Greetings from Snowy England

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! and all those good things ---

At last ... I have Internet access - albeit for just a few moments to catch up on my emails etc.

This is a quick post to wish everyone a wonderful New Year ... just in case I don't get another opportunity as my mother's house is in the wilds of Devon and does not have the Internet. However, it does have running water (just kidding). We also have a tame robin ... my favorite British bird.

We finally arrived in the small hamlet of Harberton on Christmas Eve - six days later than planned. Twice, our Virgin Atlantic flight was cancelled - but we were luckier than many stranded passengers. We only live half an hour from LAX (Los Angeles) airport so no nights spent in airport terminals.

Here in Devon, the snow is still heavy on the ground with more to come. Despite being cold, we ventured into Totnes yesterday to watch the Dartington Morris men trip the light fantastic in freezing conditions. Tonight, we're heading to the local theatre to watch CINDERELLA - my husband's introduction to the classic British pantomime (oh yes it is).

All in all - so far so good! And now ... it's time for a glass of Sloe Gin.

A Cat Going About His Business

I am a cat lover.

Anyone who knows me, knows that. I even admit to having a cat psychic so I can communicate with Mr. Tig and understand his grievances. But we have this really annoying problem. Another cat—who's identity remains a mystery—has started doing his business at both our front and our back doors.

We live on the upper level of a Spanish duplex. Apart from being disgusting, can you imagine how traumatized poor Mr. Tig must feel? He's an indoor-outdoor cat and his territory is small, but it's still his. The mystery cat has clearly got bolder. He's moved from using my plant pots (inexcusable as I love to garden) and has stepped up his game. It's quite clear we are living in his old house and he doesn't like it.

Even if I discover the culprit (my husband suggested an all-night stake-out but I think he was joking), what can we do? Cayenne pepper? Anyone got any ideas?

This problem reminds me of one of my favorite children's books. The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It was None of His Business. If you're stuck for a gift for a child or an adult who never really grew up (i.e. English men who went to boarding school - no offense, I love you all), then this is the gift for you.

Meanwhile, I'm considering calling in my psychic, Ben Scuglia, for a bit of sleuthing.

Good Old Mercury Retrograde!

I don't usually pay attention to astrology anymore (I used to be obsessed with it in my misspent youth) except for one thing. Mercury Retrograde. 

This morning I set off for the post office to buy stamps for the gazillions of holiday cards I love sending to friends and family scattered around the globe. After standing in line (queueing) for half an hour I arrive at the bullet-proof window only to find that they had run out of 98 cent stamps—in fact, they only had First Class stamps. The next indication I received about good old Mercury turning was a one hour phone conversation to my favorite customer service hub. Yes, you've guessed. Mumbai. The five different customer service agents I spoke to were all very pleasant as I explained that I needed to alert the bank that  my husband and I were traveling internationally and needed to use our cards. After jumping through hoops and reciting the alphabet backwards along with other security questions, I was told the "system was down" and could I call again later? Since then, I've had a slew of dropped phone calls, my computer freezing and just that general feeling of wading through treacle. 

However, just knowing Mercury is up to his tricks gives me patience. 

Here is what Astrology.com had to say about the planet. Mercury retrograde "gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses and trains. Ho hum! And we're told Mercury doesn't straighten itself out until December 30!! Arrrgh. Not great for traveling. 

But - forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes. In fact, having only recently written all about the importance of learning to go with the flow, it looks like I'm about to be tested.