Prairie: July 2009

Many years ago when I lived in America, I used to watch news stories filmed in some rural UK village or town and it was usually coverage of some quirky event where the news commentator would say in a patronizing voice "Ah those crazy Brits, they're at it again!" The camera crew would then show film bits, of Brits log rolling on the river or scuba diving down a murky stream or happy people with painted faces, dressed up in strange costumes whooping it up with exuberance. The weather always looked so freezing cold, but there they were, these tough and enduring British blokes, shirtless and in shorts, having the time of their lives. Being American, I thought it all very amusing. Ironically, I was at one such event on Saturday, a very British occasion called "The Riverside Gala" Although American news commentators do an excellent job of portraying the British to look barking mad - which they are - let me tell you this: British people have the greatest community spirit I've ever experienced. The longer I live in this lovely country, the stronger my affections grow. Brits have a unique camaraderie, one such that I've never witnessed in the States. I've been called barking mad by many British persons and let me just say; "to be barking mad, can be a good thing"

The day of the event was a "PIG" - bold, gusty winds and spitting down rain which would suddenly turned into proper downpours, sending people running for shelter. "A typical English summer" as the Brits would say. Did that stop them from showing up? NEVER ! The Gala took place in Noble's Field which is down Thicket Path and such a lovely path it is.

Noble's Field had these three trademark trees that I love to gaze upon.

Although the main event of the Gala is the Dragon Boat Racing, the focus was on providing a fun day of family entertainment including: 27 foot high climbing wall, magic shows, circus workshop and balloon modeling, pirated- themed river taxi, food stalls, hog roast, beer tent (hiccup) and craft stalls.

Look at these brave, little busters !

Did I mention Super Heroes (?) - they were everywhere !!

Great Riverside Gala, Batman !! Pow! Zap!

Even Supergirl and Superman flew in for the day.

Ummmmm - I do not know who this caped avenger might be. He's a bit tangled in his own cape at the moment. One of the Three Musketeers also made an appearance or was she simply a dominatrix ?

It was a gaggle of feisty Super Heroes !

The competitors getting one last bit of pep talk and strategic planning.

And here come some of the Dragon Boats !

Just look at the determination in their faces - incredible !

And the winners were these lovely young ladies ! Way to go girls !

The team was chuffed ! I have a blue dress just like that. Good thing I didn't wear it.

Throughout the day, the rain would pour down, which sent people, young and old, running for cover.

Above the big tent, the sky would rumble and blow the clouds about - it's just beginning to clear now.When it did this, I felt like dancing and skipping like this little angel !

Or maybe it was the sight of the ice cream truck that made me want to skip and dance.

The English countryside was getting it's thirst quenched - maintaining it's glorious green veneer.

The day was freezing cold, nevertheless, I had a great time, met some interesting people and am constantly learning so much about this little community I live in. One thing I have learned, is that British people are tough and should be admired for their unwavering spirit. This day was dang cold and damp - I about froze !

Oh good golly ! they were just so funny, I had to put them on here one more time.

Until next time - thank you for reading Prairie !

http://www.stives-town.info/

This is Barbara. I love the song she's singing - but she scares me. Not only is she scary, she's bouncy. She sort of reminds me of one of my villianous teachers from Junior High or one of those shush-ing librarian types. If you watch this video a few times over, you may start to feel like you should go sit in the corner. Naughty, naughty, naughty ! I adore French music. It makes me feel happy. And bouncy.

I've not been posting much lately because I've been studying like a maniac for my "Life in the UK Test" I've put in anywhere from two to six hours a day. It's a mandatory requirement if one is working towards UK Citizenship. There are 17 chapters in my study guide, each chapter has 24 questions - so memorization of 408 questions. The test will consist of 24 questions and in order to pass, one needs to get 75% correct. I now have a head crammed full of mundane statistics - most of which I will never use in my lifetime. I'm posting a link to a website where you might try your mighty wit and wisdom of Life in The UK. I wonder how many of you British persons will actually know the answers. Let me know how you do.

http://www.hiren.info/life-in-the-uk-test/17

Now go sit in your corner and watch Barbara and be very afraid whilst you bounce along with her. Enjoy !