Michael Harling's Blog, page 32
July 27, 2013
Lazy Days
Forgive me for not writing, but I’ve been very busy enjoying myself by doing absolutely nothing. Not my fault; I had to. The reason for this inactivity is summer: an unexpected*, glorious, dare I say “hot” and unprecedented number of contiguous days, SUMMER!
(* Actually, the weather minders predicted a nice summer back in the very cold and snowy March of this year, but nobody believed them because they lie to us all the time.)
I rest my case.But this time, they were bang on. The 4th of July da...
(* Actually, the weather minders predicted a nice summer back in the very cold and snowy March of this year, but nobody believed them because they lie to us all the time.)
I rest my case.But this time, they were bang on. The 4th of July da...
July 14, 2013
The Exhibitionists
Today, we did something I don’t ever recall doing before: we took a trip to London clad only in light, summer outfits. During an average year, you can count on one hand the number of times the weather is comfortable and stable enough to leave the flat without first suiting up in fleeces or jackets or coats or scarves or hats or gloves or a combination thereof. Today, however, marks the beginning of a second week of what I call “almost summer” weather (because it isn’t yet in the 90s with 87%...
July 8, 2013
Cultural Exchange
Having recently acted as a guide for a visiting American, I have become reacquainted with just how confusing the British culture can be. So I thought I’d give you the benefit of my years of experience and educate you concerning one of the little-known oddities of the UK.
If you drive along the country roads in Britain long enough, you’re likely to come across a sign with the enigmatic caption, “Heavy Plant Crossing.” (NOTE: you are also likely to come across signs with the starling warning, “T...
If you drive along the country roads in Britain long enough, you’re likely to come across a sign with the enigmatic caption, “Heavy Plant Crossing.” (NOTE: you are also likely to come across signs with the starling warning, “T...
July 6, 2013
A New Frock for Rachel
This, as you are aware, is an expat blog, devoted (for the most part) to my adventures as an accidental expat. I am, however, also a writer, though this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone (hint: have a look on the right side of the page).
As it happens, it is time for me to talk about my books; I will attempt to make this quick and painless and, hopefully, interesting. Now come along with me:
I currently have four books out: three humor books and one novel of which I am, justifiably, proud....
As it happens, it is time for me to talk about my books; I will attempt to make this quick and painless and, hopefully, interesting. Now come along with me:
I currently have four books out: three humor books and one novel of which I am, justifiably, proud....
July 1, 2013
Virtually Real
For the most part, I am pleasantly surprised when meeting...Oh, wait, it’s the first of the month...pinch, punch and white rabbits and all that...now, where was I?
Oh, yes, meeting up with a person who has heretofore been among my virtual acquaintances, someone who—although I have been engaging with them on Facebook and/or exchanging missives with them via e-mail—I have not actually met and therefore have no reason to believe that we could tolerate, much less like, each other in real life, or—...
Oh, yes, meeting up with a person who has heretofore been among my virtual acquaintances, someone who—although I have been engaging with them on Facebook and/or exchanging missives with them via e-mail—I have not actually met and therefore have no reason to believe that we could tolerate, much less like, each other in real life, or—...
June 13, 2013
A Holiday next the Sea – Part II
Wednesday, 5 June, 9:47 PM
Yesterday, as promised, the weather cooled and clouds rolled in during the afternoon. But, having already extracted as much sun as we could stand (which precipitated an emergency trip to the pharmacy for lip balm, sun block and After-Burn) we retreated to the car and drove to Cromer.
The coastal route from Wells to Cromer visits some picturesque little villages. Unfortunately, they are so little that driving through them can be tricky, especially when meeting a bus. I...
Yesterday, as promised, the weather cooled and clouds rolled in during the afternoon. But, having already extracted as much sun as we could stand (which precipitated an emergency trip to the pharmacy for lip balm, sun block and After-Burn) we retreated to the car and drove to Cromer.
The coastal route from Wells to Cromer visits some picturesque little villages. Unfortunately, they are so little that driving through them can be tricky, especially when meeting a bus. I...
June 9, 2013
A Holiday next the Sea – Part I
[Before we begin, this is an open letter to holiday cottage proprietors everywhere:
When outfitting the guest bedrooms, it is not wise to use price as the only variable when selecting the mattress.
Skimp on the carpets, buy cheap furniture, purchase the lamps at the charity shop and no one is going to care, but force your guests to sleep on a bargain basement mattress and they will grow to resent you a little bit more during each long and restless night until, by week’s end, even though they ar...
When outfitting the guest bedrooms, it is not wise to use price as the only variable when selecting the mattress.
Skimp on the carpets, buy cheap furniture, purchase the lamps at the charity shop and no one is going to care, but force your guests to sleep on a bargain basement mattress and they will grow to resent you a little bit more during each long and restless night until, by week’s end, even though they ar...
May 28, 2013
Twitter Makes You Stupid
This one is for my US readers, as Emma Way has nearly become a household name here in Britain. In fact, she is rapidly becoming yesterday’s news. It is only because I am a newly minted cyclist that I am interested in pursuing this event and its aftermath.
Emma Way: Tweeter and Safe Driving Poster GirlHere’s what happened:
Twenty-one year old Emma Way, who lives in the Norwich area, was driving sedately and safely to work, as is her usual habit:
On this morning, a cyclist happen...
Emma Way: Tweeter and Safe Driving Poster GirlHere’s what happened:Twenty-one year old Emma Way, who lives in the Norwich area, was driving sedately and safely to work, as is her usual habit:
On this morning, a cyclist happen...
May 13, 2013
What a Lovely Summer It Was
Summer has come and gone here in Sussex. It lasted five days—from the 3rdof May to the 7th—which, truth be told, is about two days longer than an average British summer, so we have little to complain about. Besides, it was a great summer, with clear, blue skies, warm sun, flowers blooming and tree buds practically bursting open before our eyes.
Summer, this year, had the grace to fall over a weekend, and we had the good fortune to be invited for tea at a friend’s house in the Sussex countrysid...
Summer, this year, had the grace to fall over a weekend, and we had the good fortune to be invited for tea at a friend’s house in the Sussex countrysid...
May 7, 2013
Facebook Makes Me Sad
I have been thinking about this for a long time but have hesitated to say anything for several reasons:
I don’t want to end up writing some ridiculous manifesto that will make me look like a tit when I don’t live up to itI really don’t need to DO anything, because I am already doing it; there is no need to tell anyone about itIT is sort of complicatedBut none of these undeniably true arguments can keep me quiet; I need to say this in order to move on. (I’m an American; we’re keen on closure.)
I...
I don’t want to end up writing some ridiculous manifesto that will make me look like a tit when I don’t live up to itI really don’t need to DO anything, because I am already doing it; there is no need to tell anyone about itIT is sort of complicatedBut none of these undeniably true arguments can keep me quiet; I need to say this in order to move on. (I’m an American; we’re keen on closure.)
I...
