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.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
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......
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......
Thursday, October 25, 2012
October
First, I have to tell you that I'm writing this today because my wonderful Father-In-Law wrote my husband in Afghanistan and told him to "get on my case for not Posting on my Blog" since I love Dad and want to make him happy...here it is. Lets see..I had a great time in Ca. with my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter!
I went on my First ever Ride-Along with Chris; exciting and a bit scary. I learned during high speed that the passenger side in a Police cruiser "does not" have anything to hang on to, when I told him- he promptly opened my window halfway and told me to hang on the roof through the window..which I did without hesitation!!!!
I have to tell you though, I was in awe of what my son and other Police Officers do EVERYDAY for our safety here in America. Now, we were a Military Family and I have sent my husband AND our son into harms way overseas, and yes- everyone always Thanks the American Solider and morns the loss of those that don't make it back home, free trips and discounts for almost anywhere- and I would never change anything about that. I would however ADD to them the USA Police Officers. We've lost a lot of them while on duty as well, my daughter-in-law has the same fears as I did as a Military wife- my son has been called bad names, been spit on, peed on, fought with and even had bad things said about his Mother.. not to mention high speed chases and being shot at,all in a days work. Nothing is routine for him-every call is dangerous, do people ever thank him or other Officers? No. Do they expect you to? No. Would it be nice? Yes.
The difference between what he did in Iraq and what he does now- is the Gratitude of the American People.
I went on my First ever Ride-Along with Chris; exciting and a bit scary. I learned during high speed that the passenger side in a Police cruiser "does not" have anything to hang on to, when I told him- he promptly opened my window halfway and told me to hang on the roof through the window..which I did without hesitation!!!!
I have to tell you though, I was in awe of what my son and other Police Officers do EVERYDAY for our safety here in America. Now, we were a Military Family and I have sent my husband AND our son into harms way overseas, and yes- everyone always Thanks the American Solider and morns the loss of those that don't make it back home, free trips and discounts for almost anywhere- and I would never change anything about that. I would however ADD to them the USA Police Officers. We've lost a lot of them while on duty as well, my daughter-in-law has the same fears as I did as a Military wife- my son has been called bad names, been spit on, peed on, fought with and even had bad things said about his Mother.. not to mention high speed chases and being shot at,all in a days work. Nothing is routine for him-every call is dangerous, do people ever thank him or other Officers? No. Do they expect you to? No. Would it be nice? Yes.
The difference between what he did in Iraq and what he does now- is the Gratitude of the American People.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
In the Air again
Well, I had an opportunity to stay on the ground for Two months-- I'm going to visit my Family in Orange County for a few days. But, before I go I was able to get into one of the local area Cooking Classes. Its' a Four course with wine tasting class. The Theme is:
French Country Kitchen; we will be preparing the following menu.
Charcuterie Plate with Fall Fruits
Sweet Potato Spatzle served with Brown Butter Sauce
Roast Pork with Apple and Sage
Chocolate Pots'de Creme
When I return from my trip I have another class to attend. I'm really looking forward to it as I LOVE to cook and learn new techniques in the kitchen. Chris and Marissa are very lucky that I'll be able to make this dish for them when I visit; Not to worry Charlotte..if you don't like this, Grandma will make you whatever you want!
My next class in October will be: Feasting on Harvest Soups and Stews. I'll write about that later. There are two more classes in November and December but I think I'll see how I like it before signing up for more.
I was able to Skype with Rich last night for a few minutes, all is very busy for him as he continues to dig through the mountain of paperwork that was so generously left for him. He hopes to find the bottom of the pile early next week. He also mentioned that Moral is very low where he is and that it was going to be a priority up next. If any of you have some great ideas for them, Please pass them along! Thank you in advance. You can send them to my email: tcafisher@yahoo.com
French Country Kitchen; we will be preparing the following menu.
Charcuterie Plate with Fall Fruits
Sweet Potato Spatzle served with Brown Butter Sauce
Roast Pork with Apple and Sage
Chocolate Pots'de Creme
When I return from my trip I have another class to attend. I'm really looking forward to it as I LOVE to cook and learn new techniques in the kitchen. Chris and Marissa are very lucky that I'll be able to make this dish for them when I visit; Not to worry Charlotte..if you don't like this, Grandma will make you whatever you want!
My next class in October will be: Feasting on Harvest Soups and Stews. I'll write about that later. There are two more classes in November and December but I think I'll see how I like it before signing up for more.
I was able to Skype with Rich last night for a few minutes, all is very busy for him as he continues to dig through the mountain of paperwork that was so generously left for him. He hopes to find the bottom of the pile early next week. He also mentioned that Moral is very low where he is and that it was going to be a priority up next. If any of you have some great ideas for them, Please pass them along! Thank you in advance. You can send them to my email: tcafisher@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Different
I love NH- lots to do and I love the four seasons {although I could do without Summer} It's safe to say that my heart belongs in Europe. People keep asking me "whats your biggest adjustment" well, I'm sure many of you are expecting me to say Rich being gone; however with years of separation experience throughout our life together, I would have to say it's living in a highrise without Military or Diplomatic Family around. Most of the people here are very nice- but they also have the wrong idea of our life; thinking it's all excitement, elegance and carefree living. Boy, there's just not enough time to tell them about our life and I've learned when people have pr-conceived notions about someone it's almost impossible to change it.
I would have to say that the language is the biggest shock for me. Not the accent, but the swearing! I'm used to not hearing those words- and if I should' the gentleman would apologize right away before continuing with his conversation. Here that's not the case; it's quite a disappointment of the use of the English language. Do you think it would be "stuffy" of me to wish for a more "refrained" conversation? Oh well, there's always my I pod with ear phones.
On a lighter note: I've been able to talk with Rich via Skype for the last two days! He looks great and is doing well. I love the new technology that allows us to be in touch everyday, I remember when we used to be dependent on just the mail and the once in a blue moon phone calls. Do you ever think how difficult it would be for us now if we were suddenly UNCONNECTED and there was no-way of getting things back? I mean, my generation along with a few others would be fine. But can you just imagine the panic and re-teaching that would have to be done? Not just with communication but also with writing, spelling "there would be no spell-check" and games/entertainment for children and teens? Personally, I think it could be a good thing.
I would have to say that the language is the biggest shock for me. Not the accent, but the swearing! I'm used to not hearing those words- and if I should' the gentleman would apologize right away before continuing with his conversation. Here that's not the case; it's quite a disappointment of the use of the English language. Do you think it would be "stuffy" of me to wish for a more "refrained" conversation? Oh well, there's always my I pod with ear phones.
On a lighter note: I've been able to talk with Rich via Skype for the last two days! He looks great and is doing well. I love the new technology that allows us to be in touch everyday, I remember when we used to be dependent on just the mail and the once in a blue moon phone calls. Do you ever think how difficult it would be for us now if we were suddenly UNCONNECTED and there was no-way of getting things back? I mean, my generation along with a few others would be fine. But can you just imagine the panic and re-teaching that would have to be done? Not just with communication but also with writing, spelling "there would be no spell-check" and games/entertainment for children and teens? Personally, I think it could be a good thing.
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