Sunday, October 29, 2006
Summer Skiing
We're just back from a very cram-packed weekend, so I figured I'd better not fall any farther behind on my postings, otherwise I'll never catch up! Here's the latest update...only three months after-the-fact.
While the kids were back in the states, I set a goal of traveling somewhere every weekend...and I met that goal! After a hectic first week back at work working 12- to 13-hour days with the "assisted departure" of American citizens from Lebanon during the Lebanon-Israel war (it wasn’t an official NEO—Noncombatant Evacuation Operation), I was looking forward to my first such excursion. The destination: Hintertux Glacier in the Austrian Alps. You can see the glacier just to the right of center in this photo.
My friend Jaime from work made a different kind of New Year’s Resolution this year: to go snowboarding at least once a month for all of 2006. This was her July trip, and she invited me to go with her.
Two other acquaintances went as well, which worked out well. Stephanie ended up boarding with Jaime since they were both a bit more experienced, and Will and I took it a little easier. He was also boarding, but had only been once before, so it wasn’t an issue that I was on skis and he on a board.
It took us three different lifts to get to the top of the glacier. On the third lift we could hear the Alpine cow bells below us. What a beautiful sound!
And, yes, when we got to the top, there was snow on the ground! Here’s the obligatory pose just before my run. Yes, that’s snow, and it was July. I’m still amazed that I was able to go glacier skiing in the Alps in July! Never in a million years would I have dreamt that I would have done that!
Unfortunately, after one run, a storm started blowing through. We also didn’t realize that the lifts were scheduled to close shortly after our arrival (downside to summer skiing), so we called it quits and headed to the gift shop before heading down for a late lunch.
Since we still had daylight left, we decided to make a few sightseeing stops en route home. The first stop was to Kloster Ettal monastery. It was absolutely beautiful!
From there we set off for Schloss Linderhof. On the way, we saw this beautiful cloud formation slowly moving across the sky. We couldn’t have planned the symmetry between the clouds, the mountain and even that one tree any better. It didn’t last long, but it sure was majestic!
Linderhof is one of Mad King Ludwig II’s castles, and the only one where he regularly lived. It was closed when we got there, but the grounds were still open and worth the walk around at dusk. This is actually a relatively small castle, but very ornate.
This is the view from the residence across a pond to the memorial to his mother.
Here are the majority of the buildings on the grounds in a single view: the cascade leading from the Music Pavilion area down to the residence with the memorial in the background.
And a similar shot with me.
And one last shot from the opposite angle: from the memorial looking back up the hill.
While the kids were back in the states, I set a goal of traveling somewhere every weekend...and I met that goal! After a hectic first week back at work working 12- to 13-hour days with the "assisted departure" of American citizens from Lebanon during the Lebanon-Israel war (it wasn’t an official NEO—Noncombatant Evacuation Operation), I was looking forward to my first such excursion. The destination: Hintertux Glacier in the Austrian Alps. You can see the glacier just to the right of center in this photo.
My friend Jaime from work made a different kind of New Year’s Resolution this year: to go snowboarding at least once a month for all of 2006. This was her July trip, and she invited me to go with her.Two other acquaintances went as well, which worked out well. Stephanie ended up boarding with Jaime since they were both a bit more experienced, and Will and I took it a little easier. He was also boarding, but had only been once before, so it wasn’t an issue that I was on skis and he on a board.
It took us three different lifts to get to the top of the glacier. On the third lift we could hear the Alpine cow bells below us. What a beautiful sound!And, yes, when we got to the top, there was snow on the ground! Here’s the obligatory pose just before my run. Yes, that’s snow, and it was July. I’m still amazed that I was able to go glacier skiing in the Alps in July! Never in a million years would I have dreamt that I would have done that!
Unfortunately, after one run, a storm started blowing through. We also didn’t realize that the lifts were scheduled to close shortly after our arrival (downside to summer skiing), so we called it quits and headed to the gift shop before heading down for a late lunch.Since we still had daylight left, we decided to make a few sightseeing stops en route home. The first stop was to Kloster Ettal monastery. It was absolutely beautiful!
From there we set off for Schloss Linderhof. On the way, we saw this beautiful cloud formation slowly moving across the sky. We couldn’t have planned the symmetry between the clouds, the mountain and even that one tree any better. It didn’t last long, but it sure was majestic!Linderhof is one of Mad King Ludwig II’s castles, and the only one where he regularly lived. It was closed when we got there, but the grounds were still open and worth the walk around at dusk. This is actually a relatively small castle, but very ornate.
This is the view from the residence across a pond to the memorial to his mother.
Here are the majority of the buildings on the grounds in a single view: the cascade leading from the Music Pavilion area down to the residence with the memorial in the background.And a similar shot with me.
And one last shot from the opposite angle: from the memorial looking back up the hill.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Redneck Woman
When the kids headed to Iowa and Texas with Matt, I went back to Delaware for my last few days of leave. While there, I had a second chance to tame the Monster Mile at Dover Downs. Fortunately, the weather cooperated this time around, and I had a blast!!
The fireproof driving suit I wore fit me length-wise, but was WAY too large through the waist. I had to tie the velcro straps into knots and tuck them under themselves to get it to fit without sagging tremendously. Kinda reminded me of how the World War II WASP pilots commented that their flight suits fit--oversized and not very well since they were designed for men!
I was scheduled to ride 4 laps to get a feel for the track before driving 10 laps solo, then ended up getting to ride an extra 12 in the pace car. My mom goes to a YMCA swim class with one of the guys on the pit crew, who they appropriately call “NASCAR Jim.” He organized our VIP treatment, including 20 laps in the pace car for my mom and 10 for my dad. What a nice guy!
The cars have restrictors on them so they won't go more than 120mph...but my last lap was clocked at 29-seconds (you do the math)!
It was definitely a thrill going into and staying in the curves with the G-forces on my head/neck! I don't know how the professional drivers manage to stay three across in the turns or even the straightaways! I don't think I could do that.
But, I could easily do a repeat performance driving with only the pace car and one other car on the track with me. Maybe one of these days...after all, my parents just built their retirement home just south of Dover, so they ain't going anywhere!
And here I come around the corner with the checkered flag! What a rush!!!
Labels: Nana and Papa, Stateside visits
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Farm Getaway: Simple Pleasures
One of the best things about being on the farm is the slow pace of activities. That's probably just part of my perspective since I'm always on vacation when I'm there. Nonetheless, I enjoy getting away to where cell phones barely reach (at least mine and my parents'), where you can see thousands of stars at night--unhindered by city lights, and where everyone seems to know each other and has a friendly smile for those of us who pass through less frequently.
Benjamin had an opportunity to expand his climbing skills to the split rail fence in front of Granny Walker's house. He was determined to climb up and down the fence until he mastered it...and he really worked at doing so.
MacKenzie decided she wants to complete every Brownie Try-It in her book (!), so she enlisted her Aunt Leslie to help complete one during some down-time. This one involved interviewing Aunt Leslie, reading a few magazine articles, and creating a silly story.
We don't have a PlayStation at home, but you'd never know it by the way Benjamin plopped himself down in Sam's gaming chair, joystick in hand! He was hanging with the big kids, and enjoying every moment of it!
Benjamin loves frogs, so was ecstatic when he noticed a slew of them on the carport one night. He'd chase them, try to make them jump, and even thought about touching them...until they hopped away. Kinda appropriate that he was holding a bag of frog-shaped Gummi's! At least he knew which ones were for eating and which ones were for observing!
And a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to my niece Rachel (first birthday) and my cousin Sam (turning 19)!! Hope you both are enjoying your special days!
Benjamin had an opportunity to expand his climbing skills to the split rail fence in front of Granny Walker's house. He was determined to climb up and down the fence until he mastered it...and he really worked at doing so.MacKenzie decided she wants to complete every Brownie Try-It in her book (!), so she enlisted her Aunt Leslie to help complete one during some down-time. This one involved interviewing Aunt Leslie, reading a few magazine articles, and creating a silly story.
We don't have a PlayStation at home, but you'd never know it by the way Benjamin plopped himself down in Sam's gaming chair, joystick in hand! He was hanging with the big kids, and enjoying every moment of it!Benjamin loves frogs, so was ecstatic when he noticed a slew of them on the carport one night. He'd chase them, try to make them jump, and even thought about touching them...until they hopped away. Kinda appropriate that he was holding a bag of frog-shaped Gummi's! At least he knew which ones were for eating and which ones were for observing!
And a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to my niece Rachel (first birthday) and my cousin Sam (turning 19)!! Hope you both are enjoying your special days!Labels: Benjamin, Stateside visits
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Farm Getaway: Family Togetherness
As I mentioned earlier, heading to the farm really rejuvenates me, and I enjoy spending time with family members who I don’t get to see as often.
We had all five of Granny Walker’s great-grandkids together for the first time: Ava, Zachary, Benjamin, MacKenzie and Rachel. Lealane chose not to include her belly in the photo with great-grandchild #6--she said we could wait until next summer to include Olivia in the group photo.
Leslie, Rachel & David flew out from Austin.
My kiddos and I came from Stuttgart, Germany, and enjoyed an afternoon swimming in Lealane’s pool.
My five cousins: Hannah, Lealane, Sam, Cassie and Quincy.
And a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom (60 today) and my Aunt Gail (50 today)!! Hope you both are enjoying your special days!
We had all five of Granny Walker’s great-grandkids together for the first time: Ava, Zachary, Benjamin, MacKenzie and Rachel. Lealane chose not to include her belly in the photo with great-grandchild #6--she said we could wait until next summer to include Olivia in the group photo.
Leslie, Rachel & David flew out from Austin.
My kiddos and I came from Stuttgart, Germany, and enjoyed an afternoon swimming in Lealane’s pool.
My five cousins: Hannah, Lealane, Sam, Cassie and Quincy.
And a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom (60 today) and my Aunt Gail (50 today)!! Hope you both are enjoying your special days!
Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Stateside visits, Zachary
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Farm Getaway: Boiled Peanuts
The absolutely best food in the world is fresh boiled peanuts. I remember nearly every summer, when we visited my grandparents' farm, heading out to the field to pick peanuts for that evening’s supper. It was dirty work, and it could get hot out there, but the reward was well worth it!
This summer, Uncle Sam introduced MacKenzie to the art of picking peanuts. It was a little early to get the really good, big ones, but they picked enough to cook up for a delicious supper. MacKenzie didn’t mind picking them either, especially since she knew what the reward was going to be.
She especially enjoyed getting wet when helping wash the dirt off them with her Nana and Uncle Sam. There really isn’t much that’s more fun that getting dirty and wet on the farm (while barefoot), and knowing you get a delicious southern delicacy for supper--as many boiled peanuts as you can eat.
What makes them really good is that you don’t even have to make it to the table to eat them...as is evident by David and Zachary eating them right out of the pot!
They also make a good afternoon snack…or before-bedtime nibble. Zachary and MacKenzie have really learned how to crack into them to get to the delectable treat inside! Even Benjamin is getting the hang of eating them, although he needs help breaking into the shells to get the delicacy within.
This summer, Uncle Sam introduced MacKenzie to the art of picking peanuts. It was a little early to get the really good, big ones, but they picked enough to cook up for a delicious supper. MacKenzie didn’t mind picking them either, especially since she knew what the reward was going to be.She especially enjoyed getting wet when helping wash the dirt off them with her Nana and Uncle Sam. There really isn’t much that’s more fun that getting dirty and wet on the farm (while barefoot), and knowing you get a delicious southern delicacy for supper--as many boiled peanuts as you can eat.
What makes them really good is that you don’t even have to make it to the table to eat them...as is evident by David and Zachary eating them right out of the pot!They also make a good afternoon snack…or before-bedtime nibble. Zachary and MacKenzie have really learned how to crack into them to get to the delectable treat inside! Even Benjamin is getting the hang of eating them, although he needs help breaking into the shells to get the delicacy within.
Labels: Cooking, MacKenzie, Nana and Papa, Stateside visits, Zachary
Monday, October 16, 2006
Farm Getaway: Babies
It’s always nice to get together to visit with my family on the farm. Now that everyone’s grown and mostly on our own, it’s great to get together with the new generation--the babies. My babies aren’t really babies any more, but my brother’s daughter Rachel is...and my cousin Hannah’s daughter Ava is as well. Lealane’s daughter Olivia hadn’t made her debut yet, but next summer's visit will include that added bonus.
Rachel loved cuddling with her Papa, and even helped shade herself from the sun while snuggling onto his shoulder.
Rachel loved cuddling with her Papa, and even helped shade herself from the sun while snuggling onto his shoulder.
David has a patented “baby-hold.” Rachel seems to fit right into his arm. This hold also frees his other arm to accomplish other tasks. No one else has mastered this hold like he has, and Rachel sure seems to like it--she can see the world and spend time with her Daddy!
Kelly enjoyed some quiet time with his daughter Ava--only 2.5-months-old then.
Benjamin absolutely adores his Papa, and has him wrapped around his little finger! But Papa doesn’t mind one iota!
Rachel was being stubborn and not ready to go down for her nap quite yet. Sooo, David had to take her for a walk in her stroller to try to help her along. She was really stubborn this day, and it took a while!
Rachel gave huge grins to Great-Granny Walker. I’m not sure who had more fun playing this game because they both seemed to really enjoy it.
Rachel was so easy to cuddle with, but Benjamin became a bit possessive of me when I held her. He had to be right in the action as well...and wouldn’t allow me to leave him out!
After MacKenzie and Benjamin opened their birthday presents from Uncle Sam and Aunt Gail, Rachel discovered the discarded tissue paper...and had a blast playing with it. The cheapest toys really are the most fun! Especially when Aunt Gail joins the fun by making silly faces at her grand-niece!
Ava was in a very smiley mood, and oh what a beautiful smile!
Benjamin decided he wanted to see if he could fit in the toy bucket...and he did. He tickled himself when he managed to do so, and we all got tickled at him.
And, while she hadn't made her much-anticipated debut before our visit, here's a bonus photo of Olivia, who is officially a week old today. Granny Walker visited her the day after she was born--what a cute yawn...and blonde hair. 
Labels: Benjamin, Nana and Papa, Stateside visits
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Farm Getaway: Tractor Fun
Every year when we head to the farm, my Uncle Sam enjoys showing my kids a fun taste of farm life. He hasn't intrduced them to working in the fields yet (I remember tobacco and peppers in particular, although his crop in recent years is cotton). He’s taken Zachary and MacKenzie for rides in his tractor before, but he bought a new one recently and had to take them for a spin.
Zachary really enjoyed the new tractor--with a radio and air conditioning! He also enjoyed mowing a field with Uncle Sam. They were out on their ride for a good little while.
MacKenzie liked that fact that she was in a John Deere tractor. One of her favorite shirts is a pink one with the John Deere logo on it below the words “Country Girl,” so this was right up her alley!
Even Benjamin enjoyed his short ride--his inaugural tractor ride. He was ready to get back on solid ground when they returned to the house though. I’m sure he’ll learn to enjoy the rides more and more each summer, just like his brother and sister do!Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie, Stateside visits, Zachary
