Alright, here are a few pictures that Rich took at the house today:
third floor bath looking into master suite
Master suite
home gym
2nd floor, looking toward the library
he bath toward the living room
Second floor living room with walk out access to balcony
small but very functional kitchen
bathroom in the guest suite
Now, as soon as I get the keys, I'll go in and take better pictures; but this should give you a good idea.
On the agenda today we have a house to see, and Mikey's Dr's appointment. Tomorrow we will see an apartment right in the old city next to the big clock! On Friday we will see the other place we liked that was being renovated, it's located across the street from a bakery and the straB stop is just out front. I'll be taking the camera with me to get photos, "I'm sorry Marissa"....you wouldn't have like the other places anyway. We're not looking far enough-out to see any chateau's but we will be renting one for a ski trip in the future.
Still no-house to report on, we have looked at quite a few too! We will be going back to take "a second" look at one of them either tomorrow or Thursday. It was real nice with the StraB stop just out front and a bakery across the street. It has an elevator and is very sunny, but we didn't get to see it all because they were in the middle of renovating. I remember it was big though.
Mikey has an appointment tomorrow to get registered to live in Bern...kind of funny that it takes more paperwork for him than it does for us! Rich and I will be getting our Iphones by Friday, so I'll have some numbers for you soon.
Oh, when we were out for dinner last night we found a place for rent right in the old city...with a view of the big clock. Hopefully we can check that place out too. Hotel living get's old quickly!
I am now officially behind the curve. Yesterday we went on a little excursion to Grindelwald, it's a beautiful village in the Alps. We took the gondola to the top of Frist, there was of course a gift shop, a restaurant and a "take-off pad" for Para-gliders. The view was beautiful and Rich took some great pictures! I found it very refreshing being up in the cool air, it was a hot day below! We got out at the half-way point to take some photos:
When we got here last week, Rich and I had purchased 1/2 fare ID cards. It's a great deal because we can travel 1st class on all the trains within Switzerland. What we did-not know was that dogs travel free "only" when in a kennel. Now- Mikey loves to travel......but NOT in a cage! SOOOOOO, we ended up having to purchase a day pass on the train for Mike LOL For all of you who want to know how our little guy likes to travel:
He was a very good boy and is enjoying the area as well. In this picture, you can see how much he was enjoying receiving the attention of the elderly couple sitting across from us. "They were appalled that we had to buy him a ticket"...but we didn't mind at all, considering the alternative.
The rest of the pictures are posted on my Face Book page, I hope you'll have the opportunity to check them out.
Chris and Marissa had their First appointment the other day, everything is fine except: Chris is O Pos and Marissa is O- Neg...the baby is probably O Pos, which means that the baby and Marissa would basically be poisoning each other. They did a blood test to see if Marissa is producing antibody's, if she is, she will have to get shots throughout her pregnancy. You can look up the RH Factor to learn more. You know, years ago when they used to do "blood-test" before marriage- Chris and Marissa would not have been given a license to wed because of their blood-type's. We sure have come a long way in medicine! How lucky we are......
First picture!!! 9 weeks and due to arrive on 27 January.
Hello everyone, Rich and I have been going almost non-stop since we got here. Today we spent the morning at the Embassy where Rich had a meeting "yes, he's working already" and I had to go see the RSO {Regional Security Office} to get a security briefing before being issued a pass to have access to the Embassy. After business was taken care of, we had to go look at houses...UGH!! I'm seeing rooms in my sleep--however have not located the home that will work for us yet. Looking again tomorrow.
By-the-way, Chris and Marissa have their "FIRST" Dr.'s appointment sometime today; and I can't wait to hear all about it!!!!! Hopefully we will have our iphones soon and will be able to call our children and hear their voices. Shealynn and Brady, Grandma & Grandpa miss you BOTH very much! We went to dinner and took a long evening walk in this old city, the weather has been Beautiful. On the way back to the Hotel we sat at a Cafe' and shared a banana split. We also took some pretty nice pictures that I will post soon. We're still having a bit of jet-lag but we should be good to go by Monday, or so they tell me.
Today was very nice and even productive. Rich is signing in at the Embassy, meeting all the people he will work with. He has an amazing office! "with a nice view" I sat at his desk today working out the Decor in my mind;[ getting totally dizzy spinning around and around in his chair] and yes, it will be very distinguished. I'm excited to begin this new project! "I'll just need to remember not to spend my time spinning in his chair"
We were only able to look at one place today, I'm sorry to point out "I didn't like it at all" We have another appointment tomorrow afternoon and more on Wednesday and Thursday. I know it's only been 4 day's since arriving in country...but I was hopeful to find "THE HOME" quickly. I don't' know why I'm always in such a hurry to get settled...{yes I do, so we can be comfortable, settled, and begin to enjoy out time over here} I can never relax until my home is in order! { I have no-idea where on earth I get that either, but that's just the way I am.
I hope all is well with everyone, Rich and I are excited to hear about Chris and Marissa's First Ultrasound!
After meeting up with Robin, Brigid and Tess yesterday, we were able to help them find their Hotel before going to dinner. It was raining pretty hard and it was "cold"! Something I usually don't mind at all- except I just didn't pack for this weather.... We had already packed up our winter sweaters, so that stuff is in a box somewhere on it's way here. After leaving 90 degree weather with high humidity, 50's with rain; is cold! After getting chilled last night, today I just feel like resting. {and I have to stay awake} Rich and I will meet-up with the family later for dinner.
I'm hopeful for a good night sleep before house-hunting tomorrow.
We are "finally here". It was a difficult beginning, Rich had to run some errands before we left for the Airport and he had gotten caught in traffic which put us an hour behind our schedule. Once at the airport Rich dropped Mikey and I off with the luggage while he returned the rental car, I ended up waiting for him another half hour. Once inside and in line to check in...{a l-o-n-g} line we finally made it to the counter only to be told that Mikey's kennel was "Not Approved" for their Airline. Visions of a quick Petco trip ran through my mind---wondering if we would even have the time to make this plane, they spoke and said: "you can buy one from us here at the counter for $150.00"... Done, then a kind man walked up and said we could either ship our other carrier empty or we could let them donate it to a local shelter, I said: donate it. To which he replied...their donating, so NO CHARGE for the new kennel. We had to wait another half hour and then made our way through security and to our plane. We were "miles away"...we had to take the tram to our section of the airport, then proceed to walk "forever" to our gate. In fact before we got there, they were making the "final boarding call". Once we were settled in, the Captain had sent someone to tell us that Mikey was now on the plane. OK..Good news, however "some work" had to be completed on the plane; and it would set our departure back a half hour. So After All Of That; we are now in Switzerland!
Rich, Mikey and I went out for a walk to grab some dinner. On our way I was stopped by a man who claimed to be injured and was robbed. He said that he had already gone to the Police but now he needed money to get home- being a good Diplomatic wife- I told him to go to his Embassy and they would be able to help him. His reply was simple..."BITCH" Oh yes....this is turning out to be a "dream come true"
Jet lag is setting in and I just want to sleep and put this day behind me, however I need to stay-up for a few more hours. Tomorrow will be better. {i hope}
We spent the evening with John, Sharon, Corey and Katrina at a lovely Restaurant in Ballston. Good food- good company- and good conversation. It was a very nice evening! I'm already looking forward to their visits in Switzerland! It's also a "calm feeling" for Rich and I to know that John and Sharon will be "surrogate parents" for us when we leave. Corey will be moving in with them this week, although I did tell them that they wouldn't be seeing much of him at all! Between School, Work, studying and friend's, he's just not around much. I'm grateful for the time we did get to spend with him though....
Tomorrow is our last day in DC, this week went by really fast! Still lots to do, We still haven't packed!
Today was the pack-out. Rich had moved everything into two rooms; although we didn't have a lot of weight- it was the "little thing's". Pictures, book's, clothes...etc. After watching them pack everything up and saw all the boxes, I thought about receiving "everything" on the other end. {I don't think I want to unpack all the stuff that we're going to have delivered} My gosh..I'll be sure to take "before" pictures for you to see! Hummm, perhaps I should begin a new trend and host a first "Unpacking Party" Everyone bring a box-cutter!
I sure hope we have a big place, Between our household good's that were put in storage when we left Germany- and the thing's we shipped out of Israel and now everything that went today... I'm a bit nervous about finding a home large enough for everything. Rich keeps telling me that {it will be fine} but I think he may have forgotten how large our home in Germany was and all the thing's we had.
"I remember"..... and omg I just now remembered that we bought a 75 gallon fish tank and stand with all the trimmings before leaving Israel! Oh bother...... think I'll run away to the hundred acre woods and stay with Pooh.
So far, so good. We have been getting the little thing done "and"getting them all in one place. this will be one of the easier moves because we have much less with us here.
Well we have 5 1/2 more days in the USA. The packers will be here Monday morning, Tuesday we need to get Mikey's clearance papers from the State of Va. veterinarian, then on Wednesday we ship the car. After that we'll try to enjoy our last few hours here.
I know I've been keeping up on everything these past weeks...but I feel like I have so much left to do, with time running out. Oh-well, guess I'd just better get back to work! But first..I sleep.
Rich got the word today, we are moving on to Bern! It's been quite the ride but I'm glad it's nearly over. The next thing to do is finalize our flight and get Mikey's papers stamped by the State Veterinarian. The movers will be here Monday morning to pack up and ship "thing's" we've acquired during our visit here. This weekend will be spent moving thing's to be shipped into the Family Room and putting our luggage in our room to prevent them from "packing it by mistake". I've heard some stories about some of the moving company's in the area who do-not speak or understand English...so wish us luck! I'm still in a state of disbelief, but Rich assures me; this is it and for sure we are leaving on the 17th.
We were able to get together with a wonderful friend tonight for dinner. Maria was posted in Tel Aviv with us. She one of the sweetest lady's I know. I love talking with her about thing's, she has that way about her that lets you know all will be fine. I'm comforted knowing she's there.
Another day and "STILL" no final word! Like I said before: I think it's going to be a sneak attack. I continue to go through thing's although at this point almost everything is ready. Rich sent out a few e-mails today inquiring about our departure date, so hopefully tomorrow "someone" will be able to answer his question.
Corey went to the Dentist today, he is having two of his wisdom teeth pulled on Monday...poor baby, I'll have to be sure to have ice cream, jello and soft foods for him.
Well, this is our last free weekend in the USA. Next weekend will be very busy! Rich was saying tonight that he was glad he has only one more week of German. He also has meetings with some people whom he will be working with from Switzerland. 12 1/2 days and we'll be able to have a home again.I;m really looking forward to that! With the closets done this week, now it's time to pre-pack our luggage. A few stop's tomorrow to pick up a few items for Mikey,then it will be home to prepare for dinner with friend's. I just love Korean food!
We had a great day as far as preparations for the move. Car is set to ship, moving company is a go, Mikey had his check-up and paper work is all together. I have to see my Dr. one more time to set-up delivery of medications. Now all we have to do is get our appeal granted, so we can book our seats and finalize everything.
Rich found two more jobs of interest with the Department of the Army: one located in Heidelberg and the other in Stuttgart One is -Foreign affair's specialist,and operations specialist. He would enjoying doing either one. I'm not sure if he;s going to jump the State Department Ship or not,...time and actions will tell.
Everyone now knows about Chris and Marissa's little one. They had a family cook-out with Marissa's family on Sunday where they told everyone about the baby.
First: Marissa noticed a necklace her Mother was wearing, when she commented on it her Mother said: funny thing-I never wear a necklace but this morning I opened my jewelry box and there was my Grandmother's necklace. And for some reason I just felt I needed to wear it today' I don't know why. Marissa held back tears.
So, Marissa, her Mother Jan and Marissa's Grand Mother {who happened to be visiting} were cooking, and Marissa's Dad walked in and said he was just admiring three generations being together in the kitchen. Although touched by her Father's words, Marissa was able to remain silent. {I don't know how she did it!} Eventually she and Chris were able to get everyone in the same room. She told her Dad what she had wanted to say earlier..."remember in the kitchen when you said you were admiring three generations ? Well it was actually four" Lot's of happy tears followed.
I was able to speak with Marissa on the phone today and although a few headaches at night and tiredness, she's doing well. To my surprise she isn't able to get her First appointment until 20 June. They told her unless she was an "at-risk pregnancy" she could not get in earlier. How in the world is she suppose to know? This is her FIRST PREGNANCY!!
