Gnome Sweet Gnome

THE LONDON EYE

2010-06-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

LONDON 2010!!

2010-06-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Random images of my day in London with Michelle! More pictures to follow, I promise!!

EURO MARKET VENDORS HAWK THEIR WARES

2009-04-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have always been enchanted with the European Street Markets...the colors, the smells...they are a wonder to behold! Here are a few images I've captured from past trips abroad...

Mozart 'poser' playing
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
on the water-filled goblets in Salzburg,
Mozart's birthplace...
...and selling CDs, of course!
Upon completion of his song set, he lifts up the edge of the
table to the gasps of the crowd...only to pour out the
water, as the goblets are attached to the table!
That's entertainment!!

A typical butcher's shop in Germany...
so many selections to choose from!

A Hurdy-Gurdy Woman
(organ grinder)
in the Hanover area of Germany,
very near the Pied Piper's town of Hameln.

Fresh strawberries in the foreground,
bins of fresh 'Spargel' - white asparagus...a German
delicacy - in the background.Fabulous colors!!

The Hurdy-Gurdy Man
complete with fake monkey,
in the Hanover region.

Salt Lamps for sale on the street in Berchtesgaden,
home to Hitler's Eagle's Nest in the
Salzkammergut region of Austria/Germany.

My Aunt looks over some fresh vegetables on
display in Salzburg.

The quintessential 'THISTLE' for sale
in Edinburgh Scotland.

Ah yes...and the revered Pretzel...
a staple in any Bavarian diet!

Patty Cake, Patty Cake...Dancing Piano Man!

2009-03-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

After his big brothers had finished their piano lessons,
Avery sat down to tickle (er... POUND ON) the ivories! He
got so excited he nearly fell off the bench! Then, he just
kept movin' and groovin' once I sat him on the floor!
I love how quickly he picked up the 'Patty Cake' motions!
TOO CUTE!!!

HOLD IT...HOLD IT...

2009-03-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I may have fast-forwarded just a little too soon there...old man winter decided to dump another layer of Schnee on us here in the usually-mild Pacific Northwest! Can't you just see the little blossoms shivering underneath their chilly blanket? Brrrr!!

SPRING IST GESPRUNGEN!

2009-03-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

Last week...snow! This week, up out of the snow...the crocus have emerged and bloomed in all their glory! The bees are groggily buzzing about, legs heavy-laden with pollen at this season's first offering! A joyous sight, indeed!

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR'S MEDLEY 2008-09

2009-01-11T15:35:00.001-08:00

21 DECEMBER 2008

Yes, I know...I am finally getting around to posting some pix from our exciting times this Christmas! For the first three Saturdays in December, I was engaged in acting as Tour Director for Clipper Vacations Coach Excursions to Leavenworth for the Town & Tree Lighting Ceremony! The first two trips were bustling and with very little snow. On the 21st, however, John was able to accompany me (and my coach of 50 eager folks) and we had a grand, albeit FREEZING day strolling the streets & cafes of the town! These first few pix are from our day there...Our favorite German Liquid Toe Warmer...Wait a minute...is that Ronald McDonald in the picture?
What's HE doing in Leavenworth?Ahhh...the Alpenhorns! I could listen to them all day!
A few years ago, while in Andermatt Switzerland, my friend Sue and I were ecstatic to hear some Alpenhorns coming down the street...I ducked up to my room for my camera, and was able to catch some of the townsfolk carrying and playing their horns all through the town! It was August 1st...Swiss National Day! They were accompanied by men throwing huge flags around,
and it was a scene I will always remember!I honestly think that others around me just weren't as appreciative of these Lederhosen-clad gentlemen as I was! Yes, that's me going "SHHHHHHH!" in the background! (some people's kids!!)
It took them awhile to get going...I believe their lips were frozen!!
(Click on the arrow to hear their tribute)

The frigid temp made earwarmers a must-have! We had to purchase John a pair!
Us...and a couple thousand of our closest friends...

Santa Claus and Father Christmas, European-style

Ah...lovely!

22-23 DECEMBER 2008

Needless to say,
IT SNOWED
AND SNOWED
AND SNOWED!!!

There's a deck under there somewhere...

John began digging out and making a path so that the kids could
come over and make it down the driveway, baby in tow...for Christmas Eve.

24 DECEMBER 2008

Bryan & Andrea's annual family portrait
in front of our Christmas tree.
Trevor ~ 7, Gavin ~ 9
Avery's First Christmas @ 5.5 months!
What's all the hubbub, bub?

Just a little something to watch all those
bowl games on...

Happiness is...a happy, slobbery chub-a-bub

...and a Fussball scarf for your favorite team!

oh boy! wrapping paper!!!

Trevor with his Smarties-filled choco Santa from Germany!

Gavin's new coat that he wore the entire rest of the evening!!

Wii want to play!!!

Star Wars & Legos...a dream come true!!

Trevor taking a wii golf shot

Now Bryan gets a turn

When do I get a turn???

Smiley Boy, even when 2 flashes go off at the same time!!

25 DECEMBER 2008

WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!
What a gift!
It was magical!

27 DECEMBER 2008

We all piled in the van and braved the elements to head for
Olympia for the wedding of our niece, Jessica Duke,
to Frank Flammini!
What a lovely couple!

Precious Father-Daughter Dance

Our Step-Mom Char, and nephew Rusty

John's Dad, Mac, and Aunt Marla & Uncle Lloyd enjoying wedding cake!

Trevor enjoyed the cake, too...

Mother-of-the-Bride, John's sis Julie, snuggles with Avery

Jessica showing Ella some dance steps...

Andrea & Trevor cutting a rug...

Me, too...me, too!!!

Simply lovely :-)

There was a very special display of
John's parents' wedding picture (1950)
and his Mom's wedding dress.
John's Dad is 2nd from the left
and his Mom is, of course, standing next to him!
(John's Mom passed away in 2000)
She was there in Spirit and in our hearts.

After the wedding, we went back to B & A's house for some relaxing time...
...and smiles for Grandma, of course!

Typical big brother/2nd child shot...ANYTHING to get in the picture!!

31 DECEMBER 2008
NEW YEAR'S EVE

Wii decided to have a game night and play & play & play
and watch movies and eat popcorn...
AND the whole family spent the night at
Grandpa & Grandma's house!
It sure was fun!

Here is Gavin playing Clone Wars on the Wii...
he light-sabred the Christmas Tree a couple of times!

Little bugga-boo was in a happy mood, too!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

These are a few of my favorite things...
this year, I added the Angel of the Lord.

Nutcrackers, en garde!

And more of the collection...

03 JANUARY 2009

This year, we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family (the Williams')
down in Vancouver at my parents' home!
Here is my Dad, Lyle, and my Brother, Lief.

And my Mom, Pauline, and my niece, Melissa.

You get to see the back of my Sister Aileen's head, as well as her hubby Bill's,
because they are having a 'skype' conversation with our niece Karmin
while she is in The Czech Republic!
We all had a chance to chat with her!!

All standing around the computer...
Bill, Melissa, Aileen, and Karmin's Mom & Dad,
my Sis Kathy and her hubby Kevin.
Thanks, Kath...that was really special!

My bro & sis amidst the Santa collection...

Our Christmas Dinner, lovingly prepared by Mom & sibs!

Baggin' some post-feast zzzzz's...

Aileen was especially smug after making an awesome play
in a game of Trivial Pursuit aka Sequence...

Mom & Bill

Nephew Kenneth...
"One, two, three, four, five...
yep they've got 5 fingers!"

January 3rd is also the date of my daughter-in-law Yvonne's birthday!
Since she and Chris live in Boston, they were obviously not at
our gathering! So, we popped the cork on a vintage bottle
of champagne, and had a toast to her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVEY!!
CHEERS, EH?!!

"Yabidi, yabidi, yabidi...THAT'S ALL, FOLKS!!!"

St. Louis, So Glad to Meet You!

2008-11-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite picture of the arch,
taken as we were leaving the park. First Stop: The Pumpkin Patch where
my Aunt was 'working'...and freezing! Brrrrrr!!

A family portrait:

My Aunt Carol, Cousin Ted & wife Christy
daughter Jordan (front row center) and
German exchange student Miriam!

Christy, Ted and their son Jeffrey

My first actual glimpse of the Arch
...so excited to get closer!

Here I am awaiting the arrival of Pod #5
so that we can board and go to the top!
There are 8 Pods on each side and each carry a
total of 5 people = 40 people go up per side
every half hour or so.

Here is the inside of the Pod...I know...
it looks like a toilet!
There are 5 seats: 2 on each side and
one at the end...very close quarters!
You would probably not want to be claustrophobic at this point!

Us inside the pod...yes...a little blurry-eyed!
The other 2 people in the pod (besides J & me & my Cousin)
were, get this...from RENTON!!!
What are the chances?!?!The ride was a bit jostling...
the pod adjusts to the gradual curvature
of the Arch.

The St. Louis Statehouse

I love this one with the shadow of
the Arch on the grounds below...

John & I enjoy some
lofty views!

Famous Eads Bridge

View looking straight down 630 feet at
the steps leading up to the Arch.

The Mighty Mississippi

We watched a fascinating movie about
the Lewis & Clark Expedition
that began in St. Louis

in 1803!

John watched a presentation on
how the Arch was constructed.

The day could not have been more beautiful!

You can see the tiny observation windows

at the very top of the Arch.

Goes without saying...

My Aunt got very excited when my Cousin mentioned
'Ted Drewes' for a snack...

we were amazed at the combinations available
for their 'Concretes' treats!

I had cherry/marshmallow/Heath bar!
YUMMY!

The Webster Hills United Methodist Church sanctuary.

And after church, back to the pumpkin patch!

We had a wonderful visit in St. Louis!!!
Next time we'll have to try
the deep fried ravioli!!

AUTUMNAL COLORS IN MILL CREEK PARK, YOUNGSTOWN OHIO

2008-11-06T14:12:00.001-08:00

I have recently returned from a cross-country trip and my second stop was to visit my dear friend Sue in Ohio! Since we are in the midst of Fall, and I absolutely LOVE all the Fall colors, we took a drive in Mill Creek Park just outside of Youngstown. The weather cooperated and the colors and sights were spectacular! I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I did taking them!

LANTERMAN FALLS

YE OLDE LOG CABIN

YEP...IT'S A LARCH TREE!

THE FAMOUS "STEEL BRIDGE"

VACATION ON THE WILD(LIFE) SIDE!

2008-09-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...I'm posting, already! Here are some pictures from our recent vacation to Klamath Falls in southern Oregon...and some of the activities we enjoyed while there! Golf, swimming, hot-tubbing, playing games, making brownies & Jello (thanks for your help, Gavin & Trevor), resting, playing with baby and communing with God and His fabulous creatures in Creation! I wasn't quick enough with the camera, however, to catch the raccoon that was begging at our screen door on the deck one evening!! We had an awesome time!! We are SO blessed to have such a fine, fun family to spend quality time with...we look forward to when the others will be able to take part in family vacations with us in the near future...hint hint!!!

And my own little squirrely chipmunks :-)

Following our 10 days at Running Y Resort, we headed to Eugene to attend the wedding of the son of some very dear friends of ours! It was such fun to surprise (SHOCK! is more like it) our friends as we walked into the church foyer...I will never forget the look on their faces as it registered who we were! And the flowers...absolutely stunning (in spite of the calla lilies!) Of course, it helps that the mother-of-the-groom (my friend in the picture) is an award-winning florist and has owned her own shop for several years!) Funny thing I noticed...these colors look vaguely familiar...like a wedding I attended (in a hand-stitched white dress) in the early 1970's...I think we've come full circle!
After the wedding and reception, we drove a short distance to the Oregon Coast and enjoyed a couple of days just watching the seagulls, waves & breathtaking sunsets!! God is good...ALL the time!

OFF TO FIND THE SUNSHINE!!

2008-08-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, we're off on a two-week vacation to find some sunshine,
commune with God and His indescribable creation,
play a little golf, get loads of relaxation,
plus some quality family time,
a soothing hot tub, super biking trails
and a nice beach or two!
I don't think that's asking too much...do you?
Auf Wiedersehen!!

EURO 2008 - FOOTBALL: EUROPEAN STYLE

2008-08-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Many of you might recognize these two characters:

they are
TRIX and FLIX
the official mascots of the U.E.F.A. EURO 2008
European Cup Füssball Tournament!!
(which took place June 7th - 29th when I was traveling in Europe)

Their hair/head-do's are fashioned to mirror
the Alpine peaks so prominent in both host countries,
Austria & Switzerland.
Check out this site for all the pix, stats, shopping and results:
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/

This one-of many window displays as well as flags flying everywhere
should have been a clue to me that something very
special was about to happen in Switzerland and Austria! It was not until we were in the train station in Vienna
that it dawned on me (duh!) that we were about to be
in the middle of an incredible event!
Oh. My. Goodness. This is the next best thing
to the World Cup!!!

This is a picture of some HUGE inflatable European füssball
players that were huddling in the foyer of the train station.
If you look at the bottom of the picture, you can see
actual people strolling by...just to get an idea of the size
and scope of this spectacle! It was ENORMOUS!!These banners also fueled my suspicions......as well as these soccer hooligans all boarding
the same train, heading off to one of
the first matches...Switzerland vs. Czech Republic in Basel
on Saturday, June 7th....and of course, flags flying out of car windows,
house and apartment windows...
country pride shown everywhere you looked!

Once in Salzburg, we entered the
FANZONE...
just another word for
Beer Garden ;-)

Here is the statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
overlooking the miriad of beer & souvenir
kiosks! Ach!

Even the shops went all out for this event,
especially those in the host cities of:
Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck & Klagenfurt (Austria)
and
Basel, Bern, Geneva & Zürich (Switzerland)

Aren't these soccerball Christmas ornaments
just wonderful?And here are 30 painted eggs
to help celebrate the occasion!! This huge saying was painted onto the bank
of the Salzach River running through Salzburg.
At the B&B we were staying at just outside of Salzburg,
we kept seeing people wearing Coca Cola-Red outfits at the
breakfast table. They were representatives that were working
the booths at the Salzburg Stadium during the matches.
It's difficult to see, but in this picture of the B&B
(taken from the cablecar going up the Untersberg)
you can barely make out the red Coca Cola car parked at the pension.

Everybody got into the act:
here is a contest in one of the train stations to
measure how powerfully you can kick!
I could barely get close enough to take these shots!

LOVE the outfit! I hope he was getting paid good €uro!!

Naturally, the FANS are what its all about!!!
Click on this VIDEO to see some German fans trying to
upstage some Russian fans in the middle of Munich...
(they are chanting "Deutschland...Deutschland..." = Germany!!)

...and at the top of the Untersberg,
some CRAZY Swedish fans who sat down and ordered
Lederhosen all around!!
Now here are some REALLY wild and crazy soccer
hooligans rooting Germany on to yet another
UNBELIEVABLE victory!!
Zum Wohl!!!
Of course, miniature versions of
Trix and Flix just happened to find their way
into Grandma's suitcase,

to the delight of Grandsons back home!Here Flix (or is that Trix?)
scores on a header!

GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What GREAT fun we had watching the matches each evening
and guessing who would win to go on to the next round!
It was a special bonus added to an already-incredible trip!

The Cutest Little Rosebud of them All...

2008-08-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

...is Avery...no discussion!!

A Few of My JULY Faves...

2008-07-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

There is actually a hummingbird
in this picture above as well...
it is the same color as
the fuschia!

These are a few of my favorite things...and yes, this is genuine Edelweiss!

MUGGESTUTZ der HASLIZWERG

2008-07-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Meiringen and Hasliberg-Reuti (Switzerland) are the Main Headquarters for this charming character called "MUGGESTUTZ" the Hasli-Dwarf! His image is everywhere, his books (by author Susanna Schmid-Germann) are in every shop, and T-shirts, hats, keyrings and postcards abound!

Can you find Muggestutz in this picture??

In the German language, the verb meaning to "take a trip" is "fahren".
So, a "trip" is a "Fahrt"!
Here we have Muggestutz wishing us a "good trip!"

"GUTE FAHRT!"

You just gotta love it!!!

Go to http://www.muggestutz.ch/ to see more
about this adorable little guy!

Who Ya Gonna Call?

2008-07-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

THE MANY FACES OF AVERY...ALL TOO CUTE!!

2008-07-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

THREE DAYS OLD AND ALREADY HAS GRANDMA
WRAPPED AROUND HIS LITTLE FINGERS!

WELCOME AVERY RICHARD MCCLEES!

2008-07-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Wonder of Wonders...here are some of the first pictures of our newest Grandson, Avery Richard McClees, born this morning, July 5th, at 4:59 a.m. He weighed in at 8.5 lbs. and is 19 inches long!!! Dad & Mom, and Big Brothers Gavin & Trevor are all doing just fine! God is GOOD!!!
What a precious little face!

SWISS ALPS & UDDER WONDERS

2008-07-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

These pictures compliment the previous blog that I posted from Hasliberg-Reuti, & Meiringen, Switzerland! Enjoy and I will plan to post more very soon!!!

Hello From Heidi-land!

2008-06-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Switzerland! Grüsse!
This will just be text since I haven't any chance to get my digital images made into a CD or DVD as yet. The trip is going well so far. Our first evening was spent in Frankfurt, near the train station...and little did I know, smack in the middle of the red light district! No wonder they only showed the top of the hotel in the website picture! We survived, even though we didn't get much sleep due to all-night patronage at the hovels below...I remember wondering if those people would ever go home...I'm sure some didn't...
However, the very next day, we headed to the train station as quickly as we could and found our train to Basel Switzerland. We had a lovely trip in the first class cabin, complete with newspaper and beverage service. Once in Basel, we hopped on the next train to Luzern...oh wow...I didn't pay close enough attention to the fact that we should have had our Swiss Rail Passes validated before we boarded and the conductor indicated to me that it was going to cost us 75CHF each to have that done by him! I pleaded innocence plus the fact that we had been mis-directed to the wrong track for our train (true) and so we had needed to hurry to catch the correct train...all this time I was praying, too. Thank the Lord, He heard my prayer and the conductor took pity on us and validated the passes out of the graciousness of his heart. I thanked him profusely and we were well on our way!
Now once we arrived in Luzern, we found the next leg of our journey toward Interlaken, but we got off in Brünig Pass and boarded the Post Bus to Reuti. It went up & up & up to 3000 ft. and Hotel Viktoria where we have been for these past 5 days...enjoying the beautiful Swiss Alps all around this little village. I will try to post pictures as soon as I can because you will not believe how beautiful it is! As we sit on our deck, we hear the rushing water cascading down the mountainside all around us, as well as the cowbells echoing up from the fields just below...so idyllic and QUIET!!!!!
Directly across the valley are the Reichenbach Falls where Sherlock Holmes did away with his nemesis Moriarty! I had no idea! There is a Sherlock Holmes Museum down the mountain via cablecar in Meiringen that we hope to visit tomorrow.
Our meals here at Hotel Viktoria have been splendid: each dinner features 4 courses beginning with a salad and then a soup of some kind (cream of vegetable, cream of carrot, and tonight's offering cream of pumpkin...mmmmm) and then comes the entree...chicken kabob with curry sauce & noodles and spinach, or pork cutlets with potato tots and white wine mushroom sauce...and always a dessert...fresh strawberries & cream or a dessert buffet. Another fun fact: Meiringen (just down the hill) is the birthplace of the "meringue" in 1600! So, there are shops down in the village that sell the most incredible meringue cookies!!
Well, I will write more the next time I sit down at the computer! Tschüss!

Yes, We Were Actually There!

2008-05-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Some of you have asked to see pictures of us doing things in Hawaii...just to make sure we were actually there, I guess! Well, here are a few shots of each of us doing the things we love to do...golfing, eating, swimming, eating, posing, eating, etc. Thanks for asking!!! P.S. ~ I'll bet you can't guess who carries the camera!?!

Kauai's Floral Bounty - A Visual Feast!

2008-05-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

This post is just pictures, pictures, & more pictures of some of the luscious flowers I was blessed to see and smell and capture during our trip! I was feeling a little down that we hadn't come across a botanical garden (that we could just stroll through without paying a fee to see...) when, on the last day we were there, we discovered this lovely garden down by The Spouting Horn near Poipu! I was elated!! Please share my joy!

A Tropical Paradise...Again!

2008-05-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

A-ROO-A-ROO-A-ROOOOO!!! (That's Hawaiian for COCKA-DOODLE-DOO!!!) We just shouted "Barbeque!!!" at them and they usually trotted off!! ...we did NOT enjoy the chickens & stupid roosters that began crowing at 3:00 a.m.!!!

We had the opportunity to spend a week at my Uncle's condo on Kauai, and since we found a good deal on our airfare and car, we were able to take advantage of it! It was located in the Priceville area (very, very nice) and we enjoyed sunshine, warm weather, fresh mangoes & pineapple, swimming in the pool and soaking in the hot tub, and fresher-than-fresh fish for nearly every meal!

The 2nd picture is the view from our lanai...the pool is hidden behind the palm fronds. This 3rd picture shows the lovely waterfall that gently cascaded into the swimming pool. There was one to match it on the other side that tumbled into the hot tub! It was very relaxing!

Here is a picture of the northern coastline with Bali Hai in the hazy distance.

Lastly, an overlook of some taro fields and the lush, beautiful landscape that is Kauai. It is Kauai's delicious floral variety and green-ness that we fell in love with 11 years ago when we visited it for the first time on our 25th Anniversary!

Watch for more pictures of some of the gorgeous flowers of Kauai!!

APRIL OR DECEMBER? YOU DECIDE!

2008-04-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

What a difference a week makes...

Last Saturday in Seattle,
80 delicious degrees at gametime!!!

Today, April 19th,
37 frigid degrees (28 with the windchill) AND SNOW SHOWERS!!! WHA...???

Give us a break!! GLOBAL WARMING? I THINK NOT!!!

Oh, and let's add in another hail storm or
two while we're at it!!!
What wacky weather on this silly Saturday!!!

SPRING FINALLY BLOOMS!

2008-04-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is a bouquet that my husband surprised me with for Easter.
It combines two of my favorite colors...purple and green!
I think it is a stunning combo!

Outside, it is quite a different story!
I took this picture last weekend after an unexpected snow fell in our area...
I wasn't sure whether my daffodils would be hardy enough to survive the temps...
just look at their little heads bent under with the weight of the ice!

Just when I thought things were safe, last night they
even endured a really freaky hail storm with hail the size of grapes!
The flowers can be seen to the left in this picture...

But today, much to my JOY, they opened up their faces
to the glorious sun! Ah...spring has finally arrived!

I THAW'T IT WAS SPRING!

2008-03-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

So it's nearly the end of March...Spring has been with us for a week...and then... what's this? A couple of days' worth of freaky Spring Snow has hit the usually-mild-and-rainy Pacific Northwest! Some outlying areas got as much as 5 or 6 inches! We only got an inch or so and it melted quickly, but it was fun to watch as it blanketed the blooming plum trees and totally confused my daffodils and tulips that are trying with all their might to bloom! Maybe this week...stay tuned!

YODEL-LAY-HEE-HOOOOO!!!

2008-02-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.hotelviktoria.ch/e/home.asp

This is the view from Hotel Viktoria where

I will be spending eight glorious days in June!

I will be a traveling companion to my Aunt

and her friend, and we are looking forward to

exploring the countryside in the area of

Hasliberg-Reuti Switzerland, so help me Heidi!!!

A Rose is A Rose is A Rose...

2007-11-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

These are the final roses from my bushes this year...

"Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers (or roses). They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers -- most of which are never even seen -- don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?...Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:28-30, 34 from The Message Bible // Remix

OKTOBER FLAVORS & COLORS

2007-11-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Our OKTOBERFEST dinner consisting of beer-cooked & grilled brats with German mustard, German potatoes with bacon and Rotkohl - cooked red cabbage! Since it was the last day of Oktober, we finished it in Über-style! Es hat gut geschmeckt!!
These two pictures were taken only a few days apart...I am amazed at the color change in the leaves! I am so thankful that my little tree has such joyful color in the Fall!!! Hooray!!

AHHHHHH...TUM

2007-10-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is a branch on my new tree that I planted in the spring! I'm delighted that its leaves are changing!

I just love the colors of Autumn!

MAUI OCEAN CENTER ~ SEA CRITTERS

2007-09-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

We spent the day at the Maui Ocean Center and it was a wondeful way to spend a few hours! The displays were easy to get to and you felt like you were face-to-face with these sea creatures! I felt like we were caught in Nemo's world...we enjoyed it immensely!

Let me introduce you to:

HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A

The State Fish of Hawai'i

Whadd'ya mean I need a nose job??

These fish move SO fast that it is difficult to get a good picture of them! Plus, you're taking the picture through thick glass or plexiglass, so the images are slightly distorted.

I just LOVE the picture I got of this sea turtle! "Hey dudes! Catch the wave!"

"Here's Brucey!!"
I thought this was precious of this little girl with her face on the glass looking up in awe at the sight of so many things swimming around!

"OHHHHHHH....Let's go on a fieldtrip, a fieldtrip, a fieldtrip...let's go on a fieldtrip, so hang on tight!!!"

"HOO HA HOOHAHA"

ALOHA OE!!!

2007-09-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from our recent Hawai'ian adventure to the island of Maui! We spent 10 days on the island and had a delicious time! The weather was HOT and HUMID, but we figured that even the hottest day in Hawai'i is better than any other day stateside!!

This is the view from our lanai at Napili Kai Beach Resort! Simply lovely!

Could this hibiscus be anymore beautiful??

On one of the nights we were at Napili, there was a concert featuring Hawai'ian Slack Key Guitar Masters. Here, pictured with John, are "Uncle" George Kahumoku, Jr. (left) and
"Uncle" Cyril Pahinui (right). They were really wonderful to watch
and their music was excellent!

Watch for more pictures!!!
Mahalo and Aloha!!

Day Trippin' to Victoria!

2007-05-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to take the Victoria Clipper to visit lovely Victoria B.C.

The morning started out rather chilly and overcast, but turned into a gorgeous day when it was all said and done!

The Butchart Gardens were absolutely stunning in their displays of color and texture!
We were surprised at the number of tulips still in bloom!

Yes, even the garbage cans have incredible plantings on them to delight the eye!!

'Twas a beautiful day spent in a beautiful place with some fine friends!

SPRING RAINING & SPRING TRAINING!!

2007-04-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Last posted: January 31st?? Oh my goodness! Where does the time go?

We just got back from spending a few days down in the Phoenix area! We were able to visit my in-laws and stayed with them in a pleasant town named Casa Grande (between Phoenix & Tucson). While we were there, they experienced a severe weather system bringing thunder and lightning and RECORD rainfall...a downright gully-washer! There was literally a river running through it!

Despite the nasty weather, John & his dad were able to get in some golf and we enjoyed a couple of meals out on the verandah, under the swaying palm trees and with the sweet fragrance of grapefruit blossoms wafting by! Here are a couple of pictures from their RV park. After that deluge, the water level in the lagoon was about two feet higher than normal!

Offering seniors (55+ by definition - yikes, we're almost there!!!) security, tranquility and everything from pickleball to pottery, woodworking to sewing, ballroom dancing to pools & spas... it was quite an oasis in the middle of the desert! We sure enjoyed our visit!

And what good would a visit to Arizona in March be without taking in a spring training game at the beautiful Mariner's Ballpark in Peoria, I ask you?!!? Gladly, gameday arrived with beautiful blue skies and mild temps, for which we were all grateful! Here is a shot of the scoreboard with the "berm" seating in front of it. There were plenty of folks out there getting a tan that day!

Ichiro was warming up right in front of where we were sitting, and he was really fun to watch! Richie Sexson ("Big Sexy") was also doing some warm-up sprints and so we had quite a pre-game show to watch! The Mariners fell behind to the Kansas City Royals during the game, but ended up winning it 5-4 in the bottom of the 8th...it was VERY exciting!

NEW YAWK VINNIE!!!
No, we aren't admiring Kerry's tan line on her arm...if you have a magnifying glass, you can see that she is holding an EMT-delivered icepack in her right hand...a foul ball came screaming our direction and would have landed right in my lap, but a gentleman sitting in front of me stuck out his hand...the ball deflected off of his hand and clobbered Kerry right in the arm! Then, as we were all wondering where the ball had landed, I looked down and there it was at my feet, just sitting there as if it had been there for hours! All of the sudden, our same gentleman friend AND my step-mom-in-law lurched for it at the same time! As they both had their claws into it and were tugging it in opposite directions, our gentleman friend said, "Just let go and I'll let you have it!" Mom responded by releasing her death grip on the ball, and as promised, he handed it over!! Now there's a story to tell over & over again at the RV park!!! We all had a pretty good laugh over it, but Kerry had a bruise for a good week afterward!!

What a trooper!

PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT!!!!!

2007-01-31T21:11:00.000-08:00

Ahhh....the smell of garlic fries and the crack of the bat...

Only 14 days 'til Pitchers & Catchers report to Peoria for the beginning of the 2007 MARINER'S season!!! WOOHOO!

Pictured here is our newest acquisition: Jeff Weaver...this could be fun, sports fans!!

We're toying with heading down to the desert for some sun and some serious outdoor baseball at its best...spring training with the Mariners! Nuthin' could be sweeter!!

And here's a nostalgic picture from last season for all you M's fans out there...I can't wait to get back to the SAFE!

PLAAAAY BAAAALL!!!

I SAY!! IT'S SNOWING AGAIN IN RENTON??

2007-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

YES...QUITE!

We got another 2 inches this morning,

don't you know??

Added on top of the snow and ice that we've been dealing with for the
past week, it's a lovely picture, but scary to drive on!
Hopefully, all things (schools, businesses, etc.) will be back to
near-normal tomorrow! This is getting somewhat stale!!
However, it will probably take a few days for all of the ice to melt...
welcome to THE BIG THAW, Pacific Northwest style!

WINTER WONDERLAND!!

2007-01-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

An early morning view from my office with the garage roofline in the foreground!
Looking out over the back deck with 5-6 inches on the railing...
Aren't these trees just gorgeous? You gotta love it!!!

This is what we woke up to this morning! It began snowing last evening, and was still snowing when we went to sleep last night! Our whole Puget Sound area got a good blanketing of snow, followed by sub-freezing temperatures coming down from Alaska & Canada, so for the next few days, we will be slipping and sliding our way around! My office is closed today due to the horrific driving conditions (many folks just ditched their cars along side the roads & freeways last night) and so I will enjoy this winter wonderland as best I can! Be SAFE, everyone!!!

LEAVENWORTH CHRISTMAS!

2007-01-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

A Scenic View from the Bus Ride

Welcome to Leavenworth!
A Few Thousand of my Best Friends!
Father Christmas, European Style!
I'm in Bavaria, right??
I was blessed to have the opportunity to accompany two busloads of tourists to Leavenworth for the Christmas Town Lighting ceremony on December 9th & 16th! What a dream gig!

The streets were full of tourists and their kids & dogs, booths selling roasted chestnuts (interesting flavor...) and bratwursts and pretzels, people sledding and watching bands and singers perform...it was enchanting as the snow fell all around us!

I will add more pictures very soon!

Monday Night Football Freeze!

2006-11-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

It never got above 30 degrees today, so all of the snow that fell last night and had turned to ice just stayed that way! The roads were an ice rink and several people had to abandon their cars all around the area because they just couldn't get home, especially after the Hawks game! Oh, the humanity!!!

This is the view from our front window of the unbelievable snow storm that slammed the Puget Sound on Monday night, during the Seahawk's game against the Packers on Monday Night Football! Brrrrrrr! Thank the good Lord, we had Hasselbeck AND Alexander back and, AND Jerramy Stevens actually caught a pass for a touchdown!! WooHoo!!

My Home's in Montana...I Wear a Bandana...

2006-11-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

This is the log house that we stayed in at the Double Arrow Resort just north of Missoula MT. It was absolutely wonderful! It even snowed overnight one of the nights we were there!
And this is a view from our front yard...how spectacular is that? I could have sat there and looked at that view all day, but it sure was chilly out!!

VINTAGE CAR SHOW

2006-10-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of a vintage car show that we were able to attend while we were recently on vacation in Solvang CA! As you can imagine, there were hoards of people looking at all of the restored vehicles and the funny thing is, some of those cars didn't look so OLD to us! HA!

Anyway, John had loads of fun poking his head into cars to check out their interiors! There was not a speck of dust to be found!! Of course, his favorite find was a 1965 Mustang...ah, what he wouldn't give to have his "grabber blue" '65 back again!!

I posted the picture of the purple one just because it was so stunning! I hope you enjoy a trip down memory lane!

More California Pix

2006-09-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

On A Mission

2006-09-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

The Santa Ines Mission in Solvang, California, founded in 1804.

The Oregon(e) Coast

2006-07-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Oregon(e) (my friend Sue from Ohio pronounces it "OREGONE" for some silly reason) Coast has always been one of my favorite places to visit...to enjoy the beauty, the weather, the sand between my toes, the sounds, the smell of the ocean...all of these things make my senses come alive! This is one of the most outstanding views on the coast ~ it is of the beach at Nehalem taken from a look-out on Neahkahnie Mountain. Years ago, our family camped there at the state park, and we have very fond memories of our time spent building sand castles, getting sunburned, frolicking in the surf, walking across the hot, squeaky sand and playing Boggle by the campfire! I will NEVER tire of going to the beach and I think you can see why this is one of my favorites!!
This sunset is our reward for just being there! This production occurs each and every evening with a different result every time! What a spectacular event with the "silver lining" and the rays streaming out in all directions! I could have taken a picture every 30 seconds and no two would have been alike! God's MAJESTY is revealed in His Creation!! What a gift ~ AWESOME!!

AH...SUMMER!

2006-07-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Please allow me to share some pictures of some of my favorite things!

One of my favorite things about summer is the chance to plant and nurture beautiful flowers in my yard and on my deck! It is very therapeutic to me to be able to tend each plant...to pick off the dead blossoms and to see the new growth coming!

There is something very fulfilling about watching a plant develop...kind of like a child, but you can break a stem off of a plant and it will survive! One day recently, I stepped out onto the deck and just happened to look up at this enormous dragonfly on the petunia blossom! It was absolutely stunning! I hope you'll be able to see that guy in this picture...he's right in the center!

This is just one of several pots of flowers I have currently in bloom on the deck. I love putting different textures and colors together and waiting patiently for them to fill in to create a beautiful picture!

This summer is the first opportunity I've had in a long time to actually plant some new things in my front yard...so far, we've added three new rose bushes, some sunflowers, Jacob's Ladder and coreopsis! The hydraengea and lily are blooming wonderfully, as well! I hope to add a couple of pieris shrubs going by the name of "Pink Flamingo", adding color, texture and privacy to the front!

I just love to be a caretaker in the garden! Isn't God's Creation just lovely?

FATHER'S DAY 2006

2006-06-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the dads out there! And especially to my dad, my father-in-law, and to these two dads shown here...my husband and our son with our two grandsons!! We had a wonderful Dad's Day BBQ complete with water balloon fight and plenty of badminton birdies flying over the fence!! Thanks to our daughter-in-law, the event was lovely indeed! And a good time was had by all :-)

Who IS This Handsome Couple?

2006-06-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Why it's Yours Truly and Spouse during one of our 'formal evenings' while on our recent cruise aboard the ms Westerdam with Holland America! Don't we clean up good? Ah, a week-long cruise to Alaska and back...I highly recommend it!

2006-06-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

The Cam River at "The Backs"

2006-06-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

Majestic King's College Chapel, Cambridge

2006-06-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

A Rainy-Day View of St. John's College Cambridge

2006-06-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

12th Century Round Church - 2nd Oldest Building in Cambridge

2006-06-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Punting on the Cam - A Rainy Day in Cambridge

Somewhere Over the Glacier...

2006-06-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't posted in awhile, I thought I'd let you know why! I returned home from my U.K. adventures at the end of May and then had four short days to do laundry, repack my suitcase and recover from the inevitable jet-lag...before heading out on a week-long cruise from Seattle to Alaska and back!!!

This picture (bottom) was taken in Glacier Bay and I was able to capture the Margerie Glacier in the act of "calving", which is when a large chunk of ice cracks, breaks off and falls into the bay! As you can imagine, it is a stunning display and each of these events brought a roar of approval and applause from those gathered on the bow of the ship! It was an experience that I won't soon forget! The day was sunny and relatively warm, and more than one person displayed a sun/snow-burn the next day!

My husband and I also took a helicopter ride out of Juneau to the Mendenhall Glacier where we landed and were left on the glacier to walk around for about an hour! What an adventure! My very first helicopter ride AND my very first (and probably last) time on a glacier(top picture)! Brrrrr!!!

Our other ports of call were Sitka, where we boarded a glass-bottomed boat for a tour of the underwater world of the bay; Prince Rupert, where we took a relaxing coach tour of that quaint town and salmon cannery; and Victoria B.C., where we just stayed on the ship and had it pretty much to ourselves!

It was a wonderful time - the hardest decision we had to make all week was trying to decide which fork was the correct one to use with: appetizer, salad, dinner, dessert...no worries - if you used them all up, a new one would magically appear at your spot! The food was outstanding, the service unsurpassed, and the people we were with made it a most enjoyable "time of our lives"!!

These Stones are Older Than Dirt!

2006-05-20T03:23:00.000-07:00

Of course, I am referring to our visit to Stonehenge...a most amazing sight, indeed! On Thursday, we spent the morning at Salisbury, walking through its amazingly grand cathedral with eyes and cameras at full attention. The town was quaint with a river literally running through it and the ducks and swans were in abundance. Everywhere you look, there are immense lilac and wisteria bushes in full bloom and the mass of purple against the stone and brick is nothing less than stunning! There was an open market in the square selling various wares...everything from brightly-colored flowers & home-made crafts to sausages, cheeses and pastries! A tourist's and homemaker's delight!

From Salisbury, we boarded the coach for the short trip to Stonehenge. The weather at this time was incredibly blustery...the wind nearly blew us over with its power! But, we prevailed and haltingly made our way around this massive display of brute strength and perseverance...this site was ABANDONED over 3500 years ago!! Just think of it! I was overwhelmed with the history of the site and it's still sinking in! I got some great shots of it, but, since I'm using a computer in the library here in Stratford-on-Avon, I can't download any pictures for this post. You will have to come back and visit my blog sometime next week after I've returned home and have had a chance to post some of my favorites!

Yesterday (Friday), we made the journey from Bath to Stratford, and it is truly a lovely place! If you look down the street and squint, you can almost imagine Shakespeare walking among the half-timbered houses, some looking as if they are about to collapse, but have probably looked like that for some 400 years!! There are beautifully sculpted gardens and the River Avon (remember, that's "A'-vun" with the emphasis on the "A") flows gently by, never giving any indication of the history its seen! If only its banks could talk...the stories it could tell!

A number of us are going to attend the cinema (NOT to be confused with THE THEATRE) this afternoon to see "The DaVinci Code"...after which I am certain I will need a bracing cup or POT of tea! Then, several of the students were able to get "standing" tickets to The Swan (THE Shakespearean Theatre here in Stratford) to see a production of "Antony & Cleopatra" featuring Patrick Stewart in the lead role! Needless to say, they are beside themselves with excitement!! We also have theatre tix to "Much Ado About Nothing", "Julius Caesar" and "Romeo & Juliet" for early next week! I will just be able to attend "Much Ado", and then I must depart for London on Tuesday in order to make my flight home on Wednesday afternoon from Heathrow!

Tomorrow, we have a scheduled coach trip to Oxford, and I will try to see some of the sites recommended to me by Kim Gilnett, a dear friend from SPU who has spent many a summer in and around that area, particularly working at the C.S. Lewis House, The Kilns. That will take up most of my Sunday, I imagine. And then, Monday will be my final full day with this group before heading home! They will be having class in the local "scout hut" (how quaint is that? I wonder if Shakespeare ever went camping as a boy scout??) and perhaps we will have dinner together Monday evening as a "farewell" to jolly ole' England for me...the students will be continuing on to London for yet another week of travel & theatre & frivolity!!

BATH Anyone?

2006-05-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

On "Mum's Day", we were travelling by coach from Cambridge to Bath, and I was feeling a little low and I had overheard some of the students saying that they were missing their moms, so I got a wonderful idea: I suggested to them that since I was missing my own kids and grandkids, and they were missing their "mums", that perhaps they could give me a hug in place of their mum. Several of them took me up on it, and we had a hug-fest right then & there! I have a suspicion that they needed to give them just as much as I needed to receive them!! There's just something about contact with another human being...it's not overrated!!

We've been here in the city of Bath now for just over 24 hours, and I can honestly say that it's just a lovely city! Most of the houses and buildings are of the Georgian archictectural style, built from limestone from quarries just outside of Bath. Since I don't know how to attach a link, you can visit the place where I'm staying at www.threeabbeygreen.com

The Roman Baths are just up the street from here and I plan on visiting there tomorrow. Also in the near vicinity is the majestic Bath Abbey which is another absolute "must see"! Then there is the Jane Austen Centre with the Costume Museum just around the corner, as well as Sally Lunn's House, the oldest house in Bath, dating from 1462! I just took afternoon tea there as well as partook of the famous "Sally Lunn Bun", a sweet roll that was originally baked by Sally Lunn...and I had mine topped with lemon curd and clotted cream! Mmmmmmmm - almost like eating lemon meringue pie!!

Thursday, we have a coach trip scheduled to Salisbury and Stonehenge, so that will be a fun trip to report on! I'll attempt to post at least once more before we head to Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday morning! BTW - did you know that there are no less than SEVEN Avon Rivers in England & Scotland? And...the word AVON means RIVER?! That's your history/geography lesson for the day!! Cheers!

Winding Down

2006-05-12T04:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we are nearing the end of our stay here in Cambridge. I will spend a few hours tomorrow (Saturday) repacking the contents of my bag(s) so that I can manage them well. I happened upon a good buy the other day...a nice backpack at a Salvation Army Thrift Store (called appropriately "Sally Ann's")...so that now I can make some purchases and put them in the bag I used for my carry-on on the way over. I will then check that bag so that I don't have to try and stash it over my head on the flight! Sorry...that was rather run-on...

Today is a lovely, sunny day and I am feeling relieved as I have just now completed my reservations for a room at London Heathrow for the night before my homebound flight. I have been putting that off (don't know why) but, not that it is done, I'm very happy!

I spent a few hours yesterday afternoon at the Fitzwilliam Museum in the city centre. I headed directly for the French Artists (1800 - 1900) to view the few Impressionist paintings on display there. But, let me just say...that giftshop! Incredible!! ;-)

I figured out how to upload a picture, as I was able to save all of the pix on my first filled memory card to a CD yesterday! Hooray! However, I'm sorry if there are two of the same images! I don't know why or how that happened! Anyway, this is one view of some of the amazing architecture in King's Street. This is just a hint of things to come & I will share more later!

Today is one of the student's birthday, so I have been invited to join her & some of the other students for dinner, in her honor. I am waiting for a phone call to find out where they are headed - it should be fun!

As my time (both here in Cambridge AND on in the internet cafe) is winding down, I will be signing off for now. Thank you, again, for all of your comments! I look forward to reading them each time I'm online!! That's it for now :-) Enjoy!!

The Spiritual Garden

2006-05-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

It has been raining pretty heavily since my last post, but I think my umbrella is finally dried out enough to fold it back up and stick it back in my bag for the next episode. I am so thankful I brought a raincoat!
On Sunday, I was invited to accompany some students into the city for some "spiritual food", which I was really needing about now. When I'm on the European continent, I'm used to spending more time in cathedrals and churches, but here, most of the churches and chapels are connected to the colleges, and since it is nearing the time for finals, the colleges are closed to visitors, so you can't just waltz in and sit down or look around. All that was to say that we headed for vespers at King's College Chapel, open to the public everyday at a certain time. Just walking in and looking up was enough to take my breath away! The incredibly high vaulted, arched ceiling was stunning and the enormous stained glass windows running down the entire length of the chapel nearly overwhelmed me with their grandeur. The choir (consisting of both men & women) and clergy came in and sang Evensong for the day...I just closed my eyes and allowed the rich organ chords and echoing vocals to fill my spirit...it brought tears to my eyes when the chords swelled, then resolved into an incredible melting of sound. The seating was such that the center aisle is wide with the bench-style seats parallel the outer walls, facing each other and the center. An experience NOT to be missed.

Now, you get to hear about the garden! Yesterday, I visited the Cambridge Botanical Gardens...yep, in the rain again! But, even though it was raining, it was a truly lovely "sweetness to my soul" as the lilacs and peonies were in bloom, plus tulips and irises were to be found. Just being in the center of so much green was refreshing as there were many evergreens there and it smelled of Christmas! Some of the trees were ancient and have obviously been here for time plus time again. There was an herb garden with rosemary, mint, camomille, thyme, etc. and greenhouses with types of orchids I have never seen before! What a wonderful way to spend a drizzly day! With a nice warm bowl of Highland Vegetable soup (my guess is that it was called "Highland" due to the barley in it!) and a bacon & cheese "toastie" in my tummy, the day was complete!
Observations from the tele: boy, do they love their Quiz Programs and "Murder She Wrote" over here! You can find a MSW episode on most any time of the day or night!! I have enjoyed a few episodes of Agatha Christie's Poirot & Miss Marple with my dinner some evenings! Also big are very OLD episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond, King of Queens and Frasier. What a hoot!
Well, friends (oh yeah, and "Friends" is popular here, too!), that's about it for now. We are in Cambridge for yet another 4 days, departing Sunday morning via coach for Bath. I hope that the weather clears enough for some of the students to go punting on the Cam, on the "Backs"...that is, the Cam River is located at the "back" of several of the colleges. So much I have learned here! To be continued...

Cambridge Rocks

2006-05-06T04:13:00.000-07:00

I just have time for a few words about Cambridge...it is so beautiful with all of the historic colleges and churches! It is known as "cycle city" as there are SO many students with bicycles that are in residence during the academic year. On our walking tour of the city on Thursday, besides enduring temps in the low to mid 80s (WOW - totally unseasonable for here), we were treated to an inside glimpse of Emmanuel College, complete with a plaque honoring John Harvard, who attended there and later went on to America and established, yes...what else...Harvard! King's College, Queen's College, Jesus College...surrounded by Jesus Green, Jesus Lane, Jesus Ditch and yes, even Jesus Lane Shopping Forum! There are also huge lawn areas that have been overtaken by people lounging about reading, studying, playing football or cricket...it's truly lovely.

A funny story...we packed up all of the leftover food items that Dr. Reinsma and I had purchased during our stay in Edinburgh to transfer to our apartment here in Cambridge (such a thing as toilet paper is a handy item to have on hand ;-). Anyway, somewhere along the line in our coach transfer, an accident happened...
as I opened the bag to transfer provisions to my new kitchen arrangement, I reached in and felt something sticky...I mean REALLY sticky...and gooey...I pulled out my hand and to my shock, discovered it covered in RASPBERRY PRESERVES!! Yep - a whole jar of raspberry jam had broken wide open in the bag and had covered everything with seedy red gooey glop! So, I had to rinse all the remaining items from the bag and then carefully scoop out the jam from the bag and attempt to wash all the "sticky" off! Yeah...it wasn't very funny at the time, but NOW I can laugh!!

I'm posting from an Eastern Indian-type internet cafe...there are people smoking hooka pipes in the back...hmmm...very interesting. But, the cafe is close by my apartment and convenience is the key!

Again, I thank each and every one of you for your comments to my posts...it really helps motivate me to post on a regular basis, as I look forward to knowing that you have had a minute to read my blog! That's it for now! Cheerio!

PROPER ENGLISH GREETINGS!

2006-05-04T03:30:00.000-07:00

Posting now from the international city of Cambridge! It is a warm beautiful day and I'm certain we will all enjoy our walking tour (later today) of the historic city center with all its colleges and churches. I am really looking forward to taking plenty of shots of the architecture around here! Yesterday afternoon, we spent a few hours relaxing at a famous outdoor tea garden called The Orchard, just a ways outside of Cambridge in a location called Grantchester. The weather was just lucious with a few high clouds as we enjoyed an early afternoon tea & huge home-baked scones with blackberry jam and, of course, clotted cream! The apple & pear trees are just now blossoming and the lawn chairs reclined to permit napping after partaking of the beloved beverage.

As you can imagine, there are plenty of students meandering around Cambridge, of all nationalities...this equals many, many bicycles as the terrain is relatively flat, compared to Edinburgh! I've seen food offerings from Thailand, Greece & Japan, interspersed with the obiligatory Kentucky Fried and Pizza Hut! And, of course, the Pubs...The White Hart, The Green Man, The Blue Ball (you figure that one out), etc. They all serve excellent food & beverage...or so I'm told ;-)

I'm off to the market now to get some provisions for my apartment. It will be interesting to see what kind of market I happen to walk into! This internet cafe is close by my place and is very inexpensive (1 British pound per hour) so, I hope to be visiting & posting on a regular basis for the remainder of our time here...10 more days. Now I'm off to check the status of the Mariners! Ta!

CHEERS!

2006-05-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am in Edinburgh, at the Elephant House Cafe, on the internet at last! It's been a wonderful week here in this lovely city...if only I could figure out how to download some pix to share with you all! Oh well...I'll work on that. In the meantime, I have become acquainted with this place over the past week and find it totally enchanting! I would definitely come back and visit again! Upon arrival, I was on my lips and it took me a couple of days to get over the jetlag, but the apartment I have been given is quite lovely & quiet and fully equipped for cooking, etc.

My colleague had even stocked it with a few supplies so that I could have a proper cup of tea and some toast! It overlooks several tiny English-style gardens and when the evening sun makes its way around to my side, the room totally explodes in color, as the walls are painted a bright rosy-coral shade! The brilliance never ceases to amaze me and I think I have taken a picture of the room (yes, the room) every single evening! Sights & impressions so far: stately Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile leading from the castle to Holyrood House (Queen E's residence when in Scotland)...plenty of shops selling everything from kilts to bagpipes to haggis...spring bursting out everywhere in the gardens full of tulips & daffodils...men in kilts (YES! ~ don't worry John, wink wink...I didn't look when I could have...)...incredible Georgian-style architecture everywhere...VERY friendly people ~ I sat down to eat a packed lunch and made the acquaintance of a "rubbish collector" named Peter, but that was about all I could understand him saying, his brogue was SO thick!...everybody calls you "Luv"...difficulty remembering to always look RIGHT when attempting to cross a street...these are a few of my favorite things! We will be leaving here first thing tomorrow morning for a day-long coach (bus) ride to Cambridge where we (me, Professor Reinsma + 20 of our 30 students) will meet up with the professor (Dr. Wolfe) instructing during the 2nd half of the program. Ten of our students are traveling independently right now, mostly in Italy :-) It will be fun to hear of their travels and adventures. This morning was the first day that it actually went beyond the threat and rained a bit. But now, at 3:00pm, the sun is coming out and I think the forecast for the remainder of the week is the promise of decent weather ~ hallelujah! I am sure I will have more opportunity to be online once we get to Cambridge. I appreciate any and ALL comments! Please keep in touch :-) Cheers!

'GOOD TO GO' FOR 10 MORE YEARS!

2006-04-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

OH HAPPY DAY!! It has arrived! All is well!!

Now I can be less stressed about it and really get ready to go! We're down to single digits ~ only 9 days and counting!

I want to wish everyone a very blessed Easter celebration with your friends, families and loved ones.

"And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared. Back and forth they talked. 'Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?'" Luke 24:30-32 The Message//Remix

May your eyes and hearts be opened to the wonder of the Saviour and His Resurrection!

2006-04-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I need to receive my renewed passport in the mail! If it doesn't come, I will have to call back East and pay extra to have it expedited...not part of the original plan! However, it is something I must have before I head out on my journey on April 24th!

I'll be accompanying 30 college students and a Professor on a study tour of Edinburgh Scotland, and Cambridge, Bath & Stratford-upon-Avon England. I've been to Europe four times previously, but never to the British Isles yet! I am reading up on our destinations so that I will be sure to see as much as I can in the time we are there. To be continued...

2006-04-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Gnome Sweet Gnome

2006-04-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. Be watching for periodic updates on my European travels! Scotland and England, here I come!