Dogging & Bangers & Mash

Last night didn’t turn out quite as we had planned, which is fine because I got educated on a few other UK –isms.
Before I get too far into last night I wanted to educate you all on where I am exactly. CM is just outside Bristol in Tortworth. Al's place is in Cirencester, which isn't listed here, but I believe is North.

We had to work a bit later than scheduled to get a few last minute things done and so we (and by “we” I mean Al) opted to take the motorway home. The scenery to me was still fantastic and kept me mostly entertained. We couldn’t put the top down unfortunately because 1) it was later and a bit cooler and 2) we were going to be driving fast on the motorway. Off we went, at a speed I dare not mention in a blog for fear of law enforcement officers reading it and consequently sending a speeding ticket to Al. Suffice it to say, it was three digits in MPH.

Along the way, Al mentioned a view point to swing into and see the lay of the land. Excellent idea. I had my camera in hand and ready to see the sites. As we pulled into this view point she says, “Now I must warn you this is a local hont for dogging.” Um, what? Was it a dog park? Did people bring their dogs here to play? No. In fact dogging is having sex in a car whilst people watch. Suddenly my interest was piqued – which probably isn’t a good thing. But I’ve not seen British porn yet, so why not add that to the odd things I’ve seen/done/heard in the UK. But alas we were all safe, no dogging to be found. It was still light out after all. Though according to Al’s husband that really wouldn’t have mattered. And yes I did look about to see if there was any dogging go around. You would too, admit it.

Upon arriving at home, we were scheduled to go to the Working Mans Club and watch Skittles. Al’s husband had already prepared our dinner for us but had left to … to… is it “go skittling”? Anyhow, he wasn’t there. Dinner last night was the infamous Bangers & Mash. Oh. My. God. Was it good. Bangers = sausage. Mash = Mashed potatoes. As Al was serving me dinner (which by the way I’m getting very used to) a thought occurred to me, “I have heard mention of this illusive “blood sausage”….oh dear God no. “ I know I never would be able to stomach blood sausage. So I nonchalantly asked Al what types of sausage we were having. She thankfully said Pork. Whew! Safe! Stomachs stuffed with Bangers & Mash, Gravy, Mange tout (or snow peas to you and I) and left over lemon tart with clotted cream, Al started working on her wireless network at home. The idea was to get it running so we could “work from home” on Friday. At one point she asked if I wanted to go out, we still could. Though I realized it was half past nine and there was no way I would be going anywhere. So a lovely evening at home. British soap operas, a smutty novel, Bailey’s Irish cream, and Cadbury chocolate…that sounds like an excellent evening to me.

I’ve enjoyed myself immensely while here in the United Kingdom. I’m excited to head to London tomorrow, but sad to be leaving all these lovely people I’ve met. So far every person I’ve met has been nicer than the last. It must be their accents that make them nice. Or its in the tea they drink. (it can’t be in the water because it’s vile and anyone who drank it wouldn’t be chipper). I've especially enjoyed the hospitality of everyone here. The fact that when anyone is going into the kitchen everyone in the room is asked if they'd like tea. I've been waited on hand and foot and it just baffles me...and it's something I'm getting kinda used too. Makes me wonder if PMDude will be up for the challenge of getting me my tea when I return? And here is a photo of the house.

This will likely be my last post until I return on Sunday, unless I can find a wireless café in London which frankly I would rather be off taking photos.

So until then, Cheery O! Cheers! Ta! And all that …