The ABC's of Trip Reporting- PLEASE JOIN US ON THE NEW THREAD!

[Millie12591]

Without getting all out of sorts about this (I did enough of that earlier with Liesa).

I wanted to ask everyone to keep in mind everyone's kids who are away at college this year, after the scare here at UT and the fact my son's girlfriend is there......keeping it together.....it hit just a little to close to home for me today.
After my melt down with Liesa (away from Mackenzie) this afternoon I realized how out of control I really am over things like this (But God isn't),I needed reassurance and prayer to bring me back down to earth and to God's truth. And I thank God she did.

I apologize Liesa for my being....well, you know how I was.

So I ask of each of you to pray for ALL OUR KIDS safety, and pray for anyone thinking of copycatting something like this for the idea to be squashed and for them to be given a spirit of clarity and peace (and to get help) so as not to follow through with such an ugly and costly act.

I Thank you and many blessings.

We will now return to our regularly scheduled program.

 

[All7OfUs]

What an incredible relief to have finally arrived at our dear friends’ house; a place of incredible hospitality! Have you ever been to a home where you just know that from the bottom of your hosts’ hearts, you are welcome; where a perfect mix of “help yourself” is married with “we’re here to serve you”? There was a warm welcome at the door with wide smiles, tight hugs, clean sheets, laid out towels, and a working toilet. AH! A WORKING TOILET! The crowning jewel on the perfect accommodation! And speaking of crappers, take a look at this poster one of the workers in the Big City has produced!!


The title at the bottom reads: "Toilets along the Silk Road"- just in case you had to know.

Is it not the BEST poster you’ve ever seen?? I MUST get me one!! Our friends had it hanging on their living room wall for a while, but their local friends just could not see the humor or beauty in it. Guess it’s a cultural thing; and a subject to us, who are in our line of business, find very hilarious.

We were told ahead of time that we’d be just in time for a gathering of their home fellowship! What joy to be able to worship again in our heart language! For too long our family would have only ourselves to meet with in English- good; or with more bodies, but having to listen and sing in a language we’d never master quite well enough to have an easy time of in church- also good- but neither being ideal. This was IDEAL- more people, AND in English.

To start off our time, we did what all typical Americans do when they meet together- we ate. And it was not just any old American food. It was as traditional as you can get---- grilled burgers and dogs (even if the dogs were made of horse meat).





On real buns! with yellow mustard, real pickle relish, and holy cow! What is this?? Real iceberg lettuce??!! And certainly those couldn’t be Doritos! Ok, clearly we chose the wrong city to live and work in. I’m just sayin’. Perhaps we’d still be there today, had we had real pickle relish and a decent way to “take care of business” in the All-American way.

It was pure rapture to be able to share what the Good Lord did concerning stamps, and keeping the plane coasting at high alttitudes- remind me to tell you about the time we saw the pilot come out of the bar and onto our plane (that was back in the good old days.) – Everyone there unanimously agreed that there was NO WAY EVER that would have happened in the Big City!! Gov’t officials there instead bend over backwards to make things difficult, and foreigners out. They concurred readily that there was no other possible way to explain what happened other than direct Intervention; one even off-handedly mentioned that Mr. Stamp wasn’t even a “stamper” at all.

Feeling encouraged, and fed in more ways than one, we floated off to bed with overflowing gratitude and lighter hearts. Many burdens were already melting away; our tired souls were being renewed quickly.

Now you must know that Mike is terribly allergic to cats. So much, that about 1 hour in a house with a cat, makes him unable to breathe well. They have 3, so he elected to sleep outside on an air mattress with a sleeping bag. It was either be up all night, and not able to breathe, or be up all night from barking dogs and city lights. But unfortunately, none of those were to blame for keeping him up all night. Around 2 AM “IT” began. For hours, he cursed the lamb meatloaf and fertilized the lawn. To be fair, he has the weakest stomach of all of us. If someone is going to get sick, it’s going to be him first. But he’s also the fastest to bounce back. And we ALWAYS, from vast experience, travel with Imodium. The first dose went in around 6:00, at first light. But in 4 hours, it had done nothing to quell “ITS” onslaught. So, with only 18 hours to get “IT” under control, we had to do something more drastic- it was time to bring out the big guns- something never to have failed us yet. “Honey, would you please walk to the pharmacy?” Luckily, there is one of every corner and then some, so finding one was absolutely no problem. And the best part is that you can get most anything over the counter! Ciprofloxin to the rescue!! I know it’s an antibiotic, and I know it SHOULD, by definition take days to start working, but seriously, this stuff works within hours; by noon, he was feeling MUCH better, albeit weak.

He spent the rest of the day outside, reading the first paper we’d seen in months, and sleeping on and off. It would be a long, long night very soon, and he was banking his shut eye ahead of time. The rest of us, should have been doing the same, but we, instead, were taking great delight in having a Monk-a-thon inside. I’m pretty sure we made it through the entire 1st and 2nd seasons, and maybe even some of the 3rd, before we tried to get everyone bedded down by 8:00. We did stop long enough to heat up some leftover wienies, I mean who can resist horse meat sausages grilled on flames?!? The kids also took breaks to be super goofy, and came up with this:


Aren't you glad you now have something to throw into the Halloween mix of tricks?


For those of you who followed the pre-trippie, you know that I spent a lot of the day DISsing and having fun with YOU!

At last it was 12:15 AM, and time to get everyone dressed in their traveling duds and our teeth brushed one last time. Anyone ever do an all night red-eye?? That slimy, gaggamatic feeling on your teeth totally grosses me out! Sorry. Moving on. Anara was beyond pumped to break her last paper chain link and toss it just before the driver honked in the driveway (nothing like waking up your host and hostess as a good bye gift).


Pretty chipper for 12:30 AM, I'd say!

She was NOT pumped, however, to discover that she had "mis-stepped" earlier in the yard. Guess who was elected to clean off Daddy’s misfortune as the driver waited?? With one last walk through the house, I discovered that I came about 1 minute from forgetting the camera battery charger! THAT would have been probably the most colossal misfortune of them all!

For a while at least…

And because today's episode was brought to you by the letter:
,
it's time to guess where this is from!! See, not only can I make you recall fond memories of watching Sesame Street before trudging out the door to elementary school, I can also bring out the Trip Report Game fanatic in you!! Let me hear your guesses IN WHITE Please for our letter of the day! May the best Elmo win.

Now, keep your shoes clean, brush your teeth, and Have a Magical Day.

 

[All7OfUs]

Sounds like heaven to me.
By the way...November is my favorite time of the year and I can't imagine a better way to celebrate it then a meet with some pretty amazing women.
Speaking of gussied up, I'm just starting to get my house all decorated this week for fall. I'll have to post some pics on here to show a little of what I'm doing. My Happy Fall Y'all pics!
I'm all over having a good marg, especially if we can walk there and walk our way back. Look out neighborhood!! I might even allow myself to have two since we're walking.

I absolutley adore fall too! I love decorating for Thanksgiving/Fall every bit as much as for Christmas.

HAHA! After 2, you will be certainly welcome to fall down on our brand, spanking new sidewalks they are putting in along that street. They'll be nice and clean for us to pick you up off of.

Busy time for me right now too, Liesa! Can only grab some DIStime in bits and pieces right now.

I'm guessing you missed my answer to your quiz. I knew I shouldn't have done it like that. You updated your TR post after the fact to add the quiz question, so I updated my post right after to add my answer. After reading later that we should answer in white, I had to go back and blank out my answer.

I can't believe I knew this one, but amazingly on our last trip I told the boys even though it was cheesy, and probably antiquated, they needed to go see CBJ so they could say they had, like IASM and classics like that, before it disappeared. Looking at the sign out front, it struck me then that it reminded me of TSM. I was going to guess TSM until I remembered that thought. I went and double checked the sign in a picture, and sure enough......

That's about all I can muster as well, my friend. So much going on right now, as you well know.

I think I did, but will go back now and check for it. That's the danger of editing after a post. I think I did better this time around at getting everything in though.

Yes, and Disney is VERY, very good at making some favorite classics go to the final resting place for old attractions. Shame on them! ADD, Disney, NOT replace!!

So, were ya first?? Need to check that!!

Good Morning all !!!I have a whole secret day off!!!I have to drop the girls off at school and will pick them up but other than that this is MY day!!Of course I am on call soooooo anything could happen!!

So how did your secret day off go?? Did you do anything sassy?

Whew, finally caught back up. I didn't Dis this weekend.

Liesa your writing is spellbinding and entertaining. The flight over sounds like it's going to have some interesting side effects.

Maroo I love your costume! I also "liked" Lauren's picture.

Sorry I missed the contest.

I got very little time in over the weekend too! And it sure shows!! having to skim really stinks!

Thank you for your kind comments on the story!! I think the content really speaks for itself in many ways.

Smoking on a plane...that is just gross...it has no where to go. Wonder how it was before the rules were there....??


I am ready!!!! Let's go!!

But I have no vaca time....I have every Friday off...and of course some Holidays thrown in there...but my trip will either have to be early 2011 - very early Jan - or leave on a thurs PM and arrive on Fri? And leave again on Sunday?? Or something.....I can't wait!!!!

When I was a kid I would fly by myself back to Ohio to spend large chunks of my summers with my grandparents. I would always get stuck in the back of the plane in the smoking section, and I can remember nearly choking to death!

Well, from a Thursday night to a Sunday night is actually just about right. 3 nights and 3 days- sounds good to me!

Hey Liesa!

Great update. So what you’re saying is that when the tainted fowl you are served on a Kaz airline starts talking to you with its outside voice, and you aren’t the first one into the lavatory, you should bring your “refreshing tower” to the facilities in order to cleanse the throne of any remnants of the previous occupant.

As usually I'm tardy to the game, but enjoyed the different guesses.

Great costume Maroo! And I gave Lauran a Like.

Very funny!

 

[All7OfUs]

Without getting all out of sorts about this (I did enough of that earlier with Liesa).

I wanted to ask everyone to keep in mind everyone's kids who are away at college this year, after the scare here at UT and the fact my son's girlfriend is there......keeping it together.....it hit just a little to close to home for me today.

I apologize Liesa for my being....well, you know how I was.

Sending our kids off is certainly an act of trust!! Trust that they are well cared for, that they themselves behave responsibly, that they are taught truth with integrity, etc....

Never a need to apologize- it was a "Body" thing. It's what we are called to be.

 

[nodnol]

Hi Liesa, I have no clue! Although I know some bits and pieces about you journey, your trip report ist really very fasciniating and full of suspense! And I'm very glad you didn't forget the battery charger.

 

[Flossbolna]

As others have said, your writing is really great! Even though I knew what was going to happen, I felt the suspense of what was going to happen!

I need to look around where this letter might be from... This is a very difficult game!!!

And just wanted to say how lovely it was to speak to you!!

Camille, I am sorry that you had to be so scared! I hope everything is well and all kids are safe!

 

[Millie12591]

Sending our kids off is certainly an act of trust!! Trust that they are well cared for, that they themselves behave responsibly, that they are taught truth with integrity, etc....

Never a need to apologize- it was a "Body" thing. It's what we are called to be.

Thank you again my SinC.


And because today's episode was brought to you by the letter:
,
it's time to guess where this is from!! See, not only can I make you recall fond memories of watching Sesame Street before trudging out the door to elementary school, I can also bring out the Trip Report Game fanatic in you!! Let me hear your guesses IN WHITE Please for our letter of the day! May the best Elmo win.

Now, keep your shoes clean, brush your teeth, and Have a Magical Day.

Crystal Palace!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Liesa, I have no clue! Although I know some bits and pieces about you journey, your trip report ist really very fasciniating and full of suspense! And I'm very glad you didn't forget the battery charger.

As others have said, your writing is really great! Even though I knew what was going to happen, I felt the suspense of what was going to happen!

I need to look around where this letter might be from... This is a very difficult game!!!

And just wanted to say how lovely it was to speak to you!!

Camille, I am sorry that you had to be so scared! I hope everything is well and all kids are safe!

Hey, hey!! It's my two Bavarian friends!! How fun to catch you both online- at the same time!

I am up very late trying to get my photopass stuff done. The deadline is mere hours away from expiring!! But it didn't take me long, and I'm done!

Can you imagine forgetting the battery charger??!! I am so glad I did what my mother always taught me to- go back 3 times and check for stuff! Why it took me 3 times to see, I have no clue- except being after midnight might have clouded my spotting abilities!

I think this one is going to be more difficult- so if no one gets it in the next day or so, I'll add a letter to help you out.

I really enjoyed our phone call as well! It's always great to talk with you!

By the way, did I tell you I met a lady from Nuremberg the other day?? She married an American GI many years ago, and lived there until about 15 years ago. She really enjoyed talking to the kids about seeing the castle, and the churches. I just thought it was SO great being able to engage her in some reminiscing about her home country!! (And know what I was talking about- which is not always the case. )

Well, I need to get up early tomorrow. Have a nice evening, you two!

 

[All7OfUs]

Thank you again my SinC.

I know you were waiting up all night for this riveting game we are playing- you silly goose! What are you doing UP??!!

 

[Millie12591]

Camille, I am sorry that you had to be so scared! I hope everything is well and all kids are safe!

I appreciate your kind words. The kids are as safe as they'll ever be now, it's things like this that wakes you up to knowing for sure you needing more than a hope that all will be alright when your kids are away, it truly takes leaning on God to get them through it as well as yourself.
How have you been since the move? I'm sure it takes some adjusting, is your job change going well? I pray I'm getting the right sister on this one. Ha!

 

[Millie12591]

I know you were waiting up all night for this riveting game we are playing- you silly goose! What are you doing UP??!!

How'd you know?!?
Back to the old ways of being up late, my son being out late and me not being able to sleep until he was home over the summer brought about a major change in my sleep habits again.

I know you said this letter will be hard, but I think I got it!

 

[jenbear123]

Good grief! Your poor husband! That must be the most unpleasant thing of life - especially when it won't stop! Glad he recovered quickly.

Liesa. You gotta do me a favor. You know how much I love horses. They are my life and have my heart whole and true. I understand they are eaten in different cultures.... but... well you get the idea. Just give me a warning to scroll fast or something next time you mention horsemeat - for my own sanity

And my guess on the letter challenge:

Crystal Palace?

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

are you serious that was horse meat?

 

[tinkgurl]

Here's my guess...That C is from the Crystal Palace!?!

 

[winkers]

Vomit inducing lamb-loaf and horse wienies.....only on your report!

 

[All7OfUs]

Good grief! Your poor husband! That must be the most unpleasant thing of life - especially when it won't stop! Glad he recovered quickly.

Liesa. You gotta do me a favor. You know how much I love horses. They are my life and have my heart whole and true. I understand they are eaten in different cultures.... but... well you get the idea. Just give me a warning to scroll fast or something next time you mention horsemeat - for my own sanity

And my guess on the letter challenge:

Crystal Palace?

I think you are right- that and bearing children.

WARNING! Graphic about horses...

I do know how much you love your horses! Sorry for upsetting you! I'm not sure when the shift happened here in N. America from them being beasts of burden and plentiful for the common man, to mostly (like 95%) used for recreation and riding for leisure- I guess when the car became common for the average wage earner. In a lot of Asia they are still used mainly for either work, and even more widely for meat. They are just totally thought of in completely different way. My friends were just as stymied as to why we wouldn't use the meat after they were done working, and viewed it as waste.

are you serious that was horse meat?

Completely! It they are amazingly tasty!

Here's my guess...That C is from the Crystal Palace!?!

I'll pony up the answer in a day or so... THANKS for playing!

 

[All7OfUs]

Vomit inducing lamb-loaf and horse wienies.....only on your report!

What can I say- I bring only the best material to the table.

 

[All7OfUs]

How'd you know?!?
Back to the old ways of being up late, my son being out late and me not being able to sleep until he was home over the summer brought about a major change in my sleep habits again.

I know you said this letter will be hard, but I think I got it!

Ummm... the fact that I was posting at 1:30 was a good hint- well, that and the little green light!

 

[glennbo123]

So not only was Mike in major discomfort....the results therefrom where on the front lawn? Ay carumba!

What was the paper chain thing Anara was doing? I missed something there.

I think I'd have trouble downing horsemeat, even in weenie form. Although my dad ate some by accident back in 1980 and didn't know the difference. We were visiting my Belgian brother (exchange student we'd had) in Belgium and went to a market. One of the vendors handed my dad a piece of sausage or something and he tried it. Then the vendor said "paard", which was one of the few flemish words we'd learned, and knew it meant "horse".

I have no idea where that C is from. I'll keep ruminating on it.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Let me hear your guesses IN WHITE Please for our letter of the day! May the best Elmo win.

Now, keep your shoes clean, brush your teeth, and Have a Magical Day.

I think my game mojo has come to a screaching halt. But I'm gonna guess

Main Street Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor