Desert Rain & Snow!

The desert was without rain for 143 days(told to us numerous times), but on Saturday the drought was over with a whopping 2 inches. It rained literally all night and all day. We spent the day at Taliesin West, the Frank L. Wright desert creation. What a fantastic place that is. Frank wasn't always known for his engineering skills, and in the desert you can build with pretty much anything. There isn't enough water for mold. But on that day, the roofs were leaking. While we were sitting in the living room, I noticed a persistent drip right next to the grand piano. I think the bucket guy was napping on the job. There was wet carpet numerous places.

So, the next day after the clouds cleared, snow covered the mountains. It is so interesting that it can rain one place and snow a mile away. Turns out that 30 boyscouts got caught in 3 feet of snow up in the mountains and had to be air lifted out. I'm sure that made for some good storytelling around the next campfire. We drove out a couple miles to get a good picture of it, and the road through the mountains was a steady stream of cars. Everyone and their grandparents flocked to the mountains that day armed with cameras and carrots.

The Canyon

Here it is, in all it's wind and glory, the Grand Canyon. Stretching 10 miles across and a mile down, it's one gigantic gorge. It was cold and windy that day. But we missed the snow which came the next day. We drove home in 8 inches of snow and low visibility. It was quite a trip. All I have to say about it now is, I wish my grandpa would get his hearing aids fixed.
This is the train to the canyon from Williams, AZ. It's a cool looking way to travel. We went by way of my grandparents van.

Dentists for Everyone (just about)

It seems there is a large concentration of dentists in this Mexican town. My grandparents have both had extensive dental work at one of these shops and are very happy with their teeth. My own dentist frowned a big toothless frown when I asked what he thought of this phenomenon. What else would he do though? Americans are flocking to have crowns, partials, and total dentures made in these shops. Imagine having 7 trips to the dentist in two days, and crossing the U.S. border to do it. What a deal!We decided this is the poster boy for dental work in Mexico. Despite how many dentists there are and how dirt cheap it is, I guess it's all relative. He was one of the street sellers with hundreds of gold chains for sale in his hands.

Mexico

After driving 4 hours, we made it to a border town between Mexico and California. We spent the day there shopping and looking, then drove home.
These shoe shine boys were all smiles as they worked hard transforming the old people's tennis shoes. I saw them later with a pocketful of ones as they biked off to school (which starts at 1pm).
This is the essence of a border town in Mexico. It seems that people walk across the border for a few hot sellers. Cheap healthcare, cheap smokes and liquor. You can be your own pharmacist in Mexico. Whatever your needs, it's there. Viagra for grandpa, Zoloft, Zantac...the men call from the sidewalks to beckon you into the stores. Need your drugs?
The woman at the eye doctor worked harder than anyone I saw. With calm patience, she greeted every old person that came in the door for a cheap eye doctor appointment ($20 or $10 with the purchase of glasses). She adjusted glasses and answered questions all day long. Just watching made me tired.

Gold Mine

This picture is a fine example of old school meets new school. If you look carefully at the top, you will recognize that this old windmill now doubles as a cell phone tower. In the middle of the desert, you have to be clever...they don't just erect towers all over the place like we do.
This is one of my favorite pics so far. I just love spurs and jeans. The cowboys had extra little bells on the spurs that tinkled as they walked by...

We went to the flea market. The parking lot was full of cars, everyone and their cousin is there from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Those midwestern snowbirds love a good bargin. When we took this picture the cowboy who was selling hats said we looked like an poster for Brokeback Mountain.
Speaking of gay cowboys...we ran into this guy up at an old gold mining town later in the day. A group of wannabe cowboys perform a street shootout every hour. The guns were above and beyond loud. Everyone was dressed up for the occasion. It was a good show with my ears plugged. One of the rare instances you wish you could just turn off your hearing aids.

Sun and Desert Sands

Well, we left home at 5:15 am, and made it to AZ. We've already logged 3 hours at the pool. I have a little pink and freckles on the nose. It's great.

The pool is 89 degrees and when we left, the "afternoon" crowd was just starting to come...water noodles, visors and sunglasses in hand, the snowbirds float in small social circles, chatting. I overheard talk about what's for dinner, grandkids, and getting the best deal on prescription drugs. They are all super nice here. Gotta love midwesterners.

We hope all is well in the colder world we left this morning. Sending you all warm wishes of pink freckled noses.

1956

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956#Events
Here is a few highlights:

June 29: Marilyn Monroe marries playwright Arthur Miller
July 4: The Ant Farm was invented at a picnic
August 17: West Germany bans the communist party
April 19: Grace Kelly marries the Prince Rainier III of Monaco
Feb. 26: Elvis enters the American music charts with Heartbreak Hotel

Born this year: Joe Montana, Tom Hanks, Judy Davis

Died this year: Alfred Kinsey, Bela Lugosi, A. A. Milne

50 Years

This is my lovely grandparents on their wedding day. This year they celebrate 50 years of marriage. Can you imagine? I can hardly imagine being alive for 50 years, not to mention married!! What does it take to be married that long? I am guessing they will say a good sense of humor, but I will ask them and report back. Last night, they had a celebration in their retirement park for all the 50 year anniversaries. There were 8 couples celebrating. They also have another party for the 60 year couples. It's just amazing to me that these are annual events at their park. Every year they have a party to celebrate the people who are nuts enough about each other to stick it out for 50 and 60 years.

We will go visit them in Arizona this Friday for 10 days. 80 degrees, sunny in the desert. Grapefruit growing in the backyard and water aerobics every morning!

Music High

I am currently addicted to the Wailing Jennys. The album is called 40 days and it is the sweetest. For anyone who cared.

My parents are here for the weekend to visit. It's nice to have them.

Hold on for next week's adventure to the land of the exotic snowbirds!

Colder than Cold

Only in Wisconsin and maybe Minnesota could it be 53 degrees on Tuesday and now minus 5 (windchill -10) on Friday. That's just too much for a body to handle. I am about to venture out into the cold to a dance party at a friend's house, a few blocks away. I think people weren't really built for this weather. I plan to bundle up and wear boots and even despite my preparation, I will likely swear and complain about it most of the way there. I just can't let cold like this pass by easily. Not that cursing at it makes one feel any warmer. Even the warmest thoughts I can conjure can't touch how cold it is. Sunbathing in Mexico, saunas in Germany, hot springs in Colorado....all the places I would rather be. Remind me why I live here????

Snow and more Snow

Snow Day here!! I bundled up to shovel and take pictures. Everyone was out and about...I saw a many people cross country skiing down the street. That was the only sensible way to be out and about. As a personal rule, I don't get in a car on days like this. I don't need to go anywhere I can't walk to. We have over 12 inches and it's still snowing.

Sweet Days

Sunday we took the day to drive out into the country and head to Devil's Lake. That is such a sweet, sweet place. Carved out by glacial ice so long ago, it remains untouched in a way. It was just us and the ice fishermen. We ran across the frozen lake and I only fell once, banging my knee hard. It's OK now. Nice to get out of town once and awhile.
On Highway 12 is the famous Dr. Evermore. Drive through and you will discover the inner workings of a madman genius. His sculptures are both eloquent and big pieces of junk to be appreciated.

The Snow Bird

Soon we will journey to the land of the exotic snowbird, Arizona. Flocks of these rare birds gather by the dozen around swimming pools and shuffleboard tables in the desert each year. They are known to have youthful qualities, some possessing the ability to hike many miles in the desert despite being an ancient species. They do strange dances with each other, the polka, daily water aerobics. The "I just got a new knee" walk is particularly characteristic of many of these snowbirds.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more reports on these rare birds.

Internet boredom

I'm bored. Sitting on my computer attempting to be entertained by the internet. This is what I've found.

Celebrity Mugshots are always funny.

Check out Noel Bush, she was just trying to get something for the pain of being the niece to our dear president! Too bad her daddy Jeb couldn't write her a real prescription.

Even Bill Gates has a mug shot! I'm starting to feel left out!

Where I ate lunch today. I had a burger. It was quite tasty.

A Madison favorite has hit the road for a tour. The Kissers are touring Texas and New Orleans!

Now, onto something funny. Cats have hilarious antics. Maybe you prefer dancing dogs...??

There in my garden!

There was a virgin siting in my backyard! Isn't she lovely? She is so inspiring for my garden. She looks as if she is willing the flowers to grow (which they are!). It's cold again now here, so winter is the season, for now. And the flowers will have to wait.

Slipper Club

Every Thursday night at the Slipper Club (just off the square) is the Caberet show worth seeing. Everything about it is infectious, the crowd, the band, the singing...What a fun show. Everytime I go, I wonder, why don't I do this more often?? It was started by Joy Dragland, a stunning performer who has moved onto bigger and brighter things in NYC. We miss her dearly here in Madison.





This is the only thing you should know before you go:
Sing with me!! (it helps if you sway with the music)
I love this song. Que Sera Sera....

When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother
What will I be
Will I be pretty
Will I be rich
Here's what she said to me
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
When I grew up and fell in loveI asked my sweetheart
What lies ahead
Will we have rainbowsDay after day
Here's what my sweetheart saidQue sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to seeQue sera, sera
What will be, will be
Now I have Children of my own
They ask their mother
What will I be
Will I be handsome
Will I be richI tell them tenderly
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Que Sera, Sera
This song was written for Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 re-make Of his 1934 film "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Starring Doris Day & Jimmy Stewart

Yoga for Cats

I know what you're thinking. I photoshopped in the cat. Nope, he crawled up onto my shoulder and sat on my back. It's the second time this week. He is so strange. He would still be sitting there but I can only hold that pose for so long. It reminds me of a calendar I saw of people in actual yoga poses with the cat sitting on them. With a little training, Jackson and I are on our way! There are actually videos you can purchase, and they might be worth it, just for the entertainment value alone! Check it out: http://www.yogakitty.com/yogavideos.html You have to watch one of the videos. Hilarious. First of all, this guy has a cat named Ovaria. Who does that?!? Oh, you just have to watch it.

Madison at night

Last night I attended a poetry slam at the Union Theater on campus. 15 local high school kids had advanced to this show, and then from there 5 were picked to move on to the competition in NYC. Anyway, from the mouths of these teens came such eloquence and big deep thoughts spoken with such rhythm. They tackled every topic from new orleans to suicide to abortion to feeling like a geek. Some of the one liners they came up with were so profound. So, now there will be 350 teens like them all together in NYC for a national competition. Madison is well represented.

After that show came a hip hop group of three men from Senegal, called Daara J. They really raised the roof. They came out charged with a relentless desire to pump up the crowd and they left us no choice but to obey their every command of waving our hands in the air or jumping up and down. We sat in the balcony and while I'm sure it was a blast to be part of the front row dance party where all our friends were, I enjoyed seeing the audience from above, moving together. Hundreds of hands waving, heads bobbing all in sync. That was great to see.

Cheers to Madison!

Procrastination

Here is where I will ramble on about Procrastination.
Later.

Fabulous Facepaint

My neighbor has taken up a new trade: Fabulous Face Painting. Evidently, she has had two real gigs where she painted kids for 4 hours with no break. I think that's insane, but she seems to enjoy it. I got to paint a few kids and it really is fun--just not 4 hours of it with 50 kids standing in line. Also, it is fun to get painted although Jackson didn't think so. Have you heard of this book, "Why Paint Cats?" It's very strange. There is also a Why Cats Paint. I cannot tell you that this book is authentic, although I think it's a possibility because I'm such a dork about cats.
The warm weather seems to be confusing the geese. They are flying north as if it's spring. I hate to be the one to break the news to them.

Today we went kite skiing, well actually Markus had skis and I made snow angels. I flew the kite a bit and slid around on the ice. What a beautiful day.

Peter Sellers

I have watched this movie twice in the last week: The Life and Death of Peter Sellers. Such a character he was! Now I am going to go on a Sellers binge with the Pink Panther, Being There and Dr. Strangelove. The biography style movie is told in a bit of a different way than most other movies in that genre. They don't just feed it to you, but show you parts all through his life and you fill in the gaps. It's a great screenplay. Minus Charlize Theron and her very bad Russian accent, the acting was all good. But even that may have been intentional as one of Peter's lines is: "God woman, you're a terrible actor and you can't stop."

I am so into movies right now. Winter has set in for sure. What else are you going to do??

Fly Over Madison

Today I worked with a pilot who had been in a motorcycle accident. I was telling him about this day, my only ride in a small cessna. Markus surprised me with a trip the local airport for a little fly over Madison. The capitol looks even more regal from the air.

Loving my Job

I want to share a little about how happy I am at this moment with my state of employment. I just started working part time at a nursing home as a therapist. I will work 3 days a week and I think it will be really good. I've been in a state of employment limbo for a few months now (6). I was starting to get a little annoyed with it because the hours were so unpredictable. I still have to think about my long term future, but for now...I'm getting paid like I should, it's part time and I get to make a difference in the days of old people. How great is that!? Although today a catheter bag dumped onto the floor and I kneeled in pee, but hey, at least it's just pee. It could be worse I think. Ha ha ha. Bet you all wanted to know that. Job requirement #1: Good sense of humor. #2: A change of Pants

List

So, I never wrote about the rest of my Minnesota trip but in a quick list form overview:

This was fun:
*playing with kittens
*wandering around the banks of the mississippi
*eating at taste of thailand (my favorite place)
*hanging with my friends Mary and Ken, I can't get enough of them
*seeing my family
*seeing my lovely cousins who are growing up too fast
*eating at the Panera where my sister works
*getting her employee discount
*getting a massage from my mom
*eating at taste of thailand (again! I got to go twice!)
*playing with kittens

Minneapolis, here I come!

Today, I drove down to Minneapolis to visit some good old friends and experience the Nile River on the Omni Theater. The only interesting thing I saw in the science museum was a life size picture of the man who was the tallest man ever, 8 ft 11 in. He was from Illinois. I was with my tallest friend who couldn't even reach the man's head when he put his arms in the air. How wild is that!? Later, we met up with some friends for some fun at Nye's Polonaise Room, a classy old joint and dancing at Ground Zero in NE Minneapolis. I danced my heart out and spun and grooved until I could no longer. It was most excellent to be with old friends, especially my friend Gnu.

Good ol' Minnesota

What a snow paradise it is here! Snow is piled high and the moon is bright inbetween cotton puff looking clouds. I just got home from Clare's Well with my mom. They have two new kittens there and honestly, is there anything greater than kittens? Orange striped brothers and their mama found a home in the ditch in front of the farm before they were carried off to live in the barn with the goats and chickens. Everyone gets along now! The mama cat was almost a kitten herself, so young with a bright future ahead of her until some Tomcat knocked her up and left her on the side of the road. Well, as luck would have it, the mama sure picked the right place to be left. The boy kittens are happy and playful and loved. The mama earned the name Katrina and the boys are yet to be named. I am voting for Cosmo and Jack (in the Pulpit), since the other cats they have are Iris and Lilly. I am now about to sit down for a good chick flick.

Today I finally took down the Christmas decorations, tree and whatnot. What's funny about that is, it looks so nice when you put it up, and then it looks so nice when you take it down. What's with that? My living room looks so spacious and open now. Well, only 340 days until Christmas, or something like that.

Snow Paradise

My dearest friend Jana just got home from a ski trip to Jackson Hole, WY. Look at her! Wow. She is a supermodel snowbunny if I ever did see one. She said the snow was amazing and the hills were steep. I am so happy she came home safe and had a great time!

Good Fitchburg Date

Don't get your panties in a bunch worrying about how to impress a lady. The Fitchburg Date is a sure winner. Start of the night at Quivey's Grove, just off Verona Road. Built in 1855, this estate will step you back in time for a feel good Wisconsin dinner. Eat in the Stable Grill or the Stone House but be sure to walk the tunnel that connects the two. Eating in the house may feel a bit like grandma's with quilts adorning the walls. The lamb shank was totally tasty and the fish fry was also a classic. The homemade cranberry muffins were steaming when they were served to our table. After dinner, have a drink at the stable bar where a piano man can take your requests, Bridge Over Troubled Water is always a crowd pleaser. Next, switch up the pace for the high tech experience of the IMAX. Now showing is the amazing space station in 3D, complete with funny goggles. Float in space while digesting a tasty dinner in good company.

Ho Hum.

What to write about when nothing is going on? Or seemingly there is nothing to write about, although there is much going on. Today I made a delicous cherry tart out of my new German cookbook. Dr. Oetker is a good baker with such yummy treats!

Tonight I am taking Markus as a surprise to the 3D show of the spacestation at the new IMAX theater in town. If you all have not seen this amazing film, it's totally worth your $8.50. What are you still doing reading this? Go to the Space Station!

I worked a bit today, also I applied for a new job. I am not scheduled at all next week so I think I will plan a trip to Minnesota to do the friends and fam. circuit. Anyone want to hang out with me?

Not the nicest time of year to travel, but what the heck.

So, stay tuned. There are always adventures to be had in the Land O' 10,000 Lakes!

Ice Ice Baby

So, this is my wish for the week. These pics are from 2 years ago, one day on Lake Monona when the ice was a dream to skate on. This year the lake was covered in snow and not skatable, but this week has been almost 40 and raining! So, my theory is that the snow melted, the grass is green...so if it gets cold again now with no snow, the lake should be good! I have to say it will be tough to top this day. It was so cold with no snow, then poof--one sunny day, 30 degrees. Perfecto! BTW, I cannot move while holding this pose, it was truly a camara moment.
Markus has ice tires that have amazing traction on the lake. He was pulling me on skates, hence the rope on the ice. That was super fun.

Resolutions

So, I am curious about New Year's resolutions! We all know the popular ones, but is there more to it? All these blogs explore the phenomenon that is a Resolution.

http://whynotlaugh.blogspot.com/2006/01/2006-new-years-resolutions.html

http://itsmysoapbox.blogspot.com/2006/01/keeping-new-years-resolutions-third.html
http://rachel76.blogspot.com/2005/12/30-goals-resolutions-for-2006-year-i.html

Here's a nice list of resolutions from a fellow blogger...I like how she has projected dates for the more addictive things, like not going cold turkey on diet soda...very realistic. I think she has a good chance to succeed, although it's quite a list!

http://spunkyjunior.blogspot.com/2006/01/my-new-years-resolutions.html

http://stellastarguitar.blogspot.com/ I like this woman's rant.
http://nickleanddimes.blogspot.com/2006/01/new-years-resolutions-part-31.html this guy actually reviewed last year's resolutions.

I hope you all enjoyed my research. I concluded that:
I resolve to not make any resolutions at this time, so that I may make the best choice, an educated resolution when I see fit. Maybe in July, I will resolve to not wear my long underware until Halloween. Who knows. I will let you all know if inspiration strikes. Of course there are changes I would like to make this year, but it's almost like making them resolutions is so cliche that it gives me permission not to change. Afterall, resolving to change can be done anytime of year. OK, that's it. That's my resolution. This year, when I think of something I need to change and can, I will. Otherwise, if I don't need to change it, or can't, I won't. Yeah, that pretty much covers it all.

Mondays

Just another Manic Monday, whoo-hoo hoo. Wish it was Sunday, cause that's my fun-day, my I-don't-have-to-run-day, just another Manic Monday.

One has to wonder what the Bangles are up to these days.

I actually went to work today, along with almost no one else. The roads were dead, the banks were closed. Turns out that the old people still showed up for therapy, so it was a good thing I was there.

Last night I watched this amazing movie, 1,000 Clowns. For anyone who hasn't seen this, it is highly recommended by one of the best movie connoiseurs I know. It's black and white and brilliant. They don't make movies like that anymore, such a shame.

Anyone with good New Year's resolutions to share?

I am finishing up on the last of the Top 5. I know you're all nearly peeing yourself with anticipation...give me a day or so and it will be done.

Steak and Lube anyone?

The ride stopped here, the local Steak and Lube in Middleton. The Packer's game was playing on multiple TV's and a make your own bloody mary bar (yum). The amount of vehicles hanging from the ceiling is nuts. How much more Wisconsin can I really get today?? I recommend the onion rings.

2006 New Year's Ride

Happy New Year Y'all! Today we went on the annual New Year's Day ride. It's not a scene that you get to see everyday. It starts at the capitol square and then rides around Lake Mendota to the Quaker Steak and Lube. In this ride are all kinds of people, some rough riders, with crazy leather and fringe, some Harleys, some BMW's, some dirt bikes that are barely street legal. It seems you can tell much about a person from their bike, or at least much about the bike from the person. It was interesting to ride in winter, a bit windy. We took over the road for a while.

This is not a combination I often see, leather chaps, camoflage and a mink coat.
This is the line of Harleys. I think they like to be seen AND heard.
This was my favorite bike there, it's a 1972 with some nice shiny chrome pieces. Isn't it cute!?

Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to you Markus! We all celebrate the day you were born! Yippee! Happy 29th!!

Little Poems

here's my try at a little poetry. Inspired by a yoga session.

Same Pen:

Like love and fear
hot and cold
thick and thin
straight and round
and all things that appear opposite
when they are closely examined
you discover they are written with the same pen
by the same hand
on the same page
in the same book
both part of the same
Actually two parts, making one whole
To consider your breath
the uptake, filling the belly and ribs
fully filled up
the exhale
squeezing the air out, out, out
blowing out to empty
air blowing in to fill
it is one breath
inhale
exhale
opposites make the cycle complete
all day long

The Great Escape

After days of pestering, I finally watched the Great Escape with Markus yesterday. It is quite a story of the war. If you haven't seen it, it is worth the watch.

http://www.ateal.co.uk/greatescape/

this is the real story, although the movie seems fairly accurate. These men were determined beyond belief.
I guess the interesting part also worth mentioning, is the cross cultured nature of our home, with a German and American. Markus understands the war much better than I, after all, his grandfather died at a Russian front. I cannot imagine the time or how it was that these very civilized men were taking each other prisoner. There were many levels of military, then there were the Gestapo, which I didn't really realize were different. Anyway, good to know a bit more about that history, even if I will never really understand the rules of war.

Another year...

Well, that's it folks. Christmas has passed for yet another year. Now onto the New Year...

Today is the one year anniversary of Markus and I. Thanks to you all who were part of that special day and also part of our first year. We have some wonderful people in our lives for sure.

Holiday Cheer

Well, another Christmas here. Yesterday we had a really sweet day with my parents...went on a hike to Cherokee Marsh, played cards with the neighbors, sang carols at the piano which we played badly, and put together a puzzle.

Last minute shopping!

Sadly, no takers for the top 5 list so far...how about top 5 anything you want? movies, songs, tacky celebrities of 2005? Can you believe there are people who have entire blogs about celebrities? I won't go on about this too much, but aren't you all tired of the AngelinaBradJen Saga?? That is one thing I did not miss in Germany. They don't have magazines covering the checkout lane and they don't seem to be into celeb gossip to the extent we are. There were some, but since I didn' t know anyone it was cooler.

Christmas shopping is such a nightmare. Why do we all wait until the last week when we know it's coming at the same time every year!??
So, this is my list of Christmas renewables: (gifts to get for _____ who has everything)
*deliver a dinner and a movie
*coupons for chores-this was my favorite to give as a kid
*regift the worst gift you ever got for a good laugh
*gift certificate for massage, professional or personal
*make a donation to your local food shelf in that person's name
or I think these are some cool organizations, I think my mom is getting a goat. Don't tell her yet, it's a surprise.
http://www.farmfriends.org.uk/
www.50lanterns.org
http://www.networkforgood.org/giftbasket/

Post more ideas!
May you all get your heart's desire from Santa and keep the love flowing!

Happy Solstice

I heard the most funny hippy lady call into a radio station and wish everyone a happy solstice today. She talked about how she celebrates this holiday with her dark side and the kids...amusing. Anyway, the holiday isn't just for hippies. It's the shortest day, longest night of the year.

Wish you all the best parts of day and night!

Top 5 (1-2) of 2005

Top 5 moments of 2005
in no particular order (except #1):

1) My wedding (actually Dec 26, 2004)
What started as a stomach ache turned into the most beautiful winter day. For a couple months it totally stressed me out think of planning the day. After we sat down and decided on the 26th, I realized I had three weeks to plan. It all came together perfectly, including my grandparents impromptu trip to Madison for the wedding.
The day went off without a hitch: The vows were a surprise, the cake was buttery heaven decorated with baby pink roses, the people were merry and the groom was handsome in a red tie. This was all I wanted out of the day, but there was so much more too...my grandma’s fur, the warm fireplace in the barn, the love songs I picked out, the champagne, the pink lilies. Thanks to Jana's insisting, we stayed at a lovely little inn that night with a jacuzzi hot tub and king size bed under skylights. I have to tell you without being too graphic that there is definitely something to "consummating the marriage" for the first time. It was quite magical (aka super great sex). The night was just alive with love.



2) Day at the Wisconsin River
This year I have had the lovely chance to meet my neighbors and for the first time (since I left my parent’s house), I feel at home where I live. These golden people are such treasures. This summer we all spent the day together at a tiny cabin on the Wisconsin River. It was a warm, sunny October day and we were all in bare feet playing on the smooth sand beach without any sign of civilization in sight. It was one of those ageless days that I could have been 6 or 16 or 26... where I felt I could cartwheel my way down the river. I was simply delighted to feel the weight of the sand on my hands and between my toes as I was buried up to my neck, to float down river in the canoe with no destination with my lover, to watch the hawk dive into the river for a dinner of fresh fish. We followed a tiny trail on the beach and found the fuzziest black and brown catapillar making his way through the weeds over mounds of sand. I watched him for awhile, imagining how in the world he would become a butterfly. And thinking that life is like that, feeling like a small catapillar on a big beach, how every footprint becomes an tedious obstacle, but how easy and satisfying it can be just to trudge along. How knowing that days like that exist and that catapillar has the potential to be a butterfly. I was with all my new friends who felt like I had known them for years and this was our reunion after not seeing each other for a decade. Together we laughed and played in the sand, and simply loved life for the day.

Top 5 of 2005

So, around this time each year I have a ritual that I write up the top 5 moments of the previous year. I am starting this today and I invite you all to do the same. I have found it a fun writing exercise, plus a good way to reflect on the year passed. I would love you to post a comment with your top 5 list to share. Click "Comments" below.

Deer Skin

The other day I helped my neighbor skin a deer in our backyard. We made a fire to help keep us warm and I watched as he carefully made the cuts to start pulling off the hide. The image seemed so old as we were transported back in time when people hunted for survival. I thought of the women who stayed home tending the fire while the men went hunting and how good they must have felt when they came home, successful after the hunt. How they must have cooked a meal of fresh venison as the deer still hung from the tree. The longer I watched him, the colder I felt, the more I remembered this scene. My ancestors survival revolved around the ritual of the seasons. This is the season to hunt. I took off my gloves and with bare fingers started pulling on the thick hide, slowly separating the fat and muscle, carefully pushing against the deer. We talked about all the ways to use the deer, to make soap or candles with the fat, to make string with the tendons, to tan the hide for leather. Back in the day, life revolved around the changing seasons. Sometimes, I long to live that life. One where my daily life is in rhythm with the land around me, and I don't have hobbies but meaningful activity that sustains my life with the land. I can imagine what that would be...especially on a lazy Monday morning when it is too early and too cold to get out of bed just yet.

Winter in WI

Look how white the world is!

So much snow

There is boat loads of snow outside. I should take a picture of the house or something. I will in a second when I get my boots on. I have been working this week and happy that now is the weekend.. Currently I am doing occupational therapy in a rehab/nursing home...in case anyone wondered. The people are mostly old and fighting the effects of gravity after many years. I help them get strong and go home, essentially. This week I treated people named Eunice, Bulah, Buford, and Pauline. Such old names aren't they? I have many stories about this although maybe not super interesting. Overall it seems like a worthwhile thing to do with my time, plus they pay me for it which is a bonus. I am contemplating a career change sometime this year...if anyone has ideas I love them. I could be anything! A firefighter, an auctioneer, an insurance agent, a chaplin...maybe not an insurance agent. Ok, I will go take that picture and be right back.

Wedding Cake

Married: Dec. 26, 2004
One year ago at this time I was planning the wedding...I still have the to-do list I used. We planned it in about 3 weeks and it ended up so lovely. I think the best part about planning something so fast is that you can't change your mind about the details or think too hard about it. So, you make it simple and go for exactly what you want. Making the invitations by hand was the only time consuming part of the planning. The cake with real baby roses and buttercream frosting was the amazing creation of my good friend Cathleen. The top is in our freezer for Dec. 26 and if Markus is lucky, I will share it with him. (it's sooo good) I would love to do all it again. (the wedding part, not the planning part). I do!

post secret

Last night we watched a movie...Me You and Everyone we Know. I think that's what it was called. Super movie...there was this child actor who was brilliant. Anyway, makes me think how we communicate, secrets we keep, about the internet and the effects on real life and how it mingles in our daily lives, exposing our selves in new ways.

I will post a few links:
http://postsecrets.com

http://triptronix.net/ishbadiddle/archives/2005/04/11/22.59.00/
http://www.apologyproject.com/samplecalls.htm
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm?cam=LP2


These links are secrets that people have posted for the world to see.

Sled Away

Look at us! We were sledding and biking today in the snow....I hit a jump and something cracked in my neck. My friend Abby is here with me. Don't we look warm? Sledding is all fun and games until someone gets runover at the bottom...we helped a little girl who was totally swept off her feet and hit the ground hard. She got a bloody nose and bruised cheek, but said that she felt OK after a bit. Her parents weren't there. I felt bad for her. Anyway, like I said...sledding is dangerous! Look up and look often!

Sunday mornings...

It's Sunday morning. Woke up to the cat scratching to crawl under the covers and warm up. It has continued to snow a little every day I have been home. The world is white and clean as Joan Baez sings in my kitchen. Markus is shoveling the sidewalk while I make breakfast of Mexican eggs...one of my favorites. Friday night I went out with Jana for a super fun time. We ran into a bunch of new characters and ended up laughing most of the night, I suppose we had a few drinks. We tried out the new bar in town...The Old Fashioned. It's supposed to be classic-ly Wisconsin. We ate cheese curds and drank a local brew. The curds were deliciously cheesy. Overall, the place has some potential, even if it is a bit generic-ly wood. Last night I went to a couple art openings in the neighborhood and sewed a Christmas ornament at my neighbors and then we watched a movie. It was really nice. I have a super sweet life.

HOME!

Oh sweet home! After a full day of flying, I am home at last. My wonderful parents picked me up and I am slowing unloading the rock collection I carried home. I will post a picture of the chocolate. It is unbelievable. I wasn't kidding.
What I noticed:
My house is so bright! I have not seen the sun for a week or so.
My cat has a new winter coat!
My parents cleaned!
My bed will be sooo good!
I am not sure I remember how to drive it's been so long.
My plants are all alive!
All is good here.

Almost home

(Pretending I wrote this yesterday)

Hold the welcome wagon! I am stuck at Schipol again! I think there are a bunch of stoners running the airport here. I will go to a hotel for the night and get up for an 8 o'clock flight. Although I would rather be home, I feel a good sense of humor about it. It's nice to not feel super stressed out. I think the experience on the flight here prepared me for this.

Bis Morgan!!
(see you tomorrow!!)

Warning: Heavy Luggage

Packing is such a drag. Not only does it mean the end of a trip, but is a really bad reminder of all the stuff I own and bought. It's a bit ridiculous how much stuff I will carry home. Just the chocolate alone is an amazing quantity. If the plane goes down and I get stuck on a desert island, I hope I find my suitcase first. I am sure I could survive at least 2 months on German chocolate. Hint hint to all my friends/family back home, if I don't go down in the plane you all will share in the chocolate feast. Jana's mouth is watering as she reads this...I know it.

So, back to the packing dilemma. No matter how I try, I always tend to overpack. For example, I never once wore my workout clothes or a pair of shoes I brought. I just carried them across the ocean to sit in a suitcase for 5 weeks. My vow next time is to underpack. I will wear the same clothes for 5 weeks. I could do it. Just ask my mom--one time I worethe same pair of jeans for 2 weeks until she made me wash them. 5 may be pushing it.

Sweat and Swim

This is the local swimming pool, public and super nice. We go as often as we can. The pool outside (in picture) is super warm and salty, open all year. Because of the high salt content, I can float without hardly trying...it is so beautiful to look up at the sky with the steam pouring off the water, the lights in the pool sparkling blue...tonight it was 34 degrees outside, and the water was 96 degrees. There are also many saunas, both indoor and outdoor. Tonight we were there for the FKK (Frei Korper Kulture--free body culture (full nude)). It is so lovely and civil to swim and sweat and shower in the nude with everyone else. In the warm pool, it is such a luxury to float around with the one you love. So easy to get lost floating around. The saunas are super hot and all smell different, some like vanilla or menthol. There are so many places to lounge around and just do nothing; including a fireplace or a foot bath...How wonderful the world is sometimes.

Great Heights

Great Heights

Fairytale castles and gingerbread houses. From such great heights, these are the places where dreams are made and swirled into the world on wind that spins up the stone walls and carries geese into the sun. Climbing, breathless to the top I am bathed in sun and wind and tiny pieces of land surrounding the stone walls. Playhouses and winding streams mark the land as far as the eye can see. Miniture world below, great big sky above and I am forever in this place-- inbetween, standing at the top of a great castle above the tiny earth.

Once upon a time...

Hattingen is so lovely! Look at these old wood frame buildings. Many of them look about to topple over. The cobblestone, the colors, the smells, the unusual angles of the whole place transports you to a time long ago.

Markus the Engineer

Today we visited an interesting place in a kind of industrial park. Markus is learning a lot about renewable energy, especially these panals in the picture. They are called evacuated tube collectors that use sun's energy to heat water that passes through the top of the tubes. From there the possibilities are endless! With these collectors and a few other bits of machinery, it is possible to make hot water to use for showers, to heat a house, to cool a house, or even make ice. The place we visited also had a natural gas turbine that generates power and uses the heat from the exhaust to keep the office building warm (combined heat and power generation). For the next year tri-generation is planed using the process heat for cooling. It is all complicated for me to understand...(How in the world do you make ice from hot water??) but I am slowly beginning to understand. I also understand sometimes it is not so important to understand, but just to know that it can be done. It's OK if I don't know exactly how.

Markus is learning a lot about this process and all the possibilites with these hot water collectors. It is fun to see his brain ticking. The collectors are very popular in Eastern Europe and as the cost of energy goes up in the states, I think they will catch on there too. It is a very efficiant way to heat water without natural gas. There are so many ways to heat and cool without fossil fuels. The magical sun has much to offer.

Parking lots...

This pic is interesting for two reasons.
First and most obvious: the shoes...They are super.
Second, the parking lot I stand on. These blocks are so clever because they are easy to drive and park on, yet grass can grow inbetween, thus making it prettier with less runoff and more environmentally friendly than tar!

Someday this will be our driveway.

Sun!

The sun is out!!

I'll be sure to get a picture to prove it to all of you...

Books I have read on my trip:
*Adrian Mole and Weapons of Mass Destruction
(British and SO annoying, supposed to be funny, OK-maybe a little funny)
*The Feast of Love
(a good narrative of many people's love stories)
*The Inner Circle
(about Kinsey and sex research in the 20-40's super interesting and risk-y)
*Crampton Hodnet
(about New England tea parties and spinsters, cracked me up)
*Bell Canto
(really enjoyed it all around, even if a bit sad)

Now I am nearly out of reading!!

I am curious what you all are reading?? Post a comment and do share! I need some ideas...