Leaving the conference :

The last time we chatted I was waiting on my taxi from the conference hotel in Verona to take me to Syracuse airport which was about 45-50 minutes away . When I booked the taxi at the hotel it was quite expensive so I phoned around and they were all the same price . So went ahead with the hotel one .I made my way to the luggage desk when I heard someone call 'Helen ' I turned round and there was this guy dressed in a James Bond tuxedo ! Not Daniel Craig I am afraid to say . Not even a good look alike ( I still have the picture you sent me Jill ) Anyway the very nice gentleman escorted me out to the taxi . And there it was . The s-t-r-e-t-c- h limo . I could not believe it . So there I was heated leather seats ( yes Hazel ) cocktail and a megaphone to speak to the driver !I closed my eyes and dreamed nice thoughts .

Then reality set in . Back to work !!

THANKS GIVING :

The traffic they told me at thanksgiving is problematic as everyone is on the move . It is the one holiday that all U.S. do . My bus journey on a good day can take 4hours to Manhatten . It took 5 hours which I thought was not too bad . But the journey home was another story . 7 hours to DC . At least I was not driving . The M8 is tame compared to this .

Thanksgiving itself was fab . We all went to Melissa's parents where her family all gathered and as always I was made to feel quite at home .

It is basically the same as our Christmas dinner and plenty of it . However the one item I am sure you have not tasted which is part of the tradition is sweet potato mashed with roasted marshmallows on top . Quite tasty .yes the diet is going well !!@#$%^

The other thing that was good was the MACY'S parade . We did not go into Manhatten but watched it on tv . Lots of very very big ballons in all different characters . Must do it live when Emily is older .

The sales start at midnight on thanksgiving day . This is called Black friday and the Monday after is called Cyber Monday as you then get the internet sales . I stayed well away . My bed is too comfy for that .

However as I had some time spare before my bus back to DC I did manage to pop into Macy's . Only because my big brother ,Maureen ,my wee sister and Ian had been more than generous with a birthday gift . Thank you guys . It came at JUST the right time .

The girl needed retail therapy and that's just what she did .

DANCING WITH THE STARS:

As you all know I am a great fan of Strictly Dancing and have missed this seasons event . However USA does have an equivalent which has been good to watch as Len and Bruno are also the judges here .I did not miss Brucie though .

I was very envious to hear that some of you had been to see West Side Story . Julie I have my REAL West side Story right here and what a theatre it is .One of my little "Sharks " told me the other day that I have learned to speak English very quickly !!

Social Scene :

I am having a good time but I do or did miss the Easterbrook night . Jill thank you for phoning and remind me that I was missing it ! This time last year I had to leave early from the night as I had my interview for the exchange the next day .Who would have thought that I am actually here doing it this year .

Next year is a wee bit more special as I will have reached that wonderful age where I can retire and really misbehave . Get my name down NOW Fiona .

When I left for the U.S. I had just been to see Mama Mia and Gillian knows how much I love their music gave me the Abba Gold Album to take with me . So when I heard you were having a sing a-long I put the CD on and joined in .Hope you all had a good night .

MY BOY and HANNAH are home :

You may not have heard but Brian and Hannah flew out of Namibia during the troubles . We were all a bit worried for 24 hours but am glad to say they are home and well in Bonnie Scotland . The hard bit now is to find jobs in a very sticky climate . But they have wonderful memories of a fantastic journey .

THE SCOTTISH WALK :

This event is held in Old town Alexandria just the across the Potomic from DC . I HAD to go and see this .

My Landlady Debbie was home for a week and she offered to take me along . She and my neighbour Kathie and me .

Debbie knew folk so we were invited for breakfast in old town before the walk . Great meeting folk . Then we all set off to watch the clans on the march . I am a Wallace so the girls were keen that I find my clan .So there it was all these American people dressed up in there kilts and things with the clan dogs ( I think ) lots of dogs .

You had to see it to believe it . I had the girls laughing when they asked me to pronounce some of the Scottish names and more so when they asked me does this or that really happen in Scotland . Their faces when I said of course not . Then I had to make up a few stories . William Mcgair would have been proud of me .

The clan Wallace finally arrived and I hope the photograph gets to you and all will be revealed . I ran up to the chieftan and said I was the real deal . He smiled politely and told me he was from DC and gave me his business card !@#$

We then had a lovely lunch with the clan MCpherson . They were very nice people .

I would not have missed that day for anything .

MERRY CHRISTMAS:

I went on line and ordered lovely christmas cards with Santa flying over Capital Hill to send to you all . Needless to say the cards have not come . The company has my money and they are not answering me .Not good .

So as you will not here from me again until after the holidays I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . Grab life and have fun . To-morrow is anther day to enjoy .

Love to you all .speak again 2009 Helen xxx