Earthquake

People say the British are a little reserved with
their emotions, so you can imagine my surprise when I
was awakened this morning at 0100, by what I am sure
was organized to celebrate my first three months in
the UK, by one of the largest seismic events in recent
UK history.

I do not know how long the quake went on, but I was
awakened by what I thought was someone beating on my
door, no doubt to invite me out to celebrate the
occasion. It was not though, it was the doors on my
standing closet slamming around that was the source of
the sound. About the time this became clear, it
dawned on me that the bed was doing a jig underneath
me, and no, I had not had too much to drink before
bed.

I am glad it was not the big one and that I woke up
long enough to experience it. They sure know how to
make you feel welcome here.

DWR

Renew visa

I am just back from my local neighborhood pub where I
consumed a meal and a pint.  To add to my comfort, I
am surrounded by my stuff, which was delivered today.

It has been a tough week!  I was forced to go to
London this weekend to renew my work permit.
Otherwise, I would have been deported on February
14th......lousy timing to be sure.  I was stuck in
some 5 star dive of a hotel in the heart of downtown
and within walking distance of a majority of the
landmarks, theaters, and restaurants.  We left
Wilmslow (my home town) Saturday morning and rode the
train to London through a snow covered countryside.
We did the tourist thing on Saturday afternoon by
taking the Big Bus (not to be confused with the little
bus).  They give you a 48 hour taxi service and a ride
on the River Thames.  It really is a good deal.  We
walked around all day Sunday, took the river cruise,
and topped off the day with an evening recital in
Westmister Abbey.

Any building less than 500 years old doesn't even get
the tour guide's attention here.  And they are still
using the buildings.  What a city!  I did not intend
to visit London (founded before the Romans took over)
except to get my work permit renewed, but having been
there, I will be going back before my tour is up!

Michelle will arrive on the 15th and we will be off to
Wales for the week.  Life is hard!

I hope this finds all well there.  The key is under
the mat, but the spare bedroom looks like .....

More later...

DWR