Valerie's Adventures

Autumn Haas Arrived!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Valerie 0

Autumn Haas Arrived!

The overgrown pumpkin patch Back in February, my mom decided to cut up a rotting pumpkin and stick it 2 feet underground to use as mulch ...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr7_4RLckDpKJ1Q_nB0b6HsH4P4pV5bfH3nh9RMpOCN9jQk4z5HbqYgaLz12kSJqiAdkZNly6T6fpxrz5BhYWxtuOCbhg3lns_20Jp5WS_kzRmM8t1RkQMYen8v4YhdRsu077z88OhmPx/s1600/P9172203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr7_4RLckDpKJ1Q_nB0b6HsH4P4pV5bfH3nh9RMpOCN9jQk4z5HbqYgaLz12kSJqiAdkZNly6T6fpxrz5BhYWxtuOCbhg3lns_20Jp5WS_kzRmM8t1RkQMYen8v4YhdRsu077z88OhmPx/s200/P9172203.jpg" width="150" /></a>Well, it's official...I am the last of my cousins who is still single.  But when you have a family as incredible as mine is, being the only one without a spouse really isn't that bad.<br />
<br />
This weekend, the Watson family welcomed its newest member, Brad Walker, who married my cousin Linsey.  The wedding was held in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado, and turned out to be absolutely perfect, despite the rainy weather.  I enjoyed the spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains, the cool temperatures, and the fresh mountain air. <br />
<br />
But most of all, I enjoyed my family.  I can't imagine anyone else in the world who is as blessed as I am with such an amazing family.  Every person has their own unique personality, and I appreciate all the quirks of each individual.  I am whole-heartedly devoted to my family, but it is always nice to be reminded of their love and friendship.  And what better way to be reminded than at a wedding?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPs79zouROtcU0sQzBgg91Z06qoJomYXzxGBWInwTHI_vVuCShnUio92qwqttmR7VkRAey3BJloHC62uAqGFWgObTLaDX-tNUUFOGVZgOniuYkWu48FGkbk2WQk76QE7Uv1oL0DWy_YnR/s1600/P9162159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPs79zouROtcU0sQzBgg91Z06qoJomYXzxGBWInwTHI_vVuCShnUio92qwqttmR7VkRAey3BJloHC62uAqGFWgObTLaDX-tNUUFOGVZgOniuYkWu48FGkbk2WQk76QE7Uv1oL0DWy_YnR/s200/P9162159.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I started off the weekend by visiting my Aunt Sally in Denver, from my dad's side of the family.  We get along great because of her practicality, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit - there is never a dull moment when she is around!  Although our time together was short on this trip, we had lots of fun talking, running errands, visiting the animal shelter she volunteers at, and going for a nice, long walk.<br />
<br />
My parents and aunt & uncle arrived at Sally's the day after I did, and all of us visited the Forney Museum of Transportation.  They had every type of original transportation device you could imagine, from the Model T to Amelia Earhart's Goldbug Kissel, stagecoaches and a school bus, military vehicles and taxi cabs.  They also had refurbished trains (my Uncle Cliff's favorite), a wall full of bicycles beginning in the late 1800s (my aunt Sally's favorite), and a huge room full of Honda and Indian motorcycles (my dad's favorite).  It was quite fascinating, and I highly recommend visiting the museum if you are ever in Denver.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWLmRaqbL02RJxCRhpI4uMK0eqP5vtJ0iu9kjFldXUZygF_E4mzi4A51QIfWP4J8MtVssTsNcQFl0iibLH1H3IqVRgWrBvRFfGv3S0VLf30RNatnuu-fqFjdkoa0MdiP6wVXxzQ8IEVyn/s1600/P9162187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWLmRaqbL02RJxCRhpI4uMK0eqP5vtJ0iu9kjFldXUZygF_E4mzi4A51QIfWP4J8MtVssTsNcQFl0iibLH1H3IqVRgWrBvRFfGv3S0VLf30RNatnuu-fqFjdkoa0MdiP6wVXxzQ8IEVyn/s200/P9162187.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With cousins Matt & Linsey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After that we headed up to Breckenridge for the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  The rehearsal itself went fast, and the rehearsal dinner was a good time for our family to visit with each other, and get acquainted with the Walker family.  But the best part of the evening for me was hanging out with my cousin Matt (who has always been like a big brother to me) at the after-party.  We don't get to see each other that often, so spending one-on-one time with him was a delight!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE9CppIk1e7K80kCZJQuqB5i4s59-WfSNZJQSw4rsTfYtkFAFYY8Tjivs7pLnfu_yAB8KyyDfIYp45d7U7byK-1iMdbEoc6IJ3F3Sh49QKfxxClFfbI5yRoxLb5riWolhYi35dyCH9V22/s1600/P9172211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE9CppIk1e7K80kCZJQuqB5i4s59-WfSNZJQSw4rsTfYtkFAFYY8Tjivs7pLnfu_yAB8KyyDfIYp45d7U7byK-1iMdbEoc6IJ3F3Sh49QKfxxClFfbI5yRoxLb5riWolhYi35dyCH9V22/s200/P9172211.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with my Daddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next day was the wedding - what a great one!  I think it was the smallest wedding I had been to in a while, with just under 100 people.  But between the scenic view, the beautiful flowers, and the fun company, it was a wedding to remember.  My cousin Linsey was an absolute knock-out in her wedding dress, and we were all so happy for her and Brad to start their life together.  After the sweet ceremony and cocktail hour, the reception began.  The food was delicious, the toasts heartfelt and humorous, and we all danced the night away.<br />
<br />
<br />
So at last I return to LA with fun memories, full of love for my family, and sad that this fantastic weekend had to end.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bTlWVZ_PslTjM2jOV4cFMRLDZuInffV0IkoFXGmlkUkuv8FGWuTH6xy8lWAqFlt43IQb71TrrhRmdN79U9xqJ5Zhh3CiRdW5QwvDDCRD1qDd7V66afem7ZJZ40ZV5OXxaIwLyB0M1o2c/s1600/P9172224+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bTlWVZ_PslTjM2jOV4cFMRLDZuInffV0IkoFXGmlkUkuv8FGWuTH6xy8lWAqFlt43IQb71TrrhRmdN79U9xqJ5Zhh3CiRdW5QwvDDCRD1qDd7V66afem7ZJZ40ZV5OXxaIwLyB0M1o2c/s320/P9172224+-+Version+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Bride & Groom - cousin Linsey & new cousin, Brad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>

Last One Standing

Well, it's official...I am the last of my cousins who is still single. But when you have a family as incredible as mine is, being the o...

I'm an Aunt!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 Valerie 1

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kACxLKnn4Q-NIQu8oiVr8T1-PXFYCURSNWdqzLdUuceBJ3YhW5ucyTzFjWttEF3-vbIxRk74FIC3oSFixKUe6aPy69RCgbp_1gYWohX5kd-UruyajIh45ds10Be7186Yt0vloGklBEZs/s1600/311371_678743136720_56902582_35192941_8214666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kACxLKnn4Q-NIQu8oiVr8T1-PXFYCURSNWdqzLdUuceBJ3YhW5ucyTzFjWttEF3-vbIxRk74FIC3oSFixKUe6aPy69RCgbp_1gYWohX5kd-UruyajIh45ds10Be7186Yt0vloGklBEZs/s320/311371_678743136720_56902582_35192941_8214666_n.jpg" width="252" /></a>This weekend I went home for one last "hoorah" with my cousin, Sarah, before she had her baby.  Keep in mind that Sarah is like my sister, since we are both only-children and have become very close over the last several years.  We had the whole weekend planned out with fun activities to spend time together.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I was driving home, Sarah called me on my cell phone to tell me that she was at the hospital and already in labor!  On the one hand, I was sad that we didn't get to spend much time together, but on the other hand...I'm now an aunt!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Poor Sarah spent 24 hours in labor, but she finally gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl on Saturday, August 20th at 5:50pm.  Weighing in at 7lbs. even and 19" long, it was a joy to welcome TESS ASHLEY HAYDEN into the world.  It just goes to show that God arranges all things perfectly in His timing.

I'm an Aunt!

This weekend I went home for one last "hoorah" with my cousin, Sarah, before she had her baby. Keep in mind that Sarah is like my...

Sarah's Baby Shower

Monday, July 18, 2011 Valerie 1

<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ8WKuokSCoVPRW0w-dNLsei4hYimR-KRpvVLt3nu2L5pSw5IbDfIUMrvsFn_t7apxl3PWTTEf1sRXZeaYIORPKMSAv9zJFUpgEBW87pNrZjEE1PWrVDis6HtuZYKd6kpdUwlQ_Iu_7ab/s1600/P7162123+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ8WKuokSCoVPRW0w-dNLsei4hYimR-KRpvVLt3nu2L5pSw5IbDfIUMrvsFn_t7apxl3PWTTEf1sRXZeaYIORPKMSAv9zJFUpgEBW87pNrZjEE1PWrVDis6HtuZYKd6kpdUwlQ_Iu_7ab/s200/P7162123+-+Version+2.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><div>On Saturday we celebrated the soon-to-be birth of my "sister" Sarah's little girl.  I am SO excited for her and her husband Chad, as I know they will make wonderful parents.  And of course, I cannot wait to be an aunt to their little one!  Although Sarah is technically my cousin, we are both only children and have grown so close over the years that we call each other <i>sister</i>.  And she really is the best sister one could ask for.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The baby shower was held at my parent's house, but hosted by Sarah's 2 cousins from the other side of the family, Lisa and Jennifer.  They put in so much time hand-making the decorations and putting everything together perfectly.  The theme was "feathering the nest," so they went all-out with birdhouses, nests, tree branches, and even little stuffed birds (which Jennifer sewed herself).  We had about 30 people there in the backyard and the weather was perfect.</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7ZB18eCJ_vFEmCbTDaH0rQ0dmltDHBEoSlTzRsnmsilyFM0uT00KfmpBYj4cFAMQva08KvCxlRDZFdJJ9ufYi9dVTOcHoYfMGaU0uclG2ELqP_WT0pEH0cWQIeAsnA9jJKsj9r1BBcZE/s1600/P7162127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7ZB18eCJ_vFEmCbTDaH0rQ0dmltDHBEoSlTzRsnmsilyFM0uT00KfmpBYj4cFAMQva08KvCxlRDZFdJJ9ufYi9dVTOcHoYfMGaU0uclG2ELqP_WT0pEH0cWQIeAsnA9jJKsj9r1BBcZE/s200/P7162127.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm1DgTrRHPc4MESGqOGjeBi-TYM5igUaW1xYas6IoidU-r9Ewmpj7PsfX751hduvnzoldieB6FS6hlBuHyNZpVAIEftNtRZ1FrAqUb_XJcFfshhs7YMWj_C8R3iTg0CmLJiWJWxQRJol8/s1600/P7162121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm1DgTrRHPc4MESGqOGjeBi-TYM5igUaW1xYas6IoidU-r9Ewmpj7PsfX751hduvnzoldieB6FS6hlBuHyNZpVAIEftNtRZ1FrAqUb_XJcFfshhs7YMWj_C8R3iTg0CmLJiWJWxQRJol8/s200/P7162121.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ0BzLkA0h-A8t08Yqkjz_uGNY8gaDkfpR92ANcUV-yARs8bVOyPDe8x6MrUm45Wnjokj8oty_MWu5fYoDcKA0e7VKcTT7NLn0odvJO9lpuDyF34gOtEGTlxJ13GCLUCcfpH5ssgn_JBR/s1600/P7162112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ0BzLkA0h-A8t08Yqkjz_uGNY8gaDkfpR92ANcUV-yARs8bVOyPDe8x6MrUm45Wnjokj8oty_MWu5fYoDcKA0e7VKcTT7NLn0odvJO9lpuDyF34gOtEGTlxJ13GCLUCcfpH5ssgn_JBR/s200/P7162112.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div><br />
</div>

Sarah's Baby Shower

On Saturday we celebrated the soon-to-be birth of my "sister" Sarah's little girl. I am SO excited for her and her husband Ch...

Lesson in History

Tuesday, July 05, 2011 Valerie 0

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYsTqIJW7XiytjkLa5hr6ObncPgWVR_DSPBo97w-TbkrMjRuB_iErsxTJGZhIw2fRL4rDqdV5lMx69-TYYguJJp8I6PzSSxco09wv97WZrVgoCgpsRDhaRyZjyqIBw00oQVNtMw3z_vPl/s1600/P7022101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYsTqIJW7XiytjkLa5hr6ObncPgWVR_DSPBo97w-TbkrMjRuB_iErsxTJGZhIw2fRL4rDqdV5lMx69-TYYguJJp8I6PzSSxco09wv97WZrVgoCgpsRDhaRyZjyqIBw00oQVNtMw3z_vPl/s200/P7022101.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the bow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In celebrating the 235th anniversary of our nation's independence this weekend, my parents and I went to visit my "grandparents" in the Bay Area.  Although we are not related, Floyd and Billie have been a part of our family since before <u><i><b>I</b></i></u> was a part of our family.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqzPk3jN5IZucufpBMMCc-veQsKTQlYp8dcy08Oxrnh0MOzvMfx9yQ3wuMkeB8S2-syzDP_Tnzl830mOaN55Oo9MQAcWkWsGD-7vpfFWxK_cMpf0alvgjmeFbnicOizhoOrpvbpknRRjK/s1600/P7022094+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqzPk3jN5IZucufpBMMCc-veQsKTQlYp8dcy08Oxrnh0MOzvMfx9yQ3wuMkeB8S2-syzDP_Tnzl830mOaN55Oo9MQAcWkWsGD-7vpfFWxK_cMpf0alvgjmeFbnicOizhoOrpvbpknRRjK/s320/P7022094+-+Version+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the flight deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Grandpa Floyd served on the <i>U.S.S. Hornet</i> aircraft carrier during WWII in the Pacific.  Joining the US Navy at age 17, he was in charge of steering a little landing craft, similar to the ones you always see on documentaries of D-Day.  By a series of chance events (although, he would say it was God looking out for him), including his unit being deployed without him, Floyd ended up on the Hornet.  He was called up to the Bridge to begin steering the ship, because he rated as an "expert helmsman," to which Floyd's reaction was..."this ain't no 35-foot landing craft!"  So, at age 17, Floyd was in charge of steering an 876-foot long, ship that weighed 34,000 tons and housed over 3,000 men.<br />
<br />
Floyd has so many fascinating stories to share, so I was excited to join him on the ship where it all happened.  He served on the Hornet from 1943 to 1946, and saw plenty of combat during that time, earning a star for each of the 9 battles he was in.  Floyd was also at the helm during a typhoon that caused the ship to list as far as 47° - the only instruction the captain gave him was, "<u>Lad, do something</u>!"<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wfqpA4JJrJ9BB9W3CoY0S4GYvd0t5F-R2IJ41nSv2VMFL18iOL4zpSFZ3zObJ2CqKm10wEf0K7zKrYU74fYhnqq7QbYQwNVfkqwvs1XErI6SHQOcjDanB6EwZnfFcLgzNaMbhou-hodt/s1600/P7022089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wfqpA4JJrJ9BB9W3CoY0S4GYvd0t5F-R2IJ41nSv2VMFL18iOL4zpSFZ3zObJ2CqKm10wEf0K7zKrYU74fYhnqq7QbYQwNVfkqwvs1XErI6SHQOcjDanB6EwZnfFcLgzNaMbhou-hodt/s200/P7022089.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Floyd at the helm</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">It is just so incredible to hear about the War from someone who actually experienced it first-hand, so I made sure to record a lot of videos!  Our time on the <i>U.S.S. Hornet</i> with someone who actually served on the ship was the perfect way to celebrate our nation's independence and those who protect it.  We had a wonderful weekend together, and I am so proud to call Floyd Moss, helmsman of a WWII aircraft carrier, "Grandpa"!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are just a couple of the amazing stories I captured on video:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qx1fuE-LHZg?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>

Lesson in History

In front of the bow In celebrating the 235th anniversary of our nation's independence this weekend, my parents and I went to visit my...

Flying Solo

Monday, June 20, 2011 Valerie 0

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94qogM0z_15MZ1u6bsgRHx46rbk666pNhq69n-o0rXqFQmneN0NKJno2RNTuz6W896OOFcZHaKN3ponyUVzRin33Qev7nmdRoW-GsCjfxJ0sZPoSs5PR-DTAJpNn46TZXK_9R9HOkj0pJ/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94qogM0z_15MZ1u6bsgRHx46rbk666pNhq69n-o0rXqFQmneN0NKJno2RNTuz6W896OOFcZHaKN3ponyUVzRin33Qev7nmdRoW-GsCjfxJ0sZPoSs5PR-DTAJpNn46TZXK_9R9HOkj0pJ/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a>Today was my first trip to Disneyland by myself.  Many people have recommended going to Disneyland alone, and I finally took them up on it!  It was actually pretty fun walking around leisurely, not having to race off to the next line.  Lines aren't fun to stand in, especially when you're by yourself, so I only went on one ride - Buzz Light Year!  I need a little more practice shooting with both hands at the same time, but I think I did fairly well for the first try.  As you can tell in the picture, my right hand is a little stronger than my left hand...

Flying Solo

Today was my first trip to Disneyland by myself. Many people have recommended going to Disneyland alone, and I finally took them up on it! ...

Zurück in LA

Thursday, June 09, 2011 Valerie 1

Zurück in LA

Walking around the Englischer Garten On Sunday, we drove to München to visit the English Gardens before heading to the airport. The Gar...

Dresden Kirchentage

Saturday, June 04, 2011 Valerie 4

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmGamoVOtBelO235S7XkLbnPB_Out5wPslVOe0Vq-zMFr60j_CELKkwMTUiL2LNhoa3oC56unborNHgEwEyqghUwRuUjJzu5MDEHs1YKEbgux0yW0qH65w6MUnBW_IVKi4hpWjzaacUuB/s1600/P6022042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmGamoVOtBelO235S7XkLbnPB_Out5wPslVOe0Vq-zMFr60j_CELKkwMTUiL2LNhoa3oC56unborNHgEwEyqghUwRuUjJzu5MDEHs1YKEbgux0yW0qH65w6MUnBW_IVKi4hpWjzaacUuB/s200/P6022042.JPG" width="150" /></a>Thursday was a national holiday in Germany, called <i>Christihimmelfahrt</i> - otherwise known as "Christ's Ascension."  As a part of this celebration, the city of Dresden always has a period of 5 days called <i>Kirchentage</i> ("church days").  The Hofer Haas family had never been to this celebration in Dresden before, so we took a 1-1/2 hour drive to this former East-German city, which still has remnants of Soviet influence.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRGTnfsZ5sh5zxKB1nX1xfbXhEKasvoBLADphj-Xtuyf1aK_gU3XPfOP2NXiEIFy9ysJ9ZJdigIQwNE9yha_KQcRyTLtRrhGo9traN9fko1Vs7CTxMBXQyl7Ji0pmsheqNSg1SbiQ3k6X/s1600/P6022044_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRGTnfsZ5sh5zxKB1nX1xfbXhEKasvoBLADphj-Xtuyf1aK_gU3XPfOP2NXiEIFy9ysJ9ZJdigIQwNE9yha_KQcRyTLtRrhGo9traN9fko1Vs7CTxMBXQyl7Ji0pmsheqNSg1SbiQ3k6X/s200/P6022044_2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a traditional Thüringer Rostbratwurst</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There were so many people packed into the city, as mostly German tourists came specifically for these "church days."  The focus of the <i>Kirchentage</i> was the old Lutheran church called <i>Frauenkirche.  </i>The church was so full that they had a big screen outside where people could sit and watch the service going on inside.  Helmut and I think that this is a good opportunity every year for the church to reach a lot of people who normally do not attend church.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ2SVGo_VPp7WQf4e82D0QXx8jiXYxV3s-4JP7SMU9-Gj9lmdfxsk8NdNaECymOImzqzCNQcYpOMvdAQke5NMYrITbz0reAGV0vmDJH3_7vkJnlJW5Xjx6mFmEFXI1iRGddPVieDVBeos/s1600/P6022058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ2SVGo_VPp7WQf4e82D0QXx8jiXYxV3s-4JP7SMU9-Gj9lmdfxsk8NdNaECymOImzqzCNQcYpOMvdAQke5NMYrITbz0reAGV0vmDJH3_7vkJnlJW5Xjx6mFmEFXI1iRGddPVieDVBeos/s200/P6022058.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frauenkirche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mostly we just walked around the city, and looked at the different buildings and architecture.  I found it all to be quite fascinating.  As we walked around, we noticed that a lot of people were wearing bright green scarves.  At first we thought they must all be from the same tourist group or something, but as we kept walking, we determined that there were way too many people wearing these scarves to all be from the same group.  We noticed people who had badges, and some without badges, some in couples, some walking alone - all had this same bright green scarf that said "Kirchentage, Dresden, 1.-5. Juni." <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13IevXB3VGMX0lvaJ5YIDTrC9Y5laBvb-XRoixzDRtJfLu8hIPtNZclv388pxuUqItqThdE-MY9A-vtB9WgkWOax_Vk44T0gyFFkOETE7jVP2Tk8goe9QRXYFKtr-HTS70_1tvH5E7_1G/s1600/Foto%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13IevXB3VGMX0lvaJ5YIDTrC9Y5laBvb-XRoixzDRtJfLu8hIPtNZclv388pxuUqItqThdE-MY9A-vtB9WgkWOax_Vk44T0gyFFkOETE7jVP2Tk8goe9QRXYFKtr-HTS70_1tvH5E7_1G/s200/Foto%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finally found the green scarves!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The more we saw, the more we were confused.  It seemed like almost everyone had one of these scarves!  And we did not see anyplace they were being sold!  We began asking people where they got these scarves, and they all said they bought them from someone on the street the day before.  Well, if we were not confused before, we were really stumped now.  Were all these people with scarves really in Dresden the day before?  It just didn't seem logical, and we spent the majority of the day trying to figure it.  Finally, our last chance was a volunteer who told us where a stand was that sold these scarves.  I was skeptical, because we had walked through the entire city and not seen a single place selling them.  But when we got to where she told us, lo and behold, there were the scarves!  So, Sebastian and I both bought one so that we could say we were in Dresden for the Kirchentage in 2011.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y8nOIwqZr2Y0Dgo4yqegT2dxUzU0Xt7MZu5NVScf1pLSvz_5s1PVufubIle6LSqRz2oqGJT8GCNwyuyOKqgSL2q8-XjNgvzEjRs84laYLrpDM201twdSQXmaavvi3UrppgOehnm1XHA9/s1600/P6022048_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y8nOIwqZr2Y0Dgo4yqegT2dxUzU0Xt7MZu5NVScf1pLSvz_5s1PVufubIle6LSqRz2oqGJT8GCNwyuyOKqgSL2q8-XjNgvzEjRs84laYLrpDM201twdSQXmaavvi3UrppgOehnm1XHA9/s320/P6022048_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>

Dresden Kirchentage

Thursday was a national holiday in Germany, called Christihimmelfahrt - otherwise known as "Christ's Ascension." As a part o...

A Long Drive

Thursday, June 02, 2011 Valerie 1

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvDUrWGMXliZCo8Rwc_1Y7EPcSipcFEK3r5DmJxk3EhCWavsINEBwtyBiFRKvLBnGL-M71Ui7AxLuWACDk3FuN43RlOZlOBHxGgmBp8HhldJB5t9GhNSkC7sIUrXP8D_PevDhbudqmdNK/s1600/P5302017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvDUrWGMXliZCo8Rwc_1Y7EPcSipcFEK3r5DmJxk3EhCWavsINEBwtyBiFRKvLBnGL-M71Ui7AxLuWACDk3FuN43RlOZlOBHxGgmBp8HhldJB5t9GhNSkC7sIUrXP8D_PevDhbudqmdNK/s200/P5302017.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My VW Touran rental car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I began my driving excursion on Tuesday morning.  Apparently the car rental place neglected to see that I had requested an <b>automatic</b> transmission, and I was told they did not have any!  This was a problem indeed, because I wanted to feel comfortable driving in a foreign country instead of fumbling with the stick.  Thankfully they did happen to have ONE car with automatic transmission, and it was only 10 Euros more...I think.  Well after all this, my credit card was declined!  (I called the credit card company later that night to find out that there was a hold placed on my account, because they needed to verify a $1.00 transaction from iTunes - unbelievable).  Once I finally got on the road, I missed my turn and ended up out in the middle of nowhere before I was able to turn around and get on track.  I have always hated GPS navigation systems, but I have to say that the GPS in my car saved my behind on this trip!  The GPS automatically knew if there was a traffic jam somewhere and it took me a different route.  And it always showed me the speed limit on the screen, so if I was confused about whether the speed limit was still in effect or not, I could look on the screen.<br />
<br />
After hitting rain and traffic, I finally made it to the city of Münster.  First I stopped at the University to turn in my transcript.  (I had decided to take it personally instead of mailing it, since I would be in the city anyway - wrong decision).  After wandering around for 15 minutes and asking people where the office was, I finally made it to the secretary for Master's applications, only to discover that the office closed at 3pm and I was there at 3:30pm :(  There was an Australian gal there, so we decided to just put our packets underneath the door.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB44-mGxAPsgj62qJDd-I9KbOfCXuigOfuoAH2Qz58SrD06ANZ2pTspP5ppn-TS37jHr-R480Bz1I6NO5pqt-esRfEvpTkY5_aDl5UanT5uxaSUYPBZ0dRFIgfClRC8xTi9gUKKbopfCdQ/s1600/P5312027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB44-mGxAPsgj62qJDd-I9KbOfCXuigOfuoAH2Qz58SrD06ANZ2pTspP5ppn-TS37jHr-R480Bz1I6NO5pqt-esRfEvpTkY5_aDl5UanT5uxaSUYPBZ0dRFIgfClRC8xTi9gUKKbopfCdQ/s320/P5312027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Münster Musikhochschule - it's only one building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then I raced off to my hotel to check-in and change my clothes before my voice lesson at the Musikhochschule.  The gentleman at the front desk was really nice and even let me borrow his umbrella!  I walked 10 minutes from the hotel to the Musikhochschule, and made it just in time for my 5pm lesson.  The teacher was really nice and it seems like she is interested in me.  She speaks clear German, so I could understand her, but her English is also very good.  We met for about 1/2 an hour and she didn't even charge me, because she says the first lesson is free.<br />
<br />
However, there was some miscommunication with my application, because apparently the University has record of my application, but the Musikhochschule does not...and the auditions are next week, when I am back in LA :(  Also, the Master's program in Münster is only a year long, so she said it is very stressful for the students.  I talked to her about the possibility of studying with her for a year before enrolling in the Master's program at Münster, and she said that she would like to do that for my personal benefit, and to help prepare me for the program.<br />
<br />
The only problem with Münster, is that I do not like the city.  There was so much going on - busy streets, busy people, no parking, bicycles everywhere, students everywhere.  Not my idyllic vision of Germany...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jFval2DglCTvESU6Bq0Hll0OCiT2Ob_cmS0WrS_thcmG6re2BeGw8oVMTb7axsTJw_Gc3SBRH77rrnK6yCfGsg7_VuI7Z3hBDbF0XdaRuOm9gJnVTbZC8wA4Nrg0PS0Z4YCNB5Yy0a_X/s1600/P6012037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jFval2DglCTvESU6Bq0Hll0OCiT2Ob_cmS0WrS_thcmG6re2BeGw8oVMTb7axsTJw_Gc3SBRH77rrnK6yCfGsg7_VuI7Z3hBDbF0XdaRuOm9gJnVTbZC8wA4Nrg0PS0Z4YCNB5Yy0a_X/s320/P6012037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hochschule für Musik Detmold -Main building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Wednesday morning I was off to Detmold, about a 2-hour drive from Münster, but somewhat on my route back to Hof.  I arrived in Detmold at about 1:30pm and immediately loved the town.  It was much smaller than Münster, but bigger than Hof.  It reminded me of Bayreuth and had a similar feel.  After eating my lunch, I took a walk around the town, and I like it a lot better than Münster.  I had a lesson with a professor (an American) there in Detmold at 3:45pm.  She was very helpful and gave me some good advice regarding my voice, as well as some song suggestions to take a look at.  She does not think I am ready for the Master's program yet at Detmold.  (What I'm discovering is that because the German University system is different than the US, most of the singers applying for the the Master's programs here are older, so their voices are more developed.)  She recommended going to Münster to study with the professor there for a year, and then trying to audition at Detmold next year.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gNKmNhpYaZcnTpYxSbRrEct_S-bhjw9fE5VseHS4vs-j518uiL8BO2INeaSs_bP8_G0P0q7OlU04CeXFsY-Tv-AW_Bs3orhkUtvpJz6NqipVHS6UW5rHSzOiPkwd1qzpshFSJz6nEVUY/s1600/P6012036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gNKmNhpYaZcnTpYxSbRrEct_S-bhjw9fE5VseHS4vs-j518uiL8BO2INeaSs_bP8_G0P0q7OlU04CeXFsY-Tv-AW_Bs3orhkUtvpJz6NqipVHS6UW5rHSzOiPkwd1qzpshFSJz6nEVUY/s200/P6012036.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk in Detmold</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, I'm not quite sure what to do here.  I feel like I'm back at Square One.  I thought that this trip to Germany would make things clear, but now I just feel more confused.  I really like the professor in Münster, but I don't like the city.  I liked the town of Detmold, but there's no chance for me there right now.  And in either case, both places are a 5+ hour drive from Hof, and I'm starting to think that I would like to be closer to them.  Any suggestions, advice, or encouragement at this time would be greatly appreciated...

A Long Drive

My VW Touran rental car I began my driving excursion on Tuesday morning. Apparently the car rental place neglected to see that I had req...

Weekend in Germany

Sunday, May 29, 2011 Valerie 2

Every year on May 28th, we celebrate 2 birthdays in my family - my aunt Sally (Happy Birthday, Aunt Sally!) and my cousin's husband Helmut.  This year I happen to be in Germany to celebrate with Helmut.  Apparently they do not sing to people here on their birthday, but I sang to Helmut.  He said it was the first time anyone had ever sung to him on his birthday!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNG7U0Hk7eFQ3vEELWDjT_-WJuTx5I4BIOqH1k0wnmT5VsOJd2ZTDovzDmePwj_OYxrtH8JscqDdpR11twh-dGZlHUpmBkEcoNCkFIauHQfzSzEu6Tk7fnkRJNDQ3IsYIOlEKIqO1mmh-i/s1600/P5271981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNG7U0Hk7eFQ3vEELWDjT_-WJuTx5I4BIOqH1k0wnmT5VsOJd2ZTDovzDmePwj_OYxrtH8JscqDdpR11twh-dGZlHUpmBkEcoNCkFIauHQfzSzEu6Tk7fnkRJNDQ3IsYIOlEKIqO1mmh-i/s200/P5271981.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeanette preparing the potatoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My cousin Jeanette prepared lots of delicious food for the party - a German potato pie of some sort, a salad with carrots and a yogurt dressing, a cucumber/tomato/feta salad, and a special meat/vegetable wrap.  For dessert we had a delicious cheery cake coated in chocolate.  I think out of all the party guests (10 of us total), I probably had the most fun.  Why? you might ask...because for 4 hours, there was no English spoken.  All the party guests - Helmut's sister, brother-in-law, niece, and Jeanette's mother and friend - do not speak English at all.  Hence, I got to speak in German the whole time!  I was so proud of myself that I was able to actually have conversations in German, even though I speak poorly.  At least I was able to communicate with people and we could laugh and have a good time together.  Even when I spoke with my relatives (who speak English quite well), I spoke in German and they reciprocated.  So, it was nice to know that all the work I have put into learning this language for the past 3 years has not gone to waste.  I have a long way to go, but it seems like my German has improved immensely just from being here for a week!<br />
<br />
This morning I went to church and met Helmut's sister/brother-in-law/niece there.  The <i>Pfarrerin</i> spoke slow and clear throughout the whole service, so I was able to understand the sermon, for the most part.  It fit right into where I am at in life right now.  She said that God wants us to pray to Him, and that this is a gift.  God gives us hope through our prayers, so why not go for it?  Everyone needs to have hope in their lives.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDBxm0B7Hs5hTHSHnoNhqdZIn43WEKjvPhRivuPGDBzV2XJZs07xOMkUj-Tj6BoOZE9xt4s7idouurqYJSuRZYwAuj9oRiGoNrNE36gQ7WgciNtjBP3qDyHuyoLhlEeio2t9MVtEVvsWh/s1600/P5292002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDBxm0B7Hs5hTHSHnoNhqdZIn43WEKjvPhRivuPGDBzV2XJZs07xOMkUj-Tj6BoOZE9xt4s7idouurqYJSuRZYwAuj9oRiGoNrNE36gQ7WgciNtjBP3qDyHuyoLhlEeio2t9MVtEVvsWh/s320/P5292002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helmut and I inside the watchtower</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This afternoon Helmut, Jeanette and I visited a small town about 20 minutes away from Hof, called Mödlareuth.  The American nickname for this village is "Little Berlin."  When the Wall was erected to separate East Germany (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) from West Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland), this poor town was divided in half.  They could not even wave to each other over the Wall!  Of course, the west side of the Wall only had a couple of military people patrolling it - Americans and West Germans together.  However, the east side of the Wall was heavily guarded, with a "no man's land," huge searchlights and another fence. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqp7a3_t-gZT2oAxyArQv_IOd0uMnOmTMCkMiinSMYeFDI_RKYt-yLp0RrEGFivSNUKMveGSbo7UjJRQkO7MUG8l2M2GeDiIW8e67p2Fw1gR0h1ae21VuPHQW1VPlJO0s9IGGvqgEwlG6/s1600/P5291987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqp7a3_t-gZT2oAxyArQv_IOd0uMnOmTMCkMiinSMYeFDI_RKYt-yLp0RrEGFivSNUKMveGSbo7UjJRQkO7MUG8l2M2GeDiIW8e67p2Fw1gR0h1ae21VuPHQW1VPlJO0s9IGGvqgEwlG6/s200/P5291987.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking toward the DDR - 1960s</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74vtgE_LchGJIqCXCKK3IOSDTjVzl3EgO5VRd7nSXEpgW1gp8_vkadRE5XBZlOww_iXK-FRwlqJ5tBCcfauMsSzFdorF_DJFueQxXY3kX6cjAL8Xkaq8A_MvtVVUbqtGDgUjoccEbIJzY/s1600/P5291989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74vtgE_LchGJIqCXCKK3IOSDTjVzl3EgO5VRd7nSXEpgW1gp8_vkadRE5XBZlOww_iXK-FRwlqJ5tBCcfauMsSzFdorF_DJFueQxXY3kX6cjAL8Xkaq8A_MvtVVUbqtGDgUjoccEbIJzY/s200/P5291989.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same view today</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoygJcmEkEFmXx6RLCxQHpknm3at5rAlXqiQtuMnTcDwf6idCgyZJ9VkRjrN2bkZ7QUKSSs5zDLSasEm1Icds3-uPla5MV2mC-ABTPzUspi13lMSWa9iGlTeHaBALKqc_jZe7E4hiyyJQ4/s1600/P5292008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoygJcmEkEFmXx6RLCxQHpknm3at5rAlXqiQtuMnTcDwf6idCgyZJ9VkRjrN2bkZ7QUKSSs5zDLSasEm1Icds3-uPla5MV2mC-ABTPzUspi13lMSWa9iGlTeHaBALKqc_jZe7E4hiyyJQ4/s200/P5292008.jpg" width="200" /></a>We watched a video about the effect of the Wall on this particular village, and the joy they had when it was opened and they could celebrate together again.  I cannot imagine growing up in a small village, losing half my friends, co-workers, and church family for 20+ years, and then being re-united with them after having to pretend they did not exist for so long!  It was a very interesting place to visit, and see the effect of the Occupation on this small village of only 250 people.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT9G93z8Ss3UIYEXULVqwKznjz8clT52ghb1c2_GH19DYHt7N8kUuo0JFixc0xcXYnUYKbRjCHq-3pFX2mh1GCNTtpJq8_p2dAo-x2qgcZX0ZhM6VYhXdUsh4pbfjIFwqmRJmtjvJ8aqk/s1600/P5292010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT9G93z8Ss3UIYEXULVqwKznjz8clT52ghb1c2_GH19DYHt7N8kUuo0JFixc0xcXYnUYKbRjCHq-3pFX2mh1GCNTtpJq8_p2dAo-x2qgcZX0ZhM6VYhXdUsh4pbfjIFwqmRJmtjvJ8aqk/s400/P5292010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing in "no man's land" on east side</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Weekend in Germany

Every year on May 28th, we celebrate 2 birthdays in my family - my aunt Sally (Happy Birthday, Aunt Sally!) and my cousin's husband Helm...

Weimar Audition

Friday, May 27, 2011 Valerie 2

Well, friends...I can honestly say my audition went well!  I arrived about an hour and a half before my scheduled audition time and checked-in.  There were current students who were in charge of the whole process, and they were really nice and spoke clearly to me.  After checking-in, I had to wait a few minutes, and then they took me to a practice room to warm-up.  After 1/2 an hour (which was not quite enough time for me...), they brought me to another room where I had about 15 minutes to practice with the accompanist.<br />
<br />
The accompanist was <u>very</u> German.  I think she is a professor there at the conservatory, and she spoke quickly and not very clearly.  I could understand her for the most part, but there were times when I couldn't understand her.  When that happened, instead of speaking slower and calmer...she spoke louder and looked at me like I was stupid!  That's the only time so far that has happened to me this trip, thank goodness.<br />
<br />
After that, Herr Gohritz (the professor I have been in contact with via e-mail) came to meet me and take me to the theater where the audition was held.  He explained very clearly the procedure: go on stage, introduce myself, introduce my song, sing, leave the room.  After that the professors would talk to each other and determine if they wanted to hear another one.  He said it was not normal to hear another song, because they didn't have enough time (I had spoken to a girl in the waiting room who only sang one song in her audition too).<br />
<br />
So, I went onstage, introduced myself in German, introduced my aria and sang it.  My voice was not working <i>quite</i> as well today as it has the past 2 days, but I was still able to hit the high notes just fine and I think I expressed the aria well (although, one can always use more expression).  After that, I left the theater and waited in the lobby.  Herr Gohritz then came out and told me that they did not think my technique is ready for a Master's program, mostly because I did not express the different emotions of the aria as well as they wanted.  I thanked him for everything and then went on my way.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I think I did quite well...at least for me.  There is only one thing about the whole process that I was disappointed with - I only sang <b><u>one</u> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">aria!  I didn't even get to say my German monologue that I worked so hard on :(  I just don't understand why they wanted me to prepare 4 arias, 4 art songs, and a monologue, if they were only intending to listen to one song.  I worked so hard the last month to prepare for this!  A couple of weeks ago I was told that I would sing one aria, one art song, and then they would choose one or two more to hear.  But, no...just one song.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b><br />
Well, had I not come to the audition, I would have never known if I had made it or not.  And, now I know that I am quite capable of entering a foreign setting with people who do not speak my language, and exiting without any problems communicating...for the most part :)<br />
<br />
The next school I'm looking at is all the way up in the north-west part of Germany, a town called Münster.  I have a lesson/quasi audition with a professor there who seems very happy to meet me.  So, keep the prayers coming, because I'm trusting that God will still do something great while I am here in Germany!

Weimar Audition

Well, friends...I can honestly say my audition went well! I arrived about an hour and a half before my scheduled audition time and checked-...

Viele Grüße aus Deutschland!

Thursday, May 26, 2011 Valerie 2

Greetings from Germany!  My travels to arrive here included sitting next to a old British smoker hacking stuff up for 10 hours, a 3-hour layover in London, a delayed Lufthansa flight (due to the ash from the Iceland volcano) and 2 more hours of sitting next to a German man with ear-piercing coughs.  But, I made it!  I arrived in München on Tuesday evening, met my relatives there and drive back to Hof.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, my cousin's son Sebastian and I walked to the grocery store to purchase a few items, and then I practiced for a couple of hours.  The practicing went really well, considering it had been a couple of days since my last session and my body had gone through a lot of stress in the past 36 hours or so.  After that, the majority of my day was spent trying to nail down details for the lesson I was supposed to have tonight with a professor at the school in Weimar (where my audition is tomorrow).  However, he could only meet at 6pm tonight, and 1) my relatives cannot drive me there tonight, 2) it's a 3-hour train ride, even though it only takes 1 1/2 hours by car, and 3) the train does not come back to Hof that late in the evening!  So, after much e-mailing back and forth in German, we decided not to have a lesson tonight.  Personally, I think it's a good thing, because that way he won't change anything I'm used to in my voice right before my audition.<br />
<br />
However, the professor I have been in correspondence with changed my audition time to 11am tomorrow instead of 2pm, because he wants to be present for my audition, and to hear me sing.  As that will be 2am in California, just <u>pray for me before you all go to sleep</u>!<br />
<br />
This morning I was home alone, so I took a little adventure to the "Marktkauf" in town - it's like the nicer, German version of Wal-Mart (they sell everything!).  My cousin Jeanette had a couple of items she needed from there, but she did not seem very confident that I would be able to find the correct items.  Well, obviously that made me determined to prove her wrong!  I was able to find the flour she wanted easy enough.  Then I went to the liquor aisle to get a small bottle of <i>Kirschwasser</i>, some type of German alcohol, I guess.  I didn't see it immediately, so I asked the store worker, "Haben Sie Kirschwasser?"  She took me to the large bottles, so I simply said, "Haben Sie eine kleine Flasche?" - to which she showed me the small bottles  I said, "Dankeschön," and proceeded to the check-out line.  Easy enough - it's the small victories that count!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI10TvdNMS-YylMZQEJILfoRaewndu7zP0Po88mLsVnOm1_QbV_d6B4QO7Ai4k8YIVrT_mKsBpDpw6DHxS10LdyDh8BI-OArnC4ZZrbPn8ip7Fq6jygoN3fqgkv2eqmOT4BI3CrmafZ9TW/s1600/Photo+on+2011-05-26+at+05.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI10TvdNMS-YylMZQEJILfoRaewndu7zP0Po88mLsVnOm1_QbV_d6B4QO7Ai4k8YIVrT_mKsBpDpw6DHxS10LdyDh8BI-OArnC4ZZrbPn8ip7Fq6jygoN3fqgkv2eqmOT4BI3CrmafZ9TW/s200/Photo+on+2011-05-26+at+05.31.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
After walking back to the house, I spent a couple of hours practicing, and today's session went even better than yesterday's!  So, I am anticipating a wonderful audition tomorrow morning.  All I have left to do is practice my monologue and introducing myself in German :)<br />
<br />
Bis bald!  Tschüß!

Viele Grüße aus Deutschland!

Greetings from Germany! My travels to arrive here included sitting next to a old British smoker hacking stuff up for 10 hours, a 3-hour lay...

Indiana

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Valerie 3

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCZgwHiH9nBBmNU3DllGAnBFUsS09qdkkztOVhtZQTOWOLi2fnpqDMnJkNJpjNhoz1M5NL42t44z4taKEod1I16hTQCVWlyoB0DwwHqRabl7yIUmbtF29l4Ryvb9CWPLKXkbTET4ZJNDd/s1600/P4221920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCZgwHiH9nBBmNU3DllGAnBFUsS09qdkkztOVhtZQTOWOLi2fnpqDMnJkNJpjNhoz1M5NL42t44z4taKEod1I16hTQCVWlyoB0DwwHqRabl7yIUmbtF29l4Ryvb9CWPLKXkbTET4ZJNDd/s200/P4221920.JPG" width="150" /></a>The majority of last week was spent with my good friends Jen and Landon in Bloomington, Indiana, with their new baby!  Micah turned 4 weeks old on Good Friday and Monday (the 25th) was his one-month birthday.  He is the epitome of cute, and such a sweet baby!  Micah did quite well sleeping through the night, and he only cried when he needed food or when his bottom hurt from diaper rash.  One thing I didn't realize until this past week, was that baby poop doesn't smell when the only thing the baby eats is milk from his mother.  Diaper-changing was no problem!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWFTIrwYe0Huq9Sgec4baJ31XiunICLGHRrjd6-MszKDiRlN-ZwKvrKVeqJ_D8rikmU3TnelIhyphenhyphenJON3kJy-s8oecwzMOZvEMZ-lv1mWeTJSjg76Ks_uuwDMqOcohOG92MZeIQa1fW22O8/s1600/P4211908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWFTIrwYe0Huq9Sgec4baJ31XiunICLGHRrjd6-MszKDiRlN-ZwKvrKVeqJ_D8rikmU3TnelIhyphenhyphenJON3kJy-s8oecwzMOZvEMZ-lv1mWeTJSjg76Ks_uuwDMqOcohOG92MZeIQa1fW22O8/s200/P4211908.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going for our walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The days went by leisurely as we spent our time together talking, reminiscing about the past few years of our friendship, looking at photos, and most importantly... watching and playing with baby Micah!  Poor Landon had to wake up early every morning to go to work, but we were still able to all be together in the afternoon and evenings.  And we had a good time cooking delicious food together - soups, salads, breads, chili, cookies, cupcakes...On Thursday evening, we took a nice walk around the Indiana University campus, which was absolutely beautiful.<br />
<br />
On Good Friday, we attended the evening service at Jen and Landon's church, which ended in reflective silence.  That night there was an intense thunderstorm, with cracks so loud they bolted me out of bed!  Before going to sleep, we turned out the lights to watch the bolts of lightning - I had never seen such vivid thunderbolts so close up!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY5aRx9dSG8lmRcq4fJZd9m91ShC3jMJUs7Hmbz4x0LvpVAndVYWIxjg-81hQJFk7Dgsa0GJogvRDgV0PkTuGy4VGWz4B1VK0Svpf3M_R8_XMw0ZyXUin4Gj7c5PAY40t07SQEgbFIqCz/s1600/P4241940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY5aRx9dSG8lmRcq4fJZd9m91ShC3jMJUs7Hmbz4x0LvpVAndVYWIxjg-81hQJFk7Dgsa0GJogvRDgV0PkTuGy4VGWz4B1VK0Svpf3M_R8_XMw0ZyXUin4Gj7c5PAY40t07SQEgbFIqCz/s200/P4241940.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsU_bDXBRCmYDdyHGR84MtXs5ZktTn0BOKbTYyMAT1Wau5DO5G7-TCiXL6Ga1XcTL9F2HUOVLYzQeDBsRAVHD9zG-njotfmqnH3-h_G7htUgChjdZobWN76PR5YYWBkNVUwduBwCPsSNR/s1600/P4241942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsU_bDXBRCmYDdyHGR84MtXs5ZktTn0BOKbTYyMAT1Wau5DO5G7-TCiXL6Ga1XcTL9F2HUOVLYzQeDBsRAVHD9zG-njotfmqnH3-h_G7htUgChjdZobWN76PR5YYWBkNVUwduBwCPsSNR/s200/P4241942.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
The best part of my visit was holding Micah.  He is so precious and beautiful and adorable!  His little yawns and stretches always elicited an "awww."  A couple of times he took a nap on my chest, and I did not want to let him go!  Jen and Landon are truly blessed and I know they will be wonderful parents to Micah as he is growing up - and they already <u>are</u> excellent parents!  They take such good care of him and shower him with love.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1XvNKpAaAcSf4JTfDqPWYRq6YrnYiAmNi8lUeYlq00Z0wJz0MfKFKiPeuqUO0MZBvnD3lX2wpccGIxsrRU33S6588JxZ2kp1bs-zR5gsCOhpvHnME2Q9VZQmuemeU0l6gti9hlOSe47Q/s1600/P4241951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1XvNKpAaAcSf4JTfDqPWYRq6YrnYiAmNi8lUeYlq00Z0wJz0MfKFKiPeuqUO0MZBvnD3lX2wpccGIxsrRU33S6588JxZ2kp1bs-zR5gsCOhpvHnME2Q9VZQmuemeU0l6gti9hlOSe47Q/s200/P4241951.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Micah's first Easter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZncpralLttJpZ-2C07FKgJcI3PZG-dnDpmxdmd2eKcpf2aHNYIUe15q3ETEMlUqvqpt008PjerZYsHsQpoymJiz8OSjIMIsKZ8KrgwLlcvZbqSFhIqapZk9ZVXPN__wjg7A-M4KsGlKIf/s1600/P4241956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZncpralLttJpZ-2C07FKgJcI3PZG-dnDpmxdmd2eKcpf2aHNYIUe15q3ETEMlUqvqpt008PjerZYsHsQpoymJiz8OSjIMIsKZ8KrgwLlcvZbqSFhIqapZk9ZVXPN__wjg7A-M4KsGlKIf/s200/P4241956.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was one of the few times he cried</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
On Sunday, we attended a lovely Easter service at the church (Micah's first Easter!).  Afterwards, Landon made delicious omlettes with onion, mushroom, zucchini, bell pepper, and goat cheese, which we had with fruit and multi-grain bread with apricot jam.  I made an apple pie for dessert.<br />
<br />
We did not want the time to end, but alas, I eventually had to get on a plane to come back to LA.  But I cherish those few days I had with Jen and Landon and Micah.  They are genuine and loving people, and I felt so welcome and comfortable in their home.  I love them so much, and I am happy to be called "Auntie Valerie"!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVTmFXngQwRTKu2mUgpNSqLYvkKGX5d6tYz38o_l0DzpZKwMNbD7XagHXWPAV6SlTHPtRvIBGm4dIHREIYFRJzQGdpOEszCdYKPeilq60IY6Xspd9SrqIHT1GQxdvG2rIxLZXraX777aV/s1600/P4231927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVTmFXngQwRTKu2mUgpNSqLYvkKGX5d6tYz38o_l0DzpZKwMNbD7XagHXWPAV6SlTHPtRvIBGm4dIHREIYFRJzQGdpOEszCdYKPeilq60IY6Xspd9SrqIHT1GQxdvG2rIxLZXraX777aV/s320/P4231927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>

Indiana

The majority of last week was spent with my good friends Jen and Landon in Bloomington, Indiana, with their new baby! Micah turned 4 weeks ...

Ohio

Thursday, April 21, 2011 Valerie 1

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiSSy9SQoMnqIAEOhYbVlySGC7q0VYslnQ5nr2_SsKxpa4XUacKQpJCo4X36RB_vM2SQ5U8k2l836tzkizRjRAYCkWaCYV2P91ckewVbKllKKQdLHnSiI1z1SuHXVVUHR_I3hygB2kG4y/s1600/P4201880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiSSy9SQoMnqIAEOhYbVlySGC7q0VYslnQ5nr2_SsKxpa4XUacKQpJCo4X36RB_vM2SQ5U8k2l836tzkizRjRAYCkWaCYV2P91ckewVbKllKKQdLHnSiI1z1SuHXVVUHR_I3hygB2kG4y/s320/P4201880.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Vera is such a delight!  - See the resemblance?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This week marked my first visit to the state of Ohio to visit my great aunt Vera, the sister of my grandma Imogene.  Aunt Vera is a spry, fun-loving lady who is an inspiration to me.  She actively exercises, uses her computer everyday, goes out and about, drives her friends around, eats right, and stays young and healthy.<br />
<br />
I first met Aunt Vera when she came to California in the summer of 1996 to visit us, and since then she has made several trips out our way.  However, this was my first opportunity to visit her at her own home, and have quality time one-on-one.  She is such a fascinating woman, and has lived a life full of adventure.  I can only hope that I will do as many fun things in my life as she has done.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbny_ZRlk_bj5t7JfLwSct2-BOnjKmgrwcjY0X6TS8-iJ2vsUBzUFIFzh82YFtDb65M7OP-BeZJ0j5IAKTXRb5bI0wOELsXfbHnGGSw6klBp0znwZlMSxNG2-OTyOLD5rd8T2so1-g79aR/s1600/P4191876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbny_ZRlk_bj5t7JfLwSct2-BOnjKmgrwcjY0X6TS8-iJ2vsUBzUFIFzh82YFtDb65M7OP-BeZJ0j5IAKTXRb5bI0wOELsXfbHnGGSw6klBp0znwZlMSxNG2-OTyOLD5rd8T2so1-g79aR/s200/P4191876.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our lunch table</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
She lives in a small town of 11,000 people called Galion, Ohio.  My favorite part of the town was all the old colonial-style homes, many of which have been renovated and look amazing.  While I was there, we took a hour-and-a-half road trip up to Cleveland, which is on the edge of Lake Eerie.  After a short driving adventure, we found the restaurant we were looking for and ate lunch on a cliff that overlooks the lake.  It was a very foggy day, so the lake lived up to it's name...But I have to say that my "almond pistachio tilapia with lavender honey butter" was absolutely delicious!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But, most of my time with Aunt Vera was spent in conversation around the house.  We looked through old photographs from the Chance side of the family (my maternal grandmother's side), going back to the Smith's and even O'Neal's.  I pulled out several photos to scan and put on my computer, some of which I had never seen before.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigybX4Lq2eh1ieoldW1ha1osn04SF_xpA9Ac1DsAbbplyy3jH5DvF9KgmD8V8Lj0g3uJj_cKqpgdmCvFITCf00zNv1i4j5n0nT54r4ItQrmboARZi61YQhJ45R_LgJ6d4fYPGxpspKv9p5/s1600/Chance-1921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigybX4Lq2eh1ieoldW1ha1osn04SF_xpA9Ac1DsAbbplyy3jH5DvF9KgmD8V8Lj0g3uJj_cKqpgdmCvFITCf00zNv1i4j5n0nT54r4ItQrmboARZi61YQhJ45R_LgJ6d4fYPGxpspKv9p5/s320/Chance-1921.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great-Grandpa "Slim" Chance, Great-Grandma Lennie, <br />
with Grandma Imogene & Great-Aunt Gwen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aunt Vera also told me all kinds of family stories that I had never heard before.  I heard about my great-great grandpa, who was a bugle/drummer boy for the Union in the Civil War, and my great-grandma's sister who married a professional photographer around the turn of the century, and my great-grandpa's birthtown, which is now at the bottom of a lake.  I sat down with all the resources Aunt Vera had, and created a family tree on my laptop.  It was great to have her there to answer all my questions about our family, since she is the only one from that generation, and she has a lot of information to pass on! <br />
<br />
Just listening to her talk about our family made me feel closer to them.  Looking through the photos and hearing about the lives they lived, made them more real to me.  Pictures of people who were once strangers to me suddenly came to life as I realized not only did these people live real lives, but they are my heritage.  I am a part of them, and it is my responsibility to carry on their legacy.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Aunt Vera took me to rent my car to journey to Indiana for the next leg of my trip.  But as I drove through the beautiful scenery of Ohio, I still thought about all the people in my family who have gone before me and how important it is for me to stay connected to those in my family who are here with me now.  I love each one of them so much, and I hope that the circumstances that life brings will keep me close to them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GM4JVBgktaQH_2zePcY7jes7djo4cXSvHVMrXScgi5RSTKj5LQnSINFXxFbQ6kdnFSQ7GLqcGmUXAOIeURLUAFsayCCMjDOBlmiX8QmeDO8klbPyEgfAN6U5Nij5D2pcXcXKKpt-l-lu/s1600/P4201890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GM4JVBgktaQH_2zePcY7jes7djo4cXSvHVMrXScgi5RSTKj5LQnSINFXxFbQ6kdnFSQ7GLqcGmUXAOIeURLUAFsayCCMjDOBlmiX8QmeDO8klbPyEgfAN6U5Nij5D2pcXcXKKpt-l-lu/s200/P4201890.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>

Ohio

Aunt Vera is such a delight! - See the resemblance? This week marked my first visit to the state of Ohio to visit my great aunt Vera, th...

Huntington Gardens in Arcadia

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Valerie 0

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRtpLuUjr1AHSZbSIAptgGHZt_AVM9W2xNLfg-6o0EPdx3TZX3B09Ewr9Ea2kz7vQ2hHZ1CjuHtsnn2PaABQYwmxuslh478bPxTgZoY9e8N024e6txdL41BlB_dzFTfGpDejULCkwSZpk/s1600/P4021824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRtpLuUjr1AHSZbSIAptgGHZt_AVM9W2xNLfg-6o0EPdx3TZX3B09Ewr9Ea2kz7vQ2hHZ1CjuHtsnn2PaABQYwmxuslh478bPxTgZoY9e8N024e6txdL41BlB_dzFTfGpDejULCkwSZpk/s200/P4021824.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEYLCiUf2Ea7lgV92OMjMmWW8eHvTcvb_hfGGyWVJpwoqKzMo46qegrcM2jYlUIYgsj5nbew4M5AfZdoWs_38jaVAupZcrpHUdNUib85WiCiSv3BOXHHM8MBqYD3ztmHvY28BuqIH8wKi/s1600/P4021820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUgAjxfe6Z-nBzNzsKLLRstBzQAQMe7KvZYcGbO2gZ6nE55d85VV6qpD6dZAPBRLdo-Q0CLhEQKVPaTYCGUSvupV_wrBRV-A7AVOR0t6Gsv6qxDsAk67An8U8KOURSArWHI3Lzyjm2r5u/s1600/P4021826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUgAjxfe6Z-nBzNzsKLLRstBzQAQMe7KvZYcGbO2gZ6nE55d85VV6qpD6dZAPBRLdo-Q0CLhEQKVPaTYCGUSvupV_wrBRV-A7AVOR0t6Gsv6qxDsAk67An8U8KOURSArWHI3Lzyjm2r5u/s200/P4021826.JPG" width="200" /></a>One of the things on my "Before I Leave LA To-do List" is the Huntington Gardens in Arcadia, and thanks to my friend Jill and her husband Dave, I was able to mark that one off my list! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxaX6qsmEkg2s0EBT7d_zPEQKTn8e4L07SLXiCrj7Mgm9Mhdj4_-5vxQbSMwfaZEgtS8L87l94jGs2WtOj4fw5VpXbE-Og3kqHBHyPbz0HXpgSFLkd1tUJXAvuqTci5YwW6R1WonxpZgg/s1600/P4021821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxaX6qsmEkg2s0EBT7d_zPEQKTn8e4L07SLXiCrj7Mgm9Mhdj4_-5vxQbSMwfaZEgtS8L87l94jGs2WtOj4fw5VpXbE-Og3kqHBHyPbz0HXpgSFLkd1tUJXAvuqTci5YwW6R1WonxpZgg/s200/P4021821.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEYLCiUf2Ea7lgV92OMjMmWW8eHvTcvb_hfGGyWVJpwoqKzMo46qegrcM2jYlUIYgsj5nbew4M5AfZdoWs_38jaVAupZcrpHUdNUib85WiCiSv3BOXHHM8MBqYD3ztmHvY28BuqIH8wKi/s1600/P4021820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEYLCiUf2Ea7lgV92OMjMmWW8eHvTcvb_hfGGyWVJpwoqKzMo46qegrcM2jYlUIYgsj5nbew4M5AfZdoWs_38jaVAupZcrpHUdNUib85WiCiSv3BOXHHM8MBqYD3ztmHvY28BuqIH8wKi/s200/P4021820.JPG" width="150" /></a>Dave is the curator for the Chinese and Japanese gardens, which were absolutely beautiful.  The Japanese Garden closed the Monday after we visited it in preparation for its 100th anniversary, so we were able to see it just in time.  We did not spend much time at the other gardens, since we knew this was our last opportunity to see the Japanese Garden before it closed for renovation.  All the plants, flowers, ponds, and scenery were amazing, and I will definitely have to go back once all the work is complete on the new garden next year!

Huntington Gardens in Arcadia

One of the things on my "Before I Leave LA To-do List" is the Huntington Gardens in Arcadia, and thanks to my friend Jill and her ...