SPRING BREAK 2010

Over Spring break, my son, his wife, and their three children accompanied me to Orlando, Florida for what turned out to be the vacation of a life time. We had picture perfect Florida weather generally around the 83 F mark and believe it or not, perfectly mannered children. They exceeded our expectations considering we drove for two days averaging 12 hour days, including rest stop breaks. The week was so action-packed that all three youngsters came back to the resort each evening totally spent. When little ones ask to go to bed at night, you know you've succeeded in making their day unimaginably fun.

It was Easter week so the resort at Hilton in Orlando threw out all of the stops when it came to children's activities.  Face painting, magicians, balloons, games, crafts, and movies while swimming in the pool were some of the kids favorite activities that week.

We were especially thrilled with the fact that the weather was spectacular each day and the children were able to practice their swimming skills.  Within the ten days, both were dog paddling, turning sommersaults under water, and floating on their backs.  Having only just taken beginner swim lessons last summer and not having access to a pool for 8 months, we were thrilled with

their achievements!

Simo got free rides from Baba, but was able to touch the bottom and he relished in his new-found freedom.  He was all smiles and grins when near the water. 

This was one of the many pools at the resort.  The kids liked the waterfall and the cave at this pool the best.

When the little ones tired of swimming were ordered out of the pool, they had lots of other activities at the resort to occupy themselves. 

The play area was canopied and had the spongy, recycled rubber floor surface that minimized injury from falls.

Our suite slept 8, included a full kitchen, two screened in porches, a livingroom and two full bathrooms. 

This room included a large jacuzzi and a separate bathroom.  Since I left my hubby back in Munich, my son and daughter-in-law were pleased to have this lovely space. 

The bright and cheerful living room area as well as one of the bedrooms had pull out couches making sleeping arrangements very comfortable for the 6 of us.

My wonderful daughter-in-law and  cook extraordinare, treated us to amazing Jordanian dishes each day.  Fatoosh, hummos, salad fool,  Maqlooba, Labanee, pita bread, and spinach, cheese, and meat pies were just a few of the spectacular dishes she set before us.   Thank you, my dear, for all of your efforts.  We all appreciated the delicious dishes you created for us.

Baba, thank you for the entertainment!  We loved your Easter Bunny hat that played music and waved your bunny ears too and fro.  You make us laugh and we love you.  I loved having you, my son, and your family with me this Easter in Florida. I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable time.

ANTICIPATION, IS MAKING ME W...A...I...T...!

Image by Darwin Bell via Flickr

Spring is sure to come soon, at least I'm crossing my fingers!

I love Bavaria in the snow, but now the beauty of it has given way to its'  impracticality.  The snow has melted and  the diving temperatures have left sheets of ice on the roads and sidewalks making navigating in the city very dangerous.  The slushy re-frozen residue is ugly and the wind is bitter. 

 I'm afraid the fairy tale Bavarian Winter has run it course....at least for me.

My mind is months ahead.  Since we have lots on the agenda, I find that it is difficult to be in the "here and now."  I am dreaming of the months ahead and the events that will take us to the warm sunshine. 

Image by quinet via Flickr

I just want to escape the cold! 

I am looking at returning to the U.S. in late March to take the family to Disney World.  The warm temperatures of Florida are tempting me so much that it is all I can do not to book an earlier flight.

So many times I wish I could be in two places at one time.  I know I will return to Munich by May-- in time for my mother-in-law to arrive from Australia.   But,  in July, we have dear friends whose daughter is getting married back in the states.   The wedding, in the plans now, will be in Harbor Springs, Michigan where the bride has always dreamed it would be.

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In September, hubby has been invited to be a guest speaker at a conference in, YA HOO--  Brazil!  This will be our first first trip to South America where the temperatures are beckoning me now, as I blog.  Beaches, sun, warmth-- instead of -2 degrees and freezing. 

Bring it on!

Finally, in  October, we are planning to take a Mediterranean Cruise with our Shanghai Expat Friends Couples group.  Each year we plan a reunion and this year it will be on a cruise ship while exploring the Greek islands.

Meanwhile, I have to find a way to enjoy the present.

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But as the map below shows, I'm hardly alone here in the Northern Hemisphere.

So, I will stop dreaming of the future and like millions of others braving the cold temperatures, I'll zip up my parka and don my ski cap and pray that Jack Frost is kind and spring isn't far behind.. 

LIFE WOULD NOT BE THE SAME

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My sister, Vicki, is here to visit me while I'm home from Germany for a few weeks. She lives in Florida and I live in Ohio. We are five years apart (me being senior to her). But, for all intents and purposes, we are as close as two women can be. Our mother passed away about ten years ago, so there is just us two girls in the Smith family. She has a twin brother who lives in Florida also, but for years now, us girls have looked to one another while being married, raising our children, surviving divorce and remarriage, and working on our careers.


We don't have much time together this trip. Only three days. Vicki has two girls and a boy. I have two boys, no daughters. It is nice to have another woman in the family to confide in when you need an ear to listen. Her two daughters have grown into women and now we have expanded to five girls in our family. Actually, considering the fact that she has one grand daughter and I have two, I guess you could say we have multiplied the girl factor now to 9 of us. If we include my two daughter-in-law, it brings the female population of our family to a respectable 11! I am so thrilled about the
fact that the girls reign strong in the family now. For so long, it was just the two of us and my
mother.

Vicki and I are opposites. She is gregarious, wears a lot of bling, and is a real p

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eople person. I, on the other hand, am more reserved, much more conservative when it comes to fashion , and love my alone time. Yet, when I think of who it is that I want to be with as much as my husband and family, it is my sister. We have shared so much throughout the years in spite of the fact that we have mostly lived a great distance from one another. She is the one I would most like to travel with, other than my hubby, and the one I would trust to give me solid advice if I should need it. She looks after my back, as it were, a
nd I look after hers.

We don't have to talk on the phone daily, weekly, or even monthly. We both know that we are just a phone call away. We don't always agree on everything. In fact, being the older sister, I usually end up giving her far more advice than she ever wanted or needs. We have a great time laughing, hanging out together, and just being sisters to one another. We love to shop, sunbathe, watch movies, bake, and have cocktails together. One of the most favorite things we like to do is wake up in our pj's, have a cup of coffee or tea together, and just while away the morning hours chatting. I don't think we could

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ever get tired of it and the hours just slip on by.

I don't know what life would be like without my sister. She is an extension of me. She has always been there for me and I have been there for her. We share the family history and so much goes unsaid and yet we both nod together knowing what the other one is thinking. I know I take it for granted that she will always be here for me and yet, as we age, it is clear that this might not always be so. I have made a promise to myself to spend more time visiting with my sis when I get back to the states. I really need to take advantage of the fact that I am in the same continent and make seeing her a priority. Life would just not be the same without her. I love you sis!