'contest', and mumbled I felt silly telling him of all people what to write. But he was gracious despite his hours of signing (I was one of the last to go), and asked me what state I was from (probably only the 500th person he'd asked that of, as there appeared to be an American-heavy bias to the crowd), and even remarked on the spelling of my name, to ensure he got it correct.

Sadly our conversation ended there, just as we were about to become bosom buddies, and I went away smiling and clutching my prize.

I wonder if would accept my Facebook friend request? I'm sure he'd remember me -- y'know -- Stefanie-with-an-f...

PlanetWulfagar and the quest for arroz do polvo

Before heading to Portugal for a lovely long weekend (or 'babymoon', according to my brother), I found myself wondering if there were any dishes particular to Portugal. I mean, I've heard of the custard pastries in Lisbon, but main meals? Y'know, like Spain has its paella and tapas?

Fortunately I had the Top 10 Guide to the Algarve to tell me. Turns out one of the specialities of this southern coastal region is arroz do polvo -- "a regional speciality which evokes the Algarve's love affair with the sea". In other words, a bubbling stew of octopus and rice, in a garlicky tomato-y broth. And so with reading, the quest began.

And yes, in our long weekend in the eastern town of Tavira, we had sunning by the pool, wanders through a traditional market a short train ride away in Olhao, snooping round the old run down castelo (no more than walls and a garden - not exactly Edinburgh Castle, but a great view), reading, napping, and walks along the shore... but we knew the weekend woldn't be complete without that polvo!

And so on our first night, we headed to the seafront, ordered our treat at a little local spot and... were told about 10 minutes later, after munching on bread and wine, it was no go, they were all out of the popular dish. That's ok, plenty of time left. And the grilled chicken was finger lickin' good.

Friday night - take 2. A more upscale restaurant this time. And unfortunately, a little too upscale for this more peasanty fare. D'oh! (But had some yummy black pork loin... I mean, I had to eat)

Saturday, last day -- taking no chances, we opted for ordering it at lunch, at restaurant number 3, confirming it was on the menu as we entered. Or so we thought. But -- noooooo -- after placing our order we were informed that in fact the octopus wasn't fresh enough, and we wouldn't be happy. Foiled again! (Though did get to try out speciality number two, cataplana, a different sort of 'succulent seafood delight', thanks for the recommendation, Top 10)

However, as I think someone somewhere said, good things come to those who wait (and someone else said, 'an-ti-ci-pay-ay-tion'), and so we were to be rewarded in our very own last supper (of our trip at least). Back at restaurant number 1, Jaoa de Belhi... success! And definitely worth the wait.




So, great trip, great sights, and great food. And little Stashley's country count and culinary adventures continue to grow!

Where has the time gone??

Things have been manic, and I've got SOOOO much I want to write about - cricketastic weekends, including one more tea, and the annual quiz; my latest crafty girl project; how little Stashley is coming along (very nicely thank you); my recent London celebrity encounter... oh I could go on & on!

Unfortunately, I'll have to keep my extensive base of loyal readers in suspense just a leeeetle bit longer -- as I'm off to Portugal early tomorrow morning for a little sunshine and relaxation. And to generate even more adventures to not have time to write about!

Karma in action

I was delighted to for the first time be offered a seat on the very crowded Tube today -- so thanks to the woman who relinquished her seat, as I was feeling especially tired this morning, and the carriage was incredibly stuffy.

And Earl would be happy to see karma working -- another seat opened up the next stop, and she was able to sit back down again.

McCain gets Barack-Rolled

Too too funny*




*of course, more relevant if you are actually familiar with Rick rolling... um, Mom, Dad - you hip with the kids on this one?

Welcome Hugo

They say when a couple gets a dog, a baby's not long after.

Well, we've got the baby on the way -- so seemed only right to get that dog in quickly.

Therefore we wish a warm Planet Wulfagar welcome to Hugo, our new, charmingly sweet, full-size Dalmatian. And fortunately for us and our lease, Hugo is extremely well behaved. House AND outdoor trained, doesn't need any exercise, and doesn't bark. Not even a little whine or whimper.

Amazingly well brought up by his previous owners? Or maybe perhaps not entirely real? Could it be perhaps he was won at a local fun fair via 3 carefully aimed baseball throws by Ashley, which knocked all 6 cans off a shelf?

We'll never tell! (though if you come for a visit, you'll probably find out the truth for yourself...)

We did it!

So, Sunday dawned gray, and as predicted, rainy. However, the intrepid walkers made their way boldly to the park known as Hyde, prepared to do battle against the elements and crowds alike. And lo, upon arrival, the heavens cleared (well, at least the rain stopped), a clear sign that theirs was a worthy fight.

Ok, enough hyperbole. Suffice it to say, Verity and I and little one-month-old Jessica and littler minus-four-month-old Stashley made it around the very tight 5k Challenge course of the with 14,998 others (including a few Olympians and someone who looked a lot like the Queen) in a respectable time of 56:38 (pushing a pram in a crowd of thousands is *not* easy -- so well done to Verity for her talent in spotting gaps to zip ahead into). So at least we scraped in under an hour, and have a more than achievable target to beat for next year.

And we managed to enjoy a lovely chat along the way, while gathering sponsorship for a great charity. So thanks to those who donated -- and for those who didn't... now that you know I actually did the race, there's still time to contribute! ;-)

'Bliss'-ful outing

The weather forecast today? Rain, with showers and a little precipitation. Same as it's been all week and it seems all summer. (frankly I'm not sure what those little yellow lines indicate -- I do not expect any sunshine!)

Activity today? Participation in the Adidas 5k Women's Challenge. Why oh why did they ever move this run from July to September?? (not that July guarantees sun any more than September does, but it just sounds sunnier). If it weren't for the facts that...

1) I've already collected sponsorship for this, for an excellent charity, Bliss (still time to donate, even after I've run!)

2) I'm committed to entering with a good friend -- and her 1-month old baby. If *she* can do this race in the rain pushing a baby in a pram, ONE MONTH after giving birth, I can certainly do it in the rain, carrying a baby in my insides (much easier, doesn't cry yet, nothing extra to push, no diaper bag needed)

3) This is the last race of the season, and I love road races, despite my decreasing speed. And given various travel conflicts and baby protection, I've only done one other race this summer, so I can't pass on this one.

4) And finally, I've been doing this race since it started in the summer of '98, so this is my 11th Women's Challenge (those silly women, you'd think they would've cracked it by now) -- so I can't let a little rain stop me now. Plus, if I walk this one it'll give me a time to shoot for next year.

...I might be tempted to stay home!

How many calories??

The Economist* has finally written about yet another New York law to help (?) consumers avoid obesity and associated public health ills. After banning trans-fats, this January saw the introduction of mandatory calorie counts on all menu items. And it works. When I was in New York last summer, I thought I'd treat myself to a muffin. Now, I've never been one to kid myself that a blueberry muffin would be a healthy item. But 522 calories?? 522???

Er, one biscotti, please.

*Yes, it does appear that the only media I consume is the Economist and NPR podcasts... note to self: must branch out.