Jaq and I would like to thank all our friends and family for inviting us into their homes which made our trip such a pleasure.
The picture on the right is the sum total of goods we brought back which are only to be had in America: 10 packs of Lipton Onion Soup Mix which Jaq uses to make scrummy meat loaf and onion gravy for bangers and mash; 10 envelopes of Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix; three cans of mild chopped green Chile's for Mexican food; 6 boxes of Nabisco Graham Cracker crumbs for Angel bars; 2 bottles of Gulden's dark brown spicy mustard, 1 bottle of Chocolate Merlot sauce, 1 bottle of Heinz 57 Steak Sauce, 2 boxes of cornmeal for corn bread, corn muffins, and Mexican food, 2 jars of Better than Bullion Chicken soup base for soups and gravies, 2 bags of peanut bitter M&M's for Tina Copley, a six pack of small canned V-8 Juice for Pauline, 2 bottles of Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing for Rita Talbot, four bottles of Melatonin, and 2 tins of dried Buttermilk for baking. This is one of the reasons we acquired an extra suitcase. The other is that Jaq bought some new clothes and shoes for us both--including down jackets to keep us both warm for winter cruising.
We also returned with metal piping for an inside chimeny sleeve, mat board for pictures, 2 farenheit outside temperature gauages, 2 fans and mountings to move hot air to the back of the boat, a large pack of bungee cords in varying lengths, Sylvania motion sensor lights, and a few other man bits and bobs!
Next trip, Jaq, let me help you pack all those foodstuffs. As a former backpacker, I have learned a few techniques for minimizing volume and weight. For example, you could have taken the onion soup packages out of their boxes and recycle the kitchen cardboard here in the States instead of importing it to U.K. I'm very glad you're well-stocked, nevertheless. It was so great to see you and Les.
ReplyDeleteOMG! That stash makes my contribution look tiny and that was heavy enough! Glad you decided to stay over at Heathrow and I'm glad you ae home safe.
ReplyDeleteSally
LOL !
ReplyDeleteWelcome back home Jacq & Les, looks like you had a exciting time. Sure would be nice to try out your home baking Jacq after bringing back all your cooking bounty.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you now ?
Jacq & Stein at Braunston.
There is a bloke in the midlands set up a business exporting Brit "food" to ex pats .....seems there may be a business opportunity in the US doing the same.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home
Nev
Welcome back! Great to see you had a fantastic time over there ... We'll catch up soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Charmaine,
ReplyDeleteWe probably would have thought of that but we were so knackered. It was lovely to see you as well. Thanks so much for coming out to dinner and spending time with us.
JaqXX
Hi Sally,
ReplyDeleteYes we went insane in the supermarket over there! I feel well stocked now!
I am still dreaming about that incredible dinner you fixed. Can I get your shpeherd's pie recipe?
Thanks for a lovely evening!
Love Jaq
Hi Derek,
ReplyDeleteThat picture proves how crazy we Americans are, yeah??? Hope you and Carrie are staying warm.
:) Jaq
HI Jacquie,
ReplyDeleteWe are moored up between Onley prison and Braunston, heading for Newbold in case the ice gets thick!
Where are you two headed?
Jaq
Hi Nev!
ReplyDeleteWe've seen a similar store in a couple of places called the American Candy and Soda Shop. the prices were very high--£5.00 for candy bars, and £12.00 for a 6 pack of root beer!
It's great to be home and I hope our paths cross soon.
Jaq
Hi Ross,
ReplyDeleteWe'll keep an eye for you! Hope the house sale is all good!
Jaq
Hi Les & Jaq
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time over in the US and that you're back home safe & sound.
We'll have to sort out a trip up to see you both and I'll try to bring Cooperman & the Cultural Attaché. Hopefully see you soon.
Mick
Is the cornmeal sold here as polenta different from what you get in the states?
ReplyDeleteHi Mick,
ReplyDeleteWe would love to catch up with you and yours and have a good visit.
Jaq and Les