German Gibberish

Berlin

2011-10-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Altes Museum (the large stone basin out front was supposed to go inside, but they forgot it wouldn't fit through the pillars)

Memorial to the Victims of War and Tyranny

Humboldt University

Monument at Humboldt University to the 20,000 books burned

by the Nazi regime

Brandenburg Gate

Hotel Adlon near Brandenburg Gate, where Michael Jackson infamously dangled his son Blanket out the window

Our tour guide at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Bear Hug

Small Fry

Location of underground bunker where Hitler committed suicide

Remnants of Berlin Wall with Trabants, the most common car of former East Germany

Checkpoint Charlie

German Cathedral at Gendarmenmarkt Square

Annette at Berlin Cathedral

Rick's new friend...no lie

New and Old

Glienicke Bridge between Berlin and Potsdam, known as the "Bridge of Spies"

during the Cold War

Location of Potsdam Conference between Churchill, Stalin, and Truman

The "Other Brandenburg Gate" in Potsdam

Statue of Moses in prayer, supported by Aaron and Hur

(group of marbles at the Church of Peace, Potsdam)

Friedrick the Great's Sanssouci palace in Potsdam

Israel

2011-09-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

View of the Old City

Garden of Gethsemane

The Lions' Gate, one of seven open gates in Jerusalem's old city walls

Pool of Bethesda

Rooftops in Jerusalem

Dome of the Rock shrine on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem

The Western Wall, or Wailing Wall

Orthodox Jewish man and boy

Masada

Annette with Dead Sea in the background

Rick floating in the Dead Sea

Covered with Dead Sea Mud

Caesarea

Switzerland

2011-08-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Prior to traveling to Switzerland, we spent a week in Garmisch, Germany for a work-related conference.

View from hotel in Garmisch, Germany

Lake Lucerne in Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland

Chapel Bridge in Lucerne

Fondue in Lucerne

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Our hotel in Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunen

Mountain train to Jungfraujoch railway station, the highest train station in Europe (11,332 feet)

Postcards we mailed from Europe's highest post office

At the Jungfraujoch

Valley near Kleine Scheidegg

The Eiger and Jongfrau mountains

Friendly producer of Swiss Cheese

Einstein's home in Bern, Switzerland

Bern, Switzerland

Bern, Switzerland Temple

Neuschwanstein Castle - Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany

2011-07-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II as a retreat. The castle was the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Hohenschwangau castle, also built by King Ludwig II, is a neighbor to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Salzburg, Austria

2011-07-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

View of the town of Salzburg from Mozart Bridge

View of Salzburg from atop Untersburg mountain

On top of the Untersburg

Grounds of Hellbrunn Palace

Trick fountains at Hellbrunn Palace

Stately statue at Hellbrunn Palace

Humorous fountain at Helbrunn Palace

View of Hellbrunn Palace and grounds

Fountain from "The Sound of Music" movie

Graveyard that "The Sound of Music" graveyard set was based upon (since permission was not granted to film in the actual graveyard)

Another graveyard view

Nonnberg Abbey, where the real Maria Augusta von Trapp was a postulant, and also used for scenes in "The Sound of Music"

The Untersberg - In "The Sound of Music", the von Trapp family escapes over this mountain into Switzerland. In actuality, this would have taken them into Germany very near Hitler's Eagle's Nest retreat (see below). In reality, they escaped via train to Italy, one of many inaccuracies of the movie.

During the "Sound of Music" bike tour

One of two houses used in filming "The Sound of Music". This house was used for views away from the back of the house, including the scene where Maria and the children fall out of the boat into the water.

Home used for outside views in the movie, including when Maria first arrives from the Abbey.

Gazebo used for "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" and "Something Good"

Mirabell Gardens, scene of the final moments of "Do Re Mi"

Mountain view near Eagle's Nest

Hitler's Eagle Nest retreat

Munich, Germany

2011-07-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Lava rock fountain at Nymphenburg Palace.

Inside Nymphenburg Palace.

Golden carriage at Nymphenburg Palace.

Dining table at Nymphenburg Palace. If you look closely, you can see faint human-like images in the mirror.

Silver-leafed walls in Nymphenburg Palace.

Bridge on Nymphenburg Palace grounds.

View of Nymphenburg Palace from the rear.

Closer view of Nymphenburg Palace from the rear.

Olympic Park, site of the 1972 Summer Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian guerrillas. Also at these games, American swimmer Mark Spitz won seven gold medals and Soviet gymnast Olga Korbut won three gold medals.

BMW factory, museum, and offices.

Triumphal Arch on Leopold Street

At 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM each day, the Glockenspiel recounts a royal wedding, jousting tournament, and a ritualistic dance.

National Theatre Munich is home to the Bavarian State Opera and the Bavarian State Ballet.

Sea of bicycles...never seen so many bicycles in a city.

Luxembourg

2011-06-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Luxembourg is a small country (only 2,586 square kilometers, or 999 square miles), but probably one of our favorite countries in Europe.

A church in Luxembourg City

Casements in Luxembourg City, an immense underground military defense system

Street in Luxembourg City

Building in Luxembourg City

Entrance to Luxembourg American Military Cemetery

Chapel memorial in the Luxembourg American Military Cemetery

There are 5,076 American military personnel buried in the cemetery. While in the cemetery, there is no doubt you are on hollowed ground.

General Patton's grave

American Military Cemetery

Chapel memorial in the American Military Cemetery

A mosaic in the chapel ceiling depicts the Holy Spirit as a dove on a cloud held by four angels

View of Castle overlooking the town of Vianden, Luxembourg

View of the Our River in Vianden

Victor Hugo house in Vianden, Luxembourg

Vine-covered home in Vianden, Luxembourg

Valencia, Spain

2011-05-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

Outside the Lladro factory

At the entrance to the Lladro factory...everything inside was "top secret", so no pictures--but it was fascinating to see how the statues are made. We saw each part of the process (e.g., ceramic molds, painting and firing of porcelain, etc.)

Eating paella, a rice and meat dish for which Valencia is known

Bullfighting ring

A street in old town Valencia

Fountain in old town

Riding rented bikes in Jardines Del Turia, a several mile long park with paths, playgrounds, fountains, etc.

Palau de les Arts, a performing arts venue

Drinking horchata, a drink that supposedly originated in Valencia

Science museum

Valencia Street Circuit, where the Formula One European Grand Prix is held

Amazing sand castle

Beach

Hotel

Rhine River, Germany

2011-04-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Rhine River cruise between Bingen and St. Goar was a great way to end our travels with Dave and Becky during their visit.

Cologne, Germany

2011-04-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

Exterior of Cologne Cathedral

Outside Cologne Cathedral

Interior of Cologne Cathedral

Seemingly modern-looking "digital" stained glass window in Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cone

London, England

2011-04-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

Fish and Chips

The "Tube"

Hyde Park

St. Paul's Cathedral

Tower of London Bridge

City view

Tower of London

London has cool cabs...

...and cool buses

Buckingham Palace

Horse guards parade at Buckingham Palace

Press boxes set up for coverage of the royal wedding the following week

Quick--into the nearest phone booth!

Outside "Jersey Boys"

Nummy cakes

Outside "Les Miserables"

Inside Harrod's department store...quite a place

Exterior of Harrod's

The River Thames and the London Eye (huge ferris wheel)

Big Ben

View from the London Eye

Ladies in cab

Gentlemen in cab

Holland

2011-04-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

Cheese-making demonstration

Big shoes to fill

Where are the tulips?

Some tulip fields

Flower girls

Giant lily pads

Paris, France

2011-04-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Note: We didn't take very many pictures on this trip...see Dec 2010 post for more Paris pics.

Boarding the high-speed train to Paris

Nice building

Excited to see Mona Lisa

Notre Dame Cathedral

Eiffel Tower

Cochem, Germany

2011-04-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Reichsburg Cochem, a beautiful castle

View of the Mosel River from Reichsburg Cochem

At Reichsburg Cochem

Reichsburg Cochem

Burg Eltz...we must mention that this is Rick Steves' favorite castle in all of Europe

Poland

2011-04-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Hard Rock Cafe in Krakow

We figured out that all you need to do to speak Polish is add a "y" or an "i" to English words.

The sign at the entrance of Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp says "Arbeit Macht Free", or "Work will Set You Free".

View of Auschwitz. Very sobering place. You just can't help but keep wondering how it all happened.

Market square in Krakow.

Borscht and potatoes. We forgot to get a picture of the pierogies.

W Starej Kuchni restaurant in Krakow

Delicious cakes and hot chocolate in Krakow.

Very unique hanging "cloud" lamp, a must for any decor.

Ding Dong, Dorcas is Dead

2011-03-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Our 1991 Volkswagen Golf is no longer among the living. She gave up the ghost a few weeks ago on the Autobahn. Dorcas (may she rest in peace) valiantly carried us to many exciting destinations in Europe and she will live on in our memories forever.

We now have a new car (pictured below), which has not yet been named. If you feel so inclined, place your name nomination in a comment to this post.

Easter Egg Market in Kloster Eberbach, Germany

2011-03-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

Kloster Eberbach is a former Cistercian monastery on the east bank of the Rhine River. It was one of the largest and most active monasteries in Germany. At the Easter egg market, there were 80 vendors from 10 different countries. Amazing what they can do with eggs. We forgot to charge our camera battery, so it died after just a few pictures, but we later remembered the camera on the phone, so we got a few more pics.

We got front-row seats on the upper level of the double-decker bus

Gate to the monastery

Kloster Eberbach Monastery

Lady painting eggs

Annette with an egg lady

The exhibition hall

The beautiful eggs we bought. On the blue one, there are tiny holes amidst the design that you can see if you click on the picture to enlarge it.

A castle view from the Rhine River cruise

Another castle

Annette on the bus

Niederwald Monument overlooks the Rhine Valley. Finished in 1883, the monument was constructed to commemorate the founding of the German Empire after the end of the Franco-Prussian War.

Above and below: Views of the Rhine Valley from Niederwald Monument. Note the vineyards on the hillside. The vineyards are everywhere in the region.

Our lamb cake, which was gone about three minutes after this picture was taken

Belgium

2011-02-20T06:43:00.002-08:00

Someone's excited for Belgian chocolate!

Parc du Cinquantanaire in Brussels, Leopold II's 1880 celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Belgian state

Chocolate store in Brussels

Lace store in Brussels

Biggest Guitar in the Universe

Grand' Place in Brussels

Belgian waffle goodness in Bruges

More Belgian waffle goodness in Bruges

Bruges Markt

Cupcake shop in Bruges

Boat ramp entrance in Bruges

The two "Mr. Ricks" in Bruges

Bruges

Canal boat ride in Bruges

Canal view of Belfry in Bruges

Stained glass window in Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges (in the church, their is a sacred vial believed to contain drops of Christ's blood, brought to Bruges in 1150 from the Holy Land)

Belfry chamber containing a clock mechanism and copper drum, which controls a 47-bell carillon

View from atop the belfry tower in Bruges (366 stairs up)

Finishing out the trip with an omelette and Flemish stew at Restaurant t'Putje in Bruges

Paris, France

2010-12-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

We dragged Mom to Paris, even though she wasn't feeeling too hot. She slept most of the way there.

Eifel Tower

The Louvre

Notre Dame Cathedral

Basilique du Sacre Coeur de Montmartre

View from Basilique du Sacre Coeur de Montmartre on New Year's Eve

Notre Dame Cathedral

Seine River

Berthillon on Isle Saint Louis has heavenly sorbet

(pear and strawberry were a great combination)

Outside Berthillon

Arc de Triomphe

After-Christmas Market

Frankfurt, Germany

2010-12-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

Landstuhl, Germany

2010-12-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

2010-12-28T22:10:00.000-08:00

Trier, Germany

2010-12-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

???

To die for

Garmisch, Germany / Innsbruck, Austria

2010-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

On the hill in the distance is the Neuschwanstein Castle, which was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle

Innsbruck Olympic Arena

Innsbruck Olympic ski jump

Heidelberg, Germany

2010-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

Heidelberg Castle is on the hill

Heidelberg Castle

A hallway in the Castle

Doorway in the Castle

The body is painted on the wall behind the actual trophy

World's largest wine barrel, which held 220,000 liters (50,000 gallons)

A Few More Recent Pictures

2010-12-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day--lookin' fine at forty-nine!

Holiday Ball

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

2010-12-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a well-preserved medieval town, with a great Christmas market.

Germany's longest sausage (even after a few bites)

Band playing Christmas music

We're pretty sure this is the real Santa

This town created its own traditional pastry — the Schneeball ("snowball")

The city wall

Downhill view from the wall

We need a tripod for night shots

Nuremberg, Germany

2010-12-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

Because of the city's relevance to the Holy Roman Empire and its position in the center of Germany, Nuremberg held great significance during the Nazi Germany era. Later, it was also the location the Nuremberg Trials for Nazi war criminals.

Nuremberg was the site of huge Nazi Party conventions. The unfinished Congress Hall, designed by the National Socialists to house 50,000 spectators.

What the completed Congress Hall would have looked like.

In the distance you can see the Zeppelin Field grandstand, famous for having the swastika blown from atop it in 1945, after Germany's fall in World War II. We didn't walk over to it due to time and weather.

Outside view of Congress Hall.

Nazi Documentation Center, a sobering yet fascinating museum about the Holocaust, from the Nazi perspective.

Annette and Dorcus

A cathedral in Nuremberg

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Schöner Brunnen Fountain (14th century, 19 meters high). It is said that the copper ring on the north side of the fountain can make wishes come true.

Strasbourg, France

2010-11-13T22:00:00.001-08:00

Funky hotel room

Strasbourg Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg

Rick and Dorcas

Pack of wild Polar Bears

Impersonation of Charlton Heston

Gingerbread factory

Black Forest - Germany

2010-11-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

This hat makes Rick look really smart

The Bollenhut is a ladies' hat topped with pom-poms and has been part of the traditional costume worn by women in three neighbouring Black Forest villages (Gutach, Kirnbach, and Reichenbach) since around 1750. Young unmarried girls wear hats with red "pompoms" (hmmmm) and married women hats with black ones. Traditional costumes are still worn today on certain public holidays and in processions and folkloric events in many places in the Black Forest.

Shop in Triberg

Another shop in Triberg

Hotel in Triberg

Annette's tall friend

Where we bought a Black Forest ham in Triberg. We also got some Black Forest Cake and Black Forest Gummy Bears. We did not buy a cuckoo clock.

"Germany's Highest Waterfall"

Germany's highest waterfalls have an overall drop of 163 metres over 7 cascades.

Annette performing an ancient German Black Forest trail dance ritual

Triberg

Clock Museum in Triberg

Valley in the Black Forest

Cool way they make beds here

Storefront in Baden-Baden

Trier, Germany

2010-11-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Founded by the Romans in 15 BC, Trier is the oldest town in Germany and some say the oldest north of the Alps. The Porta Nigra ("Black Gate") is the dominant landmark of the city, dating to the second century.

Main Market

Amazing flower arrangements at a great price!

Annette in a sea of advent calendars.

St. Peter's Cathedral, the oldest Christian church in Germany.

Porta Nigra

Halloween at Burg Frankenstein - Darmstadt, Germany

2010-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

We spent Halloween Eve at Frankenstein's Castle in Darmstadt, Germany, which was full of monsters, ghosts and scary sights. Annette was attacked by many monsters, who seemed to be attracted to the fact that she wanted them to stay far away from her.

Honey, do I look fat in this outfit?

I'm gettin' married in the morning...

When I said spiked, I just meant my hair!

Burg (Castle) Day - Germany

2010-10-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Burg Lichtenberg

Near Burg Hohenecken

Burg Hohenecken

Our New Burg

2010-10-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

We recently moved from Fredericksburg, VA to a furnished "chalet" in Germany. Below are some pictures of our new cozy abode...

Sleeping Quarters

The throne

Domestic Engineering Center

Mess Hall

Living Room

10-10-10

2010-10-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today's date is 10-10-10...pretty cool!

On Our Way to Germany

2010-10-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

I just entered the mobilization processing site in Norfolk, VA today. I found it surprising that the first presentation to deploying personnel was by a chaplain on the importance of spirituality and faith in relation to being deployed. He talked about how having something higher than ourselves to believe in and rely upon has a tremendous impact on our ability to weather tough times and come through stronger. Many in the room were on there way to places a lot more dangerous and austere than my destination, and without the benefit of family visits. I was especially glad for them that those in charge of the process chose to begin it this way.

Also interestingly, today is the anniversary of the day that I entered the mission training center in Provo, UT thirty years ago prior to serving a church mission in Hong Kong, which was the last time I left the USA for an extended period of time.

I was processed in less than a day, and found myself on a flight to Germany the same day. Here starts this new adventure for me, and Annette who will follow soon.

For now, this blog will serve as a way for us to chronicle our journey for our friends and family.

Tschüss.

Living on the Edge

2010-06-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day, my wonderful children gave me the item pictured to the left, which is one of the greatest inventions known to mankind. I have always been a fan of the "edge" pieces of brownies, especially the corners with TWO edges; but what to do with all of the edgeless middle pieces? Well, thanks to the Baker's Edge brownie pan, every piece of the brownie batch has AT LEAST two edges...a few pieces even have THREE edges! We made brownies last night, and needless to say, I was in brownie heaven. Thanks, Skids!

We Stand Up for the Honest Man

2009-09-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

by Homer Hickam. author of October Sky and We Are Not Afraid

A dishonest person is nearly always frightened. They lie to keep the truth at bay and use whatever verbal gymnastics they can to cloud the issue they are forced to confront. Conversely, an honest person is someone who isn't afraid of the truth and lays it out as simply as possible. It's easy to tell the truth teller because the truth is always simple. As soon as you have trouble following the reasoning of a fellow, you can pretty well figure they're lying about something. That means they're probably scared, too.

Two honest men can solve anything. One liar can foul up the works. To get rid of fear, admire and support the honest person, and be one yourself.

Friends Forever

2009-09-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

by Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–1994)

My wife and I were in the front of our yard one day when the newspaper boy came down the street on his bicycle. His bicycle was loaded with papers. About 20 or 30 yards in back of him, there was another boy following him on a bicycle. I was not sure at that time what their relationship was, but I did notice they were coming down the street at a pretty good clip.

When the newspaper boy came to our sidewalk entry, he was traveling too fast to make the approach to our home, and, as a result, he went one way, the bicycle went another way, and the papers went everywhere. Noticing the boy had fallen on the lawn and was not hurt, but realizing that he would undoubtedly be embarrassed from the fall in front of his friend, we moved toward him.

At the sight of this perfect three-point landing, if we may refer to it as that, his companion shouted his pleasure and laughed heartily with complete and full enjoyment at the misfortune of his associate.

Trying to relieve the embarrassment of the paper boy, knowing he didn’t want help but he wanted to have his pride repaired a little, I took a few more steps toward him and said: “It’s kind of a low blow to have your friend laugh when you’ve had a bad spill, isn’t it?”

He went on picking up his papers without even looking up. Finally, he had the papers back in place and got on his bicycle; and as he started out away from our home, he made the remark: “He isn’t my friend—he’s my brother.”

His words have been ringing through my ears with a great deal of significance ever since then. I sincerely feel that one of the great purposes of family evenings and home teaching is to have family members realize that a brother can be a friend, and that a sister can be a friend, and that a father and a mother can be more than parents, they can be friends.

I would hope and pray that we may catch the wisdom and the inspiration of building a home so that our members in that sacred unit can look upon a father and say, “He is my best friend,” or “My mother is more than a mother, she is my friend.” When we realize that parents and family members can be more than blood relations and are in very deed friends, then we will have a glimpse of how our Heavenly Father wants us to live, not only as brothers and sisters but as very close friends.

A noble trait

2007-09-29T16:18:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, I taught a lesson on gratitude to the young men in our church. The lesson included a discussion on the story of the ten lepers and how only one of the healed ten returned to thank the Lord. After the lesson while the young men and other leaders were filing out of the room, one of the leaders stopped and thanked me for the lesson. As we talked, it occurred to us that out of all the people in the class (about 10 people total), he was the only one who said thank you. We had a little chuckle at the time, but the more I thought about that experience, it made me realize even more just how true the scriptures really are!

Presidential pressure

2007-08-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

Our poor president. His opponents have called the war "...a most bloody and costly failure." As one foe put it, "Defeat, debt, taxation, sepulchers--these are your trophies." However, the poor president I speak of isn't President Bush. These comments are not about the war in Iraq. They are descriptions of the Civil War and then President Abraham Lincoln, made by Lincoln's contemporaries.

Some said that Lincoln had converted the government into despotism, all for that most ignoble cause--abolition. There were those who even called for President Lincoln's imprisonment. Tired of the growing body count, they wanted to end the war, even if it meant continued slavery. They believed that Lincoln had consistently acted unconstitutionally in conducting the war.

Sound familiar? And if you think President Bush has overstepped his bounds, think of this: Lincoln put into motion the arrest of hundreds of Southern sympathizers across the North, including newspaper editors. Let the White House press corps chew on that one for a whiles.

Whatever the similarities and differences between these two presidents, it seems evident that both of them have been motivated by a firm belief that their actions were not only justified, but imperative. When I hear about Lincoln's firm resolve regarding the preservation of the Union, it amazes me to think about how easy it would have been in the years since for other countries to overthrow a loosely-formed confederation of states that were not joined in such a solid union.

What then of our current conflict? Could the outcome of the present struggle possibly be as critical to the course of history?

Only time will tell.

Source of quotes: Wyatt Kingseed. "The Fire in the Rear." American History August 2007: 47-51

Talk about waffling

2007-07-31T23:05:00.000-07:00

About 15 years ago, James Holsigner, President Bush's current nominee for surgeon general wrote a paper wherein he called homosexuality unhealthy and unnatural. Now he's telling senators, "The paper does not represent where I am today."

Holsinger told the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. "It represented a specific time, in a specific context, for a specific purpose. I can only say I have a deep, deep appreciation of all people, regardless of background or sexual orientation."

Holsinger tried to explain away his paper by saying that it was intended to be a literature review of health issues related to homosexuality for an audience with a Christian orientation.

It sounds to me like the nominee is good at saying just what a particular audience wants to hear.

Full story:

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=37450&dcn=e_gvet

A musical gift

2007-07-15T07:24:00.001-07:00

6-year old Connie Talbot on the final night of Britain's Got Talent.

The gold standard of love

2007-07-14T19:08:00.001-07:00

No additional words are necessary here...the video says it all.

Man's best friend

2007-07-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

The neighbor family behind us has a dog, a small black dog with a very annoying bark. Most of the time, the dog is tied up on their back deck. The dog barks at the drop of a hat, so the mere opening of our back door and walking out on our deck started him going and he would keep barking pretty much the whole time you were outside. I was getting to the point of not wanting to go walk out the door.

That is, until about a week ago. I was on the cell phone in our basement and stepped outside to get better reception. A few moments later when I ended the call, I looked over to see our neighbor standing on his deck--with his dog. I hadn't hardly seen, let alone spoken with this neighbor, so I shouted a greeting to him and waved, to which he responded in kind. Just a quick interchange--but it changed the dog. He no longer barks at me when I go outside.

It's as if seeing me interact cordially with his master was enough to allay his insecurity toward me. At first I thought maybe he simply wasn't noticing my emergence into his domain; however, the last several times I've gone outside, I walked around the deck making noises, and he just went about his business seemingly unaware of me. A few times I heard him bark and thought, "oh no, hear we go again", only to look at him and realize he was barking at a bird or some noise in the distance. Then he was quiet again, and glanced at me as if to tell me I'm in his fave five now.

I'm definitely happy about this new development. I'm enjoying my new found friendship--and the peace and quiet.

Tevia was right

2007-07-01T08:01:00.001-07:00

I just finished reading a book called "The Mormon Way of Doing Business: Leadership and Success through Faith and Family" by Jeff Benedict. The book was interesting enough. It told about Mormon business executives who succeeded in the fast-paced, high-intensity business world, while staying true to their religious principles such as integrity, fidelity, and family. Many of them had even held positions of significant responsibility in their church while serving as CEO or CFO of a large corporation.

I was impressed with the stamina and ability to juggle many priorities demonstrated by these busy execs as they would fly home to a child's ball game or a church meeting amidst jetting around the world. However, as I read quotes from these highly successful men, I couldn't help thinking about the line Tevia sang in Fiddler on the Roof: "When you're rich, they think you really know!".

Being a Mormon myself, it occurred to me that most of what these men were saying about their beliefs could have come out of the mouth of any young child in the church. The author of the book seemed to be asserting that there was something about what these men accomplished that made what they said about life and values somehow more profound. However, the very teachings of the church they belong to does not indicate that what these men had accomplished constitutes the true definition of success. Mr. Benedict seemed to be putting forth some sort of a blueprint for greatness, but it seems to me that even the greatest man who ever walked the earth lived a life pretty much in diametric opposition to the type of success espoused by this book.

I'm all for letting those who want to pay the price reach the top of their field and win at all that they do. What though, of a business owner who never reaches the top because his acts of charity toward customers erode his profits? Is that type of a person any less successful that one who brings massive earnings to gleeful shareholders? I know too many great men who are not rich to buy in to this book's way as the "Mormon Way".

Kid's stuff

2007-06-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

I've always been a bit sentimental. For over 20 years, whenever one of our children gave me something such as a card, a drawing, a note, etc., I put the item in a box labeled "KID'S STUFF". The box is the kind that reams of paper come in, the ones with slide-on lids. On Father's day this year, I decided to sit down and go through the box. What an experience! There's nothing like having over twenty years of memories come flooding back at you. I had the greatest time reading notes, gazing at pictures drawn for my office, and looking at cards that contained expressions of love and appreciation. It took me a while to get through the whole box, as I alternatively laughed and sobbed the entire time.

My wife has a similar box, too, which I know is just as priceless to her. The contents of these boxes are of little monetary value, but it's what they represent that gives them their value. One of the most expensive toys we ever bought our kids was a trampoline. After our kids grew up and we gave it away, I didn't think about how much it cost (other than that it was one of the best investments we ever made). I thought about crack-the-egg contests, doing flips, and sleeping out under the stars on the tramp.

Some time ago, I was sitting at the kitchen table writing a note to my wife. As I looked at the table, which we've had for many years, I noticed slight etchings in its surface. Visible were numbers from math assignments, letters from countless reports, and a myriad of shapes from drawings. This table is covered with recordings of our past.

I have a hard time parting with these objects of sentimentality. Observe the the penny on my key chain, the lesson handout in my scripture case, the polished rock in my glove box, or the broken down go-kart under our deck. We've thought a few times about getting a new kitchen table. If and when we do, I think we will still find a place for that old table somewhere nearby.

Oh, there's One who smiles on high

2007-05-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

On this Mother's Day, I'd like to pay tribute to the many Moms in my life.

I have fond memories of two wonderful grandmothers. Grandma Salisbury was such a jolly soul, and being in the rocking chair with her was like lying on a nice big pillow. After those wonderful seafood dinners at Bratten's, her and my mom used to fight about who would pay the bill, even though she barely had any income from Social Security. From Grandma Smith I remember the birthday shoe boxes filled with candy from the Gem Theatre; I don't know how she made it fit so well, but there was no air in there. I remember tossed salads with peas, a drawer with unique toys and such, and playing with the old upright radio. I was also fortunate enough to have a third "grandmother" in Aunt May. Alway so smiling and proud of us all. She was light and frail from eating like a rabbit, but would splurge on chocolate cake and ice cream at family birthday gatherings.

This is the first Mother's Day without my mom. We all miss her love and the music she made with her voice and life. She remembered every holiday and special event that ever occurred. Always conscious of our health, hamburger night was not complete without the compensating carrot and celery sticks. She gave freely to everyone, asking for little in return except an occasional neck rub and a homemade Mother's Day card. We miss you, Mom.

I'm grateful to my Mother-in-law for raising the love of my life and giving her away to me. Mom Bev is a master of making home a lovely place, a trait which rubbed off on Annette. I can't think of a time when I didn't feel totally welcome in her home. I also learned from her that I was "striking" in appearance.

The mother of my children makes me practically speechless. From the moment I saw her working with those preschool children in 1981, I knew that my Annie C would be a mom of all moms. I can't even begin to list the countless ways that she has affected the lives of our children (and in turn, mine) for good. No one knows like I do how much she cares for our "jewels" or of the tremendous joy, yearning, and concern felt by her as we raised our children. Hohnee, to quote a famous line, "no one loves you as I do".

By becoming a mom herself, Lindsey has delivered a whole new level of delight into our lives. She has shone as Sadie's mother and we are so excited for her and Blake as they prepare for their second child. Her quiet dignity as a Mother as she guides Sadie through her life's journey is most gratifying to watch.

Laci is a proud member of FMA (Future Mothers of America). I know that she and Eric are very excited to begin their family. A home filled with much love and blessings awaits some lucky spirits. And so do we!

Yes, I've been blessed with many wonderful moms. On this Mother's day, I thank God for that.

In Case You Didn't Know...

2007-03-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by my daughter, Lindsey. Prepare for the most exciting moment of your life as you take a journey into the unknown...

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:

Naval Officer
Hospital Administrator
Carpet/Furniture Cleaner
Yard Maintenance Company Owner

B) Four movies I could watch over and over:

Princess Bride
Fiddler on the Roof
What About Bob?
It's A Wonderful Life

C) Four places I have lived:

Magna/Salt Lake City, Utah
Hong Kong
Seattle/Maple Valley, Washington
Fredericksburg, Virginia

D) Four television shows I watch:

24
American Idol
Law and Order
Without a Trace

E) Four Places I have been on vacation:

New York
Hilton Head, North Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Orlando, Florida

F) Four websites I visit almost daily

lindseysnow.com
mikeburkhart.com
weather.com
mapquest.com

G) Four of my favorite foods (I have about 500 favorites, but here are four of them):

Chicken Artichoke Bruschetta from Ledo's
Pumpkin french toast or pancakes
Ice Cream
Pizza

H) Four places I'd rather be right now:

Utah
Seattle
Aruba
Skiing

Gonna Fly Now

2007-01-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

I recently saw the new Rocky Balboa movie. I was pleasantly surprised by what I experienced. Obviously, a few of the later Rocky films left something to be desired in the quality "arena", so I don't think I was expecting much. But I was really moved by this show.

As I think back on the previous Rocky movies, I believe that there was sort of a “Lawrence Welk/Mister Rogers” syndrome going on--everybody likes to poke fun, but at the same time everybody watches, and is affected (consciously or subconsciously) in a very positive way by what they see.

At the end of Rocky Balboa, I realized that over the years I had been impacted in many ways by the Rocky themes of never giving up, of fighting, of surviving. In making this last movie about this fighter, Sylvester Stalone practiced what Rocky has always preached, and came out a winner.

Blog Tag - 5 Things You Don’t Know About Me, But Wish You Didn't

2007-01-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

I was recently tagged by Leezy Lindsey “The Great” Snow to expose 5 not too well-known facts about myself, so here goes:

1. For many years, I too have used Sharpies to touch up chips on dark furniture. It has been very helpful on our black enamel Scandinavian style office furniture, especially on the front edge of the desk.

2. When I was just a little grasshopper, I took a ten-second Super 8 movie of David Carradine, who played Kwai Chang Caine on the TV series Kung Fu. He made a funny face at the camera as he walked by me in the airport. What a magic moment that was.

3. I used to bite my nails incessantly. When I was 19 years old, I decided to stop, and did just that. I hated those blasted hangnails. If only all bad habits were that easy to break!

4. As a young boy, I was President of the World Wide Spy Club (WWSC). We had a logo and everything.

5. My lower teeth are really crooked, because I refused braces when they were offered to me by my dental professional and parents. I told them that if God wanted me to have straight teeth, he would have given them to me. The real reason was that I was scared to death of being called “train tracks” by other kids.

Well, there you have it. Now you’re it. Do the same on your own blog or in a comment to this post.

Traveling Light

2006-05-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite stories:

Two monks were walking through the woods after a heavy rainstorm. Upon reaching a river that had almost gone over its banks, they met a woman who needed to cross but was clearly afraid. Without a word, the older monk picked her up and carried her across the river. The younger monk looked shocked at this action, but kept his silence as they continued their journey. Finally, he blurted out "You know that it is against the rules of our order to have any contact with women. How could you do that?" "I put the woman down after we crossed the river," said the elder. "Why are you still carrying her?"

Someone once said that worrying about things that are over and done with is like sawing sawdust. There's no point in it, of course, because it's already been sawed!

In December 1991, Terry Anderson, an American journalist, was released after 2,455 days—nearly seven years—as a hostage in Lebanon. During a televised news conference, he was asked how he intended to help capture and punish his captors. Mr. Anderson replied that he had no intention of being involved in a pursuit of his kidnappers. “I’m a Christian…” Mr. Anderson said. “It’s required of me that I forgive, no matter how hard it may be. …I have a whole new life. It’s going to be happy.”

Terry Anderson’s reply, perhaps disappointing to reporters seeking a sensational comment, reminds us that in a world often filled with anger and revenge, there are courageous people committed to good principles. Indeed, the sorrows of the entire world would be immeasurably lightened if more people would cultivate such a heart.

Luminaria

2006-05-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I attended for the second year in a row the annual Luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. It is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. As you walk up the hill at the cemetery entrance and come over the ridge, the sea of over 15,000 candles in white paper bags (one at each Union soldier's grave) is overwhelming. Last year, I didn't know what to expect, and was so taken back by what I saw. Tonight was just as good, since I was able to share the experience with Annette, who wasn't able to go last year.

As with many of the civil war sites, there is a strong feeling of reverence about this cemetery. The flickering candles provide an additional visual impact of just how many soldiers are buried in that one cemetery. At one point while we were walking around, someone played "Taps" on a bugle from across the cemetery. It was the one moment when the hundreds of attendees there at that time came to complete silence.

What a way to honor those who have given all for a cause more important than their own lives.

Oh What a Holiday!

2006-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

I took our Christmas tree down today. That's always kind of hard for me to do, seeing as I enjoy the Old Taunenbaum so much. I've always relished creeping into the room, lying on the couch, and staring at the tree in otherwise dark surroundings. A habit I picked up from my wife is to squint my eyes and make all the lights turn into dazzling stars. For a special treat if I'm wearing my glasses instead of my contacts, I take my glasses off--then the tree really puts on a show!

I think what I love most about the tree though is the whole season that it's a part of. I have so many fond memories of Christmastime. When I was younger I looked forward to our annual family Christmas Eve gathering and program that always included a reenactment of the Nativity. After the program, I always came in dressed up like Santa to hand out treats. On Christmas morning, I remember waiting impatiently as my Dad took FOREVER to get ready before we went downstairs to see what Santa had brought.

My two Christmas seasons in Hong Kong were extremely memorable, in that I came to really appreciate the important things, and how much better it is to give than to receive.

And there is nothing that can compare to sharing Christmas with your special someone, and watching Christmas together through your own children’s eyes. The festivity increases as you see them experience the awe and wonder that you already know, and start traditions of your own.

Even though our family is maturing now, this Christmas was no exception. We were able to see all of our family by traveling to Utah for Christmas, then to Georgia for New Year’s Eve. We experienced added yuletide cheer as a result of superb in-laws and a beautiful new granddaughter. We returned home well-fed and full of many fond memories to add to our collection.

So, for now I store the white mini-lights, listen one more time to Bing Crosby's "Round and Round the Christmas Tree", and tuck those memories away in a good place. I’m already looking forward to next year when we trim the tree to begin another holiday season.

Until then, my evergreen friend.

Thank Heavens

2005-11-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

Since it's Thanksgiving, I thought I'd make a list of what I'm thankful for: Annette, Blake, Christmas, dads, Eric, freedom, gospel, home, ice cream, Jesus, knowledge, Lindsey and Laci, moms and music, nature, oxygen, parenthood, questions, running, Steven and Sadie, trees, unity, vegetables, water, x chromosomes, yogurt, and za [1]. There ya go! Feel free to respond with what you're thankful for.

[1] za (zä) n. Slang for pizza.