Another early start to the day...I'm not entirely sure why I found myself waking up so early! It's nothing like how I am now! The first thing I wanted to do (and have just been reminded of) is to upload photos I took from the weekend away. During my stay, I took many photos, as often as possible, with the digital camera my Nan bought me. Unfortunately, after a couple of months, it stopped working, and although I got a replacement...I did one of the stupidest thing I have ever done. I washed my jeans with the camera in my pocket! Luckily I got quite a few photos, and thanks to Ralph and his camera have managed to save some of the more memorable occasions in photo form! It would make the most sense to upload these to this blog so you can see them for yourself without having to ask me! To start off, here's a couple from Lake Winnipesaukee.
The house on the left is the cabin which we stayed in and the picture on the right is one of the Lake itself. Happy now?
Anyway, I uploaded all my pictures on to the computer and then Bev told me she'd teach me how to use the washing machine and drier. I washed my own clothes while I stayed, each week I'd set them off in the machine and then dry them. Keeping this routine meant I always had clean clothes, unlike today where I am always hunting for clean socks! (Although, I'm convinced socks are alive and hide on purpose.) After she taught me the relatively simple intricacies of the washing machine, she suggested I write a thank you note to Pete and Kath for letting us use their cabin. I gladly did so and quickly wrote a thank you note using as much English charm as I could muster.
Bev asked me if I wanted to earn some extra dolla'. I nodded eagerly at a chance for some more dough (being the slang term for money, in case you were unaware.) Unfortunately, the task at hand was pulling up weeds on the patio...a long and laborious task (which I didn't complete.) I think Bev understood as it's so hard pulling them out properly once they're ridged in the stone work. I redeemed myself by cleaning the bathroom (as it was my week) and then returned to any activities I felt needed doing.
The first of these was shooting an e-mail to my parents, who I hadn't properly talked to since I had arrived, I was too caught up in the excitement to miss them too much! I wrote about my time so far, obviously including the details of my adventures on the Lake (with pictures provided.) I followed this email up with a call to my parents (which in retrospect seems a little odd, I'm obviously very impatient.) It was lovely to hear their voice and it seemed so odd them being so far away. Regarding phone calls, Bev and Ralph were very caring considering it costs a lot of money to call internationally. Whenever I asked permission to call, Ralph always said the same thing "James, call them whenever you feel like it, they're your parents and we know you miss them."
Around 11am, Lyle informed me that he was going to his friend Greg's house (someone who I had met before) and he asked if I wanted to come along. It sounded like a great way to start socialising. We arrived at Greg's and I met Jordan. He was a lovely guy, although a bit loud (I can hardly complain) and was eating a lot of pretzels...
The first thing we did was get changed into swimming trunks because...Greg's house has a pool! It was a crazy concept to me, most American houses do have pools and yet over here, only the very affluent can afford it. A bit like having help around the house, eh Mira ;) The pool itself was very cold as it's quite expensive to keep heated. Due to the cold temperature and the desire to just have a quick swim, we returned inside...glad of the hot sun drying us quickly.
As we went in, I noticed Greg had a Wii. I had never really played on one before and I wanted to try it out. He only had the basic sports games and I got quickly bored, especially as Greg, Lyle and Jordan wanted to play Starcraft. I found out that Greg's house has a LOT of tech stuff and he has about 6 computers. We each went to one as Greg wanted to host an online game of Starcraft for all of us. Already I can see I am sounding rather nerdy and I fear your respect for me may drop! I didn't play Starcraft for too long as I wasn't very good and the minute I died, I just went to see how Lyle was doing. In the end Greg won, as he is absurdly good and build troops to conquer the lands really fast!
We got picked up by Bev in the late afternoon and I came home and met one of Bev's friends Pam. We had a quick chat about my life in England, how I was enjoying America, what I want to do etc. Bev then made us up a quick dinner, once more, a fancy serving of hot dogs and American Chop Suey. ;) All very tasty though!
As the evening drew to a close, Bev, Claire and I watched 'Billy Elliot' which Bev had rented from the library on my recommendation. It's a brilliant film which I strongly suggest you watch, if you haven't already. Bev enjoyed it immensely and was so glad I'd picked such a good film. Afterwards I said goodnight and went to bed after a reasonably fun, relaxed day! I knew that the summer could only get better.
Thanks for listening.
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