You may think I let one on the twins type that title. Sorry, not the case. A couple of the a's are missing dots over them, but I can't figure out how to do that. I have no idea what this word means either.
Urlheilopisto- I know what that means....generaly. It is the sport complex where we are staying. Now, is this the only place with that name? don't know. If I went down to Helsinki and asked where the urlheilopisto was would they point me in this direction? have not a clue. The only way I have this vague notion of what that word means is that it is on the signs on the trails around here. And there are many trails. I learned how to discover the meaning of urlheilopisto all due to self preservation. I'm not into getting lost out here. Not on my list of things to do.
I'll share a breakfast meal: Cheese- one slice of swiss, and one that was yellow. 2 slices of a sandwich type meat, hopefully chicken. A bowl of white yogurt with a red jelly -possibly logan berry. Brotchen like roll, watery OJ, small glass of milk and a cup of coffee with what I hope is cocoa. It is fun to see what different people think of to eat for breakfast.
This morning on my short walk from the rooms to the dinning hall, I looked up in the sky to see if there were clouds or stars. Well, there were some stars but they were dim, so I assume there is a thin layer of clouds. Looking higher, I could make out the big dipper, which pointed to the north star, and then I almost fell out of my chair because my head was tilted so far back. I was looking straight up at the north star. Just a sign of how far north we are here. 0740 and we have a pre dawn glow. Yesterday, we were "blessed" with clear skies (and -20C), so we had a direct view of the sun. It left about 1430 behind some hills. Gone. But, we had a glow in the sky until 1630. That is when the sky finally started to turn black. Real interesting environment.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I had not gotten to this yet
I have Never lived in Arkansas. I don't really consider Alabama as all that close, to Arkansas geographically either. Still, staying at the hotel for Dan's wedding, I had a slight feeling of familiarity, it seems to remind me of AL. It seems to me that the two areas, Montgomery and Little Rock, do not have all that much in common. Maybe it was the bermuda grass, in winter that made me think of memories I have. The clear skies, on a January day, which was not all that cold. The leafless trees all blending together to make a familiar environment to that of Alabama. The AL that is filed away deep in my head somewhere, that only comes out in the proper motivations.
Sarah and I arrived a little later than the rest. We also arrived a little later than our itinerary predicted. The ground crew in Chicago were having trouble letting our plane go -it was stuck to the cart that pushed us back from the gate. But after a short delay, we were on our way. We navigated Little Rock at night, to Laura's parents house, with the use of the gps through Sarah's phone. She drove as the hand controls were on the right, and we just did not want me to "risk it" by driving with hand controls that I was not familiar with. Once in the neighborhood, the house was not hard to find, due to the popularity of the dinner, and all the cars parked out front. There was that winter bermuda grass, as I rolled to the front door. I think the syle of houses also reminded me of my days in AL. Dinner was in full swing when we arrived, and we made our way throught the guests to Mom, Dad, Regan and Karl, Aunt Barbara and Uncle David. Preston seemed to enjoy the show, and all the activity, not the nose pokes so much. It was nice to reaquaint with everyone again, and the transition seemed smooth. Sorry to say, that I did not do all that grand of a job mingling with the other guests. It is a bit of a challenge for me to mingle in company.
We stayed up late at the hotel, just hanging out, with Regan and Karl.
Having breakfast with the whole group -Mom, Dad, Dan, Regan, Karl, and Aunt Barbara, and Uncle David, was pretty cool. A pale version of Lake Pippin breakfasts, but a step in that direction. Brad Balow arrived with Amy and the girls -Tabitha and Lilly, while I was enroute with Dan and Regs to the Church.
The Church where the ceremony was held was a grand structure. Quite modern with a classic flavor in the mediteranean fashion.
The club that held the reception, was the envy of all. At least in the sense of those that frequent the Twin Lakes golf club house. A really cool club, and a great place for a good bite to eat.
Back at the hotel, we partook of the Embassy Suite's manager's happy hour. sweeeet. That was some good story telling and catching up. Brad visited another hang out session with Reg and Karl, which ended in the wee hours.
I did not get much sleep that weekend. There is just too much to do, and so little time. And that was one of the topics of conversation. We all want to visit more, and struggle to find the time to do so. It is just so hard to compromise some of the things we have to do, to do what we want.
The flight home was interesting. First, it was delayed about an hour. This led to a rerouting, in which we were happy with the service we received. We approached Seattle over Pendleton Oregon as the sun was going down. This provided a very scenic approach. The mountains, such as Hood, Adams, Jackson, St. Helens, and Rainier were dark, with the sky behind glowing blue. I could make out the ski areas, White Pass, and Crystal from the lights on the ground. White Pass looked to have some runs lit. Crystal was apparent from the line of cars descending Hwy 410. We turned north at the East end of Lake Washington, then turned final over Redmond. We were able to see much of the lights of the Pugetropolis. It is very impressive. It would have to rate among one of my favortie flights.
We picked the kids up from their Aunt's in Issaquah, after staying the night there. Then it was on to Ephrata, because we needed to pick some things up, and since we were going past anyway.... The result was that we had a fairly long trip. It was nice to be home.
And then I was gone a handful of days later....
Sarah and I arrived a little later than the rest. We also arrived a little later than our itinerary predicted. The ground crew in Chicago were having trouble letting our plane go -it was stuck to the cart that pushed us back from the gate. But after a short delay, we were on our way. We navigated Little Rock at night, to Laura's parents house, with the use of the gps through Sarah's phone. She drove as the hand controls were on the right, and we just did not want me to "risk it" by driving with hand controls that I was not familiar with. Once in the neighborhood, the house was not hard to find, due to the popularity of the dinner, and all the cars parked out front. There was that winter bermuda grass, as I rolled to the front door. I think the syle of houses also reminded me of my days in AL. Dinner was in full swing when we arrived, and we made our way throught the guests to Mom, Dad, Regan and Karl, Aunt Barbara and Uncle David. Preston seemed to enjoy the show, and all the activity, not the nose pokes so much. It was nice to reaquaint with everyone again, and the transition seemed smooth. Sorry to say, that I did not do all that grand of a job mingling with the other guests. It is a bit of a challenge for me to mingle in company.
We stayed up late at the hotel, just hanging out, with Regan and Karl.
Having breakfast with the whole group -Mom, Dad, Dan, Regan, Karl, and Aunt Barbara, and Uncle David, was pretty cool. A pale version of Lake Pippin breakfasts, but a step in that direction. Brad Balow arrived with Amy and the girls -Tabitha and Lilly, while I was enroute with Dan and Regs to the Church.
The Church where the ceremony was held was a grand structure. Quite modern with a classic flavor in the mediteranean fashion.
The club that held the reception, was the envy of all. At least in the sense of those that frequent the Twin Lakes golf club house. A really cool club, and a great place for a good bite to eat.
Back at the hotel, we partook of the Embassy Suite's manager's happy hour. sweeeet. That was some good story telling and catching up. Brad visited another hang out session with Reg and Karl, which ended in the wee hours.
I did not get much sleep that weekend. There is just too much to do, and so little time. And that was one of the topics of conversation. We all want to visit more, and struggle to find the time to do so. It is just so hard to compromise some of the things we have to do, to do what we want.
The flight home was interesting. First, it was delayed about an hour. This led to a rerouting, in which we were happy with the service we received. We approached Seattle over Pendleton Oregon as the sun was going down. This provided a very scenic approach. The mountains, such as Hood, Adams, Jackson, St. Helens, and Rainier were dark, with the sky behind glowing blue. I could make out the ski areas, White Pass, and Crystal from the lights on the ground. White Pass looked to have some runs lit. Crystal was apparent from the line of cars descending Hwy 410. We turned north at the East end of Lake Washington, then turned final over Redmond. We were able to see much of the lights of the Pugetropolis. It is very impressive. It would have to rate among one of my favortie flights.
We picked the kids up from their Aunt's in Issaquah, after staying the night there. Then it was on to Ephrata, because we needed to pick some things up, and since we were going past anyway.... The result was that we had a fairly long trip. It was nice to be home.
And then I was gone a handful of days later....
Monday, January 26, 2009
VuokattiSport
Well, I wish I could go on in Finnish, and have all kinds of fun. But I cannot. I think I could go insane trying to pronounce some of these words, their language is so different than ours (and German -so I can't pull that card). And funny thing, I was listening to this guy talking to someone else here, and it sounded like Greedo talking to Han Solo in the cantina on Tatooine.
Since I am so far from the kids, there will not be much on them. That and I am the auther so far. Until Sarah is inspired to write, it will be from me.
We have had great weather for skiing. -5C and the like. Unlike AK, where it was more like -27C. Here, the snow still carries a lot of moisture at those low temps as well. And it snowed "all day" Saturday, but the accumulation was all of 5cm. So, it leaves the groomers a relatively easy job, and the track sets real well overnight.
Apparently Paralympicsport.tv will be broadcasting the races. So far I have not found it. And it seems that youtube has a Paralympicsport ....um...section?
The Russians have the largest team, and so far, I have not warmed up to them. Maybe it is my old school way of thinking, or just my genetic predisposition to generalize and categorize, but they "bother" me. Sadly, it does not help when they all come in to eat, because it is as if a swarm of locusts has descended on the buffet. I know I am being a bit harsh, I'm just saying my opinion. There are about 30 Russian athletes. Otherwise, most other countries have 6-7 athletes. I do need to be more open, so that I can benefit from the oportunity provided by such an international event. So far, I stick to the English speakers, such as the lone Australian, and the Canadians. Sometimes it seems a waste that we are all here together and all I am concerned about is racing, and staying to my comforts.
Since I am so far from the kids, there will not be much on them. That and I am the auther so far. Until Sarah is inspired to write, it will be from me.
We have had great weather for skiing. -5C and the like. Unlike AK, where it was more like -27C. Here, the snow still carries a lot of moisture at those low temps as well. And it snowed "all day" Saturday, but the accumulation was all of 5cm. So, it leaves the groomers a relatively easy job, and the track sets real well overnight.
Apparently Paralympicsport.tv will be broadcasting the races. So far I have not found it. And it seems that youtube has a Paralympicsport ....um...section?
The Russians have the largest team, and so far, I have not warmed up to them. Maybe it is my old school way of thinking, or just my genetic predisposition to generalize and categorize, but they "bother" me. Sadly, it does not help when they all come in to eat, because it is as if a swarm of locusts has descended on the buffet. I know I am being a bit harsh, I'm just saying my opinion. There are about 30 Russian athletes. Otherwise, most other countries have 6-7 athletes. I do need to be more open, so that I can benefit from the oportunity provided by such an international event. So far, I stick to the English speakers, such as the lone Australian, and the Canadians. Sometimes it seems a waste that we are all here together and all I am concerned about is racing, and staying to my comforts.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hey I know where we are
So, after a long trip across Central Washington, we were pulling into the Village. Ethan piped up that he knew where he was, but forgot what it was called. That led to him asking me: "I forget, what is this called?". I said: "the Village", and he said: "no, it starts with a G". And then Rileigh added that maybe it was Rathdrum, which led to an arguement of: no it's not, yes it is. It got fairly heated. Thanks to level headed parents, the arguement was stopped pronto. Stil,l this led to no resolution. All we could do was distract the two combatants with helping us unload the car.
This morning I discovered that the word starting with G, was Idaho. Yeah, so, there was a little education in that Idaho starts with an I. Ethan is now in the know. We only hope it sticks as well as Lightning McQueen's quest.
The trip across Washington was due to Sarah and I travelling to Little Rock AR to attend/participate in Dan's wedding. It would have been nice to bring the kids to Little Rock. Still, it was also nice to have a weekend with few responsibilities. And we could talk about how much easier the travel is without kids. So, the kids missed out on learning what AR can be like, and meeting their cousins. And they wanted to see Uncle Dan. I guess Preston is old hat now, as he was rarely mentioned by the pair, whereas "Uncle Dan" and the "new lady" (Ethan said "oh yeah Aunt Laura) were main topics of conversation. Though having said that, the two of them can't wait to see how big he is now. Time is still a mystery to them they just saw him....how much can he grow? -in their eyes, let me add. I think they expect him to be ready for a nice game of chase (they do not have a very extensive repertoir of games).
Intead they had a good time with their Aunties in Issaquah.
This morning I discovered that the word starting with G, was Idaho. Yeah, so, there was a little education in that Idaho starts with an I. Ethan is now in the know. We only hope it sticks as well as Lightning McQueen's quest.
The trip across Washington was due to Sarah and I travelling to Little Rock AR to attend/participate in Dan's wedding. It would have been nice to bring the kids to Little Rock. Still, it was also nice to have a weekend with few responsibilities. And we could talk about how much easier the travel is without kids. So, the kids missed out on learning what AR can be like, and meeting their cousins. And they wanted to see Uncle Dan. I guess Preston is old hat now, as he was rarely mentioned by the pair, whereas "Uncle Dan" and the "new lady" (Ethan said "oh yeah Aunt Laura) were main topics of conversation. Though having said that, the two of them can't wait to see how big he is now. Time is still a mystery to them they just saw him....how much can he grow? -in their eyes, let me add. I think they expect him to be ready for a nice game of chase (they do not have a very extensive repertoir of games).
Intead they had a good time with their Aunties in Issaquah.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Days are getting longer
Well, Christmas has passed. This year, for me, it was almost like the Christmas's of old -where school vacation was involved. Maybe that is making more out of it than it was, still, there are similarities. Mostly, it was a largely anticipated event and now it is gone, and all we have are memories. -For some reason I get this feeling, when I am anticipating the event, that once the event happens, it will be with us for ever. And now we are taking the tree down, and all the "dreams" that went with them go as well.
To put it another way, I get really melodramatic at this time of year. And honestly, there are cool memories, and cool pictures to entice them, so I have yet to learn to accept the good things instead of focusing on the negative.
I took off for Alaska right after Christmas. I went from cold and lots of snow, to absolutely frigid with enough snow. So cold in fact, that the races for which we went to Alaska in the first place, were mostly canceled. We did get one race in at least, and it felt good to compete.
I suppose the trip to AK had an abbreviated Christmas season end. I was not let down easy, rather, quickly. And then I come home to the sense that it has been over for a while. A time jump as it were.
While I was away, the snow turned to rain a bit. So, we lost a few inches, but there is still plenty hanging around. We got more snow today, and the forecast is either more snow, or rain. In other words, our Christmas storm is over, and we are back to more normal weather. I can at least do snow balls now!
The kids were happy to see me when I got home. They knew I had been away from home for a while, but their concept of time is still skewed. "Remember when we went to the Coeur d'Alene yesterday?" It is a little strange how a parent wants to be missed, and when comments which disregard the passage of time are said, it makes it all the more fun. I can enjoy that I am missed, as well as enjoy that their "suffering" is diminished with an undeveloped sense of time.
We had dinner at Grammie and Grandpa's last night. We asked if the kids wanted to spend the night (we were not serious, we only wanted to get their opinion). Both were against the idea, though Ethan was more OK with it than Rileigh. So, we asked them if Ethan could stay, and Rileigh would come home. Rileigh was opposed to this idea 100%. Apparently, if he were to stay, then Rileigh would not have a brother. And she must have a brother. She then tried to convince Ethan that he had to come home, using logic such as: we have to have pancakes at our house. that Granpa's pancakes were not to be had. We assured them that we were only looking for opinions, and that we were in fact going home, so there was no issue. Both were OK with the discussion, and their red beans and rice (foregoing their serving of Lasagna). And I am going to have to start recording everything, and then editing the recordings each night. Some of the conversations are priceless. Much like a dream, I remember the gist of what was said, but when it comes to particulars, the memory sort of fades. It is a shame that I am so strapped for time.
To put it another way, I get really melodramatic at this time of year. And honestly, there are cool memories, and cool pictures to entice them, so I have yet to learn to accept the good things instead of focusing on the negative.
I took off for Alaska right after Christmas. I went from cold and lots of snow, to absolutely frigid with enough snow. So cold in fact, that the races for which we went to Alaska in the first place, were mostly canceled. We did get one race in at least, and it felt good to compete.
I suppose the trip to AK had an abbreviated Christmas season end. I was not let down easy, rather, quickly. And then I come home to the sense that it has been over for a while. A time jump as it were.
While I was away, the snow turned to rain a bit. So, we lost a few inches, but there is still plenty hanging around. We got more snow today, and the forecast is either more snow, or rain. In other words, our Christmas storm is over, and we are back to more normal weather. I can at least do snow balls now!
The kids were happy to see me when I got home. They knew I had been away from home for a while, but their concept of time is still skewed. "Remember when we went to the Coeur d'Alene yesterday?" It is a little strange how a parent wants to be missed, and when comments which disregard the passage of time are said, it makes it all the more fun. I can enjoy that I am missed, as well as enjoy that their "suffering" is diminished with an undeveloped sense of time.
We had dinner at Grammie and Grandpa's last night. We asked if the kids wanted to spend the night (we were not serious, we only wanted to get their opinion). Both were against the idea, though Ethan was more OK with it than Rileigh. So, we asked them if Ethan could stay, and Rileigh would come home. Rileigh was opposed to this idea 100%. Apparently, if he were to stay, then Rileigh would not have a brother. And she must have a brother. She then tried to convince Ethan that he had to come home, using logic such as: we have to have pancakes at our house. that Granpa's pancakes were not to be had. We assured them that we were only looking for opinions, and that we were in fact going home, so there was no issue. Both were OK with the discussion, and their red beans and rice (foregoing their serving of Lasagna). And I am going to have to start recording everything, and then editing the recordings each night. Some of the conversations are priceless. Much like a dream, I remember the gist of what was said, but when it comes to particulars, the memory sort of fades. It is a shame that I am so strapped for time.
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