Originally Posted by Englishmum

Well, the odd thing is - our son is staying on in our house in New Jersey for the time being, so I shall have to come back from time to time to check up on things... If we sell the house he will be homeless (he is still going for job interviews but it's really, really tough for young people at the moment). We were unable to refinance our mortgage to a lower rate as my spouse has no status in the US (he gave up his green card) so there is no way we could change our mortgage if we tried to sell our house and buy a little flat; it costs thousands to sell because of the 6% realtors commission charge so I think we will wait another year or two and see if we will be moving back to the UK or not after this current expat posting.

I was in NYC on Friday, having lunch with my best friend (Aussie expat). We then went to Chinatown for a massage...omg I have bruises all over my arms and hips, I look like I've been beaten up! I'm sure there will be comments when I go to the pool in the morning and to see my doctor for blood tests and more thyroid tablets lol!

I've been busy on Skype most of the day, with my spouse, sister, mother and my friend in Grenoble, France who is trying to see if we can get together for New Year's Eve. I managed to book a round trip flight to Zurich on Easyjet from Luton - my siblings are twins and having around 300 people to their 50th birthday party on 10th November, so I decided that I'll have to go - there will be relatives there whom I haven't seen for years (including a couple of bridesmaids at my wedding). The flight price was reasonable; 102 pounds round trip inc. all fees and 1 case up to 20kg.

I'm just horrified at the car rental charges though....I've put it off until Monday morning as want to check with my spouse that he's ok about the price first ... 383 pounds with National/Europcar for 18 days in an estate car (approx Ford Mondeo wagon...which I don't think they have these days?). The base price is fair but then they added on the premium location (airport) tax, daily UK car tax, one way drop - 30 pounds and then 20% VAT. They don't charge extra though for an additional driver.

However, when I looked at brokers like AutoEurope, Holiday Autos etc. the base charges seemed lower....but then when you look at the small print eg. local charges and payable locally eg. one way drop 50 pounds, UK car tax, extra driver etc. etc. I don't know if it works out much cheaper - and you can't cancel easily with brokers either. What to do?

Still haven't booked a car ferry either. Oh well, I'm going to turn on my Expat Shield and watch Downton Abbey lol!

Originally Posted by Mummy in the foothills

Oh yes IOW would be lovely, I Bet that will change his mind.
I must remember to get s few St Josephs from the Cristian book store when I go to town. Must make sure it's the right guy first. LOL.

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

Ebay has lost of St Joseph's. some they will even get blessed before sending. I will say St Joseph helped me sell my last house in five days FOR FULL ASKING PRICE.

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

Ebay has lost of St Joseph's. some they will even get blessed before sending. I will say St Joseph helped me sell my last house in five days FOR FULL ASKING PRICE.

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

Ebay has lost of St Joseph's. some they will even get blessed before sending. I will say St Joseph helped me sell my last house in five days FOR FULL ASKING PRICE.

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

Oh and has anyone heard of "Call the Midwife?" Just started here on PBS.

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

Oh and has anyone heard of "Call the Midwife?" Just started here on PBS.

Originally Posted by Sugarmooma

It starts here in hour. I read the book, it was interesting.

Originally Posted by Mummy in the foothills

I never thought to look there, that'll save me a trek round town. Found one and put in my bid so it works for us too.


I'm going to watch tonight on PBS, I saw the first episode online when it was on UK TV but they soon put a stop to it.

Originally Posted by Mummy in the foothills

I never thought to look there, that'll save me a trek round town. Found one and put in my bid so it works for us too.


I'm going to watch tonight on PBS, I saw the first episode online when it was on UK TV but they soon put a stop to it.

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

It was a little "gory".....not my cup of tea :

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

Gory??

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

Please don't attack me......if you had had my experiences of having a kid in the UK you would understand.

Originally Posted by Mummy in the foothills

It doesn't start till 8pm here, I can understand what you mean about gory, it will probably bring back good and bad memories for some people. My Mum would have been a baby/toddler back when this was based early 40'S. I remember the stories my Gran would tell, she delivered her youngest herself, on the parlor couch, while my Mum was out looking for the midwifes house in the mid 50's.

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

I had my son in 1969. I believe the series showed 1957 when the show started tonight. Had we not moved to the USA......I could never have gone through it again even though my husband was a Physician.
Ordered my St Joseph :-))