Official Word

Rich and I were able to speak with Chris and Marissa last night; I am very pleased to announce we are going to have a new Grand Daughter!! I'm not sure what her name will be but I AM sure she'll be beautiful! They are registered at Babies r us and I've already purchased the crib. I hope now that we know it's a girl, Marissa will go on and add some more things. 
When all was quite last night, I thought of my Mother and how happy she would be. I remember her saying to me that I had Three wonderful boys- who would one day grow-up to give me Three wonderful Daughter-in-Laws. We're two for two, and blessed with beautiful Grandchildren. I'm definitely floating on a cloud!! And Corey?....No hurry! But I'll be ready when you are.
It's getting cold over here, in the 30's last night and 40's today. Last weekend we got snow in the Alps, making the mountain views just breathtaking. Even-though I leaped into Fall and landed on my Keister with a cold.....I'm loving it!

Quite weekend

We haven't done "much" this weekend, I didn't want to make this cold worse so we've been hanging around the house. This is the a first since moving in! Know what? I'm finding it very difficult...there are just so many thing's to do here and being sick is a total waste of time! "what can I say? I'm not good at everything".....However looking for the good in this situation; we were able to call and talk with Craig and Marissa.
Craig, Trista and the kids were on the beach for "clean up the beaches" day. We were able to talk with him before they went to their location with gloves and bags in hand. A special "Thank You" for doing your part in keeping the beaches clean and safe.! Very proud of you all!
Marissa and baby are doing fine. Chris was working and had taken Marcus as a "ride-a-long". I have not heard from them yet- but I hope Marcus was able to enjoy experiencing what it's like for Chris on the "beat" in Ca.
We were not able to reach Corey...but I do hear from Katrina {your a blessing} and she keeps me informed on his well being. I'm both relived and blessed that he has such a wonderful woman in his life. You have definitely become part of our Family Katrina, and we love you!! Hopefully by next weekend we'll be out and about doing something exciting and new. Take care everyone and don't forget to put on your sweaters!!

Fall is here!

I'm so happy that Fall has arrived! As you know I love all the seasons and couldn't give up any of the four. I think the end of summer has to be my favorite, I was always excited to get back to school and begin another year, definitely a change for everything: weather, trees, clothes, Teachers and Classrooms. I'm lucky enough to have some wonderful memories that I hope will stay with me throughout the years.  
For those of you who asked...yesterday the applesauce turned out great! The apples were very tart which helped with the seasoning. I used cinnamon, sugar and a little bit of cloves. Richard loved it! 
Unfortunately I awoke this morning with what feels like a swollen sore throat. And of course my chest ribs hurt from coughing....I truly hate when I get sick this time of year; I want to be able to enjoy fall days...not sleep through them! Hopefully this will pass quickly and I'll be up and running soon.

A surprise

Well I did it! From Oktoberfest I brought back a wonderful raging chest cold, sniffle-sniffle. An annoying cough and my voice keeps cutting out. Will that stop me from talking? Probably not. "sorry Rich" On the agenda for today: meeting my friend Terri for a slice of her homemade quiche and "girl talk" while we make some homemade applesauce. It's going to be a beautiful Fall day with temps reaching {maybe} 70. The leaves are really beginning to change..our 40 degree weather at night has still not put any frost on the ground it needs to get much cooler"...but it's just a matter of time before I get to "crunch" my walk to the market in the mornings! 
Chris and Marissa will have another ultrasound on 5 October, perhaps this will be the time when the sex of "little one" will be revealed. Or baby might just want to keep us guessing by either mooning the camera or covering the area with a tiny'little hand. {in which case we would greatly be underestimating baby's intelligence!} "You'll know when I want you to know, and not a second sooner!" LOL.. Chris and Marissa still think their in charge;  we know how wrong they are don't we? But ssh, we'll let them dream awhile longer!

Oktober Fest

Well, we survived Oktoberfest!!! What a wonderful time we had! I wish all of you could have come-although I know that's not possible, so we took some great pictures of a few special moments.

Coming off the escalator, we were greeted by this view..

 It was just after 10 AM on opening day; this was before anything was open.

all dressed up waiting for the parade

"aren't they cute?"

All kinds of outfits...

This guy was very Happy!

 Now- this lady was funny! She was riding side-saddle on this horse, lead by the man in the front. However; she kept "almost" sliding off which is where the man on the side comes in...he kept pushing her back on!! LOL

one of my Favorite People..the German Polize!

Doesn't this man look like he belongs in a Shakespearean Play?

The Boy's favorite Beer tent!

Alright guys...they are saying Hello!!

And let us not forget our schnapps!

I couldn't forget the wine drinkers!

 And what can I say about the following guy...his outfit is too small. He should have waxed. And the shoes and socks...a BIG NO-NO!

plus it's too short.

This years hats

 We went into a place for lunch and our "First Beer". We were seated at a very crowded table that had the best people! We met this wonderful couple with whom we became instant friends, and spent the entire evening with. Needless to say, when you hit-it-off with someone that quickly "Life long friendship is a given!!

Linda and Dennis 

They have lived in Munich for the last four years. Dennis works for Micro-Soft. His job has him traveling quite a bit, and Linda usually goes with him. Her favorite place so far? Israel!
 Well that about sums thing up..Rich and I enjoyed all of this with Chris and Cousin Linda as well, I'm already looking forward to next year!!!!!! And to all on the Train ride home...
                                             Happy Hangover's.

Changing Seasons and Meals

Fall just around the corner, Thanksgiving coming up fast and just 98 days till Christmas! I just "love" this time of year. Fresh crispy air, raking leaves, frost on the morning ground.. then comes the snow, Life is wonderful! It's also the time of season to change the way we cook; gone are the salads, watermelon and corn on the cob...now we bring on the "warmer comfort foods". But don't forget what you've done this summer and lets keep up with the exercise people! We've worked much to hard to slow down now.
For those that know me well, I'm a huge recipe collector- so as I come across Great tasting ones for the season you can be sure that I'll be adding them to my post. So if you have any favorites "even if  they hold a story or two" Please send them to me to share with all!
I'll have to cut this short..Rich just phoned and asked if I could be ready to leave in an hour "for Oktoberfest" Is he kidding?? But of course I can!!! Enjoy your weekends and I will post pictures when I get back. 

Nice weather

All has been quite for the last couple of days. It's been nice to just enjoy the day without having to run here or there. This weekend we will be in Munich at Oktoberfest, and yes...I will take plenty of pictures! "any request?" We will be meeting up with Chris-"Mac" and Linda at the hotel; it's going to be nice catching up with them, especially since Linda will be flying back to Maine for awhile! "Does that mean our cooking class for Truffles is off next month?" Oh well, guess I'll have to get a friend to join me for a week of classes in Italy. As long as I don't have to cook anything weird I'll be fine.
I want to thank everyone for their e-mail letters of advise for the Blog "Selfish". You all had a good point and I appreciated all of your opinions!! So much in fact, that I saved them all so whenever I feel like I could be a better Parent/Grandparent I'll have them to re-read. Another good thing is that Rich and I will be able to look forward to having our Grandchildren for Three weeks every summer! So, keep those passports up-to-date; and make plans for a visit! {wherever we are, friends and family will always be welcomed}