Thursday, July 5, 2012
Vesper - Dinner in Germany
Monday, July 2, 2012
Papa is here...
after two weeks without Ron he finally arrived last week. Don't the girlies look so, so happy. And yes, I am so, so happy as well. We really missed him....
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Musings...
there are so many things to talk about. Really, so where to start? There are so many things on my mind, and we had so much fun. We have been in Europe now for over two weeks and it does feel as it always does, just like our second home. Things in Tuttlingen do not seem to change, so it is sort of like entering a twilight zone. The only difference being that now I am here with two girls, and Ron. It is kind of strange but oh so comforting how things do not change. I see faces on the market downtown which I have known all my life. The only difference is that people have aged, but it all seems to go it usual rhythm. There is a lot of comfort in that to me, and I hope also to my family.
Differences to our other home in Portland are somewhat striking. For one, you have to be prepared for Sunday as all stores are closed. All shopping needs to be done on Saturday, and I shop directly at the butcher it has to be done somewhat early in the day. Okay, I admit early is flexible by that I mean before two in the afternoon :) Other differences are that children are so much more, for lack of a better term, "free range". Children, as young as first graders, walk to and back from school all by themselves. Parents are not to enter the school building. Children go off to play on the playgrounds, or woods all by themselves. And yes, I am talking about children as young as five. Our children are now on a much longer, again for lack of better terms, "leash" and I think both of them are enjoying it.
Overall, I think that the girl also feel that Tuttlingen is their other home. Alena started preschool - called Kindergarten - here when she was three; she was in her first school play here a couple of years ago; Alena went on her first school hiking trip in Tuttlingen; Mia Rose is hiking every single day with her Kindergarten class into the woods for a week; both girls learn to swim in Tuttlingen; and Mia Rose lost her fear of dogs...
And I know that all of my thoughts may raise the question. Where is it better? Where do I like it better? There is no answer to that question. It seems like many things are more complicated in Germany. The rules for everything but still I feel like always sitting between two chairs, or loving two people at the same time, I also call it the perpetual grey zone. I love, absolutely love and adore both places. I hope to instill this love of both places also into our children.
Oh, and before I forget here is a picture of the three of us at TuWass (the indoor pool)
Okay - I will get off my soapbox now! Happy day to all of you!
Differences to our other home in Portland are somewhat striking. For one, you have to be prepared for Sunday as all stores are closed. All shopping needs to be done on Saturday, and I shop directly at the butcher it has to be done somewhat early in the day. Okay, I admit early is flexible by that I mean before two in the afternoon :) Other differences are that children are so much more, for lack of a better term, "free range". Children, as young as first graders, walk to and back from school all by themselves. Parents are not to enter the school building. Children go off to play on the playgrounds, or woods all by themselves. And yes, I am talking about children as young as five. Our children are now on a much longer, again for lack of better terms, "leash" and I think both of them are enjoying it.
Overall, I think that the girl also feel that Tuttlingen is their other home. Alena started preschool - called Kindergarten - here when she was three; she was in her first school play here a couple of years ago; Alena went on her first school hiking trip in Tuttlingen; Mia Rose is hiking every single day with her Kindergarten class into the woods for a week; both girls learn to swim in Tuttlingen; and Mia Rose lost her fear of dogs...
And I know that all of my thoughts may raise the question. Where is it better? Where do I like it better? There is no answer to that question. It seems like many things are more complicated in Germany. The rules for everything but still I feel like always sitting between two chairs, or loving two people at the same time, I also call it the perpetual grey zone. I love, absolutely love and adore both places. I hope to instill this love of both places also into our children.
Oh, and before I forget here is a picture of the three of us at TuWass (the indoor pool)
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| Alena, Mia Rose and me. Can you find me? |
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Friendship endures time...
Yes, I finally have an internet connection again. I have to say that has been a wee bit challenging...OK truth be said, it has been really challenging for me ;) Besides the internet situation, the three of us have adjusted well and we have gotten into our routine. The girls go to school in the morning, while I work, and shop on the market on Monday's as well as Friday's. So, just like in Portland the three of us look forward to the weekend. This past weekend we drove up to Stuttgart http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuttgart for one of our good friend's birthday party. They had also invited a bunch of our mutual friends that had moved back from Portland to Germany so it was like a reunion.
44 adults, and 34 kids in all - so much fun.
The kids met their friends again. Alena played with one a friends whom she has known since she was two. They had not seen each other in at least one and a half years. It was so cool to see, that after about 30 minutes they played with each as always. They were inseparable for the entire weekend. - The same thing happened with Mia Rosie and her friend. Once they warmed up to each other again it was like they had never been separated. And for me? Same thing, we just do not need the warm-up period. I think that is the sign of true friendship. When you can pick up just where you left off. Yes, even if you live in different countries and continents. Cheers to friendship!
44 adults, and 34 kids in all - so much fun.
The kids met their friends again. Alena played with one a friends whom she has known since she was two. They had not seen each other in at least one and a half years. It was so cool to see, that after about 30 minutes they played with each as always. They were inseparable for the entire weekend. - The same thing happened with Mia Rosie and her friend. Once they warmed up to each other again it was like they had never been separated. And for me? Same thing, we just do not need the warm-up period. I think that is the sign of true friendship. When you can pick up just where you left off. Yes, even if you live in different countries and continents. Cheers to friendship!
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| Mia Rose and her friend :) |
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| Did anyone say Alena does not like Chocolate Soy Ice "Cream"... |
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Fun, fun, fun and school
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| Fun, fun, fun |
All is possible :) - We figured out safe bread, Wurst and thank's to a fairly new EU Regulation all allergens are now declared. Yay...below a couple more pictures of the girls with my Mom
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| Alena and Omi |
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| Mia Rose and Omi feeding deer |
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Our trip...
we have arrived in Europe and now I finally have an internet connection again. Yay!
Our trip was uneventful, long as usual as we flew via Atlanta, but luckily uneventful. For the trip I packed plenty of sandwiches, fruit, fruit roll-ups, and pretzels for the girlies. Salami sandwiches - lactose free salami of course - for Alena, and Mia Rosie chose Emmenthaler-Salami sandwiches. I am so glad we had them because we arrived in Europe with only two sandwiches left :) For the transatlantic flight I had ordered vegan meals for both ladies. They both loved the fruit, salad, as well as the grain. We decided to leave the buns on the tray - and yes, the margarine that served by Delta catering was not vegan. Thank you to the lovely flight attendant for reading the label for me...
Here is a picture of the girlies on the first plane from Pdx - Atlanta...
Our trip was uneventful, long as usual as we flew via Atlanta, but luckily uneventful. For the trip I packed plenty of sandwiches, fruit, fruit roll-ups, and pretzels for the girlies. Salami sandwiches - lactose free salami of course - for Alena, and Mia Rosie chose Emmenthaler-Salami sandwiches. I am so glad we had them because we arrived in Europe with only two sandwiches left :) For the transatlantic flight I had ordered vegan meals for both ladies. They both loved the fruit, salad, as well as the grain. We decided to leave the buns on the tray - and yes, the margarine that served by Delta catering was not vegan. Thank you to the lovely flight attendant for reading the label for me...
Here is a picture of the girlies on the first plane from Pdx - Atlanta...
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Last day of school...
it has happened. Today. The last day of Kindergarten for Mia Rose, and the last day of Second Grade for Alena. Well, OK they still have at least a couple more weeks of school ahead of them in Germany, but their regular school is done for the school year. Oh, how bitter-sweet. My lovies are growing up so fast - in the fall we will have a First and Third Grader. Wow! I so clearly remember when they were born. When we did not know what life would be like. What happened to the time. Well, I guess that a look in the mirror should be enough ;), right?! Seriously - time is flying and we are so proud of our girlies. Both, Alena and Mia Rose worked so hard the entire school year. It is so exciting to see them grown, and learn...
So this, is my last post from Portland for a few weeks as we leave for Europe in the morning. Bright and early, yes! What on earth was I thinking to leave the day after the last day of school. I am honestly a wee bit spent by now...yes, yes, yes I know entirely self inflicted ;)
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| Leaving for the last day of school for the 2011/12 school year |
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| Alena and her Second Grade teacher Miss Beth |
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| Mia Rose at her Kindergarten desk |
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| Alena and Miss Ellie |
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| Alena and Miss Nelson |
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| Mia Rose and Mrs. H her Kindergarten teacher (plus Alena) |
So this, is my last post from Portland for a few weeks as we leave for Europe in the morning. Bright and early, yes! What on earth was I thinking to leave the day after the last day of school. I am honestly a wee bit spent by now...yes, yes, yes I know entirely self inflicted ;)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Coconut-Carrot-Ginger Soup
1was our dinner last night. Quick, easy, and delicious. The idea for this soup came from my very good friend, and I have made a version of it before. This time I decided to make it a little creamer and added coconut milk, as well as curry. It turned out quite delicious - milk free - and Alena ate two servings. Whoo-hoo - a total success. This soup can easily be made vegan by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The next time, I will add some cilantro - for added deliciousness :)
Oh, yes as a side we had bread - not home-made as I am getting a little stressed out so close to our trip - and mixed green salad with the addition of an edible flower from our garden. By the way, this is from the seeds we planted at Mia Rosies' birthday party :)
Coconut-Carrot-Ginger Soup
Splash of olive oil
1 medium onion diced
2-3 garlic cloves minced
1-2 teaspoons of curry powder
Salt
app. 2 lbs carrots, cleaned and cut into 1/2" chunks
app. 3/4" fresh ginger, minced
2 medium yellow potatoes, or one large
1 can of coconut milk
1 Quart of chicken, or vegetable stock {I like Pacific brand}
1 lime {1/2 juiced and the other half cut in slices for serving}
Salt, pepper to taste. Optional cayenne pepper {just on my bowl} to taste
1. Heat splash of olive oil in a deep stock pot, add onions, and a pinch of salt. Sautee until onion
is soft. Add
2. garlic, curry, and ginger. Sautee for a minute be careful that garlic does not burn. Then add,
3. carrots sautee until they get bright in color before adding the potatoes. Then add,
4. Coconut cream and after another couple of minutes pour in the coconut water, as well as the
stock. Bring to slow simmer until carrots are soft.
5. When carrots are soft carefully puree the soup {I use a stick blender} - be careful not to burn yourself
as the soup is very hot - until desired consistency.
6. Just before serving add juice of 1/2 lime, and adjust the spices.
I hope you enjoy this soup!
Coconut-Carrot-Ginger Soup
Splash of olive oil
1 medium onion diced
2-3 garlic cloves minced
1-2 teaspoons of curry powder
Salt
app. 2 lbs carrots, cleaned and cut into 1/2" chunks
app. 3/4" fresh ginger, minced
2 medium yellow potatoes, or one large
1 can of coconut milk
1 Quart of chicken, or vegetable stock {I like Pacific brand}
1 lime {1/2 juiced and the other half cut in slices for serving}
Salt, pepper to taste. Optional cayenne pepper {just on my bowl} to taste
1. Heat splash of olive oil in a deep stock pot, add onions, and a pinch of salt. Sautee until onion
is soft. Add
2. garlic, curry, and ginger. Sautee for a minute be careful that garlic does not burn. Then add,
3. carrots sautee until they get bright in color before adding the potatoes. Then add,
4. Coconut cream and after another couple of minutes pour in the coconut water, as well as the
stock. Bring to slow simmer until carrots are soft.
5. When carrots are soft carefully puree the soup {I use a stick blender} - be careful not to burn yourself
as the soup is very hot - until desired consistency.
6. Just before serving add juice of 1/2 lime, and adjust the spices.
I hope you enjoy this soup!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Urban hike on a sunny Sunday
Yesterday it was three more sleeps to the last day of school, and four more sleeps until we leave for Germany. Yikes - where did the time go?! Anyways, we were just so glad that it was finally a sunny day again. You certainly know by now that we really like to be outdoors - so it was the perfect day for a hike, but we really did not want to drive anywhere. So we planned to walk from our house to Burgerville - a guilty pleasure before our trip to Europe - stop at the playground and back. Just so you get an idea of distance, it is about 45 blocks from our house to Burgerville. So it is a good distance for the girls.
Our butterfly Alena led the way as we strolled through the neighborhoods, admired the flowers and gardens.
The girlies were pretty happy when we reached or destination and they got to indulge on their Hamburger Kid's Mean {yes, it is "Galactosemia" safe}. They even got to drink a rare soda as a treat for the fantastic walking job....
On the way back up, yes it is uphill to get back home, we first stopped at a playground with lot's of monkey bars before walking back. Luckily we found a couple of swings on the way....
Since it really is a very good distance for the girls to walk we stopped not only for foot massages
but also at the food carts on Division in search of treats. We were so excited, because we found an ice cream cart that only sells vegan ice cream. What about that?! Is that not absolutely awesome?! All 100% vegan and galactosemia safe for our girlies. Whoo-hoo, plus 100% delicious - yay, yay, yay that was such an unexpected happy surprise when the owner told us that ALL of his ice cream is vegan. Check it out -> http://oregonice.com/
Alena enjoyed a scoop of Marionberry, while Mia Rose enjoyed Mango-Pineapple. Yum, yum, yum...
Oh, and yes we did take the bus for the remaining 20 blocks back. We had lot's of fun in the sun :)
Our butterfly Alena led the way as we strolled through the neighborhoods, admired the flowers and gardens.
The girlies were pretty happy when we reached or destination and they got to indulge on their Hamburger Kid's Mean {yes, it is "Galactosemia" safe}. They even got to drink a rare soda as a treat for the fantastic walking job....
On the way back up, yes it is uphill to get back home, we first stopped at a playground with lot's of monkey bars before walking back. Luckily we found a couple of swings on the way....
Since it really is a very good distance for the girls to walk we stopped not only for foot massages
but also at the food carts on Division in search of treats. We were so excited, because we found an ice cream cart that only sells vegan ice cream. What about that?! Is that not absolutely awesome?! All 100% vegan and galactosemia safe for our girlies. Whoo-hoo, plus 100% delicious - yay, yay, yay that was such an unexpected happy surprise when the owner told us that ALL of his ice cream is vegan. Check it out -> http://oregonice.com/
Alena enjoyed a scoop of Marionberry, while Mia Rose enjoyed Mango-Pineapple. Yum, yum, yum...
Oh, and yes we did take the bus for the remaining 20 blocks back. We had lot's of fun in the sun :)
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Our girls playing on the monkey bars
Ron put together this video of the girls - Alena is wearing jeans, and Mia Rose her pink "Rapunzel" dress - playing on the monkey bars with their friend. He is playing the guitar - thought I share the fun here :)
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