So Dr H and I begin to search the classifieds for a suitable set of wheels for this valleys girl to get around in........not a difficult task you might think with the obvious abundance of trucks big enough for an entire family to live in! But not necessarily an easy feat on a budget of about $1000!!!! This is where the fun really begins - as we are found howling with laughter from Dr H's office looking at the now infamous 'Craigslist'. I'm not sure that we have anything similar in the UK, but boy is this worth a look............it's a free online listing service for anything and everything, but the automobile section is an absolute hoot! I promise you'll not be disappointed. Some of our favourites include:

'great little runner, super car, blah, blah, blah - needs engine'!!!!!

'Was great until the accident - picture of a totally decapitated nissan ultima'

'I gave my heart and soul to this car, time, money, energy, blood, sweat and tears - now I just can't carry on type thing, run out of enthusiasm, money and the will to continue'

The outpouring of detail (some of which is way too much information) makes for compelling reading - and this was just in the $500 - $1500 car section - god only knows what you might come across in the trucks!!!!!! It's almost worth a look just for the giggle............

Next time..................more on the actual car viewings.................remember this is the USA!!!

So after a long flight from the UK, I am met at the airport by my supervisor Dr H and his wife, who find me grappling with the contents of one of my bags which appears to have been mauled by an airline creature on the short flight between Atlanta and Lexington - the start of beautiful comedy moments to come I might add........

The Gluck Equine Research Centre

So here I am in Lexington, Kentucky, USA on my 3 month MSc research sabbatical. It's been a long time coming and a lot of organising but boy is it worth it. The project which I will carry out will form the basis for my MSc thesis, all 20,000 words of it! The Gluck Equine Research Centre where I am based is something else - a world leader in the field of equine veterinary science/medicine & research. The team of people are exceptional in their respective fields and seem a thoroughly delightful bunch. I have been welcomed warmly and extensively both profesionally and socially and this blog will aim to chart the highlights of the trips............enjoy the ride!