Kuwait,Kuwait,Don't Tell Me

And for the latest news from Kuwait

2012-02-04T06:29:00.001-06:00

You can either follow the blog written by me...OR follow the Amir on twitter

Mosque madness

2012-02-03T09:14:00.001-06:00

Signs sign everywhere are signs

2012-02-03T09:11:00.001-06:00

Saw these two signs today and the brought a smile.
The singing one was in the bathroom at the mall and the stop sign was near the Grand Mosque.

"dhow"n along the gulf

2012-02-03T09:08:00.001-06:00

Today friend KR and I went on a photo safari around Kuwait. We stopped at the fish market and the dhow shipyards . It was a great day for photo ops.

2012-02-02T01:29:00.001-06:00

Today is election day

2012-02-02T00:29:00.001-06:00

Kuwait elections to be fair, transparent - observers vow
2/1/2012 10:23:00 PM | World News

(With photos) KUWAIT, Feb 1 (KUNA) -- A few hours before the start of the parliamentary elections, Kuwaiti and international observers vowed Wednesday to do their best to render it successful, fair and free.
In a press conference held at the 2012 Election Media Center, Ministry of Interior Assistant Undersecretary for Public Security Major General Mahmoud Al-Dosari said Kuwaiti people were keen on protecting their democratic experiment.

Al-Dosari applauded His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's approval of Kuwait Transparency Society's participation in monitoring the election.

A subcommittee has been formed in cooperation with Kuwait Municipality to monitor campaigning in streets and inside polling stations, Al-Dosari disclosed.

Chairman of the Arab NGO Network for Development Ziad Abdul-Samad believes the Arab region has great potential and a lot to offer.
"We are trying to propose laws to ensure free and fair elections and to allow all to participate," he said.
He added that the monitoring team has recorded several positive points in the electoral law such as the measures that must be taken to guarantee the secrecy of voting.
Abdul-Samad added that the electoral law criminalizes electioneering in worship places, educational institutions, bribery and use of trade unions and professional associations' funds in elections campaigns.

Abdul-Samad said the age of vote in Kuwait is 21, relatively high compared with other countries whose people get the right of vote at 18.

For his part, Head of Kuwait Bar Association Khaled Al-Kandari underlined the importance of transparency of the electoral process. He added that vote counting process will be open and transparent.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Journalists Association member Waleed Al-Ahmad said the government is eager on rendering the electoral process successful and transparent through approving civil society organizations participation in monitoring it.
He noted that Kuwaiti media has played an instrumental role in enriching the political experiment.

Kuwaiti people enjoy the freedom expression but this freedom should be accompanied by responsibility and self-censorship.
He added that this is done through the exchange of experience, stressing the need to develop civil society contribution in the democratic process.

Thursday's election is the country's second in a three-year period. Kuwait had voted on seven occasions between 1991 and 2012.

There are 287 candidates running for 50 seats, including 23 women. There are 400,296 eligible voters in Kuwait.

She came, she slept, she searched

2012-01-30T12:46:00.001-06:00

Anna was with us for the month of January . We were glad to see her after four months. She had a classic break with sleeping late, staying out and then occasionally playing a game of cards or chatting. It was good but I think we all realized that it is her time to be away from the nest, out exploring her way in the world. So until next time be safe baby girl and keep searching for your way.

2012-01-27T04:07:00.001-06:00

Here are the final pictures from the Qatar trip with ks from Herman.

From Minnesota to a Camel to Sand Dunes

2012-01-20T03:11:00.000-06:00

Recently friend KS visited from Minnesota. We flew off to Qatar to see prbecca and she immediately found us some adventure! KS got to ride on the camel pictured, and we were treated to first class bedouin hospitality.

The person in the middle was some sort of important person because they made sure we had our picture taken with him. And that they got a picture of us with their cell phones. It was a grand serendipidous adventure!

Later that evening, we went to the Singing Sanddunes, which I thought for sure was a rock singing group! Turns out that one had to slide down on one's butt (or run down in my case) and a deep resonating sound would be created. It was silly, but fun. We enjoyed ourselves immensely in the Jewel of Qatar!

Happy new year

2012-01-02T04:38:00.001-06:00

Love David Nadine Anna
Ben and Jolene

What to do on a rainy day in Antalya

2011-12-30T12:36:00.001-06:00

Shop...eat...walkabout

Seeing a piece of history

2011-12-29T14:59:00.001-06:00

In southern turkey

At the grand bazaar and spice market

2011-12-28T11:26:00.001-06:00

Posing pretty

2011-12-28T11:23:00.001-06:00

In Istanbul and Antalya

Beautiful Antalya

2011-12-28T11:20:00.001-06:00

On the road to health

2011-12-22T22:59:00.001-06:00

Sorry I haven't written lately, been bogged down with a couple of infections which have made me feel less than human . But all is well now and I am almost back to the human race .

Officially on holiday break, which is a good thing. Early christmas morning we are heading to turkey where we will visit Istanbul, Antalya and other sites. Should be fun!

Have yourself a Merry Christmas!

-Sent from the desert with love

Merry Christmas from Dubai

2011-12-11T11:37:00.002-06:00

My view at dinner at the Dubai mall.

the jv girls took second place at the soccer tournament.

my wonderful American breakfast at the airport...mmmmmmmmm

-Sent from the desert with love

But the cat came back...

2011-12-07T13:37:00.001-06:00

Sorry I haven't written in sometime. Between recovering from working on two major tournaments, relaxing during Eid break, then gearing up to travel to Jordan and Dubai in two back to back weekend tournaments, I haven't been a good blogger.
Also my new best friend, the iPad, had a little bug in it which didn't let me download pictures. And what fun is the desert without photos for the loved ones back home.
All is well now and I promise to be better at keeping up with happenings. At least until the next time...

-Sent from the desert with love
your sandbagger, Nadine

This isn't my cat but I thought it was a cool photo. Taken in the backyard of the cat lady of Jordan.

My favorite lil warrior

2011-12-07T13:30:00.001-06:00

If you have been a faithful reader of this blog, you may remember a post imade some time ago about this lil guy. He was diagnosed with cancer in January and put up a courageous battle over an 8 month period. Last weekend I got to hang out, play war games and generally enjoy life with him while in Jordan. What a bright weekend it was!

-Sent from the desert with love

Scenes from Jordan

2011-12-07T13:25:00.001-06:00

With the AIS speech and debate team

-Sent from the desert with love

Hangin out with my kids

2011-12-07T13:22:00.001-06:00

A scene from last weeks adventure in Jordan with the fabulous AIS forensics and debate team.
This week...soccer in Dubai!

-Sent from the desert with love

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T08:38:00.001-06:00

This year
I am thankful for...
***My Wagner families throughout the world. I know Howard and Esther would be my proud of all of us.

*** For the most part, My loved ones and colleagues are healthy. This is truly amazing and I give thanks for this tremendous blessing.

***True and loving friends both Near and Far. You know who you are and that you are loved.

***Unconditional love of my pets...both in Kuwait and in Minnesota.
And I am thankful to their caregivers: KKO who watches Angel during the school year and Mali, our maid who watches Germo in the summer.

***Life in the desert. While my heart remains mostly in Mn, I have been blessed with so many opportunities for growth in Kuwait. I have a great job, people who support me and plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. In this economy, I am truly thankful.
***My David who has put up with me for 34 years. "You're still the one who can scratch my itch" Babe.
***Life on lake lida including the gift of being a part of the Brown family. Thank you Charlie and Doug for also putting up with me for 34 years.
*** Completing most of my "Bucket List " of travel. Checking off Niagra Falls this summer was very cool. Having the opportunity to travel often during the school year (as is evidenced by my growing Starbucks mug collection) is also a great gift.

*** My children. Even though they are "grown up", Ben and Anna continue to delight. Lucky me!

Happy thanksgiving to you all. May you be truly thankful for what you have.

Horsin ' Around

2011-11-09T22:05:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite students, S, took me on a riding lesson last night. It was a fascinating experience to watch her work with these beautiful animals. It certainly showed me a whole new part of Kuwait! S is an intense student who is a joy in the classroom and out.

Unfortunately I couldn't use the setting in the camera with a flash as horses are easily distracted. In fact S told me that even though I was several feet away, her horse heard every time I clicked the shutter as his ear would twitch.

S makes me laugh for several reasons but one of them is that she is always the first one to wear a heavy coat, gloves, boots, etc when it gets "cold". So whe. She told me to bring warm clothes because I would get cold sitting watching her, I almost didn't listen. But I did at the last minute heed her warning and I am very glad that I did as it was actually cold. I never thought I would be saying that I was cold here. It was like watching a football game on a Friday night in late October cold..minus the snowmobile suit.

S has been riding since she was 4 years old. Her goal is to make it into a jumping competition. I believe she will make it as she has the drive and determination to do anything she wants.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Don't Let the..no wait...LET the Sun go down on me!

2011-11-07T23:39:00.000-06:00

No I have not moved to the East coast of Florida, there are flamingoes in Kuwait! Yesterday we ventured off with the Wild Texans, on an adventure to see if we could view the large pink birds. I did see them a couple years ago so I know it was not a Hoax (as in Snipe hunting). After a circular route (it is so fun to watch people learn to drive in Kuwait!), we finally made it to the area. Unfortunately they were quite far out in the bay. In fact, these pictures are from a friend of a friend who saw them a couple weeks ago. But the important part of the story is that We DID SEE THEM!

It was however, the first time I've watched a sunset on the water in Kuwait. Now I know that sounds strange since I live on eight blocks from the Gulf and I should have been able see several sunsets. Well, here in the Middle East (quite near the equator line..or at least closer than Minnesota), the sun sets quite fast (in about 10 minutes). No lovely lingering sunsets as we enjoy in the summer over Lake Lida. By the time I realize that it's sunset, I don't have time to get to the water because we don't have a car here and to try and communicate to a taxi driver "Hey get me to the beach I want to watch the sun set", the sun would already be down.

Looks almost like a postcard!

Up close and personal

2011-11-06T23:43:00.001-06:00

While out on a couple photo adventures, I was playing with my telephoto lens. Here is a couple of my favorite pics. Enjoy!

Many prayers just waiting to be said.

A friendly kid at the farm.

This is actually a shot of the couch in the living room of the Kuwait farm. The room was huge by my standards anyway and it featured this large seating area. This feature is standard in diwenias, which is the room where traditionally men gather in homes to discuss important matters. But in this house, everyone was allowed into this room.

My fascination with the big old doors continues.

Old door of the museum of modern art. Yeah, the dichotomy of this statement says a lot about Kuwait in general.

Despite this being a desert, there is a wondrous beauty. You just have to look harder to find it.

I think the farm owner was trying to replicate the feeling of the old west in the desert. Seriously, I wouldn't want to mess with him!

Location:Various places around Kuwait

Scenes from a prison

2011-11-06T23:27:00.001-06:00

Recently I went on a sponsored tour of "old Kuwait " through the AWARE center. This tour was billed as the start of the Kuwait Photography Club although I am not quite sure what they meant. I found out that thet are hoping to publish a book of photographs that people have taken of the trips during the year. Not a bad idea, I guess. I have mentioned that David and I are both published authors in a book on Expatriate Experiences published by the same organization. So I guess it would be okay to be a published photographer as well ( she says modestly thinking that, of course her photos would get published)

Anyway, probably the most interesting place we visited was Naif palace which was the palace for the Amir about 100 Years ago. It is used today for special visits and, if I choose to believe this story told to me by a fairly reputable person, also the site of current day executions by hanging.

We got to see the former jail which I think was used until recently. It made for some haunting photos as you can see below.

The guide told us they left the graffiti as they found it and are planning to make a museum of this part. Sorta creepy...sorta cool.

The old and the new.

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Location:Naif palace, Kuwait

And we get to Teach with this guy!

2011-11-04T10:21:00.001-05:00

This gentleman is truly one of the most interesting people I've ever met! He's one of our new teachers. Last night he was the first speaker at a Series I've started called "in My Other Life" where we hear from members of our staff who have fascinating lives outside of school. He is a fascinating fella! This book is a beautiful book filled with interesting information about what the Muslim culture has contributed to the world. Two thumbs up!

The Genius of Islam

Published in English by Knopf, 2011

Published in Arabic by Dar El Ilm Limalayin, 2012

Islam is one of the world’s great religions, one of history’s most important civilizations, and one of the foundational cultures of the West. During Islam’s first five hundred years, from the seventh through the twelfth centuries, this new religion created the most innovative and influential civilization on earth, an essential bridge between antiquity and modernity.

The Genius of Islam:How Muslims Made the Modern World surveys the remarkable contributions Islamic civilization has made to the world - in art, design, calligraphy, architecture, music, engineering, philosophy, astronomy, medicine, agronomy, optics, cartography, paper, and mathematics - how those contributions sparked the European Renaissance and how, until recently, they were mostly forgotten. The Genius of Islam is essential reading for anyone interested in history and the march of contemporary events in the Muslim world

Links

Get the book

Tour

Comin' down-resting-and then climbing back up again

2011-11-03T05:23:00.000-05:00

These are the greetings that were in my school email this morning as we begin to celebrate Eid Al Adha. I've talked about this before, it's an opportunity for Muslims to travel to Mecca (which is one of the five pillars of Islam) and to be with family and friends. We received an extended vacation and now have the entire week off!

Personally, it couldn't come at a better time as I am physically and mentally exhausted after being immersed in the details of helping to host a volleyball tournament over the past three weeks. It's what I do, and I do Love it, BUT....I welcome a little peace and quiet for a while. We are not travelling, other than out to breakfasts with friends, and to various places we always say "gee it would be fun to visit that".

So Here's to CHARLIE (my father in law) I am sorry I haven't written, yes you are right, I've been really busy. Hopefully life will slow down a bit (until the next tournament which is in two weeks!)

No rest for the wicked....

wake up call

2011-10-22T13:10:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I forget that I am in a major city of 1.5 million people and that I live 8 blocks from the Arabian (Persian) gulf. These pics from fellow teacher EW helped remind me the desert beauty of the place. Thanks E for the reminder.

There is out school ( see the green) in the midst of the city.

Location:Around Kuwait

Options

2011-10-20T22:14:00.001-05:00

Germ, our Arabian Mau street cat, who we have had in our home since he was one month old, looks out on the cat fight below and contemplates the life of his cousins who live in the dumpster.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Our apartment in Maiden Hawally Kuwait

Shots of q8

2011-10-17T09:26:00.001-05:00

On saturday, I went on a tour of the town led by the AWARE center...a place whose mission it is to further understanding between Arabs and Westerners. We got into some pretty cool places..

A place I had not visited was the diwaneya of an influential Kuwaiti family. These photos show that there is a lot of history recorded here. A diwaneya is a meeting place, for men, to discuss political and business events. In pelican rapids, we would call this the Round Table.

A lovely shot onto the dhow parking lot.

This is the jail in Naif Palace. I will have a whole blog post on what I saw here.

a few of us good lookin' AISers posing along with the Crown Prince (left) and Amir Jaber.

The mosque and the old well in Naif palace, which was used as a palace in 1919, but is the current site of executions. No folks, no photos of that!

Location:All around the town

Life on the farm

2011-10-15T11:02:00.001-05:00

Thursday night we were invited to a Kuwait farm located about one and a half hours from where we live. This is an opportunity that one doesn't want to miss. The family of the young 5th grader who David has been tutoring made the kind gesture to have us join them. It was an amazing experience as you will see below.

All of these fun people stayed with us, they could speak English but spent mist of the. Time talking Arabic. We smiled a lot, and I took photographs.

Food food and more food. It was like a Norwegian potluck!

These lovely ladies are attending An English school and they are in a play that David and I know, so we sang dongs from the show and they became our new fans. Yes I was covered up modestly for swimming In the pool.

Lovely yellow weird flower that I have no idea of the name...but I liked it. Remember my motto...if a flower can grow in the desert, so can I!

These strange looking doves were a part of the menagerie. I could just hear them saying " don't you love my feathers darhling?"

David viewing the cucumbers...or the tomatoes...or eggplants...or something

Bbaaaaaaaaa!

Dates, dates and more dates.

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Location:Wafraa, Kuwait

2011-10-09T15:58:00.001-05:00

Seeing through old new eyes

2011-10-07T11:19:00.001-05:00

This morning I went out with my new neighbor, KK. She is from Wisconsin and is tackling her new life in Kuwait, new life as a married woman, new life as a teacher AND she and her wonderful hubby SM, get to live next to us!

KK is pictured below posing at the Marina Cresent, a lovely place to have a meal and watch the boats come in and out. Then we ventured into the mall and I learned just how smart she is about tea, after working her way through college in coffee houses in Madison. She really I pressed the owner of the tea shoppe we were in-he offered her a job! (see the smiling man and me above).

Walking around Kuwait with KK and other newbies has given me a fresh perspective on the desert. I try to see things through their eyes and try to remember what it was like to come to here and start a new life.

Location:Marina Mall Salmiya Kuwait

Humor can save the day!

2011-10-06T23:57:00.001-05:00

Seems that reading Facebook h given me a lot of reasons to smile lately . Here are two examples...

1) this wonderful photo was posted by a former student KW. I believe it is stock photo titled "purejoy". Yes it appears to be!

2) Comment to me from SR, my best friend from elementary school, after I commented on Facebook that I was missing fall in Minnesota.....

Yesterday, in Tower, ND, they had a convicted sex offender who was being transferred from New Hampshire to Washington state with six other men, and he escaped, and then he ran into a corn field. But that didn't stop them. By 1 PM they had 3 combines lined up each with a police officer with a gun riding along and 16 semi trailers to unload the combines into. And low and behold, they found they guy. So I can see why everyone is missing fall here. There are so many things to hunt!

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Words of wisdom

2011-10-06T05:30:00.001-05:00

Saw this today on the Facebook page of an AIS graduate. Like it!

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Artful Kuwait

2011-09-28T15:16:00.001-05:00

From the private collection of Russ and Sheila

Taken at rmc home..he and his lovely wifehave a lovely collection of souvenirs from their travels in the middle east.

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Where I wish I could live in Kuwait

2011-09-28T15:12:00.001-05:00

Enjoying the neighborhood

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Location:Near our superintendents home in salwa Kuwait

What I saw at the Market

2011-09-24T05:52:00.001-05:00

here is proof that even in the desert, there are reindeer. At least I think it is a reindeer. If I see Santa on a dishtasha, I will let you know. I didn't buy this, but it just looked so juxtaposed, I just had to take a picture.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Salmiya, Kuwait

To Market, To Market

2011-09-23T14:20:00.002-05:00

Went to the Friday market and didn't buy a thing...just took these!

This is my 83 year old, one eyed Jordian boyfriend. He always has something interesting for everyone.

Clothes and perfume to make everyone prettier and smellier

This one has a story. The woman on the right asked us (a group of older white women) if she could take our picture. Of course we said yes, and then we asked her if she would pose with us! That is definatly a first!

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Location:Salmiya, Kuwait

Honoring my pal Zwich

2011-09-18T07:54:00.002-05:00

I had a great friend, JZ, who had a body like Buddah, but he LOVED nude beaches (yeah, imagine!) He was an upstanding, outstanding man who was very active in the Masons, Kiwanis, Church, etc...he just loved nude beachers.He died about 10 years ago this week. I wonder what he would have thought of this...

This one is for him and his best friend CRO, who I am sure is thinking of him.

DEAD SEA, Israel (AFP) - Dawn over the lowest spot on earth illuminated a Dead Sea very much alive on Saturday, as more than 1,000 floating nude Israelis posed for a mass shoot by US photographer Spencer Tunick.

The project, Tunick's first in the Middle East, is part of a bid to boost Israel's campaign to have the salt-saturated feature recognised as one of the world's seven natural wonders in a global online vote in November.
Experts warn that the Dead Sea could dry out by 2050 unless urgent steps are taken to halt its demise.
For Tunick, a Jewish American who has arranged naked human bodies over prominent landscapes and landmarks ranging from a Swiss glacier to the Sydney Opera House, a nude installation is an indicator of a host country's openness.

"In some places the work is a little bit more controversial, and then in other places the works are accepted as a litmus test for how free a country is, or how open a country is, and how full of rights a country is," he told a pre-shoot press briefing.
Orthodox Jewish politicians and rabbis had protested over what they termed the "Sodom and Gomorrah" nature of Tunick's work, and threatened to take legal action against the plan to strip in public.
The head of the local council in whose area the early-morning photo session took place had threatened to call police to disperse the shoot, which he said was offensive to local residents.

But organisers kept the location secret until the last moment to secure it, and there were no hitches to the two-hour session at the Mineral Beach complex, not far from where tradition says the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, irreparably overrun by sin, were destroyed by God along with their inhabitants. Tunick, who grew up in the largely Hassidic community of South Fallsburg, NY, said in the briefing that he could understand how religious people could find his work offensive.

"That's why I've decided to do the work on Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath), so no-one would be walking by and see a naked person half a mile away and be offended," he said.
The Dead Sea's surface level is plunging by about a metre (39 inches) each year, and the shoreline has receded by more than a kilometre (0.6 mile) in places, according to some estimates.

For Ari Frucht, who initiated the project and has toiled over its preparations for the past four years, a work by Spencer Tunick could help raise awareness of the sea's condition and galvanise Israel's government into action.

He believes there is another aspect, too, to the Jewish state hosting such a shoot.
"The world needs to know that Israelis are not religious extremists," he said ahead of the event.
Besides involvement in public disrobing, the installation provided Chai Amir, a 35-year-old resident of central city Bnei Brack, an opportunity to do something for a cause he believed in.
"I'm glad I was able to take part in an event aimed at saving the Dead Sea," he said as the shoot wrapped. "You can really see how the waterline recedes every year."
A jubilant Tunick praised the "brave" participants of his installation, some of whom flew to Israel especially for it.
"This could happen nowhere else in the Middle East," he said as the event wound down, and the men and women headed to the showers and buses.
"If you love freedom in New York, freedom in London, freedom in Italy... there's freedom in Israel, and I think this is very important for people to understand."

As seen in the Dubai airport

2011-09-17T04:53:00.001-05:00

You just never know who or what you will see traveling!

-

Too darn cute...another version

2011-09-17T04:48:00.001-05:00

This is a photograph taken by a friend, who did our family photograph last tummer. She is from my hometown and her shots are FABULOUS, oh, the subjects in the photo ? Well,thanks for asking...they are the daughters of my great niece SL! Lovely eh?

- Posted while sitting in the Dubai airport

Turkey for Christmas

2011-09-14T13:22:00.001-05:00

Booked our tickets for Istanbul and Antalya, Turkey. So far, it's just the two of us. You are welcome to join us.

Pictured are scenes from the Haya Sofia, a beautiful structure that has had lives as a cathedral, a mosque and now a museum.

Baklava, here I come!

A conversation in my classroom today on 9/11

2011-09-11T12:07:00.001-05:00

"miss, how can anyone be sure it was Osama bin laden who gave the order for the twin towers?"
"well, I don't know. What do you think?"
"I am not sure"
"there are those who think it was a conspiracy"
"I just don't know how they are sure"
"I know what I am sure of "
"what is that Miss."
"I am sure that at least for your generation, that whenever you go to the u Ted states that people will always think terrorist when they see you. And besides the horrible death, that is the real shame of 9/11"
"Really Miss, that was ten years ago"
" but for many people in the US, it seems like yesterday"
(pause) "oh"

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cheers for my "sistah" Joannie

2011-09-10T09:26:00.001-05:00

Six Minnesotans with long histories of service to their communities will receive the 2011 Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service. The McKnight Foundation will present the awards on Friday, September 9, at a private ceremony in Minneapolis.

The awards honor Minnesota residents who give their time to improve the lives of people in their communities. This year's outstanding recipients include community organizers, mentors, advocates, and champions of the underserved.

A committee of six people working in human service fields across the state selected the finalists from nearly 90 nominations.

"The six individuals honored with these awards have demonstrated great energy and compassion in their work to help others," says McKnight's Board Chair Robert J. Struyk. "By selflessly providing aid to those in need, they inspire all of us to do the same."

Since 1985, The McKnight Foundation has given the awards each year to recognize Minnesotans who demonstrate the difference one person can make in helping others. The awards are named for the Foundation's former chair and president, Virginia McKnight Binger. Mrs. Binger served the Foundation for nearly 50 years as a board member, as president from 1974 through 1987, and then as honorary chair until her death in 2002. Although her parents, William and Maude McKnight, established the Foundation, it was Mrs. Binger's personal compassion and generosity that set the standard for the Foundation's work.

Candidates for the awards are nominated confidentially by someone familiar with their work. No one may apply for them directly.

Among this years winner are

Joan Jarvis Ellison of Pelican Rapids helped organize an effort in the early 1980s to build a library in Pelican Rapids, which at the time was the largest community in Minnesota without one. The library was embraced by all, but Joan was not content to stop there. She spearheaded an array of multicultural programs aimed at fostering understanding between the growing immigrant population and old-time Pelican residents. The programs have flourished, as has the library, which has expanded to three times its original size.

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Not all that glitters is gold

2011-09-08T21:44:00.001-05:00

I can safely say that I LOVE my ipad2. It has given me hours of entertainment possibilities. It has allowed me to play hours and hours of bejeweled and angry birds games. It allows me to wake up at 430 am and check Facebook messages instantaneously. Etc, etc.
Most of these blog entries since June have been completed with the blog application.
HOWEVER...

If if did not do a spel check or take the toe to make sure that my spelling was correctthisswhawould end. N te page.

Yes, the above sentence says...if I do not do a spell check or take the time to make sure that my spelling was correct, this is what would end up on the page.

These wonderful machines have something called auto spell that thinks for you and decides what words you wanted to say. Reading my mind for me. Most times that would be okay. But not alwAys...always.

There is a Facebook site dedicated tonthe ...to the funny things that were printed without double checking. The name of the site is
"http://www.facebook.com/l/VAQAOxWyb/damnyouautocorrect.com/"

Darn funny check it out.And forgive any weird spelling from ow onw..it's ot uynfaiult.

Cool places I am Glad I visited

2011-09-08T21:34:00.003-05:00

My cousin B always tells me that she is living through me vicariously. So i decided to post some random photos from my life..most taken by me, some not.All places were "tolerated" for you cous! ;-) enjoy all

Alahambra in Granada, Spain

The green mosque near our apartment in Q8

London' Big Ben. I didn't take this one, but I love it. I was in a meeting with my superintendent this morning and he described working in the middle east as sometimes ( not always) as trying to put fog in a bucket. This photo reminds me of that challenge. We don't get fog here btw.

Although this looks like the Netherlands , it was actually taken in Bremen Germany where Anna now lives. however, Both are great cities.

This is also very near our apartment. The Islamic architecture will never cease to amaze me!

This is the Haga Sofia in Istanbul, Turkey. David and Anna visited here tow Christmas' ago when I was in Mn with Ben and Jolene . We will be there this Christmas inshallah.

And of course no photo display of favorite places of the world would be co Porte without a photo from Pelican Rapids. This is our famous Rotary suspension bridge . I Love helping putting up these flags in the summer with my second father, the mayor, Ben W. Ben is 100% German, as was Howard, and whenever I miss my daddy, I just go hang out with Ben. Works every time.

Looking for the Good

2011-09-06T00:50:00.001-05:00

I wish I had taken this photo, but it was selected from a blog on Kuwait. This is the flag of Kuwait in front of the Kuwati Towers...the symbol of the country. FYI--when Saddem Hussain invaded the country 20 years ago, this is the first thing that was damaged as it is such a symbol of the country. Damaging this was striking right at the heart of the country.

Arabic Word Translation Lesson of the Day
Good Words
1.Yalla
2.Habeebi
3.Machkoor (shukran)
4.Ta'al
5.Sah Shughlik
6.Ajeeb
7.Leysh?
8.Shinu?
9.Minu?

Translation
1. Come on, Hurry up (I use this one a lot especially when students are lingering in the halls)
2. My friend (you know you've arrived when someone refers to you as this)
3. Thank you
4 Come here (in an Arab country, it is offense to point your finger and motion with the "come
here" finger movement. They think you're treating them like an animal)
5. Good Job
6. Awesome
7. Why?
8. What?
9. Who?

I thought that it was time to spread some GOOD WORDS about the Arab Culture to my North American loved ones as I am sure that you are inundated with the "10 Years ago was 9/11" media blitz. I am not saying that we shouldn't remember, I just want to caution you against thinking that all Arab people are Bad. They are not.

With this in mind, I talked deep with a couple of former AIS students yesterday as they are preparing to enter University in a couple days. I told them to dress "less Arab" this week to which the student replied: "You mean I can't wear my Abacrombie and Fitch shirt and kahki pants?"
Okay so I sometimes forget which generation I'm speaking to.

My request of you loved ones reading this blog (and those random people) is that while you are acknowledging the anniversary of the HORRIFIC events of 9/11, be slow to condemn ALL PEOPLES and remember that 99.99% of Muslims are not terrorists or bombers or angry peoples. I believe this is why David and I are here in Kuwait...to find the good, to learn more about another culture and completely different way of thinking. We have been fortunate to learn so much, and we are honored to be welcomed back to the desert.

AND the temperature was only 46 C today!! (translation 114 F)

Getting ready for school to start

2011-09-03T21:25:00.001-05:00

It's almost time for every mothers favorite day and every school age child's nightmare..well, not really but tomorrow at AIS, we will begin year four. Unbelievable!
This year will find us without some of our favorite people (Blair and Kim, Mark and Michele, Cheryl and Eric, Aaron and Sandy) but I have faith that some of the newbies who came in will help fill the hole left by these special people.

David will be teaching 9th graders this year, which is a new age group foe him. These students were the ones I started with in 2008, so they will have had the total BROWN experience.
I will be teaching a group of senior boys so that will aos be A new experience for me.
AIS is also involved in a new athletic and activity leave which will have us traveling to some new territory .
So, lots of firsts even though we are now officially Vets in the rankings.
Not so much first day jitters but there is an anxiety in the air.
This is also our first time in 23 years that we haven't had our own children in the system. Urges, what change that will bring. I may go out onto the hall and drag students into my office just to have that feeling!

While we don't teach these cuties, they are students at our school. In general, we love the teaching the AIS students and are happy to be here for now. We are looking forward to a great year, inshallah.

Location:AIS

Thought for the day

2011-09-02T02:31:00.001-05:00

Photo freely stolen from intlxpatr's blog..thanks for still making my life here so beautiful through your words and photos!

A friend who is far away is sometimes much nearer than one who is at hand. Is not the mountain far more awe-inspiring and more clearly visible to one passing through the valley than to those who inhabit the mountain?
Khalil Gibran

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Location:Salmiya Kuwait

singin the Praises of MissD

2011-08-31T23:31:00.001-05:00

SistahJo sent this picture of my PR family sitting down for a meal to celebrate SistahDianne's retirement.

As I know she is a faithful blog reader (happy Sunday morning Miss D), I will also join my People in saying HAPPY RETIREMENT! miss D has put in many years of extraordinary service with Lutheran Social Services as a refugee arrival coordinator. Through her gracious and wise leadership, many refugees in our town have found a welcome sign.
Also, her thirty years on the PR school board provided much wise leadership especially through the turbulent times of massive arrivals of refugees in our district.

Here's to you, my hero and my friend. Coffee on me next June. Remember Retirement means that you take it easier...hint! Hint!

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Too darn cute for words

2011-08-30T13:03:00.001-05:00

My sister used to live in this wonderful three person town called Buttsville in North Dakota. She had a beautiful home filled with wonderful antiques and we would go for the weekend. Anna liked staying there and we called it Aunti Marcy's Memories Bed and Breakfast. My great niece E just sent the picture below of her and A dressing up. It reminded me how important it is to have those places in your life where memories are made.

As My parents were gone by the time Anna was old enough to make memories, I am very thankful for all the time she spent with the cousins in ND.

E and her spouse now live in England, she's an official British resident and they are off making their own memories with Will and Kate ( whomwould be so lucky to have them as friends!)

thanks for the memories...

Sistah Marcy and her grandson miller

Chicks way ahead of their time in the fashion world: A and E

Location:Buttsville, North Dakota

Ma familia

2011-08-30T07:31:00.001-05:00

Missing my fam throughout the world. All are pictured below except R in north Dakota and his children. I love them all even though our paths don't always cross. Hugs to you from your favorite aunti and sister.

Niece D and her niece S who is my #3great niece

My sisters and brother, sister in law and a couples nieces .

Great nieceB and fam

Two of my great great nieces, yes they are twins

NieceBenna and her family

Great niece and her twins ( they are cousins to the other twins)

North Dakota has Niece Di and her niece and nephew ( they are my great neice and nephew) oh they are twins too. If you are counting there are three sets of twins in my family

Great niece M

My sister and her family In minneSota

My great nephew J and his fam in Alaska

Nephew M somewhere between Alaska and Angola

Great nephew B in Minnesota. He belongs to nephew J

Nieces and sis in la

Various cousins, nephews, nieces, brother and my family

The Browns

Sis M and Bro D in Alaska

Location:Various locations around the world

Eid Mubarek

2011-08-29T22:06:00.001-05:00

Greetings to all on this special day in the Islamic calendar. This mornings sighting of the moon indicates that the month of Ramadan is over and our Muslim students, parents and our teaching friends can now rejoice. They have fasting and partaking in other spiritual rituals for the past 30 days

Unfortunately my camera is taking a hiatus so I am relying on google images to provide the images.

This morning at 430, perusal, the call to prayer was given. However, this one continues for about one and a half hours as the faithful gather in mosques for prayer.

As we live very close to a larger mosque, There are about 400 people in my backyard right now, sitting on rugs in the sand listening to the Eid message. Women are segregated as the prayer posture involves much bending and lowering ones self fully to the ground.

How will we be celebrating? David is already receiving his present as he is golfing with 10 colleagues ( yes at 6 am!) We are also hoping to go to a nice resort courtesy of a friend with "wast a". We will also rejoice as the restaurants will re open during the day. And our life will return to a level of nOrMaL that we've become familiar with. Life in the desert certainly isn't for everyone , but for right now, it works for us.

Eid Mubarek and may Allah bless you.

Which one would you rather have teach your child?

2011-08-27T11:44:00.001-05:00

Summer Davey. Or.....

Clean shaven fall Davey??

Votes are now being cast

A little fairy tale by the brothers Grimm

2011-08-26T14:18:00.001-05:00

BREMENTOWN MUSICIANS

In the story a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster, all past their prime years in life and usefulness on their respective farms, were soon to be discarded or mistreated by their masters. One by one they leave their homes and set out together. They decide to go to Bremen, known for its freedom, to live without owners and become musicians there.

On the way to Bremen, they see a lighted cottage; they look inside and see four robbers enjoying their ill-gotten gains. Standing on each other's backs, they decide to perform for the men in hope of gaining food. Their 'music' has an unanticipated effect; the men run for their lives, not knowing what the strange sound is. The animals take possession of the house, eat a good meal, and settle in for the evening.

Later that night, the robbers return and send one of their members in to investigate. He sees the Cat's eyes shining in the darkness and thinks he is seeing the coals of the fire. He reaches over to light his candle. Things happen in quick succession; the Cat scratches his face with her claws, the Dog bites him on the leg, the Donkey kicks him and the Rooster crows and chases him out the door, screaming.

He tells his companions that he was beset by a horrible witch who scratched him with her long fingers (the Cat), an ogre with a knife (the Dog), a giant who had hit him with his club (the Donkey), and worst of all, the judge who screamed in his voice from the rooftop (the Rooster). The robbers abandon the cottage to the strange creatures who have taken it, where the animals live happily for the rest of their days.

A beautiful city. We will visit again.

Location:Bremen, Germany

Getting Ready for Brunch

2011-08-25T23:51:00.001-05:00

Having a group of newbies, vets and elders over for breakfast this morning as we aren't able to go out due to Ramadan. Germo is helping with the final touches. Yes, I changed the cover before the people came but it was such a cute shot,i had to take it.

It's sorta the thing to do here to collect mugs from Starbucks in cities where one has visited or"want" to visit. David thinks we shouldnt have the mug unless one of us has been there BUT i say that if we WANT to go there it counts.
Not pictured, but in my office, are Dubai,Canada, Tuscon,Frankfurt,Hong Kong, Boston (gifts from students).
Back at the cabin in safe storage are Korea , Vienna, and Alaska .
we have travelled to all these places except Lebanon, Hong Kong and Korea. They are on the list...

Location:Street 2,,Kuwait

Playing with my Rebel (camera)

2011-08-23T21:24:00.001-05:00

I had way too much fun on this last trip taking pictures. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Okay, this one has a story...we often see these statues in out travels and they are usually in these interesting, almost grotesque poses. So here is the final in a series of pictures for our living room wall. It will join the shots of Anna posing with a young "boy" from Jordan,David posing with a beer vendor in Spain and now me with the chef in Hamburg. Hey...and you thought the Brown family was normal?

Location:Hamburg, Germany

My Hamburg, What Big Ships You Have!

2011-08-23T21:15:00.001-05:00

While in Germany, our friend took us to Hamburg, here we learned about the importance of this city in the shipping world. The harbor tour was fascinating. I have a new appreciation for shipping containers because when we return to North America after our adventures in the desert, our household items will probably be shipped. Maybe they will pass through this very port!

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Funky street people

2011-08-23T21:07:00.001-05:00

When traveling through Europe, it is not uncommon to see street performers. Over the past couple of years, we have noticed this trend of mimes dressed all in one color, in statue-like positions. They are very good and from my theatre training I know it is very demanding to isolate your body movements. We always throw a few coins in their hats because we believe they are working.

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Location:Bremen and Hamburg, Germany

It's official

2011-08-22T15:01:00.001-05:00

It's weird not having Anna at home.

- Picture taken inthe ot town square in Bremen . If you look closely you can see the reflection of the cathedral in her sunglasses.

If you could read our minds..

2011-08-20T17:47:00.001-05:00

Smiling happy tourists thoughts:
David : if we take a long time posing for this shot, Nadine won't have to hit another souvenir stand
Nadine: omg, this is the last photo of our lil traveling family before Anna leaves us. Quick take the picture before I cry
Anna: hec there are A couple of really cute boys over there and yet, here I am posing for this dorky picture with my parents. Man I can't wait until I don't have to do this anymore!

Location:Hamburg Germany

On tour with Dietmar

2011-08-20T17:40:00.001-05:00

While in Germany , we stayed with PR's favorite rotary exchange student,Dietmar Bethge. Not only did he and his lovely wife provide perfect accommodations and hosting, but he was an excellent tour guide to Hamburg, a fascinating German port town.

Scenes from Bremen...Anna's new home

2011-08-20T17:24:00.001-05:00

Somewhere between Minnesota , Germany and Kuwait

2011-08-20T17:18:00.001-05:00

As I write this, I am in my semi dark apartment in Kuwait. It is past midnight, I am dealing with jet lag and the only sounds i can hear are the gentle snores of my spouse, the tick of my arabic clock and the pounces of my cat on imaginary mice. not wanting to turn on the lights, the illumination is given by the lit signs of the now-defunct insurance business on the street and the Security light of the Blind Association across the street. I am experiencing the moment I dreaded most this summer: hopelessly awake reflecting on the summer beauty and splendour while sitting in the desert. Which means I am "here" thinking about "there".

Our return has been good, despite arriving in Kuwait at oh dark thirty this morning. We arrived home (!?) at 230 am due to a two hour delay in leaving Germany. I took that as calmly as i could because a new engine is certainly better than a failing one. So I didn't complain as I got to go back for another German beer and brat in the Frankfurt airport.

Tomorrow I return to work while David gets to sleep in and continue to find the bottom of our suitcases. We have converted Anna's room to a media center complete with an LCD projector and six coats of white paint covering her artworks and beloved color scheme. so much for missing the child ;-)!

Tonight as we went out to dinner with friends I fought jet lag and almost fell face forward into my lentil soup. So we came home and while D watched a movie in our new viewing room, I took a three hour nap. Yes,
I know it only complicates the problem of jet lag, but it's best not to fight it. Besides, the cat wanted some snuggle time, and how could I deny him that opportunity after leaving him here for two months?

Here are a couple shots of our last week' s enjoyment.

Closing up the cabin is bittersweet because it signals the end of summer plus the added anxiety of worrying about forgetting something and then returning the following spring to find something broken or full of dead mice carcasses or both! David and Uncle Doug did an excellent job while I ran around saying farewell and having one last coffee/beer with friends.

I waited all summer for this shot of "amber waves of grain" to remind me of the US of A. This field is on the road to the cabin where Angel and I walked each day.

One of the best things about being a teacher is getting visits from former students and seeing them as contributing, interesting adults . We are blessed with several "favorites" who keep us posted on their lives. Here is ALE who lives in Baltimore with fun spouse Mike and beautiful spirited daughter R. As a fitting tribute to David and her other special teachers, she is a teacher herself.

Read below

2011-08-20T15:17:00.002-05:00

SO PROUD of my PR Soulsistahs and TuesdAy morning coffee group!! See below POSt! Way to go women...you are all my heroes. Now check it out below...

MinnPost - From ethnic turmoil to vibrant diversity, trio helped Pelican Rapids transform its culture

2011-08-20T15:14:00.001-05:00

MinnPost - From ethnic turmoil to vibrant diversity, trio helped Pelican Rapids transform its culture

Safe in the Sand

2011-08-19T20:10:00.000-05:00

We have returned to Q8 from our five day adventure in Germany. We are well, the cat was happy to see us and it's not as bad as I feared being an empty nester! (stay tuned as i really worked through that one).
Fighting jet lag, so will post more soon as I land "Mentally"

Hiding the tears so they don't know I am sad

2011-08-18T00:04:00.003-05:00

Having said goodbye to one child earlier this week, I am once again putting my metal jacket on my heart to Say goodbye to my last child as she gets ready to fly the nest.
I know this is a good thing..I know children are supposed to leave and venture out into the world on their own..I know that both my children are smart and capable...but it doesn't make it easier.
Fly safe little birds
Anna in front of the statue honoring the story of the Brementown musicians 2011

The sky is yours

Anna and Momma one year ago 2010

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Bremen Germany

2011-08-16T15:34:00.001-05:00

Arrived safely in anna's new home. Headed to the university tomorrow. Stay tuned for details.

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headin Back...Part four of a continuing saga

2011-08-15T07:29:00.001-05:00

IF someone had told me that we would be living in the desert four FOUR years, I would have asked them what they were smoking because there was "NO WAY in heaven and earth" that I would be able to stay away for that long...Well, NEVER SAY NEVER because we will be boarding the big Luftansa bird to take us over the Atlantic beginning in about seven hours.

Unbelievable!

The last weekend was filled with delightful pleasures including a fab motorcycle ride from my favorite nephew (okay so don't tell them other boys I said this!), visits from friends, supper with fun people,and of course packing

there is a sort of disconnection in leaving that is hard to describe to someone who is staying. Thankfully our friends and loved ones understand process now and they put up with the hurried goodbyes and quick hugs. No tears allowed because if they start, they will not stop until Kuwait.

SO pray for us as we travel over this week. Stopping in Germany to get Anna settled in her new life. Arriving in the desert late Friday night. I shallah we will meet up soon.

To all the AIS newbies reading this blog, see you in the sandbox!
To all my oldies... THANKS for your part in a great summer, love you and see you in June 2012
;-)

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Appearing soon on my dining room table!!

2011-08-15T06:42:00.001-05:00

Year four here we come!
And look what we can have for dinner tomorrow night!!

-thanks to CB, friend with long time q8 experience for providing the pic.

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The Last Dog Walk...for this season

2011-08-14T07:35:00.001-05:00

This morning my Angel and I went out on our last morning stroll. Itt is a ritual of the summer, something she enjoys..and expects. We don't really go far, but it's the ritual that is important. Then we return and throw sticks and fetch in the water (yes she does the fetching!)
Life at Lake Lida has it's rituals, just like life anywhere but somehow they seem more special here surrounded by trees, the lake, green grass, flying eagles, squawking geese, screeching osprey and the haunting bewitching

call of the loons.
I can..and do call /email tho dear to me but I can't speak to my Angel or see and smell the true essence of the lake while I am I the desert.
Fortunately Friends, Family, Angel and fthe Lake will wait patiently for us to return next summer. Quite honestly, THAT is what I hang on to while I am in the sand.

Put another log on the fire

2011-08-11T22:43:00.001-05:00

Last campfire of 2011, okay so it is only the second campfire of 2011 but it is still great. Thanks to my boy scout bud Mikey and my Gorgeous for making the trip over to spend the evening. Mmm we do live those margueritas in a bag! Oh and the campfire talks too!

2011-08-10T22:32:00.001-05:00

Things are starting to wind down and that always makes me crabby. Although I really love my job at AIS and am excited for the year ahead, I really don't want to leave Minnesota, family and friends. It's always a bittersweet time for me.

This is my morning view in the cabin...I shall miss waking up here

Blow down and back

2011-08-08T06:26:00.001-05:00

Anna and I are on a blow down trip to Minneapolis to have one last time to see aunti Ethel (age97, but don't tell her that she is that old because she doesn't act or look it)and other important people.

It is a long trip for a short time but I am glad I could do this because when I am in the desert, I don't have this opportunity.

After reading the following poem sent by the leader of my library ladies group,
And just attending the funeral for the beloved teacher where there was tremendous outpouring of community support( 1000 people attended and six pastors participated),

I didn't need any more reminders that time, at least our time on earth, is short.
Sometimes I make fun of the Islamist saying inshallah, ( God/allah willing)
Especially when a student says it regarding turning in homework
me; the homework assignment is due next Monday
Students: inshallah miss we will turn it in
Me: inshallahschmallah, it is due next week
(smile on my face hoping that I don't get the evil eye cast on me)

But in truth, it is right
We never know...

Photo of sunset inside the cabin on lake lida

A Poem
Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,

And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never seemy old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I llike him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.
And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.

Tired of playing a foolish game, Tired of trying to make a name.

Tomorrow' I say! 'I will call on Jim Just to show that I'm thinking of him..'
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes, And distance between us grows and
grows.

Around the corner, yet miles away, 'Here's a telegram sir,' ' Jim died today...'

And that's what we get and deserve in the end.

Around the corner, a vanished friend.

Remember to always say what you mean. If you love someone, tell them.

Because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late...
Seize the day.

Never have regrets. most importantly,
stay close to your friends and family,
for they have helped
make you the person that you are

Note from nwb: Amen

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Sing it Mickey...It's a Small World after all

2011-08-07T04:49:00.001-05:00

Recently I found out that a friend of mine from my Rotarian life met some friends, LH and LC, from Kuwait in a wedding in Canada. LH was the best man at a wedding of my Rotarian friends daughters longtime friend ( got that? )
How small is the world?! Apparently LH and LC went on and on sbout the contributions that David and i make to AIS. ( i will owe them special Indian breakfast when we return!)
Then not two minutes later, I see the LC's friends post on Facebook with some snappin cool photos from Kuwait . Taking all of this as a karma moment, I decided that I should share some of LC's memories with you, dear readers.

So, thanks Kids for the kind words and for your views of Kuwait for my friends, family and random readers to enjoy. Breakfast is on me in two weeks..

PS...before you think I am a really nice person, which of course I AM, the breakfast place charges about $4 for a full breakfast for four!

Dust storm Rollin in, Spring 2011. LC was out on the beach at a chalet with friends and got a great view.

Love this photo as it says it all about life in q8!

This is a photo I have been trying to take! Sunrises and sunsets happen much quicker ( I think because we are closer to the equator). Kuwait does have it's moments of beauty.

Tickling the Ivories

2011-08-05T21:35:00.001-05:00

Last week we went out with friends Jo and JC and BroPete to Spankys, a very elegant restaurant in the area. We were celebrating david's birthday. There was a piano there and so I jumped on to play a song for David . We all decided this was better than having the waitresses sing to us..OR to having David sing. (love you honey)

JC took this photo, I really like it

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Call National Geographic

2011-08-05T20:41:00.002-05:00

I am very proud of this photo, although I will admit was a point and shoot moment with my iPad.

Life is good here on Lake Lida.

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Swinging in the hammock

2011-08-03T07:51:00.001-05:00

It is a beautiful morning here on lake lida, clear skies, sounds of loons and geese and blackbirds fill the air. A bit of sadness in the fact that we have precious little time left here, ut that is quickly filled with the memories of what a fantastic summer this has been for us.

In our little community there have been two deaths in one week, which is a lot for a small town, one was as a result of a car crash that I heard on an early morning.- a young man new to the community was driving , I guess too fast around the lake and ran head-on into a semi. I will not forget the sound of that crash, it was petrifying. Although I will admit that I thought it was someone setting off a firework

The other death has been very hard for the community to understand.. A beloved first grade teacher had an heart attack and was found by his young daughter. Very sad, he was a great teacher and part of the soul of the elementary school staff.
a number of years ago there was a bus accident in which we lost one o; our students (returning from a trip to Chicago the bus went off the road). This man PP, was a chaperone on the trip and became a first class hero in helping on site with the students. Well, it is not that he was a hero it was more like that is who he was, a classy guy who helped all. My heart goes out to the family and his friends at our school in PR.

Times like this show the beauty of a small town. I know that that there will be lots of support for the daughters and wife, that the staid at Viking elementary will rally and do their best to honor and remember him and that the families in the town will hug each other a little closer and savor the simple things with more purpose.

It reminds us all thT we have precious few moments anywhere and that we should all do our best to live them fully. And now I will take a walk with my dog and savor a few remaining Minnesota moments myself.

Peace

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Scenes from the Pirate Party

2011-08-02T06:10:00.000-05:00

The Charles Brown family looking VERY GOOD!

The littlest buckeroo, BJP, was a big hit! (my youngest great nephew)

These suave, swashbuckling, smilin' young lad and lassies have been gracing our family with their presence for the past 13 years. Best of luck to you scurvies (pirate talk) as you venture out into the world. AARRGH love ya!

Starting to think about Year Four

2011-08-02T05:56:00.000-05:00

The time of fasting and prayer has started in Kuwait. We will be arriving back on August 19, we start work on August 24,work for a week, and then Ramadan is over and the country will celebrate Eid, so we will have a week off!

Here is a greeting from an associate that I received in my school email this morning. For those reading from Kuwait...Salaam Allahekoom and Ramadan Kareem

*******

A Month of Prayer, Fasting & Days of Doing Good has come to your door step and knocking.

May I take this Opportunity to Wish you All A very Happy & Peaceful days of RAMADAN.
Ramadan Kareem

At this time it's my duty to Remember every one of you for the extensive support you have rendered to me during the association.

May The ALMIGHTY Bless you more and more.

Aargh...a great day to be a pirate!

2011-08-01T13:16:00.001-05:00

Sunday we celebrated with friends and family the accomplishments of Ben and Anna. It was a grand day filled with laughter, great conversations and warm fellowship. Here are a couple pictures of our crew.

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Deleware News Family Update

2011-07-27T07:18:00.001-05:00

Those of you who grew up in a small town remember those columns where people reported their daily events..."Billy Bo and Mo were over at Johnson's house for coffee on Tuesday evening". Well, that was actually my first job,(at age 11) although it was quickly taken over by my mother. She would call the area people and ask "if they had any news" for the paper. It gave her a little income and she felt great responsibility to get the information right.

So, in honor of my mother, with pictures, I bring you the *Deleware News Update

* we lived in Deleware township in Grant County Minnesota

Members of the Howard and Esther Wagner family gathered Tuesday evening in Fargo on the occassion of the visit of TJ from the West. Family members were also able to talk with other family in Alaska via skype. Later they gathered with more family for a fine meal at the local Mexican chain restaurant. Three generations were represented. They also greatly missed other family members who were not in attendance.

Two of my neices who are cousins but really more like sisters

My sister in law LW with her two girls, plus another neice and the proud Aunti in the back. Also Marly the dog my grand-dog-nephew.

Family members in this three generation picture include my brothers wife and three children, two of my great nephews and their soon to be wives

and my daughter.

A great week in Paradise

2011-07-24T17:12:00.001-05:00

This week we weren't running all over, we actually got to just "CHILL" (one of Anna's favorite words) and enjoy our lovely cabin on Lake Lida. We even were able to have a pontoon cruise (finally!) even though we were only on slo-mo speed. Maybe David will learn to shift one of these days!

My second son Meister graduated from SKILLS training and now has his criminal justice degree. It's the same degree that Ben has, but he didn't go through graduation ceremonies. We were able to attend Meister's ceremony on Friday with Ben sitting by our side narrating. I think it's the only way to attend these type of things.

Today (July 24) is our 29th wedding anniversary.

I can't think of another place in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD

I would rather be with David at the cabin on Lake Lida.

To quote the song that was sung in our wedding

"You're my castle, you're my cabin and my

instant pleasure dome

I need you in my house because

You're My Home"

(Billy Joel)

Yes David, I would marry you all over again

-you'd still have to do all the cooking tho'

Counting our Blessings

2011-07-24T17:03:00.001-05:00

Anna's godmother JK flew up for the weekend to spread her big heart and love with our family. She graduated with David from school in England and she's been a part of David's life since 9th grade. She's an excellent godmother and we were so pleased to have her visit.

JK had Mr Brown as a Chemistry Teacher (David's dad Charlie) and she told us she always found him "sorta hot!"Here are the teacher and student both lookin' REAL GOOD!

David loves his dramasister JK. They talk and talk and talk and argue politics and ideas (the liberal vs the conservative). She's probably the only person who we know that could convince us that maybe, just maybe, the Tea Party isn't filled with id..ah, people that we wouldn't associate with ;-) We love you girl, come on back anytime!

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES!

2011-07-22T18:13:00.000-05:00

This is the Sasso-Lundin-Brown family. We've gone through a lot together over the past five years. Today we are celebrate the graduation of Meister (left) who graduated from Skills Testing for his Criminal Justice degree. The same degree that Ben received in May, except he choose not to attend the ceremonies. So today, I got to watch a graduation ceremony WITH my son sitting next to me while I watched my second son cross the stage. Pretty cool!

This one's for Lo...you'd be proud of your boy!

MinnesotAAHHHH! The Joy of Loons *(birds, not people)

2011-07-18T17:16:00.001-05:00

Sunday evening I spent a long time watching the lake and the loon family that lives in our bay. There is one baby and the parents were taking great care in teaching their youngin' how to properly swim and hide from danger. There is great peace in watching the loons. At the end of evening, we were treated with the most beautiful unique sunset. My daughter tells me that I put too many pictures of sunsets on this blog. I told her "naah, it's not possible to see too many sunsets on Lake Lida.

(I also told her it is my blog and I can print what I want to!!)

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the LOON, here's some info I stole from the internet.

Listen. That eerie sound you hear is not a ghost haunting a northern lake. It's the call of the common loon. This bird, whose ancestors roamed the earth 65 million years ago, can be found on many states lakes in the summer. They come to breed and raise their young. Come fall, they head to the ocean coasts to overwinter.

Because the loon's legs are so far back on its body and because its body is so long, loons have trouble taking-off. Have you ever seen a loon "running" across a lake? A loon has to run across the water for up to ¼ mile beating its wings in order to get enough lift to take off. This need for a long runway means that loons need a certain size lake in order to take off. You'll rarely find a loon in lakes under 9 or 10 acres.

Loons are fast in the water, but have trouble walking on land. They don't spend much time on land, except to nest. Their nests are made of weeds and grass and are usually located in grass along the lake shoreline. A loon may use the same nest year after year. Two olive-brown eggs are laid. Crows, ravens, gulls, skunks, mink and raccoons (especially raccoons) eat the eggs. Both male and female loons take turns sitting on the eggs. The eggs hatch in about one month. Soon after birth the chicks are in the water swimming with their parents. Swimming in the cold water is hard on the chicks, so from time to time they hitch a ride on their parent's back. This also protects them from predators like snapping turtles and muskies.

There are many Native American stories about loons. The Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indians called the loon "Mang" or "the most handsome of birds." They thought the loons haunting cry was an omen of death. In some native legends the loon is a bird of magical powers, in others a messenger or a symbol of power.

I believe they are powerful and they always give me the message that I need to hear.

Courtesy of the website EEK Critter Corner

Making Memories...the Summer Fun Continues

2011-07-16T22:15:00.002-05:00

This is my great friend GORGEOUS who walked in a Relay for Life in Mankato. We enjoyed our visit with her and the Colonel on Thursday evening. She graciously allowed me to decorate bags (foreground) in memory and honor of my family members who have battled cancer. In case you're wondering, she doesn't really have pink hair. But she's earned the right to wear a tiara full time.

Headed to Iowa for the joyous wedding of one of our favorites, KATE THE GREAT and her wonderful husband Abe. We won the "kissing" contest in showing the newlyweds a new way to kiss. We'll glad demonstrate for you if you ask...

My precious 97 year old Aunti Ethel posing with the bird quilt she made for me. She cross stiched 48 (as in forty eight) birds of different states and then sewed it into a quilt. Am I a lucky neice or what?!

Here's to good friends

2011-07-13T21:39:00.002-05:00

These wonderful people have been in my life for the past 37 years. I am so blessed by their love and friendship. And we look even better than we did 37 years ago.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

More Shots of Paradise...delete if can't stand the beauty ; )

2011-07-13T07:38:00.000-05:00

These lovely flowers were just growing by the side of Silent Lake. Their beauty wasn't silent to me.

I know, I know...how darn many sunset photos can I take of the lake? Well, enough to keep me full in the desert in January.

I was out with PR friend ME and she made me the Kayak Queen of Spirit Lake (at least for last night!)

2011-07-12T15:01:00.003-05:00

These are some final shots from the trip. Pictured below are:
Our AIS fearless leader and his spouse wearing the ever popular Nova Scotia Sou'wester hats.

Nadine meets poutine ( a wonderful heart attack waiting to happen with fries, chili, cheese and NO calories whatsoever!)

and one of my favorite shots of the Lecks. Notice Pappa Leck's expression. I will let you fill in the blanks.

More Canada fun

2011-07-12T14:56:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

We don 't say goodbye, we say "until next time"

2011-07-11T10:56:00.001-05:00

On this trip, I was blessed with seeing friends that I haven't seen in three years, friends that now live in korea and Canada and also my current boss who is also a friend. The conversation flowed, the laughter was frequent, the experiences were all enriching.
As you can see, a good time was had by all

One cannot visit the niagra on the lake area without tasting wines. Thanks to smart friends and Simon (pictured here) I now know about 0,1 2,3 grades of wine.

This is the niagra falls. Wow...unbelievable majesty.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

2011-07-11T10:48:00.001-05:00

Toronto-Niagara falls-Halifax - Pictou county-Toronto
This is where I have been a'travelling for the past eight days. Fabulous friends-fantastic places-
Canada's got a lot to offer such as....

Interesting art

great
Lakes (dipped my toes in lake Erie , lake Ontario and the atlantic ocean!)

Incredible sunsets and sunrises

Funky stuff to see!

Patience with the friendly skies

2011-07-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

A hundred years ago, in a former life, I flew A LOT! It was nothing for me to travel 4 to 6 weeks Monday through Friday at certain times of the year. Needless to say, I have spent a lot of time in airports. Even now, as we fly around from north America to the middle east, we are somewhat used to waiting in airports. However, it doesn't make it any easier when it is announced that the plane is delayed. As I am on vacation and I don't have anything pressing (other than missing Lake Lida, my Angel, myAnna and my spouse...not necessarily in that order!) I am trying to be patient.
I know that it is not the fault of the person at the desk who is going to get the brunt of people's anger and rude comments. I know that being biztchy to them will not make the plane depart any sooner. I know that we ( as in humans ) cannot control the weather patterns or the acts of nature that prevent departures. I know thatif I breathe in and out I can become calmer.
So, I will play with my new toy, (my ipad) and look at the interesting people stuck in the gate here with me and I will continue to try and relax. maybe it's God's way of making sure I have one ,ore TimHortons coffee( for those of you who don't know...Canada functions by Timmys). time to go get a double double

LIKE (thumbs up)!!

2011-07-08T03:23:00.000-05:00

Sitting here in lovely Pictou county
Nova Scotia enjoying a reunion with the original BFFs from
Kuwait who are now teaching in
Seoul.
Yesterday enjoyed being with my Zoebird and her family who were like family to me in Kuwait also.
teaching internationLly has given us friends all around the world and it is a real joy when we can reunite again.
I would love to share pictures but for some reason my new iPad toy won't let me post them.

someone pinch me..life is GOOD,

Happy 4th...eh?!

2011-07-04T08:55:00.002-05:00

Currently in Canada celebrating the 4th of july and crossing a couple items off my bucket list. Today's destination:Niagra Falls and local wineries. I will post pictures if I can focus after the wine tastings...lol

More Belated Graduation Pics...AIS Class of 2011

2011-07-01T13:13:00.001-05:00

Me in the middle pictured with two of the most important men in my life. JJS has been my friend for so long that he was at MY high school graduation in ah 1977. We're posing pretty at Anna's Senior Tea celebration in Kuwait.

Anna Leigh Brown, pictured receiving her diploma from Deborah K Jones, US Ambassador to Kuwait. We're sure Deb gave her good words of advice.