We are back to regular PDX weather...yup it's raining again

I am so glad that the snow is almost all gone...It was great for Xmas but it was enough. We are back to rain, some sun, and weather in the 40's. I wonder is this what winter feels like in Northern Germany? Could you please let me know? I look forward to hear from you...

Swimming...

The girls really want to go swimming so today we decided to try out the North Clackamas Aquatic Center. http://www.clackamas.us/ncprd/aquatic/ This is the best public pool I have been to in PDX. There are slides, a good size kiddie pool with slide, a wave pool (I have not seen that anywhere else in PDX), lap pool, diving pool, and a whirlpool. The girls had a ton of fun. There are family changing rooms complete with a shower which made changing in and out of swim suits easy. This is a much better solution for a family swim than driving out to Bonneville as there is no kiddie pool. However, the air temperature was a little chilly to me. There is some space to walk around, and some tables are set up where you can eat snacks (from the snack bar), or drink a soda. It is of course not TuWass http://www.tuwass.de/0_fr_start.htm, but better than any pools I have been to. It does need a little updating...

There were a few things that seemed quite strange to me

• People were allowed to walk into the pool area with their street shoes to test the water (feel the water temperature. Is it just me? I think its a little gross
• There was quite a bit of sand (at least that is what it seemed like) in the kiddie pool. I could not figure out where it came from as there is no sand box inside?
• Whirlpool only allows people above the age of 18. So there it is not possible to enjoy warmer water with your kids. Here is a picture to the "warm" area at TuWass http://www.tuwass.de/0_fr_start.htm

If you have not been, you should give this pool a try. Have fun...

The "Gingerbread House" and the Christmas Goose

A picture of the "Gingerbread House" the girls and I made, a picture of the Christmas goose, and Ron carving the goose.

Portland after the 2008 snowstorm

Finally a few pictures.  Above you can see what our street looks like (its a little better now), the girls sledding, our backyard, and the lower reservoir at Mt. Tabor.  Can you believe that these pictures are from Portland, Oregon?

Snow & Gluehwein

My shopping adventure was great. Snow everywhere, very few cars, and buses still did run. I just read that Multnomah County (PDX County) declared a state of Emergency today. Look at the new video from KATU news http://www.katu.com/news/36269429.html click on Video...

I have to say that I like this weather. The girls played out in the snow, and Ron walked down to Hawthorne. People were out on cross country skies, snow shoes, etc. - This weather calls for Gluehwein. I just made my very first batch. I confess, that I never made it myself before. We have a fire going, the tree looks beautiful and the Gluehwein...well it just smells delicious :) Here is how I made it

1 bottle red wine
2 cinnamon sticks
Juice of 1 orange
Peel off one orange
1/4 cup of sugar (or a little more to taste)
a few cloves

- Put it all together on the stove and let simmer for about 20 - 30 minutes.

Enjoy on a cold winter night :)

We are totally SNOWED IN...yes, you are reading correctly this is Portland, Oregon...

It snowed most of last night, and it is snowing again this morning. Our street has not been plowed in days, our footprints in the yard are long gone and covered with new snow. Honestly I have not experienced ANYTHING like this since leaving Chicago and there I only experienced one great big snowstorm. I do not recall having EVER experienced anything like this in Germany. WOW...It sure is pretty, but there is no way we can leave the house with the car. Chains are now required in the ENTIRE Portland metro area, Lufthansa has cancelled their flight into PDX, and I am quite sure (but please do not quote me on this one) will also be cancelling the flight to SeaTac. I-84 the major highway connecting us to everyone else in the Eastern States is indefinitely shut between Troutdale and Hood River. I cannot stop saying WOW...Check this news video out, when you click on the link, click on "Video" http://www.katu.com/news/36269429.html.

As for us, we are still good on food but Christmas is this week so I need to get some stuff. I just called New Seasons and they are open. I will put on my snow pants, two pairs of socks, my thick winter coat (thanks to living in the Midwest), and make my trek out to Division Street. I am hoping that the #4 bus will run to take me down to the store. And yes, I have already called the store New Seasons Seven Corners is open. If worst comes to worst, I will just walk to the store. Good thing we live in the city. I will keep you all posted on my adventure...

PDX almost at complete stand still because of winter snow...

Today PDX is almost at a complete standstill because of the snow and freezing rain we had over night. Yesterday it snowed pretty much the entire day. I have never experienced this here in Portland. Snow yes, but never like this...this has been going on for a week now. During the week the school closures etc. were really (in my humble opinion) on most days not necessary, but the weather yesterday and today really warrants closures. I-84, this is the main artery connecting us to the East of the United States, is completely SHUT between Troutdale and Hood River. Chains are required on all highways in Multnomah County, and chains are required on ALL streets in Washington County...Watch the news http://www.katu.com/news/36269429.html (click on Video). The trains (Max) aren't even running. I do not remember having ever experienced something like this in Germany. Maybe its because the streets were cleared...

Yesterday I had to head over to Beaverton. A trip which should take no more than half an hour took me almost an hour and a half. And yes, the roads were very, very SCARY. Back on the east side I saw people on their skies, pulling kids on sleds, etc.

Truth be said, I do like the white and am very much looking forward to a white Christmas. I am just glad we have enough food in the house to get us through the weekend....Stay warm everyone. As always I would love to hear from you...

Another snow day...

The snow yesterday tapered off around 11 AM, and was completely melted by 3 PM. Nevertheless Alena's school called it an early day meaning that kids needed to be picked up by 1 PM. I admit that there was quite a bit of disappointment about the snow being gone. But hurray, it started to snow again last night, it still is snowing (OK just a little bit) and everything is pretty and white. There is less than one inch on the streets, really, really beautiful, and to my amazement schools are closed again today...Maybe its very icy out. Oh well, hopefully so the snow will stick this time.

It is snowing again...

For yesterday an arctic freeze was predicted and again there was no school. It actually was not bad at all. It snowed a little in the morning which was beautiful, but by early evening it turned to rain which took away all of the white beauty :(. The temperature was supposed to dip down below freezing but luckily it never did. So today school is on and it has been snowing beautiful thick flakes since around 8 AM. It is just gorgeous out there. Let's see if the kids stay in school today so. I am just waiting for the call, that school is letting out early.

One thing about the snow so is that I LOVE it. I know that it will only last for a short little while, but really there is nothing like snow to put me into the Christmas spirit :)

It only rains in Portland...no, we actually are having a winter freeze

Hi there to everyone from the Artic Portland, Oregon. Yup, that's right it is almost arctic cold here with snow on the ground. It snowed Sunday almost all day long and the roads were in complete chaos. We had to go to the west side and without chains it was really impossible to go. Therefore we went on a little adventure, parked the car by the Max Train and took the Train to the west side. Our friends picked us up, but they did have chains on their tires. I don't think that I have ever seen the roads so deserted. 26 a major highway was not plowed, earlier that they I-5 which is the major artery connecting us to California, and Washington State was CLOSED. Yes, you read it correctly, the Interstate was closed. Chains were mandatory on all highways in the Portland metro area. Wow!!! Turns out, that we really only got a couple of inches of snow, but the the city just is not prepared and there are not enough snow plows.

Truth be said so, it actually is nice to have some snow before Christmas.

Prinzessin Lillifee Party for Alena - with Swabian Potato Salad and Wiener Wuerstchen...

Prinzessin Lillifee.... Die Maus

Alena's Birthday Party was yesterday...she wanted a theme of flowers, hearts, and pink. I got (on our annual trip to Germany) Prinzessin Lillifee napkins, candles (for the cake), ballons, party flags, and party hats. The entire room was a dream in pink...http://www.prinzessin-lillifee.de/ if you would like to see what the Prinzessin looks like..OK - so what does that have to do the least bit with being German in PDX? Let me tell you. Here is the German twist to the B-day party...We played the Mausgelassene Geburtstagsparty CD, played games, and I made Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) for dinner.

The games we played are the ones I remember from my childhood. One of them is "Topfschlagen", or hit the pot. You put a little gift underneath a pot and place it on the floor. The

player gets her/his eyes covered, and holds a wooden spoon. The player then crawls on the floor hitting it until she/he hits the pot. The crowd tells the player how close she/he is to the pot by yelling "cold", "warm", "warmer", "hot". Once the pot has been found the player gets the little toy underneath. Its great fun...here is a link I found on the web. http://www.topics-mag.com/edition11/games-toddlers.htm. The second game we played involves a cardboard roll, yarn attached and a gift at the end. There are two players. Whoever rolled the yarn up the fastest wins. The very nice thing is that both kids get to keep their prize...For more ideas look to these pages (they are both in German only) http://www.kindergarten-workshop.de/ and http://www.kindersuppe.de/index.html.

After cake, music, games, and some free play the kids were hungry for Wiener Wuerstchen (aka Saiten Wuerstle, Hot Dogs), Potato Salad, and Pink Lemonade with heart ice cubs. I think everybody had a great time...

Election Day...

The big day was finally here and at long last we are no longer inundated with political ads. In all aspects this was a historical race. An African-American running for President, and on the other side a woman running for Vice-President. I have never seen such excitement about politics. People wearing their buttons, T-Shirts, bumper stickers, etc. proclaiming you has their vote. I do not recall having ever seen anything like that in Germany. But truth be said, I have been living in the States for a very long time. So please let me know if you feel that is incorrect. Are people in Germany showing their "color" by admitting whom they support?

We spent the election day evening at our friends house on the other side of PDX. Driving back home on Hawthorne, there were fireworks (yup - fireworks), people on the streets dancing, cheering, crying, drumming...This is (to draw an analogy) how I imagine the streets in Germany were when the German soccer team made it to the finals in the 2006 World Cup. But to see this to celebrate an election...

Our Trip to Germany - final thoughts

What a great trip we had!!!

We stayed in Nendingen in an apartment right of the hiking trail, and right off the fields. It was wonderful. Alena (our oldest) went to Kindergarten for the full time we were there. What a fantastic experience. This is the second year she has attended Kindi in Germany and it is the best!!! Full emergence into German. She has been telling everyone that she has two Kindi's a German and an English one.

Besides that it has been great to go to the market twice a week, get great Bretzeln every day...We ended up going swimming every second day! The girls LOVED it. Check out the great pool in Tuttlingen here http://www.tuwass.de/0_fr_start.htm. They were so excited every time we drove to it. - I LOVE to go swimming, but also had some time by myself as I went to the Sauna at the very least once every week. The Sauna in Tuttlingen is fantastic as well. Check it out here http://www.tuwass.de/0_fr_start.htm.

I already wrote about our great trip to Berlin. We also went to the Bodensee (Lake of Constance) pretty much on a weekly basis. Another place the girls loved was the http://www.affenberg-salem.de/. Monkeys roam free, and you get popcorn to feed to the monkeys. Alena actually fed the monkeys. One piece of popcorn at a time. When the monkey wanted a second piece right away she looked at him, pointed to him and said "you have your mouth full!!!!". It was really funny :)

Bottom line about our trip it was great, and staying close to five weeks is just the perfect amount of time. Honestly so, I would like to be able to go at least twice a year. Once for a shorter period (no less than two weeks) and the other time for a longer period of time. But for now I am happy to be back in Portland :)

Kaffeklatsch the Portland way :)

So what on earth is a Kaffeklatsch?! - Here is my definition on the topic, keep in mind I have been in ex-pat for almost 15 years and please correct me if I am not quite accurate...

Where I come from women invite each other over in the afternoon for coffee & cake. Usually a few girlfriends get together, drink coffee, have cake, and may later on have a glass of bubbly :) The setting I know for this is ALWAYS at a table, the table is ALWAYS set with silverware, china, etc. It's by no means formal by German standards. In any case, so today I invited a bunch of my friends from the Spielgruppe (playgroup), as well as other German speaking friends over to our house for a Kaffeklatsch. Of course there was coffee, I also baked a couple of cakes AND chocolate chip cookies (very American :) ), but here is were I changed the rule. All in all we were 11 women, and about 17 kids. So I did not set a table, I did not put out the china, did not set the table (too many people :) )...no, totally un "PC", we had paper cups (hot/cold of course), paper plates, the cakes were set buffet style and we a hung out in the yard as the kids played.
And I think all of us had a great time :)

It is really funny so how traditions I grew up with become again relevant and important as I live so far away from the place were I was raised.

Camping in Oregon...

In almost 15 years my very first camping trip in the U.S....Growing up in Germany we went camping all the time. Whenever there we had vacation we packed the trailer and headed south. Later on (in my European life :) ) I went camping quite frequently and really generally enjoyed it. So what happened I ask myself, why have we not been camping in the US?

To me European Campgrounds are never out in the wilderness. There is always a coffee shop, little restaurant, store where you can buy stuff. The bathrooms are generally clean, spacious and heated...so when I heard people going to camp in the NW I only heard "wilderness", and imagined a totally, totally rustic experience. And not to forget the wild life we have in Oregon as in bears, mountain lion, etc....

OK so finally we went on a one night camping trip (Thanks to the Oregonian travel section a couple of weeks ago :)) The park was Silverton Falls State Park (FYI - http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php) and it was GREAT! - The girls loved it, playground was in sight from our campsite, the bathroom/shower facilities well they do not compare to what I have used in Europe but they were fine, but here is the really, really great part. Each campsite has a fire pit and pick nick bench. If that is not fantastic then I don't know what is. Of course we had a fire, grilled "Wuerstle" over the fire which both girls loved, and then (my first) all American the toasted Marshmallow...quite interesting. So I take back everything negative I have said about camping in Oregon. It really was great, and we certainly will camp again soon. Truth be said so, a few days only a whole week would be a little too much for me still...

Homesickenss...does it ever go away

At least once a month I get together with other German women living in the greater PDX area. We meet at a different home each month, there are different participants each month, and it is always very interesting. The women come from all walks of life. Women that have lived in the US for over 20 years, women who just moved here, expats who will go back to Germany within three years...So there is always different conversation and lots of fun to be had.

We met again last week and talked about one very interesting topic. Homesickness...the consensus seems to be...it never goes away. In the beginning it is not there at all. Speaking from my own experience the first few years, it was just so great to be away. But as I get older I begin to appreciate my roots much more. Funny things happen...I am from the South, but never really spoke with a real heavy Swabian accent...now the Southern draw seems to be much thicker. I am proud to be from Swabia. When we lived in Chicago I never had to urge to hang out with other Germans. I wanted to be all American...but now being older, having small children, I have to urge to hang out with Germans. It is on an even balance. I think that I have just as many American friends as I have German friends in PDX.

But would I ever move back to Germany? Well, the answer is no. I have thought about it many times. After 15 years in the US I do not think that I could easily reintegrate. Plus work, just another small factor :) I guess in an ideal world we'd spend three months in Europe and the rest of the year in PDX. That sounds great, doesn't it? There are other issues so...I sometimes feel like living in a perpetual grey zone. The prepetual grey zone of not belonging to either culture. I have lived too long away from Germany so I cannot really identify with the things going on in Germany today; on the other hand I did not grow up in the US so there are many things I just do not understand.

For now so I think that we have the perfect balance. Having lots of American and German friends, travelling to Germany at least once a year, speaking only German with our kids...in a way full emergence into both cultures....

One funny think I have to add here (and I think it was said before) is that when I am in Europe for a while I get really, really homesick for PDX :) So maybe the answer is that I have become a true citizen of the world, but then again there would be no homesickness, right?

The all American BBQ...

Finally summer has arrived in Portland. We have been waiting for a very long time. At least it seems like it. Yes, it is green, roses have been in bloom for a while but we really missed getting sunshine. So finally summer...what is the best way to celebrate this? Of course with a great, all American BBQ. Since this is our first real BBQ of the summer we will be having steaks. Yup! Is there anything more American than that :) I think today will be a day where there will be no German food at all. Steak, baked potatoes, corn (if I can get some corn), pasta salad, and dessert. As for the dessert that is something I still have not really thought about. Maybe a nice fruit salad. Can't have a better start to a great summer.

Farmers Market in Portland

It is the time of year again for farmers markets all around the metro Portland area. I love them. They just such a reminder of home. The downtown market on Wednesday morning/early afternoon is just wonderful. Seasonal fruits and veggies; there are vendors selling sausages, tamales, pita, etc. My youngest daughter and I went this morning. The problem however is that I always buy too much...I better start canning.

The market does remind me of home, but it is very different. In my home town there are two markets, Monday and Friday, the entire year. The other difference include:- the produce, its not just local; sausage, it being Germany the major focus is to sell the Wurst and meat on the market. The butcher also has a grill for the Bratwurst; Eggs and poultry is sold on the market; Fish; Cheese selling cheese from Germany and Switzerland; oh yes and the booth selling Curry Wurst my personal favorite (and yes, my husband does not like it). - So yes, the farmers market in PDX is just like home but different. It does make me a little homesick and then again when I am on the market in Tuttlingen (www.tuttlingen.de) I get a little homesick for Portland....

Have a great day all...we will enjoy our Cherries & Strawberries now :)

Back after a long hiatus

I am back...it is hard to believe that it has been five months since my last blog. Life is moving along smoothly in the West :)

It seems that I am meeting Germans every single week. Just fantastic. In Chicago, where I lived for ten years, I never met any German. Maybe because I did not have children at that time...Last week I went out with a some of my friends and there were almost 15 German speaking women. Just want to assure everyone that we had a great time :) I actually stayed out until almost 11:30 PM...Alright, enough blabbing for one day :)

So glad to be in Portland...

Taco's for dinner...YES food that can be eaten by hand. Simple easy, and yes messy. I am so glad to live here. Sometimes all it takes for me to be happy is an easy fix dinner. So what does this have to do with Germany? Good question...at home (now I am referring to my home in Germany) it would be inconceivable to eat dinner with your hands. I think my Mom (sorry Mom) would throw her hands up in the air and say "only in America" is it possible to consider this a "decent meal". My best friend in Germany would probably say the same thing...OK - I have left Germany almost 15 years ago AND I am from a fairly small town of 36,000 people. So I am probably totally out of touch...but hey I was saying tonight "I am so glad to live in the States" I love easy, kid friendly, fun dinners. At least once in a while I am not uptight :)