New Years, Lake Pokegama, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Spending a quiet New Years Eve with my mom and dad in Minnesota. Sitting at the dining table, I happened to glance up to see that God had graced us with a beautifully colored sky. Really, the color tone of the picture is not "off." It really was that color for about 5 minutes.


Today we say goodbye to 2006 and hello to 2007. I think I am going to miss 2006. For all it's trials and tribulations, I worry that 2007 will bring more than ever before. 2006 was a time of healing for everyone from 2005. The exciting project of rebuilding the comm center at work, which included lots of stress - but the new center came together and we all got through it.




Some people got healthier (dad and me). Some got sicker (mom and Jesse). So, for 2007, I have decided to try and appreciate the moments that are given to us, one at a time - and not worry about what may be coming around the bend. To celebrate family and friends. To remember to say how much I love and appreciate my friends and family.

Happy New Year - I wish everyone a blessed, safe and healthy New Year.

Love,
Lorene

Frankendog

Monday was a rough day. Took Q, master of the cats, to the vet to have a tumor removed from his back and some funny looking growths biopsied in hs mouth. Of course, Alan got to drop him off. (He claims that was the worst part, because the dog would remember who took him to the vet and abandoned him there. So there I was at 5pm, with Aly, anxiously awaiting my dog. Just as a side note, the vet called while he was under to say they found 3 more - should they remove them since he is 7, under anesthesia, and we don't want to repeat this again.) So I said yes. So in the exam room we waited and in came a groggy, but happy FRANKENDOG! No bandages or nice coverings. The picture actually looks better than real life. So he hopped right into the Honda Element. But once home, well, couldn't get him to all 4 feet or our of the vehicle. So off to the neighbors for help. Well he worried about what they were doing by his surgery sites, so that got him out. Once in the house, bleeding, bleeding, bleeding. 2 spots on his back decided to let loose with bubbling blood. Vet said put pressure. I said - he just had surgery. Vet said needs pressure, light, but firm pressure. So there is Aly crying, holding towels on him - there is Frankendog, who is letting out a cry that sets your heart to pounding. 1 1/2 hours later we slowed to a trickle and decided he would live to morning. And he did clot. Biopsy results on growths in mouth - not cancer. We are happy. Now, if it was just Halloween time, we could have dressed Alan up as Frankenstein with his sidekick, Frankendog.

The picture is taken just after wrapping presents. He had to get involved. He has his toys for comfort and the cat watching over him from a short distance away. (This cat follows him around and you will usually find her sleeping near him).


This was the week of good news. Frankendog is okay, my older brother's biopsy came back okay, but they want a larger sample, so they are going to take 2 of his neck growths out next week, but expect it to be okay. Emily got stuck in the horrible snow storm in Colorado, but finally made it to a hotel after 4 hours and 5 miles on I25 and was okay. So an eventful week for all.

Home Saturday

Saturday was the day to come home. The 0800 shuttle to Dublin airport, and their insistance that no hand cream would be allowed on board (even though it was less than 3 oz and in a plastic bag). So I shoved all into suitcase and off through security we went. Wow, what an event. I think everyone was being frisked. The lines were really long. The really nice gate attendent let us through the fast track lane. they were just trying to clear some people through. We made it through okay and then shopped and waited and waited and waited. Finally we boarded and flew to Shannon.

Did I ever tell you I hate flying. Really and truely - each up and down makes me nuts. Add that stress (2 flights) plus being over water (the Atlantic Ocean) I ended up with a really really bad headache. I actually had it before the flight, but I think that the stress of flying just made it worse. They made us get off at Shannon, go through customs there and then security again to get back on. But, I got to visit duty free and put hand creme on. I was happy.

Got a limo and made it home. Alyssa and Richard put up the tree and all looks well. We have a happy Q and a a happy Alan. Now back to work tomorrow. I am seriously jet lagged. I just hope it gets better. I will post pictures to all my old posts this week. I am glad to be home.

Lorene

Baden-Baden Thursday/Friday

On Thursday we walked the shops, then jumped onto a train and went to Karlsruhe. Karlsruhe is a big city. We went to the shopping mall (so I could replace my malfunctioning IPOD earphones), and then off to main street shopping. A fairly large Christmas Market and people wandering back and forth over the train tracks.
I wanted to know how many were hit by the trains/trams each year. The number must be substantial. We gave up our seats to an elderly couple - the young teen girls weren't about to stand and we couldn't watch them sway to the movements of the tram. They seemed surprised that we would have done that. I think politeness has left all big cities. I enjoyed watching the various piercings and clothing styles. They say that it starts in Europe and then the trend makes it way to the U.S. There were some really interesting clothing trends. All the young seem to be into knee high boots with fur on top. So the boots start with fur just above the ankle and goes to the top. They were very cute. I wanted a pair. But luggage being sparse I didn't buy one.

We made our way back to Baden-Baden and went to the Carcella Spa. It was wonderful. All mineral/thermal water. A large pool, a hot tub that wasn't too hot, with a flowing waterfall. Lots of chairs to lay in. Then you can climb out of the one pool (it is the same depth all over, chest high for me) and walk over to the port that lets you swim outside to the outdoor pools. It was drizzling out and just absolutely wonderful. We had a really fun time. We bought a 3 hour pass (you can buy time at the springs in 2, 3 and 4 hours). We had to rent towels as we didn't bring our own. We wandered through the Christmas Market one more time, bought a few trinkets. We then had an Italian dinner and off to the hotel for the night.

I think for pure relaxation, Baden-Baden is just the best. I had been having a lot of pain in my right hip and it went away after spending time in the spa. So maybe it was just the magical waters.

We then caught the 1042 train to Frankfurt airport. We were headed for home. Of course Alan found his very favorite treat at the airport. They didn't have his flavor, so he had to forego that experience. But here is the picture from the Hagen-Daz in Munich. I bet you'll never guess what flavor is his favorite ... Yup, Vanilla.

The experience back at Ireland wasn't the best with the Carlton Hotel. Being left in the cold for 30 minutes to wait for pick-up and watching the other hotel shuttles make run after run was tough. But they bought us breakfast to make up for it. Not quite sure that made up for it. Shivering outside the airport with no reprieve and then a rude driver. Well, it was not the best ending. But home we are. And I am glad to be back.

Lorene

Baden-Baden Wedesday & Thursday and Karlsruh

We arrived in Baden-Baden at 4:20pm Wednesday and faithfully following Rich Steves's Book Germany and Austria 2006, the bus just outside the train station took us to the center of Baden-Baden. High School had just gotten out and with our luggage we sat at the back of the bus, so of course that is where all the teens joined us. And in every group of teens, there is always one. The one was surly and threw his gum wrappers on the floor. Made it a point actually to do so. Was the first we had seen in an area that is very clean. But at least we know one thing - kids are kids everywhere. Someday, he will be an adult and scold his own child for doing the same thing he once did.

We are staying at Hotel Beeg. You enter into the Cafe and they direct you to the locked side entrance. They don't ask your name (but have a form for you to fill out later) and said "we trust our guests" - Of course we gave them our credit card over the phone, but the attitude was the same I had found everywhere. We were walked to our room. Shown the way to the spas from our window, asked about our needs, given instructions for breakfast (all in flawless English - a first for this trip) and it was a great experience. Rick Steves said they can be a bit "chilly" and so far they have been kind and warm at this hotel. So 4 thumbs up. The room is excellent. And we have a TV with CNN. We went off to explore. Mind you that walking to the hotel we passed Hermes, and all sorts of very high end shops, so I think shopping is out for the most part, but the town was charming. Very large and well decorated. We went to the Roman-Irish Spa, Just amazing to think the Government will pay for people to go every 2 years to a spa because they are stressed and need it as part of their health insurance. We found the Christmas market which led to the steps of the Casino.

We went in to the basement (no dress code there). The upstairs is all table games and Alan would have to rent a coat and I would have to get better dressed. (Maybe visit the Hermes shop with a credit card). Well, there were slot machines I recognized. The Frog Prince, Double Dolphins, Geisha and the trains Progressive. The prices made us gasp. And so after sticking a 5 euro bill in repeatedly. (And it giving it back repeatedly), I made the machine give an excessive bill warning. The man came by and told me... no 5 Euro notes.. only 10, 20, 50, 100 bills accepted. And get this, the machine miniminum bet is .50 cents (Euro) per line, which is like .65 cents US. so a 15 line machine, to just bet one per line costs a fortune. We played a little bit, but decided our money was better spent elsewhere. I watched a guy next to me stick a hundred in (About $120 US) and go through it in 10 minutes playing what we consider a penny machine in the US. So, we wondered what the attraction was and wandered through alleyways out to the city street. By the way, in the Rick Steve's book, he says there is an alley where Russians who had lost their fortunes here killed themselves, (called Suicide Alley). At these prices, I can see why they lost fortunes and so fast. Found an Indian Restaurant for dinner. Very good too I might add. Then back to the hotel for bed. Another fitful night sleep and in the morning I woke up feeling battered (I hate these beds and Alan loves them).

Off to Karlsruh for a ride and walk around and back to Baden-Baden. Karlsruh is a really big city. At the train station they had some statutes - a giant chair made out of logs and rope, and a sculputre of half man/half beast. But instead of a head at each end - there was the bottoms. Very strange. But interesting, I guess... Alan kept saying "I can do this" everytime he looked at the modern art and funky paintings. I just laughed at him and we moved on.


We are now off to the Carcella to swim. It will be interesting. Waterfalls and such. Ireland is reporting high winds and delays all week so looks like I may be in for a wild ride Friday from Frankfurt to Ireland and then from Ireland to Home Saturday. But delays or no delays, Home I come.

 

Love to all.

 

Lorene and Alan

Oberammergau and then Munich Tuesday Night

We left Oberammergau Tuesday morning. It was a nice hotel. The room was clean and typical of the ¨less expensive¨ hotels - but this was our first with no television. So it was a little weird. I think they controlled the heat here, because it was freezing. But the blankets were incredibly warm.

There was no one in town. Seriously, it was very empty. The stores were very pricey for wood carvings, but the American Tourists from the Globist Tour were buying everything in sight. Ahhh, to have that much money... and their entire worry was how to get it back on the airplane. The restaurants were open, no one around. The weather - cold and raining, when it should have been snowing. The christmas market was there over the weekend (we just missed it) and the hotel we were at everyone was very worried about the lack of snow. This is ski Season and the slopes were green and not a hint of snow in sight. The only other couple staying at the hotel was a man and his wife - he was celebrating his 70th birthday and the kids gave them the trip for their combined birthday present (hers had been on the 1st). They went hiking and driving. They lived in the former East Germany and said that the best things the Americans did was to bring over Voice of America which he listened to illegally until the Country was united when the wall went down. I hope to be that active at 70. Alan talked to him in German and everyone laughed at his bad German, but he could talk enough to give and receive information.

We made our way to Munich, where we seemed to have gotten the last room available at the Hotel Monaco. (Despite an email I got tonite telling us no rooms available). There is a game in town between Munich and the Italian team. I guess it is important.  Most hotels sold out.The hotel is on the 5th and 6th floor of an office building with another teeny-tiny elevator. Now I have no choice but to take it, my hip will not let me walk up 5 flights of stairs. (I told it I can, but it said no, just flat out refused). So, panic city, here I come, several times today. We also washed all our clothes today - met a lady who was moving back to New Hampshire after her husband retired from Sylvania Lightbulbs, and they were in temporary quarters. Also met an Australian who was washing his clothes. He saved up for a year, moved home, sold his car, quit his job and travelled to  Thailand and now Germany. He saved just to travel - He goes home 1/10/07. We had a great time at the Laundromat. Was somewhat expensive, but nice to have clean clothes.

Now we have a train/bus pass for Munich til 0600 hours and we have been to 2 Christmas Markets. We are off to see the Haufbrauhaus and Hundskugel.

We are leaving in the morning to go to Baden-Baden and the Black Forest. We will be staying at Hotel Beeg. Alan tells me there is a big Casino there to check out for Mom. The guide books say you must be dressed accordingly and it is worth a look see. Alan will have to rent a coat and tie for eleven euros just to go in. But it will be an adventure. So adventure away I say.

Talk to you all soon. Will be stateside Saturday afternoon.

Love to all,
Lorene and Alan

Dinkelsbuhl and Oberammergau - Monday

We left Dinkelsbuhl Monday morning and took the trains to Nurmberg, Munich and then to Oberammergau, and here we are now in the center of town. It looks like no laundry will be done until we get to a large city. Even then it might be iffy until we get home. The best Internet Cafe was Global... we could do pictures... elsewhere, well, this is it folks.

The hotel we stayed at in Dinkelsbuhl was called Hotel Palmengarten. The owner drove us to the bus stop, saving us the taxi fare. They served a great breakfast and this was one of the top hotels we stayed at. The shower had great pressure - even on the 3rd floor. The room was warm and we could control the heat which is important to me.

We actually had a really nice time in Dinkelsbuhl. There was a travelling carnival type show with ducks, chicken, roosters, etc., a herding dog, a van with a bunch of cats in it and a very interesting looking (interesting = scary/unstable) dude. He kept soaking a large hoop in kerosene. We missed that part of the show. But I had a brief worry about the chickens. (A large cookout?). There was a neat looking duck - with a funny Natural hat. I included the picture. Dinkelsbuhl is a nice Bavarian Village to visit - but there is no train station. It's main drawback. But that probably helps keep the tourists down. The filming continued while we were there and it is going to be a Christmas special on Television.

The Christmas Market is no longer in Oberammergau so we will probably head out tomorrow to places unknown. Just got into town so not much to tell yet (except it is empty). Lorene would forever lament that she did not buy the doll she saw there. Lesson # 121 - Buy the item when you see it - it may not come your way again. I really wanted that doll. Sigh.

Talk soon. Love to all.

Lorene and Alan

P.S. I updated this site with pictures after we got home.

Germany - Sunday Morning - Dinkelsbuhl

Checked out of the Holiday Inn in Berlin Saturday Morning and spent all day travelling by train and bus. We had a first class compartment on the train and it was nice. We spent 1 and a half hours waiting for the bus to Dinkelsbuhl since they only run every 2 hours on the weekends. We arrived at 1820 and are staying in the "Old Town". A very nice Bavarian Village. They were filming something last night. Not sure what. But  the buildings were lit up with spotlights. They have a small Christmas Market here and we will explore more tonite. The dogs had lighted collars and we are going to try and find one for Q. Maybe one for the kids too.

Public transportation to Neuswanstein doesn't look promising, but we'll see what tomorrow brings. What is amusing, is how many hotels there are in this town and Rick Steves book listed one - that is 1 - Numero Uno. So we are left wondering why. Our room was great. though. 3rd Floor walk-up and all.

Other than that we are off to explore. It is 11am here and of course cold. Sharon bought me warm gloves and an Original Pashmina to keep warm which I wore last night. It is silk and cashmere and the gloves are cashmere lined. So I am warmer (and wearing 3 layers of clothing), though still have a cold. But doing better. Take care all. Talk to you soon.

Berlin Friday

Today was nice in Berlin. I had great difficulty at the Internet cafe. It kept changing the language to German (fancy that, me being in Germany). At the other one I kept saying Ja, Ja, (Yes, Yes), only the Germans and God knows what I agreed to, at this one, well, it didn't ask me for an agreement but after staring at the screen and keyboard in frustration, I just gave up. I now have more compassion for the frustrations of being in a strange land with a strange language. I didn't have my translators to help (Sharon and Alan). So I went for a nap and CNN and dreams of home as Sharon and Alan left me to wander, (I feeling still too unwell to wander in the outdoors.) However, we had great fun picking up medicines at the pharmacy that I can't read and the new ones seem to help. Went to the Block House Restaurant and had a great dinner. Had our picture taken with a "street cow". This one is for Aly. And, I of course, wondered how the Cow made it here from Chicago. Or did the Chicago Cows come from Germany. By the time we discussed it, I was so done with that conversation. LOL.

Sharon leaves at 0630 and we are heading for Dinkelsbuehl in the morning (Saturday), and are staying Hotel Garni Palmengarten... wanted to stay in Rottenburg, but they had nothing open for Saturday... that is what happens when you don't make advance reservations. However, Dinkelsbuhl sounds really fun - planning to try and find Dinah tomorrow. Dinkelsbuhl is called Rottenburg's little sister so I, who always wanted a little sister, should find it enchanting. I hear Chicago got really socked by a snowstorm. Hoping all is safe and warm. I really miss everyone. Take care all. BTW, the; Block House had 2 dogs inside eating with their owners - hmmm, wonder if Q will fit under the table and how can we get American restaurants to let us bring our dogs in... Thoughts for the nite.

 

L