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

[Millie12591]

I think you've hit on something. My grandparents were the same way... so wrapped up in learning English and "assimilating" that they really didn't talk about the Old World too much. Kind of sad actually, and now they are all gone.

This is so true! When my great grandparents talked about coming over to America I loved it, but it didn't happen often. My great grandmother was full blooded German and my g.g.father was full blooded Swedish. Go figure! They came to America as children to live and then eventually built the American dream, and did they ever! They had sooo many different businesses in the town they lived in, from a millinery shop to a gas station and a car service! The one story I sorta remember is how they came here with the things that were of value to them, they would sew valuables into the hems of their dresses, such as money and jewlery so they wouldn't be caught with them or have them stolen. (I'll have to find out more about this)
I remember these sleigh bells that were sewn to a short leather strap that my great grandmother put out at Christmas time, usually on the door. She said in order to bring them over they had to bake them into loaves of bread to keep them quiet. Pretty brilliant if you ask me! To this day I have no idea why they wanted to bring the bells with them. Maybe they were made by someone in their family. No idea, wish I knew more. I'm hoping my dad knows more about these things.

Meantime, I sent a job application in today to a really cool Toy Store. It'd be about 15 hours a week, and I'd love for it to pan out- it's just a temp. holiday job, but want to use it as a "test the waters of working outside the home" job. I'll let you know as things progress (or not).

I hope this turns out. It's not like we as mom's who've been home for many years aren't capable of a lot of things, especially you considering where you've been living the last 10 years, but the thought of being out in the world again with a job is a bit intimidating isn't it? Go figure.

To leave this amazing museum without a souvenir would be like going to the Magic Kingdom and coming home with no picture in front of the castle (which I did!!!) And as we were ending our tour we happened upon the perfect take home treasure. An authentic print made on one of the presses here at the museum! I will take you through the process as we were shown, when the artist created our custom-made special piece to take home, thru pictures:

After a couple passes over the set up, it was time to see how my print turned out!! I was giddy with excitement- I tend to get that way, even over Durer art. And so, with the appropriate drum rolls and hoopla, here is my most fabulous souvenir I brought home from Nuremberg, aside from the memories I have with my dear friends Magdalene, Katharina and her parents!


Here it is:

This is probably the most famous of his works, aside from the Praying Hands or his self-portrait. But here’s a teaser… This, being as cool as it is, reminds me of another souvenir. In fact, it must take a 2nd place to the even more fabulous souvenir I got from Disney!!

And with that, I’ll wish you a Magical Day in which you can ponder how Tate was having his own Bavarian party. While I was out scoping out the artists, he was, well… I’ll let you just wonder what kind of trouble he was getting himself into…

You crack me up Liesa! And how amazing is that picture you were able to bring home! Very fabulous indeed!

I would love to get it framed but am waiting until after we move to see what room I want it in, and how I want the frame to complement the room.

Good idea.

I haven't been there since 2005 or so, I really should go on that tour sometime soon again! But this weekend I will go to an exhibition about castles with my god child.

Loved your update (and thanks for the nice compliment on our meal together!)

Hopefully when Liesa and I get back there one of these days, we can all go together.

all caught up....again!

As I live and breath! <said in her best southern accent> Winkers is here! Hope your doing well, it's good to come up for air every once and a while. How are the classes this semester?

This is also something else that intimidates the heck out of me.....going back to school.
I know I need to do it, but the idea of it all.
I guess I need to handle this like the weight I want to lose, right Liesa? I'll take it two at a time. Although, to be certified as a Family Christian Counselor, there will a lot of two's to come for a looong time.

 

[glennbo123]

Way cool! Thanks for all of the detailed photos...I feel like I took the tour too! The Mozarthaus in Vienna had those self-guided headphones, but narrative was lame. Glad they got it right at the Durer museum.

I remember that rabbit picture from your PTR.

That's a great picture of Tate! I love how he's looking at the stein-guy.

 

[TarzansKat]

I actually thought of you during this tour and as I wrote this up! Then low and behold you updated today, and I was thrilled to see you had started drawing and painting again!! Thrilled I say!! I had no idea that when you do a print like this, you actually mix and layer the colors almost like in a canvas painting!! Amazing! She used probably 4 or more colors in my print, and then took me over to some that were already pre-made and helped me compare and critique them. IT was so totally cool!!!

Aw, shucks, you thought of me! The layering that goes into printmaking really is amazing. I'll have to see if I can find one I did in college and post it for you.

I will admit, the tour that was guided (there was this option) would have been perhaps more detailed in that you could ask questions, none were given in English this day, and you had to stay with the group, and was more expensive. So the choice was made for us, and I really, really like how it turned out.

That could have been nice, but I like what you did better.

 

[All7OfUs]

I hope this turns out. It's not like we as mom's who've been home for many years aren't capable of a lot of things, especially you considering where you've been living the last 10 years, but the thought of being out in the world again with a job is a bit intimidating isn't it? Go figure.

It is! I know I have a lot of skills that are actually PERFECT for this job- B.S. in Elem. Ed., loads of kids who've actually played with the toys, tons of training in team building, etc...., but it sure would be nice if I weren't so nervous!

You crack me up Liesa! And how amazing is that picture you were able to bring home! Very fabulous indeed!

Tate is a funny guy (?). Loves him some party action!

Hopefully when Liesa and I get back there one of these days, we can all go together.

Sounds like fun to me!!

As I live and breath! <said in her best southern accent> Winkers is here! Hope your doing well, it's good to come up for air every once and a while. How are the classes this semester?

This is also something else that intimidates the heck out of me.....going back to school.
I know I need to do it, but the idea of it all.
I guess I need to handle this like the weight I want to lose, right Liesa? I'll take it two at a time. Although, to be certified as a Family Christian Counselor, there will a lot of two's to come for a looong time.

Yes, Camille!! 2 at a time!! Slow and steady wins the race.

Way cool! Thanks for all of the detailed photos...I feel like I took the tour too! The Mozarthaus in Vienna had those self-guided headphones, but narrative was lame. Glad they got it right at the Durer museum.

I remember that rabbit picture from your PTR.

That's a great picture of Tate! I love how he's looking at the stein-guy.

I think each room's narrative was no less than about 5 -7 minutes!! The kitchen, living room, bedroom (ooooh-la-la!), art studio, entry way, and a coulple others were all included.

I think he found some interesting company on our trip!! I have a few more up my sleeve that I can use as blackmail material against him, if he ever gets too cheeky.

Aw, shucks, you thought of me! The layering that goes into printmaking really is amazing. I'll have to see if I can find one I did in college and post it for you.



That could have been nice, but I like what you did better.

YES!!!!!! I totally want to see your work!! Please post us some!

 

[MEK]

I am so enjoying your trip through the wonderful sights and signs of Nuremberg. What a fabulous way to make a print. Its beautiful.

I really hope the rest of the family recovers quickly so they will be able to sight see the next day.

Oh, and that Tate....tisk tisk!

 

[Poolrat]

I am here and reading along. I pop in as often as I can but it is getting harder and harder to keep up.

I am so glad you and Anara were able to sight see while the others were horizontal.

That museum looks great and the print looks lovely. I am sure once you move and get all settled you will be able to frame that print and give it a place on wall where it will remind you of that journey.

 

[All7OfUs]

I am so enjoying your trip through the wonderful sights and signs of Nuremberg. What a fabulous way to make a print. Its beautiful.

I really hope the rest of the family recovers quickly so they will be able to sight see the next day.

Oh, and that Tate....tisk tisk!

Thanks, Mary Ellen! I don't think my photos can hold a candle to your eye for capturing things, but I did have fun with documenting everything we saw, with my TR in mind all the time! Amazing how knowing you will do one changes the way you tour and see things!

We'll have to just see....

I am here and reading along. I pop in as often as I can but it is getting harder and harder to keep up.

I am so glad you and Anara were able to sight see while the others were horizontal.

That museum looks great and the print looks lovely. I am sure once you move and get all settled you will be able to frame that print and give it a place on wall where it will remind you of that journey.

Hi Pat!!!!! It should be a LOT easier to keep up here than say last summer or so. I wish I could update more and keep up the banter to a brisker pace, but well... I'm sure you "get it". Dang skippy, we need another Meet up to talk and hang out!

I do love my little bunny foo-foo print. I wonder if someone has ever done a spoof of him with fangs?

 

[eandesmom]

Bunny foo foo

All caught up. SO sorry to hear about the revenge of the berries. Nothing like having one of your favorite things take you down like that!

What a lovely lovely tour you and Anara had and your bunny is divine.

I am however most impressed with Tate's hat. that's nice!

 

[maroo]

I tried to post this over a week ago ... and I have no idea what happened? I was talking to Liesa on the phone tonight and she had not seen it...so I wanted to post it here for you guys to know what is going on and to please pray for Lauren and her whole family. Things are pretty crazy for them right now.


Went to see her orthopedic surgeon that put in the rods in her back - the surgery that nearly killed her and one of the reasons she was granted a wish...

They fixed her back, but the curve has now moved to her neck.

Here is a picture of the top of the xray. Obviously Lauren doesn't want people seeing the whole thing.

She has a 50 degree curve in her neck. The xray looked simply terrible. She "compensates" by having a 10 degree curve in her lower pelvis area, but not enough. Her side has been leaning against her wheelchair and has pressed so hard against her side that the ribs have moved (her muscles have atrophied a lot) and now her lung is severely pressed against her side. You can see it above...it is more narrow on the left side of the xray (which is actually the right side of her body) than the left - which looks more normal. It looks like she has about 10% of one lung. The other lung is fine, but due to her size, her maximum lung capacity before this development was already only 50%.

The next step is to possibly get her a whole new wheelchair with new seating and new stuff to possibly keep her straight. The first attempt at this failed, but they are sending her to a new place to get it worked on. The first available appt for this is Thanksgiving Week - so they are holding on for that.

The following step is surgery ... a big bad surgery where they will fuse her neck and fuse her back all the way to her pelvis. Hopefully that will keep her straight.

I had heard that they were not going to try this surgery because the risks are so high that she would lose all function below her neck. And I don't think they would even attempt it except that the rest of her health is good right now...It is almost like they decided it was worth doing so they could save her from pain for the years she has left this side of heaven.

But the whole thing was a huge blow to her Mom - she does radiology for a living, so she can spot a bad xray a mile away. Please pray for her whole family as they try to make some decisions and digest all of this.



I feel bad posting and running...but Liesa had not seen this and I wanted to make sure you guys were aware of the latest.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Liesa, I am following along. I am so sorry about the sickness while you were traveling. Your pictures are amazing.

Mary , I am so very sorry to hear this about Lauren. I can't imagine how helpless you all feel. You are all in my prayers.

 

[Millie12591]

Mary, please let Lauren and her family know there are people praying for them, their decisions, and for their peace and trust in God to know how to handle this.
Most importantly I'm praying for Lauren's body to come in to complete alignment, to come into complete correction as God intended for her to be.
Healing is a given and this poor baby needs it in a big way, in the name of Jesus I pray for her body to straighten and for healing to start taking place now!

I can't imagine how hard this would be for any parent to see, God is seeing it but isn't thrown by it, He knows it's already been overcome! Praise God for that!
Whether it's here or in heaven she will be whole again. Thank you Father for your healing, thank you for your love and comfort for this family.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Mary, please let Lauren and her family know there are people praying for them, their decisions, and for their peace and trust in God to know how to handle this.
Most importantly I'm praying for Lauren's body to come in to complete alignment, to come into complete correction as God intended for her to be.
Healing is a given and this poor baby needs it in a big way, in the name of Jesus I pray for her body to straighten and for healing to start taking place now!

I can't imagine how hard this would be for any parent to see, God is seeing it but isn't thrown by it, He knows it's already been overcome! Praise God for that!
Whether it's here or in heaven she will be whole again. Thank you Father for your healing, thank you for your love and comfort for this family.

Amen. I am agreeing with you in prayer right now. We are a powerful group, DISers - God is at work for Lauren!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Mary, please let Lauren and her family know there are people praying for them, their decisions, and for their peace and trust in God to know how to handle this.
Most importantly I'm praying for Lauren's body to come in to complete alignment, to come into complete correction as God intended for her to be.
Healing is a given and this poor baby needs it in a big way, in the name of Jesus I pray for her body to straighten and for healing to start taking place now!

I can't imagine how hard this would be for any parent to see, God is seeing it but isn't thrown by it, He knows it's already been overcome! Praise God for that!
Whether it's here or in heaven she will be whole again. Thank you Father for your healing, thank you for your love and comfort for this family.

Amen! Camille said it beautifully - thank you.

Oh, Mary - thank you for sharing this with us. Lauren and her family have been through so much. I cannot even begin to imagine how much Lauren must be suffering. Without meaning to, children teach us so much...her courage, strength and ability to smile. Bless her every moment of each day.

 

[englishrose47]

Fly by post !!I am back from Albany !!Got to include a Dis Meet!!!!

 

[TarzansKat]

YES!!!!!! I totally want to see your work!! Please post us some!

Oh, my. Now I need to get on the ball and find some.

 

[englishrose47]

Mary My prayers are with Lauren and her family!!!!

 

[maroo]

Liesa, I am following along. I am so sorry about the sickness while you were traveling. Your pictures are amazing.

Mary , I am so very sorry to hear this about Lauren. I can't imagine how helpless you all feel. You are all in my prayers.

Mary, please let Lauren and her family know there are people praying for them, their decisions, and for their peace and trust in God to know how to handle this.
Most importantly I'm praying for Lauren's body to come in to complete alignment, to come into complete correction as God intended for her to be.
Healing is a given and this poor baby needs it in a big way, in the name of Jesus I pray for her body to straighten and for healing to start taking place now!

I can't imagine how hard this would be for any parent to see, God is seeing it but isn't thrown by it, He knows it's already been overcome! Praise God for that!
Whether it's here or in heaven she will be whole again. Thank you Father for your healing, thank you for your love and comfort for this family.

Amen. I am agreeing with you in prayer right now. We are a powerful group, DISers - God is at work for Lauren!

Amen! Camille said it beautifully - thank you.

Oh, Mary - thank you for sharing this with us. Lauren and her family have been through so much. I cannot even begin to imagine how much Lauren must be suffering. Without meaning to, children teach us so much...her courage, strength and ability to smile. Bless her every moment of each day.

Mary My prayers are with Lauren and her family!!!!

Thank you ALL so very, very much!

I totally thought I had posted that here last week and really missed out on all of these prayers for her. We really appreciate it!!!

 

[maroo]

Since my last post was completely depressing, I decided I should post something a little more fun and more indicative of a regular day for Lauren and her family...

Lauren was working on a research paper today with her Mom helping her and it wasn't going so well...Lisa didn't really know what she was doing enough to help her.

So they decided to let her kitten help instead...

Ha! And isn't she so cute!!!!


But, alas, the kitten got tired of reading all about C.S. Lewis and decided it was time for a nap.

And there is sweet Lauren - grinning as always.


They are such a delight to be around. Credits for these two pics go to her Mom - she texted them to me.

I hope you guys have a GREAT day!!

 

[TarzansKat]

Maroo, I will pray for Lauren, her family, and you at this difficult time. May God bless you all and keep you.

 

[maroo]

Maroo, I will pray for Lauren, her family, and you at this difficult time. May God bless you all and keep you.

Thank you, TK!

Did you see the kitten pics? They are much happier!