tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15066867269137966172024-03-13T18:59:58.822+01:00Alabama (Germany) Hoff HouseA Glimpse of our adventures living in Germany a SECOND time as Expats from AlabamaHoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-41362997950130974122019-07-14T14:52:00.005+02:002019-07-14T14:52:54.785+02:00Where's my map???<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJXbGs0vAyw/XSsjGrDherI/AAAAAAAA7r8/xiY2kkTbaG4lCY4tj7BKwUB_1TydL_OVwCLcBGAs/s1600/wRyPxqxITuulYpLuFk7e9Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJXbGs0vAyw/XSsjGrDherI/AAAAAAAA7r8/xiY2kkTbaG4lCY4tj7BKwUB_1TydL_OVwCLcBGAs/s320/wRyPxqxITuulYpLuFk7e9Q.jpg" width="320" /></a>Hello my old friend, G Blogger. Guess you wondered where I've been or if I have been too sick to write after reading my last post in 2014? Quite the opposite. After beating cancer, I have been living my life to the fullest, raising a family, spending time with my husband/family/friends and started a non-profit business as a way to spread joy and help support others battling cancer. <br />
Now my life has taken another turn.... As of two weeks ago, my husband, two teenage children and I are back in Stuttgart Germany living as (non-military) expats for a second time. (In case you are wondering why the non-military part is relevant....We do not get to shop or partake on events that take place on U.S., military bases. I support this fact since these are the families that seem to move often to defend our country...so they should get as many "American" accommodations as possible during their stay in another country. But this blog will be about acclimating to a complete German culture for us. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrtUlj-BKqI/XSsjanwqQEI/AAAAAAAA7sE/u4tyj3FpbF8NgXRK81rtPoZiU01HKI1_QCLcBGAs/s1600/%2525IIVgilWRDmn0WVwHYC3ZA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrtUlj-BKqI/XSsjanwqQEI/AAAAAAAA7sE/u4tyj3FpbF8NgXRK81rtPoZiU01HKI1_QCLcBGAs/s320/%2525IIVgilWRDmn0WVwHYC3ZA.jpg" width="320" /></a>Lately, I have been thinking....Wouldn't it be nice if at birth, we received a little road map to help us navigate all the twists and turns our life will take us? But, I guess that would end up being boring kinda like a orange Hotwheels car circling around and around on its plastic track.<br />
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Without a "Kirstin's life" navigation map, I sit here looking at every other map and information brochure trying to re-familiarize myself with Stuttgart Germany. I thought I was prepared to speak German again after attending a 40 hour Berlitz intensive immersion course in Washington DC...but I seemed to have forgotten the rate of speed everyone would speak once we were actually in Germany. (I'm sure it will provide for many humorous posts in the future)<br />
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For now, let me reintroduce myself:<br />
I'm Kirstin<br />
I"m alive and well-4 1/2 years out from Chemo and radiation.<br />
We moved back to Stuttgart Germany 2 weeks ago after saying many sad "so longs" to our family and friends" to live as expats.<br />
This time living in Germany, I have two teenagers rather than the young children I had that were happy just to find a fantastic German playground. (I wish someone had given me a map for raising teenagers too)<br />
I prefer to find the positives in life...even when it is challenging.<br />
and lastly...I am determined to find the energy to experience all of the new adventures waiting for us here in Germany and hopefully, share some of these with you whether you will be traveling abroad or also living as an expat. <br />
My motto-" It is easy...spread JOY"<br />
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-37541638497734153152014-05-08T15:20:00.000+02:002014-05-08T15:20:21.731+02:00slight detour....I want my battle with cancer to be a "slight detour" in my life and have therefore created a seperate "blog" for this path I am walking down. <br />
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Detour this way....<br />
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<a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kirstinhoff" target="_blank">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kirstinhoff</a>Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-86792404595299633142013-09-06T23:04:00.002+02:002013-09-06T23:06:24.522+02:00poor study habits or language barrier...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaycdxP5qho/UipBkNQbh3I/AAAAAAAAHAc/mBSHyucweF8/s1600/IMG_0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaycdxP5qho/UipBkNQbh3I/AAAAAAAAHAc/mBSHyucweF8/s320/IMG_0725.jpg" width="144" /></a>Maybe my struggles understanding the German language while we were living there weren't just due to my poor study habits.... <br />
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Just as I thought I was settling back into the world of English, I had a man come up to me as I was sitting on the library floor gathering books for the kids and ask, <b><i>"are you going to the Gap later?" </i></b><br />
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I stared at him for about long enough to sneeze trying to rack my brain if I knew him and then responded with big wide open eyes, <i><b>"excuse me?" </b></i><br />
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He repeated, <i><b>"are you going to the Gap later?"</b></i><br />
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I gazed at him about the same as I gazed at a German that was speaking too fast. And just like my gaze didn't bother those Germans, it didn't bother this man either as he patiently said, <i><b>" I was just asking, because if you need me too, I can help you get up!"</b></i> <br />
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Now, I am not really sure what baffles me more...the fact that he even thought I may not be able to get up from my perfected Indian style sit OR that I heard Gap rather then "get-up". At least now, I am clear that language may always be a challenge for me whether it is German, English or even Alabamian...and THAT was spoken like a true writer:Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-38716495322795212942013-08-20T17:25:00.000+02:002013-09-06T23:06:14.308+02:00Time stood still at Rosemary Beach<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgczM3ttMO0/UhN2EZ3ZreI/AAAAAAAAG9c/eogSLFlPmq4/s1600/IMG_0458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgczM3ttMO0/UhN2EZ3ZreI/AAAAAAAAG9c/eogSLFlPmq4/s320/IMG_0458.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUWyKQ3PA3I/UhN1CqJh7sI/AAAAAAAAG8k/4xBm5sj5SGU/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUWyKQ3PA3I/UhN1CqJh7sI/AAAAAAAAG8k/4xBm5sj5SGU/s320/IMG_0406.jpg" width="240" /></a>After 3 months of changes, unpacking and plain ole chaos, time finally stood still for me. Well, for about 5 minutes since that seems to be my bodies limit for being still. But sometimes, those 5 minutes can bring such clarity.<br />
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My 5 minutes consisted of the ocean, a pouring rain storm and me floating on my back with my ears under the water all alone in that big ole Gulf. As my ears filled with salt water, clarity came that I had indeed survived all of the chaos that surrounds a move across the ocean with a 7 & 8 year old.<br />
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In addition to that 5 minutes, our days at Rosemary beach allowed our whole
family to freeze time a tad as we played together with a few friends, some crabs,
white sand, the Gulf and a lot of fresh ocean air. I am (slowly) learning that it is good to let time stand still before you pick the pace back up in life...otherwise you may get side cramps and who wants those? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>catching up with friends</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>who says you have to go in when it rains?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hitting it with dad</i></td></tr>
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And then there was Cooper's 8th birthday on the beach.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beach fire dinner with friends from New Orleans and Alabama</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crabbing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Adult Marshmellow</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Roasting Marshmellow</i></td></tr>
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And then the goodbyes.......<br />
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And the drive home.....<br />
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-5165286680835486172013-08-03T01:21:00.001+02:002013-08-03T01:21:19.739+02:00Red Alabama sugarThere is just NOTHIN like a home grown Sweet tasty...drip down your chin...stick to your feet when the juice spills on your hard woods...seed spitting fun Alabama watermelon. It was our Yep, 'go-to' Alabama grub before we moved to Germany and has returned to our chins once more.<br />
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Alabama Sugar GRUB BEFORE GERMANY<br />
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THE RETURN OF ALABAMA SUGAR.... <br />
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-83506687557749667462013-07-24T23:50:00.000+02:002013-07-25T23:57:32.690+02:00Southern Hospitality<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlqjV8fZ3GY/UfBLXeWuhTI/AAAAAAAAG5c/039hjJJigOw/s1600/IMG_0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlqjV8fZ3GY/UfBLXeWuhTI/AAAAAAAAG5c/039hjJJigOw/s320/IMG_0338.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<i>"Southern hospitality is a phrase used in American English to
describe the stereotype of residents of the Southern United States as
particularly warm, sweet, and welcoming to visitors to their homes, or to the
South in general. Food figures
highly in Southern hospitality, a large component of the idea being the
provision of Southern cuisine to visitors. A cake or other delicacy is often
brought to the door of a new neighbor as a mechanism of
introduction"(Wikipedia's definition)</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">My definition....Just good ole kindness shown
to people no matter where they live. The past two weeks, we have been
reminded that we live in this land of Southern hospitality, which can
sometimes seem fake to those that do not live in "the south".
But let me tell you there hasn't been one bit of fake in all of the
goodies that have been dropped off by many of our new neighbors as they welcome
us to the new hood. I don't even think there has been one single teaspoon
of splenda used....</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-76018725901273314272013-07-10T17:48:00.000+02:002013-07-10T17:48:10.981+02:00Guests...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jdr_mfbPEvw/Ud2AatjwewI/AAAAAAAAG3s/gC4i_tUKfxo/s1600/IMG_0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jdr_mfbPEvw/Ud2AatjwewI/AAAAAAAAG3s/gC4i_tUKfxo/s320/IMG_0219.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Mike getting us set for fishing</td></tr>
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I have always felt like a kid when we have company coming to visit. So as soon as we were unpacked, we put the word out that we were ready for guests and a room was "booked" within a few days by my brother and his friend that would make the almost 8 hour drive down from North Carolina. While we lived in Germany, we were lucky to have many of our family and friends visit us, but it wasn't often enough for me. <br />
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As a kid I loved going up to visit my grandparent. As we were on the last mile of our drive to 'Ma & Pa's' house my dad would have me begin counting down as we winded around the two lane road just to add to the anticipation before our arrival. Not only did my mouth begin to drool as I thought of all of my grandmother's home cooked favorites that would be consumed, but I also knew that as we pulled into the gravel driveway that had a welcoming crunch under our tires, my grandfather (most times) would be sitting on one of the porches awaiting our arrival. Their hospitality always made me feel warm and bubbly and I hope I carry on the tradition as I find myself sitting (not so patiently) on the front porch counting down the minutes until they arrive. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">giving fishing lessons in the back yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOz53ocrGCM/Ud1_9v7OYaI/AAAAAAAAG3U/c39SFjnjNDw/s1600/IMG_0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOz53ocrGCM/Ud1_9v7OYaI/AAAAAAAAG3U/c39SFjnjNDw/s1600/IMG_0230.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dinner?</td></tr>
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<br />Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-76849751800755871942013-07-10T17:25:00.003+02:002013-07-10T17:25:35.250+02:00Pictures hung<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FDFKxtF0A9M/Udyys-25zgI/AAAAAAAAG2U/Zn7IbhoqfHE/s640/blogger-image-2110296660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FDFKxtF0A9M/Udyys-25zgI/AAAAAAAAG2U/Zn7IbhoqfHE/s320/blogger-image-2110296660.jpg" width="240" /></a>Movers came and came and came. Over a course of 2 weeks and 3 days of unloading our furniture arrived via boat, plane and many customs inspections. And yes, much to my friends amazement all the pictures are hung and boxes are all unpacked. Ok...so it is a little 'type A' personality. But after living in hotels and suitcases for 6 weeks, I like to create a "home" as fast as possible no matter what country or state we are living and thankfully, I have a husband that also likes to get settled. Well, maybe he doesn't like all of the hanging of pictures...then the un-hanging because a better spot was found. So maybe after this whirlwind of unpacking there seems to be a lot of exhaustion and sleeping that happens. Thank goodness we had so many great friends that helped us with hands and great delivered meals!!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we are moving that picture again??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NNifzy5SfPc/Udyv5xJvU0I/AAAAAAAAG10/WezResmgbvA/s640/blogger-image-1759508788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NNifzy5SfPc/Udyv5xJvU0I/AAAAAAAAG10/WezResmgbvA/s640/blogger-image-1759508788.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done!</td></tr>
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-70378904639584172882013-07-08T16:23:00.004+02:002013-07-08T16:23:31.565+02:00Golfer's dream<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GMt152EtGY/UdSN8Vc_YfI/AAAAAAAAG0s/NIPN8vPGU9k/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GMt152EtGY/UdSN8Vc_YfI/AAAAAAAAG0s/NIPN8vPGU9k/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a> I don't know Golf....but from his excitement as was showing me the pictures, I would say Jason was able to experience a golfer's dream. After meetings in Germany, He hopped over to St. Andrews and Carnoustie for some much needed r & r...which would be 'swing & miss' for me.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ypHbnbGFvc/UdSNPd9sV9I/AAAAAAAAG0c/izPhRKeRRGs/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ypHbnbGFvc/UdSNPd9sV9I/AAAAAAAAG0c/izPhRKeRRGs/s320/IMG_0012.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrol0b3G8Y8/UdSMqxw7_7I/AAAAAAAAG0E/IRqMiBi6vm0/s1280/IMG_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrol0b3G8Y8/UdSMqxw7_7I/AAAAAAAAG0E/IRqMiBi6vm0/s320/IMG_0015.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-12475666135696670902013-07-03T22:33:00.002+02:002013-07-03T22:33:24.452+02:00Oregon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgTA2OadjxI/UdR_v4sw-LI/AAAAAAAAGzk/rXFoGAcf4Ys/s1600/IMG_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgTA2OadjxI/UdR_v4sw-LI/AAAAAAAAGzk/rXFoGAcf4Ys/s400/IMG_0078.jpg" width="300" /></a>If only this guy's dentures could talk...he would tell you that I felt just like him after all of our travel from Germany to Alabama and then to Oregon... not to mention my little girl holding on tight to sickness the whole time we were at the grandparents. But, unlike this talking Joe, with a little time and relaxation thanks to Grandma and Pops, I have found my skin again. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter also wanted Karina to get well</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lg6v0eCX7Lk/UdR_JGp0iXI/AAAAAAAAGzM/tzgtchaqreQ/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lg6v0eCX7Lk/UdR_JGp0iXI/AAAAAAAAGzM/tzgtchaqreQ/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess who is having the most fun?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTL75frgzY0/UdR_SYaxZzI/AAAAAAAAGzU/SbBO3uQ2pqU/s1600/IMG_0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTL75frgzY0/UdR_SYaxZzI/AAAAAAAAGzU/SbBO3uQ2pqU/s320/IMG_0059.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not only did we make 2 trips to the doctor, but I also knew I was back in America driving the gran's big ole Ford. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z495_8BrQqM/UdR_fOlklcI/AAAAAAAAGzc/gWLfCZFTMnM/s1600/IMG_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z495_8BrQqM/UdR_fOlklcI/AAAAAAAAGzc/gWLfCZFTMnM/s320/IMG_0075.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't get to ride, but at least we had a afternoon laughing together and visiting all of the new fouls</td></tr>
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-11339625518442998952013-06-29T14:25:00.001+02:002013-06-29T14:25:54.258+02:00ChirpCrickets.... Are important. Due to our lack of Internet and cable, they have been our entertainment in the evenings the past two weeks- not to mention all this blog has heard. <div><br></div><div>I am not an I-phone writer/blogger- but I promise as soon as we have Internet and my beloved computer, I will pick up where I left off! But for now, we will listen to the crickets and catch a few lightening bugs...</div>Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-34898084950156603272013-06-16T23:09:00.001+02:002013-06-16T23:23:43.006+02:00Not just a Hallmark holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My father is known to refer to Fathers Day as a "Hallmark holiday". Well, maybe it has become somewhat of an over marketed therefore over shopped holiday in America. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But I call it honoring the man, that among other things, taught me compassion towards the world, how to be open minded about the things we don't understand or know, to think positive even when things aren't so, he shared the gift of reading, taught me independence, showed me the meaning of hard work by example and most of all, gave me the gift of unconditional love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So whether Hallmark says today is the day or not- here's to you dad! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hpDySbd-NxE/Ub4pcPORMEI/AAAAAAAAGxc/hQHz8dZEVWU/s640/blogger-image-976975350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hpDySbd-NxE/Ub4pcPORMEI/AAAAAAAAGxc/hQHz8dZEVWU/s640/blogger-image-976975350.jpg"></a></div>Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-89455545404195168792013-06-14T16:14:00.001+02:002013-06-14T16:14:32.309+02:00Still learning strength<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-12bNYuDMHiM/UbslRtPREAI/AAAAAAAAGxM/ziZUYuyCXWM/s640/blogger-image-606670945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-12bNYuDMHiM/UbslRtPREAI/AAAAAAAAGxM/ziZUYuyCXWM/s640/blogger-image-606670945.jpg"></a></div></div>My learned strength from our time in Germany (that I so gallantly bragged about a few posts back) was tested on my flight to the Grandparents in Oregon with the kids earlier this week. <div><br></div><div>I will not write about how our journey turned into a FIFTEEN hour trip due to mechanical problems, missed flights, re-routing and a luggage no show. That is always a gamble when one flies now... A days and I try not to stress over those things.</div><div><br></div><div>But, I found that I was not quite the strong girl I thought when just 15 minutes after this visit to the captain, switched to my little 8 year old laying in my lap feeling as hot as a desert and basically not responsive. The crew paged over the intercom for a medical doctor and she was iced down, given meds and we have been nursing her all week with TLC and antibiotics. </div><div><br></div><div>So I guess living in Germany did not teach me how to deal with all things with a perfect calm and grace cause I was not very calm as the doctor stayed with us 20,000 feet in the air and Karina felt felt more like the sun laying in my lap. But I was shown that there is grace all over the world and the sky. Maybe that was supposed to be my first lesson moving back to the US because I now understand that I will continue to grow as a person from life's experience even though I am back home and not living in a foreign country. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-36371250891856840322013-06-13T02:31:00.002+02:002013-06-13T03:26:15.252+02:00Grits...southern breakfast of champions<div>
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Some of our friends helped welcome us back with yummies in our hotel room as we returned to Alabama and we immediately felt at home. HOWEVER, my first morning at the hotel breakfast bar, I was welcomed home by a true "Southern Breakfast of Champions". Not good for the heart (or hips) but what is a girl to do when she has just moved back home and is being greeted by cheese grits, spicy sausage, and biscuits with gravy....EAT IT, don't think about the calories, and take tums immediately when returning to the hotel room. <br />
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-662433575302013502013-06-13T01:10:00.003+02:002013-06-13T01:10:46.966+02:00Landed back home. <div>
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We landed and it felt a bit like we were in a foreign country....the sun was shining and the heat was hugging us tightly. <br />
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After all of our chaos' moving morning' ...including no reservations on our train to Frankfurt airport and an impromptu shopping trip to get Rocky a brand new crate in the airport since his didn't meet German law requirements, we arrived back in Alabama. And yes, the skies were so blue. </div>
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-79970189392666935472013-06-06T15:04:00.000+02:002013-06-06T15:24:40.736+02:00Germany Do-Over?If I had a do-over, would I move to Germany again?<br />
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I wouldn't hesitate! (Which is a good thing I guess since my husband's line of work could land us in another country at some point in our life)<br />
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Why should I lie? Change is hard!! And changing to another country can be like a mosquito bite right In the middle of your back that you can't quite reach. But there always is a way to get a good scratch in and Mosiqitio bites heal.</div>
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But my mosqitio bites helped me find new ways and I discovered a strength within myself that surprised even me and I'm not even talking about the shock of my tongue spitting out the German language. I made new friends and a created a new home for our family, all while overcoming a language barrier and learning a new culture. Yeah, at times, I didn't overcome the barrier but they usually led to some needed humor for someone including my family. <br />
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I toured places that reminded me how precious life is and needs to be appreciated. I have eaten food that I am lucky wasn't part of the other 45 years of my life since I enjoy fitting thru doors. I have learned what a real cappuccino was and it doesn't include ordering into a speaker. I have learned cooking new foods when the directions are not in English can lead to disaster. </div>
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I have been to a German wedding to help celebrate the beginning of a beautiful marriage and unfortunately, attended a Jazz funeral to say goodbye one of the first German friends I met when we arrived. These events reminded me that in many ways, it doesn't matter the country because life takes similar paths-both happy and sad.<br />
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I have learned to walk and drive in snow ( it would be pushing it to say I mastered running on the slick stuff) I guess I did NOT master cleaning off our snow packed sidewalk since there is still a stench of soy sauce lingering around my house. I have learned that there are indeed various types of socks, clothes, hats and coats that are more than a fashion staple. <br />
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I have learned how to become more patient when life can be frustrating and love the constant phrase of "kein stress" my German friends say to me when I start living life a little too booked. I have learned that walking is not just a sport, it can be the means of transport home from the grocery store. I now also know for a fact that I really do prefer having a food disposal rather than my German compost box. Thank goodness they are legal in the US of A. Of course I would be faking it if I didn't say how excited I am about the new Extra large front loads that will join our family. I am not sure what it will be like to do one day of laundry in about 30 minutes versus 30 hours as we waited for them to dry on the line. <br />
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I saw that my children will grow and go thru life no matter where we are living. It is all the example we set as to the attitude they take on change. They are not the little ones we moved over with...they are now our adventurous children. </div>
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I have learned that I can be naked in a sauna...but it is not really my thing being all nervous, listening to others sit and chit-chat like they aren't naked all while sweat pours out of my skin. <br />
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I have learned that sometimes in life, the things you worry about and fear will happen...WILL. But it isn't always as scary as you thought the situation would be when all that time worrying was spent. A Medical emergency in a foreign country was one of my biggest fears prior to the move and boy didn't we experience the whole spectrum. Many Emergency rooms were toured, an ambulance was ridden, a hospital was home for a week, conversations with doctors were had in another language...but we went thru it and I learned that fears aren't always worth the worry.<br />
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I am sure I could write about many more things I have learned. But, AGAIN, I have learned that life doesn't stop just because you are flying out in the morning as I sit in the hotel room with Cooper and a very high fever that will not scram even with my good ole US kid's IB Profen. Maybe it is just one last test of my strength here in Germany and I guess I pass since I just got the giggles when I looked at my last load of laundry blowing in the wind hanging outside our hotel room as my son is crying because he wants to go to school to say goodbye but feels too sick and here I am worrying about change. </div>
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I will take many of my learned lessons and use them back in AL... Like taking my own bags to the grocery store, not stock piling unnecessarily, recycling, eating a long dinner in a restaurant because the conversation is just as important as the grub and realizing that it is just too hot to walk home from the grocery store.<br />
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So with that, I finish writing about this chapter of our life, not with a "the End" or <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="de"><span class="hps">Auf Wiedersehen...but rather, see y'all real soon now-ya hear!!</span></span><br />
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-11617308752590614852013-06-06T00:43:00.001+02:002013-06-06T11:14:15.095+02:00Friendships abroad<div>
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somewhat surprise dinner a group of friends had for us tonight.
Their schedules are more than chaotic now, and some have life
altering things going on in their lives...but they found the time to
confirm what I believed... Germany became our home and our friendships
here became our family. I will miss you all (and my friends that have
moved away before us)...but remember what I always say, " once you are
my friend, you are stuck with me for life like a fly on a glue trap!"
Xoxox</div>
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<br />Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-9739362458038918612013-06-04T21:29:00.000+02:002013-06-04T21:29:16.197+02:00GRUB...not just German style<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlJauuPTK_Q/UauY-CUW6RI/AAAAAAAAGuQ/BWLTcO3REaI/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlJauuPTK_Q/UauY-CUW6RI/AAAAAAAAGuQ/BWLTcO3REaI/s320/IMG_3332.JPG" width="320" /></a>Our last two months here in Germany,, we have gone with the motto "no regrets on grub!" The restaurants in Stuttgart are numerous, good and represent every country. I have almost forgotten the idea of fast food...until someone mentions Chic-Filet and look out Charlie cause I'm the first in line.<br />
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We
have dined with friends, we have dined with kids, and we have dined
without. We suffered to have that last bite of African because reservations were late so we cricked as we all sat on a sand floor that was available. We munched on Greek, Italian, Korean, French, Spanish, Turkish, German,
Swabish, Thai, and of course many "I have no idea what this is..." If it was a restaurant we
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The food
here in Germany has been tantalizing, and sometimes just plain ole scary
when thinking of those blood wursts I mistakenly tasted. I am going to
try hard to stick to the limited amounts of processed food when we
return but not sure if we will be able to match these past few months of making sure there were no grub regrets!!!! <br />
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-40364604398447235512013-06-03T08:20:00.000+02:002013-06-03T08:20:12.928+02:00A dog's world in Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>who needs a train when I can snuggle with Karina?</i></td></tr>
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Our dog moved with us to Germany and now we are heading to his "exit" health inspection. It isn't cheap moving a dog with you across the ocean...but he isn't a dog to us...he is part of our family.<br />
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As soon as we greeted him in the Stuttgart airport 2 1/2 years ago, I immediately told him how much fun he was going to have in Germany. "yep Rocky...dogs can ride the train, go in most stores, sit under tables in restaurants begging until you get a nibble, go for walks in big forests, play with many friends in those same forests, dig for mice, roll in the snow and get treated with a big S-P-O-I-L-I-N-G." <br />
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He gave me a wag of his tail and then refused to get 2 blocks near a train, but loved the forest and his new friends not to mention will probably need dog therapy once we return to Alabama and there is no snow.<br />
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I took many pictures of the dogs in the department stores during our time here in Germany to show Rocky...but I somehow deleted most of them before I was able to blog about my amazement. One thing is for sure...Germany is a dog's world....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did a double take at this nap</td></tr>
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<br />Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-77336831569193982742013-06-02T20:49:00.000+02:002013-06-02T20:49:04.080+02:00Austria-our last weekend this chapter...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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It was our last weekend living in Europe and luckily, it was a long holiday. A few months back, we booked this holiday in the Salzburg, Austria area at a Wellness hotel on Fuschlee lake. We thought it would be a great last weekend filled with sunshine, mountain views, fresh air, lake swimming, and a little touring. </div>
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Torential rains decided our last vacation would be other... as the news media reported.</div>
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<i>"<strong>torrential rains lash central Europe, triggering floods and landslides and disrupting transport. "</strong></i></div>
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OK...so our drive home turned into a whole day affair due to the many detours around flooded roads and autobahn, however, the few days before our return journey, we did what we always <i>TRY</i> to do when circumstances are beyond our control. We put on our bathing suits and swim. </div>
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We decided to make the best of the weekend despite the cold pouring rain....We took advantage of the 'Wellness hotel' and got well for our return to the U.S. </div>
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We swam, sauna'd, ate fresh meals, played pool and checkers in the lobby by the fireplace, we petted the ponys in the barn (and for some reason I AGAIN got bitten), swam some more in the heated outdoor pool while sitting in bubbly massage chairs under the water that made you forget your face was freezing as the rain fell, we warmed up by dancing as the evening bands strummed, we popped up the umbrellas with confidence as we went for a walk in along the lake and ventured out in the cold rain to hike up the mountain to tour the salt mines (and afterwards drying the kids socks and shoes in on top of the Mine's heater)</div>
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Tonight, while I was doing our laundry in our "home hotel", it dawned on me how representative this weekend was of our adventures here in Germany. They weren't always easy, but we always had a choice of our mindset. Our choices led to a great 2 1/2 years in Germany and it also led to a great last European vacation in this chapter!
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the salt mines on the slide down</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a break from the rain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heading in the Mine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all dressed and ready to head in the mine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness we get to ride some of the way up the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all different honey with homemade yogurts</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dancing the night away..</td></tr>
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-70499978255693399012013-05-29T16:20:00.001+02:002013-05-29T16:21:47.189+02:009 is fine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MAyqrsydRqg/UaYN8x0aPEI/AAAAAAAAGq0/qmWLXvS1Vbo/s640/blogger-image--1242857346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MAyqrsydRqg/UaYN8x0aPEI/AAAAAAAAGq0/qmWLXvS1Vbo/s640/blogger-image--1242857346.jpg"></a></div>We are headed to Salzburg for a long holiday weekend. Without us planning, It just happens to be our 9th anniversary and a little over nine years ago this handsome chunk of a man asked me to marry him in this same city. Coincidence or faith?<div><br></div><div>He still loves me for who I am, all my quirky ways, makes me smile when things are tough and I will still follow him all over the world. Happy anniversary to the man that makes me smile. </div><div><br></div>Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-86200502749928978082013-05-22T09:14:00.003+02:002013-05-22T09:14:38.300+02:00Springtime?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3PeSICv9Qw/UZxpv_b3coI/AAAAAAAAGnU/3fBXzD6Jceo/s640/blogger-image-200797533.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q3PeSICv9Qw/UZxpv_b3coI/AAAAAAAAGnU/3fBXzD6Jceo/s640/blogger-image-200797533.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yc7y3Ya_gDM/UZk-v7ZOcpI/AAAAAAAAGlk/-lD2CoqS_BM/s640/blogger-image--1578818141.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yc7y3Ya_gDM/UZk-v7ZOcpI/AAAAAAAAGlk/-lD2CoqS_BM/s640/blogger-image--1578818141.jpg" /></a> As I still make 3 loops around my neck with my scarf, I wonder where Spring has gotten lost in Germany this year. But it was an absolute no show in Paris. It was raining with a brisk wind that tried desperately to undo those 3 loops. However, I was proud of the kids (and myself) for venturing out and taking part of the city despite the frozen knuckles and umbrellas flipping inside out more than blocking the rain. We all "looked up" and kept on the positive side. Sometimes, that is just what you have to do to get thru the pouring rain even when it is springtime in Paris.....<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ho86IY6ek4U/UZk-2D2Ja8I/AAAAAAAAGmE/PX77nouC2HE/s640/blogger-image-458821053.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ho86IY6ek4U/UZk-2D2Ja8I/AAAAAAAAGmE/PX77nouC2HE/s320/blogger-image-458821053.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-87048323774081068872013-05-18T22:46:00.001+02:002013-05-18T22:50:36.212+02:00Fast trainsIf you are living in a hotel and up comes a long holiday weekend, one might as well hop on the fast train to Paris and hit another hotel.<br />
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Ahhhh... The fast trains in Europe are a gem. What other means of transportation can you ride going 316km/hr and not have to buckle up for safety? ( not to mention all of the free eye candy) <br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cnXGK2G7TwM/UZfomuArz7I/AAAAAAAAGkE/EGpaY2QsGHU/s640/blogger-image-576950749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cnXGK2G7TwM/UZfomuArz7I/AAAAAAAAGkE/EGpaY2QsGHU/s640/blogger-image-576950749.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zy4JsgaHgGs/UZfoqT1LDEI/AAAAAAAAGkc/7ckw_iwhHJQ/s640/blogger-image-1230555550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zy4JsgaHgGs/UZfoqT1LDEI/AAAAAAAAGkc/7ckw_iwhHJQ/s640/blogger-image-1230555550.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--IEmr919Ar4/UZfopMnVhgI/AAAAAAAAGkU/Mprrlp-1kuE/s640/blogger-image-318708012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--IEmr919Ar4/UZfopMnVhgI/AAAAAAAAGkU/Mprrlp-1kuE/s640/blogger-image-318708012.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UZ0c8KGm5gI/UZforEBQXWI/AAAAAAAAGkk/D2c8p75_jY0/s640/blogger-image--450986102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UZ0c8KGm5gI/UZforEBQXWI/AAAAAAAAGkk/D2c8p75_jY0/s640/blogger-image--450986102.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4U61OOoK32w/UZfolpP4m8I/AAAAAAAAGj8/6XiHP06gdXU/s640/blogger-image--564252882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4U61OOoK32w/UZfolpP4m8I/AAAAAAAAGj8/6XiHP06gdXU/s640/blogger-image--564252882.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dmlvfGSFVhY/UZfonpRx8iI/AAAAAAAAGkM/je4EoREdKew/s640/blogger-image-296880026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dmlvfGSFVhY/UZfonpRx8iI/AAAAAAAAGkM/je4EoREdKew/s640/blogger-image-296880026.jpg" /></a></div>Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-82386435430717150632013-05-15T11:10:00.000+02:002013-05-15T11:10:44.357+02:00"Alabama Bound"<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lead Belly sings "Alabama Bound" </b></div>
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<b><i>I'm Alabama bound<br />
I'm Alabama bound<br />
And if the train don't stop and turn around<br />
I'm Alabama bound </i></b></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFIvWKj-zmM/UZNPS3WhUAI/AAAAAAAAGjk/kXCHXtNS26w/s1600/IMG_3554.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFIvWKj-zmM/UZNPS3WhUAI/AAAAAAAAGjk/kXCHXtNS26w/s320/IMG_3554.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
If you switch "train" with "boat", this is the appropriate send-off song for our furniture and house contents. Their departure ticket, via port, ocean liner, port, customs inspection and then back on a moving truck, is ahead of ours. <br />
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I've found I'm ok living with out "our stuff" for the next month or so....but it sure is hard saying goodbye to this house we made our home for the past 2 1/2 years. As people say, "if only these walls could talk" <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvdWvaH0WlM/UZNPFTefThI/AAAAAAAAGjU/CevMujW1Cpg/s1600/IMG_3552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvdWvaH0WlM/UZNPFTefThI/AAAAAAAAGjU/CevMujW1Cpg/s320/IMG_3552.jpg" width="240" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9i2iQvxF-w/UZNPLsV-R_I/AAAAAAAAGjc/x8h1EDeLLTo/s1600/IMG_3553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9i2iQvxF-w/UZNPLsV-R_I/AAAAAAAAGjc/x8h1EDeLLTo/s320/IMG_3553.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vc7v1jR1WU/UZNPZD0KpXI/AAAAAAAAGjs/dzQBkpweUuI/s1600/IMG_3555.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vc7v1jR1WU/UZNPZD0KpXI/AAAAAAAAGjs/dzQBkpweUuI/s320/IMG_3555.jpg" width="240" /></a>Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506686726913796617.post-3354399430694928172013-05-14T14:32:00.002+02:002013-05-14T14:32:45.784+02:00The 'art' of change
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Thomas Merton</b></i></span></div>
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The random artwork I stumbled upon on a daily basis here in Germany, whether it was the lounging ladies that greeted me outside of the market every morning, or the historic statues that seemed to whisper a secret with every passing, the gurgling fountains that always made the kids need a bathroom, the painted church ceilings that looked like heaven, or a well designed palace rose garden that was right smack in the middle of my life, all helped me to find myself the past 2 1/2 years. </div>
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Now that the movers have been here the past few days, have dismantled much of the house including my art 'playroom', I find that I am a little lost. I guess I am going to have to' brush up' on the 'art of change'. </div>
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Hoff Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00169926289141956655noreply@blogger.com0