A Walk in Time

The last few days my husband and I have taken a walk in time down memory lane.

We are visiting places he lived before we became us.

Forty years changes many things, at first it was hard to recognize the place.

Then,

Slowly recognition dawned.

The base was closed in the 90's, yet we found what we were looking for

We climbed the 10 flights of steps to the top of the control tower

We found the barracks where he lived

The  NCO club building was still there

Our daughter was able to help us get access to the commissary where we purchased American treats for our trip

We found the base chapel where he went to church

We sat on the flight line for about two hours sipping a soda and reminiscing  over our dreams and hopes both past and future

Bitburg, Germany is a place I have heard about and thought about for 40 years.

It is where my sweetheart became his own man, made decisions and choices that would affect our life together

For 40 years he has promised to take me there

It is a beautiful place where the green fields are spring green in August

The rolling hills are covered with fertile farms

The hamlets are picturesque

My sweetheart went home this week and he took me with him

Thank you, Shawna for helping your parents make a dream come true

Livin the Dream

Today my sweetheart and I toured America's largest house, Biltmore Estate.

It was a lovely dream home for a wealthy family, now shared with the world.

We have been gone a while and I am anxious to get home to my own little piece of heaven.

True we do not have over 200 rooms and we make just 2 bathrooms work, but it is the corner of the world that we call home.

We sat on the veranda at the Biltmore today and enjoyed the lovely view, but I have found the view from our front porch to be just as rejuvenating.

I love gathering our family in the dining room around my grandmother's table, it is best when all 30 of us are present, though it is fulfilling when it is just my country gentleman and me.

I call my sweetheart my country gentleman and when I do he shudders just a bit.

I tell him that his new full time job is to take care of our assets and together we will keep our country home running smoothly.

He blushes and tells me to stop teasing--that I have read too many period novels.

I remind him that we live on 6 acres in the woods and he is a gentleman--kind and thoughtful.

We will be home again tomorrow, the dogwoods are in bloom and the azaleas should be in bright color.

The plan for this week is a bit of landscaping, flower beds, fresh mulch.

A few grandchildren are coming to visit and spend a few days.

Life is good for us as we live our happy lives in our modest country home.

A home filled with love and laughter is a rich home indeed.

Food for the Soul

While we are visiting in different countries we like to eat the local food. I learned that I love cabbage when cooked the Czech way, and that polish dumplings are delicious. When we went to Italy a few years back we were treated to some of the most delicious home cooked meals, so much food to fill and over fill a hungry soul.

Germans are not famous for their delicious food, but while in Germany my husband cannot get enough currywurst with pommes frites covered in mayonnaise. We went to a gaust haus for a quick lunch last week and my mouth is still watering over the yummy mashed potatoes they served me.

When we visit my son Michael we enjoy the fresh doughnuts for breakfast. At Cara's we enjoy SAS cupcakes. The yogurt at Shawna's comes in a jar and is smooth and yummy.

Food is a great way to gather people and make a memory. Long after the experience is over you can recall the taste and smell, remembering people, places and conversations.

I love to cook for my family, gathering them around my grandmothers table, serving up a slow cooked roast dripping in gravy with creamy mashed potatoes on the side.

Shawna and I were talking about meal planning the other day and favorite foods that the children enjoy. Victoria declared that her favorite food is found in Grandma's kitchen (thank you for the ego boost my beautiful girl). I must agree with her because my memory of favorite childhood foods are those that came out of my grandmother's kitchen--including German Chocolate Cake.

Good food, good memories.

Snow!!

We are visiting our daughter and her family who live in Germany.

It has been quite cold and that smattering of left over snow that was on the ground when we arrived still has a few black piles lurking in corners of town. It rained and snow mixed a few times over the last week, but a pretty snow blanket has yet to fall for us.

We wear our coats, hats, scarves, gloves and boots, because it is cold. It rains on us and the wind blows. Through it all we travel and sight see, we take the children to school and run errands. We enjoy every day living with our daughter where going to the grocery store is a cultural experience.

We rented a car over the weekend and traveled with the family to Poland. We walked in the rain around piles of black snow and ice mounds to see fairytale cities then stopped to ooo and aaa over the pretty pottery.

When my husband was stationed here 40 years ago he lived 7 hours away from where Shawna lives. We thought we would return from Poland with the family and then take the rental car off on our own and continue across the country to see the sights he has promised to show me since I met him. We had a nice 3 day get away planned.

We woke up this morning and put the clean laundry into the suit case. Kissed little ones good bye as they headed off to school. We were working on breakfast and last minute details when it happened. First a flake or two, then twenty seven, then a thousand and twenty seven flakes fell. So many flakes that in 10 minutes it laid a beautiful blanket on the ground. Picture post card pretty.

We were going to be cutting it close to make our destination by nightfall. The snow is so pretty and it would be fun to play snow balls with the grand children. Maybe traveling this summer across the country would be smarter, we could take the family with us.

It has been decided. We will return the car and enjoy the snow with the grand children this afternoon when they come home from school. We will reschedule our trip for our visit this summer. Maybe the grass will be green and flowers will bloom as we drive across the mountains and enjoy the sights of Germany.

Snow has fallen and it is beautiful. It is a lovely day.

Car Seat Adventures

Lately I have had my 1 year old grand daughter staying with me while her mama recuperates from back surgery. She is a jewel of a child, always happy, but, I have been reminded that it is much easier to have and take care of children while you are young.

The car seat adventures were many:

Because taking a one year old with me is not my norm, making sure we had a proper car seat in the car of choice for the adventure we were setting out on was a daily ritual.

After finally getting the car seat into the proper car and securely strapped in it was time to strap in the child--this became a daily adventure as our Christmas weather this year fluctuated from a high that dipped to 40 then just days later soared to 70 necessitating the need of a coat or light sweater depending on the day--thus making the seat belt adjustment over the coat or non coat necessary.

One day after almost finishing this half hour ritual I noticed an aroma coming from the back seat that required a return trip inside to remove the coat, tights and diaper only to put them all back on the baby once again.

We went out for an excursion around the neighborhood one evening to view the lights while carolers loudly sang from the back of our truck. It was a fun evening that we all enjoyed very much, until it was time to remove the car seat again. My husband was at work most days while I played the car seat ballet. On this evening he attempted to help me, not understanding how the restraint system worked he attached the straps to a hinge on the back seat of the truck. When we tried to extract the seat it was an impossible task. He got out the screw drivers and removed the hinges, got out the pliers to pull and tug at the restraint, still no luck. He is a full sized man and our back seat in the truck is a mini sized area. Eventually with brute force he finally dislocated the seat from it's secure position, bending the restraint and his back as he did so.

After a clear bill of health from her doctor, our daughter and her husband came to retrieve their youngest child 2 days before Christmas. It was with a bit of sadness as we said farewell to the child and a lot of joy as we removed the car seat from our car for the last time.

I do not mind booster chairs in the back seat, they do not take up much room and make it easy for the child to see out of the window. Car seats though, are on my list of necessary evils that make the world go around. Ada, I miss you, but I must say that I do not miss our daily adventures with your back seat throne.

Security

From Germany to the States took almost 18 hours. Tired and worn out before needing to wade through security one last time, we marched on.

We had just finished passport control and found our way to terminal 3. As we placed our items on the conveyor belt two men jumped in between me and my mother. Mom got through security just fine, the two men were struggling. It was my turn and my items were rolling along when TSA decided to pull me out of line and let me go through the newfangled security machine that can see EVERYTHING.

My health condition requires that I keep my stress low, eat regularly and get enough sleep--none of which were happening on this particular day.

With my arms over my head I tried to stand still as the modern wonder scanned my tooth fillings. I had my hair pinned up on top of my head with plastic clips (to minimize security stress) and the modern "see-all" did not like it. Soon a lady had her hands in my hair, poking and prodding to see what I had hidden in the rats nest she was creating. FUN, it was not.

I was visibly distressed with the poking and gouging from the lady wearing gloves that had been in how many other peoples hair while another TSA lady shouted at me that they could do a full pat down if that is what I wanted.

Now I know that two grandmas coming back from a Christmas holiday with the grandkids are truly a security risk to watch out for. I travel frequently and know how to do security, but these new machines, after a long day, while still facing still another few hours, was just a little too much.

As I look back on the experience I think the dirty gloves and pokey fingers, while being shouted at, were my undoing. I could not get home fast enough to wash my hair.

After the near tear experience at security we walked down the concourse to find our gates. As we looked down the long hall lovely Christmas decorations greeted us. Rich full garlands draped the arched ceiling. The garlands were wrapped in shining red ornaments and ribbons. All of a sudden we were reminded of the joy of the season and why we decided to travel at this time of year.

It was a great trip full of wonderful memories. After 24 hours of travel to reach my home that hot bath felt really good.

Christmas Magic

Begin with 2 parents who are lacking in sleep and quiet time

Add 5 children under 10 who are excited about everything

Mix in one basset hound puppy who is almost adult size (but has no manners because she is still in training)

Toss in a Christmas tree, ornaments, toys, blankets, snowboots, gloves and scarfs

Sprinkle liberally with lots of good food to eat (most of which lands on the floor)

For good measure fold in a grandma and great grandma who are a little jet lagged

This is Christmas Magic at it's best--
Crazy and Fun

Home

Home is a great place to be.

I love my home, I love my house, I love the land that my house sits on.

I enjoy walking out in the yard and seeing the pretty flowers in bloom.

I am treated to a paradise of thought when I really look at the pictures on the walls of my home.

I feel content when I put on my apron and get to work in my cozy kitchen.

I enjoy the feel of the worn wooden floor under my feet as I wander from room to room putting things in their proper place.

I feel enlightened as I choose a book from the shelves that are filled with knowledge, thoughts and mental getaways.

I love the feeling of coziness I get in our family room when it is lamplit at night and I am wrapped in a warm quilt.

I enjoy my home when it is brimming with the laughter of small children running about exploring corners to be found only at grandma's house.

I am thankful for a peaceful moment when a loved one will sit on the lawn swing with me and talk about what is happening in their life.

I am thankful for the energy to still be able to take a piece of sand paper, a paint brush or a trowel and continue the work that is making my dream of our fixer upper come true.

I have traveled the far corners of the world this summer. I have been home but a few weeks and have spent the time digging into deep corners that have wanted attention for a while. I have enjoyed vacuuming away cobwebs and dusting edges that sit and wait until it is their turn.

As the saying goes:

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

I am glad for the opportunity to travel.

I am thankful for a sweet place to come home to.

Family Reunion

My sister and her husband attend a family reunion from his side of the family every year. I remember attending a family reunion or two as a child, we went to the park and played and had a picnic--I enjoyed the twirly slide.

When my daughter comes from Europe I try to get all of my children together for a few days so cousins can bond and siblings can share. She comes about every 3 years unless there are unusual circumstances. Last summer Shawna was with us and I was able to get us all together--not all at once--but one weekend we rotated in and out. Shawna took pictures and published a small book then sent a copy to each family. She called the weekend a family reunion. As I look at the pictures of cousin fun in the sun I remember the joy of having my family together as best we could.

I boasted it as a cousin overnighter. We started in early evening with some lawn games like a water melon spitting contest and a shaving cream slip and slide. We had a barbeque and melted in the summer humidity of the south. My husband and I sent the parents off while we kept the children for a sleepover at grandma and grandpa's. The next morning all families headed in their own directions. That was it: 15 hours, food, family fun and a daughter with insight to make it an event to remember.

This year we had a new baby to bless. We were returning from our Disney adventure with two 8 year olds. Michael and his family drove down from Indiana and met us at the house when we returned. On Saturday four more families showed up one by one.

It was fun to watch the cousins play and figure out their place in the family. Two 4 year olds realized they had a lot in common and had fun dressing up together and stealing everyone's pillows. Babies cooed and gooed together as they scooted around on the floor. Girls got busy drawing and creating, boys had fun at the foosball table. Brothers helped their dad figure out the wiring for the television. Sisters talked about children and coupons. When the children were quiet the cards came out and the laughter started. I enjoyed cooking for the crowd.

We spent a little over 24 hours together. We went to church and welcomed the newest member of the family. There was a circle of 12 worthy men gathered around that new baby, my heart swelled with joy to see the sight. We had 24 members of our family gathered in our home to visit and share.

We were missing one family in body, but they were here in spirit. When the girls were drawing and creating they made an icon for each cousin, colored it, cut it out and taped it to the game room door. When I stopped to look at the creation I realized they put one up for all cousins, for those in Germany and our little angel in heaven, 17 in all.

What is a family reunion? An opportunity to get together and share? When my children make an effort to come it deserves my recognition of their sacrifice to be together. Fun and games, happy memories of family bonding, good food. On Monday I had mountains of laundry to do and piles of hidden treasures to find. I have decided that a family reunion is what happens when my family has the opportunity to reunite after being away from each other. We live states and countries away from each other, but our hearts are knit together. Opportunities like this last weekend are what keep us close even though miles and time separate us.

Building a strong family is hard work that is worth the effort and sacrifice.

Family Vacations

Over the years my husband and I have tried to take a week or so each summer to play and party with our children. We would select a destination each year that fit with our travel and cash constraints. Some years we would go camping, sometimes we would rent a beach house, a time or two we headed south for a bit of Disney Magic, we have gone on Church History trips and had a few American History destinations as well. Anything was fair game as long as we had the time and money.

It was fun to set up the destination, organize the travel arrangements and set off for a bit of fun and relaxation away from our everyday lives. As the children became busy with their own schedules as teenagers and college students it was sometimes challenging to figure out a time we could all be together, but we usually were able to figure it out. Now that our children are grown, have children of their own and live in different states and countries it is becoming quite difficult to get everyone together, but still we try.

Sometimes one of our children will invite us to come along with them as they take their children on an adventure. We have enjoyed traveling cross country, the beach, camping and amusement parks this way.

It is fun to get away from it all and see the world with different eyes for a few days. I have learned that it is nice to make the trip as long as possible because sometimes it takes a few days to let go of the stress of home and work before you can start really enjoying the fun of something new. I have also learned that you need to be flexable, such as the year we were going to go camping at the beach until the weatherman predicted rain for the week, we quickly adjusted the budget and found an inexpensive cottage that was worth the price.

Families grow together when given the opportunity to work, laugh, cry, pray and play together. I have vivid memories of family vacations as a child. I tried to give my children opportunities for fun and travel when they were young. I am enjoying watching them take time to travel with their children to fun destinations that will make memories to last a life time and bind the family together in love and happiness.

Family, hard work that is worth every effort.

The Mountains

This week my parents are off camping in the High Sierra Mountains of California. My grandparents started this tradition when my father was a baby. My father introduced my mom to this adventure when she was a young bride. I have many happy memories of roughing it with my siblings and cousins for a week or longer every summer of my growing up years. When I was married I took my husband and children as they came along. It has been a family tradition for over 75 years.

I grew up thinking my cousins were siblings and knowing I could rely on my aunts and uncles for direction and love, all because of the close bonds that were formed from these family vacations.

I can call it a vacation, because for the most part I was a child enjoying the fun of it all, when in reality it was hard work for my parents and grandparents. We packed it all in--tents, food, stoves, fuel, tables, chairs--everything we would need for the stay. Once we were in we stayed until it was time to leave. It gets cold in the High Sierra's and it is dirty there. Hard work for the parents of little children. But the memories, incredible.

When my husbands job moved us away from the west coast our opportunities to go camping with the extended family became few and far between, but during this week each year my heart travels with my family across the Southern California desert, up past Bishop and into Mammoth and then down the side of the mountain to Agnew Meadows where we have pitched tents and camped every year for decades.

I long to get up early and help cut the cantaloupe and cook the ham, eggs and pancakes for the 40 or so that will be gathered for breakfast each morning before heading off to hike and fish for the day. I think of the women that stay in camp enjoying a quiet reading moment and the puzzle and card games that are happening. I have vivid memories of my grandmother cooking good and simple food for her large family to fill us up at the end of a wonderful day. I enjoyed watching my teen and 20 year old sons take their turns with the ax and the logs for the nightly fire.

I am hoping that soon my husband will retire and we can take a trip out west and join the family reunion another time or two with my parents, aunts and uncles, siblings and cousins. We have made an effort to continue the tradition of camping and family get togethers with our children and grand children, but in my mind, camping as a family group in the High Sierras is the high standard to meet.

Family, hard work that is well worth the effort.

Road Trip with Connor and Ella

Last week was a wonderful adventure for two cousins and their grandparents. We put 2500 miles on the car as we made a circle from NC up through 2 more states before spending the weekend in IN. On Monday we headed south driving all day until we found GA where we spent the night and celebrated Grandma's birthday with a bit of ice cream from Cracker Barrel. Tuesday we finally entered Florida and checked into our amazing hotel.

The bathroom was the highlight of the lodgings, the tub was free standing and when you turned on the water it fell from the ceiling. We had two bedrooms and a fully stocked kitchen, a balcony and lovely living room. WOW. Grandpa and his points sure do treat us nicely.

On Wednesday we were at Disney's Magic Kingdom before it opened and we stayed until after it closed--8:30am until 1:30am--seventeen hours of full on magic and fun. We had a touring plan, rain ponchos, a water bottle, snacks and extra socks (we needed it all), With the plan we never waited in line except at Pirates of the Caribbean and then only for about 20 minutes. We rode all of the rides we wanted to and a few twice or three times.

On Thursday we lounged by the pool, went miniature golfing and had dinner with the King and Queen watching the jousting matches at Medieval Times. It was fun to wear a crown and be called Sir and Milady, we felt quite royal.

Friday we got up early and made scrap books of our travels before heading to the pool for one last ride on the water slide before settling back into the car for the ride home. Along about SC we decided to extend the trip for a few more hours and got a hotel room. Of course we headed to the pool for some water fun before turning in for the night. Saturday morning we were off and running again, dropping Connor at home and then taking Ella back to our house to meet her parents who were on the road as well.

2500 miles with two 8 year olds was quite enjoyable. They had movies to entertain themselves with. We listened to books 1 and 2 of the Harry Potter series. They had their personal entertainment devices as well as a book to read and notebooks, colored pencils and stickers for artistic impressions.

A trip like this with 8 year olds is nice because they are old enough to take care of themselves yet young enough to think that the speed grandma and grandpa go is just fine. They go along with whatever we come up with and never complain. They are cousins, not siblings, so the bickering is minimal, if at all. All in all, one of the best trips ever taken with children.

We did this two years ago with Logan and Dallin, and a side trip with Victoria. Now, as 10 year olds they had sage advice for their cousins and siblings. The two years since their big roadtrip our relationship with them has deepened and matured. I think it was worth the effort.

We are scheduled to go again next year and almost every year thereafter for the next 8 as we take little ones on a road trip to Disney with grandma and grandpa. I wonder how we will do when we are 65 and 71?? I try to remember that 8 year olds are young enough to think it is fun no matter how slow or silly it is to be with grandma and grandpa. I also know that this grandma and grandpa are enjoying the adventure of being with 8 year old cousins, watching them have a fun time, building bonds to last forever.

Birthday Wishes

I have heard that if you go to Disney on your birthday you get in free!! If I could switch birthday's with my daughter it might work, we will be in the park on Shawna's birthday. She loves Disney so I will take one extra ride on Pirates just for her!!

Two years ago when we came on this trip with Logan we were just a few day's off of her birthday as well. She celebrates another year on Saturday.

This year I celebrated my birthday while driving somewhere in Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. Lucky for me to have two great kids with me who were fun to be with and they remembered to sing to me as we drove along, watching movies and enjoying each others company.

Another year older and I hope another year wiser.

It is a great week to have a birthday.

Shawna and Logan--Please know that I love you and wish for a happy day for each of you.

Load 'em Up and Head 'em Out

The week is running away with me. Gotta get the car washed and oil changed. Gotta load up the ice chest and suit cases, find the kid movies and organize the snacks. It is time to take two wonderful 8 year old cousins on a grandma and grandpa trip.

We did this two years ago with our first set of 8 year olds, now it is time to take the second set. The last trip was the BEST TRIP EVER, and we have high hopes for the same success rate this time, after all, how can you go wrong when you mix children and Disney??

We will leave on Friday afternoon and drive the 3 hours to pick up Connor. Then we leave early Saturday morning, (Connor loves to wake up at 4am early) for the first real travel day as we head up to Indiana to pick up Ella. It will take two days in the car to finally make it back south to Florida and the Magic Kingdom where Grandma and Grandpa have a comfortable hotel waiting.

We are planning to be at the Park before it opens and stay until it closes. We have our comfortable shoes packed, a water bottle, some small snacks and our hats. It should be a great day.

I love taking the 8 year olds. They are old enough to take care of themselves, yet young enough to think that Grandma's ideas are fun and good. They are cousins, not siblings, so they get along well. We are taking them to visit Mickey and the gang. The dynamics of the trip are quite favorable.

I love Disney, I grew up just a short drive from Disneyland and loved to go there at least once a year. That was back in the days of the "E" ticket. I think I found a few of those old tickets hiding in my 'keep it' drawer when I was cleaning out last time. Happy memories and happy times.

We have been so busy with missing the whole month of June (that was Germany and Alaska). We ripped out the laundry room and pantry over the 4th of July, and here we are, ready to go again, trying to get our minds out of the paint cans and excited about Disney and two wonderful 8 year old cousins who are waiting for their turn.

I only have a few things left to put away and clean up before we load it all up and head out for the trip of the summer. It will be fun and memorable. Connor is already packed and ready to go, Ella gave me her list of favorite travel foods--I think it will be a good trip--48 hours in the car--it will be fun-----

June??

Where have all of the days gone?? Where are the blog postings??

Packed in my suitcase, tucked away in the memories of my mind and images of my camera.

I loved the days with Shawna's family. Making memories, having fun. Deer eating from my hand, Saturday at the baseball diamond, watching the Europeans sunbathe at the lake, trampoline time, sunlight from 4am until 11pm, walking in the woods.

I rushed home from Germany and was greeted at the airport by my new grandbaby and her parents--was it just 9 months ago they met me at the airport to tell me the baby was on her way??

Beautiful baby Preslee is the sweetest new baby, sleeps well, eats well and is up to date on the fertilizing task. Her mom is healing nicely from the surgery--what a scare. Kevan and Brooke are enjoying Kevan's time off from work as they wrap their arms and hearts around Miss Preslee and the joy she has brought into their home.

After only two days at home the suitcase is repacked and we are off again. First stop, Oak Harbor, Washington--my birthplace. My father was in the Navy when I was born. Only lived there a few months and have never returned until now. We had a lovely day exploring the sights of the town and driving through the base. Bought a vintage tablecloth to tuck into my bag to remember the moment--it was brand new the last time I was in town, now it is an antique--what does that make me??

Family reunion with my parents and siblings--cruising to Alaska. An amazing vacation, beautiful sights, family memories. Breath taking views. Thoughts of my forebears who traveled to the US many years ago in the strong holds of a ship under very poor circumstances. Giggling with my sister and mother as we went on a treasure hunt for jewels and gems. Delicious food. Family pictures. Watching my dad fulfill a dream. Making my mother proud. Seeing my brothers be happy in marriage. My sweetheart's birthday and thoughts from my siblings of their love for him. Family time.

Home again for the three last days of the month. Baby Preslee has grown and changed. Having fun teaching the kids a new card game. Organizing the travel trinkets; hats, bags and jewels. Help Teri remake a dress for her cross country trip. Unpack, do the laundry, tidy the house, pick up the pieces of my everyday life. Prepare to dismantle and remodel the laundry room (we have 3 weeks to accomplish the task before packing our bags again for the north/south 8 year old adventure trip scheduled for the middle of July, but that is next month's story).

The month has flown by, my flowers are blooming and the grass keeps growing--in spots--guess it all grows better with a little bit of attention. The answering machine is full and I have not had enough courage to look at the list of emails awaiting attention.

5 days at home--not all together--is a very short month.

Memories a mile long and a world wide.

Content to be at home--for a while.

Summer Dresses

As I have been staying with the grandchildren while their parents are away I got out the sewing machine and got busy. I brought the fabric and pattern with me. Simple little dresses that look like a bowl of rainbow sherbert. Four of them from sizes 2-10 for four little blondes that are ready for summer fun.

As I was cutting the dresses out, trying to match the stripes, my daughter asked if I could also make head scarfs for the girls. Then she mentioned curtain dresses and a singing family from Austria. I guess we are a close neighbor since we are in Germany--any way I hope they will be fun summer play dresses.

As I was finishing them up I realized they would need a slip under them and the girls did not have slips. I was here without transportation or resources--only my imagination. I remember one time when we were traveling and the children were small. One of my daughters forgot her slip and a slip was needed for the dress she was wearing. I took a pillowcase, undid the top seam and pinned two pieces of ribbon to hold it up--got the job done. As I thought I remembered some extra plain white sheets that were here when they arrived, before their own things showed up. One small sheet should be enough for 4 little slips.

As the girls dressed for church today they looked so sweet--almost delicious walking along in their simple summer dresses. We wouldn't want their brother to feel left out so he put on his orange tie to match their dresses. When we got home the girls put on their scarfs and Max donned his new orange t shirt.

Shawna returns home tonight from a few days R&R with her sweetheart. The grand children and I have had a wonderful time. I need to pack my bag again for my return trip on Tuesday. I will miss being here but I know each time the girls put on their summer dresses they will remember the fun time we had making them and that their grandma loves them.

Cars

I am visiting my daughter in Germany these next two weeks. Today we were at the gas station and a white 60's vintage Mustang convertible was parked next to us. While my son in law pumped the gas I watched the car and thought of one of the first times I remember seeing my husband. I was helping at a friends wedding reception. After the reception there was a group in the parking lot and I remember seeing this guy pushing his Mustang to get it started. That was my soon to be sweetheart and his soon to be departed car--He has mourned the loss of that car ever since.

The other day I was driving down the highway and a new red Camero pulled out next to me. It looked and sounded beautiful on the road and reminded me of Jim Taylor from my graduating high school class and the beautiful red Camero he used to drive. He was a nice guy and I liked his car.

While I was still sitting in the family van at the gas station the owner of the Mustang sauntered over and climbed into the car. It was an odd sight to see in Germany--not very many American cars on the road here. As he started the car I heard the low rumble of the engine and smiled to myself, maybe with a bit of a wistful sigh. As the car started to pull away I heard my 3 year old granddaughter in the back seat quietly say "I wish I can have a car like that."

It is always nice to have a dream.

A Stitch in Time

I have spent a good deal of time in my sewing room lately. Not sewing from a piece of fabric and a pattern, but taking things from my closet and store rack that are not quite what I want and unpicking and restitching until it is.

It has been quite rewarding to remake a few garments that fit my budget but not my taste. Through all of this remaking I hope to have a few items in my wardrobe that will gracefully go from suitcase to summer event. We have a bit of travel planned for the next few months and I want to feel pretty.

I have learned that just because something does not quite fit the latest fashion does not mean it has finished it's wearability. Sometimes it just needs a new hem, changing out a cuff or choosing a different waistband. Every girl knows that adding some new jewelery makes a big difference as well.

I have had fun creating in my treetop kingdom of lace, ribbon and elastic. I hope all of our plans for summer fun come together as well as the ruffled blouse has.

Off and Running

After 2 plus weeks in Europe we are home again.

The jet lag hits in the mid afternoon beckoning me to a little nap, but the schedule does not allow.

I am home for two and a half days before heading to Charlotte and Connor's baptism. He turned 8 while we were gone and I am excited to go see him and celebrate this milestone in his life.

We celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary the day we returned home. Too tired to celebrate big time, we decided to stay at home and revisited the first meal we cooked together as newly weds--Tacos. They were warm this time, not the ice cold offering I put before my new husband on a box we used as our makeshift table while we sat on the floor.

Mail to sort, laundry to wash, groceries needed and grandchildren to visit. I have next week to put things in order before heading out again--Indiana is the next destination.

I did not realize that this stage of life would be my travel opportunity. I never left the state of California from the time I arrived at age 3 months until I was 16 years old. While raising my children I did not travel too far without them. Now I am gone from home almost more often than I am here. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to do so, because I get to see my children and grandchildren--that is a blessing.

Today I am cooking. Baking bread and beans, making lots of salads for the family meal we will share tomorrow as we gather for Connor's special day.

The question is will we have enough energy to make the 3 hour drive tonight? After making dinner last night I collapsed on the couch at 7pm and fell fast asleep. I will see how we feel this afternoon. I was able to sleep until 6am today--better than the 3 and 4am awakenings of the last two mornings. Better to arrive for the party a little later than planned rather than not arrive at all.

We are coming and happy for the opportunity to see all of our grandchildren this week. They may live in many different time zones, but this week, traveling grandparents are up for the fun. Save a place at the table for me!!

Beautiful City

We drove down the road that could have been in southern Utah as we traveled through Germany and crossed the boarder into the Czech Republic. The signs pointed us toward Praha.

Praha??

It seems the Russian's do not have the H sound in their vocabulary so they called the city Prague when they came and took over Eastern Europe.

Lucky for all of us, Prague was spared in the war. It is known as 'the beautiful city' for good reason. The buildings and cobblestone streets were a treat for the eye. The food was delicious to eat. The people were kind and helpful.

We decided that our time in Prague was limited so we took a tour to get the best view with a short stop. Veronica was our guide and Max (the four year old) was in love. We had the baby and 3 year old in the stroller. The 6 and 9 year old's were good travelers. Shawna took camera duty to find all the pretty doors, architectural details and pretty views. Sean with his bum back kept up, grandpa kept track of his hat and I pushed the loaded "chariot" (as Veronica called the stroller) for miles.

We started at 10:30 in the morning and returned to our hotel about 7pm. We saw the castle, which we learned was a group of large homes mixed with some government buildings. We viewed many beautiful churches and the old section of town where the Jewish people lived before they were all transported out.


We walked down a thousand steps and carried the stroller the whole way with two sleeping children. Our lunch stop was at the oldest pub in town--dark and medieval--with delicious food and lots of ambiance. We crossed the Charles Bridge and looked at the statues.

We took a boat ride along the river while the small children were invited to steer us along the journey. We saw beautiful clocks, the expression wall, and lovers bridge. It was an amazing day.

The next day we traveled through country roads to the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. The little hotel was more like a bed and breakfast where they gave us a key to the front door as well as our room. The town with it's narrow streets, lovely church and towering castle was a story book page come alive. Buildings carved out of the side of the Granite mountain were amazing. It was a place you could explore and enjoy for a week and never walk the same lane twice.

My senses are full. It was a wonderful journey.