Ronald Dahl in Cardiff

Did you know that Ronald Dahl is from Cardiff? We have a Dahl Pass (area under a bridge) in Cardiff Bay and along the Pac Argae Caedyff there is the cutest little book bench…

Beautiful Sunrise

You know when you have those mornings that you just don’t want to get out of bed.  It’s still dark out, and it looks cold (at least colder than under your blanket?).  Well I had one of those mornings and was rewarded with a lovely sunrise..

Welsh Hamper

A hamper is the equivalent of our gift basket.  I’m continually amused by the words used differently in two countries that speak the same language.  Sometimes I think… wow, why do Americans use ‘x’ when the British word makes so much more sense.  For reference, this was not one of those times.  The word ‘hamper’ […]

Thanksgiving in the UK

It’s strange living in a world that carries on as if nothing is happening on the other side, but Thanksgiving goes on in the Ennis household.  We didn’t originally plan to celebrate, but we had gone to the grocery store the night before and Kevin convinced me that we could make a mini dinner.  I’m […]

Christmas Market in Cardiff

Many European cities celebrate Christmas extravagantly with miniature/copycat German Christmas Markets, and Cardiff is no exception.  The city is full of lights and little booths selling all types of homemade crafts and food.  Since Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday here, there also isn’t the unspoken rule of waiting until after Thanksgiving to start celebrating.  So Cardiff’s […]

Bonfire Night!

Things you don’t have the opportunity to appreciate when you just visit a country for vacation… Watching the fireworks from our apartment window for Bonfire Night. Bonfire Night started when a Catholic protestor in the 1600s tried to assassinate King James 1, a Protestant King, by blowing up the Parliament building. He was unsuccessful, but […]

Fall in Bute Park

Eight miles of hiking today. Eight miles through a fairy tale.  The colours of the trees – the peacefulness of the surroundings – the picturesque views… Words can’t describe the beauty of Bute Park in the fall, and so the pictures will have to do.    I’m so thankful for days like this with my sweet. […]

Day 1 – Six Offers!

So I know in my last post, I made a cheeky comment about the realtor and my penguin.  I stand by those comments! But I just have to say, our realtor is pretty darn awesome. Not only did she manage a ton of repairs while we are on vacation in early August to get the […]

A Day in the Life of a Future Ex-Pat

So I signed an expatriat contract with a company based in another state. I feel like I knew what I was doing when I did it, but boy has this been an interesting ride. Own a home? Yes? Do you sell it or rent it out? Either way, what do you do with all your stuff?  […]