Keeping Fit and Sightseeing

Well the last couple of weeks just seem to have flown past. I can't believe that we are now in the middle of March already. Marcelle's countdown to South Africa means her trip is getting closer and closer - only a month to go.
Think she will be so fit that it will put me horribly to shame.
I had arranged, the week before, to meet up with Azam and Beata for coffee. This was our second attempt as I had tried for this meeting to happen on the 13th Feb and unfortunately, due to misunderstanding, it never happened. So, on Tuesday 6 March I picked Azam up and went to meet Beata at the Cafe near Herkules. She was there waiting for us and it was great to see them both again and catch up.

Lara went to dancing in the afternoon and this time it took place. On Wednesday I went to Heidi and did another round of Pilates excercises. The boys went to light athletics in the afternoon. When I went to pick them up, I could see that Robert was upset. They had received certificates and Steven had received a gold medal and Robert a silver. Robert felt that this was grossly unfair. Here we go again!!!!!!
Took them both to soccer practice.
On Thursday, Gerard brought Zina home and I took both girls to light athletics in the afternoon. They always have such fun there. That evening, I joined Marcelle at her Ball class. Well, she certainly put us through our paces.
On Friday, Gerard came home at lunch time as usual. Whilst he was here, our doorbell rang and Steven ran to see who it was. When I went to see, there was Pamela standing at our gate. As I walked towards her, I asked her how she was and where her children were. She dissolved into tears and told me she had left them.
She was distraught, so I showed her in and made her a cup of tea. Gerard decided it was his time to disappear and left in a hurry. Spent the whole afternoon chatting to her and listening to her tales of woe. I offered to put her up until she was ready to go back. I changed Robert's linen on his bed and put her in there, because Robert had already invited Alex to spend the night. The boys all piled into the sleeper couch.
On Saturday morning, we all got up late and had a late breakfast. Robert and Alex had been to soccer in the morning and their team came 5th out of 6 teams. They seemed a little happier. In the afternoon, Steven was playing a tournament in Ruhlkirchen, so Pam and I joined the boys in watching the game. Stevie's team played well and came 4th out of 8 teams.
WE watched Dancing on Ice on Saturday night and Pam made a call to Klaus. She arranged with him to come and fetch her on Sunday morning at 11.00pm.
I had told her that we were going to Kassel (which is more than half way back to Einbeck, where they live) and that he could meet us there. But she preferred it that he came to our house. We all got up quite late and had another late breakfast. Klaus arrived at 12.00pm and then we all had tea together. By the time we left for Kassel it was 1.15pm.
AFter phoning Heinz Halter (for directions), we drove into Kassel and up to Wilhelmshohe where we walked to the Oktigon. It was all under renovation, so the statue was all covered up and there was scaffolding everywhere. The water features that usually run, were also switched off which was quite a pity. It was an amazing place to visit and see the views of Kassel city and see the palace in the distance.
We walked down a few levels but decided we would never be able to walk the whole way down, only to have to walk the whole way back up again. Thought of Marcelle with all the steps she is doing. We drove down and found our way to the Wilhelmshohe Gardens and palace. Beautiful to walk through and see everyone enjoying the outdoors and sunny weather. The boys were kicking their soccer ball while we walked around the gardens. A lovely end to our week.

Photos of The Herkules Monument in Kassel

Need to get Fit

To recap on the past couple of weeks, I have been listening to my friend Marcelle, who is on a get fit kick at the moment. She is wanting to be fit and toned by the time she goes to S.A. on holiday in a months time.
Heidi and I chatted and Heidi is also feeling the same way, so we decided to meet at her house and do Pilates and then come to mine and do toning, using the few gym gadgets we have here. So on the 27 Feb I went to Heidi and did Pilates. The next day, I was o.k. but boy oh boy, did I start to feel muscles etc. the following day. Could really feel the effects of our gym excercise which I felt was a good thing. When I got Lara to dancing classes that afternoon, her teacher called it off, due to only Lara and another little girl being there. Rather disappointing.
On Thursday, Heidi and I had planned to meet here for some gym but I got a call from Gerard saying that Lara had missed her Kindergarten outing to the bakery. He had decided to go and have his blood tested, arrived at the Kindergarten late, and all the kids had left for the station already. What a disappointment for Lara. I picked her up from the office and went on to fetch Heidi. We did our gym thing together and I took her back home. Later on, Claudia arrived to fetch Lara and take her home to play with Zina. After they had done athletics, she brought Lara back home for me.
On Saturday, Gerard, Lara and I headed off for Frankfurt. It was the first trip out that we had made since getting back from S.A. Robert was with Alex and Steven had gone to play football. We had a lovely day in Frankfurt, shopping at the British shop, going to Kaufhaus Galleria, finding the Australian shop and then finding it closed, having KFC for lunch and then coming back home.
On the Sunday, the boys had a full day of soccer. Steven played in the morning and their team won their tournament. Robert was playing at Nieder Gemunden in the afternoon and we all went off to watch. Their team lost and Robert was very upset.
Can someone please tell me how to tell a child to lose gracefully????

Faschings Photos

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.