Family and Friends

Well, where to start?…November was warm and beautiful here. Temperatures in the high 60’s and low 70’s. Beautiful days and cool evenings. Then the end of the month, our friends, Jackie and Ed came to visit. We had planned a wonderful week and a “Czech” thanksgiving feast. Unfortunately, Ed’s father died and they had to cut their trip short. We had a wonderful time while they were here and were again reminded of how much we miss our friends. Hopefully the little taste of the Czech Republic will make them want to come back for more.

The end of the month, Conner and his girl friend Kate arrived. It has been wonderful having them here. We have been running around, showing them the sights and just taking some time to lay around and watch movies and talk. Kate even helped me make some Christmas crafts and together we all put up the tree. Unfortunately the weather has turned cold and it is difficult to tramp around in 10F. We have had a little snow but it comes and goes. We did go to Prague for a few days and took Kate to the Castle, across Charles Bridge and to see the infant of Prague. It was really fun and we spent a little time at the Prague Christmas Market. I have to say that I like the Olomouc market better. Our market may not be so big, but it is filled with hand made items including some of the most wonderful, homemade sausages! The also have these big whole hams turning on spits on open wood fires and you get a chuck of meat with some great rye bread and a daub of mustard. Wonderful!!! Of course you need to drink the “punc”, a hot wine with fruit in it. This year they have even set up an ice skating rink in the middle of the old square and you can bring your skates and go skating under the shadows of the beautiful renaissance and art nouveau buildings! We managed to get over and spent a wonderful evening with my cousin Frantisek, his wife and one of their sons. We had a great meal and managed to communicate. The big news is that Frantisek and his oldest son, Petr have taken over the business of a Pension and restaurant in the Mountains in Northern CZ where they will run a ski resort in the winter and a hiking lodge in the summer. You can check out the place at their web site. www.penszionjavor.cz So any of you who wish to come and go skiing,..we can arrange that! So now we are busy planning Christmas and so happy that at least Conner and Kate can be here with us. Hopefully some time Quentin and Alana will be able to come.