Two more things:

 - fire hydrants like the ones you see shooting out water on hot summer days in films

 - buying milk in gallon cartons

We had the neighbourhood round for mince pies and mulled wine this afternoon. It was fun to meet everyone and, in fact, for everyone to meet each other. Some mentioned that there were people living in their cul-de-sac for 4 years who they'd never met. Amazing, but also seemingly normal western-world-over! Anyhow a big success. Phew. Now to sit back and relax and watch some 'football' on TV while us introverts recover!