PART THE FOURTH!!!! Of my England diary, or, a Texan in Old Blighty

First topic message reminder :

So I'm back in England already, in what Maddog observed was barely enough time for me to change underwear! (Not only did I change my underwear each of the 16 days I was in Texas, MD, I even began a new job and worked nearly four full-time shifts before quitting -- so there.)

The why is the interesting part of this story, so I'll start there:

It all began on Tuesday of this week, when eddie got a text from our solicitor asking if we both could visit his office later the same day. She explained that I was out of the country until next month, but could we schedule a meeting then?

He rang her straight away, saying basically that I needed to get my ass on a plane as quickly as possible so that we could try an entirely different strategy of getting me legal residency in the UK.

Because of a convergence of factors including the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, there now seems to be a unique opportunity to argue before a court that as I've spent most of the past 18 months in the UK, I'm an integral part of my family in the UK and that it's my human right to remain with them.

This argument wouldn't work, obviously, if I hadn't been living this weird back-and-forth life since the last week of 2018. And it wouldn't work without my 8-year-old stepdaughter needing me around to make sure she's fed and safe going to and from school.

So that's what we're going to try now! Our lawyer is a very measured, careful man, and I'm very excited because he's not the type to try to shoot the moon.

Eddie's mother came through with the airfare, and I was back on a now-familiar journey that I found goes much more smoothly when you start by going to the right airport. The entire trip was hitch-free, and I learned I really should stop worrying about the UK authorities letting me back into the country.

I saw eddie again and it was like we'd been separated for a year. I'll leave it at that, actually ...

But from the moment I could see out the windows of Heathrow, I felt calm, like I'd finally come back home.

Lidl are paying £10 an hour... Could easily get 50 hours work a week out of them (£500 a week), and you'd only be paying tax on about half of those earnings... Plus they give 25 days paid holiday as well as a store discount card!

My son became unemployed a few years ago.

He became so despondent scouring every available avenue, writing for interviews, travelling back and forth to them, which actually cost him in postage and travel more than the government pittance he was allowed every 2 weeks, it wasn't a very happy time for him at all.

He was looking for specific work because he is a qualified scaffolder, but back then he would have taken anything.

Ben, only yesterday it was reported that many pubs and restaurants are desperate for staff, at least in this area, it may be the same where you are.
So many catering people were laid off last year and for one reason or another haven't returned now places are open again.
Some restaurants here are 40% down on staff and have to close for one or two days a week because they just don't have the staff cover.

Funny enough, shortly after making my last post, I've gotten a part-time job and some sporadic cash-in-hand labour. It's definitely starting to look better. Just goes to show, don't let a long wait lead you to lose faith!

Good news, and once one door opens, often others follow.

Syl wrote:Good news, and once one door opens, often others follow.

I agree. Life just seems to work that way funnily enough. It’s like when you’re skint and then all of a sudden money just seems to come all at once from different places.

I don't say it nearly often enough, but the support I've gotten, and that eddie's gotten, from so many of the members of this forum means an awful lot to me. Thank you all for being such above-and-beyond, warm, caring people. <3

Ben Reilly wrote:Funny enough, shortly after making my last post, I've gotten a part-time job and some sporadic cash-in-hand labour. It's definitely starting to look better. Just goes to show, don't let a long wait lead you to lose faith!

I'm so glad things are looking up for you. I don't know if you remember Shell, who used to run CM and was part of E of E forum? She has MS, and the UK would not let her live here in spite of her husband being British. There was no way it was going happen because of her illness.

HoratioTarr wrote:

Ben Reilly wrote:Funny enough, shortly after making my last post, I've gotten a part-time job and some sporadic cash-in-hand labour. It's definitely starting to look better. Just goes to show, don't let a long wait lead you to lose faith!

I'm so glad things are looking up for you.    I don't know if you remember Shell, who used to run CM and was part of E of E forum?  She has MS, and the UK would not let her live here in spite of her husband being British.  There was no way it was going happen because of her illness.  

I remember her. Even talked to her on the phone. That's a shame about her not being allowed to live there. I asked Syl about her awhile back. Are they living here in the states then?

Maddog wrote:

HoratioTarr wrote:

I'm so glad things are looking up for you.    I don't know if you remember Shell, who used to run CM and was part of E of E forum?  She has MS, and the UK would not let her live here in spite of her husband being British.  There was no way it was going happen because of her illness.  

I remember her. Even talked to her on the phone.  That's a shame about her not being allowed to live there.  I asked Syl about her awhile back. Are they living here in the states then?

I haven't heard from Shell for ages. It must be well over a year, maybe two, since she posted on CM.
I hope she is well, she is a lovely woman.

Syl wrote:

Maddog wrote:

I remember her. Even talked to her on the phone.  That's a shame about her not being allowed to live there.  I asked Syl about her awhile back. Are they living here in the states then?

I haven't heard from Shell for ages. It must be well over a year, maybe two, since she posted on CM.
I hope she is well, she is a lovely woman.

Where was she living then?

I actually still have her number on my phone, assuming she still has the same number.

I think she was back in the US, tbh I think Digger knew Shell better than I did, she might know.

Ben Reilly wrote:I don't say it nearly often enough, but the support I've gotten, and that eddie's gotten, from so many of the members of this forum means an awful lot to me. Thank you all for being such above-and-beyond, warm, caring people. <3

Plenty of work on construction sites at the moment... And not only fairly good money for basic entry level stuff... But easy enough to get the required 'tickets' (qualifications) to do these things too.


Eg, hoist driver .. can get the tickets very quick and cheap... £140 a day wages...


Also... 360 excavator operator... About £1000 to get license... Can then earn at least £150 a day...

Syl wrote:I think she was back in the US, tbh I think Digger knew Shell  better than I did, she might know.

I think she's living with or near her daughter in the States, and is fine as far as I know.

HoratioTarr wrote:

Syl wrote:I think she was back in the US, tbh I think Digger knew Shell  better than I did, she might know.

I think she's living with or near her daughter in the States, and is fine as far as I know.

Back in Missouri then I guess.

I'm posting from the shop that my boss told me this morning I'll hopefully be running before long!

Ben Reilly wrote:I'm posting from the shop that my boss told me this morning I'll hopefully be running before long!

Couldn't be happier for you Ben.

Syl wrote:As I remember being made redundant years back and took a temp role in a large company doing manual work. Once in the door, other opportunities opened up and within 6 months I applied for a roll within planning and was accepted.

This is true, Ben.  My managing attorney, a Canadian, first took a lesser job to get in the door.  Once there, she showed her stuff and now she runs the whole thing.

Get in their face as much as you can.  Be polite...but make them realize they'll miss you if you go.

Gd. luck...and remember, 'Mericans got talent'. We don't land at the top of the GDP chart for nothing.

Original Quill wrote:

Syl wrote:As I remember being made redundant years back and took a temp role in a large company doing manual work. Once in the door, other opportunities opened up and within 6 months I applied for a roll within planning and was accepted.

This is true, Ben.  My managing attorney, a Canadian, first took a lesser job to get in the door.  Once there, she showed her stuff and now she runs the whole thing.

Get in their face as much as you can.  Be polite...but make them realize they'll miss you if you go.

Gd. luck...and remember, 'Mericans got talent'.  We don't land at the top of the GDP chart for nothing.

I didn't say the quote you quoted above....been some mix up somewhere.

Syl wrote:

Original Quill wrote:

This is true, Ben.  My managing attorney, a Canadian, first took a lesser job to get in the door.  Once there, she showed her stuff and now she runs the whole thing.

Get in their face as much as you can.  Be polite...but make them realize they'll miss you if you go.

Gd. luck...and remember, 'Mericans got talent'.  We don't land at the top of the GDP chart for nothing.

I didn't say the quote you quoted above....been some mix up somewhere.

Sorry, it was a quote of Didge's.

Original Quill wrote:

Syl wrote:


I didn't say the quote you quoted above....been some mix up somewhere.

Sorry, it was a quote of Didge's.

No problem.

I've already had a number of people tell me that my accent is going to do a lot for me, which I find really funny because it's probably the same thing Brits get when they move to America.

I decided to put this here because it's about my observations and experiences as an American living in England regarding both countries, but it's going to be political, so feel free to skip.

One thing living in the UK has cemented for me is that the Americans and the British mean vastly different things when they talk about left and right.

In America, the right-wing Republican Party calls the Democratic Party socialist (among many other things), but they'd say the same about the Tories if they knew what the Conservative Party really stands for. For example, the Tories don't tend to be climate change deniers. They also support universal, government-funded, socialized health care. And I haven't heard any of them saying that people should be allowed to carry firearms openly in public, as the Republicans do.

All those positions are considered by American Republicans to be evil, basically. They think climate change is a hoax, that universal health care would be an unforgiveable infringement on their rights, and that you should be free to own a gun and take it anywhere you wish.

On the other hand, members of the Labour Party would look at the Democrats and see right-wingers -- Democratic leaders tend not to openly support, or at least fervently push, for universal health care. Democrats are also a lot more friendly with corporations and business owners than Labour is, and don't tend to advocate workers' rights nearly as much as Labour does.

While very few Tories advocate banning abortion, many (many) Republicans make that the single-most important issue to them, and they literally will fight to ban abortion as long as they live.

I just think these are things we should try to keep in mind when we talk politics with people from the other side of the pond.

Ben Reilly wrote:I decided to put this here because it's about my observations and experiences as an American living in England regarding both countries, but it's going to be political, so feel free to skip.

One thing living in the UK has cemented for me is that the Americans and the British mean vastly different things when they talk about left and right.

In America, the right-wing Republican Party calls the Democratic Party socialist (among many other things), but they'd say the same about the Tories if they knew what the Conservative Party really stands for. For example, the Tories don't tend to be climate change deniers. They also support universal, government-funded, socialized health care. And I haven't heard any of them saying that people should be allowed to carry firearms openly in public, as the Republicans do.

All those positions are considered by American Republicans to be evil, basically. They think climate change is a hoax, that universal health care would be an unforgiveable infringement on their rights, and that you should be free to own a gun and take it anywhere you wish.

On the other hand, members of the Labour Party would look at the Democrats and see right-wingers -- Democratic leaders tend not to openly support, or at least fervently push, for universal health care. Democrats are also a lot more friendly with corporations and business owners than Labour is, and don't tend to advocate workers' rights nearly as much as Labour does.

While very few Tories advocate banning abortion, many (many) Republicans make that the single-most important issue to them, and they literally will fight to ban abortion as long as they live.

I just think these are things we should try to keep in mind when we talk politics with people from the other side of the pond.

That sounds a very fair summary

You know you should start your own YouTube channel of your experiences in the Uk and difference's you find between the countries

See plenty of videos like this on YouTube all the time

I would certainly subscribe if you did, as I am sure others would also here

Here is an example of one such channel

I actually think I might really enjoy doing something like that! No idea when I'd find the time to do it, but that's a trifling matter.

Since Americans and Brits mostly experience one another's cultures via TV and films, I think there are a lot of things that each group doesn't know about the other. I could mimic practically everyone I know in England and use the phrase "get the 'ump," and they don't tend to realize that's not something that's said in America. And I'd bet that most Americans have no idea that's a very common English idiom.

If you came up north you would find a whole new/different language as to what you have found in the south.
Even local area to area, language can differ quite a lot.

And if you want a real language change, visit Wales,.

Syl wrote:If you came up north you would find a whole new/different language as to what you have found in the south.
Even local area to area, language can differ quite a lot.

And if you want a real language change, visit  Wales,.

We can get into an argument just about what you call the bread you’d get with a chip buttie (the correct answer being ‘muffin’ of course ) lol

Met a dude from Wales not too long ago, had a gerrrrrrgous evening

Eilzel wrote:

Syl wrote:If you came up north you would find a whole new/different language as to what you have found in the south.
Even local area to area, language can differ quite a lot.

And if you want a real language change, visit  Wales,.

We can get into an argument just about what you call the bread you’d get with a chip buttie (the correct answer being ‘muffin’ of course ) lol

Do you mean a balm cake?

Syl wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Syl wrote:If you came up north you would find a whole new/different language as to what you have found in the south.
Even local area to area, language can differ quite a lot.

And if you want a real language change, visit  Wales,.

We can get into an argument just about what you call the bread you’d get with a chip buttie (the correct answer being ‘muffin’ of course ) lol

Do you mean a balm cake?

I most certainly do not nor a bap, nor balm, nor roll, nor bread roll or anything else

Les, how are you and hubby settling in to England? Things feeling good?

eddie wrote:Les, how are you and hubby settling in to England? Things feeling good?

We’ll we’ve got our own place in the city center now, so we are pretty much settled as this point after a hectic couple of months

Eilzel wrote:

eddie wrote:Les, how are you and hubby settling in to England? Things feeling good?

We’ll we’ve got our own place in the city center now, so we are pretty much settled as this point after a hectic couple of months

Hey, we are neighbours now Eilzel.
Welcome to Manchester.

Syl wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

eddie wrote:Les, how are you and hubby settling in to England? Things feeling good?

We’ll we’ve got our own place in the city center now, so we are pretty much settled as this point after a hectic couple of months

Hey, we are neighbours now Eilzel.
Welcome to Manchester.

Thanks! Been a while but good to be back.

Changed a lot in seven years

Eilzel wrote:

Syl wrote:

Hey, we are neighbours now Eilzel.
Welcome to Manchester.

Thanks! Been a while but good to be back.

Changed a lot in seven years

You left Thailand for Manchester?

Did you get deported or something?

Maddog wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Thanks! Been a while but good to be back.

Changed a lot in seven years

You left Thailand for Manchester?

Did you get deported or something?

Get lost.
Manchester is a fabulous city, and the people are also utterly fabulous, as is quite obvious....
The only thing we lack is the good weather, but having said that, it's been schorchio today, between the thunderous rain showers.

Syl wrote:

Maddog wrote:

You left Thailand for Manchester?

Did you get deported or something?

Get lost.
Manchester is a fabulous city, and the people are also utterly fabulous, as is quite obvious....
The only thing we lack is the good weather, but having said that, it's been schorchio today, between the thunderous rain showers.

Maybe he's wanted for a crime in Thailand. Why else would he move to Manchester with their renowned criminal element.

Maddog wrote:

Syl wrote:

Get lost.
Manchester is a fabulous city, and the people are also utterly fabulous, as is quite obvious....
The only thing we lack is the good weather, but having said that, it's been schorchio today, between the thunderous rain showers.

Maybe he's wanted for a crime in Thailand. Why else would he move to Manchester with their renowned criminal element.

I doubt on the worst day of crime in Manchester it would compare with the best day in some of your cities.

ps...have a red.

Syl wrote:

Maddog wrote:

Maybe he's wanted for a crime in Thailand. Why else would he move to Manchester with their renowned criminal element.

I doubt on the worst day of crime in Manchester it would compare with the best day in some of your cities.

ps...have a red.

No doubt it's lower on the days you take off.

Maddog wrote:

Syl wrote:

I doubt on the worst day of crime in Manchester it would compare with the best day in some of your cities.

ps...have a red.

No doubt it's lower on the days you take off.

Squeaky clean me.

The most disreputable thing that's ever happened is being suspended from Twitter.

Maddog wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Syl wrote:

Hey, we are neighbours now Eilzel.
Welcome to Manchester.

Thanks! Been a while but good to be back.

Changed a lot in seven years

You left Thailand for Manchester?

Did you get deported or something?

Pollution, endless sweltering heat, mosquitos and dire driving standards got too much for me lol

That and the economic disaster caused by the handling of Covid.

A lot going for Manchester: clean air, gorgeous mix of new and old architecture, Curry Mile, biggest China Town outside London, best gay village in the UK, tones of free museums and galleries (Thailand is terrible for museums), the best football team in Britain, the former best football team in Britain , great shopping and drinking, and only 20-30 mins from stunning countryside by train.

Very glad to be home

Eilzel wrote:

Maddog wrote:

You left Thailand for Manchester?

Did you get deported or something?

Pollution, endless sweltering heat, mosquitos and dire driving standards got too much for me lol

That and the economic disaster caused by the handling of Covid.

A lot going for Manchester: clean air, gorgeous mix of new and old architecture, Curry Mile, biggest China Town outside London, best gay village in the UK, tones of free museums and galleries (Thailand is terrible for museums), the best football team in Britain, the former best football team in Britain  , great shopping and drinking, and only 20-30 mins from stunning countryside by train.

Very glad to be home

Ok, I'm still not convinced you're not a wanted man back in Thailand..

Have you ever even set foot in England Maddog?

You seem to have strong opinions on our NHS and our great northern cities today.

Southerners.

Maddog wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Maddog wrote:

You left Thailand for Manchester?

Did you get deported or something?

Pollution, endless sweltering heat, mosquitos and dire driving standards got too much for me lol

That and the economic disaster caused by the handling of Covid.

A lot going for Manchester: clean air, gorgeous mix of new and old architecture, Curry Mile, biggest China Town outside London, best gay village in the UK, tones of free museums and galleries (Thailand is terrible for museums), the best football team in Britain, the former best football team in Britain  , great shopping and drinking, and only 20-30 mins from stunning countryside by train.

Very glad to be home

Ok, I'm still not convinced you're not a wanted man back in Thailand..

Syl wrote:Have you ever even set foot in England Maddog?

You seem to have strong opinions on our NHS and our great northern cities today.

I'm teasing about Manchester. I could go there all the time and still tease you about it.

I don't support government run Healthcare, whether it's in the UK, Canada or Cuba.

Maddog wrote:

Syl wrote:Have you ever even set foot in England Maddog?

You seem to have strong opinions on our NHS and our great northern cities today.

I'm teasing about Manchester. I could go there all the time and still tease you about it.

I don't support government run Healthcare, whether it's in the UK, Canada or Cuba.  

I know you are teasing, it's obvious you have never been, I actually think you would love Manchester, not only the city, but the people and the surrounding countryside....it's beautiful.

Syl wrote:

Maddog wrote:

I'm teasing about Manchester. I could go there all the time and still tease you about it.

I don't support government run Healthcare, whether it's in the UK, Canada or Cuba.  

I know you are teasing, it's obvious you have never been, I actually think you would love Manchester, not only the city, but the people and the surrounding countryside....it's beautiful.

I get travel miles on my credit card. Think I have about 2 grand worth right now, so who knows.? That's how my daughter and son in law paid for much of their trip to Paris and Amsterdam last year.

Maddog wrote:

Syl wrote:

I know you are teasing, it's obvious you have never been, I actually think you would love Manchester, not only the city, but the people and the surrounding countryside....it's beautiful.

I get travel miles on my credit card. Think I have about 2 grand worth right now, so who knows.? That's how my daughter and son in law paid for much of their trip to Paris and Amsterdam last year.  

Well if I am ever in town and spot a tall, bearded, Stetson wearing, cocky yank strutting my way....I will guess you have used your air miles up.

Syl wrote:

Maddog wrote:

I get travel miles on my credit card. Think I have about 2 grand worth right now, so who knows.? That's how my daughter and son in law paid for much of their trip to Paris and Amsterdam last year.  

Well if I am ever in town and spot a tall, bearded, Stetson wearing, cocky yank strutting my way....I will guess you have used your air miles up.

You forgot loud.