What's Happening? On the Go 2011
Wolfs take trip to Balloon Fiesta and the Great Sand Dunes National Park
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Kendall and Julie Wolf recently returned from a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. According to Kendall, “we had a great time, and the weather at the Balloon Fiesta was absolutely perfect. The prevailing breezes caused the famed “Albuquerque Box” to work perfectly, allowing the balloons to fly south at a lower altitude, then return north over the balloon field at a higher altitude. As usual, the spectacle of hundreds of balloons in the air was breathtaking. A world’s record was set on Saturday, Oct. 1 when 346 balloons were launched in one hour.
The weather “turned south” a little bit at the sand dunes. We awoke to a bit of snow and cold winds. The weather only served to enhance the experience, and, besides, it turned pretty nice before we left. Between the Balloon Fiesta and the sand dunes we enjoyed a trip to the top of Sandia Peak via the world’s longest tramway, visited the Salinas Pueblo Mission ruins (dating from the 1600s), Santa Fe, and the quaint village of Chimayo, N.M. All in all, a great trip.” 
(Click on a photo above to view full size photo with caption)
Ray and Marsha Goff's excellent October Colorado adventure
Timing is everything! Our spontaneous October trip to Rocky Mountain National Park AND driving straight through from Lawrence (ele. 860) to Grand Lake (ele. 8,437) were not our best ideas. Add a little snow and Ray, suffering a vicious high altitude headache, was not a happy camper.
He's not a big fan of snow anywhere, but he especially hates snow in the mountains. I learned that one long-ago July when we spent several days at a Winter Park ski lodge. When I casually mentioned, "I'd like to see these mountains with snow on them," Ray's reply was swift, "Then buy a postcard."
We drove out on Wednesday a week ago, saw a bunch of elk up close and personal and the distant backside of a moose on Thursday and drove home on Friday. Our fast exit was prompted by the snow that fell on Thursday, causing 34 accidents up on the mountain before Trail Ridge Road was closed, and the forecast of more snow on Friday.
And guess what? We still had a good time!
Larry and Cathy Nieder Dunlap were recently in France
Cathy shares the following:
“We spent 4 days in Normandy in early September remembering our Veterans and their enormous sacrifices. The waters at Omaha Beach were very calm the day we were there, however, looking at the bluffs our guys had to get over we were struck with the enormity of the Operation. Those who made it ashore had no protection from the artillery coming at them. Tanks that were to protect them had gone down in the rough waters. At least 2200 of our young men died. Yet at the end of the day they owned the beach and by the next day had advanced inland to join the other armies. I can't imagine the courage it took to continue on.”
Editorial comment: It is especially sobering to consider that these boys were our fathers and uncles who, at the time, were younger than many of our grandchildren are today. God bless all the men and women serving in our armed services.
Yin and Elizabeth Yeh have recently returned from their 50th anniversary/retirement trip
As Yin reports:
“We just returned from our Eastern European trip (8/11). This was one we decided to be exploring lands we had not touched during our careers. We visited Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, several of the Balken countries, and the Czech, Slovakia combination, finishing in our old grounds of Vienna, Austria. The common geographic theme is the Danube River, but we found out that multiple rulers in these lands over the years have created some of the most diverse architecture and people.We were treated to a Jewish synagogue built to Catholic specs. Then there is a Christian church within a Mosque, facing the Mecca. Finally there are Christian symbols all over the sacred Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
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Charles Bridge, Prague |
Hero’s Square, Budapest |
Bosphorus Sea, Istanbul |
“Since these states have been so occupied by the Romans, Monguls, Ottomans, and the Austrian-Hungarian empires as well as the Soviet influence, their cultures are very diverse, but each is a very proud people, wanting the sense of independence as a nation. Those royalties definitely spread their influence via marriages and building of their palaces/villa. The artists and musicians are certainly attracted to this region by the beauty of scenery as well as the diversity of cultures.
”I am still trying to sort out the nearly 1000 photos taken on this trip.”
Bob and Lillian Lockwood take trip through six states
Bob and Lillian Lockwood, and German Shepherd Buddy, took a road trip vacation in June through 6 states, with the final destination in the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. The weather was perfect, the wildlife plentiful, the views spectacular, the hiking trails challenging, and the relaxation superb. Crossed six major rivers, all very full (Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio). Stopped at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, the Ft Donelson National Battle Field, Tennessee, Dollywood and awesome downtowns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tenessee, and the heavy traffic in St Louis, Nashville, and Knoxville.
Wolfs travel to London and Paris
Kendall and Julie Wolf recently returned after 2 weeks in London and Paris. As Kendall reports, "Though I used to travel in Europe on business, I had only short periods for sight-seeing and Julie had never been, so we decided last year on a European trip this year. We elected to spend 9 nights in London and 4 nights in Paris. Obviously, that kind of schedule gives short shrift to both. While in London, we tried to see as much as possible, including Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the British Museum, the Tate Modern, St. Paul's Cathedral, and, for Julie, Abbey Road and the Abbey Road Studios.
We took three different day trips from London. First, to Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover, and Greenwich, capped by a short "cruise" on the Thames. Leeds, surrounded by a moat and beautiful grounds, is reputed to be the most beautiful castle in England. It was privately owned until 1974 by the granddaughter of a former U.S. Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney.
Another trip took us to the Cotswalds, an area that comprises much of what is "prototypical Britain;" quaint villages, thatched roofs, beautiful countryside, and a delightful pub where we enjoyed lunch (and a beer). Included was a stop at Stratford-Upon-Avon, and a visit to a house where Shakespeare once lived.
Our other trip was to Stonehenge and Bath. Going to Stonehenge, mysterious as it is, revealed little that one doesn't get from the iconic photos that everyone has seen, or one of the many documentaries filmed at the site. Bath, on the other hand was all that I expected, and more. The Roman Baths are very interesting, but most enjoyable to me was exploring the streets of the town.
In between tourists sites and day trips, we put scores of miles on our shoes, walking the streets of London, with a few stops at pubs, perhaps the greatest invention out of Britain.
At the end of our stay in London, we took the train, under the English Channel, to Paris. This was a very nice trip. The train was quiet, smooth, fast, and lacked the hassle of air travel.
Shoe leather suffered even more in Paris. Our apartment was very conveniently situated in walking distance of the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs des Elysee, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.
We waited in line during a light rain for nearly an hour to enter the Louvre. The Mona Lisa is the most sought art work in the museum, and it was a physical battle to get close enough to get a good view. This is in stark contrast to my visit in 1975 when I estimate there were less than a dozen people nearby when I viewed it. Nevertheless, it was the Louvre....
We expected to ascend the Eiffel Tower, but the crowds and threat of severe weather gave us second thoughts, and we enjoyed the experience from the ground.
A highlight for me was a trip to Versailles, where we enjoyed a walk through the gardens, before touring the palace itself. The Hall of Mirrors was worth the price of admission by itself.
Though time seemed short, there is too much to report, and I fear I've rambled too long already."
Janet Jackson Nicholson will miss reunion
Janet wrote that she and her husband, John, will be vacationing in Colorado at reunion time, so won't be able to attend. (Yes, she knows that Colorado is almost to Kansas, but there's just no way to make it to Lawrence.) Janet notes that they have survived two cataract surgeries, and that she underwent surgery for Dupuytren's syndrom last January. All surgeries were successful, and both are hale and hearty. Last August, Janet and John took a cruise to Alaska in celebration of their 50th anniversary. Janet said, "It was a great experience and we really enjoyed seeing all the different destinations, glaciers, and wildlife." (Personal aside. I envy you, Janet, an Alaskan cruise is on my bucket list.)
Janet continues to enjoy her watercolor painting groups and shows. She claims it keeps her out of trouble.
Everything but a mountain lion
Stuart Smith, with wife, Anita, recently spent a couple of days with Kendall and Julie Wolf, as they visited Stuart's mother while on their way to their summer home on Lake Superior near Lutsen, Minn. via Yellowstone NP and environs. Stuart proclaimed the Buffalo Bill museum in Cody, Wyo. one of the best that he's ever seen. They encountered heavy snow in Yellowstone, but that didn't inhibit the wildlife, as Stuart said they saw "everything but a mountain lion." They're now comfortable in their cabin, and going to sleep every night with the sound of the waves lapping at the shore.
Trip to DC a family tradition
Cathy Neider Dunlap and husband, Larry, have found a way to spend some quality one-on-one time with grandchildren. Here's Cathy's report:
It has become a tradition to take a 6th grade grandchild to Washington, DC. Two years ago we took Ellie, the oldest. She loved it and we hoped, Amelia, the next, would feel the same. There were some things that we did the first time that we would not do again. One was taking a boat tour to Mount Vernon. It took the whole day and was, generally, wasted time. This year we also added a day, spending 6 days there instead of 5. We did not rent a car. Parking was $40 a day.
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, a couple of blocks from the White House and across from a Metro station. A favorite restaurant, Potenza, is just around the corner. We had Senator Moran's office set up all of our visits to; the White House, Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and National Archives. Next time we will have some questions ready for the White House visit. The Blue Room, the Red Room, the Green Room, etc. were all nice but we never learned their significance.
We took a Gray Line tour to Mount Vernon/ Arlington Cemetery. t was excellent. We also got on the Hop-On/Hop Off tour bus for a couple of days. Getting around on the Metro was very easy, except sometimes the station was farther than I wanted to walk. We bought 3 $20 passes, which lasted us the whole time. Taking the Metro to and from the Reagan National Airport was easy.
We lined up at the Washington Memorial at 7:30 a.m. to get the free passes. We were able to get a 10:30 spot. They were all given out by 9 a.m. This time we went in May instead of June. The weather was perfect. If you haven't been there. Please make it a priority. We look forward to taking Luke in two years.
Unfortunately, it seems that our reunion is in conflict with Larry's, and Cathy has already invited house guests for that time. So, we won't see Cathy this reunion. Perhaps the 60th?
Egypt called Ed Schwartz
Egypt called Ed Schwartz, and his wife, Ruth, last November. They traveled with a small group and were able to visit schools, farms, businesses and were able to talk openly about politics and economics. As expected, they loved going down the Nile, marveling at how the pyramids were constructed over 5000 years ago. At no time, Ed reports, did they sense the tension and unrest that manifested shortly after they left.
Christmas in Holland
Will and Ruthie Pippert Owens spent some quality time with grandchildren in the Netherlands over the past Christmas. In Ruthie's words:
Our son Michael was on Sabbatical this past year teaching and learning from Doctors in Amsterdam as well as sharing information with Doctors in his specialty in France, Germany, and Belgium. Will and I have been in Europe in the Summer and Spring but never around Christmastime until now. It was a delightful time to be there with our son and his family. We had fun seeing our three little grandchildren engaged in the native custom of welcoming Sinter Klaas from Spain on a boat with his ever watching Peds. The costumed Peds were everywhere in museums, restaurants, on the streets, store and even our homes — we know because of all the special Ped cookies and cakes strewn about and overturned furniture on several occasions. But Sinter Klaas likes to be home in Spain for his birthday so leaves the Netherlands the same time each year. On the night before Sinter Klaas left after his two week visit he learned from his eyes and ears the Peds if the boys and girls had been good or bad. He came into our home through windows and thank goodness left the children lovely gifts instead of coal and sticks in the childrens shoes like many artists showed in the museums. Magically, the whole town that went all out for Sinter Klaas was transformed almost overnight into a beautiful city ready for Christmas with Santas, Christmas Trees, and bright lights everywhere! The Christmas Markets are so popular there as in many other parts of Europe bringing lots of cruises and tours that time of year. It was simply gorgeous in Amsterdam with all 1000 bridges over the 100 canals outlined with Christmas lights and reflecting in the water. The Plazas or Squares as they call them were certainly gathering places with their highly decorated wooden chalets serving hot Belgium Chocolate, fancy pastries, and freshly made waffles and donuts.
The Netherlands like much of Europe takes one back in time and its quaint Architecture and culture is well preserved. The Museums are fabulous, especially the famous Rijks, Van Gogh, and Anne Franks House that are well worth spending time in. Will and I baby-sat while Michael took his wife Robin to Paris for some R&R and we loved taking and picking up the oldest grandchild to International School and the middle one to preschool. Robin took all three on her bike with a large cart in front. Michael who loved being home with the family so much of the time took the two to school on his bike, but I was not confident enough to maneuver around on all the bridges and dodging all the cars and hundreds of other bikes with such precious cargo so I used the tram. The schools are amazing and teach World History in second grade that we learn in the US in High School. That left a lot of quality time with the two year old riding the canals in boats and visiting the unique toy stores where nothing needs a battery! We visited working windmills in the countryside where they still make chalk, cheese, and paint, we took train rides with the family, and spent time in many neighborhood pubs with cozy fireplaces. Although we has some snow when all the swans gathered where there was no ice on the canals, the weather was surprisingly nice with only one rainy day and lots of warm sunshine by 10 each morning. As our kids left for Switzerland to ski the Alps (even the 7 year old skied the blacks), Will and I left for sunny, warm Spain with its Palm trees.
Now we will be leaving soon for our summer home in Portland, Oregon since the kids are back in the USA. We spend a lot of time there to be close to the grandchildren and it is a beautiful place to be as Portland is only an hour away from the Pacific Ocean and an hour away from the Cascade Mountains. Not a bad way to spend a summer!
We're counting on Ruthie and Will to find time to attend the reunion in September, and we're sure they will.
Family Members Visit from Korea
Enice Foster Lee and husband, Ho Soo, had planned a trip to Korea early this year, but their family members all came to the U.S. instead. They had a wonderful visit, and the Korean visitors also had a chance to visit friends in Texas and California as well. I imagine it is difficult to have family so far away, but Eunice is thankful for all the modern technology as they can talk to and see the family member even though they are thousands of miles away. She reports that they are considering a trip to South Korea in February of 2012, but it's just in the discussion stage at this time.
West Coast Trip
David Paul and his wife, Susan, took a trip to San Diego to visit a cousin. After enjoying the sights of SD, they went "to the Napa wine country and were also mightily impressed there. It is remarkably beautiful and, of course, the wineries are plentiful, way more than we had imaginedmost of which we had never heard of...we went wine tasting at as many vineyards as we had time for in the three days we were there and I can safely say I was tasted out by the time we finished ... after a while, they all begin to taste the same and the whole adventure just loses its appeal. At least it did for us; we're just not oenophile enough to appreciate the complexities of the wine industry. Two-buck Chuck works for us. After Napa, Susan and I went to Yosemite National Park for a couple of days. All I can say about Yosemite is WOW! You just can't take enough pictures to capture the grandeur of the place. Yeah, I know; Ansel Adams gave it his best shot and did a marvelous job, but ya gotta be there. It truly is breath-taking."