Birthday drinks and (FINALLY) an AFD...

Family,

And a good evening to you from across the Pond on this wonderful Wednesday - only 2 more sleeps until we're home!!! We are SO excited to see our friends and family again - we can't wait!

So apologies for now blog last night, but you can probably guess the reason for the delay...

So after work, we went out with Lynda and the work family (known as the "Outpost of Happiness") for Lynda's birthday drinks. Her original selection was The Parlour, the newest (and most shish) spot in the Wharf. However, upon walking in to find more people than a division of the Red Army and music loud enough to drown out a Space Shuttle launch, we decided that was NOT the place for us. Instead, we took a wander down toward West India Quay and landed at The Fine Line, a cute little wine bar (with beer as well!).

It was great - we had a full crowd, as you can see by the photo. In fact, we were such a big deal that even the Volturi graced us with their presence - check out Kat's crimson eyes (Twilight reference - if you have hair on your legs or are a girl older than 14, you probably won't - or shouldn't - get it).

After that, we rolled over to Srinam, where we had some of THE BEST Thai I've had in a while. I must say, after having hit many a Thai place, this joint ranks among the best. And Hitman - I am happy to confirm that ladyboy is still there and desperate to see you again. S/he gives you her/his best...

We parted ways about 11:30 PM, rolling home just after midnight and passing out.

Today we awoke up to FREEZING temperatures, and WE SAW SNOW!!!!! There were huge flakes blowing around the Wharf - it was really, really cool. And MAN, was it chilly. The walk home was NOT fun, but I was so happy about the snow that I didn't even care (mom - you would have been so proud).

Sorry so short tonight, but it's time to start packing, and it threatens to be an absolute NIGHTMARE. But at least I had my first AFD in 24 days...if my liver had regained any of its strength back, it would be smiling.

That's all the news that's fit to print. Chat tomorrow! The countdown is on!!!!!!!

Love,

Sam and Jenny

Introducing.....KNOCKOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Family,

And a good evening to you from across the Pond after a CHILLY day in the Smoke. It was super busy, but with Canada Go Live just 23 days away, there's no rest for the weary!

So this morning (once sober) I realized that I forgot one critical component of last night's Christmas roast. While it is true that our gracious hostess Liz allowed us to partake in the time honored holiday tradition of American football, the second half was largely interrupted by something that is FAR from tradition in East Tennessee, Charlotte, and all the spaces in between. A fair word of warning to all those brave enough to watch TV in the mother country at someone else's home - when you are not the master of your domain and not the ruler of the remote, you may find yourself subjected to all manner of British horrors. Last night I was a victim. The dungeon master was Simon Cowell. The torture chamber...was X-Factor.

Formerly "Pop Idol" (their equivalent to "American Idol"), this is Simon Cowell's brainchild in Britain and EVERY BIT as big as ours. I didn't realize that Leona Lewis won it two years ago and that's how she got her break - craziness! But anywho...let's not get to excited. Instead, let's recap the evening:

1. The two dueling it out were Olly and Joe. Neither one of these cats was Adam Lambert. Then again, neither of them made out with some dude on stage at the AMA's, so maybe they are better.

2. The host was a Ryan Seacrest clone - same outfit, same bad hair, same terrible jokes, same voice. It was like watching Dickie V commentate a basketball game - all you want to do is mute the TV.

3. Instead of a t-shirt, Simon actually had a sports coat on.

4. I didn't know a single song the entire night.

5. At the end, just like American Idol, they announce that the finalists will now sing the same song and that the winner will release that song as their first single. What song did they have to sing, you ask? Try this on for size - "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus (It's Miley! Everything she says is interesting!). Seriously? Seriously? Two dudes COVERING Miley Cyrus? Is there no humanity in the world? Well, then again, at least it wasn't "Party in the USA"...utter donkey trash.

Tonight was a great night, as Jenny and I (FINALLY) caught up with an old friend. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Kirsten Olsen, nicknamed KnockOut. KO and I worked together back in '07 on the Arinso Transition, and we went through hell together for about 9 months. Consequently, we are now forged together forever as friends.

We met KO and her husband Istvan at DelFino's, this GREAT pizza joint, where I had a diavola pizza (loaded with pepperoni) and JT had a pizza covered in delish parma ham. All in all, talk about a successful night! It was so great to catch up with Kirsten, joking about the old times and getting caught up on what was new with them.

We then walked home from Oxford Street, where we saw some really cool Christmas lights out and about. Check out this set of decorations (Hitman - this is right by the Hog on the Pound).

Okay, that's all the news that's fit to print. Chat tomorrow!

Love,

Sam and Jenny

A full English farewell and a proper Christmas roast...

Family,

And a good evening to you from across the Pond after a simply FABULOUS day in the Smoke. Today was simply great, especially since it involved solely our favorite themes of living in London - eating and drinking.

So we popped up at 8:15 and were out the door by 8:30. Props to Steve and Sara, as we have NEVER popped up that early on a Sunday before. We walked down to Cosi, a former favorite, only to find out that they were SHUT DOWN on Sundays. A bit concerned, we walked over to Regent Street, assuming that we could find a pastry shop but hoping for more. The results were WAY better than we could have hoped for.

Whilst walking along the street, we happened upon Oser, the GREAT dinner place that Jenny and I always rave about. Granted, we knew this place served good food. However, we did NOT know that they also served breakfast ALL DAY on Sunday. We walked up to check the menu, where we were promptly greeted with glasses of orange juice. Seeing that the prices were reasonable, we rolled in only to find out that coffee was also included. Can someone say winner, winner, chicken dinner?

So Steve finally got his full English, whilst Sara got a GREAT fruit crepe and Jenny and I each ate redonkulously good egg and meat dishes - talk about a SPECTACULAR PLACE - we will DEFINITELY be back here for brekkie. So guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuud (peppy cheekies).

After that, we wandered home, where we told Steve and Sara goodbye. After so much fun, it was really hard to watch them go. At least I was able to help them by weighing their bags (mom - your gift came in handy AGAIN!). All in all, I would definitely call their visit a successful run through London.

Kim left at 11:30 as well, and Jenny saw her all the way to the Heathrow Express. KJ - we'll see you in 11 days!

We then got cleaned up and headed into South Kensington, where we were treated to a meal fit for Henry VIII himself - the Christmas roast of Mark Goodyer.

You talk about a meal for a king - this was AMAZING. Here's the recap:

1. Start with a bottle of Maker's Mark, sipping your way through two STIFF drinks.

2. Add in a bottle of French wine (red) whilst you eat 3 AMAZING cheeses.

3. Have an avocado and shrimp starter (with butter toast).

4. Did I mention the festive popper presents and the poinsettia?

5. Try enough beef to feed the Red Army...and it was guuuuuuuuuuuud.

6. Parsnips - if you haven't had 'em, you're just letting the best in life pass you by.

7. Potatoes that they would have served Charlemagne.

8. Veggies galore - but let's face it - you're there for the roast.

9. Dressing (don't panic Nanny - I defended you to the hilt) and bacon wrapped sausages (I ate about 45 of these).

10. Candles and Christmas music - tell me that isn't a recipe for FAAAAAAAAAAABULOUS!!!!!

I mean, for crying out loud, check out the master chef (future Michelin award winner) in action!

After dinner, we caught two big sporting events. First was a major Premier League battle between Arsenal and Liverpool (Arsenal won 2-1 in a HUGE game), and second was...wait for it...wait for it...an NFL match!!! That's right, unbeknownst to us, Sister Mirza has Sky Sports, meaning that she has access to NFL Sunday! The featured game was Minnesota (with the Gunslinger) vs. Cincinnati, and it was SO CRAZY to watch American sports (especially when commentated by Brits - bloody brilliant). Talk about a good time - we had so much fun!

However, at about 11, we realized that we simply had to get home and get to bed, especially since we've got a BIG WEEK planned. I'm sure this blog could have been funnier, but I must confess that I am REALLY hurting and need to get to bed before I pass out. However, if I find out that I haven't done today justice, I'll make up for it tomorrow. That being said, I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't thank Mark and Liz for some AMAZING hospitality and GREAT food today. And Fizzy - consider the room booked in January, as we'll DEFINITELY be over to watch the NFC and AFC Championships.

Okay, that's all the news that's fit to print. Chat tomorrow, when you'll (hopefully) meet a new (Canadian) character!

Love,

Sam and Jenny

A perfect day, some stinking bishop, and a full-on pub crawl through the Smoke...

Family,

And a good morning to you on a fabulous (and potentially sunny!) Sunday in the Mother Country. Today's blog is going to be a recap of (most likely) galcian proportions, as the Taylor-Tacy-Markham clan covered some GROUND yesterday. Also, thanks to brother Steve's INSANE knowledge of the full capabilities of the Canon Elph camera, this blog will also be the "Jenny Taylor Experimental Photography Exhibition," arriving soon at the Tait Modern (VA - come back over so we can get hammered and go laugh at it).

So we woke up at 10 AM and made it out the door by 11:30 (a 30 minute improvement to the previous Saturday). Step 1 was the ride over to Charing Cross, where we popped out at Trafalgar Square to a BEAUTIFUL day. Turning our backs on the national Christmas tree, we headed up Strand, making our way to Fleet Street.

The stroll down Fleet Street was great, as we hit all the usual spots, stopping to actually go in Twinings (it was open for a change). St. Bride's was closed, but the fam did manage to enter St. Paul's to look at the inside before darting back out (they want 11 POUNDS for entry now - ridiculous. Tabitha - I KNOW that doesn't please you - no paying to pray...).

After that we stepped over the wibbly wobbly walkway (aka the Millennium Bridge) and made our way toward Borough Market, stopping on the other side of the river to take this AMAZING PHOTO. Tell me this isn't a postcard...

After that, it was onto Borough Market, where the clan put up an IMPRESSIVE display of eating. The finest performance of the afternoon? KIM TACY. Not only did she roll through a chorizo sandwich, she also bought a block of parmesan cheese (aged two years - change you LIFE good) AND a falafel wrap. Throw in a few samples and strawberries, and you have an impressive display for a gal who weighs about 90 pounds. Full marks, KJ!

Also, the highlight for me was definitely trying "drunk cheese," which is a type of Italian cheese soaked in red wine for 18-20 months. This stuff was guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuud...and you could really taste the wine in the cheese. Dare I say, it's almost like killing 2 birds with one stone (and a heck of a lot cheaper!).

We then began the final "must do" for the farewell Saturday in London - the time honored tradition of the pub crawl. Let me tell you - life does NOT get any better than this.

Stop 1 was the Market Porter, which proudly boasted 11 ales I had NEVER tried before. I went with Winter Solstice, while Rye Smile and Meantime Pale were the selections of others. On our way out, fortune struck and I crossed off another of my London "to-do's" (full credit to Steve on this one). I walk out the door and Steve says, "Dude - check out the pungent smell in this place." Granted, this is the part where any girl in her right mind says "Um, no." However, this is the time when every guy says, "Hell yeah! Sounds great!" And two minutes later, I am nose deep in olfactory overload. That's right - Steve found the aged cheese hall.

So this place has got cheese that looks STRAIGHT UP LIKE 100% MOLD. I mean, we are talking solid green on the inside (perhaps even with a heartbeat). And upon smelling all this limberger goodness, I knew there was one cheese I had to ask for - the Stinking Bishop.

So backstory on this - Stinking Bishop is apparently the smelliest cheese on earth. I had heard that you could only get it in certain stores and at certain times of the year, and I figured this was my one shot at a winner. Sure enough, when I asked, she proudly replied: "Oh, we've got two. Do you want the two year or the four year?" Thirty seconds later, I'm tasting the two year, which will definitely put hair on your chest. Thirty seconds after that, we're trying the four year, which was DELICIOUS. Sold and determined to buy, I walked outside to get money from Jenny.

It was only then, 4 minutes later when I found JT, that I noticed this terrible smell around me. In fact, it was as if I was standing in an open sewer. The girls noticed, and Steve and I stared at each other with a sinking feeling. That led to a sniffing of the finger we picked the cheese up with, and then a near moment of wretching. HOLY MOLY. That's when it started.

So this stuff isn't over when you eat it. It burrows into your skin like a chigger and stays there ALL night. We tried anti-bacterial gel. That transformed it from smelling like dead rhino to smelling like a dead rhino covered in formaldehyde. We then proceeded to wash our hands at the next FIVE PLACES we went to - no joy in removing it. In fact, our breath was so bad that, when Steve and I were walking on either side of Jenny and talking to each other, I thought she was going to pass out. I can't smell it now, but I think it's only because I've completely burned out my olfactory nerves.

From there, we made our way back across the bridge to one of the most famous pubs on Fleet Street - Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. I know I've mentioned this one before - it's the pub of Voltaire and Dickens, and a spot that Cromwell used to keep his horses. It was a blast, and I even rediscovered my love of Sam Smith's! I had an Oatmeal Porter with Kim, whilst the rest of the group rolled through some wheat beers and alpine lagers. Jenny also gave the oak aged Bitter a dance, and it proved quite tasty. Best of all, we drank down in the cellar (the bar just keeps going down and down - it might be the gateway to Dante's Inferno), which had a GREAT atmosphere.

After that, we rolled to the Coal Hole (you have to pay the toll troll to get to the coal hole - KJ - that was 100% for you. After all, it's always sunny in London as well), where all the cask ales were off. Since that did NOT make us happy, we continued to another Taylor staple - The Porterhouse.

The Porterhouse was PACKED, but somehow, thanks to the magic of Sara Markham, we found a table! We rolled through some Porterhouse Reds and Temple Brau ales before decided to get experimental. The result was that I found a beer that I fell in LOVE with in Chester but hadn't seen since then. Puma - this if for you, brother - I rocked the TUSKER last night! Incidentally, this beer was named for the elephant who stabbed the original brewery founder with a tusk, killing him. Charming story, eh? So entranced was I with the tale, that we thought it prudent to have a moment of silence for the fallen brewmaster (hence the resulting photo).

I realize that we were really into exerimental photos by this point in the evening, but you must also check out this GREAT shot of JT and Kim at the Porterhouse. Diggin' the "color accent blue" feature.

After that, it was off to another pub that turned out to be the new WINNER. Hitman, Ray Ray - this is the NEW Bear and Staff. In January, we are going to the Salisbury. Why, you ask? How about Timmy, Deuchar's, and Bombardier ALL ON DRAFT (those are 3 of my top five ales, incidentally, and I've NEVER seen them before in the same place). Needless to say we LOVED it. Feeling the need to press on, however, we rolled to the Bear and Staff for a pint of Party Popper, a holiday brew that was guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuud.

We then made our way to the Trocadero in Piccadilly Circus, where we ate some of THE BEST Thai we've ever had. Steve and I both ripped through a green curry, but I confessed I had pad thai envy looking at Kim's dish. Consequently, knowing that Jenny takes a bit longer to finish her meals, Steve and I ordered a Pad Thai extra spicy to split. In a word - RELIGIOUS. Wow - they will serve that in Heaven.

At that point, stuffed to the brim and sufficiently satisfied that we'd covered some ground on the London Ale Trail, we rolled home, where we took this final photo of the evening. This is All Saints Church on Regent Street, and it's one of my absolute favorite buildings in the Smoke (taken in color accent - red, by the way).

Then it was home for a final bottle of wine before sacking out around 1:30 AM.

All in all, this was wire to wire one of THE BEST days I've EVER spent in London. Great times with GREAT people, laughing all day whilst eating delicious food and having WONDERFUL beer that you just won't find anywhere else.

I absolutely LOVE having visitors, as they give Jenny and I an excuse to try new things whilst at the same time seeing all the sights that made us fall in love with London in the first place and remind us why this is such an AMAZING city that is truly like no other on earth.

Sara, Steve, Kim - this was one of THE BEST weeks I've ever had here. Thank you SO MUCH for being such wonderful people. I am so blessed to be able to call you guys family, and I can't wait until we get into more trouble in some other random destination. Thanks so much for coming - it was a BLAST. Safe travels!

Also, it must be stated before we close - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!! I love you so much and can't wait to see you in less than 2 weeks!

Last thing - Dinger - the Dos Equis guy as your profile pic - AMAZING. I absolutely cackled when I saw it - well done.

Okay, that's all the news that's fit to print. Chat tomorrow (actually later today if all goes well)!

Love,

Sam and Jenny

A Christmas curry, loads of Timmy, and open air urinals...

Family,

And a good evening to you from across the Pond on this GLORIOUS Saturday morning here in the Mother Country. Apologies for no blog Thursday or Friday night, but as has become the theme as of late with the Markham/Tacy clan, we had some LATE nights. I can't help but think of the dodgeball quote: "Rough morning, boss?"/ "They usually follow good nights, Dwight." :-)

First off, it's worth calling out the Brian James (the good Doctor) Freidinger completed his first half marathon last weekend, rolling in at a time of 1:42:34 (Dinger - I think that's right). In case anyone's scoring, that is ABSOLUTELY HAULING ASS IN THE PIEDMONT. Full marks, brother!

Secondly - Samantha Layne is home! Rice - I know that we haven't caught up on Skype, but the photos have been GREAT man! In case anyone else wants to see, check the Rice clan out at http://thericeisright.pages.live.com/.

Okay, as for the recap of the last couple of days, the work portion is easy - crazy, very stressful, super productive, and always an adventure. The big news to report is that finally, after 6 months of trying, I now have a UK BlackBerry! Hitman - FOR THE RECORD - I actually tried to email you last night to show you I was using it. But alas - it kicked back. I know - DNM, DNM.

Thursday night was a BLAST. I went with my team for a "Christmas Curry" on Brick Lane. Brick Lane is "Little India," also known as the "Curry Mile." It is RAMMED with curry houses, each one begging you to come in, offering you a discount, and best of all - IT'S ALL BYO!!!!

Classic moment was when I went to the place where we ate (the "original" Brick Lane curry house) - Nazrul - the guy handed me a card and told me to walk down the street, show the card when I buy the booze, and get 10% off. The quote "You get special deal because you know me." So I walk into this place, where the drink prices are about the same as in the restaurant (but honestly, isn't it cooler to walk into a joint with your OWN BOOZE?), and I buy 2 Cobras.

Beside me, another girl has a different card from a different joint, which she shows to the guy behind the till as well, saying "Um, the guy at my restaurant said you'd give me 10% off" (different restaurant). And on the walk back out, 2 other guys accosted me with cards to give me a "special price." It felt like the bazaars of Cairo all over again.

The food was great, as was the fellowship. I went for the Red Chili chicken, which was DELICIOUS. Although, I must confess that, as pleasant as it was on the way in, it was NOT pleasant on the way out. Price - this is definitely a dish you'll want to avoid YOUR ENTIRE LIFE.

Yesterday was great as well. We got to Leicester Square at 7 PM, where we roamed through ChinaTown before heading into SoHo to have dinner at one of Kim's favorite haunts - The Cous Cous House.

Well, as fate would have it, it was THE ONE RESTAURANT IN SOHO that was fully booked due to a party, so it was a 2 hour wait. Consequently, we rolled over to a bar called the Three Greyhounds (where we drank outside because it was FREEZING) and then over to an Italian joint called Zusilli for some apps and wine (which the fam picked up for Jenny and I - very sweet of them) before heading BACK over to the Cous Cous House, where we were told there STILL weren't any tables.

Luckily for us, Kim was making friends with the bouncer at this point, so we were definitely familiar faces. We THEN roamed to one of the 11 pubs of the "Shaftsbury Ale Trail" - The Cambridge, where we killed some Timmy T and I tried a new one - Rudpolph's Reward (tasted something like plastic). Then it was BACK to Cous Couse House, where (third time lucky) we finally got in. The place was delicious, and the owner came out and talked to Kim, and we ate some of THE BEST hummous and meat I've had in a long time.

And then, on the way home, we saw some of our council tax dollars at work - the open air public urinal - henceforth known as "The Lifesaver."

Okay, sorry for the short recap, but it's my turn in the shower, and we've got a busy last day with the fam in the Smoke - pray for good (and slightly warmer) weather.

That's all the news that's fit to print. Chat tomorrow!

Love,

Sam and Jenny

Simply...WICKED...

Family,

And a good evening to you from across the Pond after an AMAZING DAY in the Smoke. Another busy (but productive) day at work, but the fun really started at 7:15, when met the family for a viewing of my FAVORITE musical: Wicked.

I met the fam at 7:15 PM outside the theater, after I'd eaten the WORST chicken kabob (or, for Yazz, should I say...SHAWARMA!) ever. This thing was nothing but fat in a butter filled bun. And Tom, I'm pretty sure that's what you think I eat every night, but this was too much even by my standards (which are pretty low...).

Whether you've read the book or not, you simply MUST see the musical - it is absolutely STUNNING. And best of all, we had MONEY seats - they were perfect! Steve said it best: "Clearly Wednesday night in winter is the way to go." And Irina Derevko - if you are reading - I am happy to report that this Elphaba was STILL defying gravity (not as strong vocally, but I would argue that visually more stunning).

I will say that, during the second act, we had some royal donkeys who felt the need to talk to each other the entire time. After I politely told them to shut the @#$# up, they finally settled down, but I can confirm that visions of kerosene danced through my head for a brief moment.

After the show, we rolled over to the Duke of York (Brisson - that's for you), where we had a couple of pints (Staropramen and John Smith for me). As always, very tasty!

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't show you this photo from Brother John. Check out Samatha at 2 days old! How cute is our goddaughter?!?!?!

Okay, that's all the news that's fit to print. Chat tomorrow!

Love,

Sam and Jenny

Announcing.....SAMANTHA LAYNE RICE!!!!!!

Family,

And a good evening to you from across the Pond after another GREAT day in the Smoke. Actually, this is one of THE BEST days in a long time, as today we have a new addition to the family! That's right - today I found out that Samantha Layne Rice became the newest member of Vol nation, arriving at 8:15 PM last night, 7 December, and weighing in at 8 pounds and 7 ounces today. That means a) that a dream has officially come true and b) Jenny and I are now godparents. Yeah...be afraid - be very, very afraid...

And best of all - I GOT TO SEE HER ON SKYPE TODAY! She is gorgeous - I just can't believe it. Honestly, I was sitting here in shock looking at her. And in 23 days, Jenny and I will actually get to hold her! Guys...I love you. I have no words.

Continuing with the good news, my muffin puffin is finally back home!!!! I'm trying to convince her to write her next installment, "Jenny's Second Bliggy Blog," so we'll see how that goes. Since we've got family in town, it might be a day or two. However, fingers crossed.

Third, now that I've got a camera, I wanted to show you what you'd missed during the "life and times of a camera-less and bachelor Sam Taylor." First up - steel yourself for the new haircut!

Secondly, check out my new accessory - the cane (better known as Cano or, "Sammy's pimp stick"). In fact, Tom Price has actually copywrighted this photo as "Pimpin' ain't easy...especially with pit stains and a beer gut"). Personally, I'm planning to get a monicle and top hat and parade around as Mr. Planter's.

Also, a confession - I typed the blog before I'd finished Brisinger last night, so no one actually got to share in my agony. As I neared the last 50-60 pages, I started thinking - you know, we've got a LOT of unresolved plot lines here...I have a sinking feeling. And sure enough, I got to the end to find out that, due to the author's desire to "weave a more intricate story," he'd decided to add ANOTHER book to the trilogy, therefore calling it a "cycle." Honestly, I was IRATE. We'll see if I buy the fourth one. I'm actually thinking that I'll fly to Montana and beat the guy with a rubber hose instead.

However, Dean - the good news is that Matthew Reilly's got a new one coming out in January! That's right, baby - Jack West is BACK!

Okay, that's all the news that's fit to print. Chat tomorrow!

Love,

Sam and (home again, safe and sound) Jenny