Christmas has arrived in the Czech Republic!! Unfortunately that beautiful snow that we pictured for you in November is gone. The weather seems to stay right around 35 or 40 F. Who would have thought that by moving to the Czech Republic we were moving to a warmer climate!! With the terrible weather that Iowa has been having this month, anywhere would be warmer! There is still plenty of snow in the mountains and the Czechs head off almost every weekend to go skiing. I have decided that it is one sport that I will not be attempting in this lifetime. I value my body more than that!!
I have managed to do a little crafting here. Two weeks ago we went with Radka and her daughter on a crafting retreat and made all sorts of fun things. Everyone was Czech but they accepted us and welcomed us in. We had a great time and even got to observe the visit of St. Nicholas. It was up in the mountains and while I crafted, Ken wandered and drew pictures. I even met a Czech quilter there.
Ken left for the states last week and I stayed to finish up the semester and to give the final exams before I head off. We will be in the states until the middle of January and will try to see as many friends and family as we can. Both of the boys will be coming to Iowa to spend some time
with us. We plan to spend the xmas holiday with Ken's sister in St. Louis. It should be great fun to have all of her grandchildren around. We decided not to mail out Xmas cards or letters this year, but just to refer everyone to our blog and let them read our adventures. The boys are both doing fine. Quentin is getting started on the final projects he needs to get his PHD and Conner is singing and playing music for his second year at Lawrence University.
For us this year has been a wild and wonderful ride. Everyday brings a new adventure. The last few weeks there has been a Christmas market on the main square and I have wandered through several times. Not buying much, just watching the people and children, laughing, drinking punch (a mixture of Czech wine, fruit and sometimes rum all heated up) and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. I sometimes wonder if this place will hold so much excitement for us after 5 years. I just can't imagine ever being bored with it.
We are settled in and open for visits,...so plan your trip and come share our excitement!
When you write down your life, as I have here, you get to live it twice. We hope that by putting it out on this blog, you are having a chance to live a little bit of it too! May the new year keep you happy and healthy and bring you great adventures!
