If you've being following my life thus far you will know that I will be moving out to Connecticut in August due to my husband's job.  I thought I'd start this thread as an easy way for me to ask anyone and everyone questions I've got about life in the States.

My first question(s) is for any parents out there.  How much do tennis lessons, swimming lessons, dancing and keyboard lessons cost for children?  How available are they and does anyone have any contacts for organisations I could try and book these things with?

If you've being following my life thus far you will know that I will be moving out to Connecticut in August due to my husband's job.  I thought I'd start this thread as an easy way for me to ask anyone and everyone questions I've got about life in the States.

My first question(s) is for any parents out there.  How much do tennis lessons, swimming lessons, dancing and keyboard lessons cost for children?  How available are they and does anyone have any contacts for organisations I could try and book these things with?



The cost is going to vary depending on where you are and from whom you get them (sorry).  Things tend to be more expensive in the east because that seems to be where the better incomes are (generally speaking).  Tennis lessons will be more expensive at private country clubs, but you may get a discount if you become a member.  I would check into your local YMCA or Red Cross for swimming lessons.  Dancing lessons, try the local yellow pages for studios then compare the prices of the ones who offer the types of dance you are looking for (tap, ballet, jazz, etc.).  Keyboard/piano lessons, I think (and I could be wrong) are usually done with private instruction.  Contact the local schools or musical organizations (if there are any) or again, the local yellow pages of the phone book.  You may not have much luck until school is back in session to make contact w/ schools, but if they have websites you might be able to e-mail the various music teachers to see if they have any idea (of course I don't know if they can or do check e-mail during the summer).  Also, ask around when you get settled.  Seems like that would be a great ice breaker to meeting neighbors, etc. and getting opinions based on actual knowledge.

This is just my 2 cents worth, of course.  There are probabaly others (located more closely to Connecticut than me--I'm in Michigan) who may have better ideas or actually know people in the area....but I hope this helps in some small way.

Just a few quick points for you Karen, seeing as you live all of about 15 miles up the road from where I grew up, I dare say you'll be as ignorant as I was when I first moved here.

You understand, I don't mean ignorant in a bad way, simply.. things you've never experienced before.

Ok - Don't try and put your own shopping in the bags, they get really pissed off about that.

You're going to get asked "Oh, where are you from?" soooo much, just make up something to amuse you and the kids, I find "Oh, I'm from Uzbekistan." works well, most folks out here have never even heard of it. Of course, in Connecticut the level of intelligence is a little higher I'm sure, but It'll be a good conversation killer.

Don't even bother buying a stick shift, after the 48th stop sign you'll want to kill something.

Right. On. Red! Use that law, it's wonderful!

Most restaurants actually serve a real salad here, so when you order a side salad, don't expect the 2 pieces of dry lettuce and some watercress you get in England, it's about a half a meal's worth.

I'll think of more later.

The cost is going to vary depending on where you are and from whom you get them (sorry).  Things tend to be more expensive in the east because that seems to be where the better incomes are (generally speaking). 

  Also, ask around when you get settled.  Seems like that would be a great ice breaker to meeting neighbors, etc. and getting opinions based on actual knowledge.




Do you perhaps know of ball park figures for these?  I'm not sure why but my husband wants to know for a meeting we are going to in about 24 hours time.

I remember when I was stationed in the UK in the early 80's, a good steak was impossible to find, either anywhere in Cornwall (Newquay) or up in London.  You won't have that problem here.....

No open air butcher shops like in Newquay either....

No flats here with coin operated utilities like there....the bill comes in the mail once a month...

We drive on the correct side of the road here (lol), and say goodbye to round a bouts, you won't find them here....

If you like Cornish pasties, bring a good recipe for them, you won't get them here....is there such a thing as a "good" cornish pastie??

No clotted cream either......

Conn. is a nice state, but cost of living in most places is pretty high.......I visited a buddy of mine from the Corps in Guilford years back, prices were bad then and I'm sure it's worse now......nice state though, he lived right on the ocean and the weather was moderate most of the time.......

Do you perhaps know of ball park figures for these?  I'm not sure why but my husband wants to know for a meeting we are going to in about 24 hours time.




Shoot, I just read your post, so I probably missed your 24 hr meeting "deadline"...I'm sorry.  I honestly don't know how much help I will be since I live in Michigan and the economic climate here is different.  YMCA shouldn't be too expensive (but then again, I've never lived in the East).  I'm sorry I can't be more help to you!!!

Do you know where in Conn. you are going to moving to? I have two sisters who live in Conn. and if it is close to them, I could ask them about the specifics. They may know.



Cat

Do you know where in Conn. you are going to moving to? I have two sisters who live in Conn. and if it is close to them, I could ask them about the specifics. They may know.



Cat


Thanks Cat.  I think we will be moving to Glastonbury but certainly near East Hartford because that's where Dai will be working.

Thanks Cat.  I think we will be moving to Glastonbury but certainly near East Hartford because that's where Dai will be working.



A bit of a distance from my sisters live (they live close to New Haven). Let me see if I can do a search and see what I can come up with.



Cat

There is a country club that includes tennis & swimming lessons but membership (IMO) is outrageous.


http://www.glastonburyhills.com/Membership.html

Unfortunately, my search didn't come up with much else. My advice when you get there, go through the phone book and local newspapers. Also, you might want to have your husband ask at his new job. Word of mouth is always the best way to find what you want.



Cat

If you've being following my life thus far you will know that I will be moving out to Connecticut in August due to my husband's job.  I thought I'd start this thread as an easy way for me to ask anyone and everyone questions I've got about life in the States.

My first question(s) is for any parents out there.  How much do tennis lessons, swimming lessons, dancing and keyboard lessons cost for children?  How available are they and does anyone have any contacts for organisations I could try and book these things with?


I live on the West Coast, but I am sure there are few variances between West and East coast incomes. I can give you an idea of what some of this stuff may cost you: (mind you, there are parts of the west coast where incomes are very high, as well, so it really depends on where you live and it varies from city to city)

Tennis Lessons: Well, to be honest, I've never had one tennis lesson in my life. So, if I were looking for Tennis Lessons - I'd say screw private lessons and go to a community college. You'd pay a one time fee for a semester's worth (Usually a semester runs Aug-Dec or Jan-May) of lessons and you'd be with other people, too. Now, if your kids are generally smaller, this may not be the best route, but it sure saves you a lot of money! Many high schoolers go to community colleges for this stuff.

Swimming Lessons: Out where I live, I believe swimming lessons to be within $30-$40 per lesson.

Dancing Lessons: Dancing may be a little higher depending on the school, the teacher and the area (also level of dance may depend on how much they'll charge). I think at starting, they'd be $20-$25 an hour/lesson. More advanced training may start at $30-$40 an hour, or per lesson.

Piano/Keyboard I know this from experience as my mom teaches this to children. From what she's told me, some people charge as high as $30-$40 a half hour - which is way too much! I would say $20 a half hour would be reasonable. Anything less would be a steal, and possibly suspect - lol

I live on the West Coast, but I am sure there are few variances between West and East coast incomes. I can give you an idea of what some of this stuff may cost you: (mind you, there are parts of the west coast where incomes are very high, as well, so it really depends on where you live and it varies from city to city)




Thanks for this.  We just needed some ballpark figures to show that some aspects of our life may cost more in the US than here even though petrol and groceries might be cheaper or about the same.  For example



Swimming Lessons: Out where I live, I believe swimming lessons to be within $30-$40 per lesson.



Per lesson?     I pay about this for 12 weeks worth or lessons per child at the moment
                http://www.inthe00s.com/smile/04/eek2.gif

Karen-

A lot of the price depends on the experience and location of the instructors.

Some are quite reasonable, while others will make you think it'd be more affordable to move to Peru.
It really depends on the individuals.

Best advice I can give is: Upon settling in, look in the telephone book (Yellow Pages), and start shopping around for quotes.

I remember when I was stationed in the UK in the early 80's, a good steak was impossible to find, either anywhere in Cornwall (Newquay) or up in London.  You won't have that problem here.....



It depends on what you call a good steak i guess, size isn't everything.



No flats here with coin operated utilities like there....the bill comes in the mail once a month...



We're getting a house.  Ah! do you mean like getting your electricity by putting money in the slot?  That's not that common here really.



We drive on the correct side of the road here (lol), and say goodbye to round a bouts, you won't find them here....



I think you'll find you're wrong about that  ;) but I'll try and remember.

What is the traffic light sequence?  I've a feeling that might be different.  :-\\


If you like Cornish pasties, bring a good recipe for them, you won't get them here....is there such a thing as a "good" cornish pastie??



I think I'll survive without them



No clotted cream either......

We drive on the correct side of the road here (lol), and say goodbye to round a bouts, you won't find them here....





You are right about us driving on the CORRECT side of the road, (lol) but you are wrong about the round-a-bouts. Unfortunately, they are springing up a lot around here. There are trying to get one in not far from me when a light works very well.



Cat

You are right about us driving on the CORRECT side of the road, (lol) but you are wrong about the round-a-bouts. Unfortunately, they are springing up a lot around here. There are trying to get one in not far from me when a light works very well.



Cat


Really??  I'd love to see one of those put into place here....ought to be interesting to see how U.S. drivers respond to that....thanks Cat...

Really??  I'd love to see one of those put into place here....ought to be interesting to see how U.S. drivers respond to that....thanks Cat...


There are roundabouts here in Illinois as well. Not that many admittedly.. and American drivers are by and far so bad that I doubt they'll catch on, but they'd be useful. It costs about a tenth as much as an overpass to install and they're so much better than 4 way junctions, keeps the traffic flowing, you just need a brain to navigate one.  ;D

You are right about us driving on the CORRECT side of the road, (lol) but you are wrong about the round-a-bouts. Unfortunately, they are springing up a lot around here. There are trying to get one in not far from me when a light works very well.



Cat




I think there is a roundabout in Bradenton/Bradenton Beach, FL or thereabouts.  Never having been to the UK, I don't know for sure.  I can only go by what I've seen on "Keeping Up Appearances".  :)

Thanks for this.  We just needed some ballpark figures to show that some aspects of our life may cost more in the US than here even though petrol and groceries might be cheaper or about the same.  For example

Per lesson?      I pay about this for 12 weeks worth or lessons per child at the moment
                 http://www.inthe00s.com/smile/04/eek2.gif


Swimming lessons can vary, I suppose, so it really depends...

How much would be a reasonable price to pay for a second-hand PT Cruiser? 

I like the way they look and I'll have to buy some sort of second-hand car to be able to get about.

How much would be a reasonable price to pay for a second-hand PT Cruiser? 

I like the way they look and I'll have to buy some sort of second-hand car to be able to get about.


They look cute, but they run like second rate jalopies. I would suggest a Mini Cooper over a PT Cruiser. I rode in a PT Cruiser for awhile while in Vegas for a few days.

How much would be a reasonable price to pay for a second-hand PT Cruiser? 

I like the way they look and I'll have to buy some sort of second-hand car to be able to get about.


You have a Mercedes right?

Pick yourself up an SLK, they're a lot cheaper here.

They look cute, but they run like second rate jalopies. I would suggest a Mini Cooper over a PT Cruiser. I rode in a PT Cruiser for awhile while in Vegas for a few days.




Hmm hubby said he wasn't too impressed with them either but they got a good write up in What Car?  :-\\


You have a Mercedes right?



Yes an A class.  I don't want to sell it  :\'(

Hmm hubby said he wasn't too impressed with them either but they got a good write up in What Car?  :-\\

Yes an A class.  I don't want to sell it  :\'(




Yeah, don't get a PT cruiser, they're awful. If you want a Chrysler, buy a Sebring.

A class?! You fool!! Sell it, those things are death traps, worst car Mercedes ever designed!

A class?! You fool!! Sell it, those things are death traps, worst car Mercedes ever designed!



no, they did a re-design.

Yes an A class.  I don't want to sell it  :\'(





You could ship it but that could get expensive. My sister-in-law bought a BMW when she was living in L.A. When she moved to Puerto Rico, she didn't want to sell it so she had it shipped. I don't know how much that cost her.



Cat

Can't someone garage it for you and just give it a run or let the engine run for a while every so many weeks?

no, they did a re-design.


Proving that Mercedes ought to stay out of the small car market and leave that to crappy companies.

I thought you's guys also had a 5 series or something?

This isn't a knock against Mercedes by the way, as recently as yesterday I was berating somebody for buying a new car (always a mistake) and they said, well, if you had the money, what would you buy new? I said - Nothing, I'd buy a used SL.  ;D

Proving that Mercedes ought to stay out of the small car market and leave that to crappy companies.

I thought you's guys also had a 5 series or something?



My other car is also German: it's an Audio A4

Can't someone garage it for you and just give it a run or let the engine run for a while every so many weeks?


Hmm not sure that this does the car much good in the long run.  Actually the thing I like most about it will be less relevant in three years.  It comes with built-in child seats which I think is a great idea.  (they easily convert into normal sized seats.)

My other car is also German: it's an Audio A4


Good for you, German cars are superior to all others.

Personally, I'd sell the A Class (for what you'd get for that, you could purchase a reasonable vehicle here - Remember, we don't get ripped off for cars like you do.) and then have somebody run the Audi occasionally, I'm sure my Ma would be happy to help you out, she's stuck with my old Freelander after her car died.

do primary school children have a school uniform?

do primary school children have a school uniform?


Not often, depends where you send them, some private schools do, I don't think any regular state schools do though.

Not often, depends where you send them, some private schools do, I don't think any regular state schools do though.


Yeah, we'll just be using the local schools.  I'd heard they didn't have a uniform.  That's a bummer, have to buy more 'normal' clothes now

Yeah, we'll just be using the local schools.  I'd heard they didn't have a uniform.  That's a bummer, have to buy more 'normal' clothes now


For you maybe, I dare say the kids are more excited that they wont have to wear awful bloody school uniforms. Ugh, I hated those.

For you maybe, I dare say the kids are more excited that they wont have to wear awful bloody school uniforms. Ugh, I hated those.


Primary school isn't too bad, just 'school' trousers, white polo shirt and a blue sweatshirt with the school logo.


I hated wearing a tie and a blazer

Yeah, we'll just be using the local schools.  I'd heard they didn't have a uniform.  That's a bummer, have to buy more 'normal' clothes now



Some public schools are starting to have "uniforms"-usually blue jeans and white shirts. There are pros and cons to that issue. You may want to check with the local school to find out if they have a dress code.



Cat

Some public schools are starting to have "uniforms"-usually blue jeans and white shirts. There are pros and cons to that issue. You may want to check with the local school to find out if they have a dress code.



Cat


Pros for the parents and cons for the kids.

I hated school uniforms, but admittedly, there's no way my ma and dad had the money to keep me in regular clothes when school uniforms were so cheap.

One thing Karen, You are moving to the northeast so don't be discouraged when you can't understand
half of what people are talking about. Believe me, they will be speaking English it just won't be any kind
of English you're accustomed to.  ;D

One thing Karen, You are moving to the northeast so don't be discouraged when you can't understand
half of what people are talking about. Believe me, they will be speaking English it just won't be any kind
of English you're accustomed to.  ;D


ugh, at least people there can talk at a decent speed, out here it takes a day to have a conversation because the dumb farm f**ks can barely speak at normal levels.

One thing Karen, You are moving to the northeast so don't be discouraged when you can't understand
half of what people are talking about. Believe me, they will be speaking English it just won't be any kind
of English you're accustomed to.  ;D


That's alright.  I don't expect them to understand my accent at first either

One thing Karen, You are moving to the northeast so don't be discouraged when you can't understand
half of what people are talking about. Believe me, they will be speaking English it just won't be any kind
of English you're accustomed to.  ;D



Conn. accents aren't so bad-but the closer you get to Boston and Maine, they get worse. But there may be a little NY influence in Conn.



Cat

There are roundabouts here in Illinois as well. Not that many admittedly.. and American drivers are by and far so bad that I doubt they'll catch on, but they'd be useful. It costs about a tenth as much as an overpass to install and they're so much better than 4 way junctions, keeps the traffic flowing, you just need a brain to navigate one.  ;D


I've been coming across a few roundabouts lately. Just went through one the other day near Fairfield. They're kinda funny. People who don't know how to use them just sit in their car and wait for people to clear. It's funny! We do have one here in Concord, too. (at least only one that I've come across) I find them rather fun!

I've been coming across a few roundabouts lately. Just went through one the other day near Fairfield. They're kinda funny. People who don't know how to use them just sit in their car and wait for people to clear. It's funny! We do have one here in Concord, too. (at least only one that I've come across) I find them rather fun!


I suffer from the most awful road rage on roundabouts here.

Anybody with a modicum of intelligence can work them out, they're exceptionally bloody simple so I end up in fits of rage when retards just sit there like gormless sodding twats.

I suffer from the most awful road rage on roundabouts here.

Anybody with a modicum of intelligence can work them out, they're exceptionally bloody simple so I end up in fits of rage when retards just sit there like gormless sodding twats.


This sounds excellent.  Do they have mini roundabouts as well?


I did vaguely ask about traffic light sequence but I'm not sure anyone noticed.  Is there an amber light or just red to green?

This sounds excellent.  Do they have mini roundabouts as well?


I did vaguely ask about traffic light sequence but I'm not sure anyone noticed.  Is there an amber light or just red to green?


There are red, amber, and green.
Over here, it goes green- bottom, then amber- middle, and red- top.
Green, then amber, then red. That's yer sequence.

There are red, amber, and green.
Over here, it goes green- bottom, then amber- middle, and red- top.
Green, then amber, then red. That's yer sequence.


What about after red, do you have the red and amber together "get ready for green" like here or is it red then straight to green like in Europe?

What about after red, do you have the red and amber together "get ready for green" like here or is it red then straight to green like in Europe?


The lights are usually the same as in Europe. The traffic laws are far more relaxed and speed cameras are still almost unheard of in most states, it's not the Prescott Traffic-tatorship.

One thing you have to remember, seeing as you'll be living in Connecticut, one of the smallest states in the union, surrounded by several other very small states.. is each state is essentially it's own country, think of the U.S as Europe, different laws when you cross a border.. just the same language.. in a.. vague sort of sense.

The lights are usually the same as in Europe.


That's what I thought.  I wasn't paying that much attention when we were in Florida but this time I'll be driving.  :o


The traffic laws are far more relaxed and speed cameras are still almost unheard of in most states, it's not the Prescott Traffic-tatorship.




Hmm but I thought the speed limits were lower than here so I assumed enforcement would be tighter.


One thing you have to remember, seeing as you'll be living in Connecticut, one of the smallest states in the union, surrounded by several other very small states.. is each state is essentially it's own country, think of the U.S as Europe, different laws when you cross a border.. just the same language.. in a.. vague sort of sense.


I know that.  I haven't read Bill Bryson for nothing you know!  ;)

I know this is waaay late, but you should look at the local YMCA for their programs.  You will probably find one with all the updates.  Where I live there is a nice new one with 2 swimming pools, up to date excersize room, a track, basketball court, and all sorts of classes and programs for adults and children. 

I know this is waaay late, but you should look at the local YMCA for their programs.  You will probably find one with all the updates.  Where I live there is a nice new one with 2 swimming pools, up to date excersize room, a track, basketball court, and all sorts of classes and programs for adults and children. 


Thanks for that.  Its still useful stuff to have.  We are still arguing some of the 'lifestyle' payment side of things.  I'll look into the YMCA.

What about after red, do you have the red and amber together "get ready for green" like here or is it red then straight to green like in Europe?



Just remember that red means stop, green means go, and yellow (amber) means go very fast.  :D ;D ;D ;D


J/K but there are many people who will step on it when the light is yellow.



Cat

That's what I thought.  I wasn't paying that much attention when we were in Florida but this time I'll be driving.  :o

Hmm but I thought the speed limits were lower than here so I assumed enforcement would be tighter.

I know that.  I haven't read Bill Bryson for nothing you know!  ;)


The speed limits in town are enforced, but you've got to be unlucky to get pulled over on the highway unless you're doing about 100. I usually run around 75-85 and keep up with traffic, nobody obeys the speed limit because in most states it's set so ridiculously low.

For instance, in Missouri, a state that you could fit the whole of the UK in to.. the speed limit is 60mph.
See how retarded that is, if you drove the limit, you'd die before you crossed it.

what is the weather doing in Conn. at the moment?  We fly out on Sunday for about a week and I want to know what to pack!

what is the weather doing in Conn. at the moment?  We fly out on Sunday for about a week and I want to know what to pack!


http://www.ctweather.com/

what is the weather doing in Conn. at the moment?  We fly out on Sunday for about a week and I want to know what to pack!


http://tinyurl.com/yodl7o

One thing Karen, You are moving to the northeast so don't be discouraged when you can't understand
half of what people are talking about. Believe me, they will be speaking English it just won't be any kind
of English you're accustomed to.  ;D


Whoa there!  :o

I just found this thread and need to inform you that we Connecticut people are known for having the clearest, most newscaster-esque American English voices around!!! 8)

Conn. accents aren't so bad-but the closer you get to Boston and Maine, they get worse. But there may be a little NY influence in Conn.



Cat


In Western CT where I grew up, we're somewhat more nasal than the rest of CT, undoubtedly the NY influence.  But yeah, CT as a whole does not have the "New Englad" accent you'd find further north.

I suffer from the most awful road rage on roundabouts here.

Anybody with a modicum of intelligence can work them out, they're exceptionally bloody simple so I end up in fits of rage when retards just sit there like gormless sodding twats.


Those things are damned impossible to understand...sorry.  I'd be one of the gormless sodding twats.  ;D ;D

what is the weather doing in Conn. at the moment?  We fly out on Sunday for about a week and I want to know what to pack!



The sun has been hot as of late, better bring the sunscreen, and the bathing suits, I am sure you will want to find a place to take a full body dip.  :)

In Western CT where I grew up, we're somewhat more nasal than the rest of CT, undoubtedly the NY influence.  But yeah, CT as a whole does not have the "New Englad" accent you'd find further north.



My sisters live close to New Haven, and one of my sisters definitely has a New Yowk accent-but we grew up in Upstate NY. The thing is, she is close enough to New Yowk NOT to lose any that accent  (Like I have and a few other of my sisters).



Cat

Those things are damned impossible to understand...sorry.  I'd be one of the gormless sodding twats.  ;D ;D


Just put your foot down and close your eyes, kind of like when the railway crossing has no barriers.  ;D

Whoa there!   :o

I just found this thread and need to inform you that we Connecticut people are known for having the clearest, most newscaster-esque American English voices around!!! 8)


Oh dear, perhaps they won't be able to understand me then!

What is the difference between baseball and softball?

What is the difference between baseball and softball?


In softball, the diamond played on is smaller than a regular sized baseball diamond.  The softball is larger in size than a baseball and the bat is bigger than a regular baseball bat

In softball, the diamond played on is smaller than a regular sized baseball diamond.  The softball is larger in size than a baseball and the bat is bigger than a regular baseball bat


And that's it?

Is one more likely to be played by girls?

And that's it?

Is one more likely to be played by girls?


Not sure about more likely, but when I was in High School, it seemed like all the girls played Softball

And that's it?

Is one more likely to be played by girls?


The ball is thrown underhanded, it is seen as a girl sport, but a lot of guys play it.  The pitching seems to me to be a lot faster than baseball, but I don't think they have the variety of pitches.

And that's it?

Is one more likely to be played by girls?


How To Differentiate Between Baseball and Softball

http://www.howtodothings.com/sports-and-recreation/a4418-how-to-differentiate-between-baseball-and-softball.html

This will probably sound like a dumb question!

The washing machine I have is a top loader.  I've only used a front loader at home where you put the powder in a little drawer.  Do I add the washing powder/liquid before the water goes in, during the fill or when it has filled up? 

This will probably sound like a dumb question!

The washing machine I have is a top loader.  I've only used a front loader at home where you put the powder in a little drawer.  Do I add the washing powder/liquid before the water goes in, during the fill or when it has filled up? 


I always put my detergent in first...then let it fill up about halfway with sudsy water, then I put my laundry in.

I don't think it really matters if you're using liquid but sometimes the powder clumps if you add it on top of the clothes.

When I had a top loader, I would start the machine, then add the liquid or the powder.  I'd also let it fill 1/2 way then add the clothes.

This will probably sound like a dumb question!

The washing machine I have is a top loader.  I've only used a front loader at home where you put the powder in a little drawer.  Do I add the washing powder/liquid before the water goes in, during the fill or when it has filled up? 



I start it first, put the soap in and then the clothes. BTW, I ALWAYS use liquid-hate power with a passion, but that is me.



Cat

This will probably sound like a dumb question!

The washing machine I have is a top loader.  I've only used a front loader at home where you put the powder in a little drawer.  Do I add the washing powder/liquid before the water goes in, during the fill or when it has filled up? 


Dump the clothes in, dump the detergent in, hit start.

Thanks guys.  I have to confess I was using the Davey approach at first and then began to wonder if I was doing it right.

Thanks guys.  I have to confess I was using the Davey approach at first and then began to wonder if I was doing it right.


Nothin' to it.

Don't you prefer the top loaders? I do.

Nothin' to it.

Don't you prefer the top loaders? I do.


Not sure yet, still getting used to it.



Next dumb question!

Is it true that if you put mail to be posted in your own mailbox and put up the little flag the mailman will collect it and post it for you?

Not sure yet, still getting used to it.



Next dumb question!

Is it true that if you put mail to be posted in your own mailbox and put up the little flag the mailman will collect it and post it for you?


My mail-woman will put stamps on my mail if I put money in an envelope to cover the cost of stamps. 

Not sure yet, still getting used to it.



Next dumb question!

Is it true that if you put mail to be posted in your own mailbox and put up the little flag the mailman will collect it and post it for you?


If you have a stamp on it yes.  I think that you can even pay and print out your own legal postage stamps online as well and/or have the postman deliver stamps to you, I will have to look around on the http://www.usps.gov to see what services are available.  Now, if it is an international post, I'm not entirely sure they would take it (you need to make sure you have the correct amount of postage on it.)  Whenever I mailed international, I always made a special trip into the post office.

Not sure yet, still getting used to it.



Next dumb question!

Is it true that if you put mail to be posted in your own mailbox and put up the little flag the mailman will collect it and post it for you?


Yup, as long as it has the correct postage amount on it. I don't know about where you live, but try leaving money in your mailbox here and it'll be gone before you can scratch your ass.

Yup, as long as it has the correct postage amount on it. I don't know about where you live, but try leaving money in your mailbox here and it'll be gone before you can scratch your ass.


I reckon it would be ok here.  A colleague of Dai's was amazed that their landlord had to search for a set of keys for the doors for them - he reckoned he hadn't locked the door for years!

I reckon it would be ok here.  A colleague of Dai's was amazed that their landlord had to search for a set of keys for the doors for them - he reckoned he hadn't locked the door for years!


You're out in the hills then?

You're out in the hills then?


Not exactly, just a nice small town.  Population of about 33,000.  (wiki article)

I reckon it would be ok here.  A colleague of Dai's was amazed that their landlord had to search for a set of keys for the doors for them - he reckoned he hadn't locked the door for years!



We don't normally lock our doors-unless we are going away.

As for the mail, as everyone has already told you, that they will pick it up. We have a small box attached to the house on our porch. Since we don't have a flag on our box, there is a clothes pin on the outside that we put outgoing mail on. If you walk down our street, you will see other people have clothes pins on their mailboxes also.

Just out of curiosity, the mailman doesn't pick up outgoing mail in the U.K.?


Cat

We don't normally lock our doors-unless we are going away.

As for the mail, as everyone has already told you, that they will pick it up. We have a small box attached to the house on our porch. Since we don't have a flag on our box, there is a clothes pin on the outside that we put outgoing mail on. If you walk down our street, you will see other people have clothes pins on their mailboxes also.

Just out of curiosity, the mailman doesn't pick up outgoing mail in the U.K.?


Cat
Definatly not, they barely deliver it in this country let alone pick it up!  ::)

Definatly not, they barely deliver it in this country let alone pick it up!  ::)


They usually only pick up in areas where they don't have corner mailboxes and the postman uses a postal truck to deliver the mail.  Getting the right mail to the right address is a challenge to most.  ::)

Not exactly, just a nice small town.  Population of about 33,000.  (wiki article)


Suberb of Hartford then. Ok, my Uncle used to live in New Haven, that's all I've done in Connecticut, we went to places, but mainly around New York, I have no time for New England as a whole, full of morons staring at leaves changing color.  ;D

Suberb of Hartford then. Ok, my Uncle used to live in New Haven, that's all I've done in Connecticut, we went to places, but mainly around New York, I have no time for New England as a whole, full of morons staring at leaves changing color.  ;D


oooooh man,  That would be me  ::)  I love New England and spent yesterday up in Lowell taking in the Kerouac scroll.  We just can't seem to agree on much can we  ;D

oooooh man,  That would be me  ::)  I love New England and spent yesterday up in Lowell taking in the Kerouac scroll.  We just can't seem to agree on much can we  ;D


;D

I looked around.. I really didn't get the whole appeal. Maybe because I'm from the original England.. and actually grew up with trees.. and little villages and old buildings, I don't know, that seems to be the appeal of New England to the rest of the U.S and I guess because I grew up with it.. except ya know, even older.. it just isn't a big deal to me.

See, I dunno if you'd include Connecticut as New England, I really liked Connecticut and Rhode Island.. I really couldn't care less about Massachusetts.. especially Boston, it was like.. oh right, this is Boston, fair enough.

Of course, my bro Pete loves Boston.. quite literally refuses to go anywhere else, so I guess different strokes for different folks.

Suberb of Hartford then. Ok, my Uncle used to live in New Haven, that's all I've done in Connecticut, we went to places, but mainly around New York, I have no time for New England as a whole, full of morons staring at leaves changing color.  ;D



You should try NORTHERN New England. New Haven really sucks the big one. I used to live in "Waste" Haven. One of my sisters still live there. I really hate going down to that area.



Cat

See, I dunno if you'd include Connecticut as New England, I really liked Connecticut and Rhode Island.. I really couldn't care less about Massachusetts.. especially Boston, it was like.. oh right, this is Boston, fair enough.



New England is Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.  Depends on where in Boston you went.  I could see you having a lost weekend in Southie- a long long lost weekend  ;D

;D

I looked around.. I really didn't get the whole appeal. Maybe because I'm from the original England.. and actually grew up with trees.. and little villages and old buildings, I don't know, that seems to be the appeal of New England to the rest of the U.S and I guess because I grew up with it.. except ya know, even older.. it just isn't a big deal to me.



Maybe that's why I like it!




Just out of curiosity, the mailman doesn't pick up outgoing mail in the U.K.?


Cat

As Gis says, they don't collect our mail here.  But then they do actually put it through our door rather than leaving it in a little box at the end of the driveway!  Also you don't have to go far to find a post box to drop it in. Back home I had two within about three minutes walking distance.

You should try NORTHERN New England. New Haven really sucks the big one. I used to live in "Waste" Haven. One of my sisters still live there. I really hate going down to that area.



Cat


Oh, I will.. eventually. Out of sheer curiosity more than anything.


Maybe that's why I like it!


I suppose...


New England is Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.  Depends on where in Boston you went.  I could see you having a lost weekend in Southie- a long long lost weekend  ;D


;D

Actually, the one time I went to Boston I met up with a friend of Pete's Father who was a professor at Harvard, he took me out for lunch and showed me around.. don't get me wrong, it's not like I thought Boston was a s**t hole, I just didn't get the appeal.. for a town where so much has happened everything seemed very very anytown; USA, which I suppose is what everything is like now.

Actually, the one time I went to Boston I met up with a friend of Pete's Father who was a professor at Harvard, he took me out for lunch and showed me around.. don't get me wrong, it's not like I thought Boston was a s**t hole, I just didn't get the appeal.. for a town where so much has happened everything seemed very very anytown; USA, which I suppose is what everything is like now.



Oh, now I understand.  Forget the Harvard crowd or any extension thereof.  No doubt you received the lukewarm vanilla pudding version, There is a whole lot more to this place than the Harvard crowd sees. or even wants to know about(or knows about but doesn't want you to know that they know about). Too bad the professor wasn't ex-professor Timothy Leary, now that would have been a...trip  ::)

Oh, now I understand.  Forget the Harvard crowd or any extension thereof.  No doubt you received the lukewarm vanilla pudding version, There is a whole lot more to this place than the Harvard crowd sees. or even wants to know about(or knows about but doesn't want you to know that they know about). Too bad the professor wasn't ex-professor Timothy Leary, now that would have been a...trip  ::)


;D

I'm sure it's like any city, you see what you want to.

I could show people around St. Louis and they'd think it was lovely...

Then I could show them around St. Louis.. and they'd s**t themselves.  ;D

Next question.

Who should I always tip, who might I tip (if they gave extra good service for example) and who should I never offer a tip to?

Next question.

Who should I always tip, who might I tip (if they gave extra good service for example) and who should I never offer a tip to?



Well, some people seem to tip everyone they come in contact with...personally, I don't have the money to do that. I always tip my waiter/waitress at least 15-20% when I eat at a restaurant. I tip my hairdresser, usually like $5 or so, because I only get a haircut there...I color my own hair at home. 

Next question.

Who should I always tip, who might I tip (if they gave extra good service for example) and who should I never offer a tip to?


Hahaha, I can't help but laugh.

Everyone is so stingy in England, no wonder the service is often crap.

I tip waiters, barbers, mechanics etc.

Basically, when somebody goes out of their way to do something for me personally then I'll tip them.

You could ship it but that could get expensive. My sister-in-law bought a BMW when she was living in L.A. When she moved to Puerto Rico, she didn't want to sell it so she had it shipped. I don't know how much that cost her.

Cat


A bit late, I know...But wouldn't the steering wheel be on the "wrong" side of the car? ??? Might cause confusion...

Hahaha, I can't help but laugh.

Everyone is so stingy in England, no wonder the service is often crap.

I tip waiters, barbers, mechanics etc.

Basically, when somebody goes out of their way to do something for me personally then I'll tip them.


Mechanic?! No way!!!  That's the first time I heard that one.

Waiters/Waitresses
Hairdresser
Newpaper Delivery

A bit late, I know...But wouldn't the steering wheel be on the "wrong" side of the car? ??? Might cause confusion...



I have seen cars here with the steering wheel on the "wrong" side. It can be done but yeah, it would be a bit confusing. (As for my SIL, they drive on the same side of the road as we do so there isn't any confusion.)



Next question.

Who should I always tip, who might I tip (if they gave extra good service for example) and who should I never offer a tip to?


As some people have already said:

Waiters/waitresses
Bartenders
Hair dressers
Pizza delivery

We usually give a little something to our mail lady at Christmastime. We haven't done anything for our paper person because they really sucked. Now we have a new one who is good so we may give her something this Christmas.


Cat

Mechanic?! No way!!!  That's the first time I heard that one.

Waiters/Waitresses
Hairdresser
Newpaper Delivery



I have a great mechanic.

He's a friend of mine and I often do some work with him.

I'll generally pick up something for him as a tip, but I would do the same thing for a regular mechanic I didn't know.. if he did a good job and didn't f**k me in the ass.

Hahaha, I can't help but laugh.

Everyone is so stingy in England, no wonder the service is often crap.

I tip waiters, barbers, mechanics etc.

Basically, when somebody goes out of their way to do something for me personally then I'll tip them.


See I think you've got that arse about face.  I always tip if I get good service.  Why should I give them something just for doing their job?

I wasn't sure about people like bag packers.

See I think you've got that arse about face.  I always tip if I get good service.  Why should I give them something just for doing their job?

I wasn't sure about people like bag packers.


You're one of the few.

In most service industries people get s**t pay. Really s**t. Tipping is supplemental wages. That's the difference, in England a spooty 16 year old might be waiter and will basically make minimum wage and maybe 15-20 quid a night in tips. Here in the U.S or in France, a 30 year old bloke might be a waiter and will make minimum wage.. and if he works at a decent restaurant could quite easily pull down $100-150 or more in tips every night. All of a sudden he's gone from earing s**t money to earning a pretty decent wage.
It's all about the level of service.

For instance.. and next time you go back home you'll agree with me.

Walk in to a restaurant here.. you'll have somebody attend to your every whim, they'll be running around re-filling your drinks, making sure everything is alright, procuring anything additional you'd like and so on..
Now, go to a restaurant of a similar standard in England.. you'll probably be pointed to a table, be overcharged for a tiny little drink and then you might see your waiter twice in the next hour.

I wasn't sure about people like bag packers.



no, unless they carry it out to the car

Walk in to a restaurant here.. you'll have somebody attend to your every whim, they'll be running around re-filling your drinks, making sure everything is alright, procuring anything additional you'd like and so on..



Annoy the hell out of you by asking every five minutes if you have everything you need, is the meal alright, do you need a refill on the drinks etc.!  I like to be asked when the food is served if I need anything else and for them to check once if the food is o.k.  They should be around but not butting in in my opinion.

Annoy the hell out of you by asking every five minutes if you have everything you need, is the meal alright, do you need a refill on the drinks etc.!  I like to be asked when the food is served if I need anything else and for them to check once if the food is o.k.  They should be around but not butting in in my opinion.


It tends to be one thing or the other.  Either it is too much and you wish they would just let you eat, then, when it is time to pay and get out you have to light off fireworks to get their attention.  Or you order something and it doesn't come and they tell you that you didn't order it!  Remember that it is ok to scale your tip to the service you have received.  The standard is 15%.  I tend to be a big tipper, but have been know to show my displeasure with an obviously insulting penny(face down).

Annoy the hell out of you by asking every five minutes if you have everything you need, is the meal alright, do you need a refill on the drinks etc.!  I like to be asked when the food is served if I need anything else and for them to check once if the food is o.k.  They should be around but not butting in in my opinion.


I suppose that's because you're used to the service level you get in restaurants in England, not trying to be funny by the way.. just in my experience, because tipping isn't a big thing, the service is crap, no incentive to work hard.

I suppose that's because you're used to the service level you get in restaurants in England, not trying to be funny by the way.. just in my experience, because tipping isn't a big thing, the service is crap, no incentive to work hard.


There's a difference between working hard and providing good service.  Someone coming over to you and interrupting your meal isn't doing their job, unless it is to annoy the heck out of you so that you won't come back.

There's a difference between working hard and providing good service.  Someone coming over to you and interrupting your meal isn't doing their job, unless it is to annoy the heck out of you so that you won't come back.


Fair point.

.. and that rarely happens. But in a resteraunt, I want to be able to get whatever I want, when I want it.. and thus, a good gratuitory.

What is the "Do Not Call" number?  I've only had the phone since Friday and I'm already sick of the interruptions!

What is the "Do Not Call" number?  I've only had the phone since Friday and I'm already sick of the interruptions!



www.fcc.gov/cgb/donotcall/

I know this isn't high on the list of things to worry about while in the states...but...the final season of Life on Mars doesn't start until January on BBC America (if you're cable system even carries that channel).  Just thought I'd pass along the information, because I think you once mentioned Dai liked that program too (as do I).  Although he might have already seen the season, 'cause I'm sure they started showing it in the UK by now.

www.fcc.gov/cgb/donotcall/


Thanks - I've registered our phone.

I know this isn't high on the list of things to worry about while in the states...but...the final season of Life on Mars doesn't start until January on BBC America (if you're cable system even carries that channel).  Just thought I'd pass along the information, because I think you once mentioned Dai liked that program too (as do I).  Although he might have already seen the season, 'cause I'm sure they started showing it in the UK by now.



The whole of the last season was transmitted a while back in the Uk although I wouldn't mind watching it again.  Not sure if we will be able to watch it though - Dai has decided that Netflix is cheaper than cable/satellite so we're currently putting up with about 4 patchy channels we get through the aerial  ::)

The whole of the last season was transmitted a while back in the Uk although I wouldn't mind watching it again.  Not sure if we will be able to watch it though - Dai has decided that Netflix is cheaper than cable/satellite so we're currently putting up with about 4 patchy channels we get through the aerial  ::)


Personally, I am with him.  I still haven't gotten cable, though I do get about 7 channels, not always at the same time.

Personally, I am with him.  I still haven't gotten cable, though I do get about 7 channels, not always at the same time.


Hmm at first I agreed with him (non-stop SpongeBob Squarepants does that to you  ;D ) but now I'm having second thoughts.  The one children's channel we get is very stop start and full of interference and I got frustrated the other night when I was trying to watch Gray's Anatomy - I missed several important lines  >:(

Someone mentioned that we might be able to get some 'free to air' cable channels just by plugging the cable from the socket to the TV so we might give that a try over the weekend.

Thanks - I've registered our phone.



If you have a cell, you might want to register that, too.




The whole of the last season was transmitted a while back in the Uk although I wouldn't mind watching it again.  Not sure if we will be able to watch it though - Dai has decided that Netflix is cheaper than cable/satellite so we're currently putting up with about 4 patchy channels we get through the aerial  ::)



We did away with cable when we got our dish. We were getting premium channels (HBO, SHOWTIME, etc. etc) but we realized that we hardly watched them. We decided why pay for it if we weren't using them. We did away with the premium channels and get our movies through Netflix. We still have the dish so we can watch the channels we love (CNN, BBC American, History, etc. etc.) and we get to watch the Red Sox on NESN.  :D ;D ;D


Cat

Hmm at first I agreed with him (non-stop SpongeBob Squarepants does that to you  ;D ) but now I'm having second thoughts.  The one children's channel we get is very stop start and full of interference and I got frustrated the other night when I was trying to watch Gray's Anatomy - I missed several important lines  >:(

Someone mentioned that we might be able to get some 'free to air' cable channels just by plugging the cable from the socket to the TV so we might give that a try over the weekend.


I do that, the line acts as an antenna and helps with reception. If you have a splitter you can run it to an indoor antenna, then to the television.

Has anyone got a waste disposal unit in their sink?  What sort of stuff can you put down it and what shouldn't you put down it?  I'd experiment but I'm afraid of breaking it!

Has anyone got a waste disposal unit in their sink?  What sort of stuff can you put down it and what shouldn't you put down it?  I'd experiment but I'm afraid of breaking it!


A garbage disposal?  It is basically for the stuff that usually collects in the little drain basket and other small bits of things like leftover choppings from your vegetables.  Nothing hard like bits of bone from meat.  Always have the cold water running when you use it.

Has anyone got a waste disposal unit in their sink?  What sort of stuff can you put down it and what shouldn't you put down it?  I'd experiment but I'm afraid of breaking it!


Yeah, I've broken one before.

Rule of thumb is - If it's bigger than my wrist it wont go down.

Anything smaller is fair game.

Next random question.

How much does a stick of butter weigh?

When it says a tablespoon of butter is that level?

Why can't recipes just say 8 ounces or whatever instead of cups, spoons or sticks?

How much does a stick of butter weigh?

The same as a stick of lead, it's just it's mass that is different.  ;)

Next random question.

How much does a stick of butter weigh?

When it says a tablespoon of butter is that level?

Why can't recipes just say 8 ounces or whatever instead of cups, spoons or sticks?


One stick=1/4 pound=4ounces. If you buy butter by the stick a whole box is one pound.  Also if you don't want to buy a whole pound of butter it is perfectly legal and very acceptable to open the box and just buy one stick.  I do it just to keep the tradition alive.  People seem to be getting reluctant to do that, I would like to start a "one stick at a time" movement.

Yes, one a recipe gives amounts it is level unless it says "heaping"

Most people don't have scales or weights to measure, but you can buy measuring cups and spoons everywhere, it is much easier that way.

Most people don't have scales or weights to measure, but you can buy measuring cups and spoons everywhere, it is much easier that way.


I have measuring cups (although I'm slightly worried they're bigger than most I've seen).

It just seems a weird way to measure things.  In particular there's a recipe I want to try which asks for one stick and five tablespoons of butter.  Since it looked to me like a stick was a lot less than 5 table spoons I wondered why they didn't say 3 sticks and a tablespoon.  :-\\

I have measuring cups (although I'm slightly worried they're bigger than most I've seen).

It just seems a weird way to measure things.  In particular there's a recipe I want to try which asks for one stick and five tablespoons of butter.  Since it looked to me like a stick was a lot less than 5 table spoons I wondered why they didn't say 3 sticks and a tablespoon.  :-\\


Turn the stick over in the wrapper. The paper around the sticks is marked off in tablespoons.  There are 8 tablespoons to a stick.  Three sticks and a tablespoon is be 25 tablespoons.  One stick and 5 tablespoons is 13 tablespoons.  How did that recipe turn out?