No sledding for us today, but the snowball fight was a blast!
Saturday, December 17, 2005
SNOW DAY
After a nice breakfast, Dan and David and I went for a walk through the forest and fields. Ellen and a school friend were left to practice their oral report due next week on Africa. Annette ran errands. The three of us made snow angels and then had a snowball fight in the school's wooden fort. Then we followed a trail through the woods and into the neighboring fields. Along the way, we saw tracks from hare and deer. David and I took turns using my camera. He is quite the budding photographer! On the way back from the fields, we went a different route by the neighbor's farm. He was selling cut-your-own Christmas trees, and next to the cash stand, he was serving mugs of hot spiced Gluhwein (Glow Wine). After mugs of hot chocolate back at home, Dan and I loaded ourselves into the car for a quick run to the grocery. I picked up some Lebkuchen (spice cookies) and Stollen (sweet bread). Ellen brought me some Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread) earlier, so I bought some cookies to go with that, too. Then we ran back home and picked up David for a trip to Moebel Kraft. It's a huge store right across the field from the house. It's like 5 stories high, with a restaurant in the top. We looked at all the toys and Christmas ornaments, and then went up to the restaurant for hotdogs. Mmmm. Now the rest of the family and I are crashing while Dan is at his office Christmas party. They are mini-bowling. Have you heard of that?
SNOWY MORNING
It's 5:30 in the morning. When Dan says to prepare for an early wake-up call, he is not kidding, is he? I awoke to find Dan standing in front of the window, calling me to come and see the SNOW! Very beautiful Dan, can't wait to go and play...ZZZ. Oh, sorry, I dozed off a bit. This is Dan's normal time to wake up, but up until today (his day off), he's been letting me sleep until Dave woke me up at 7 or so for breakfast.
I walked into the bedroom last night to go to bed and was shocked by the temperature. Apparently the workman turned off the radiator when he was installing the new window. And he left it off. Radiators take a little while to warm back up. So after I scraped the ice from my pillow, I wedged myself between the blankets. BUT NO...I just asked Dan and he said that they usually leave it off when they sleep, and that they usually sleep with the window open. I suspected that they were secretly polar bears, but now I have proof.
OK...time for musli and yogurt.
I walked into the bedroom last night to go to bed and was shocked by the temperature. Apparently the workman turned off the radiator when he was installing the new window. And he left it off. Radiators take a little while to warm back up. So after I scraped the ice from my pillow, I wedged myself between the blankets. BUT NO...I just asked Dan and he said that they usually leave it off when they sleep, and that they usually sleep with the window open. I suspected that they were secretly polar bears, but now I have proof.
OK...time for musli and yogurt.
Friday, December 16, 2005
TEA WITH MR. TUMNUS
Tonight David and Ellen had a Royal Ranger's sleepover. The theme was missions, and the children dressed in foreign costumes. David and Ellen dressed in Chinese outfits. Ellen brought a girlfriend home from school. So we first stopped by her house so she, too, could change into her clothes for the festivities.
After dropping off the kids, Dan and I first stopped by his work to meet a coworker friend and tour the office where they sort the mail in the mornings. Then we visited his friend Herr I--. He met him on his postal route. Herr I-- is 84 years old. I enjoyed getting to know him. His apartment was amazing! His late wife collected art, so the walls were filled. He has traveled the world, and he gathered souvineers from each country he visited, filling shelves and curios with his collection of oddities. And the books he has collected! He owns many volumes, and lots were picture books, so I didn't have to worry about language barriers.
First Dan and I helped him asseble a secretary he bought via mail from Ikea. Then we straightened up the room, while Herr I-- made tea. When he brought out the tea, I saw that it was one of my favorites - orange spice - accompanied by a tin of chocolates, cookies, and stollen. (Here's a LINK to an article about stollen at Wikipedia. I love stollen!) The chocolate was also my favorite chocolate; the Germans call it bitter chocolate. But the best thing he served us was the marzipan potatoes. They aren't really potatoes, but look like miniature versions of this vegetable. They are actually made of delicious candy!
Herr I--'s kindness to us was remarkable for more than the great food and nice surroundings. He served under Rommel. He was taken prisoner by the allies at the end of the war. Not so unusual for someone his age, but here's the kick: he was abused by the Americans. They left him and the rest of his comrades in a field without food, water, or shelter. They eventually were given starvation rations, but Americans still denied them shelter. They were held in the open in barbed wire enclosed fields for weeks. He thought he would die from exposure, and some did die.
And tonight he served two American men tea. Can you tell that he is a Christian?
After dropping off the kids, Dan and I first stopped by his work to meet a coworker friend and tour the office where they sort the mail in the mornings. Then we visited his friend Herr I--. He met him on his postal route. Herr I-- is 84 years old. I enjoyed getting to know him. His apartment was amazing! His late wife collected art, so the walls were filled. He has traveled the world, and he gathered souvineers from each country he visited, filling shelves and curios with his collection of oddities. And the books he has collected! He owns many volumes, and lots were picture books, so I didn't have to worry about language barriers.
First Dan and I helped him asseble a secretary he bought via mail from Ikea. Then we straightened up the room, while Herr I-- made tea. When he brought out the tea, I saw that it was one of my favorites - orange spice - accompanied by a tin of chocolates, cookies, and stollen. (Here's a LINK to an article about stollen at Wikipedia. I love stollen!) The chocolate was also my favorite chocolate; the Germans call it bitter chocolate. But the best thing he served us was the marzipan potatoes. They aren't really potatoes, but look like miniature versions of this vegetable. They are actually made of delicious candy!
Herr I--'s kindness to us was remarkable for more than the great food and nice surroundings. He served under Rommel. He was taken prisoner by the allies at the end of the war. Not so unusual for someone his age, but here's the kick: he was abused by the Americans. They left him and the rest of his comrades in a field without food, water, or shelter. They eventually were given starvation rations, but Americans still denied them shelter. They were held in the open in barbed wire enclosed fields for weeks. He thought he would die from exposure, and some did die.
And tonight he served two American men tea. Can you tell that he is a Christian?
BUSY MORNING
It's lunchtime. I just finished a sandwich, and I'm killing time until David gets home from school. A workman is here, replacing a leaky window in David's room, and Annette is talking to a friend on the phone. We've tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to get my laptop to connect to Dan's wireless account. Looks like I'll have to be content to use Dan's computer for a while longer until we can get it figured out. Why are computers always so temperamental
Earlier this morning, I visited Ellen's 7th grade advanced English class. The kids were so shy! But I finally got a few of them to warm up and ask me some questions about American culture. I noticed that most of the maps and information in the room were British. Makes sense. We ended up talking about movie stars, fashion, and fast food. Ellen seemed pleased, but a little disappointed that her friends didn't come out of their shell a little more. I understand, though. Without advance notice, I can see how they'd have a hard time getting used to me being there or coming up with questions for me. Still, it was fun. And she gave me a tour of the school. I saw David playing basketball with his friends. It rained earlier, but it has gotten a little colder, so I saw a few flakes of snow. I made myself a hot chocolate and watched it snow for a bit before eating lunch. It's Christmastime!
Dan stopped by quickly on his route to let me see his truck - Mein Bruder ist ein Briefträger.
Going to Ellen's class got me thinking about teaching English in Japan. I wonder if I will end up doing that someday. I've always thought it would be fun.
Earlier this morning, I visited Ellen's 7th grade advanced English class. The kids were so shy! But I finally got a few of them to warm up and ask me some questions about American culture. I noticed that most of the maps and information in the room were British. Makes sense. We ended up talking about movie stars, fashion, and fast food. Ellen seemed pleased, but a little disappointed that her friends didn't come out of their shell a little more. I understand, though. Without advance notice, I can see how they'd have a hard time getting used to me being there or coming up with questions for me. Still, it was fun. And she gave me a tour of the school. I saw David playing basketball with his friends. It rained earlier, but it has gotten a little colder, so I saw a few flakes of snow. I made myself a hot chocolate and watched it snow for a bit before eating lunch. It's Christmastime!
Dan stopped by quickly on his route to let me see his truck - Mein Bruder ist ein Briefträger.
Going to Ellen's class got me thinking about teaching English in Japan. I wonder if I will end up doing that someday. I've always thought it would be fun.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
SUPPER TIME!
I'm about to be called to the table for supper, but I decided to post a quick update before we eat. Tonight Annette is baking chicken for our family and our guests - visiting American Baptist missionaries - father, mother, and daughter. They came to meet me tonight before they return home to the states for the holiday. Fun to meet Dan's friends. While I sit on the sofa typing this for you, I am listening to the guys have a conversation about one of Dan's antique German books. The ladies are hiding out in the kitchen, and the kids are stowed away in a bedroom, I think.
David and I had the best time playing Legos. Dan came in from work - EARLY: HOORAY! - just as we were about to start playing. He doesn't enjoy building the models, but he likes to sort the pieces, so he sat in the floor sorting while Dave and I built a castle.
We didn't quite finish before Ellen and Annette returned home. Then we hopped in the car to run to the market for last minute ingredients for supper. What a beautiful village they have! Time for supper, so more on that and some new pictures later...
David and I had the best time playing Legos. Dan came in from work - EARLY: HOORAY! - just as we were about to start playing. He doesn't enjoy building the models, but he likes to sort the pieces, so he sat in the floor sorting while Dave and I built a castle.
We didn't quite finish before Ellen and Annette returned home. Then we hopped in the car to run to the market for last minute ingredients for supper. What a beautiful village they have! Time for supper, so more on that and some new pictures later...
I'M FINALLY HERE!
I'm in Germany! I arrived happy and healthy. No problems in customs. They stopped the woman in front of me and took her to a separate room to search her bags, but they waved me on. I walked through the doors and into Daniel and Ellen's waiting arms. Dan told me they prayed for an easy arrival.
Yesterday (the 14th) Annette prepared a light supper of BLT’s with fresh veggies and chips. But the real treat was baked by David - his very first cake - a lemon pound cake with drizzled icing. He followed the recipe and made it himself without help! Way to go, Dave!
Their apartment is WAY bigger than I expected it to be, but also very cozy. Because it’s in the upper story of an old school, some of the rooms have slanted ceilings, but most of them are high. It’s filled with great architectural details like wooden ceilings and glass doors. There’s even a cool winding attic stairway hidden behind a door. The building was used as a home for Hitler Youth during the war, but it’s now being used as classrooms and apartments.
The view from their windows is spectacular! The weather is mild but crisp. The forecast predicts snow soon! I’ll keep you posted.
Tonight will be a late night for most of the family, but David will be home from school soon, giving us some nephew/uncle Lego time! I’m staying in today - no adventures on my own until I get my bearings a little better.
Enjoy the pictures! Email or leave a comment if you have questions or feel inspired.
Yesterday (the 14th) Annette prepared a light supper of BLT’s with fresh veggies and chips. But the real treat was baked by David - his very first cake - a lemon pound cake with drizzled icing. He followed the recipe and made it himself without help! Way to go, Dave!
Their apartment is WAY bigger than I expected it to be, but also very cozy. Because it’s in the upper story of an old school, some of the rooms have slanted ceilings, but most of them are high. It’s filled with great architectural details like wooden ceilings and glass doors. There’s even a cool winding attic stairway hidden behind a door. The building was used as a home for Hitler Youth during the war, but it’s now being used as classrooms and apartments.
The view from their windows is spectacular! The weather is mild but crisp. The forecast predicts snow soon! I’ll keep you posted.
Tonight will be a late night for most of the family, but David will be home from school soon, giving us some nephew/uncle Lego time! I’m staying in today - no adventures on my own until I get my bearings a little better.
Enjoy the pictures! Email or leave a comment if you have questions or feel inspired.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
DUTCH TREAT
I'm in Holland!
The pictures were taken in a gift shop. I think these photos will make better souvenirs than the items themselves would make. They will certainly be easier to carry around anyway. I'm on a layover here for a few hours, captive in the airport, looking for ways to amuse myself. With no wifi in this airport, I'll retro-post this entry. (Made possible by the wonder that is the internet. Thank you, Al Gore!)
I've set up camp in the terminal. Sitting on the table next to the laptop is my breakfast: a one-liter evian spring water, an apple, and some almond cakes. It's a nice snack and a bargain at only 5 Euros. That price doesn't sound too bad, until I do the math. I forked over $50 for conversion and was handed back 35 Euros. But when I think about how thirsty I was just a minute ago, the water alone was worth every cent. Did you know they are calling them cents here now? Travel makes me parched. I think it was that twenty minute walk from the gate to the bank. This airport is municipal in size, with an international flavor. My favorite thing about being here so far is hearing all the other languages mixing together and echoing in the concourse. As I people watch, my head fills with silly guesses about the other travelers, "Maybe he's Russian Mafia. She could be a famous French ballet dancer or a secret agent - or BOTH!"
Soaring about the clouds last night, I drifted off to sleep, serenaded by Japanese pop, piped directly into my ear by my friends at Northwest Air. That music gave me such a vivid dream. I was walking down the streets of Tokyo, arm in arm with someone (guess who) enjoying the night air, the noise, and the city lights.
Pressed tight in my seat by armrests and the snores and heavy breathing of those sleeping nearby, I was startled awake at dawn when the steward flicked on the glaring overheads. Back in reality, my thoughts were all, "Where are my shoes" and "I'm starving!" The path to the w/c was kept blocked byt he refreshment cart, so there was no way to wash the sleep from my eyes - no cold water to pep me up.
My seat was right in the middle of the plane, dead center of a row of 5. Great place to see the show! My favorite act was the family of three seated in front of me. They were totally Bohemian. Think of no makeup or hair products - big beard but not in an Amish way). Their dark snappy eyes were accentuated by their long curly brown hair - making me think of gypsies. I'm going to say they were Italian for no better reason than I'm growing bored with guessing. I couldn't decipher their accent. What most impressed me about the couple was the ways they kept their small son amused on such a long flight. Way to go, Mom and Dad!
Speaking of parents, mine were so sweet helping me get packed and off to the airport. I hope I was not too much of a crank in my rush to leave. I will miss them over Christmas. Mental note to call as soon as I get to Germany.
All for now and more later!
P.S. If you ever visit the Amsterdam Airport in December, wear a t-shirt or be ready to sweat. The place is a regular sauna!
The pictures were taken in a gift shop. I think these photos will make better souvenirs than the items themselves would make. They will certainly be easier to carry around anyway. I'm on a layover here for a few hours, captive in the airport, looking for ways to amuse myself. With no wifi in this airport, I'll retro-post this entry. (Made possible by the wonder that is the internet. Thank you, Al Gore!)
I've set up camp in the terminal. Sitting on the table next to the laptop is my breakfast: a one-liter evian spring water, an apple, and some almond cakes. It's a nice snack and a bargain at only 5 Euros. That price doesn't sound too bad, until I do the math. I forked over $50 for conversion and was handed back 35 Euros. But when I think about how thirsty I was just a minute ago, the water alone was worth every cent. Did you know they are calling them cents here now? Travel makes me parched. I think it was that twenty minute walk from the gate to the bank. This airport is municipal in size, with an international flavor. My favorite thing about being here so far is hearing all the other languages mixing together and echoing in the concourse. As I people watch, my head fills with silly guesses about the other travelers, "Maybe he's Russian Mafia. She could be a famous French ballet dancer or a secret agent - or BOTH!"
Soaring about the clouds last night, I drifted off to sleep, serenaded by Japanese pop, piped directly into my ear by my friends at Northwest Air. That music gave me such a vivid dream. I was walking down the streets of Tokyo, arm in arm with someone (guess who) enjoying the night air, the noise, and the city lights.
Pressed tight in my seat by armrests and the snores and heavy breathing of those sleeping nearby, I was startled awake at dawn when the steward flicked on the glaring overheads. Back in reality, my thoughts were all, "Where are my shoes" and "I'm starving!" The path to the w/c was kept blocked byt he refreshment cart, so there was no way to wash the sleep from my eyes - no cold water to pep me up.
My seat was right in the middle of the plane, dead center of a row of 5. Great place to see the show! My favorite act was the family of three seated in front of me. They were totally Bohemian. Think of no makeup or hair products - big beard but not in an Amish way). Their dark snappy eyes were accentuated by their long curly brown hair - making me think of gypsies. I'm going to say they were Italian for no better reason than I'm growing bored with guessing. I couldn't decipher their accent. What most impressed me about the couple was the ways they kept their small son amused on such a long flight. Way to go, Mom and Dad!
Speaking of parents, mine were so sweet helping me get packed and off to the airport. I hope I was not too much of a crank in my rush to leave. I will miss them over Christmas. Mental note to call as soon as I get to Germany.
All for now and more later!
P.S. If you ever visit the Amsterdam Airport in December, wear a t-shirt or be ready to sweat. The place is a regular sauna!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
SNOW!
1
I'm on my way to Germany in a day or so, and here's my theme song to while away the hours 'til my arrival:
Snow
It won't be long before we'll all be there with snow
Snow
I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow
Snow
I long to clear a path and lift a spade of snow
Snow
Oh, to see a great big man entirely made of snow
Where it's snowing
All winter through
That's where I want to be
Snowball throwing
That's what I'll do
How I'm longing to ski
Through the
Snow
Those glist'ning houses that seem to be built of snow
Snow
Oh, to see a mountain covered with a quilt of snow
What is Christmas with no snow?
No white Christmas with no snow?
Snow
I'll soon be there with snow
I'll wash my hair with snow
And with a spade of snow
I'll build a man that's made of snow
I'd love to stay up with you but
I recommend a little shuteye
Go to sleep
And dream
Of snow
Snow
Snow
Snow
Snow
Irving Berlin, 1954, White Christmas
I'm on my way to Germany in a day or so, and here's my theme song to while away the hours 'til my arrival:
Snow
It won't be long before we'll all be there with snow
Snow
I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow
Snow
I long to clear a path and lift a spade of snow
Snow
Oh, to see a great big man entirely made of snow
Where it's snowing
All winter through
That's where I want to be
Snowball throwing
That's what I'll do
How I'm longing to ski
Through the
Snow
Those glist'ning houses that seem to be built of snow
Snow
Oh, to see a mountain covered with a quilt of snow
What is Christmas with no snow?
No white Christmas with no snow?
Snow
I'll soon be there with snow
I'll wash my hair with snow
And with a spade of snow
I'll build a man that's made of snow
I'd love to stay up with you but
I recommend a little shuteye
Go to sleep
And dream
Of snow
Snow
Snow
Snow
Snow
Irving Berlin, 1954, White Christmas
Saturday, December 10, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAULINE!
1ST LINE
*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR PAULINE!
*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
*
Thursday, December 08, 2005
DECORATIONS OF RED...
Here are some things I like to see around the house at Christmas time. (some are old pictures, some not so old - but all are decorations my family has used at one point or another) What kinds of decorations will your family be displaying this season?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
