The leaves are starting to turn colors here in Belgium and green is giving way to yellows and oranges. Autumn here also means fog in the mornings, apparently. We have had to adjust our time to leave for school by several minutes because the fog is pretty thick. Yesterday, though, it gave way to a beautiful photo opportunity. The sun was up and glowing yellow through the mist, the cows were in the pasture and the fog was settled close to the ground, just beautiful. My neighbor, a fellow American, was out snapping pictures. If she gets them uploaded, I'll add them here.
The other great thing about autumn is the pheasants are out and about. We have some wooded chateau grounds across the street from the house and the pheasants are always talking over there. Yesterday and today we've been slowed down by a huge family of pheasants walking down the road. Right down the center, pretty as you please, just like a good Belgian family. No hurry and no rush to the side of the road. We've been seeing a male for the past few weeks, but this week all the hens are out and their young brood. They are such gorgeous birds to watch, especially when they do decide to glide away from danger. (which takes a lot of encouragement, believe me)
Our house is out in the sticks, we are not close to anywhere that sells diet coke, but it is beautiful out here. My forever house just might need to be in the country somewhere. Maybe just a little closer to diet coke, though.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Oktoberfest 2011
My husband and I went to Oktoberfest in Munich with some friends of ours, on Saturday. What a blast!! It was so different from what I expected. I was expecting tents, beer, Germans in traditional dress, foreigners in slutty fake traditional dress, polka bands and drunk people. I was not expecting that it was so much like the Iowa State Fair, except with the above stated expectations.
The place in Munich where Oktoberfest is held is a permanent place, the tents are actual buildings that don't move. Surrounding the permanent "tents" are all sorts of carnival rides and food vendors. The availability of beer is there, but you can't carry it all over the place and it is served in glass glasses with the name of the beer that you are drinking, no drinking European beer from a plastic cup. So you don't walk off with the glasses since they don't want broken glass everywhere. Well, you can, but you paid a deposit on the glass, so to get your 3 EU back per beer, you give the glass back. (we came home with 3 glasses, with the 9 EU of deposits that we lost)
The food stands are very similar to what you'd see at a state fair, minus the funnel cakes and fried oddities. (I looked everywhere for German funnel cake and could not find it) There were different meats, sandwiches, sweets and pastries. Heaven. There were also some alcohol stands not involving beer, margaritas and vodka red bull can be served in plastic, apparently. We had a very tasty bratwurst on delicious bread and a steak sandwich that was decent and chocolate fruit that was amazing.
We weren't able to get tickets into the tents, that needed to be done months and months ahead of time and July just wasn't ahead enough. To make up for that, we went to the Hofbrauhaus for dinner. http://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/index_en.html This place just what I would expect from Oktoberfest. Tables and tables of people singing and drinking and eating great food, listening to the oom-pah music. My husband made friends with some "seasoned citizens" that were all over him. Actually, they made friends with him by hugging him, looking at him closely in the face, speaking to him in German and hugging him again. Oh, was he red. It was one of the highlights of the night, really.
I really don't know if we need to drive the 7 hours to Munich again next year for Oktoberfest since our friends will be back in the states, but I am so glad that I was able to experience it. The Germans at SHAPE do their own Oktoberfest here and bring in everything from Germany themselves, including their own tent. It was this weekend too, so we didn't get to go. The tickets for Friday night sold out the first afternoon and Saturday sold out the next day. You better believe that's where we'll be next year!
Prost!
The place in Munich where Oktoberfest is held is a permanent place, the tents are actual buildings that don't move. Surrounding the permanent "tents" are all sorts of carnival rides and food vendors. The availability of beer is there, but you can't carry it all over the place and it is served in glass glasses with the name of the beer that you are drinking, no drinking European beer from a plastic cup. So you don't walk off with the glasses since they don't want broken glass everywhere. Well, you can, but you paid a deposit on the glass, so to get your 3 EU back per beer, you give the glass back. (we came home with 3 glasses, with the 9 EU of deposits that we lost)
The food stands are very similar to what you'd see at a state fair, minus the funnel cakes and fried oddities. (I looked everywhere for German funnel cake and could not find it) There were different meats, sandwiches, sweets and pastries. Heaven. There were also some alcohol stands not involving beer, margaritas and vodka red bull can be served in plastic, apparently. We had a very tasty bratwurst on delicious bread and a steak sandwich that was decent and chocolate fruit that was amazing.
We weren't able to get tickets into the tents, that needed to be done months and months ahead of time and July just wasn't ahead enough. To make up for that, we went to the Hofbrauhaus for dinner. http://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/index_en.html This place just what I would expect from Oktoberfest. Tables and tables of people singing and drinking and eating great food, listening to the oom-pah music. My husband made friends with some "seasoned citizens" that were all over him. Actually, they made friends with him by hugging him, looking at him closely in the face, speaking to him in German and hugging him again. Oh, was he red. It was one of the highlights of the night, really.
I really don't know if we need to drive the 7 hours to Munich again next year for Oktoberfest since our friends will be back in the states, but I am so glad that I was able to experience it. The Germans at SHAPE do their own Oktoberfest here and bring in everything from Germany themselves, including their own tent. It was this weekend too, so we didn't get to go. The tickets for Friday night sold out the first afternoon and Saturday sold out the next day. You better believe that's where we'll be next year!
Prost!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Harvest Season in Belgium
Ever since I was lucky enough to be sent away during the summers (I understand now, Mom) to my cousin's ranch in north central Nebraska, I've been interested in the workings of farms and ranches. They had horses, cows, a few chickens and a goat, and a couple of summers, nasty hogs. It was the highlight of my year to be able to stay with them and pretend I was a ranch girl, getting to ride Tyrone, my trusty stead, in the kids' rodeos. I loved it.
The main job every summer for my cousin's was putting up hay, alfalfa. I usually stayed with Janet, helping get the eggs, feed the chickens, nasty hogs and the bottle calves. It was fun, but I really enjoyed taking lunch (1600 snack of sandwiches, dessert and iced tea) out to the field so I could watch them mow, rake and bale hay. The smell of fresh cut alfalfa is still one of my favorites and I just really wanted to help.
That enjoyment and interest of farming has been rekindled since we've moved here. My part of Belgium looks alot like many parts of Nebraska. There are fields of wheat, corn, potatoes, alfalfa and sugar beets. The beautiful, golden wheat fields were harvested shortly after we got our house in July. I've seen wheat harvested before, no big deal. Then they came along and baled the wheat straw in huge rectangular bales. Not the bread loaf bales, but similar to the 50 lb bales, only much larger. Probably 5 feet long and 2 feet or so across. Too large to swing up onto a flatbed.
Recently, the potato fields have been harvested. I've never seen potato fields before, so I've had to stop more than once and watch them being harvested. My son and I stopped to watch last Saturday on the way to the football game. We were very intent on watching the conveyor belt bringing up the potatoes until we noticed an older woman riding up above the contraption sorting potatoes watching us. We might as well have had signs above our heads saying, "We're not from here."
Well, today they started harvesting the sugar beets next to the house and we had to go out and watch. We walked right up into the field so see the work in action. It's a two vehicle operation and we were so impressed. My son (and I) had all sorts of questions with no way to ask them, darn language barrier. I can't even explain the sickles and blades and augers and conveyors on both machines. Really, we were fascinated. The farmers, I'm sure, had to giggle about my son and I standing out in their field watching them work, but it was so cool.
This field is huge too, and their making pretty quick work of it. It's dry right now, by dry, I mean, not raining currently, so they have to get out there and get the beets in. The sooner they get them out, the sooner work can start on them shoring up the side of the house so we don't have water seeping into the concrete walls. But, I digress.
While we might not live in the city or that close to work or groceries, we love out little commune and house and neighbor cow and all the harvesting and farm work going on, with the exception of electric poo spreading day. Thank you, U.S. Army for bringing us here.
The main job every summer for my cousin's was putting up hay, alfalfa. I usually stayed with Janet, helping get the eggs, feed the chickens, nasty hogs and the bottle calves. It was fun, but I really enjoyed taking lunch (1600 snack of sandwiches, dessert and iced tea) out to the field so I could watch them mow, rake and bale hay. The smell of fresh cut alfalfa is still one of my favorites and I just really wanted to help.
That enjoyment and interest of farming has been rekindled since we've moved here. My part of Belgium looks alot like many parts of Nebraska. There are fields of wheat, corn, potatoes, alfalfa and sugar beets. The beautiful, golden wheat fields were harvested shortly after we got our house in July. I've seen wheat harvested before, no big deal. Then they came along and baled the wheat straw in huge rectangular bales. Not the bread loaf bales, but similar to the 50 lb bales, only much larger. Probably 5 feet long and 2 feet or so across. Too large to swing up onto a flatbed.
Recently, the potato fields have been harvested. I've never seen potato fields before, so I've had to stop more than once and watch them being harvested. My son and I stopped to watch last Saturday on the way to the football game. We were very intent on watching the conveyor belt bringing up the potatoes until we noticed an older woman riding up above the contraption sorting potatoes watching us. We might as well have had signs above our heads saying, "We're not from here."
Well, today they started harvesting the sugar beets next to the house and we had to go out and watch. We walked right up into the field so see the work in action. It's a two vehicle operation and we were so impressed. My son (and I) had all sorts of questions with no way to ask them, darn language barrier. I can't even explain the sickles and blades and augers and conveyors on both machines. Really, we were fascinated. The farmers, I'm sure, had to giggle about my son and I standing out in their field watching them work, but it was so cool.
This field is huge too, and their making pretty quick work of it. It's dry right now, by dry, I mean, not raining currently, so they have to get out there and get the beets in. The sooner they get them out, the sooner work can start on them shoring up the side of the house so we don't have water seeping into the concrete walls. But, I digress.
While we might not live in the city or that close to work or groceries, we love out little commune and house and neighbor cow and all the harvesting and farm work going on, with the exception of electric poo spreading day. Thank you, U.S. Army for bringing us here.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Battle of Britain Sunday
Today I had the honor of singing with the choir for Battle of Britain Sunday for the 71st anniversary of the turning point in WWII and the Royal Air Force's part in it. It was a very well done service, and great to know that this Sunday is used throughout the UK and UK military bases in the world. Though I like history, I am by no means a historian and was unfamiliar with The Battle of Britain. The members of the RAF that are stationed at SHAPE were required to attend this morning, and in dress uniform, it was something to behold. The Americans have the largest amount of troops here, but most of them were no where to be seen on 9/11, which was just sad. The RAF did it in style.
The Padre was a very well spoken man and was easy to listen to. Great deep voice coupled with the British accent, it was good. He spoke of the generations now not knowing of the glorious history of the UK and that the stories are dying, people don't remember or care.
He also, many times actually, spoke to the thanks that we need to give our veterans, not only from WWII, but from recent conflicts and wars. In the prayers, he said many things that I'd like to share.
"Let us thank God for the freedoms we enjoy, recalling with gratitude the courage of those who in war served the cause of liberty, especially those who gave their lives so that we might live to the fullest." Yes, I thought, we do need to thank God and our servicemen and women for all they have done and do for us today. Especially for the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice and aren't able to come home and love their families.
"Let us give thanks for the service rendered in peace and in conflict to the peoples of this and of other countries by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Auxiliary Air force; for peace preserved, for peril averted." Again, Yes! Thank you for all that you do, during peace and war for our country and the world. Leaving family and friends behind so that you may follow the mission that you volunteered for as your career. A career with more sacrifices than any other. In the case of the Battle of Britain, if it weren't for the tireless efforts of the RAF, what would our world be like today. What was averted? May we never know.
"Let us pray for all who suffer today for exploitation, greed, or cruelty; and for those who live where there is open warfare or the threat of violence. Let us pray for the leaders of the nations and for all who can influence the course of world events: that they may act with wisdom, discernment, and integrity." You know, I've never been to a service where the "political prayer" has been done so well and completely. My last church was, "Let us pray for our President and God grant him wisdom." Gee, there is a lot more to it, isn't there? Don't we want to pray for the people of Libya, who have done nothing wrong besides been born there? They've lived oppressed under a crazy man for years. What about North Koreans, people from throughout Africa, the civilians of Afghanistan? How blessed are we that we've been born in the United States? How much do we take that for granted? And I loved the part about influencing the course of world events. Wisdom, discernment and integrity. Three very important words in our lives and the lives of politicians. (world leaders, whatever, they are politicians) If there were more integrity, would so many Americans have such hostility towards our country's leaders elected leaders, in general?
Oh, my favorite one. "Let us pray for all who still bear the wounds of war in body, mind or spirit; for veterans and for all who assist them, especially the RAFA, the RAF Widows' Association, the War Widow' Association of GB and the RAF Benevolent Fund; that all who have made sacrifice for the cause of peace may know that peace in their own lives." We forget that if we can't see the effects of war, then they must not be there. There are worse things than losing your hearing or a limb. PTSD, TBI, so many worse things than coming home and needed a prosthetic leg. In this prayer we also thanked those that have lost their loved ones, the widows. Honestly, I don't know if there is a widow's association for the US military. I hope to never find out.
We also prayed for those "still serving in the Middle East and Afghanistan, for their stamina, resilience and courage." Again, three great words to pray for.
And, as I'm coming to learn with the Brits, afterward we were all invited to some place less formal so we could have a "light snack and enjoy each others' fellowship." You know, it's important to be outside the church so you can have beer and biscuits and chat each other up. What a way to spend a Sunday morning?
Thank you, United States Army, for among many other things, bringing my family here to Belgium, so we may be able to learn from other cultures and see and do things that otherwise would not be possible.
The Padre was a very well spoken man and was easy to listen to. Great deep voice coupled with the British accent, it was good. He spoke of the generations now not knowing of the glorious history of the UK and that the stories are dying, people don't remember or care.
He also, many times actually, spoke to the thanks that we need to give our veterans, not only from WWII, but from recent conflicts and wars. In the prayers, he said many things that I'd like to share.
"Let us thank God for the freedoms we enjoy, recalling with gratitude the courage of those who in war served the cause of liberty, especially those who gave their lives so that we might live to the fullest." Yes, I thought, we do need to thank God and our servicemen and women for all they have done and do for us today. Especially for the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice and aren't able to come home and love their families.
"Let us give thanks for the service rendered in peace and in conflict to the peoples of this and of other countries by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Auxiliary Air force; for peace preserved, for peril averted." Again, Yes! Thank you for all that you do, during peace and war for our country and the world. Leaving family and friends behind so that you may follow the mission that you volunteered for as your career. A career with more sacrifices than any other. In the case of the Battle of Britain, if it weren't for the tireless efforts of the RAF, what would our world be like today. What was averted? May we never know.
"Let us pray for all who suffer today for exploitation, greed, or cruelty; and for those who live where there is open warfare or the threat of violence. Let us pray for the leaders of the nations and for all who can influence the course of world events: that they may act with wisdom, discernment, and integrity." You know, I've never been to a service where the "political prayer" has been done so well and completely. My last church was, "Let us pray for our President and God grant him wisdom." Gee, there is a lot more to it, isn't there? Don't we want to pray for the people of Libya, who have done nothing wrong besides been born there? They've lived oppressed under a crazy man for years. What about North Koreans, people from throughout Africa, the civilians of Afghanistan? How blessed are we that we've been born in the United States? How much do we take that for granted? And I loved the part about influencing the course of world events. Wisdom, discernment and integrity. Three very important words in our lives and the lives of politicians. (world leaders, whatever, they are politicians) If there were more integrity, would so many Americans have such hostility towards our country's leaders elected leaders, in general?
Oh, my favorite one. "Let us pray for all who still bear the wounds of war in body, mind or spirit; for veterans and for all who assist them, especially the RAFA, the RAF Widows' Association, the War Widow' Association of GB and the RAF Benevolent Fund; that all who have made sacrifice for the cause of peace may know that peace in their own lives." We forget that if we can't see the effects of war, then they must not be there. There are worse things than losing your hearing or a limb. PTSD, TBI, so many worse things than coming home and needed a prosthetic leg. In this prayer we also thanked those that have lost their loved ones, the widows. Honestly, I don't know if there is a widow's association for the US military. I hope to never find out.
We also prayed for those "still serving in the Middle East and Afghanistan, for their stamina, resilience and courage." Again, three great words to pray for.
And, as I'm coming to learn with the Brits, afterward we were all invited to some place less formal so we could have a "light snack and enjoy each others' fellowship." You know, it's important to be outside the church so you can have beer and biscuits and chat each other up. What a way to spend a Sunday morning?
Thank you, United States Army, for among many other things, bringing my family here to Belgium, so we may be able to learn from other cultures and see and do things that otherwise would not be possible.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Terry Fox Run
Today, my son and I did the Terry Fox Run on SHAPE. It was a run sponsored by the Canadians and is something that is done every September where ever there are a large number of Canadians. I had three reasons to do this run today.
One: I had to get in a workout and I was going to have my son while my husband was coaching football, so it wouldn't be a gym workout. He sits in the stroller for about an hour is entertained by the iPod, so 5k is perfect. (and I had no ambition to do a 10k)
Two: Every Canadian I've met here is friendly and polite and courteous, so why not spend a morning surrounded by Canadians. They were going to have a bouncy castle to entertain the kids before and after the race and have great food for sale. Go support the Canadians, they're nice people.
Three: I've know so many people that have been affected by cancer, and 85% of all proceeds to to cancer research. That's a great percentage compared to other charities. Terry Fox was a very young man that lost his leg to cancer, then inspired millions of Canadians by running thousands of kilometers in his Marathon for Hope, (did I mention with one leg and one prosthesis) only to lose his battle before he could finish. I will always give money to foundations wanting to find cures for cancer and helping celebrate this man's dream was a great way to do it.
To read more about Terry Fox and his foundation, follow this link: http://www.terryfox.org/Foundation/Facts.html
It was a great way to start out our day. Thank you for including the rest of us SHAPians in your fight to find a cure for cancer.
One: I had to get in a workout and I was going to have my son while my husband was coaching football, so it wouldn't be a gym workout. He sits in the stroller for about an hour is entertained by the iPod, so 5k is perfect. (and I had no ambition to do a 10k)
Two: Every Canadian I've met here is friendly and polite and courteous, so why not spend a morning surrounded by Canadians. They were going to have a bouncy castle to entertain the kids before and after the race and have great food for sale. Go support the Canadians, they're nice people.
Three: I've know so many people that have been affected by cancer, and 85% of all proceeds to to cancer research. That's a great percentage compared to other charities. Terry Fox was a very young man that lost his leg to cancer, then inspired millions of Canadians by running thousands of kilometers in his Marathon for Hope, (did I mention with one leg and one prosthesis) only to lose his battle before he could finish. I will always give money to foundations wanting to find cures for cancer and helping celebrate this man's dream was a great way to do it.
To read more about Terry Fox and his foundation, follow this link: http://www.terryfox.org/Foundation/Facts.html
It was a great way to start out our day. Thank you for including the rest of us SHAPians in your fight to find a cure for cancer.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Roman Roads (awesome or awful)
My son and I saw a neighbor pop out of a road (priority to the right) the other day on the way to school that got her to the same place a few seconds earlier than we did. I've followed her more than once and know I drive faster, so I tracked her down at school and asked her about it. She said it was a bumpy old Roman Road, but they took it every once in awhile to break up the monotony of driving the same route twice a day.
When we were out and about with our would-be sponsor, he took us on this road when wandering about looking for homes. I figured I'd try it out. My son was all excited to see a new road on the trip home, so we hit the road.
Oh my goodness! It was amazing and atrocious at the same time. Absolutely amazing that a road, built by the Romans, was still highly traveled. That afternoon, I was in awe that I was driving my little hybrid Prius, on all battery since the driving was slow, was moving along a road that was used by foot traffic and horses. Mind boggling really, that it was still in existence and used every day. Used every day by heavy machinery, like the honey wagons that we've followed (at a distance) every time we've been on it.
Awful in that it was SO BUMPY. It's made of bricks in the Sanpietrino style and has had very little renovation or update since it was built. (I've looked to see when this style was used and haven't found any good data) There are a few patches, but for the most part, the 3 mile stretch or road is original. My son now calls it, "The Bumpy Road." As in, "Mommy, lets take the bumpy road to school today." And I thought it was rough going in my little Prius. Today we had the '92 Wanda Wagon, in desperate needs of shocks, she is. It is a nice little drive, other than the bumps. It drops us off in Masnuy St. Pierre (Man-wee), which is a cute village and then we get to be the jerks on a priority to the right road pulling out in front of others. (which we don't because it's scary)
The longevity of architecture amazes me. Yes, it's bumpy in today's standards, no doubt about it. But, the Belgians have kept it and used it daily and it's in amazing shape. Our DOT guys in the states build roads all the time that don't have half the staying power, and in Nebraska, the gravel roads are less safe.
There are just some things that make me shake my head. I AM DRIVING ON ROMAN ROADS....to pre-school. Awesome.
When we were out and about with our would-be sponsor, he took us on this road when wandering about looking for homes. I figured I'd try it out. My son was all excited to see a new road on the trip home, so we hit the road.
Awful in that it was SO BUMPY. It's made of bricks in the Sanpietrino style and has had very little renovation or update since it was built. (I've looked to see when this style was used and haven't found any good data) There are a few patches, but for the most part, the 3 mile stretch or road is original. My son now calls it, "The Bumpy Road." As in, "Mommy, lets take the bumpy road to school today." And I thought it was rough going in my little Prius. Today we had the '92 Wanda Wagon, in desperate needs of shocks, she is. It is a nice little drive, other than the bumps. It drops us off in Masnuy St. Pierre (Man-wee), which is a cute village and then we get to be the jerks on a priority to the right road pulling out in front of others. (which we don't because it's scary)
The longevity of architecture amazes me. Yes, it's bumpy in today's standards, no doubt about it. But, the Belgians have kept it and used it daily and it's in amazing shape. Our DOT guys in the states build roads all the time that don't have half the staying power, and in Nebraska, the gravel roads are less safe.
There are just some things that make me shake my head. I AM DRIVING ON ROMAN ROADS....to pre-school. Awesome.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Fall Is In The Air...as are the spiders
Today it isn't raining and isn't windy, so I decided to mow the lawn then take the dog we're sitting out for a walk. All the time I was outside I thought I was seeing things floating in the air. Now, I hate to think this way, but I have to admit that I'm getting older, so I just assume that they're little floaters. Or dust in the air, or more than likely, pieces of floating electric poo being slung around the countryside. Whatever, ya know, gross, getting older, poo particles, everything feels better after a shower, so I didn't put too much thought into it.
When we were out walking though, I noticed that the dog was taking an interest in the floaters too, so that rules out that it's just me. *whew* She even snapped at a few of them. But it's such a beautiful day, it's no big deal. Until one of the bigger floaters comes right past my nose and I finally see that they are spiders. There are spiders floating all over Belgium, or at least my part of Belgium, today. The weather must be just right for the egg sacs to pop and the bigger ones to go see far off places, so they're catching a nice breeze and floating off on new adventures. EEEW.
I'm not a fan of the spiders, really. I'm not phobic, but I don't care for them and they're all over here, especially in my house. We don't have screens on the windows (don't ask me why not) and there are small gaps under the doors and I do have a very small, icky cellar, so I have spiders. Usually the spindly legged ones, but they're everywhere and I can't keep up killing them. But now they're floating on the air?!? Yes, I remember Charlotte's Web and know that spiders travel this way, but I can look outside and tell that some of the spots floating in the air now are spiders. Yuck. It's a never ending battle.
When we were out walking though, I noticed that the dog was taking an interest in the floaters too, so that rules out that it's just me. *whew* She even snapped at a few of them. But it's such a beautiful day, it's no big deal. Until one of the bigger floaters comes right past my nose and I finally see that they are spiders. There are spiders floating all over Belgium, or at least my part of Belgium, today. The weather must be just right for the egg sacs to pop and the bigger ones to go see far off places, so they're catching a nice breeze and floating off on new adventures. EEEW.
I'm not a fan of the spiders, really. I'm not phobic, but I don't care for them and they're all over here, especially in my house. We don't have screens on the windows (don't ask me why not) and there are small gaps under the doors and I do have a very small, icky cellar, so I have spiders. Usually the spindly legged ones, but they're everywhere and I can't keep up killing them. But now they're floating on the air?!? Yes, I remember Charlotte's Web and know that spiders travel this way, but I can look outside and tell that some of the spots floating in the air now are spiders. Yuck. It's a never ending battle.
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