Nicki Bear, San Felipe-Tijuana, Mexico

fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:05 pm
I'm so happy, that Petra decided to go to the Christmas market of Trier with her family. Short before dinner she found me in a shop on the Christmas market and she couldn't resist to buy me.

May I introduce myself??? I'm Nicki, the Christmas bear girl. And I'm so curious to see, what will happen now.


At first it seems, that everyone is hungry and so we go to an old cellar. I thought, that nobody wants to eat in a cellar, but this one is really nice.

After another walk over the Christmas market, we went home again. I'm so happy, that Petra took some more photos with me too. I saw, that I'm not the only bear in her family, because there are three beary guests at her home: Little Teddy from the Netherlands, Snowy from the USA and Tenderheart Bear from Australia. I'm sure we will have a lot of fun.

Back at the youth hostel we jumped in our bed at first and had a little rest. Another bear and a bunny joined us

After a while we got up again for a little play on the piano


Nicki Bear's travel plan:

Michele_one_L Thanks for being such a great host

USA Trail with BunTraveler (February/March), 3tmom, wourpet, carlissa, tarepanda (not the order of traveling) Thank you everyone for taking care of Nicki Bear

BlackCat (Germany)
JaymeC (Okinawa, Japan)

Australian Trail in January 2009
fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:19 pm
1. The Porta Nigra is Unesco World Heritage
2. This morning we walked to the Christmas market again.
3. Another photo of the Christmas market
4. Also the cathedral and the other church next to the cathedral are Unesco World Heritage
5. I wanted to see the Kaiserthermen, the ancient bath of the Romans in Trier, also Unesco World Heritage.
6. I love the view from the Petrisberg down on Trier. The round that you see behind me, is the Amphitheater of the Romans.
7. Far away on the left side you see the Moselle
8. Another view over Trier
9. Here you see the synagoge of Trier
fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:23 pm
We thought it was really funny, when my family told us, that they wanted to drive to Luxemburg to fill up the tank of the car, but when we saw the prices there, we really understood.
It is funny, that this town is called Wasserbillig, Water cheap. It's not the water, that they want to buy here, but the petrol, which is about 30 cents cheaper than in Germany. Because the petrol is so much cheaper, there is one street with many many petrol stations.

We also were in a shop to buy some chocolate and other things that are cheaper there than in Germany.

The two last photos show Wasserbillig and the 'border' to Germany.
fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:25 pm
Back in Trier we saw this nice church from the far. It is called St. Matthias and there is the grave of the apostel Matthias.

fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:31 pm
Another place of Unesco World Heritage is the column in Igel. It's a funny name of that town, which means hedgehog.

fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:38 pm
You see the vine yards and the Moselle. Moselle vine is very famous.

fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:40 pm
Finally Petra found some time to bake Christmas cookies and we were allowed to help her.
If you want to exchange recipes with me and her, I will be very happy.

Vanille-Kipferl and Honigherzen (gingerbread)

fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:50 pm
It's really cold here since a while, but today morning it was a big surprise when we looked outsite. All the trees were covered with hoarfrost and everything looked to beautiful. We were happy, that it was Petra's school free day so we decided to walk in the palace park and take some photos there.

fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:52 pm
At home again it was time for baking some more cookies. So just take a look at some of them.
fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:56 pm
Today we baked some Buttergebäck --- butter cookies. They are really nice for children.

Then we sat on our nice place in the kitchen to watch Petra baking some other cookies.

Here is the nice window decoration in the kitchen. Petra made some more parts of it in the afternoon. I'm sure she will take another photo with me so you will see it too.
fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 3:59 pm
It's the fourth of Advent today and so all four candles of the advent wreath are lit.
I wanted to sit in the middle of the wreath and so Petra helped me a bit to go there.
Then I helped to bake some cookies or better Petra helped me to do it.

I made the dough for a biscuit cake. Then I had to control, whether the dough is in the corners of the star


Petra and I prepared some dough for Spritzgebäck, but then Petra remembered, that she threw the mincer away last year. So we thought and thought and suddenly we - was it me or her? - had the idea to make pretzel cookies out of that dough. Don't they look nice?
fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 4:34 pm
Today is Holy Eve and everyone is very very excited. There are so many things to be prepared for the evening. The house smells like Christmas and you hear Christmas songs in the radio and from cd.
My friends are sitting at our place at the window and watch Petra and me doing our work. I asked them to not look at us, because I don't want them to know, what we are doing, so they played a game and talked and listened to the music.

Petra prepared a dough and baked 'Stänglein'. After they cooled down, I spread one with nougat and lied the second on it.

Then I melted the chocolate to dip the Nugatkipferl in it.

After that I had to make the dough for the white bread. It is a recipe of my mum's granddad and the whole family just loves that bread.

Petra promissed to take some more photos with me and her window decoration and here it is. She cut out the new donkey and the Bethlehem star

After the nougat between the two 'Stänglein' was firm, it was time for me to do the icing

After the sugar-citron icing was dry, I started to paint ornaments with chocolate on it. It is rather difficult to do this. Here you see me writing Snowy's name.

I had to paint all these cookies and you can believe I have been really tired after that.

But of course there was no time to relax, because I had to prepare dinner with my assistent Petra.

First we had to blanch the chicken breasts.
Then we had to prepare the white sauce. Petra told me, that she would make a 'Mehlschwitze' (roux) now, it's a funny word. We did some asparagus, peas and mushrooms to the chicken in the sauce
At next we prepared the 'Kinderpunsch' (children punch).

Of course we had to wash the salad and prepare the dressing too. I asked Petra to cut the onions, because I just started to cry, when I saw it.

At last I prepared the table for dinner. Do you like it?

And then I looked, whether everything is ok at the crib, so I could fetch my friends to bring them to that place in our dining room

fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 4:51 pm
And then it was here, the most silent night of the year


Holy Night


In Germany families celebrate the Holy Night, mostly only parents and children together, maybe grandparents, if they want to be part of it.
The celebration starts with going to the service in the afternoon, if you have little children - or those, who play a role in the Christmas play - just like Sabrina had to do. Older people go to church at 5pm, 10pm or at midnight.
After church my family normally went to the graves on the graveyard, which is near to our house, next to the baroque church St.Peter. This year however they didn't find the time for it.
After church we prepared dinner, you know it, when you read the last post.
Oh yes, in the morning they brought the tree in the livingroom and decorated it, but only the boys were allowed to go into the livingroom and so there is no photo of us.
After dinner a bell called everyone to go into the livingroom. There were only the lights of candles on the tree and table. Under the tree were many presents and a nice railroad.
We sat down on the table, because Petra told us, that we would see everything much better, when we would sit there.

So Sabrina started to read a story about the song SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT and all others of the family read another part of that story. It was really interesting to hear about the history of that song.

Then we played and sang the Christmas carols together.

After about nearly one hour of reading and singing we opened the presents. Only the children were allowed to go to the tree and fetch one present, read the name on it and give it to the new owner, so it took a while until we received our present.

You see me here with my friends and their present cookie. It tasted very well, that's what they told me.


fam-united


Posted Dec 27, 2007, 5:00 pm
Yesterday we celebrated with my grandparents and my mum's sister's family at her parents home. Unhappily the photos didn't come out well, so no updates about this.

In the morning I had a ride on the train and I visited the family members of the crib, that is in the livingroom.

I looked out of the window and saw some snow, but too less to play in it.

Petra has some nice window pictures in the livingroom too.

I was happy to sit next to the oven in the livingroom, because it was rather cold outside.

Petra got a nice calendar with Australian photos and so it was time for Tenderheart Bear to show us some parts of his country.

Today we went to Ralf's family, this time celebrating at his sister Rena's home.
fam-united


Posted Jan 4, 2008, 9:44 am
Today is Sabrina's birthday and we all helped to prepare the cakes and lasagne. We had a lot of fun.

You see Zebrakuchen, Lasagne, Apfelkuchen (apple cake), Adventskuchen

recipe Zebrakuchen:
6 eggs
375g sugar
1 P. vanilla-sugar
375g flour
1 P. baking-powder
1/8 l oil
1/8 l water
Etwa 2 EL cacao

Beat the egg-white with half of sugar until stiff. Stir yolk with the other half of sugar creamy. Carefully add oil and water, while you still stir the dough.  Fold in baking-powder and flour and then the egg-white.
Add in half of the dough cacao, so you have a dark and white dough.

Butter the baking-tin and give one spoon white dough in the middle of the tin. In the middle of this white dough give one spoon dark dough and so on until all dough is in the baking-tin.

Bake in the preheated oven  (180°C) 40 to 50 minutes

If you want, make a chocolate icing on the cake.
fam-united


Posted Jan 4, 2008, 10:01 am
We were invited to visit Petra's cousin and family in Durlach-Aue. Lunch was very good and then we had a little walk around their house.
fam-united


Posted Jan 6, 2008, 9:31 pm
Today I'm very excited. It is Silvester / New Year's evening today. We prepared everything for dinner and then we sat together in the livingroom. We had raclette, one of the favorite dinners for Silvester in this house. Happily we all were together and had time to talk and eat a lot potatoes and cheese.
fam-united


Posted Jan 8, 2008, 8:37 pm
The children of my family were in Karlsruhe today to go ice scating. So the adults decided to go there to and maybe let us try ice scating, but unhappily the battery of the camera stopped working, when we were there. I asked them to buy new batteries and they did so, but nevertheless they didn't want to go back to the scating area. And I was very sad, that I had no chance to get a photo with me in the Celtic shop in Karlruhe too.
But they showed me the front of the palace of Karlsruhe and some other views out of the car.
fam-united


Posted Jan 8, 2008, 8:46 pm
We met a cow, that is changing colours from red to blue.
fam-united


Posted Jan 8, 2008, 8:50 pm
Then we sat there on the table in the livingroom. Petra built us a high place on the table, because that was the only chance for us to see the text on the tv  screen . We all sang some karaoke and had a lot of fun.
fam-united


Posted Jan 8, 2008, 8:51 pm
One and a half hour before midnight we went back in the livingroom again and played 'Mitternachtsparty' (midnight party). It is a nice game with Hugo the little ghost, who wants to catch all women and men of the game
fam-united


Posted Jan 8, 2008, 8:59 pm
Then the big firework started and the new year began. First we went outside to watch the firework - although you only see Sylphide, I had been in this photo too -  and then, when we came into the house again, we hugged each other to wish a happy new year and we had a little drink / sparkling mineral water with juice.
fam-united


Posted Jan 8, 2008, 9:41 pm
Karlsruhe is only about 20 minutes from Bruchsal. When you drive there you have to drive through the flat Rhine valley. On the way home to Bruchsal, you see the small hills of the Kraichgau. Bruchsal is a small city, that is located partly in the Rhine valley and in the Kraichgau.

At home again Ralf bought some bread, while Petra took two photos with us.
The red house is the new part of the old people's house. It was opened for moving in in 2007.

On the next photo you see on the left side the old part of the old people's house of Bruchsal. The house with the tower is the private grammar school St.Paulusheim.
fam-united


Posted Jan 17, 2008, 7:58 pm
6th January is Epiphany or Three Kings Day - that's what my family calls it, of course in German. Their children walk with the starsingers on two days around this day and this year it was the 5th and 6th January, that they walked.
At first they dress up as the three kings and the star carrier and some little followers, who carry the bags. The children collect money for poor children all over the world and they receive a lot of sweets too. The adults prepare lunch for them and bring something to drink and eat to them, while they are walking from house to house. They also empty the bag, because these are getting really heavy. I saw some and have been very astonished, especially when we came back to the parish hall and I saw all these full bags, that the kids received at the end of the two days.
All toyvoyagers had been allowed to be with the children, while they sorted out their sweets in the livingroom. They all had a lot of fun. I believe, that this amount of sweets will last until next Christmas - like every year as my mom said.
fam-united


Posted Jan 17, 2008, 8:55 pm
It rang at the door! What's going on? We heard, that a new toyvoyager will come to us soon. It this the new one???
We had to sit on the table in the livingroom until my mom fetched us and showed us a little package. We helped to unwrap it and do you know, who came out of it? It was Hoppity from the USA! Hoppity is a very cute bunny and we all fell in love with her at once.
fam-united


Posted Jan 17, 2008, 9:18 pm
Today it was time to say goodbye to my family and friends. I decided to go to Ollie Marmot's mom and stay with her for a while. He wants to stay with my family for a while, but unhappily we missed each other.
fam-united


Posted Jan 17, 2008, 9:54 pm
Today Hoppity felt much better and so my mom decided to walk to the baroque church St.Peter, which is next to the cemetery of Bruchsal.
You have a nice view from there.
fam-united


Posted Jan 17, 2008, 10:17 pm
After we left the cemetery, we walked to the backside of the house Sancta Maria, which was led by Sisters of the order of Franciscans. It is a catholic school for child care workers.
fam-united


Posted Jan 17, 2008, 10:43 pm
Today Petra wanted to walk somewhere and Ralf drove to the Letzenberg, where is a nice chapel.
The Letzenberg is a place of pilgrimage since 1296 A.D. It is told, that already then there stood a chapel. 1722 A.D. prince-bishop Damian Hugo Philipp, Graf (Count) of Schönborn collected for a chapel, but without success.
In the year 1903 A.D. the chapel was built and consecrated.

When we were there, we had some wonderful views over Malsch and the vineyards, too.
On our way home we watched a wonderful sunset.
fam-united


Posted Jan 21, 2008, 9:00 pm
At home again we showed the Christmas tree and crib to our new guests. Our hosts told us, that sometimes they have the Christmas tree up until 2nd February.
The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (also known as Candlemas or Feast of the Purification of the Virgin) celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Presentation is a feast celebrated on 2 February and is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.

Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 22, 2008, 4:36 pm
Hello Mom! I just wanted to let you know that I arrived in NY safely. Brrr.....it is very cold here (-2 C).  Luckily Michele was home when the mailman arrived so I didn't have to wait in the mailbox. I will post pictures tomorrow as Michele ordered a new digital camera and she says it will arrive tomorrow.

I miss you!
Nicki bear
Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 23, 2008, 9:47 pm
Hi Mom! When I arrived yesterday there were a few animals awaiting me. I was scared to get out of my box when I saw the big bear. Michele and the animals told me that his name is Honey Bear and that he is very friendly. Also awaiting me was Bullet and Piggy. They were really nice as well. We took a group picture so you can see what they look like too. I was told that there are a lot of other animals here. I guess I will have to meet them too.

Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 23, 2008, 9:55 pm
Michele asked if I was thirsty after my long trip. Boy was I! She offered me something called a "Snapple." She says that you can get them in many different flavors. Michele's favorite is the Peach Iced Tea so I tried some of that. Yumm...I could get used to it. She also offered me a chocolate covered granola bar as a snack. I wasn't too sure but it was tasty.

I'm going to rest for awhile then we are going to look through Michele's cookbooks for some new recipes. I can't wait! I'll update again soon.

*Hugs*
Nicki Bear
Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 24, 2008, 10:49 pm
Today Michele asked me if I wanted to help her make chocolate pudding. I told her of course I wanted to help. I tried pouring the milk into the measuring cup but it was far too heavy for me. So instead I mixed it together. It was a lot of work and my arms were sore afterwards.
Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 24, 2008, 10:54 pm
After we made pudding I asked Michele about her cookbooks. WOW! She sure does have a lot. She told me to pick out one that I wanted to look at, I picked the pretty pink one. As I was looking at it I came across pasta. Yumm....I didn't know they had so many different types of pasta. I told Michele I have to try every one. Michele said that on Sunday we will go grocery shopping and that I can come. I hope I can get some of that pasta!
Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 24, 2008, 11:00 pm
I asked Michele if I could take a nap after all that work in the kitchen. We went and sat on the couch to relax. As I was sitting there I heard a loud snoring noise! I jumped and looked at Michele, she said it wasn't her. So I decided to take a look under the blanket.....I thought what could be making all that noise.
Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 24, 2008, 11:05 pm
It was a DOG!!! Michele told me that his name is Riley. I thought it would be nice if I introduced myself; "Hello Riley! My name is Nicki Bear!" He didn't say anything. I was a little sad but Michele told me that Riley doesn't talk like other TV's do. Oh well I said "It was nice to meet you."

I'm enjoying myself in NY mom! I'll update again in a few days. Michele's husband is coming home on Saturday from a business trip. I hope he's nice!. *Hugs* Nicki Bear
Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 28, 2008, 5:11 pm
This morning I helped Michele make up the grocery list. It was hard because I have never heard of some of the things she was saying. I did the best I could in writing, she said I did a great job for a little bear. We went to Wal-Mart to get the groceries. Michele said it is a very popular place here in the USA. I was allowed to go into the store but we couldn't take any pictures.  :( It's okay, I rode in the cart. I think I'm going to go to the post office tomorrow to pick up some mail. It's been very cold outside! Too cold for me. Brrrr.....
Michele_one_L


Posted Jan 30, 2008, 11:50 pm
Bullet and I spent the day together. I showed him my notebook and all of the recipes I have in it. He asked me if I knew how to make dog treats, sadly I said no! He told me that I should have at least one dog treat recipe as I never know when I will meet a hungry dog.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 4, 2008, 12:43 am
We got up early this morning because we were going on a road trip to see Michele's family. They live in a city called Schenectady. It's about 1.5 hours East of Rome. Michele put us all in her bag and told us we would be leaving in a little while. As soon as Michele walked away Honey Bear tried getting in the bag. I was scared as there was no room in the bag for a big bear like him. Luckily Michele caught him before he could get in. Silly Bear! Everyone was ready and in the car. I saw that Honey Bear was sitting on the seat in the back, so I asked if I could sit with him. He kept me warm and told me all about the trip. He says that they go on this road trip about once a month to see Michele's family.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 4, 2008, 12:52 am
We arrived at Michele's dads house. We unloaded the Jeep and picked up her sister Jessica. We had a busy day planned! First we went to a place called "Panera Bread." It's sort of like a cafe but you can get all different types of food there. I wasn't very hungry so I shared an apple with Pimboli and some Lemonade with Michele. The lemonade was too sour for me. It made my lips pucker. 
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 4, 2008, 12:55 am
After that we headed over to the Crossgates mall. I have never seen a mall so big! It had so many stores, wow! Jessica wanted to go to the bookstore to look for a magazine. I asked Michele if we could find a postcard to send home. Sadly they didn't have any postcards of local places but I picked one I think you will like. Michele said she will help me write it when we get back to Rome.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 4, 2008, 1:05 am
After the mall we returned to Jessica's house to relax and have dinner. Later that night we went bowling. I wasn't sure what bowling was but I was told that it was a lot of fun. It looked like it was fun as everyone was cheering when the big ball knocked the skinny blocks down (I was told they are called pins). Michele asked if I wanted to try but I said no I'll just hit here and watch, I'm afraid I was just too little for this game. Once bowling was over we went to Wal-Mart to see Michele and Jessica's mom. I didn't meet her as she was in a hurry for a meeting. We bought some water then headed to Jessica's house again. I was tired from all these adventures today.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 4, 2008, 9:25 pm
I was told that today would be another long day. We gathered all of our stuff, packed up the Jeep and said our goodbyes to Michele's family. I was really tired from all of our running around the day before, so I decided to sleep in on the car ride home. Michele said that she would take pictures of anything she thought that I would like to see. Photo #1 is a shot of the Mohawk River from Interstate 90. Photo #2 and 3 are of the Mountains. Photo #4 is the sign of the exit we were getting off of. And photo #5 is a shot of the Beech Nut baby food factory. I can't believe I slept the whole way and missed everything.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 4, 2008, 9:35 pm
Michele told us that tonight was the Super Bowl (American Football). She said that the New England Patriots and the New York Giants were playing. We all asked if we could watch, I was interested in seeing what American Football was like. So we got up on the couch to watch the game. We decided that we didn't like it so Michele's husband found something else for us to watch. It's called the Puppy Bowl! Someone came up with a silly idea to let puppies play together in a setting that looks like a stadium. It was funny to watch.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 4, 2008, 9:40 pm
After watching the Puppy Bowl Michele said that we had to go to bed. She allowed us to sleep with her stuffed animals. I couldn't believe how many she had! I asked if they were all TV's and she said laughed and said no. We will be hanging around for a couple of days as Michele has come down with a cold. I'll update again soon!
Love,
Nicki Bear
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 6, 2008, 11:39 pm
Today Bullet and Pimboli left. They were both going to Germany but not to the same people. I said my goodbyes and told them that it was good to meet them and thank you for allowing me to come to their home. I told them that it's okay to be a little nervous about traveling alone but that they will get used to it. Maybe we'll meet again!

Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 9, 2008, 8:12 pm
Today my friend Chompers left on his TV trip! We said our good byes this morning and I wished him well. He said maybe we will meet again, I told him that would be nice. Also before the postman came this morning I decided to send my family a Valentine's Day card. I hope they like it! I tried my best in writing in it.

*Hugs*
Nicki
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 14, 2008, 12:48 am
Tonight Michele got some recipes together for my book. She let me trim the paper and tape it into my book. The recipes sound yummy, I wish I could try them. She asked if I wanted to dog treat recipe too. I told her of course I do! Bullet would be right, I never know when I will go to a house with a hungry dog. After I finished with my book I asked Michele why she had a camel? I didn't think that camels lived in houses!? She told me that she collects things called "Boyds Bears" and that the camel was part of the collection. I don't know when I would see another camel so I asked if I could ride him. He was a very nice camel! Thank goodness he doesn't spit.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 14, 2008, 12:53 am
Honey Bear asked if I wanted to hear his favorite song, I said sure. I was thinking what kind of music could a bear like?

"If you go down to the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go down to the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Every teddy bear who's been good
Is sure of a treat today.
There's lots of marvelous things to eat
And wonderful games to play.

Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Cause that's the way the teddy bears have their picnic.

If you go down to the woods today
You'd better not go alone.
It's lovely down in the woods today
But safer to stay at home.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares
And see them picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily gad about
They love to play and shout;
They never have any care;

At six o'clock their mummies and daddies,
Will take them home to bed,
Because they're tired little teddy bears."

It was a great song! Coco asked Michele if we could have a copy of the song to take home. I can't stop singing it....
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 16, 2008, 8:48 pm
I couldn't sleep much last night so I was up early this morning. I heard Michele's husband getting ready for work so I decided to get up too. After Michele got up we were checking out the internet. She asked if I was interested in postcards. I said of course, so we went to www.postcrossing.com and signed onto her account. I was able to check out the message board then we requested some addresses to send postcards too. It was fun and there are lots of people from all over the world on there.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 16, 2008, 8:52 pm
While we were watching American Idol tonight Michele was making friendship bracelets. We (Coco, Honey Bear and me) asked what she was doing and if we could help her. She gave us some thread and thought us how to make the bracelets. I was excited to learn something new but it didn't turn out so well. We got all tangled up in the thread.  :thinking: We were sad but Michele said that she would make us each a bracelet or necklace before we left her house. Yay!!!

After we were done making bracelets we decided to play games on  Michele's gameboy. Honey Bear is a game hog! He said that we could watch him play. Michele had to take the game away. She said that we can play again when Honey Bear isn't around.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 16, 2008, 9:33 pm
Today a new TV arrived! We were excited to see who it was. It was a little bear named Coop. He is very shy, but also very nice. At first he didn't want to get out of his travel bag but we told him that he was safe. After a little while he decided to come out. We chatted for a little while, he said that he was tired and wanted to take a nap. I'm sure we will catch up over the next couple of days.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 16, 2008, 9:39 pm
Happy Valentine's Day!

I woke up this morning and Michele said "Happy Valentine's Day!" I  couldn't believe that it was Valentine's Day already. It seems like it was just Christmas. After breakfast Michele told me that she had a special Valentine's Day surprise for me. I couldn't imagine what it would be. As you can see in my pictures Michele had a very special TV tag made for me! She said that she didn't want me to get lost. I love it and I know that my mom will too! I feel so special! I gave Michele a great big thank you hug.

Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 16, 2008, 10:09 pm
Since today was Saturday we were able to leave the house. Michele and Daryl had to run some errands and said that we could come along. We waited on the sidewalk in front of Michele's house because Daryl was getting the Jeep. As you can see everything is snowy. While we waited we asked if we could make a snowbear (like a snowman but instead a bear like us) in the snow. We got started but it was too cold on our paws, plus Daryl was ready with the Jeep. We started our drive to place #1 (the post office) but half way there Daryl realized that he forgot something so we had to go back to the house. So here we are in the Jeep waiting for Daryl to run in the house and get what he forgot.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 20, 2008, 4:08 pm
We had a very busy day today! First we went to the post office so Michele could pick up the mail. We stayed in the car and listened to some music with her husband. After that we headed to Utica, NY which is about 30 minutes from Rome. We went to the Pet Supply place to pick up some treats for Riley (Michele's dog). It smelled funny in that store. We didn't get out of Michele's bag for fear that something might happen to us. Next we went to Target, it was a nice store but very busy. After Target we were all hungry for lunch. We couldn't decide where we wanted to go until we saw a Panera Bread. I told the other TV's that I have eaten there and that it was very yummy. We all agreed thats where we should go. It was SO busy! The lady taking our order told us that we might not find a place to sit. Luckily Michele found a place to eat but the table was dirty. She said that it would be best if we stay in the bag until we left.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 20, 2008, 4:23 pm
After we had lunch we headed back to Rome. Michele said that she had some place special to take us. It's called the Fort Stanwix National Monument. Since there was so much snow we were unable to go up to or in the fort. Neither Michele or her husband knew much about the monument so we all went into the visitors center to learn more. You can visit this website to learn more about the monument. Fort Stanwix Monument
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 20, 2008, 4:37 pm
Once in the visitors center we learned that;

Known as "the fort that never surrendered," Fort Stanwix, under the command of Col. Peter Gansevoort, successfully repelled a prolonged siege, in August 1777, by British, German, Loyalist, Canadian and American Indian troops and warriors commanded British Gen. Barry St. Leger. The failed siege combined with the battles at Oriskany, Bennington, and Saratoga thwarted a coordinated effort by the British in 1777, under the leadership of Gen. John Burgoyne, to take the northern colonies, and led to American alliances with France and the Netherlands. Troops from Fort Stanwix also participated in the 1779 Clinton-Sullivan Campaign and protected America's northwest frontier from British campaigns until finally abandoned in 1781.

It was very interesting to see all of the artifacts that were found when they started digging to build the monument. We could have spent hours there. After looking at the artifacts and such we went to the gift shop. We picked up a couple things to remember our trip. Michele said that she will send them home in a few days.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 20, 2008, 4:41 pm
Our last stop for the day was the grocery store. We were all so tired after running all those errands today. Michele said that we had been out for almost 4 hours. She said that since we were so tired we could just relax in her bag until we got home. Thank goodness!
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 20, 2008, 4:59 pm
This morning my TV friend Piggy left with Michele's husband. They are going to Lima, Peru on a business trip. Piggy was nervous to be going so far from home, but we told that we are all far away from too and that you will get used to it. We posed for one last picture then he was off to the airport.

Goodbye Piggy! Have a safe trip!
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 20, 2008, 5:28 pm
A new TV arrived today! We were all happy to find out who it was and where they had come from. Michele put the envelope on the table and all we could hear was scratching. Finally the envelope came open and there was a mouse in there! We said "Hello Mr. Mouse!" There was silence.........Suddenly we hear "Mouse?" "Who are you calling a mouse?" I'm a RAT and my name is Angus!!!" Gulp! We apologized for calling him a mouse and he accepted. We all sat together to learn more about Angus.
Michele_one_L


Posted Feb 20, 2008, 5:46 pm
Today was my last day at Michele's house! I was sad to leave as I met so many great TV's and people here. Michele bought me a very special travel envelope as she said I was a very special bear. Also she didn't forget to make me a friendship necklace. I told her I would treasure it. I said my tearful goodbyes and headed into my envelope. The next time you hear from me I'll be in Oregon.

Love Always!
3tmom


Posted Mar 7, 2008, 9:28 pm
Where am I?  Everything is blurry.
Oh, I'm in a Yorktown post office. I've arrived from Oregon all the way on the other side of America.
3tmom


Posted Mar 9, 2008, 2:15 am
We went to a ceili in Virginia Beach this afternoon.  The step dancing performance before the ceili was fascinating.
Michele_one_L


Posted Mar 30, 2008, 6:13 pm
I arrived in New York today! It's very cold here and I'm exhausted. I'll post some pictures soon.

XOXO
Nicki Bear
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 3, 2008, 12:36 am
I didn't know it but I wasn't the only one to arrive at Michele's house. Winnie the Pooh was secretly traveling with me. Once Michele let me out of my travel envelope I was greeted by Hazle, Wolletje and Honey Bear. This isn't the first time I have been to Michele's house so I felt comfortable being here. Not much has changed since I left, except for the weather.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 3, 2008, 12:45 am
This evening we went with Michele and her husband to take their dog Riley for a walk. On our walk we saw a cool tree that we wanted to climb. Michele helped us up and we posed for a picture. The neighborhood was boring and we didn't see much else.  :( Michele said we will see some interesting things later in the week.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 3, 2008, 12:49 am
After our walk we decided to rest on the steps in front of Michele's apartment building. It was nice because the sun was starting to set.  As it got darker we were told to come inside. First we needed to check the mailbox to see if Michele forgot to pick up the mail. It was empty!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 3, 2008, 12:55 am
A new TV arrived today! It's a little puppy named Little Billy. He told us that he was just on vacation in South Africa. We were anxious to learn more about his trip.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 6, 2008, 6:52 pm
This afternoon we were looking for something to do when we saw there was a puzzle on the table. We got the box open and decided to put it together. It was harder then you would think! Winnie the Pooh, Little Billy and Hazle decided to dig for pieces while Wolletje and I put it together. After hours of work all we were able to put together was the border. Michele was so happy with our hard work! She said that she will help us put the rest of the puzzle together.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 6, 2008, 7:45 pm
Michele was so happy that we put the border to her puzzle together, she decided to reward us with some ice cream!  :p It's called Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough by Ben & Jerry's. Too bad we have to share!  :rolleyes:

Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 11, 2008, 5:21 pm
Tonight for dinner we are making calzones! Michele cheated and bought premade dough. She says it's easier and not so messy. First we had to cut the dough ball in half, then we had to flatten it out. It's not as easy as you would think it is. We got some holes in our dough but Michele said she could make it work. 
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 11, 2008, 5:32 pm
Next we put a layer of ricotta cheese on half of the dough. On top of the ricotta cheese we put cooked bacon. Michele told us that you can use whatever kind of toppings you want. She said some people like veggies, pineapple, ham, olives and lots of other stuff. After we put the bacon on we put a good layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Michele said you can never have enough cheese.  :thinking: The last step is to fold the dough over and "close" the seams. Daryl put the calzones on the baking pan then brushed them with a little olive oil and in the oven they went!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 11, 2008, 5:41 pm
About 30-40 minutes later the calzones are ready! We got a big plate for us to share. Be careful, it's HOT!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 11, 2008, 5:45 pm
Boy was that good!  :p
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 11, 2008, 5:52 pm
For dessert we all shared a mini watermelon. It was a little over ripe but it was still sweet and juicy.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 13, 2008, 7:34 pm
Today Michele took us on a drive through Rome so we could see some of it's history. Our first stop was to the Sears Service Station. Michele didn't know too much about the station so she looked it up online. She told us "The Sears Oil Company was founded in 1913 and the newly restored station was originally constructed in 1930. The gas station stopped operating and has been vacant since 1974.  In 2002, restoration began and its conversion into a museum of Sears' history began. The museum will include on display restored antique pumps and a variety of artifacts inside the building. The pumps feature glass globes on top and the reproduction of side billboards were installed to complete the project. The museum, with free admission, may appear small in size, but will highlight vast memories of a much simpler, by gone era."
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 13, 2008, 7:52 pm
Next we saw a War Memorial in the center of town. The memorial says "In loving memory of all Romans who served our country in the cause of freedom." Michele said that it was built to thank all of the men and woman from Rome who have served in the military.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 13, 2008, 8:05 pm
Across the street was a beautiful gothic church. And a sign about Rome.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 13, 2008, 8:17 pm
We visited one last monumnet before returning to Michele's house. Sadly Michele can't remember what the monument is for so she said she'll research it and tell us about it later.  :rolleyes:
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 18, 2008, 10:38 pm
Today Hazle and Mister P Tom left for Germany. We said our goodbyes and wished them luck. It was great meeting both of them. Maybe we will meet again someday!

Good Luck and Best Wishes!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 20, 2008, 9:10 pm
Today a new TV arrived! We were all so happy to see someone new. It just happened to be Little Billy's half brother Dirkie.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 20, 2008, 9:28 pm
Today we went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. It was so busy there! Michele said we had to stay in her bag because she didn't want us to get lost. We helped her look for a BBQ grill but we didn't find one today. We paid for our items then headed home for lunch.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 20, 2008, 9:39 pm
For lunch we shared a turkey sandwich with Honey BBQ flavored potato chips. It was yummy but made me thirsty.  :p So Michele gave Wolletje and I a FuFu Berry flavored Jones Soda. It sent bubbles in my nose!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 20, 2008, 9:59 pm
After lunch we helped make cookies for Michele's dog Riley. You take 3 jars of meat baby food (we used Ham), 1/4 cup of dry milk and 1/4 cup of cream of wheat. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Then use a small scoop to put the mix on a cookie sheet. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Let them cool and feed to your dog. Riley went crazy when we were making them, Michele says he loves these cookies!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 21, 2008, 11:38 pm
Today we had to say goodbye to Wolletje! We were sad to see her go, but she said that she was looking forward to going somewhere new. We said our goodbyes and wished her well. She said that she hopes to see us again someday.

Bye Wolletje! Have a safe trip!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 1:42 am
We haven't done much over the last few days because our host has been really sick. So we have been entertaining our selfs in her home. We found out that her home is good for playing hide and go seek. For dinner tonight Michele made spaghetti, buttermilk biscuits and green beans. It was a delicious dinner! We are promised that over the next few days we will get out of the house and have some fun. YAY!!! We can't wait.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 1:49 am
Our host was feeling much better today so we were able to go out and run errands. Our first stop was to Hallmark. Mother's day is coming (May 11th) so my host and her husband needed to pick up some cards. We wanted to take pictures inside but the lady asked that we not. Oh well!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 8:24 pm
After Hallmark we headed to Panera Bread for dinner. We shared a smokehouse turkey panini, a cup of tomato soup, an iced tea and for dessert a big chocolate chip cookie.  :p It was delicious! We were all ready for a nap once we got done eating. Michele told us that we still weren't done running errands.  :thinking: She said we didn't have to walk that she would carry us.  ;)
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 8:35 pm
Petsmart was our third stop! We were looking for treats and pooper scooper bags for Michele's dog Riley. This store was interesting!  :o You can bring your dog with you and they can pick out their own toys, food, treats, etc. Michele told us that Riley loves going to Petsmart. It's too bad that he wasn't able to come. 

Michele told us that we had one more stop then we would be going home.  :rolleyes:
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 8:39 pm
Our last stop for the evening was at Target. We posed for a picture outside then fell asleep in Michele's bag.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 9:00 pm
Today we said goodbye to Winnie the Pooh. His trip in New York was over and he's heading to Colorado. We wished him well and told him to have a good trip. Maybe we will meet again someday!

Good Luck Winnie the Pooh!
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 9:22 pm
We woke up early this morning because we had some more errands to run. Since Michele had been sick we didn't go anywhere for a week, so we have a lot to do this weekend. First we went to the bank to get some money.  ;)
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 26, 2008, 9:26 pm
Michele noticed there was a Dunkin Donuts across the street from the bank, she said "great I could go for an iced coffee." So across the street we went. We sipped the coffee, YUCK!  Coffee isn't for TV's.  :thinking:
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 27, 2008, 4:21 pm
On our way back to home Michele decided to stop at Home Depot. Michele and her husband are still looking for a grill and can't seem to find one that they both agree on. While at Home Depot Michele thought it would be nice to buy a house plant. She told us that she has never had a house plant before and that she would really like to have one. We tried our best to help her find one she likes.
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 27, 2008, 4:48 pm
We returned from running errands to find a new TV waiting for us! We couldn't wait to found out who it was. Our host opened the envelope and Fuzz Bear was inside. We all shouted "hello Fuzz Bear!" Luckily it didn't seem to frighten him. We told him that he arrived on the right day because we had special plans tonight.  :D
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 28, 2008, 9:41 pm
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Michele and her husband told us that since we have been so well behaved lately they were taking us somewhere special. We have no idea where we could be going, but we are SO excited!  :o
Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 28, 2008, 10:01 pm
We all got in the car still not knowing where we were going. Finally we arrived and all we could see was a fence and a couple of parked cars. Michele and Daryl told us that the place didn't seem to be opened yet and that we had to wait.
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We were all getting hungry while waiting. Luckily Michele and Daryl packed dinner and snacks for everyone.
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Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 28, 2008, 11:03 pm
Finally after almost an hour of waiting the line started to move. Michele got to the booth and there was a lady in there. The lady told Michele, "That will be $14 and it's on the second screen." A screen? Finally Michele told us that we were at the Drive In! We were going to see "Horton Hears a Who!" We started cheering and shouting, we were so excited!
We were waiting for the movie to begin and it started to rain! Michele said we weren't leaving just because it was raining. Hopefully it was going to be short.

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Sadly the rain didn't stop, it continued through the whole movie.  :( We made the best of the situation and enjoyed the movie. We loved "Horton Hears a Who!"
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Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 28, 2008, 11:26 pm
Honey Bear and Piggy wanted to take a bath today so we decided to watch. Michele told us not to get too close or we might fall in.


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Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 29, 2008, 12:45 am
We were waiting for them when their bath was over. Honey Bear came out and he looked so happy to be clean.

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Piggy didn't seem as happy as Honey Bear.

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Honey Bear couldn't wait for the dryer. He says this is his favorite part because it makes his belly fluffy.  :)

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Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 29, 2008, 3:33 am
Today was my last day in New York! This is my second time leaving Michele's house. I thought that maybe it would be easier then before, but it isn't. Luckily I wasn't the only one leaving today. Little Billy, Tuffy and Horton were all leaving today as well. We said our goodbyes and wished each other well. It's on to new adventures!

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Michele_one_L


Posted Apr 29, 2008, 3:55 am
I'm flying first class on the United Post Service flight #

0307 0020 0000 6183 5508

to Florida!
tarepanda


Posted May 27, 2008, 4:15 am
I arrived in Miami already!! It's such nice weather here. 
Today we go to the farmers market in Homestead.

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Look at all the nice selection.  It makes me feel very happy.  The bags hanging up there are Mexican spices.  There are a lot of Mexicans living in Homestead as farm workers so there are lots of Mexican restaurants and grocery stores here.

These are cactus leaves.

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Lots of bananas!  In sizes from a foot long to as short as your fingers.

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These zucchinis look really interesting!!

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tarepanda


Posted May 28, 2008, 2:31 am
We are in Miami, so naturally we have to visit the beach. 

First we see this white statue.  Only that it moves.  It gives us quite a scare, until our host tells us that she is a real person painted white to look like a status.  (And when we see the photo we are like, urgh! What is that guy doing there!!!)

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Have you read news that there are lots of alligators in Florida and they sometimes kill people?  I almost got snatched by one!!! Help!! 

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We then walk towards the beach.

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Wow this is the beach! This is the Atlantic Ocean!  And there are people parasailing.

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Being Miami there are a lot of palm trees.

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Next we walk down to Ocean Drive.  This is a famous street that shows up a lot in postcards and movies, renowned for the Art Deco buildings.  Like the pastel cute ones you see here.

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Here that says it! I am on the very hip SoBe!!

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And here's a famous landmark on Ocean Drive.  This house is where Versace, a very well-known designer (so I was told... I am not into fashion, you know...) once lived, and got killed.  He was shot to death at the door steps right there one morning when he walked home from breakfast.

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Hmm, lots of nice postcards to choose from!  And look, this one is showing the Versace mansion I just visited!

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tarepanda


Posted Jun 5, 2008, 5:31 am
Yesterday my host told me that she is taking me somewhere fun.  We are going to a Lolita tea party.  I have never heard of it before but she told me it's a party where girls dress up in Lolita style dresses, with lots of frills and ribbons like a doll.  I get excited.  My host spent the night making a headpiece and wristband for herself out of ribbon, clothe and gauze made into a rose.  I helped her with the outfit, and I wanted one for myself too.  My host had a hard time trying to hide my Christmas hat under a bow because it's very un-Lolita-ish, and finally she pursuaded me to take it off, promising to put it back on afterwards...

Anyway, I think I like this new outfit!  Our style is Gothic Lolita, so we use black.

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So, today we arrive at the Supercon, a convention for comics and animations.  We see this big statue of Pikachu.

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There are a lot of vendors.  This booth sells swords.

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The owner tells us that the swords sell up to $3000! And we are never supposed to touch a blade as it will permanently stain the blade.  I won't want to mess with a sword anyway...

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And here's an aspiring artist.  There are lots of artists here selling their work.

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We walk around the convention a bit.  Finally it's time for the Lolita Tea Party!

The girls are all dressed up very prettily, their curly hair in ribbons and bows, or decorated with a tiara or a bonnet.  We sit down at the table.  The girls begin to introduce themselves, and then one of the girls says, okay, now, let's introduce our toys!  Turns out everybody has a toy.  I have never been to a party like this.  Here's a pic of me with my new friends.  The Gothic ones may look a bit scary, like the Gloomy bear with bloody claws, but they are all very friendly.

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And here are some really dressed up dolls!

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We enjoy some cake and tea.

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After the tea party, we go to the main hall for a Harry Potter round table.  Everybody is very excited as we get to meet some actors from the Harry Potter movies.  There are Tonks, Collin (which has grown from a chubby boy to a really handsome guy!), Angelina Johnson (a Qudditch player), Seamus, and a guy just named "Hogwart student". (we feel kind of sorry for him...) Those are not the real names of course...  It was fun as the audience asks a lot of weird questions.  Someone asks them what they think of Miami.  Angelina loves the weather, that it doesn't rain for long, and how friendly everybody is.  Collin replies, "It's weird, even the rain is warm here.  It's like taking a shower."


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Isn't Collin very handsome now?

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Angelina Johnson

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This is the girl who play Tonks.  She is a very cool girl in real life.  The type that you know will be a true and wild friend.

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And Seamus.

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Wow, I may say it's an exciting day for me. 
tarepanda


Posted Jun 6, 2008, 5:56 am
My host knows that I love traditional celebrations so today she takes me to a dragon boat festival.  In China, Dragon Boat Festival is one of the three major holidays, along with New Year and Mid Autumn Festival.  On this day, the villagers will hold races in boats and eat a special dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves.

Today, dragon boat is a sport that is popular around the world.  The Miami race is held today and our host's team is participating.

It's a nice day to be out!

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You can see some dragon boats in the background.

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This is a mini boat, which only seats ten paddlers.  The standard size you see in the US seats 20, and in China there are boats that seats 50 or even 100 people, two in a row!  This team is Breast Cancer Survivors so the theme is pink.

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Here are the men teams loading into the boat.  They all look very strong!

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We watch the race from the bridge.

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There are a lot of booths selling different things.  This one is for Thai massage.

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Look, some cute animal puppets!

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Yikes, scary looking walking stick!

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Ah, now here are some pretty charms from China hand made with traditional knots. In Taiwan, "pineapple" sounds close to"bliss comes" so it's a popular motif.  The chain of coins will bring fortune and prosperity.

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And a beautiful kimono from Japan.

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Here are some pots made from coconut in the shape of Flamingo, a tropical bird popular in Florida (as a motif, not that you can see them anywhere except in zoos).

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This juice stand is very pretty!

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This is the display of trophies for the event.

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We watch the dragon dance.  Unfortunately it is so crowded we can't snap a nice picture till they are done with the dance...

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As it's a hot day, after the race, the teams have a water melon eating contest.  Ready?

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It's really fun to watch!

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Our team, Puff, does fairly good.  Here are the trophies we've won!  We are really proud!

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tarepanda


Posted Jun 6, 2008, 6:44 am
After the race, we help the organizer brings the boats from the race venue back to their training center.

We string the boats together and a motor boat tows them.  It's almost like a train!  The dragon head and tail decoration has been taken off already.

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The view of the bay is simply gorgeous.

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Look, there are the cruise ships at the Port of Miami.  Those ships are from Carnival Cruise.  They look really big indeed.

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We pass by a marina, where boats are stocked all stacked up.

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A lot of jet skiers are also out here to enjoy the great weather.

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Looks like we've arrived!

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Mission accomplished!  The seat we are sitting on is actually the drummer seat, where during a race the drummer will beat on a drum so the paddlers can be synchronized.

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I think Miami is a very beautiful place. 

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Here they are moving the boats back into the boathouse and keep safe till next time.

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tarepanda


Posted Jun 6, 2008, 7:08 pm
This Sunday is the Dragon Boat Festival Day in China but as I will be traveling soon, Tarepanda treated me to try some dumpling today.  Dragon boat races and the dumplings are the two traditions of the festival, which dates back over 2000 years ago.  When a beloved official drowned himself on hearing that his state had been defeated, the people rushed out in boats to try to find his body, and they threw dumplings in water so the fish would not eat his body.  Hence comes the tradition.

It is called Zong, and is made with rice and mung bean wrapped in bamboo leaves.  For the filling, you can use meat, mushroom, nuts, red beans, duck egg and other things.  Few people make them at home anymore as it's a lot of work.  It's not easy to make either, as you have to wrap the leaves and tie the string nicely or else the dumpling will break apart when you boil it.  Tarepanda told me it's like the South American tamale, except that those are made with corn.  I haven't tried that one but now it sounds interesting.

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We cook it in water then unwrap the bamboo leaves.  You can add soy sauce, hot sauce to it. Or sugar if you like it sweet.

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wourpet


Posted Jun 15, 2008, 7:58 am
I have arrived safely in Grand Junction.  Unfortunately I had a bit of a mix-up on my connecting flight and arrived after my host had already left on a road trip across Colorado, Nebraska and into Iowa. 
It wasn't too bad though, because she had placed a hold on the mail while she was away all week and that meant I stayed with the mail carrier.  I have been riding around and have seen quite a lot of this neighborhood even if I don't have pictures to show you.
Tomorrow we are going to do something and I will meet Lucky-Ducky and Frogger, who also went to Iowa.
wourpet


Posted Jun 20, 2008, 5:43 pm
Like I said I would be going out to check on things in the morning.
First I went out an looked at the front yard -- and a very large sycamore tree.

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The back yard is very large and I saw an orchard.

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I thought I might find a fresh fruit to nibble on so I wandered around and checked.

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The apricots were still green. So I checked the plums.

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The plums were still green so I climbed the cherry tree to check on the cherries.

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The cherries were not green but they were not red yet either and I tasted one but it was still quite sour.

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The peaches were still small and still green.

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And the apples were still very small and green -- and there were not very many at all.  I had to look very hard.

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Then I climbed down out of the fruit trees and on my way across the yard I found the garden.  At least here I could finally find something to eat and I nibbled on some lettuce and then brought some in the house for a salad.



wourpet


Posted Jun 20, 2008, 5:51 pm
Today I am doing some more exploring around the yard and looking at the flowers.

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There are several large bushes of beautiful roses.

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The Yucca plant is native here and grows in places that don't get watered.  It was also flowering.

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On the patio I found a basket of Petunias in Red White and Blue.  Can you find me?

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Then I found the most wonderful thing.  I had not been watching close to the ground and I found a strawberry.  Wourpet said I could eat all I want and she was going to pick some for a strawberry and rhubarb pie.

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She took me with her to help pull some rhubarb and then we put the recipe in my book.  We also put in some for rhubarb crisp.  And they were sooooooo delicious.
wourpet


Posted Jun 20, 2008, 7:57 pm
Today we went for a road trip but not a really long one.

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We headed into the mountains. 
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The first ones are called the Bookcliffs

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On the left is Mt Garfield.

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We drove right past Mt Garfield.
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Here you can see Grand Mesa.  It is the largest Flat Topped Mountain in the world.  There is just part of it in this picture. It is over 40 miles long across the top.

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As we got close to Palisade we could see all the orchards and vineyards.

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wourpet


Posted Jun 24, 2008, 12:25 am
Yippee!  The cherries are finally ready.  Well, some of them anyway -- and the branches are getting heavy.

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Wourpet said we would pick enough to make one cherry pie and I got to help.

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Then it was a long boring job of taking the pits out of the cherries.

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And finally my pie is almost ready to go in the oven.  I have to finish trimming the crust.

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Now I will go and put the recipe in my book.
carlissa


Posted Jul 1, 2008, 3:25 am
I have arrived in Miami, Florida!  It's late and I'm tired from the long trip, so I will go to bed now. 

carlissa


Posted Jul 5, 2008, 10:57 pm
Today is Independence Day in the United States!  Our host told us that there would be a fireworks show tonight and she had gotten us some sparklers!

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After the sparklers, it started to rain, so we had to go inside.  We were able to see some of the fireworks show from the window though and it was a spectacular show!  I wish we could have gotten some pictures of it.

Our host also showed us a webpage that has fireworks that we can do with Lady Liberty

carlissa


Posted Jul 8, 2008, 7:24 pm
Tonight Winnie The Pooh and I went out to dinner at The Melting Pot.  We had Swiss cheese fondue for dinner and chocolate fondue with Irish Creme for dessert.  The meal was absolutely delicious!

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When we got home, my host helped me find a recipe for fondue so I can make it myself sometime and here are the links for what we found: 

cheese     chocolate

carlissa


Posted Jul 23, 2008, 2:52 pm
Desmond and I had quite an adventure today!  Our host took us on a trip to West Palm Beach to see some friends that she hasn't seen in many years.  First we had to drive to Coral Gables to meet a friend who was going with us.  Then we walked to the Metrorail station and took the monorail to Hialeah (we didn't have time to take a picture of the monorail as it got there just when we did).  From Hialeah we took the Tri-Rail train to West Palm Beach where some more friends of our host picked us up.

Here I am at the station in Hialeah:
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Here is the Tri-Rail train after we got off in West Palm Beach:
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Our host's friends drove us around West Palm Beach so we could see some of the sites and then we had lunch and then we stopped at this ice cream shop and bakery.  It had  a small train just like the one we rode on!
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And they had lots of good things to eat!
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After that we went to see our host's friend's condo; then we took the train and monorail back to Miami.


carlissa


Posted Jul 26, 2008, 10:17 pm
It's been fun traveling around the world, but now it's time to head home, so I packed my bags and caught the first flight out.  I hope I get home soon!
fam-united


Posted Aug 6, 2008, 6:02 pm
Phewww! After a long travel I arrived at home today. You can believe it or not, today this crazy postman put the box with me right in front of the yard door in the corner. I waited there and waited and waited and nobody came to fetch me. After some hours my family came home from a trip to Karlsruhe and found that package next to the door. Later they told me, that they will call the post office and tell them, that it is just unbearable, what the postman did.

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Then my mom thought, that it would be a great idea to let me take a bath at once. I know, that I didn't smell that great after my long travel. But can you believe it? She put me in the washing machine - she never did this with her guests, I know. Wow, I felt everything in my rotating in different directions. And I still feel rather dizzy. After this happening in the machine, she took me and washed me with hair shampoo too, so now I smell like Ralf's hair.

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So now I wait and see, what will happen at next.
fam-united


Posted Aug 16, 2008, 5:42 pm
Today afternoon we all are watching the Olympic opening ceremony.

Emmh, Petra. Don't you think, it would be much better to help us turn around? It is easier to watch tv, if you sit with your face to it, isn't it???
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Okay, that's fine now. Thanks!

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fam-united


Posted Aug 16, 2008, 6:08 pm
We're celebrating Petra's birthday today and everyone was allowed to sit in the dining room and eat cakes and drink coffee or milk.

Emmh, Petra told me, that these cakes aren't selfmade.

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Later we sat on the oven and listened to everyone talking.
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In the evening we enjoyed to sing some karaoke with my family.
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fam-united


Posted Aug 16, 2008, 6:19 pm
The next day a new guest arrived: Bestik. He travels the European Trail and will stay here for about 4 weeks. We first thought, that he comes from Germany, because his hair looks like the German flag, but he comes from the Czech Republic.


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fam-united


Posted Aug 17, 2008, 6:49 pm
Today is Petra's and Ralf's 20th wedding anniversary. The decided to go on a trip with us. This trip is also my fairwell trip, because then I will travel to my next host.

Here we are:
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At first I felt very scared, when I read this about the "Button in ear". I shouted out loud: Oh no! I don't want a button in my ear. Please call my mum, please!!!

But then Petra told us, that nothing would happen to us. We just would walk through this museum.

"Okay, I said. A museum. How exciting:("
But later I realized, that it is a really great museum, just like toyvoyagers' paradise. We visited the Steiff-Museum.

At first we listened to the story about Margarete Steiff's life. Then we had to help a girl and a toy to search for 3000 bears, which got lost on the way to the USA.
First we searched in the ocean.

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Look, Cassiopeia, what I found here!

Then we saw ice bears and penguins.


When we came out of this room, we walked through an exhibition of different Steiff toys.

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Then we walked through another sort of exhibition, where the toys are behind glasses. Petra wasn't that happy about it, because the photos were worse than before and also then the photos weren't really great because of the dark light in the rooms.

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Then I read about how to create my own teddybear:
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At last Petra wrote something into the guest book and also mentioned, that we had been part of the family
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fam-united


Posted Aug 17, 2008, 7:00 pm
How exciting!!! Today we go to an open air concert. I never had been somewhere like this. Three of my new friends will come with me: Froggie, Bruni Lila and Bokkie. Oh, of course Petra, Fabian and his girlfriend and her mother and one of her mom's girlfriends were with us. So we were rather safe, I think.
The only problem was, that we are really really small and our place was too far away to see him sing. Oh, did I tell you, who we "saw" and whose songs we heard? It was Chris de Burgh.

We had a crazy weather, but happily only a few raindrops on our head. You can see it in the clouds, that it rained heavily not far away from us.
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We played hiding in a rucksack at first:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2770831083_dc14e72d9a.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2189/2770832077_baa8cd1458.jpg?v=0

our view:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2770832743_a6ba3f6299.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2770836383_b7060dbfed.jpg?v=0
fam-united


Posted Aug 17, 2008, 8:16 pm
Today everyone wanted to wear my hat. I had a hard time until I finally said yes. This is, what they said all over the day: Hi, Nicki Bear! Your hat is really nice. Do you think, that it also would fit to someone of us here? Please, please let us try.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2770820055_b77b1b37ed.jpg?v=0

I think, Burrimul Memu looks rather nice, although Petra isn't that great in taking great photos.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2771667928_df1849ce2e.jpg?v=0

Froggie is really funny with the hat.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2771669160_7f6fcde6b4.jpg?v=0

Don't you think, that Galaxy Bear is a bit too tall?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2771670328_cec531fb50.jpg?v=0

No, Bokkie. This hat isn't made for you.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2770828845_029a85c9d2.jpg?v=0

What do we think about Bruni Lila? I don't know.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2771675910_c9c81fa1cf.jpg?v=0

Baby likes the hat. She thinks, that it is a good hiding place.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2770826881_1e7e0d5db9.jpg?v=0

Gina Giraffe looks like a clown. Maybe circus Barum will call soon, who knows.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2770827979_70c717ccf6.jpg?v=0

Oh yes, Kari. Two hats, what a great idea!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2770825705_254ae2cb6c.jpg?v=0

Finally I recaptured my hat again :)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2770820929_0d9c7211ee.jpg?v=0
fam-united


Posted Aug 17, 2008, 8:41 pm
Later in the afternoon we drove to Göppingen. Everyone was rather tired already, but nevertheless we wanted to see this other museum: the Maerklin museum.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2770867553_7030b3256f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2770868189_9c2100f715.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2771714478_aca1e3e352.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2771715302_cc26546947.jpg?v=0

Of course I enjoyed this museum more than the Steiff museum, because I just love trains.

Don't be too surprised, but you can't see me in the next photo....
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/2792838064_6812dde2eb.jpg?v=0

.... because I'm here:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2795518923_b66d30ebf7.jpg?v=0
fam-united


Posted Aug 22, 2008, 6:48 am
It was time to say goodbye to my family again. I want to visit Essen now and hope to see the Gruga-Park and the Hundertwasserhaus.

I'm happy to meet BlackCat in one day or two.
BlackCat


Posted Aug 22, 2008, 10:30 pm
Hey Mum,

I arrived today when BlackCat was working, but her boyfriend was so nice to help me out of my envelope and to put me on her desk. I was waiting there for her until she came home from work.
Now she is really tired, so we will make photos for you tomorrow :)!
I have already met Hoppity, who will travel on tomorrow, and Titch. I hope to show you more tomorrow.

Have a good night,
Nicki
BlackCat


Posted Aug 23, 2008, 9:15 pm
Hello mummy,

this is me again. Now with photos.
I arrived today and it was a nice welcome by Titch and Hoppity. But Hoppity has to travel on, so I said Goodbye and I am hoping, that Hoppity will arrive good at the next host.

I am fine and I hope to show you some other photos, soon.
BlackCat has to work this weekend, but on Monday she has her free day and the other days are just short, so maybe we will make a lot updates the next week.

Greetings from me,
Nicki Bear

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2308/nicki_37.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2308/nicki_40.jpg

Ps. There are 35 recipes in my book now. BlackCat is already searching for some nice ones for me :)!
BlackCat


Posted Aug 24, 2008, 9:21 pm
Hello Mum,

Today I want to show you the emblem of Essen. It is printed on every backside of a timetable at the bus stop.
I hope you like it :)!

Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2308/240808_0.jpg
fam-united


Posted Aug 25, 2008, 11:01 am
After I had been a little bit dried again, I wanted to help Petra to do her puzzle ball. My new friends helped me with this, too.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2795259409_1978e88b87.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2795259747_54d1df0c5b.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2787850954_a67232829e.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2786988863_64876a1745.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2786988331_48e7465100.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/2786987687_a1d4e57373.jpg?v=0

Then it got dark and we asked Petra, whether we were allowed to join her sleeping on the balcony again. We saw many falling stars that night - it's a pity, that we hadn't been able to take photos of them.
Emmh, and I hadn't been allowed to lie on her pillow, because I still had been a little too wet.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2786987061_a0282966be.jpg?v=1219650563

While we all slept, Petra read a bit in my notebook. Thank you everyone, who wrote a recipe and glued photos in it. Here are some photos of it:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2795261061_0e7264c38f.jpg?v=1219658883

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/2795261473_d629ef30cf.jpg?v=0


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2796109056_b666a84c5d.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2795262073_bbf14c8c27.jpg?v=1219659069

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2796109684_ed61b5f825.jpg?v=1219659111

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2795262741_2c15323c88.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2796110286_f815db4d9d.jpg?v=0
BlackCat


Posted Aug 25, 2008, 1:23 pm
Hello Mum,

today we went with BlackCat's boyfriend. She had to work, so he decided to take us with him. We went to "Essen original" which is a festival once a year with 7 stages in the city and a lot of music for 3 days. You can see on the pictures, that he has no practise in making pictures with the ToyVoyagers. But he wants to become a member too, so he has to practise this with us ;)!

Hope you like the pictures of the "Young stage" where we were.

Have a nice day,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2408/01_6.jpg
The stage from above

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2408/01_7.jpg
So much people are watching the bands

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2408/01_4.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2408/01_1.jpg
The stage (and me ^^)

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2408/01_0.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 25, 2008, 9:21 pm
Hello mum,

today BlackCat and her best friend Boris went to Marktkauf in Gelsenkirchen. It is a big shop for everything - mostly food.
We just made one photo, but I hope you will like this.

Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_1.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 25, 2008, 9:24 pm
Hello mum,

now I would like to show you, where I am living at the moment. So we went outside and made one photo of Titch and me in front of the house.
BlackCat is living in the right flat. It is the first one from below.

Hope you like this,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_0.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 25, 2008, 9:33 pm
Hello Mum,

today we waited for BlackCats boyfriend and then we all went to the castle ruin in Essen Burgaltendorf. It is a really nice ruin.

Here are some facts about:
The ruin of the castle Altendorf is located south of the Ruhr in the district of Essen called Burgaltendorf. It is the biggest obtained living tower between the Rhine and the Weser. It was built in the second half of the 12. Century.

I hope you like the photos we have made. There are a lot :)!

Have a nice evening,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_109.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_117.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_127.jpg
The enblem of the family, that lived there.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_13.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_133.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_159.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_16.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_24.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_37.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_5.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_55.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_68.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_69.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_7.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_74.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_75.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_76.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_85.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2508/250808_91.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 26, 2008, 6:29 pm
Hello Mum,

today we went into the Grugapark. BlackCat was really tired, because we went there right from her work, but it was funny! We saw a lot nice flowers which I want to show you. And other nice things like a waterfall and pelicans. It was so nice.

Have a nice day,
Nicki

PS. My hat is broken :(! It has a hole. Will show you a photo of it, later.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_2.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_106.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_112.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_114.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_115.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_123.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_127.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_15.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_154.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_156.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_160.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_161.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_163.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_170.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_172.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_23.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_30.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_32.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_40.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_52.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_9.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 26, 2008, 6:32 pm
Hello Mum,

a big surprise - when we were in the Grugapark, we saw the Hundertwasserhaus there, too :)! I came so close to it. It was really nice. I hope you like the photos we have made for you!

Have a nice day,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_59.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_69.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_71.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_79.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_84.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_86.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_89.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_90.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_91.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_93.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_95.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 26, 2008, 6:38 pm
Hello Mum,

after the visit in the Grugapark we went to the Margaretenhöhe. That's a really old district of Essen which was built for workers of the Krupp fabrics. I have just some photos of not so nice houses, because BlackCat was too tired and then her boyfriend had finishing time (he is working at the Margaretenhöhe).

I hope you like the photos.

Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_187.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_184.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2608/260808_179.jpg
The tram we took home :)!
BlackCat


Posted Aug 31, 2008, 12:11 pm
Hello Mum :)!

Today I meet Wauzi and Momo, BlackCats ToyVoyagers and a new TV arrived here. Hurley, who is traveling the GTVT is here now :)! It was a lot of fun to meet them all.

Have a nice day,
Nicki Bear

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2708/01_6.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2708/01_7.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 31, 2008, 12:14 pm
Hello mum,

just wanted to show you my hat :(!
Please let us know, what we should do with it :(!

Have a nice day,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2708/01_11.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2708/01_9.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 31, 2008, 9:30 pm
Hello Mum :),

here I am again. Today we meet BlackCats best friend and drove to Xanten. We wanted to go into the archaeological park there, but BlackCats best friend didn't want to. So we just made some photos outside. It was really nice there and the sun was shining so wonderful.

Have a nice day,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/3108/02_9.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/3108/02_10.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/3108/02_25.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Aug 31, 2008, 9:45 pm
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/3108/02_44.jpg

Guess where we are!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/3108/02_45.jpg

GUESS ;)!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/3108/02_46.jpg

It is not San Francisco!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/3108/02_47.jpg

It is Emmerich at the Rhine. This bridge is over the Rhine. It looks really nice and while driving by we really felt like in San Francisco.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/3108/02_50.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 7, 2008, 9:17 pm
Hello mum,

today a story for you on German. We will translate it into English for the other travelogs the next days.

It is the story of "The watchful chicken"

Als Essen noch eine kleine Stadt war mit hölzernen Häusern und verwinkelten Gassen, als es noch keine Straßenbeleuchtung innerhalb der Stadtmauern gab, da drohten ständig Gefahren: überraschende Feuerbrünste konnten verherrende Auswirkungen haben und nachts war man vor Überfällen räuberischer Banden nie sicher. Zu ihrem Schutze hatten die Essener Bürger mancherlei Vorkehrungen getroffen. So gab es den Nachtwächter, der mit einem Helm, einer Hellebarde, einer Laterne und einem Horn bewaffnet war und der zu bestimmten Zeiten in sein Horn tutete und dazu seinen Vers sang:

"Hört ihr Herrn, und lass euch sagen,

die Glocke hat zehn, elf... geschlagen.

Bewacht das Feuer und das Licht,

das diese Nacht kein Schaden geschieht,

und lobet Gott, den Herrn."

Neben dem Nachtwächter durchstreiften zeitweise auch mit Piken ausgerüstete Bürgerwehren die Stadt. Auf die stets drohende Feuergefahr hatte besonders der Turmwächter auf der Marktkirche zu achten. Auch er hatte die einzelnen Nachtstunden durch Blasen aus allen vier Schallöchern anzuzeigen. Wenn ein Brand ausgebrochen war, mußte er die Brandglocke ziehen und außerdem in die entsprechende Himmelsrichtung eine Laterne hinaushängen, damit jedermann wußte, wo er sich zu wenden hatte. Denn alle Bürger waren in diesen Fällen zur Hilfeleistung verpflichtet.

*********

Es war an einem heißen Sommertag, als ganz Essen die Hochzeit der Tochter des Bürgermeisters feierte.Nach der Trauungszeromonie im alten Münster hatte man sich vor der Toren der Stadt zusammen gefunden, um dort auf den Wiesen den Tag mit Spiel und Tanz zu verbringen. Am Abend als die Stadttore geschlossen wurde, feierte man in den Schenkstuben weiter, und erst am frühen Morgen begaben sich die letzten weinseeligen Zecher zu Bett.

Zu diesen gehörten auch der Nachtwächter und der Turmbläser, die selbstverständlich an den Feierlichkeiten teilgenommen hatten. Auf den Gedanken, nun, wo die Nacht schon fast vorüber war, noch ihren Dienst anzutreten, waren sie gar nicht mehr gekommen. Was sollte auch passieren in dieser warmen Jahreszeit, in der kein Kamin mehr brannte und alle Herdfeuer und Kerzen gelöscht waren? Doch die Gefahr zog bereits von den Stadtmauern herauf: leise huschten etwa 20 Männer heran. Es war eine Räuberbande die einen Überfall geplant hatte und die Gelegenheit nach der Hochzeitsfeier als günstig ansah, um ans Werk zu gehen. Aufmerksame Wachen hätten sie entdecken können, die wüsten Gesellen, die da auf leisen Sohlen von allen Seiten heranschlichen. Ihre Pferde hatten sie ein Stück zurück gelassen. Und so war nun hin und wieder ein leises Wispern oder das Klappern herabhängernder Waffen zu vernehmen. Schließlich hatten sich alle Männer an der verabredeten Stelle unterhalb der Stadtmauer versammelt.

Sie hatten ein langes Seil mit Widerhaken mitgebracht, das sie nun über die Mauer warfen und an dem sie sich hochziehen wollten. Mit leisem Knirschen rastete der Haken in die Mauernische ein. Niemand innerhalb der Stadt vernahm das Geräusch. Niemand? Doch da war jemand, der schon zu so früher Morgenstunde auf den Beinen war und darauf wartete, mit seinem lärmenden Tagewerk zu beginnen: es war ein Hahn. Aufgeschreckt durch die unerwarteten fremden Geräusche meinte er, die ersten Sonnenstrahlen nicht abwarten zu sollen und mit einem lautem "Kikerikiii .....!" machte er seine Empörung über die morgendliche Störung Luft. Und noch einmal "Kikerikiii....!"

Gewohnt beim ersten Hahnenschrei aufzustehen begoben sich nun viele Bürger aus den Betten und es dauerte nicht lange, bis die Räuber die bereits die Stadtmauer erklommen hatten, entdeckt waren. Eilends ließ man die Glocken läuten, die Schützen griffen zu den Waffen und mutig machte man sich daran die Räuber zu vertreiben. Als diese sahen, daß sie bemerkt worden waren und mit ernsthaften Widerstand zu rechnen hatten, da ließen sie sich schnell wieder an ihrem Seil hinab und flohen, so schnell die Beine sie trugen, froh, wenigstens mit dem Leben davon gekommen zu sein.

Die Essener sahen aber allen Grund, ihr Abenteuer damit zu beenden, daß sie die Feier des Vortages fröhlich fortsetzten. Ihren Retter, den Hahn, vergaßen sie jedoch nicht. Zeit seines Lebens genoß er jegliche Freiheit.

************

Und später setzten die Essener Schützen ihrem "wachsamen Hähnchen" sogar ein Denkmal, das heute seinen Standort auf dem Kurienplatz gefunden hat. Auch ein Schützenlied läßt die Erinnerung an das "wachsame Hähnchen" fortleben. Der ehemalige Musikdirektor der Stadt Essen, Max Fiedler, hat es in der von ihm 1931 komponierten Overtüre "Essen" verarbeitet:

"Wer kaufet , wer kaufet

ein wachsames Hähnchen?

Es ist ja so lieblich,

so weiß wie ein Schwänchen.

Wer kaufet einen wachsamen Hahn?"

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0709/sep_6.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0709/sep_9.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 7, 2008, 9:21 pm
Hello Mum,

today we went into the city and saw a really nice church there. We made this group picture for you.
It is the church "St. Johann Baptist". It is in the middle of the city and right next to the "Essener Münster".
We will make better photos, if we will come there again.

Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0709/sep_14.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 9, 2008, 8:40 pm
Hello Mum,

today we went through Essen Steele to feed some ducks at the river Ruhr. It is one of Titchs life missions, so BlackCat decided to take us all with her to make some photos while feeding ducks.

On the way through Steele we saw the Laurentius church. Maybe we will go to this church again and make some better photos, but for now I just have one picture with me and the church.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_1.jpg

When we walked on, we saw the statue of Carl Humann. Carl Humann found the Pergamon altar and he is a honorary citizen of Steele. You can read more about him here:
click me

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_6.jpg

And then we came to the river Ruhr. I really like the view there and I hope you will like the photos of our feeding the ducks, too.

Have a nice day,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_11.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_19.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_36.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_50.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_64.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_65.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_66.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_69.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/0909/steele_74.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 14, 2008, 9:44 pm
Hello mummy,

now I have some photos for you with some train stations on it. Just one was made at the train station outside a train. All the others were made into a train, so maybe they don't count?
I won't tell you where we went, you will see it later when the photos are ready for the Update :)!

Hope you like the photos and the little video.

Nicki

Essen Steele
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/69a841cf.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/2997bc5c.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/86db8447.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/56e15144.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/a99476df.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/67556f58.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/577b3f22.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/185f6241.jpg

Inside the train
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/d28e56f4.jpg

Essen Eiberg
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/ad89941a.jpg

Wattenscheid Höntrop
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/5678b8de.jpg

Bochum Ehrenfeld
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/360fc682.jpg

Driving into the main train station of Bochum
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/th_03767cca.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 20, 2008, 4:08 am
Hello Mummy,

sorry for needing so long for updating, but now I can show you the pictures of where we went with the train :)!

It was a nice day outside and BlackCat met a friend of her, Kati. They went to a festival of lights. It was really nice. Everywhere were little lampions and cute little candles. At the end of the festival there was a firework and I have some photos of it for you. Hope you like them.

Have a nice day,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/ddcdaf2e.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/f79f05a6.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/a1c4d257.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/153e8114.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/2e757673.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/07359ad1.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1309/8710673c.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 20, 2008, 10:23 pm
Hello Mum,

today we went to a little church. It is the church where BlackCat spent a lot of her time when she was younger. Her primary school was next to it and they went there every week on Wednesday. The doors were closed, so we just have 2 photos for you.

Hope you like it,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1909/kirche_2.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1909/kirche_7.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 20, 2008, 10:33 pm
Hello :)!

Today a new ToyVoyager arrived here. Her name is Odette and she is a little bee. She is really nice and we welcomed her with a lei. She had a lot of fun sitting in this lei and making photos.

Have a nice day,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1909/biene_9.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 25, 2008, 7:37 pm
Hello :)!

Today was bad weather, so we decided to watch a movie. Our choice was the Simpsons movie. It was really funny :)!
My favourite part was with the spiderpig :)!

Spiderpig, Spiderpig *sing*!

Really nice :)!

Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/210908_21.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/210908_46.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/210908_47.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 25, 2008, 8:06 pm
Hello mum :),
today we were walking through Huttrop, that's the part of Essen where BlackCat is working.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_11.jpg
That's the look on the highway which is called "A 40" in Essen. It is a highway which is going through the Ruhr area. There is always a lot of traffic and at the rush hours there is always a traffic jam.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_19.jpg
That is me in front of the water tower in Huttrop. It was half rebuilt after the second world war and now there is the "Tafel" - a social activity, where people without money can get food really cheap.

Bye bye,
Nicki
BlackCat


Posted Sep 25, 2008, 8:10 pm
Hi Mum,

after Huttrop we went to Steele :)!
Steele is a part of Essen which was an own town for a long time. It became a part of Essen in 1929.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_45.jpg
That's me with the emblem of Steele.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_47.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_48.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_49.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_52.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_65.jpg
An old house in Steele. I have read something about it, but I can't find the informations about it :(! Sorry.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_66.jpg
A painting at a toy shop. Isn't it nice?

It was a long day walking around and we went home after that :)!
Nicki
BlackCat


Posted Sep 25, 2008, 8:11 pm
GOODBYE HURLEY :( have a nice travel to olgamaus *wave*

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2409/240908_75.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Sep 29, 2008, 5:09 pm
Today we welcomed Dieuwerke and Hueso and we said goodbye to Cloudy. She is on her way to her first host now.

Love,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2809/250908_0.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2809/250908_9.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 1, 2008, 8:34 pm
Today we visited a Middle age market. It was really nice there and we watched a lot funny things. I will show you some photos we made for you!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2809/280908_17.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2809/280908_31.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2809/280908_44.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2809/280908_8.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 1, 2008, 8:37 pm
Today we went with BlackCats mum. She went to Wuppertal because of shopping, but she made some photos of us. It was nice :)!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2909/290908_10.jpg
The town hall

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2909/290908_28.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2909/290908_37.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2909/290908_53.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/2909/290908_6.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 10, 2008, 10:53 pm
Hello mummy,

today the new camera of BlackCat arrived. We tested the features and it was really funny. You can see it on the picture :)!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1010/041008_DSCI0021.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 10, 2008, 11:03 pm
Hello again,

today we helped BlackCat making some ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). It was a lot of fun and I really like the ATCs we made. Look yourself :)!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1010/081008_DSCI0058.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1010/081008_DSCI0060.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1010/081008_DSCI0061.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1010/081008_DSCI0064.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1010/081008_DSCI0066.jpg
BlackCat


Posted Oct 13, 2008, 4:56 pm
Today we went on a funfair. It was not much to see, but we had a lot of fun. We made some photos for you :)!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1110/111008_kirmes_steele_11.jpg
There you can win a toy, when you are good and catch it. We talked to the toys, while BlackCats boyfriend tried to get one, but he didn't get one.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1110/111008_kirmes_steele_25.jpg
There you can buy candy. BlackCat got a gingerbread heart with the writing "I love you" on it from her boyfriend.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1110/111008_kirmes_steele_36.jpg
There you can see the bumper cars :)! Funny thing ^^!

Have a nice day,
Nicki
BlackCat


Posted Oct 15, 2008, 11:43 pm
Hello mummy,

here is my update from the zoo. We went to the zoo Duisburg this Sunday. It was really nice there and I have made a lot photos. I will show them to you now.

We went into the Chinese garden of the zoo.
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_124.jpg

We saw an elephant
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_15.jpg

And we went into the aquarium
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_20.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_21.jpg

A giraffe
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_8.jpg

Koala bears – Duisburg zoo was the first zoo in Europe who had koala babys
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_57.jpg

A rhino
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_64.jpg

A seal
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_70.jpg

Sea lion and her baby
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_78.jpg

A bear sleeping in the sun
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_96.jpg

Some cows or such animals - I didn't find a sign =(
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1210/zoo_Bc_85.jpg

That was our day in the zoo. It was really nice there and I hope you like the photos.
Have a nice day,
Nicki
BlackCat


Posted Oct 17, 2008, 9:37 pm
Today I said Goodbye to everybody here. I am on my travel now and I hope, that I will arrive soon and safety.

Have a nice day,
Nicki

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1710/171008_11.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/oceania87/TV/1710/171008_17.jpg
JaymeC


Posted Nov 28, 2008, 6:01 am
I arrived just in time! Today is Thanksgiving! Even though Jayme lives in Japan, she and all the people her husband works with are American and so they celebrate Thanksgiving. We had to cook for over 50 people! There were 4 people cooking, so we only had to make one turkey at least... we started very early making cookies.

First the peanut butter cookies.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3952.jpg

Then the chocolate chip ones.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3959.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3960.jpg

Then we got the turkey going... its one big turkey!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3967.jpg

We got it out and patted it dry then rubbed it with salt and stuffed with veggies to season.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3968.jpg

Mmm. Doesn't it look yummy after cooking for a few hours?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3974.jpg

While the turkey was cooking we made mashed potatoes.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3984.jpg

Once all the food was done we took it down to cook. Look at all that food!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4595.jpg

During the party we also got to watch lots of people play video games. There were 4 tvs with video games! Plus lots of board games and cards.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4601.jpg

Jayme said it wasn't Thanksgiving without football, so we sat to watch one of the football video games since the games hadn't started in the states yet.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3986.jpg

What a fun Thanksgiving!

More updates soon,
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 1, 2008, 3:49 am
Since we have to get packing to go to Tokyo, Jayme decided we could do the decorating today to come home to the apartment being decorated for Christmas. Fun! Jayme put up the tree and put the lights on, then we got to put on the ornaments! Everyone in Jayme's family gets one ornament a year, they usually have something to do with that year.

The first ornament we found was a double... it was two identical Shrek ornaments. Jayme said that's because she and Manuel got each other the same ornament last year! I guess there are problems to this ornament buying thing.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4656.jpg

There was a pretty panda ornament. Apparently Jayme's son had a panda stuffy he wouldn't let go of for almost a year. Maybe I can meet him later...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4663.jpg

Since Jayme's husband is in the US military there's lots of military ornaments (and you can see the Shrek ones in the background).
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4664.jpg

There's also a small nativity ornament
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4672.jpg

At the bottom of the tree we put the non-breakable Sesame Street ornaments so if the boys got ahold of them, they wouldn't get hurt.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4682.jpg
And finally we put the star at the top of the tree.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4675.jpg
Can you find five toyvoyagers hiding in the Christmas Tree?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4689.jpg

After that we put up the two Nativity sets. This one went up high where little hands couldn't reach it.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4687.jpg


Then we put up the child nativity set that the kids can play with.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4688.jpg

Jayme doesn't have a fireplace, so we put the stockings on the wall.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4692.jpg

We also put some lights over the tv where the NFL jersey's are for the NFL season. Jayme said they could use some decorating. #21 is Manuel's favorite team, the San Diego Chargers, but they lost today :(
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4695.jpg

Wow. We got worn out decorating... it may be awhile til the next update since we're headed to Tokyo soon and we don't know if we can update there!

Love,
Nicki
JaymeC


Posted Dec 13, 2008, 11:00 pm
Dear Mommy,
Jayme says it’s time to go! All the bags are packed. We’re ready. We had to get to the airport very early because we’re flying Space-Available so we have to sign up. There was more than enough room for all of us going to Tokyo though! Here’s all of us toyvoyagers waiting for our flight.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation378.jpg

It seemed like we waited and waited, but we finally made it onto the plane. And guess what! The plane even had these little televisions for us to watch.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation121.jpg
Mmmm. Airline food isn’t that bad. The sandwich was pretty good, and you can’t really mess up water.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation168.jpg
When we got off the plane we had to take a two hour (!!) bus/subway/train ride with ALL of those bags! Everyone was worn out by the time we got to the hotel so Jayme tucked us all in for some sleep.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation339.jpg

When we got up in the morning we went down to get some coffee. It’s a pretty neat little coffee machine.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation172.jpg
Then we drank our coffee while reading more about Tokyo.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation49-1.jpg
Pretty soon it was light out, and we were able to get out first day-time view of Tokyo!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation213-1.jpg
Wow! It looks so pretty… but oh no! Jayme said we’re not staying here; it was just for last night! We’re headed a couple hours out to a place called Hakone… well here we go…

More soon,
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 16, 2008, 12:10 am
Today we took the train to Hakone. We had to get off the train at Odwara. From the train station we could see a castle, but we didn't have time to visit. Do you see it far off in the distance?http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation45.jpg

Here it is when we zoom in.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation376.jpg

From here we took an hour long bus ride to our hotel in Hakone. The hotel we're staying at is called a Ryokan. We were in room 7.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation325.jpg
Its was a very pretty room.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation218.jpg

And we had a nice little view
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation196.jpg

We got to sleep on a futon at night!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation34.jpg

Here you can see some of the decorations in the hotel
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation238.jpg

From there we tried to go see a shrine, but it started raining really badly! Since it was rainy we went back to the hotel and decided to make use of the bathing rooms. First you go in and put your towel and other stuff in a basket.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation217.jpg

Then you go into the bathing room. Since multiple people use the bathing tub you have to wash well before you get in. Here's the soap and other things for a shower.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation365.jpg

Then you get in the bathing tub. Its filled with mineral waters and very nice.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation407.jpg

From there we went back and went to sleep. I hope we get to do lots of neat stuff later..

Write more soon,
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 16, 2008, 3:38 am
Today Jayme said we're going to go for a few rides and try to find Mt. Fuji (apparently it regularly hides). Our first stop was the rope way. Here's the entrance to the ropeway and the cars we were riding in.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation124.jpg

Here's all of us tv's sitting and chilling.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation9.jpg

Its a pretty view, but unfortunately no sign of Mt. Fuji yet.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation123.jpg

After the ropeway we took a cablecar to the boat. Isn't the boat pretty?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation191.jpg
There were some pretty sites from the boat.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation319.jpg
Jayme said Mt. Fuji is hiding behind those clouds! Can you see the base of it?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation233.jpg
Unfortunately we didn't get to see Mt.Fuji on our trip to Hakone, it was hiding the whole time. Jayme was able to get this picture on the way home from the train though, the mountain came out for a bit in the morning! But it was moving too fast for us to pose.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation115.jpg
Next we're supposed to go to a museum, more soon!
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 16, 2008, 10:12 pm
Today we went to a place called the Open Air Museum in Hakone. It a museum of artwork that is all outdoors. It was very neat. When we first entered there were many statues.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation226.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation189.jpg
And I liked the row of diamonds.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation188.jpg
The egg made me feel a bit hungry.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation28.jpg
Many of the art pieces were play areas. The one behind me is a giant series of tubes for children to climb through.
:rolleyes:http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation229.jpg

I really like this sphere too. You could see your reflection in it.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation227.jpg
It was a fun trip! This was our last day in Hakone... we took another bath and decided to head back towards Tokyo. I wonder what we'll see there?

More soon,
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 17, 2008, 8:33 pm
Today we went back to Tokyo. After a long bus and train ride we arrived back at our first hotel and then went out to sightsee. Our destination today was the Tokyo Metropolitan Building (TMG).  Here it is.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation267.jpg

The TMG allows visitors to go up the North or South towers for free to get a beautiful view of Tokyo. We took the elevator up to the top floor of the North Tower. Look at that view of Tokyo!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation181.jpg

Because it was a clear day, we were able to see Mt.Fuji from the tower though not too clearly. This is very rare.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation17.jpg
Here it is when we zoomed in.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation19.jpg
It was time to head back to the hotel, but on the way we got to see some Christmas lights! Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.... I hope we'll see some more!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation77.jpg
More to come, tomorrow we're going to see a mouse? I wonder what's so special about a mouse...
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 18, 2008, 10:05 pm
Today we went to one of Tokyo's Disney Resorts parks. This park is called Tokyo DisneySea. Its called that because it has different ports that you visit and ride in. It looks like it'll be fun today. When you first enter you see a globe.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation305.jpg
Then you walk through and you can see all the ports of call, and the centerpiece of the park, Mount Promethius.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation16.jpg
We headed to Discovery Port first. He we are waiting in line for Storm Rider. It was a neat ride where you were a plane in the middle of a storm.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation127.jpg
After that we went to Aquatopia. See the little boats behind us we ride in?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation289.jpg
After that we went inside Mount Promethius! Its called Mysterious Island in here. Here we are there waiting in line to ride 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. You can see a pretty good view of Mysterious Island.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation121.jpg
After that we took a break and went to Mermaid Lagoon. Sorry this picture is so blurry, but its all indoors and very dark.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation128.jpg
This was the kiddie area, so while the kids went to play and ride we rested on the stroller.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation93.jpg
Finally it was getting late so we headed over to American Harbor to see the Christmas lights. Isn't the tree pretty?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation385.jpg
After that it was time to go get our seats for the night show. A picture of us wouldn't have worked, but doesn't the show look pretty? It was about the Spirit of Water and the Spirit of Fire falling in love.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation11.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation173.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation50.jpg
Unfortunately we didn't find any mouse. Maybe we'll have to look some more tomorrow.
More soon,
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 18, 2008, 11:50 pm
So we're off again to find a mouse... still not sure why though. Hmm. Today we're going to Disneyland! We had to get up bright and early to go in. Here we are at the walkway to Disneyland.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4104.jpg

And here's the castle!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4109.jpg
This is a different view from FantasyLand while we were waiting in line for a ride.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4115.jpg
Hmm. Mouse clues. Look at this sandwich, maybe its pointing the way?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5088.jpg
Next we went to ride on the Haunted Mansion, here we are waiting in line.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4121.jpg
Mmm. We stopped for more food. We stopped at a restraunt that was decorated like Alice in Wonderland. Here's our lunch!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4119.jpg
Can you see the decorations? The Chesire cat is hiding behind us...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4120.jpg
From there we went to Toon Town. It was a funny place.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4129.jpg
After that it was time for the parade! Everyone here sits down for parades to sit and watch them. Here it goes...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4138.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4158.jpg

And THERE is the mouse! Woo! We knew we'd find him eventually!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4172.jpg
After the parade we got to do one more ride about Winnie the Pooh.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5095.jpg
After that it started raining really, really hard so we decided to go home. Jayme did get one more picture of the Christmas tree on the way out though! Merry Christmas!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation9.jpg
Our last day in Tokyo next,
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 23, 2008, 12:18 am
Today was our last day in Tokyo! Since I haven't shown a picture before, this is what a Tokyo Subway looks like up top. This is Shinjuku station. There are at least 6 different subway and train lines here!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5121.jpg
Our next stop was the National Museum. Isn't the building pretty? I wonder what's inside...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5129.jpg
First we got to see some very nice swords.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5133.jpg
There were some other carved things with the swords as well. Do you like this dragon?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5142.jpg
At first we thought we'd found some ancient toys, but then found out these dolls were used for rituals.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5149.jpg
We also got to see some very pretty paintings.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5158.jpg
There were two rooms just filled with ancient kimonos!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5169.jpg
Ahh, here we found some real toys. This was a game children used to play.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5174.jpg
This guy is kind of scary huh?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5185.jpg
After the first museum we headed to get some lunch. We stopped at the Hard Rock Cafe. The children split a kid's meal, and look what came with it! A new friend for us!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5124.jpg
We all shared a yummy meal.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4178.jpg
Then we headed to the science museum! We got to learn about the planets.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5197.jpg
Here's our planet, this is a globe that changes as the earth changes. Its very large. Isn't it pretty?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5222.jpg
And this is a neuron! Its the only complete large mapped our replica in the world.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5230.jpg
We had fun at the science museum. This was the view on our way back to the hotel.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5251.jpg
We went to sleep that night and had to get up very early to get to the airport the next day. We were all quite sleepy. Then we took the same plane back to Okinawa, but because of delays we didn't get there til after midnight! Yikes! But everyone's safely here now, and its almost Christmas! I wonder what we'll do for Christmas?

More soon,
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 25, 2008, 11:15 pm
Merry Christmas Eve mommy! We had such a fun Christmas Eve! We started out by heading to the botanical gardens for a light show! We got there early, so the lights weren't quite on yet so we chilled out at the playground.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5353.jpg
After that we went to see the stage where the light show would be.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5361.jpg
Finally the lights came on and we got to go walk around! There were two themed areas, one was a forest
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5389.jpg
And the other was a sea! How pretty.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5416.jpg
Even the lake in the botanical gardens was lit up!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5434.jpg
We stayed for a laser light show (unfortunately none of those photos came out!) then headed home. We helped Jayme put the kids to bed then did some last minute wrapping of gifts for the children.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5325.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5326.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5332.jpg
Hmm. Maybe we should've helped more. This is the one Jayme wrapped.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5316.jpg
We left out the cookies for Santa, then headed to bed ourselves.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5262.jpg
Merry Christmas Eve!
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Dec 27, 2008, 10:28 pm
Dear Mommy,
We woke up on Christmas morning to a surprise! Santa had come to bring presents for the children! He had filled all the stockings
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5453.jpg

And ate all the cookies Jacob left for him.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5454.jpg

The children of course dug in and started unwrapping. We helped a little bit.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5496.jpg

Then we went to help Jayme make breakfast. Mmm.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5465.jpg

We got to hang out at the house and relax all day and watch movies. We also helped Jayme make a turkey for Christmas dinner. She said this time we'd have plenty of leftovers!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5500.jpg

So we got to have potatoes and turkey for dinner. Yum!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5502.jpg

After dinner we went outside to see Jayme's building, its all lit up!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5458.jpg
Merry Christmas!
Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Jan 3, 2009, 10:10 pm
Dear mommy,
What an exciting New Year's we had! We started it out with a trip to Comprehensive Park on New Year's Even so the kids could ride their new scooters. We went around this small pond.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5515.jpg
And found some flowers on the trees.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5521.jpg
And this small monument area with flowers.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5526.jpg
After that we went home to get some rest then went out for a walk at Camp Zanpa. We walked a little ways, then got to see the lighthouse!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5557.jpg
Here's the view in the other direction.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5562.jpg
There was also a monument here.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5572.jpg
After that we headed home to prepare for New Year's! We played some games to pass the time
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5594.jpg
And had some grapes, since Jayme's family believes they're lucky for New Year's. One for each year. You're supposed to eat them as the clock strikes, but Jayme didn't want anyone choking!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5590.jpg
Finally we got to ring in the New Year!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5596.jpg
The next morning we got up very early and headed to Okuma Campgrounds.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5653.jpg
Here's the cabin we stayed in.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5674.jpg
They had a go-cart raceway nearby!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5659.jpg
And we tried to get to the beach, but it was very windy and the sand stung.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5663.jpg
Finally we made a camp fire so we could cook some hotdogs for dinner.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5670.jpg
What a fun New Year's Eve and Day we had! More soon I'm sure!

Nicki Bear
JaymeC


Posted Jan 12, 2009, 6:27 am
For my last day in Okinawa we went to the local Ferris Wheel in American Village. Here's the Ferris Wheel.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5693.jpg
We got to go in and up to see the view of the beach from the top.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5682.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5687.jpg
They still had up the New Year's decorations!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5688.jpg
After riding the ferris wheel we went down to the children's play area and rode a couple rides.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5695.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5692.jpg
After that it was time for me to get into my envelope and go to my next host! I hope its fun there!
More soon,
Nicki Bear
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Jan 19, 2009, 11:22 am
Hi mom! I've arrived in Australia! Thankfully that trip didn't take too long. Sara said I missed the beach trip but they hope to go back next month - so a few weeks time hopefully *fingers crossed*... I'm not alone here, there are two others here with me so I have some company. I hope we'll be doing something soon but in the mean time I'm going to take a nap! Write again soon! :-)
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Jan 31, 2009, 12:16 pm
Today we stayed up really really really late. It was around 530am before Sara went to bed and we went to bed around 430am thankfully we were all so very tired... but we stayed up because at 4am, Mr. Obama was turning into the first African American president. President Obama now... a pretty awesome thing actually. Three of the five tv stations were showing it live from Washington DC... a lot of it I found to be pretty boring but when it finally ticked over to 4am, it got a lot more interesting... :-)

Around 3 or 330am they had a whole bunch of people walk out and then they had president elect Obama walk out...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/toyvoyagers_inauguration1.jpg

After a lot of talking and speeches, and singing they inaugurated vice president Biden...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/toyvoyagers_inauguration2_biden.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/toyvoyagers_inauguration3_biden.jpg

...and then it was finally the time... even 5 minutes late... the inauguration of President Obama...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/toyvoyagers_inauguration4_obama.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/toyvoyagers_inauguration5_obama.jpg

...after the inauguration we watched his speech. He's such a lovely speaker isn't he?
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/toyvoyagers_inauguration6_obama.jpg

Well you might ask why Sara stayed up that late just to watch that... well, I didn't know this before but Sara was born and raised in America and is an American citizen... so she's very proud of her country for electing such a fine man and watching history itself... it's an amazing thing isn't it? :-) She's very proud to be American sometimes. :-) Well I'm off to bed it's been a long night... :-P
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Jan 31, 2009, 12:28 pm
Sorry I've been away for a while... it's been VERY hot here in Australia. We've been hitting some record temperatures almost every day the last few weeks. Kind of crazy... it even got up to 47'C in some areas (around 114'F in South Australia) there have been lots of black outs and the air conditioners don't seem to make much difference. Were kind of hoping for some rain soon... but Sara got a notice that she's got a house inspection coming up... so she's been cleaning the house - one room each day for the last few days. She spent around 3 hours on the kitchen last night, and today she worked on her room... it was a bit crazy..

We all decided we could help a little bit... although not much because some of the chemicals are pretty nasty and she was up on a ladder much of the time... but once it was done we decided to help her put her room back together...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/nikkibear_cleaning1.jpg
...that's just after the cleaning when she's ready to start putting everything back together. The only things in the room were the wardrobe and the bed frame. Everything else was scattered through the hall and living room. It looked pretty packed... haha

Now we've started to put it all back together... the picture above the bed, the bed and the slats under the bed are together now... sadly we couldn't help much more than being on the side lines. That stuff was pretty heavy actually...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/nikkibear_cleaning2.jpg

...and now everything is complete... how does it look?
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers/nikkibear_cleaning3.jpg

...I'll be updating much more soon, more so if it cools down where we can go outside without feeling like we are in an oven... but hopefully we'll see some sights soon. Maybe even a trip to Molong but there will be a Sydney trip coming up soon... maybe even two... :-) We'll see how that goes! :-) Write again soon!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Feb 1, 2009, 8:45 am
Today we found out that we now have a resident spider visiting in Sara's house. Sara is a bit used to it - they're harmless I can assure you. They are good to have around because they kill all the nasty other bugs (like red backs and white tip spiders)... they usually keep to themselves. Sara is always very wary of where they are, as she doesn't really like spiders. But there is always one each Summer, sometimes more... well here I am with the spider... it's pretty big isn't it? It's a Huntsman Spider. ;-)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/randomtoyvoyagers/nikkibear_spider.jpg
Welcome to Australia right? :-P

Here's a close up of him, its hard to tell by the pictures but he's bigger than me... :-)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/randomtoyvoyagers/spider_close.jpg

I'm kind of glad he's keeping to himself... we also have a resident mouse in the house too since Sara's husband Daniel left the door open one day. He's found his way into the mouse mansion (where she has five mice in it)... so it's been interesting this Summer lol. Write again soon!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Feb 6, 2009, 12:35 pm
It was very very hot today. We found out that on Sunday it's supposed to get up to 47'c (116.6'f)... it's supposed to be the hottest place on Earth that day... beating out the African deserts and the Middle-East. So we're trying to prepare for the massive heat wave that's already brought us down to nothing since it's been so hot for a while... although, not that hot... we're not really looking forward to it... so today to get away from the heat, Sara took us up to Mount Canobolas which is actually an extinct volcano... here I am at the top of the summit, facing Orange below me...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/nikkibear_mtcanobolas1.jpg

...right in the center of the summit it's got this map...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/nikkibear_canobolasmap.jpg
...the map shows you what you can see and in which direction, so Orange is that way, Mudgee is that way, and so on and so forth. You can see quite far on a clear day... it's actually the highest point West of the Blue Mountains up until a mountain in South Australia - which is very very far away (think around half the distance of the United States)...

...and here I am at the other side of the summit facing the opposite direction from Orange... you can't see much, all you can see is it's very very brown because of the lack of rain...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/nikkibear_mtcanobolas2.jpg

...because of the massive heat that was today (35'c) and going up the big hill our car needed a bit of attention so while Sara was taking photos, Daniel her husband was cooling the car down a little bit so the car didn't overheat...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/car_summit.jpg
...at least it's down hill to our next destination... that should give the car a bit of time to cool down... we can hope anyways... write again soon! :-)
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Feb 6, 2009, 12:43 pm
Next stop was only a short drive down a big long hill, through lots of bush land... we were now visiting the man made Lake Canobolas... it seemed to really heat up even coming a little bit down that mountain... we no longer had a small breeze that the summit allowed us... so it was very warm. So while we were here we stayed in the shade... here I am in the shade of a tree near the lake. :-) Doesn't it look just wonderful?
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/nikkibear_lakecanobolas.jpg

...there were lots of ducks while we were there - most of which were in the shade but there was this pair of Australian Wood Ducks which Sara always used to refer to them as the "fancy" ducks because of how pretty they were. Although they look a lot different to the wood ducks that Sara are used to, which are of course native to the United States. :-)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/lakecanobolas_ducks.jpg
...they had three not so little ducklings following them in a row... it was pretty cute, they were swimming to some shade on the other side of the lake... what I would have given to be a duck today. The water looked so nice and cool... it's time to head home everyone is getting a bit of a headache, time to get lots of water into us... write again soon!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Feb 6, 2009, 12:49 pm
Well, also thought I'd update on the status of when we got home... when we got home it seemed to get hotter - at least by another 2'c which doesn't seem like much but when it's so hot already it kind of kicks you again when your down... :-/ We had fans on the birds, the dog and the mice... so we found one of Sara's mice actually laying in the breeze of the fan trying to cool down... poor little girl! Her and her sister and trying to keep cool by sleeping in one of the tubes even now at almost midnight...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/mouse_hot.jpg
...her and her sister almost look identical, so she's not sure which one it is (one has a small white spot on the backside) it's either Puff or Fluff... and Charlotte is in the wheel (the white blob)... she also has two others that aren't seen or mentioned - so 5 in total, the other two are Moo, and Choc Chip. :-) They're quite fun too watch, too bad it's been too hot to have them be as active as normal...

...and as the sun was going down Sara always says to herself... "Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning sailors warning." Since there was such a bright red sky at night... it means we are in for another scorching day tomorrow...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/pinksky.jpg
...I'm kind of hoping this heat wave will end soon, it's hard to sleep and hard to move much and actually do anything... so fingers crossed! Write again soon! Miss you mom! :-D
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Feb 10, 2009, 11:38 pm
Yesterday and today have been BEAUTIFUL! It's not been sunny much and it's been much much cooler with overcast... it's so much nicer than it being so hot you want to shed your fur... it's been crazy. I'm sure you've heard of the Victorian fires. I can assure you us toyvoyagers and Sara and her family are okay... we just got some massively high temperatures and no fires thankfully! It's very sad to hear about it on the news though with a death toll of now 181 people and set to double. This is the biggest natural disaster ever to hit Australia... massive!

Anyways because it's been cooler Sara's pets have been more active so Sara's been able to take some photos of them... we decided to get in the shot because she seems to own a zoo. She's a huge animal lover though and takes great care of her pets... lets see, here I am in front of her mice...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/nickibear_mice.jpg
...they didn't really want to sit still for the photo but there are 5 of them in a huge mouse mansion as Sara calls it... they're happy since their cage just got a nice clean out.. now they're organizing things to make it their own again... haha they're so cute! :-)

...and here I am in front of the birds...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/nickibear_birds.jpg

...now the question is... how many if any of those birds can you name? I know they're very hard to see so Sara took some photos. It's interesting because all the birds besides one is native to Australia. Click the name to get more information if your interested about the bird(s). :-) First we have the Society Finch...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/society_zebra_finches.jpg
The pair of society finches are the only ones not native... they're actually not native to anywhere... they were always captively bred so they're very good in aviaries and will pick up where other birds have left off sometimes in raising baby birds. :-) Aren't they nice? They're very friendly little birds. Sadly when Sara got them they couldn't fly more than 6 inches off the ground because they had been stuck in a tiny cage their whole life. They're much happier now. :-)

Next bird is the Spice Finch they're also very friendly birds and they get along best with the Star finches. :-) They like to wake up every morning to chirping... they're very cute! :-)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/spicefinches.jpg

...now were getting into the kind of stranger of the birds... the beautiful little Diamond Dove they're the worlds smallest dove and they're very peaceful birds... they are very quiet except for the occasional"hoot hoot" noise...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/diamonddoves.jpg

Then we have the birds that live at the bottom... the little Button Quail these guys are two males, Milky and Red Baron (names fit well) it's hard to get photos of them sadly so Sara had to just deal with what she got here...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/buttonquails.jpg

...then we have the beautiful Gouldian Finch they're very vocal birds and Sara swears they know they're pretty... but aren't they? The bright one is a male and right next to it is a female of the same type. :-)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/gouldianfinches.jpg

...and last but not least of the birds we have the Star Finch there are two different varieties... the yellow face and the red face. You can see the red face and the yellow face in this photo. The red face are a lot more common... they're beautiful birds and the first finch she got was the yellow face male (the one with more yellow on his face) on the left hand side. His name is Peep. He's also the one in Sara's avatar with his "girlfriend" Dotty... also known as Peeps girlfriend in this house you'll find out why in a minute...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/starfinches.jpg

...if you want to hear what these birds sound like you can hear Peeps unique song here... you can hear the normal red face singing here who is Mr. Peep and ends with the white male zebra finch Frank. :-) Now as to why we call them that... just as we were about to go away they cuddled up together so Sara took a shot...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/lovebirds_thepeeps.jpg
Aren't they adorable? :-)

Anyways, there's also the fish but they're happy being in the dark at the moment and Sara doesn't want to scare them for the photo... but we also have Anni... Sara's 10 month old beagle puppy...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers_dog1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyagers_dog2.jpg
Anni had to stay in the cage while photos were being taken because Sara can't fully trust her to leave it when she responds... case in point... Anni being good and Anni being naughty... it's a new trick so I can't expect miracles... :-P But yeah, now you've been introduced to all of Sara's animals... I hope you enjoyed having a bit of a tour on the animal side of Sara's house... Write again soon mom! <3
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Feb 19, 2009, 3:41 am
Wow! Sara got the fright of her life earlier this morning. Remember that tarantula? Well, it disappeared for a few days. Her and her husband kept remarking that they should find it because it's a big spider and well, you really want to know where it is... because having something like that spook you... well isn't fun. Well what happened early this morning (around 2am) Sara will probably never forget...

Sara was sitting at the desk and then looked down at her hands and saw some legs moving towards her hand. She quickly pulled back and stood up. She even made a whimpering noise... how crazy is that? Someone so big... compared to something so small? Well it decided to make a home between her keyboard and mouse so Sara decided to show us how big he was... so here I am... do you see it?
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/nikkibear_spiderdark.jpg

Pretty dark eh? Well, here's with the flash... I'm sure you can see him now...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/nikkibear_spiderlight.jpg
Definitely not something you want crawling on you in the middle of the night. Sara thinks it might have actually had to crawl across her stomach to get where it currently is... oh my gosh that would give me the heebie jeebies! You can bet she went straight to bed after that little incident...

Hopefully we'll take another trip to Sydney again soon! Write again soon mom! Miss you!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Feb 19, 2009, 4:12 am
Today we took a trip to Sydney. We had to go to Camperdown for an appointment for Sara's son, Andrew. But we decided since we had a bit of time to check out some of the local beaches... well, since Camperdown is pretty much in the CBD of Sydney we were directed to the beaches of the CBD. Which are extremely crowded, hard to get to and overall a pain in the butt. Especially driving, people don't drive in the CBD for a reason... but the GPS took us there so that's where we went... the concrete jungle was too much for the GPS though because it kept driving us in circles before finally getting us out... needless to say we gave up going to that beach and just decided to head back to Camperdown...

Although I don't have any photos of me (it was too hard because we all kept slipping off of the dashboard) in the CBD but here are some of the things we saw...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cbd1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cbd2.jpg

This is coming into the CBD around Darling Harbor. If you can see that little gold star on the left side of the picture... very pretty... and look at all those huge buildings...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cbd3.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cbd4.jpg
The next photos is the middle of the CBD on the main street of Sydney, George Street.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cbd5.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cbd7.jpg
In these photos you can see the Queen Victoria Building it's a very iconic landmark of Sydney... very beautiful isn't it?  Here's the statue right out front of it... Queen Victoria... if you look at the link connected to the Queen Victoria Building you can see what it looks like on the inside... very elegant!

Next on the short tour through the lesser known CBD icons is the clock tower on Martin Place... isn't it gorgeous?
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cbd8.jpg

Last but not least we got to see the AMP Tower people climb up on top of it and walk around the edge in what's called the Sydney Tower Skywalk part of the walk actually has a clear walkway so you can see straight down! Crazy!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cbd6.jpg
Well those are the lesser known parts of the CBD of Sydney. I hope you enjoyed the walk through so to speak. We hope to be taking another trip to Sydney in the coming days *fingers crossed* Write again soon mom!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Mar 5, 2009, 7:35 am
Hi! It's been really boring around here lately.. Sara hasn't been able to get out as much as she would have liked to so we've been sitting at home with her... well, nothing much interesting has been going on but today Sara tried kangaroo for the first time. So she thought this was note worthy... we all smelled it and it actually smelled really yummy! It looked just like a steak and Sara says it actually just tastes just like beef, but very very lean, almost no fat at all.. yummy!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/toyvoyager_kangaroomeat.jpg
Not much there but sometimes I wish we could try new things too - so here was Sara's dinner (or part of it anyways) from the other day. I promise more interesting things ahead in the days to come! Write again soon!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Mar 5, 2009, 7:48 am
Today we were taking a small road trip. No where exciting but Sara took this as an opportunity to show us what the Central West is full of... which sadly isn't all that interesting, but hopefully you'll find it a bit more interesting... it's very dry and brown here. There's been barely any rain, so now that it's Autumn, we're hoping for a bit more rain... *fingers crossed* first stop we went to a small town called Blayney which has a population of only 3,000 people...

Here I am at the top of the highest point in Blayney, Church Hill... you can see the whole town from here...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/nikkbear_churchhill.jpg

...and here's the rest of the view around Church Hill from where we're standing...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/blayney_churchill_view1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/blayney_churchhill_view2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/blayney_churchhill_view3.jpg

Coming down from Church Hill we went down the main street to our next destination... here I am on the main street which is called Adelaide Street...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/nikkibear_blayneymainstreet.jpg

We're back on the road again... I'll update more soon!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Mar 5, 2009, 8:24 am
Next stop was the Blayney Wind Farm and Carcoar Dam which is just outside of Blayney and Carcoar... here I am in front of the wind turbines...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/nikkibear_blayneywindfarm.jpg

Sara also decided to show you Carcoar Dam... if you click that link you can see what Carcoar Dam used to look like. Since the Central West has been in a drought for so long the water level is much much lower than at the moment... here I am in front of what is left of the dam...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/nikkibear_carcoardam.jpg

Kind of puts it into perspective how much of a drought Australia is in, especially inland from the coastlines... here's a closer image of the water level. You see that line on the hill just below the trees? That's where the water used to be... can you imagine THAT much water evaporating? Scary isn't it?
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/carcoardam_waterlevel.jpg

...and here are a couple more photos of the wind mills that run the wind farm...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/blayney_windfarm1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/blayney_windfarm2.jpg

Write again soon!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Mar 5, 2009, 8:40 am
Next stop was Carcoar which is one of the many tiny towns between Blayney and Cowra, so we decided to get a few photos. Carcoar has a population of around 400 people... so very small, here I am on the main street...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/nikkibear_carcoar_mainstreet.jpg

...there's sadly not much to see here but Sara took us down to the little river that runs through the town. Sara says her and her husband Daniel used to drive here from Blayney to here to have picnic's once in a while. :-) Isn't it pretty?
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/nikkibear_carcoar_river.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/nikkibear_carcoar_river2.jpg

Back on the road... we're almost there! Another 40 minutes or so... write again soon!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Mar 5, 2009, 9:11 am
Last stop, we're finally there! We've arrived in Cowra which is a town about half the size of Orange, with around 13,000 people. There's not too much to see here... Sara and her husband had to do a few mystery shops. So we just waited, after all the jobs were done we all went down to the Lachlan River... we saw a LOT of bird life while we were there... here I am in front of the river...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/nikkibear_lachlan_river.jpg

Walking down to the river there were a lot of aboriginal paintings on the underside of the road (which passed over the river)... here are some of the paintings...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/aboriginal_art1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/aboriginal_art2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/aboriginal_art3.jpg
Can you guess what some of the animals are? Well, there are dolphins, echidna, turtles, fish, dugong, kookaburra, and snakes. How interesting is all that? Isn't it pretty?

You can't tell but there are HUNDREDS of Long-billed Corella's... they're making heaps of noise but they're fun to watch. Sara took a short video of them in the tree... you can watch the video here. It's short and you can also hear the noises they make... they were crazy... here are a few snap shots of them as well...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/birds_flying1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/birds_flying2.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/birds_sleeping1.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/birds_sleeping2.jpg

...and we even got to see a bunch of Australian Wood Ducks...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/cowra/aussie_woodducks.jpg

After spending an hour or so at the river we decided to head home. It had already been a long day and it was only 230pm. Crazy! Well back home we go... write again soon! Miss you mom I hope you enjoyed my day out!
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Mar 6, 2009, 2:51 am
Hi mom! Sara sent me off to Mexico today... hopefully travel time won't take too long I'm packed into an envelope with my notebook so I can't wait to get out and see what Mexico looks like! How exciting! Write again when I get to my next destination! <3 Miss you!
angelicabermejo
angelicabermejo@hotmail.com

Posted Mar 14, 2009, 5:56 pm
Hi mommy I finally arrive to Mexico, Angelica greet me this morning and was happy to see me, she told we have a busy weekend upon us and to star with it we're witing for the Depeche Mode ticketso to go on sale, she tells me she's a huge fan so we're excited!!
Lets just hope find a couple of good ones, and after that we have parties and a road trip to the vinyards yay!!! talk to you later mommy.

I just arrive and Angie's happy because this is the first time she hosts a TV.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn221/sophiarouge/Imagen2.jpg


Still waiting... one more hour... yay!!
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn221/sophiarouge/Imagen1.jpg

angelicabermejo
angelicabermejo@hotmail.com

Posted Mar 25, 2009, 5:42 am
Hi Mommy!!
The first weekend in Mexico was very active, after buying the tickes for DM's concert we went to Ensenada (just south Tijuana) and here is the evidence:

First we took on the road to Rosarito (10 minutes south fron Tijuana) for a traditional breakfast "Burrito de pescado" or "Fish Burritos" with a side of rice and beans.
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/73/m_ccc26ff4144c4dea8331f2ba5e107cfd.jpghttp://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/m_80a892d4d59b42549ce6c8d4a2be0178.jpghttp://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/m_5b8ef68b843f43ef89c944b537e1c18f.jpg

After having our tummys full we went on the road again but stop at this sightseeing point in the middle of nowhere.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/80/m_3c1b3d02bb7b49d7a56716494f913fef.jpghttp://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/100/m_89b24fdd8a1b43868a026e780a186b76.jpghttp://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/101/m_850121781cf048ccb1078da8bbfa1936.jpghttp://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/94/m_b46bd137d02e430f885d72a1384a9007.jpg
It was very high, about 200 meters above the sea, but I liked it.
After that, Angelica's husband took me out to the vendors outside for some real mexican candy.
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/108/m_e42a7fc84906444f97a2eeaadc59ef4e.jpghttp://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/101/m_e1eae0edc87b423ca309be3b99e63a6d.jpg
And again to the road, Angelica told me that she loves driving here because is so lonely and peaceful, no house around or people, this is where she and her husband go after a long week at the office is like a 30 minute drive and its worth it.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/m_c0bd84357aad4b7abd303c01874ce88b.jpg
And finally we entered Ensenada!!
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/103/m_8d2c934f28fc48e49243664cea931ecf.jpghttp://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/82/m_7de571f3f57f4179a43c0438cff745f8.jpghttp://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/75/m_816c9a989c024bdcab33d3c083c7a462.jpg
They took me to this landmark called "La Bufadora" or "The blowhole" it was amazing!,  down the place we sited is a cave tha fills with sea water and then the presure makes it go up to the sky, like a geiser, here you can see it.
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/77/m_a8d2d7b3a31f4fe39f26f1071e47a1b9.jpghttp://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/104/m_7201aa0b0aea4fd887a61cd63941373b.jpghttp://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/99/m_61e784b50b2e4c7aa7ba76fbd3aba35b.jpghttp://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/108/m_cd846be9bb144ce7a97691fba2f2e1e8.jpghttp://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/88/m_5240e0e1fcde4dddb27ee8b7015205c3.jpg
And finally we went to the flea market to buy some postcards with pictures of this landmark, Angelica is attaching one to the notebook, and also told me that she;s goin to make home made burritos next weekend and she is goin to show me how! yay!!, hope you enjoy the photos mommy, see you soon.
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/90/m_ec5b8a9e67604c88b073d8892475f8f8.jpg
angelicabermejo
angelicabermejo@hotmail.com

Posted Mar 25, 2009, 5:59 am
Hey Mommy!

Today we wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo but i was a rainy day,
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/68/m_a651e06ef16d4ec88f68b230006fe824.jpghttp://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/71/m_833a2ce27b2b4a8084804121e44d24e8.jpg
so instead we just cross the border, here the waiting line may vary from 10 minutes to 2-3 hours, we're lucky this time only 20 minutes!
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/103/m_10df4b9ed8fe44f896bf44ca845ece39.jpghttp://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/100/m_dc3bf340c33641e3aab1422e234dd149.jpg
did some shoping
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/103/m_1fb49458559f41188527045f7391c838.jpghttp://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/83/m_55b26f29baa9447e90fd2f2cc6a553e8.jpg
and back to Tijuana for another Burrito (yes is a very common dish in North Mexico)
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/103/m_c788e2d2589249658b3c1c11a4dd94d9.jpghttp://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/108/m_c65f4e416a224bb085c87fe35cffb2c9.jpghttp://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/103/m_c6311a79ee7f4fb1a4633505cf1d4ec0.jpg
On the way home we saw a few statues on the road resemblin:
Moctezuma
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/72/m_cc5388c011594f578952bebeb7c74fb5.jpg
Agustin Iturbide
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/112/m_6858b30e3e77472d84f613637708a0fc.jpg
Miguel Hidalgo
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/72/m_ec2b1b5ad9394d6da7a501edb7a20fdb.jpg
All mexican heroes!
I'll post new pic's soon mommy. see ya!!!
angelicabermejo
angelicabermejo@hotmail.com

Posted Apr 22, 2009, 11:03 pm
Hey Mommy, sorry I didn't updated in last few weeks, angelica was little sick and I was taking care of her while her husband went to work, but now she seems fine enough to be uploading the pic's.
Let me tell you that on the las weekend of march we went to this beach called San Felipe, is in the middle of the desert on the sea of cortez, well to get to San Felipe we drove for four hours at night thru the desert i did not see anything until the next morning, we camp near the beach and here is a pic of the view that gave a welcome when i woke up:
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/l_a72e902dadf84961b53338476f725aaf.jpg
this is a view of the camp where we slept (well almost,a ctually it is suposed to be on the right side but well.....):
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/96/l_d88d1a7e27eb461da6731654834b5411.jpg
We wanted to go to this part of the desert where the most giant cactus of the world live, it is call Sahuaro Valley or "Valle de los gigantes"
so here are some pic's of the road to get there:
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/71/l_16d1754a38b3498eb3dc74ec85772b26.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/103/l_fbb1c11daea34f16b9da8c032e9a7148.jpg
And finally we arrived!, they were HUGE! at least 5 meters each!!
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/87/l_724712c8842a422c825b1eaaa46223f3.jpg
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/109/l_20cda691897c4c00b2eb625f07485062.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/80/l_57a7e461009e4783910d129ee049e288.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/104/l_2ae4442ec665458eb893a6650ba4765c.jpg
After a while walking between those giants we got hungry and drive back to the camp, this is the view we got:
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/95/l_22357ff812124f869875a5d50e425f1c.jpg
A happy meal, me playing in the sand and then a fresh, natural "Piña Colada" before goint to sleep:
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/72/l_090000e89a644f8e86914a1d6d967faa.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/93/l_2355cc4ccd164f71b15ae52f24a6274d.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/l_3cf5c830839d43e1a160d0de0e786144.jpg
The next day we had to get back home, the weather was sooo windy that it was dangerous for us to drive at night so in the morning we took our things an drive another four hours back, lucky for me this time we drove on daytime, I was able to take some pic's from this desert, rocky mountains that we pass thru the other night, take a look:
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/69/l_c10a63542cab42e2abe1c11ff1a292e5.jpg
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/l_e50bc2f1e1c04458acde8d3693d4ceea.jpg
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/82/l_f5f01217c89749aea72effab99e814b3.jpg
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/l_ec596f1f2ef2428a9173514ebca0865f.jpg
The altitud here is around 3000 meters and to the side of the highway there's only downhill, that's why is dangerous to drive when strong winds.
I really enjoyed this mini road trip, Baja is beautiful, this combination of desert and blue beaches... well angie told me that there's also forest but maybe when she's better will make another weekend roadtrip, for now, she told me how to make "Quesadillas" is the easiest thing in the world!

Tomorrow, more pic's, see yaaa!!!!

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