The Swept Stoop

My journey as a grant writer...

2012-01-16T05:44:00.003+01:00

My journey as a grant writer officially started in November 2011. The thought had been on the back burner of my mind for several months before our return from Germany. It was more of a thought of “now what?”; the “what to do with the rest of my life” question. We had just returned from a fantastic chapter in our lives, the kids are growing up and do not need micro-managing and college tuition is

After 67 years, French village still cherishes ultimate sacrifice

2012-01-03T02:28:00.000+01:00

After 67 years, French village still cherishes ultimate sacrifice

Advent thoughts

2011-12-04T20:12:00.007+01:00

Advent is - for many - a time of waiting, of expectation, of hoping and (dare I say) a time of yearning. For some people, the waiting, expectation, hoping and yearning may center around the "waiting in lines" on Black Friday ... and the X number of shopping days after that before Christmas. For others, it may be the waiting for visits from family, friends or relations.Our "expectations" may be

Cool Cars with some Kool Kats

2011-10-04T20:15:00.001+02:00

Classic Car Days in Chatham Good time on a short visit with the girls. This was an evening of small town fun. The town's main street is shut down to regular traffic and the classic cars come out to shine.

First Day of Fifth Grade

2011-10-04T20:12:00.000+02:00

First day for the Fifth grade, and first day for American schools. Looking very sharp to tackle the new experience. All in all the first day was a success. I think it is taking him some time to get used to the fact that it is all English! Band has started and Wils will be trying out the percussion section.Pictures to come and perhaps a sound bit or two.

2011-09-01T15:06:00.001+02:00

Dear All, Yesterday was a big day for me, for us., August 31st. As I awoke it was on my mind, even though I did not say anything till late in the day and that was to Paul. Vaden called late last night and when I asked how her day was she just to said "well, this day was 365". Yep, it sure was that, 365 days since we left Germany. From here on out I am not just returning to the US, I am

Willkommen in Lörrach

2011-06-11T22:08:00.002+02:00

This area was our home for almost five years. The kids school, FES, Freie Evangelische Schule, is featured in this video. If you ever are planning a move to Germany, this is a wonderful place! As in America, you get your Southern hospitality here!

Old and New World Connections - the French view

2011-06-10T12:07:00.002+02:00

Today is a special day in Mouaze, France, and a special day for three members of Madge's family who are there. Vive la France!Cérémonie du 10 Juin 2011(of course, you will need to be able to read French to get it all, but Google Translate does a pretty decent job for those who cannot).

Old and New World Connections

2011-06-06T14:21:00.003+02:00

A local paper in Newport News, VA, carried this story today:67 years after D-Day, the French honor a pilot from Newport NewsWe felt so blessed to be there in 2010, and are so happy that Madge's grandmother and great-aunt are making the trip this week. Pray for safe travels.

post

2011-05-24T23:56:00.002+02:00

Eight Months

2011-05-03T13:40:00.003+02:00

Madge and I were reflecting on life in the US and life in Germany this morning. We have been back in Virginia since 31 August, 2010 ... so that makes it eight months, two days (no, I will not count the hours and minutes). It got us thinking about "what have we accomplished here in eight months" versus "what did we accomplish in Germany in eight months". Comparison time.By the eighth month in

Halls praised for’making a difference’

2011-04-07T22:17:00.002+02:00

Halls praised for’making a difference’ Middlesex Rotary Club president Burt Alexander (right) presents the Pride of Middlesex award to Jacob’s Ladder founders Aubrey Hall and his wife Margie. Joining them is Olivia Becker (left), the very first “climber” chosen to participate in the Jacob’s Ladder program. (Photo by Tom Chillemi) by Tom Chillemi It’s not often that the commitment to

merely a flesh wound

2011-04-05T02:57:00.003+02:00

took a slide on the pavement. this was the worst of it, Gott sei dank.Aside from this bit, the ride itself was fantastic. Just the two of us (kids are off at aunts and uncles). A beautiful day - a bit of a stiff breeze in our face on the way out (but that means a nice breeze on our back on the way home). A chance encounter with Williamsburg Ale Works (it was just on the way!) and a fantastic

Middlesex Rotary to honor Jacob’s Ladder founders

2011-03-25T23:02:00.001+01:00

Middlesex Rotary to honor Jacob’s Ladder foundersMiddlesex Rotary to honor Jacob’s Ladder founders by Larry S. Chowning Two lifelong residents of Middlesex County, Margie and Aubrey Hall, have been named the 2011 recipients of the “Pride of Middlesex” award presented by the Middlesex Rotary Club. Former club president Bill Karry announced in February the Halls would be honored at an

quote for January 14, 2011

2011-01-14T14:33:00.001+01:00

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by itsability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."~Albert Einstein

2010-12-24T18:38:00.001+01:00

Merry Christmas!

Fall Fotos

2010-11-17T03:44:00.001+01:00

A crisp couple of Fall days ...Pumpkins in the fieldAnd a boy searches for the perfect pumpkin ...... this would be the one.another day - another place, Yorktown.The schooner AllianceA lone kayaker comes in to the beachMadge and her guy ...Well, one of her guys ....Paul and his girl.

Bike ride

2010-11-12T01:57:00.001+01:00

Some random pics from a lovely bike ride into York River State Park - about 5 minutes from our house by car, a few more by bike ... a bit longer if you really enjoy the ride ...Looking down onto the beach ... fossil shells everywhere ...Looking out over the river. Yes, it is rather blue ...some NON-edible mushrooms (Pilzen). We'd love to find the edible ones ...another viewBike, meet 'shroom - '

2010-11-09T14:02:00.003+01:00

One of the things we so miss about our time in Germany: A day of REST!Being influenced by the church, Germany has Sunday as its day of rest....stores are closed, offices are closed, you do not cut your grass or do yard work, most folks do take a break from the work week. You find people going to church, visiting family, walking, biking, eating out (the restaurants have limited hours they can be

School

2010-10-12T16:59:00.001+02:00

School is a little different in the US ...Wils on the back porch ... in "school"School is fun!! ...... but math is always math.

30 days or there abouts in the USA

2010-10-05T14:50:00.004+02:00

Time to check back into the blog world after a transition time of moving us: family, pets and stuff from on continent to another.The last two months have been a whirl of packing, flying, landing, semi-unpacking, and culture adjustment. I am slow to say culture shock, as it is more of an easing into new/old environments.Life around Williamsburg has exploded with new roads and buildings. It is

Radmarathon

2010-07-11T14:06:00.001+02:00

What we like - Day 51. Riding the Balinea Thermen Radmarathon.Five differing distances, five differing profiles, five differing ways to "feel the burn". There was the "family ride" (of 35k or 21 miles), then a 75K, a 110K, 155K and a 240K. Knowing our own limitations (not being Tour de France riders, that is, and not having the high-tech Rennrads) we opted for the 75K (that is, 46.6 Miles).Want

Count down: Saturday 59, Sunday 58 Monday 57,

2010-07-05T21:16:00.014+02:00

Saturday July 3rd; Countdown - day 59 - I like living here, when during the World Cup, I can be surrounded by 3,000 of our closest Friends while watching Germany boot Argentina 4-0. ✈Sunday July 4th; Countdown day 58 - what I like about living here is even while in Europe we are able to celebrate our Nation's Independence Day with good

Count down day 60, FRI-day What I like...

2010-07-02T16:26:00.002+02:00

One of the local stores has started to re-carry drinks in a can. What I like about this is that there is a "Pfand", or as we older kids remember as a "Deposit". Here in Germany, the deposit is 25 cents for plastic bottles and aluminum drink cans, 8 to 10 cents for bottle and glass jars. It may be a pain to pay up front for the use of these items, but boy does it make you bring them back to get

Count down day 61, Thursday, What I like...

2010-07-01T11:09:00.002+02:00

Day 61I like hearing the local church bell ring the top of the hour.

Count down day 62, Wednesday

2010-06-30T20:05:00.002+02:00

day 62 I like being able and being expected to hang out my laundry... there is a controversy about that "right" in some areas of the USA at the moment.

Count down day 63, Tuesday

2010-06-30T19:22:00.005+02:00

day 63 I like being in a room of 5 friends and then notice that we are from 5 different continents!

What I like 'bout here, The Count Down, Day 64

2010-06-28T22:06:00.002+02:00

Day 64 till the flight to the USA.....I like going for a Pole Walk about with friendsThe kind of a walk that Ends with a Breakfastof fresh baked rolls and breads, with various jams and spreads,tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, Eggs boiled hard,wonderfully strong coffee AllEnjoyed on a fabulous Stone deck listening to birds - watchingdogs romp 'round the garden and

Wednesday night in Germany

2010-06-27T15:30:00.001+02:00

This is what happens on a Wednesday night at our church. Fußball!We had over 2500 people gathered on Wednesday evening (for "Wednesday night supper"). We had several "small groups" going - one in the main sanctuary, one in the foyer, one in the bar, and one outside. Here are a few pics ...First - outside a rather large "small group" is gathered.Go Deutschland!German vestments.Inside - another

What I like 'bout here, The Count Down, Day 66 & 65

2010-06-27T14:22:00.003+02:00

Day 66: Poppies growing as wild flowers alongside the roads and in the wheat fields.Day 65: Sitting and sharing lunch with the older ladies from the Gemeinde "church" www.feg-rebland.de and finding out that "little Old ladies" are the same around the world.

48K for a 48th birthday

2010-06-25T16:36:00.007+02:00

I decided, that in honor of my 48th Birthday, I would do some-thing that I had not done before.For this special day, Thursday, June 10, 2010, I determined, as my challenge, to bike ride for 48 Kilometers. And I did!On a hill above Lörrach-Stetten on our way to Adlehausen. I am in Germany, the cows are in Switzerland.I never tire of the wonder of being in two countries at once!Taking a break

What I like 'bout here, The Count Down, Day 67

2010-06-25T13:20:00.006+02:00

ok, So we missed the drama of marking the 75th day til we fly back to the US. For those wanting to know - it was last Thursday, I am off by a week and a day.Moving on: Purpose of this blog entry is to take note of the things I like about living here in Germany. Hopefully I'll make at least one a day to contribute to the count down.Day 67I like being able to ride my bike home from the

45 is not really that bad. After all, if you play a 33 at 45 it sounds funny

2010-05-12T18:32:00.008+02:00

Happy 45th Birthday! The Händel Torte,in honor of my musical man.Happy birthday was sung as Handel'sWater Music floated through the background.(yes from a box, I could not resist the name but ain't it purty)This is a Torte, not a Kuchen, or a cake. Tortes are a whole cake cut into thin layers which are then then spread with a whipped cream. Not cool whip, but hand-mixer whipped whipping cream

Mothers day 2010

2010-05-10T09:39:00.006+02:00

This weekend my children showered on me a wonderful Mother's day. Besides being wonderful children themselves, I was presented with a beautiful poem, a tasty cake and an elegant tea party.Wils' elfchen (an eleven word poem)Liebedie Freudeich mag dichich lieb dich MutterMutterstagbeautiful tea set by SAMShy bakers cook great cakes!

Bärlauch Pesto, seasonal eating

2010-04-26T23:09:00.008+02:00

Bärlauch is a garlicky leek tasting plant that is a sure sign of spring in Germany. In the States it is called by the name of Ramps or wild leeks.When gathering from the wild here in Germany it is better to pick before the Lily of the Valleys spring up as the leaves look about the same. The Lily is poisonous and the other is not; although one must also pick the Bärlauch before its flowers start

Vosteen, the place, the people

2010-04-16T16:15:00.000+02:00

The Vosteen's in Vosteen.Leaving Germany is going to be hard. Not only do we have friends here, we also have family. My grandfather left Germany in the 1920's, leaving behind two sisters and four brothers. We have, during the last four years, been able to reconnect with the surviving members of our family here.While on our trip over Easter weekend, we had a mini-reunion with the cousins, which

Easter

2010-04-16T14:45:00.001+02:00

Part of Easter morning at the cousins. An Easter-hunt was organized ...Wils scores on the Milka bunnies.This part of northern Germany is prone to flooding, so there are a lot of little trenches in the landscape for drainage.The hunt continues.... dividing the spoils (so everyone got a bit of everything).... gotta love the Maikäfer.And just across the drainage canal, the Osterhase (Easter hare)

Pre-Easter

2010-04-16T14:14:00.001+02:00

We traveled to the northern part of Germany to visit with Paul's relatives this past Easter.Wils and his cousin playing Fußball ... I think that one is going in, Wils ...The occasion was Easter and birthday ...... with lovely Tischdekoand lovely guestsand the birthday-boy!und so weiter, und so fortmake a wish!Kaffee, Tee und Kuchen ... yum!oh, and someone had a new car ... :-)... more joy to come

Borrowed thoughts on Thankfulness

2010-03-29T10:18:00.002+02:00

I am on an email list "One Year Bible" ( mike@oneyearbibleblog.com )which is intended to help you read the bible through in one year by mixing it up and bring in commentary and other interesting asides. I dive in with great readiness only to find that I got distracted and need to dive in again..so here I am diving in again and reading this great stuff that Mike wrote this week about

snowdrops

2010-03-14T21:43:00.000+01:00

Trains, Planes and Automobiles

2010-03-11T11:46:00.003+01:00

The past weekend was the Modeleisenbahnausstellung (Model train show) at the kids' school. Paul, Wils and SAM got set-up Friday afternoon and on Saturday and Sunday displayed an American track of the Virginia & Truckee. Since this is a "project in progress", they worked on a section of track in the American West, a Sierre Nevada scene, and finished up one end during the show. A good time was

How would you spend the last bit of your grocery money?

2010-02-25T15:39:00.006+01:00

Today, the answer to that question is: on a bunch of roses. It has been a dreary of a winter, but in the last couple of days the weather has warmed up and as the grocery store managers know these facts, they have placed all of the cut tulips and roses and spring flowers right in the middle of the main aisle. Thus, I counted my "klein Geld" and made do so as to bring some spring colour into the

winter soup

2010-02-20T00:17:00.001+01:00

INGREDIENTS for a Winterday:*one snowfall with cold temps staying for three days*one lovely large celery root, peeled and chopped (celery stalk for reference)*one onion also peeled and chopped*four cups chicken broth*two Tablespoons of Goose fatSaute celery root and onion in goose fat a few minutes. Add chicken broth and let simmer till celery is cooked down to a soft state. Next use a puree

the Good Sheperd

2010-02-02T15:26:00.007+01:00

click the icon in the lower right corner to view full-screen

One winter project done

2010-01-31T15:44:00.001+01:00

Got the puzzle finished (with a lotta help from the kids)! Funny how these things start out so slowly ... then snowball ... I wonder if OCPB* is endemic to our family?Auguste Renoir, complete.*OCPB - Obsessive Compulsive Puzzle building. The inability to leave a puzzle incomplete for any length of time (because you can always find one more piece that fits!)

Winter Activites

2010-01-27T20:53:00.001+01:00

The days of Winter are dark ... and often dull and dreary ... so what are we doing to brighten things up?Madge is working on a handicraft ...With her handmade hook (hand carved by Paul from boxwood) ...Old t-shirts and turtlenecks find new life ...... as a crocheted rug takes shapeAnd for the non-rug-makers?A Renoir slowly takes form ...... and more snow is predicted.

News from Germany

2010-01-25T19:45:00.004+01:00

Last week the girls were in the Neujahrskonzert (New Years Concert) at their school, performing a medley of ABBA songs from Mamma Mia. The following article appeared in the Badische Zeitung (the Freiburg paper). Since we know that Web articles have a shelf life, we've reproduced the article below ... (here is the original link - as long as it lasts)“Fünfminütiges Wummern und “Dancing Queen”Hoch

A great tubing hill. Bergün, Switzerland

2010-01-13T21:48:00.003+01:00

Stryker-Ann got a snow-tube from a wonderful friend in the States ... but in the past we have had very little snow to truly enjoy it. This January, we found the perfect snow, and the perfect hill, to make the perfect run ... enjoy.

Abschluss Abendessen

2010-01-13T10:31:00.002+01:00

The end of a great week of Winter Vacation in Bergün, Switzerland, was celebrated by a pulling together of tables from our kitchens, and a gathering of food and friends. Here is a quick view of some our friends from the G5-Rebland. Fun times, good food.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Click the pic for a larger version - and here is the video version

Sylvester!

2010-01-01T00:52:00.001+01:00

Sylvester has arrived ...We celebrated with the neighbors up the hill ... same procedure as last year ... ?Wils in the foreground watches the fireworks ...fun with Roman candlessome of the aerial displays in the neighborhood. These are just the fireworks you can buy locally.more aerialslittle Roman sparkle-candlesmore aerials... same procedure as every year.Fröhliche Sylvester! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sylvester is almost here

2009-12-31T20:56:00.002+01:00

Sylvester is not the person - it is the event. New Years eve in Germany means the two things near and dear to every boy's heart ... staying up late and fireworks!Even the dog is looking forward to it!More pics to come ...

Gifts, Goose and Guests on Christmas

2009-12-31T14:35:00.004+01:00

Good things come in itty-bitty packages, if you can only unwrap the tissue.Dog treats anyone?DVD's are always a hit.Paris is her favorite city!..and she will be on the runway in Paris!our goose begins........ 3 hours later is cooked..and was yummy!..and our lovely guests!

Colmar Xmas at -13 C !

2009-12-31T14:12:00.004+01:00

A quick sweep up of the walkway before we head out to the Market.ATTACK!We arrive...and it is cold... the bank temperature sign read -13 C. We stayed long enough to get some warm crepes , a few mementos and some shots of the market...enjoy the scenery:

our Highlander!

2009-12-30T23:46:00.002+01:00

During the Christmas week, some friends of our hired a hall and invited all who would to come out for a few Scottish dances and turns around the floor. We were not going to miss this chance to enjoy a few steps and called dances. It is just what we do! and what a great reminder of how much we love to do this and just how much we had missed being able to dance together!Here is Wils the day after

3rd Advent, end of the day

2009-12-13T22:52:00.002+01:00

Our Sunday is nearing it's end as Paul is playing his flute and whistle at a local German Baptist Church. It is the first of a new evening service delivered all in English, called "The Second Sunday". Paul played his two carols beautifully and after the service there were Christmas cookies to share. Had the chance to be greeted by one of the "Omas" or "Tantes" of the church. These kind of

3rd Advent, late afternoon tree hunting and gathering

2009-12-13T22:50:00.003+01:00

"We MUST HAVE A TREE, DADDY.....today or it will be too late!"So off we go to the Kreiterhof to find our tree.It has been so wet, that instead of having tree seekers tramping up through the fields and woods, the "Bauer" must have decided to cut them all and have them here for us to pick out. Works for me after last year's muddy slipping and sliding. So Paul is searching knee deep for the perfect

3rd Advent, Sunday School

2009-12-13T22:49:00.002+01:00

We did make it to Sunday school and church service this Third Advent! The girls and I worked in the Children's Worship and small group. Vaden led the singing and even taught them a new song! SAM was with the younger kids. And I got the boy group!Below are some Creches the children's group have made. Here in Germany we use lots of nature (ie. moss, bark, twigs) in all of our crafts. The

3rd Advent, handball

2009-12-13T22:42:00.004+01:00

The Sunday morning (early) of this third Advent found us at a Team Handball game. Our guy here taking a practice shot on the goalie during warm ups.It does go in!running up the court, again...playing some tough "D", with a final winning score of 11 to 4! Yeah Team!IMG_4254.JPG

3rd Advent, Class party

2009-12-13T22:38:00.006+01:00

Four o'clock found us beginning to enjoy a classic "Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus" play. The third klasse preformed with song, script, and superb acting the wonderful story. Our talented actor was an inn keeper and the one who finally found room in his stable for the Holy family to find rest. After, we all enjoyed each other's shared Christmas treats.IMG_4201.JPG

3rd Advent, morning at Christmas Market

2009-12-13T20:00:00.006+01:00

Our third Advent weekend began with Paul dropping SAM off at her class Obernachtung (overnight) then off to help the Rümmingen Kinder Kulture Klub (KKK), kids' club, set up a tent for the Weihnacht Markt (Christmas Market) at the Bruchrainhof. Every year we have a craft tent for the shoppers' children to hang out and make fun Xmas items. This year there was something new and different for the

Bald kommt der Nikolaus, December 6, 2009

2009-12-06T21:59:00.002+01:00

Wils and our neighbor friend got a visit today from the Man in the red dress, Saint Nikolaus and his buddy the Krampus or Schwartz Peter. Bald kommt der Nikolaus Im Winter, wenn es stürmt und schneit und's Weihnachtsfest ist nicht mehr weit, da kommt weit her aus dunklem Tann, der liebe, gute Weihnachtsmann. In seinem Sack sind gute sachen, die braven

all covered

2009-12-02T07:27:00.003+01:00

While standing in line at Penny Mart last evening, with my bread, milk and eggs, I noticed a young woman in front of me with her three items: White twinkle lights (only white in Germany), red stump Advent candles (ascending in height), and an Indian style statue of the Buddha (only for deco, right?) . Is this an incongruousness or normal living? It struck me as a girl searching for answers on

Happy First of Advent!

2009-12-01T08:47:00.004+01:00

Christmas started here this weekend with our Rümmingen community craft day! Over 70 kids participated in the making of presents for loved ones. We made necklaces with pearls and felt, shaped wonderful smelling soap, painted and stenciled boxes and clay flower pots, crafted a choco cookie train out of cookies and icing glue, all to be wonderfully wrapped at the end of the day. And ate the

Our Thanks List for November:

2009-11-24T11:38:00.003+01:00

As the American celebration of Thanksgiving approaches this week I thought we might share from our list of thanks. At the beginning of the month we taped a piece of paper to the side of a cabinet to encourage written "Thanks" . Here is what we have so far:

fall photos'09

2009-10-19T21:22:00.005+02:00

While on a bike ride, Paul and I snapped some photos of a localpumpkin seller. There are so many more varieties to chose from here,as most are used for cooking of some sort of cake, soup, sauce, chutney or pickle andnot just for carving or decorations.But they do grow them big!and even carve their name in them so no one will mix them up at the local pumpkin festival weigh-in!This one says "Von

Alone time at the Bad

2009-10-04T22:27:00.005+02:00

Friday was a new experience for me. I went somewhere by myself! While I do go places by myself these days, it is usually to go grocery shopping, on an errand or to pick up or return from dropping off kids. This day all of the kids were being taken care of by Paul and I truly did not have any responsibilities other than to be alone with myself at the Thermal Baths. I had even taken care of supper

SLOW UP.ch

2009-09-29T09:22:00.003+02:00

On September 20, the 3rd Basel-Dreiland slowUp ride was held. It was a ride composed of three loops through the three countries here in the corner of our world. The total loop was 59.4 km divided into a West, Mitte, and East loop. Paul and I rode the western most route, 21.9km, plus the mileage of getting to the starting point and back. So it was a nice day with stops along the way for food and

Tour de France, part II the race

2009-07-24T17:20:00.001+02:00

And the race is about to come our way, but first the Caravan, lead by Vittel, the bottled water company....and more sponsors come whizzing by at about 45 to 50 mph.....and more...and the Yeti of Skoda...Finally something I would use and do use...HARIBO GUMMI BEARS!Paul got tossed a bag of licorice twist..how did they know he loves licorice!And the first of the riders ....the leaders FLY BY.....

Rain de France or Tour deluge! Part 1

2009-07-24T10:03:00.002+02:00

Pre-race tail gate, of course!And this is how clear is was at the bottom of the mountain at Marksheim. We need to go back on a sunny day, I am sure it is beautiful.Skoda, the official car sponsor. And these little cars flew down the rode.Point of reference:the cows in the field reminded me of a Swiss valleyStart of the Race Fans...and the race stuff begins...I got the pink shirt!fixing our flag

pre-Fourth Strawberries

2009-07-03T23:23:00.003+02:00

Quick story to share: Today I was in the local German grocery store picking up some stuff, since I had told a friend I would make a Strawberry Cream Topped cake for her, for which I needed some strawberries, of course.So I am by the strawberries picking up the one 500 gram packet I needed for this recipe, think normal size plastic container, and there is a man grabbing one flat, than a second

Approaching the Fourth

2009-07-01T12:51:00.004+02:00

We are approaching the Fourth of July. Not a big holiday in Germany. No fireworks. No parades. No, well, anything. Life goes on. So it was with a great deal of surprise and joy that I found a friends post on my FB about Thomas Jefferson. This Virginian was the Renaissance Man of Renaissance Men, and I wish I could be more like him in many ways ... here is the link to the article, from the New

Never underestimate: Bonjour!

2009-06-29T20:34:00.003+02:00

Never underestimate the value of a simple "hell-o" or in my case a "bonjour".I was riding my bike from home into the kids' school today to serve as a substitute for a sport class; riding along and really enjoying the fact that I am using my bike as transportation and not just an exercise machine; and also noticing the fact that there are two types of cyclist on the paths: one is dressed in their

Die Ernte

2009-06-26T09:37:00.004+02:00

Literally translated - the harvest - die Ernte is also the root of the English word “earn”. We earn a living, earn praise, earn, earn, earn. But looking at the root word, we literally reap what we sow. Die Ernte is the harvest of the grain, the harvest of fruit, of berries, the gathering-in part of gardening or farming is all part of die Ernte.Last year, the harvest from our garden was in the

on top, part II

2009-06-21T23:10:00.002+02:00

Along a mountain path...Stopping for a pose... future mountaineer...SAM and Wils with Dana, our friend visiting from North Carolina.A look down the valley over a Seeli...(Swiss for a little sea...which we would call a "pond") Beautiful by what ever you call it.Mountain Laural?...You can hear the cow bells echoing all over the mountains, and they never stop ringing or clanging.Up and up......and

up the Alp at Engelberg, part I - Getting There

2009-06-21T22:20:00.003+02:00

Last Sunday we took a trip to Engelberg, Switzerland to climb an Alp, and we were not disappointed! Below is a picture story of our trip up:Our adventure began by an hour long warm up walk up the valley from Engelberg to Fürenalp.The sound of cowbells fill the air!Do you see that tip of rock...that is where we are going!Thank Goodness it is 2009 or I don't think I'd be doing this.Here comes our

buying local

2009-06-09T09:26:00.004+02:00

Along with trying to bike on nearby errands, we are also trying to buy as much locally as we can. Items on our local buy list range from fruit/ veggies to bread and eggs and fresh pressed Apple juice. I can probably find my milk almost direct from the cow, but we do buy regional Schwarzwald Co-oped milk to support the local dairy industry that is having a hard time in Europe as well as in the US.

Something Old Something New...biking in my Life....

2009-06-06T07:50:00.003+02:00

I am trying my hardest to make my Bicycle my mode of transportation. It is proving not to be easy, with three kids to haul around. Seriously, I would very much like to do this for my health and for the environment's health. The last two weeks while the kids have been out of school, I have been able to accomplish more of my goal, since they did not have to be run from point "A" to point "Q".I

A wisdom glimpse

2009-05-29T11:59:00.002+02:00

Found this off of Andrew Zuckerman's website:www.wisdombook.org/Very thought provoking; I hope my life can become and reflect the fullness of wisdom and action as these folks.

Diggin' Day, May 19, '09

2009-05-28T14:59:00.002+02:00

While we can do may things in Germany that we can do in the States...what is the one Absolute activity that we CANNOT do?If you answered DIG for ROMAN RUINS, than you are correct!On May 19th, Stryker-Ann's class took a trip to Augusta Raurica, a large Roman settlement and city dating from 50 year Before Christ, and just over the Rhine from Germany into Switzerland. Here is the website, most

Hottest day of the Year, so Far

2009-05-26T21:25:00.002+02:00

So what does one do the first hot day of the summer and it being the first real day of spring vacation? Beat the 91 degree heat by hopping in the pool.We went to visit a new pool for us, in Steinen and found it smaller in a good way. We had heard that the pool we normally visit in Lörrach had a line out the gate to get in, so we made the right decision.I really like the idea of the grass and

Schluchseelauf May 9, 2009

2009-05-10T11:34:00.003+02:00

The location of our 18K occurred about an hour north of us in the Black Forest. Good thing the surrounds are beautiful and flat and that I had a great walking buddy or it would have been an extremely long afternoon around the Schluchsee. However, I knew it was going to turn out to be a good day as we left Rümmingen with plenty of time. Time enough that we stopped at a Floemarkt for about thirty

Magnitude 4.5 - FRANCE-GERMANY BORDER REGION

2009-05-05T21:16:00.004+02:00

The shake happened at 3.39 this morning. Paul and I both woke up but were really nonplussed by the whole event. I guess if it had lasted longer we would have gotten the children up and taken the appropriate action. But as it was, it reminded us of the furnace in our old house on Micheals Road. So we rolled over.I have friends who did not take it so relaxed, it really bothered then.check out this

wellkommen...the first week of first our exchange student

2009-05-03T22:40:00.003+02:00

WE are so happy to have had our first exchange student this past week. It has been a great experience and we are looking forward to welcoming her back to our house for part two of her exchange. Our guest is from France and is actually in the neighborhood, considering it is a mere twenty minutes from our home to her home, a hop across the Rhine.So what does an exchange student do with us? Firstly

beginning the tree house or everyone has an opinion

2009-04-30T08:10:00.001+02:00

15th year of the Birthday Song

2009-04-30T07:59:00.002+02:00

whopiee sledding! do you remember the JOY!

2009-04-29T23:11:00.001+02:00

OK>.......so I am catching up on some lost video from the passed! enjoy! hey this is acting as my scrapbook...enjoy the hoots at the end of the run..remember the JOY of a long hill? I do, but my hills were not close to being this long!

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR, German Law Tells You How

2009-04-24T20:42:00.004+02:00

04/18/2006LOVE THY NEIGHBOR German Law Tells You How It can be easy to annoy your neighbors in Germany. A few too many barbeques can be all it takes. To guarantee harmony, muzzle your mutts and follow these simple rules. REUTERS A fence protecting you from your neighbors is good. A little consideration is

Füller shopping

2009-04-20T09:00:00.001+02:00

On Saturday, Wils reminded us that he needed a Füller for school on Monday. Thank goodness he said something on Saturday, as all shops are closed on Sunday.So off we go to Müller's, a local general store, that has a great school supply department, to buy a left handed fountain pen. At the store there are many choices, but the lefties are harder to find so we ask for help. Now asking for help in

Do you need translation?

2009-04-19T15:04:00.002+02:00

Sometimes we all need a little help ... with life, with living in a foreign country, in dealing with cultural differences ... and church is no exception. So, to that point, we sometimes partake of the English translation available at our local Gemeinde ... especially when our main leader is preaching. He is a fantastic speaker, and brings a new insight to so many aspects of the Gospel based on

Vitra Design, George Nelson

2009-04-14T19:03:00.003+02:00

As we are in the midst of Spring Break and we have so many museums in the neighborhood, went today to see this world famous design museum: The Vitra Design Museum.It's focus is on modern design of architecture and furniture. There are no permanent exhibits so part of the excitement is to see what is new. Today we saw George Nelson // Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher.It was really a good

music from Schüpfheim, CH

2009-04-14T18:28:00.002+02:00

We had cousins in the area so we made the short trip over the Swiss border to visit and hear some great music.Here is a video of the Midlothean choir in the Schüpfheim church April 5, 2009...Beulah Land. Can you pick out Tommy and Kidder?

Easter Greetings

2009-04-13T11:50:00.002+02:00

treehouse

2009-04-11T22:49:00.003+02:00

Since we left Richmond, the kids have been needing a place to call their own ... I had built them a tower in the backyard back at our old house, and while they have had a pretty good time playing in the yard, something was missing ...A couple of trees in the back of the house were decent candidates for some extra work, but as I did not want to impact the fruit trees, the birch was the best

snowflakes March 2008

2009-04-11T09:42:00.002+02:00

The Big show! This Dance school preforms a recital every three years, so they save up all of their dances and energy for one big show. "Lotte und die Reisegeist"...."Lotta and the Travel Jenie" is the result of their work. Lotta has a dream, the Jenie comes to grant her wishes and she wants to travel. During her travels to Africa and the North Pole, an evil Ice Queen steals her little dog. In

Easter Tradtions in Germany

2009-04-09T23:00:00.003+02:00

I am borrowing from "The Week in Germany" an email newsletter sent out by the German Embassy in DC.www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/05__Culture/06/Easter/__Easter.htmlwww.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/05__Culture/06/Easter/Roots.htmlwww.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/05__Culture/06/Easter/Eggs__bunnies.htmlwww.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/05__Culture/06/Easter/Regional.html

HisKids.net: powerful. positive. radio on-demand!

2009-04-05T10:37:00.002+02:00

Ever wonder how we spend part of our Sunday or other days?We listen to radio on-demand for great radio theater.HisKids.net: powerful. positive. radio on-demand!Posted using ShareThis

Seemingly little things

2009-04-04T11:07:00.004+02:00

I need to post this quickly before I forget to recognize the seemingly little things in life that point the way to bigger issues along life's path. What ?? ok, I am talking about miracles; not the huge parting of the sea or feeding thousands but the little miracles; the ones that because they happened they changed the course of events in life.Example number one: On Thursday the weather had

Month of Malaise, March

2009-04-02T08:49:00.006+02:00

I am continually amazed at how it is the seemingly little things that make all the difference in the undercurrent of a culture. Take the example of attitude toward health and sickness vs school attendance. March has been our month of sickness. We have had atleast one child home, three out of the four weeks of March and as we are approaching the Easter holidays in April and I still have one in

Wildlife Sighting for Spring

2009-04-01T21:22:00.002+02:00

What is that hiding behind the bench and log??It's a black squirrel! (And no, we do not live near Mirkwood)These guys are rare as hens teeth over here - especially in our yard! This would make the fourth or fifth squirrel we have seen in our neighbourhood - over the last three years ...