The end is not the end

Faithful readers...I'm hanging up The Vol Abroad. Over the last nine months or so, I haven't been able to maintain my blogging presence here, so I'm pulling the plug.

My online footprint is too large and I'm too sloppy to maintain an anonymous blog. I'm now working on daily basis with people with a lot more Internet smarts than me who could rumble me out in a heartbeat if they wanted to (which they probably don't, but you never know)

However, being someone with a pathological need to blog, I'm setting up a new blog.

Here's its adress:

www.myfirstname + mysurnameinitial (that's all one word) .wordpress.com

There's not much there now, it takes time.

If you don't know my name...and you blog, look out for a new expat Tennessean in the blogosphere - I'll be linking soon to a blog near you.

The worst part of my self-imposed blogging hiatus has been losing touch with the Tennessee blogosphere. I'm looking forward to jumping back in.

Azaleas along the stream

Azaleas along the stream, originally uploaded by London looks.

Truly one of the horticultural delights of the world - the azaleas in Isabella Plantation at Richmond Park in May. There are hundreds and hundreds of azaleas planted along stream beds and meandering paths - colors and varieties merging into one another, most of them 5 or 6 feet high.

It's hard to pick a peak day, as the different varieties bloom at slightly different times. But if we didn't hit it that golden moment, we came pretty close.

The nail game

The nail game, originally uploaded by London looks.

While we were off to Knoxville, my mother took Buddy out to see some family friends. He got to use the shop vac to pick up saw dust and they made a toy out of an old board and nails using the drill press.

The object of the game is to put the tiny, sharp nails in the holes. And then to take them out again.

Do not try this at home. Although he loved this toy - it was summarily donated to the City of Lawrenceburg landfill project.

G20 madness

I'm about to head into the belly of the beast that's London today. Anticipated disturbances and general G20 protest merriment. I've armed myself with water, a camera, and three forms of identification including my Royal Horticultural Society membership card which seems to have a calming effect on authoritarians everywhere.

An old friend in Seattle wished me luck and reminisced about the WTO meeting when he was accidentally teargassed.

Bankers in the City (where protests are centered today) were warned not to come in suited and booted. Apparently all of London is participating in a kind of fabulous dress down April Fool's Day (We should do that every year) My own sartorial statement tries to blur the boundaries between scruffy and respectable. No change there then.

Hopefully I won't have too many colorful stories to share later on today.
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And the PM smirked on

Love the quick flash to Gordo's smirking face.

Hen pecked

I probably should've taken the matter more firmly in hand. He was much more wary of the animals after that. He returned to the chickens later to throw bark chippings at them.

Pork shoulder roast

Pork shoulder roast, originally uploaded by London looks.

My first experiment with pulled pork. I think I cooked it six or seven hours. Seasoned with paprika, garlic and salt and pepper, slow roasted peppers and onions. I probably could have done a bit more seasoning, but the meet itself was perfectly done.

Delicious/vol_abroad

Doodle While You Listen « The Squirrel Queen Posted: 01 Mar 2009 03:25 PM PST It's all true. I knew it all along. Helps in meetings and seminars, too.

Suburban Turmoil: Mommyblogging 2.0: It's Not What It Used to Be Posted: 01 Mar 2009 03:19 PM PST Ok, here's the thing about 2.0. Honest to god, it's about authenticity and transparency. And if you're in it for greed - then that WILL come out. And if you're cool with that, then fine. Not me. I mean on my work blog I trade for stuff, but not here.

Noble Savage » Blog Archive » Overheard in the high street Posted: 01 Mar 2009 03:14 PM PST

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Buddy, a boy of few words

Buddy's still not really a talker. He's a toddler of very few words. On all the developmental benchmarks the boy is behind.

Of course, it's said that Einstein didn't talk until he was three and look what happened to him (dead-end job as a patent clerk, hounded from his own country, and a head full of messy hair).



Still, even with very few verbal skills - the boy clearly knows how to change the subject.

Presidential style

This may not have been big news in the US, but the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Pakistan.

Some of the English speaking officials are complaining because they were promised "presidential style security" by the Pakistani government.

Rather churlish of them, given the health and safety record of political leaders in Pakistan. Seems like Presidential style was exactly what they got.

Delicious/vol_abroad

Newscoma » Blog Archive » Funny Valentine’s Day Cards Posted: 14 Feb 2009 02:28 PM PST Wow, a Darwin themed Valentine's Day Card. That would have been nice. Heck, any card would have been nice.

Weblog Geertwilders - The speech Geert Wilders would have given Posted: 14 Feb 2009 09:30 AM PST I'm not sure I entirely agree but he should have been allowed in to make the speech. Certainly he cites some nastier folk who've addressed the Lords

so long, freedom of speech Posted: 14 Feb 2009 07:37 AM PST the beginning of UK vs. Geert Wilders saga via Anglofille. Scandalous.

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Doodle While You Listen « The Squirrel Queen Posted: 01 Mar 2009 03:25 PM PST It's all true. I knew it all along. Helps in meetings and seminars, too.

Suburban Turmoil: Mommyblogging 2.0: It's Not What It Used to Be Posted: 01 Mar 2009 03:19 PM PST Ok, here's the thing about 2.0. Honest to god, it's about authenticity and transparency. And if you're in it for greed - then that WILL come out. And if you're cool with that, then fine. Not me. I mean on my work blog I trade for stuff, but not here.

Noble Savage » Blog Archive » Overheard in the high street Posted: 01 Mar 2009 03:14 PM PST

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Bring on the Jubilee

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University of Tennessee Salary Database - Knoxify Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:48 AM PST They make what?

FGF-Cornbread and Butterbeans « Collie’s Corner Posted: 27 Feb 2009 04:24 AM PST Yeah, you know it! Raisin' heck and writin' checks - it ought to be unlawful.

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Small talk

I was on a seminar panel with a midget today. I think that's the first time I've actually ever met a little person, which is kinda odd considering how often they're on tv.

And the midget really knew his stuff and he was a good speaker and pretty funny - or as funny as you can be when you're talking about the dull stuff that we have to talk about.

Foxy

Foxy, originally uploaded by London looks.

It's not unusual to see neighborhood cats lounging around on top of my shed. It must be pretty cosy up there. Today I looked out and saw a rather unusually and attractively colored large cat. I looked again and realised it was a fox.

This isn't my first vulpine/feline mistake. Not too long ago I was walking along the streets of South London and saw a gray cat hiding under some privet hedges. It had an unusual coat which wasn't gray after all - just a weird affect of the street lights. I was reaching down to stroke it before I realised it was a fox.

I remembered what happened to the gingerbread man and drew my hand back fast.

Loss of functionality

Why can't I just drag and drop photos from Picasa to my Flickr Uploader like I used to could.

Is this some kind of Google v. Yahoo thing.

Seriously, grow up and return my functionality.

Failure of supervision

Failure of supervision, originally uploaded by London looks.

From the other room I hear my husband say "Buddy's father wasn't watching him as well as he should have."

He is the father.

So, with all that first person/third person displacement of guilt I was a little concerned.

The damage appears to be purely cosmetic.

crocus colony

crocus colony, originally uploaded by London looks.

Finally, a bit of sunshine and the crocus open to face the warmth. Sadly our warm-ish and sunny day on Saturday did not extend throughout the weekend.

Reprise

I blogged this almost a year ago.

I need some career advice. I'm bored with mine.

I'm looking for something that:

* starts late
* finishes early
* sparks my creativity
* allows me to expound (love to expound)
* exposes me to a significant degree of adulation
* has lots of new technology toys
* allows me to dress flamboyantly

I know the job for Wizard of Oz has already been filled, so if anyone has any thoughts on anything else.

-0-

So far I haven't managed to get anything that starts late and finishes early, I've been working like a demon. Has it paid off yet? We'll see. I'm getting some adulation. I'm the number two _________ in the field of ____________.

The flamboyant dressing hasn't really worked out, but I could probably afford to take a few more fashion risks these days.

snow drop

snow drop, originally uploaded by London looks.

The bulbs are starting to come up in my garden, but it's been so overcast I've been struggling to get many good shots.

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Knoxville rocks the Great Backyard Bird Count | KnoxViews Posted: 18 Feb 2009 02:36 PM PST And the grackle wins!!

Why Kellogs (and possibly the rest of America) Has It’s Head Up Its Ass « Just Another Pretty Farce Posted: 18 Feb 2009 02:35 PM PST Compare and contrast recent crimes and misdemeanors

David Toube: Unite Against Fascism may be the UK's leading campaign against the racist far right, yet its record on opposing antisemitism is dismal | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk Posted: 18 Feb 2009 02:24 PM PST More examples of the blatant hypocrisy of the British Left

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Hellebore Winter Moonbeam

Hellebore Winter Moonbeam, originally uploaded by London looks.

On the one hand, I thought I paid too much for this. But on the other hand, it's been blooming since the beginning of January and I've left in the pot on a table just outside our back door where we can easily see it.

Much cheaper than cut flowers and it will last for years.

Perspective

Sometimes, try as hard as you might, it's difficult to persuade people to take on a new perspective.

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Cup Of Joe Powell: A Hint To Tennessee: Take The Money Posted: 16 Feb 2009 10:26 PM PST Mmmmm......go on , take the money and run.

Another term for Chavez Posted: 16 Feb 2009 02:28 PM PST I've always had mixed feelings about term limits, but I don't think this is good news for Venezuela

How Does the Endgame Look for the Lady Vols? - Rocky Top Talk Posted: 16 Feb 2009 02:19 PM PST Predictions for the Lady Vols. It's only by comparison with past glories that this season doesn't look so good.

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Tractor in the sun

Tractor in the sun, originally uploaded by London looks.

I'm not sure what it's like elsewhere, but in London day care providers have you over a barrel. Places are hard to come by and expensive. Very, very expensive. We were not altogether satisfied with our day care provider but attempts to get in to a great nursery practically on our doorstep have failed (we've been on the waiting list for over two years) We turned down another more expensive but better place, because we felt intimidated by the nursery staff. Very bad chemistry and too far away and an unpleasant long walk to get there.

Key to our dissatisfaction was not enough activity. Buddy has to be run and run, lest he turn his hand to destruction. He's good enough when given something constructive to do, but too often he came home with all too much pent up energy.

A recent change in personnel seems to have turned things around. And here's some evidence of activity - a painting he did at nursery.

I know that the tractor stencil is probably an indication that it is a collaborative work. But since Buddy's named for my grandfather who sold tractors for many years I quite like it anyway. And my granddad would have been most pleased that it's a tractor in an appealing Ford blue.

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Shades of Me | by Kelly Brown » Star Wars retold by someone who hasn’t seen it Posted: 15 Feb 2009 09:41 AM PST Pretty funny and only a few minutes

1,000 Photos of Knoxville and Counting - Knoxify Posted: 15 Feb 2009 08:13 AM PST Fab photos of Knoxvegas

chez bez: How My Kid Sees Me Posted: 15 Feb 2009 08:04 AM PST awwww - lovely

Stimulus Agreement: Gutting Violence Against Women « The Crone Speaks Posted: 15 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST Stimulating cuts and increases in the big spending package.

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Newscoma » Blog Archive » Funny Valentine’s Day Cards Posted: 14 Feb 2009 02:28 PM PST Wow, a Darwin themed Valentine's Day Card. That would have been nice. Heck, any card would have been nice.

Weblog Geertwilders - The speech Geert Wilders would have given Posted: 14 Feb 2009 09:30 AM PST I'm not sure I entirely agree but he should have been allowed in to make the speech. Certainly he cites some nastier folk who've addressed the Lords

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A failure of anticipation

By the bridge, originally uploaded by London looks.

Not a great shot of the little guy, but this is the last one I took before he took an unplanned dip in the Wandle River. (River on the map, but smaller than a creek in the geography of my mind, barely a brook).

We were picking up willow switches to hit the tree and then he decided to pitch them in the river. I kinda thought it was a bad idea to get so close to the edge, but I thought it would probably be ok so long as I remained vigilant.

But, of course, it only takes a second and he fell into the water. I fished him out by his hood and stripped him of his wet clothes right there and put him in my sweater and fleecy vest. (It's pretty darn cold out there today, barely breaking 40F by guess). He was screaming at first, but then he seemed to take it pretty well. Better than I might have.

I didn't think he noticed how ridiculously he was dressed, but as soon as we got back in the house he demanded that I remove his sweater dress.

Delicious/vol_abroad

so long, freedom of speech Posted: 14 Feb 2009 07:37 AM PST the beginning of UK vs. Geert Wilders saga via Anglofille. Scandalous.

a proud day Posted: 14 Feb 2009 07:36 AM PST Britain turns its back on the principles of free speech. By the way, you can Google it, but save 15 minutes of your life. The Fitna movie is crap. Would have worked much better in about 6 minutes of film.

Johann Hari: Why should I respect these oppressive religions? - Johann Hari, Commentators - The Independent Posted: 13 Feb 2009 03:55 PM PST I didn't think much of this guy until he wrote this. Damn the UN. Shame on those who acquiesce. There's a time to be polite, but there's never a time to sell out our rights for free speech.

Johann Hari: Despite these riots, I stand by what I wrote - Johann Hari, Commentators - The Independent Posted: 13 Feb 2009 03:53 PM PST A man whom I thought I agreed with on nothing makes a powerful defense of free speech. Amazing.

Harry’s Place » Jesus! I’m turning into a Jew! Posted: 13 Feb 2009 03:51 PM PST The rising tide of anti-semitism in Europe. Scary stuff. But in the comments section something that made me think slightly more charitably about Donald Trump. And Johann Hari. Not something I ever thought I'd do.

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Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated

Ok, where have I been? Same place as usual. And frankly, I've been blogging and micro-blogging like a demon. But it's all been about work. Work, work, work.

All work and no play makes Vol a dull girl.

But there are just some things that I can't blog about at work. Cause it's not relevant. Or 'cause, you know, it might get me fired. So maybe I'll blog about them here.

Like, for example, today I showed pictures of my garden to a suspected terrorist.

Oh yes, you read it right. But this co-worker and suspected terrorist is very into gardening and you know I can't resist showing off my flowers.

And don't worry, this suspected terrorist isn't from the current lot of Islamist terrorists, and isn't even as romantically wrong as a former suspected IRA terrorist (with whom London must be packed). This person is one of those Weather Underground types. And this person was acquitted, and what can I say against the verdict of twelve good and true English men and women?

But let me just say this...as I was showing this person my flowers, I felt a stirring sympathy for the position of Barack Obama vis-a-vis his relationship with Bill Ayers. You can find yourself sitting next to someone like that for a very long time and only discover later how they spent their youth. It makes me sick. But what can I do? Times are tough. Jobs are hard to come by. I like to talk about flowers.

I'm not saying Barack Obama didn't know about Bill Ayers. I definitely didn't know about this person before. But now I do.