Anyway, the group flew out of Chicago's O'Hare airport yesterday. A 9 hour flight found them in Munich, Germany. They traveled to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic where they stayed the night and today they go to Prague for some sightseeing and a performance.
My oldest daughter, Zach's Mom, went along as a chaperone. Jill is posting pictures on Facebook. There is also a blog set up by the teacher to keep a record of their trip.
Zach and Jill at the Chicago airport.
I'm pretty sure when Zach decided to learn to play the trombone, he didn't know it would lead to a trip like this. I am so exited for both Zach and his Mom. I know they will have a wonderful time making memories to last a lifetime.
He will remember this trip for the rest of his life. I still remember some of my trips in school, none to Europe.
ReplyDeleteRob...I am so glad both Zach and his Mom could make this trip. I can't remember all the places they will visit, but they have performances scheduled and sightseeing. It is a wonderful experience for both of them.
DeleteWhat a great opportunity for him, his fellow band buddies and all those who went on this adventure. They will get to see some pretty amazing things, eat local food and learn some history, too.
ReplyDeleteAnd who said being a band geek was boring! haha
hobo...Zach plays it pretty close to the vest, but I know he was really looking forward to this trip. So was his Mom! It has to be exciting to visit those parts of the world he has read about. Band geek? Wish I had been one of those. :)
DeleteBand geek... was one; played flute & piccolo for concert and marching band. Never went to Europe for band but we had a lot of fun traveling about for parades or competitions. And I had the privilege to play with some really talented people who went on to the professional world of music.
DeleteBoy, this post brought back some memories! haha
hobo...Glad you are enjoying your stroll down memory lane. I have always loved music - all kinds - but just wasn't talented. Tried piano for a short time, but wasn't much good at that, either. Should have inherited some musical ability from my Mother who played violin, cello, guitar and piano, but no such luck. All I can play is the radio. :)
DeleteThat is WONDERFUL!
ReplyDeleteGorges...I think so, too! Youngest daughter told me today that the group would be going to Budapest and Vienna during their week long tour. How exciting is that!!
DeleteHow exciting for both your grandson and your daughter. Years ago I was able to travel internationally with a friend. She was working but I got to tag along. Great memories.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, today was a break in the rain. Got into one garden and raked the mulch I had put down. Planted one small tray of snow peas. Tomorrow morning should also be rain free and I'm hoping to clean out another garden. My garden beds are each only 4X8 ft, give or take.Then the rain is supposed to come back for 5 days straight.
From the last post - I much prefer mysteries to any other type of novel. I did read a few of Fern Michaels 'romance' novels. She has one series that is a bit like Charlie's Angels. The main characters are a group of mostly retired women who travel around the globe and go on adventures. They're called the Sisterhood,if memory serves. At least 10 books in the series.
Cheers, SJ
SJ...I am so glad they were able to go on this trip. The orchestra will be performing but there is also time for seeing the sights. Their first performance in Prague went well and tomorrow they play tourist before moving on.
DeleteGood thing all that moisture is in the form of rain and not more snow! Bet it feels good to dig in the dirt again. Planting time was always a favorite for me. Does the dog go with you to help? Over the years I had a couple of dogs who just liked to be with me in the garden. And then there was one I had to confine when I gardened. He would dig up the plants as fast as I put them in the ground.
I had not heard of the Fern Michaels books, but they sound like something I might enjoy, especially if there is a bit of humor involved. I really do like the mysteries. Not the shoot-em up ones or the blood and guts novels, but more the who-done-it variety. I like the ones that keep you guessing who the villain is, right up to the last page. Sometimes I guess right and other time, not so much. :)
My son broke his arm twice after he started playing the trombone. I always said he was just trying to get out of trombone...lol. That sounds like a great trip.
ReplyDeleteLinda...So far they are having a wonderful time. Sad your son broke his arm - twice - but funny you said he was trying to get out of playing the trombone. :)
DeleteMy son and I are going to Europe this summer with the Ambassadors of Music program. The trip of a lifetime! I hope your daughter and grandson have a blast!
ReplyDeletebeertimewidow...I had not heard of the Ambassadors of Music program, so I looked it up. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity. I hope you will come back here and tell us about it when you return. My daughter is posting a little on Facebook so I can keep track of where they are and what they are doing. So far, they are loving every minute of it!!
DeleteWoke up to pouring rain. So much for yesterday's weather report. Canceled my plans to garden. But, I'll take the rain any day over ice and snow.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question,no my dog stays home. Unfortunately, in his senior years he's become quite reactive to other dogs. He seems to flip a switch and get aggressive. I have yet to figure out how to stop this through training. He's always on leash but still it's not fun when he acts up.
Also, the gardens are in city parks and too many people let their dogs off leash. There are plenty of off-leash parks but these people think every park should be off leash, I suppose. These 'special' people don't seem to realize that not all dogs can handle a dog running up to them. Cheers, SJ
SJ...Too bad about the rain. I suppose you are like me this time of year - grateful the moisture is in liquid form. Hope we are both done with winter!
DeleteI can't fault your older dog for getting a bit aggressive. The older I get, the more snarky I become. Perhaps it is a defense thing. He may be either defending you or defending himself. Dogs, like people, develop arthritis in their joints and tend to keep others away to avoid pain. Whatever the reason, I really don't know what a person could do to change the behavior. It might be that just keeping him away from situations that bother him is the best solution.
Don't you just love those "special" folks who think the rules don't apply to them? Sort of like our politicians. It is not only dogs that don't like other dogs running up to them. Many people don't like it, either. I wonder whatever happened to common courtesy.
Me...I'm in "slug mode" today. Haven't done anything worthwhile between naps all day. A little reading, a little crocheting, a little messing about on the computer. Lori was here a little while ago. Duane called her and asked if she and I would like take-out chicken for supper. That was a resounding "Yes." The perfect end to a nice, relaxing day. :)
I HATE dogs coming up to me. It looks like an attack to me! Plus, so many dogs carry fleas. AND, NO, I am not going to pet your dog. NO, I don't think he is cute when you don't keep him away from me.
DeleteLinda...Some of us enjoy being around most dogs and others just don't. I think sometimes some dog owners believe that because they love their pet, everyone else does, too. It becomes a matter of common courtesy. Keep your dog under control in public.
ReplyDeleteHi again.
ReplyDeleteYes, the special 'dog' people just yank my chain. I have no patience. Especially for the people whose dogs are off leash, running towards me and they're yelling 'oh, my dog's friendly'. Well, let me just say that my response is loud and the air is very blue. The dog's running at me tend to have more sense then their owners. The the dogs pull up and stop. So far, we've avoided any dog fights.
And, really, he'll be 8 in June. I've figured out what yanks his chain and I try to avoid those triggers. But, really, I think I should be able to walk on the sidewalk with him on leash or through a park and not have to be afraid. I also use a leash that is bright orange and embroidered with NO DOGS. These special people have no clue...sorry for the rant...
I work hard at keeping my guy away from people when we're walking. I keep my body between my dog and anyone walking on the sidewalk. He's big and I know lots of people are not 'dog crazy'. If someone shows an interest, I will some times stop and let them say Hi.
See that you put the link to Frank and Fern in your side bar. I sure miss their blog and hope they're well. But, I found your blog through them and coming here has been a real joy.
Cheers, SJ in Vancouver
Don't you think it boils down to common sense and common courtesy? Both seem to be lacking these days. I don't care how gentle a dog is. There are things we don't understand that can set them off to behave in a manner that is different from their normal behavior. I have had dogs that were just fine around most people, but who would bare their teeth and growl at an individual for reasons known only to the dog.
DeleteThen there is the problem of dogs off leash in public. If a dog the size of yours were to happily and enthusiastically jump up on someone like me who has physical limitations, the result could be disastrous. Even my little Yorkies could have done some serious damage to someone's ankles if they were not kept under control. I guess that as in any walk of life, from politicians to dog walkers, there are those who don't seem to think the rules apply to them.
Thus endeth my rant. :)
I read Frank and Fern's blog for a long time. I really liked it not only for the homesteading posts, but also because they had no problem calling a spade a spade. I go back from time to time and re-read much of what they wrote. Their take on the things happening in my country were spot on. The very bet advice I ever heard as far as dealing with the insanity in our world today came from them. More than once they warned, "No matter what happens, don't ever get on the truck." I miss them.
Yes, I agree, courtesy is lacking. I see that in dog walking but also living here in my apartment complex. I'll say Hi or Good morning to my neighbors. Many of whom do not even acknowledge that I've said anything.
DeleteAnd I won't get started talking about the dog walking. Obviously it's a hot button for both me and my dog. Smile.. Today's walk was glorious however. We are having an abundance of rain which usually keeps the special people inside.
And, yes, I read F&F for many years and read the back posts. I check back occasionally as well.
Read today's post about your chili. Yum. And weren't our moms smart? One of my favorite meals was leftover meat in gravy over biscuits. Have to say that when I had a full house, I cooked and served a lot rice. It got me through those teen years when the dishes wouldn't even be done yet before my son was hungry. Cheers, SJ
SJ...I have always noticed a difference in attitudes between city dwellers and country folks. Here you can be walking down the street, pass a person and they will not look at you or acknowledge your greeting. But in the little town of 600 people where my Dad lived, even folks driving by will wave, whether they know you or not. Sometimes I think that manners and courtesy fly out the window when we have to fight crowds and traffic jams. Those things make me grumpy, too.
DeleteI had to smile when you mentioned that rain keeps the special people inside. I love rainy Saturday nights. I live next door to a neighborhood bar. Smoking has been banned in public buildings so the bar patrons go outside on the street or in the alley beteeen the buildings to smoke. The later it gets, the louder it gets. Except on rainy nights. :)
I miss F & F. I am glad they left their blog in place so we can go back and read their posts. Sometimes I just need a good dose of F & F common sense.
You are right. Our moms could stretch a meal pretty well. We had biscuits with beef or chicken stew and rice with many meals. But Mom's specialty was cream of anything on toast. She would make a white sauce from butter, flour and milk and then add to it whatever she had on hand and serve it over toast. Creamed peas and creamed asparagus on toast are still favorite meals of mine. Moms then had a way of teaching us to be frugal by example.
That's so exciting for them both, what a wonderful adventure for them both, and you to hear about!
ReplyDeleteI did a short student exchange in high school (stayed in Canada though) but I still talk to people I met there and have great memories!
Jenn...My grandson and daughter have been talking about this trip for over a year. Jill is posting pictures to FB and I can not only follow along but can download the pictures. It looks like they are having the time of their lives!
DeleteI don't think the exchange programs within the US exist - at least they didn't when my kids were in school. What a great way to make new friends and memories!