When we went to Northern Ireland, one of the places we stopped along the way was the Silent Valley, the Irish equivalent to one of the TVA dams of my Appalachian youth. See, what created this body of water was a 250 foot high earthen dam, which I didn't manage to snap a picture of (It's basically a really big grassy hill on one side, and a lot of water on the other). However, our neighbors who accompanied us on the trip did manage to film me rolling down the front of the dam. Not once, but twice. It was 600 feet of 40 degree grassy slope. Of the 4 adults and 3 children there, I don't know how I was the only one to succumb to the temptation. I managed a top speed of 45 miles an hour and suffered 17 fractured ribs, but it was all worth it. Ok, I may have exaggerated, but it was really fast, and really painful. And yeah, I'd definitely do it again.

This weekend, the Critter turned 3. This is worth celebration: my bride and I have survived having a two-year-old living among us. Sure, lots of other people have achieved the same feat, but let's face it, they're probably a lot more patient than I am, with a much better sense of humor, and can laugh at their delightful little monkey who was 'just being creative' with the indelible blue Sharpie on my beautiful mahogany desk. (I'm saving this moment up. One day, Critter, when you're 16, and have your first boyfriend, and ask if you can't, please Father, borrow the car keys, just this once? I'm going to bring you into my office and show you the faded blue marks on the leather top and say no, and you know why? You did this when you were two. And I've been waiting, savoring my opportunity to bring the Atomic-Daddy-Piledriver that you couldn't appreciate until now. And that day, other fathers will come from near and far and admire me and my perfect fatherly-smack-down. Oh yes. My day will come.) We rewarded her successfully avoiding being abandoned in the woods for the wolves to raise with a specially requested "pink cake with strawberries", and her very first bike. But, because we apparently have a subconscious need to drive our child to early psychiatry, check out the trick relighting candles her mother - the nice one - bought "by accident." This gave us endless minutes of joy.

This week marks one year since I moved to Scouser land. Top 10 things I miss about the U.S.: 1. Tivo 2. Decent pizza 3. Cheap electronics 4. Sushi 5. Speaking the same language as the girl at the checkout counter. Never mind. I don't speak Spanish. 6. Gasoline under $8 a gallon 7. Tivo 8. Nacho cheese Doritos 9. Tivo 10. Family & friends Top 10 things I like about living in England: 1. 15 minute commutes 2. I can have a freaking horse in my backyard 3. Good fish & chips & Indian takeaway. Not at the same time though. That's just gross. 4. Speaking the same language as the girl behind the counter. 'Scouse' is understandable one word in eight. 5. Country lanes 6. Lunch at the pub 7. Easy travel to other countries 8. My tweed flat cap 9. Castles are cool 10. New friendships