After a very wet summer, fall has come early. There have already been several mornings with snow dusting the mountain tops. Beautiful…but wow! Hard to believe it is already here.
Overall, however, I’m glad for the change in seasons. This summer has been hard. I’ve been ridiculously low for the past several months. Like as in looooooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I’m sure it was a combination of things that gave me the blues, (the financial instability of starting a new business, not having enough to occupy my brain, a very sore back so no exercise, etc., etc.) but underneath it all I’d have to say my being down stemmed from homesickness.
But the last week I seem to have got my mojo back. I’m organizing the apartment, doing some contract work for good friend Lesli in Vancouver, and even started flossing! (I’m one of those lifelong non-flossers, so this is huge.)
I recently read a blog post (can’t find it at the moment to link to…oh well) suggesting that it doesn’t matter where you live. You can carve a happy life anywhere you are and moving won’t necessarily solve your problems.
As someone who has often left a place or situation when things get rough, (my pattern is to either run fast or stay waaaaaaay too long) that column really got me thinking the last few days. What can I do to make Innsbruck feel like home? What would I gain if I moved back home to Canada? What would I lose?
All questions I can’t answer right now. But as the autumn progresses, I’m going to try to unravel some of these threads. Or tie them up, as the case may be.
And I sure have a lot to look forward to here, which is also helping to lift my spirits. Mom is coming for a visit at the end of the month and her and I are planning on going to Venice for a short trip. I haven’t been yet even though it is only a 5-hour train ride from Innsbruck. Then ski season starts, which I’m completely looking forward to. I think a few hours a week in the cold, fresh air swooshing down the ancient Alps is going to be a perfect antidote to any left-over blues.
And writing also helps me with my perspective on life, so I’m going to try to do more of that. A favourite blogger uses the Anais Nin quote on her header: “We write to taste life twice, once in the moment and in retrospection.” Although I often find that true, I also find writing allows me not just to relive the same moments, but to reframe them from a different perspective. To see events as part of a larger whole, a longer path. In that process I am able to sort through some of the things that are muddled up in my brain.
So no promises, but I will try to post more often…and to keep flossing.
I just got back from lunch with the family, as we were celebrating Suzi’s birthday (Markus’ sister.) Someone reminded me of my two funniest language mistakes that I have made while speaking German…so far. (There are lots to choose from, but these are certainly the best/worst.)
My first was when I wanted to say that, for guests, we have two mattresses in Annie’s room. Instead I said, “Wir haben zwei Matrosen in Annies Schlafzimmer.” This translates to: “We have two sailors in Annie’s bedroom.” My single sister-in-law was kind of hoping this was true.
The second one was during a discussion about diet and food. I was trying to say that I think, most of all, that processed foods with preservatives and chemicals are what make people unhealthy and fat. I said “Die Lebensmittle mit Präservativ sind ungesund.” That means, “Food with condoms is unhealthy.” I would say so!!
The marketing line for Montenegro is “wild beauty”, and it is clear that this is a well-chosen descriptor on the first drive from the airport. The Black Hills are rugged with brush, cactus and the dusty green of olive trees. The roads are windy and steep, offering a spectacular view of the large lake, mountains and, of course, the ocean.
Annie and I went to Montenegro in the middle of August to spend a week with my friend, Ana. Ana was born in Montenegro, grew up mostly in Belgrade and lived the last 16 years of her life in Russia. (Her family knew the writing was on the wall when Milosevic came to power.) Ana has a place in her birth-land and kindly invited us for a holiday.
Ana has set her apartment up to have her own main living area and then a separate guest apartment with a kitchen, bath and balcony. What luxury!
Here is the view from “our” balcony, nearing sunset:
The beaches are rocky, instead of sandy. We did travel one day to a sandy beach and it made me appreciate the stones…no sand in clothes, food, or cameras (yikes! Thank goodness I was able to blow it out of the lens over a couple of days.) Although of course Annie loved the swimming and playground!
The first day we just enjoyed the beach near Ana’s place. We borrowed a car floaty thing that was perfect for Annie to swim around with. The water was colder than I had anticipated, which I was very thankful for as every day was between 33 and 37 degrees.
Ana in the sun
The next day we caught a boat and went to an area called Sveti Stefan (St. Stephen), which was near a small island that had been built out entirely for a hotel.
Sveti Stefan from the water. I love the way the rocks look layered.And from the shoreCute Annie and lookin' good Ana hamming it up.
After a couple of hours in the sun we took a walk over to the former royal summer residence, also now a hotel. It was a beautiful walk through a more lush woods ending in the manicured lawn and sheltered cove that was well-chosen by the royalty.
Me in my cover up and big floppy hat to ward off that evil sun. No wonder I have to take vitamin D drops!Former royal summer residence with private beach
The following day Ana’s mom and niece, Zorka, came to visit. Zorka is 5 years old and Annie was happy to have a playmate. Zorka’s family lives in New York but they spend the summers at her grandparents summer home on the other side of the shore from Ana. The girls had some squabbles (Zorka has three older siblings and Annie isn’t used to being teased) but overall it was awesome for her and me that she was occupied with a friend.
A rousing game of the Serbian version of Ring Around the Rosie.
Ana’s mom is absolutely lovely (although we really couldn’t speak to each other) and an amazing cook! I now know where Ana gets her culinary skills. Did we ever eat well over the week. (The other reason for the full body cover up!)
We also took the opportunity to learn a few words in Serbian, which of course Annie picked up much easier than me and could pronounce with no problem.
Zorka and Ana's Mom
The last night we went for a drive around some of the shoreline. We decided to go for dinner at a restaurant that Ana has been going to with her family since she was a child, called Stari Mlin (Old Mill). It is nested in the trees by the water and specializes in, as expected, fish. There is a trout pond that elicited a delightful story from Ana. Many years ago when someone ordered the trout, the father or mother would call to their daughter “Marica, two trout.” Marcia, as wee lass at the the time, would run to the trout pond, grab her net, scoop out the trout (never missing) and crack their heads over her knee. Now that is fresh fish. The trout pond is still there, but I understand the on-request catching no longer happens.
Trout pond
We had a spectacular meal and then headed off to walk through the lit streets of Kotor. On the way we passed the old mountain wall, 16 km snaking up the hill.
Kotor is a city with roots back to 168 BC. The buildings and walls and narrow streets are from the Middle Ages. It is best to go at night with the lovely lights sparkling off the water. My step-father Drew also went to Kotor on a side-trip during a volunteer stint in Belgrade and has very fond memories. Sometimes the awe of what is man-made can grab me just as much as natural wonders.
On the other side, though, there are parts of Montenegro that are still very much developing. The shoreline is well built-out, especially in the last few years with Russians purchasing a great deal of property. But the local people are still coming to terms with what it means to live in a free market economy. They sell land off, mostly to Russians, and then take the money and build large three-storey homes more in-land. Except the money runs out before the house is finished. We frequently passed these half-finished homes, obviously not worked on for months or years. (Oh wait, spending more money than you have? Maybe they have caught on exactly to the free-market economy.)
The rest of our trip was relaxing on the beach, going for late-night walks on the very bustling boardwalk, and eating amazing food, both home-cooked and at restaurants (totally delicious pizza! As good as anything I’ve had, even in Italy).
Ana, I hope we didn’t wear out our welcome, as we would love to come again next year!
(I’ve had a few requests for an Annie update. Bitte schön.)
Annie had her first friend sleep-over recently. I’m not sure where the girls got it in their heads, but they had been asking to sleep over for some time now. As Chloe thinks a sleep-over involves her brother Julian, her Mom and her Dad sleeping over too, we thought it was best to try Annie at Chloe’s place. Here is what Annie thinks, “Mom, Dad…haven’t you left yet? Don’t let the door hit your a** on the way out.” I’ve decided to take it as a sign of her confidence and general social nature.
Anyway, except for the very early morning that Margriet (Chloe’s mom) had to endure (she was sufficiently warned), all went well. As with all good sleepovers, the girls talked and giggled until way past their bedtime. Margriet eventually got them to sleep by cuddling Chloe in the living room while Annie conked out on the bed. When I went to pick Annie up, she was very happy to see me (she always is) but a bit shocked when I told her it was time to go home. What? I’ve only spent the last 28 hours straight with Chloe! (We had spent the entire day before at the lake together.) How can you even dream of pulling me away???!!!
Here are pics of the girls sleeping peacefully. The little monkeys.
Oh, and they are also wearing each other's nightgowns. Of course.
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In other Annie news…
I think there is a chance Annie will inherit my love of language. Her favourite sentence right now is “I’m already ready.” She thinks it is hilarious and will use it even when only remotely appropriate.
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The teacher’s assistant in Annie’s school is from England and has taught the kids “We All Live in a Yellow Submarine”, which Annie sings pretty much constantly (when she isn’t singing one of the two catchy theme songs from the 2010 World Cup.) Except she pronounces it soobmarine. Have I mentioned that my Canadian daughter is picking up a British accent? Between the UK teacher, friends Emily (Australian) and Chloe (parents are from the Netherlands but their English is quite British-accented), Annie has a hard time keeping her flat Canadian vowels. It’s not “waahtaah” my love, it is “waddur.”
However, the UK vowels are easier to correct than her occasional German accent. After months of practice, her “th’s” seem to have returned. I was starting to think that she would be the actress in the revised version of this video .
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Annie’s favourite DVD right now is Charlie and Lola. I like it too, as the writers clearly have a lot of experience with 4-year-old girls. Lola’s conversations with her friend, Lotta, could be pulled directly from Annie and Chloe’s chatter. Most days I have to pretend to be Charlie to Annie’s Lola. We speak in British accents (see above) and re-enact scenes from the episodes. One section is about having a dog. My girl would LOVE to have a puppy. Here is her taking care of my friend Nicole’s wonderful dog, also named Lola.
Unfortunately for my girl, this is as close as she is going to get to a dog while living in this household:
I often think “4 going on 14.” When people say “it goes fast”, they ain’t lyin’.
Ah, my new home. It is lovely. Although, as friends have suggested, I would have basically thought a roomy cardboard box that was freshly painted and wasn’t up 72 stairs an improvement.
Our home is in an area called Arzl. It takes me less than 10 minutes to drive downtown or to Annie’s Kindergarten, but it still retains some of its rural charm. (That is what happens when only 15% of the province you live in is habitable…everyone shares.) For example, one way I can describe getting to my house is “pass the overfed cows, take your first left after the sleepy goats, but if you come to the chocolate-brown sheep you’ve gone too far.” In the spring, before the herd was moved higher up the mountain, we awoke to the clang of cowbells. A decent way to wake up, let me tell you.
In the great “enough space?” debate, I’m coming down on the side of “it will definitely do.” We haven’t had guests yet, which I know will be an interesting challenge, but for our family of three we are working it out nicely. The guest bathroom doubles as a laundry room, Annie’s big closet houses our winter coats, the storage under the roof is packed with boxes, and careful purchasing of cupboards and wardrobes and vanity mirrors has provided more than enough space for our daily needs. Every once in a while I’ll buy something, like a new water pitcher, and we’ll look at it questioningly, wondering where to fit it in. But so far we’ve managed to figure it all out.
O.K…except for the office/craft room. It is pure, unadulterated chaos and I have a strong feeling that isn’t going to improve any time soon ever. But hey, what true artists was every known for their tidiness?
The best part by far is the yard. Annie has had more friends come to visit in the two months we have been here than in the 20 months we were at the hotel. The kids jump on the trampoline, mix mud pies in the plastic kitchen and then run upstairs to play in Annie’s weird playroom. (A bizarre combo of a bathroom and a small area under the slant of the eves that Annie adores. Kids just love to wedge themselves, their toys, and all stuffed animals into tight spaces I have noticed.)
We also enjoy our balcony. Markus’ dad bought us a gas grill, (that is a barbecue to you fellow Canadians) and we have been enjoying the fine weather with lots of semi-charred meat shared with friends and family. And although the views aren’t as spectacular as our last apartment, they certainly still show the Austrian Alps nicely.
Annie’s view is the most fun; when lying on her bed, we see only the very peaks of the mountains.
Another plus is that we can walk out behind our house and be right on the mountain paths. There is a hiking trail system that extends to, well, infinity and beyond. You can choose from dozens of paths lasting from thirty minutes to several hours (probably days if you are that way inclined), for a hike that takes you to towering vistas and delicious house-cooked knödel at a mountainside restaurant.
Getting around is also going well with one car. Markus often takes his bike, Annie and I have figured out the bus system, and there is a grocery store just down the street.
All-in-all, life is just fine here at the yellow house. Come on over for a visit sometime and see for yourself.
In celebration of our move into our new lovely home, Annie’s children’s birthday party was a home event.
Invitations were sent to 11 of Annie’s nearest and dearest friends. The children arrived attended by parents who, except for a couple of helper-parents, were then allowed to go off on errands. Everything was so well-organized and under control.
Children went on the trampoline one or, at most, two at a time while the remaining children happily and quietly participated in alternate activities, patiently waiting their turn.
This was to ensure that there was no chance for accidents or collision.
After some fun and friendly games, it was time to open the presents. Each child quietly sat with their present in a well-formed circle. Annie politely opened each gift, admiring the present, acknowledging the gift-giver, and saying a well-rehearsed “thank you.”
Since this was a party of fairly equal number of boys and girls, no gender-specific games were played, such as fairy princess dancing. And certainly no-one went onto our kind neighbour’s front patio.
I’m so thrilled that, through careful planning and calm diversion of the children, these beautiful shots were taken of the cake, blowing out the candles, each child individually with Annie and at least one shot of each of the games and activities.
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I’m delighted that my calm and quiet little flower had such a sweet birthday.
*Thanks to the unsuspecting parent helpers. Without you, even these few meager photos would not have been taken.
***I’ve decided not to mention the flagrant nudity of a couple of the boys…while jumping on the trampoline. No, let’s not talk about that.
***Oh, and one of the more rambunctious boys (see point above) told his dad that the party was “cool”, so there you go.
The guests came from many places. From the UK, Austria, Germany, France. From Canada. All descending on Paris in the springtime.
So much rain pouring down all week. Would it ever stop? The rain stopped. For that one day only.
The Rodin Museum closed their doors to the public, opened their doors to our special gathering. Pictures were taken by The Thinker, thinking about this lovey day no doubt. We gathered on the beautiful lawn, in front of a quiet pond.
They walked out of the trees together. The bride glowing, happy. More beautiful than I’ve ever seen her. The groom handsome and confident and caring.
Words were exchanged, heartfelt and tear-inducing. Everyone cheered.
An amusing transition from the ceremony to the reception. A bride in flip-flops and 20 lovely-dressed people riding the grimy Paris subway. Many, many heads turned and smiles given.
Dinner in the winter garden at a gorgeous hotel. Food to savour, from beginning to end. Introductions and speeches, kisses exchanged on top of chairs and under the table. Much, much laughter.
Congratulations Ryan and Renata. May an entire lifetime of happiness and growth and love be yours.
For several months I dreamed of going home to celebrate my mom’s birthday. I was more than ready for a visit to the homeland, and I also thought that this would be a nice acknowledgment of all my mom has done for me over the years.
We only had about two weeks, as I was going to a wedding in Paris at the end of May. Last summer’s visit wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped, and I figured that one of the challenges was trying to pack visits to Winnipeg, three cottages, Victoria and Vancouver into one long trip. Turns out, that was about right.
This trip was so much fun. Both Annie and I had an abundance of time with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, and good friends. The pace was relatively relaxed and except for a tumble off the bed that resulted in an uneventful check up at the hospital and one quiet day (sadly missing a visit with elementary-school friend Karen and her family) everything went well. Mom and Drew volunteered loads of babysitting time, so I was able to see almost all of my friends who still call Winnipeg home. I even took some time to visit my old high-school, St. John’s Ravenscourt, after not setting foot in the place for 24 years. It was really fun and I ran into 4 or 5 teachers from my day. Very nostalgic.
But of course, the most important part of the trip was celebrating Mom’s birthday. Drew, Mom, Annie, Aunt Judy and I went out for a celebratory lunch on the actual birthday, and then Bruce’s family came over on the Sunday for dinner. Mom didn’t want a big party, so we had a lovely, relaxing time with the family.
Happy Birthday Mom! Have a most wonderful year.
Making wishes. Annie gets in on the action opening Nana's gifts. I love how they choose the same colour outfits to wear!
Throughout the trip Mom had some fun adventures with Annie…
Buying books at McNally Robinson. Touring the hands-on children's museum at The Forks
Going to the zoo with cousins Paige and DevonAnd, of course, eating ice-cream at that most famous Winnipeg spot, the BDI. As you can see from the clothes, it wasn't that warm...but what has that to do with eating ice-cream?
Grandpa Drew had lots of time with Annie, much to her delight. They had an especially great time digging, both in the garden…
…and at the playground.
I was very thankful that my dad and Jocelyn were able to spend some time with us as well. They had just returned from wintering in Phoenix and were off to open up the cottage at Lake of the Woods. But we did manage to connect for a meal and a walk around The Forks.
Annie hamming it up with the grandparents.
Since we focused on staying in one place, we were able to visit good friends Lori, Shawna and their little one, Matheson, a few times. Annie is great with smaller children and we all enjoyed the time together. Plus the girls are adorable! Must be that red hair.
Matheson and Annie bonding.
I love this photo!
Matheson, Shawna and Lori.
By complete luck, my friend Dawn, who I have known since Kindergarten, was in town from Carnduff, Sk with her three kids. We hooked up with her family as well as her sister Tracey and her daughter for a good play in the park and yet another trip to the BDI. I forgot my camera for this one, so will have to fill in the shots later. But Dawn and her children did also come to the Norwood Community Club where we were having a Mother’s Day Pancake breakfast, so we got another chance to see each other.
Dawn, Annie and LeahSethJordan
Annie also had round one of her birthday. (Round two with the class was on the actual birthday, round three with Austrian family is this week and round four with the friends is next Friday. Needless to say I’m going to figure this out better for next year.) But the party did let Annie and I have another good time with family and friends.
My brother Bruce's family (Sylvia, Bruce, Paige, Devon with Annie and I...and new favourite Dora doll.)Mom, Bruce and I. Now that I'm a mom who loves picking up Annie every day, I realize how strange it must have felt when we all ended up towering over her. Annie gets her cheer on with her new pom-poms Sylvia and I found at a discount warehouse. (Where perhaps some scrapbooking supplies were also purchased.)
My wish and goal is to make it to the West Coast before Christmas to visit friends and family there. Here’s hoping for another fantastic Canadian visit.
What a crazy, wonderful, exhausting month! After packing and moving not only the apartment but also an entire 40-year old business at the end of April, Annie and I left Markus with a whole bunch of work and took off across the water to spend two weeks in Winnipeg. It was a great trip and more details will come…with pictures of course. We were home for only a few days, trying to recover from jet lag and unpack more boxes (although Markus had made spectacular progress while we were away.) Then Markus and I jetted off to Paris to celebrate Ryan and Renata’s wedding (also more details forthcoming) while Annie had the time of her life with Opa back in Innsbruck. I arrived back today and am so, so giddy to be in my own lovely (and soon-to-be settled) home.
To add to the interesting times, when I left for Paris Annie was three and when I got back she was four. I was so excited to see Annie I had butterflies the whole subway/plane/train ride home. My girl is four! It is an amazing age. I have such great fun and laughter with her. Markus and Annie picked me up at the train station and after hugs and kisses I heard about the birthday adventures to date. Kindergarten makes a big deal of birthdays with a cake and cards and a present, so all was well in her world. As she said on the car ride home…”Mom, I love being four!”
Family birthday is tomorrow and kids birthday has been pushed back a couple of weeks due to best friend Chloe being out of town. So there will be more stories and pictures to come.
Happy Birthday my beautiful girl. You are very, very loved.
Blowing out birthday cake in Winnipeg. Annie apparently is going to be partying for weeks!
