Don't get caught in the Mist

UPDATE: Poor man was hit by a truck, dragged for a distance, then left while the truck drove away. Very sad!

Stephen has been taking me to a cafe most mornings on his way to work so I can read and do a devotional or two...mostly just to get out of the apartment and "do something with my life." Well, today we noticed the traffic was pretty bad, so we went the backway towards the park where Gracie and I play (and where the Big Top is). Well, as we approached we saw a fire truck and an ambulance and quite a few cop cars. As we got even closer, we realized something terrible had happened. You don't just pull out the tents for a fender bender or traffic violation. So what do I do? Document it for the blog.

















Now I'm really curious. Did someone die? Get murdered? What happened. We discuss how terrible it is and Stephen drops me off at the coffee shop. I go in, and a few minutes later a group of people come in discussing it. I didn't catch everything they were saying, but I did catch "dead" and gathered it was by stabbing. By gathered I mean this one lady with fire red hair was making a stabbing gesture and saying how terrible it was. So terrible that she ordered a coffee and kissed everyone at the bar before lighting her cigarette. I sat down in my normal area and went on as usual. Three hours later it I had completed my book and decided to leave. I walked across the park, checked out the admission for the circus and then headed home. But the direction I was headed still was roped off and hadn't changed much from the pictures above. So, I kind of lingered and watched what others were doing. Do I cross the roundabout (cars were blocking so no one could drive through) or go on the crosswalk (see pic on right above) that everyone else seemed to be using? I stayed back and watched a large group of people use the crosswalk, in between the fire truck and the tents mind you, and no one yelled at them and nothing "popped out" at them...so I figured it was safe. As I started across the crosswalk, a heard a huge "whoosh" as the fire trucks' hose began to POWERWASH the street. About the time I get to the curb, huge amounts of VERY bloody water begin to crash against the curb, on its way to the sewer opening in the street. I jump across, narrowly missing a foot-in-blood-that's-not-mine ordeal. I turn around to see if the guy did it on purpose. Not sure what I would have done, but I was intending to give him a dirty look when I see something chunky being washed to the sewer grate. In my head I think it's brains, but I'm sure it was gauze or something used by the paramedics. Either way, I was about to dry heave when a huge gust of wind came and misted myself and the crowd of onlookers with dead body juice. It happened so fast, but I ran just as soon as I realized what was happening to the shelter of a corner store to avoid getting drenched. Completely disgusted, dry heaving and standing in disbelief, what do I do? Document it for the blog.



After I collected my thoughts and "wiped my face clean" I moved over to where I could get a better look. You guys know I'm nosey, don't act surprised! As I watched, a homeless man started to reenact his story of what happened. Apparantly, two people treid to walk across the street and were hit by a truck, then rolled to their current locations. He was pretty animated, and his story was believeable. But, in the end we don't know what "really" happened. I can tell you that, after I felt I knew all the scoop, I came home and washed my face :)

They got a racket going...

So, most early afternoons during the week the greater geriatric population of our street go the neighborhood grocery store. It is not rare for me to walk by and smile as they make their slow but determined trek two blocks down the street to store up for their weekly needs. Most of them have these "backpack on wheels" contraptions to place their goods in...which are pretty handy for those that can't carry heavy goods. But most of them also have canes or walkers, and a select few have the "old person hunch" going on which makes the walk a little longer and more tedious than your average person.

Now, the grocery store has it's own little crew of beggars out front. I say beggars, but some of them are actually useful. Sure, you have the one lady schlepping her child in exchange for a few euro-cents, but there is one "family" in particular that actually DON'T ask for money and just sit outside smoking and greeting you as you walk in. I've had the particular luxury of being in the store near closing when this "family" (not sure if they are related, but three or so of them are always around each other) does their shopping with the days revenue. Although they buy junk food and soft drinks, they are a jolly and well-mannered bunch. Well, as of today they've upped their game. Now...they offer door to door services. Yes, you heard me...they've become little entrepreneurs. They will take the elderly's groceries and walk them home for them, to ease their load and simplify their lives. GENIUS...and I'm sure they are making more than the toothless "Bon jour" they were offering up last week.

They had a whole group of people waiting to use their services, some geriatric and some just plain lazy. Of course I risked my life to take the picture once I got across the street for the sake of the blog...the lady in the front was none too pleased. Thought I was going to get jumped...but for all of you out there worried about my well-being, I still would have blogged it. As for the new business in town...I'm going to shake their hands next time I see them and say, "Well done, well done."

'Ole Man Planters would be proud

The teachers went on strike in London...nice. The kids had the day off, and the parents had to take vacation days to care for them. They wanted a 4% raise, not sure if they got it but I love the acronym for their union...NUT: The National Union for Teachers.



This reminds me of a familiar Snoop Doggs song, "Lay off these N-U-T's 'cause you gets none of these, at ease"

Progress

Despite a debilitating case of meningitis, ahem, crick in my neck, I made it out for a walk with Gracie. She was not too happy that there were a bunch of children at the park (she doesn't love little kids) but she was very intrigued by the "barnyard smell" coming from some of the trailers set up near the Big Top. Yes, the circus is still in town. We were able to enjoy the beautiful weather...and as you can see, I have on RAINBOWS. I had to reteach myself how to wear something that didn't require two pairs of socks, but it all worked out nicely. I still had on pants and a long-sleeved shirt...but NO jacket and flip-flops! Progress...we're making progress!

Wonton Soup Experiment

Stephen and I decided to try and make Won Ton Soup from scratch last night. I found a recipe off the internet, and did my best to find all the ingredients at our local grocery store. Stephen was extra helpful in making the dinner, which was nice as it took a LONG time to prepare (mainly the pasta). I have to say, though, that it was very easy. The pasta had to sit for a while in the refrigerator, so we were able to multi-task. Anyone who knows Stephen knows he has food/texture issues, so I did my best to tailor the foods to his needs (i.e. HE got to chop/puree the onions) and he obliged. The end result was a great soup...it needs some minor changes, but it was great! Next time the pasta will be a LOT thinner so that the wontons aren't dumplings, and the soup will have a little more "asian" flair, but for the most part, we succeeded. With our extra pork mixture we made some spring rolls. They were also to DIE FOR. We're pretty amazing...eat your heart out Gordon Ramsey!

Indian food and Girl's Nights...

Ava (friend who works at PFS) has taken me/us under her wing and made sure we are socialized. She threw a dinner party for 20 or so guests a few weeks ago, including us in the soiree. It was so nice to be able to meet with different people we normally wouldn't have met (who spoke English mind you), and although we were dubbed the "Oil Shakes" from Texas, we had a great time :) Ava prepared home cooked Indian Food, and when I say prepared, I mean 6 different dishes that were AMAZING. We had Shrimp, Chicken, and Beef curry, Lamb with Saffron Rice, Bread, Tomato and Onion Salsa and various Chutneys, a chickpea dish and a vegetarian curry. It was awesome. I had never really had too many Indian dinners in the past, and definitely not any home cooked and THIS good! It was great, and she even made a chocolate fudge cake with vanilla ice cream and strawberries. We were in heaven. Stephen really liked the lamb and rice, and tried the shrimp and chicken curries and of course INHALED the dessert. It was so nice!

This past Friday we had a girls night, we being Ava and Francoise (another coworker/friend). We had appetizers, spaghetti and dessert...and a lot of conversation and music. It was so nice to be able to get out on my own and interact with other women. They have been lifesavers, even if they are making me fat! Thanks girls!

Who knew golf could be so great??

Stephen and I have toyed with the idea of getting a Wii for some time now. If they weren't so dang expensive over here and not compatible back in the US we already would have. But...maybe this will make us rethink our "economical" decision! So cute! Thanks Ava!

P.S. I have no idea who this family is.

Best Day EVER

Stephen and I woke up to sunny skies, tried out a new church in Brussels that we love, had lunch on a PATIO in 60 degree weather, Liege Standard (pronounced "stand-throaty rrrrr-d", our soccer team) just won their game 2-0 and is #1 in Belgium, and the full moon over the river is amazing! Pretty darn incredible day! God is good...

http://www.thewell.be/

"She's probably afraid because she can smell carnie"

This was Stephen's synopsis on why Gracie was afraid of the "big top." The circus is in town folks, for a month that is. The advertisement boasts a lady with a tiger. Seeing how small the tent is, this could be a dangerous (and thoroughly exciting) thing! Maybe we'll get tickets...Jeremy and Lindsay will be here at the end of the month. Maybe it can be a family fun-day?? Roarrrrrrr.

But, judging from the line of single-wides, I think Stephen might be right. Definitely smells of
Carnie...and I love it!

For your reading pleasure...

Stephen and I think these are quite funny...the first one is by far my favorite! Hope you are able to sing along to most~

*Click on the picture to enlarge if needed!

Bring the Rain

"In the span of a few minutes, I committed to God that I would stop praying for sunshine and start welcoming whatever made the soil rich. And so, a year later, here I sit. Many of you have asked how I am so strong. The answer is that I am not strong, but my God is, and He is in battle for me. My end of the deal is held up by praising the One who has chosen me to walk this. And I do." (http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ --beware, another remarkable, tear-jerking experience filled with God's amazing love...I warned you! It's changed me...)

I'm so selfish, asking for the sun and yearning so badly for the Summer to heal my homesick soul. It's not going to happen. No matter what, even if the sun comes out and the Summer is amazing, it's not going to be the same. But it shouldn't be. We chose to be here, to be different, to learn about ourselves. We are learning, albeit difficult. But more than that, we are learning to be comfortable in our own skin...away from where we are "comfortable."

There is so much to see, so much to do, so many countries to visit, and many more blogs to be made...but if it has to be done in the rain, I'm going to do my best to smile. For it's not about the sun or the rain, it's about "whatever makes the soil rich."

"do not give me sports with my smut, I want that separate, like church and state"

Yes, that's right. We found out that you can watch shows on MTV.com. I know, I know...small victories! We used Saturday afternoon to catch up with Rob & Big (the title is a quote from Big, it's not my own thoughts), and I have to say that I haven't laughed that hard in a while. It was nice catching up! If you don't watch this show, you have to start. It's too much.

Saturday night we had Stephen's assistant Pierre-Francois and his wife Rosana over for dinner. They had never had, nor heard of, marinated steaks. I decided to fix some southern specialties (steak, mashed potatoes, bacon-wrapped green beans, and chocolate mousse) for them, and we had a nice night with great conversation. Gracie hated it because we locked her up for dinner, check out her blog to see thoughts!

We've been pretty relaxed over here in Belgium since the Dotson's left. Nothing really new to share, it's been pretty hum-drum. But, no news is always good news, right? I could be going crazy or we could have been hit by another drunk driver...see??? We made it through Stephen's birthday without having to deal with an accident outside, so we're thankful! Speaking of Stephen's birthday, being the amazing wife that I am, I decided to plan a golfing adventure for 'ole Stephen. He loved it, except for the extreme cold and wind the better part of the morning. We (really just I) hacked it up and enjoyed a nice round together. Happy 26th Esteban! (the picture of me is the ONLY ball I hit in the fairway from the tee box)

This weekend we look forward to having a nice dinner at Ava's house (another coworker from PFSweb)...she's cooking a curry dinner for us and some other couples! It will be nice to meet with new people, and get loud and crazy with Ava! She's great!

Now, I'm just looking forward to Spring. I took some pictures of the tulips we bought for our apt. They look so inviting and pretty...if only they could survive outside :) Here's to hoping for Spring...say a little prayer for us!!

It doesn't take much...

to make my man happy!

P.S. They still weren't the real dill :(

Dotson's, Meet Liege

Once back in Belgium, we needed a rest. Kelly, Stephen and I retreated back to our apartment to relax, while RP and Glenda stayed at the Bedford Hotel down the street. We met back up that night to have some appetizers, then headed to Pipers in the Carre for dinner. Stephen loves the pizza there, so we needed to introduce the Dotson's (or reintroduce them) to true Italian pizza! It's so yummy! The next morning we walked La Batte, the market that opens on our street every Sunday. We shopped around and had lunch at one of our little spots, where the fam could taste the "Boulet Liegeois," or Liege meatballs. Those of you that have visited have had the honor of these yummy treats, and I think the Dotson clan enjoyed them as well! If not the meatballs, we enjoyed the frites. You CAN have too many frites, we learned. Kelly had to leave on Monday, which was very sad. It was snowing, but she was able to take off and get back with relative ease. Yes, I said snowing! Can you believe it? Up until this point I hadn't seen it snow here, I guess I figured it would have snowed by now at least. It's Spring now, people. It should be 85 and sunny, right? Well, it was a blizzard instead. Stephen had the day off, as did everyone in Belgium, so we were trying to think of things to do. We decided to go see a movie. It was fun, and we saw 10,000 B.C. I'm sure you men out there would love it, but unless everything in your town is shut down, it's not a must see :) Tuesday RP, Glenda and I made the trek to Cologne, Germany to see the Cathedral. It was snowing the whole drive, which was gorgeous and scary at times, too! The cathedral was amazing, as usual (a must-see) and the cafe afterwards was great, too! We made it back in time to steal a nap before dinner time. Stephen got home from work and we went to Maastricht to eat at Il Giardino, this wonderful Italian restaurant. We had nice food (even truffles), nice wine, and awesome desserts! It was bittersweet knowing it was our last night, but boy was it good! Wednesday Glenda and I went shopping in Liege, doing our best to avoid the rain. For lunch we met Stephen and RP in the center before they headed to the airport. It was very sad to see them go, and I'm still a little down about not having them here, but it was such an amazing vacation...and even better memories!

Pontlevoy, France

After our vacation time in Lisbon we headed to Paris, and then drove to Pontlevoy, a small town in the Loire Valley. Upon arriving we were instructed to ask the owner of a brasserie down the street for the keys to our house. Well, it was closed. This marked the beginning of our trip...butchering French to locals in search of the keys to our "Tower." We ended up finally getting the cleaning lady on the phone, and I managed to tell her that we were looking for the keys and the bar was closed, and she told me she'd be there in ten minutes. Whew! We didn't really mind the wait, because we got to meet some interesting locals and practice our frenglish. It was fun! When we finally got into our house/tower, we were able to unwind, put our stuff away, and make a family grocery run. The house was very nice...it had four floors with plenty of bathrooms and space to spread out...although I think we spent most of our time in the kitchen near the fireplace, wine and cheese :) The grocery store was down the road and local family owned, meaning when we walked up the man and his school-aged children greeted us during their soccer match in the driveway. We picked out some grub and headed back to have a snack. The homeowner left us a guide for different restaurants, wineries, cheese manufactures and chateaus to visit...and we tried most of her recommendations. Thankfully for our GPS (although very annoying at times to hear her voice) we found these places quite easily. Most of the times we were out, it seemed as if we were the only people on the road. The town and it's surrounding villages were literally desolate. It was nice, and kind of creepy at the same time! The first day there, we decided to visit the Chambord Chateau. It was the largest chateau, and very pretty. Like most, you enter on this LONG road lined with trees...it's surreal to think that people were that important to have these luxuries way back then. Must be nice! The exterior of this one was very pretty, but it mixed a lot of different cultures (french, indian, etc.) so it looked a little quirky, too. The interior was amazing. It was done in mostly limestone with stately fireplaces (a few had lit fires, because it was freezing). We toured most of the chateau, at least all of the sections we were allowed to enter. It was awesome. That night we ate dinner at one of the suggested restaurants, and apart from confusing (seignant and a point-medium and rare) we had a great dinner! The next morning we took our time getting ready, had a nice breakfast and headed to a Goat Cheese Maker's place. Unfortunately, we had the expectation that we would be able to see the processes, and instead it was just a shop. We bought some cheese and headed to our next destination...a winery! Named after Roy, this spot was unique. It was a very small place, and our host was a little old man who, not speaking any English, was very helpful and sweet. We were able to taste some of his wines and jams, and even bought a few bottles to have with dinner. After leaving Michel Roy's Winery, we headed to another winery, Jean-Marie Presle. The GPS got it a little wrong this time, and we drove up to an "in-the-middle-of-nowhere motel" run by a man who was VERY skeptical of us walking around looking for the open door (after walking over a shotgun cover). We learned very quickly that our destination was next door, and we were happy to leave. Once we arrived at our location, we were pleasantly surprised. The owner/proprietor spoke English and was very knowledgeable and helpful. We ended up having so much fun with him (and liked his wines so much) that we came back on Friday to buy more wine and ask to use his Internet (we were desperate!). After all of the wine tasting, we were very eager to see another chateau...so we drove out to Chenonceau, a gorgeous chateau on the Cher River (no, not Cher Cher, Cher as in "dear, my sweet, my lovely"). Though smaller than Chambord, it was beautiful inside. They had decorated the mantles and entry tables with fresh cut flowers with Easter themes, which made the house smell amazing! The rooms were set up with the beds and tapestries, and the furniture was beautiful. This chateau was by far my favorite, with its ornate kitchens and butcher rooms. It was very neat. We really enjoyed this chateaus gardens as well. There were two different gardens, and both were incredible. You definitely got the "enchanted" feeling walking through them...I only wish the flowers were in full bloom...I bet it's amazing. When we left this chateau, walking down the long gravel entry lined in trees, we passed a labyrinth. I had never seen one in person, so we had to stop and take some pictures. Very cool! That night we decided to make dinner at home, and we had a great time! We drank wine, had pork chops, played Spades and random poker games and had a great time! Maybe too great a time. Kelly and I didn't feel so hot the next day, because we had a girl night after everyone went to bed. Very needed! Friday we woke up, headed out to Jean-Marie's for more wine, and headed out to our final chateau. Cheverny was a gorgeous chateau (are you tired of me saying that yet?) as well, and probably the most realistic as far as space and decor. Used as a starting place for most hunts, they had a pen with upwards of 50 hunting dogs very excited about life. They were very cute, until feeding time when they were released to "do their thing" amongst each other. I could've done without that. The chateau was set up as a walking tour, and each room was furnished with it's antiquities and you could walk by and look, but no pictures. Well, the rebel that I am took pictures...it was too pretty not to! Since this was our last night, we decided to go to a restaurant from the recommendation list. It was built inside of two caves, which were used as quarries way back when. They are famous (within the area) for their steaks, so we had to try them (and get the order right this time). It was delicious, I'm glad we made it back to eat there. Saturday was departure day...sad! We woke up early and got on the road to Paris. Our intention was to make it to the Parisian Flea Market. Glenda has always wanted to go, and she had sent me the info a while back on it, and I was excited to see it was well. When we put the address in the GPS, it gave us our location and we trusted it. Well, there are two streets with that name, and since we didn't have the postal code, we got the wrong one. We decided to throw in the white towel after the rain started, but were able to find the right one and take a picture. We made it to the train station in enough time to have lunch and relax, and then we were Belgium bound! It was an amazing trip, and I would definitely go back!