Laika, Wiener Neustadt, Austria

blubb Posted Jun 30, 2013, 11:05 am	Hi, My name is Laika and my mum decided that I can go and explore the world. I want this since month, but my mum were a little bit worried about me, because I am a little dog. I am looking forward to my first adventure.  I am excited were I will have my first stay. All the best, Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 9, 2013, 12:12 pm	Dear mummy, today morning I reached Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia. I was welcomed very warmly by all the plushies living here and by some other ToyVoyagers: Störte who is hostdad's TV and Twixx and Haribaer who are hostmum's guests. After introducing ourselves to each other I needed a recovery of my first trip in an envelope...the wicker beach chair in the garden was perfect  See you later, mummy, yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 9, 2013, 9:24 pm	Dear mummy, after having a good sleep I was ready to accompany hostmum, hostdad, Twixx and Haribaer to a walk. We walked on the old way of pilgrims near Paderborn. You can see the route on the sign. There was another sign: "Dogs have to be put on the leash"  But hostmum said it didn't go for ToyVoyagers  Our way was very nice, forest and fields in the sunshine... We took a rest in an organic café, I had yummy cake and a cup of tea. On the way back we saw a sign with a cow on it but unfortunately there were no cows, not after 75 metres and not at all. Another sign was in the shape of a horse that pointed to a witch-hill, but on the hill we didn't met any witch. Perhaps it wasn't dark enough... Love you, mummy, as you can see  yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 10, 2013, 8:14 pm	Hi, mummy, today afternoon we made a bike tour to Bad Lippspringe, a little town near Paderborn. In Bad Lippspringe five rivers rise as you can see on the sign. The river you can see on the photo is the river Jordan. But the town isn't only full of rivers but also full of flowers! Of course Twixx and Haribaer wanted to show me their favourite ice-cream parlour, very good idea  On the way back home we saw some sculptures of old people in front of an old people's home, very nice! And I discovered a very funny sign with a dog on it...I'll do my very best  Best wishes, mummy, yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 10, 2013, 8:23 pm	...just adding longitude and latitude of my home...
mcdaniels Posted Jul 10, 2013, 8:28 pm	Back home I got to know Lina the cat. I told her that I've nothing against cats at all
mcdaniels Posted Jul 12, 2013, 8:19 pm	Hi mummy, today afternoon we drove to Paderborn city by bike. On the way we saw some nice flowers, hostmum said the name of the flower is Wegwarte (cichorium intybus). In Paderborn we visited the cathedral with it's famous 'window of the three hares' (three hares with three ears but every hare has got two ears  ), the town hall, the Neptun fountain and a funny red and yellow house  The peacock is s symbol of St. Liborius, the patron saint of Paderborn. Of course we took a rest in a comfortable café that belongs to a friend of hostmum. The last photo shows Neuenbeken, hostmum's home village and since more than 30 years a district of Paderborn. Hope you're fine, mum, yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 13, 2013, 1:07 pm	Dear mummy, today morning we made a bike tour to Altenbeken. Altenbeken is a small town at the beginning of the Egge mountains. On the way there we stopped at river Beke and for sniffing at Jasmin blossoms  When we reached Altenbeken we first visited the big viaduct this town is famous for. The viaduct was built up in the middle of the 19th century. Though Altenbeken is a small town it was and still is a railway junction. In commemoration of the old days there is standing an old steam engine in the middle of the town. Though it was forbidden to climb up the steam engine I did it... On the way back home we saw lots of little figures in a shop window. They showed the big party that will begin today in Altenbeken. In this region every village has got a traditional shooting club and once a year the best rifleman (king) and his wife or another woman (queen) are celebrated for three days with a big village party. All the best, yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 22, 2013, 6:58 pm	Hi mummy, yesterday hostmum asked us whether we could help her cookin jam. Of course we wanted! First we picked lots of redcurrants, then we had to wash them and to clean them up from stalks (a very long-winded activity  ) because hostmum wanted to bake a cake with currants before making jam. Twixx and me rolled out the dough, then we covered it with redcurrants. At last meringue to the top...yummy! Then we started making jam. We DIDN'T have to pick the currants up from stalks because hostmum has got a brilliant old mincer from her grandma: you can fill in the redcurrants WITH their stalks, then you only have to turn the crank...on one side the stalks and pips appear and on the other side the pulp. So we did, wow! After that we cooked the pulp together with bananas, gelling agent, sugar and some liqueur and filled the jam into glasses...ready! All the best yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 24, 2013, 9:52 pm	Dear mummy, yesterday I escorted hostmum to work by bike. It was a very hot day, look the very dry maize on our way to Paderborn city  Hostmum works in an old people's home as a social worker and tomorrow she wants to create some 'welcome-hearts' together with the old people. These hearts will be distributed to the newcomers in this home. So I helped preparing the handicrafts. Then we made music with the old people and I played the guitar  Before driving home we had to write something by computer...look what I wrote for you  Yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 26, 2013, 2:08 pm	Hi mum, yesterday we said goodbye to Störte, hostdad's pirate who started to Austria. And today we welcomed Mr. Moose from Finland. He brought some gifts with him so we sat together talking about TV-life and eating yummy liquorice  In a few minutes we'll eat cake in the garden and in the evening we'll go to a restaurant, cause today is hostdad's birthday. Yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 26, 2013, 9:44 pm	Happy birthday, hostdad! Unfortunately in the afternoon it started raining so we had the birthday cake in the kitchen instead in the garden. But nevertheless the gooseberry-cake was very yummy! Yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 27, 2013, 12:35 pm	And in the evening we went to the restaurant "Fischerhütte" on the edge of the spa forest in Bad Lippspringe. Not only the dinner was very good but also the ambience  And look whom we met in the garden...
mcdaniels Posted Jul 28, 2013, 12:56 pm	Hello mum, now it's 'Liobori' in Paderborn and that means it is state of emergency  'Libori' is both a secular and a worldly festival in Paderborn with many masses in the cathedral and processions in honour of St. Liborius whose relicts were conveyed from Le Mans to Paderborn in the year 836 and are kept in a shrine in the cathedral's crypt. Every July the shrine is shown for a few days and the 'Libori' festival  is celebrated for one week. There is a big market round the cathedral and a very big fairground. Today 'Libori' has been opened and we were present! Mum, you can't imagine how many people and how many bishops I saw! Next week we'll visit the fairground. All the best yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 28, 2013, 6:36 pm	In the evening we visited hostmum's parents for watching the football match Dortmund against Bayern. Hostmum and her mother are enthusiastic Dortmund fans (Dortmund is their birthplace) and so it was a very good evening for them cause Dortmund won 4:2! Before watching the match we visited hostgrandma's lovely garden. We discovered a small fountain, a small pond (with a BVB-duck AND a Schalke-duck on it  ), a hotel for insects, a birdhouse, many flowers and some strange occupiers of the garden. When it got dark hostmum showed us a very nice flower: in German 'Nachtkerze' (Oenothera biennis) that blooms  in the night! Every evening some blooms open in some seconds and bloom for only one night. They looked beautiful! Love you yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Jul 28, 2013, 7:08 pm	Hurray!!! The German women have won the Euro Cup!
mcdaniels Posted Aug 1, 2013, 10:23 am	Hi mummy, today morning we welcomed another TV from Finland: Sebastian the little bear. He showed us a postcard from his home and gave us yummy candies  I Think we'll have a lot of fun together. Today evening we'll visit the big Libori-fair! Love you, yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Aug 1, 2013, 11:48 am	The fair was fantastic! First we drove to Paderborn by bus. The town was full of people...you can't imagine! And then we saw the fair with lots of merry-go-rounds, ticket stalls with hundreds of plushies, strange figures, music all around...wow! And then we drove with a Ferris wheel  We could see the whole town, it was so great! After all these impressions we were very hungry and so we got some chips and chocolate cherries at 'Petite Paris'...yummy! Back home we heard somebody whispering...and saw two curious guys who has followed us from a plushie stand  Good night, mummy, it was a great day! Yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Aug 4, 2013, 5:12 pm	Hi mummy, today morning hostmum said 'let's go for a walk through the forest round Neuenbeken as an alternative programme to our fair visit in the evening'. And so we did. We saw nice flowers, many many trees, a big thistle and a raised hide and had a great view. And we discovered a mousehole and waited and waited but no mouse appeared. Of course we had to take some rests, one on a bench, one on a tree stump, one in a cabin and one in a tree cave. The weather was very good so we had a nice walk and have now energy enough for visiting the fair again  Yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Aug 5, 2013, 6:35 pm	Hi mummy, in the evening we drove to the Libori-fair again. Cause the weather was much better than last Wednesday we went into the Ferris wheel again. The view was fantastic! After that we had some cider, yummy! The Libori-fair ended with a gigantic fireworks! Unfortunately you can see me only in a very shadowy way  but I was there and it was great! Yours Laika
mcdaniels Posted Aug 6, 2013, 11:41 am	Hi mum, today we said goodbye to Twixx and Haribaer. Twixx will travel to Switzerland and Haribaer will travel home. Have a good journey! Laika
mcdaniels Posted Aug 8, 2013, 11:02 am	Dear mummy, now it's time for me to say goodbye to my friends Sebastian and Mr. Moose and to hostmum cause I'm leaving Paderborn. I'm a bit sad because it's been a nice time but I'm also looking forward to my new host Strunki and new adventures. Goodby my friends...Remscheid, I'm cooooming! Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Aug 9, 2013, 10:57 pm	Hi Mum, today I arrived my new hosthome in Remscheid I heard some voices whispering from outside and then heard the sound of a shear the cuts the envelope Then I saw my new buddys for the first time Charlotte Mefito HelmutBluepant and Gozer Then I jumped out of my envelope And the plushies gave me a warm welcome and hugged me I showed them the postcard mcdaniels wrote and Mefito recognized her writing He was sooo happy of the nice greetings from his Mummy. Then we sat together, enjoying the yummy gumbears mcdaniels gave me with for them And we had a nice evening with listening to everybodys adventures Mefito was asking me a lot about home and I told him that almost is all right at home What a wonderful meeting with the plushies here See You soon, Mum Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Aug 11, 2013, 6:01 pm	Hello Mum, You never guess where we have been today: We went to Weert in Limburg They have some very old canons standing there And we liked playing in and on them Nice houses I saw in the pedestrian area And a tavern called „De oude Munt“ in the passage Nice shops like a shoemaker They even have shoes in plushie-size A water pump for horses perhaps and nice old buildings again Here is even a purveyor to the Royal Household Later on we had fun on a slide And like this little Fiat Bambino very much Then we looked for something to drink And to eat French fries perhaps? O.K., we looked for something other, much more typical for the region A trappist beer and the famous bitterbollen with mustard It was very yummy And I liked the beer very much What a nice town, Weert On our way back we visited the old Windmill „Aurora Molen" near Baexem Very nice, built in 1845 and restored a few years ago But there was no beer or something to eat and we went back to Remscheid That´s for today, Mum, Love and hug You Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Aug 17, 2013, 11:27 pm	Hello Mum, great news today: Hase has arrived But before we were able to give her a warm welcome, Gozer, Mefito, Charlotte and me played a round "Man, don´t worry" and drank some refreshable Hugo with Mintleaf I had the red stones And it run good for me Well, I did not loose like a well known hare bunny-lady Suddenly Helmut appeared very upset an brought an envelope We all heard her insinde the envelope Hase, friend of the famous Dr.Kröbner, visits us, what honour Carefully we opened the envelope together And had a first look inside All of us plushies gave her a warm welcome and a first group-hug Then she turned around to her envelope and brought us her gifts from home Hi, I am Hase, You must be Laika, the nice dog? Uiiiii, thanks for the sweety Yes, I´m Laika and You are a very nice bunny After the welcome Hase shows the postcard where her home is: It´s Delligsen Then we drank our first drink together: Hugo with mint Sitting around the candle and listening to ToyVoyagers-Stories and adventures Had a yummy meal, small special-plushie-cookies on a wafel And singing songs the whole night What a wonderful welcome That´s for today, Mum Love, hugs and greeting to You at home, Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Aug 18, 2013, 11:40 pm	Hi Mum, today we went to Wuppertal and visited the Botanical Garden there Today and on Sunday they celebrate a colourful summer fair around the Elisentower And this is the Elisentower itsself Formerly built as a windmill in the 18th century, a rich industrial magnate bought the area around the mill and built up his villa there in the 19th century. And he upsized the windmill tower to have a better view on the landscape of the valley of the river Wupper. First we started our tour and looked at the booths with handcrafted objects Then we visited the botanical garden itself Here parts of the old villa used as orangerie Look at the wonderful Lotos flower Here are some more impressions of the garden One of the two ponds with nice water lilies Even bananas they have in the warmhouse Here You can see the tower again And here I am on the tower O.K. this is not the real tower, but a good size for us plushies Now we are in the real tower What a nice wooden ornament on the floor Look at the nice ornaments under the ceiling Today this room is used for marriage ceremonies So let´s see what us expect outside Now we are on the top of the Elisentower, enjoying the landscape of Wuppertal and the fair in the garden On our way downstairs we learned some more about the 200 year old area of the Hardt What a fine day here we spent That´s it for today, Mum, see You soon Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Aug 25, 2013, 9:14 am	Hello Mum, today we visited a big event in Wermelskirchen, the neighbourtown of Remscheid. There was a nice funfair and we wanted to go on the giant wheel We also found a nice carousel But we decided to take a ride on the ferris wheel Woow, it´s  a huge one Now let´s start Great views on the landscape around us After this amazing adventure we were hungry and I was happy to get a huge chocolate banana That was it for today, see You soon and hug You, Mum Thousand kisses Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Aug 25, 2013, 8:27 pm	Hi Mum, here is Your Laika again Today we drove to Lindlar, thats a nice place in the Bergisch Land There we visited the local outdoor museum and enjoyed the agricultural and handcrafted market Most of the houses here stood at another place and were brought to here for rebuilding them This is an old house half-timbered house with a Pub inside from Wuppertal Really dark inside there But about a hundered years old We were very happy to see such a lot of farm animals having a good live outside like these cows with their calfs or these geese and turkeys We met relatives of HelmutBluepant Some hard working, but not unhappy looking horses They pull the historic mail coach there We liked it sitting so high above the ground And we saw some more horses working, they pulled a plough on the field Found some friendly sheep in the stables And outside rackas, or wallachian sheep After so much sheep we rested and found a nice place between some blooming artichokes and some nice pumpkins Helmut found his favourite vehicle: an old Unimog And some funny things on the market Later we saw Charlotte´s brother.. he´s the black sheep of the family and has to stay in jail... She didn´t want to talk about, what he has done... After this dark episode we enjoyed the flowers Finally we met some very friendly Lamas You can book them for guided Lama-Trekking-Tours in Bergisch Land Ok, this is not a lama... but a perfect goat in plushie-size The last I remember was this delicious beer and the yummy cake... ...but I don´t know how I came back to Strunkis home... That was it for this weekend, Mum See and hug You Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Aug 31, 2013, 2:29 pm	Hello Mum, this is Your Laika again:-) Today I discovered some blooming corners in strunkis garden Let us begin at the sunflowers Here I found some Montbretia [Crocosmia] This nice late rose has a smooth fragrance Here I am playing in the fig tree, some of the fruits will be mellow soon, I hope I can taste them Woow, what a huge hibiscus blossom Look at the purple coneflower [Echinacea purpurea] A typical autum flower: the sedum The first red apple And some late phlox Early apples and late summer lilac [Buddleja davidii] Nobody here knows the name of this flower plant Have You an idea, what it could be, mum? Some very last ox-eye (daisy) [Buphthalmum salicifolium] And the very last columbine [Aquilegia vulgaris] Lucky I found some tasty raspberry Look what Hase and me found Let´s share it with the other plushies
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Aug 31, 2013, 4:17 pm	All other plushies came and we enjoyed the yummy berries Suddenly I heard an elephant trumpeting the song "Down Under" It is Elmar, he came from his journey to Australia All of us gave him a very first warm welcome and a group hug Welcome, we are very happy that You did it Then Elmar showed us his gifts from Australia, yummy sweets, a nice card and a colourful bookmark Thanks a lot for the nice souvenirs, fleursmum After his arrival we all together shared the raspberries Finally we all sat around our special-plushie-campfire, heard stories from Down Under and singing songs the whole night That´s it for today, see You soon Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 2, 2013, 9:35 pm	Hello Mum, today we made a trip into prehistoric times and went to a famous place near Düsseldorf called Neandertal. There for about more than 150 years Dr. Carl Fuhlrott found relicts of a prehistoric human and he called him "Neanderthaler" Here he welcomes us very friendly A small scene how they perhaps lived? But let´s see what we can learn from the prehistoric humans outside Here a reconstruction of an oven from the late stone age Interesting tools for hunting and fishing The huge skull of a prehistoric aurochs Small talk between plushie to plushie Interesting, how a prehistoric drill works And what for nice artefacts the prehistoric people had And small talk with an impressive felt-mammoth An instrument called "atlatl", or spear thrower It helps to throw the spear about a longer distance What an informative and interesting day but now we all are tired That´s it for today See You soon Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 10, 2013, 8:48 pm	Hello Mum, today we left Remscheid at noon to spend our weekend at a noble resort chosen by Charlotte Here Strunki takes care that we all have a safe seat And after two hours we reached this for Lotte suitable nice place It´s a wellness-hotel situated in the middle of a wonderful park This is the acess to the entrance And here we sit in the middle of 5 wonderful hedges cut in waveform The reception is called "Orangerie" Here the view from the gallery Have You ever seen such a nice view on such a large pool? Here we are outside again on a footwalk between the guesthouses It is called fuchisa-avenue This is the pump-room with the curative water sources built in the early 19th century in the Biedermeyer style There we drank the healing water. It tastes very well Now we are in the library, also used as a smokers room Look, the wallpaper shows the same asian scene You find on the upholstery Now we are in our suite This is our view out of the window Now we stand in front of the guesthouse our suite is situated This wing is an outer part of the connected ballroom Have a look inside the main ballroom This is the main entrance, or Orangerie, again at night Here we are in the corridor of our guesthouse This huge boar we met in another wing of another guesthouse But he didn´t want to follow us into the SPA, where we made a sauna-session These were our nice days in Bad Driburg See You soon Mum, Love and hug You Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 12, 2013, 7:17 am	Hello Mum, today was a great day: We visited mcdaniels with her plushiegang and got a wonderful warm welcome at their home We were welcomed by The Wotwots , Sargent Froggo and UrselHH and all are very nice to us Then they invited us to a delicous chocolate-gumbear-meal We had a lot of fun telling and listen to the adventures After hours of happiness enjoying their community it was time to say Goodbye, because Helmut, Lotte and the little skunk will spend some time here... Good bye HelmutBluepant, we spent a great time together Good bye charming Charlotte, I was very pleased to meet you Finally we gave a last group-hug to little Mefito, we had a lot of fun with You Leaving plushies is not so easy, but I hope we will meet again, sometime, somewhere... Then we travelled back to Remscheid with strunki, that she´s not alone without Lotte and Helmut That was it for today, Mum see You next in Wolf at the Moselle, next weekend we want to visit a wine festival Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 15, 2013, 10:53 pm	Hello Mum, this weekend we made a nice trip to the river Moselle We went to Wolf, a part of Traben-Trarbach, because on this weekend we want to visit the wine-festival there On the river drove some nice ships and You have a nice view on the hills where the wine grows All houses and the streets were decorated with colourful garlands and the old town-flag A lot of old houses are renovated and show permanent colourful ornaments as well A nice balcony and other half timbered houses Interesting: This house was build in 1782 and the first high-water-mark is only two years later.... But now let´s concentrate on the wine-festival Everywhere in the streets bands were playing nice music This blue-white band comes from Eindhoven and is called "Just Fun" Before we found something to eat and drink we had fun at a still A nice horse told us where we perhaps find something to eat We found some peaches on trees and some blue grapes, but we won´t plunder foreign gardens Perhaps a spit roast? We decided to eat a huge steak with onions And, of course, we drank some wine A nice place was here We shared a last wafel together before we had to leave this nice place That was our weekend at the Moselle, see and hug You Mum Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 21, 2013, 8:37 am	Hello Mum, today we plushies baked fresh plumcake I was reponsible for the flour After Gozer started with the butter, Hase was adding the sugar and Elmar put in the eggs, I finally added the flour Then we watched and waited for the plums Here they are When the dough was ready, we filled the plate with And added the plums onto the dough line for line Ready for the oven After a eternety for us plushies, the plumcake war ready, but too hot to have a piece directly Looks Yummy Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 24, 2013, 11:47 am	Hi Mum, today we visited the the old Mediveal Castle "Schloss Burg" of the counts of Berg that was rebuilt in the late 19th. century. So let´s go through the first huge portal and have a look at the first court Very nice the first impressions, "typical Bergisch" Here we have the view behind the gate The statue you see shows Count Engelbert of Berg. By this noble family the region is named Bergisches Land, not because they have some small mountains and hills here  A thick defending tower But Schloss Burg doesn´t only mean see an old castle, You also can have a trip from the valley station to the upper station of the ropeway See our Burger Bretzels around our necks? Every child and, of couse, bravely tv´s as well should get one as a typical souvenir from here From here You have a nice view on the landscape and the ropeway as well Lots of nice Begisch cafe´s and restaurants You find here A nice visit comes to an end at the Dröppelminna, an old typical koffiepot of this region That was our trip for today, love and see You Mum Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 27, 2013, 10:17 pm	Today was a very special day for me: My Mum blubb met me in Wuppertal, because this weekend she and dad will take part in an oldtimer-ralley here. I was soo happy to feel her hands and she was also very happy to see that I am well Then I welcomed my old friend, the little red rabbit LinaLou Very pleased to meet you again, nice LinaLou and we hugged a long time LinaLou was also very happy to meet Gozer Hase and LinaLou had a very friendly hug, bunny to bunny Here You see the warm welcome between LinaLou and Elmar Lina and Elmar liked each other from the very first moment very much. After our welcome we plushies had a huge cocolate ice-cream It was sooo yummy and we all had a lot of fun eating together with our friends What  a nice meeting, we talked to each other and changed the latest plushie-news That was it for today, Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 29, 2013, 9:37 am	Hello Mum, today we made a trip around the Eschbachdam, Germanys oldest reservoir dam. Eschbachtalsperre There is a nice footpath around A little part of this path is also an element of the famous pilgrimpath, the Jacobus-way, wich combined the track between Dortmund and Cologne In the near we found a stone-cross, the table says, that a crime happend there almost 500 years ago... On our way there we found some nice looking mushrooms When we left the path nearby the dam and walked up, we reached the top and had a view on the southern part of Remscheid There we saw haws, also called rosehips And we played in the pink hawthorn [Crataegus laevigata] The best: we found wild cherries (Prunus avium) and collected them On our way back to the dam again, we saw nice looking mushrooms, but they didn´t really look eatable... Our nice walk ended at the dam again What a nice sunny autumn-day Love and see You soon Mum Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Sep 30, 2013, 6:57 pm	Hi Mum, today we visited a very old part of Remscheid near Wuppertal, called Lüttringhausen. There was a rural festival in the Streets But there were soo many people that we decided only to have a look at the church there The funniest this morning was to meet the famous little mole I love this friendly little guy... but he was sooo huge....
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Oct 1, 2013, 12:27 pm	In the early afternoon we went back to strunkis home and had fun in the garden, trying to create jam out of our wild cherries we collected yesterday ...We don´t know exactly, if our protection clothes made from some medical glowes were the result of the young red wine strunki enjoyed.... ...but it protected our fur against some bad cherry-juice-drops... Gozer and me sorted out the cherries Ready after washing Part one is done... ...But what about electricity? Thanks strunkis husband, he connected the mixer and we were able to stay in the garden So carefully we mixed the fruits, caring that the cherry stones did not break Looks almost ready Now we have to filter the juice and now the protection clothes help to stay clean Now we cook the juice But not forget the jam sugar Waiting that the the jam will be ready to fill up in glasses Now our work is done Four Glasses we got, one for everybody That was my weekend, see You mum and have a good time Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Oct 6, 2013, 5:29 pm	Hi Mum, today was a great TV-meeting at strunkis home: mcdaniels visited strunki for bringing back Charlotte and HelmutBluepant and their new friend *Nick* came as well:-) to stay here for a while. She also brought Sargent Froggo, UrselHH and The WotWots. And olgamaus came as well and she brought her guests as well: Kirin, Tsukumo,nosyblue, KoalaMimi, Rocky Raccoon, Lamikins and strunkis OleOrangescarf. What fun to meet soo much TV´s at one day Here I welcome HelmutBluepant, he was very happy to see me again Charlotte, my dearest, I´m happy to see You in a good condition For the big meal we walked through the garden and had a rest at the pond And here we are alltogether on the huge table So much fun to drink and eat together with sooo much plushiefriends ...Helmut... and his Killepisch... The hours flew fast away and then it was time to say good bye... Good Luck, little Ole, we know You´ll have a good time with mcdaniels What an exciting day See You soon and hug You Mum Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Oct 8, 2013, 6:11 pm	Hi Mum, wooow, what a party we had and here You see one more funny picture, hihi, but I tell You, it was a little bit hard for all of us in the morning... But all is ok with me, I only need a little bit more sleep Love and hug You Mum Yours Laika
Strunki strunki1259@web.de Posted Oct 8, 2013, 10:12 pm	Today the plushies had to say good bye to Gozer and me  Elmar, the time with You was so nice Lamikins, our time was too short, I regret Hase, we had a wonderful time *Nick*, our time was too short, I regret Have a good journey Gozer Helmut, it was so nice to meet You again, even when the time was short Charlotte, You were so nice to me, thanks a lot for all Good bye to all of You in Remscheid and Sülfeld, I´m coooooming
RikeH Posted Oct 9, 2013, 8:10 pm	Hello Mum,  Today I arrived in Sülfeld. Dicker Kumpel gave me a warm welcome. He introduced me to his other guests. And I showed my postcard and sweets. Love Laika
RikeH Posted Oct 21, 2013, 5:54 pm	Hello Mum, Many greetings from sunny Madeira. This is our holiday house. In front of it there is this nice small palm tree. And there are more wonderful flowers and plants in the garden. And this is the best place of the house. Can you see the Cruise Ship far behind me? This is the Atlantic Ocean – my dream came true! Love Laika
RikeH Posted Oct 23, 2013, 7:00 pm	Hello Mum, Today we walked through a part of Funchal called Lido. There seems to be a lot of wind over the years. Look at this palm tree. And I liked this big rock in the ocean. Then we went into a nice garden with beautiful and big flowers. This is a dragon tree - this is funny, because our holiday house is called Villa Dragoeiro – that’s the Portuguese name for it. Yours Laika
RikeH Posted Oct 28, 2013, 9:29 am	Hello Mum, It was time to see more from the Island – and we decided to drive to the Eastern Part of Madeira. On our way we stopped at a nice lookout and had this view. We wanted to hike at this place – but just before our arrival a big rain started. These paths didn’t look great so we decided to hang around and maybe come back next week.  But we were happy – many other hikers started earlier and really got soaked! I loved the small men out of stone here. The view from the other side of the parking lot was nice, too. Well – we started our trip back home and stopped at another great viewpoint. It was only 10 minutes after the other photo – and look at the sky! What a wonderful place! Yours Laika
RikeH Posted Nov 1, 2013, 12:09 pm	Hello Mum, It was time for some sports today. I started on this ergometer. Then I tried this machine, but it was not easy alone, so Soeren helped me, Then I trained my abdominals. Well – I tried some weightlifting, but it was too heavy for me. So we only posed for a group photo. Later I trained my balance. Dicker Kumpel and Pepita helped me. Then we all balanced on the big ball. It was fun! Laika
RikeH Posted Nov 3, 2013, 7:02 pm	Hello Mum, I went to a nice place called Pico dos Barcelos. From there I had great views over Funchal. What a beautiful big flower! Then we drove into the mountains and stopped at a point called Eira do Serrado. What a wonderful place! Back home I went through the garden and found new beautiful flowers. This yellow bloom was so nice. It is great to see so many blooming plants in October. Love Laika
RikeH Posted Nov 6, 2013, 8:04 pm	Hello Mum, Let’s start with the view from our balcony – great! We stayed in Coimbra and spent the morning in a nice park called Jardim do Portugal dos Pequenitos. Here we saw buildings from Portugal and countries related to Portugal in a smaller size. Unfortunately not in TV-size.      I liked the church. But this castle was great, too. I relaxed in the sunshine… Later we crossed the bridge and walked to the old city of Coimbra. We stopped at a nice place. Then we reached the top of the hill and saw the beautiful university. Yours Laika
RikeH Posted Nov 8, 2013, 9:32 pm	Hello Mum, We went through Porto today and started with a wonderful church Sao Francisco. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos inside, but it was so beautiful. Then we went to the port – there were nice small streets. And the view from the riverside was beautiful, too. This bridge is famous! We took an elevator to a higher point. Look, I had a nice view. This is the cathedral. And I loved this big place. It was a nice day in Porto. Yours Laika
RikeH Posted Nov 13, 2013, 8:46 pm	Hello Mum, We visited Sintra today – and there we started with the beautiful Pena Palace. I had a great view from the hill there. There was another nice Castle on the other hill. What a wonderful place! Then we went to the center of Sintra, but we didn’t find many interesting things. So we continued our trip and went to the Quinta Regaleira. It had a great garden. I started in a grotto. Here you see the grotto from the outside. This was interesting – a very deep well. From this place I had a nice view over the Castle and the small Chapel. Then we went to the most western Point of continental Europe. What a wonderful place!  I saw the Atlantic again!  Our last stop was this Point in Cascais – called Hell’s mouth. This was a really great day in Portugal! Love Laika
RikeH Posted Nov 16, 2013, 8:58 pm	Hello Mum,  I had a great time in Portugal. Before we leave I want to show you my nice room here! This was the place I really liked – on the big couch together with my friends. But then we found this place – with a great view out of the window. Soon we will fly back to Germany. Yours Laika
RikeH Posted Nov 24, 2013, 4:32 pm	Hello Mum, I went to Hamburg today and went to the Binnenalster. This is another nice place called Alsterarkaden From this place I saw the City Hall. I went to the City Hall. It is nice inside. This is the beautiful courtyard of the City Hall. Soon the Christmas Market will start here. Yours Laika
RikeH Posted Dec 3, 2013, 4:23 pm	Hello Mum, Today we took a walk through Sülfeld. First I learnt something about an old canal here. There is a small park in Sülfeld… … with a little lake. Maybe I will see it frozen in the wintertime. Behind me you can see the old school with a beautiful big Christmas tree. Then I met Santa Claus! But he told me that it is too early for Christmas gifts now. So I went to the church. On the other side of the street there is the old pharmacy. Love Laika
RikeH Posted Dec 6, 2013, 3:14 pm	Hello Mum, We went to a town called Bad Segeberg. During the summer time they show Winnetou in the open air theatre - and you see stakes in the town. And they had some nice decorated small houses everywhere. I loved the big Christmas tree… … and of course the carousel next to it. This stake was really beautiful, too. There was another Christmas tree on this big place – unfortunately it was not lighted up to now. Our last stop was in front of the nice church here. Yours Laika
RikeH Posted Dec 9, 2013, 6:38 pm	Hello Mum,  It is St Nicholas' Day today. And because we were so nice and well-behaved, we got some sweets. Then we had a nice surprise for Dicker Kumpel. He loves Christmas so much! So he got his own nativity scene. He was so happy! And I was happy, too - I went to the sheepherder -  herding dog - this would be a nice job for me! We searched for the three wise men, but they were far away on a hill. It was too early for them to reach the Christmas Crib. Later I went outside into the garden – look, we have snow here. Love Laika
RikeH Posted Dec 9, 2013, 7:26 pm	Hello Mum, today I said goodbye to Dicker Kumpel. Then I got a hug by all the TVs here. Now I am on my way to Switzerland.  Love Laika
Jasper Posted Dec 22, 2013, 9:04 am	Hello mommy I have arrived. My trip was not very long and quite enjoyable. The welcome was very friendly. I was hugged and cuddled. Everyone was happy about my arrival and the beautiful Christmas card that I brought with me. We had much to talk about and I enjoyed the last rays of sun that fell through the dining room window. Bye for now your Laika
Jasper Posted Dec 22, 2013, 9:15 am	Hi mommy I was allowed to open the next door. Not many left! kiss you Laika
Jasper Posted Dec 22, 2013, 9:46 am	Hi mom, Despite all good intentions Jasper is stressed. So much to do at work. Some employees already have a vacation and another has her leg broken because of the black ice in the last days. That's why I looked around a bit by myself. I discovered some interesting things. Love you Laika
Jasper Posted Dec 25, 2013, 6:32 pm	Hi mommy, our calendar told us, today is Christmas Eve. Jasper has bought us a small tree that we decorated. The fairy lights gave us a bit of effort, but together we have made it. With the red balls and golden ribbons it looks beautiful. Pride of place was the little angel. In memory of Cherry Lola's mom Kate. And now we wait impatiently for what is to come. First we will eat delicious - with Jasper's dad and her brother - who come to visit. And then we hope to have many gifts. All my loved ones at home - I wish you a wonderful, peaceful Christmas. Big hugs and a thousand kisses Laika
Jasper Posted Jan 4, 2014, 6:23 pm	Hi mommy, This morning we opened our gifts. I got a red collar with a small bell. Hope you also got a wonderful gift. With lots of love Laika
Jasper Posted Jan 5, 2014, 9:30 am	Happy New year! the last days of the old year were not so funny. Host dad had a few days to the hospital to re-adjust his diabetes. Even our trip to St. Moritz has been deleted. Here it was raining, but in the mountains was so much snow that the rail lines were closed due to avalanche danger. Pity but perhaps arises later an opportunity to go there. I would like to play in the snow, unfortunately, it is at the moment much too warm. Yesterday I was looking forward on dinner. Jaspers family eats traditional cheese fondue on New Years Eve. Yummy! We all helped with the preparation . I cut the bread into small pieces. I had to look that every piece has a crust. The piece of bread then holds better on the fondue fork. If you lose it during stirring in the cheese, you have to drink a brandy. And then we had to stir, stir, stir until the cheese was melted. In between, we have set the table. And then we enjoyed a creamy, seductive fragrant fondue and a glass of white wine. Unfortunately the rain prevented the fireworks. Nevertheless we had a lovely evening. All the best for the new year - love you Laika
Jasper Posted Jan 21, 2014, 6:19 pm	Hi mommy, Today we made a trip to Lucerne. Lucerne is a city in north-central Switzerland, in the German-speaking portion of that country. Lucerne is the capital of the Canton of Lucerne and the capital of the district of the same name. With a population of about 76,200 people, Lucerne is the most populous city in Central Switzerland, and a nexus of transportation, telecommunications, and government of this region. Due to its location on the shore of Lake Lucerne (der Vierwaldstättersee), within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps, Lucerne has long been a destination for tourists. Early in the morning we boarded the train and two hours later we reached Lucerne. On the way we even saw a bit of snow - a rarity in this winter. Arriving in Lucerne we strengthened ourselves first with croissant and cappuccino and studied the map . Then we started our tour. The first thing we saw was the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and Wasserturm (Water Tower) . Bridge: constructed in the first half of the 14th century as a part of the city fortifications. Named after nearby St.Peters chapel. Watertower: this octagonal over 34 meters high(111.5 ft.) tower was built ca. 1300 as a part of the city wall. Used as archives, treasury, prison and torture chamber. Lucerne's trademark and the most photographed monument in Switzerland. Along the river Reuss we walked further and saw gulls and swans that were fighting over bread. Beautiful houses lined our way to Nadelwehr (Needle Dam). Built in 1859/1860 following the clever style developed by Poiree, the Needle Dam is a unique attraction in terms of both technology and history. From 2009-2011 the facility was renovated and the city's flood protaction was improved. Even today, the level of Lake Lucerne is regulated by hand through the removal and placement of the so-called needles (wooden posts). The next attraction was the Spreuerbrücke (Mill Bridge) . The bridge was completed in 1408 as a part of the city fortification. Between 1626 and 1635 Kaspar Mellinger added 67 paintings that represent the "Dance of Death". Called the Spreuerbrücke because chaffs of weat were thrown in the river. Then we had to climb stairs - many many stairs took us to Museggmauer . Museggmauer (Musegg wall):  part of the rampart walls built in 1386. Wall almost entirely intact. 8 towers still standing, three are open to the public - Schirmer, Zyt and Männli. The oldest city clock, built by Hans Luter in 1535 is on Zyt tower. This clock is privileged to chime every hour one minute before all the other clocks in the city. From here you have a wonderful view over the whole city and the lake in good weather. As you can see we did not have great weather, foggy and cold it was . Lots of stairs later we admired beautifully painted houses that border the old city scenic places . Goethe was here. On the opposite shore we saw the Jesuit Church . Then we treated ourselves to a lunch break . The next building, which we admired, was the Town Hall (from the back, we will see even from the front). It was built between 1602 and 1606 by Anton Isenmann in Italian Renaissance style with a Bern farmhouse roof for weather purposes. The open arcades facing the Reuss still serve today as a weekly marketplace. The Fritschi restaurant on the Sternenplatz, painted with carnival motifs. The Fritschi is a famous Lucerne carnival figure. And - Luzern + Fasnacht: a madhouse. Then we reached the lake. In good weather you can see from here the Alps with the local mountains Pilatus and Rigi. We strolled a bit along the bank and then went to the Hofkirche (Hofchurch). Main cathedral for the city population and religious centre St.Leodegar and Mauritius. Benedectine Monastery founded here in the 8th century. Fire destroyed church in 1633. Rebuilt 1645. Is the most important Renaissance church building in Switzerland. Next, we visited the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument). "The dying Lion of Lucerne" is one of the world's most famous monuments. It was hewn out of natural rock in memory of the heroic death of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuilleries in 1792. Globetrotter Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucern as " the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world". Once again a short distance along the lake (it was still foggy and cold), passing this funny house, and we reached the Kapellbrücke again. We crossed the bridge and saw this time the town hall from the front. This is the Seebrücke (Seabridge). Under it, the Reuss flows into the Lake Lucerne. On passing Culture and Congress Centre, we reached the station. We said goodbye to Lucerne and were on our way home. Tired, but happy and enriched by many impressions we fell into bed. I hope you like my pictures from Lucerne. Kisses Laika
Jasper Posted Jan 29, 2014, 2:38 pm	Hi mommy, Today I said goodbye to a good friend. Dotti Scotti set out on her way home. I gave her a big hug and wished a safe journey. I will miss her. I miss you too. Kisses Laika
Jasper Posted Jan 30, 2014, 7:47 am	Hi , Sunday morning , and again we had to get up early. This time led us our trip to Ticino - the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. To get to the Ticino, we took the train through the Gotthard tunnel. The railway tunnel is 15003 meters long and consists of a single , twin-track tube. Construction began in the fall of 1872. The puncture was made on 29 February 1880 and on 22 May 1882 the tunnel was inaugurated. On the north side was not much snow but when we left the tunnel , we saw amounts of snow. Crazy winter. Place names such as : Airolo, Quinto , Faido , Biasca and Osogna made us curious. And then we got out - in Bellinzona , the capital of the canton of Ticino. The city is famous for its three castles ( Castel Grande , Montebello, Sasso Corbaro ) that have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000. From the station square we made our way into the old town. We reached the Piazza Collegiata and admired the great church of San Collegiata. Passing beautiful homes and the Palazzo Civico (City Hall), we reached the stairs that led us to the Castel Grande. A wonderful view. The castle is located on a mighty rock ridge above the old town. We strolled through the huge castle and expected every moment  knights and dragons. We climbed the Murata (city walls), which also belongs to the Unesco World Heritage site. It seems as if one can traverse half Bellinzona on the Murata , as long it is. We took the Salita Castel Grande to return to the city. On our way we saw the Federal Criminal Court. A few alleys further we came to probably the oldest church in Bellinzona - San Biagio . The facade is decorated with an image of St. Christopher. The lunch we had earned. After this break we were on our way to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It is one of the most valuable Churches in Ticino and emerged at the end of the 15th Century. This richly frescoed building was severely damaged in a fire on January 1, 1996 and had to be carefully restored. Unfortunately we could not visit the interior, the church was closed. Little surprised we went on and came to the Piazza Indipendenza ( Independence Square ) with the obelisk. From there we climbed hundreds of stairs - they carry the picturesque name Salita al Castello di Montebello - the second castle. Pretty exhausted and breathless we read the World Heritage Panel and then explored the castle. Our effort was rewarded with a splendid view. I could even see the Lago Maggiore. We explored the old well and marveled at the drawbridge. The third castle we saw only from afar. No more stairs. Tired but happy we were on our way home. You can imagine that we all slept well. That's it for today, see you soon. Love you Laika
Jasper Posted Feb 13, 2014, 1:14 pm	Hi mommy, Hanne is back from her vacation in Florida. She was allowed to accompany Jasper's daughter on her honeymoon. I was a bit little jealous, but Hanne brought us gifts and a new friend - Mani, the Manatee. With all the delicacies we celebrated a welcome back party. Hugs Laika
Jasper Posted Feb 13, 2014, 4:07 pm	Hi mommy, Today, we sat together, listening Hannes vacation experiences and nibbled the last biscuits. Something was strange. We felt observed. Suddenly we heard a fluttering and a small bat landed in the biscuit pot. Stoker called the little Batman and is our new guest. We welcomed him warmly in Switzerland and shared our biscuits with him. He's so funny - I like him. Yours Laika
Jasper Posted Feb 15, 2014, 8:22 pm	Hi mom, been a few days since I reported the last time. Jasper was very busy - a presentation at a textile fair had to be prepared. But today was time. We wanted a walk in the snow - so we had to take the car first. Here is no snow - lousy winter. Jasper is frustrated. She loves winter. So we went to Alt St. Johann and walked a while along the Thur. The Thur is here still small and in winter the cross country ski trail runs along the shore. We watched a bit of cross-country skiers - they were not very fast. Suddenly I had an urgent need. On an old stone wall we rested a bit. It was warm - 15 degrees. Then we had to decide - we take what way? Not so easy. We walked straight on and came to the valley station of the Iltiosbahn. This funicular takes you to 1339 meters above sea level. On our way we saw this sign. Did I tell you that Simon Ammann grew up in Alt St. Johann ? This glass tent is an apres ski bar. Unfortunately, she was not yet open. So we were on our way home. Tonight we look at ski jumping on television. Let's see who wins. That's it for today. Bye, bye Laika
Jasper Posted Feb 20, 2014, 4:54 pm	Hi mommy, once again bad weather. It's exasperating. Jasper made us "good mood muffins" and after a few bottles of Sour Apple, we had to laugh a lot. On weekend, we make another trip - the weather prospects are good. The destination is a secret. We only know the city name starts with "M". We all are soooo curious. Hugs Laika
Jasper Posted Feb 27, 2014, 1:29 pm	Saluti a tutti di famiglia you wonder why I speak Italian? Jasper promised us for this weekend a trip to a city that starts with "M". We started early and ended up in - Milano ( Milan ) From the station we walked to the Castello di Sforzaresco. The Castello is home to the largest museum complex in Milan with nine museums and art galleries. Michelangelo's last sculpture - the Pieta Rondanini, and Leonardo da Vinci's " Codex Trivulzianus " a collection of valuable manuscripts are exhibited here. Unfortunately photograph is strictly prohibited. So we went on and came to the Arco della Pace - a triumphal arch in Piazza Sempione. He should remember the European peace of 1815. A few streets away , we saw the "new Milan". On the old Fairgrounds - Fiera Milano City - built diligently. The new district will be called "CityLife Milano". On our way we saw this posh house entrance. It belongs to the "Casa di riposo by musici" a retirement home for musicians. It was founded by Giuseppe Verdi who lived here and is buried here. Directly in front of the house is his monument. The Piazza Piemonte and the Theatro Nazional. By typical Milanese streets we came to the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of these walls - we do not know which - painted Leonardo da Vinci his famous painting "The Last Supper". And again, we were not lucky to photograph a famous work of art. We were not even near him. Because of the large number of visitors tickets are limited. And yes, you're right - they were sold out. No exception, not even for ToyVoyager. A bit grumpy we looked at the building from the outside and found in a small tranquil courtyard our good mood again. We went on and came to the Palazzo Litta, a magnificent palace which is now used by the railway administration. We passed a small memorial service for the victims in Ukraine, and held in for a moment. A magnificent monument - I do not remember for whom. A work of art. Then we reached the famous Opera House - the Scala. I had somehow imagined more glorious. This is the statue of Leonardo da Vinci in Piazza Scala. The entrance to the magnificent shopping mall "Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II". All well-known brands can be found in this cross-shaped passage. When we left the Galleria, an imposing sight showed us. The Cathedral of Milan. Huge ( in terms of area , the third largest church in the world) and beautiful he is on the Piazza del Duomo. We were not the only ones who enjoyed this wonderful day here. Amo Milano e ti amo mamma. Ciao ea presto. I love Milan and I love you mama. Bye and see you soon. Laika
Jasper Posted Feb 27, 2014, 3:01 pm	Hi mom, I have a confession to make. You can twist and turn as you like: I stole. In my defense: I had terrible hunger. Really terrible hunger, my stomach growled and from the kitchen came a tantalizing scent - meat. For a short moment I forgot my good upbringing and it was already happen. Host father and host brother were not amused. They had to share the last steak. But I'm sure - I've heard Jasper laugh. I was ashamed a bit and made the dishes. As compensation. The steak was good, really good. Yours Laika
Jasper Posted Mar 4, 2014, 4:20 pm	Hi mommy, yesterday we had a farewell party for Hanne and me. With a big cake and other goodies we celebrated our friendship. We had a lot of fun. After some time it was said goodbye. With a big group hug and many good wishes sent us our friends on the trip. I climbed into my jacket and made ​​myself comfortable. Bye bye friends - and bye bye mommy! See you in Austria. Laika Jasper sends you greetings - she's a bit sad that I'm leaving. I was a cherished guest, she will miss me - she says.
Kuschi Posted Apr 23, 2014, 7:00 pm	Hey Today I was allowed to go to work with my hostmum. I helped her a lot in the office.
Kuschi Posted Apr 23, 2014, 7:16 pm	Hey, Today Karin showed me her beautiful garden.
Kuschi Posted Apr 24, 2014, 12:16 pm	Hey today Karin took Nocino (an other TV) and me with her to Lisi and Stefan and her dog Lucky. They have a beautiful flat. We really had lot of fun.
Kuschi Posted Apr 24, 2014, 12:26 pm	Hey, we helped Karin making waffles. They tasted delicious. mmmmhhhm
Kuschi Posted Apr 24, 2014, 12:35 pm	Hey, As it was such a beautiful spring day we went around in the Park.
Kuschi Posted Apr 24, 2014, 12:40 pm	Hey, Karin, Nocino and I went to a "HEURIGEN".
Kuschi Posted May 23, 2014, 7:28 pm	Hey Today the other TVs and I got up really early because we went to a flea market. We had our own market stall. it was a cool day but also hard work.
Kuschi Posted May 23, 2014, 7:35 pm	Happy Easter!!
Kuschi Posted Jan 5, 2015, 5:56 pm	Hey, Karin and her boyfriend made a trip to Greece and took us with them. It was such a cool week.
Kuschi Posted Jan 20, 2015, 6:07 pm	Today we visit the Johannisbachklamm near Wiener Neustadt.
Kuschi Posted Jan 20, 2015, 6:27 pm	Today we had a beautiful day in the garden... it was really hot outside

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