This is our "Christmas Picture". We are standing infront of the Ely CathedralHappy Holidays!!!
Friday, December 23, 2005
On-Line (Finally)
We finally got our internet hooked up. It has been a painfull process getting everything hooked up but we are back. I will be adding new "Posts" on a regular basis starting today. I apologize for the long absence but we are back and look forward to sharing our adventures with you. I will have pictures of our new house soon. Now that I have the internet I don't have any excuses to NOT take pictures. I'll have them posted soon.
Happy Holidays to everyone, and have a Happy New Year
The 4 J's
Happy Holidays to everyone, and have a Happy New Year
The 4 J's
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
HOME SWEET HOME
Well, it seems like Christmas hit our new house a little early! Not really, but with all the unpacking we've been doing since our move in date of Dec 2nd, it seems like we'll never be done opening boxes. Our new home is a 1930's style victorian-ish duplex. Duplexes are common in these parts and it's hard to find a home that is free standing in the center of town which is were ours is located. We're in the heart of a small city named Ely, (pronounced Elie), which has every amenity within waliking distance. There's off-road parking for two vehicles which is a very lucky find, as well as a large yard for Jemma. As soon as we get some paint on the inside walls we'll take pictures and post them. Right now the wallpaper is soooo overwhelming that I wouldn't want to be responsible for any eye appts.
The baby is doing fine and after all the testing was done and reported normal, we've decided against having the amneocentesis. We did find out that we're having a baby girl. We've agreed on the name Jailee Rhyce Ottman. Jim picked Jailee out of the blue and it seemed to fit, of course it has to be a "j". I chose Rhyce because it was my father's middle name. Her nursery hasn't been started yet, but the designer, Jim, has decided that reds are the color. Pastels are everywhere and have become a bit overwhelming to us, so we decided that with red we won't feel like Pepto has taken over. :o)
Jim has moved to swing shift for a few months. It's not too convenient for us, but becuase of the early sunsets it has allowed for him to work around the house during the day saving the weekends for relaxing and travel. Speaking of which, we are headed to London for the Christmas holiday. We've booked a hotel in the Mayfair district and will do a bit of sight seeing on Christmas Eve, then wake up in the city on Christmas morning. Jemma will go to a local kennel where she'll be pampered and given a present sent by us on Christmas morning!
Here's a bit of British knowledge for you. Slang for a dollar is a buck, slang for a pound is a quid. Also, if you buy something for 5 pounds they say you got it for a fiver.
I'll be cracking on now,........Happy Holidays to all.
jack
The baby is doing fine and after all the testing was done and reported normal, we've decided against having the amneocentesis. We did find out that we're having a baby girl. We've agreed on the name Jailee Rhyce Ottman. Jim picked Jailee out of the blue and it seemed to fit, of course it has to be a "j". I chose Rhyce because it was my father's middle name. Her nursery hasn't been started yet, but the designer, Jim, has decided that reds are the color. Pastels are everywhere and have become a bit overwhelming to us, so we decided that with red we won't feel like Pepto has taken over. :o)
Jim has moved to swing shift for a few months. It's not too convenient for us, but becuase of the early sunsets it has allowed for him to work around the house during the day saving the weekends for relaxing and travel. Speaking of which, we are headed to London for the Christmas holiday. We've booked a hotel in the Mayfair district and will do a bit of sight seeing on Christmas Eve, then wake up in the city on Christmas morning. Jemma will go to a local kennel where she'll be pampered and given a present sent by us on Christmas morning!
Here's a bit of British knowledge for you. Slang for a dollar is a buck, slang for a pound is a quid. Also, if you buy something for 5 pounds they say you got it for a fiver.
I'll be cracking on now,........Happy Holidays to all.
jack
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
No News Is Good News
It's been a while since we've updated - appologies to all. Jim is working 12's right now, but this will end on Friday and we promise to have more pictures.
Monday I had an appointment off base for some lab work. Because I'm sooooo old there is a possible risk of Downs Syndrome and other disorders so I am having tests done to determine the level of this risk. I received the results today and I am at the very low end of the scale. Next I will have some more testing done, and then Jim and I will have to decide whether or not to have an amniocentesis. There's a lot involved, and much to think about so as soon as decisions are made, you'll all know. As far as me and Baby J, we are fine. I'm still not sick and still not feeling pregnant, other than my waistline that protrudes over my jeans. The doctor on base said that I should start to feel a little "flutter" soon. Kristin, my friend from Graham, said that it felt to her like a little spider was crawling around at first. Ok, am I to get excited about a spider-y feeling in my tummy? Sure, why not!
Yesterday I went on my first big adventure by myself. Many of you are not familiar with the roads or driving in this country so let me give you a little comparison information. In the states there are tons of road signs not only telling you where you're going, but reminding you exactly what road you're traveling on. Not so in the UK. Also, when you get on the highway, I5 for example, and are heading from Tacoma to Seattle you simply look at the road sign that reads I5 North Seattle. Not so for traveling in the UK. To travel by vehicle in the UK you don't necessarily need to know what road you're to travel, but you definately need to know where you're going. By "where you're going" I mean not only you're final destination, but every little town in between your starting point and your place of arrival. Stateside "As If In the UK" Example: From Tacoma to Seattle you would first look for the sign for Fife or Milton, next you'd look for the sign to Federal Way, then Seatac, then Renton,.......you get my point.....finally you'd see the sign for Seattle and you Might see a sign that states a road number. If you have a map, you can usually find your way around, but even a map sometimes can leave you confused because there is no directional instruction such as N, W, S, E on the map or on the road signs. Also in the states there are exit ramps enabling a person who has missed their exit to simply go to the next one, exit, and re-enter the freeway from an overpass. Not so in the UK. If you miss your exit, you wait miles until the next Town and then weave your way through it hoping to see a sign for a familiar destination or a raod sign that will have a major highway on it, (not often found), so you can return to the road that you "think" you were traveling on in the first place!. Sometimes in smaller areas there are round-abouts that will enable you to do a full circle and enter the road from the previous direction, but none such while I was traveling yesterday. Having said all this,....I headed for a little town SW of Cambridge, about 20 miles from us, and ended up about 30 miles outside of London, 70 miles S of us, before I could figure out not only which road I was on, but how to get off the road and turn around. Eventually I was able to turn around, and find my destination, only to be dissapointed because the store I was looking for was now out of business. Yes, I tried to call before, but that number was busy - wouldn't you also assume that the store was open? After leaving this town I headed for another little town more near Cambridge, and again an out of business response! After 3/4 of a tank of gas I ended up at the mall in Cambridge, spent too much money on 3 articles of maternity clothing, and headed for home. Oh yeah, I spent 10 pounds to get only 1/4 tank of gas. Approximate conversion $20.00 US. Even though the day was exauhsting I was proud of my explorations and I don't think I would have been too dissapointed even if I did end up in London. Not a bad place to be lost in come to think of it.
Our friend Mark, and Jemma's current babysitter, received his passport and we are in the works to get Jemma to Mommy and Daddy. Mark is going to fly with her, cheaper that way, and also it will give us all time to reconnect. As you all know, Mark and Jim share a brain and the strain has been quite noticable on this end. Jim's mom, Linda, and step-dad, Marc, will also be coming along for the quick trip and we're looking forward to driving them all around - I'm sure they'll be as scared as we were at first. We miss Jemma sooooo much. We've received pictures and even a letter from Jemma to assure us that she is doing well, but we will be even more excited to see her soggy wet nose! I'm sure she'll like England, the weather's not much different, and you'd think that pets ran the universe around here. The Brits are very protective of their animals, and are treated practically as your children. I'll need to remind myself of this when Jemma is taking me for a walk.
Here's your word/phrase for the day: "Crack On" - Instead of saying "I'll let you get going" the Brits say "I'll let you crack on, then" So, in fashion, until we talk again, let me crack on then.
jackie
Monday I had an appointment off base for some lab work. Because I'm sooooo old there is a possible risk of Downs Syndrome and other disorders so I am having tests done to determine the level of this risk. I received the results today and I am at the very low end of the scale. Next I will have some more testing done, and then Jim and I will have to decide whether or not to have an amniocentesis. There's a lot involved, and much to think about so as soon as decisions are made, you'll all know. As far as me and Baby J, we are fine. I'm still not sick and still not feeling pregnant, other than my waistline that protrudes over my jeans. The doctor on base said that I should start to feel a little "flutter" soon. Kristin, my friend from Graham, said that it felt to her like a little spider was crawling around at first. Ok, am I to get excited about a spider-y feeling in my tummy? Sure, why not!
Yesterday I went on my first big adventure by myself. Many of you are not familiar with the roads or driving in this country so let me give you a little comparison information. In the states there are tons of road signs not only telling you where you're going, but reminding you exactly what road you're traveling on. Not so in the UK. Also, when you get on the highway, I5 for example, and are heading from Tacoma to Seattle you simply look at the road sign that reads I5 North Seattle. Not so for traveling in the UK. To travel by vehicle in the UK you don't necessarily need to know what road you're to travel, but you definately need to know where you're going. By "where you're going" I mean not only you're final destination, but every little town in between your starting point and your place of arrival. Stateside "As If In the UK" Example: From Tacoma to Seattle you would first look for the sign for Fife or Milton, next you'd look for the sign to Federal Way, then Seatac, then Renton,.......you get my point.....finally you'd see the sign for Seattle and you Might see a sign that states a road number. If you have a map, you can usually find your way around, but even a map sometimes can leave you confused because there is no directional instruction such as N, W, S, E on the map or on the road signs. Also in the states there are exit ramps enabling a person who has missed their exit to simply go to the next one, exit, and re-enter the freeway from an overpass. Not so in the UK. If you miss your exit, you wait miles until the next Town and then weave your way through it hoping to see a sign for a familiar destination or a raod sign that will have a major highway on it, (not often found), so you can return to the road that you "think" you were traveling on in the first place!. Sometimes in smaller areas there are round-abouts that will enable you to do a full circle and enter the road from the previous direction, but none such while I was traveling yesterday. Having said all this,....I headed for a little town SW of Cambridge, about 20 miles from us, and ended up about 30 miles outside of London, 70 miles S of us, before I could figure out not only which road I was on, but how to get off the road and turn around. Eventually I was able to turn around, and find my destination, only to be dissapointed because the store I was looking for was now out of business. Yes, I tried to call before, but that number was busy - wouldn't you also assume that the store was open? After leaving this town I headed for another little town more near Cambridge, and again an out of business response! After 3/4 of a tank of gas I ended up at the mall in Cambridge, spent too much money on 3 articles of maternity clothing, and headed for home. Oh yeah, I spent 10 pounds to get only 1/4 tank of gas. Approximate conversion $20.00 US. Even though the day was exauhsting I was proud of my explorations and I don't think I would have been too dissapointed even if I did end up in London. Not a bad place to be lost in come to think of it.
Our friend Mark, and Jemma's current babysitter, received his passport and we are in the works to get Jemma to Mommy and Daddy. Mark is going to fly with her, cheaper that way, and also it will give us all time to reconnect. As you all know, Mark and Jim share a brain and the strain has been quite noticable on this end. Jim's mom, Linda, and step-dad, Marc, will also be coming along for the quick trip and we're looking forward to driving them all around - I'm sure they'll be as scared as we were at first. We miss Jemma sooooo much. We've received pictures and even a letter from Jemma to assure us that she is doing well, but we will be even more excited to see her soggy wet nose! I'm sure she'll like England, the weather's not much different, and you'd think that pets ran the universe around here. The Brits are very protective of their animals, and are treated practically as your children. I'll need to remind myself of this when Jemma is taking me for a walk.
Here's your word/phrase for the day: "Crack On" - Instead of saying "I'll let you get going" the Brits say "I'll let you crack on, then" So, in fashion, until we talk again, let me crack on then.
jackie
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Our Trip to Bury St. Edmunds
Downtown street in Bury
St. Edmundsbury Cathedral
A pedestrian only street downtown
Driving along a very typical road in England
Here are some pictures of our most recent trip to Bury St. Edmunds which is about 15 miles south of us, but about a 30min drive - depending. The pictures show a couple of steets along the market area and a Cathedral we visited. The picture of the Cathedral was taken from the back of the church. From this point to the first archway is 500 years old. The rest of the building was built in stages starting in the late 1700's and again in the later 1800's. I thought buildings in Seattle and Tacoma were old. The latest edition to be finished was just this July and they are still doing some remodeling towards the front and left side of the building. It's amazing!!! The stained glass windows are beautiful and all have been completed by one company over the many many years, which in and of itself is remarkable - not to mention what a reputation they've built! The pews are all very old, but the kneelers ( a cushion to kneel on) have been made all over the country. You have to see the cathedral in person to fully appreciate it's beauty and history.
Food update! -- The fish and chips we've had have not been much to write about. They are huge peices of fish, the skin is still on the bottom, and the breading is like that of Van de Kamps fish sticks. We've tried them at a couple of places now, but they have been very close to the base so we may try other places when we get away a bit more. Italian in Bury was wonderful, as well as the French. We were served large portions, after which we agreed both times that we could have and should have shared! Jim had never tried Indian food, so why not make the first tasting in England?! Awesome! Again, we should have shared! and this time the price was just as excellent. This may turn out to be a favorite. I tell ya, they've got the other cultures down pat! I was worried about the food situation. You all know how I love food, even without being pregnant, but I haven't been to dissapointed when eating off base.
We should be able to move into our rental next week. Finally, we'll have a place that will feel like a real home. We'll call to find out where our household good are and hope to be able to keep them in storage until we get our own home. This will save on some cost as well.
I had a job interview today and things seemed to go well. Afterwards, Jim and I were talking and I don't think I want to be strapped to a full time gig. I'm calling tomorrow to take my name off the list, but will still look for something part time or per-diem. This will allow Jim and I to travel more and actually enjoy the country. Still, a big thanks to those of you that wrote reccommendation letters and that were readily available for phone calls. Still be prepared to hear from someone, as I investigate other opportunities!
Tomorrow we are going to Caimbridge for sightseeing, shopping, and house hunting. More pictures will be posted soon. Ta Ta for now, it's time for Tea. (not really - I'm not really sure what time tea is served!) ,....................j&j
By the way,.....that cool feature on the new car - you know, the code for the ignition - not so cool anymore!! - Annoying!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
The New Ride
Here is our new car and me driving on the wrong side of the road. I took the picture through the wind screen (thats what they called it here). The pictures were taken on base yesterday. We'll have more soon of us driving on the local roads and some of a town near by called Bury St. Edmunds. We visited there today and went inside a church that is 500 years old (pretty cool).
Thats it for now, hopefully we'll be moving into a house in the next few days.
Jim.........
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Settling In
We bought a car yesterday. It's a 1996 Peugeot 406 GLX. It's not too fancy but it gets us around. It does have one cool feature; before you start it you turn the key then punch in a security code on this little key pad, then start the car. The car will not start without the proper code. I promise to post some pics soon.
We may actually be moving into a house soon as well. We looked a place today to rent month to month until we find one to buy. It is not great but is fully furnished so we don't have to unpack our household goods that were shipped. We hope to find a house to buy in the next week or so but then it may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to close (weird process here).
Anyway; just a quick update for now. We'll have more news and pictures soon. I promise!!!
Take Care,
Jim
We may actually be moving into a house soon as well. We looked a place today to rent month to month until we find one to buy. It is not great but is fully furnished so we don't have to unpack our household goods that were shipped. We hope to find a house to buy in the next week or so but then it may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to close (weird process here).
Anyway; just a quick update for now. We'll have more news and pictures soon. I promise!!!
Take Care,
Jim
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
WE'VE ARRIVED
Well,.......we're here! The trip was long - 2 days total. We arrived Sat. 9/24 about 10:30am UK time and were met by our sponsors. We ate dinner with them and met up with some friends we knew from Altus on the 25th. We are without a vehicle, so are getting reaquainted with our legs.
All the buildings are brick and most have been around a while. There are only three places to eat on base, one of which is not open for dinner with the exception of Tuesdays. It is definately Fall and the wind seems to blow constantly. It's not too annoying, but I'm sure things will change come Dec.
Jim has briefings all day today so I decided to go to the Housing office and Family Support. The chick at housing wasn't helpful or pleasant. We've seen a few homes on base and one of them I will not live in. The other was pretty cute. I did find out that the waiting list to get on base is about a month for some areas, but 11mo for the more popular ones. We are entitled to only a two bedroom and are not guaranteed to see the home before we move in. Also, if we do take a house on base we are committed to one year, so that will put a burr in our house purchasing plans. Housing also told me that they had no names of estate agents in the area and I would need to look in the phone book.--Like I said, not pleasant. At Family Support I was able to make an appt with John who Jim and I met yesterday at a briefing, so I'm hoping that tomorrow will bring better luck. Right now I'm at the Bob Hope checking email and updating.
OK,............back to email!
All the buildings are brick and most have been around a while. There are only three places to eat on base, one of which is not open for dinner with the exception of Tuesdays. It is definately Fall and the wind seems to blow constantly. It's not too annoying, but I'm sure things will change come Dec.
Jim has briefings all day today so I decided to go to the Housing office and Family Support. The chick at housing wasn't helpful or pleasant. We've seen a few homes on base and one of them I will not live in. The other was pretty cute. I did find out that the waiting list to get on base is about a month for some areas, but 11mo for the more popular ones. We are entitled to only a two bedroom and are not guaranteed to see the home before we move in. Also, if we do take a house on base we are committed to one year, so that will put a burr in our house purchasing plans. Housing also told me that they had no names of estate agents in the area and I would need to look in the phone book.--Like I said, not pleasant. At Family Support I was able to make an appt with John who Jim and I met yesterday at a briefing, so I'm hoping that tomorrow will bring better luck. Right now I'm at the Bob Hope checking email and updating.
OK,............back to email!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
STILL MOVING
Well, the Subaru is still parked outside of Mark's house. Jim and I are waiting for paperwork from the bank that must be here for shipping. It should be here "any time". Also, Jemma's paperwork is still not complete and again, the wait is on. As a result, the leave date has been changed to 9/22 and unfortunately there will be no visit to the nations capitol as previously planned.
I'm still pregnant, and still not sick! I'm not complaining, believe me! Other than being tired and not really wanting to eat much I don't feel any different. Jim and I saw the heartbeat on 8/30, and that made it a bit more real, but without all the "normal" symptoms it's still kind of hard to believe.
I never know where the road of life will take me, but I believe that God has a purpose for each of us. This week, being the last that Jim and I will be here for a while, I've had time to think about what I've gained this far in my journey. I have come to realize that of the many gifts I have been given, the people I've met along the way are by far the greatest. No matter what, my family will always be there for me and for that I'm greatful. Friends are the chosen and in so many ways become part of your family. This isn't the first time I've moved and had to leave friends behind. My heart is always saddened when I think of leaving, but I rest assured knowing that communication is never lost and as well, the love shared between friends never goes away.
Until the next time,...................jack
I'm still pregnant, and still not sick! I'm not complaining, believe me! Other than being tired and not really wanting to eat much I don't feel any different. Jim and I saw the heartbeat on 8/30, and that made it a bit more real, but without all the "normal" symptoms it's still kind of hard to believe.
I never know where the road of life will take me, but I believe that God has a purpose for each of us. This week, being the last that Jim and I will be here for a while, I've had time to think about what I've gained this far in my journey. I have come to realize that of the many gifts I have been given, the people I've met along the way are by far the greatest. No matter what, my family will always be there for me and for that I'm greatful. Friends are the chosen and in so many ways become part of your family. This isn't the first time I've moved and had to leave friends behind. My heart is always saddened when I think of leaving, but I rest assured knowing that communication is never lost and as well, the love shared between friends never goes away.
Until the next time,...................jack
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
PREPARING FOR THE BIG TRIP
Greetings everyone,
We are now gearing up for the Big Move. Our plans did change drastically about 3 weeks ago when we found out we are going to be 4 J's in the UK; not 3. Yes, we have a new family member on the way and he, (hopefully), will be here in 9 months. We are expecting our new arival around April 17th. We are 7 weeks along as of today. As you can imagine this has changed many of our plans but we are excited and we look forward to the challenge (I hope; we keep saying that).
Our house was packed up last week and we are now living with our friend Mark. So far Jackie has been busy cleaning and re-organizing his luxurious bachelor pad. By the time we leave he won't be able to find anything and it may smell a little different.
Our Subaru Outback gets shipped out this week and we will be leaving around the 20th of September. We take a military chartered plane out of Baltimore on the 23rd so we'll head out of here a couple days before that so we can spend some time in D.C. before we fly out of the great USA. Things are changing rapidly but we look forward to the challenges and are excited about everything.
Look for more updates soon.
The 4 J's.......
We are now gearing up for the Big Move. Our plans did change drastically about 3 weeks ago when we found out we are going to be 4 J's in the UK; not 3. Yes, we have a new family member on the way and he, (hopefully), will be here in 9 months. We are expecting our new arival around April 17th. We are 7 weeks along as of today. As you can imagine this has changed many of our plans but we are excited and we look forward to the challenge (I hope; we keep saying that).
Our house was packed up last week and we are now living with our friend Mark. So far Jackie has been busy cleaning and re-organizing his luxurious bachelor pad. By the time we leave he won't be able to find anything and it may smell a little different.
Our Subaru Outback gets shipped out this week and we will be leaving around the 20th of September. We take a military chartered plane out of Baltimore on the 23rd so we'll head out of here a couple days before that so we can spend some time in D.C. before we fly out of the great USA. Things are changing rapidly but we look forward to the challenges and are excited about everything.
Look for more updates soon.
The 4 J's.......
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