tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34222866233954468082024-03-13T21:26:11.087-07:00Behind the BookcaseJulia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-20165190273543230672010-03-04T03:10:00.000-08:002010-03-04T06:45:19.733-08:00Berlin Road Trip!Road Trip! Say no more....<br /><br />Well ... I'd like to say a <em>lil</em> sumpin - we had <em>so</em> much fun on our road trip from Heidelberg to Berlin (633km, about a 6hr drive). John and I decided it would be fun to drive instead of taking the train - and in this case it was also less expensive.<br /><br />The primary purpose of our two day getaway ... the <a href="http://www.owlcitymusic.com/home.aspx">Owl City </a>concert. The artist is a guy who made music in his folks' basement, uploaded it to myspace, and became an undergroud guru break-out singer.<br /><br />Essentially, he's a geek who makes good music and the teenagers who still live with us asked, "Hey, can we go?" In a moment of weekness, very early on a Saturday morning - we said "Yes"?? The warm-up act was <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lights">Lights</a> - her live performance is crazy better than her recordings... perhaps it was the <em>wicked</em> base!<br /><br />And I'm <strong>so </strong>glad we did - it was good times together: in the car, time in Berlin, a hole-in-the-wall <a href="http://www.hotel-greifswald.de/">hotel </a>that's a real gem, and a couple great performances in a venue that hold 250 people standing shoulder to shoulder.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-8T-dXBMI/AAAAAAAABRQ/sGvnd5dotSk/s1600-h/IMG_3500.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444777525883897026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-8T-dXBMI/AAAAAAAABRQ/sGvnd5dotSk/s400/IMG_3500.JPG" border="0" /></a>Truck stop on the way to Berlin<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-8TbdF1LI/AAAAAAAABRI/zSIsEnFDASM/s1600-h/IMG_3502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444777516487529650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-8TbdF1LI/AAAAAAAABRI/zSIsEnFDASM/s400/IMG_3502.JPG" border="0" /></a>John and Flower at our lunch stop - too cute!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-7UI2IyII/AAAAAAAABQw/peaxYFQdEA4/s1600-h/IMG_3540.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444776429160548482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-7UI2IyII/AAAAAAAABQw/peaxYFQdEA4/s400/IMG_3540.JPG" border="0" /></a> Joe outside the Magnet Disco - "sold out" meant the scalpers were on the sidewalk trying to get their mitts on our hot, hot tickets.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5eQ8McBI/AAAAAAAABQg/5En3wpvu4OI/s1600-h/IMG_3550.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444774404108873746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5eQ8McBI/AAAAAAAABQg/5En3wpvu4OI/s400/IMG_3550.JPG" border="0" /></a> Flower and Joe gettin' their party on.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5eDO2sBI/AAAAAAAABQY/5k1FdCZplRo/s1600-h/IMG_3551.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444774400429043730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5eDO2sBI/AAAAAAAABQY/5k1FdCZplRo/s400/IMG_3551.JPG" border="0" /></a> Us setting up a beach head away from Joe and Flower.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5d60qYHI/AAAAAAAABQQ/oi3lf0bdgzE/s1600-h/IMG_3554.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444774398171701362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5d60qYHI/AAAAAAAABQQ/oi3lf0bdgzE/s400/IMG_3554.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our view of the stage - Lights performing<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5drlt98I/AAAAAAAABQI/D9cJEshr-dc/s1600-h/IMG_3566.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444774394082490306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5drlt98I/AAAAAAAABQI/D9cJEshr-dc/s400/IMG_3566.JPG" border="0" /></a> Flower and Joe entrenched themselves NEXT TO the stage - in front of a subwoofer and below a hanging speaker. We expect them to have hearing loss.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5dI12cBI/AAAAAAAABQA/uGQYv68SDlA/s1600-h/IMG_3569.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444774384754913298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-5dI12cBI/AAAAAAAABQA/uGQYv68SDlA/s400/IMG_3569.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-3mKqGgiI/AAAAAAAABP4/LDROr3CJCE0/s1600-h/IMG_3541.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444772340838072866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-3mKqGgiI/AAAAAAAABP4/LDROr3CJCE0/s400/IMG_3541.JPG" border="0" /></a> Joe and I took a walkabout the neighborhood before the concert. Here he is just after buying some fruit to go with dinner.<br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-3l1jHKmI/AAAAAAAABPw/FodonoaTK5I/s1600-h/IMG_3522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444772335171611234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-3l1jHKmI/AAAAAAAABPw/FodonoaTK5I/s400/IMG_3522.JPG" border="0" /></a> Who needs a rolling hot dog cart when the vendor <em>becomes</em> the cart??<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-3lZ_Ax8I/AAAAAAAABPo/WwOnNj-LkuQ/s1600-h/IMG_3508.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444772327772440514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-3lZ_Ax8I/AAAAAAAABPo/WwOnNj-LkuQ/s400/IMG_3508.JPG" border="0" /></a>Loved the architecture.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-3lIgoIZI/AAAAAAAABPg/rXH8jhb6BD4/s1600-h/IMG_3530.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444772323081593234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-3lIgoIZI/AAAAAAAABPg/rXH8jhb6BD4/s400/IMG_3530.JPG" border="0" /></a>This was the view of the hotel parking lot from our room. This is the entire parking lot.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-15egLC_I/AAAAAAAABPY/43u5mDc-qk8/s1600-h/IMG_3537.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444770473559395314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-15egLC_I/AAAAAAAABPY/43u5mDc-qk8/s400/IMG_3537.JPG" border="0" /></a> Euro potty. Yep - that's the shower behind the toilet and yep - that's a full size, climb-out window in the shower. Plenty of towels. But - this hotel room was really an apartment with lots of room and a full-size kitchen.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-14zwhmhI/AAAAAAAABPQ/mG5CxEO05eQ/s1600-h/IMG_3575.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444770462085257746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-14zwhmhI/AAAAAAAABPQ/mG5CxEO05eQ/s400/IMG_3575.JPG" border="0" /></a>The MOST EXOTIC breakfast we've had at a hotel - and this was included in the price of the room. There were so many delicacies: pancetta wrapped around a cream cheese spread, stuffed mushrooms, olives stuffed with a luscious spread, shrimp salad, latkes, meatballs, tomato slices with mozzerella and basil, scrambled eggs with ham chunks, ... and the rest of a typical european breakfast spread. And, it just looks pretty.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-14vYQ9VI/AAAAAAAABPI/ouTKjVL4woA/s1600-h/IMG_3573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444770460909761874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-14vYQ9VI/AAAAAAAABPI/ouTKjVL4woA/s400/IMG_3573.JPG" border="0" /></a> Love these guys!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-14DRdg_I/AAAAAAAABPA/wdx_FoxS3Ss/s1600-h/IMG_3574.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444770449070064626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-14DRdg_I/AAAAAAAABPA/wdx_FoxS3Ss/s400/IMG_3574.JPG" border="0" /></a> So glad we could party with these two.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-0QT9yvuI/AAAAAAAABO4/tKHOuAL0uh0/s1600-h/IMG_3521.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444768666844577506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-0QT9yvuI/AAAAAAAABO4/tKHOuAL0uh0/s400/IMG_3521.JPG" border="0" /></a>I was most surprised with all the art around Berlin. We drove through many different areas of Berlin and we saw art in every kind of neighborhood. It was outstanding and so uplifting.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-0QBZUyuI/AAAAAAAABOw/_Q63Rtpinog/s1600-h/IMG_3585.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444768661859781346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-0QBZUyuI/AAAAAAAABOw/_Q63Rtpinog/s400/IMG_3585.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-0PkX1S3I/AAAAAAAABOo/-VjvWHyKUzE/s1600-h/IMG_3591.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444768654068894578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-0PkX1S3I/AAAAAAAABOo/-VjvWHyKUzE/s400/IMG_3591.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-WWnaSo-I/AAAAAAAABOg/NptRfFyAWxY/s1600-h/IMG_3592.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444735789794763746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S4-WWnaSo-I/AAAAAAAABOg/NptRfFyAWxY/s400/IMG_3592.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div align="left">Concerts, Berlin, and road trips with my people is totally where it's <em>at</em>.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-24069135585321883492010-02-16T21:43:00.000-08:002010-02-16T23:00:37.874-08:00Fasching!It's that time of year again.... time to get your party on and attend Fasching! It's a celebration tied to Lent somehow - but is designed to scare away the demons of winter. Sounds like Mardi Gras with a sprinkling of Groundhog's Day.<br /><br />The parade runs through town and down the Haupstrasse (a 1.1 km walking route lined with shops, restaurants, banks, plazas, etc. Joe and I decided to walk to the center of town to enjoy the full compliment of the festivities. There were a ton of costumes, crazy hats, and face painting ... and that was just the spectators.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uIhEDuaaI/AAAAAAAABOQ/_KsAhscApUg/s1600-h/IMG_3448.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439091076586432930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uIhEDuaaI/AAAAAAAABOQ/_KsAhscApUg/s400/IMG_3448.JPG" border="0" /></a>"Joe, please stand over by the carousel for the little guys - I want to take your picture." </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uIgjyaa2I/AAAAAAAABOI/Dqpgyuri4W0/s1600-h/IMG_3452.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439091067923884898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uIgjyaa2I/AAAAAAAABOI/Dqpgyuri4W0/s400/IMG_3452.JPG" border="0" /></a> Joe buying a Nutella crepe.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uIgdIUKWI/AAAAAAAABOA/Kyw4bZikSfQ/s1600-h/IMG_3453.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439091066136701282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uIgdIUKWI/AAAAAAAABOA/Kyw4bZikSfQ/s400/IMG_3453.JPG" border="0" /></a> The two of us making our way to the Bismarkplatz.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHfQD1jTI/AAAAAAAABN4/Rs9ap96ZZek/s1600-h/IMG_3454.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439089945936760114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHfQD1jTI/AAAAAAAABN4/Rs9ap96ZZek/s400/IMG_3454.JPG" border="0" /></a>We staked out a great spot, but just before the parade we switched to the other side of the street for a better exit strategy. </div><div></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHfBOpeWI/AAAAAAAABNw/xNnC8RoNGms/s1600-h/IMG_3459.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439089941955574114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHfBOpeWI/AAAAAAAABNw/xNnC8RoNGms/s400/IMG_3459.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love this guy.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHe8CA25I/AAAAAAAABNo/rro78HQA8Sc/s1600-h/IMG_3467.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439089940560403346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHe8CA25I/AAAAAAAABNo/rro78HQA8Sc/s400/IMG_3467.JPG" border="0" /></a> Certainly, there was a heavy police presence....<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHebBOzyI/AAAAAAAABNg/Urrq4-7DuIs/s1600-h/IMG_3469.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439089931698753314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHebBOzyI/AAAAAAAABNg/Urrq4-7DuIs/s400/IMG_3469.JPG" border="0" /></a>.... with face paint!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHeLlRPWI/AAAAAAAABNY/AxiFUB-atzE/s1600-h/IMG_3471.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439089927554940258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uHeLlRPWI/AAAAAAAABNY/AxiFUB-atzE/s400/IMG_3471.JPG" border="0" /></a>Part of 'scaring off the demons of winter' inspired plenty of costumes. This 'old witch' was the pre-game show while we waited for the parade to start. She rallied and teased the crowd and was rewarded with plenty of applause and laughter. The wee ones standing near us kept hollering something. I asked Joe, "what are they saying?" He had to listen carefully (kids talk funny in all languages, eh?) and heard, "Hexa." The little kids kept calling the for the witch so they would be teased, etc. It was so cute ... I can neither confirm nor deny that I joined the kindergartners and shouted for the hexa.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uFYi0Z-SI/AAAAAAAABNQ/NfesY6h5wDo/s1600-h/IMG_3470.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439087631689972002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uFYi0Z-SI/AAAAAAAABNQ/NfesY6h5wDo/s400/IMG_3470.JPG" border="0" /></a>This guy is wearing a friar's robe, a blue Santa Claus hat with holes, and drinking a beer... and he's partying with his momz? We couldn't quite figure it out - later we saw he'd pulled down the hat over his face ski-mask-style. I suppose some things are better left a mystery.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uFX_1QGFI/AAAAAAAABNA/8uFoX7T67Es/s1600-h/IMG_3474.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439087622298277970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uFX_1QGFI/AAAAAAAABNA/8uFoX7T67Es/s400/IMG_3474.JPG" border="0" /></a>A really good marching band. Every member of every band we saw was wearing face paint. Nothing quite like a rousing band at a parade.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uFXrOb_1I/AAAAAAAABM4/B-E9lgmwxD8/s1600-h/IMG_3475.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439087616766771026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S3uFXrOb_1I/AAAAAAAABM4/B-E9lgmwxD8/s400/IMG_3475.JPG" border="0" /></a>Joe's friend from school stopped by the apartment after we got home to show us her costume - looks fantastic!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">A good walk, lots of people, costumes and face paint, an outrageous confetti cannon, and being there with Joe... totally where it's <em>at</em>.<em><br /></em></div><div><em></em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-66863436997655793312010-02-07T13:08:00.001-08:002010-02-07T21:55:44.679-08:00The Reasons Why...One day at a time for the last thirteen years these people have encouraged me to become a better person. I'm not sure they would say that, but that's my reality. My moment of clarity was real simple, "if you keep doing what you're doing, you're gonna lose your kids." Ok.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Today, I have a great life. John is an amazing husband. The kids make me laugh. And because I want sobriety more than I don't, I'll keep coming back.<br /></div><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S282YO3B3FI/AAAAAAAABLs/XrAYpwDgjlU/s1600-h/91.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435623065193143378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S282YO3B3FI/AAAAAAAABLs/XrAYpwDgjlU/s400/91.JPG" border="0" /></a> Flower, Joe, Marie, Jack</div><div align="center">Dec 2009 - Heidelberg Germany<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S282X4ev29I/AAAAAAAABLk/s7yDKpFeqdA/s1600-h/Jun+2001+Flower+Jack+Marie+Joe+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435623059185720274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S282X4ev29I/AAAAAAAABLk/s7yDKpFeqdA/s400/Jun+2001+Flower+Jack+Marie+Joe+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> Joe, Flower, Marie, Jack</div><div align="center">Oct 2007 - St. Charles, Missouri</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">taken the day before Jack left for his mission to Russia</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435625375865614738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S284euyRsZI/AAAAAAAABME/Wyf1j8iXp4c/s400/IMG_0355.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">John (red shorts) at the finish line of the MS150</div><div align="center">SO proud of him!</div><div align="center">Aug. 2007 - Columbia, Missouri</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435625370400826706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S284eabXpVI/AAAAAAAABL8/EiruMBoBzQc/s400/IMG_0257.JPG" border="0" />Jack, Joe, Flower, Marie</div><div align="center">Aug 2007 - Nauvoo, Illinois </div><div align="center">camping<br /></div></div><div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435637088316080770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S29DIfEEwoI/AAAAAAAABMM/gE1PEfTAFlo/s400/IMG_0048.JPG" border="0" />Jack, Flower, Marie, Joe</div><div align="center">June 2007 - St. Charles, Missouri </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S281-owwrOI/AAAAAAAABLc/1C7BHPzDNlA/s1600-h/IMG_0036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435622625469574370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S281-owwrOI/AAAAAAAABLc/1C7BHPzDNlA/s400/IMG_0036.JPG" border="0" /></a> Jack, Flower, Marie, Joe</div><div align="center">Summer 2007 - St. Charles, Missouri<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S281-KveeWI/AAAAAAAABLU/dInaoSz30ks/s1600-h/100_3186.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435622617411123554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S281-KveeWI/AAAAAAAABLU/dInaoSz30ks/s400/100_3186.jpg" border="0" /></a> Flower, Marie, Jack, Joe</div><div>Dec 2006 - Honolulu, Hawaii</div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435625361591753714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S284d5nH2_I/AAAAAAAABL0/M2MshGMQLec/s400/family.jpg" border="0" />February 2005 - Washington, DC<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435618940306344354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28yoIdYSaI/AAAAAAAABK0/C_zDn41bxFY/s400/hpim0186.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Marie, Jack, Joe, Flower</div><div>July 2005 - Washington, DC</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28199ZeiHI/AAAAAAAABLM/4zuByMYaKGA/s1600-h/SCAN0038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435622613829191794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28199ZeiHI/AAAAAAAABLM/4zuByMYaKGA/s400/SCAN0038.JPG" border="0" /></a> Outside our house in DC - 2005<br /><br /><div><div><div></div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28yn9i65aI/AAAAAAAABKs/ghENhIrWJLI/s1600-h/012_14A.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435618937376794018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28yn9i65aI/AAAAAAAABKs/ghENhIrWJLI/s400/012_14A.JPG" border="0" /></a> Flower, Jack, Joe, John, Marie</div><div>Summer 2004 - Nauvoo, Illinois </div><div>camping </div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28ynrK8s_I/AAAAAAAABKk/Yt6OC_VnQp4/s1600-h/005_6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435618932444410866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28ynrK8s_I/AAAAAAAABKk/Yt6OC_VnQp4/s400/005_6.JPG" border="0" /></a> Jack, Marie, Joe, Flower</div><div>Aug 2003 - St. Charles, Missouri</div><div>our house on Lindenwood Ave.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435622609126009298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 297px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S2819r4JqdI/AAAAAAAABLE/bBk5Dv4Y_Yg/s400/SCAN0032.JPG" border="0" />December 2002 - St. Charles, Missouri</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435622604621326610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S2819bGJqRI/AAAAAAAABK8/QTpjJrg87Wc/s400/SCAN0031.JPG" border="0" />Flower, Jack, Marie, Joe<br />Jun 2001 - St. Charles, Missouri</div><div>taken a week before our trip to the temple<br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28ynVnSOaI/AAAAAAAABKc/MqNGWviz3DE/s1600-h/SCAN0037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435618926657681826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28ynVnSOaI/AAAAAAAABKc/MqNGWviz3DE/s400/SCAN0037.JPG" border="0" /></a> John, Flower, Jack, Joe, Marie, Julia</div><div>Easter 1999 - Rhinelander, Wisconsin</div><div>Marie's First Holy Communion<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28ym026ZlI/AAAAAAAABKU/E2_XbHn3xsw/s1600-h/SCAN0036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435618917864859218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S28ym026ZlI/AAAAAAAABKU/E2_XbHn3xsw/s400/SCAN0036.JPG" border="0" /></a> Marie, Flower, Jack, Joe</div><div align="center">Spring 1996 - Melbourne, Florida</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Family is where it's <em>at.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-72023506089917345542010-01-22T07:35:00.001-08:002010-01-22T08:38:53.611-08:00Christmas Vacation 2009 - Day SevenThe final day of our Christmas Vacation was a travel day - headed for home in Heidelberg Germany. We didn't have to start at a crazy-early hour ... which was very nice.<br /><br />At the centrail train station we mailed a few post cards, enjoyed a hot chocolate, and made our way to the right platform. We took the ICE from Brussels to Frankfurt.<br /><br />Usually when we travel by train, we prefer to sit in an enclosed little compartment that seats 6 people and has a lovely table. In the past we've watched movies, shared songs, napped, and told stories all in the privacy of our own enclosure with a sliding glass door. This time however, we enjoyed the Panorama Suite. It's a collection of 8 seats just behind the train engineer's "flight deck." While the train is at the station, the floor to ceiling glass is opaque, but as soon as he/she pulls away, the wall of glass clears up and passengers can see out the front of the train and watch the engineer at the controls. Talk about super cool! They were great seats.<br /><br />After arriving in Frankfurt, we had just enough time to grab a plate of our favorite chinese noodles (and a couple take-home containers) before hopping on the train to Heidelberg. We arrived at the hauptbahnhof (central train station) then took a local train to the stop just 3 blocks from our house.<br /><br />It was great to walk in the door at home after being away for a week. The trip was wonderful and so memorable. Most of us learned from previous trip to pack lighter and the traveling was much easier. I was glad we made the effort and took the time to be together.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nK9yZKC7I/AAAAAAAABJ8/8txZQrVL0jE/s1600-h/IMG_3125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429593988619963314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nK9yZKC7I/AAAAAAAABJ8/8txZQrVL0jE/s400/IMG_3125.JPG" border="0" /></a>Central train station in Brussels.</div><div align="center">Jack, Marie, Flower, John, & Joe</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nK9bpnfZI/AAAAAAAABJ0/UnHbx3f0_k4/s1600-h/IMG_3126.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429593982514986386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nK9bpnfZI/AAAAAAAABJ0/UnHbx3f0_k4/s400/IMG_3126.JPG" border="0" /></a>Peeking out from behind a piece of art in the Brussels station.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI3srbYAI/AAAAAAAABJs/6_GuCFCXIZM/s1600-h/IMG_3129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429591684983513090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI3srbYAI/AAAAAAAABJs/6_GuCFCXIZM/s400/IMG_3129.JPG" border="0" /></a> On the platform before boarding the train for home.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI20XBuwI/AAAAAAAABJk/B7idsdQE5j4/s1600-h/IMG_3131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429591669865560834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI20XBuwI/AAAAAAAABJk/B7idsdQE5j4/s400/IMG_3131.JPG" border="0" /></a> Working a crossword puzzle ... in ink.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI2Iw2STI/AAAAAAAABJc/GsVWHW1CuNk/s1600-h/IMG_3132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429591658162702642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI2Iw2STI/AAAAAAAABJc/GsVWHW1CuNk/s400/IMG_3132.JPG" border="0" /></a> "Look here!"<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI10ZnW3I/AAAAAAAABJU/SriIGsXFp9I/s1600-h/IMG_3135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429591652696546162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI10ZnW3I/AAAAAAAABJU/SriIGsXFp9I/s400/IMG_3135.JPG" border="0" /></a>Jack doesn't look interested in the puzzle and John appears to be feeding Flower the answers.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI1R7KLJI/AAAAAAAABJM/hYNxHaMezY4/s1600-h/IMG_3140.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429591643441998994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nI1R7KLJI/AAAAAAAABJM/hYNxHaMezY4/s400/IMG_3140.JPG" border="0" /></a> The train engineer's control center. So cool.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHLnn0XnI/AAAAAAAABJE/7hg1AVSvK6w/s1600-h/IMG_3151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429589828200324722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHLnn0XnI/AAAAAAAABJE/7hg1AVSvK6w/s400/IMG_3151.JPG" border="0" /></a>A reflection of John.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHLT7woWI/AAAAAAAABI8/XtL2R-WSREE/s1600-h/IMG_3155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429589822915256674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHLT7woWI/AAAAAAAABI8/XtL2R-WSREE/s400/IMG_3155.JPG" border="0" /></a>Jack and Flower on the trip to Frankfurt. The seats are on raised platforms - stadium style for a better view.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHKz_walI/AAAAAAAABI0/OOn4MvJDAh8/s1600-h/IMG_3156.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429589814342085202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHKz_walI/AAAAAAAABI0/OOn4MvJDAh8/s400/IMG_3156.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHKhxIibI/AAAAAAAABIs/f0ct_DAdSyo/s1600-h/IMG_3157.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429589809448913330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHKhxIibI/AAAAAAAABIs/f0ct_DAdSyo/s400/IMG_3157.JPG" border="0" /></a>Just arrived in Frankfurt!</div><div>Joe, Marie, Jack, Flower, & John<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHKF-SDQI/AAAAAAAABIk/LvvgzadB9Y4/s1600-h/IMG_3160.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429589801987869954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1nHKF-SDQI/AAAAAAAABIk/LvvgzadB9Y4/s400/IMG_3160.JPG" border="0" /></a> Waiting for the local train in Heidelberg to take us from the hbf to home.</div><div>Joe, Flower, John, Jack & Marie<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The holidays with my people, seeing new and fantastic sights, and arriving home safely is where it's <em>at.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-37496265518370271432010-01-16T10:59:00.000-08:002010-01-18T12:18:13.905-08:00Christmas Vacation, 2009 - Day Six<div align="left">Day Six was a travel day from London England to Brussels Belgium. We started waaay early in the morning and were at the train station before 7am. Too early in fact for public transportation; we had to arrange for a taxi large enough for all of us plus our backpacks.<br /><br />We had quite a lovely two-course breakfast on the Eurostar for our return trip - complete with steamed washcloths when we were done.<br /><br />Knowing we wouldn't be in Belgium very long, we didn't make too many plans. And that was a good thing. As it turned out ... the folks in Brussels were not as friendly as folks in other places. That was sad and disappointing and unfortunately consistent everywhere we went... buying metro cards, hotel, restaurants, etc. On the plus side, we did not start an international incident on the metro back to our hotel after an afternoon of site seeing.<br /><br />Bright Spot! <a href="http://www.atomium.be/?lang=en">The Atomium</a> was constructed as part of the 1958 World's Fair. It was very cutting edge for the day and quite futuristic (remembering that Sputnik was launched in Oct 1957). This is the single largest attraction in all of Belgium - and just plan fun. Folks can walk up just so far and then wait in line to take an elevator to the top.<br /><br />Additionally, there is a retro museum at the base of the Atomium as well as inside several of the spheres... it covers 1955 to 1963. This was super fun to walk around.<br /><br />Afterwards, we found a Mexican restaurant. The food wasn't so bad, but the company was better. Fortunately, we didn't have anything else on itinerary, so we could take as much time sitting and talking as we wanted to. Good times for sure. Our hotel rooms were nice and we stayed up watching something captioned on television.<br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427423490253828482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IU6J4wsYI/AAAAAAAABIc/C4FIk_Yyyug/s400/IMG_3089.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Arrived at St. Pancras to take the Eurostar to Belgium - looking very bright eyed.<br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IU5_7NffI/AAAAAAAABIU/MdQSKAmpJWU/s1600-h/IMG_3092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427423487579749874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IU5_7NffI/AAAAAAAABIU/MdQSKAmpJWU/s400/IMG_3092.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hot Chocolate Marie and Where Are My Gloves Joe.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IUTuwZg1I/AAAAAAAABIM/S0jR__zz6_o/s1600-h/IMG_3094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427422830135968594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IUTuwZg1I/AAAAAAAABIM/S0jR__zz6_o/s400/IMG_3094.JPG" border="0" /></a>Relaxing on the Eurostar before getting underway.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IUTHKqzsI/AAAAAAAABIE/ILrdaCK1wDE/s1600-h/IMG_3095.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427422819508735682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IUTHKqzsI/AAAAAAAABIE/ILrdaCK1wDE/s400/IMG_3095.JPG" border="0" /></a> Most of the backpacks.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IUSwFuq5I/AAAAAAAABH8/9wwx-j41jtk/s1600-h/IMG_3097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427422813314001810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IUSwFuq5I/AAAAAAAABH8/9wwx-j41jtk/s400/IMG_3097.JPG" border="0" /></a>Flower and Joe - you can just see John's shoulder on the left.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ITGXsDY9I/AAAAAAAABH0/FpneGqs8Ka0/s1600-h/IMG_3099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427421501093798866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ITGXsDY9I/AAAAAAAABH0/FpneGqs8Ka0/s400/IMG_3099.JPG" border="0" /></a> Mural down the block from out hotel in Brussels.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ITFwDyhEI/AAAAAAAABHs/OzIFhMveDR8/s1600-h/IMG_3105.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427421490455938114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ITFwDyhEI/AAAAAAAABHs/OzIFhMveDR8/s400/IMG_3105.JPG" border="0" /></a>Found this sweet carousel.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOf5ynasI/AAAAAAAABG8/YtML2j-6pgg/s1600-h/IMG_3109.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427416442186721986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOf5ynasI/AAAAAAAABG8/YtML2j-6pgg/s400/IMG_3109.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Atomium<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOfvODcWI/AAAAAAAABG0/jDtdPSR_55Y/s1600-h/IMG_3110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427416439349014882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOfvODcWI/AAAAAAAABG0/jDtdPSR_55Y/s400/IMG_3110.JPG" border="0" /></a> That small cluster of people at the bottom, in the middle of the picture is my family.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOfEAL05I/AAAAAAAABGs/ayf3BVq7r4Y/s1600-h/IMG_3112.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427416427748119442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOfEAL05I/AAAAAAAABGs/ayf3BVq7r4Y/s400/IMG_3112.JPG" border="0" /></a> Inside the Atomium at the base level.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOeyRIoZI/AAAAAAAABGk/9gL5913ogEc/s1600-h/IMG_3114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427416422987374994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOeyRIoZI/AAAAAAAABGk/9gL5913ogEc/s400/IMG_3114.JPG" border="0" /></a>Flower, John, Marie, Joe, Jack </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOeVr3c-I/AAAAAAAABGc/f5Sg1UyGchA/s1600-h/IMG_3117.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427416415314867170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1IOeVr3c-I/AAAAAAAABGc/f5Sg1UyGchA/s400/IMG_3117.JPG" border="0" /></a>Living in Germany, traveled to Paris, London, & Brussels to eat a Mexican dinner inside an American Conestoga wagon. Priceless.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="left"><br /><br />Burritos, fajitas, tacos, and sparkling water with my people is where it's <em>at</em>.<em><br /></em></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-11325125436404758102010-01-14T22:24:00.001-08:002010-01-14T23:29:26.026-08:00Christmas Vacation, 2009 - Day FiveHappy Boxing Day from London. From the looks of it, Boxing Day is the social equivalent of Black Friday in the States. <br /><br />We had a very, very busy day after Christmas. We started with a bus ride to the <a href="http://www.londoneye.com/">London Eye</a>. We had attempted to ride this gigantic ferris wheel on Christmas Eve, but the timing wasn't right. However, the Eye was having technical problems the morning we were to ride (argh!) - the employees didn't know when it would be operational, so we decided to pass on it, get our money back, and try again the next time we're in London (it's a good thing - they were not able to honor tickets all day).<br /><br />The photo ops for Big Ben and the House of Parliment was next - it was just fabulous to stand and look. How many movies or television shows have we seen this backdrop? shoot, CNN uses the same space we were standing on for 'live shots from London'. It was fantastic. I was so glad to to be there.<br /><br />After that, we had to get to a rally point for the motor coach and guided tour of Stonehenge. Can you believe it?! How exciting is that? Well, maybe some won't find it interesting, but Marie and I sure did. After we found where we needed to be, we were early - so we had some lunch and bought a few postcards.<br /><br />The ride to Stonehenge was uneventful (I think I took a nap after we hit the countryside). For real, these rocks are in the middle of nowhere. We had the advantage of the audio guide - very cool information there. We walked all the way around and learned much about the surrounding area and some prevailing myths. Since we were there at sunset, some of the snapshots are pretty fabulous. I don't know why I've always been fascinated with Stonehenge, but I have and it was a real treat to be there with my people.<br /><br />Arriving back in the city we hit the largest mall in all of England - fortunately we weren't there very long. whew! But, it was just across the street from the movie cinema where we took in the late showing of <a href="http://sherlock-holmes-movie.warnerbros.com/">"Sherlock Holmes."</a> It was interesting that in the movie it depicted the Tower Bridge as being under construction ... and we had been there just the day before.<br /><br />After we got back to our hotel we wanted to collapse from all the fun. Of course we needed to pack our backpacks again - time in London had run out.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ATph6dUYI/AAAAAAAABGU/50ebp_iwguM/s1600-h/IMG_3033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426859155180573058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ATph6dUYI/AAAAAAAABGU/50ebp_iwguM/s400/IMG_3033.JPG" border="0" /></a>Waiting for a bus. </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ATpaOt5fI/AAAAAAAABGM/znE9z45RSho/s1600-h/IMG_3034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426859153118062066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ATpaOt5fI/AAAAAAAABGM/znE9z45RSho/s400/IMG_3034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1AStlP3ZrI/AAAAAAAABGE/a-X_11Nt9Qw/s1600-h/IMG_3035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426858125283518130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1AStlP3ZrI/AAAAAAAABGE/a-X_11Nt9Qw/s400/IMG_3035.JPG" border="0" /></a> Jack, Marie, Flower, Joe<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1AStMGJKQI/AAAAAAAABF8/9oNrMXHYmL4/s1600-h/IMG_3039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426858118531852546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1AStMGJKQI/AAAAAAAABF8/9oNrMXHYmL4/s400/IMG_3039.JPG" border="0" /></a> John set up this shot - he's so fun!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ASszht3fI/AAAAAAAABF0/w6THp-TGfnE/s1600-h/IMG_3042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426858111936617970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ASszht3fI/AAAAAAAABF0/w6THp-TGfnE/s400/IMG_3042.JPG" border="0" /></a>All of us together in London.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ASsVfqXXI/AAAAAAAABFs/DtfweOKLG8M/s1600-h/IMG_3047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426858103874936178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ASsVfqXXI/AAAAAAAABFs/DtfweOKLG8M/s400/IMG_3047.JPG" border="0" /></a> Unposed shot.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ASr4Hfw8I/AAAAAAAABFk/8Q4sg5rgQBk/s1600-h/IMG_3048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426858095988949954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ASr4Hfw8I/AAAAAAAABFk/8Q4sg5rgQBk/s400/IMG_3048.JPG" border="0" /></a> The London Eye<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARCkWGG9I/AAAAAAAABFc/nCqsBx0i7VY/s1600-h/IMG_3050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426856286795209682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARCkWGG9I/AAAAAAAABFc/nCqsBx0i7VY/s400/IMG_3050.JPG" border="0" /></a>I love this picture - we're all doing something.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARCAYEtKI/AAAAAAAABFU/74LBux46COc/s1600-h/IMG_3052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426856277139829922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARCAYEtKI/AAAAAAAABFU/74LBux46COc/s400/IMG_3052.JPG" border="0" /></a> Walking over to the Waterloo Station.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARBrT1bnI/AAAAAAAABFM/onP6FwP8glI/s1600-h/IMG_3056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426856271484907122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARBrT1bnI/AAAAAAAABFM/onP6FwP8glI/s400/IMG_3056.JPG" border="0" /></a>I liked how all the buses looked all lined up.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARBG4csvI/AAAAAAAABFE/tph3zbUR3_U/s1600-h/IMG_3058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426856261706363634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARBG4csvI/AAAAAAAABFE/tph3zbUR3_U/s400/IMG_3058.JPG" border="0" /></a>Waiting for the underground train. </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARAp5Ku1I/AAAAAAAABE8/O-tVxKNNmxE/s1600-h/IMG_3059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426856253924752210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ARAp5Ku1I/AAAAAAAABE8/O-tVxKNNmxE/s400/IMG_3059.JPG" border="0" /></a> Flower & Joe - on bus to Stonehenge.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APEfP0ppI/AAAAAAAABE0/-mBnTDWZs5k/s1600-h/IMG_3060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426854120763205266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APEfP0ppI/AAAAAAAABE0/-mBnTDWZs5k/s400/IMG_3060.JPG" border="0" /></a> Marie & Jack - on bus to Stonehenge.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APEIKNvqI/AAAAAAAABEs/-qG4Mz2WCsw/s1600-h/IMG_3061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426854114565668514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APEIKNvqI/AAAAAAAABEs/-qG4Mz2WCsw/s400/IMG_3061.JPG" border="0" /></a>Us too!<br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APDrQiJXI/AAAAAAAABEk/dBQxWrvquaw/s1600-h/IMG_3064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426854106807543154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APDrQiJXI/AAAAAAAABEk/dBQxWrvquaw/s400/IMG_3064.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APDSq80aI/AAAAAAAABEc/aI18sIYf_zk/s1600-h/IMG_3066.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426854100207456674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APDSq80aI/AAAAAAAABEc/aI18sIYf_zk/s400/IMG_3066.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APC8BMxKI/AAAAAAAABEU/dqOodVvFgJc/s1600-h/IMG_3068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426854094126761122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1APC8BMxKI/AAAAAAAABEU/dqOodVvFgJc/s400/IMG_3068.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANcjzSRMI/AAAAAAAABEM/NAQL-97PbYY/s1600-h/IMG_3073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426852335279293634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANcjzSRMI/AAAAAAAABEM/NAQL-97PbYY/s400/IMG_3073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANcTo0eUI/AAAAAAAABEE/hQ65L5-G_eg/s1600-h/IMG_3084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426852330940430658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANcTo0eUI/AAAAAAAABEE/hQ65L5-G_eg/s400/IMG_3084.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANb2HIYzI/AAAAAAAABD8/OXYkmLXBU4g/s1600-h/IMG_3085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426852323014501170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANb2HIYzI/AAAAAAAABD8/OXYkmLXBU4g/s400/IMG_3085.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANbvACzRI/AAAAAAAABD0/3_Zj3h3ewm0/s1600-h/IMG_3086.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426852321105726738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANbvACzRI/AAAAAAAABD0/3_Zj3h3ewm0/s400/IMG_3086.JPG" border="0" /></a>Marie, Flower, Jack, Joe - just before we left.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANbMlIQUI/AAAAAAAABDs/bsmBHbTR-uc/s1600-h/IMG_3087.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426852311866032450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S1ANbMlIQUI/AAAAAAAABDs/bsmBHbTR-uc/s400/IMG_3087.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>On the bus back to town.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The countryside and Stonehenge with my people is where it's <em>at.</em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-79838905235638116612010-01-13T12:13:00.000-08:002010-01-13T12:52:27.412-08:00Christmas Vacation, 2009 - Day Four<div align="center">Christmas Day</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br />It wasn't a conventional Christmas Day by most thinking, but it was a terrific day all together. We all slept in late, watched television, read books, ate a hot breakfast, listened to music, and visited with each other. After that, it was nap time.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />We took off on foot in the afternoon and found an open chicken diner (100% deep fat fried), but yummy nonetheless. Anyway, we saw some interesting architecture and took a few pictures at London Bridge.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />I think our biggest adventure of the day was strolling along the Thames River toward the Tower Bridge. It is spectacular! Lit up at night - even more so. We were able to take our time and listen to each other while enjoying the Christmas lights.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />On the way back to our hotel we went past the Globe Theatre. And, since we weren't cold enough, we treated ourselves to some ice cream back at the hotel. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />We have had a request to stay at home next year - put up a traditional tree, hang stockings, and serve ham with deviled eggs. There is much to be said about family traditions - but I so enjoy making memories together in our travels knowing full well we can exchange gifts another year and there will be years that travel won't likely be possible.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04r9bHyT3I/AAAAAAAABDk/gmPKubGqItg/s1600-h/IMG_3007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322935280455538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04r9bHyT3I/AAAAAAAABDk/gmPKubGqItg/s400/IMG_3007.JPG" border="0" /></a>Interesting architecture. </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04r9Fl6veI/AAAAAAAABDc/QiohdL1op3A/s1600-h/IMG_3008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322929501257186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04r9Fl6veI/AAAAAAAABDc/QiohdL1op3A/s400/IMG_3008.JPG" border="0" /></a> Merry Christmas Jack and Joe<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04r8xCZCnI/AAAAAAAABDU/iZZonBc4lSM/s1600-h/IMG_3009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322923983538802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04r8xCZCnI/AAAAAAAABDU/iZZonBc4lSM/s400/IMG_3009.JPG" border="0" /></a> Merry Christmas Flower and Marie<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04r8TakcnI/AAAAAAAABDM/Q1Hkcq3bR9I/s1600-h/IMG_3010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322916031885938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04r8TakcnI/AAAAAAAABDM/Q1Hkcq3bR9I/s400/IMG_3010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rUB8sI3I/AAAAAAAABDE/IWDueWLgsAE/s1600-h/IMG_3011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322224148390770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rUB8sI3I/AAAAAAAABDE/IWDueWLgsAE/s400/IMG_3011.JPG" border="0" /></a> What I wouldn't give for any green vegetable at this spread.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rTlfc7tI/AAAAAAAABC8/oQY07CrYbCg/s1600-h/IMG_3019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322216509566674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rTlfc7tI/AAAAAAAABC8/oQY07CrYbCg/s400/IMG_3019.JPG" border="0" /></a> At the Thames River wall<br />John, Joe, Flower, Jack, Marie<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rTWtQRNI/AAAAAAAABC0/1UD7tvateVs/s1600-h/IMG_3020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322212540925138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rTWtQRNI/AAAAAAAABC0/1UD7tvateVs/s400/IMG_3020.JPG" border="0" /></a>Tower Bridge<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rTPTNucI/AAAAAAAABCs/4L2TcCVCxPg/s1600-h/IMG_3030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322210552658370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rTPTNucI/AAAAAAAABCs/4L2TcCVCxPg/s400/IMG_3030.JPG" border="0" /></a> Let the good times roll.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rSXP79xI/AAAAAAAABCk/LowU8LDYNOk/s1600-h/sock+christmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426322195506525970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S04rSXP79xI/AAAAAAAABCk/LowU8LDYNOk/s400/sock+christmas.jpg" border="0" /></a>Christmas Stockings 2009<br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />Holidays with my people is where it's <em>at.</em><br /><br /></div><br /></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-89846753931658595142010-01-12T09:23:00.000-08:002010-01-12T10:37:32.787-08:00Christmas Vacation, 2009 - Day Three<div align="left">Good Morning, London!<br /><br />Since we weren't on an a moment by monent timeline (we had a schedule, but we allowed for relaxation, etc.), we slept in a wee bit. Took a bus to Waterloo Station and walked across the Thames River. We could see so many wonderful sights up and down the river from the pedestrian bridge that was constructed adjacent to a train tressel.<br /><br />Our short walk took us to Trafalgar Square with it's statues and fountains. Several art museums, churchs, and embassies ring the square and made for some pretty great pictures.<br /><br />We decided as a group to hike down to Buckingham Palace from there (1.2 miles). It was terrific to walk and talk and catch-up with each other. St. James Park was simply lovely. The Queen was in residence as evidenced by the Standard flying.<br /><br />After a hot lunch, we were just a couple blocks away from the Victoria Apollo Theatre. After checking their coats and bags, Jack, Marie, Joe, and Flower enjoyed the London ensemble of <a href="http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/">"Wicked."</a> We were so happy they could attend!<br /><br />John and I walked for a bit, then took a taxi to Harrod's Department Store. It was far more than I could ever have expected. There nearly wasn't anything we couldn't buy there - designer fashions, furniture, jewelry, cooked ham, Krispy Kreme, etc. I didn't make any purchases; justing walking through was enough.<br /><br />After that, we took a train to the London Eye where we met with the kids. It was spectacular all lit up. We believed we had scheduled a flight on the Eye, but their call center wasn't up to speed on the abbreviated Christmas Eve hours of operation - they suggested we return on 26 December, first thing in the morning.<br /><br />A take-away chicken dinner and some television capped the busy day. It seemed like a long day because of all the walking, at the same time, we had seen and done so much.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-MjPPQCI/AAAAAAAABCc/TPgr5FcGYK0/s1600-h/IMG_2942.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425920773901467682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-MjPPQCI/AAAAAAAABCc/TPgr5FcGYK0/s400/IMG_2942.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-MKszN8I/AAAAAAAABCU/Sbf3ofmOMjw/s1600-h/IMG_2943.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425920767314573250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-MKszN8I/AAAAAAAABCU/Sbf3ofmOMjw/s400/IMG_2943.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Headed to the pedestrian bridge to cross the Thames River.</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-Lw1WU-I/AAAAAAAABCM/g_mS2_-hYxk/s1600-h/IMG_2944.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425920760371106786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-Lw1WU-I/AAAAAAAABCM/g_mS2_-hYxk/s400/IMG_2944.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-LpWvVYI/AAAAAAAABCE/x6E2WvXFuME/s1600-h/IMG_2945.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425920758363673986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-LpWvVYI/AAAAAAAABCE/x6E2WvXFuME/s400/IMG_2945.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-KzkrThI/AAAAAAAABB8/aYPCL7GL8pA/s1600-h/IMG_2952.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425920743926615570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y-KzkrThI/AAAAAAAABB8/aYPCL7GL8pA/s400/IMG_2952.JPG" border="0" /></a> How many Murphy's can fit in a telephone booth?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y9gBEZeBI/AAAAAAAABB0/c4H9bwdtTys/s1600-h/IMG_2956.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425920008814950418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y9gBEZeBI/AAAAAAAABB0/c4H9bwdtTys/s400/IMG_2956.JPG" border="0" /></a> These two are so handsome.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y9fh7OvZI/AAAAAAAABBk/ynBBljr43KU/s1600-h/IMG_2962.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425920000454999442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y9fh7OvZI/AAAAAAAABBk/ynBBljr43KU/s400/IMG_2962.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y9fDN0mGI/AAAAAAAABBc/6VncxUD3hkk/s1600-h/IMG_2966.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425919992211478626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y9fDN0mGI/AAAAAAAABBc/6VncxUD3hkk/s400/IMG_2966.JPG" border="0" /></a> Not a thing wrong in being a tourist.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y9e7lruAI/AAAAAAAABBU/5VcJ2gK8Eto/s1600-h/IMG_2983.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425919990164076546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y9e7lruAI/AAAAAAAABBU/5VcJ2gK8Eto/s400/IMG_2983.JPG" border="0" /></a> On approach to Buckingham Palace.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7MgRJiQI/AAAAAAAABAk/cFEIohEKfOY/s1600-h/IMG_2988.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425917474569292034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7MgRJiQI/AAAAAAAABAk/cFEIohEKfOY/s400/IMG_2988.JPG" border="0" /></a>Outside Buckingham Palace - cuttin' up and havin' fun. </div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7MOmnaMI/AAAAAAAABAc/L8L1j9DYbSU/s1600-h/IMG_2994.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425917469827492034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7MOmnaMI/AAAAAAAABAc/L8L1j9DYbSU/s400/IMG_2994.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>What's for lunch? Fish and chips, of course.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7LVlHnII/AAAAAAAABAU/b27nGsJ0j7Y/s1600-h/IMG_3003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425917454520392834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7LVlHnII/AAAAAAAABAU/b27nGsJ0j7Y/s400/IMG_3003.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7LCazbrI/AAAAAAAABAM/le3JhxyG9oY/s1600-h/IMG_3004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425917449376853682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7LCazbrI/AAAAAAAABAM/le3JhxyG9oY/s400/IMG_3004.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Joe, Flower, Marie, Jack</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7K3YUpGI/AAAAAAAABAE/Pa8N8Ns3FMc/s1600-h/IMG_3006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425917446413657186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0y7K3YUpGI/AAAAAAAABAE/Pa8N8Ns3FMc/s400/IMG_3006.JPG" border="0" /></a>THE department store.<br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Walking and talking with my people is where it's <em>at. </em></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-10347032893104295022010-01-11T11:04:00.000-08:002010-01-12T00:52:40.545-08:00Christmas Vacation, 2009 - Day TwoThe second day of our vacation was a travel day. We woke early, made it downstairs to the breakfast offered (french bread, butter, jam, yogurt, coffee, juice). It wasn't what we're accustomed to in our travels, but it was enough to keep a body going.<br /><br />Rail travel through the Chunnel was a bit delayed, but we made it in fine fashion. Traveling through the EU countries is seamless, but Great Britain is not an European Union country so we met with passport control and had a currency change. BUT, all of us could read the signs, watch english language television, and eavesdrop on nearby conversations.<br /><br />Because of the delays, we arrived later than planned and needed to truncate our activities. After checking into our hotel, we set out on foot to find a little hole-in-the-wall serving fish-n-chips (not a pub) and added a ride on a double-decker bus for good measure. Success! Joe found a clean little place for dinner and we took our time eating and talking. It was fantastic to just sit around and share old stories and new ones.<br /><br />On the way back to our hotel we stopped at a 24-hr market and bought a few snack provisions and Tylenol to tide us over. We stayed up way past midnight to keep the conversation going. The weather was rainy.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6XGc6qKI/AAAAAAAAA_k/IvPgYkbElCM/s1600-h/IMG_2915.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425564713385371810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6XGc6qKI/AAAAAAAAA_k/IvPgYkbElCM/s400/IMG_2915.JPG" border="0" /></a> Writing out postcards before leaving Paris.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6WzrumTI/AAAAAAAAA_c/P8dJ5GkeLM4/s1600-h/IMG_2918.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425564708347222322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6WzrumTI/AAAAAAAAA_c/P8dJ5GkeLM4/s400/IMG_2918.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gare de Lyon - This is the international control area for trains going to London.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6Wu0BJKI/AAAAAAAAA_U/c2S33dvbQKo/s1600-h/IMG_2920.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425564707039814818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6Wu0BJKI/AAAAAAAAA_U/c2S33dvbQKo/s400/IMG_2920.JPG" border="0" /></a>We had a few minutes and found a nice spot on the floor to relax.<br /></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6WGax-JI/AAAAAAAAA_M/6ZyBbo0wj1s/s1600-h/IMG_2926.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425564696196544658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6WGax-JI/AAAAAAAAA_M/6ZyBbo0wj1s/s400/IMG_2926.JPG" border="0" /></a> St. Pancras Station, London, England. <a href="http://www.stpancras.com/about-stpancras/stpancras-arts/">"<em>Meeting Place"</em><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6V3H7F6I/AAAAAAAAA_E/obVRckOTC2I/s1600-h/IMG_2928.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425564692090918818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t6V3H7F6I/AAAAAAAAA_E/obVRckOTC2I/s400/IMG_2928.JPG" border="0" /></a> Jack, Marie, Flower, Joe, John - St. Pancras Station<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t47MCsQKI/AAAAAAAAA-8/7JzVkDy1DMM/s1600-h/IMG_2930.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425563134338023586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t47MCsQKI/AAAAAAAAA-8/7JzVkDy1DMM/s400/IMG_2930.JPG" border="0" /></a> Waiting to purchase the <a href="https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do">'Oyster Card'</a> for public transportation to move about London.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t46_HFUaI/AAAAAAAAA-0/GUcS3jEndm0/s1600-h/IMG_2931.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425563130866782626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t46_HFUaI/AAAAAAAAA-0/GUcS3jEndm0/s400/IMG_2931.JPG" border="0" /></a> Joe about to Harry Potter himself.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t46Yu4VII/AAAAAAAAA-s/QyyiKwgrAsE/s1600-h/IMG_2934.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425563120564720770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t46Yu4VII/AAAAAAAAA-s/QyyiKwgrAsE/s400/IMG_2934.JPG" border="0" /></a> Waiting at the London Bridge underground tube stop for a connecting train.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t452qhCXI/AAAAAAAAA-k/xu_q53hLvNk/s1600-h/IMG_2935.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425563111419611506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t452qhCXI/AAAAAAAAA-k/xu_q53hLvNk/s400/IMG_2935.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t45osYPgI/AAAAAAAAA-c/XfI28iAqfhg/s1600-h/IMG_2939.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425563107669327362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0t45osYPgI/AAAAAAAAA-c/XfI28iAqfhg/s400/IMG_2939.JPG" border="0" /></a>Fish and Chips fancy style - with beans and a salad. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="left">I still think one of my favorite memories of the trip was when we sat around for hours at this little restaurant in Southwark - eating dinner, catching up, laughing, asking new questions, finding old answers, and the time spent sitting with family.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Traveling to London with my people is totally where it's <em>at.</em> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-85742734875724967612010-01-10T11:28:00.000-08:002010-01-11T02:18:23.206-08:00Christmas Vacaction, 2009 - Day OneI don't even know where to start when it comes to blogging about our Christmas vacation. We put the kids in charge of planning events since we weren't willing to spend a truck-load of money on a trip and then hear somebody mutter, "We didn't do one thing I was interested in."<br /><br />So, we caucaused and weighed time against budget against cool factor. Bottom line, we had some good times and made some great memories.<br /><br />Traveling 1st class by rail ....<br /><br />Heidelberg, Germany to Paris, France (1 day)<br />London, England (4 days)<br />Brussels, Belgium (1 day)<br />back home to Heidelberg.<br /><br />In case you were watching the international news, the Chunnel underneath the English Channel had been shut down just days prior to our trip, but was open for limited service when we were scheduled to travel. Crowded, yes - but we made it through safely.<br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>PARIS ITINERARY</strong></div><div align="center">Arrive Gare de L'est</div><div align="center">Check into hotel</div><div align="center">Ste. Sulpice </div><div align="center">Louvre</div><div align="center">Lunch on the Left Bank</div><div align="center">Notre Dame</div><div align="center">Eiffel Tower</div><div align="center">Arc de Triomphe</div><div align="center">Dinner</div><div align="center">Metro back to hotel</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ox5LjFXNI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/ENnjYZ0J-I4/s1600-h/IMG_2798.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425203559543430354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ox5LjFXNI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/ENnjYZ0J-I4/s400/IMG_2798.JPG" border="0" /></a>Platform leaving Heidelberg for Mannheim.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ox49GqtqI/AAAAAAAAA-I/LtltwoXcH-U/s1600-h/IMG_2799.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425203555666146978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ox49GqtqI/AAAAAAAAA-I/LtltwoXcH-U/s400/IMG_2799.JPG" border="0" /></a>Platform leaving Mannheim going to Paris </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ox4nqCDfI/AAAAAAAAA-A/-CddI7eN8rE/s1600-h/IMG_2807.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425203549908897266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ox4nqCDfI/AAAAAAAAA-A/-CddI7eN8rE/s400/IMG_2807.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Arrived in Paris</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxO6-V6NI/AAAAAAAAA94/ddaOrRbidcc/s1600-h/IMG_2811.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202833539852498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxO6-V6NI/AAAAAAAAA94/ddaOrRbidcc/s400/IMG_2811.JPG" border="0" /></a> Gare de L'Est, Paris<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxOhEw30I/AAAAAAAAA9w/PLMxUic9r7Y/s1600-h/IMG_2813.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202826587463490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxOhEw30I/AAAAAAAAA9w/PLMxUic9r7Y/s400/IMG_2813.JPG" border="0" /></a>Yes, it seemed like Paradise.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxON9BtcI/AAAAAAAAA9o/LuR9hrP6ke4/s1600-h/IMG_2817.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202821454738882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxON9BtcI/AAAAAAAAA9o/LuR9hrP6ke4/s400/IMG_2817.JPG" border="0" /></a>John standing on the balcony of our hotel room.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxNylqk1I/AAAAAAAAA9g/RR3nv19d6Us/s1600-h/IMG_2822.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202814108996434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxNylqk1I/AAAAAAAAA9g/RR3nv19d6Us/s400/IMG_2822.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxNQOzGdI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/uhxBBjj8ikM/s1600-h/IMG_2824.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202804886280658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0oxNQOzGdI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/uhxBBjj8ikM/s400/IMG_2824.JPG" border="0" /></a>Ste. Sulpice (think, DaVinci Code)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owgi0LFLI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/z1BB9wVRI-M/s1600-h/IMG_2829.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202036780766386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owgi0LFLI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/z1BB9wVRI-M/s400/IMG_2829.JPG" border="0" /></a> Flower, Marie, Me - Love this picture.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owgA1IRXI/AAAAAAAAA9I/UtU5Ko4rFjQ/s1600-h/IMG_2831.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202027657971058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owgA1IRXI/AAAAAAAAA9I/UtU5Ko4rFjQ/s400/IMG_2831.JPG" border="0" /></a>Walking from Metro to Louvre<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owfw9GukI/AAAAAAAAA9A/uyaeJ5lf0HI/s1600-h/IMG_2836.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202023396457026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owfw9GukI/AAAAAAAAA9A/uyaeJ5lf0HI/s400/IMG_2836.JPG" border="0" /></a>Louvre is closed on Tuesdays (we knew that), but wanted to get some pics.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owfTwROyI/AAAAAAAAA84/dO-bXlIxB4M/s1600-h/IMG_2850.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202015557991202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owfTwROyI/AAAAAAAAA84/dO-bXlIxB4M/s400/IMG_2850.JPG" border="0" /></a>Notre Dame - free guided tour in English. Suh-weeet.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owfEw_dYI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Qh16-hBxPhw/s1600-h/IMG_2865.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425202011534488962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0owfEw_dYI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Qh16-hBxPhw/s400/IMG_2865.JPG" border="0" /></a>Eiffel Tower as dusk. Spectacular.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ovYs_oyvI/AAAAAAAAA8o/rJSBrasZNcg/s1600-h/IMG_2868.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425200802562624242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ovYs_oyvI/AAAAAAAAA8o/rJSBrasZNcg/s400/IMG_2868.JPG" border="0" /></a>In the lift on the way to the 1st deck of the Tower, of course we took another lift to the summit.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ovYYjPybI/AAAAAAAAA8g/9Sx02bT02wI/s1600-h/IMG_2874.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425200797074835890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ovYYjPybI/AAAAAAAAA8g/9Sx02bT02wI/s400/IMG_2874.JPG" border="0" /></a> John, Jack, Flower, Joe, Marie<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ovXvebIYI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/D2y2Oo4iGoE/s1600-h/IMG_2878.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425200786048754050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ovXvebIYI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/D2y2Oo4iGoE/s400/IMG_2878.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ovXZ_RlfI/AAAAAAAAA8I/WmAWBIb9ci8/s1600-h/IMG_2908.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425200780280960498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/S0ovXZ_RlfI/AAAAAAAAA8I/WmAWBIb9ci8/s400/IMG_2908.JPG" border="0" /></a>Arc de Triomphe </div><div></div><div></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Paris with <em>all</em> my people at Christmas-time is definately where it's <em>at.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-80211816461953310202009-12-12T23:24:00.000-08:002009-12-13T02:15:16.939-08:00Pictures = 1000 Words<div align="center">If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I think I'll keep it simple.<br /><br />Some pearls I've learned along the way:<br /></div><div align="center">Families can be simple but not easy. </div><div align="center">Parenting is guerilla warfare.</div><div align="center">Find the joy and bring your kids along.</div><div align="center">Quantity time matters.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414622555561645778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySahsER1tI/AAAAAAAAA7A/3VXQ8MWy3zE/s400/IMG_2615.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">John and Jack waiting for Marie at the Frankfurt Airport... it was 5:45am.</p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414655663890423202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SyS4o2M-3aI/AAAAAAAAA74/HRoAAn4wPE4/s400/IMG_0018.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Me and Jack - we know the flight has landed, but she's working her way through immigration and baggage claim. Looks like I could use a Diet Coke, eh?</p><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414622551115566098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 398px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySahbgQDBI/AAAAAAAAA64/W4S0_0LcA8c/s400/IMG_2622.JPG" border="0" />Marie!</div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SyS4oruqTXI/AAAAAAAAA7w/bjCkYYX4E-o/s1600-h/IMG_0021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414655661078891890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SyS4oruqTXI/AAAAAAAAA7w/bjCkYYX4E-o/s400/IMG_0021.JPG" border="0" /></a>John took this great picture from the other direction - with Jack snapping the camera, I guess the other folks were looking to see which rock star was arriving. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrnQFB-pI/AAAAAAAAA7o/S2MvovY1aWA/s1600-h/IMG_0023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414641342825495186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrnQFB-pI/AAAAAAAAA7o/S2MvovY1aWA/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" border="0" /></a> Jack, Marie, and me.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrm7OYuvI/AAAAAAAAA7g/K_ZrNxtgY6k/s1600-h/IMG_0026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414641337227590386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrm7OYuvI/AAAAAAAAA7g/K_ZrNxtgY6k/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" border="0" /></a> John and Marie - don't they look happy?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrmaSHlDI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/c7UxAx-SOH4/s1600-h/IMG_0029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414641328384873522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrmaSHlDI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/c7UxAx-SOH4/s400/IMG_0029.JPG" border="0" /></a> So glad she had a great semester at the LDS BC - gotta love Christmas break in Germany.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrmLTDQ8I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/osrsx8eI__s/s1600-h/IMG_0031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414641324362253250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrmLTDQ8I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/osrsx8eI__s/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" border="0" /></a> The casually-strolling-back-to-the-parking-garage look.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrljn3p2I/AAAAAAAAA7I/QOQbjtVpJVc/s1600-h/IMG_0032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414641313712154466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySrljn3p2I/AAAAAAAAA7I/QOQbjtVpJVc/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" border="0" /></a>I added it since because I can still embarass some of my people. ☺<br /><br /><div><div></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySahDFiF9I/AAAAAAAAA6w/8qg2ES8ZVq0/s1600-h/IMG_2637.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414622544561051602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySahDFiF9I/AAAAAAAAA6w/8qg2ES8ZVq0/s400/IMG_2637.JPG" border="0" /></a>After a quick nap, I drug Marie up to the Heidelberg Int'l School Fall Festival. Flower's grade was in charge of face painting... Marie was such a good sport to get her face painted too.<br /></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySaIiOSZdI/AAAAAAAAA6o/STZVxztUSwI/s1600-h/IMG_2640.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414622123422541266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySaIiOSZdI/AAAAAAAAA6o/STZVxztUSwI/s400/IMG_2640.JPG" border="0" /></a>Joe and Flower - terrific students and a real support to the school. I love these guys.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySaIeWPsTI/AAAAAAAAA6g/H3WJL0JVTuA/s1600-h/IMG_2648.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414622122382176562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySaIeWPsTI/AAAAAAAAA6g/H3WJL0JVTuA/s400/IMG_2648.JPG" border="0" /></a> Marie, Joe, and Flower<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySaH7qgvtI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/ZvvOh_XgOG8/s1600-h/IMG_2657.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414622113071939282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySaH7qgvtI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/ZvvOh_XgOG8/s400/IMG_2657.JPG" border="0" /></a> Marie, "I look funny without my glasses."</div><div>Flower, "Are we done yet?"</div><div>Joe, "Last one, then I'm outta here, right?" </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div></div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySaG2nVLnI/AAAAAAAAA6I/0SsKZPhIGYU/s1600-h/IMG_2665.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414622094536552050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SySaG2nVLnI/AAAAAAAAA6I/0SsKZPhIGYU/s400/IMG_2665.JPG" border="0" /></a>FINALLY - all four together!</div><div>Joe, Jack, Flower, & Marie.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">My people finding their way back to one continent is where it's <em>at.<br /></em></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-8367744996724291422009-11-27T07:41:00.000-08:002009-11-28T06:32:18.513-08:00Finland For Fun TimesAn American living in Germany travels to Finland to attend a Russian church service. Please pass the Excedrin for the multi-language induced headache! <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>It all started when Jack returned from his mission... </div><div> </div><div>A few church members from the area of Russia where he served had planned for months to attend the LDS Helsinki Finland Temple. It was great timing and a terrific opportunity for him to meet with his friends. And he invited me along?! John arranged for air travel and accomodations - I love that guy!</div><div> </div><div>Here is the aircraft taking us from Riga, Latvia to Helsinki, Finland - though it was only 5:45, you can tell it was already quite dark out. </div><div> </div><div>Ever heard of AirBaltic??</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408817337902202210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_6tjCifWI/AAAAAAAAA5k/mcKRzSCQbh8/s400/IMG_0822.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Jack outside the Helsinki Temple - though it rained on and off during our visit, it wasn't bothersome.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408817336864989250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_6tfLP4EI/AAAAAAAAA5c/wBsD2bbbNwg/s400/IMG_0855.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>This is a picture of me with the temple in the background - we were walking to the bus stop that would take us to the center of town.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408817331135782482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_6tJ1THlI/AAAAAAAAA5U/R_dFsfJbsIQ/s400/IMG_0845.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We treated ourselves to a sit down dinner one night and then shared a dessert - yes, there are flower petals adorning the ice cream.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408817325530751858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_6s089I3I/AAAAAAAAA5M/ojWFNZTuPAc/s400/IMG_0833.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Another picture of me - this time outside the Helsinki main train station - I loved the architecture.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408817317006125954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_6sVMhq4I/AAAAAAAAA5E/v48wXmWTF7k/s400/IMG_0851.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I wanted a snapshot of these stone statues on an entrace to the train station - the art deco globes are wonderful and the proportion pretty amazing.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408816159962608706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_5o-32tEI/AAAAAAAAA48/fSf0yn76ewI/s400/IMG_0853.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>There are some of church members Jack worked along side during his mission in Russia. They were very warm and welcoming to me.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408816154819546946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_5ortpz0I/AAAAAAAAA40/g71iS11M0j0/s400/IMG_0840.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>This is us with one of the Russian church members (she teaches English) who made the two-day trip to travel to Helsinki - first an exhaustive train ride to St. Petersburg and then a bus up and around to Helsinki.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408816150304109426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_5oa5Fs3I/AAAAAAAAA4s/jvvAB17KB7g/s400/IMG_0864.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We happened upon the United Nations World Awareness of Violence Against Women Day in a plaza near Helsinki's city center. The artwork was terrific, but the cutout silhouettes were really the focus. Individual stores had been written up and posted on each frame. There was an information booth and free candle people could light in remembrance of this day. None of the literature was in English, but that didn't stop me.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408816143145888418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_5oAOb6qI/AAAAAAAAA4k/oWraVSEELKo/s400/IMG_0872.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>After serving in the temple for two mornings and walking 8 hours a day (taking in the sights, sounds, tastes, and shopping of Helsinki) - I was ready to head back home to John and Flower and Joe. It was great traveling with Jack who had been to Helsinki 3 previous times for visa trips - he's a terrific guide.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408816141388662754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sw_5n5rex-I/AAAAAAAAA4c/ei02ZvkKqY0/s400/IMG_0888.JPG" border="0" /><br />Home for Thanksgiving... time with my people... visiting the capitols of Europe... dishes, homework, and laundry that keep things grounded is really where it's <em>at.</em></div><div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-40313812248864488242009-11-22T01:34:00.001-08:002009-11-22T12:06:02.273-08:00Re-entry... A Family DealWe have been so grateful to have Jack returned home after honorably and faithfully serving two years in Russia. I can't begin to imagine how he feels during a time of leaving his best two years and reintegrating back to a lifestyle more familiar to most of us. Courage folks.<br /><br />First things first, Jack returned with one suitcase which included: a bad Russian suit (did you know some suits are washer/dryer safe?), one pair of jeans, two torn polo shirts, three raggedy t-shirts, and a mix of sock monsters. Off to the PX for some basics ... all the signs in the store are in English.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPey4dZzI/AAAAAAAAA4I/UvU53ErQMGE/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406869849364064050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPey4dZzI/AAAAAAAAA4I/UvU53ErQMGE/s400/IMG_0687.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Joe and Flower showing Jack the lastest in Wii video games.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPenTSPYI/AAAAAAAAA4A/7e7meR44pVI/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406869846255353218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPenTSPYI/AAAAAAAAA4A/7e7meR44pVI/s400/IMG_0688.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>Agnes the kitten offering her warmest welcome. </div><div> </div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPeVMYiiI/AAAAAAAAA34/ORdNYevgHmY/s1600/IMG_0700.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406869841394567714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPeVMYiiI/AAAAAAAAA34/ORdNYevgHmY/s400/IMG_0700.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>The schedule doesn't change .. Tuesday was Young Women in Excellence Night. We're so proud of Flower.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPHFK2p9I/AAAAAAAAA3w/tEnpbaQz0Vc/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406869441956194258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 372px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPHFK2p9I/AAAAAAAAA3w/tEnpbaQz0Vc/s400/IMG_0723.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Schnitzel Wednesday! A family favorite. At Funari Barracks there's a small German Kanteen that offers the <em>best</em> schnitzel - only on Wednesdays. If you go with us, I'm gonna take your picture - it's tradition. Jack's response, "Really? A picture?"<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPG4hbmqI/AAAAAAAAA3o/XTch_oR4pbc/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406869438561229474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPG4hbmqI/AAAAAAAAA3o/XTch_oR4pbc/s400/IMG_0725.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Running shoes... so many choices.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPGu-PZ6I/AAAAAAAAA3g/37E58tYMRAo/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406869435997710242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPGu-PZ6I/AAAAAAAAA3g/37E58tYMRAo/s400/IMG_0727.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Joe and Jack headed out for a run - I love these guys like crazy.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPGoF0B8I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/vKdjcY8IcaQ/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406869434150422466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPGoF0B8I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/vKdjcY8IcaQ/s400/IMG_0730.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Agnes' continued warm welcome.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPGadhktI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/qcILktuMZ0g/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406869430491779794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkPGadhktI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/qcILktuMZ0g/s400/IMG_0732.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On our way to the CityMarkt and other errands. This is the gasse (alley) alongside the rathaus (city hall) before entering the Marktplatz.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOKrN7KZI/AAAAAAAAA3I/ADYTfCINe0c/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406868404197599634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOKrN7KZI/AAAAAAAAA3I/ADYTfCINe0c/s400/IMG_0736.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We loved the wreath hanging from the stature in the middle of the Marktplatz - it's the largest and busiest market in Alstadt (old town). We love the church - it's such a prominent feature on the rooflines of town. John and Jack posing in front of the fountain.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOKVGjfHI/AAAAAAAAA3A/H___koWs20g/s1600/IMG_0738.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406868398261107826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOKVGjfHI/AAAAAAAAA3A/H___koWs20g/s400/IMG_0738.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Same fountain and wreath - different angle. It was the middle of Friday morning - it's practically empty.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOKN3Uv_I/AAAAAAAAA24/KKdORGvvMJg/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406868396318179314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOKN3Uv_I/AAAAAAAAA24/KKdORGvvMJg/s400/IMG_0749.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Headed down the Hauptstrasse... what a huge Christmas tree - can't wait to see it all decorated.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOKEbT0OI/AAAAAAAAA2w/07m_gK-Yij4/s1600/IMG_0744.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406868393784758498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOKEbT0OI/AAAAAAAAA2w/07m_gK-Yij4/s400/IMG_0744.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Friday Night Bowling Fun Times! So much fun to be out with the men I love. Flower was at a friend's house and Marie will return from Salt Lake in just a few weeks. Is this Joe's version of bowling?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOJ5Ddw6I/AAAAAAAAA2o/MmejFYGnweE/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406868390731957154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkOJ5Ddw6I/AAAAAAAAA2o/MmejFYGnweE/s400/IMG_0764.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Joe and Jack headed up to the Schloss (castle) on Saturday. So many opportunities for great pictures. I like this one of Joe.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkNYAsx1oI/AAAAAAAAA2g/NKVW0P5a9Yg/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406867533790828162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkNYAsx1oI/AAAAAAAAA2g/NKVW0P5a9Yg/s400/IMG_2232.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkNX4NVGNI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/PVLiHM06O9A/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406867531511437522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkNX4NVGNI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/PVLiHM06O9A/s400/IMG_2233.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A terrific photo of the neighborhood where we live, the markets, the river, and our building.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkNXj6p-hI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/BHVJqgxkIwM/s1600/IMG_2269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406867526064405010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkNXj6p-hI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/BHVJqgxkIwM/s400/IMG_2269.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Inside the castle ruins.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkNXf0UTtI/AAAAAAAAA2I/FlLFxk2BonY/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406867524964077266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkNXf0UTtI/AAAAAAAAA2I/FlLFxk2BonY/s400/IMG_2287.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Jack on one of the gardens inside the castle ruins. Big space, eh?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkL0hg9KfI/AAAAAAAAA2A/ljZiaPgBYlM/s1600/IMG_2311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406865824612690418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkL0hg9KfI/AAAAAAAAA2A/ljZiaPgBYlM/s400/IMG_2311.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love this snapshot of these two.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkL0CFhN3I/AAAAAAAAA14/t24_fnydroc/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406865816176113522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SwkL0CFhN3I/AAAAAAAAA14/t24_fnydroc/s400/IMG_2352.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The life of my people recorded in pictures is where it's <em>at.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-7763681444481949072009-11-13T07:42:00.001-08:002009-11-14T09:33:08.500-08:00From Russia with Love<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2N1U2FTSI/AAAAAAAAA1w/kb3ZHzh7K9U/s1600-h/IMG_0573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403631075182595362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2N1U2FTSI/AAAAAAAAA1w/kb3ZHzh7K9U/s400/IMG_0573.JPG" border="0" /></a> John, Elder Murphy, & Me - Missionary Training Center<br /><div align="center">24 October 2007<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2KMuTXfII/AAAAAAAAA1Y/xs3txoSf6XQ/s1600-h/IMG_0533.JPG"></a><br /><div align="left">I have never been able to visualize Jack's return from his two-year LDS mission to Russia Ekaterinburg. The beginning was <em>so</em> incredibly difficult, I simply couldn't see the end. Years and years I'd heard mothers of missionaries wax eloquent about the blessings of sending a son to the mission field. Then I was blindsided. For me, it was one of the damned hardest things I've ever done, albeit a most worthwhile undertaking.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403627067663339010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 339px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2KMDrCTgI/AAAAAAAAA1I/fE1QLGjtym4/s400/gwb+parking+lot.JPG" border="0" />Flower, Joe, John, Jack, Me, & Marie - 3 days before leaving for Utah<br /><br /><div align="left">The day has come and he is home and I have been reminded of just how much he has been missed. Seeing him walk through immigration at the Frankfurt airport tore open a scabbed place in my heart that had covered the loss and pain of seperation. Those long buried feelings of despair came rushing back, but I was immediately consoled by having him in my arms.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403630338475795026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2NKcZfolI/AAAAAAAAA1o/-FuxX23YuEA/s400/IMG_0660.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403624361979677218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2HukNyCiI/AAAAAAAAA04/LQRXiXZd7bs/s400/IMG_0665.JPG" border="0" /> Joe, Elder Murphy, & Flower - Frankfurt Airport, 12 Nov 2009<br /><br /><div align="left">It has been different sending Marie off to college compared to sending Jack on a mission. I know Marie can come home at holidays and breaks, we can talk everyday, and I can go visit her when.ever.I.like. Of course, none of that is possible when sending a missionary out to serve the Lord full time. The sudden-ness of being cut-off from my son was so abrupt, that ... sigh. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403624364045709410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2Hur6XMGI/AAAAAAAAA1A/0SyoM3qpnaA/s400/IMG_0679.JPG" border="0" /> Elder Murphy & Flower<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403624359908347362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2Hucf8DeI/AAAAAAAAA0w/ouwTsRkDMc4/s400/IMG_0685.JPG" border="0" /> Joe, John, & Jack - the men I love<br /><br /><div align="left">Why do they go? Why do we support them? Is it worth the sacrifice? Who benefits?</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I believe they go because it is their duty and they have been called by God. We support them because we love them and wish them to put their all into carrying the message. I must believe it is worth the effort in order to continue putting one foot in front of the next. Our family has been richly blessed by other sons who answered a call to serve.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403623186097372530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Sv2GqHtl_XI/AAAAAAAAA0o/2N4jl1Kng_w/s400/IMG_0682.JPG" border="0" />Me, Elder Murphy, John - before Jack was released from fulltime work</div><div align="center">12 November 2009<br /><br /></div><div align="left">We have Jack back in our home for the next few weeks. School starts the first week of January and he'll be there to begin another season of his life and we'll continue to adjust and adapt to the changing needs of our family. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Marie will be home for a few weeks in December and for a brief period we will have all four of our children with us. Time to party like rock stars!<br /><br /><br />Family ... is where it's <em>at.</em> </div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-80730587025079560412009-11-09T21:43:00.000-08:002009-11-11T00:13:59.918-08:00Taco NightpaloozaLast Friday night we hosted the LDS Heidelberg Young Single Adult Taco Night. Originally it was scheduled for a month ago, but we were so sick - it has taken this long to really feel 100% again.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Since John and I were called to be the Young Single Adult Advisors and Institute Instructors, we have come to really love these college age single adults. Typically, the American students don't stay in Heidelberg very long since they might only be here for a semester of studying abroad or visiting their parents over here for a few weeks, etc. None of that matters, these guys are fun.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402380808038491410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SvkcuMyFpRI/AAAAAAAAA0g/4FqLPde-9cs/s400/IMG_0631.JPG" border="0" /><br />Of course one thing led to the next and the Americans invited their German friends over to Taco Night (which was totally cool with us and we're glad they're comfortable doing that). Initially I didn't think the German YSA would be interested, but never underestimate the allure of tacos, soda, a double feature, and an evening of free fun times. And because our younger teenagers still live with us, we agreed they could invite a couple high school friends. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402380803417969458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Svkct7keEzI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/oImMBMOckD4/s400/IMG_0610.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402380796098580946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SvkctgTZEdI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Ot53vlNHt0A/s400/IMG_0614.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402375838353112002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SvkYM7Qwu8I/AAAAAAAAA0I/DD5ujUd-23k/s400/IMG_0617.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402375834513694018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SvkYMs9X3UI/AAAAAAAAAz4/OM7Lpt7XCPo/s400/IMG_0625.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402375829871570178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SvkYMbqmrQI/AAAAAAAAAzw/yhgEyhqIDVc/s400/IMG_0628.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>By the time we were in full swing with the root beer, homemade cookies, and tacos - there were 25 guests kickin' it European style. When the second movie started, most of the games had been played (someone brought something called Bang! - it seemed to be a hit) and folks settled in for Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1041829/"><em>The Proposal</em></a><em>. </em>I'm not sure where all the chairs came from, but we were putting into use just about anything that could move.<br /><br /></div><div></div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402375026736121042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SvkXdrwMRNI/AAAAAAAAAzo/YceRTSEIDTI/s400/IMG_0632.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>At the end of the day, it was a great time for me. Lots of folks said they had fun too. We never ran out of food or soda, only three pieces of furniture were broken (two fully repaired, one still in evaluation - each incident was strictly accidental), and all guests arrived back home safely. Pretty good record as far as I'm concerned. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I do wish Jack and Marie could have been here ... but perhaps we can find time for a Christmas-themed event. I genuinely hope our new friends will visit us soon!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>An evening partying with my people is definately where it's <em>at.</em></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-70465755140187579062009-10-28T08:15:00.000-07:002009-10-29T23:03:19.217-07:00Halloween 2009 - Heidelberg StyleIt's that time of year again. Each Fall I begin to hope that perhaps this year Halloween will pass us by without the last minute panic for a 'legit' costume or some near-crisis in generating 'a look.' This of course was not the year for such achievement and the troops did not fail to disappoint with their same-day need for a Halloween costume.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>This year the ward had their trunk-or-treat event early which means we were technically saved from the Panic on the 31st. I know as a real little sprout (kindergarten, 1st grade) I had hand-sewn costumes, but once the 70s really got rolling, I was on my own for making a costume. Since then, I developed a love for the unusual costume that made me laugh - I'm not so much about the ghosts, witches, or princesses.</div><br /><div>When we moved to Silver Spring, Maryland in July 2004, we landed in an <em>amazing</em> church ward. There were so many activities to attend and fun people to socialize among. Since we were still unpacking from our move, our Halloween costumes were a no-brainer and we went as Family Home Evening. It's still one of my favorite costume nights! And John was such a good sport about the whole thing too.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397674540799072994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SuhkZZF_muI/AAAAAAAAAy4/AE9USbyXsB4/s400/Yahtzee.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />This year, I offered Joe and Flower a couple ideas and they did the rest. Just a few euros on a couple accessories and the hard work was done. I love that Joe went as Eminem (our favorite rap star) and Flower found her own niche as Ms. M - complete with white go-go boots. They looked fantastic among the ninjas and hippies in the young women/young men at the ward Fall Festival.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397677141717935554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SuhmwyRX5cI/AAAAAAAAAzg/3TMrvzzxkzI/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397674549793091714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SuhkZ6mVcII/AAAAAAAAAzY/f6qUmGCyFMA/s400/IMG_0591.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397674547249229282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SuhkZxH1LeI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/gdgI7gS5e7s/s400/IMG_0587.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397674540914067330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SuhkZZhaR4I/AAAAAAAAAzA/QX_nvbVOBaI/s400/IMG_0578.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Fun Halloween times with my people is where it's <em>at.</em></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-7278518816416774012009-10-10T07:06:00.000-07:002009-10-10T12:28:05.309-07:00Off to MarketYes, I already know... I haven't blogged in recent weeks as much as I have until now. There's many things to have contributed to this ... sigh ... but mostly it's because I have been feeling a wee bit blue. Taking Marie off to college was absolutely necessary, but nonetheless sad for me. I am so pumped for all the great things she's doing (:bragging moment: her grades are thru the roof!).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>At the same time, I started <a href="http://bowiestate.edu/">graduate school</a> - WHAT?! - and have had to step up my game, academically speaking. So far so good, but I gotta tell ya the learning has been awesome and I feel very fortunate to be attending school at all.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><div>In the meantime, our life here has rolled on as usual. We are regular patrons on Saturday mornings at the Marktplatz and make it a point to get out of the house and walking through our neighborhood. We enjoyed Reunification Day on 03 October - just by being in our community - everything throughout Germany was shut down except for restaurants and hotels. Anyway, this is a picture of today's booty. The celery is outta control!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390983543712275186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/StCe-GjyWvI/AAAAAAAAAyo/TpGXolebGlY/s400/IMG_0531.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>I won a door prize and we are now the proud owners of this lovely hand crocheted market bag - don't hate. This snapshot was taken about 10ft outside the CityMarkt we go to when we need things from the grocery story. The fancy building in the background is the rathaus (City Hall). On Saturday mornings all the open-air restaurant tables are replaced with the fresh market - vendors sell vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, flowers, olives, bread, and wine. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390983223355290706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/StCerdIutFI/AAAAAAAAAyg/7595ejHQBPI/s400/IMG_0527.JPG" border="0" /><br />Joe and Flower have a school break this month and we're planning a 3 or 4 day getaway - right now we're still taking votes, but we'll probably stay close to home... maybe Bern and Zurich?<br /><br /><div>Jack is due home 11 November. We're very excited about the prospect of him at home after two years of laboring in such a cold part of our Heavenly Father's vineyard. Of course, he'll be off to college in January, but it'll be good to have him home anyway. This snapshot was taken at the Siberia Zone Conference in June 2009. Jack is standing 2nd row, farthest right.<br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390985972778475570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/StChLfiTIDI/AAAAAAAAAyw/j2H3KzQWvWg/s400/jack+siberia+zone+conference+june+2009.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />It's absolutely terrific to know that those feelings of being down will pass, a good life continues, and there is always always something new just about to take off. Living in the moment is where it's <em>at.</em><br /><div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-74665927564147681982009-09-28T02:52:00.000-07:002009-09-28T08:00:42.601-07:00Early Fall in GermanyWe have really enjoyed the slight turn in weather here in Heidelberg. It's chilly in the mornings and quite lovely in the afternoon. I'm convinced we are especially breezy since we live (literally) along the Neckar River - but I'm not complaining one bit.<br /><br /><div><div>This past week I headed to Paris for the day to meet up with some online friends from one of my favorite blogs.. <a href="http://feministmormonhousewives.org/">FeministMormonHousewives.org</a>. It was terrific to be in the company of wonderful women - each of us making our way in the world, but doing it with a sense of spirituality and purpose. I look forward to meeting with them again and getting to know them better. We gathered from Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386472463532307794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SsCYKrVENVI/AAAAAAAAAxw/MM9KC6JVig8/s400/IMG_0415.JPG" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>This week Jack turns 21! It doesn't seem possible, but that is surely the case. Stationed in Hawaii together, my dear friend Malinda had her first son just 3 days after Jack was born - the boys spent their first couple years together almost non-stop. Looking back, I can say without a doubt it was a blessing to have a great friend during such a trying time as brand-new motherhood.<br /><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386470008654888802" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SsCV7yMrf2I/AAAAAAAAAxo/rOARXiQ21zw/s400/Jack+-+8+mos.jpg" /></div></div></div><br /><p>John and I can't believe we've gotten this old... I've been a mother nearly half my life. But ya know, that's ok. I always wanted to be a mom and that hasn't changed. It's a privelage to carry'm, squeeze'm out, then watch'm grow... ok, maybe the squeezing out isn't so great, but you get the picture. I'd do it all over again.</p><p>Surrounding myself with great women, wonderful friends, and a terrific husband is where it's <em>at.</em></p>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-18191571814210608012009-09-18T07:46:00.000-07:002009-09-18T11:49:17.700-07:00The ProducemeisterIt would seem like a slow week if I'm talking about the Producemeister, a cantalope, and the hunt for some celery. But, it <em>feels</em> like a normal week to me.<br /><br />After 5 weeks, the producemeister came back from holiday. That means we again have fresh produce right outside our front door - it's just so convenient. Well, as long as I pay attention to the clock it's convenient - he's open Monday thru Friday 11-1 and in the evenings 4-7, except on Wednesdays when the shop is closed. Not sure when he opens or closes on Saturdays, but get there sooner rather than later.<br /><br />This week he had cantalope but not celery. They are hardly interchangable when cooking, but we hadn't seen a cantalope in a while. Went up to the citymarkt to get some celery and the small market is closed until September 23rd. Don't know why, just is.<br /><br />Taking hunting and gathering to a literal sense is where it's <em>at.</em>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-26201049846295887742009-09-12T09:46:00.000-07:002009-09-12T10:34:17.805-07:00Beautiful SeptemberThis week we've managed to stay busy and have some very lovely experiences. While the week started off with a major federal holiday (Labor Day), it didn't impact the kids for school or anything about town. John did have the day off and it was great having him at home.<br /><br />We enjoyed a dinner out, dining alfresco at a restaurant adjacent to the Marktplatz - the central plaza of old Heidelberg. Dinner was very affordable and delicious. John and I enjoyed apfel struedel with cream and vanilla ice cream. Soooo delicious. We're definately going there with my dad when he returns for a visit. Any other takers?<br /><br /><br /><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380625502278766290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqvSYvS7ztI/AAAAAAAAAwo/-XhJ0QtIMpI/s400/IMG_0294.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380625510809118706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqvSZPEup_I/AAAAAAAAAww/ucDqZr3pc14/s400/IMG_0297.JPG" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>This week included the "Names and Faces" evening at Heidelberg International School. It was a terriffic event with parents, faculty, and staff. We had an opportunity to quickly visit with Joe's personal project teacher ... and here is Joe progressing quite well through sewing. Outstanding job!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380625518053376034" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqvSZqD5QCI/AAAAAAAAAw4/gfCVwBrEYic/s400/IMG_0318.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380625522288314210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqvSZ51lR2I/AAAAAAAAAxA/KVm33UK15G4/s400/IMG_0327.JPG" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>After two months of waiting, John received his <a href="http://www.slipstreamsports.com/garmin-slipstream-pro-team/">Garmin-Slipstream </a>riding kit. He looked terrific wearing argyle as he headed out on his Saturday morning ride of a short 30 miles. He's such a hottie!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380625525850005858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqvSaHGwYWI/AAAAAAAAAxI/7aFiiv4cYHs/s400/IMG_0351.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380626407709493394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqvTNcScSJI/AAAAAAAAAxY/-Vd1x0NDvxg/s400/IMG_0359.JPG" /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Since Joe and Flower and a friend of their's from school were providing volunteer service hours at the Boy Scout blood drive, I somehow got roped into donating blood. I haven't done that since 1986! And I'm not sure I'm in a hurry to donate again. I mean the cookies and juice are sweet, but ....</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380627579299457794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqvURozQawI/AAAAAAAAAxg/VAYzJs89bAU/s400/IMG_0596.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380626401891990130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqvTNGncOnI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/f7cZ0kYAbl0/s400/IMG_0366.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div>Time with my family day in and day out is completely where it's <em>at.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-40378143865052036512009-09-07T04:37:00.000-07:002009-09-07T21:41:46.468-07:00All Work & No Play ...Have I mentioned lately that we feel so stinkin' lucky to live in Heidelberg? There are mornings I wake up and just don't believe we have had such a tremendous opportunity. I also know that we'll return back to the life in the states with wide roads and fountain sodas. In the mean time I'm going to bloom where we're planted and invite you to come visit our garden.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>One part of our social life that is sorely missed has been John's Saturday morning cycling group based out of <a href="http://www.granadabicycle.net/">Granada Cyclery</a> in St. Peters, Missouri. It hasn't been as easy to put together or join a bike group here, yet .... so John went ahead and made his own cycling unit. They do have tons of fun on the long (long for the kids) rides on Saturday mornings - they log just over 20 miles before breakfast. After the kids make it home, we send John back out for another 30 miles or so of some good hilly fun.</div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378696632325808722" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqT4FuxeolI/AAAAAAAAAwI/hEWLR6jP4ys/s400/IMG_0225.JPG" /></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378696626901148498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqT4FakI41I/AAAAAAAAAwA/SosVxJKIVgo/s400/IMG_0230.JPG" /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378696615872879554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqT4Exey28I/AAAAAAAAAv4/pi2z8ewUM9A/s400/IMG_0236.JPG" /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378696613388964978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqT4EoOlVHI/AAAAAAAAAvw/mOF0hWd5Z5s/s400/IMG_0243.JPG" /></div><div></div><div>As part of Joe's school curriculum this year, he's required to work on a personal project. It has all kinds of requirements, but the subject can be <em>anything</em> the student chooses. Joe has decided to combine algebra, geometry, design, machine work, and service to wounded soldiers as they travel from down range to Ramstein then onto the States. Joe has opted to make five 3ft by 5ft quilts. He should be able to satisfy the academic requirements as well as his Eagle Scout project - especially if he can coerce his troop into tying a few blankets.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378695262252043986" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqT21-2cDtI/AAAAAAAAAvo/BfMJJgOeALs/s400/IMG_0250.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378695245485388834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqT21AY9NCI/AAAAAAAAAvg/DQoiSh1AVbs/s400/IMG_0261.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378695238778401506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqT20nZ4suI/AAAAAAAAAvY/n9VZy7aIgtM/s400/IMG_0267.JPG" /><br /><div><em>Blankets of Hope</em>, sponsored by <a href="http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=blankets-of-hope">Soldiers' Angels</a> accepts donations of this specific type/size quilt as that is best to cover a wounded soldier on the medevac flight - the plane's temperature is kept very low in order to care for the burn victims and those wounded troops still in a coma. Anyway, Joe got a really good start and the progress is pretty amazing. The hard part? Keeping my hands <em>off</em> the project - I just want to pick it up and sew!</div><br /><div>This last Friday night we headed back to the bowling alley for some fun times. It was good to just relax, enjoy a cheese pizza, and laugh at each other's bowling style *cough cough*. I'm hoping the weather will hold and we can maybe get a picnic dinner in for Family Home Evening and some people watching down at the river.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378695224399409746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqT2zx1qslI/AAAAAAAAAvI/2_y9BdKAb1E/s400/IMG_0282.JPG" /><br />Relaxing time with my people is where it's <em>at.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-33555321305554418792009-09-03T11:40:00.001-07:002009-09-03T22:42:30.429-07:00Back Home in Heidelberg<div align="left">I've been back home in Heidelberg just over a week now and I can finally say that I feel as though my body has synchronized itself with the locale. Those first few days are always a bit iffy for me - especially on the USA to Germany route.</div><div align="left"><br />I was never so glad to see my people at the <a href="http://www.frankfurt-airport.com/cms/default/rubrik/24/24139.html">Frankfurt Flughafen </a>(airport)! I has missed them terribly and couldn't recall a time where I had left John and the children at home while I was away for this length of time. As a card carrying feminist I can still say - <em>it's just different</em> when my husband leaves for business opposed to when I leave for a conference, daughter delivery to college, etc.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So, 12 hours after landing we all attended Joe's Court of Honor with his scout troop - tons of badges as this was the post-scout camp awards. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377325255255130514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqAY1FE4AZI/AAAAAAAAAu8/_oM1f_ndJGM/s400/IMG_0171.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Joe is standing furthest on the right.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">And 24 hours after landing I was schmoozing it up with other parents at the a <a href="http://www.hischool.de/">H.I.S.</a> volunteer meeting - right after drop off for the first day of school. I was asked to be the Grade 8 CVC (class volunteer coordinator - think: home room mom).</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><p></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377325250167530610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqAY0yH5ZHI/AAAAAAAAAu0/hGElamOQn3A/s400/IMG_0207.JPG" /></p><div align="center">First Day of School - August 2009</div><div align="center">Flower - Grade 8</div><div align="center">Joe - Grade 10 </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">As a cherry on the top of my schedule, I started graduate school this past weekend through an outreach program administered by <a href="http://umuc.edu/index.shtml">University of Maryland University College </a>and certified through <a href="http://bowiestate.edu/">Bowie State University</a>. Classes are conducted all day Saturday and Sunday every other weekend, in English, and on a post in Heidelberg (though this class is meeting just two weekends and completing the remaining work on line). I'm grateful the Counseling Psychology program was already in place and I'm crazy grateful for my amazing husband (talk about hunkalicious).</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Since it is the Fall, we're starting to plan some weekend getaways as a well as the October break the kids have from school. There is much debate, research, and the development of an argument to convince each other to see one venue over another. I love teenagers and their enthusiasm. In the meantime, we are still very much in love with our post-dinner bike rides about town. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377325249025534466" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SqAY0t3n6gI/AAAAAAAAAus/hHjmU_gLRpQ/s400/IMG_0211.JPG" /> <p align="center">Joe, Flower, & John - Marktplatz, Heidelberg</p><br /><div align="left">As far as I'm concerned, being in the lives of my people is completely where it's <em>at.</em></div>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-27786942141006852322009-08-31T00:52:00.000-07:002009-08-31T01:27:07.505-07:00St. Charles, MissouriAfter leaving Marie in Utah, I headed to St. Louis for a couple days - and this was a good thing. First, saying goodbye to Marie at the airport was<span style="font-style: italic;"> just plain hard</span>. I cried like a baby (less the tantrum), but I was so sad to leave her there - I think it's bittersweet for both of us. It's exciting to be at college with all the new and wonderful opportunities for learning, making friends, and developing independence. At the same time, it was difficult for me to give her a hug and a sugar and be on my way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpuIEZYFQrI/AAAAAAAAAuk/mGYS2MkAiis/s1600-h/IMG_0114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpuIEZYFQrI/AAAAAAAAAuk/mGYS2MkAiis/s400/IMG_0114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376040189309567666" border="0" /></a><br />While in St. Charles, my dad took me to <a href="http://www.ihop.com/">IHop</a> for pancakes; we had a terrific visit even though he has only been home a few weeks after visiting us in Heidelberg. It was great to see him.<br /><br />I was able to spend a few hours with my work colleagues - what a treat it was to see them again and catch up on stuff. Fortunately, we've stayed connected through email groups and facebook, but it's just not the same as sitting down to the Chinese Buffet on McKelvey Rd. We also talked about their planned visit to Germany next summer - I can't wait to see them again.<br /><br />Naturally, I had to stop in to visit my dear friend Kristin - one of the few people in the world who is bossy with me and gets away with it! She's smart about so many things - my job is to just pay attention whenever she's talking.<br /><br />What would a trip to the states be without a stop at the fabric store? Check that off the list.<br /><br />Please know, I stopped at the <a href="http://www.quiktrip.com/">QuikTrip</a> for a legit Diet Coke fountain drink at every opportunity (as least twice a day and even on Sunday).<br /><br />Of course, seeing my bff Charlotte was the primary reason for the added to stop on the way home to Heidelberg; it meant the world to me. She is more than a friend. She's a confidante, advocate, sounding board, and cheerleader. She's always been an example to me of a woman who gives weight and perspective to many sides of a situation before making a decision. She is a wife and mother who has traveled further down the same path I am on - I can use her experience and she gives me access to her successes as well as her mistakes. She hates it when I say this, but Charlotte is one of my heroes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpuHtRZhL5I/AAAAAAAAAuc/qWoShooggoU/s1600-h/IMG_0166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpuHtRZhL5I/AAAAAAAAAuc/qWoShooggoU/s400/IMG_0166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376039792031117202" border="0" /></a><br />Spending time with people that matter in your life is where it's <span style="font-style: italic;">at.</span>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-70824752990120922182009-08-27T11:17:00.000-07:002009-08-27T22:45:02.315-07:00Snowbird!After a week filled with so many decisions for Marie regarding school and the<span style="font-style: italic;"> stress</span> involved with getting everything in order, we were grateful to have a few hours of playtime. And holy cow did we have some fun!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpdslIL7yvI/AAAAAAAAAuU/8IiIty7wfP4/s1600-h/IMG_6043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpdslIL7yvI/AAAAAAAAAuU/8IiIty7wfP4/s400/IMG_6043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374884065398475506" border="0" /></a><br />We visited <a href="http://www.snowbird.com/events/summeractivities.html">Snowbird</a> in Little Canyon Creek, Utah. Some of you might be familiar with its Alta Ski Resort, but the summer activities couldn't be beat. We were so lucky to have such a terrific group of friends enjoying fun things to do. Here's a shout out to Koby & Emily and Drew & Celeste for recognizing we all needed a break.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpbqXAGFfRI/AAAAAAAAAuE/JAq9lnauaNc/s1600-h/IMG_0123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpbqXAGFfRI/AAAAAAAAAuE/JAq9lnauaNc/s400/IMG_0123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374740886196682002" border="0" /></a>This shot of the Alpine Slide (looks like a mini-luge) was taken from the ski lift on the way up to the slide and Zip Line (during the winter season this area is the bunny slope).<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Spdskn96u1I/AAAAAAAAAuM/BhpvmWqsX5c/s1600-h/IMG_6008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/Spdskn96u1I/AAAAAAAAAuM/BhpvmWqsX5c/s400/IMG_6008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374884056749751122" border="0" /></a>I'm on the left and Marie is on the right as we initiated our run on the Zip Line. Good times!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpbqWmPp-xI/AAAAAAAAAt8/SoBk6QE0JSk/s1600-h/IMG_0159.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpbqWmPp-xI/AAAAAAAAAt8/SoBk6QE0JSk/s400/IMG_0159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374740879257500434" border="0" /></a>We took the tram to the top - all the way up to 11,000 feet (during the winter season this area is for the adrenaline imbalanced with a total death wish).<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpbqWWJDY3I/AAAAAAAAAt0/BnIjOID7kg8/s1600-h/IMG_0164.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpbqWWJDY3I/AAAAAAAAAt0/BnIjOID7kg8/s400/IMG_0164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374740874934838130" border="0" /></a>At the end of our visit to Snowbird and ready to head home.<br /></div><br /><br />Enjoying some down time with friends is absolutely where it's <span style="font-style: italic;">at.</span>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422286623395446808.post-17257297432142328482009-08-26T05:35:00.000-07:002009-08-26T08:45:01.224-07:00College ... Already?Last week I took Marie to college. It doesn't seem possible, but that is surely the case. We have had nearly every day of the past eight months together ... it's been such a special time for us. However, I knew this day would come.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVFI3k8p3I/AAAAAAAAAts/6gYzDmFVmTM/s1600-h/IMG_0062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVFI3k8p3I/AAAAAAAAAts/6gYzDmFVmTM/s400/IMG_0062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374277748996745074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVFIrhsHaI/AAAAAAAAAtk/wEEhhhhCdgE/s1600-h/IMG_0064.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVFIrhsHaI/AAAAAAAAAtk/wEEhhhhCdgE/s400/IMG_0064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374277745761852834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVFISjbA4I/AAAAAAAAAtc/w0eQzyO-At0/s1600-h/IMG_0068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVFISjbA4I/AAAAAAAAAtc/w0eQzyO-At0/s400/IMG_0068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374277739058234242" border="0" /></a><br />We had a truly wonderful week in Utah visiting long-time family friends and extended family (you could say we're <span style="font-style: italic;">practically</span> family) - Drew and Celeste Pearson. They have an adorable almost two-year-old son Ty and a little brother on the way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVEjq-QYHI/AAAAAAAAAtU/T6fGDC2H4f0/s1600-h/IMG_0079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVEjq-QYHI/AAAAAAAAAtU/T6fGDC2H4f0/s400/IMG_0079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374277109958074482" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVEjZWcaLI/AAAAAAAAAtM/nYB9nxQrtnw/s1600-h/IMG_0085.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVEjZWcaLI/AAAAAAAAAtM/nYB9nxQrtnw/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374277105227688114" border="0" /></a>Ty, Celeste, & Drew Pearson<br /></div><br /><br />It was a busy week taking care of paperwork at school, shopping for American booty to bring back to Heidelberg, enrolling at Institute, and finding the student ward. After all was said and done, Marie was just about set for <a href="http://ldsbc.edu/">school</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVD_TEA08I/AAAAAAAAAtE/dmQ-zXoZ6t4/s1600-h/IMG_0095.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVD_TEA08I/AAAAAAAAAtE/dmQ-zXoZ6t4/s400/IMG_0095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374276485064479682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVD-21ZntI/AAAAAAAAAs8/p9G_KAZM_ro/s1600-h/IMG_0097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2SiOWhS1rUA/SpVD-21ZntI/AAAAAAAAAs8/p9G_KAZM_ro/s400/IMG_0097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374276477486997202" border="0" /></a><br />Watching my daughter embark on a new season of her life is where it's <span style="font-style: italic;">at.</span>Julia Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02692710835221964693noreply@blogger.com4