tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56441239169033954072024-02-02T14:05:37.550-08:00Cirkus Frikke i USAA blog about being a Danish Scientist who has dragged her family from the West Coast, The Midwest, and the East Coast. It’s the highs and the lows and everything in between fueled by sarcastic humorKristianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05218653820439598941noreply@blogger.comBlogger496125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-52891873155627655332022-12-23T14:23:00.002-08:002022-12-23T14:23:46.985-08:00Looking back at 2022<p>What a year! In so many good ways. I have often used this last blog post of the year (or the first <i>and</i> last blogpost of the year recently....) to remind myself that good things did actually happen, but 2022 has been different with quite a few significant events of the best kind. Here we go:</p><p><b>January</b></p><p>One of the things I promised myself after the pandemic, was to be way better at going out for events like concerts and theater, and with a Broadway show in January we got a head-start. Kristian and I went to see Moulin Rouge in a frigid NYC and it was absolutely awesome!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZS1q4-UH43RaKLUh6YMsalztMCSO1fto54-MggS6o6pCJQ6wc5dbSAqxP0iwVNgM9lPNdww5-EWu3urnpqrgzHHkAd89ZB9HWA9oMMxBi98UfeepUTSHez_7anUqfj0302tmfEvDNeasvThe9JBH1hQEWUq7mKCZPAePPOrTdNDCzrsYz1QNh6QYLA/s4032/01_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZS1q4-UH43RaKLUh6YMsalztMCSO1fto54-MggS6o6pCJQ6wc5dbSAqxP0iwVNgM9lPNdww5-EWu3urnpqrgzHHkAd89ZB9HWA9oMMxBi98UfeepUTSHez_7anUqfj0302tmfEvDNeasvThe9JBH1hQEWUq7mKCZPAePPOrTdNDCzrsYz1QNh6QYLA/s320/01_a.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>I also got to eat my way through Chinatown in Philly again. Teresa was heading back to Oregon and had some time to kill between trains. Quite conveniently Philly's Chinatown is right next to the big train station and what better way to end a Christmas break than loads of dim sum? </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNoD42jmIjyX2QM3lhmx-rOSNM-nqgrUi5qZOtTl9ZX_ewWuOfaCivtOSD3qC78y3W3YTK801bXPtEo3wP8viTgQmnbSk1JJe_RwMGjZuOixZd5-t90A5R4gKfWXKo6HisQZU-awkJw-bCz9MEPVkrihhOKnRcI_dPFEK6wN27wsX4212TUDt3IqM2A/s2048/01_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNoD42jmIjyX2QM3lhmx-rOSNM-nqgrUi5qZOtTl9ZX_ewWuOfaCivtOSD3qC78y3W3YTK801bXPtEo3wP8viTgQmnbSk1JJe_RwMGjZuOixZd5-t90A5R4gKfWXKo6HisQZU-awkJw-bCz9MEPVkrihhOKnRcI_dPFEK6wN27wsX4212TUDt3IqM2A/s320/01_b.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><b>February</b></p><p>Speaking of Oregon..... Kristian went out to visit Teresa and the slopes on Mount Bachelor in February. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HBGoOdB9tifUWNa0PDWCSVf_tBCx1YWmE5-QxDFwq9s_lhntG-Pzios_Zc8R6kxJJ9hbS6NCjeF0p8afILO0UBM8BRQgXraRwqb8fVU_aUQdZ67-L73SKS6igE3p8VswxbW6Z6ggqpBrlYbpCoDCXPYRIuP4kpQbQ12gZf12VUDrqAet1TG3FfETdQ/s4032/02_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HBGoOdB9tifUWNa0PDWCSVf_tBCx1YWmE5-QxDFwq9s_lhntG-Pzios_Zc8R6kxJJ9hbS6NCjeF0p8afILO0UBM8BRQgXraRwqb8fVU_aUQdZ67-L73SKS6igE3p8VswxbW6Z6ggqpBrlYbpCoDCXPYRIuP4kpQbQ12gZf12VUDrqAet1TG3FfETdQ/s320/02_a.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>Luca and I joined him on the west coast a few days later, albeit a bit further south. We were back in our old hood in the Bay Area. Every time I am there it always surprises me that we actually used to live there. Kristian got to show us one of his favorite spots on Treasure Island: Mersea, where the tacos are great and the view is even greater:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQHoiiFnnedUs35cSeanZ7x5qhejc2E7dznZlE2CF8-THGUk3zW2hotr73uZ9SFccbVjgzJ_8GeeLLKhJu8lBoR-__-qe_8kq1eBBMWKwx4y0CnrWLqYuCUEoOokIwZ4bzgqiBdkvHdMDyJwNcD5nfua74rhsfwomXVZRPmYOgFn1enKo0kcNfnXYCA/s1440/02_c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQHoiiFnnedUs35cSeanZ7x5qhejc2E7dznZlE2CF8-THGUk3zW2hotr73uZ9SFccbVjgzJ_8GeeLLKhJu8lBoR-__-qe_8kq1eBBMWKwx4y0CnrWLqYuCUEoOokIwZ4bzgqiBdkvHdMDyJwNcD5nfua74rhsfwomXVZRPmYOgFn1enKo0kcNfnXYCA/s320/02_c.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>One of the highlights of the trip was a visit with a friend in Sausalito, where we went kayaking from her houseboat on a beautiful sunny day:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkpRrfsCw3iyELFoTNkCKwNa4Tmv7BFfgF3yZUQoa7ndyQ0WEPKbhy1ROoWSEivu_LzGSXAZZQIKg2GUNHKnMqb6z7-hc7iyrVhUXqZxl7IsuCbhU-wGi6dGNBxYtmuf-tyc3mFXauursHO1b5Zbeo6AX6xmenlHIoSZCJ7sthH-mFFLGtVBrGNvVSw/s934/02_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="934" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkpRrfsCw3iyELFoTNkCKwNa4Tmv7BFfgF3yZUQoa7ndyQ0WEPKbhy1ROoWSEivu_LzGSXAZZQIKg2GUNHKnMqb6z7-hc7iyrVhUXqZxl7IsuCbhU-wGi6dGNBxYtmuf-tyc3mFXauursHO1b5Zbeo6AX6xmenlHIoSZCJ7sthH-mFFLGtVBrGNvVSw/s320/02_b.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><b>March</b></p><p>As soon as we were back on the East Coast it was time for some serious house hunting. We had been saving up for while and we were sick and tired of renting, but we were also not sure if we could even manage to get on the market with a house we could afford. Until we found this (half) house waiting for us right in the center of Doylestown. It took one week from a mortgage pre-approval to a signed contract, and we are quite certain that God had this house waiting for us.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwn-j9sSZSpj7TLAIdtyZ9PjqjLYXVefFK1N1kx6Sf6uIN63UEH4vogn9DiJBfFinKeHv6cCYVDrtcOIzFv_nsIpZQJaCFGAtMhUxPw38TH6N61iy8JQxiKJ28hTkuMJyfANse0AUMbw9maMXy-pnb6xEWfAFKIvEaJoZHZ5jjlp3XdxI1FvTJl2ONg/s1125/03_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1125" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwn-j9sSZSpj7TLAIdtyZ9PjqjLYXVefFK1N1kx6Sf6uIN63UEH4vogn9DiJBfFinKeHv6cCYVDrtcOIzFv_nsIpZQJaCFGAtMhUxPw38TH6N61iy8JQxiKJ28hTkuMJyfANse0AUMbw9maMXy-pnb6xEWfAFKIvEaJoZHZ5jjlp3XdxI1FvTJl2ONg/s320/03_a.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>It was also the spring of 2022 that Luca's many many hours of practicing on the flute started to pay off. He auditioned for BCMEA (Bucks County Music Educator's Assembly) and we got to sit in on the efforts with a big concert in March. We are beyond grateful to live in a corner of the US where music is so highly prioritized and accessible.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DBQbkjlJp_rC89VkpI4Za7E31cpkIMu6DTOrq7jkD4Zp8m5cW3obDWFyvYLhDQKHxJdYu2yEEgPmI9uwWIeiwimzOK3n-X_NERH6XLrJXkzv3aHBQzgskuTZ9tAxGt48Ljsoz2HjJ3N-A-3hVQPquaU6Df3891_Gxi-4BxJ5-Ha_GYccRKkzpuwmZA/s4032/03_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DBQbkjlJp_rC89VkpI4Za7E31cpkIMu6DTOrq7jkD4Zp8m5cW3obDWFyvYLhDQKHxJdYu2yEEgPmI9uwWIeiwimzOK3n-X_NERH6XLrJXkzv3aHBQzgskuTZ9tAxGt48Ljsoz2HjJ3N-A-3hVQPquaU6Df3891_Gxi-4BxJ5-Ha_GYccRKkzpuwmZA/s320/03_b.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><b>April</b></p><p>We barely had the ink dry on the final sale documents for our new home before we had to hop in the car and go to Michigan to watch Ulrik graduate from Umich. To see the field of the Big House filled with graduates and know that Ulrik was down there somewhere, was a big moment for us. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyPMPSm4F02r_GwAPPRPll41y01nAI-o3ivhJ2PtXxEoFCrB2UDepb2CtlOMZMjzzNEQuYvPQTRWFmU4-hr4oV09kmGLAsWTemk0sPkMXSe98_H8u74tMOZqqX0hEG6sQKSJQB8DLgEa0UAR6rxGf8Hzrlbn-eGXe1hUEtiL9hBJHyhgvzECS5tPpKw/s4032/04_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyPMPSm4F02r_GwAPPRPll41y01nAI-o3ivhJ2PtXxEoFCrB2UDepb2CtlOMZMjzzNEQuYvPQTRWFmU4-hr4oV09kmGLAsWTemk0sPkMXSe98_H8u74tMOZqqX0hEG6sQKSJQB8DLgEa0UAR6rxGf8Hzrlbn-eGXe1hUEtiL9hBJHyhgvzECS5tPpKw/s320/04_b.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnsFU4yObLW1YIaBTA4djare5U4lce4fR5--O-ezTGHbe8mGqPnWfA6XgarV2TsI95XWY1i2lt64Z0jvQ-BJurkTRMNmyjyfQB_O6C1KCC9afY6r9RJV5QQAztAFVlZxjuAznp4XdfVswaPrjBxp1HNcJjZv_pMQSVHu0gU7EQ3Nz1AiML5XWyHSUXA/s4032/04_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnsFU4yObLW1YIaBTA4djare5U4lce4fR5--O-ezTGHbe8mGqPnWfA6XgarV2TsI95XWY1i2lt64Z0jvQ-BJurkTRMNmyjyfQB_O6C1KCC9afY6r9RJV5QQAztAFVlZxjuAznp4XdfVswaPrjBxp1HNcJjZv_pMQSVHu0gU7EQ3Nz1AiML5XWyHSUXA/s320/04_a.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>As soon as we were back the chaos of getting the house ready for move-in began with many weekends and evenings spent painting, wallpapering, carpet cleaning, porch repairing etc. Here's a snapshot of the mess as we were right in the middle of everything:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThNY5gp98hicrp6Qbbx98Essv29PXV_r2ExpGX2bfP_W6Dz_MnncDvfwOd2KdgYwQR4kwzvEn5hQjNmemM6ODudBaKmZ1fsHMBhoqhr9D7qCvgrFvczKpKlaPuf-Uhr4JqkEy2icDGVUvqnvnR3qv9aENhx-rieiQA8SbAaFj4Am7H9BsfRIvHJPBmg/s6896/05_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3692" data-original-width="6896" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThNY5gp98hicrp6Qbbx98Essv29PXV_r2ExpGX2bfP_W6Dz_MnncDvfwOd2KdgYwQR4kwzvEn5hQjNmemM6ODudBaKmZ1fsHMBhoqhr9D7qCvgrFvczKpKlaPuf-Uhr4JqkEy2icDGVUvqnvnR3qv9aENhx-rieiQA8SbAaFj4Am7H9BsfRIvHJPBmg/s320/05_a.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><b>May</b></p><p>We moved into our new home in mid-May and almost immediately began to feel the benefits of living right in the middle of Doylestown such as just walking up the street to watch Luca's first performance with the Marching Band in the Memorial Day Parade:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNhIvzOmPLRnqaEWAfn0V6YXHhMba4042mtgSO6qHvVVXRTJOYcKFuL4CQPPyEzfVi1MoZ4IR9z7RtPvPrE_l8CF3YNmC4HzkulRzCWPXTaRxw55XMFjWMd8DG_ExlSsWGwp7o6bjWpgrD6O7ksH5hEq8wTaX9CxpZ0jMYTg5DRwll-lcxhBAdJIp3g/s4032/05_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNhIvzOmPLRnqaEWAfn0V6YXHhMba4042mtgSO6qHvVVXRTJOYcKFuL4CQPPyEzfVi1MoZ4IR9z7RtPvPrE_l8CF3YNmC4HzkulRzCWPXTaRxw55XMFjWMd8DG_ExlSsWGwp7o6bjWpgrD6O7ksH5hEq8wTaX9CxpZ0jMYTg5DRwll-lcxhBAdJIp3g/s320/05_b.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>or to be able to just go to the end of our little street and cross the road to watch movies in the park:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvy8dTEDqX5ObbdTnutXDkLqn_Qmk1E-m4g8JksNvZZ5Rgu3QjWvwQIRD8rgLpaBWqvfpzu7YfuxxG2KOHWDBS6QMDAOV4Lcob6trqXq6GXgwuUVz5BkzgUinYENplBN-eTTL_RJzOl9xCBi5TeGRnD4tXU3buvVqC4VuDVIdBVgJtmgpYu04JQDSCA/s4032/06_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvy8dTEDqX5ObbdTnutXDkLqn_Qmk1E-m4g8JksNvZZ5Rgu3QjWvwQIRD8rgLpaBWqvfpzu7YfuxxG2KOHWDBS6QMDAOV4Lcob6trqXq6GXgwuUVz5BkzgUinYENplBN-eTTL_RJzOl9xCBi5TeGRnD4tXU3buvVqC4VuDVIdBVgJtmgpYu04JQDSCA/s320/06_b.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>Every day still I wake up feeling grateful that we are right here in the middle of everything.</p><p><b>June</b></p><p>The biggest highlight in the month of June was by far the Coldplay concert in Philadelphia. I was supposed to go with Teresa, but as she was still in Oregon I brought Kristian instead and now have him turned into a huge Coldplay fan as well!</p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDqrQ3LBWB3lBMMLsTHzRywrqzFsKuL4bIMWZzDbv11gNgpf0XZg9ersOzrl8zQUDjFj4gX-cvFm5_I1k8W3-C-Ccjrgvb0LDaEvtA-6_B3q38P1LyM3wBGSwxvtzC3NO9x3ld6_FxpTqvBmL6Xf5GZekE8InVT1CXWXb6KNZGlfk5JCsr8k1DmhThg/s3088/06_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDqrQ3LBWB3lBMMLsTHzRywrqzFsKuL4bIMWZzDbv11gNgpf0XZg9ersOzrl8zQUDjFj4gX-cvFm5_I1k8W3-C-Ccjrgvb0LDaEvtA-6_B3q38P1LyM3wBGSwxvtzC3NO9x3ld6_FxpTqvBmL6Xf5GZekE8InVT1CXWXb6KNZGlfk5JCsr8k1DmhThg/s320/06_a.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><b>July</b></p><p>At this point it has almost become a tradition that we spend 4th of July with our best friends in Michigan. Escaping the muggy heat on the east coast and spending some days close to a lake is the best. Luca also get to spend time with his 2-person fanclub, who will try their very best to make sure he stays just a little bit longer........</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16XDXHMoyLMrMdbaj3ywbxAbxr-xS-3gVO47S0G1sKLAmHCbWqORCTICXMpPG4Ju1T6piFALTOpPEPSOocycQGcFMfSr2D6pp6Q2vb9bPCu2MpNeFjINy07FAGmNHQlBeP0XtsuKUzMiSaay5J17JxwdTUampoXU22V5PjxYzSe4AaqWWVRuRjIVkag/s4032/07_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16XDXHMoyLMrMdbaj3ywbxAbxr-xS-3gVO47S0G1sKLAmHCbWqORCTICXMpPG4Ju1T6piFALTOpPEPSOocycQGcFMfSr2D6pp6Q2vb9bPCu2MpNeFjINy07FAGmNHQlBeP0XtsuKUzMiSaay5J17JxwdTUampoXU22V5PjxYzSe4AaqWWVRuRjIVkag/s320/07_a.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>Later on in July we were the ones hugging Luca hard before he went across the Atlantic to spend some weeks with my sister. His first flight by himself was a nerve-wracking wait as Scandinavian Airlines were on full blown strike at that time, and we were not sure if there would even be a flight for him. But here he is on his way through security towards the gate:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglSr1zAEfSVeKup7UyUIcOgkEfUBD8TcOuZi8V6NpKNGLtCqVj4q24oTXPXQGvo0hOP-3E1O6BB9eZvtt_B0Pv35GjLyvEHVqisxUhM1Y0gSei86dsB9eizQEhR9nW_hUPMajQluA9sg9lXfenyxoWsmCvTkNjvgFLqb6JqIn8n_R0KWMxtpoEhHKKg/s4032/07_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglSr1zAEfSVeKup7UyUIcOgkEfUBD8TcOuZi8V6NpKNGLtCqVj4q24oTXPXQGvo0hOP-3E1O6BB9eZvtt_B0Pv35GjLyvEHVqisxUhM1Y0gSei86dsB9eizQEhR9nW_hUPMajQluA9sg9lXfenyxoWsmCvTkNjvgFLqb6JqIn8n_R0KWMxtpoEhHKKg/s320/07_b.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><b>August</b></p><p>One of the things I had looked forward to since getting our house was showing it to my sister. She brought Luca back in August, and besides walking around Doylestown, where we - among other things - paid Ulrik a visit at the Tileworks, where he works as a ceramicist and tourguide:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIx3MF8xNMiYVNig0ky0_2GmuJCcYkPhevbYq3OyxyfPxtfgWlTRLjpsqD-nwQPh4KDCNDMrfIgx50JvD4rOrNjvzDH4UoFv8aYLpHX7FhotaehNe71czjiFDaQWOavBmrqgMyDi1jpbdaMbYzWkkw8i1Jit_VkASTy-DGkGFAZhEajmhKQDIhCk3pw/s4032/08_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIx3MF8xNMiYVNig0ky0_2GmuJCcYkPhevbYq3OyxyfPxtfgWlTRLjpsqD-nwQPh4KDCNDMrfIgx50JvD4rOrNjvzDH4UoFv8aYLpHX7FhotaehNe71czjiFDaQWOavBmrqgMyDi1jpbdaMbYzWkkw8i1Jit_VkASTy-DGkGFAZhEajmhKQDIhCk3pw/s320/08_b.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>we also made sure to visit the big apple (I still have to get used to NYC only being a few hours away). It was hot and it was crowded but also a lot of fun.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhjwa00tyhb6OkHyK8qhRz7b-l4g0BtoBnSNRiZCCYUZwqNrHIBaBHY3rY3yqG3kKUCg2MpDj-_AnUFCvmCFYB63psy_DDl1c6dq1ucuurm_AfzPtK42K8uVvRMppWSIOFOrAQS1nax3Us1yK1YXHJty1d_82n8D2RkgqbQdY-iFwwWPiy-u8CtMozA/s4032/08_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhjwa00tyhb6OkHyK8qhRz7b-l4g0BtoBnSNRiZCCYUZwqNrHIBaBHY3rY3yqG3kKUCg2MpDj-_AnUFCvmCFYB63psy_DDl1c6dq1ucuurm_AfzPtK42K8uVvRMppWSIOFOrAQS1nax3Us1yK1YXHJty1d_82n8D2RkgqbQdY-iFwwWPiy-u8CtMozA/s320/08_a.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><b>September</b></p><p>We started September with yet another NYC trip. This time to the flute center of New York as Luca is now playing at a level, where his old flute can no longer keep up. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk1Ye3hBQgOFUHIPC2mqts8A9cMNooGBiCYdWpqugd826PE26_zWvevWBD5D4Z5ZjpLao5qZZJOCJykHbZct4il1QZllGPXXjh5w5e0YUNmg59rKFhtDznskhZje8h2peTqBAxXONPBJqcy8jyZc0T5kr7R6yrFZBjt925HX52h-J9rnGj5RB2zGYUw/s4032/09_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk1Ye3hBQgOFUHIPC2mqts8A9cMNooGBiCYdWpqugd826PE26_zWvevWBD5D4Z5ZjpLao5qZZJOCJykHbZct4il1QZllGPXXjh5w5e0YUNmg59rKFhtDznskhZje8h2peTqBAxXONPBJqcy8jyZc0T5kr7R6yrFZBjt925HX52h-J9rnGj5RB2zGYUw/s320/09_a.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>September was also the month where we learned that we may live in the center of Doylestown, but wildlife is still present. We had a hunch that a local fish thief was paying a lot of interest in our little goldfish pond. And one morning we almost caught said thief (or rather Daisy almost did) as there were still very wet racoon footprints by the pond when we got out!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV6qzPNCUfTJ4npODXx9E4Jn8YFJ11C6vxjXciENOShUZNEQ1rLVAQAhR9Eml-vnz3dfJWQX0dTskKaVW7lyNxpyKB3E2ePf0UgMXJz1UWRdYydfigXmtXkrq7ez5aAPfkdDN6shrWB4Oct0WH2UAd7H0pjHltkHw4FWUxoJnVGT0cdjfQE6yRIw9nA/s2582/09_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2582" data-original-width="2582" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV6qzPNCUfTJ4npODXx9E4Jn8YFJ11C6vxjXciENOShUZNEQ1rLVAQAhR9Eml-vnz3dfJWQX0dTskKaVW7lyNxpyKB3E2ePf0UgMXJz1UWRdYydfigXmtXkrq7ez5aAPfkdDN6shrWB4Oct0WH2UAd7H0pjHltkHw4FWUxoJnVGT0cdjfQE6yRIw9nA/s320/09_b.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>And last but not least we <i>finally</i> had Teresa become an American Citizen. The immigration services put her application on hold for close to a year longer than the rest of us, and as all she wants is to go back to Copenhagen to go to University it was quite frankly becoming a bit nerve-wrecking not to hear back for so long. When her oath ceremony was over we decided to go celebrate in the exact same spot where the rest of us all celebrated last year (and where we all got Covid......). This time around we did not get any virus though</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vCMaWr4UAhh6Vtl3vNMdpBNs2IIWeOGisXsVM1-YIJnVL29Qxf2RsmeFfHj8dv0_H_zGOPdx7MN7ilpZLXTBUKOEDUJAdflvwVUA-jNOdOGSyUuQTNAcIYQbEw1F43GacdPqB8hew5iB8jBGhfGZTI4gn8GH2tlhV8BzFAZd5GU7AzDulzFmOBsZ7Q/s2048/09_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vCMaWr4UAhh6Vtl3vNMdpBNs2IIWeOGisXsVM1-YIJnVL29Qxf2RsmeFfHj8dv0_H_zGOPdx7MN7ilpZLXTBUKOEDUJAdflvwVUA-jNOdOGSyUuQTNAcIYQbEw1F43GacdPqB8hew5iB8jBGhfGZTI4gn8GH2tlhV8BzFAZd5GU7AzDulzFmOBsZ7Q/s320/09_c.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p><b>October</b></p><p>With the purchase of a home with a porch, Halloween instantly became more fun this year. I made sure to get e couple of skeletons and this year the theme was shark:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTh0dh7LpjzCvvdLZfnhXR5ysSlvI14LKO8g404uSNiMct4uPWDlzjn-rmFG4e90xGXoojqfSfLXzJNa-JLUSbZ41vXdvvkFAh3NKaZ83kTl4avYgFpSavuxBmfbLwT5k7j2_JEbLQ6ZKcobxk7btHzVj9BVdXLhAp8vSNb5DEKRR4o3-LGSXeqQo4w/s4032/10_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTh0dh7LpjzCvvdLZfnhXR5ysSlvI14LKO8g404uSNiMct4uPWDlzjn-rmFG4e90xGXoojqfSfLXzJNa-JLUSbZ41vXdvvkFAh3NKaZ83kTl4avYgFpSavuxBmfbLwT5k7j2_JEbLQ6ZKcobxk7btHzVj9BVdXLhAp8vSNb5DEKRR4o3-LGSXeqQo4w/s320/10_a.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p>2022 also became the year where I finally got invited to an epic Halloween party with some of my colleagues (I have been lobbying for this for years). It was nothing short of the best Halloween party ever with hosts that go all out. Here we are, Kristian and I. Kristian went full on vampire whereas I (unsuccessfully..) tried to win the prize for best costume by dressing up as that colleague who always end up winning. No such luck, but still a lot of fun:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdfruUxEGK0BvZTF6vkWfbrgCVgOBKdhhDaateYyZb-tdcai4uhUJBkWGobEU6-FfnDrAVkzuV3L6NG2JzHS8xu31GOto063OUF2NDC64FXPH6cKOTxvwWIQ6gyFlr5guErBoy6yzmC3oJEMNx_kIbv2ZDRzuVTMZtSGpARlHl43R_r-dCsXDid5tNQ/s2048/10_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdfruUxEGK0BvZTF6vkWfbrgCVgOBKdhhDaateYyZb-tdcai4uhUJBkWGobEU6-FfnDrAVkzuV3L6NG2JzHS8xu31GOto063OUF2NDC64FXPH6cKOTxvwWIQ6gyFlr5guErBoy6yzmC3oJEMNx_kIbv2ZDRzuVTMZtSGpARlHl43R_r-dCsXDid5tNQ/s320/10_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p><b>November</b></p><p>We embraced being American full-on by deepf-rying a turkey for Thanksgiving. A 15lb bird only took about 45 minutes of cooking time but turned out delicious. Only downside is that it has to be watched at all times, but Kristian and Teresa did not seem like they minded at all<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobV6fa13Y42kLHeRhTYiCkt1NKgbGb5mhAYMyfsuFexCS9MA_9OeT5yRklYAUcljOWZXtla452GSUVWHd1tgWaOAbN2z_m8NBgA4JuhsmszdH33lHaKiLTiImK-sWoWikrpjnWskKHDidRjYmJEkmC2-enPaNvp__taDmTK8pJy8U73JBQORPH-8JHw/s4032/11_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobV6fa13Y42kLHeRhTYiCkt1NKgbGb5mhAYMyfsuFexCS9MA_9OeT5yRklYAUcljOWZXtla452GSUVWHd1tgWaOAbN2z_m8NBgA4JuhsmszdH33lHaKiLTiImK-sWoWikrpjnWskKHDidRjYmJEkmC2-enPaNvp__taDmTK8pJy8U73JBQORPH-8JHw/s320/11_a.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>December</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">And here we are at the end of 2022. I writing this post from my favorite room in the house - our sun room.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARQqZYT11pZSOF07FWEZo6GhP_TCwqiKhX0XUQhpq5yzU2dSK9h9Kmzba3_dB_NSo4k3Wj1VhBAkflUML2pQjeMKofSNio4T5QXsGOqf-ahCYHWIsQSVkAxvZwIN53yntLg1zbGWUVugCskt_We0AnUAvb7lUCKvjweE0R78KJnmUgPsxb2g47iU9yA/s4032/12_b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARQqZYT11pZSOF07FWEZo6GhP_TCwqiKhX0XUQhpq5yzU2dSK9h9Kmzba3_dB_NSo4k3Wj1VhBAkflUML2pQjeMKofSNio4T5QXsGOqf-ahCYHWIsQSVkAxvZwIN53yntLg1zbGWUVugCskt_We0AnUAvb7lUCKvjweE0R78KJnmUgPsxb2g47iU9yA/s320/12_b.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Last year around the same time I remember thinking to myself that I just couldn't bear setting up the Christmas tree in our rented house one more year - and we didn't have to!</p><p style="text-align: left;">We have also spent December exploring a few of the local Christmas markets and Betlehem exceeded our expectations with an old abandoned steel processing plant towering over a big cozy market place:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ7iRzBDhHPwVsBXLn5UpdzocCqFV8RRhMDOZxVIXkBjGwCBX-dkyB17GwXB2HNl5W_0qTTi2ByDKkdaUHKRQJs2jQQK1qok2NN3NbvhO4oJjpS-ee6Fq04jkEkYMBJy2Qp7-Nq7GEQ9N_Ec-wliC9KY86CCeU8pg8-J6_2_4ZYpdynEvPoZFWitafA/s1440/12_a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ7iRzBDhHPwVsBXLn5UpdzocCqFV8RRhMDOZxVIXkBjGwCBX-dkyB17GwXB2HNl5W_0qTTi2ByDKkdaUHKRQJs2jQQK1qok2NN3NbvhO4oJjpS-ee6Fq04jkEkYMBJy2Qp7-Nq7GEQ9N_Ec-wliC9KY86CCeU8pg8-J6_2_4ZYpdynEvPoZFWitafA/s320/12_a.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Merry Christmas from all of us here on the East Coast</p><p></p>Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-7732441645654247612021-12-31T07:25:00.001-08:002021-12-31T07:25:39.384-08:002021 and done<p>Despite absolutely ZERO motivation to produce even a single tiny blogpost in 2021, I still highly enjoy looking back at the year that just went by. It helps me see all the highlights as the "downlights" more often than not are the ones I remember unless I make an effort. So here we go:</p><p>January:</p><p>The absolutely very first thing we got accomplished in 2021 was to submit our citizenship applications and start this final dance with the US immigration authorities. A dance partner that will not be missed once everything is over and we all have our US passports.</p><p>We had barely clicked "submit" before we watched in horror how the Danish borders closed shut - even for Danish citizens - unless they could show a fresh negative COVID test upon arrival. Said COVID test was unfortunately impossible to get our hands on in this corner of the US, so with Teresa attending Danish high school, there were a few weeks of 2AM online schooling in store for her to make up for the 6 hours time difference to Denmark. Eventually she made it back to Denmark though.</p><p>Otherwise January was quite uneventful with the first snowstorm of the year coming on the very last day</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv1OvIt4qOgDk9u2RW1R8117tZoFjuomTKy-IVrVdSM4bLdyTxGFXx9lkjrLNimiHbNPUMVP9GlWjLMMKbrRMeAGENYLnHybh7iVBUrvebg6vsTCu_t9XOwcJuO3w-ncO91Qlwr5o7TayODOYjt7Bg5g__-9f4NEa1rubqFz_JFrnj_LJTHX4S9oJkMA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv1OvIt4qOgDk9u2RW1R8117tZoFjuomTKy-IVrVdSM4bLdyTxGFXx9lkjrLNimiHbNPUMVP9GlWjLMMKbrRMeAGENYLnHybh7iVBUrvebg6vsTCu_t9XOwcJuO3w-ncO91Qlwr5o7TayODOYjt7Bg5g__-9f4NEa1rubqFz_JFrnj_LJTHX4S9oJkMA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>February:</p><p>This was all about Bailey. He had stomach issues for a while and after quite a few vet visits the culprit revealed itself on a late night walk where a solid tumor made it's appearance (I will spare you from the gory details of how and where it showed up.....). We were quite frankly shocked and with our very first decision that night being whether we wanted to put him down immediately or take him to the hospital, we chose the latter. Everything went well, and after some days with a very tired and doped doggo (and a hefty vet bill) he recovered quite nicely and we ended up having another good 6 months with him. </p><p>Do we regret coughing up the money for the surgery? absolutely not! But would we do it again - absolutely also not! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOLmMaZtgcGmvZCTp6SUKi_3_fkEdPcxcR86weF_uRx5GtdJncTgeR-1hriullJHCRri_eIb20jBjy4dAXXqBhtKOMrqpVEX_dl6hurhdp2zMwBhvC4BtmtORv65DJ3GNuNhMVgU5cJbDJJymHXjFrj4VEmn3D48Llv1e7XVE1FrOLHa34uBi3OoZs9Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOLmMaZtgcGmvZCTp6SUKi_3_fkEdPcxcR86weF_uRx5GtdJncTgeR-1hriullJHCRri_eIb20jBjy4dAXXqBhtKOMrqpVEX_dl6hurhdp2zMwBhvC4BtmtORv65DJ3GNuNhMVgU5cJbDJJymHXjFrj4VEmn3D48Llv1e7XVE1FrOLHa34uBi3OoZs9Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>March:</p><p>As the weather started to be nicer we also started exploring our local area a bit more. Here is the very first time we got to visit Font Hill Castle. For this visit we stayed outside in the park, but later in 2021 we got to actually go inside and get our minds blown by what you can accomplish in a lifetime if you are a local castle-obsessed weirdo, who happens to have inherited a bunch of money.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKzbxBXOfm15XnlImcRBUwQc657dv6nf8io6VygmxJM7Khu_cpqN3dQz-MRatnSVKZohsRXilAhu__IXMHnKtXPMg7lcEpQlzKgjsu_oZfZUpmdAD-pY3KxMG6idW7aEH4Jb_tJF0l55InUpw_zt__E-QCdZQ3mksG7FjZcXBRTD-CJJZo2N4SmJeOBg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKzbxBXOfm15XnlImcRBUwQc657dv6nf8io6VygmxJM7Khu_cpqN3dQz-MRatnSVKZohsRXilAhu__IXMHnKtXPMg7lcEpQlzKgjsu_oZfZUpmdAD-pY3KxMG6idW7aEH4Jb_tJF0l55InUpw_zt__E-QCdZQ3mksG7FjZcXBRTD-CJJZo2N4SmJeOBg=s320" width="240" /></a></div></blockquote><p>Also it was the month where I got to wear an N-100 face mask. In these pandemic times N-95s were certainly hot stuff, but I got to up my game. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0lclV4GXdNHQWJhX8ypYFjlh39XQtiS9yUUgpmVdkKsh2OrerQ4a7yBvGxemc8LWJwlnARBuYrfDUQD2mFd1qnjQ264uQvHe-b_YaGv_AllpeVAsGSrynqU8_MaGOk3XXDo-YnbyyTHiMfW3QWFCX77KJ_EHSVsAy66qScmGYeqsKmoheJy1qV5wQ6A=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0lclV4GXdNHQWJhX8ypYFjlh39XQtiS9yUUgpmVdkKsh2OrerQ4a7yBvGxemc8LWJwlnARBuYrfDUQD2mFd1qnjQ264uQvHe-b_YaGv_AllpeVAsGSrynqU8_MaGOk3XXDo-YnbyyTHiMfW3QWFCX77KJ_EHSVsAy66qScmGYeqsKmoheJy1qV5wQ6A=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>April:<div><br /></div><div>One of our big wishes for 2021 was to get a new couch. We even went out to take a look at some handmade Italian ones to get the couch of a lifetime. The we paid the vet bill...... and then we kind of shrugged and decided that life was better after all if we got to hug our dog still in our ugly old couch. But lo and behold! Kristian and I paid a visit to IKEA, and look what we found in the as-is section:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNzz-efFAUeDqLN4pT1uFWl2dcVv3sxFmqlcgRae4UZslLUjHy1eu6adz7W1SC0RYtkvpiv5Kebf7dsxZ6FY4QuMKU03Vx5yHMT5HfhJMJIToVboVEdfxGfrrRpUsmQmx0noEH78Q7A0OMYEH4KndRZibuStDTck4EVjY3NLVKVqa6lE0S2koKTHkMUQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNzz-efFAUeDqLN4pT1uFWl2dcVv3sxFmqlcgRae4UZslLUjHy1eu6adz7W1SC0RYtkvpiv5Kebf7dsxZ6FY4QuMKU03Vx5yHMT5HfhJMJIToVboVEdfxGfrrRpUsmQmx0noEH78Q7A0OMYEH4KndRZibuStDTck4EVjY3NLVKVqa6lE0S2koKTHkMUQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div></div><div>This picture was taken as I was guarding our new (and fully assembled) couch from other IKEA goers, who thought the couch was there for their convenience. I really got to practice my death stare on a 5 year old with a giant melting ice cream cone, as I was waiting for Kristian to drive home and swap cars so we could bring the couch home.</div><div><br /></div><div>I blew our mind how our old couch got in the house in the first place as we literally had to saw it apart to get it out. RIP trusty old couch (BTW: here's the<a href="https://cirkusfrikke.blogspot.com/2017/07/to-couch-or-not-to-couch.html"> link</a> to how the old couch joined the family):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx2WHWUdu2IfmGNAdyiohKV2d7gOxwiu7m85Ocs9KLJlU99JBMkUCjLTz3FlLCJI_z76Qz6ty-1JBUYyNPQJmyU7mc85COxlBw0q0-k6rWMtKlTBncJRqXj6WFgdWlz56JZBbOWfKtdm47Olnyy-UpGJYKJMrd05j-61M45jsfd-XbVci7rcj1qrPz9g=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx2WHWUdu2IfmGNAdyiohKV2d7gOxwiu7m85Ocs9KLJlU99JBMkUCjLTz3FlLCJI_z76Qz6ty-1JBUYyNPQJmyU7mc85COxlBw0q0-k6rWMtKlTBncJRqXj6WFgdWlz56JZBbOWfKtdm47Olnyy-UpGJYKJMrd05j-61M45jsfd-XbVci7rcj1qrPz9g=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least we went outside as much as possible to enjoy the awakening of nature</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL5RoTnSveFWCnY0FWeWWA7tiKoqrQ4kF7lZWd5KN6exIO-0XmcP5f2bHzrXnTCclzRw5kzhPi8scsBo9_dE78zHzWn_NPszd2x8fGEYH7CO6EUTJClvYHVt6XvAqLbTTikVGcV5S3GEHNuil2qPX9upQcSzgi4qB55Z6-4pZa_vrYnUFKapYH1pPI-w=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL5RoTnSveFWCnY0FWeWWA7tiKoqrQ4kF7lZWd5KN6exIO-0XmcP5f2bHzrXnTCclzRw5kzhPi8scsBo9_dE78zHzWn_NPszd2x8fGEYH7CO6EUTJClvYHVt6XvAqLbTTikVGcV5S3GEHNuil2qPX9upQcSzgi4qB55Z6-4pZa_vrYnUFKapYH1pPI-w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>May:</div><div>Kristian and I got to spend a weekend in Philly, which was a good reminder that there is certainly stuff to explore not too far away. This cocktail was by far the fanciest I got to try in 2021!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCXkcC5WVQcz9_SDoCpaHIgwutYkrfpahcrlBcqZkDBAYi4bfWDYCDRr7u5HraF-bzPsVfBqLX0BUrYwoxVebByOzD97rB7x1XQgmfuPnGZvIzWVPwNKYXjghcBFPm0Mcxa_iczxP5-ecdZZ-buX9vm-p8Om4WaYOQX_9dMmHTsrx-_FjBtAyY-dlQeA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCXkcC5WVQcz9_SDoCpaHIgwutYkrfpahcrlBcqZkDBAYi4bfWDYCDRr7u5HraF-bzPsVfBqLX0BUrYwoxVebByOzD97rB7x1XQgmfuPnGZvIzWVPwNKYXjghcBFPm0Mcxa_iczxP5-ecdZZ-buX9vm-p8Om4WaYOQX_9dMmHTsrx-_FjBtAyY-dlQeA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>June:</div><div>If a month in 2021 got to win the prize for being the very best - June it is!</div><div>I started out flying to Copenhagen early in the month to visit my sister and attend a European online conference:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSjUAUyPoYv4Ud8f0rmOl_sc38IMQxRgaS56dprwA3F6XQxR-Vt3m35KM-F4nQ3B26_wSIEVn3BLcTUID8gSz5eLmyn5Zy7PhbLfL4s0z0OzNTjvaWwsio98ODDLx6DoUi9Q0bGAX7eV9-c5887EAkqUv3j8d6_MLwJDYwB5WBlc0aLTqEferXv3nvYg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSjUAUyPoYv4Ud8f0rmOl_sc38IMQxRgaS56dprwA3F6XQxR-Vt3m35KM-F4nQ3B26_wSIEVn3BLcTUID8gSz5eLmyn5Zy7PhbLfL4s0z0OzNTjvaWwsio98ODDLx6DoUi9Q0bGAX7eV9-c5887EAkqUv3j8d6_MLwJDYwB5WBlc0aLTqEferXv3nvYg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj484PeLSEsOSCUJkvsKuWxObRfgEOFuwcAPLx-hPtibWKS3wTBOz2Mu4Y13lE7KmPaUZb6Q9sOYJF7zmpa7hrfWyznIuvWXlfRN15I3_nMBLHDDOfB0R2pbBH3ua560bWUV_nCjLzxSVTmtLMSUea9UWuphrBEk8EZLTy87jfUBI9yRYAXDigQxAP1vg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj484PeLSEsOSCUJkvsKuWxObRfgEOFuwcAPLx-hPtibWKS3wTBOz2Mu4Y13lE7KmPaUZb6Q9sOYJF7zmpa7hrfWyznIuvWXlfRN15I3_nMBLHDDOfB0R2pbBH3ua560bWUV_nCjLzxSVTmtLMSUea9UWuphrBEk8EZLTy87jfUBI9yRYAXDigQxAP1vg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It felt SO good to finally be back in Denmark for a bit. Kristian ad the boys joined a week later and we got to celebrate Teresa as she graduated the Danish high school with a lot more fun than graduating high school in the US in 2020 when the pandemic made everything super hard:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgsnJmOnsg8KY9pRYSAdQ2YLfTNmgDJ0Qaln329B7WcW5sT0b0tUV759gU5SDYsGDMI1uLnYSizuFph2imxopLdFfPcuzSBOMjIhfv3sypPP08a2VIhH2IO5U8XDvbXSfIYma8SSLgaDPwR6NrSaT6iIdsEckTx4mRU3P1vsMGS05u7-eaHtsPBSM9ew=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgsnJmOnsg8KY9pRYSAdQ2YLfTNmgDJ0Qaln329B7WcW5sT0b0tUV759gU5SDYsGDMI1uLnYSizuFph2imxopLdFfPcuzSBOMjIhfv3sypPP08a2VIhH2IO5U8XDvbXSfIYma8SSLgaDPwR6NrSaT6iIdsEckTx4mRU3P1vsMGS05u7-eaHtsPBSM9ew=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div></div><div>I could post SO many pictures and remember SO many good times from this visit, but I will throw in just one more, which is the tradition of lighting bonfires on the beach to celebrate summer solstice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhu3ruuO1bEHTmUWvXS2i4jCrWvwOhtBjvqnwN8oXncB7JAoOdJ398y6u6p874dEAJk0uIXSCK6C1bt10cqF-Mh6B7d0M2isooogeojewQDaGuJktf499b9jyi-fGF5ULnsuqmQWPir-LRyghA2-EfDOSOic0h00sqUBFZEfYV9r-3m-xRQAqR82YRFQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhu3ruuO1bEHTmUWvXS2i4jCrWvwOhtBjvqnwN8oXncB7JAoOdJ398y6u6p874dEAJk0uIXSCK6C1bt10cqF-Mh6B7d0M2isooogeojewQDaGuJktf499b9jyi-fGF5ULnsuqmQWPir-LRyghA2-EfDOSOic0h00sqUBFZEfYV9r-3m-xRQAqR82YRFQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">July:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We arrived in Newark in style as the Danish soccer team qualified for the semi finals of the European tournaments</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-NCRoDUGsu66FBqgP0zow5m9DQWKCpw555_W9MMdeAivmbYy6_fMjeizp47-tw51GL_k0PAi6xaenKz3eV592oH2bZ1UmVFptu2PC2sUSD1xs9LIb_8KYvjAqZC1PWZbESoa6CSeq0sooBqh2peAO8mHWNAwMnm7uSgPVOmskBandsp3Me_WWvC6CHQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-NCRoDUGsu66FBqgP0zow5m9DQWKCpw555_W9MMdeAivmbYy6_fMjeizp47-tw51GL_k0PAi6xaenKz3eV592oH2bZ1UmVFptu2PC2sUSD1xs9LIb_8KYvjAqZC1PWZbESoa6CSeq0sooBqh2peAO8mHWNAwMnm7uSgPVOmskBandsp3Me_WWvC6CHQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And otherwise we promised ourselves that we would be out and explore at least one new place every weekend for the summer. Here we are in the rhododendron forest of Hickory state park on the "valley of death trail". Worth a visit on a hot summer day as there is a refreshing water fall at the end of the trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCiojcm7t4IcKsZy0dsdrGxLz2KJyLTouAkQIXXBu90uzvX0ghYG80tBTYYogRT0CIxPdyx6TNtrEVldg0ymVyl9xc8yUrFparqatqATDxa4k3hACH1fM-2v6KieHINH45tjkOgZKwfusWQsU11aEuF9rGaLkKM_EV5_8QGVk6ebMuhtxhhpxCtN47jg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCiojcm7t4IcKsZy0dsdrGxLz2KJyLTouAkQIXXBu90uzvX0ghYG80tBTYYogRT0CIxPdyx6TNtrEVldg0ymVyl9xc8yUrFparqatqATDxa4k3hACH1fM-2v6KieHINH45tjkOgZKwfusWQsU11aEuF9rGaLkKM_EV5_8QGVk6ebMuhtxhhpxCtN47jg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">August:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As mentioned under the February comments, we had another 6 months with Bailey and if you do the math, August was the month where we had to put him down. Here he is - all ready to volunteer at the local park run. Unfortunately he missed it by a week. Never ever in our time as a family have all of us been crying this intensely at the same time, when we had to take him to the hospital on a late Sunday evening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-m1ZSZr9elDSyYHlN5SmlLLVQdVb-NT5nYwa4B_Fz6OcGXmAwWyK-4Dqgw0nsQuouwQhcjLGw4Q-Pz4AURA0V8054kEl1GpZctbbtoIw5pKoEhYby4P1kr3EgKUDG6QPJJsa_KxA2yrVenYUQXOEfWJ2jOZICxcDW5VSI4IarcBw4VpD1YlsRTMAoww=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-m1ZSZr9elDSyYHlN5SmlLLVQdVb-NT5nYwa4B_Fz6OcGXmAwWyK-4Dqgw0nsQuouwQhcjLGw4Q-Pz4AURA0V8054kEl1GpZctbbtoIw5pKoEhYby4P1kr3EgKUDG6QPJJsa_KxA2yrVenYUQXOEfWJ2jOZICxcDW5VSI4IarcBw4VpD1YlsRTMAoww=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>September:<div><br /></div><div>As much as I felt like I was done having dogs as no-one would ever replace our beloved Bailey - just as much I changed my mind in a matter of a few weeks, as it was just too miserable coming home to the dogless house every day. So we went to the shelter, and brought this little stinky girl with heartworm home. Daisy is a very different animal from her predecessor and we were frankly not too sure if we made the right decision early on. But now we love her to pieces.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij2H6zta1kJWTCeeFaYCP_QJErYEQWnVfVfyzT59Mc-Ug8IvoFt08U2sVyvC5KQzz20n3kAoIEFCoUqcbGfo_K5qYWrTl07Qi2_vwfuCJ4P_XZmSqyZpvIvROPSSQq1ScCUYIE8tScrqtpOxBC_3g_LuK2XiO1Pl7O4ei8GGfm9PMwebbd85MpUbMwmQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij2H6zta1kJWTCeeFaYCP_QJErYEQWnVfVfyzT59Mc-Ug8IvoFt08U2sVyvC5KQzz20n3kAoIEFCoUqcbGfo_K5qYWrTl07Qi2_vwfuCJ4P_XZmSqyZpvIvROPSSQq1ScCUYIE8tScrqtpOxBC_3g_LuK2XiO1Pl7O4ei8GGfm9PMwebbd85MpUbMwmQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>October:</div><div><br /></div><div>We started out strong by getting our citizenship - well some of us did. Here we are out celebrating with drinks and burgers:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTo4y48xy6kvSfNuaBPhHNtwI6ODGEGwvyJndbqEMFvhef--72AmnbAUkLj1lOl9orNooZzodYMAboWCA82z05ExnIZjSRANTqmsil2KoPV5r9HtUX0wozectWsIJdz-J-IW6LseVM-A3r0aDCr4_DAKH02Scxv6pTEzva0HBByCw0CfJOC6Dq-7QeSg=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTo4y48xy6kvSfNuaBPhHNtwI6ODGEGwvyJndbqEMFvhef--72AmnbAUkLj1lOl9orNooZzodYMAboWCA82z05ExnIZjSRANTqmsil2KoPV5r9HtUX0wozectWsIJdz-J-IW6LseVM-A3r0aDCr4_DAKH02Scxv6pTEzva0HBByCw0CfJOC6Dq-7QeSg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Little did we know that we also celebrated with a local super-spreader inside the restaurant. So we all came down with COVID. One by one we succumbed to the virus and watched a LOT of Netflix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja4uoLIkibGBzG_b6EdNt6-DM_AKWYZalTj2dZqegj6dEwAOKYEyuWEaKl9DLyJgaqOmpjeNRm96cSDhMkf5ydihW5AAso7juqgcFk2rRLag3QiAnJc2w5XCd88UZPtbJUbQfXv7fC4rUXUtJ7SpRVmBs0i_ZtdMJDAjbqjencL3aA8Em1zwyJkqeCbg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja4uoLIkibGBzG_b6EdNt6-DM_AKWYZalTj2dZqegj6dEwAOKYEyuWEaKl9DLyJgaqOmpjeNRm96cSDhMkf5ydihW5AAso7juqgcFk2rRLag3QiAnJc2w5XCd88UZPtbJUbQfXv7fC4rUXUtJ7SpRVmBs0i_ZtdMJDAjbqjencL3aA8Em1zwyJkqeCbg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But even virus infections end, and Kristian and I took another trip to Philly to watch Hamilton. Probably as the last Americans to do so! We can highly recommend</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivSuQXzvRoNwX_erDxBVUhR7pBINQ3QlXA6EB92ZpeGQZ_foCkDqQzHXyrQkClZAba2cUv7Z4CDyXmEbUS1gXKtDPWPHRWcCgmm1UugG2gcOfOdaq98mK2WhotLm0_hAXKtvk3gRZrek_nEFQMypl761HmbTAwsPCMIsEHLUW4NjOu7LE1X7VtU4riOQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivSuQXzvRoNwX_erDxBVUhR7pBINQ3QlXA6EB92ZpeGQZ_foCkDqQzHXyrQkClZAba2cUv7Z4CDyXmEbUS1gXKtDPWPHRWcCgmm1UugG2gcOfOdaq98mK2WhotLm0_hAXKtvk3gRZrek_nEFQMypl761HmbTAwsPCMIsEHLUW4NjOu7LE1X7VtU4riOQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div>November:</div><div>The highlight of November was escaping to Michigan for Thanksgiving. I have had the busiest months of my career this Fall and getting away from Pennsylvania a bit, was just what I needed. Tammy and Walker are our family here in the US and Luca certainly got to spend a LOT of time with one toddler (or both) glued to him at all times - LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBW_jsd0v_vhjx2CGy-oukip9pXFWPdNTh9ue-pfA8ZlIPGQraj3DXLziG7frMPNwkaSxoPpzNoh2jOsx3UuCdQRljbQ5wu_Ze4YS3hjKfqCv30P4ViwOCMHU5yXypvznVun8iCAHwlKmpSALlVcOyxyiKj8DygXBqZXf5Sy8lO6eIpdHsnYVCGyilHQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBW_jsd0v_vhjx2CGy-oukip9pXFWPdNTh9ue-pfA8ZlIPGQraj3DXLziG7frMPNwkaSxoPpzNoh2jOsx3UuCdQRljbQ5wu_Ze4YS3hjKfqCv30P4ViwOCMHU5yXypvznVun8iCAHwlKmpSALlVcOyxyiKj8DygXBqZXf5Sy8lO6eIpdHsnYVCGyilHQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We have also been spending an increasing amount of time with Luca behind the wheel. It feels a bit more safe when these magnets are slapped on the car.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZzwM6Ikf63uAY4iIbR0pUA2xVgAQVzr6XTNSxrZuI59PWRPwZtHzajYCkMB6iNAoLn9sHtw-01uXVNK3drBWuT8_oJdLgoO7zps-D4Q8kdk8K2_ACNsakVJqOEewhKGRlx9vB9ayFBfB30PfGikqZ9QybchXDGeypbWhMGa4ZdM4kB6tv7Sk4US23zQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZzwM6Ikf63uAY4iIbR0pUA2xVgAQVzr6XTNSxrZuI59PWRPwZtHzajYCkMB6iNAoLn9sHtw-01uXVNK3drBWuT8_oJdLgoO7zps-D4Q8kdk8K2_ACNsakVJqOEewhKGRlx9vB9ayFBfB30PfGikqZ9QybchXDGeypbWhMGa4ZdM4kB6tv7Sk4US23zQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>December:</div><div>And here we are. The very last month of the year. Where we FINALLY had my sister visiting again for the first time in close to 2 years!</div><div><br /></div><div>It took a while (and quite a bit of leverpostej) to convince Daisy that she was not a dangerous intruder. But once we got there, Daisy would make sure to keep her company at all times. Especially if there is yummy wool yarn involved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisVmtba7Qs0s7Zx-Wupysbms_PsEleQ5GVht0ejr0P4iM56fYx98LJWypKX5VT9qEffU1iBUy-XS3yDbwEiUHfX2lHYOCYLUm-sScSaS7VTtnE_xFz4m6K2xagBJRaULVnmyL5ENcmlE08rR87JNycVJrWxTY6JOM3HnrDiYs-zqHWtbJQfFpD1kjnLw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisVmtba7Qs0s7Zx-Wupysbms_PsEleQ5GVht0ejr0P4iM56fYx98LJWypKX5VT9qEffU1iBUy-XS3yDbwEiUHfX2lHYOCYLUm-sScSaS7VTtnE_xFz4m6K2xagBJRaULVnmyL5ENcmlE08rR87JNycVJrWxTY6JOM3HnrDiYs-zqHWtbJQfFpD1kjnLw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got to be local tourists for the day by going inside Font Hill castle. Wow! Ceramic tiles embedded in ceilings, walls, floors, and stairs. And many rooms inside decorated with amazing themed Christmas trees.</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEictQbZ4yEBvvEwWkUeA4DveLbUAxFZtQFAeuaBJ8Z5APyy0c9R-oaggmm2uZTPSmBIGHBr4GIYnUEBX1fq9bGMN_AozhuEANgsOxTrjw0FkAY7B-9wl7NlMm5lBvTkfsvRd9AcKwgrUeJ-NmseSQpe5pR0PmHnaScq14WIa7yeC2MxXQvPyupLCekmnA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEictQbZ4yEBvvEwWkUeA4DveLbUAxFZtQFAeuaBJ8Z5APyy0c9R-oaggmm2uZTPSmBIGHBr4GIYnUEBX1fq9bGMN_AozhuEANgsOxTrjw0FkAY7B-9wl7NlMm5lBvTkfsvRd9AcKwgrUeJ-NmseSQpe5pR0PmHnaScq14WIa7yeC2MxXQvPyupLCekmnA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also got to attend an actual concert at Luca's high school where he plays in both symphonic and jazz band. And it feels SO great as a parent to finally go to a school concert where all you can do is lean back and enjoy the music, as the kids playing finally know and enjoy what they are doing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3LJNT7plutWXwipJzlHGDdM5C6OPRvjE10xz-PDTUDr5UnrkrM0gQrh3MG6QbjksrKMI0u8W2t9eNWJj8f7hGrw2E8c1JHMGz3y16wxadYi7xVToIYXG2K6oRV9VTHL8zDHU6ehVbsRtDKxa1b-fBk_cZXcsl7aV5ARLhzyLlFYigqUUHwkQEUemfTg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3LJNT7plutWXwipJzlHGDdM5C6OPRvjE10xz-PDTUDr5UnrkrM0gQrh3MG6QbjksrKMI0u8W2t9eNWJj8f7hGrw2E8c1JHMGz3y16wxadYi7xVToIYXG2K6oRV9VTHL8zDHU6ehVbsRtDKxa1b-fBk_cZXcsl7aV5ARLhzyLlFYigqUUHwkQEUemfTg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Last but not least we got reminded of the true meaning of Christmas as we attended the live nativity at living hope church. With actual real camels! And yelling soldiers. And sheep. And goats. And an angel choir that sent chills down my spine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsN6z3zbYksmI7-P5iEnBMNkVqFqyIgIlhteoR3jDId1ophODR5MknIno7wrlUt3epuwQ0aTC1HZyO8TXA0nDfgIeNEQa7bWbZE4xlQ22oEpFNf7GXRDYkJzTW9G0MLqbjIPztEfl_07DOVILzSScVj9IiOOnjr-RRjvhwFGFQuYjLpDvbloRkvzYwCQ=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="960" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsN6z3zbYksmI7-P5iEnBMNkVqFqyIgIlhteoR3jDId1ophODR5MknIno7wrlUt3epuwQ0aTC1HZyO8TXA0nDfgIeNEQa7bWbZE4xlQ22oEpFNf7GXRDYkJzTW9G0MLqbjIPztEfl_07DOVILzSScVj9IiOOnjr-RRjvhwFGFQuYjLpDvbloRkvzYwCQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tonight we will celebrate New Years with 2 out of 3 kids home as Luca has his own party to attend. Teresa had her wisdom teeth removed yesterday so it will be a quiet night, but we look forward to entering 2022, which will hopefully bring a house (we have saved up like crazy during 2021 to be able to get there), a college graduation for Ulrik, a US citizenship to Teresa, and enjoying that Doylestown PA finally has started to feel like a home for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-49432044748052014962020-12-31T07:10:00.004-08:002020-12-31T07:10:56.121-08:002020 in the rearview mirror<p> Well. It has been a while. The days this fall have mostly been a blur of repeating boredom due to the pandemic we all know so well by now, and I have not had the blogging-mojo to share anything for some months. Nevertheless I would really like to say a proper goodbye to 2020 in order to prepare for 2021. Previous years I have done this month by month, but since time this year has been this ever expanding and contracting weird substance, I have decided it makes more sense to go by seasons.</p><p>So here we go:</p><p><b>Winter 2020:</b></p><p>One of the things we truly looked forward to in Pennsylvania was the absence of Michigan winter. Both in terms of cold and in terms of hours of actual sunshine. But whatever benefits comes from the milder winters are truly made up for by the lack of resources to deal with the roads. And when you live at the very back of a development on top of a hill, well - if something is brewing we always get the worst conditions. So waking up to this view kept us inside all day</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabE3jTnKgxINsvuXWxg3oRD3W2VRRZlKpJQyZVaZAcn3kH75ofdrJEE7Vva3_suT1cTZsRJ1EcTsVbrequkyq3htCeFLubo7X5MjzQOX-iEUc3XaIXSxoJgaoIzDzxLeExKhKPywuGKDC/s960/133418861_10222038904396067_849561838603782338_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabE3jTnKgxINsvuXWxg3oRD3W2VRRZlKpJQyZVaZAcn3kH75ofdrJEE7Vva3_suT1cTZsRJ1EcTsVbrequkyq3htCeFLubo7X5MjzQOX-iEUc3XaIXSxoJgaoIzDzxLeExKhKPywuGKDC/w150-h200/133418861_10222038904396067_849561838603782338_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Nevertheless we still made it outdoors for an - ehm - "fun" paintball experience, where some people in the household (especially the one wearing a bright pink winterjacket, which is a very easy target) feels like they don't need to do that ever again! Others had plenty of fun though<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPTQf8Wm9nS2gwzxoL_KODeio1NL9N3Lc99aGyDJDju8qFtdGhVMx8-wfYpHsTeawvWgq6kefQHVSdXFlsFq7j99H0u9YCGUdS3ioR2hSUx-thhqE86ZLrwmHj63wuU4qamGulUWuvFx_/s960/133695896_10222038908996182_1887391653805544201_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPTQf8Wm9nS2gwzxoL_KODeio1NL9N3Lc99aGyDJDju8qFtdGhVMx8-wfYpHsTeawvWgq6kefQHVSdXFlsFq7j99H0u9YCGUdS3ioR2hSUx-thhqE86ZLrwmHj63wuU4qamGulUWuvFx_/s320/133695896_10222038908996182_1887391653805544201_n.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We usually never, not even a tiny little bit, celebrate valentines day, but this year we went out for a fun king crab dinner with my colleagues. Little did we know that our fancy dinner, would be the very last fun dinner at a restaurant for quite some time. It was a very authentic Chinese restaurant and even back in mid February it was kind of empty as an omen of what was to come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh2nFbcrGhyYRD40HKcIVI4cXa_72IZVT7DFxGAittmXs45QGWhXOQOb3faxoowL2kQ4INOEKCQneJu6sYGVQeMIrlFDU46GNHD3LLQcrj08Mqt3s0GkfcNwBhltY4jvA1GStUJEZzuDc/s960/133546822_10222038916396367_3661786853364064209_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh2nFbcrGhyYRD40HKcIVI4cXa_72IZVT7DFxGAittmXs45QGWhXOQOb3faxoowL2kQ4INOEKCQneJu6sYGVQeMIrlFDU46GNHD3LLQcrj08Mqt3s0GkfcNwBhltY4jvA1GStUJEZzuDc/s320/133546822_10222038916396367_3661786853364064209_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div> <b>Spring 2020</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Spring had barely made it to the east coast before everything shut down. And from one day to the next we were all home. A lot! One of the things that has helped us immensely in terms of getting out of bed every day, when everything feels the same, are the daily dog-dates we have with Ruby and her owner at 7:15AM every weekday morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-tuL83KhZWA3M4Kkj_IoFjDkQ5edeXET7xaEnGkzqj5stmZ9a3vcRgnj_NyJgtgb98Xy92k7mYX_sdfYdOVvH1P59i1G-ktS5KvlcIxJgtpWEYRvLILHeLRWP-j6ya16nAwDTsaLPY0g/s960/133714466_10222038905116085_9100209674424568096_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-tuL83KhZWA3M4Kkj_IoFjDkQ5edeXET7xaEnGkzqj5stmZ9a3vcRgnj_NyJgtgb98Xy92k7mYX_sdfYdOVvH1P59i1G-ktS5KvlcIxJgtpWEYRvLILHeLRWP-j6ya16nAwDTsaLPY0g/s320/133714466_10222038905116085_9100209674424568096_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>And when most indoor places were closed down we opted for the outdoors. We have discovered SO many of the local parks and nature areas, and here are a few of the favorites:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKZX1D-QQnnS9m_lqyz9Kz3__MvKdS08TIehYq9vmXtAug6JLe1KIbuKfxIMSOLDhDaH5YDgUZKwSuAVlcUK0HRyIlsv4RvxPRu2GYd_GdQr06PUtVbqJoqWkkFuZDWblHo_im7q3bdDE/s960/133223059_10222038918116410_7296199685113392499_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKZX1D-QQnnS9m_lqyz9Kz3__MvKdS08TIehYq9vmXtAug6JLe1KIbuKfxIMSOLDhDaH5YDgUZKwSuAVlcUK0HRyIlsv4RvxPRu2GYd_GdQr06PUtVbqJoqWkkFuZDWblHo_im7q3bdDE/s320/133223059_10222038918116410_7296199685113392499_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXGK8Xs7ozTHssz1bFL7J-rV8MGU51yWJPVOp4D486XnBcOHYfPoQkpelJ_Wa6r-cqzOaawrIeL362YN-yca5jd3io_ztxRkmUnpMc4TAgo182nC8c-jJZwMGOtJEiR_Zvhb_sPPD5azD/s960/133714466_10222038909596197_1107415150725990460_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXGK8Xs7ozTHssz1bFL7J-rV8MGU51yWJPVOp4D486XnBcOHYfPoQkpelJ_Wa6r-cqzOaawrIeL362YN-yca5jd3io_ztxRkmUnpMc4TAgo182nC8c-jJZwMGOtJEiR_Zvhb_sPPD5azD/s320/133714466_10222038909596197_1107415150725990460_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>We even got adventurous in the pond right next to our house, greatly helped by our neighbor who donated a kayak and got us hooked on local lake-life to a point where Luca and Kristian would get up at crap-o-clock many a Saturday morning to go fishing with him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9vKWnJHqs21w-zhr-Pyasj7hovXecB4UEe8EyMvsCWcncbjzVE-qrpO9AJPWd3m1xLXxrebs5ZohrxRkkU58i6zbItQnbRpvwKjLw_jNFJok3zTFepreclWWVsIdwatlIPjIzZxt5Kyx/s960/133605069_10222038914036308_6503310246670134924_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9vKWnJHqs21w-zhr-Pyasj7hovXecB4UEe8EyMvsCWcncbjzVE-qrpO9AJPWd3m1xLXxrebs5ZohrxRkkU58i6zbItQnbRpvwKjLw_jNFJok3zTFepreclWWVsIdwatlIPjIzZxt5Kyx/s320/133605069_10222038914036308_6503310246670134924_n.jpg" /></a></div><b>Summer 2020</b><div><br /></div><div>Then summer rolled around. We had many, many travel plans. Luckily I had decided to wait a bit before any tickets were booked, but needless to say Ulrik didn't get to go to Nepal, Luca didn't get to go to Denmark, and Teresa and I never got to go on our big adventure together either. </div><div><br /></div><div>There were things to celebrate locally though. Such as Teresa's high school graduation:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWapcUPyzyXpdIsNPSwpPs8QbfNQTG1M4K0RIX3Gd3mzlB41zt3ttZL_CrMA_dTdo01r-S0TwIb11DPh2hh9LwGb0JpQuQY0YzwYAcrgfmOKRzhCmZ20FuWW6weasZ3tN39DxZUftBHfT/s960/133169713_10222038906796127_6177763556724834826_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWapcUPyzyXpdIsNPSwpPs8QbfNQTG1M4K0RIX3Gd3mzlB41zt3ttZL_CrMA_dTdo01r-S0TwIb11DPh2hh9LwGb0JpQuQY0YzwYAcrgfmOKRzhCmZ20FuWW6weasZ3tN39DxZUftBHfT/s320/133169713_10222038906796127_6177763556724834826_n.jpg" /></a></div>and also we got to know Delaware river quite a bit better<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4f5OXOe1mqEZDcOi_9MI74HU2FK1hVSbN90Tt5ycb_bhjN58m3eNduGh0w-TrrxWssjwAVhxK6JAGGzDC7WO8XSFY91HWmpZyjpl-gUvz0or-CTEFMeqnB-tWOl5JDnY7_-oro6gjiEA/s960/133356972_10222038913796302_4021090331931395991_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4f5OXOe1mqEZDcOi_9MI74HU2FK1hVSbN90Tt5ycb_bhjN58m3eNduGh0w-TrrxWssjwAVhxK6JAGGzDC7WO8XSFY91HWmpZyjpl-gUvz0or-CTEFMeqnB-tWOl5JDnY7_-oro6gjiEA/s320/133356972_10222038913796302_4021090331931395991_n.jpg" /></a></div>And even managed to squeeze all of us into our busted old minivan and drive off for a slice of Michigan summer, complete with lots of driveway dinners and boat-rides.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk7w3V-qC5o7cXKZqx4vzBwYazhXOzKeiQVXCo3y7DtN5YLMUz6-g2srSvWZLLRgWfOCyCFmyOiWf5Htz-0s4LuHJzxWz8CiEXNjyo4n9bCHxH-9ROTtk6XBdSNLOOeof0TDB0bHw5R5B/s960/133645157_10222038918676424_7796947401495285053_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk7w3V-qC5o7cXKZqx4vzBwYazhXOzKeiQVXCo3y7DtN5YLMUz6-g2srSvWZLLRgWfOCyCFmyOiWf5Htz-0s4LuHJzxWz8CiEXNjyo4n9bCHxH-9ROTtk6XBdSNLOOeof0TDB0bHw5R5B/s320/133645157_10222038918676424_7796947401495285053_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfSCuYo0ABujLwphrR9_MBXu7-hGCwOmBBPNWfWxh_dPc3Lc66AbBQs3MAI2iOcOtwLlbV84tqGOxOcQBBfHGHDB0At-ZxUkFj6Lov62LY5j741TxL6p6K4fU6SFIdRhoaL3n0FG3PGNZ/s960/133742992_10222038906276114_3251023004128479085_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfSCuYo0ABujLwphrR9_MBXu7-hGCwOmBBPNWfWxh_dPc3Lc66AbBQs3MAI2iOcOtwLlbV84tqGOxOcQBBfHGHDB0At-ZxUkFj6Lov62LY5j741TxL6p6K4fU6SFIdRhoaL3n0FG3PGNZ/s320/133742992_10222038906276114_3251023004128479085_n.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was also the summer were Teresa left the nest to move back to Denmark and complete the senior year of high school in the Danish system. Here she is - all packed up and ready to go:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphgC5_kgCEIjKGvhT14jWq454H3XaI-HN80XhUhOPehKB-2cAnnuUdVMrhENa2G0ozo3OTvI5N__YAs5d2ESVGyio0UJuxK1IRJdJ6a2fZWUcnnokmCWhZwe54eS_D64EzljhYfZ82d20/s960/133857517_10222038916556371_2425083175429399877_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphgC5_kgCEIjKGvhT14jWq454H3XaI-HN80XhUhOPehKB-2cAnnuUdVMrhENa2G0ozo3OTvI5N__YAs5d2ESVGyio0UJuxK1IRJdJ6a2fZWUcnnokmCWhZwe54eS_D64EzljhYfZ82d20/s320/133857517_10222038916556371_2425083175429399877_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Fall 2020</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Fall in Pennsylvania is absolutely gorgeous and we soaked up the cooler temperatures and ventured a bit further out to visit the ocean and trying out some tikihuts at a local show garden</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGVKUyXs-QwxWvzNpMUsOBd3h4x9-B1cQ0eK1_8HKypBzpq0hIVRsAduoErvSaAh9xrVDIiLlaNLf9hsJGKCKJU3xtvw5itRZDCA3gjfiEarbHBByAErHFU-MevT-byeRvm243o-m1ipt/s960/133676832_10222038914676324_568478368128721208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGVKUyXs-QwxWvzNpMUsOBd3h4x9-B1cQ0eK1_8HKypBzpq0hIVRsAduoErvSaAh9xrVDIiLlaNLf9hsJGKCKJU3xtvw5itRZDCA3gjfiEarbHBByAErHFU-MevT-byeRvm243o-m1ipt/s320/133676832_10222038914676324_568478368128721208_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4ADip9dtQE-ugz-JhzOjpKkh7KEbKnPUSjC5BSSPo7dWUPnGXUZUUUWpdFpUsYw7Kh1NTi6F2RMO2cccposlsCnIMvxDbY5ZlTGhpvIQ96fj3pUCee-OCWF8owm5jCxqwTGfNCzCzjIf/s960/133811405_10222038912236263_8347592387706160636_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4ADip9dtQE-ugz-JhzOjpKkh7KEbKnPUSjC5BSSPo7dWUPnGXUZUUUWpdFpUsYw7Kh1NTi6F2RMO2cccposlsCnIMvxDbY5ZlTGhpvIQ96fj3pUCee-OCWF8owm5jCxqwTGfNCzCzjIf/s320/133811405_10222038912236263_8347592387706160636_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /> We even got to drive all the way to Vermont to spend a weekend in the mountains with some of my colleagues. It was stunningly beautiful and we managed to get there just as the leaves were changing and the sun was shining. Here is the view from the creepiest fire tower I have ever climbed in my life:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0jR9VhCTuuJ6uwKvXh7nMHFGd_kJpU9QDXzprxmCz9GW99STNvDtG7VoDCSo6DkarmbSGQ3iUQythfavB8GdzHMRmXcobPdW4odyB0NOStIuxwgIRUK9evo5ierFQB1zqtA92_g1mio0/s960/133908091_10222038917356391_2206841748748215332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0jR9VhCTuuJ6uwKvXh7nMHFGd_kJpU9QDXzprxmCz9GW99STNvDtG7VoDCSo6DkarmbSGQ3iUQythfavB8GdzHMRmXcobPdW4odyB0NOStIuxwgIRUK9evo5ierFQB1zqtA92_g1mio0/s320/133908091_10222038917356391_2206841748748215332_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And then we watched the nerve-wrecking US election. For the first time in my life I chose to spend time on a presidential debate and, well, I think those of us who watched this were left speechless. But the relief when the results finally came in after days of endless waiting was huge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dDI7aESQbkHWYF2hlZQQFHFUm7KYa8laZeQnM5PDOLpCR-Qx4FrUD_QYo2nCwnDYiJkUnS5SZCkEKnl2D04jAP6L1MeS0hlh10rC2SoIHgwr4TGOehyQWUIQ0TzA8DRVt2Ap7twGNstP/s960/133622288_10222038913476294_7899679746126778280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dDI7aESQbkHWYF2hlZQQFHFUm7KYa8laZeQnM5PDOLpCR-Qx4FrUD_QYo2nCwnDYiJkUnS5SZCkEKnl2D04jAP6L1MeS0hlh10rC2SoIHgwr4TGOehyQWUIQ0TzA8DRVt2Ap7twGNstP/s320/133622288_10222038913476294_7899679746126778280_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Luca went back to school 2 days per week after about a month of online only classes. Playing flute in band called for some alternative solutions, so here he is with his instrument PPE</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5e5O5KsuIdghHtao1_1XYxMuNxPAdc_tI1YjhMKxGvXOgj0wt7Tt9POHccqKdidpzyMqTcBRbZCQGxcI9wtQx2F7s3-PaZ0AwvU1ee1YSw3oceGKvttC_gQJhTEw2H4g8NiWyZ3873Rf/s960/133219716_10222038910356216_8061008770959593710_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5e5O5KsuIdghHtao1_1XYxMuNxPAdc_tI1YjhMKxGvXOgj0wt7Tt9POHccqKdidpzyMqTcBRbZCQGxcI9wtQx2F7s3-PaZ0AwvU1ee1YSw3oceGKvttC_gQJhTEw2H4g8NiWyZ3873Rf/s320/133219716_10222038910356216_8061008770959593710_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I also got to feel very fancy at work upgrading to a N100 mask as I was working with chemotherapeutic agents:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrDf3-DDCIqomLKyLI6dplL5M8ZN0j52huLslu5YgXomq6tKvpkn__4gDCXdflKi-LKKpjS6NdDli02G58lnQJ0DArGi8oyHuAwqOEWnADeFu_PTWNDOVz3O6RJ_MUB-9rjA-qhLmy3H4/s960/133216099_10222038917796402_3223519563818448698_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrDf3-DDCIqomLKyLI6dplL5M8ZN0j52huLslu5YgXomq6tKvpkn__4gDCXdflKi-LKKpjS6NdDli02G58lnQJ0DArGi8oyHuAwqOEWnADeFu_PTWNDOVz3O6RJ_MUB-9rjA-qhLmy3H4/s320/133216099_10222038917796402_3223519563818448698_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>In the middle of all this Kristian had to rush to Michigan to retrieve Ulrik as the virus started to get out of control on campus. As of right now it does not seem like he will be back until fall 2020, and we get to enjoy some of his work here at home</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhErR-jRflATPcbV7pfFBIO3O8CNctGwlpP9gHzPYtQwdOHPbvq1xOUSsf_OzAOft5sQh08o_XO9s8AR0JRFIO_GVIFuVBKh9q_PGVdybkXDeYhCPwG53WcHxJeVPpTdtS5ApMPyCi13U/s960/133201822_10222038904876079_4392229679944695851_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhErR-jRflATPcbV7pfFBIO3O8CNctGwlpP9gHzPYtQwdOHPbvq1xOUSsf_OzAOft5sQh08o_XO9s8AR0JRFIO_GVIFuVBKh9q_PGVdybkXDeYhCPwG53WcHxJeVPpTdtS5ApMPyCi13U/s320/133201822_10222038904876079_4392229679944695851_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Winter 2020</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Now we are here. The winter of 2020 where everything seems to be going haywire with virus. We are keeping to ourselves - especially if there is a sudden winter thunderstorm rolling by.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLYhMYMW8iOC67lHMFRdKQSXMcdwOgFw8SWSSE3FXdHmfA4pUlGFVnKi-cx_4lcAEJ4ulN9upPkDp4UEb63NWb3cX5-guA4kRjBpSFk2TITLKvSFeKlw5XqOlHFWPcC7uUpt6VtW_ezxO/s960/133203177_10222038913116285_780018755445084183_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLYhMYMW8iOC67lHMFRdKQSXMcdwOgFw8SWSSE3FXdHmfA4pUlGFVnKi-cx_4lcAEJ4ulN9upPkDp4UEb63NWb3cX5-guA4kRjBpSFk2TITLKvSFeKlw5XqOlHFWPcC7uUpt6VtW_ezxO/s320/133203177_10222038913116285_780018755445084183_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>We have had a single snowstorm so far but has also managed to be out and about a little bit despite the cold. We can highly recommend a day trip to Jim Thorpe (picturesque town in the mountains)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBMWqi_wV_7732v1IbIg_pCp2e6lezRq3sY9mdKYz7Gf2qbk1jEHZ7CZGA1QSADET0KMgt8VYtk3cLLxAED1gsI6eddHzA_AToznlbfHrMPYucKptZFLTI2vXK-hcizxUo5XhpU4KZ8Zk/s960/133264064_10222038907836153_5517917037190456887_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBMWqi_wV_7732v1IbIg_pCp2e6lezRq3sY9mdKYz7Gf2qbk1jEHZ7CZGA1QSADET0KMgt8VYtk3cLLxAED1gsI6eddHzA_AToznlbfHrMPYucKptZFLTI2vXK-hcizxUo5XhpU4KZ8Zk/s320/133264064_10222038907836153_5517917037190456887_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Also we got to visit drive-through Christmas lights. An event we didn't even know existed until our neighbor got us tickets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWqQO-SutyuxEcHPC4xP9oGbG_YuyPoweanBfn_tehtkECYwQ2BlP0PcozlqvmYA0-faT2Pu1vYDPQAQmzf13YHjmVIIdZu2eDPjqnPxRTR0_OyB1VNw1ALCx_HHHqH70jESiOQVkEYM5/s960/133356972_10222038912596272_1003716844385341209_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWqQO-SutyuxEcHPC4xP9oGbG_YuyPoweanBfn_tehtkECYwQ2BlP0PcozlqvmYA0-faT2Pu1vYDPQAQmzf13YHjmVIIdZu2eDPjqnPxRTR0_OyB1VNw1ALCx_HHHqH70jESiOQVkEYM5/s320/133356972_10222038912596272_1003716844385341209_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div>Happy new year from all of us here in Pennsylvania. May 2021 bring plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated and spend time with family and friends again (but also still plenty of walks for all the dogs out there)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYZU5h_2Q7CdaXFyea3FoO5WzxoBq3wSs2frCJ3yrj8DAc8KR86gknJpd4aATi_Ypb339LELyLvjvWk1q9aTZi7LuUo_v3U4c1GcxVRxfjCWeMt9O_n9lu166e53O3yQImR44AnlHMm39/s960/133554830_10222038915396342_8649245114247873159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYZU5h_2Q7CdaXFyea3FoO5WzxoBq3wSs2frCJ3yrj8DAc8KR86gknJpd4aATi_Ypb339LELyLvjvWk1q9aTZi7LuUo_v3U4c1GcxVRxfjCWeMt9O_n9lu166e53O3yQImR44AnlHMm39/s320/133554830_10222038915396342_8649245114247873159_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-77688744391653401512020-09-12T05:17:00.003-07:002020-09-12T05:17:38.565-07:00Finally fall<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">The transition from summer to fall is different here in PA.When we lived in Michigan I would dread the end of august where some leaves would start to turn, and in a heartbeat it would all be over and everything would be cold misery. Here in Pennsylvania the summer is looooong and HOT and humid. To the point where you literally ache for just a little bit of chill in the air, and when fall finally arrives it is the best! One thing I did not notice last year are the yellow flowers taking over nature areas</span></p><div id="main" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;"><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTk5MTE5ODctNWY1Y2I4MzNjMTBjOA==?checksum=c73d68b4b94085b70da78c1681895e0599e6a982&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTk5MTE5ODctNWY1Y2I4MzNjMTBjOA==?checksum=c73d68b4b94085b70da78c1681895e0599e6a982&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b470ff2f-73e8-4de4-8f06-ed8f4fc2c7d0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">They are literally everywhere. There are even whole fields full of them and in the golden September glow of the evening sun they are magnificent.I have promised myself that I will try and be outdoors as much as possible, because this...... Dog paws and rivers and yellow leaves❤️</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTk5MTIxMjMtNWY1Y2I4YmJjNWRiOA==?checksum=fb0882213f3e5da62222b60a5516db04e0333a0d&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTk5MTIxMjMtNWY1Y2I4YmJjNWRiOA==?checksum=fb0882213f3e5da62222b60a5516db04e0333a0d&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b470ff2f-73e8-4de4-8f06-ed8f4fc2c7d0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Otherwise school is back in full swing. We have installed Luca at the kitchen table (to get him out of the basement.......) and it works quite well.Here he is taking a science class while being super unimpressed with sharing the work space with a real life scientist. Sigh</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTk5MTIzMDQtNWY1Y2I5NzAzOTU1NA==?checksum=01d873717d18d0b7e4be484a172fb13f27ae31bd&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTk5MTIzMDQtNWY1Y2I5NzAzOTU1NA==?checksum=01d873717d18d0b7e4be484a172fb13f27ae31bd&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b470ff2f-73e8-4de4-8f06-ed8f4fc2c7d0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">One of his classes is ceramics and we have cracked many a dumb joke about “ha ha. Are they just gonna send an amazon link to a lump of clay or what?”. Turns out they are packing up supply boxes with clay and tools etc so they can make something at home and bring it back to be burned in the kilns. So overall - despite online schooling - our school district seems to be well prepared.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">And I have undergone a significant transformation myself. Every year I have rolled my eyes at those crazy Americans who decorate their homes for fall/Halloween/Christmas/valentines/Easter/whatever like there is no tomorrow. But here in 2020 I literally have to restrain myself from spending hundreds of dollars on decorations. I crave burnt orange and pumpkins and stupid “apple picking this way” signs and fluffy blankets and pumpkin spice everything.</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTk5MTI4ODEtNWY1Y2JiYjEzYTc0ZQ==?checksum=58d6acf1d0fe1e8d32d344f4275cd2be1761f0d7&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTk5MTI4ODEtNWY1Y2JiYjEzYTc0ZQ==?checksum=58d6acf1d0fe1e8d32d344f4275cd2be1761f0d7&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b470ff2f-73e8-4de4-8f06-ed8f4fc2c7d0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Oh my gosh. Shouldn’t have googled those images! Gotta go shopping. Bye 👋</p></div>Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-14692308028053355202020-09-04T05:55:00.003-07:002020-09-04T05:55:31.672-07:00Back to school. Sort of......<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">September is here! The nights are full of buzzing insects, loads of toads, and velvety darkness with a hint of cool. Overnight it seems the trees have shifted from green to green-with-a-tinge and you can pop the seeds on jewel weeds. But that’s as far as usual goes otherwise</span></p><div id="main" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;"><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjE4MzItNWY1MjMwNDhkYmU4YQ==?checksum=5d5aa3a2bd0874dbfa2ae107d2bfffe3533af806&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjE4MzItNWY1MjMwNDhkYmU4YQ==?checksum=5d5aa3a2bd0874dbfa2ae107d2bfffe3533af806&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/ed288065-88da-4ea7-a385-b65c56977653" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">The beginning of the school year is usually a whirl wind of preparations, last minute shopping for that binder you never knew your kids needed, doctor visits to fill out health forms for school sports, and the agony of waking up in time to catch the school bus. This year? Not so much. We have prepared by having Luca plug in his laptop and update it. His first lesson on the first day of school will start with the arrival of a link in an email 7:30AM on Tuesday. And that’s it! That being said though, it does seem like his middle school has went above and beyond to ensure good teaching, social interactions online, teacher follow ups etc etc, and I think they will do great considering everything is online. They planned for a hybrid option with kids being allowed in school some days, but they quickly realized that the teachers would be spread too thin.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Ulrik on the other hand is back in Michigan. Umich decided to open their campus and even though I am not worried about Ulrik contracting Covid, I doubt they can keep campus open until thanksgiving as planned. He is aware and will try to get as much done in the studios and the few in-person classes as he possibly can. This gave us a chance to be back in Ann Arbor and since working from home is a legit thing these days, we could stay for the week. We have good friends that opened their doors for us with no restrictions. We figured that if one of us actually had the virus and we were sleeping inside their house, face masks and distancing won’t be sufficient anyways. It felt SO good to be able to hang out without restrictions❤️</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">We celebrated Ulrik’s birthday early with take out dinner and a boat ride with cake</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjMzNjgtNWY1MjM2NDhiMzU3NA==?checksum=08aeb6f52ff4e5e66b178dcf84bb20b246a31232&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjMzNjgtNWY1MjM2NDhiMzU3NA==?checksum=08aeb6f52ff4e5e66b178dcf84bb20b246a31232&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/ed288065-88da-4ea7-a385-b65c56977653" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">We got to install the joys of flute playing in a new generation of kids (which may or may not have ended with me chasing an angry 4 year old who <em>insisted</em> on torturing everyone’s ears and mental health by her mad recorder blowing skills🙉. Ahem)</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. 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Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/ed288065-88da-4ea7-a385-b65c56977653" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">And we got to buy dinkelbrot at Zingermans. Best bread ever! Period!</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjM1NzctNWY1MjM3MTllZjFiNA==?checksum=409c6f4914a02dd6c1d896bd209b038a7ab543e1&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjM1NzctNWY1MjM3MTllZjFiNA==?checksum=409c6f4914a02dd6c1d896bd209b038a7ab543e1&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/ed288065-88da-4ea7-a385-b65c56977653" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">The only one who does not regret being back in the too-quiet house in Doylestown is poor Bailey. Households with crazy puppies are not his thing. Here he is. Trying to hide. Guess who found him anyways.....</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjM3ODYtNWY1MjM3ZWFlYzZmNA==?checksum=051bcd7f71a4c598db8549559b759c142973dc30&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjM3ODYtNWY1MjM3ZWFlYzZmNA==?checksum=051bcd7f71a4c598db8549559b759c142973dc30&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/ed288065-88da-4ea7-a385-b65c56977653" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Being back I am preparing mentally for a looooooong quiet winter. With the craziest cross stitch pattern. Looks nice, doesn’t it:</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjM5MDQtNWY1MjM4NjBkNDk5Zg==?checksum=c78330316be7b3e8926512fb20aedb6b3e526855&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjM5MDQtNWY1MjM4NjBkNDk5Zg==?checksum=c78330316be7b3e8926512fb20aedb6b3e526855&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/ed288065-88da-4ea7-a385-b65c56977653" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Well. Here are the printed instructions:</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjM5MzUtNWY1MjM4N2ZlZTAwZA==?checksum=21c7d4906ccb47f0f7f1e20df0500162d1f40079&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTkyMjM5MzUtNWY1MjM4N2ZlZTAwZA==?checksum=21c7d4906ccb47f0f7f1e20df0500162d1f40079&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/ed288065-88da-4ea7-a385-b65c56977653" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">What have I done to myself????😩</p></div>Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-76177137746430282612020-08-14T12:25:00.004-07:002020-08-14T13:51:02.600-07:00The simple life<p><span face="" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-size: 15px;">So - how are things here in our corner of the US? Well, not exactly exciting when it comes to everyday life. I am trying my very best to embrace the simple quarantine life which has absolutely no Paris Hilton glamour:</span></p><div id="main" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-size: 15px;"><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzE5OTQtNWYzNmUwYmFlYmE0Mw==?checksum=f201fd3e4284926c325d6157c5af30311b34fc66&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzE5OTQtNWYzNmUwYmFlYmE0Mw==?checksum=f201fd3e4284926c325d6157c5af30311b34fc66&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/856ff295-9574-415e-bf8c-1785656868b4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">In reality my level of glamour is to at least put on some mascara and some earrings when I go to work to complement my “I took the wrong paper bag at the reception and am now stuck with a kiddie mask for the rest of the day” look:</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzIxNjItNWYzNmUxNjI3Y2Y5MQ==?checksum=108bd404145ca5559b8487b5e594c7337534bba3&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzIxNjItNWYzNmUxNjI3Y2Y5MQ==?checksum=108bd404145ca5559b8487b5e594c7337534bba3&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/856ff295-9574-415e-bf8c-1785656868b4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">The days are moving ever so slowly. Especially since Teresa is no longer here to suggest stuff to do or keep us on our toes when it comes to cooking. She moved back to Denmark on the very first available flight after she turned 18. Here she is in Newark airport next to her beloved old car</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzIzMjItNWYzNmUyMDIyMDViOA==?checksum=396c094bc936f7400971a2424cabcb48bce989ae&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzIzMjItNWYzNmUyMDIyMDViOA==?checksum=396c094bc936f7400971a2424cabcb48bce989ae&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/856ff295-9574-415e-bf8c-1785656868b4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">But considering what the fall is going to look like for all her friends starting college in the US, I truly believe she made the right decision.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">The school district here has decided to move forward with online schooling only. Luca is kind of disappointed as he had really looked forward to going back to school this year. We have decided to have him sit with a friend on a daily basis though, so it’s not him, himself, and Luca every day. Ulrik - on the other hand - will be going back to university of Michigan in about a weeks time. They fedexed him a Covid test which he will have to swab Monday and return same day to the university, where they will run all the tests. I doubt they can keep campus virus free, but we’ll have to wait and see.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">We are trying to get outdoors as much as possible and enjoy the rivers and woods and rocks</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzI3MjgtNWYzNmUzOThiYmVlOA==?checksum=7ab7cde9ba03b84faadb40052cbf3b16f7087b16&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzI3MjgtNWYzNmUzOThiYmVlOA==?checksum=7ab7cde9ba03b84faadb40052cbf3b16f7087b16&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/856ff295-9574-415e-bf8c-1785656868b4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. 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Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/856ff295-9574-415e-bf8c-1785656868b4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">We have gotten ourselves a bar cabinet from the local secondhand store, which I upcycled with some golden koi fish</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzI4NjQtNWYzNmU0MjA5OGM5Mw==?checksum=9a8ea5dd69f8bcc42e7220e974fa18fda5e76b95&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzI4NjQtNWYzNmU0MjA5OGM5Mw==?checksum=9a8ea5dd69f8bcc42e7220e974fa18fda5e76b95&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/856ff295-9574-415e-bf8c-1785656868b4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">And I am following the upcoming election a bit more closely than I would usually do for US politics. I really really really hope that my newly purchased deck of cards will be a crazy souvenir for a long lost precidency when 2021 rolls around. On a positive note this deck of card was on sale at the gopshop so one can always hope that’s an omen of defeat.</p><div class="image-wrapper" style="border-bottom-style: none; position: relative;"><img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzI5MzMtNWYzNmU0NjUzMzVlNg==?checksum=01682a805a4b6849476f873c98cdf8f07cda2794&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTc0MzI5MzMtNWYzNmU0NjUzMzVlNg==?checksum=01682a805a4b6849476f873c98cdf8f07cda2794&format=s" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/856ff295-9574-415e-bf8c-1785656868b4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-45428801101843057912020-06-13T04:48:00.002-07:002020-06-13T04:48:58.060-07:00High school graduation corona style<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">The school year has ended and for Teresa this happened to be her senior year in high school. A year that has by far not been one of the easiest ones in her life but where she still managed to refuse to give in and give up. And here she is. Graduating summa cum laude (special achievement that signifies being among the ones with the highest grades in the school) and getting to wear a purple cord around her neck.</span><br />
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Usually there would have been prom and parties and a large outdoor graduation ceremony. Well..... not this year of the cursed 2020. Instead she picked up her gown and cap quite a few weeks ago and got assigned a time slot, where she (and the rest of us) could meet up at the high school and she could be filmed walking the stage to get her pretend diploma (it had the benefit that they actually asked how to pronounce her name so for the first time in history the Frikke-Schmidt name was pronounced somewhat correctly in an official setting in the US😏)</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTIwNDc4MzUtNWVlNGI4ZGI5NmRmNA==?checksum=ce57ea32e2cbafbc82ba1f0ca446ee426340f885&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTIwNDc4MzUtNWVlNGI4ZGI5NmRmNA==?checksum=ce57ea32e2cbafbc82ba1f0ca446ee426340f885&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/a2beda49-34c1-4895-9112-0ebeead39dd4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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The school had also provided all seniors with a sign to put in the front yard:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTIwNDc5NzEtNWVlNGI5NjM3YzViNw==?checksum=539f5d785cb7838c37f6284283b3f79b491c74a1&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTIwNDc5NzEtNWVlNGI5NjM3YzViNw==?checksum=539f5d785cb7838c37f6284283b3f79b491c74a1&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/a2beda49-34c1-4895-9112-0ebeead39dd4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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After all that, she went back home, took off the cap and gown and went straight back to homework and online classes for a few more weeks.</div>
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Yesterday was officially the last day and the school had arranged for a car parade with a route around the school blocked by the police. We had decorated my car accordingly:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTIwNDgxNDYtNWVlNGJhMTI2ZjM5NQ==?checksum=a1daef169b9714726f860c19ff0da1cd5378317f&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTIwNDgxNDYtNWVlNGJhMTI2ZjM5NQ==?checksum=a1daef169b9714726f860c19ff0da1cd5378317f&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/a2beda49-34c1-4895-9112-0ebeead39dd4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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And off we went. Of course our tiny Kia Soul got to go behind a gigantic pickup truck where a lucky graduate had a brother with a mullet who could hang out with her in the back of the truck. Very - ehm - Pennsylvania.....</div>
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Later in the evening there was the video recorded graduation ceremony with the teachers performing a piece of classical music, the high school chamber choir signing, speeches from the principal and the valedictorians (if which the female one seriously made one of the best speeches I have heard in a long time about how this class of 2020 will go out and rebuild a world in shambles), followed by all the stage crossings. And I have to admit that we fast-forwarded through this until we got to Teresa:</div>
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And now I guess she is officially done with high school - or at least the American one. By the end of July she will go back to Denmark to repeat her senior year in a Danish high school. She will get some of the freedom the US teenagers lack so desperately, and there will be family and friends receiving her with open arms. And she will have a little more time to figure out where she wants to go in life. I will miss her terribly, but honestly watching your child fold out their wings and fly away confidently and happily is how it <em>should</em> be (and we have made sure to book her a return ticket so we will se her again this Christmas).</div>
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Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-73342619302964027632020-05-23T17:51:00.002-07:002020-05-23T17:51:11.377-07:00Boom tick-a boom<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">It’s spring in Pennsylvania. The birds are chirping. The bull frogs are mooing. The baby turtles are wandering in the woods</span><br />
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTAyODA1NDgtNWVjOWMxNjQ1OTYzMg==?checksum=b52a3045ef216c248b683dfb5eacd6a030317056&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTAyODA1NDgtNWVjOWMxNjQ1OTYzMg==?checksum=b52a3045ef216c248b683dfb5eacd6a030317056&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/d860b78e-39ce-416c-b585-e859d8b3e7da" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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And the ticks are freakin’ everywhere😡 It has gone absolutely nuts with ticks here. The other day, as I was working, one of them crawled across my computer screen! Luca especially is getting tick-paranoia and honestly who wouldn’t if they found 7! of them climbing on their bed as they were about to go to sleep. It turned into a tick-genocide as you unfortunately can’t just wash them down the sink. They will climb right back up to come and get you, so Luca made sure to chop them all in half first...... Otherwise we usually churn them in the kitchen sink incinerator.</div>
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Why do we have that many ticks one might ask. Well.... not to mention any names and shame certain members of the family, but one of us in particular just loves hanging out in tall grass</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTAyODA4NzktNWVjOWMyYWZiNWVkZQ==?checksum=241d0943e9187026a9128a8e4fb973b055cdc45e&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1OTAyODA4NzktNWVjOWMyYWZiNWVkZQ==?checksum=241d0943e9187026a9128a8e4fb973b055cdc45e&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/d860b78e-39ce-416c-b585-e859d8b3e7da" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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We have started to give him that neck-pesticide for dogs that gets absorbed through the skin and that helps somewhat. Another suggestion we have had is to put the ticks in a flask with ethanol, which will kill them instantly. And of course my mind went off roads and started to imagine shelves of tick bottles one could take down and admire. Perhaps in the company of grandkids one day and tell the how 2020 was such a good season for ticks👵🏻</div>
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Ticks aside the US has also had the pleasure of housing killer hornets now (though not in Pennsylvania yet.....) and apparently we are in for a crazy cicada year as well. Yay. The summer of 2020 will be such a blast😑</div>
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Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-37163083290133441012020-05-05T18:18:00.002-07:002020-05-05T18:18:19.240-07:00Covid copingI <span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">don’t know about all of you but I have reached that point where I don’t really know how to answer when others ask if I am OK. We</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;"> </span><em style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">are</em><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">OK! Kristian and I both work from home without any salary cuts, Ulrik just finished his sophomore year in college, Teresa studies like crazy for her AP exams and Luca still has online school every day. We have food in the fridge, money in the bank, and we are all healthy. That’s actually not bad at all.</span><br />
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And at the same time I feel SO insignificant. This virus feels like a lottery you didn’t want a ticket for, and if your number gets drawn you don’t know how big your “prize” will be. We also have close family members in Denmark that are infected now and we can do absolutely nothing to help from all the way over here🥺 All of this combined really gets to me some days, and I have to be very considerate with how much time I spent checking the news and how I take care of myself.</div>
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One really good thing is that we finally have spring, and we try to be outside a lot more. This past week we discovered High Rocks Vista, and it amazes me that we live so close to something this beautiful:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcwODItNWViMjBkMmFjNGY5MQ==?checksum=c5898dbc82a82da4146480dbc378c9cd0dbdfa31&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcwODItNWViMjBkMmFjNGY5MQ==?checksum=c5898dbc82a82da4146480dbc378c9cd0dbdfa31&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1e9360b9-0741-4976-9e3b-0ac55a2d5e5c" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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Even Bailey seems to be speechless with awe......</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcwOTktNWViMjBkM2I3MjAzZg==?checksum=783bdf8b5570aaf9fc46c0b630767bb04cb61ec0&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcwOTktNWViMjBkM2I3MjAzZg==?checksum=783bdf8b5570aaf9fc46c0b630767bb04cb61ec0&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1e9360b9-0741-4976-9e3b-0ac55a2d5e5c" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcwOTYtNWViMjBkMzg0ZTRjMQ==?checksum=fe485b8c6ba8c672bb431c2ebf20c6d74beeb7de&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcwOTYtNWViMjBkMzg0ZTRjMQ==?checksum=fe485b8c6ba8c672bb431c2ebf20c6d74beeb7de&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1e9360b9-0741-4976-9e3b-0ac55a2d5e5c" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcwOTctNWViMjBkMzk2YmNjNQ==?checksum=cbc18c3d2ba0017f876dbaf336a67d56ad9619dd&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcwOTctNWViMjBkMzk2YmNjNQ==?checksum=cbc18c3d2ba0017f876dbaf336a67d56ad9619dd&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1e9360b9-0741-4976-9e3b-0ac55a2d5e5c" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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I spend an embarrassing amount of time watching my plants grow, just because!</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcxOTUtNWViMjBkOWI3MWQ5YQ==?checksum=bb0ea9e59dd84992797a30b7ac59e30592c52038&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3MjcxOTUtNWViMjBkOWI3MWQ5YQ==?checksum=bb0ea9e59dd84992797a30b7ac59e30592c52038&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1e9360b9-0741-4976-9e3b-0ac55a2d5e5c" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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To keep my body going I have tried different YouTube fitness routines and it has been sort-of-fine. And then I discovered Sydney Cummings.OH MY GOSH!!!!! That women makes me work my 🍑 off with exercises like “skull crusher” and “one armed man maker”. I am not yet at the point where I don’t have to choose the easier versions of some of the exercises, but I can feel myself improving💪🏻</div>
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I also have my embroidery. Here is my progress from week 1 in quarantine to week 8 (or is it 7 or 9?????):</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3Mjc1MzYtNWViMjBlZjBhNWU3NQ==?checksum=4ba73e4e137123dd224a8684d4acf08a56c0fb7e&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3Mjc1MzYtNWViMjBlZjBhNWU3NQ==?checksum=4ba73e4e137123dd224a8684d4acf08a56c0fb7e&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1e9360b9-0741-4976-9e3b-0ac55a2d5e5c" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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Amazing right?</div>
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Last but not least we had to perform a quarantine emergency haircut on poor Luca. At least we know now that if all else fails working as a hair stylist will not be something neither Kristian nor I need to consider</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3Mjc2OTAtNWViMjBmOGEwNDUzYQ==?checksum=d02557152a1a6ab0cca71443b0eef84421e9a466&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODg3Mjc2OTAtNWViMjBmOGEwNDUzYQ==?checksum=d02557152a1a6ab0cca71443b0eef84421e9a466&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1e9360b9-0741-4976-9e3b-0ac55a2d5e5c" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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On the bright side is that everything grows super fast on this kid so soon the days of being a Prince Valiant lookalike will be over</div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-28276185715022626772020-04-11T04:36:00.002-07:002020-04-11T04:36:43.183-07:00Breaking news from week 4 of quarantine<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">We had the first thunder storm of the year. Quite a hefty one. Not everyone was a fan</span><br />
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I have made a new friend! Stuart the stinkbug who happens to be my office mate these days. As he is not bringing all his friends and as I am too lazy to get rid of him, we get a lot quality time everyday.</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDM0OTgtNWU5MWE1ZWExOWI3NQ==?checksum=25149d3cf8640ffe68a8388909e1591e5b7f2a6e&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDM0OTgtNWU5MWE1ZWExOWI3NQ==?checksum=25149d3cf8640ffe68a8388909e1591e5b7f2a6e&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b0bf255a-2b76-4bf0-9fc1-aec08b58b39d" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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The trails in peace valley park opened back up! Parking is still not allowed as they try to limit the number of people on the trails, but since it is within biking distance it works. And - ehm - it’s a lot more fun to bike around lake galena if you don’t have to duck under police tape to get in. At least that’s what I heard from a friend.....😬</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDM3MzktNWU5MWE2ZGJiZjA3Yg==?checksum=dc0e3389db96bacbb49728eadc5ab9f99f20818f&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDM3MzktNWU5MWE2ZGJiZjA3Yg==?checksum=dc0e3389db96bacbb49728eadc5ab9f99f20818f&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b0bf255a-2b76-4bf0-9fc1-aec08b58b39d" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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It has been time for taking care of my plants and even put some of them outside. And if I may say so - we now have the coziest corner in the courtyard:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDM4MzAtNWU5MWE3MzZlY2RlMA==?checksum=60ae93f3fa1735d74cb152df45bcdc66f6d175cf&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDM4MzAtNWU5MWE3MzZlY2RlMA==?checksum=60ae93f3fa1735d74cb152df45bcdc66f6d175cf&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b0bf255a-2b76-4bf0-9fc1-aec08b58b39d" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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While I was at it I made sure to propagate some new plants to replace all the dead ones in the office when we are allowed back. My office plants are safely sitting right next to me as I took them with me on the last day, but from what I hear one of the security guards is watering our office plants on his daily rounds (he used to work in my department before he retired from science), so now I am stuck with a bunch of extra plants. Oh well - I am sure it can find good forever homes for them anyways</div>
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Last but most certainly not least, a big old dream of mine came true this week! When I was a teen living far out in the country side with a lot of time on my hands, I ended up spending quite a bit of time in front of the sewing machine. Some attempts were better than others but I did become quite good at it. Here is one of my very first homemade things</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDQzNDYtNWU5MWE5M2E0MGZlMA==?checksum=2de0d2fb647a3d0cdb1cdeaea6f4712390521abf&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDQzNDYtNWU5MWE5M2E0MGZlMA==?checksum=2de0d2fb647a3d0cdb1cdeaea6f4712390521abf&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b0bf255a-2b76-4bf0-9fc1-aec08b58b39d" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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Ever since I learned I was pregnant with a daughter I dreamt of the quality time her and I should spend in front of the sewing machine...... oh well. Along came Teresa and sewing is not how she likes to spend her time. Until you are in the 4th week of covid 19 quarantine and your mom bitches about how wearing masks outside is probably not the helpful anyways. Et voila. Teresa wearing <em>her</em> first homemade outfit:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDQ1NzktNWU5MWFhMjNiZmUxNg==?checksum=be7135a3f3d714998725317e41e7ba974e9a041f&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODY2MDQ1NzktNWU5MWFhMjNiZmUxNg==?checksum=be7135a3f3d714998725317e41e7ba974e9a041f&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/b0bf255a-2b76-4bf0-9fc1-aec08b58b39d" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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We even wore them as we shopped in Trader Joe’s a few days later and both Teresa and I are quite certain the lady in front of us (as we were spaced out 6 feet from each other outside waiting to be allowed into the store) sneaked a photo of us wearing our fancy masks✌🏻</div>
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Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-42906132562479848602020-03-28T15:05:00.000-07:002020-03-28T15:05:03.698-07:00#stayhome day 437Well, technically we have been doing this social isolation for about 2 weeks, but I cannot be the only one feeling like each day is stretching out for eternities - and this is for someone who has old kids perfectly capable to to feed themselves and take care of their own school work. My deepest respect goes out to those of you who have to juggle work and toddlers these days.<br />
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First and foremost: I know that the federal government takes up a lot of news with this whole COVID19 situation, but luckily it is the individual state governors who decides how to handle it on a state level, and it seems like things are fairly under control here in PA. For the first time I actually consider myself lucky for living in an area with very little public transportation and lots of space for everybody. So far I have not heard a single cough in the neighborhood nor does there seem to be any confirmed cases from the kids schools (but since schools are closed they can't really keep track of it, so technically it doesn't mean much). In addition both Kristian and I can work from home and both of us have employers that handle the situation quite well with the safety of its employees being the top priority.<br />
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We are trying our very best to stay mentally healthy and make sure that weekdays and weekends feels different. One of those seemingly little things is to keep up our daily walks with Ruby and her owner. We meet up every single morning at 7:15 and it is literally <i>the</i> thing that gets me out of bed:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQOERdkdTltzIP8w-ssSK93AB1WwmlqGQir7m30bTo8HNiYZiOCK8jrKI-0isSYbkoIs64R61fmU1SvlhAFs8jPSTQT4svxV8-wpVwf9seDHwW6hMLbRod1cqGHA1l8tOjPIgh_IRS58j/s1600/IMG_E6766%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQOERdkdTltzIP8w-ssSK93AB1WwmlqGQir7m30bTo8HNiYZiOCK8jrKI-0isSYbkoIs64R61fmU1SvlhAFs8jPSTQT4svxV8-wpVwf9seDHwW6hMLbRod1cqGHA1l8tOjPIgh_IRS58j/s320/IMG_E6766%255B1%255D.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
We have office spaces set up throughout the house and until about lunch I have my office buddies joining me for homework and treats:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQv3EDJX48fjLxzG0ql4zHm3AUeGkt084I6FWQwRq4Bb-bEPXBraBsXMjAOFsMy4BWifAc3DhevXgt1EmHY3mAh8u-At_g2B4JljgIFFZKtlWYqKTFg41FufRAj0RpJ63WKNo6B9AwmTF/s1600/IMG_6771%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQv3EDJX48fjLxzG0ql4zHm3AUeGkt084I6FWQwRq4Bb-bEPXBraBsXMjAOFsMy4BWifAc3DhevXgt1EmHY3mAh8u-At_g2B4JljgIFFZKtlWYqKTFg41FufRAj0RpJ63WKNo6B9AwmTF/s320/IMG_6771%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We try to be outside when we can. And today Ulrik, Bailey, and I ventured out on the Pennsylvanian country roads which went fine until we encountered one of those bridges where it is highly recommended to wear shoes when you cross. It totally seemed like Bailey understood why Ulrik carried him across the bridge the first time. Going back home - not so much. And it became one of those interesting wet-dog-wrestle situations where he became stuck in Ulrik's rain poncho...... I am happy to report that everyone survived and no-one got hurt (except maybe the dog's pride):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iThZdlcylosXprySSGh4MSggFc1baH-IKdskUBRDklOPjfULKVefWANmt07Plut-wyPwjTTQCuK9G9hlQtbRfD-XgRwF_Sd1LQAHK83HJODCWj6SHltireKRlCRLjJp8yO3HisA5rqAj/s1600/IMG_6773%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iThZdlcylosXprySSGh4MSggFc1baH-IKdskUBRDklOPjfULKVefWANmt07Plut-wyPwjTTQCuK9G9hlQtbRfD-XgRwF_Sd1LQAHK83HJODCWj6SHltireKRlCRLjJp8yO3HisA5rqAj/s320/IMG_6773%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
In addition there is a lot of beer brewing and puzzle making going on. And once again I have to recommend a puzzle mat. Being able to roll up a puzzle and put it away is brilliant.<br />
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We actually finished one this morning. And when I say "we finished" that is very very true. As much as I am the one spending by far the most time sorting through the pieces and building the puzzle those darn kids appear out of no-where as soon as the time for the last piece draws near. Today was no difference but the enthusiasm got a bit dampened when it seemed like there were pieces missing. It turns out that I was not the only one hiding a piece in my hand........ LOL<br />
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<br />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-50759383378530629142020-03-14T14:34:00.000-07:002020-03-14T14:34:08.346-07:00Planning aheadCovid 19 starts to feel increasingly real and we are preparing mentally for a loooong spring/summer with no physical school for the kids and a lot of working from home. First step has been to retrieve Ulrik. So far campus is not completely closed down and there was also some uncertainty as to whether the students would be required to take their exams on campus or not. This is very clearly not the case and we made a decision this morning to drive over and pick him ASAP rather than wait an additional week as we had planned. The whole situation looks and feels drastically different now that it did just a few days ago, and we do not want to risk travel complications due the expected exponential growth of infected people. We had very much looked forward for all of us to go to Michigan and reconnect with friends but instead it has almost turned into a military operation with a "go, retrieve target, return" feel to it. And so be it!<br />
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I have become "annoying mom" who insists on creating a disciplined approach to our weekday lives so we don't end up paying a big mental price for staying homebound for what is likely to be months. I still have to report to work as I have experiments going on and after all it is a little hard to run those on your own home. All meeting activity has been converted to skype and anyone who does not have lab obligations is required to stay at home. I am probably the worst one to adapt to being at home anyways, as I turn into a "caged rat" as my sweet husband describes it, so I do not mind having to go to work. To try to encourage at least some level of physical fitness I had Luca pick out a youtube fitness blender video this morning which we ended enjoying quite a bit. Afterwards we went to the bookstores in Doylestown to stock up on books. We ended buying a giant bag full of books at the secondhand bookstore plus a few extra Stephen King novels and some more 1000 piece puzzles in the regular bookstore. The library has closed and I simply hate the thought of not having any books.<br />
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Otherwise I do my best not to panic. I follow the situation in Denmark quite closely and they are under complete lockdown with all borders closed. Super scary. And considering the current governmental cluster-fuck in the US I doubt the situation will be handled very well here. I am trying to prepare myself for a complete meltdown of the health care system and it is high on my list that we all stay as healthy as possible over the next months.Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-538638518226397552020-03-12T15:39:00.003-07:002020-03-12T15:39:46.140-07:00Corona virus Pennsylvania style<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">As is the case for a lot of earthlings these days our daily routines are beginning to get impacted by the corona virus. Schools have been open this week (after a thorough deep-clean over the weekend) but I highly doubt they’ll be open tomorrow. We’ll see. The neighboring county has made a complete shutdown and closed all schools, public buildings, and non-essential shops and I doubt we will follow far behind. I drove by Trader Joe’s on the way home and they were pretty much out of eggs, meat, and frozen vegetable (didn’t even bother to look for toiletpaper......).</span><br />
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Technically I should have been on the way to Atlanta to spend the weekend with my favorite Ann Arborite -Tammy🥺. We spent most of yesterday texting about whether we should go or not until we got notice that Atlanta was starting to close down too. And as much as I had looked forward to getting down there, it was not appealing to hang out in a closing city without knowing whether it would even be possible to make it back. We kind of decided on this in the middle of the night. Equally sleep deprived and stressed out. Unfortunately things got cancelled so late that there are not really any refunds to be had except 30% of the Airbnb cost, but so be it.</div>
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Ulrik is still in Michigan. They have closed all in-person classes but the campus as such is still open. Right now we are waiting it out to see if he should come home and whether that would be Ulrik all his stuff (going by car) or just Ulrik a suitcase (on a plane). It will depend on whether they will be required on campus for exams etc.</div>
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So for now we are waiting. And washing our hands. And disinfecting our phones every time we come home. And in the middle of all this I keep reminding myself that we are doing quite well, and that maybe - again from a global perspective - it is not a bad thing that we all get to take a break from flying and buying just to give the climate a little breather.</div>
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Last but not least: check out this bird poop!!!! Wow! This serves as a good reminder NOT to look up when geese are migrating</div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-91751206985453985692020-03-06T13:24:00.002-08:002020-03-06T13:24:21.715-08:00Surgery and corona virus<span style="background-color: white;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">t’s a lovely Friday in March, that I spend here on the couch slightly woozy from Ben & Jerry’s icecream and some morphine ✌🏻 Both are equally necessary to recover from having metal screws whacked deep into my jaw bones. Here in the US stuff like that gets done under full anesthesia which I really don’t mind. Especially not when the fantastic Afro-American-no-fuss female surgeon insists on playing gospel music in the room, ask my to “scoot my bootie” a little lower in the seat and calls the oxygenation cable “Queen B”. “Queen B” canNOT be crossed by any other cable in there.Period! I prefer her to any of the other entitled male oral surgeons I have had the - ehm - pleasure of dealing with previously.</span><br />
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Luca has also been home today too due to corona virus related school closing. Most likely the first of many. A couple of people (kids or adult - that’s not specified) have been close to confirmed corona virus victims in another state and as a precaution they are scrubbing down the schools today. I have very mixed feelings about this. I understand the worry, but I honestly don’t think this virus can be contained, and if this is the strategy I guess they will technically have to cancel schools until the summer break begins. This will not affect us too much as the kids are teens and as Kristian works from home several days per week. But what about those families that are not this lucky?</div>
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Over and out from a couch in Pennsylvania:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODM1Mjk1ODQtNWU2MmJlNzA4YjM3ZA==?checksum=57206a380d8bd7bd710aec035e6d4153ef185e15&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODM1Mjk1ODQtNWU2MmJlNzA4YjM3ZA==?checksum=57206a380d8bd7bd710aec035e6d4153ef185e15&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/554ebb63-0f01-4833-a323-b9beacfdaa98" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-56105465048913736012020-03-01T18:01:00.002-08:002020-03-01T18:01:24.270-08:00Spring break and summer plans<span style="background-color: white;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">his week is spring break at university of Michigan. Since the semester ends around the time May starts, the break always happens early and we have made sure that Ulrik could come and visit for some of the week at least. He arrived Saturday morning. Looked a bit tired. Went to take a nap and woke up....... 19!!!!! hours later!!!!!!! How is that even possible? At least he looks somewhat more well rested today (duh) which was good since Luca made sure to keep him on his toes (and I know this may look like Luca beating his brother in pushups, but I can assure all of you, that he got his a.. kicked by his older brother)</span><br />
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It has also been a good time to discuss the summer as there are many plans on many different levels to fit in. Let’s start with the youngest member of the family. At his confirmation last spring my sister gave hm a trip to visit her in Copenhagen, and since he is going we have made sure that he can stay as long as absolute possible and get to hang out with family and even go to a camp, while in Denmark. He is a bit nervous about it as he doesn’t really remember that much but I think he will have a blast!</div>
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Then there is Teresa. Who will graduate high school this spring. She has decided to move back to Denmark and will start at HK gym (small private Christian high school) to take 3.G. there (final year of danish high school). This will give her a chance to get settled as well as make sure she can pass the danish study test. A requirement for kids with foreign educations who wish to study at the university to get a non-international degree. She will stay with good friends of ours and is rather looking forward to the whole thing. Prior to this I had promised her a big trip. Just like Ulrik and Kristian went to Tokyo, Teresa and I had plans to go somewhere exotic. We talked about Australia..... well.... 🔥 then we talked about Korea..... well.... 😷. And now we kind of wait it out a bit to see where things are in a few months (I won’t start ranting in this blog post how much the state of the world terrifies me these days).</div>
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Ulrik also has quite the summer ahead of him. His program requires him to have a study abroad period, so he will go to Nepal. Remote Nepal. And help make ceramic water filters for families who will otherwise not have access to clean water. He is already taking weekly classes to prepare him for a longer stay in a country where “cows have more rights than women” - as he frankly puts it. This will only be a 3 week program and there are 4months of break before the third year in college starts. And we have talked a bit about having him go to Denmark and visit Bornholm to start to build network in the ceramic circles there which may hopefully result in some sort of internship’ish stay in the summer of 2021.</div>
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Kristian and I will of course stay back in PA and make sure to work and make money to pay for the kids’ adventures. Sigh.</div>
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Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-72689040551381948282020-02-17T18:09:00.001-08:002020-02-17T18:09:06.943-08:00A busy Presidents’ Day weekend<span style="background-color: white;">Th</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">is weekend has been one of the long 3 days one due to Presidents’ Day. For all of us! When we lived in Michigan it was only few holidays where we all had time off at the same time, but here it seems to match up a little better. And we have been busy!</span><br />
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Friday night (which also happened to be Valentine’s Day) one of my foodist colleagues had arranged for a king crab dinner at a Chinese restaurant. The kind of restaurant where jelly fish heads, duck tongues, and intestines are also to be found on the menu. But we opted for the nice dishes and it was delicious!</div>
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Several of the dishes were cooked from this lovely fella:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODE5ODk5NjgtNWU0YjQwNTA0YzM2MA==?checksum=c4ae80de13c5ec6061ffcbf3f913785fd1a2c051&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODE5ODk5NjgtNWU0YjQwNTA0YzM2MA==?checksum=c4ae80de13c5ec6061ffcbf3f913785fd1a2c051&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/6b397a56-0061-4459-b8fe-89989dcedf5b" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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I opted out of crab but still got to stuff myself with Peking duck. Yum!</div>
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Saturday we cleaned. And then cleaned some more. The landlord has requested a 6 months walk through to make sure there he is up to date on necessary repairs etc. This has been a very good opportunity for us to get rid off the stuff that got relocated here but which we NEVER ever want to pull out of a moving box ever again (when someone else packs your boxes nothing really gets sorted and we also had a couple of IKEA dressers that didn’t handle a move very well as they were moved with all the drawers being full). Such as perhaps cutting down on how many shoes to keep in one closet:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODE5OTA5NDMtNWU0YjQ0MWY5MmZmMA==?checksum=facb9ded35c03180b406b31d0d64511ff1ec4b83&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODE5OTA5NDMtNWU0YjQ0MWY5MmZmMA==?checksum=facb9ded35c03180b406b31d0d64511ff1ec4b83&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/6b397a56-0061-4459-b8fe-89989dcedf5b" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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We did have a break on Saturday night though where we went to see Parasite (also with colleagues of mine). Wow! Have you seen it? You get a very different perspective on basements and housekeepers for sure......</div>
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Sunday we went to Philly. Kristian and Luca went to the car show with our neighbor:</div>
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Whereas Teresa and I went to look at some stores rather then cars. We also had lunch at Hip city veg. A vegan fast food place that has super delicious fries, burgers, lemonade etc. and which is very conveniently located right next to anthropology. Where I bought at full price item! An owl pot holder! Yay. Or whatever.</div>
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Today we cleaned some more and now our shoes look like this, which is a rather big improvement:</div>
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Bailey and I also had a long walk in peace valley park with yet another one of my colleagues followed by sushi (bailey didn’t get to go for the latter)</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODE5OTE1MzItNWU0YjQ2NmNiZWFjNg==?checksum=10f5feac19e0604e1f7a6b1b871b69d018b56992&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODE5OTE1MzItNWU0YjQ2NmNiZWFjNg==?checksum=10f5feac19e0604e1f7a6b1b871b69d018b56992&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/6b397a56-0061-4459-b8fe-89989dcedf5b" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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So all in all it feels great to end the weekend in a crisp tidied up house after 3 days with lots of seeing other people too.</div>
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Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-8313181713198954752020-02-02T15:53:00.002-08:002020-02-02T15:53:29.934-08:00Paintball do’s and dont’s<span style="background-color: white;">I </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">tried something new today: paintball. Or should we call it pain-ball......? It was a few weeks in the making as the first attempt to go out and “play” was kind of screwed up by our hill looking like this:</span><br />
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I was super disappointed. Especially upon having received this encouraging text prior to going:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODYzMDAtNWUzNzViZGNlMzk5Yw==?checksum=d270918e1de98a765784d3591d1e8c9f9d9fa8e8&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODYzMDAtNWUzNzViZGNlMzk5Yw==?checksum=d270918e1de98a765784d3591d1e8c9f9d9fa8e8&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/0fe68ba0-d2fc-44fb-8a9f-8af9a0837210" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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So today we tried again. And I certainly learned a LOT! Primarily about what not to do😳</div>
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So here it goes:- do wear appropriate foot wear. Especially when the ground looks like this</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODY0NDctNWUzNzVjNmZjNWYxMA==?checksum=5ebe46441b6be62070455885c8b82ac9f03393d1&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODY0NDctNWUzNzVjNmZjNWYxMA==?checksum=5ebe46441b6be62070455885c8b82ac9f03393d1&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/0fe68ba0-d2fc-44fb-8a9f-8af9a0837210" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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- don’t wear brightly colored clothes as you will feel super stupid and like a way-too-easy target should you go wearing bright pink or red. Ahem</div>
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- do make sure to look at the ground in front of your next hiding spot. If it’s ankle deep mud maybe you should find another spot....😬</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODY2ODAtNWUzNzVkNTgxMDhhNw==?checksum=576d3a42c08ec56c47cd0a32026ed78023170c99&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODY2ODAtNWUzNzVkNTgxMDhhNw==?checksum=576d3a42c08ec56c47cd0a32026ed78023170c99&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/0fe68ba0-d2fc-44fb-8a9f-8af9a0837210" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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- do not get intimidated the slightest by the local Pennsylvanian Rambo-snipers pulling up in their pick up trucks wearing full camouflage outfits with GoPro cameras and hand held nasty paintball guns that can shoot WAY better then the worn-out crap they rent out at the field😖. They are super nice and will o<em>f course r</em>efrain from shooting at women in brightly colored coats.....</div>
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- do show off your paintball bruises to each-other once you make it home. Especially if they sit in places where you have to pull your pants down to show off the really nasty ones. You don’t want to do that in public!</div>
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Needless to say - Luca and Teresa would both love to go again.</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODcyMDMtNWUzNzVmNjNlYmE4MQ==?checksum=66fda440ddec217bd3912210bbc5113aac39db92&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODcyMDMtNWUzNzVmNjNlYmE4MQ==?checksum=66fda440ddec217bd3912210bbc5113aac39db92&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/0fe68ba0-d2fc-44fb-8a9f-8af9a0837210" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODcyMjMtNWUzNzVmNzczYTdiZg==?checksum=dda6585be0563134cc170287f8d2cfccd2aab1ba&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1ODA2ODcyMjMtNWUzNzVmNzczYTdiZg==?checksum=dda6585be0563134cc170287f8d2cfccd2aab1ba&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/0fe68ba0-d2fc-44fb-8a9f-8af9a0837210" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-34274391920321392452020-01-18T04:25:00.001-08:002020-01-18T04:25:36.864-08:00Snow day on a Saturday<span style="background-color: white;">H</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">enriette yesterday: “I am definitely NOT sitting home all day Saturday. I want to get out of Doylestown and go to Philly”Henriette watching the weather forecast:“😖🤦♀️🥺”</span><br />
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzkzNDkxNzMtNWUyMmY0YjU3YThiZA==?checksum=a89089633ad75018db29f8842279a0db22b8a5c3&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzkzNDkxNzMtNWUyMmY0YjU3YThiZA==?checksum=a89089633ad75018db29f8842279a0db22b8a5c3&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/03cf9d9d-1594-4db8-9feb-2eeac73a8164" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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The Michigander in me is rolling her eyes of the patheticness of making a big fuzz out of 1-4 inches of snow but Pennsylvania roads are not for the faint of heart as soon as snow and ice hit so we’ll just stay here in top of our hill all day. Sigh.Luckily there is still a day tomorrow to go to Philly and even better - MLK day Monday where both our jobs <em>and</em> the schools have decided to give us time off at the same time. Yay! Luca is away on camp with church. Without his phone!!!! We hope the poor kid will survive. Teresa was gone for a similar trip a few months ago and here’s the exact moment she realized that they actually took the phones away for realz:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzkzNDk1ODktNWUyMmY2NTU1ODU2OA==?checksum=43e94c68604bf07f33099fc699a497455baf26db&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzkzNDk1ODktNWUyMmY2NTU1ODU2OA==?checksum=43e94c68604bf07f33099fc699a497455baf26db&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/03cf9d9d-1594-4db8-9feb-2eeac73a8164" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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Luckily she survived too. And I honestly think it is quite a good way to ensure that all kiddos have real life interactions in real life scenarios.</div>
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Otherwise we are making our way through January one day at a time. Like everybody else on the northern hemisphere I guess. We are still keeping up our intention of cooking two vegan meals per week. Last weekend we tried nacho dip for vegan nachos:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzkzNDk5MDItNWUyMmY3OGU3Yjg4OA==?checksum=8df79a48eac36cb149c153a319b11d5d7cc9b17b&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzkzNDk5MDItNWUyMmY3OGU3Yjg4OA==?checksum=8df79a48eac36cb149c153a319b11d5d7cc9b17b&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/03cf9d9d-1594-4db8-9feb-2eeac73a8164" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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Surprisingly good! And based off something as simple as potatoes after applying the no-go technique of blending them (everyone who has had babies has tried to short cut mashed potatoes in the blender and ended up with a sticky gooey mess. Not so good for babies. Awesome for nacho dip!).</div>
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Some of us are not vegan at all. Ever:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzkzNTAwNTYtNWUyMmY4MjgzMzEzNg==?checksum=b23f802de11572aa874a8734d5284cf1b0553853&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzkzNTAwNTYtNWUyMmY4MjgzMzEzNg==?checksum=b23f802de11572aa874a8734d5284cf1b0553853&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/03cf9d9d-1594-4db8-9feb-2eeac73a8164" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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This is “angry dog” chewing on the antler I happened to find in the grass next to the parking lot at work yesterday. Bailey did not want to share!</div>
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Well. I’ll get dressed and take doggo out for a good walk before the snow hits. Hasta la vista✌🏻🌨</div>
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Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-36665386126677130302020-01-11T04:30:00.002-08:002020-01-11T04:30:10.744-08:00Back to business <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">All good things come to an end. Also Christmas breaks and 2020 is in full swing. It has been good for me with a couple of weeks of mental unplugging to get 2019 all wrapped up and put behind me. It is almost like I can feel the cranks and gears in my brain has fallen into place - probably helped quite a bit by sleeping a lot. When my insomnia was at its worst I almost lost hope that I would ever get to sleep a full night again and it almost feels victorious to be able to sleep again.</span><br />
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So what’s on the agenda for 2020? Many many good things actually. I have a few 2020 resolutions (besides getting myself an assquatch - I have found someone who has a taxidermist friend, so there is hope). One of them is to eat 2 vegan dinners per week. For the climate, for my health, and also from sheer fascination of how to get by in a kitchen using common ingredients in almost magical new ways - aquafaba for instance. The liquid from a can of chickpeas that can be transformed into white fluffy foam as a substitute for egg whites. Here’s one of our dinners. Shepherds pie. Yes. It <em>is</em> vegan!</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1Nzg3NDQ4MzktNWUxOWJjMDcyNzRjMw==?checksum=e5ac4ed97760d69564710834a22718a26319d2c5&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1Nzg3NDQ4MzktNWUxOWJjMDcyNzRjMw==?checksum=e5ac4ed97760d69564710834a22718a26319d2c5&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/7418b3b5-58b4-46ce-837f-1aec13bcce9f" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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I want to start investing just a little bit of money. In something that benefits others in a good way. I was thinking micro loans to women starting their own businesses in third world countries (hmmmm. You have first world problems and third world countries - what is the second world?) or investing in green technology.</div>
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2020 will also be the year where child #2 will leave the nest. Teresa will be going back to Denmark and (hopefully - we are working on it) spend a year in 3.G. (last year of high school in Denmark) to get back into the Danish way of doing things before deciding what to do and applying for university.</div>
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Luca will get to spend a large chunk of the summer in Denmark too. My sister gave him a trip for his confirmation and we have made plans to ensure he can stay for about 5 weeks since it is a big trip. He also gets to go back to Michigan to spend 10 days at blue lake music camp with one of this best friends from Ann Arbor.</div>
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And that leaves Kristian and the dog and I to sort of figure what <em>we</em> want to do over the summer. Luckily - or whatever - the American way of vacation will not leave us weeks upon weeks of time off so we’ll probably be doing everyday life like usual.</div>
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Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-65382157096471127512019-12-30T08:12:00.001-08:002019-12-30T08:12:42.505-08:00Goodbye 20192019 has been one of the more - ehm- interesting years in our life. We have had years before where it did feel a bit like a rollercoaster ride, but I would say that 2019 has been more in the category of haunted houses where new not-so-pleasant-surprises showed up around every corner. Still, when I look back at my photos, there has been plenty of wonderful memories made as well. It has been a year where we have lived apart as a family in various combination patterns and because of this, there are several experiences that I will share that has been mine alone and have not really included everyone else. Here it goes:<br />
<br />
January:<br />
We made a good head start of 2019 with a trip to Chicago in amazing mild weather, as we needed to stop by the Danish Consulate to renew the kids passports. I was worried about the trip because #midwesternwinter........, but it was awesome. Hanging out by lake Michigan in sunshine in January was one of my favorite things that month:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwNE5Qsw1JjtkIhGEAi70IVhPwW3Rn9JYWvi2ZVpwATNsvxIJ5FG87utsh4cua-6TMwJt07Mm3FeUoCN3XZmDur3WsoPNRlYcwv7tEIUobNFo0S6Zsg0o3R6mRXt5OoWbq60mKAeaSiqR/s1600/IMG_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwNE5Qsw1JjtkIhGEAi70IVhPwW3Rn9JYWvi2ZVpwATNsvxIJ5FG87utsh4cua-6TMwJt07Mm3FeUoCN3XZmDur3WsoPNRlYcwv7tEIUobNFo0S6Zsg0o3R6mRXt5OoWbq60mKAeaSiqR/s320/IMG_4997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
February:<br />
So full of contrasts as I started my new job and moved to Pennsylvania by myself! In a mere 24 hours I went from fancy party thrown by my most favorite boss ever (with the requested "death cocktail" - a cocktail intended to look like euthasol which is pink, viscous, and used to euthanise animals):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK7SVusGnTKx0J1TuYHhyphenhyphenWHY39HA0mF6n2MofDkw_sriP8QX3sjyb3cj8TQjlJQ2a7LYj_Czmu3GSE4NQt4568gZiQuzFJz6mkK1qdlG1kPE4nzkEgMfttkPgSO0Ex0-DmOWjvww-KAYL/s1600/IMG_5278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK7SVusGnTKx0J1TuYHhyphenhyphenWHY39HA0mF6n2MofDkw_sriP8QX3sjyb3cj8TQjlJQ2a7LYj_Czmu3GSE4NQt4568gZiQuzFJz6mkK1qdlG1kPE4nzkEgMfttkPgSO0Ex0-DmOWjvww-KAYL/s320/IMG_5278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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..... to this! Eating off the floor in the worst apartment I have ever lived in in my life! It only took a few days, though, and then I had my IKEA delivery, but those first few days were not exactly thrilling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHCUHP81X5rUbAcWmRlWLyzA4L8c1i_OOiWi055m_QVIroqZJuWGarYrU_F6FWEyTYmP4TuTetLBGG-GpkQJqVcsn2ZLvOy_y0iUwFm0NEwjVz943tr-m0RFRw3N_6QpfEESGZUXKl_00/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHCUHP81X5rUbAcWmRlWLyzA4L8c1i_OOiWi055m_QVIroqZJuWGarYrU_F6FWEyTYmP4TuTetLBGG-GpkQJqVcsn2ZLvOy_y0iUwFm0NEwjVz943tr-m0RFRw3N_6QpfEESGZUXKl_00/s320/IMG_5308.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
March:<br />
Things got better. And those weekends I did not spend in Michigan, I used to explore Philadelphia instead. I knew next to nothing about this city, but now I am so grateful it is only an hour away:<br />
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And after having spent my actual birthday crying into half a bottle of redwine, I got to cry some more as Kristian truly really surprised my with a surprise party back in Ann Arbor.<br />
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April:<br />
Not every non-Michigan weekend was spent in Philly. In April I got to check of an item on my bucket list, which was to see the cherry blossoms in Washington DC (with about several hundred thousands of other people, but oh well):<br />
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I also got a visit from Teresa where we got to eat our way through Philly, with our favorite spot being this one:<br />
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May:<br />
Highlights in May was to enjoy the explosion of flowering trees and also realize that my most favorite flowering tree from Michigan is also to be found here (it is a native tree called redbud and I just love to purple color of the flowers and how they grow directly from the stem):<br />
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It was also the month where I discovered that such a thing as "beer and cross-stitch" events exist. Yay! And this is what you get when I attend such events. I present the "hiding hipster".<br />
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June:<br />
Luca had his confirmation in June. Here he is getting all ready. Technically he should not have been confirmed until 2020, but since we were moving, our church squeezed him in anyways.<br />
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I also got a visit from Tammy and tried something completely new. Goat yoga...... All I can say is, that some experiences might not be repeated. Ever. Especially since one of these little bastards headbutted my right in my ribs (while looking super cute of course. But still......)<br />
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July:<br />
Moving the whole family over inched closer, and before leaving Michigan Kristian wanted to make sure I had experienced Frankenmuth. The town that feels just like being in Bavaria..... right? And on a hot summer day we enjoyed our lunch of everything meat and starch and sauerkraut. LOL:<br />
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It was also the month where I finally got to leave my shitty apartment where I had not been able to sleep for close to 4 months due to noise and heat, and move in with friends in Doylestown. For that I am forever grateful.<br />
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Life delivered another sucker punch in July, as I had to experience my very first crash course in Big_Pharma_101, and watch all my projects getting taken away overnight. <i>Now</i> I can of course look back with the knowledge that everything turned out just fine, but it didn't feel like that in the middle of it.<br />
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August:<br />
MOVING! August was all about moving. First I moved into a rented house in Doylestown and then our Ann Arbor life got relocated. And of course the very first thing the movers packed away was our TV right as I was enjoying the final season of my favorite netflix show. Sigh.<br />
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And off we went. In our good old trusted/busted minivan:<br />
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We had to endure a few days of very minimalist living until our belongings arrived. Oh my gosh - how did we accumulate so much stuff!!!!!!<br />
I also got to bring all 3 kids of mine to the best cake place in Philly. Something I had looked immensely forward to since I first found it:<br />
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September:<br />
...... is a blur. Of trying to make ends meet with new schools for Luca and Teresa, and with Kristian still being in Michigan. Everyone survived, but mostly it felt like survival and I honestly do not remember much. But when I look at the pictures we apparently did have the energy to go Philly and hammock away:<br />
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And we got to visit Scandifest and meet all the other proud vikings<br />
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.... rolled around with lots and lost of volleyball:</div>
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Lost and lots of sitting on the front step of the house and enjoy the sunsets over the fields:<br />
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And sneaking away to Lambertsville on a regular Wednesday night to see their freakin' awesome halloween displays:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQ6PjoNyPZb4V9_whRv0TXpSuqz8jfLlt3CSVGMvXdGf9HrJRyh_0JVn2Snh61LIVMbyhQv0lD6DafE6wLypw8SkwthuKYBkKWxyEipg4O_R8eYVPbx6F3FprBwva2w0tTey-rsOkDcGD/s1600/IMG_6401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQ6PjoNyPZb4V9_whRv0TXpSuqz8jfLlt3CSVGMvXdGf9HrJRyh_0JVn2Snh61LIVMbyhQv0lD6DafE6wLypw8SkwthuKYBkKWxyEipg4O_R8eYVPbx6F3FprBwva2w0tTey-rsOkDcGD/s320/IMG_6401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
November<br />
Kristian got to move to Pennsylvania too! Yay! Finally we were all back together (except college kiddo, but that's kind of a given). My favorite things in November were our visit to Ringing Rocks park armed with a hammer:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9lRIlHApznZdNebnnm7pKGalX6wRh03xcX1NGoDqUUxKxgZVeWc_OWVC0vU3I8lb9n3YxBuU0-EOf9tkAkL6PJIMmIGeqtpzbePqDuuZPZVnkdGEK9GtXLT8vhSgN-CQC-nII9aSyPXu/s1600/IMG_6442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9lRIlHApznZdNebnnm7pKGalX6wRh03xcX1NGoDqUUxKxgZVeWc_OWVC0vU3I8lb9n3YxBuU0-EOf9tkAkL6PJIMmIGeqtpzbePqDuuZPZVnkdGEK9GtXLT8vhSgN-CQC-nII9aSyPXu/s320/IMG_6442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And discovering how any leftovers taste amazing if you add mustard, cheese, and a panini maker:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UbKhJVlkRVxLb48yMcYImLxlqa6bYD6PayfHgQLPTNbw9qne-uQJjSHMJ6V_h_YCFLupuKsQScOEwdiX4hbgHWCDISB2RXPD_VX4C7yK-mbF4T6J4ceeIcDGdKj-MmZywxK9vrfeIOta/s1600/IMG_6434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UbKhJVlkRVxLb48yMcYImLxlqa6bYD6PayfHgQLPTNbw9qne-uQJjSHMJ6V_h_YCFLupuKsQScOEwdiX4hbgHWCDISB2RXPD_VX4C7yK-mbF4T6J4ceeIcDGdKj-MmZywxK9vrfeIOta/s320/IMG_6434.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
December<br />
And at last. The last month of this crazy exhausting year. Where we learned that even Pennsylvania gets ice storms:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2OjKCDEi9aIpufI-HJ0NXVkxmn_PODSPzXYodFd-8lGAqx7MUmizprfuZ6bEJECOUpuAA_kVyqVA4Zn2veyeCeGmlJOQXFFnY1SjIti8cbAwiWyfFAOIbaRh_sy85rQKmb4vd44xX45P/s1600/IMG_6484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2OjKCDEi9aIpufI-HJ0NXVkxmn_PODSPzXYodFd-8lGAqx7MUmizprfuZ6bEJECOUpuAA_kVyqVA4Zn2veyeCeGmlJOQXFFnY1SjIti8cbAwiWyfFAOIbaRh_sy85rQKmb4vd44xX45P/s320/IMG_6484.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And were we also (once again) enjoyed being close to Philly and enjoy their Christmas decorations:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIhAlNefZ5h81snAZoS0UPvug74E5p-xE7aGBmrM2KPcg9Iql0wcKcBnH_OLCWocMav905M_HQ22A1GIapnv6tSMBHghUHQVyak0KSecRQEsgQZkyEYGlxnkUhF4iTZCXjkcIsNBvQjqw/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIhAlNefZ5h81snAZoS0UPvug74E5p-xE7aGBmrM2KPcg9Iql0wcKcBnH_OLCWocMav905M_HQ22A1GIapnv6tSMBHghUHQVyak0KSecRQEsgQZkyEYGlxnkUhF4iTZCXjkcIsNBvQjqw/s320/IMG_6503.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I really wanted to end this post with a picture of the 5 of us. Oh well. This is as close as it gets. Cheers to 2020 bringing lots and lots of boring stability and visitors from overseas and Michigan<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hUkXrTms6ED-SbwMg4qZ6YYAT0wSOaLKl5dDdpRycobn5Kx2PIHNIO3mBIglLFQtbDFDCEu49YcKE16x3NKNuKjPhsjZTXcjJCg15Ye0ebhkr8w8TnyLs0iGn39-jSfRNG9NAJBf7Xgz/s1600/IMG_5715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hUkXrTms6ED-SbwMg4qZ6YYAT0wSOaLKl5dDdpRycobn5Kx2PIHNIO3mBIglLFQtbDFDCEu49YcKE16x3NKNuKjPhsjZTXcjJCg15Ye0ebhkr8w8TnyLs0iGn39-jSfRNG9NAJBf7Xgz/s320/IMG_5715.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-8624356592692302322019-12-26T07:37:00.002-08:002019-12-26T07:37:47.324-08:00A Merry Frikke Christmas<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">We have been utterly unprepared for Christmas this year, so when it finally got around to December 20th we have been busy getting everything done. First stop was to get a tree at a local tree farm (we have several Christmas tree farms within a miles radius). Teresa instantly picked out the wonkiest tree available. “It’s just like our family mom”🤦♀️</span><br />
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We ended up picking another one though</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzczNzM5OTItNWUwNGQxMjgzOTAxYQ==?checksum=8e018c438e2ffc7a6f112afb8056c213e4f6e444&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzczNzM5OTItNWUwNGQxMjgzOTAxYQ==?checksum=8e018c438e2ffc7a6f112afb8056c213e4f6e444&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/58edc361-34b2-4e1d-8d9d-58e89a42b7b8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
Where it turned out is was incredibly hard to put on real candles despite much enthusiasm:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzczNzQwMjEtNWUwNGQxNDUzNmNkOA==?checksum=d9bf5eb81391888cc5d6de7f404669b49878c14d&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzczNzQwMjEtNWUwNGQxNDUzNmNkOA==?checksum=d9bf5eb81391888cc5d6de7f404669b49878c14d&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/58edc361-34b2-4e1d-8d9d-58e89a42b7b8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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We have baked gingerbread cookies with the subsequent icing session. I happened to mix up icing in a very Patrick Starfish’ish color. Et voila - Patrick for the people</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzczNzQxMzUtNWUwNGQxYjc0ZDNhZA==?checksum=00658fe16bc2cae1dd76e2151e52edaa86809dfa&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzczNzQxMzUtNWUwNGQxYjc0ZDNhZA==?checksum=00658fe16bc2cae1dd76e2151e52edaa86809dfa&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/58edc361-34b2-4e1d-8d9d-58e89a42b7b8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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We have been going to airports to pick up first Ulrik in Philly and then my sister in Newark. On the Philly trip we were surprised to see very empty streets considering it was the last Saturday prior to Christmas. Turns out that everyone seemed to have gathered at Macy’s where we also hung out to watch their Christmas light show:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzczNzQyOTEtNWUwNGQyNTNhZDEyYQ==?checksum=bea5f0a77e1bf92677e2b96cb8094c6c67899ce5&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzczNzQyOTEtNWUwNGQyNTNhZDEyYQ==?checksum=bea5f0a77e1bf92677e2b96cb8094c6c67899ce5&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/58edc361-34b2-4e1d-8d9d-58e89a42b7b8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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And we have of course eaten insane amount of high calorie foods. Including “leverpostej”. Here is bailey having a gourmet revelation, emptying out the cup of leftover warm remnants</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
Merry Christmas from all of us:</div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-25367018569674458052019-12-21T05:07:00.000-08:002019-12-21T05:07:02.304-08:00Winter equinox <span style="background-color: white;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">oday is officially the shortest day of the year and from tomorrow and onwards every single day will get just a little bit lighter. Just like how I feel inside. It’s all in the little things. One day you forget to turn on the GPS but still makes it to where you need to be. Or someone you have seen before greets you in a store. The dog walking in the morning feels like meeting a friend for a chat (for dog-friends as well of their owners). And before you know it the rays of the setting sun will once again reach through the living room windows.</span><br />
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Needless to say it has been very very quiet on this blog. But I start to miss writing in here which is a hood starting point to get it back up and running right?</div>
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I was looking through pictures on my phone to have something to add to this post, and I was thinking to myself “nah. It has all been a fog of misery. What’s the point?”. But it turns out that looking through my phone photo album reminded me of all the good things that has <em>also</em>happened!</div>
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Such as bringing hammers on a hike to explore ringing rocks park (on a late November day where there are positively NO snakes! Gosh I hate snakes):</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzY5MzMxMTItNWRmZTE2ZjhhOWU2Yw==?checksum=5d751ecff84a62e232e654508519932d9007f933&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NzY5MzMxMTItNWRmZTE2ZjhhOWU2Yw==?checksum=5d751ecff84a62e232e654508519932d9007f933&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/75f5730d-ac42-403e-bdc0-64e4d5e38380" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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Or trying on stupid halloween hats in target</div>
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And hers comes my absolute favorite: learning about assquatches (Sasquatch is the same as Bigfoot). Dear butts taxidermied to look like faces! Guess what I will try to hunt down (heh heh) in 2020?</div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-47196981872988850222019-09-10T17:58:00.002-07:002019-09-10T17:58:38.169-07:00Hello from the other siiiiiide<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">Yikes. It has been almost a month since I posted anything in here😬 We are still alive ! And sort of well! And in Pennsylvania! The move was tough and I must confess that I have been terrified about uprooting my family again again again, which didn’t really leave much room for much other than just getting through one day at a time.</span><br />
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On a positive note is that our living room no longer looks like this:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjgxNjIzMDEtNWQ3ODQxZmQxODAzYw==?checksum=f98ebe86f54a1f6a8959c7ea27d078b723edc50c&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjgxNjIzMDEtNWQ3ODQxZmQxODAzYw==?checksum=f98ebe86f54a1f6a8959c7ea27d078b723edc50c&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/eb8903ac-0b42-402c-bbe2-f2d25f52b3ee" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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I have finally had a chance to bring all my offspring to A La Mousse in Philly. Huge success! Just as I hoped for:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjgxNjI0MzYtNWQ3ODQyODQ3MGUwOQ==?checksum=66ad5de3d30316e4a5b872eefcfa9c066dd13eb1&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjgxNjI0MzYtNWQ3ODQyODQ3MGUwOQ==?checksum=66ad5de3d30316e4a5b872eefcfa9c066dd13eb1&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/eb8903ac-0b42-402c-bbe2-f2d25f52b3ee" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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We have been to Scandinavian festival in New Jersey where we met our true kin</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjgxNjI1NDctNWQ3ODQyZjNiNTIwZA==?checksum=a1d1b6495b02550ceb6c280c694609c9ce108038&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjgxNjI1NDctNWQ3ODQyZjNiNTIwZA==?checksum=a1d1b6495b02550ceb6c280c694609c9ce108038&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/eb8903ac-0b42-402c-bbe2-f2d25f52b3ee" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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And we have waved goodbye to Kristian and Ulrik who went back to Michigan 1 1/2 weeks ago. Ulrik to be back at college and Kristian to get back to his job in Detroit for the time being. Which has left me her with the 2 youngest 🐶. I can confess that no one slept particularly well the first night before school, but with a little over a week in, things are going OK. Luca has found a friend - “opposite Luca” who is short, sturdy, tan, and has dark hair. And who apparently lives in the same neighborhood as us. Almost too good to be true. Teresa has started cross country running and (after a few visits to the counselors office) she has gotten a schedule she is quite happy with - including “forensic science” (guess who is more excited about this class then her. Ahem).</div>
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We have to get up EARLY every morning because of the school bus schedule:</div>
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But this means that I can get up, make sure kiddos are up, take Luca to the school bus, walk the dog, AND still be at work before 8. Even with half an hours drive to get there. Then when I get home I get to walk Bailey again because this sort of happens every single time the kids try to take him out when I am not there:</div>
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He rolls in the grass. Rolls some more. Walks 3 steps and then refuses to do anything other than going back home! Stupid animal! But when I get home he behaves like no one bothered to take him out ALL afternoon. Duh.</div>
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Last but not least: one of the things I have been looking forward to is more space for succulents. And check out the surprise that waited for me this evening! I have never ever seen anything quite like it😍</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjgxNjMzMzYtNWQ3ODQ2MDhkOGRkMg==?checksum=740da48fa3bcddb269c826b23c00d780a0389564&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjgxNjMzMzYtNWQ3ODQ2MDhkOGRkMg==?checksum=740da48fa3bcddb269c826b23c00d780a0389564&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/eb8903ac-0b42-402c-bbe2-f2d25f52b3ee" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-16870677264287004082019-08-13T06:48:00.002-07:002019-08-13T06:48:51.493-07:00Goodbye Michigan<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Michigan<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first arrived and suffered through the very first of
your winters, when everything felt wrong because you did not resemble your beautiful
cousin California, and when I sat there in the school assembly room without knowing
a single one of the other parents, I really didn’t like you! In fact, I dreamt
about writing you a goodbye letter listing all the ways you were all wrong for me
and how I was SO not going to miss you – ever!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward 5 years, and here I sit in the middle of the space
formerly known as the living room. Surrounded by boxes of stuff I didn’t have 5
years ago and with red eyes from crying and missing you even though I haven’t even
left you yet. This space that I wanted to leave so badly, now suddenly echoes
with memories of sleepless nights where I was watched by the dog, there are
stains on the walls from kid’s birthday parties gone crazy, and so many dinners
cooked for friends in the kitchen. And now it feels like you and I were made
for each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for showing me Lake Michigan sunsets and the magic
of fire flies in the summer nights. And thank you for toughening me up and
making me forgive your winters every single one of your wonderful summers (sometimes
I didn’t stop looking out for ice patches on the sidewalks until we reached
August and then it was close to starting all over again……). Now my favorite
tree is the red maple in the early spring when it lights up in nature. You even
made me love geese! No sound predicts spring as much as geese making their
honking way up north in February, when I had stopped believing that winter would
ever end. And every time I see someone wearing blue and maize I want to run
over and introduce myself and say “Hey, I am from Michigan too!”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am leaving you with a mitten shaped hole in my heart and I
hope that I will still get to stop by and see you for a cup of coffee and a chocolate
covered cherry. Actually – why don't we make it a dinner and I’ll join you for home brewed beers and venison roast!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Best<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Henriette<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5644123916903395407.post-46406465616946423392019-07-21T15:38:00.001-07:002019-07-21T15:38:00.957-07:00Escaping the heat (somewhat)<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 15px;">Another weekend - another few days to spend in Michigan. And this time I really appreciated the colder climate there. The temperatures have been roaring in and around Philly and despite getting some of the heat Saturday the weather has been much cooler today - Sunday. When I flew out it was so hot and humid that the air coming into the aircraft instantly turned to “smoke” upon being cooled down (I hope you can see it right underneath the ceiling)</span><br />
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And the flight west turned out to be quite an adventure.First we boarded, then everyone de-boarded as Detroit airport closed down due to a thunderstorm. Then we boarded again, went on our way towards Detroit, that in the meantime had been closed <em>again</em> due to the weather and we were literally headed towards Columbus Ohio, when the plane got cleared to land. Phew! So I did make it back Friday night albeit it was late.</div>
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Saturday we headed towards Jackson, where a colleague of mine lives. He has a car lift and quite a bit of mechanic know-how, and he was kind enough to let us bring that ancient minivan of ours for a check.He even cooked us lunch! And it was delicious! (And a reminder that we should really think about getting that instapot ourselves....).Then it was time to hang out in the “garage”.Some of us fixed car, some of us cross stitched in a comfy chair</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjM3NDc4NTYtNWQzNGU2MTBlZDc1Mw==?checksum=338567a100c777aa0472cf91db8843ca1f7dfcea&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjM3NDc4NTYtNWQzNGU2MTBlZDc1Mw==?checksum=338567a100c777aa0472cf91db8843ca1f7dfcea&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/3f29f236-9750-4f18-932a-a50b6f218367" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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And some of us sorted through buckets of used bullets:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjM3NDc4NzYtNWQzNGU2MjQ1ZmFiNg==?checksum=64df3f5eb15c7fb909e8bb4ec8ed493279856bd7&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn3.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjM3NDc4NzYtNWQzNGU2MjQ1ZmFiNg==?checksum=64df3f5eb15c7fb909e8bb4ec8ed493279856bd7&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/3f29f236-9750-4f18-932a-a50b6f218367" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
And then Luca was allowed to try and shoot with a BBgun. Or so I thought😱 This turned out to be the real deal</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjM3NDc5MjMtNWQzNGU2NTMyMjIxYQ==?checksum=4bff7ccbe7b804df132b687066d7185934564b07&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn1.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjM3NDc5MjMtNWQzNGU2NTMyMjIxYQ==?checksum=4bff7ccbe7b804df132b687066d7185934564b07&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/3f29f236-9750-4f18-932a-a50b6f218367" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
Even I tried it - before I learned it was a real riffle🤦♀️ #dumbblondemuch?Needless to say - Luca was ecstatic, and is already begging to go back.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">
Driving back to Ann Arbor we passed a place in the so-called Irish hills where there is an abandoned prehistoric park with some creepy dinosaurs still being stuck there. Unfortunately the place was fenced in quite well and there was no place to sneak in. But at least you could see one of the dinos from the road:</div>
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<img alt="Image. Double tap this image to view it full screen. Double tap and hold to show sharing options." src="https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjM3NDg1MTQtNWQzNGU4YTI5NmM5NA==?checksum=8d51afae8e3efbe729a5338c2a7659bcddccbd89&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: auto; margin: 1.75em auto; max-width: 100%; min-height: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" title="" /><a class="pinterest-button" href="bloglovin://pinterest-button-tap?imageURL=https://cdn2.blovcdn.com/bloglovin/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tJTJGZmlsZXMuYWN0aXZhdGUuc29jaWFsJTJGdXNlci1pbWFnZS04NTcyMzE1LTE1NjM3NDg1MTQtNWQzNGU4YTI5NmM5NA==?checksum=8d51afae8e3efbe729a5338c2a7659bcddccbd89&format=j" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border-bottom-style: none; bottom: 8px; color: #147dfa; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; text-decoration: none; width: 30px;" title="Pin It. Button. Double tap this to share this image to Pinterest."><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/3f29f236-9750-4f18-932a-a50b6f218367" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: none; clear: both !important; display: block; height: 30px; margin: 0px; max-height: 30px; max-width: 30px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 30px; opacity: 0.75; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 30px;" /></a></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Henriettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06765265528043611877noreply@blogger.com0