Food Glorious Food

Food in Europe is not like the food I know in the US. Europeans turn food into art.

I must be true to myself and have cherries. I've never seen ice cream that looked like spaghetti. Yum!!

As I was sitting and drinking a glass of local wine- I can't tell what kind since I couldn't read the wine list, but it was red, and good; I looked up and above my head were future glasses of wine.

Selfies were challenging with my Surface since my arms aren't very long, but had to get this picture of - what else? Black Forest Torte.

 Sorry this photo doesn't do the food justice but a buffet at a wine garten in the Vienna Woods.

I was starting to get used to wine at lunch. This was a lovely white shared with the Holocaust survivor that I got to interview.

Sweet Corn as street food in Zagreb ,Croatia

Ahhh! Gelato in Sarajevo

Where in the US do you see pasties this pretty?

I am usually very adventurous and will try most anything, but I turned down the Turkish coffee, it smelled wonderful but strong enough to keep me awake for 3 days.

Home

I know that this will not in chronological order, but thought I'd post a quick comment on what I missed most when I was on my dream adventure. Now these are not in any particular order...
- large soft towels for after shower
-my pillow
- my cats
- milk
-Mahjong Titans- I didn't realize I needed Internet to play it on my Surface
- HGTV and Food Network
- checking emails everyday

What I'll miss most about Europe
- the gorgeous ice cream sundaes that should be considered am art form
- good cheese and good sausage
- the castles

Home Sweet Home

After seeing the Wizard of Oz at Tuacahn, and Spamalot at Spring Mountain- both professional outdoor playhouses, Dad got me up at 4:45am to catch a 6am flight home. I'm glad he's used to getting up early to be able to golf in the desert during the summer. I had a happy surprise waiting for me. My bushes had

been trimmed up beautifully and my daylilies were still blooming.

Julie and I had a fun evening together Wednesday attending an outside concert of the Charlotte Symphony followed by Fireworks. One of the best displays of fireworks I've seen. As they were exploding in the sky I thought of Indie and that these were flashing rainbow coco bots (her present term for polka dots).

So Happy 4th of July everyone!!!

On the road again...

Leaving Seattle is always a hard thing so to ease the pain a bit cherries and wine certainly help. We were able to stop at the Chukar Cherry outlet in Washington to stock up on their delicious treats. Then off to a new winery for a tasting- Almond Roca had to come home with me.

We stayed the night in Idaho Falls taking advantage of the long days to get a look at Shoshone Falls after the park had officially closed so we didn't have to pay to get in. At 9pm we were taking these great photos.

Asher Makes History

Asher made history wearing Grandma Baker's christening gown for his dedication June 22. The gown has been in our family now for 5 generations and is over 100 years old. Just so he wasn't totally girly he kept on his pants and tennis shoes, and didn't wear the underslip.

It meant so much to my parents and I that we could be witnesses to this event.

Seattle

For me, Seattle has 1 main attraction and that's the Hermsens: Josh, Jessica, Indie, and Asher.
I got to meet Asher for the first time and his was just the cutest cuddler ever. We all took turns holding and feeding him. He never seemed to care who he was cuddled up to.

 Indie has gotten so big and truly loves her princesses and polka dots- even if it's the potty princess. We had so much fun playing outside together. I even tried to fix her hair.

Westward Ho!

Graduation finished June 14 and the 16th I was on a plane to LasVegas. Mom, Dad, and I set off Wed. June 18th for Seattle stopping for Breakfast in Death Valley National Park- pictures 1 and 2. We drove through the back side of Yosemite from east to west and caught a gorgeous glimpse of Half Dome. We also took a rest at the nicest outhouse I've ever seen. We had beautiful weather the entire time we were gone. No rainy Seattle days for us.

The Big Night

Tuesday June 3rd was a Big Night for me. I was recognized at the World Affairs Council of Charlotte Banquet. A Wonderful evening of beautiful dresses, handsome tuxes, delicious food, and good wine. As I was introduced, my picture was shown on 2 huge screens for the about 500 people in attendance to see and the MC shared about my upcoming trip to Vienna and Sarajevo that their $2500 helped pay for. I was one of 7 teachers chosen from 5 counties around Charlotte to receive the award. While I was walking back to my seat many people shook my hand and congratulated me. I felt beautiful, and even had a Cinderella moment. Though I didn't loose my whole shoe, as I was walking to the stage I felt this flapping, I quickly reached down and the sole of my shoe came off. Sad to say there was no Prince Charming. Thanks to my dear friend Jean Peach I can share these pictures with you.

Roommates

Two of my roommates are Thomas T. Tillerman, II or TT and MacCollum Miller, gentleman cat. Now you can meet them.

A trip to my garden. Who would have known when we planted these lilies that they would be Virginia Tech's colors. An annual little visit from angel David.

The Beginning

My new journeys began March 9, 2012 when David got his angel's wings. I also gained wings. Being a bit technologically challenged, I haven't felt a need to have a blog, but one of my newest journeys has required me to start one. So, get on board and follow me to where life takes me.