My home for Christmas 2012

So the gifts are wrapped and if you are in England you are checking out what will be on the telly tonight and over Chrismas. So if you are in England don't forget to walk down the streets and drive through the villages and see the Christmas lights. Sing with all your heart Christmas carols down the streets. Go to a Carol service or a small church. I loved the services in Stanton so many good memories, thanks Aspinalls. See the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. Ride on a double-decker bus and listen to the merry tunes of buskers singing in the streets of London. Don't forget to have some Christmas cake and Christmas pudding and oh some yummy custard. Open up a cracker and pull the wish bone with a friend. Enjoy a meal at a pub. Listen to the Queens speech. And stuff,stuff your face with loads of yummy Cadbury's chocolates. In other words this is my home and I am so jealous that you are there. So from my family to yours have a wonderful Christmas in England and may one day soon we will be home for Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Which book will clean your very soul this Christmas?

I find this time of year magical and my most favorite movie at Christmas is The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. It takes me back to England and walking in the snow near Renwick Park in West Runton to walking in the snow on New Years Day, with my dad saying that God had wiped the world clean. I find the simplicity of the story magical. I find it so totally what England is all about. I remember my brother wearing one of those dressing gowns with the cord tied around his waist. Us all eagerly looking out of the windows to see the snow. The story transports me back in time and to my England. Then another amazing author Nick Butterworth in all the Percy Park stories, takes us to the wonderful parks in England where indeed we often see the park keeper. Oh to read One Snowy Night and to be taken to that park with all those wonderful animals. But perhaps simplicity is not on your reading list this Christmas, then go with me to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens perhaps you will just read the words, or perhaps you will allow your mind to see how you can change and make the future brighter. See Charles Dickens might of written it about a man called Scrooge but let's be real there is that man in all of us and all of us need to be changed. So here are my favorites, what books from Good Olde England will you read and which ones will change your life forever? As my dad use to say on

New Years Day when it snowed that God wiped the world clean, I ask you which book will clean your very soul to make your Christmas Merry and Bright There's always room for one more.

Cromer's Christmas tree with a difference.

As towns and cities light their Christmas tree lights and many of us start putting up our Christmas trees Cromer in Norfolk England put up a very different tree. I love Cromer I went to school near there as a child and sang songs in Cromer church so the place has fond memories for me. Cromer's tree is made up of Lobster pots and takes dedicated people putting together this creation. If you have ever been to Cromer their crabs our famous and must be tasted. Cromer is rich in history of its

fishermen and their lives. If you are near Cromer go and visit this wonderful tree. Tonight the Christmas lights are switched on at 6.45 pm. I am telling you it is a treasure to walk down those streets in Cromer. So to all those fisher men thank you for all you do. There's always room for one more even you little crab. http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/poll_what_do_you_think_of_cromer_s_crab_pot_christmas_tree_1_1708198 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151102734290887.433668.520510886&type=1

Lessons to learn from The American Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has come and gone in America, but what lessons can be taken from the all American Thanksgiving day. I have sat down around a table many times and heard people grumble and complain, compare illnesses and how bad their year was, yes all on Thanksgiving day. I have heard people argue about what they cooked, how it was cooked and so forth. But this year I saw four families get along, no arguing. So as we English folk approach Christmas day and the thought of families getting together what can we learn? I think the true meaning of Thanksgiving was to give thanks to God for all he had done, yes the year might have been bad, but it was seeing the good and been grateful for that. So my suggestion is that we take a moment out of the holiday time to be thankful for what God has done for us. You might find it hard, but all of us can complain, but to be thankful brings life. I saw many weeks of people putting on facebook, what they were thankful for before Thanksgiving, but none afterwards. I don't think the word thankful means just for a few weeks. Christmas is a tough time, but even in the hustle and bustle find away to give thanks. I miss England I miss the rain, the cold days when I heard the market people calling out to buy their fruit and I am so thankful for those memories. Silly hey but I never thought back then that I would see the blessing in those days, the cheer it would bring to my heart in the future. So take a note from the real

Thanksgiving and give thanks this time of year do not be caught on the grumbling table. There is always room for one more and always room to be thankful. Thanks for dropping by.

England at Christmas Time

As the year rolls on and December is closely knocking at the door. I am reminded of some English treasures that I miss. The lighting of lights in villages, towns and cities. The hustle and bustle of trying to get out of the cold. The markets and the stall holders calling. I guess I took it all for granted. Singing carols in a freezing cold church and the stain glass windows seem to tell more of a story this time of year. Children busy preparing the nativity play and Father Christmas is getting ready to listen to what children have to say. I remember getting our tree from Felbrigg Hall it was like the magic had begun. My school carol service in Cromer church, dinner at the Mirabell in West Runton and of to Thursford to hear choirs and all. Where ever you are this coming December take a moment to be thankful that in these hard times there is so much to be thankful about. I hold dear the memories of England I walk through towns and villages in my mind. Cherish the time you have there it is magical if you allow it. There's always room for one more.

Happy Autumn

I have a group on facebook called englishdelights which I have so enjoyed looking up wonderful recipes and crafts to make for the up and coming holidays.I love finding crafts that children can make and recipes that bring England a little closer to me when I live so far away. I encourage you to look around see what you can make with what you find. One year we took lids of jars and made them into ornaments another I made a simple cross out of wood smoothed it down and placed it on the tree. I love this time year one can open up one's eyes and see the dew on cobwebs or the frost on a tree making it sparkle like snow. Happy Autumn to you all. There's always room for one more.

Don't knock all of the NHS

I have seen both sides where I pay for medical and the NHS. Both have good bad and the ugly. But before you knock the NHS let me say somethings that I have been blessed with. In England if you get divorced you have medical still, if you are old you have medical and people that will care for you. Do not get me wrong there are programs in other countries for low income but say if you are in the middle? It is a hard road to think, pay for shoes or go to the doctors. My mother has received nothing but love and care from the NHS recently. Now listen I am sure some have not. But before you knock it, realize many of these people work because of the love of the profession, they are dedicated.One thing I would of loved to know the day I got divorced was that I had medical, but I didn't. I have been so blessed to know that in my case that my mum has received love and care. So there is good out there, and also bad but I have been blessed to find the good these last few weeks. I hope you will experience good and realize that every country has it's good and bad points about medical.

Thank you all who serve diligently to keep us all well.

I love Autumn

A lot of people complain when they feel the weather change

. Me it calls my name, Down paths covered with leaves To memories of listening to the howling breeze To raking up piles of leaves To flying kites in the breeze To making scarecrows, To seeing fireworks soar in the night sky To wearing warm mittens and cozy coats. Yes indeed. I can truly say I am British and love the Autumn weather. Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights

Scarecrows.

It's that time of year. When the sweaters are found and coats, hats and mittens are gathered up for the winter days ahead. But for me and my family October means scarecrows go out to decorate our porch. When I was a child the only scarecrow I made was for Guy Fawkes night. But today even though my scarecrows were bought there is an art to making them. Here are some that I have found on the internet. Look around you, see if you can see some. Perhaps even take the time to make one.

Welcome Autumn, Welcome falling leaves and welcome to the crisp walk down wooded roads that lead us to our homes. Wishing you lots of Tasty English delights There's always room for one more.

Prince William and Gallant knight to his wife.

I loved Princess Diana,she was amazing. To me it is precious to see how her oldest son has stood up against the tabloids that have printed topless photos of his wife. The statement by those tabloids, that they should publish them because it is just like any other superstar and i have written that in my own words is utter rubbish. A superstar will never see their husband become King nor will they ever have to deal with the matters of a country. So reality check tabloids.Have a reality check and do what is right. I once wrote on here about knights in shinning armor, I wonder at times is there any. To see Prince William stand by his wife and not put up with this nonsense should perhaps send the message home to many men and husbands. So be the Gallant knight and stand and defend your wife. Prince William my wish is that others stand and be more Gallant like you. There's always room for one more knight in Shinning armor.

The Olympics verses Paralympics 2012

The Olympics was broadcasted a lot in the USA but I have not seen the Paralympics mentioned at all. It seems a shame. I have heard that a lot of tickets were sold , my sister who lives in London said that the tickets were a lot cheaper to see the Paralympics, in truth it should be the other way around. These men and women have had to face challenge after challenge. I am not saying that men and women in the Olympics do not but to me the men and women in the Paralympics have to had to face more challenges than many of us will ever face. Perhaps in years to come they both will be broadcasted like equals. Until then to me it appears like segregation in a class boys on one side girls on another. We are all equal aren't we... ? then how come the television networks saw only to broadcast one intensly and not the other. Does it boil down to money and how many ratings they would get...it should boil down to being a human. Everyone's story is a hope to encourage another isn't it? I would of loved to heard the stories of many at the paralympics not just the Olympics. Will they get the same hero welcome? It is as if nothing really changes, people are still judged and segregated even in 2012. My hope is that we all stand and so when the next Olympics comes both lights will be shone brightly for all the world to see. There's always room for one more.

Paralympics 2012 Shines a Light

The Paralympics had it's opening ceremony in London yesterday. It has not been televised as much as the Olympics. To me perhaps they should go first and then the Olympics games next. These men and women represent hope for all. I view it that it helps me to know that even through difficult times, if I push on, there can be hope. It is in moments when you see a gold won in the next few weeks that it should make us realize that all things are reachable. Reaching beyond what we can see and holding onto a vision that only God can see. Hope is found in these men and women and shame to the television companies that choose to not broadcast it. I thought in a world where everything is so politically correct this might well be termed prejudice, but who am I. Look at me I sit here typing, walking down a street, to me the Paralympics shines a light into the fact of how we can all become better people and see that in all of us there is hope.

Wishing you lots of tasty English delights. "There's always room for one more."

The true Gold medalists of 2012.

I so enjoyed the Olympics. The many who won their medals and the amazing show London put on. But perhaps the hero's are found in those who printed the banners, cleaned the toilets and swept the paths. Made sure that the London 2012 Olympics was a success. They will never get their picture in the newspaper or a gold medal around their neck,nor a gold post box. But to me they are the hero's the one's who stayed when the lights were dim and hung the Olympic rings on Tower Bridge or made sure that water was working and that towels were clean. I use to walk by many of those people, thinking I was better than them. Reality check, we are not better than any of them. I now take the time, to smile and say thank you to those that I see do a good job. I wonder how many Olympians took the time to say thank you to the person bringing them water or cleaning their room? Did they even notice them?

Kindness and thankfulness comes from within, it can make the world a brighter place. Try it and you will see who were the true gold medalist's of London 2012 There's always room for one more.

True Olympic Winner

Although only sixteen years old, Gabby Douglas, an American gymnast, is an amazing athlete. Receiving a gold medal not only for the women's gymnastic team, but also in women's individual all-around gymnastics, she gives praise not to herself but to God. With the women's individual all-around gymnastic gold medal, she has also made history by being the first and only African-American woman to get that far. She said in an interview, "And I give all the glory to God. It's kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him and the blessings fall down on me." Maybe there is something we can learn from her. If only we praised God for all He has done for us, maybe we would see life in a better light. Instead of looking at the bad, we could praising Him for all the good things and see that life is not as bad as what we think. Yes, Gabby Douglas is a winner to the public by the gold medals she possesses, but she is more of a winner by being humble enough to not be full of pride and instead giving God thanks. What an amazing young lady she truly is. Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights. "There's always room for one more."

What price does the Olympics cost?

I am enjoying watching the Olympics but I have to wonder at what price this comes at to the normal person in Great Britain?

I think it is amazing what has been done in London.However when the world switches of their tellies to the Olympics and the last rubbish is collected how many jobs will come to East London and other parts. Will this mean more cuts, less money for pensioners and families? I guess it is a question that only time will tell. At the end of the day it is those people who will probably never see the Olympic stadium that deserve gold they paid the ultimate sacrifice to see their country in the spot light.They watched their pennies and had little choice in the matter, they indeed paid it all for Olympics 2012. There's all room for one more.

The eyes of the world are on London.

London calling 2012 Olympic is on. I love my mum's saying is it over yet. For many of us following it we cheer from far away, but for those in England I am sure many might be asking how much is this going to cost me? A question my friend and I wondered, along with what jobs are going to come out of this. Don't get me wrong I think it is great to see the Olympics in my home country but my heart goes out to the many unemployed and old age pensioners who barely get by. It is magical but after the magic is gone I wonder what will be left. The eyes of the world are on London but like the Tsunami that hit Japan and other nations once the excitement is gone who will be watching to see who has got a job from it?

It's just a question to wonder. There's always room for one more Wishing you lots of tasty English Delights.

The torch is coming...

The Olympic torch has been taken many places and is on its way to the Olympic Stadium. On the 70th day of the torch relay which is also Friday, July 27, the torch will enter Hampton Court and the next race is on to watch the amazing athletes perform. On this link, you can watch just where the torch has gone and is going. http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route/ It has been from Land's End in Cornwall to Greenwich, the torch is close and ready to begin the Olympic games. The question is: are you ready? So grab your tea and biscuits and throw a party to celebrate the fun. The Olympics 2012 is going to be a flame to remember. "There's always room for one more."

On your marks get set for the Olympics in London.

Are you ready on your marks, yes the Olympic count down is on it's way. My sister lives in London and to be honest I think for her she will be glad to see the end of it. To all of us away from London it is a thrill to see the olympics in your home country, but for those living there I am sure it is a nightmare.
But lets be honest it's brill to see your country win a gold.
So my question to you are you getting ready doing those laps around the couch making sure that you have enough tea in the cupboard.
Because in a few days yes it will on your marks get set go..... London Olympics will be here.
So like Father Christmas get checking your list not once but twice you don't want to miss this years Olympic games in London.Get the tea and cakes in the pantry, food in the fridge and you are set to watch an Olympic games like no other.

Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Little boys torch dream.

I have heard of many children making Olympic torches at school in England and many relay races been done. Torches been sold for charity by the runners who have had the privilege of running with the Olympic torch across England's green and pleasant lands. But one little boy made his torch and decided why not sell it and raise money for charity and help children less fortunate than him.
Here below is his link from the BBC if you can help this little chap raise money please do. This little boy has won gold in my eyes.Go Logan.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18758695
Go for Gold this London Olympics in giving back to others. How will you make a difference.

Mum who loves to doodle.

I came across this today and I so love this mum. Angie Stevens has a blog called http://doodlemum.com/me/ she is a mum who lives in Wales and has recorded her children's lives by doodling a picture every day. For me I love how she has captured a British mum and her life. How she is so true to just been normal, life is not always how we expect. I truly encourage you to join her blog and check it out. She is an inspiration of how we should do something to capture our children growing up it might be in a drawing or in a story, something to leave behind for them.
Thanks Angie for inspiring me.
Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

The Olympic rings 2012

Today Tower bridge, my most loved Bridge was changed. It too joined in with the celebrations to mark the Olympics been in London. To me I use to love driving over Tower Bridge, no doubt if I did that today I would be holding back tears. Many Brits would call me un British to be crying about such a trivial thing. But for a woman who misses England as much as I do. It touches my heart to see so many people in England joining in with the build up to the Olympics. If you live in England or are traveling there this summer. Do not take for granted this moment in time it is history in the making. My mum remembers the last Olympics she was on the beach in Dover with her mother seeing the torch been run up that beach, white cliffs in the background. So i think for me it is only fitting that the Olympic rings are held across such a bridge that this year has seen the Diamond Jubilee and now welcomes the world to be a part of history at the 2012 London Olympics.
Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Olympic torch brightens a fair maidens day.

Well from Kate and William practicing for the javelin team to a getting ready for the high jumps and sprints on the bouncy Stonehenge us Brits are preparing for an Olympic like no other. But today a young man had another intent as he ran with the Olympic torch in one hand he stopped and asked for his fair maidens hand in marriage. Decked in a very patriotic dress his girlfriend accepted.

It's wonderful to see how the best in us Brits comes out for such occasions from the Jubilee to the Olympics the British spirit just pours out. It make one proud to be British.
So get ready for a summer like no other and if you are in England take the time to enjoy the celebrations get involved be a part of history.
Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

The Olympics in England brings out the Olympian in even a Princess

As we head into the Olympics. I had to chuckle when I saw this picture of Kate (Middleton) this week throwing a foam javelin in Nottingham. When I saw Stonehenge made into a bouncy arena it just cries out to me,that us Brits know how to have a good laugh and bring out the kid in us. You can see that mischievous face of Kate that brings us back to our childhood. So if you believe Brits our stuffy then think again. We have our traditions and we have are fun you tell me a country that has our wonderful Kate throwing a javelin or a bouncy arena of a famous place. So hold on tight this summer is going to be like no other. Who knows maybe they will allow Kate and William to have their own competition of foam javelin throwing at the Olympics this summer. Perhaps they practice after tea in their garden? The question is which one of them would win the gold?
Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Trendsetters

Vintage clothes have been setting the stage lately. Princess Eugene and Princess Beatrice wore 1950s style hats this past few days of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. From their hats to their clothes, they were adorned by past styles seeping into today's attires. Not only the royals, but One Direction has been displaying classic styles too. From suspenders to vests and bow ties, they have been setting not only stages to perform but also the "in" clothing line of the 1950s. With new styles coming and going, do not forget to make your own style. Whether it be with bright colored clothes to add a bit of pop, like some of One Direction's clothes, to Veteran like hats to vintage handbags and gloves. Don't forget a set of pearls. You can make your own style, a classic to be remembered. Being you is the new in. Em

Diamond Divas

With the Diamond Jubilee, these past few days of celebrations have been amazing. From the more than 1,000 boats on the Thames River to a Concert for the Queen, it has been a once in a life time weekend to celebrate. Princess Eugene and Princess Beatrice wore 1950s style outfits and hats these last few days. Possibly setting the scene in honor of Queen Elizabeth II who came to the throne in 1952. They were adorned in Veteran-like hats with dresses and coats to match. Princess Eugene even wore UK flagged finger nails in honor of her grandmother's event. The true trendsetter is really Elizabeth II who carries a Launer's handbag called the Diva. God Bless the Queen. Em

4,200 beacons lit for the Queen.

4,200 beacons lit across the globe to mark the Queens sixty years of reign. It's amazing to think how much my Queen is loved. Yet to many that I spoke to today I felt a sense of ignorance. I spoke with pride about my Queen yet many could not understand why the big do in London. Well lets put it bluntly have you reigned over a country for sixty years? There's a sense of pride when switching on the telly to see the celebrations in London to see her smile. Yet how many after this is all said and done will understand fully the impact of these days. It is history in the making. It is not a movie nor a telly saga or show it's the real thing. She is a woman to be respected and we as Brit's love her. I take pride in seeing The Thames like I have never seen before, seeing her smile as her son made a speech tonight and I take pride in knowing that although I am far from home. I too am British. I suggest who ever takes the time to switch on the telly tonight you think how amazing that this Queen has served my country so well. Those beacons are lit with respect. I humbly thank God for my Queen. God Save the Queen.

Diamond Jubilee day on the Thames like no other.

The Thames river is like no other to me. I love Tower Bridge I love being down by the Thames to me this says I am home. My mum has lived through many events but I beat today marked one that will go down in her life, mine and her grandchildren's lives. None of us will ever live to see a Monarch on our throne for sixty years. It marks a time that has seen my mum from a young girl to a mother and then to a grandmother. Today we saw a flotilla of boats of all sorts go down the Thames to celebrate my Queen been on the throne for sixty years. There she was on her amazing boat if you call it that, it was a boat made of splendor with ten and thousands of flowers decking the sides. It might of rained but that did not put a dampener on the days celebrations and how us Brits regardless will make a party out of dreary day.
If you like me, have gone down the Thames on a boat you will understand how magical this is. But today it marked history.
This is my Queen who has served my country well.
God bless you Queen Elizabeth.

Oh to be in England.

I love England in the Spring to me it is magical and wonderful. I remember visiting the bluebells in Blickling in Norfolk. I loved all those amazing colours. Walking down country roads. The sounds of Cromer getting ready for the holiday makers. I encourage you if you are on your way to England take a moment to enjoy the countryside enjoy the smells, colours and sights. I love it all.The market squares appear to bustle and the chants of marketers selling their goods seem to sing a song of yesterday.
Close your eyes you might well be captured in time and see yourself in Dickens time or another period either way, you can make amazing memories. Stop and have a cup of tea or cider and don't forget a cake or two.
Wishing you lots of English Delights
There's always room for one more.

Get up and see the Lake District.

It's that time of you to get out and start walking. England offers so many wonderful places to walk. The Lake District is one of them. Take a flask of tea with you as you hike, cycle or drive around this wonderful countryside. It is breath taking to see how God masterly created such beauty. I went there about fifteen years ago and I will never ever forget it. I hope you will experience the beauty like I did. Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights There's always room for one more.

Lessens We Can Learn from One Direction's Song

Same Mistakes is a song by One Direction, a British-Irish band of five guys in their late teens and early twenties. Their song is really relatable, and that, I think, makes them very popular right now. It says how when we argue with others, to stop making the same mistakes of pointing the finger at the other person but to look closer into why there is a problem. Stop blaming the other person because it is not getting anyone anywhere. But it also takes both people facing up to their issues and seeing past the problems to make things better. Then maybe you will even get to know each other better and be stronger because of it. A lot of times I think we stiffen up and wait for the other person to change and do not look at ourselves. We might think there is nothing to fix with ourselves, but if we look at ourselves first, maybe there is something to fix. We pray and hope for things to change, but in doing that, we also have to face up and look at ourselves. Looking back in time is very hard, but if we do not do that then how can we possibly move on? We have to realize our mistakes and stop going in circles. Because circles only lead in the same direction and if we already know where that has lead before, then why not make it a time to learn from our mistakes. I think this is something we can all learn from. Please enjoy One Direction's song by going to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvc1tsIEdts Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights. "There's always room for one more." Emily

Diamond Jubilee

The Diamond Jubilee is here. I remember the Silver Jubilee I lived in a small village called Aylmerton and a lady who became a dear friend made pottery and gave every child in the village a mug. The Golden Jubilee I saw the Golden double decker buses. It is amazing to be a part of such heritage and to see how British we are really. There will be the bunting in the streets and the good old tea towels been sold. I have seen purses and shoes and in it all, I smile that I am British that the Queen who sits on the throne is my Queen that my mum got to hear it been announced that Elizabeth would be Queen and that one day I can say I remember those days. England is full of heritage.

I use to take it all for granted but if you are in England I suggest you look around you see how blessed you are. Wishing you lots of Tasty English Delights There's always room for one more.