Media Library
The photos of Storm are in the media library. They are really big, so you have to scroll to see them, but they are really nice photos and worth the effort.
Love the Pictures
Great pictures Dee!!! Don't let Jess dissuade you. We love the insights that only pictures can tell (well, have to admit that some folks in our family are really excellent with word pictures--but hopefully, you get my drift. And how come you get to see pictures of Nina and Storm?
Note from Tory: Checkpoint Charlie
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Checkpoint Charlie
Today I got up early to cram an accumulation of nearly five weeks worth of stuff into my pack. I find it impressive, how much can go into a stuffsack when proper motivation and muscle is applied. It was serious exercise tromping up and down flights of stairs to the train station to deposit my pack at Left Luggage for the day. But freed from my bag, I made a bee-line (okay, after a quick stop at Starbucks) to tour the Checkpoint Charlie museum.
The museum has expanded since the wall came down, but it still contains an eclectic mix of history, kitch, and personal stories of GDR citizens who crossed the wall (some made it, some tragically died trying). It was really moving. They still have the little VW Bug used to smuggle people out, folded into a tiny hidden compartment. In retrospect, do you think they regretted using such a small car??
They were selling chunks of the wall in the museum gift shop. I really wanted one... but introducing a heavy piece of concrete into my already bulging pack-- well, it might be the straw that broke that camel. I got a tee shirt instead
My next stop was the East Gallery, a mile long section of the wall they preserved intact and invited artists from all over the world to paint. I walked the length and snapped cool pics. I walked the rest of the way back to Alexanderplatz (regretted that when my toes went numb from the cold, but hey). Fortunately, schnitzel with pommes frites --and an excellent Berliner beer-- warmed me right up.
I have a few hours left before I have to head to the Hauptbahnhof to catch my overnight train to Paris, and tomorrow is my last day before returning home... I try not to think about that. But I think about all of you frequently and am sending you my love and good thoughts!
Love T
Checkpoint Charlie
Today I got up early to cram an accumulation of nearly five weeks worth of stuff into my pack. I find it impressive, how much can go into a stuffsack when proper motivation and muscle is applied. It was serious exercise tromping up and down flights of stairs to the train station to deposit my pack at Left Luggage for the day. But freed from my bag, I made a bee-line (okay, after a quick stop at Starbucks) to tour the Checkpoint Charlie museum.
The museum has expanded since the wall came down, but it still contains an eclectic mix of history, kitch, and personal stories of GDR citizens who crossed the wall (some made it, some tragically died trying). It was really moving. They still have the little VW Bug used to smuggle people out, folded into a tiny hidden compartment. In retrospect, do you think they regretted using such a small car??
They were selling chunks of the wall in the museum gift shop. I really wanted one... but introducing a heavy piece of concrete into my already bulging pack-- well, it might be the straw that broke that camel. I got a tee shirt instead
My next stop was the East Gallery, a mile long section of the wall they preserved intact and invited artists from all over the world to paint. I walked the length and snapped cool pics. I walked the rest of the way back to Alexanderplatz (regretted that when my toes went numb from the cold, but hey). Fortunately, schnitzel with pommes frites --and an excellent Berliner beer-- warmed me right up.
I have a few hours left before I have to head to the Hauptbahnhof to catch my overnight train to Paris, and tomorrow is my last day before returning home... I try not to think about that. But I think about all of you frequently and am sending you my love and good thoughts!
Love T
Saturday - At the Garden Store
Lunch at the garden cafe inside the garden store. As you can see, Jess caught me sneaking a photo.
Diana and Judi, wishing they could buy the green face for Kay's garden.
Jess and her Aunt Judi. Jess gets sooo frustrated with my picture taking!
As I was loading my photos, I saw some really cute pictures of Storm! I love the one of him napping with the stuffed pony!
Way to go, Nina! Getting good grades is fun, isn't it?
Nina and Storm
Nina - getting straight As is amazing. Congratulations. Uncle Tom and I would love to see pictures of you and Storm.
Love Aunt KC
Love Aunt KC
Note from Tory: Berlin
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Berlin
Other places are about art maybe, or the view, or the shopping... but Berlin is absolutely a city of history.
First, I am rooming in a hotel located near Alexander Platz in the old Ost Berlin sector (not far from the famous TV tower). That, in and of itself, just blows my mind since the last time I was here, the wall divided the city and the eastern (Soviet) sector was a scary, tense passage through the checkpoint. But now, Ost Berlin is the hip district, the city center, and awash with tourists like myself, despite the ice and snow and slush.
But it is such fun to FINALLY be able to speak the local language, even if everyone still answers me back in English. You would think, since I can ask for directions whenever I need, that I wouldnt get lost so often, but not the case.... Figures.
This morning, I dumped my bulging pack at my hotel, and headed out onto the streets for a quick look about. I was just trying to figure out the difference between the SBahn and the UBahn when a crowd started to gather, English speakers like myself. It was a meeting point for an English language walking tour, so I joined right in. Yep, I leaped right in without considering that four hours walking the streets of Berlin -- the Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, etc, etc, -- might get a tad chilly. Umm. Yes. Just a little. By the end of the third hour (Hitlers Bunker) I was a friggin popcicle. When we reached the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his baby out the window, I my fingers and toes were painful stubs and I was looking for a way to dodge out without being noticed....
Sigh.
I stuck it out to the bitter(ly cold) end but spent my lunch money instead on a swift taxi back to my hotel where I steamed all the windows and used nearly all the water in their hot water tank.
Blissfully reheated, I wandered around the "hipster" district until my hunger caused me to start lingering more over the cafe menus than the stylish clothing shops (that is NOT like me at all!). So now I am now absolutely famished and am off to discover a place to dine. And I send you all my love.
Love T
Berlin
Other places are about art maybe, or the view, or the shopping... but Berlin is absolutely a city of history.
First, I am rooming in a hotel located near Alexander Platz in the old Ost Berlin sector (not far from the famous TV tower). That, in and of itself, just blows my mind since the last time I was here, the wall divided the city and the eastern (Soviet) sector was a scary, tense passage through the checkpoint. But now, Ost Berlin is the hip district, the city center, and awash with tourists like myself, despite the ice and snow and slush.
But it is such fun to FINALLY be able to speak the local language, even if everyone still answers me back in English. You would think, since I can ask for directions whenever I need, that I wouldnt get lost so often, but not the case.... Figures.
This morning, I dumped my bulging pack at my hotel, and headed out onto the streets for a quick look about. I was just trying to figure out the difference between the SBahn and the UBahn when a crowd started to gather, English speakers like myself. It was a meeting point for an English language walking tour, so I joined right in. Yep, I leaped right in without considering that four hours walking the streets of Berlin -- the Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, etc, etc, -- might get a tad chilly. Umm. Yes. Just a little. By the end of the third hour (Hitlers Bunker) I was a friggin popcicle. When we reached the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his baby out the window, I my fingers and toes were painful stubs and I was looking for a way to dodge out without being noticed....
Sigh.
I stuck it out to the bitter(ly cold) end but spent my lunch money instead on a swift taxi back to my hotel where I steamed all the windows and used nearly all the water in their hot water tank.
Blissfully reheated, I wandered around the "hipster" district until my hunger caused me to start lingering more over the cafe menus than the stylish clothing shops (that is NOT like me at all!). So now I am now absolutely famished and am off to discover a place to dine. And I send you all my love.
Love T
Nina
It is so good to hear from you--and the news of your straight A's is remarkable. Congratulations! Love. Bopcha
Note from Tory: Basel Switzerland
Friday, February 19, 2010
Travel day
I am at a McDonalds iinternet cafe: crapppy keyboard but a fraction of the cost of internet in Grindelwald!
This morning I caught an early train to Interlaken where I ditched my bag andd took a long stroll throuugh town between the train stations. To my delight I foundd a fondou place that served single portions and had a rich and decadent lunch. So yummy! Espppecially the burnt bits at the bottom of the pot
Two hour train and I ariived in Basel, a quirky town with personaliy to spare. I worked off some off my lunch wandering lost in thhe old town before a nice hotel lady pointed me to thhe bus to the Tinguely Museuum, recommended in my guidebook. This Basel artist created cool moving sculptures out of industrial scrap and spare household objects. You stand on a little red dot to animate the thing, spin and shuddder andd make squeeky noises. Really fun, hard to photo.
Tonight I am on the ovvernight train to Berlin.
Love you! T
Travel day
I am at a McDonalds iinternet cafe: crapppy keyboard but a fraction of the cost of internet in Grindelwald!
This morning I caught an early train to Interlaken where I ditched my bag andd took a long stroll throuugh town between the train stations. To my delight I foundd a fondou place that served single portions and had a rich and decadent lunch. So yummy! Espppecially the burnt bits at the bottom of the pot
Two hour train and I ariived in Basel, a quirky town with personaliy to spare. I worked off some off my lunch wandering lost in thhe old town before a nice hotel lady pointed me to thhe bus to the Tinguely Museuum, recommended in my guidebook. This Basel artist created cool moving sculptures out of industrial scrap and spare household objects. You stand on a little red dot to animate the thing, spin and shuddder andd make squeeky noises. Really fun, hard to photo.
Tonight I am on the ovvernight train to Berlin.
Love you! T
Hello!
I am happy to say I got straight A's on my report card. I got a 100 in Science since I am the only one in my class who understands science.
I just attended a talent show at my school. Hmmmm. Well my best friend, Lea, was in the competition. I must say she wasn't that good, but I am so happy that she tried. I mean, what can you expect from an 12 year old girl? In the beginning, there was this adorable little preschooler singing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. It was so cute!!! There were many funny acts, also.
I have lots of homework to do over the weekend. Literally, my book-bag weighed 20 pounds. Uhhhh! Storm has been doing quite well. I have lots of homework to do so goodbye! XOXO! Good luck at the farm Bopcha1
Nina*
I just attended a talent show at my school. Hmmmm. Well my best friend, Lea, was in the competition. I must say she wasn't that good, but I am so happy that she tried. I mean, what can you expect from an 12 year old girl? In the beginning, there was this adorable little preschooler singing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. It was so cute!!! There were many funny acts, also.
I have lots of homework to do over the weekend. Literally, my book-bag weighed 20 pounds. Uhhhh! Storm has been doing quite well. I have lots of homework to do so goodbye! XOXO! Good luck at the farm Bopcha1
Nina*
A Fan by Any Other Name
Dee - you are a fan, no doubt about it. Tom and I look at each other and shake our heads in amazement. What a peculiar passion she has we say. Now if you were out all day, walking slowly through drifts and cactus, in blowing snow trying to make a jack jump out of a warm and cozy hole so your dog could chase it--we could understand that, but....basketball? that's extraordinary and almost beyond credulity.
Note from Tory: Skies and Saunas
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Snow and water
This morning I took careful inventory of all my moving parts -- abused by yesterday's exertions and four weeks on the road. But after consideration I pronounced myself sound, and prescribed two ibuproven with my morning coffee.
The slopes were less crowded today and the sun was out. I skiied through occasional fog banks to pristine views. I hit all my favorite runs from yesterday ... they seemed easier today for some reason I called it a day when my quivering legs could take it no more, and skiied the long way down to the base of the gondola.
I was wearz and got a pretty sunburn (less cutouts the exact shape of my sunglasses), so I dropped off my gear and headed off to the sports center to avail myself of the sauna. With the ticket came access to the swimming pool and I took a nice long dip, swimming back and forth and pretending I really could swim (even though I've never been particularly good at it).
When I was completely tuckered, I headed to the sauna only to find it was strictly 'swimsuits verboten'.
Zipes. Hmmm. Yep.
Naked.
But boy did I really want that sauna and the place seemed deserted, so I discretely shed my suit, dropped my towel at the entrance and scurried in. I nearly jumped out of my skin to find another person there but she was a lady and was repine on the top shelf so I skidded to the far side and stretched out. The place smelled like cedar and mint. Absolute heaven.
Around five minutes later, the swim guard / manager guy opened the door and started talking to me! I couldn't understand a word he was saying and I would have turned beet red if not for my advanced sunburn and the sauna's heat. He finally switched to English: I had to lay on my towel, rather than on the bare wood. My bad.
I laid out my towel and resumed my repose until another sauna customer (a guy) walked in. He was naked as the day he was born. That was enough for me, and I raced out after a polite interval.
Tonight I am going to treat myself to a real Swiss dinner (I have been subsidizing my skiing habit by eating out of the grocery store). Fondue is only available for two, so I will have to settle for a nice raclette or wurst. Not too shabby.
Love T
Snow and water
This morning I took careful inventory of all my moving parts -- abused by yesterday's exertions and four weeks on the road. But after consideration I pronounced myself sound, and prescribed two ibuproven with my morning coffee.
The slopes were less crowded today and the sun was out. I skiied through occasional fog banks to pristine views. I hit all my favorite runs from yesterday ... they seemed easier today for some reason
I called it a day when my quivering legs could take it no more, and skiied the long way down to the base of the gondola.I was wearz and got a pretty sunburn (less cutouts the exact shape of my sunglasses), so I dropped off my gear and headed off to the sports center to avail myself of the sauna. With the ticket came access to the swimming pool and I took a nice long dip, swimming back and forth and pretending I really could swim (even though I've never been particularly good at it).
When I was completely tuckered, I headed to the sauna only to find it was strictly 'swimsuits verboten'.
Zipes. Hmmm. Yep.
Naked.
But boy did I really want that sauna and the place seemed deserted, so I discretely shed my suit, dropped my towel at the entrance and scurried in. I nearly jumped out of my skin to find another person there but she was a lady and was repine on the top shelf so I skidded to the far side and stretched out. The place smelled like cedar and mint. Absolute heaven.
Around five minutes later, the swim guard / manager guy opened the door and started talking to me! I couldn't understand a word he was saying and I would have turned beet red if not for my advanced sunburn and the sauna's heat. He finally switched to English: I had to lay on my towel, rather than on the bare wood. My bad.
I laid out my towel and resumed my repose until another sauna customer (a guy) walked in. He was naked as the day he was born. That was enough for me, and I raced out after a polite interval.
Tonight I am going to treat myself to a real Swiss dinner (I have been subsidizing my skiing habit by eating out of the grocery store). Fondue is only available for two, so I will have to settle for a nice raclette or wurst. Not too shabby.
Love T
Basketball
There is a game today at 3 pm.
There is a game tomorrow at either 3 or 6, depending on whether we win or not.
I have to argue a motion tomorrow at 9 a.m. in Vancouver Washington. I was going to head on down to Corvallis for the weekend, but now I have to put pedal to the metal and head back for the game.
I am an amazing fan!
Love,
Dee
P.S. I love all of your blogs ... maybe Tory will go skiing with me when she returns. I really miss it, but cannot get anyone to go with me.
There is a game tomorrow at either 3 or 6, depending on whether we win or not.
I have to argue a motion tomorrow at 9 a.m. in Vancouver Washington. I was going to head on down to Corvallis for the weekend, but now I have to put pedal to the metal and head back for the game.
I am an amazing fan!
Love,
Dee
P.S. I love all of your blogs ... maybe Tory will go skiing with me when she returns. I really miss it, but cannot get anyone to go with me.
Winning
I got an email from the Federal Bureau of Investigations saying I had won 800,000 dollars from a foreign entity, and in order to get it I had to send them $250 to they could claim it for me! Bopcha
Sheep
The lady sheep posed with her business end toward us and expelled a wadded up package of something that dropped to the ground. When it hit and the membrane it was enclosed in broke, legs and tail all started moving at once. It was really amusing to see. The little head started to take shape with the mother's coaxing and the tail started wagging like a dogs. Soon the legs started to get enough strength to attempt to lift the little body.
There were many lambs in different stages of growth, but this was the first one to see from the beginnig. Love, Bopcha
There were many lambs in different stages of growth, but this was the first one to see from the beginnig. Love, Bopcha
Next Steps
I just posted a new note from Tory. She's going to be so fit after all this travel, it'll be amazing. I love the stories and can't wait to see the pictures.
Kay - somehow, we have to figure out how Tory makes those big smiley faces. I can only do the tinsy ones like this: ☺ They look so ...so....unimposing I guess is the right word.
Seeing those lambs being born must have been quite the experience. What a lovely thing, seeing new life hit the ground (literally, according to Bop!!)
Jess and her dad sure look energetic. I think I want to go to bed early tonight. Tee hee.
Kay - somehow, we have to figure out how Tory makes those big smiley faces. I can only do the tinsy ones like this: ☺ They look so ...so....unimposing I guess is the right word.
Seeing those lambs being born must have been quite the experience. What a lovely thing, seeing new life hit the ground (literally, according to Bop!!)
Jess and her dad sure look energetic. I think I want to go to bed early tonight. Tee hee.