The Willimers in America

Did I say snow ?

Well, we got 14 inches of snow, and on the second day, once it had stopped, I got up bright and early and started digging our way out for the cars. 25 yards of driveway, not to mention the double garage and the path to the backdoor. Smugly I shoveled away, feeling superior to the neighbours lazily walking up and down with their oh so expensive snow blowers, finishing the job no quicker than I...I even anticipated the municipal snow plough, so I didn't bother digging the end of the drive until he had finished his work. Of course it was cold, and my wrist and forearms started to ache, but it was worth it.

Later that afternoon, Linda insisted I do the end of the drive before it froze over. This time I felt the creaking in my bones and sinews more keenly, gritted my teeth, wrapped myself up once more and finished the job. Within 10 minutes, my chest and ribs ached, my hands and wrists were stinging and my knees and thigh muscles were in spasm.

Next year we're gonna buy a snow-blower (as well as a leaf blower and a ride-on mower)...

It's snowing...

The first big snowstorm of the winter arrives, and the Willimers are prepared after 4 years of acclimitisation in the U.S.A. Of course, we haven't got a snow-blower yet (just like we haven't got a ride-on mower, or a leaf blower) but we went out this morning remembering to switch the car to 4WD, got back before the worst of the snow built up, got our snow shovels, de-icer and salt handy inside the house to dig ourselves out, and lit a roaring log fire. By 4pm we had about 4 inches, and it will (apparently) keep snowing till midnight. Tomorrow's Indoor Soccer is already cancelled (though I understand the Eagles play-off game will be in no danger).

A Room with a View

This evening we went to celebrate the birthday of my friend and colleague Michael Wishnick, who lives over near the Jersey Shore. As well as spending a nice evening with a host of friends, good food and watching an exciting football game (Steelers beat the NY Jets in overtime), at long last I had the pleasure of seeing Michael's new finished basement.  I had heard him describe it often, but seeing it for real made me insanely jealous. 65" flat screen HD TV, seven speaker home theatre sound system, and a large corner bar with beer on tap. I have seen the future, and it's underground....

A less happy memory

Here are some words I wrote after September 11th which I wanted to keep. It's very strange now trying to remember the dread and despair of so many people losing their lives in a few moments, when we are still trying to even conceive what it means for 150,000 people to be wiped out by a big wave. One day I might feel the urge to write my current thoughts down, but for now, these feelings are saved for posterity.

Come on, you Spurs !

I was childishly delighted when I found Fox Sports World amongst our cable channels, particulalry as it raised the potential of 6 live matches from England every weekend, most for free, including a Saturday afternoon game not even available in the U.K. It means I can keep track of the Premiership, and I can have my own view of all those emerging stars, amazing goals, interesting moments and controversies that I've only been reading about till now.

Talking of controversies, the combined value of FSW, internet email and working in a trans-atlantic company has meant that most of my morning has been consumed with the aftermath of the United-Spurs game, and the goal that never was. Anger and indignation aside, I am genuinely heartened that so many people here should be interested and have a view about it. Maybe I won't need to force myself to learn to love America's Major League Soccer and the NY/NJ Metrostars after all....