We were "bugged"

The last couple of weeks have been spent quietly at home as usual. Sometimes I feel that the house I love becomes my own prison.
I invited Marcelle and Heidi around on Valentines day for a Valentine's brunch. It was nice just to sit and chat and be together. Marcelle as usual, spoilt us all with Ferrero Rocher chocolate!!!!

We had a nice lunch with some champagne. Marcelle also changed something on my computer for me. It's nice to know a computer boff!!
I took the boys off to Light athletics in the afternoon and then on to Soccer practice.
Lara was very much off her food that evening and a little later, she was sick in bed.
Gerard had a management meeting on Thursday and Lara went off to Zina's house, so I didn't get to see them at lunch time and only saw Lara at 4.00 o'clock when I went to pick her up. It feels quite odd, when my little girl is not at home with me!!
Lara had a Faschings disco at her kindergarten, so took her off to that. She had a wonderful time. Lara was still not feeling 100% and not eating well at all.
On Friday, Lara went off to Kindergarten as normal but I received a call at about 12.00 o'clock from Lydia, saying that she had terrible diarrhoea and that I should pick her up. Gerard went to get her and I called the doctor. I had to sit and wait for an hour to see Dr Braun, just to be told that she has got a case of bad diarrhoea and to be given a a diet sheet for Lara. Sometimes I think that I could also be a doctor!!
Well that evening the stomach bug hit hard. Poor old Robbie had planned on spending the evening at Alex's house and was all packed and ready to go, suddenly was puking all over the lounge floor. He could not get to the loo in time. He puked his heart out for most of the evening and of course could not go to his friend. By the time he went to sleep, he seemed to be feeling a lot better.

We were sitting having breakfast on Saturday morning, when we received a phone call. It was Dave from Australia phoning on Skype. I rushed through and switched on the computer and then we spoke via webcam and got our Skype connection sorted out. What a wonderful way to communicate - we could see each other and talk even though we are so far apart. This made my day and I was so excited from this call.
Robert seemed to have recovered from his stomach bug and went and spent Saturday night at Alex. We all watched Dancing on Ice.
On Sunday, we had promised to take the kids ice skating in Lauterbach. Steven had been earlier on in the week, with his class and was holding us to our promise. We went off in the early afternoon and had the experience of ice skating. The boys seem to have a natural ability to anything that requires balance which is the total opposite to me!!! After hanging on to the side and pulling himself along, Gerard managed to make it the whole way round without falling. He was also hanging onto Lara!!! Eventually the boys realised that I was just making myself seen by standing and smiling at them, taking photos etc., and demanded that I join them on the rink.
After much persuasion, I thought I had better "try" and not let them down or myself. After all, I told myself, I had got this far - couldn't leave without giving it a bash. Well, as I stepped onto the rink, my foot took off in it's own direction with no control from me whatsoever. I clung to the side and pulled my way to the next exit which was about 5 metres away, stepped off the rink and walked back to our seat. Definately feel that skating is not for me - can't teach an old dog new tricks!!!
All in all the kids had a wonderful time and it was an afternoon of entertainment in one way and another.
I must just add, that the stomach bug had moved on to another member of the family - namely me!!!! So all the while we where there, I had a rip roaring headache and felt quite nauseas. I was too happy to get home and have a short nap.
Monday the 19th was Rosenmontag.
Tuesday was the official carnival day for the schools. Robert and Steven got all dressed up, as did Lara and I took them off to school. Their school went to the Town Hall where the kids had music, dancing and fun. Lara went as a princess to Kindergarten and also to dancing classes in the afternoon.
On Thursday, little Zina came home with Lara and I took them off to Light Athletics later that afternoon.
Poor old Steven had been stuck by the stomach bug during the week and he had to dash to the toilet on more than one occasion.
I am very proud of Gerard, as Gary Bell announced his Directorship at Larissa's
farewell on Friday. Gerard has worked long and hard at his job here in Germany and now at long last has been rewarded for it!!! Well done my darling.
On Saturday, Gerard left early to attend a forklift driving course. He was there from 8.30am until 3.00pm. Total waste of a Saturday in my eyes.
We left home at about 4.30pm and did a bit of grocery shopping before going to Patricia's birthday dinner. It was great to be among the family again and I got to speak some German. I always feel as though I have achieved something when I can carry out a conversation with someone. (In German I mean) Ursi made a lovely dinner for us and we left quite late. Got to watch the Skateoff of Dancing on Ice. Sad to see Lisa go when Emily deserved to go.
We went to bed quite late and I was woken up by the sounds of Gerard retching and retching. The bug had got him too!!!!!
I stayed in my pyjamas the whole day on Sunday, much to my kids disgust. Gerard lay around feeling miserable all day. He slept on and off all day but it did him the world of good.
The bug had done it's rounds and lets hope it has finally "buggered" off.

Another Week Flown By

After the shopping spree on Saturday where everyone but me had bought something, I was feeling rather left out. I had seen a pamphlet from NKD and decided to head off to their shop in Romrod. I found myself 2 very nice pairs of 3/4 pants which I can wear with my boots. A real bargain they turned out to be, because on paying for them, the cashier informed me that these items had in fact been marked down. Felt very chuffed with my bargain shop.
On Tuesday, the boys bus did not arrive on time and all three boys arrive at the door (at about 9.00 o'clock) stating that when the bus doesn't come, they don't actually have to go to school. I rushed upstairs and put the rest of my face on and on my way out the house, grabbed the holiday brochures that I had gone through.
Dropped the boys at school and went off to the travel agent. Spent hours there trying to find the holiday that we are after. I couldn't believe that so many hotels do not cater for families with more than 2 children. Meaning that we would have to book 2 rooms and of course this doubling the price of our holiday!!!
Eventually, we found a couple of hotels with family rooms etc. which catered for our size family.
Later that afternoon, just as I was getting Lara into the car, to go to dancing class, Ryan arrived. He had brought over their pot plants and magazines.
On Thursday 8th February we had snow. Gerard and I decided on a holiday in Tunisia and after speaking to Tim on Wednesday night about their time there, we both felt that a week would be long enough. So on thursday morning I went off to the travel agent to book our holiday. I was in high spirits and decided to do a bit of shopping in the town centre. Walked through lots of shops and eventually decided that I would drive to Bell and show Gerard our hotel that we would be staying in. At that stage the snow was falling quite steadily and by the time I left Bell, my car was covered in snow. Did a bit of grocery shopping and went home. Gerard came home a bit later for lunch and he had brough Lara and Zina home. The two girls had great fun playing together and at 3.00pm I took them off to Light Athletics. Lara really seems to enjoy herself there. By this stage the thick snow was now starting to melt and when we left the hall an hour later, it was just about all gone!!
That evening we had a teacher, parents evening for both Robert and Steven. Robert's one being the most important meeting, as this was were we would discuss his future choice of schooling. Because he is in the 4th Class, he now has to decide as to which stream of schooling he wants to be in. Unfortunately, his German mark of 4 has not allowed him to go to Gymnasium which is the Highest Stream school. AFter discussions with his teacher (who told us he was plain lazy and could do a lot better) we decided that the Real schule would be the school he would attend from September. We just felt that if he went to Gymnasium, he would constantly be at the bottom of the class. Hopefully, with the choice of Real, he will be in the top part of the class and give him more self confidence. He can also, once finishing his years at Real, do an extra year (with the extra language which they do in Gymnasium) and he will have an entry level to University.
On Saturday morning, we had a lazy start and then went to do shopping in town. Alex came along with us, as we were dropping the two of them at Halligalli for another school friends (Alexander Hess) birthday party.
After dropping them, we headed off to Media Max in Lauterbach. Spent a good couple of hours their comparing brands of flatscreen TV's. Oh there are such lovely tv's, stands which via remote control, lift the screen to whichever height you want it at.
But all these things come at quite a cost!!!!
We picked Robert up from Halligalli and went straight to Ryan's farewell at the Italian restaurant. Lutger had joined us South African's and I got to meet Justin (the new S.A. guy) for the first time. We had a lovely dinner and a good time with everyone.

We were woken up on Sunday morning at 8.00 o'clock by Steven's trainer. He had left a message for us the day before but we hadn't got it. Steven was due to play, so realising that we were still in bed, he offered to come and fetch Steven. Steven was thrilled to hear that he was playing and dressed, ate and got his gear together in 10 minutes. Steven's team played well (came 2nd overall) and Steven scored 4 of their 7 goals. Quite the main soccer player!!!!
We then realised that Kinderfasching was on in Liederbach, so got the kids all dressed up for their bash. They really enjoy the excitedment of it all and this year there weren't as many children as previous years. We spent 3 hours there and then decided that we had all had enough.

The Weeks are flying by.

I can kick myself for not keeping this diary up to date. Having to go back and think of what happened when, I feel that I may be leaving things out.
On Tuesday 30th Jan, I dropped Lara at her dance class and went to the travel agent in the Aldtstadt. I told them the basics of what I was looking for and then she handed me a pile of brochures. I suppose in a way, it is easier for me to sit at home and go through them all to be able to choose a destination with everything that we are wanting.
On Wednesday morning, I did a few things around the house and then drove to Heidi's. The other's were already there. It was Zelda's last tea with us. It was so nice to just get together and chat and wish her our fond farewells.

That afternoon, before I took the boys to light athletics, I took them to Zelda to say goodbye. Zelda had just finished bathing the dogs and the kids only then realised that they wouldn't see them again. It was quite a sad little farewell.
The boys then went to sport and a bit later, I took Steven to soccer practice.
On Thursday, Lara did not come home with Gerard. Instead, her friend's mother (Claudia) picked them both up and took them to her house. She then took them onto light athletics at 3.00o'clock and I went to collect her at 4.00pm. For her first time, she seemed to really have enjoyed it.
On Saturday morning we went through to Fulda, to Toys 'r Us. I wanted to see if they had anything special for Faschings. Got Steven a skeleton suit from there. We had a nice meander through the Media Market shop there and then Gerard found himself some clothes in Muller. We bought ourselves a Bratwurst and then headed into the centre of town. On our way down to C + A, we went into a sports shop. Gerard found a really nice jacket which had been marked right down. In fact, all the shops are holding end of season sales. At this shop we bought Robert a pair of Nike shoes and Lara got a pair of Adidas sports shoes. We eventually got to C + A and there I found Lara a lovely Snow White outfit and and Ninja outfit for Robert.
On Sunday morning, Gerard took Steven off to play soccer here in Alsfeld. There team played well and of course Steven scored 3 of the 4 goals. He was very popular.
Another weeks has gone.

Back into the swing of things

By the start of our second week back from S.Africa, our house was nice and warm and things were pretty much back to normal.
On Saturday, we lay in and only after much deliberation decided to go to AEZ to look at TV's. As we walked in, we passed washing machines and Gerard decided that I needed a new one. So we had a look and then bought one.
Then went on to look at the flat screen TV's. Deciding whether to go for Plasma or LCD. The salesman explained a whole lot to us but we honestly feel that it is personal choice.
Did our usual grocery shop at Lidl.
We did absolutely nothing on Sunday.
I went to town on Monday and bought book on Germany for Zelda. I also ordered Jerusalem countdown. Not cleaning my house properly - spending far too much time on blogs than on housework!!!
On Tuesday morning, we all met up at Oma's for breakfast. I popped into the bookshop and collected Jerusalem Countdown before going to Oma's. Amazing how one can order a book one day and it arrives the next. This is at no extra cost. Very impressive.
It was really nice to all get together and have girlie chit chat.
Got home and at lunch time, my new washing machine arrived.
Took Lara to dancing class in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, I took the boys to light athletics and Steven went on to Soccer practice.
Robert had soccer practice on Thursday as usual. Steven joined the boys.
On Friday, I went to Thomas Phillips and bought a few things and got Mari Clair's birthday present.
On Saturday morning, we went a did a bit of shoppping. Had to get a present for Johannes's birthday, so went to Herkules and got him a PC game.
That afternoon we dropped Lara at Halli Galli (Mari-Clair's birthday) and then went on to Ursi and Edmond for tea. Gave Natasha her belated birthday present and a thank you, for keeping an eye on the house while we were away.
We picked up Lara later on and then we joined all the South African's at the Schwalbenest for supper. It is the last time that the Bland's would be together with us all. Zelda leaves for S.A. on Thursday.
On Sunday, we slept in late and had a lazy day. Ryan popped over to see if he could work out why the PS2 didn't have sound. The boys hadn't connected something properly. While Ryan was here, he sorted out the video problem that we have been having. He also gave us quite a lot of advice on TV's and what to look for when buying one. Showed us the latest one he bought via Amazon. Zelda had sent a whole lot of goodies over with Ryan - things from her pantry that she was not taking back to S.A. with her.
Robert went to Johannes's birthday party. They went to the pool in Alsfeld. I went to Ute's birthday tea. She had invited me earlier in the week and there were 8 of us altogether. Most of the other ladies were teachers and I had to speak German all afternoon. It was quite an interesting afternoon.
Another week over.

Hurricane Kyrill

This is what Hurrican Kyrill did to our garden shed.

Getting back into the swing of things

After three weeks of sun and heat, we were back to relatively mild temps, considering that it was winter.
However, our bodies were not acclimatised to these temps and our house had cooled down to freezing point. It was colder insider than out!!!!
It took us about 4 days before the house felt as though it was getting any warmth back into it. Lara was the first person to receive a phone call. It was Zina inviting her to her birthday party the next day.
So on Monday I rushed off to grocery shop and stock up on our depleted foodstuffs, and to buy Zina a birthday gift.
Lara went off to the party and only got brought home much later. Gerard told me that Lara had a wonderful welcome at the Kindergarten when they got there.
On Tuesday, Gerard left for Spain where the Euro Council meeting was taking place. Zelda and Roxy came over for tea. It was nice to meet Roxy - now I can place a face with a name!! Lara went to ballet lessons in the afternoon as usual.
On Wednesday, on my way taking the boys to Light Athletics, we were listening to the radio. They were warning people about the hurricane/cyclone that was heading for Germany and that people should strap outside things down and preferably stay off the roads. The boys had also heard this, so it was not just me misunderstanding the situation.
On Thursday the kids were sent home from school early, told to stay indoors and told to listen to the radio for updates.
Well, the Blands had organised a dinner for the Castles so that we could all meet them before they left for S.A. the next day.
Soccer had been cancelled, so I did not have a problem there but Gerard was due to land at Frankfurt airport that evening. He phoned me at home and said that his flight had been delayed, then brought forward, then delayed again. Eventually he called from the plane and said that they would be taking off shortly. He eventually landed, after a very rocky flight at about 9.30pm. He only got home just before midnight.
The next morning, Alex foned to say that the boys did not have to go to school. So they were very happy to have a day off.
I just happened to look out of the kids playroom to find that our metal shed had been blown right off it's concrete base and it was all mangled up.
I took the kids to Herkules to buy Alex a birthday present - PS2 game. Both Steven and Robert went to Alex's birthday party.
On Saturday we went to AEZ and Gerard bought me a new washing machine. It is a Baucknecht which apparently is made by Whirlpool. This will arrive on Tuesday. Had a look at the flatscreen T.V.'s.
Sunday was just a quiet day spent at home.