An Invasion of a "STRANGER" Kind.... NEW THREAD IS UP!! Go Thee NOW!

[Sleepingbooty]

Floozie!!

YES!! and a little lance to complete the job!

Yep, that's me!

Yes, a lance would be perfect - consider it done!

 

[All7OfUs]

Howdy! Welcome back to the thread! We missed you! Alright, I agree with Amanda - we need to know about this super secret trip! I don't even know if I can name all of your trips. Let me think about it and get back to you.



Okay, sign me up for an Animal Kingdom PH outfit!

Speaking of Germany (and for PA Dutch country where I live),
Happy Fastnacht Day everyone!

I think she's planning on inviting all her DISFriends on an all-expenses paid cruise on the Wonder. It will include fine dining, a sub-allowance for the casino (which it has already been determined by several of us that that will be gone in about 6 nanoseconds ) and additional cash to spend at our leisure in port.


Goody, goody, goody!!!!! Tate gets some duds for his safari!!! I can't wait to see what you good up!!

That's right! Today is Ash Wednesday. I don't know if "Fastnacht" is the same (need to Google) but sometimes I do a little something with the kids and have a lesson on repentance and OT traditions of ash and sackcloth. Thanks for the reminder.

Hi!

I don't think I've posted here before. I'd rather think of myself as a subtle reader than lurker though. I just sounds nicer, don't you think?

When in Germany, how about an Advent calendar. They're so pretty and only about $6 if I remember correctly. Not all of the Christmas ornaments are Christmassy looking. You might be able to find one that you could hang in a window year round. Perhaps a cross or a bird? If those aren't anything you'd want, Germany has so much variety, I don't think you'll have any trouble finding something even without a plan.

Returning to my Subtle Reader Corner now!

"Subtle Reader". That's a gentle term. But I have to admit, I'm tickled pink that you've posted!!! Everyone's opinions count here!

You have some awesome ideas too. My new house (the one I've been talking about) has a gorgeous bay window directly facing the river (not the view I posted earlier), and my DMIL always had a little something hanging there. I really like that idea of a glass ornament or such being there. I think for Germany, I'm going to go with more of an open mind than the other countries (with one other one) and play it by ear.

I don't suppose you can take home the Bavarian cheesecake from Biergarten as your souvie....

All desserts, I'm sure, will be nice "souvenirs" that I"ll have "hanging around" for months! Arm Flabbie is certainly looking forward to its enhancements.

My wife worked in York for a while and told me about this tradition. We both grew up in northwestern PA and had never heard of it.

Neither have I, unless it's just a fancy name for Ash Wednesday- which a lot of churches "celebrate". When I'm done posting- I'll google it.

I
It is not a person...but a TRIP!

You know about most of them.....just one extra that I am cooking up.

Super secret!! Still secret. NO ONE knows about it yet. I don't even have dates yet...just an idea.

I think I have it figured out. Read above....

My husband is of German/Pennsylvania Dutch descent, but I still don't have any ideas for you in your souvenir journey. I'm sure you'll find something cool.

I really like the lace idea. My FILs family emigrated 2 generations ago, and had brought a whole bunch of handmade, really pretty lace with them. So I know it's very "German" and authentic. Plus, I love Magadalene's idea of using it as a bookmark. Then again, the ornament sounds fun too. Ha! With all my stewing about it, I'll proabably get there and end up having to get 3 souvies because I wont' be able to decide.

Yep, that's me!

Yes, a lance would be perfect - consider it done!

YIPPEEE!!!!! Tate is going to be one stylin' dude!! I'm working on his Chinese get up now. Let me know when you're done, and I'll let you know how we should get it to him.

 

[All7OfUs]

Well, here it is- at long, long last; the news we’ve all been waiting for!!

The decision has been made by the High Grand Poobah after we had a chance to sit for a spell and talk. Actually, it was a series of several discussions that led to the final resolutions of the whole package of our return. Now that I think about it, it may have been the fact that we sipped on the last of our hot buttered rums that led to the finality of our decisions.

Let me just say that there was in some ways, at least in some measure, small amounts of fear associated with making these kinds of decisions. After almost 10 years of being overseas, having learned how to cope and live here, moving back is no small thing. And even still, the other questions, such as where our kids will go to school (if at all), which house is best to start in (there are several options), and a thousand others, are all very much unresolved. To think of all that, at the same time, brings a massive amount of angina producing stress!!! So, one step at a time, right??

Let me lay before you what transpired as per our discussion- which I might add, was the most civil and calm yet since starting them, even before his trip to the States. The amount of emotional entanglement is astronomical, which certainly hampered previous efforts. (Sorry, you’re going to get a fair amount of baggage with this post.)

I can now, with great relief that I don’t have to add the preemptive word “tentatively” to the next sentence. Our plan IS:

To leave for The US on the 18, 19, or 20 depending on which date produces the best airfare. I will work on that over the next couple of weeks. We’ll arrive on the same day (gotta love flying west gaining that day) and rest our jet lagging bodies a bit. Our son will be able to move into his dorm room while we are there, and we hope to take a campus tour, meet his ROTC commanders and just get a general feel for what his situation will look like once we leave. He will start classes on the 30th, so after that point there is really no reason to stick around longer.

At that point, the older 2 girls and DH will fly to Portland and start to get unpacked. The youngest 2 have been invited along on a road trip with my parents, who will drive all of our boxes and some furniture we’ve inherited from my Grandparents (remember they both just passed away) back to Portland. I imagine they will leave around the same time. But that isn’t set in stone yet. My gracious DH has given me permission “to linger” (his words!) on until my trip giving me a few extra days with my family.

So, here is my plan for once I have “WON MY FREEDOM”.

My initial plan is to head up to D.C. for 3 nights to stay and visit with my other sister and her family. Her situation is very difficult, and I’d love to be able to encourage her in her marriage and life in general. There is no way she can get away, so it will have to be me that goes up there. It is always hard, as her husband is somewhat of a PIA, but I am looking forward to seeing her and spending time with them.

That takes me to the morning of the 2nd. Hmmmm…. What to do? What to do?? You do see where this is going right?? I’ll have to pick this up next time, as I’m really late getting the kids started on school, and this is enough for you to digest for one sitting.

More in a little while...

Click Here for: The Big News You've All Been Waiting For- Pt. II

 

[that's nice]

Should I start now or later... The only thing is later I will be sleeping... so I'll NOW!!!!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Should I start now or later... The only thing is later I will be sleeping... so I'll NOW!!!!!!

Yes, this is a very appropriate action! I"ve not revealed everything yet, but I really should be busy with the kids! And it adds suspense. However, you've been hanging out with me long enough to know a little bit how my mind works- and I think you know where this is going pretty well.

 

[that's nice]

Yes, this is a very appropriate action! I"ve not revealed everything yet, but I really should be busy with the kids! And it adds suspense. However, you've been hanging out with me long enough to know a little bit how my mind works- and I think you know where this is going pretty well.

LOL

Go do your duties... I'll have to read all about it tomorrow as I am going to bed in a few!<-- Sleeping smilie (closest thing I could find)

 

[All7OfUs]

LOL

Go do your duties... I'll have to read all about it tomorrow as I am going to bed in a few!<-- Sleeping smilie (closest thing I could find)

It's those Everyday Enemies, you know... Ahhh... a Week O' Freedom is coming my way!

Good rest to you!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

So good to have at least the beginning of your plans settled! I'm glad things are starting to come together for you!

 

[All7OfUs]

So good to have at least the beginning of your plans settled! I'm glad things are starting to come together for you!

Believe it or not, we put the cart before the horse and have a lot of our plans and thoughts already formulated. Now, we just need to once again, go back to the drawing board and do daily itineraries. We're solid on the things we want to see and do, it's just arranging them (again!) on a spreadsheet.


It's what DISers do.

There's really only a couple of BIG changes that I'll write about later tonight (my time).

 

[Flossbolna]

Congratulations on having made a plan that works for your family!!!

But what is this with stopping in the middle of the post!!!

And by the way: Fastnacht is related to Ash Wednesday, it is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday: the last day of fun!! Or literaly: The night before the beginning of the fasting.

In French it is called Mardi Gras. I think the term I learned in the UK is Shrove Tuesday or: pancake day.

Here in Germany is celebrated mainly in the catholic regions with parades and parties. The parties start already in mid January and people make quite a lot of effort with costumes. The biggest celebrations are in the Rhine region, they became big during the time that the catholic Rhine region was governed by protestant Prussia as they were the only time of the year the citizens could make fun of the unpopular government without repression. But Wikipedia hopefully allready told you that!

I celebrated by having a fresh donut, also called Berliner, Pfannkuchen or Krapfen here in Germany.

 

[All7OfUs]

Congratulations on having made a plan that works for your family!!!

I think it's really going to work! It would be nice for us all to arrive together, but honestly, they will be sleeping and unpacking most of the time anyway. Our church will have meals brought in for them most likely, and even if they don't Rebekah is a marvelous cook and can take care of that. It's better than having to rush through a trip in Oct, as you will shortly see...

But what is this with stopping in the middle of the post!!!

I'm so sorry I had to do that! I typed that up earlier this morning, and by the time I finished it was getting on into school time, and I needed to be responsible.

BUT, get used to it, there may be cliff-hangers in the trip report- just sayin'....

And by the way: Fastnacht is related to Ash Wednesday, it is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday: the last day of fun!! Or literaly: The night before the beginning of the fasting.

I thought it probably was.

In French it is called Mardi Gras. I think the term I learned in the UK is Shrove Tuesday or: pancake day.[/QUOTE]

Coincidentally, yestersday was the Russian word for the same holiday is maslinetsya- or fat/oil/butter Week. They traditionally eat blini (like crepes) all over in Russia to celebrate the day before Orthodox Lent. Of course, it pre-dates the Christian calendar and the blini is supposed to represent the golden round sun, with the expectation of spring being just around the corner.

Here in Germany is celebrated mainly in the catholic regions with parades and parties. The parties start already in mid January and people make quite a lot of effort with costumes. The biggest celebrations are in the Rhine region, they became big during the time that the catholic Rhine region was governed by protestant Prussia as they were the only time of the year the citizens could make fun of the unpopular government without repression. But Wikipedia hopefully allready told you that!

I did do a little research- quite fascinating the variety of traditions!

I celebrated by having a fresh donut, also called Berliner, Pfannkuchen or Krapfen here in Germany.

I'd say that's a mighty fine way of celebrating anything!!! although, I had to giggle just a little at the "Krapfen" word!! Krap just happens to be one of my very favorite words!! It goes quite nicely with craptastic, crapamatic, craptacular, crapalicious, you name it!!! Very useful!!

 

[carissanboys]

Morning Liesa (evening for you)! I'm glad you guys were able to have a calm discussion and come up with a plan. I remember how nerveracking it was to move back to the states after three years in Australia so I can imagine how much more difficult it is for you guys. My biggest worry was would I be able to switch back to driving on the right side of the road.

 

[glennbo123]

Congrats Liesa on having a PLAN! And welcome back (a little early) to the U.S.!

And by the way: Fastnacht is related to Ash Wednesday, it is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday: the last day of fun!! Or literaly: The night before the beginning of the fasting.

I celebrated by having a fresh donut, also called Berliner, Pfannkuchen or Krapfen here in Germany.

In central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch (really Deutsch) country, they call the doughtnut itself a fastnacht. Fortunately, when the whole thing was explained to me the person was knowledgeable enough to throw in the "fast night" translation, so it made sense.

Be careful using the term "krapfen" here, you never know where the discussion will go.

 

[maroo]

I am so glad that you have come to a decision that you feel comfortable with!

Your kids are so resilient and being on the other side of the world has probably taught them so much that they can use that resiliency as they get acclimated back to the States.

Congrats to you guys for having a plan! I hope you feel better!!!!

 

[pipersmom]

Evening, Liesa..I'm glad you finally have a better idea of how things are going to happen, that has to be a relief for you! It sounds like prob the most efficient way to get things done (expense-wise) as well. Looking forward to your update later on!

 

[If U Had Wings]

It seems like you have a good handle on the upcoming changes. It's going to be a huge difference for everyone. Congrats.

 

[All7OfUs]

The last installment got us up to Sept. 2nd. Up to then, DH and the kids will be beginning to settle into our temporary home in Portland, OR, and the younger kids will have taken off on a weeklong road trip with my parents, hitting some fun sights along their way to Portland. I will have had my fill of visiting family, and will be, by this time, quite pee-my pants-excited to hit my vacation- to finally begin my tour of duty with the Belle Battalion!!!!

By now, I’m sure you have figured out that indeed I will be heading south to take advantage of my Freedom!!

So here’s what my itinerary will look like:

Checking into POP on the 2nd- perhaps flying directly from D.C. This seems likely, as I wouldn’t want to go back to Bowling Green in between.
Starting my solo time on the front end has its advantages.

~~I can get a few things “out of my system” before LeeAnn arrives, and feel like my vacation has a restful element to it before the real touring starts.

~~ The group thing will definitely have a different “feel” to it. There will be far more compromising and give and take. I’m really feeling like I want some of “my own thing” before the new feeling of “group” kicks in.

~~ And the biggest reason of all… DH has made it very clear that I will be needing to get home as soon as possible from the trip. I can totally understand that and certainly don’t hold a grudge. Yet, on the other hand, if I’ve got the free time, why not take it?? You might remember I had planned on my POP time after the others had left, but the way we have it set up now, that won’t work.

Maroo will likely begin her drive on the 2nd, and arrive on the 3rd. She needs to work on that day, so arriving sooner is out of the question. I’m totally fine with footing the bill for that night myself. So, she would arrive around 12 or 1 (I’m guessing- correct me if I’m wrong, maroo!) and get checked in. Together we’ll stay at the POP until the morning of the 5th, and then…………….. HERE’S THE OTHER BIG CHANGE: We’ll move to the Poly.

LeeAnn will likely not arrive until the evening of the 5th, as we had originally planned. She will come by ME directly to the Poly, and the Belle Battalion will get their groove on from there.

The change to having us stay at the Poly on the front end happened for a couple of reasons. Maroo has to leave by Sunday the 12th in order to get back to work on time for Monday. If we were staying at the Poly at the end of our trip, it would cut off a whole night of her stay there, making the cost prohibitive for LeeAnn and me, and cheating her out of one of our Deluxe nights. We don’t want to do that to her!!!!

I think we’ve also decided to cut our Poly stay to only 3 nights. That will save us over $200 that we’d like to spend in other places. If you’ll recall Cirque will be invaded by the B2 Squadron, and of course, we have a myriad of other surprises and tricks up our sleeves as well.

Then, we'll check into the POR on the 8th, and move leave on the 13th (LeeAnn and I).

In summary here’s what we’re doing:

2nd- Liesa arrives at POP
3rd- Maroo arrives at POP
2nd-5th am- Liesa and Maroo at POP
5th am- Liesa and Maroo check into Poly
5th pm- LeeAnn arrives at Poly- Let the party begin!!!
5-8th am- Tour/ Poly Stay
8th am- Move to POR/ free dining begins (5 TS, 5 CS, 5 SN)
8th-13th am- Touring/ Stay at POR (maroo leaves 12th)
13th- Liesa and LeeAnn fly home together to Portland

The emotional baggage part, for those of you who are interested…

It was really difficult arriving at this decision. As I said earlier, DH really left the choice up to me. To be very frank, I was actually beginning to look forward to an October trip. Food and Wine would have been nice, the weather might have been a smidge cooler, it would have been closer to Halloween, I was actually beginning to look forward to doing the Wine and Dine Half with Mary, I would have felt a tad better about arriving home with my family and helping them settle in a bit, and a few other reasons I’ve probably forgotten. But the pirate side of me won out, and here I am trying to eke out a few more days of Freedom.

A funny little anecdote that I simply had to share with you, that might put a humorous spin on things: DH calmly, with a perfectly straight face, told me that “he’s planning a little trip for himself to climb Mt. Baker” for quite soon after we get back. Ahhhhhhhhhhh, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW we know just why it’s a “hurry and return” sort of deal. So, as you can see, we both want to get the “bee in our bonnet” things out of the way before real life kicks in full force. When he said that, I can assure you there was much heckling and snort laughing!!!

So, there you have it; The Full-Monte, pork barrel, version of the finally-resolved saga of The Belle Battalion Getting Their Trip Dates Settled.

It feels GOOD. In fact, it feels VERY good to have this nailed down; changes now are pretty unlikely!! Let the real planning begin!!

Click Here to go to: A Soldier's Perks- Pt. 7, Masquerade Anyone?

 

[tinkgurl]

Oh my gosh, that's so great to have the "official" plans. I can't wait to hear about your experience moving from Resort to Resort. We are doing that for the first time in July, and I hope it goes smoothly. How awesome is it that you're staying at the Poly?!

 

[jenb1023]

My wife worked in York for a while and told me about this tradition. We both grew up in northwestern PA and had never heard of it.

Hey Glenn - where in PA do you live? I live in Camp Hill which is a suburb of Harrisburg.

Super secret!! Still secret. NO ONE knows about it yet. I don't even have dates yet...just an idea.

Super Secret! Love it!

I think she's planning on inviting all her DISFriends on an all-expenses paid cruise on the Wonder. It will include fine dining, a sub-allowance for the casino (which it has already been determined by several of us that that will be gone in about 6 nanoseconds ) and additional cash to spend at our leisure in port.


Goody, goody, goody!!!!! Tate gets some duds for his safari!!! I can't wait to see what you good up!!

That's right! Today is Ash Wednesday. I don't know if "Fastnacht" is the same (need to Google) but sometimes I do a little something with the kids and have a lesson on repentance and OT traditions of ash and sackcloth. Thanks for the reminder.

Love your thoughts on Maroo's super secret!

Yep, fastnacht is related to Ash Wednesday.

In central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch (really Deutsch) country, they call the doughtnut itself a fastnacht. Fortunately, when the whole thing was explained to me the person was knowledgeable enough to throw in the "fast night" translation, so it made sense.

Glenn is right - here we call the doughnut itself a fastnacht as well as the day. It is an old tradition of making a donut type thing the day before lent to clear the pantry of lard, sugar, etc. before lent and the period of fasting begins.


I am so happy you have a plan and it is one that everyone seems at peace with and happy about. It sounds like a great trip!

 

[All7OfUs]

Congrats Liesa on having a PLAN! And welcome back (a little early) to the U.S.!





In central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch (really Deutsch) country, they call the doughtnut itself a fastnacht. Fortunately, when the whole thing was explained to me the person was knowledgeable enough to throw in the "fast night" translation, so it made sense.

Be careful using the term "krapfen" here, you never know where the discussion will go.

Why thank you!! I had in fact, had a dream the other night that I actually kissed the airport floor just after passport control! I must be really homesick.

Now I know that Krispy Kremes are good for fastnachts!! And they might even be called Krapfens, too.

I am so glad that you have come to a decision that you feel comfortable with!

Your kids are so resilient and being on the other side of the world has probably taught them so much that they can use that resiliency as they get acclimated back to the States.

Congrats to you guys for having a plan! I hope you feel better!!!!

It's good, you don't even know HOW good to finally be done with this huge magnanimous decision. I'm so relieved.

They are so flexible and such great kiddos! Being here has taught them so many good life skills!

Evening, Liesa..I'm glad you finally have a better idea of how things are going to happen, that has to be a relief for you! It sounds like prob the most efficient way to get things done (expense-wise) as well. Looking forward to your update later on!

Oh, gosh, ME TOO!!! I found an airfare today for $94!!! So stoked. I think I may actually buy it tomorrow.

It seems like you have a good handle on the upcoming changes. It's going to be a huge difference for everyone. Congrats.

HUGE! That's a very appropriate word!!