As it's been mentioned previously, there is approximately 220 days of rain per year in the beautiful country of Belgium. Some of those are givens, right? You wake up in the morning and it's raining, so it country. Others are like today.
It was so windy this morning that I could hear the few toys that weren't put away in the big black toy box blowing around on the patio. Normally, the toys are sheltered enough from the wind by the sun porch, so they don't blow around. Not this morning, the wind was so strong it blew the top off the sand box and sand buckets around the yard. My wind chimes were horizontal and the cow next door was standing at an angle. (poor Marie) The sky was grey, but that's nothing abnormal either. But, not rain, not even a mist. After taking my son to school and getting blown all over the tiny little country roads in my energy efficient, but not sturdy, Prius, I decided that I'd take a jog.
A friend told me on Friday that if I waited around to run outside for the days that didn't look like it would rain, I'd never run outside. So, I went. Windy as Rick Perry on the campaign trail, but not real look of rain. The sun even made a brief appearance and I made it home with no worry of rain.
The afternoon looked promising too. My son and I came home and played outside for awhile, close to the sun room so we didn't get blown away, but the sun was shining and all was well. Then, I went inside. I stopped to fold some clothes in my bedroom when I heard my son yelling for me. The wind had picked up even more and you could see the rain blowing across the fields. By the time I got downstairs to help put away toys, the drops were huge and stinging. Where did this come from?!? The sun was just shining, not completely blue skies, but SUN.
I lived for a semester in Florida. The weather was predictable. Every afternoon between 2pm and 5pm it was going to rain. It would be a brief, semi-heavy downpour and then the rain would be gone. That's it. It sure made selling the rain ponchos easy, but they'd only be needed for 10 minutes. Georgia was similar. All the humidity would build up in the afternoon, release on all us Earthlings, and disperse.
In Nebraska, Iowa and Texas, you could see a storm coming from miles away. Watch them build up on the horizon getting taller and taller, then finally get to you. Rain, wind, lightning, thunder, etc, so on and so forth. But you knew when it was going to rain.
Not so in Belgium. I truly have not figured it out. The only thing we have going for us is that we have some good views from where the rain always blows in from. It also doesn't help that the weather ALWAYS has rain in the forecast and I haven't found a good weather radar site yet. It's a good things that we don't have to worry (so I've been told) about tornadoes, because they'd be on us before I'd have a chance to pick up the tricycle and get inside.
****Let me update this posting. I exaggerated just a little, there are a few days where rain isn't in the forecast, like today. 64, windy and sunny is what the forecast said. Coming home this afternoon, the wind picked up, the clouds rolled in and it rained for over an hour. Not a hard rain, but enough to make the patio wet and the son grumpy.Then the clouds thinned out and the sun came out. Eh, what ya gonna do?
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11 Memorial Service
Tonight the SHAPE International Chapel held a memorial service for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The choir sang, of which I am a part of, the International Brass Quintet played, many of the Chaplains from the different countries participated and a woman with a knock-out voice and killer piano playing husband performed, Amazing Grace. It was a beautiful service, and I didn't even come close to getting through it without tears.
The choir sang three songs, On Eagles Wings, The Lord is My Shepard and The Lord Bless You and Keep You. They are all beautiful songs, but the tears were falling over during The Lord is My Shepard. One of our tenors, a British man, sang the solo so beautifully, many were reaching for their tissues.
An American Chaplain told her personal story of being a part of that day. She was a National Guard Chaplain at the time, in New Jersey and was immediately activated. When she reported to duty, her Commander told her that her first duty that day was to go to an elementary school and tell a 9 year old boy and his 8 year old sister that their mom was killed in the North Tower. They were in the office when she got there, both thinking that they were in trouble. She took them into the Principal's office and sat on the floor with them. After telling them this tragic news, the little girl said that it wasn't possible because she and her mom just made her PB&J that morning together. The little boy said, "Now we don't have a Mom or a Dad." Their father had been killed in a car accident just six months before. She stayed with them for an hour or more before handing them off to the school counselor.
Her next assignment was to go to a home and inform parents about their loss. When she got out of the car and walked up the sidewalk, the mother came out of the house and said, "How many children did I lose?" The Chaplain asked to please sit on the porch swing with her so they could talk. Again, the mother asked her question, "How many children did I lose?" The chaplain replied, "Three, one in the North Tower and two in the South Tower." That mother had lost all three of her children in the attack that morning. She fell into the Chaplain's arms, limp. After a long while on the swing, the mother asked the Chaplain is she cooked. The Chaplain didn't know how to respond so she asked why the question. The mother told her that the previous week she had felt compelled to go to the store and get the ingredients for each of her children's favorite dishes. Now she knew why, it was to help her begin the grieving process. The mother asked the Chaplain if she'd like to stay and help her cook. The Chaplain was able to meet many people from the large Italian family and tell the father when he came home. I fell quickly into the ugly cry during her sermon, how could I not? I can't imagine my mom losing both my sister and I in the same day, I can't imagine losing my children at all, especially in the same day. The tears were flowing freely all throughout the chapel.
The Chaplain had a very even tone all the way through the sermon, I think it was just so she could recall those moments in her life and get through them without breaking down into tears in front of the congregation. It was such a touching and moving service. People from 90 different countries were lost that day. Some of those countries were represented in the NATO community. I feel honored knowing that I was able to be a part of the service that was dedicated to the men and women that died in the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01.
The choir sang three songs, On Eagles Wings, The Lord is My Shepard and The Lord Bless You and Keep You. They are all beautiful songs, but the tears were falling over during The Lord is My Shepard. One of our tenors, a British man, sang the solo so beautifully, many were reaching for their tissues.
An American Chaplain told her personal story of being a part of that day. She was a National Guard Chaplain at the time, in New Jersey and was immediately activated. When she reported to duty, her Commander told her that her first duty that day was to go to an elementary school and tell a 9 year old boy and his 8 year old sister that their mom was killed in the North Tower. They were in the office when she got there, both thinking that they were in trouble. She took them into the Principal's office and sat on the floor with them. After telling them this tragic news, the little girl said that it wasn't possible because she and her mom just made her PB&J that morning together. The little boy said, "Now we don't have a Mom or a Dad." Their father had been killed in a car accident just six months before. She stayed with them for an hour or more before handing them off to the school counselor.
Her next assignment was to go to a home and inform parents about their loss. When she got out of the car and walked up the sidewalk, the mother came out of the house and said, "How many children did I lose?" The Chaplain asked to please sit on the porch swing with her so they could talk. Again, the mother asked her question, "How many children did I lose?" The chaplain replied, "Three, one in the North Tower and two in the South Tower." That mother had lost all three of her children in the attack that morning. She fell into the Chaplain's arms, limp. After a long while on the swing, the mother asked the Chaplain is she cooked. The Chaplain didn't know how to respond so she asked why the question. The mother told her that the previous week she had felt compelled to go to the store and get the ingredients for each of her children's favorite dishes. Now she knew why, it was to help her begin the grieving process. The mother asked the Chaplain if she'd like to stay and help her cook. The Chaplain was able to meet many people from the large Italian family and tell the father when he came home. I fell quickly into the ugly cry during her sermon, how could I not? I can't imagine my mom losing both my sister and I in the same day, I can't imagine losing my children at all, especially in the same day. The tears were flowing freely all throughout the chapel.
The Chaplain had a very even tone all the way through the sermon, I think it was just so she could recall those moments in her life and get through them without breaking down into tears in front of the congregation. It was such a touching and moving service. People from 90 different countries were lost that day. Some of those countries were represented in the NATO community. I feel honored knowing that I was able to be a part of the service that was dedicated to the men and women that died in the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
SHAPEfest.....food heaven
Today was SHAPEfest here at NATO headquarters and I fell in love. Each of the 28 countries in NATO had their own tent or two or four, to represent their country to the rest of us. There were things that I didn't knew existed and am so happy to now know.
One of the things that was talked about in the community magazine was the Danish hot dogs. Ordinarily, not something I'd head towards, but I had to try it. Why are these hot dogs so good they get a specific plug for them? Because they're heavenly, that's why. I've had hot dogs from a street vendor in Chicago, they were good, these Danish ones were better. The dog was fabulous, though I don't know what it was made of. The bun was excellent and whatever their sauce was....ahhh.
We also had sangria from Spain, beer and sausage from Slovenia, cheese from Lithuania and The Netherlands, tiny little pancakes from the Netherlands, beer and a waffle from Belgium and Baklava from Turkey or Slovakia, I'm not sure which. I know we ate something from some other tents also, but I can't remember which now.
My son came home with a flag from Estonia. Really, Estonia. I knew it was a country from watching Encino Man, but I didn't know they were a NATO country.
They had carnival rides, vendor booths and tents set up for all the organizations on SHAPE. So we got to see the Trips and Tours women, the librarians, the different churches, people from Arts and Crafts, so on and so forth. It was a wonderfully put together event.
It was so wonderful, that I invite all my family and friends to come and stay this time next year, or the following year. Heck, come both years. It's worth it. I'm debating on if I can stay away tomorrow, or if I need to go back. That Greek tent was calling my name.....
One of the things that was talked about in the community magazine was the Danish hot dogs. Ordinarily, not something I'd head towards, but I had to try it. Why are these hot dogs so good they get a specific plug for them? Because they're heavenly, that's why. I've had hot dogs from a street vendor in Chicago, they were good, these Danish ones were better. The dog was fabulous, though I don't know what it was made of. The bun was excellent and whatever their sauce was....ahhh.
We also had sangria from Spain, beer and sausage from Slovenia, cheese from Lithuania and The Netherlands, tiny little pancakes from the Netherlands, beer and a waffle from Belgium and Baklava from Turkey or Slovakia, I'm not sure which. I know we ate something from some other tents also, but I can't remember which now.
My son came home with a flag from Estonia. Really, Estonia. I knew it was a country from watching Encino Man, but I didn't know they were a NATO country.
They had carnival rides, vendor booths and tents set up for all the organizations on SHAPE. So we got to see the Trips and Tours women, the librarians, the different churches, people from Arts and Crafts, so on and so forth. It was a wonderfully put together event.
It was so wonderful, that I invite all my family and friends to come and stay this time next year, or the following year. Heck, come both years. It's worth it. I'm debating on if I can stay away tomorrow, or if I need to go back. That Greek tent was calling my name.....
Thursday, September 8, 2011
USO and Sesame Street come to Chievres
The USO and Sesame Street teamed up to create a program specifically for military families. We were so excited when it made an appearance ( 2 nights) at our little gymnasium at Chievres. Its a small and often overlooked post, so a program like this coming here was a big deal. Wednesday night they had over 500 people and tonight was easily as many. The program was opened up to anyone with a US or NATO ID card, so there were many military families from SHAPE there as well.
The program was about a Muppet named, Katie, who was sad because she was going to have to move (PCS) from here friends at Sesame Street. Right away my son made the connection, "She has to move like I did." He's only 3 now, 3 and a half, but he still remembers moving from Texas in December and Georgia in May. He still talks about his friends in both places and one of them has almost become his imaginary friend. I was amazed that he made the connection that fast, but he did and he was invested in the program from then to the end.
There was lots of singing and dancing and some of the big characters, they were really only missing Oscar and Big Bird, in my opinion. We were told to get there early so we could have our pick of the choice floor spots. We were right up in front and he got to touch Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover and Rosita. (Rosita was new for me, she's a Hispanic girl in a pretty teal color) My son thought it was awesome and so did I. For Sesame Street to make a show to tour in Europe just for military families was a great honor. We loved it!
The program was about a Muppet named, Katie, who was sad because she was going to have to move (PCS) from here friends at Sesame Street. Right away my son made the connection, "She has to move like I did." He's only 3 now, 3 and a half, but he still remembers moving from Texas in December and Georgia in May. He still talks about his friends in both places and one of them has almost become his imaginary friend. I was amazed that he made the connection that fast, but he did and he was invested in the program from then to the end.
There was lots of singing and dancing and some of the big characters, they were really only missing Oscar and Big Bird, in my opinion. We were told to get there early so we could have our pick of the choice floor spots. We were right up in front and he got to touch Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover and Rosita. (Rosita was new for me, she's a Hispanic girl in a pretty teal color) My son thought it was awesome and so did I. For Sesame Street to make a show to tour in Europe just for military families was a great honor. We loved it!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
St. Waudru Cathedral
Today I was able to go back to St. Waudru Cathedral in downtown Mons. It is a beautiful cathedral complete with scary animal gargoyles, gothic type spires and bones. Bones housed in beautiful gold cases that would surely get stolen, melted down and sold in the United States. The bones of St. Waltrude have been housed there for hundreds of years from what I understand and are part of the yearly Ducasse, or festival of St. George vs the Dragon (Doudou in French, so yes, there's a Doo-doo festival here). Another major part of the festival is the carriage that is also housed at the cathedral, the original, super fancy carriage.
It's just an absolutely beautiful place, whether you're a religious person or not, just the size and fact that no machines were used in building it are amazing to me. When you come and visit us here in Belgium, we will be sure to take you to St. Waudru Cathedral. Beautiful.
It's just an absolutely beautiful place, whether you're a religious person or not, just the size and fact that no machines were used in building it are amazing to me. When you come and visit us here in Belgium, we will be sure to take you to St. Waudru Cathedral. Beautiful.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Husker Game Day 2011
So, the Huskers are in their first season away from the Big 12, and we won't be able to see any of it. Our internet speed is fine for searching the internet, but to stream a game, no way. So, we won't be able to see it, even if we could find a place to stream it after turning on the ghost address thingy making the computer think we're actually in the states. We might be able to listen to it, but, I'm assuming that we'd have the same problem. Next, it's going to be 9:30pm when it starts. So, make that about midnight when it's over, I'm not that hard core for a season opener. It's Tennessee of Chatanooga or some such place. If we don't win this, we might as well give back the Big 10 patches now.
I've said in years past, that I've become a bigger fan since moving from Nebraska. When we were in Georgia and Texas, I felt like I had to represent. I'd try and wear my Big Red apparel every Saturday. Yeah, I'd take some heat for it, but hey, it's my home state. The only team that makes a TV appearance that isn't on a campus channel. Now that we're in Belgium, I'd love to represent, but it just isn't safe. We don't live on post, we aren't assigned to a post that has tons of Americans all wearing their football apparel out and about. I might wear my shirt if the only place I'm going is the commissary and home. It's not a good idea to show the host nation that we're not only outsiders, but Americans. Better to just stick out a little bit and have people think that maybe we're Canadians.
So, Huskers, Good Luck! Wish we could watch, but it isn't possible. Maybe when we spring for cable, we'll see you then.
I've said in years past, that I've become a bigger fan since moving from Nebraska. When we were in Georgia and Texas, I felt like I had to represent. I'd try and wear my Big Red apparel every Saturday. Yeah, I'd take some heat for it, but hey, it's my home state. The only team that makes a TV appearance that isn't on a campus channel. Now that we're in Belgium, I'd love to represent, but it just isn't safe. We don't live on post, we aren't assigned to a post that has tons of Americans all wearing their football apparel out and about. I might wear my shirt if the only place I'm going is the commissary and home. It's not a good idea to show the host nation that we're not only outsiders, but Americans. Better to just stick out a little bit and have people think that maybe we're Canadians.
So, Huskers, Good Luck! Wish we could watch, but it isn't possible. Maybe when we spring for cable, we'll see you then.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wildlife
Coming home the other night, I saw something that I hadn't seen in a long time, since I was a little kid going to my cousins ranch in Atkinson. Jackrabbits, or as they call them here, hares. It was after 9pm, and my light was almost gone, twilight. The drive home is almost all country roads and there is almost always pheasants to see, but this movement was different. I actually stopped to watch them hopping around in a recently plowed field. There were tons of them out there, at least 15 that I could see. My mom has bunnies at her house, so those are no big deal. These hares were huge, at least 18 inches tall from what I could tell, but none of them were standing up on their hind feet for long. I sat and watched them for a few minutes hopping around, looking for tasty bits that the plow overturned. While my drive to and from the post is a long one sometimes, I love seeing all the country things that I have missed since moving from Nebraska.
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