Steve and Rachel:
First and foremost, Celtic Mark and I would like to echo LT's and others appreciation for your wonderful hosting abilities. Mark and I arrived early on Sunday and were welcomed with open arms. I too relished the fabulouso coffee machine and will be searching Williams Sonoma for one like it! Rachel made sure we felt right at home, proffering food and drink (mmmm....yummy lasagna!!)
We also enjoyed seeing Gumby, Little Toe, Xena and Bubbles and all the rest............... glad we left in time to miss the fireworks display!!! ((((( Rachel )))) for all your work and effort. T'was a grand time!!!
Note from Celtic Mark:
Hmmmmmmmmm, hmmmmmmmmmm mmmm indeed. So glad you had an absolutely fantastic time Ross, good to see you settling in. Cor Blimey, that weather down south ought to be right up your kilt after you arrived back in rain drenched Scotland.
I will keep you posted as promised with updates as to progress here and if I find out any information, will be sure to pass it your way, not a problem, pleased to help. If you could do the same for me, twould be much appreciated.
Fly home on Wednesday, looking forward to the jet lag.
Things I enjoyed about the USA: Bisous, of course. Starbucks coffee. The food. Photo opportunities and the vastness of US culture and landscape especially the mountains and deserts. Big ass automobiles. Hearing the word 'cute' elongated as only the Americans can say the word. The optimism of opportunity and their work ethic. Clothes that you can buy off the peg that actually fit me at prices which knock 400% off UK prices. I love the house styles here and the extraordinarily low prices of them.
The downsides: Hertz car hire customer service. Oregonians saying 'Huh? to the British accent drove me up the wall. Everything being the completely opposite way around to the UK, driving on the wrong side of the road, doors opening and shutting, taps and light switches. US plumbing. No pound key on the laptop, finally President Bush winning the election, which put Bisous in a right cantankerous mood for days. Beyond these minor hiccups, the visit was a completely positive experience - Great People!!
Loved meeting everyone in Seattle and our own apostofest in Hillsboro, great honor.
Ross take care from both of us, wish you all the best with everything and the best new year to you ever!!
Make sure you get the PA in order!!
Celtic Mark
PS Granny Grace Love You and Miss You Heaps!! Will send photographs to you directly if you post to Bisous your e-mail addy and I'll see you later in the spring when I return. Big hugs and bestest wishes to you. xxxxxxx
