English Recordings

American history

Philadelphia

I suppose you already know that this weekend is Super Bowl weekend in America. And I suppose you already know that this involves American football, not the game we call soccer in America. But did you know that a pigskin is a football?

Super Bowl weekend is a festive time for many families. It's great that it comes in the middle of our snowiest, coldest season. There are many parties, with lots of snacks like buffalo wings, chips and dip, and many more. Also, the TV commercials are more carefully crafted than at any other time of year. Many people look forward to the commercials as much as the game itself (well, almost!).

I'm not a big fan of football, but I don't hate it, either. I know just enough about the rules to be able to watch it without being completely confused. But my husband loves football. He's not the type to yell at the TV, criticize the umpires, and be rowdy like that. He doesn't know the names of all the players and how they're doing. He just likes to relax and watch the game.

What I like best is sitting next to him on the couch as he watches, just enjoying spending time with him as he does something he likes. I think part of a healthy relationship is doing what someone else likes, even if it's not our favorite thing. Because we like the person, we like being with them when they're enjoying themselves. He does the same for me.

I hope there will be something in your country that will brighten up your winter season!

Look at these beautiful blueberries! I hope you don't mind a topic which is so out of season, but I just had to remind myself that the world won't be completely white forever!

I live in the state of Michigan, which is the leader in blueberry production in the United States, producing 32% of the blueberries eaten in the United States. Blueberries are also cultivated in Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida.

There are many blueberry farms in our area of the state. The difference between a blueberry farm and a blueberry patch is that a blueberry farm is a commercial enterprise, while a blueberry patch is much smaller and is often part of a family garden. By the way, a garden in America refers only to the area where fruit, vegetables or flowers are grown, not the entire area around a house, as in British English.

Blueberries are very beneficial to our health. They may have a positive impact on heart health and memory, as well as helping to ease symptoms of depression. Of course, these benefits have not been proven, but they are being researched.

In our state, blueberries are ready to be picked and enjoyed in July. Only 5-6 months to wait!

American
History
American History
George Washington
Declaration
Independence
Declaration of Independence
Philadelphia

1191 The trees are beginning to bud.
1192 The buds of flowers are beginning to open up.
1193 They bud in early spring, don't they?
1194 New leaves are coming out.
1195 Spring is the season when trees bud and birds chirp.
1196 Cherry buds are a signal that spring is coming.
1197 A lot of flowers bloom in spring.
1198 Plum blossoms smell nice. / Plum blossoms perfume the air.
1199 Plum blossoms come in red, pink, or white.
1200 Spring is the season of flowers. / Spring is flower season.

I have already switched off the lights.
I have alredy turned off the taps.
I have already closed the windows.
I haven't drawn the curtains yet.
I haven't locked the back door yet.
I haven't found my sunglasses yet.
I have already bought a new swimsuit.
I have already charged my mobile phone.
Have you emptied the fridge yet ?
Have you given the neighbour a key yet ?
Have you pulled out all the electric plugs yet ?
Have you taken the plane tickets yet ?
Have you called a taxi yet ?

Carol has already booked her flight but she hasn't packed her suitcase yet.
She has already washed her sleeping bag.
She hasn't cleaned her tent yet.
She has already bought a new cooler.
She hasn't found her hiking shoes yet.
She has already borrowed road maps.
She has already checked her camera and her batteries.
She hasn't called a taxi yet.
She hasn't taken her cat to the neighbour yet.

Hampton Court Palace is situated on the River Thames, 17 miles from London. First a medieval manor, it was rebuilt and extended into a beautiful palace. Its most famous resident was Henry VIII.

The palace is built around three courtyards. As you enter you find yourself in "Base Court". Spot the chimneys of various designs. There are over 240 of them around Hampton Court.

Directly ahead, there is a gatehouse, leading to the Clock Court. The big astronomical clock shows the hours, days of the week, the high tides,the phases of the moon and even the signs of the Zodiac, incredible, isn't it?

Don't miss the Tudor hall. This was the centre of the palace life in Tudor times. Up to 600 people ate meals in the hall. Note the beautiful stained glass windows.

You must also see the Haunted Gallery, where the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth wife, is said to appear .... that's scary, isn't it?

Go and visit the huge kitchens. Can you imagine what is was like to provide meals for hundreds of people twice a day? Keep in mind that in those days, there were no dishwashers no fridges no electricity...

If you want to learn more about the palace and the people who lived there, listen to the costumed guides, they are have a lot to tell.

The castle is wonderful, so are the gardens. Take a walk along the paths, enjoy the flower beds, ponds, hedges, fountains, statues...

The Tudors loved to have fun. They planted a maze in which people could lose their way for hours. Today, it includes half a mile of paths and sounds depicting Tudor life. Don't miss it, you'll have fun!

Tennis was also extremely popular in Tudor England. Henry VIII was very good at this sport and often played. Historians say that his second wife Anne Boleyn was watching a game of tennis when she was arrested and that Henry was playing tennis when news was brought to him of her execution. Gloomy, isn't it?

Do you know that the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" was partly shot at Hampton court Palace? Enjoy this short video....

I hope you enjoyed this intoduction to a visit. Give yourself plenty of time when you go to the Palace to actually see and enjoy the place....

(Jan 31,2014)《Beer and Beef》 Today is the Lunar New Year's day.
Three of my family members (Two of my family members and I) went to my husband's eldest brother's house and held a memorial service for our ancestors . Then after we bowed to each other for Lunar New Years and had tteokguk (rice-cake soup) for lunch. We went to my famliy's house for dinner. When we came back home, my son took out a piece of beef from our refrigerator and roasted it. Right now, we are drinking beer and watching a movie for Lunar New Year's Day on TV.