A Beaching

I apologize now for this post. We arrived back in Florida yesterday and I'm a bit off balance. I'm happy to see my home after being away for the last month but being back in Florida is . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . disappointing, frustrating, overwhelming, hot, humid, and periodically tearful.
We're lucky - we have a stable home, jobs, healthy kids but I really dislike it here. And then I take a deep breath and remind myself one more year - one more year and we can look to move, find jobs elsewhere, and get the hell out of here. Yeah I'm whining.

I also didn't blog nearly enough. I have pictures and stories and memories and a lot of laughter from this trip. The last week was spent with my parents at their golf course in Northern Maine. Generally, when people talk about golf, I tend to think of snotty country clubs and a dress code, but this is Maine and the course is at the base of a mountain on a peninsula only accessible by boat. It's smack in the middle of a forty mile lake and no one lives on the peninsula in the winter. The course attracts a beer drinking, flannel wearing sort of crowd. There are some high and mighty types trying to buy up the property and build giant summer homes, but periodically they are reminded that there is no way to run out the true Mainers.

Right before we left, PH and I went into "town" for dinner one night as my parents watched the kids. (Town is populated by 1600 residents and we were in an unincorporated township of less than 300 people) As we returned, one of the property owners on the peninsula was headed into "town" for a night out. This is a guy who is from Maine but has made it "big" and now lives out of state. However, leaving the state doesn't mean you forget your roots. This guy and his buddy helped us untie our boat and we headed towards my parents as they headed to town.

Fast forward twelve hours and this is where we see this guy's boat the next morning










Seems this guy and his buddy had a few
drinks in "town" and couldn't find the
docks which are on the other side of the
peninsula.

They guy claims he didn't know how close he was to shore until he hit the beach and went airborn, landing at least a hundred feet up the shore into the trees. By the time I got down there in the morning, half the population was already there with cell phones and cameras clicking away. People were standing around murmuring that he was "friggin' lucky" no one was hurt and it's a "god damn miracle the boat wasn't damaged." After these statement, a chorus of "Ayup" was uttered in response. For the boat owner, the shame continued as the only way to get the boat back in the water was to use a crane. There is no crane on the peninsula so one had to be brought over by a barge.

Of course the entirety of the unincorporated mainland heard about the crane being brought over by barge in order to put a boat back in the water. Additionally, my parents, who run the boat shuttle to the peninsula, expanded the boat tour for the tourist, motoring them by to see the beached boat. The boat owner insists my parents owe him a cut of the shuttle fees for the day since he provided the entertainment.

Yet, the excitement did not end with the boat being put back in the water. Once the boat sped of to hide, the crane got stuck in the wet rocks of the shore. The crane was freed by my father, who used his tractor to pull the crane to solid ground.

After such an exciting morning, I had to wonder if I need my head examined for missing this place or is it truly as the sign says when you cross into the state "The Way Life Should Be"?

Norway photo tour continues

And then there were the flowers . . .

Let's go peek in the garden . . .

During our trip to Norway, I was fascinated with doors. Brightly colored doors intrigue me; the idea that there are different and interesting options behind them. Plus PH had one of those days at work - not a bad day, just a reminder that when you work in a family firm and you are not family, your opinion counts less - even if you are a "partner." So PH, here's hoping these doors will inspire you to dream about what comes next . . .

Religious Doors

Old Doors

Double Doors

Blue Doors

Back from the Midnight Sun

Well actually I've been back for a week now, but for the first part I had to pay the piper and keep my two nieces along with my two rug rats. Even with PH's help, four children under ten is a bit crazy, especially when suffering from jet lag. I expected I would be able to get by with just pictures from the trip for a few days but alas my mother's computer does not appear to be compatible with any other system. My beautiful photos are on my laptop and my mother's computer refuses any sort of interaction. Since it is a a rainy day here in Maine, I hope to drag the children into town and try to find a disk to download the photos and see if that will please the giant ancient machine my mother calls a computer.

So Norway . . . it was a wonderful trip. A quick run down

• We arrived in Stavanger after a wonderful flight on Northwest/KLM. After my disastrous flight on DELTA to Maine, it was nice to be treated courteously and kindly as that certainly was not the case on DELTA. In case you haven't figured it out, I will no longer fly on DELTA as their uncaring behavior made the flight even worse than the time I was stuck in D.C. with a barely three year old and six month old and was told it would be faster to drive from D.C. to Florida than to wait for a flight (15 hours in car that I have chosen to block from my memory - shudder).
• Slightly groggy we drove to Haugesund to meet with the family that PH stayed with as an exchange student nineteen years ago. This ride included a ferry ride which is a fun way to travel - park car and exit upstairs to watch the boat cross the water. Very refreshing after having been in an airplane all night.
• We drove around Haugesund a bit as PH had not been there in nineteen years and seemed a bit stunned that it had changed - go figure! Finally with the help of some kind Norwegians and PH's language skills we arrived at the home where we would be staying.
• The family PH lived with nineteen years ago were beyond kind and hospitable. We had the bottom half of a house to stay that they were not using, dinner was arranged every night at different family member's home, the father of the family was our personal tour guide for two days, driving us and chatting away with John in Norwegian but making sure that I was included even though my language skills were abysmal. There was a night out on the town with PH's "brother" and his wife, a BBQ, a bonfire, a boat ride on the fjords, a hike to an abandoned lighthouse at 10:30 P.M. to watch the sun "set" at 11:45, gifts exchanged for our various children, a promise to make traditional sweaters and send them to us in the U.S. in exchange for some "spirits" that we had brought with us. We saw a part of Norway that very few tourist would see and "tusen takk" seemed to be an inadequate way to thank them. I can only hope that at some point they will come to the U.S. so we can return the favor. I know we will certainly visit again.
• After the three days in Haugesund, we were off to Bergen.
  
  

• We stayed outside of the city at the lovely Solstrand. We visited Bergen using the Bergen pass which allows you a days entrance into the museums, funicular, churches, and various other discounts including for parking. We also biked, hiked, swam in the fjord - well, jumped in and got out, used the wonderful pool and spa, and ate delicious meals at the Solstrand. This was a wonderful hotel for us as we prefer to be outside the city and enjoy being outdoors.
• Our last day we drove and ferried back to Stavanger and visited Stavanger and again had a lovely flight on Northwest/KLM.

Fingers crossed that pictures will be available tomorrow.

Hei Norge!

Off we go... This is PH. Unfortunately, Hexe has been a little ill so you get me. Hexe flew up to Maine on Monday to drop off KK and Hew at her mother's home. Here's what happened: We woke up at 3:20 AM to make a 6:00 AM flight. After checking in the gang headed to security for the fun to begin.

The TSA confiscated the kid's yogurt as contraband at the security check point. The kid's Play-Dough was nearly taken, but after a rather intense inspection it was allowed on the plane. Upon finding the yogurt and Play-Dough, Hexe was forced to empty the entire contents of her purse and back pack. After the PB&J sandwiches were analyzed to make sure they didn't exceed the 3 ounce limit, the family was allowed to proceed to their flight.

Of course, Delta was nice enough to seat each of them in three different rows. The ticket counter person said she couldn't reassign the seats so that the children could sit with their mother. The representative at the gate also refused. So, Hexe did what any mother traveling alone with a 3 and 5 year old would do. She chose a nice row and squatted until the crew reseated other passengers.

Once seated together they got ready for take off. More fun quickly ensued. Both KK and Hexe tend to get air sick. This time, it was KK's turn to throw up on the plane. The good news is that the entire contents of KK's stomach made it into the vomit bag. Hew was rather impressed and told every passenger what good a job KK did to throw up in the bag while being careful not to "miss it" like last time. Plus, KK only needed ONE bag this time. What a proud little brother.

The three of them arrived on time to Atlanta for their connection to Maine. While exiting the plane Hexe gave the flight attendant KK's deposit and went in search of the connecting flight. There were no more security "issues" and this flight boarded on time. However, once the plane was fully boarded several passengers started to notice a rather familiar, strong smell. This was quickly pointed out to the flight crew who told the Captain. Apparently, over the weekend the ground crew forgot to clean and empty the toilets. Instead, three days of "remains" were still in the tank. The crew was instructed to take off and let the ground crew in Maine clean it up. Fortunately, the Captain had a heart and forced them to empty the toilets before leaving. I am really glad he did. Otherwise, Hexe and KK would have filled several small bags on this flight.

Hew was rather impressed with the cleaning crew and told them to make sure there was plenty of blue water for him to use, now that he is completely potty trained.

After a 30 minute delay for the "potty clean up," the kids and Hexe were on their way back home to Maine. Unfortunately, during the rush to put everyone's shoes back on and gather her belongings at security in Florida, the PB&J sandwiches were found at the bottom of the back pack. So, on the Atlanta flight there was no yogurt and no sandwiches. Isn't Play-Dough edible?

During the last half hour of the flight KK was unable to equalize the pressure in her ears and screamed bloody murder. The good news is that no one threw up. Hew made sure that all the passengers were aware of this fact.

Once on ground Hexe gathered the luggage and car seats and went in search of the rental car. It was now 1:30 and the kids only had peanuts to eat. The first "restaurant" she could find was a McDonald's - somewhere the kids have NEVER been and Hexe hasn't visited since she was in high school. The kids were not impressed with the chicken nuggets, but ate them any way since the only other option was a plastic bag of squished PB&J remnants.

Unfortunately, Hexe caught a bug on the flights north. No, it is not T.B. Between visits from her cousins and grandparents she has been trying to stay in bed as much as possible so she can get over her funk before we fly to Norway tonight. I am currently sitting at Gate 77 in the Orlando Airport waiting for my flight to Boston where I will meet Hexe for our Norwegian vacation.

In Boston I'll greet her with a big hug, a kiss, and a vomit bag if needed. Details from our visit will be coming soon. Until then... we are off to the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Hilsen,

PH

Technical Assistance Needed

I need someone to tell me how I can reply to my comments individually without leaving another comment. I see some of you have mastered this talent (Ms. Mac and Expat Travel and the rest of you know who you are) and this technology challenged blogger needs some help figuring out how to do this. I will forever be in debt to you master bloggers. Merci, Tusen Takk, Danke.

Round One

I am trying to pack and prepare for our flight next week. Yet my kids seem to have other ideas. This happened last year too. I've yet to figure out the correlation between suitcases and bad behavior. I have no conclusive evidence other than to note that it appears to be a consistent trend.

My kids, although young, are good travelers. Now as their parent, I'm sure I'm biased. However on every plane these kids have flown, total strangers have turned to us at the end of the flight and comment how well behaved my devil spawn are during the flight. Even when sick, there is no crying on planes.

But getting them to the plane with a packed suitcase is a different story. This morning has included repeatedly rolling the ottoman across the floor and banging it into the wall, as well as the removal of several Barbie heads. We have had fights that have resulted in hitting and one biting incident. BITING! These kids did not even have a biting phase as toddlers and now at the sight of a suitcase, they're leaving teeth imprints on each other. I would love to toss them both outside but as I reside in Hell and it is two thousand degrees in the backyard, I would be accused of child abuse if they were left outside melting for more than ten minutes.

I need reinforcement - Is it too early for wine?

Yesterday included a visit to the dentist for a cleaning, a stop by the store for socks and toothbrushes, and a run through the market for mild and bread. Both kids strapped themselves in and out of the car seats several times. I didn't realize how long it was taking until Hew pointing to the local Bob Evans, chimed from the back seat, "There's Auntie's house."

It appears in all the errands I took a wrong turn and drove 1300 miles to New Hampshire. Imagine how happy my sister would be to think that the home they spent the last six years building resembles this?

Food and Wine

While in Oregon, I attended my first cooking class. I have to say that I am hooked. I've always loved cooking and this brunch class just furthered my curiosity (as well as my appetite!). The menu included:

Goat cheese and salmon blintz served with a red onion and quince jam and creme fraiche

Whole wheat crepes filled with a spinach florentine served with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce

A living cress and citrus salad AND

Classic crepes suzettes

Of course, I forgot my camera so I have no proof of my creativity, but it was wonderful. The food was incredible and the class was only six students so it was a cozy group. Since then I have been inspired and PH and the kids have been reaping the benefits.

When I arrived home PH had some left over chicken in the refrigerator, I diced up the chicken with some artichoke, prepared a roux and added chicken stock and lemon juice. I had no creme in the house so I tossed in some of the kid's vanilla yogurt and then made homemade crepes and a salad - resulting in lemon chicken and artichokes crepes with salad. YUM! Since then I have grilled some great burgers with corn on the cob and a delicious tabouli salad. Last night was a cold peach and strawberry soup with steam artichokes and a mustard wine sauce. I'm not sure how long the inspiration will continue but I need to start taking some photos to capture this creativity.

Also in Oregon, I stopped by a winery

And also made a stop at Tillmook Dairy where I was nearly run over by numerous senior citizens with giant bags of cheese

Finally, I stopped at the Blue Heron Dairy where I sample and purchased some tasty smoke brie, including a smoked pepper brie. I also had lunch in their cute kitchen - a smoked turkey and brie sandwich with a cup of clam chowder. YUM!

Must go - time for lunch!

Pics

The view of my hotel, The Ocean Lodge from the beach the day I arrived. It was rainy and very foggy.

One of the many house along the beach that I liked.

These flowers were growing around the hotel. I have no idea what they are.

This is the fireplace where I spent some quiet hours reading with coffee and a treat from the never ending cookie jar!

Once the fog cleared, this was the view from the deck in my room.

I took numerous pictures of these rocks. There was something mesmerizing about them.

As the sun was setting

A path down to the beach from a state park.

More random flowers found while walking.

Children are" calling" (screaming bloody murder at each other over a $0.50 toy) so more later about the cheese and wine.

Thank You PH

I tried to upload photos but my computer is doing strange things - I guess it does not enjoy traveling as much as I do :) So far I have walked the beach and stared at the ocean, been to a cooking class, shopped, watched a movie, gone to a winery, visited two dairys that make cheese, and taken lots of pictures. And it has rained almost the entire time I've been here!

None of this wonderful trip would not be possible without my wonderful husband watching my children. I know there are many women who would be uncomfortable traveling alone and even fewer husbands who would agree to let their wife fly off across the country to wander alone. Since I can't load pictures, I can at least thank my husband for this time. Thank you for the time and for watching the kids. Thank you for realizing that I need time to wander and for trusting me enough to always encourage me to take time. I love you and miss you.

I Love Travel

I would swear to you that this state hates me. For weeks I have wished for cool weather or a lazy rainy day, and now as I sit at the airport waiting to leave the state, there is a down pour. Not only that, it is expected to rain all weekend. Yeah, yeah the irony . . .

This is my first time at the airport since Christmas with PH and the kids. Being here by myself is certainly different. First, I am sitting quietly. No one has asked for a drink, snack, movie, or to be taken to the bathroom. It’s almost eerily quiet as I sit looking at the blowing rain wondering what I will be doing for the next few days. And that is the second difference, what will I be doing for the next few days? Normally travel days are filled with events, people to see, and children to control. Other than a couple hour cooking class, my time is free for the next couple days. Those of you with families can understand how this is both exhilarating and yet slightly unnerving. I know I used to have a life before marriage and children, but the years of sleeplessness have robbed my memory of that time.

There is an excitement however, every time I walk into airport. You’d think it would get old and that I’ve flown enough to find it a dirty but necessary inconvenience. Yet walking through the airport doors with people rushing about with suitcases, it appears as though the world is a possibility. Sounds corny, I know. But from this place, people will be going to places across an ocean. They will meet new people, have new experiences, and modify their world view. I can’t help but sense the possibilities each time I walk through the automated doors.

Enjoy the weekend and hopefully I’ll some pictures in the next few days so the sappy dribble can be replaced. And all my love to PH and the kids

An Observation

It’s an overcast day and a cool breeze is blowing through the backyard. Cool is relative here as both kids are currently in their bathing suits running through the grass, chasing bubbles they have blown. It’s a simple pleasure they enjoy and one that I haven’t had time for recently as it includes a change of clothes when the “bubble juice” inevitable ends up on their clothing.

I covertly sneak out the camera to try and capture a few of these moments for eternity. I manage a couple of pictures before the beauty queen, my five year old daughter, notices the camera. Within a second the scene changes and my five year old is posing in her brightly stripped one piece bathing suit, right leg out in front, hip cocked to the side as though she is Ms. June in a magazine. And I’m disturbed. Where did she learn that? I gave up on being fashionable years ago so there are no magazine floating around the house unless they have recipes or home improvement projects. No pictures of the anorexically thin young girls in the provocative clothes and poses. Is the one hour a day of PBS and Disney television responsible? With the ultra thin, ultra cute, ultra white smiled pre-teens dancing across the screen? Or maybe preschool, where her classmates have older brothers and sisters who have passed down a not so impressive vocabulary that has unfortunately made its way into my home?

All I know is that in that moment I could see that KK was not going to be five forever and it disturbed me. How many moments do I miss just in the business of the day? What do I fail to see when I’m running around trying to throw together a healthy dinner that they will eat and I won’t be sweeping off the floor? Or when I ask for just one more minute to finish the task at hand? It a cliché about time passing quickly but today I could see it running away with my girl and I didn’t like it.

Not much happening

The finals are corrected and the grades are in. Tuesday is officially the last day and I have survived the last year of teaching. I received some lovely notes from students about how much they enjoyed my class, as well as a number of students who stopped in to wish me a good summer. I've not quite forgotten the crazy parents and unsupportive administration, but the second half of the year was a definite improvement.

I appear to have picked up some crud and will be calling the doctor on Tuesday as it has been ten days and I still can't shake it. I am sleeping as though I have mono - napping every chance I get.

We are taking it easy this weekend. PH actually took a parent free day yesterday and sat by the beach solo. As I will be leaving next Saturday for four days in Oregon, it was easy to be gracious about his day. Other than a cooking class on Sunday next weekend, I have NO PLANS in Oregon! I can not wait as most days are packed with children needing various levels of attention. I am so excited to be without plans. After that trip I will be home for a couple weeks and then it is off to Norway and Maine. This summer will be full of fun travel and family!

Hope everyone in the U.S. is having a safe Memorial Weekend!

Almost Done!

Out guests have left and it was a good visit. My children now use random french words that they picked up from their younger cousin and my niece has returned to France with an English vocabulary that is quite impressive for a not quite two year old. My daughter, concerned that she would not be able to speak with her young cousin, has asked us many questions about learning languages so it appears we have sparked an interest!

I celebrated my son's return to his own room (he was sleeping in our room during the ten days of our family visit) by becoming sick. I lost my voice and that made the last couple days of classes rather interesting with me whispering orders to my students :) I'm sure my voice will return and that my illness is more a result of exhaustion.

Friday was my last class and next week is finals. I expect it will pass rather quickly in a whirlwind of grading as the exam itself is only two hours on Monday. After my grades are in, I'm done. Fini! I will have completed my first year of teaching and I was offered a contract for next year which I have signed (I need one more year for my temporary license to become permanent). Knowing that next year I will begin looking for a different job, I have been in contact with an overseas education placement service and even though my license will not be final until next May, they have requested a resume for the fall so that I can be considered for positions for the following year. A good sign.

I am looking forward to my trip to Oregon, the first weekend in June. I fear that I may sleep most of the vacation, but I hope to rest up after this week.

Thanks to all of you who posted wishes and congratulations on my 100 post. I can't believe it's been a year. Look forward to returning to regularly posting in the near future.

100 post

I imagined that my 100 post would be insightful and witty, as I reflected on this past year blogging. Instead I 'm writing to say I will be back in two weeks. I have two weeks of classes left and I am drowning in work. Additionally, the french visitors who were to stay four days are now back for an unannounced additional week and our three year old is sleeping in our room to accommodate the visitors. I'll be reading others blogs just to escape, but I'm too exhausted to try to put together a coherent sentence. Back soon - Ta Ta!