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Meet the Dorans – Lyme Park Day

Last Monday, it was the bank holiday. The Dorans organized a family walk at Lyme Park in Stockport. Wow… there is the place filmming Pride & Prejudice.. wow… Mr. Darcy I love you, haha… 

Photo: Peppergroyne

We took our Mika there for a family walk too. She was so excited and chasing the little kids all the time… yes, terror attack from Mika.

We walked a 4-mile trail in the morning. The view and landscape is so beautiful. Also, there is very animal friendly, esp dogs. The cafe there also sold the dog biscuit. Surely, Mika loves the biscuit and consumed it within 3 minutes. hee hee…

Mika brought us a lot of funs. She jumped and hooped everywhere no matter the muddy water or super dirty muddy lane. Her hair and paws were definitely fithy. And, she jumped up to Irene’s trousers and left two dirty pawprints on her pale trousers… also, she gave a lot of paw-signatures on Mark’s white top… so you can imagine how they looked for the whole day.. hahaha……..Not only did she jump on her relatives, but also the strangers’ back.. so unlucky for the guy lying on the green as Mika gave his top a paw-mark too….Lynne gave Mika a new name. From the cartoon Pokemon, there is Pikachi. For our Mika, it is called Mikachi.. haha… what a lovely funny name. hee hee……

We had our beautiful lunch outside the cafe. The sandwiches are very fresh and tasty. We enjoyed it very much.

After so, we walked the 2-mile trail. There are a lamb raising area and deer farmland… Yes, we were very close to the nature on that day. We enjoyed the walk very much. Mika walked 6 miles but she was still very active.. hee hee….

After that, we had our ice-cream outside the refreshment area. Wow.. it’s the farm ice-cream and it’s so yummy. Mark and I both had 2 scoops with crispy cone. It’s a wonderful day!

We will be back!!

             

Cheltenham Experience

Luckily, I got a job interview chance at Cheltenham Ladies’ College for the post of Head of Library Services.. wow… it’s my dream school…. a strong tradition and long history. The first time I browse at the school website, it looks like the one where Judy, the main character in Daddy-Long-Leg, studies at… wow…. a very beautiful school. It ranks on the top of the school league table in the UK. Therefore, I really feel grateful that I am offered the chance for the interview.

It took me three hours to travel there on Sunday by train. I got on the train at Hartford station then changed at Crewe then Crewe to Birmingham New Street Station, I then changed again to Cheltenham Spa Station. Cheltenham Spa is a very nice tourist town as a lot of festivals are held at there. Therefore, I can find a lot of hotels, restaurants and shopping area there.

               

I stayed at the Wyastone Hotel. The hotel keeper is very nice and friendly. She reminds us to keep contact with her and tell her the result. haha……

After settling down, I walked around the area and got my dinner. I felt very nervous and kept practising the presentation. I haven’t had that experience for a long time… dont know why??

I didn’t sleep very well as I was still thinking the presentation content in my bed. I hope that I can pass the message of the 2.0 library to the school.

In the morning, I had my great breakfast then walked straight to the school. I was the first candidate arrived there. Totally, 5 candidates competed with this post. When I met all of them, I felt I would not have the chance as most of them are very experienced librarian. One of them is at Dr. level and the other one is an internal staff who must be familiar with the school culture and practice.

The interview is as tough as the Hong Kong one. We firstly had the group discussion of the current issues in the library management. It’s scenario questions. I didn’t speak a lot as I was very nervous. I kept on activating my brain for thinking and processing the suitable words to express my perspective. I didn’t think I perform well in this session.

Then, we had the tour at the school. Wow… the school is really fantastic!!! The Archive is marvelous as it recorded the whole history and the development of the college. Also, the Princess Hall is wonderful. It’s a very big theatre for the girls to perform the play or musical concert. It is also installed with an organ.. the building is really great!!

After so, I was the first one to have the interview with the 3 big heads of the school. I was very nervous but I kept breathing to calm down. Yes, also my smiling.. haha… when I am nervous, I will use my big smile to cover it… hee hee… The presentation lasted 5 – 7 minutes and they seemed very pleased with my vision of the library development. Actually, I have put lots of effort to prepare the interview and pass my message. They are also impressed with my portfolio and my work at my previous school. I feel the approval and recognition from them which I lost several months ago.  Oh by the way, the principal is like my former principal Mrs Or. I dont know if the girls’ college principals have the same style.. hee hee.. I told myself that I was speaking to Mrs Or so my nervousness had calmed down. I also graduated from a girls’ college and perhaps why I have a strong sense with the girls school here.

Then, we had lunch together but I didn’t say anything. I didn’t really know what they are talking so it would be wise to remain silence.  After the lunch, the vice-principal talked with me about my portfolio and she praised my work at LTFC. Oh my God, she asked me what my reservation was to accept the job. I told her it is relocation.

My heart is trumbling and calling me home. After the lunch, I went straight back to hotel and packed all the things and go! Yes, go home. I miss my lo gong (husband) very much and my home.

It took me another 2 and half hour home. Mark was waiting for me at the Hartford Station. He misses me very much too. I dont know why all my luggage and case were broken by me.. hahha…… so, I looked very funny to carry my broken case and stuff…  Mark looked at me with an unbelivable grin… hee hee

I told Mark that my chance for that job is 50:50. The internal staff has a very high chance to get the job. Anyway, it’s fine for me as I can get the recognition and praise from the vice-principal. We then went to TESCO for food shopping. Suddenly, my mobile rang and it’s Mrs. Principal. She told me that they three were really impressed with my presentation and they three all agreed to offer me the post… I was very pleased to hear that but at the same time, I dont know what I should do……

I talked with my friends and relatives, most important my lo gong (husband) Mark… I woke up in the dawn and thought of the career… and I dreamt Mark let me go for the job… I woke up immediately and told him what I dreamt.. He hold me tightly and told me not to leave him……..

I have to choose either my marriage or my very good career prospective… C is right that it is easier to meet a good prospective job but it is not easy to meet the one you love for your life time….

I declined the job and Mrs Principal was very disappointed…. I felt sorry for that……..

What I can describe is.. a right job but not at a right time….

When will I meet another chance? or When will another librarian get retired?? sighed…….

Mika’s Best Friend – Orlando

Since we need to attend our cousin’s wedding, we leave Mika to our friend’s home. They keep a big black Labrado, Orlando. He is very soft and patient. Even Mika always ‘attacks’ him, he remains silence and never fight with her. Mika likes being with him very much and always follows where he goes and models what he does.. hee hee……..

Also, we found that Mika loves eating meatball very much. Does Mika look like a meatball? Meatball Mika??  Her dad, Mark, also loves the meatball roll for lunch… According to the Chinese phrase, ‘daughters like their dad’. Nevertheless, we can only give 2 meatball for Mika with her biscuits… She can finish all the food within 3 minutes… haha……

                        

Our Cousin’s Wedding

Last Friday, the Dorans attended the cousin’s wedding in Derby where Mark and I never have been to. We headed to there on the early Friday morning. It is the second time for me to attend the British wedding ceremony. This time, it will be a little bit different from the previous one as it will be more traditional.

Firstly, we attended the wedding ceremony at the church which is so magnificant built on the top of the mountain. But before so, Mark and I have another Must-DO business – having our big breakfast at McDonald.  We had the sausage & egg muffin and we both felt very full. hee hee……… we like it! 

The wedding ceremony is in Catholic style. After the ceremony, we headed to another place, Birmington Hall for the reception. It was held on the green and people had a drinks and chat. Then, the photographer arranged the photo-taking sessions with the newly-wed couple’s relatives and friends. Photographer shouted ‘heep heep’ and the guests responded ‘Hurray!’ * Chap* a picture was taken!

Then, we had the wedding lunch at the dining hall at around half past three. Wow.. the hall was beautifully decorated  with the themed color purple and butterfly. Everyone will sit according to the table planner and the name card. A camera was prepared for each table to take some snapshots… Mark took a lot of snapshots of the Dorans.

Two menus are provided for Ladies & Gentlemen.. For the starter, Ladies had the mushroom soup (Mark, you’re lucky). For the main course, Ladies had chicken and Men had steak… wow…. For the dessert, ladies had the berries ice-cream and cake while the men had the chocolate snacks.  

At the end of the meal, the bride’s father, groom, groom’s father and friends did the speech. We did the toasting with champagne.

Then, we had an hour break for checking-in or walking around. What happened next?

haha…. it is dancing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow……… after the dance of the newly wed, we had the Irish Dance… Mark is 1/2 Irish and hee hee… the whole Dorans did the Irish Dance together.. It’s fun but at the end of the night, both Mark and I had sore feet… hee hee …….

At around 9 o’clock, we had a light dinner. It’s not really light… as the size of the hotdog is super big and I hardly finished it… In fact, I wondered if I can only have the sausage without the bread roll… hee hee….. The couple has prepared a special session — firework. It’s so romantic of the groom to prepare the surprise for his bride.. haha…..

Mark told me that normally the dancing would last until 1:00 a.m. First part is Irish Dance and the later part is Disco… well… Mark and I had enough Irish dance so we went back our room at 11:30p.m.

It’s a fresh experience for me and I do like the Irish Dance. It’s fun, hee hee…. Mark sweated all his head after the dance… well… a keep-fit exercise.. haha..

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Mika’s School Diary (Lesson 2)

On Sunday, Mika attended her second lesson. This time, Mark accompanied Mika and I stayed outside the range. We hope that it can make her concentrate on the lesson. In the end, she did quite well at school although there is still room for improvement.

The instructor taught us how to motivate her to keep walking by patting our knees. Also, we cannot let her pull the leash but ask her to walk with our heels instead. I guess it will take time for Mika to acquire this walking skill as she’s still a little baby, right?

So far, Mark and I are quite satisfied with Mika’s performance at the school and we both agree to keep taking her school in long term as a way for training her. Yes, education is a long process. When we see Mika’s progress, we are both very happy. 

 

Sunday Dinner – BBQ Ribs

Wow…. it’s our Sunday dinner again……….

This Sunday, I made the BBQ Honey Ribs. Oh yes, Mark and I both enjoyed it very much. Thankyou Tony & Karen’s recipe which is so yummy. Mark kept saying,”it’s beautiful!” and he even licked all his 10 fingers after chewing all the bones… haha…..

 

For the dessert, we had the chocolate ice-cream with chocolate chiffon cake. I like its texture which is so soft and moisture. hee hee

         

Pork Chops with Apple Sauce

This weekend, Mark and I had the British classic meal — Pork Chops with Apple Sauce. I have never had pork chops with apple sauce and it’s the first time… uhm…… it’s nice … sweet and sour…. not difficult to make… haha……. just feel funny that we had no rice but 2 pieces of pork chops on the dish … hee hee…. why I have this kind of impression because I am a Chinese!

After dinner, we had Viennetta for dessert… well…… I feel very happy with my days now…

Pork Chops with Apple Sauce

Mika’s Schooling Diary (Lesson 1)

It was the first day of Mika to go to school. She was so nervous at the very first beginning and became better later on. As her mom is a teacher, she believes that education is essential to everyone, including her lovely little bit wild puppy.

Mark and I arrived at the school which is located in Delamere 15 minutes earlier. When Mark was busy with the registration work, Mika and I were waiting outside the office. There were a lot of dogs surrounding the training area. These dogs were pretty big size such as hound dogs or shephard dogs. They kept barking at each other for saying hello or defense that I didn’t know… but what I know is that Mika was very uncomfortable with their barking. She wet herself and wanted to jump into the hole next to us for escape. hee hee… she is a chicken, right?? Mark and I kept stroking her to make her feel safe and comfy.

For the very first lesson, Mika learnt to listen to our commands including “Sit”, “Stand”, “Down”, “Stay” and “Heel”. She learnt how to walk with us with a lead. Also, it was the first time for her to get connection with other dogs and puppies. The instructor said it’s important to get her to socialise with other dogs. However, if we find she has a tendency to defend or attack other dogs, we have to stop her immediately and correct her behaviour by shouting “Leave” and holding back the lead. It is crucial to stop her building the bad habit. We also asked the instructor how to stop her chewing our trousers and his method is really practical. haha……… Anyway, the training lesson lasted for an hour and half . At the end of the lesson, she was totally exhausted and no longer followed any instructions. She was just either “sit” or “down” to take a rest. hee hee….. she is a lazy bone, isn’t she?  

Buffalo Chicken Wings & Chocolate Caramel Shortbread

Buffalo Chicken Wings with Potato Wedges & Mixed Veggie

On Sunday, we had yum cha with our friends, Sara and Dave. They taught us the recipe of how to make the Buffalo Chicken Wings. Therefore, we tried it at night. uhm……. I guess I didn’t put enough Tabasco so it was not as spicy as what I expected to be. Anyway, Mark and I both enjoyed the chicken wings.                             

Also, Mark found a recipe on the wrapping paper of the condensed milk tin while we were doing the food shopping. He immediately showed me the tin and asked me if I could make it. hee hee….It is the recipe of his favourite dessert — Chocolate Caramel Shortbread — so it is like a happy discovery for him.

The process of making the chocolate caramel shortbread is not very complicated. However, it is a super fatty snack. I told Mark that I can make it once every two months as it is not very healthy dessert. I had a bite of it but it’s too sweet for me. Mark said it’s nicceeeeeeee with a big bite. He certainly is a sweet-tooth.