rjm_cmyk

Bake your own bread - it's a complete doddle with a recipe like this. Makes great toast... I don't like mass produced soggy bread - even the non- HFCS stuff.
Mix it up in about five minutes . I skip most of the proving requirements - usually leave it out on the side for an hour. Flatten, stick in bread tins and leave in warmed oven for an hour and then switch oven on. Note lack of HFCS. N.B it's not sour dough bread........
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/02/sour-cream-sandwich-bread-recipe?guni=Article:in%20body%20link
If I am buying bread will get freshly cooked bread from places like Whole PayCheck

I know this is a slightly old thread but I though I'd add to the comments (for other people reading). If your relationship is genuine then London certainly is not out to get you. In addition you can fluff a few things and it still won't go titsup. I've just had my AOS this week. I managed to get my age wrong ! A jab in the ribs and a correction from my wife caused much amusement to the IO.
Mr and Mrs style questions ? Well most men would probably get those wrong and the IO's know it so it's really about the "vibe". IO's have seen all shapes of relationships and plenty of scammers. They can tell the difference between the two pretty well I'd have thought.
And for those going through London K1 - I can guarantee you'll find it a breeze if your relationship is genuine and you make sure you comply with their requirements in terms of documents. My top tip ? A properly arranged (small) folder where you can easily pull out all the documents they ask for. I can also guarantee you won't believe me until you walk out that door with a spring in your step.

Nich-Nick is the backbone of the UK forum. You couldn't get an asset as good as her for this site if you paid someone. Well done for driving away one of the most helpful, knowledgeable and selfless people on the whole site!

Comment aimed at no-one in particular.
Call me a crazy defeatist but I'd rather they spent all their time actually issuing visas rather than answering questions about *when* they were going to issue the aforementioned visas. I came to the conclusion fairly early on that this process was going to take as long as it took and there really was little I (as one of 10's of thousands of applicants) could do about it. Consequently the process ran along pretty much the time-scale I expected on day one. I certainly didn't plan flights/weddings on any expectation that I could divine or influence the process of something as kafkaesque as a government bureaucracy.

It's been like that before the www and it applies to all areas online where expertise gathers. There will always be people who are either unwilling or unable to either search existing FAQ's or use the search function. Sometimes the search function is so clueless that there's an excuse but often it's just laziness and the lack of foresight to that there one question has indeed been asked before, many times before.
Oh that and excessive quoting which is my real bug bear.

In the end - naff all. Just the usual scrawled signature on the usual courier handheld terminal that looks nothing like my usual signature.
Oh and this time it really is a packet. Bigger than A4 and make sure you retrieve your passport with the K1 visa in from the bottom of the outer envelope (plastic courier bag)

This just in (as mine is being delivered at work tomorrow)
From the link in the email - https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-GB/information/courier
"Home or Office Delivery Service The Courier will attempt to deliver your package up to 3 times to the requested address. If the courier is unable to make a successful delivery, the courier will return your package to the originating consular section. When delivering to a home address, the courier will only release the parcel to an adult who is willing to sign for the documents. When delivering to a business address, the courier will release the parcel to the personnel authorized to sign for packages." No mention of any ID but will take my old passport in.

Yehhhaaa- I didn't.
Quick summary. My partner has only just graduated so I didn't think there would be a convincing affidavit and therefore planned to self sponsor based on a primary asset of house equity and the secondary (if needed) of cash in da bank.
We did complete an I-134 as I didn't want a hold up during the first stage of the interview process but also compiled a document stating my assets .
In the case of the house I had the following documents
1) Letter from estate agent confirming valuation and sale price
2) Letter from estate agent confirming my acceptance of an offer to buy the house
3) A simple but clear breakdown of house value , loans secured on it and the balance which would be owing to me on completion.
4) Bank and mortgage statements confirming the loans
5) Document from land registry confirming ownership and loans secured on property
In the case of the bank account I had a print out from the bank done yesterday - not exactly the high level of detail they ask for but clear enough. I also in the covering letter confirmed the source of recent large deposits (sale of car and loan from mother). I also confirmed how I would be transferring the money (via XE.com)
So how did it go ?
At the document collection stage when asked for the affidavit I said I had one but wanted to self sponsor. Fine - what documents do you have to support this ? I first offered the bank statement which he seemed happy to take. I then offered the house details and as that was the bigger sum that's actually all he kept. He didn't take my covering letter and he didn't take the bank details. If I'm honest I'm not sure how the consular officer worked the figures out in the end :-)
Either way - in the second interview it was barely mentioned so what do I think ?
1) A house sold (even if STC) with a chunk of equity headed your way is enough to make them comfortable
2) That on it's own for me seems to have been enough - the bank cash was barely looked at
3) I got the *very* distinct impression that as long as they felt you'd survive 90 days you're good to go. The CO did mention the need for tighter requirements at AOS but it was very much in passing.
4) No-one blinked at self sponsoring - they seem very comfortable and used to it. Just make sure you make it easy for them to assess.
Now what about numbers ? I could demonstrate nearly £200K in equity heading my way and I think that made any other discussion superfluous . In the bank I had £20K but I don't think that was even looked at.
Difficult to offer advice as to minimums - I suspect they look at the whole "package" and take a view but I think I might have done it on the bank alone. It might be because we are an older couple too (50's) so I'm offering up my experience for what's it worth rather than gospel.
Full review later under the consulate review section.

My top tips for the day.
1) Don't leave documents that you are copying on your printer/scanner/copier thing. You will remember just as they ask you for the document why you've only got the copy.
2) The packet 3 letter looks just like the packet 4 one. Big difference is that only one of them will get you past first base so to speak with the embassy when you arrive so don't put the wrong one in your folder
3) Letter size documents are a PITA to get in A4 document pockets...
4) When you've got a range of professional cutting kit at work trim your photos when you're there and not at home with some crappy scissors.
5) There really is no limit to the number of times you can check your document folder against the checklist...
Regards
Man With Big Head

My top tips for the day.
1) Don't leave documents that you are copying on your printer/scanner/copier thing. You will remember just as they ask you for the document why you've only got the copy.
2) The packet 3 letter looks just like the packet 4 one. Big difference is that only one of them will get you past first base so to speak with the embassy when you arrive so don't put the wrong one in your folder
3) Letter size documents are a PITA to get in A4 document pockets...
4) When you've got a range of professional cutting kit at work trim your photos when you're there and not at home with some crappy scissors.
5) There really is no limit to the number of times you can check your document folder against the checklist...
Regards
Man With Big Head

My top tips for the day.
1) Don't leave documents that you are copying on your printer/scanner/copier thing. You will remember just as they ask you for the document why you've only got the copy.
2) The packet 3 letter looks just like the packet 4 one. Big difference is that only one of them will get you past first base so to speak with the embassy when you arrive so don't put the wrong one in your folder
3) Letter size documents are a PITA to get in A4 document pockets...
4) When you've got a range of professional cutting kit at work trim your photos when you're there and not at home with some crappy scissors.
5) There really is no limit to the number of times you can check your document folder against the checklist...
Regards
Man With Big Head

I am going to make a sweeping generalisation here ( and may well get slated for it) but it sounds to me like the OP's American partner is as uninformed about the immigration process as many Americans seem to be. And let's face it why would they be. Who here as a non-USC is fully upto speed with the immigration requirements of their own country ?
I have lost count of the number of Americans who have asked me why I don't just move to the US to be with my partner. They are genuinely surprised how difficult it is , how costly and how long it take the limited options for those who "legally" want to move to the US.
And my comment to the OP - I don't have a huge moral problem with people who buck the system assuming they genuinely want to be married. I just wouldn't take the risk of a ban - unlikely as that probably is. Money wise - the cost of the visa is only a small part of the overall cost of moving country if you have an established life in your home country. It'll cost me more just to sell my house.

I am going to make a sweeping generalisation here ( and may well get slated for it) but it sounds to me like the OP's American partner is as uninformed about the immigration process as many Americans seem to be. And let's face it why would they be. Who here as a non-USC is fully upto speed with the immigration requirements of their own country ?
I have lost count of the number of Americans who have asked me why I don't just move to the US to be with my partner. They are genuinely surprised how difficult it is , how costly and how long it take the limited options for those who "legally" want to move to the US.
And my comment to the OP - I don't have a huge moral problem with people who buck the system assuming they genuinely want to be married. I just wouldn't take the risk of a ban - unlikely as that probably is. Money wise - the cost of the visa is only a small part of the overall cost of moving country if you have an established life in your home country. It'll cost me more just to sell my house.

I am going to make a sweeping generalisation here ( and may well get slated for it) but it sounds to me like the OP's American partner is as uninformed about the immigration process as many Americans seem to be. And let's face it why would they be. Who here as a non-USC is fully upto speed with the immigration requirements of their own country ?
I have lost count of the number of Americans who have asked me why I don't just move to the US to be with my partner. They are genuinely surprised how difficult it is , how costly and how long it take the limited options for those who "legally" want to move to the US.
And my comment to the OP - I don't have a huge moral problem with people who buck the system assuming they genuinely want to be married. I just wouldn't take the risk of a ban - unlikely as that probably is. Money wise - the cost of the visa is only a small part of the overall cost of moving country if you have an established life in your home country. It'll cost me more just to sell my house.

And be advised "packet 3" is not a packet. It's not even close to a packet. It's not even close to a high quality document printed on some good paper and despatched in secure envelope. It is in fact some cheap crappy paper printed on someone's out of toner laser printer and shoved in a cheap envelope where the glue has dried out.
It is however very welcome wherever it lands

Was the information that P3 hadn't been despatched first volunteered ? I can see why they might say no as the procedure is to get your P3 letter and then book an appointment. When I booked I just said I wanted to book K1 medical and she asked me my case number and that was it. I didn't volunteer any other information. This was mid July.

General point.....
If they did this part of the process in any sort of order it would be a break with established practice
The NOA2 process appeared utterly random and grossly unfair. In comparison the UK Consulate seems the model of process by comparison. The fact that they will make an attempt to accommodate peoples plans seems a plus point to me. The fact that some may choose to "abuse" it by making up wedding and travel plans is what could be construed as unfair. That said as everyone gets a shot at bending the process to their timetables you could argue it is actually fair enough.
In my ever so humble opinion this whole problem comes about because people set fixed dates and then try to bend the visa process (if you can call it a process) to meet their fixed dates. I for one never thought it would be like that. I planned on going to the US in the Autumn, sorry Fall and consequently whilst I've slavishly followed any news of fellow January filers I've just sat back and done what was required by the stated process when I needed to. And so far it's pretty much gone to plan albeit I might have an interview a few weeks earlier than planned.
I've been in a long distance relationship for over four years now (scary....) so I can wait a bit longer - others ? well YMMV.

General point.....
If they did this part of the process in any sort of order it would be a break with established practice
The NOA2 process appeared utterly random and grossly unfair. In comparison the UK Consulate seems the model of process by comparison. The fact that they will make an attempt to accommodate peoples plans seems a plus point to me. The fact that some may choose to "abuse" it by making up wedding and travel plans is what could be construed as unfair. That said as everyone gets a shot at bending the process to their timetables you could argue it is actually fair enough.
In my ever so humble opinion this whole problem comes about because people set fixed dates and then try to bend the visa process (if you can call it a process) to meet their fixed dates. I for one never thought it would be like that. I planned on going to the US in the Autumn, sorry Fall and consequently whilst I've slavishly followed any news of fellow January filers I've just sat back and done what was required by the stated process when I needed to. And so far it's pretty much gone to plan albeit I might have an interview a few weeks earlier than planned.
I've been in a long distance relationship for over four years now (scary....) so I can wait a bit longer - others ? well YMMV.

General point.....
If they did this part of the process in any sort of order it would be a break with established practice
The NOA2 process appeared utterly random and grossly unfair. In comparison the UK Consulate seems the model of process by comparison. The fact that they will make an attempt to accommodate peoples plans seems a plus point to me. The fact that some may choose to "abuse" it by making up wedding and travel plans is what could be construed as unfair. That said as everyone gets a shot at bending the process to their timetables you could argue it is actually fair enough.
In my ever so humble opinion this whole problem comes about because people set fixed dates and then try to bend the visa process (if you can call it a process) to meet their fixed dates. I for one never thought it would be like that. I planned on going to the US in the Autumn, sorry Fall and consequently whilst I've slavishly followed any news of fellow January filers I've just sat back and done what was required by the stated process when I needed to. And so far it's pretty much gone to plan albeit I might have an interview a few weeks earlier than planned.
I've been in a long distance relationship for over four years now (scary....) so I can wait a bit longer - others ? well YMMV.

Lie about the reason for needing an appointment (not that you should need to !) and get in front of the Doctor and tell him what you need (the letter) and would like (vaccines). Some receptionists need reminding that they are there to help doctors not get in the way.
I was pleasantly surprised that with the assistance of the practice nurse I got all my jabs and got them for free. Just make sure you get the right TDAP i.e the one with pertussis and not polio. I didn't but seemed to have luckily dodged that one :-)

Doh ! Probably more at risk of being used by undercover cops in the UK then :-)

As I was walking the hound today I pondered on a few of the more subtle British things I will miss.
a) A spring day with fluffy white clouds and a rich blue sky and the converse in Autumn (sorry - Fall)
b) A proper British pub - sadly an endangered species dahnnn saarrfff
c) Small car spaces where (as a bloke) I can demonstrate my male ego by reverse parking
d) Being an easy hop to France
e) Easy access to over 2000 years of European art, history and culture
f) Living in such a diverse mix of cultures for the most part pretty well integrated and tolerant
I know the last one is open to discussion but living in the London where there are something like 250 recognised languages spoken I'd call that pretty diverse...

I was wondering when anyone would get round to the words we Brits are used to using. I have never had any significant problems with language on the East or West coast and usually get the "gee I love your accent" although it's often followed by "which bit of Australia are you from". My English sense of humour tempts me say "the mother country" but I smile and move on.
I have found people looking blank when I speak to too quickly and when I use too much idiomatic English. I live and work in the London area and have done for 30 years but am an ex-pat northerner with some traces of brummie but most think I have a mid-England drawl with the odd bit of mockney thrown in.
I make a point of speaking more slowly (not insultingly slowly) and clearly than my usual high speed Lahndahn mumble with half the vowels and all of the consonants missing. I'm even more careful on the phone much as I would be in the UK.
To the OP - get out there and talk to people face to face. Watch them react and you'll know when they miss something but be aware it's often a phrase or saying that you've used that will throw them. And ask them - certainly friends , if they haven't understood you. It's chance to have a joke about it and many will actually enjoy learning a few things about British English - quite trendy to use it apparently.
It's ironic (I'm British it would have to be) that our general embarrassment about speaking a foreign language extends to trying our hand at American English.
And don't be embarrassed about it ! My gem (as I've mentioned on here before) was asking a bloke (sorry guy) if I could have a butchers at some spanners. What was I thinking. My partner's two sons thought it very funny - apparently I should have asked to see his collection of wrenches.....

I carried a large jar of Branston Pickle all the way to Washington where I met my fiance for a brief holiday . She flew in from San Fran and I from London.
Having made sure it got all the way there I was somewhat disappointed to find out that she'd packed it in her carry on for the flight back to SFO and then had it confiscated where I'm sure it went down a treat with other foods that had been confiscated because of "security issues".

I think technological developments have changed the transition conditions for many coming from say Europe. If I compare how it will be for me in 2013 (hopefully) and 1996 when my partner first moved to the the US .
1) Internet provision is now generally inexpensive and widely available.
2) Internet speeds and bandwidth provide he means for VOIP and video. ( I can remember having to rely on IRC and trying video on 64K IDSN links )
3) Phone charges (certainly UK to US) are can be so cheap that you're not counting the minutes when calling and VOIP has changed the landscape completely
4) It is easy to buy many of the UK/Euro brands albeit at inflated prices
5) Getting back to Europe while not cheap is easy if you need or want to.
6) I can get all the UK tv I need , OK by the use of proxy companies but it's not rocket science
Like most Brits what I am going to miss first and foremost is the NHS. I'm not a great user of it fortunately but it's good to have it there.