Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Oktoberfest in Munich




We had to be at our "tent" by noon to hold our table and with hundreds of thousands of hopeful non-ticket holders we followed our guides closely. The "tents" are really elaborately decorated buildings surrounded by what we would call a State Fair with rides and booths of all sorts. Most were dressed in their dirndl and lederhosen and had started the party earlier that morning!




Let's talk food!
We each had half a roasted chicken and I didn't count the number of giant pretzels we shared at the table. Some of our heartier eaters also had pork knuckle with dumplings. The best things we had were the white radishes cut in thin slices and salted and of course, dill pickles! After the first round of litre mugs of ice cold delicious beer, I switched to a Radler which was half beer and half lemonade. (I know Doug is thinking ,"What a waste!")




After the feasting...and more beer.....we sang and laughed and toasted to friendship, Ernst and Young, family, Germany....You name it, we toasted to it! The only thing I can compare it to in the States would be a fraternity party on a SEC game day with an oompah band in the middle.





At the end of the day we had a great time at Oktoberfest and we want to thank our "German" friends for organizing the weekend. Now we can check it off the list!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Shopping for Oktoberfest





" Timeless and yet always fashionable"! Every store in Munich was stocked with the traditional Bavarian costume - Dirndl for the girls and Lederhosen for the boys. I had a ball shopping with our EY friends and I must admit they looked very authentic and "fashionable" in their new outfits!



You will notice I am not showing everyone's traditional outfits...I, personally looked more like I was going to a country western hoe-down in my red and white checked shirt...at least Kelly tried on a dirndl!
Rick and I wandered through a farmer's market area and came across this stand with things made of natural seeds, dried flowers and even twigs. Aren't these adorable? Not enough room in the suitcase!


After a great meal with the gang, we all hit the sack early.... tomorrow, the festivities begin early!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

She may be turning 50....

But she is NOT slowing down!

"Some people go through life trying to find out what the world holds for them only to find out too late that it is what they bring to the world that really counts"
Anne of Green Gables





Well finally-






we have been celebrating this big event for months now! Sandi is about to join the rest of us, as Oprah puts it, for the best years of her life. If you know and love Aunt Sandi like we do, you know that she has not waited for a birthday to have fun!
......you just have to have the camera ready!




Happy Birthday Aunt Sandi!!! We love you!!!

Need a good laugh?

You know I am always trying to improve my vocabulary and learn new words....
'ere's one for ya love!
-MOOBS-







When I saw these advertisements on the wall at our tube station I had to go home and get the camera! All I can say is I sure am glad there isn't a face attached to these bodies...anyone you may know?

Saturday, September 20, 2008

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich


It was a "brilliant" sunny Sunday so we decided to take a ferry ride up the river to Greenwich. We boarded at the Westminster dock just across the river from the London Eye and the Aquarium...close to Rick's office!


The Royal Observatory is home to the world- famous Meridian Line, Longitude 0. It sits high on top of a hill with an incredible view of the River Thames with London in the background. We also toured the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House with it's magnificent Tulip Stairs, a spiral stir case with no central support column. As you can see, our tour guide didn't talk much but he sure looked authentic!




Monday, September 15, 2008

We're Back in London!

Just had to post these drawings of Rick and me at a recent Ernst & Young gathering.....
APPARENTLY there was an artist sketching at the cocktail party during social hour!




Do you think they look like us?

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

30th Anniversary...Sept. 1







To celebrate this great event, Rick and the girls surprised me with a weekend trip to the first Auburn game of the season. That might seem strange to some, not the traditional gold, silver, or even diamonds, but we met and married in Auburn....Rick was actually my boss at the Foy Student Union Building. As it turns out all our dear friends and family were in on the planning of the tailgate and the Auburn Tigers even managed to win their opening season game!





We had a blast and are so grateful to everyone who had a part in the event! Rick's brother, Russ and his daughter, Kaitlin drove in from Atlanta. My sister, her husband, Bill and her son, Rob took a day off and made the trip from Birmingham. My best friend from high school and "realtor extraordinaire", Lucretia, her husband Dwight, AND her children and grandchildren all came from Millbrook to celebrate the day. Grandmother, Drew, Robin and Mike opened their beautiful homes to all of us and put on a fantastic tailgate spread with plenty of hot wings and cold beverages. Thanks to Christy digging through boxes in the basement, the tables were decorated with ancient pictures of married bliss and Sandi even had a slide show of some of our most memorable moments.
Thank you everyone for being a part of our celebration and part of our life!