Tales from the Midland???

So I got to thinking...with all this stuff going on with the Dow acquisition, perhaps I should change my blog to ...Tales from the Midland! I guess I would have to work on the "Tea Time with Tara" bit, though.

Funny/strange that I just spend many moons in the English Midlands, and now here I am, 3 weeks later, in the center of the universe(!)...Midland, MI, USA.

Pic- A real demo of where Midland is on the "Michigan mitten"!

A Few More Pics from Austria

1. May pole in Weissenkirchen, our town in the Wachau wine region
2. Wine tasting in Weissenkirchen

A Few Pics from Austria

1. Funny Austrian dude in Bad Ischl

2. Hallstatt (Hallstattsee)

3. Salzburg - Sound of Music Cemetery

4. Slovakian gas station where I was held ransom for 21.50 EUR

5. Gosausee (Alps)

6. Hiking near Gosausee (Alps)

Back in the States!

I've been traveling the past week with mom around England and Austria, mostly. It has been a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience. When else would I get to roadtrip around Europe, just mom and me??!

The Wachau wine region, hiking in the Alps, rich musical and cultural experiences, Salzburg, Vienna, Solvakia!, and of course, some of the best food and drink in the world!

I flew home on Friday, 8th May. Great, but a bit weird. New adventures are beginning, but the past ones will always be a part of who I am. (Why not be a bit cliche at a time like this??) ;o)

More trip and work highlights soon- today we are hosting a graduation party for Robert, and there is lots to do! xo

Fortnights, Aubergines, and Sleeping Policemen

The title of this post was almost the original name of my blog! Here are the definitions of these Englishisms…

Fortnight: Two weeks (i.e. I’ll be away a fortnight.)
Aubergines: Eggplant (i.e. Mmmmm…Aubergines!)
Sleeping Policemen: Speed bumps! (i.e. I lost the entire bottom of my car when I flew over that sleeping policeman…thank goodness it’s a rental!)

And a few of the most basic Englishisms you’ll find around here. I should have blogged about these months ago!

Englishisms – the Basics

Sweetie: That would be me! No, actually it’s the term used by children for “candy”!(i.e. Mummy, can I have a sweetie after dinner?)
Zed: There is no letter “Z” in Britain…it’s “Zed”.
Sorted: Resolved (i.e. Get it sorted!)
Speciality: Gotta love extra “I’s” in words like “specialty”.

The Movers

Well, my stuff is gone. The movers (two friendly blokes who made fun of the packing spreadsheet I had made for them!) came today and took everything (well, most things!)!

It has been an absolutely crazy week trying to finish up massive amounts of work and also make sure everything is set for my move home…planning to turn in my Pugeot, having the movers pack and ship my stuff, saying “farewells”, planning the time mom is here and our trip! The toughest part has been making sure that I have just the right things with me for the next few weeks until I get home…BUT not too much stuff, because I have to carry whatever the movers haven’t taken onto the plane with me!

2 more weeks!

A Few Highlights from Easter Travels

I can’t believe it’s my last full work-week! It is truly amazing how fast the weeks and months fly by.

During the past two weeks, Ry and I spent time in the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. We literally traveled England coast-to-coast.

Listening to the songs of the boys’ choir echo through the famous cathedral in Canterbury; the beach in France; driving a UK car on the Continent…interesting; growing lasting friendships in Antwerp; antique shopping; drinking lots of Belgian beer (officially some of my favorites in the world! Thanks to Ry, I feel like a beginner beer connoisseur!); walking EVERYWHERE!; amazing food; theatre; road trip music; lambing season in the Lake District (One night we stayed on a beautiful farm estate…they had 750 baby lambs born this year! The little guys were ALL OVER THE VALLEYS! We must have at least 50 photos on the camera of sheep. Hehehe!),etc, etc etc. Great times.

I am working hard this week, finalizing some major projects at Rohm and Haas (I mean Dow), and trying to pack up most of my stuff to send with the movers this Friday. Mom arrives next week, so with mixed emotions, I am trying to start to say my goodbyes now.

Have a lovely Tuesday- it’s another beautiful, sunny day in the Midlands!

An Englishism…when to say “Pardon me…” and when to NOT!

I certainly owe you a blog on our Easter weekend adventures! Wow- we've had some great experiences!

In the meantime....

By popular demand, I’ve been asked to do a blog on the socially acceptable use of the phrases “excuse me” vs “pardon me” vs “sorry”…

Did you know that when you say “pardon me” in Britain, it translates to “Pardon me (I just farted!).” Hehehehe!!! I have been saying it for months when I bump into someone in the grocery store, or need to pass someone in the aisle and all along I should have been saying, “Sorry...” instead!!!!!

WHOOOPS!

Furthermore, “excuse me” is also a “no no”, too! It translates to “Excuse me, (I just burped!)”

Seriously, I’ve been saying “pardon me” for months and months over here!!! I am so embarrassed!

KISMET!

OMG! Ry and I just got home from dinner at Kismet…

Auntie Rita recommended this place to me 6 months ago, and I figured it was time I checked it out! Now I am regretting waiting this long! I think I have to agree that it’s the best place in Leamington Spa for a “curry”!

P.S. Did you know there is a Warwickshire Curry Club, and they test out all the Indian places in Warwickshire, taking their business VERY seriously! Great stuff!

The Countdown Begins!

I can't believe that today is the one-month mark...in just one month, I'll be en route back to the States! :o)

(Photos: A few of my favorite places nearby my British home.)

Fun in Scotland and Busy Week Ahead!

Had a fabulous weekend with Molly in Scotland. Great sights, food and drink, strolling, shopping, and best of all: company and conversation! The only bad thing that happened is that my camera broke (which could be seen as a good thing, depending on how you look at it! After all, that thing was OLD!) . So you will have to wait to see pics, as I have to get them from Molly.

Back to work fun for a few days, and then Ryan arrives (!) and we head south and across to the continent for the Easter holiday!

Indiana Jones!

I miss little Indy so much! With a face like this, who wouldn't? ;o)

(A mix of baby and adult pics for your enjoyment!)

Scotland!

This week flew by, but when I think about it, last weekend seems so long ago! Probably because so much has happened this past week...

Anyway, this weekend I'm off to Scotland! So excited to see Molly!

More on Monday...

Not an April Fool's Joke...

Today we were purchased, so now I work for Dow Chemical Company. It's very strange that Rohm and Haas doesn't exist anymore. We are all trying to look at the aquistion as a positive change, whilst (<--the British LOVE to use the word "whilst!!) recognizing that there is much uncertainty still to come.

NOVA!

As if Villanova fans didn't already have enough to be excited about with all the March Madness success...now there is another reason to celebrate:

Guess who is officially part of the 2011 NOVA MBA program??!!

Many of you know that I was accepted to NOVA to begin last Fall 2008. Of course, when the opportunity to do this international assignment arose, I had to do it!

I discussed the possibility of entering the class starting Fall 2009, and after another (phone) interview with the Admissions Director, I received my new acceptance letter and enrolled!

The Last Weekend in March

Spent some time getting a little perspective on Sunday afternoon. Read a few essays from Kingsolver’s Small Wonder. I like them because they get me thinking about what’s really important in life. I didn’t read much, but I came across a few quotes I liked:

“God is frightful; God is great- you pick. I choose that God is in the details, the completely unnecessary miracles sometimes tossed up as stars to guide us. They are the promise of good fortune in a cloudless day, and the animals in the clouds; look hard enough, and you’ll see them. Don’t ask if they’re real.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver

“Beauty and grace are performed, whether or not we will or sense them. The least we can do is try to be there.” ~ Annie Dillard

Oh geeze, do I sound cheesy? Nonetheless, it’s good stuff, so think about it!

Overall, had a great weekend. Took a trip up to York, and fell in love. It’s definitely one of my favorite towns. I knew it was meant to be…as I drove into the city and there was a rainbow forming to the west! Did I mention how weird the weather was the past week? It was beautiful last weekend, and then the past week it has been really hit-or-miss. Nonetheless, I digress.

Back to York…
York Minster is gorgeous…listening to the organ pipe music through the Cathedral was amazing. Pretty city walls, too. Check out the pics (touch the nose of the lucky calf for good luck!) . I wish I could go back before I leave England, but I honestly don’t think I’ll be able to squeeze it in!

Also, tried a great Chilean Merlot, finished reading my latest wine book, bought some great fair trade organic cotton clothes (let me know if you want to know more about the seller), and jogged my favorite river path near Leamington.

I’ve been busy planning upcoming travels and getting things sorted for my departure…including planning “goodbyes” and shopping for stuff I want to take home (if you have ideas, let me know!!!).

I can’t believe how fast this is going! I’ve got Scotland soon, then Canterbury, Belgium, Netherlands, Lake District, and Austria/Slovakia/others (??)!!! If anyone has travel advice for any of these places, like weekend-type destinations, please let me know.

And of course I have lots to complete at work. It’s craziness with the Dow acquisition about to close (April Fool's Day, to be exact!). This is “THE” week! More to come on that… Also, finishing a couple RFQs worth over 30 million. So, it’s definitely crunch time!

~P.S. I finally updated by UK beers list ( look to the right)! Cheers!

Lacking Motivation to blog, but Here's a Summary...

Severely lacking motivation to write anything interesting whatsoever…but here’s a little update:

Had a fun weekend…
Dinner and drinks with the work clan; planning trips to Belgium/Netherlands; losing my sunglasses at Sainsbury’s; finding my sunglasses at Sainsbury’s; trying a new (really great!) Shiraz-Malbec; hiking in Staffordshire; antique and craft shopping near Kinver; Scotland and Lake District trip planning; and of course, plenty of relaxing in the sunshine around Leamington.

And to all my Britons…
My plans for next weekend fell through! Email me if you’re up for a road trip or something! ;o)

Photos:
St. Peter’s surrounded by daffodils- Kinver
Rock houses at Kinver Edge

Spring comes 6 Weeks Earlier in England! - 1

Spring in the Midlands. A country walk past buzzing beehives and cheerful daffodils (Ok, so I'm a bit dorky!).

Had a fun weekend. Did some shopping and had a lovely dinner at the Counting House with my English family.

Spring comes 6 Weeks Earlier in England! - 2

More local pics for your viewing enjoyment!

Englishism(s) of the Day...(kinda dumb, but fun, nonetheless!)

Happy Friday the 13th! Here's an Englishism for you to start the weekend right...

"Scrummy"- A combination of "yummy" and "scrumptious" (this is Tara's unofficial definition, of course...); usually used to describe naughty foods :o)

Example: That sticky toffee pudding we had last night was scrummy!!!

Actually, as I write this, I thought of two related Englishisms that will accompany "scrummy" quite well...

"Fit" - Sure, Americans use this word, but the British use it A LOT more, and in a few ways. Fit means "in good health" or "in good shape"/svelte (don't you love that word?!).

"Poorly" - Means "under the weather" or sick in British

Here are a few examples:
1) Now that I've eaten so much sticky toffee pudding, I'm not as fit as I used to be!
2) I ate so much sticky toffee pudding last night that I'm feeling poorly today!

Cheers, friends! Happy Birthday to my dearest friend, Michelle! xo

Uncertain Times at Rohm and Haas

As many of you know, back in July 2008, Dow Chemical stated its intent to purchase Rohm and Haas. This deal was supposed to go through by early-January 2009, but due to many unforseen factors, did not close smoothly, as planned. After months of uncertainty and a litigation, the deal is set to close by the end of April. Of course, at Rohm and Haas locations around the world, there seems to be even more uncertainty now than before...

I will keep you posted as I learn more. Right now we are all just working, watching, and waiting.

Dow moves forward on buyout of Rohm & Haas

Rohm and Haas Acquisition Information Center

Dow's Transformation Deck

Liverpool and North Wales

"The wind is low, the birds will sing
that you are part of everything..."
-Dear Prudence

Loved Liverpool...not because it's the most beautiful city, or overwhelmingly amazing, but because of the obvious and not-so-obvious history that you feel when you're there.

Of course, I wanted to experience the Beatles' Liverpool. Stepping back into their time...walking on Penny Lane, gazing through the gates to Strawberry Field, drinks at The Grapes, Matthew Street and the Cavern Club (and Pub), the houses where John (Mendips) and Paul grew up (driving through the '50s "suburbs" of Liverpool was an experience!),...and then there was Eleanor Rigby sitting on a bench in the street!

Yeah, I was pretty much a big tourist dork...but it was worth it.

Liverpool also has the biggest Anglican church in England...which was pretty awesome (what can I say- I have a "thing" for churches!), as well as Tate Modern- a small version of the large Tate Modern Art Museum in London.

Overall, I had mixed emotions when I was leaving. It's hard to describe, I guess. I think part of me wishes I could actually go back in time and experience Liverpool in the '50s. It was all a bit surreal...

P.S. Liverpool won 2008 European Capital of Cultural award, and is "Tara-recommended" for Beatles fans and not-so-Beatles-fans alike...(but it helps if you kinda dig the Fab Four a bit!).

pics: 1) Strawberry Field 2) Lenon at the Cavern
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I also spent some time in North Wales last weekend. Did I mention I am a HUGE fan of Wales (who doesn't love towns spelled with waaaaay too many consonants?)??? :o) I really couldn't believe how different the North was from the South! I fell in love with it all: the quintessential towns like Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert, the beauty of Snowdonia, stopping the car for sheep that escaped from their field!, the Welsh language in general, and local artisan teapots (I bought 2...you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a teapot made in the UK these days!...sad, really!).

Englishism of the Day...AND, Liverpudlians

First off, did anyone else know that Kim Cattrall was born in Liverpool and her grandma used to babysit Ringo??!! Ha. Useless info that is now crowding my brain.

Anyway, in anticipation of my road trip to Liverpool and North Wales (SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK!), I have a timely Englishism to share...!

I am looking forward to meeting some Liverpudlians (yes, that is a technical term!) this weekend! I was taught, though, that the slang nickname for a person from Liverpool is "Scouser", and that their language/accent is called "Scouse" (Rhymes with "house"....it's basically English, but hard to understand...yay!).

More soon...have a fabulous weekend!

Englishism of the Day...

Since I CONTINUE to hear new and interesting vocabulary each day, I thought it would be fun to share! Think of it as a bit of global education! Some of the things I hear, I actually need to look up in my "speaking British" dictionary. Hope you're slightly amused. If not, try to humor me!

"Full of beans" - This means to have loads of energy. For example, it is a polite way of saying that a child is a maniac. I was told I was "full of beans", and I thought the person meant I was "full of it"/exaggerating, but really it meant that I can't keep still for very long!!!

Around the Midlands

Stayed local this weekend and checked out a few antique shops. Also took a long walk by the Warwick locks, and popped by Hatton Farm to see the baby lambs! Tried a new Australian wine that wasn't anything special, and an Italian Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that totally made up for the disappointing Australian blend!

Heard there's lots of snow in the mid-Atlantic states...surprisingly it's been beautiful here- temps about 55 and mostly sunny. :o) I think that will change later in the week, though!

Hugs, Tara

A Quiet Weekend (Finally!)

The weekend is finally here! I have had a crazy-busy work week, and feel mentally exhausted! Luckily, it will be a quiet weekend. My first quiet weekend in a long time....I hope I survive it! I plan to do some reading (a few wine and cheese books- will recommend them after the weekend, if worthy). I am also planning some long walks around the area, as well as some antique shopping. My interest in antiques has been growing...a new hobby! Drop me an email or message on Facebook to say hi. I will try to catch up on responding to emails this weekend, too!

The only other "big" news is that I know when I'm returing to the States...! I will be coming home at the end of April/start of May, so mark your calendars (or diaries! if you're British!). I must now decide how to spend my time outside of work while I'm in Europe, before coming home after 7 months abroad.

Attached pic is me on a hike in Tenerife...we had such a great time!

Possibly the Best Vacation Ever!

Let me first say that I don't have much time to write at the moment! As predicted, work days have been very long since last week's vacation, and will remain as such. I thought, though, that an update was in order!

Ryan arrived in the England, and we took a proper English-style winter mini-break in the Canary Islands last week. We both couldn't get over how wonderful it was! We had the perfect mix or relaxation, adventure, and most-of-all...time together!!!

I will post more pics, but for now, here is one of Mount Teide, taken from one of the trails we were hiking, and one of the ocean from the north coast of Tenerife.

More soon! Hugs to all.

Looking forward to a much-needed vacation! YAY- Canary Islands! Obviously can't wait for some hiking and ocean/mountain views, and relaxing with Ry!

Can't wait! Must force myself to take a rest and stop working for a few days, because after that, the next two months are going to be insane with work.

Talk to you after I get some warm weather, sun, and relaxation.

Love, Tara

Superbowl Sunday in Italy

This has been a LONG day. I got here...how, is beyond my understanding.

Flew to Italy...ridiculous weather. Snow and wind. Finally took off. Again, somehow got here. Asked Ry what he wanted me to bring back from Italy. He said, "As long as it's not a sexy Italian guy, bring anything you like!" hehe.

Rented a car..alone...in the dark...in the snow...in Italy...(WHY!??!).

Do I like challenges? Why yes, I suppose I do. We could ask this question of pretty much anything having to do with the last four months...the answer will always be yes, I think!

I am blabbing now.

Anyways, SOMEHOW got to Venice, trekked through snow and airport, searching for my rental car...the ONLY automatic car (I think) in Italy (or the Canary Islands!...nevermind, more on that next week!!).

Finally found my fabulous BMW...it's one of those ones where you put the "non-key" into the dashboard area, and then press a button and the engine starts... HA- yeah, you should have seen me trying to figure this out. Here I am, trying to figure out how to start this car that turns on with a button (WHAT?)?? Asked the Italian dude to help me- he said the equivalent of "put your foot on the break first", and although I had tried this, I felt like THE stupidest American girl in all history.

Oh well. Somehow found my way- in dark, and snow, and with shite GPS/paper directions combination...helpless and hopeless!!!

Truth is- I actually love driving here, because it comes naturally! Was initially worried about switching from UK to Italy, but not so bad!

I won't bore you about details of trying to find dinner at this hour on a Sunday - let's just say it could have been worse, because at least there was proper Italian wine.

Buonanotte!

A few pics for your enjoyment...

-Wells Cathedral

-Tara holding the dirty "Toto" dog near Avesbury/Stonehenge

-Goofing around at dusk in central Ireland

-Beautiful sunset on the Spanish coast