Israel

Grrrrr.....I wanted to recap on our trip as soon as we returned. However, there is this little gal sucking all my energy noon and night. Some days, I wish I was a bear. I could hibernate the entire 9 months away. As soon as spring rolled around I would wake up and find myself ready to pop out a little cub! But I am not a bear; instead, just way behind in my projects. So here goes......

Day 1-

     Alex and I arrived at the correct airport this time around. We went through three security checks in order to board the flight, one was airport security and the other two were Israeli security. Israel asserts they are one of the safest countries due to low crime rates and high security. If only for the past 10 years! Moreover, I doubt Israel is taking into account Palestine when they make that assertion. More about that later......
      Needless to say, trekking  through the airport sans kids seemed like a breeze. And how reassuring it was knowing the kids were in the best hands. I am so grateful for Mom and Dad's sacrifice in coming over here. It allowed Alex and I an experience of a life time: spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Moreover, the pilgrimage resolved lingering questions and emotions that had been tormenting me since Theresa's death. The pilgrimage to Israel proved to be an extraordinary time of healing and grace!
      In Tel Aviv we were greeted by Fr. Guido, the spiritual guide, and driver. Upon arrival at the hotel we celebrated Mass, followed by dinner. Yay! Our first taste of Israeli food!!! By the 9th day I didn't want to see another piece of unleavened bread and humus again in my life!

Firewood

Our Germany home boasts beauty and character! It has aged beams, huge wooden garage doors, dormer windows and a fireplace. However, when winter rolls around, it is as cold as a tin toilet seat in Fairbanks. Really...the only way to heat the house to a tolerable temperature is with a fire. Like everything else, firewood prices are double of that in the States. In order to cut our own, Alex would need to get his license to be deemed capable of running a chain saw. But it is possible to cut wood with someone who already has the license. So our dear land lady, set Alex up with her cousin, Gunther, who goes out regularly. I think we are dang blest because now our house is warm and Alex is able to get his hands dirty. AND Gunther has become a regular visitor on our door step, much to Alex's delight.

A Little Behind

At the beginning of September, Mike and Jana ventured over here for a visit. What a delightful time we had! Besides showing them around our area we road tripped to Normandy and Paris. Alex only got one speeding ticket so I consider the drive a success!

Drewski

As I tip toed into Pierce's bedroom, this if what befell my eyes! Maria, it made my think of Drew and your similar experience. Heaven forbid there are two screw balls in the family!

Catching Up

Ah......the summer has ended and I never took pictures of all the pool hopping we did! The pools over here are as sprawling as the parks, all government subsidized of course. Nevertheless, the last week of the swimming season sported beautiful weather and I was able to get a few pics of the pool just 5 minutes from our house.