I just came in after cutting daisies in our yard, that had fallen over and I'm dripping with sweat, it's so hot! This is the third day with a heat advisory and heat indexes over 105. I love the heat though, except if I have to work outside in the yard, pfff!
Yesterday I ran around with Katja and Kai, as Katja woke up with a red eye. Her cousin had thrown a Barbie doll against it on Saturday and it didn't get any better. So off to the eye doctor we went. The good news was no infection, but trauma to the eye, so she can't wear her contacts again until the weekend.
That appointment was at 1:30 and at 2:30 K & K both had an orthodontist appointment about 15 miles away. Amazingly, we made it with 5 minutes to spare! The orthodontist had a good chuckle about my tattoo, thankfully I was able to rub it off after my shower today, it was growing old.
Then to several stores for books and sneakers and what have you.
Rick had a cook out with his co-workers, so I took the kids to Glory Days Grill for dinner. They have the best cheese fries and chicken wings! Ok, not healthy, but sometimes it's fun.
Today I had my hair done and ran around cleaning litter boxes and watering plants and doing laundry. Rick has taken the kids to the new Austin Powers movie, I don't care for it one bit, so a moment of solitude now is nice.
Then Rick and I are going out tonight as he heard today he is getting a promotion at work!!! The first one in about 6 years, so it's very, very exciting and a great affirmation of his hard work.
Tomorrow I'll spend packing up, as we're leaving first thing (*very* first thing, our flight is at 7am) for Beaches at Turks and Caicos. This is going to be the vacation of our lives, I'm so excited!! I can't wait to snorkel and swim in the beautiful Caribbean! Going to a resort like that is something I've dreamed of for years and it's finally happening! We'll be gone until the 12th of August, I doubt I'll have internet access there, but if I find a PC, I'll be sure to update my blog.
Sunday, July 28, 2002
The sun is back!!! And how! We have a heat advisory going until Tuesday, meaning temperatures will be in the high 90's, pffff. This is definitely a hot summer so far.
Yesterday was my dad's birthday and my sister and brother in law arrived for a visit. My step nephew, who is Katja's age, is staying here for the night. And I got plenty of smiles out of my little 4 months old nephew. Saskia and I have decided we wouldn't mind keeping him, he's so adorable. And it was really sweet how soft and careful Saskia was with him. I can see very motherly traits in both my girls :).
Before we went to my parents, I took some pictures of the Swallowtail butterflies that visit our Buddleia bush. I got a really great one, to be seen in the "Nature Shots" album at http://community.webshots.com/user/petrarick.
I love seeing those butterflies, they're such a nature miracle. And I felt really bad, when one of them flew against my windshield on the way back from Virginia Beach.
Of course, there is plenty to feel happy about:
1. The singing of the crickets outside, such a summer sound!
2. My husband who just handed me my second cup of coffee
3. Waking up to a sunny, hot day and knowing it will be sunny and hot for several days to come (I still remember the rare hot days in Holland, invariably, the nice weather would be finished in a few days). This type of weather makes me feel so much better!
4. Seeing my sleepy 6 year old come down with her sleeping bag and cuddling up next to me
5. Watching the kittens chase a hornet for me, Snickers caught him
Yesterday was my dad's birthday and my sister and brother in law arrived for a visit. My step nephew, who is Katja's age, is staying here for the night. And I got plenty of smiles out of my little 4 months old nephew. Saskia and I have decided we wouldn't mind keeping him, he's so adorable. And it was really sweet how soft and careful Saskia was with him. I can see very motherly traits in both my girls :).
Before we went to my parents, I took some pictures of the Swallowtail butterflies that visit our Buddleia bush. I got a really great one, to be seen in the "Nature Shots" album at http://community.webshots.com/user/petrarick.
I love seeing those butterflies, they're such a nature miracle. And I felt really bad, when one of them flew against my windshield on the way back from Virginia Beach.
Of course, there is plenty to feel happy about:
1. The singing of the crickets outside, such a summer sound!
2. My husband who just handed me my second cup of coffee
3. Waking up to a sunny, hot day and knowing it will be sunny and hot for several days to come (I still remember the rare hot days in Holland, invariably, the nice weather would be finished in a few days). This type of weather makes me feel so much better!
4. Seeing my sleepy 6 year old come down with her sleeping bag and cuddling up next to me
5. Watching the kittens chase a hornet for me, Snickers caught him
Friday, July 26, 2002
Yesterday was definitely the clean up day, blech! Loads of laundry, put everything back in its spot (only to be taken out again next week, but never mind that ;)). The weather has been gloomy and dreary and rather chilly (ok, I know that for those reading in Europe, 21 degrees celsius (70 F) is not chilly at all, but if you've been used to 30 degrees plus, it's a change!). This has made me feel achy and tired, so low energy too.
Anyway, to break the cleaning cycle a bit, Kai and I took Brynna for a walk with my friend Claudia, her kids and her dog. There is a new dog park nearby, with hoops, ramps and jumping bars for dogs. Very fun!
Rick got home around 10 pm and we stayed up too late, despite my feeling so tired. I know, I know, I should have gone earlier.
This morning, my brother called at 8. He's an early bird, that one and I was trying hard not to let on that he woke me up. I think he didn't notice this time. We had a nice chat, though.
Then personal training at the gym and a massage here, highly necessary! My mom came over for a diet Pepsi and a chat. And then Katja and I got our nails painted. I had promised her this at graduation and it finally happened. She has a cute design on her big toes. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And we got to watch "Legally blonde", which is truly a fun movie!
And now we're vegging. I'm about to go to bed, as I'm pooped. One can probably tell by my blogs how tired I am, as I have no humor in me when I'm feeling so exhausted. I hate this feeling too! I hope the weather turns warmer again soon!
Anyway, to break the cleaning cycle a bit, Kai and I took Brynna for a walk with my friend Claudia, her kids and her dog. There is a new dog park nearby, with hoops, ramps and jumping bars for dogs. Very fun!
Rick got home around 10 pm and we stayed up too late, despite my feeling so tired. I know, I know, I should have gone earlier.
This morning, my brother called at 8. He's an early bird, that one and I was trying hard not to let on that he woke me up. I think he didn't notice this time. We had a nice chat, though.
Then personal training at the gym and a massage here, highly necessary! My mom came over for a diet Pepsi and a chat. And then Katja and I got our nails painted. I had promised her this at graduation and it finally happened. She has a cute design on her big toes. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And we got to watch "Legally blonde", which is truly a fun movie!
And now we're vegging. I'm about to go to bed, as I'm pooped. One can probably tell by my blogs how tired I am, as I have no humor in me when I'm feeling so exhausted. I hate this feeling too! I hope the weather turns warmer again soon!
Wednesday, July 24, 2002
Home again! Last night was a tough one. Christine fell asleep very early (ok, compared to midnight!) and the kids all went to bed nicely. So I read a bit and went to sleep. Around 3 am, I had to go to the bathroom and Kai was tossing and turning. I asked him what the problem was and he answered he was cold (very good air conditioning at that hotel!) and didn't have enough covers (his sleeping bad is getting too small). So I gave him my covers (I still had my blanket, but that was kind of thin). Then I kept hearing this thumping and clicking and first I thought it was Katja, but she was fast asleep. Kai too. Then it dawned on me: it was the hermit crabs moving about. So, not able to sleep with that noise, I put the cages in the bathroom.
At 7:45 I woke up. Christine was all packed and ready by that point. My problem is, I wake up in the middle of the night and then I'm tired by the time morning rolls around. I finished up packing and cleaning and we went down for breakfast in the seaside restaurant next door.
I ordered poached eggs and a pancake and everyone else got their order in. Then the waitress alerted us to dolphins playing right off the coast! The kids (and Christine and I) got a great show of dolphins really nearby!! It was so cool!
After breakfast, we quickly loaded up the car and got on our way to Yorktown. We didn't see the camp this time, but had a nice walk through the historical town and one of the houses, where a character actor told the kids all about being a doctor at the time of the Yorktown battle. Very nice!
I wanted to go to the camp as well, but the kids were hungry and we didn't want to risk another meltdown. So, after a stop at the Whitley peanut factory, where I got peanuts, hot sauces, mustard and pretzels etc., we got on the road home.
It took us about 3 1/2 hours from Yorktown, via route 17. A beautiful, very little traveled road. Pretty green woods, large cornfields and quaint towns on the way to I-95. We encountered no traffic the whole way. At 5:30 we rolled into our street.
The kids were happy to see their friends again, Saskia and Mallory immediately ransacked Saskia's room (not too badly though) and Christine and I had a glass of wine and ordered pizza for the bunch. After dinner, we said goodbye to Christine and Mallory and I put in a load of laundry, which is now almost finished. What a wonderful trip we had and what a great way to spend the time our husbands are away from us. This will truly be one of those trips with many happy memories and something that really strengthened the friendship between Christine and me.
At 7:45 I woke up. Christine was all packed and ready by that point. My problem is, I wake up in the middle of the night and then I'm tired by the time morning rolls around. I finished up packing and cleaning and we went down for breakfast in the seaside restaurant next door.
I ordered poached eggs and a pancake and everyone else got their order in. Then the waitress alerted us to dolphins playing right off the coast! The kids (and Christine and I) got a great show of dolphins really nearby!! It was so cool!
After breakfast, we quickly loaded up the car and got on our way to Yorktown. We didn't see the camp this time, but had a nice walk through the historical town and one of the houses, where a character actor told the kids all about being a doctor at the time of the Yorktown battle. Very nice!
I wanted to go to the camp as well, but the kids were hungry and we didn't want to risk another meltdown. So, after a stop at the Whitley peanut factory, where I got peanuts, hot sauces, mustard and pretzels etc., we got on the road home.
It took us about 3 1/2 hours from Yorktown, via route 17. A beautiful, very little traveled road. Pretty green woods, large cornfields and quaint towns on the way to I-95. We encountered no traffic the whole way. At 5:30 we rolled into our street.
The kids were happy to see their friends again, Saskia and Mallory immediately ransacked Saskia's room (not too badly though) and Christine and I had a glass of wine and ordered pizza for the bunch. After dinner, we said goodbye to Christine and Mallory and I put in a load of laundry, which is now almost finished. What a wonderful trip we had and what a great way to spend the time our husbands are away from us. This will truly be one of those trips with many happy memories and something that really strengthened the friendship between Christine and me.
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Well, we left you last on Saturday and here it is Tuesday afternoon! How time flies when one is having fun! The weather greatly improved on Sunday and we spent almost the entire day at the beach and all got the necessary sunburns (though not too bad, considering we were out there from 10am to 4pm!). The water temperature was great and the waves just right. Everyone was very happy.
We picknicked at the beach for lunch and in the evening had a very mediocre dinner at a Mexican restaurant. After that, Christine took the older kids to the mirror maze and Kai got another dragon tattoo on his arm. The girls chose hair wraps, which can stay in for 3 to 6 months!! Right there were some really nice street performers, singing 20's and 30's songs, very fun!
When we got back to the room, we read that there would be fireworks over the ocean at 10pm and we had a great view of them, right from our balcony! It's fun that the city of Virginia Beach puts all that entertainment on. Every month they have a different theme.
Yesterday was another fine, sunny day, but we were so burned from Sunday, that we decided to spend a little less time out on the beach. So, after breakfast, we went to the Virginia Marine Science Museum. There, we petted sting rays, saw penguins being fed and heard a talk about shark and their teeth, they have a huge aquarium with sharks and other big fish. We touched a seastar and a sea urchin and watched the seals play. Lots of fun!
Then we went off the strip to finally find a decent restaurant for lunch and we did find one, the Cobalt Grille!! The moods had turned down again, as everyone was hungry, but the service was great and the food wonderful and those of us who came in grumbling literally left giggling. I have to admit to having had to dig deep into my patience reserves this trip. Especially Saskia can be, um, challenging.
But, happy after a good lunch, we got ready for the beach again and jumped and boogie boarded (Katja and Kai had about an hour's worth of giggling one night, as they were calling them "booger boards") and built sand castles until about 5 pm.
After our showers, we returned to Giovanni's, the restaurant we visited the first night and had another relatively nice dinner there. The kids weren't too hungry and we brought their left over mozzarella sticks and bread to feed to the seagulls on the beach. Those birds are cool! They'll hover and catch bites and some will even fly over and take a piece from our hands.
The tattoo man was there again and this time all of us got a tattoo, I have a pretty little fairy. These "tattoos" are done with henna and supposedly last several weeks, we'll see.
Christine and I stayed up talking till well after midnight, so we got up a little later this morning.
We decided to first go and feed the seagulls our leftovers from last night and then go shopping. BAD decision! That's when the hermit crab adventure started and it ended with 4 hermit crabs in 4 little cages as our travel companions. My kids had been asking about getting one even before we came here, but I tried and tried to bring up excuses: we have 5 pets already, Daddy will get mad at me (he never wants any extra animals) etc. Then, this morning, Kai said he would pay for one with his own money. But I felt badly about that, as he is the one who hasn't been whining for stuff here. So we struck a compromise before going out this morning (or so I thought): we would get 3 hermit crabs, but only one cage. Once at the store though, the question arose: where will it stand so all 3 of us can enjoy them. Visions of stinky hermit crabs in my family room or worse yet, living room, made me decide to get 3 cages anyway (hermit crabs were free with each cage).
Then, of course, Mallory wanted one too, so poor Christine gave in as well. I felt badly about that, as I know she *really* didn't want one. But it is awfully cute how the kids are playing and giggling with their crabs. A lady warned us not to leave them in the hot car, so I guess they'll come and visit Yorktown with us tomorrow.
Next we wiggled the car loose from the very narrow parking lot, where an Aerostar van was parked in a non-spot and therefore I had to maneuver and bent and turn to get out. But I'm proud to say, we departed without a scratch on any vehicle. And that was a true feat!!
After a KFC lunch (coveted by the kids since yesterday afternoon), we went to the beach for about 1 1/2 hours, when the wind sent sand like needles against our skin and the sky became ominously dark. After some deliberation in the room, we decided to get an ice cream at Dairy Queen and then rent one of the family bikes again. This time the six person one was available.
We went the whole length of the boardwalk with it, about 3 miles each way, or so. Very cool! And we scoped out a restaurant for tonight's dinner. Then it's packing for tomorrow. This beach adventure has gone way too quickly! But it sure helped pass the time that Rick's away on his trip. We'll only have about 24 hours before we see him again after we get home. Virginia Beach is close to my favorite beach town on the East Coast. As a matter of fact, at this point, I can't think of a town I like better: the beach is wide and clean, the surf is gentle enough for the kids, the boardwalk is nice and wide and the shopping strip is fun. That and the free nightly entertainment everywhere, makes this a great place to spend a beach week!
We picknicked at the beach for lunch and in the evening had a very mediocre dinner at a Mexican restaurant. After that, Christine took the older kids to the mirror maze and Kai got another dragon tattoo on his arm. The girls chose hair wraps, which can stay in for 3 to 6 months!! Right there were some really nice street performers, singing 20's and 30's songs, very fun!
When we got back to the room, we read that there would be fireworks over the ocean at 10pm and we had a great view of them, right from our balcony! It's fun that the city of Virginia Beach puts all that entertainment on. Every month they have a different theme.
Yesterday was another fine, sunny day, but we were so burned from Sunday, that we decided to spend a little less time out on the beach. So, after breakfast, we went to the Virginia Marine Science Museum. There, we petted sting rays, saw penguins being fed and heard a talk about shark and their teeth, they have a huge aquarium with sharks and other big fish. We touched a seastar and a sea urchin and watched the seals play. Lots of fun!
Then we went off the strip to finally find a decent restaurant for lunch and we did find one, the Cobalt Grille!! The moods had turned down again, as everyone was hungry, but the service was great and the food wonderful and those of us who came in grumbling literally left giggling. I have to admit to having had to dig deep into my patience reserves this trip. Especially Saskia can be, um, challenging.
But, happy after a good lunch, we got ready for the beach again and jumped and boogie boarded (Katja and Kai had about an hour's worth of giggling one night, as they were calling them "booger boards") and built sand castles until about 5 pm.
After our showers, we returned to Giovanni's, the restaurant we visited the first night and had another relatively nice dinner there. The kids weren't too hungry and we brought their left over mozzarella sticks and bread to feed to the seagulls on the beach. Those birds are cool! They'll hover and catch bites and some will even fly over and take a piece from our hands.
The tattoo man was there again and this time all of us got a tattoo, I have a pretty little fairy. These "tattoos" are done with henna and supposedly last several weeks, we'll see.
Christine and I stayed up talking till well after midnight, so we got up a little later this morning.
We decided to first go and feed the seagulls our leftovers from last night and then go shopping. BAD decision! That's when the hermit crab adventure started and it ended with 4 hermit crabs in 4 little cages as our travel companions. My kids had been asking about getting one even before we came here, but I tried and tried to bring up excuses: we have 5 pets already, Daddy will get mad at me (he never wants any extra animals) etc. Then, this morning, Kai said he would pay for one with his own money. But I felt badly about that, as he is the one who hasn't been whining for stuff here. So we struck a compromise before going out this morning (or so I thought): we would get 3 hermit crabs, but only one cage. Once at the store though, the question arose: where will it stand so all 3 of us can enjoy them. Visions of stinky hermit crabs in my family room or worse yet, living room, made me decide to get 3 cages anyway (hermit crabs were free with each cage).
Then, of course, Mallory wanted one too, so poor Christine gave in as well. I felt badly about that, as I know she *really* didn't want one. But it is awfully cute how the kids are playing and giggling with their crabs. A lady warned us not to leave them in the hot car, so I guess they'll come and visit Yorktown with us tomorrow.
Next we wiggled the car loose from the very narrow parking lot, where an Aerostar van was parked in a non-spot and therefore I had to maneuver and bent and turn to get out. But I'm proud to say, we departed without a scratch on any vehicle. And that was a true feat!!
After a KFC lunch (coveted by the kids since yesterday afternoon), we went to the beach for about 1 1/2 hours, when the wind sent sand like needles against our skin and the sky became ominously dark. After some deliberation in the room, we decided to get an ice cream at Dairy Queen and then rent one of the family bikes again. This time the six person one was available.
We went the whole length of the boardwalk with it, about 3 miles each way, or so. Very cool! And we scoped out a restaurant for tonight's dinner. Then it's packing for tomorrow. This beach adventure has gone way too quickly! But it sure helped pass the time that Rick's away on his trip. We'll only have about 24 hours before we see him again after we get home. Virginia Beach is close to my favorite beach town on the East Coast. As a matter of fact, at this point, I can't think of a town I like better: the beach is wide and clean, the surf is gentle enough for the kids, the boardwalk is nice and wide and the shopping strip is fun. That and the free nightly entertainment everywhere, makes this a great place to spend a beach week!
Saturday, July 20, 2002
Christine and I took off for Virginia Beach with the kids yesterday, after working out and having lunch. We quickly ran into traffic on the interstate, so we decided to take a very direct scenic route, taking slightly longer, but much calmer and very pretty. We stopped in Tappahannock, Virginia, a very cute and quaint town and drove by the Whitley Peanut Factory, where we'll be stopping on the return, as the Virginia peanuts sold there are out of this world.
And then we had to take a detour through old town Portsmouth, because the traffic before the tunnel from Norfolk to Virginia Beach was so bad, that there was a 30 plus minute delay there. It turned out to be ok, and the drive that would normally take about 4 hours, took us 5.
It was so exciting to drive into Virginia Beach! We knew that our hotel would be just about where the road ended into the ocean ;). Our hotel is nice, no extra amenities, really, but the suite is roomy, we all have our own bed (with an inflatable mattress and rollaway thrown in the mix), so it's working well. Plus we're right in the middle of the busiest area of the boardwalk, so we just have to cross the street for excitement, restaurants, shops and haunted houses, much coveted by the older kids (Saskia shields her eyes passing them).
We ate dinner at an Italian restaurant, Giovanni's, really great spinach ravioli there! And then the wine ;)!
This morning, we didn't have anything for breakfast, so walked to the nearest beach side cafe, where we all had a quick breakfast. We had brought our beach stuff, Christine rented some chairs and an umbrella. We had a grand time in the water and in the sand! Kai and Katja were digging for sandcrabs and Kai found one, who's now living in a bottle here in the room. But then a storm blew in and at the first thunder we got off the beach and into the (very tiny and hot) pool. But that didn't bother the kids, they still had a good time there as well (the good time didn't last long, as tempers flared soon after.).
Once back at the room, we took showers and cleaned up and Christine and I left the others with Katja, so we could go grocery shopping. The good news: the shopping was done in at least half the time it would have taken with all 6 of us along, the bad news: one child was crying and everyone crabby when we got back.
So, we decided to go out and walk along the boardwalk, first we tried to rent a family bike, one that seats 4 and has space for 2 non-peddlers (which we thought Mallory and Saskia to be). But the kids decided to keep being grumpy, which led Christine and me to a meltdown of our, which then had us pacing along the boardwalk, until we reached an ice shaving stand and all kids got their colors of ice shaving and everyone was happy once again (until the next breakdown, ah, but we're keeping our heads up!).
Now that all moods were turned south, we decided to get one of those bikes anyway, so rented a 4 person one with Saskia and Mallory in the middle, pretend peddling. Perfect! And, I tell you what, that is *serious* exercise!!! So, after a mile or so, we turned around and parked the vehicle and ate some fries, great fries, with cheese and bacon, and Christine and I had some Chardonnay, so we were ready for the return trip.
Once back, the gift shop was literally attacked, t-shirts, frisbees, key chains etc. made it to the counter and happy kids (wow, they can be!) went up to the room.
Now.we're getting ready for our second dinner. More of our adventures with 4 kids and 2 ladies tomorrow (or later of course, this all depends on my mood ;)).
And then we had to take a detour through old town Portsmouth, because the traffic before the tunnel from Norfolk to Virginia Beach was so bad, that there was a 30 plus minute delay there. It turned out to be ok, and the drive that would normally take about 4 hours, took us 5.
It was so exciting to drive into Virginia Beach! We knew that our hotel would be just about where the road ended into the ocean ;). Our hotel is nice, no extra amenities, really, but the suite is roomy, we all have our own bed (with an inflatable mattress and rollaway thrown in the mix), so it's working well. Plus we're right in the middle of the busiest area of the boardwalk, so we just have to cross the street for excitement, restaurants, shops and haunted houses, much coveted by the older kids (Saskia shields her eyes passing them).
We ate dinner at an Italian restaurant, Giovanni's, really great spinach ravioli there! And then the wine ;)!
This morning, we didn't have anything for breakfast, so walked to the nearest beach side cafe, where we all had a quick breakfast. We had brought our beach stuff, Christine rented some chairs and an umbrella. We had a grand time in the water and in the sand! Kai and Katja were digging for sandcrabs and Kai found one, who's now living in a bottle here in the room. But then a storm blew in and at the first thunder we got off the beach and into the (very tiny and hot) pool. But that didn't bother the kids, they still had a good time there as well (the good time didn't last long, as tempers flared soon after.).
Once back at the room, we took showers and cleaned up and Christine and I left the others with Katja, so we could go grocery shopping. The good news: the shopping was done in at least half the time it would have taken with all 6 of us along, the bad news: one child was crying and everyone crabby when we got back.
So, we decided to go out and walk along the boardwalk, first we tried to rent a family bike, one that seats 4 and has space for 2 non-peddlers (which we thought Mallory and Saskia to be). But the kids decided to keep being grumpy, which led Christine and me to a meltdown of our, which then had us pacing along the boardwalk, until we reached an ice shaving stand and all kids got their colors of ice shaving and everyone was happy once again (until the next breakdown, ah, but we're keeping our heads up!).
Now that all moods were turned south, we decided to get one of those bikes anyway, so rented a 4 person one with Saskia and Mallory in the middle, pretend peddling. Perfect! And, I tell you what, that is *serious* exercise!!! So, after a mile or so, we turned around and parked the vehicle and ate some fries, great fries, with cheese and bacon, and Christine and I had some Chardonnay, so we were ready for the return trip.
Once back, the gift shop was literally attacked, t-shirts, frisbees, key chains etc. made it to the counter and happy kids (wow, they can be!) went up to the room.
Now.we're getting ready for our second dinner. More of our adventures with 4 kids and 2 ladies tomorrow (or later of course, this all depends on my mood ;)).
Thursday, July 18, 2002
I haven't been keeping up with the things that made me happy category, but I haven't forgotten and I certainly have had plenty of happy things happening. Today's were:
1. Watching a cardinal pick seeds out of the sunflowers in our backyard. When I got my camera, he flew away, unfortunately! The yellow and red was a gorgeous combination!
2. Equally gorgeous was an Eastern Tiger Swallow Tail (Yellow) butterfly feasting on our lavender bush in the backyard.
3. Watching Snickers chase a fly and seriously jumping at least a foot in the air for that! And Snickers and Meike perfectly happily snuggled together on the chair.
4. The anticipation of 5 days at the beach enjoying the kids and my best friend and daughter (too bad the guys won't be there!).
5. Living in a climate where a beach vacation is practically guaranteed to be warm and enjoyable!
1. Watching a cardinal pick seeds out of the sunflowers in our backyard. When I got my camera, he flew away, unfortunately! The yellow and red was a gorgeous combination!
2. Equally gorgeous was an Eastern Tiger Swallow Tail (Yellow) butterfly feasting on our lavender bush in the backyard.
3. Watching Snickers chase a fly and seriously jumping at least a foot in the air for that! And Snickers and Meike perfectly happily snuggled together on the chair.
4. The anticipation of 5 days at the beach enjoying the kids and my best friend and daughter (too bad the guys won't be there!).
5. Living in a climate where a beach vacation is practically guaranteed to be warm and enjoyable!
I guess this is turning out to be not a daily journal, but a bi-daily journal, I always seem to skip a day. Yesterday was kind of a non-eventful day (yay!). I worked out and then spent the entire afternoon on the phone, first with my sister, then with my uncle who called from the Netherlands (we talked for 2 hours and had a great conversation. He's my mom's brother and wasn't really aware of her recent problems yet) and finally with my brother in the Netherlands. It felt good to talk to all of them. Made me feel connected to family and realize just how important extended family is as well.
Then Lauren came to take the kids to the pool for pizza and Rick and I went out to eat Afghan. We had a great meal! First some dumplings with yogurt and hot sauce and then a dish with raisins, carrots, lamb and tomato sauce over rice. And of course Bakhlava for dessert.
Then we ran some errands to buy stuff for our respective trips (Rick is leaving for business to New Orleans and I am going to Virginia Beach with Christine and all the kids).
Today I had a workout with Christine and then spent the afternoon packing. I can't wait to go, if all goes right, this trip will be very relaxing. Who knows I may just get to read a book!
Then Lauren came to take the kids to the pool for pizza and Rick and I went out to eat Afghan. We had a great meal! First some dumplings with yogurt and hot sauce and then a dish with raisins, carrots, lamb and tomato sauce over rice. And of course Bakhlava for dessert.
Then we ran some errands to buy stuff for our respective trips (Rick is leaving for business to New Orleans and I am going to Virginia Beach with Christine and all the kids).
Today I had a workout with Christine and then spent the afternoon packing. I can't wait to go, if all goes right, this trip will be very relaxing. Who knows I may just get to read a book!
Tuesday, July 16, 2002
Yesterday we could hardly wake up, we were so tired! I did make it to the gym and actually had a good workout, cardio, then lower body weight, then upper body weight and repeat that 6 times, for a total of an hour.
After a quick stop at the grocery store, as we had run out of milk and lunch items, I finally after weeks of not having, got a very much needed massage. It hasn't taken all the pain away, but it certainly made a difference.
Then Christine came for some support, as her dad is in the hospital and had emergency surgery yesterday and did thankfully survive.
Today, after the gym, Katja, Kai and I went to the mall, where we met Christine and the 3 ladies got their nails done, while Kai patiently waited. Then we had lunch and went bathing suit shopping for Katja and Christine. Again, Kai waited patiently. Katja tried on 15 or so suits and chose a few, as they were all half price and her old bathing suits are threadbare, after her visit at her grandpa's. Katja definitely takes "shop till you drop" seriously these days! She also dragged us into Express, because one of her shorts had ripped and everything there was 75% off. We were at the mall from 12 to 5!!
Then Kai got his just reward for being so patient, a few packs of Yu-gi-yoh cards, something he's totally into.
When we got home, Peapod was waiting with the groceries, I love that service!!!
I put pictures of our Chicago/Michigan trip online (album names: Sunsets, Sunsets 2, Chicago, Chicago 2, Chicago 3 and RPKKS6)
I'm hoping to get some time to
After a quick stop at the grocery store, as we had run out of milk and lunch items, I finally after weeks of not having, got a very much needed massage. It hasn't taken all the pain away, but it certainly made a difference.
Then Christine came for some support, as her dad is in the hospital and had emergency surgery yesterday and did thankfully survive.
Today, after the gym, Katja, Kai and I went to the mall, where we met Christine and the 3 ladies got their nails done, while Kai patiently waited. Then we had lunch and went bathing suit shopping for Katja and Christine. Again, Kai waited patiently. Katja tried on 15 or so suits and chose a few, as they were all half price and her old bathing suits are threadbare, after her visit at her grandpa's. Katja definitely takes "shop till you drop" seriously these days! She also dragged us into Express, because one of her shorts had ripped and everything there was 75% off. We were at the mall from 12 to 5!!
Then Kai got his just reward for being so patient, a few packs of Yu-gi-yoh cards, something he's totally into.
When we got home, Peapod was waiting with the groceries, I love that service!!!
I put pictures of our Chicago/Michigan trip online (album names: Sunsets, Sunsets 2, Chicago, Chicago 2, Chicago 3 and RPKKS6)
I'm hoping to get some time to
Sunday, July 14, 2002
After checking out of the Intercontinental and a nice breakfast, we got on the road to Michigan. This time we saw the nice Chicago skyline well. The weather was and is beautiful!
We did have a mishap with our alarm system at home, which sent everyone there scrambling to figure out what had happened. Thankfully, it looked like a malfunction and not a case where someone actually tried to break in.
Our trip from Chicago to Muskegon was uneventful and took us through Holland, Michigan, where we came right by the Dutch Village, which is ever expanding and has an authentic windmill.
What is always immediately obvious to me are the Dutch names everywhere. Van Woerkom, Kuipers, Zijlstra (there are especially quite a few Frysian names). And the placenames too: Zeeland, Graafschap, just to name a few. The landscape also really corresponds with the Dutch landscape: flat with lots of water.
Once in Muskegon we were thrilled to see Katja and Kai again, as well as Rick’s dad and my nephew Zack. Katja especially had really missed us, Kai probably too, but he was getting along quite well with Zack, so it wasn’t as obvious.
We spent our days lounging at the beach of Lake Michigan. How great to have that practically in your backyard! I’ve taken some great pictures of sunsets! I can’t wait to place them in a Webshots album.
Last night we said our goodbyes to Rick´s dad and Zack and all spent the night at the Holiday Inn in Muskegon. I had serious neck pain and a corresponding headache, suddenly, so we first went on a wild goose chase for some mineral ice to calm my muscle spasming.
Katja sweetly massaged it in and I slept ok. But I did wake up with the same pain and it´s quite torturous to have to sit in the car for 12 hours now. Oh well, I´ll have a massage tomorrow, very highly needed!!
So now we´re driving through the flat land of Central Michigan, on our way to Detroit, where we´ll turn south into Ohio. We´re planning on taking a different route back than we came, just to break the monotony and have as little turnpike as possible.
The speed limit in Michigan is 70 mph, which is great for making fast time. The farms here are mostly dairy, judging by the shiny blue silos.
3:00pm
Yikes, it’s 3 and we’re still in Ohio! I was so engrossed in my Sims Hot Date game, that I forget to tell him to take his turn to Columbus. This made us go too far west and south.
And we had to take a smaller road to Columbus. Heaven knows how much time we lost there .
On a positive note, we went through a pretty part of Ohio with quite a few lakes, I didn’t even know there were that many lakes in this state! Katja kept saying “photo opportunity” to me, but we wanted to keep going.
Now we’re about an hour out of Wheeling, West Virginia. The good thing about WV is that the speed limit is once again 70, so hopefully we’ll be able to make up some time.
Oh, how I dread these long, long drives!
We just had lunch at Burger King (at 3:30pm!) and I had a very soggy veggie burger. I did notice though, that their coffee is Douwe Egberts, a big Dutch coffee supplier. Cool!
At 6:40pm, we just crossed the Eastern Continental Divide, near Cumberland, Maryland. The weather has also much deteriorated, going from 85 degrees to 69 and it’s raining. Surely a sight we haven’t seen in almost a week.
We’re debating on whether to brave the doubtless tough traffic in Washington or bypassing by taking a slightly longer route through West-Virginia and Virginia. The longer route won out, so at Hagerstown, we’ll take I-81 and then I-66.
I don’t see us home before 9pm . Oh well, it’s the last really long drive for a while (the trip to Virginia Beach next week will feel like nothing!
Well, we got home at 8:45pm and I’m beat. Off to eat some pizza
We did have a mishap with our alarm system at home, which sent everyone there scrambling to figure out what had happened. Thankfully, it looked like a malfunction and not a case where someone actually tried to break in.
Our trip from Chicago to Muskegon was uneventful and took us through Holland, Michigan, where we came right by the Dutch Village, which is ever expanding and has an authentic windmill.
What is always immediately obvious to me are the Dutch names everywhere. Van Woerkom, Kuipers, Zijlstra (there are especially quite a few Frysian names). And the placenames too: Zeeland, Graafschap, just to name a few. The landscape also really corresponds with the Dutch landscape: flat with lots of water.
Once in Muskegon we were thrilled to see Katja and Kai again, as well as Rick’s dad and my nephew Zack. Katja especially had really missed us, Kai probably too, but he was getting along quite well with Zack, so it wasn’t as obvious.
We spent our days lounging at the beach of Lake Michigan. How great to have that practically in your backyard! I’ve taken some great pictures of sunsets! I can’t wait to place them in a Webshots album.
Last night we said our goodbyes to Rick´s dad and Zack and all spent the night at the Holiday Inn in Muskegon. I had serious neck pain and a corresponding headache, suddenly, so we first went on a wild goose chase for some mineral ice to calm my muscle spasming.
Katja sweetly massaged it in and I slept ok. But I did wake up with the same pain and it´s quite torturous to have to sit in the car for 12 hours now. Oh well, I´ll have a massage tomorrow, very highly needed!!
So now we´re driving through the flat land of Central Michigan, on our way to Detroit, where we´ll turn south into Ohio. We´re planning on taking a different route back than we came, just to break the monotony and have as little turnpike as possible.
The speed limit in Michigan is 70 mph, which is great for making fast time. The farms here are mostly dairy, judging by the shiny blue silos.
3:00pm
Yikes, it’s 3 and we’re still in Ohio! I was so engrossed in my Sims Hot Date game, that I forget to tell him to take his turn to Columbus. This made us go too far west and south.
And we had to take a smaller road to Columbus. Heaven knows how much time we lost there .
On a positive note, we went through a pretty part of Ohio with quite a few lakes, I didn’t even know there were that many lakes in this state! Katja kept saying “photo opportunity” to me, but we wanted to keep going.
Now we’re about an hour out of Wheeling, West Virginia. The good thing about WV is that the speed limit is once again 70, so hopefully we’ll be able to make up some time.
Oh, how I dread these long, long drives!
We just had lunch at Burger King (at 3:30pm!) and I had a very soggy veggie burger. I did notice though, that their coffee is Douwe Egberts, a big Dutch coffee supplier. Cool!
At 6:40pm, we just crossed the Eastern Continental Divide, near Cumberland, Maryland. The weather has also much deteriorated, going from 85 degrees to 69 and it’s raining. Surely a sight we haven’t seen in almost a week.
We’re debating on whether to brave the doubtless tough traffic in Washington or bypassing by taking a slightly longer route through West-Virginia and Virginia. The longer route won out, so at Hagerstown, we’ll take I-81 and then I-66.
I don’t see us home before 9pm . Oh well, it’s the last really long drive for a while (the trip to Virginia Beach next week will feel like nothing!
Well, we got home at 8:45pm and I’m beat. Off to eat some pizza
Thursday, July 11, 2002
After a workout and breakfast this morning, we decided to walk along the Magnificent Mile. We literally shopped till we dropped. Didn't buy much, but window shopping is just as much fun!
We ate lunch at a nice bistro and then went to the Observatory at the Hancock Building. Gorgeous views from there! I like it better than from the Sears Tower. We'll be back there tonight for dinner, hopefully I'll be able to take some great pictures of Chicago by dark.
Now we're just resting, as our dinner reservations are fairly late and Saskia needs a little rest (though maybe Rick does, as he is napping ;)).
We ate lunch at a nice bistro and then went to the Observatory at the Hancock Building. Gorgeous views from there! I like it better than from the Sears Tower. We'll be back there tonight for dinner, hopefully I'll be able to take some great pictures of Chicago by dark.
Now we're just resting, as our dinner reservations are fairly late and Saskia needs a little rest (though maybe Rick does, as he is napping ;)).
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
As I'm sitting here in the hotel room, listening to fireworks in the distance, but missing them, as a supertired 6 year old is asleep right behind me, I thought I'd update some more.
This is an *exciting* city! Much to both Rick and my surprise to be honest. When we arrived last night, all buildings were shrouded in clouds and we had no idea just how many skyscrapers this city holds. Thankfully, the fog soon lifted and today was quite sunny for most of the time (it clouded over and sprinkled some later in the afternoon).
We arrived around 7pm last night (we didn't realize it is 1 hour earlier here until this morning, when we got the times for the trolley tours). First we checked in to the hotel, which was an adventure in itself. We are staying at the Intercontinental, they're having a promotion of half off room prices including breakfast for 2. Now, this is a 4 star hotel (and our room rate is the same as the one we'll have to pay in Muskegon at the Holiday Inn this weekend!!!!), so you'd expect everything to go tip-top. So we get our room key, go to the room and, errr, the bed has been used, the trash bins are full, it's clearly not a clean room.
After a call to the front desk, it's quickly corrected and we're getting a new room, so, down for the new keys we go. Long line at the front desk, tired and hungry little girl, hm, trying not to be annoyed. But this can happen anywhere, right? Ok, so up to new room. Open door. Hey, there is a toilet bag in the bathroom. And a plate of half eaten fruit on the desk. Clearly lived in.
The bellcaptain arrives with the bags and we tell him of our new find. He's already aware of the first mishap and mutters this is not right. Down we go again. Well, three's a charm and now we have a nice room. But not much of an apology and frankly, despite the low room rate, for a hotel this class, I would expect something more. I know, I know, having been a travel agent does not help, I know what a manager (who was present) can do to make it up to a client.
Anyway, we have a king size bed and Saskia sleeps royally on the red velvet cushions of the built in couch. And there is a robe (the sign of a luxury hotel for me) and a wonderful fitness center. So we're most definitely not complaining.
After a nice workout this morning, we went down to the very nice buffet at the restaurant. Saskia had cereal and Rick and I an omelet.
Then we placated Saskia by taking her to the huge Disney store on Michigan Avenue. We walked some of the "Magnificent Mile", saw the Water Tower and the Hancock building and bought a tour ticket on the Chicago Trolley. We took the trolley to the Sears Tower.
An imposing building, the accounts differ on whether it is or is not the tallest building in the world. I guess it depends on how you measure. It is definitely the tallest "structure" in the world. We decided to go up to the skydeck, which took about an hour to get to, including a movie about Chicago from the air. I was a bit nervous about going, as Rick kept talking about the height and how it stuck out above and wasn't I nervous? I finally told him he sure was getting there making me nervous with his talk!
The view from the Skydeck was magnificent. We were very lucky as we still had clear skies, it clouded over soon after. Once down again, we ate pizza at Giordano's, according to many the most authentic deep dish Chicago style pizzeria. Delicious!
Then we had to wait a bit for the Chicago Trolley double decker bus and laid in the grass next to the Sears Tower. Got some interesting pictures lying down! Those buildings are so high!!
We took the double decker to the Navy Pier, where we walked around and went through the maze (Saskia was scared the whole time and there was no way out, once in. She was the one wanting to do it, but changed her mind too late :() and took a ride on the Carousel.
Then back to the hotel for an hour of relaxing and finally we had a wonderful dinner at Russian Tea Time. Especially Rick, as he remembers his days in Russia with fondness and found many foods he liked there. And now I'm off to bed, I'm beat!
This is an *exciting* city! Much to both Rick and my surprise to be honest. When we arrived last night, all buildings were shrouded in clouds and we had no idea just how many skyscrapers this city holds. Thankfully, the fog soon lifted and today was quite sunny for most of the time (it clouded over and sprinkled some later in the afternoon).
We arrived around 7pm last night (we didn't realize it is 1 hour earlier here until this morning, when we got the times for the trolley tours). First we checked in to the hotel, which was an adventure in itself. We are staying at the Intercontinental, they're having a promotion of half off room prices including breakfast for 2. Now, this is a 4 star hotel (and our room rate is the same as the one we'll have to pay in Muskegon at the Holiday Inn this weekend!!!!), so you'd expect everything to go tip-top. So we get our room key, go to the room and, errr, the bed has been used, the trash bins are full, it's clearly not a clean room.
After a call to the front desk, it's quickly corrected and we're getting a new room, so, down for the new keys we go. Long line at the front desk, tired and hungry little girl, hm, trying not to be annoyed. But this can happen anywhere, right? Ok, so up to new room. Open door. Hey, there is a toilet bag in the bathroom. And a plate of half eaten fruit on the desk. Clearly lived in.
The bellcaptain arrives with the bags and we tell him of our new find. He's already aware of the first mishap and mutters this is not right. Down we go again. Well, three's a charm and now we have a nice room. But not much of an apology and frankly, despite the low room rate, for a hotel this class, I would expect something more. I know, I know, having been a travel agent does not help, I know what a manager (who was present) can do to make it up to a client.
Anyway, we have a king size bed and Saskia sleeps royally on the red velvet cushions of the built in couch. And there is a robe (the sign of a luxury hotel for me) and a wonderful fitness center. So we're most definitely not complaining.
After a nice workout this morning, we went down to the very nice buffet at the restaurant. Saskia had cereal and Rick and I an omelet.
Then we placated Saskia by taking her to the huge Disney store on Michigan Avenue. We walked some of the "Magnificent Mile", saw the Water Tower and the Hancock building and bought a tour ticket on the Chicago Trolley. We took the trolley to the Sears Tower.
An imposing building, the accounts differ on whether it is or is not the tallest building in the world. I guess it depends on how you measure. It is definitely the tallest "structure" in the world. We decided to go up to the skydeck, which took about an hour to get to, including a movie about Chicago from the air. I was a bit nervous about going, as Rick kept talking about the height and how it stuck out above and wasn't I nervous? I finally told him he sure was getting there making me nervous with his talk!
The view from the Skydeck was magnificent. We were very lucky as we still had clear skies, it clouded over soon after. Once down again, we ate pizza at Giordano's, according to many the most authentic deep dish Chicago style pizzeria. Delicious!
Then we had to wait a bit for the Chicago Trolley double decker bus and laid in the grass next to the Sears Tower. Got some interesting pictures lying down! Those buildings are so high!!
We took the double decker to the Navy Pier, where we walked around and went through the maze (Saskia was scared the whole time and there was no way out, once in. She was the one wanting to do it, but changed her mind too late :() and took a ride on the Carousel.
Then back to the hotel for an hour of relaxing and finally we had a wonderful dinner at Russian Tea Time. Especially Rick, as he remembers his days in Russia with fondness and found many foods he liked there. And now I'm off to bed, I'm beat!
At the very early time of 6:15am, my alarm went off. I always have it set on a radio station and I have no idea which one it was, but the first word I heard was: “Hallelujah”.
One can’t start the day better, though I did immediately hit the snooze button.
At 6:30, we had to get up and packed up the rest of the car. It still took longer than expected and Rick forgot something so we had to go back, but finally at 7:30, we left our street behind.
Traffic wasn’t too bad and in Frederick, Maryland, we stopped for a quick breakfast at Burger King. I was happy to see they have a similar muffin with egg, Canadian bacon and cheese like McDonald’s, as everything else on their menu is terribly artery clogging!
I’ll be updating this blog every so often during the trip, it will be a long entry. As I’m writing this, it’s 9:14 and we driving on I-70, just north of Frederick, on our way to the most heinous crossroads I’ve seen in the United States: Breezewood, Pennsylvania.
I’m going to take pictures there, it’s such a sea of signs, neon and ugliness, that it’s special. Every conceivable drive-thru, cheap hotel chain and gas station is represented in just about a one mile stretch of road.
There, we’ll take the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a terribly boring road!
Here in Northern Maryland, the landscape is beautiful, lush green hills and farm fields in between. It always amazes how persistent the ivy and vines are, that grow around the trees and make the woods look like jungles. Looking at it, I can’t imagine how people traveled through it before there were roads! People who live out here (an occasional house stands in the hills) live super far removed from anything.
After passing through Breezewood, we entered the Pennsylvania Turnpike and, as is so often the case in Pennsylvania, it started pouring down rain. A serious deluge!
We ate a (not) delicious lunch at McDonald’s around 12:30 and then Rick had to go on a conference call, so I drove for 2 hours through the pouring rain.
Meanwhile, we entered Ohio and as I’m writing this (4:15pm), we are about 30 miles from the Indiana border. The rain has been off and on, but when on, it’s been really hard.
There are few things more boring than the turnpikes. There are plazas along them, every 30 or 40 miles or so, with boring restaurants like Pizza Hut and Burger King and McDonald’s.
Ohio’s landscape here is flat. Large cornfields and other crops and very nice looking dairy farms, with big shiny blue silo’s. I always love the red “Grandma Duck” barns, that dot the landscape. It’s such an American sight.
If not driving, I’ve been killing time playing the Sims Hot Date. I finally got the chance, after the kids have been “borrowing” it from me for months. Saskia is being a little angel. She gets to choose all the videos to watch, no brother or sister nixing her choices!
My guess is, we’re about 3.5 hours out of Chicago, meaning we’ll arrive there around 7:30, just in time for dinner!
At 6:30, we’re driving through northern Indiana, through a downright ugly area! It doesn’t help, that the weather is overcast and the factories smell. There are more electricity, phone and other kinds of towers than I can count here.
Just 25 miles to Chicago!
One can’t start the day better, though I did immediately hit the snooze button.
At 6:30, we had to get up and packed up the rest of the car. It still took longer than expected and Rick forgot something so we had to go back, but finally at 7:30, we left our street behind.
Traffic wasn’t too bad and in Frederick, Maryland, we stopped for a quick breakfast at Burger King. I was happy to see they have a similar muffin with egg, Canadian bacon and cheese like McDonald’s, as everything else on their menu is terribly artery clogging!
I’ll be updating this blog every so often during the trip, it will be a long entry. As I’m writing this, it’s 9:14 and we driving on I-70, just north of Frederick, on our way to the most heinous crossroads I’ve seen in the United States: Breezewood, Pennsylvania.
I’m going to take pictures there, it’s such a sea of signs, neon and ugliness, that it’s special. Every conceivable drive-thru, cheap hotel chain and gas station is represented in just about a one mile stretch of road.
There, we’ll take the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a terribly boring road!
Here in Northern Maryland, the landscape is beautiful, lush green hills and farm fields in between. It always amazes how persistent the ivy and vines are, that grow around the trees and make the woods look like jungles. Looking at it, I can’t imagine how people traveled through it before there were roads! People who live out here (an occasional house stands in the hills) live super far removed from anything.
After passing through Breezewood, we entered the Pennsylvania Turnpike and, as is so often the case in Pennsylvania, it started pouring down rain. A serious deluge!
We ate a (not) delicious lunch at McDonald’s around 12:30 and then Rick had to go on a conference call, so I drove for 2 hours through the pouring rain.
Meanwhile, we entered Ohio and as I’m writing this (4:15pm), we are about 30 miles from the Indiana border. The rain has been off and on, but when on, it’s been really hard.
There are few things more boring than the turnpikes. There are plazas along them, every 30 or 40 miles or so, with boring restaurants like Pizza Hut and Burger King and McDonald’s.
Ohio’s landscape here is flat. Large cornfields and other crops and very nice looking dairy farms, with big shiny blue silo’s. I always love the red “Grandma Duck” barns, that dot the landscape. It’s such an American sight.
If not driving, I’ve been killing time playing the Sims Hot Date. I finally got the chance, after the kids have been “borrowing” it from me for months. Saskia is being a little angel. She gets to choose all the videos to watch, no brother or sister nixing her choices!
My guess is, we’re about 3.5 hours out of Chicago, meaning we’ll arrive there around 7:30, just in time for dinner!
At 6:30, we’re driving through northern Indiana, through a downright ugly area! It doesn’t help, that the weather is overcast and the factories smell. There are more electricity, phone and other kinds of towers than I can count here.
Just 25 miles to Chicago!
Monday, July 08, 2002
Yesterday, Saskia and I went swimming. I swam 60 laps (1500 meters), pretty much nonstop, so not bad. The weather was strange, as the flow was northerly, which pushed the smoke of fires in Quebec this way. Amazing! It was hazy from something happens 1000+ miles up north!
After swimming, we rushed home to get ready to go to the movies with Christine, Mallory and Chuck. Chuck and Rick went to Men in Black II and Christine, the girls and I saw Lilo and Stitch for the second time. It was even more fun the second time around. I truly love that movie! The premise, the colors, the songs (with the exception of some of the Elvis songs, as I'm no Elvis fan at all!).
Lauren came to babysit the girls and Chuck, Christine, Rick and I went out to dinner at the same restaurant we went to for the 4th of July. We were received like old friends. I've seldom frequented a restaurant that's more hospitable! We ordered liquors after dinner and got a complimentary plate with different desserts to accompany it. We had a wonderful dinner!!!
Then today, Saskia and I had a downright lazy day. She could barely wake up this morning and didn't want to go to camp, so I took her to the gym with me. Afterwards, we went home and lazed on the couch, watching tv and reading email (for me). It was something we both needed after the constant going of the past weeks.
Around 4, we went out to Blockbuster's to get the necessary videos for the road trip to Chicago we're going on tomorrow. And some crafts for her to do in the car.
I am mostly packed and she's doing Blopens in the basement with her little friend Parker. I do not want to go and see what damage they're inflicting ;). But they're having fun.
Happy moments:
1. It sounds strange, but the colors and music of Lilo and Stitch made me feel happy, especially since we were watching it with such great friends.
2. Just spending a quiet afternoon with Saskia, it was really enjoyable
3. Feeling much better after my workout, than before, exercise still helps a lot
4. Eating dinner together with friends and having such a great time, last night
5. The beautiful sunflowers in the backyard
After swimming, we rushed home to get ready to go to the movies with Christine, Mallory and Chuck. Chuck and Rick went to Men in Black II and Christine, the girls and I saw Lilo and Stitch for the second time. It was even more fun the second time around. I truly love that movie! The premise, the colors, the songs (with the exception of some of the Elvis songs, as I'm no Elvis fan at all!).
Lauren came to babysit the girls and Chuck, Christine, Rick and I went out to dinner at the same restaurant we went to for the 4th of July. We were received like old friends. I've seldom frequented a restaurant that's more hospitable! We ordered liquors after dinner and got a complimentary plate with different desserts to accompany it. We had a wonderful dinner!!!
Then today, Saskia and I had a downright lazy day. She could barely wake up this morning and didn't want to go to camp, so I took her to the gym with me. Afterwards, we went home and lazed on the couch, watching tv and reading email (for me). It was something we both needed after the constant going of the past weeks.
Around 4, we went out to Blockbuster's to get the necessary videos for the road trip to Chicago we're going on tomorrow. And some crafts for her to do in the car.
I am mostly packed and she's doing Blopens in the basement with her little friend Parker. I do not want to go and see what damage they're inflicting ;). But they're having fun.
Happy moments:
1. It sounds strange, but the colors and music of Lilo and Stitch made me feel happy, especially since we were watching it with such great friends.
2. Just spending a quiet afternoon with Saskia, it was really enjoyable
3. Feeling much better after my workout, than before, exercise still helps a lot
4. Eating dinner together with friends and having such a great time, last night
5. The beautiful sunflowers in the backyard
Saturday, July 06, 2002
Oh, I keep forgetting my happy moments and admittedly, when talking to my mom tonight, who was so terribly down, it's hard to focus on happiness, but of course there is plenty:
1. Picking Saskia up from the gym childcare and seeing her excitement at conquering her initial apprehension
2. The very many kisses I received from her while carrying her through the mall this afternoon.
3. The support I'm receiving in regards to my mom from my friends and my siblings
4. The exciting life I lead, I mean, there isn't a day where nothing happens!
5. Having so many friends just outside our door. We really live in a wonderful neighborhood!
1. Picking Saskia up from the gym childcare and seeing her excitement at conquering her initial apprehension
2. The very many kisses I received from her while carrying her through the mall this afternoon.
3. The support I'm receiving in regards to my mom from my friends and my siblings
4. The exciting life I lead, I mean, there isn't a day where nothing happens!
5. Having so many friends just outside our door. We really live in a wonderful neighborhood!
Last night I noticed the rear tire on the van had a screw in it and it was awfully low. So off to Merchant's Tire first thing this morning to get it fixed. The guy there had a whole jar of screws, nails, shards of glass and other stuff that had punctured tires. Pretty impressive!
After that, Saskia and I went off to the gym, where she really enjoys herself with Backyard Baseball. She has definitely entered the 6 year old stage though, begging to go to the gym with me and begging to take her home the moment we get there. And without failing she won't want to leave when I'm done. I feel like I have a 2 year old all over again!
We had a talk on the way back though, that saying "I hate you" to either Rick or me was really not something to continue. We brainstormed and came up with "I'm really mad at you" as an alternative. Also, she herself chose a book yesterday at Borders called "Sometimes I'm Bombaloo", about a girl, who mostly is a sweet little girl, but sometimes loses it and hates everything and everyone and stamps her feet and throws things etc. Very much what we're going through right now. We were able to fend off another tantrum tonight by asking her is she was going "Bombaloo". Hurray for children's book writers!!!
This afternoon we all went bathing suit shopping. Mine were all falling apart and Rick's is faded from blue to some totally unknown color. I was amazed, as I was feeling bloated and all, that I walked away with 3 tankini's (the one shown is the one I bought with a cute matching skirt, all under $50!)! All less than half price as in this crazy country one can not find a bathing suit after the weekend of the 4th of July!
Rick found 2 suits and Saskia too. So all were happy. And all in a relatively short time span.
Then quickly home, as we were going to go out to dinner with my mom and Saskia still wanted to go to the pool. We quickly changed in our bathing suits and went swimming, Rick came later. He told me my mom had called and unfortunately, she didn't feel up to going out to dinner with us.
So the 3 of us went to the Japanese restaurant anyway and had a very nice dinner together. Saskia forgot her coloring stuff, so we first went to Staples to get her some paper and markers, guaranteeing us a quiet dinner.
After dinner, the neighbors put on a post July 4th fireworks show and I just got in from socializing with a bunch of them. Our neighborhood is a lot of fun, as all of us are within about 5 years of age from each other and we alle have kids similar ages. We were discussing how no one would be allowed to sell their house in the foreseeable future, for fear a less fun person would enter ;).
After that, Saskia and I went off to the gym, where she really enjoys herself with Backyard Baseball. She has definitely entered the 6 year old stage though, begging to go to the gym with me and begging to take her home the moment we get there. And without failing she won't want to leave when I'm done. I feel like I have a 2 year old all over again!
We had a talk on the way back though, that saying "I hate you" to either Rick or me was really not something to continue. We brainstormed and came up with "I'm really mad at you" as an alternative. Also, she herself chose a book yesterday at Borders called "Sometimes I'm Bombaloo", about a girl, who mostly is a sweet little girl, but sometimes loses it and hates everything and everyone and stamps her feet and throws things etc. Very much what we're going through right now. We were able to fend off another tantrum tonight by asking her is she was going "Bombaloo". Hurray for children's book writers!!!
This afternoon we all went bathing suit shopping. Mine were all falling apart and Rick's is faded from blue to some totally unknown color. I was amazed, as I was feeling bloated and all, that I walked away with 3 tankini's (the one shown is the one I bought with a cute matching skirt, all under $50!)! All less than half price as in this crazy country one can not find a bathing suit after the weekend of the 4th of July!
Rick found 2 suits and Saskia too. So all were happy. And all in a relatively short time span.
Then quickly home, as we were going to go out to dinner with my mom and Saskia still wanted to go to the pool. We quickly changed in our bathing suits and went swimming, Rick came later. He told me my mom had called and unfortunately, she didn't feel up to going out to dinner with us.
So the 3 of us went to the Japanese restaurant anyway and had a very nice dinner together. Saskia forgot her coloring stuff, so we first went to Staples to get her some paper and markers, guaranteeing us a quiet dinner.
After dinner, the neighbors put on a post July 4th fireworks show and I just got in from socializing with a bunch of them. Our neighborhood is a lot of fun, as all of us are within about 5 years of age from each other and we alle have kids similar ages. We were discussing how no one would be allowed to sell their house in the foreseeable future, for fear a less fun person would enter ;).
Last night I noticed the rear tire on the van had a screw in it and it was awfully low. So off to Merchant's Tire first thing this morning to get it fixed. The guy there had a whole jar of screws, nails, shards of glass and other stuff that had punctured tires. Pretty impressive!
After that, Saskia and I went off to the gym, where she really enjoys herself with Backyard Baseball. She has definitely entered the 6 year old stage though, begging to go to the gym with me and begging to take her home the moment we get there. And without failing she won't want to leave when I'm done. I feel like I have a 2 year old all over again!
We had a talk on the way back though, that saying "I hate you" to either Rick or me was really not something to continue. We brainstormed and came up with "I'm really mad at you" as an alternative. Also, she herself chose a book yesterday at Borders called "Sometimes I'm Bombaloo", about a girl, who mostly is a sweet little girl, but sometimes loses it and hates everything and everyone and stamps her feet and throws things etc. Very much what we're going through right now. We were able to fend off another tantrum tonight by asking her is she was going "Bombaloo". Hurray for children's book writers!!!
This afternoon we all went bathing suit shopping. Mine were all falling apart and Rick's is faded from blue to some totally unknown color. I was amazed, as I was feeling bloated and all, that I walked away with 3 tankini's (the one shown is the one I bought with a cute matching skirt, all under $50!)! All less than half price as in this crazy country one can not find a bathing suit after the weekend of the 4th of July!
Rick found 2 suits and Saskia too. So all were happy. And all in a relatively short time span.
Then quickly home, as we were going to go out to dinner with my mom and Saskia still wanted to go to the pool. We quickly changed in our bathing suits and went swimming, Rick came later. He told me my mom had called and unfortunately, she didn't feel up to going out to dinner with us.
So the 3 of us went to the Japanese restaurant anyway and had a very nice dinner together. Saskia forgot her coloring stuff, so we first went to Staples to get her some paper and markers, guaranteeing us a quiet dinner.
After dinner, the neighbors put on a post July 4th fireworks show and I just got in from socializing with a bunch of them. Our neighborhood is a lot of fun, as all of us are within about 5 years of age from each other and we alle have kids similar ages. We were discussing how no one would be allowed to sell their house in the foreseeable future, for fear a less fun person would enter ;).
After that, Saskia and I went off to the gym, where she really enjoys herself with Backyard Baseball. She has definitely entered the 6 year old stage though, begging to go to the gym with me and begging to take her home the moment we get there. And without failing she won't want to leave when I'm done. I feel like I have a 2 year old all over again!
We had a talk on the way back though, that saying "I hate you" to either Rick or me was really not something to continue. We brainstormed and came up with "I'm really mad at you" as an alternative. Also, she herself chose a book yesterday at Borders called "Sometimes I'm Bombaloo", about a girl, who mostly is a sweet little girl, but sometimes loses it and hates everything and everyone and stamps her feet and throws things etc. Very much what we're going through right now. We were able to fend off another tantrum tonight by asking her is she was going "Bombaloo". Hurray for children's book writers!!!
This afternoon we all went bathing suit shopping. Mine were all falling apart and Rick's is faded from blue to some totally unknown color. I was amazed, as I was feeling bloated and all, that I walked away with 3 tankini's (the one shown is the one I bought with a cute matching skirt, all under $50!)! All less than half price as in this crazy country one can not find a bathing suit after the weekend of the 4th of July!
Rick found 2 suits and Saskia too. So all were happy. And all in a relatively short time span.
Then quickly home, as we were going to go out to dinner with my mom and Saskia still wanted to go to the pool. We quickly changed in our bathing suits and went swimming, Rick came later. He told me my mom had called and unfortunately, she didn't feel up to going out to dinner with us.
So the 3 of us went to the Japanese restaurant anyway and had a very nice dinner together. Saskia forgot her coloring stuff, so we first went to Staples to get her some paper and markers, guaranteeing us a quiet dinner.
After dinner, the neighbors put on a post July 4th fireworks show and I just got in from socializing with a bunch of them. Our neighborhood is a lot of fun, as all of us are within about 5 years of age from each other and we alle have kids similar ages. We were discussing how no one would be allowed to sell their house in the foreseeable future, for fear a less fun person would enter ;).
Friday, July 05, 2002
Well, yesterday afternoon, we did end up going to a waterpark, it was crowded, hot, the water was hot etc. But we did enjoy ourselves, trying the different things out. Especially the river was a lot of fun. There is something about floating around on an inner tube.
Around 4, we made our way back home and swam some more at our own pool, so I could swim laps (30 total) and feel I had some exercise at least. Saskia had a fit when we left the waterpark, but all was better when she was back in our own pool.
At 7:30 we went to eat dinner at a French/Italian restaurant and watched the fireworks from their back porch. They were so hospitable! Saskia was allowed to do anything she liked, they wined and dined us and the food was delicious. Definitely a place we'll return to.
The fireworks were beautiful. As soon as I get around to it, I'll put the pictures on my Webshots page.
This morning we were awakened at 5:50am by a call from Katja. At first I was quite scared, but thankfully, nothing serious. She had been awake since 2 with an itchy, burning rash and she didn't know what to do. I told her to wait till her grandpa woke up and then we called and advised to use Benadryl. They called later to say she felt much better. No idea what that could have been.
After a workout, I went and ran some errands with Christine and had lunch with her. Then Rick picked up his new car and we went for a ride in it tonight. Super-exciting!
I'm beat after the early morning wake up call, so I'm off to bed early tonight.
Around 4, we made our way back home and swam some more at our own pool, so I could swim laps (30 total) and feel I had some exercise at least. Saskia had a fit when we left the waterpark, but all was better when she was back in our own pool.
At 7:30 we went to eat dinner at a French/Italian restaurant and watched the fireworks from their back porch. They were so hospitable! Saskia was allowed to do anything she liked, they wined and dined us and the food was delicious. Definitely a place we'll return to.
The fireworks were beautiful. As soon as I get around to it, I'll put the pictures on my Webshots page.
This morning we were awakened at 5:50am by a call from Katja. At first I was quite scared, but thankfully, nothing serious. She had been awake since 2 with an itchy, burning rash and she didn't know what to do. I told her to wait till her grandpa woke up and then we called and advised to use Benadryl. They called later to say she felt much better. No idea what that could have been.
After a workout, I went and ran some errands with Christine and had lunch with her. Then Rick picked up his new car and we went for a ride in it tonight. Super-exciting!
I'm beat after the early morning wake up call, so I'm off to bed early tonight.
Thursday, July 04, 2002
July 4th! Happy birthday, America!
We only have Saskia today. For a brief moment we considered going to Baltimore, but there is an excessive heat warning for both DC and Baltimore and it is unpleasantly hot outside, so we decided to stay in the area.
Yesterday, I got my nails painted in patriotic colors, together with Christine and Mallory. It was much fun! I have a flag on my big toe and red, white and blue flowers on my hand nails. I doubt it will last long, but it looks good today at least.
This morning, we went to the 4th of July parade in Fairfax. I brought an umbrella for some shade, as at 10am it was already 95 degrees! It was a nice parade, though we probably didn't even see half of it, it was simply too hot! One girl fainted from the heat, so the paramedics had to make their way through the crowds.
Then we had brunch and came home to be in some airconditioning. We're thinking of going to a water park this afternoon, though for me it needs to be one with lots of shade!!
We only have Saskia today. For a brief moment we considered going to Baltimore, but there is an excessive heat warning for both DC and Baltimore and it is unpleasantly hot outside, so we decided to stay in the area.
Yesterday, I got my nails painted in patriotic colors, together with Christine and Mallory. It was much fun! I have a flag on my big toe and red, white and blue flowers on my hand nails. I doubt it will last long, but it looks good today at least.
This morning, we went to the 4th of July parade in Fairfax. I brought an umbrella for some shade, as at 10am it was already 95 degrees! It was a nice parade, though we probably didn't even see half of it, it was simply too hot! One girl fainted from the heat, so the paramedics had to make their way through the crowds.
Then we had brunch and came home to be in some airconditioning. We're thinking of going to a water park this afternoon, though for me it needs to be one with lots of shade!!
Tuesday, July 02, 2002
The first day of July! I can't believe it! Time is definitely flying this year. I have to admit it, I'm starting to get spooked by the media reports of a possible terrorist attack on the 4th. I know, nothing I can do about it, but still...
We said goodbye to Marie Anne and Thomas this afternoon, though she just called to say they hadn't left yet, as their flight to New York got canceled. She was worried about going straight to London from here, so she was going to go from Washington to New York to Frankfurt to London. Fate had it, though, that she is now rerouted on a nonstop to London. I told her the chances of something going wrong are so much greater on 3 flights, than on one. She seemed ok with it anyway.
We had such a good time with them, I'm always really sad to say goodbye. Marie Anne came back Sunday afternoon around 1pm and we went shopping for the kids in the afternoon. Then we had dinner at the Melting Pot . It was a nice dinner, but both Saskia and Thomas were exhausted and Saskia got such a headache she cried all the way home :(. Then last night, she wanted to go back, as she hadn't enjoyed her dinner there the night before :). The kids love fonduing.
After we got home, the kids went straight to bed and Marie Anne and I went outside to join the neighborhood party belatedly. It was much fun, with fireworks by one of them. Too bad the kids didn't get to see them, as fireworks are prohibited in Singapore.
We stayed up chatting till well past midnight and decided to have no hurry for the next morning. Well, the kids had had such good sleeps, that they were up at 7! Oh well, so much for sleeping in!
After Marie Anne finished her conference call (I have to admire her, she's *always* working), we went off to the gym, putting Saskia and Thomas in the childcare. They both loved it!! They wouldn't come with us when we went to pick them up.
After a quick grocery store run and shower, our babysitter came and Marie Anne and I went shopping for the afternoon. It was fun! And I got a gorgeous Swatch watch from her! Too much of a gift, but much appreciated. I also used my Express coupons and got a bunch more shirts and some jewelry from them.
For dinner, we decided on Japanese, one of Saskia's favorite restaurants (more because of the candies at the entrance than the food ;)). Then, for dessert, we went to the mall to get some Dippin' Dots, as Marie Anne had read about them in my blog and Saskia loves them too. Thomas decided to get a regular ice cream, however.
We put the kids to bed in Kai's room, I read them a chapter of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and they slept in seconds. Marie Anne and I chatted a bit more and I showed her how to play the Sims. But we were both very tired, so went off to bed soon as well.
This morning at 8, Saskia came to wake me and Thomas was still asleep (Saskia didn't let him for long ;)). After we all ate breakfast, we were off to the gym again, as Marie Anne had another day on her guest pass. The kids certainly loved it (as did we!) and again they wouldn't come with us in the end.
But the promise of Zany Brainy got them moving. Marie Anne especially liked their arts and crafts section, she told me they don't have anything like that in Singapore. Then Saskia and Thomas had lunch at Subway, Saskia boggled them there, because she just wanted a plain roll, none of their cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc. etc. etc. ;)
Marie Anne and I wanted a more sophisticated lunch and went to Manhattan Bagel.
Then it was rushing to get ready to go to the airport! I wanted to make sure they'd be there on time, but now I wish I hadn't been in such a hurry. They ended up having to stay at Dulles for hours!
After dropping them off, Saskia and I went to Dairy Queen and she had a strawberry sundae there. Then I decided her bangs were too long and took her to the nearby Hair Cuttery. Ok, sorry, small rant here. This is a salon, where people go to get a decent haircut. This woman cut Saskia's hair in 10 minutes and she did an *awful* job! It's uneven, not straight, just terrible!!! I wish I had the gall to say something about it. But then, she probably wouldn't have been capable of fixing it anyway :(.
When we got home, I quickly cleaned out the car and started a laundry and straightened up the house (yes, the mundane things still need doing) and then Saskia and I set off for the pool. She had a grand time! Her best friend was there and they played and played. I was bored, but that's ok, it's fun to be bored sometimes!
At 7:15, Rick got back from Michigan, we had dinner and here we are vegging in front of Frazier (no doubt a re-run, but not one I've seen).
Happiness is:
1. Watching 2 six year olds playing in the pool and just loving it
2. Feeling the heat of the car after coming from an airconditioned store
3. Summer! It is hot, but boy, is it nice to walk out and be warm
4. Living in the United States. Sure, there is much wrong with it, but overall, it's a great country to live in!
5. Seeing hubby walk back in the door after being away for 5 days!
We said goodbye to Marie Anne and Thomas this afternoon, though she just called to say they hadn't left yet, as their flight to New York got canceled. She was worried about going straight to London from here, so she was going to go from Washington to New York to Frankfurt to London. Fate had it, though, that she is now rerouted on a nonstop to London. I told her the chances of something going wrong are so much greater on 3 flights, than on one. She seemed ok with it anyway.
We had such a good time with them, I'm always really sad to say goodbye. Marie Anne came back Sunday afternoon around 1pm and we went shopping for the kids in the afternoon. Then we had dinner at the Melting Pot . It was a nice dinner, but both Saskia and Thomas were exhausted and Saskia got such a headache she cried all the way home :(. Then last night, she wanted to go back, as she hadn't enjoyed her dinner there the night before :). The kids love fonduing.
After we got home, the kids went straight to bed and Marie Anne and I went outside to join the neighborhood party belatedly. It was much fun, with fireworks by one of them. Too bad the kids didn't get to see them, as fireworks are prohibited in Singapore.
We stayed up chatting till well past midnight and decided to have no hurry for the next morning. Well, the kids had had such good sleeps, that they were up at 7! Oh well, so much for sleeping in!
After Marie Anne finished her conference call (I have to admire her, she's *always* working), we went off to the gym, putting Saskia and Thomas in the childcare. They both loved it!! They wouldn't come with us when we went to pick them up.
After a quick grocery store run and shower, our babysitter came and Marie Anne and I went shopping for the afternoon. It was fun! And I got a gorgeous Swatch watch from her! Too much of a gift, but much appreciated. I also used my Express coupons and got a bunch more shirts and some jewelry from them.
For dinner, we decided on Japanese, one of Saskia's favorite restaurants (more because of the candies at the entrance than the food ;)). Then, for dessert, we went to the mall to get some Dippin' Dots, as Marie Anne had read about them in my blog and Saskia loves them too. Thomas decided to get a regular ice cream, however.
We put the kids to bed in Kai's room, I read them a chapter of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and they slept in seconds. Marie Anne and I chatted a bit more and I showed her how to play the Sims. But we were both very tired, so went off to bed soon as well.
This morning at 8, Saskia came to wake me and Thomas was still asleep (Saskia didn't let him for long ;)). After we all ate breakfast, we were off to the gym again, as Marie Anne had another day on her guest pass. The kids certainly loved it (as did we!) and again they wouldn't come with us in the end.
But the promise of Zany Brainy got them moving. Marie Anne especially liked their arts and crafts section, she told me they don't have anything like that in Singapore. Then Saskia and Thomas had lunch at Subway, Saskia boggled them there, because she just wanted a plain roll, none of their cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc. etc. etc. ;)
Marie Anne and I wanted a more sophisticated lunch and went to Manhattan Bagel.
Then it was rushing to get ready to go to the airport! I wanted to make sure they'd be there on time, but now I wish I hadn't been in such a hurry. They ended up having to stay at Dulles for hours!
After dropping them off, Saskia and I went to Dairy Queen and she had a strawberry sundae there. Then I decided her bangs were too long and took her to the nearby Hair Cuttery. Ok, sorry, small rant here. This is a salon, where people go to get a decent haircut. This woman cut Saskia's hair in 10 minutes and she did an *awful* job! It's uneven, not straight, just terrible!!! I wish I had the gall to say something about it. But then, she probably wouldn't have been capable of fixing it anyway :(.
When we got home, I quickly cleaned out the car and started a laundry and straightened up the house (yes, the mundane things still need doing) and then Saskia and I set off for the pool. She had a grand time! Her best friend was there and they played and played. I was bored, but that's ok, it's fun to be bored sometimes!
At 7:15, Rick got back from Michigan, we had dinner and here we are vegging in front of Frazier (no doubt a re-run, but not one I've seen).
Happiness is:
1. Watching 2 six year olds playing in the pool and just loving it
2. Feeling the heat of the car after coming from an airconditioned store
3. Summer! It is hot, but boy, is it nice to walk out and be warm
4. Living in the United States. Sure, there is much wrong with it, but overall, it's a great country to live in!
5. Seeing hubby walk back in the door after being away for 5 days!
