Thanksgiving 2013

 I was watching the local news last evening- when the Story about the US Embassy serving dinner to the Homeless came on. It was followed by a report on how Americans spend Thanksgiving in the United States today. All of a sudden they showed videos of BLACK FRIDAY, saying it's a day when Americans rush to the stores pushing,shoving,biting and hitting people to grab an item for a few dollars off. Hundreds of people are hurt every year trying to get to a popular item before anyone else. Even if it means the disgusting behavior you may perform to get it! "Its a far cry from what we experienced from the US Embassy here today."
 I have to tell you that I was applaud. Not by the misinterpretation they have of Americans; but by the FACT that the story rang true.
 When I was growing up in the small town of Freedom, Thanksgiving was always a Holiday that I looked forward to. I knew that I would get to spend the whole day eating yummy food and playing with my cousins that I didn't get to see very often. The WHOLE Family would show up at Mimi and Pappy's house, everyone would bring a dish and a dessert and we would all be together; if only for one day the entire year. The excitement in the house was almost overwhelming, all the love and attention it was so warm and comfortable. If only for a day- we were family. We loved each other. "unbreakable" I remember being sad whenever the first family would leave because I knew that we wouldn't be all together in that house until next Thanksgiving. I'm very lucky, because I still have the memories of Holidays past. One of the most difficult things about growing up and moving away was, and is never being able to do that that again. It was always important for me to create wonderful memories for our children, and I truely hope we did! 
 I PRAY that every American will bring those days back to their families, get together if only for ONE day a year, teach your children and grandchildren about giving and being thankful. Let them know that no matter how old they are- they can make a positive impact in someone life. Teach them how important it is to be a FAMILY.     Its  NOT about shopping.
 

                                                          Whats New
Well the weather is getting warmer and the sun seems to be getting brighter. Our calendar is filling up with Thanksgiving and Christmas activities and the BIG news is; our household goods have arrived in country and will be delivered Monday! Its been a year since things were packed up in Switzerland and some things we asked not to be delivered here....so I have no idea whats coming...kind of scary isn't it? I just hope my kitchen things will all arrive. Hopefully soon they will come to put in my kitchen cabinets so I'll have a place to put everything!
Im looking forward to decorating our Christmas Tree, I'm so grateful with all our moves in this world that I have everything our boys made in School. I always pack them very carefully and they have been hanging on our Tree every year, since the day they were made. We have so many other things in storage..I'm thinking by the time I get to see everything again not only will my tears overflow with memories but We should have a lot of antiques in very good condition! 
 I know while many of you are preparing for Snow-over here we are getting ready for Summer. The BBQ Grill will soon be up and running, the Patio table and chairs have been set up on the patio for Rich and I to enjoy our morning coffee and warm evenings. The winds are ever present and with only the birds singing, the quietness of the neighborhood is very calming. 
         I DO wish it would SNOW!!!

Wait-What?

Hello everyone! Rich and I have sure been having fun here...we went shopping for a car last weekend. Of course we're looking for second-hand due to time in country, so we went to a recommended dealer and {NO LIE} Every car he showed us either smelt like wet dog or smoke!!! Needless to say we went elsewhere with our money. We found a very nice Outback with all the bells and whistles along with low mileage and it had a built-in GPS system, comfortable seats and smooth ride; Perfect. Sold. After starting the car...we were greeted by our new GPS...."what did she say?" Youkoso irasshai mashita. Yes. That's right, she spoke Japanese. Now we know some Korean but not Japanese so off to the electronic store to purchase a new GPS- Problem solved right? Wrong...now she has an Aussie accent. Have you ever listened to a conversation between two people with an Aussie slang? Now in all fairness I can understand when she says Rite, leaft and roundabout but the road names and the way their signs are turned is a bit of a buster! I still have yet to drive here, I know I'll have to give it a go at some point but I'm not ready yet- it still freaks me out to ride!
  I keep re-arranging the house and I know Rich will sure be happy when I finely get it figured out. We also purchased a new living room set which will be delivered tomorrow. Next month our shipment will arrive and I'll really be able to settle in.
  Now, for those of you planning a visit- I must tell you that they do not call it Windy Wellington for nothing. In fact it has almost blown me off my feet a couple of times. I do recommend a lined windbreaker and a pair of waterproof walkers. DO NOT bring an umbrella, it will be destroyed in one swoop. Right now the days are nice sweater weather and the nights are cold. Of course it is the beginning of Spring so every month I'll keep you updated. It can be poring rain one minute and sun shining the next. Oh, the SUN..it's very very bright here in fact quite extent, so you will need a very good set of sunglasses. Even the ones I brought from NH are not good enough, Rich and I will be getting subscriptions because it does hurt our eyes. But I do love the brightness over here, it has colors I've never seen before. It's just Beautiful. 

                                                     Hello from NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!
It began with a wonderful trip over, I got bumped-up to First Class from SF to Australia, then on our Flt to Wellington we had an "on board emergency". I happened to be the only person on flight with Medical background {EMT-MA} so I was put to work...and the next Day received an E-mail rewarding me with an extra 2,000 miles.
  The drive from the Airport was terrifying! I've become quite an expert in hanging on the door handle for dear life and screaming- although in my mind I was thinking that if I die, its sure a beautiful place to do it! No need to tell you that I'm not ready to drive over here.
  We have a very nice newer home in Churton Park, we're lucky because most of housing is older with no heat and they have to use space heaters. I'll post pictures once we get settled in, although we wont be getting our home shipment until next month. Rich and I have been busy running around getting things done. So far: I've had my Welcome lunch by the Embassy wives, Security briefing, applied for my pass, got a Dr's appointment, bought a car and got a new TV. Last but NOT least...Mikey gets to come home tomorrow!!! All this in just four days...when I tell you that we hit the ground running, I'm not kidding!! We also have our new cell phones, but we will not have our Magic Jack until we get it in the mail. Rich decided to pack instead of carry- so if you need to contact us, please do so by e-mail. Hopefully it will be in sometime this week. New Zealand is truely amazing and we're excited to explore. We look forward to Hosting as many of you that come to visit and are looking forward to our next three years.

June

Welcome to June! Wow, time is moving on quickly. Richard will be "Home" in just 22 days and we will be off on our "Fisher Family Cruise" on July 4th...Russia/Scandinavia here we come! Very sad that we will be minus One Son and three grandchildren :(
If your up to date on Facebook you already know about my car mishap. Someone hit me while I was parked at either the Vet or Target; so Monday morning I have to drop it off and pick up my rental. What appeared to be minor damage turned out to be over 2,000 in repairs. Thank God for USAA!!
Our move to New Zealand is quickly approaching, I have already given notice of my move-out date and I'm currently searching on-line for a pit-stop place in DC/VA. 
Chris, Marissa, Charlotte and Baby(Due in Dec) are doing fine! We are so excited to have another Grandchild and can-not wait to find out if Baby is a Boy or Girl! Of course I would like one of each....
Corey and Katrina are fine, between Work, School and planning their Wedding I don't hear from them often; but I DO sneak a call in to Corey every once in awhile to make sure he's still alive! Sure miss the Good'Ol'Days when they were ALL home.

Happy March!!!!!

 I've had a nice break from Posting, but at the same time I haven't had much to say. Rich is still in Afghanistan, although he will be home for R&R next week! We have no plans this time around- we'll just be relaxing and making plans for our up coming move...Lots to discuss and choices to make. I'll be keeping you updated.
Lets see...OH Corey and Katrina have "Set The Wedding Date" October 12, 2013 Its going to be a Beautiful Fall Wedding in Pennsylvania. More updates will follow on that as well. It is certainly going to be a very emotional busy year, Our youngest son will be getting married, we will {hopefully soon} have another Grandchild on the way and Rich and I will be moving on to Wellington New Zealand for the next three years!
On another subject, I just returned from Orange Ca. where I had the opportunity to take care of our 2y/o granddaughter: Charlotte. Our son Chris was Promoted to a FTO "Field Training Officer" Chris is an exceptional Police Officer and we are just so proud! With Marissa working-I jumped at the chance to "Tag Team" my co-grandparents as they were leaving for their new home in Hawaii. I had the BEST time exploring the world through her eyes. I miss her everyday. We miss all of our grandchildren.
I seem to be an hour behind on everything today! Springing ahead is nice but I prefer the Fallback. I'm really going to miss my SNOW......