Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Evan Arrives for Mice on a Stick
Hi Friends and Family
As the title suggests, I arrived safely in Malawi this afternoon after a long series of flights (total time in transit, approximately 36 hours). All in all the trip went smoothly, although I narrowly avoided having to pay 325 pounds ($650) at Heathrow to check my second carry-on bag (they only let you carry on one, and were going to charge me 27.50 per kilo). Fortunately, they decided at the last minute to allow me to pay the fine I would've incurred in Boston had I checked it there (only $100). Next time, I'm not going to try and carry four laptops onto the plane I guess.
Touched down in Nairobi this morning at around 6am local time. It was just starting to get light and my first glimpses of Africa came as we started to descend through the sparse cloud cover around the airport. Had some excellent views though on the flight to Lusaka, including a breathtaking look at Mount Kilamanjaro and and equally spectacular volcanic crater lake thingy just past it.
Zambia passed by in a rush, and I didn't get too many looks at Malawi until we were on the ground. A former PIHer was kind enough to pick me up at the airport, and drove me the half hour to the place I'm staying, which is just around the corner from the headquarters of the Clinton Foundation.
Two things about the drive stuck out: one, we were driving down the left side of the road, something I realize I never really did when I was in Ireland and is a little freaky, and two, there were lots and lots and lots of young kids selling mice on a stick perched right on the edge of the road. Apparently the tail is really good, but I'm not sure I'm going to be going for that just yet.
I'm going to try and set up a blog this week and will post some pictures to it once I do.
Thanks for all the help you guys have given me, and talk soon.Best,Evan
As the title suggests, I arrived safely in Malawi this afternoon after a long series of flights (total time in transit, approximately 36 hours). All in all the trip went smoothly, although I narrowly avoided having to pay 325 pounds ($650) at Heathrow to check my second carry-on bag (they only let you carry on one, and were going to charge me 27.50 per kilo). Fortunately, they decided at the last minute to allow me to pay the fine I would've incurred in Boston had I checked it there (only $100). Next time, I'm not going to try and carry four laptops onto the plane I guess.
Touched down in Nairobi this morning at around 6am local time. It was just starting to get light and my first glimpses of Africa came as we started to descend through the sparse cloud cover around the airport. Had some excellent views though on the flight to Lusaka, including a breathtaking look at Mount Kilamanjaro and and equally spectacular volcanic crater lake thingy just past it.
Zambia passed by in a rush, and I didn't get too many looks at Malawi until we were on the ground. A former PIHer was kind enough to pick me up at the airport, and drove me the half hour to the place I'm staying, which is just around the corner from the headquarters of the Clinton Foundation.
Two things about the drive stuck out: one, we were driving down the left side of the road, something I realize I never really did when I was in Ireland and is a little freaky, and two, there were lots and lots and lots of young kids selling mice on a stick perched right on the edge of the road. Apparently the tail is really good, but I'm not sure I'm going to be going for that just yet.
I'm going to try and set up a blog this week and will post some pictures to it once I do.
Thanks for all the help you guys have given me, and talk soon.Best,Evan
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Asia Adventures Continue
Just thought we would send along a brief e-mail update on our most recent Asian adventure.
We are in currently in China and have had a great visit so far. We spent four days in Beijing-- saw the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and much more. Sean and the kids spent a day visiting with a local Chinese family and touring the local community. We then flew to Xian, the historic Capital of China. We went to a fabulous. Chinese Cultural dinner and performance completet with a dumpling banquet. More dumpling than you could imagine and certainly more than we could eat. There must have been ten courses of dumplings-- there were beef dumplings, eel dumplings, chicken dumplings, squid dumplings, pork dumplings, veggie dumplings, pumpkin dumplings and more. To be honest by the end of the meal we were just plain dumplinged out!!
The next day, we toured the old town of Xian saw the beell tower, a drum concert in the drum tower and strolled through the Muslim shopping street. Later, we went to see the Terra Cotta Warriors Site and Museum. These are thousands of life size Warriors, horse and chariots that were buried near the tomb of Emperor QinShihuang the First Emperor in Chinese History. It was only recently discovered in 1974 when a group of local Chinese farmers were digging wells in search of water. It is an absolutely amazing site. They call it the eighth wonder of the world and we clearly feel it deserves a place in a wonder of the world list-- right there with the Great Wall!! For those who can, you may want to look it up on the internet-- I am sure there is a website for it so you can see a bit of what we saw. It was another unbelievable Asian experience!!
We are now in Guangzhou. Shannon and Connor have been trying out their Mandarin while they are in China. There is no substitute for being thrown into a foreign speaking country to force language skills not to mention humbling one a bit on their personal skill level!!
Connor is like a rock star here with all the teenage girls. No matter where we go with him there are girls pointing at him, wanting their picture taken with him. Now, we know he is good looking (though we admit to being a bit biased!), but we are still not sure what the deal is-- is that he is so tall, has "blondish hair (by Asian standards that is!) or that he is a westerner-- what ever the reason, he certainly gains lots of attention!!
We leave tomorrow morning for two days in Korea and then five days in Japan. Our move to Singapore continues to provide us with wonderful opportunities to see the world. We are so thankful for the wonderful family adventures the move has provided. Hope all is well with you all. We will write again from Korea. Love to all.
We are in currently in China and have had a great visit so far. We spent four days in Beijing-- saw the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and much more. Sean and the kids spent a day visiting with a local Chinese family and touring the local community. We then flew to Xian, the historic Capital of China. We went to a fabulous. Chinese Cultural dinner and performance completet with a dumpling banquet. More dumpling than you could imagine and certainly more than we could eat. There must have been ten courses of dumplings-- there were beef dumplings, eel dumplings, chicken dumplings, squid dumplings, pork dumplings, veggie dumplings, pumpkin dumplings and more. To be honest by the end of the meal we were just plain dumplinged out!!
The next day, we toured the old town of Xian saw the beell tower, a drum concert in the drum tower and strolled through the Muslim shopping street. Later, we went to see the Terra Cotta Warriors Site and Museum. These are thousands of life size Warriors, horse and chariots that were buried near the tomb of Emperor QinShihuang the First Emperor in Chinese History. It was only recently discovered in 1974 when a group of local Chinese farmers were digging wells in search of water. It is an absolutely amazing site. They call it the eighth wonder of the world and we clearly feel it deserves a place in a wonder of the world list-- right there with the Great Wall!! For those who can, you may want to look it up on the internet-- I am sure there is a website for it so you can see a bit of what we saw. It was another unbelievable Asian experience!!
We are now in Guangzhou. Shannon and Connor have been trying out their Mandarin while they are in China. There is no substitute for being thrown into a foreign speaking country to force language skills not to mention humbling one a bit on their personal skill level!!
Connor is like a rock star here with all the teenage girls. No matter where we go with him there are girls pointing at him, wanting their picture taken with him. Now, we know he is good looking (though we admit to being a bit biased!), but we are still not sure what the deal is-- is that he is so tall, has "blondish hair (by Asian standards that is!) or that he is a westerner-- what ever the reason, he certainly gains lots of attention!!
We leave tomorrow morning for two days in Korea and then five days in Japan. Our move to Singapore continues to provide us with wonderful opportunities to see the world. We are so thankful for the wonderful family adventures the move has provided. Hope all is well with you all. We will write again from Korea. Love to all.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
comments
just added a comment to Brendan's post, so check it out. this may not make it because I keep being told that my password isn't correct - and I have no idea what password I used to use for blogs.
too bad :-( Maybe I have to make up a new blog for myself. THAT'S It !!!! I deleted my own blog. nsm
too bad :-( Maybe I have to make up a new blog for myself. THAT'S It !!!! I deleted my own blog. nsm
Open the Cottage
Opening day starts with the pump
In addition you must work on the sump
We struggled all day
For a new pump we did pay
Now a flush rids all waste from the rump
In addition you must work on the sump
We struggled all day
For a new pump we did pay
Now a flush rids all waste from the rump
Monday, April 23, 2007
Summer 2006. Additional Pic
The pics in the previous post include the shortest Henry the Heron and a pic of the house as some would like to see it. These pics below include the shortest international bridge, the photographer, and a guy who went along on the ride.
Summer is coming. People get ready
We hit the 80's in VA this past weekend.
I'm looking forward to a fun-filled summer. here are some pics from last summer.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Spring in New Hampshire!
Just wanted you all to see - and appreciate our beautiful
spring here in the Granite State!
And, our snowblower just conked out!
spring here in the Granite State!
And, our snowblower just conked out!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
A great dog!
Dec 20, 2006 **** We lost a wonderful friend today. Mookie suddenly became quite ill yesterday and it turns out he was suffering internally from some pretty serious cancer. At the end of a long day the four of us were with him at our Vet's office and held onto him while he was put to sleep.
We don't have to tell you what a great dog he was. You all got a chance to know him. He'll be impossible to replace - although young Mango is trying his best!
Enough for now - enjoy the holidays - hug your pets - and each other!
The nhmurrays
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Singapore Turkey Day
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all from beautiful Bali, Indonesia where we are spending a sunny and warm Thanksgiving at the beach!!We flew in yesterday morning-- spent the day at the pool and walking along the beach. We are at a huge Indonesian resort right on the beach.
Last evening we had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, all the fixins and even pumpkin soup-- but no pumpkin pie for Sean-- too bad!!
We spent today visiting several Bailinese artist communities, and the local markets. Midday, we drove up to the volcano area and ate lunch a stone's throw away from the second largest volcano on the island. it last erupted in 1965-- the lava fields are still clearly visible all the way down the volcano. It is amazing that the rainforest hasn't overtaken the area after so many years.
We drove back to the hotel by way of the terraced rice fields. They are everywhere and so beautiful. We watched a young artist painting some rice field scenes and couldn't resist purchasing two of his paintings. Shopping at the markets is a blast-- so much to see. Even the kids have gotten into the shopping swing of things here.
Shannon is in cat heaven. There are hundreds of stores that only sell wooden cats-- every color, every size, every design of cat you can imagine. We had to take pictures of a few of the stores so we can show you all just how many cats!!Shannon loves spending her money here-- she bought one cat for 25,000 Rupiah-- that's a whopping $2.50 US. She loves walking around carrying 100,000 Rupiah in her pocket--feels like a whole lot more than $10 to her-- and it does go a whole lot further than ten dollars would in the States!!
Connor spent his time in the video stores where he enjoys bargaining for DVD's and CD's while Caitlin spent her time in the jewelry and purse stores. Sean bought some beautiful dragon kites-- but so beautiful they won't actually get used as kites. We plan to hang them on the walls of the family room in Singapore.
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We do miss spending the holidays with family but we are having a great adventure here. Tomorrow we are off to see the Balinese Temples and maybe a few more rice fields. In the evening we are going to a native Balinese dinner and cultural show at a beautiful outdoor theater.
We stay till early evening on Sunday and then it is back to Singapore.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Sending our love-- The Singapore Murrays
Last evening we had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, all the fixins and even pumpkin soup-- but no pumpkin pie for Sean-- too bad!!
We spent today visiting several Bailinese artist communities, and the local markets. Midday, we drove up to the volcano area and ate lunch a stone's throw away from the second largest volcano on the island. it last erupted in 1965-- the lava fields are still clearly visible all the way down the volcano. It is amazing that the rainforest hasn't overtaken the area after so many years.
We drove back to the hotel by way of the terraced rice fields. They are everywhere and so beautiful. We watched a young artist painting some rice field scenes and couldn't resist purchasing two of his paintings. Shopping at the markets is a blast-- so much to see. Even the kids have gotten into the shopping swing of things here.
Shannon is in cat heaven. There are hundreds of stores that only sell wooden cats-- every color, every size, every design of cat you can imagine. We had to take pictures of a few of the stores so we can show you all just how many cats!!Shannon loves spending her money here-- she bought one cat for 25,000 Rupiah-- that's a whopping $2.50 US. She loves walking around carrying 100,000 Rupiah in her pocket--feels like a whole lot more than $10 to her-- and it does go a whole lot further than ten dollars would in the States!!
Connor spent his time in the video stores where he enjoys bargaining for DVD's and CD's while Caitlin spent her time in the jewelry and purse stores. Sean bought some beautiful dragon kites-- but so beautiful they won't actually get used as kites. We plan to hang them on the walls of the family room in Singapore.
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We do miss spending the holidays with family but we are having a great adventure here. Tomorrow we are off to see the Balinese Temples and maybe a few more rice fields. In the evening we are going to a native Balinese dinner and cultural show at a beautiful outdoor theater.
We stay till early evening on Sunday and then it is back to Singapore.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Sending our love-- The Singapore Murrays
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Thanksgiving Day - 2006
We had a wonderful day her in New Hampshire. It was a bit wet on Thursday but since then we've had blue skies and sunshine.
Fairly relaxing - although a mixture of soccer games (indoor) and horse stuff (riding and mucking) have kept the girls busy.
Today, Sunday, Annie is riding (!) in the woods with Erin, Sheila is working on a school assingment (!) and I'm readying for a post-turkey leftovers grocery store fun :-(
Here's a few shots we captured from Thursday.
Cheers! Martin
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
I can ride for miles and miles
Well...not as far as Biker Mike, but not too shabby for me.
My goal this year was to get 2,000 miles in on the road bike. it should have been fairly easy, considering all the free time i have. however, it wasn't until 2 weekends ago that i passed the mile marker.
I'm not sure it the bike will be put away for the winter or not. one never knows here in VA. it will be 60 and sunny one day and 40's and wet, the next.
I hope you're getting your miles in by whatever means necessary.
bjm
My goal this year was to get 2,000 miles in on the road bike. it should have been fairly easy, considering all the free time i have. however, it wasn't until 2 weekends ago that i passed the mile marker.
I'm not sure it the bike will be put away for the winter or not. one never knows here in VA. it will be 60 and sunny one day and 40's and wet, the next.
I hope you're getting your miles in by whatever means necessary.
bjm
Stick with what works
The Blueman has worked for me in the past but i think it's now time to say good-bye. Although the ladies seem to love him, he didn't look the same this year. bjm
Friday, October 06, 2006
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Cottage Closing
Well, Paul and John AND Eileen and Brendan, instead of George and Ringo, went to Canada at the end of September to close the cottage.
Despite a brief but heavy downpour, we did enjoy a nice fall weekend. we didn't get in a last sail but 3 of us did get in a last swim. When you got out of the 63 degree water and into the 70 degree air, you realize the water is not too bad.
And speaking of water, Paul was quite the trouper when it came time to turn off the water and “winterize” the pumping station. He, with rubber-gloved hands, jumped right in to offer assistance. A key to this year’s process was dumping 10 or so buckets of lake water directly into the tank to load the pump to holding tank pipe with cleaner water. There was no screaming when it came time to trip the dreaded butterfly valve.
Somewhere along the way, the pump à tank pipe broke – so a repair must be made prior to turning the water on next spring.
On Saturday night, I played my only game of hearts the whole year. Paul, a first time player, won the game by shooting the moon on the last hand. We all saw it coming but John and Eileen didn’t want to make the sacrifice and take a heart.
As you know, the blue boat is gone, which was a great relief when it came time to close up shop. Although we had improved on that system, it was always a pain – even the Egyptians advanced from rolling heavy objects on logs after some time.
It’s 80 in VA today but we’ll be in the 50-60 range this weekend.
Fall is here.
bjm
Despite a brief but heavy downpour, we did enjoy a nice fall weekend. we didn't get in a last sail but 3 of us did get in a last swim. When you got out of the 63 degree water and into the 70 degree air, you realize the water is not too bad.
And speaking of water, Paul was quite the trouper when it came time to turn off the water and “winterize” the pumping station. He, with rubber-gloved hands, jumped right in to offer assistance. A key to this year’s process was dumping 10 or so buckets of lake water directly into the tank to load the pump to holding tank pipe with cleaner water. There was no screaming when it came time to trip the dreaded butterfly valve.
Somewhere along the way, the pump à tank pipe broke – so a repair must be made prior to turning the water on next spring.
On Saturday night, I played my only game of hearts the whole year. Paul, a first time player, won the game by shooting the moon on the last hand. We all saw it coming but John and Eileen didn’t want to make the sacrifice and take a heart.
As you know, the blue boat is gone, which was a great relief when it came time to close up shop. Although we had improved on that system, it was always a pain – even the Egyptians advanced from rolling heavy objects on logs after some time.
It’s 80 in VA today but we’ll be in the 50-60 range this weekend.
Fall is here.
bjm
Singapore Update
Dear all
Life in Singapore is so much like life anywhere else We are sometimes too busy. Altho lately Deb, Shannon and I have had some quiet time on Sunday afternoon. I must say I miss the fall the most. It was always my favorite season. Leaves do change color here
But usually it is green to brown and it happens year round. Right now there is a stretch of road with yellowing leaves. That may be as close as we get. There is also a stretch of road with the brightest fusia along the road and hanging from the overpasses. That is not bad either.
Things are moving along here as normal. Cait is studying for her SATs. (I don't tell her that in our day that meant reading the sample questions in the application packet). She has a great friend named Chrissy. They seem to be two peas in a pod. How a kid growing up in Thailand and Singapore can be as quiet and innocent as one growing up in Cincinnati - I don't know. But the two of them are much alike and great for each other
They have started tutoring 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders after school and Cait coaches kids on a Special Olympics swim team
Connor is finishing up soccer. So far his team hasn't won (several ties) but he has grown as a player and a quiet leader. There are so many kids on the team that each tend to play about half the game. Connor and a couple of 10th graders manage to play more than three quarters of every game. He is probably disappointed with the season but instead talks about how good they will be next year. (Is that a budding Orangemen fan or what). He and Cait both ref soccer on Saturdays
Shannon is being Shannon. She has several best friends. One lives only a 5 minute walk away
So she is finally able to play with somebody after school without actually having to set up a play date. I am the keeper of Shannon's schedule. So I have to make myself available. Monday for soccer (coached by her older twin sisters). Tuesday I have off. Wednesday for the 4th grade Singing Geckos. Wednesday evening for HipHop. Thursday for Street Magic. Friday for Taekwondo. Saturday for Soccer and a serious play date with someone. Sunday is often reserved for Shannon, Deb and I to walk thru the park. Somewhere in there she finds time to collect things
We have found rock collections, leaf collections and dead bug collections. All of which are better then the live meal worm collection from last year
Deb is being Deb. (No wonder I see a lot of Deb in Shannon). Her past two weeks or so [have been difficult]
On a brighter family note - we are heading to Cambodia in two weeks. We will help build a school, some houses, and deliver some collected goods. It is a semi annual trip of a organization I'm a member of called Caring for Cambodia. We'll be near Siem Reap which is where Angor Wat is. See Goggle for images of Angor Wat
There is probably more happening but I can't think of them now
peace to all, sean
Life in Singapore is so much like life anywhere else We are sometimes too busy. Altho lately Deb, Shannon and I have had some quiet time on Sunday afternoon. I must say I miss the fall the most. It was always my favorite season. Leaves do change color here
But usually it is green to brown and it happens year round. Right now there is a stretch of road with yellowing leaves. That may be as close as we get. There is also a stretch of road with the brightest fusia along the road and hanging from the overpasses. That is not bad either.
Things are moving along here as normal. Cait is studying for her SATs. (I don't tell her that in our day that meant reading the sample questions in the application packet). She has a great friend named Chrissy. They seem to be two peas in a pod. How a kid growing up in Thailand and Singapore can be as quiet and innocent as one growing up in Cincinnati - I don't know. But the two of them are much alike and great for each other
They have started tutoring 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders after school and Cait coaches kids on a Special Olympics swim team
Connor is finishing up soccer. So far his team hasn't won (several ties) but he has grown as a player and a quiet leader. There are so many kids on the team that each tend to play about half the game. Connor and a couple of 10th graders manage to play more than three quarters of every game. He is probably disappointed with the season but instead talks about how good they will be next year. (Is that a budding Orangemen fan or what). He and Cait both ref soccer on Saturdays
Shannon is being Shannon. She has several best friends. One lives only a 5 minute walk away
So she is finally able to play with somebody after school without actually having to set up a play date. I am the keeper of Shannon's schedule. So I have to make myself available. Monday for soccer (coached by her older twin sisters). Tuesday I have off. Wednesday for the 4th grade Singing Geckos. Wednesday evening for HipHop. Thursday for Street Magic. Friday for Taekwondo. Saturday for Soccer and a serious play date with someone. Sunday is often reserved for Shannon, Deb and I to walk thru the park. Somewhere in there she finds time to collect things
We have found rock collections, leaf collections and dead bug collections. All of which are better then the live meal worm collection from last year
Deb is being Deb. (No wonder I see a lot of Deb in Shannon). Her past two weeks or so [have been difficult]
On a brighter family note - we are heading to Cambodia in two weeks. We will help build a school, some houses, and deliver some collected goods. It is a semi annual trip of a organization I'm a member of called Caring for Cambodia. We'll be near Siem Reap which is where Angor Wat is. See Goggle for images of Angor Wat
There is probably more happening but I can't think of them now
peace to all, sean
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