tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85461855611420499782024-03-07T17:57:32.804-06:00Kat in Name OnlyHow hard it is to escape from places!
However carefully one goes, they hold
you-you leave little bits of yourself
fluttering on the fences, little rags
and shreds of your very life.
--Katherine MansfieldKat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-521996589791027022010-10-12T13:43:00.004-06:002010-10-12T14:05:18.380-06:00Technical difficultiesWARNING: blog post to have many errors due to typing with French computer that has the keys in different places.My computer has not been working with the WiFi in the house we are staying.<br /><br />Paris has been magnificent so far. The trip started off with a very French incident shortly after we landed. My mom and I boarded the Air France bus from the airport to the Montparnasse station where we would meet my friends. About 10 minutes after leaving the airport,the bus pulled into a gas station. I joked to my mom that the driver needed more cigarettes. Well it turned out there was a problem with the bus. One passenger translated it to the toilet waters needed to be emptied, but there was no toilet. so we waited next to the bus for about 20 minutes for a new bus to come. We stood next to horses in the grass with our luggqge. The French passengers were kind to us non-French. So many of the French passengers were taking pictures with their phones of the license plates and the foreginers were taking pictures with the bus (like me). One woman even suggested we strike! The scene was very French. We did make it to Paris successfully. <br /><br />So far we have found the Parisians to be friendly, the streets clean and the drivers not rude - all opposite of the stereotype. <br /><br />One thing that is true to stereotype is the desire of the French to strike. Today there was a transportaion strike and the metro and bus were mostly shut down. So we walked to the Eiffel Tower from the house we are staying at. The Eiffel Tower is a magnificent sight, but I prefer to look at if from a distance as it is viewed peeking above a building or its lights shining at night.<br /><br />So far we have seen the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Place du Concord, the Champs-Elysees, and took a boat tour on the Seine. Tomorrow, we go to Notre Dame, Musee D Orsay and some gardens. <br /><br />I hope to write another post on the food I have been enjoying. I never realized how my fingers are programmed to type on an English computer!Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-24344272773206561352010-10-09T07:06:00.005-06:002010-10-09T07:23:59.176-06:00Bon Voyage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ay6qVdWen76HaSrBMsUAdppuYeQrzRePmQMHgA2AlAevXp7oWPUoOo21HH7H9pfifRPEHFrviurXJHvGFV_kQcCuc-esBJ8sW0yok4ShHj9EEudmEgvco89iEWqzKGlmDWwWhY1c0GbU/s1600/21394_paris.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ay6qVdWen76HaSrBMsUAdppuYeQrzRePmQMHgA2AlAevXp7oWPUoOo21HH7H9pfifRPEHFrviurXJHvGFV_kQcCuc-esBJ8sW0yok4ShHj9EEudmEgvco89iEWqzKGlmDWwWhY1c0GbU/s320/21394_paris.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526036416089063170" /></a><br /><br /><br />I woke up early this morning not so much because I am excited for this trip, but because the long work week left me with many odds and ends I need to wrap up before leaving. The whole trip and its destination of Paris seem surreal to me. It's this iconic place that I have seen on so many cards, posters, T-shirts and have studied. I used to collect little Eiffel Towers and old Parisian postcards, too. In all honestly the city dropped down in my list of places to visit after I went to South Korea, but now that I am going to the City of Lights my love and excitement for it has been renewed.<br /><br />I am happy that we are going to Paris in October. I think the lighting will be beautiful and will make for some very lovely photos of the old streetlamps, stone buildings, diffused light along the Seine ...<br /><br />As I prepare the final details early this Saturday morning, I am thinking about some of the movie and TV characters I've watched travel to Paris. Carrie's trip to Paris in "Sex and the City" was a bit rough because her Russian artist boyfriend spent more time on his art show than with her, leaving Carrie homesick and wandering the streets of Paris alone. In the end, her Mr. Right, "Mr. Big" found her. <br /><br />In "Sabrina," Sabrina talks to Linus about Paris.<br /><br /><em>Sabrina Fairchild: Maybe you should go to Paris, Linus. It helped me. Have you ever been there? <br />Linus Larrabee: [thinks] Oh yes. Once. For thirty-five minutes. <br />Sabrina Fairchild: Thirty-five *minutes*? <br />Linus Larrabee: Changing planes. I was on my way to Iraq on an oil deal. <br />Sabrina Fairchild: Oh, but Paris isn't for changing planes, it's for changing your outlook! For throwing open the windows and letting in... letting in la vie en rose. <br />Linus Larrabee: [sadly] Paris is for lovers. Maybe that's why I stayed only thirty-five minutes. </em><br /><br />I'm not looking for traditional romance while in Paris. But I am looking for a more artistic, literay romance. A romance of delicious, hot coffee, decadent pastries, glorious and humble architecture and the sense of being somewhere full of history that has drawn the great minds of the world to create.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-78142100733383783592010-10-04T19:17:00.005-06:002010-10-04T19:46:45.391-06:00Terrorist threat in Europe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRl9SftjtdCVNKldCBuqYkNLMCQJIH6ACSN_r8lHjUaJ-YERrBoh8rehDuWbiF-p8hAsojWAOQKxHB7rbh_rsbbEAC72_6xZLkCd8hiLDhRd7qRUolLl8f7cNhDfUw3EK-Vid70QgVB6_/s1600/845-France_Terrorism_Threat_sff_standalone_prod_affiliate_36.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRl9SftjtdCVNKldCBuqYkNLMCQJIH6ACSN_r8lHjUaJ-YERrBoh8rehDuWbiF-p8hAsojWAOQKxHB7rbh_rsbbEAC72_6xZLkCd8hiLDhRd7qRUolLl8f7cNhDfUw3EK-Vid70QgVB6_/s320/845-France_Terrorism_Threat_sff_standalone_prod_affiliate_36.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524371864435212322" /></a><br />---Photo by The Associated Press<br /><br /><br />A few more days and my mom and I will be on a plane to Paris after years of studying the French language and culture. It's very appropriate that I should be taking this voyage with my mom because she is the one who first encouraged me to learn the language by teaching me numbers and basic phrases. Mom has done a lot of research for the trip and we've both become quite excited to explore this city that we've read so much about. I have my bags mostly packed and my friends notified about the travel details. <br /><br />There is one issue that may become more problematic than the weak dollar and that's this terrorism threat in Europe that appears to be growing by the day. Being connected to the Associated Press wire feed all day, I have access to all of the updates on the European threat. So far I have mostly summed it up to potential hassles and delays at the airports and tourist sites. However, the scare/threat has spread from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame and seems to be having a great impact on security measures abroad. Hopefully there will be no actual violence and the tensions will lesson. The way I look at it is I lived in South Korea when North Korea tested its nuclear weapon in the China Sea and there was hardly a ripple effect. If anything, maybe it would be an opportunity to finally send newspaper dispatches from abroad.<br /><br />In all honestly, I am hoping for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. I have enough stress and frustrations to deal with daily. I keep picturing myself relaxing at a cafe with a book, a coffee and a pastry watching the French world pass by.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-65567074737046328902010-05-01T14:48:00.007-06:002010-05-01T15:14:14.005-06:00The final days, minutes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsDzefTvitQZ07hGJEnSlbXq8mcZFGe-U9Ob1AQtCdgRD6AHNKFscRM3KfeZ91SXrx8RCLC4lv9GEmllKUJj40OaEu-nvuGynhLwfn86YYsoXprFJZgUhzEBFsh7d9AdWd-QPWm6ENgsZ/s1600/DSC_0246.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsDzefTvitQZ07hGJEnSlbXq8mcZFGe-U9Ob1AQtCdgRD6AHNKFscRM3KfeZ91SXrx8RCLC4lv9GEmllKUJj40OaEu-nvuGynhLwfn86YYsoXprFJZgUhzEBFsh7d9AdWd-QPWm6ENgsZ/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466412660244518994" /></a><br /><br />I am sitting here in my room with loaded luggage hoping that I am not overweight and I am not forgetting anything. My trip in Korea is rapidly finishing, although I have a long trip ahead traveling from Incheon to Milwaukee.<br /><br />Since the weather got nice on Wednesday, I have been filling my days with traveling around Seoul and meeting people. Friday and Saturday were especially enjoyable because they were relaxing and I got to see some particularly beautiful places, including Jogyesa Temple and Bukhan Mountain.<br /><br />I have mixed feelings about leaving as expected. I am looking forward to returning home to my prairie dog, Calypso, my own bed and some more home cooked meals. Plus, Wisconsin is so lovely this time of year. But, I am sad to leave my friends, the excitement of Seoul and to simply know that this huge trip is done. I have had a strange feeling the whole time I have been here--torn between feeling like a resident and a visitor. Being in so many of the same areas and seeing many of my Korean friends, I felt almost like I live here, but then I had no routine. That is one of the reasons that on my final day in Korea I wanted to do something that I had never done before. So Suki and I went to Bukhan Mountain in the northern part of Seoul. I didn't expect much, but it was gorgeous. When you get on the outskirts of Seoul, you realize that the city is surrounded by large, rocky mountains. It took Suki and me about two hours to get to the mountain by subway and bus. The paths were surprisingly steep and difficult. Along the path, there was a gorgeous mountain stream (very tiny, but pure). At the base of the side of the mountain we arrived at was a very large Buddhist temple. It was hard to capture the image of this colorful temple with monks chanting and followers praying in front of massive mountain.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wyQxAXaeWwjC2k-BUV7Nl5x9-jOJN8YbanDs6axv39SZ_wEN4LwY4R3pDsqWFmsUR_VC1TFMN73_2F8JjbYVFN_vB7bO-sojSliIOsISb_fNOJIwlBwFHqX-OQa6QMNbEoPiMYEhgwYp/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wyQxAXaeWwjC2k-BUV7Nl5x9-jOJN8YbanDs6axv39SZ_wEN4LwY4R3pDsqWFmsUR_VC1TFMN73_2F8JjbYVFN_vB7bO-sojSliIOsISb_fNOJIwlBwFHqX-OQa6QMNbEoPiMYEhgwYp/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466410231269884754" /></a><br /><br /><br />The last big thing I did Saturday was to go to Suki's family's home near my motel for dinner.I helped her mother make Korean dumplings called mandu. It was a delicious dinner of mandu soup and many homemade kimchi side dishes. Everything is home made by Suki's mother, even the soy sauce. Suki's brother, sister, niece and nephew were also there. Although they did not speak any English, it was a great experience getting to eat a homemade meal of traditional food.<br /><br />Now I should finish getting ready for my 19 hours on planes and layovers and about a total of 27 hours of traveling. I will take with me from this place many more memories to share and many more photos. However, the memories to me feel like ordinary life.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2LuMbkNuX59vl91sausB695YqAyz3j5syduEifM_RTiKPHCahpcvPa-YJ_oJGTYzJQPi2pCKf-F3Ayfy95BaS0EMOrXYZcJj83oiN_9PTyrzQzZsy6r2t7TOh_SeiTeyiTbXyqSijkRh/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2LuMbkNuX59vl91sausB695YqAyz3j5syduEifM_RTiKPHCahpcvPa-YJ_oJGTYzJQPi2pCKf-F3Ayfy95BaS0EMOrXYZcJj83oiN_9PTyrzQzZsy6r2t7TOh_SeiTeyiTbXyqSijkRh/s320/DSC_0266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466411931608935730" /></a>Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-9248996263668091942010-04-29T21:35:00.005-06:002010-04-29T21:50:36.665-06:00Yesterday in photosIt's been a very busy few days with little time to write or upload pictures. The weather has finally gotten warmer and sunnier. On Wednesday, Suki and I hung out indoor shopping areas because the weather again was cold and rainy. We had a couple of great meals of doughy dumplings for lunch and seafood barbecue for dinner. The seafood barbecue was more of cooking clams on a half shell with seasoning and toppings. <br /><br />When the weather finally turned really nice on Thursday, we went into Seoul to some very nice areas, including Insadong, the river and Hongdae. Insadong is a touristy area, but still is pretty and has a great traditional park next to it. The river is a newly created pathway. And Hongdae is a fashionable area near a university.<br /><br />I have been having a great time and am so happy that the weather has improved. I can't believe that I have only one-and-a-half days left. I am waiting in my room right now to figure out some final details for a dinner tonight. I will soon head out to a traditional Korean Buddhist temple in Seoul called Jogyesa. Then I am meeting a former Canadian co-worker and a bunch of my Korean friends for a galbi dinner tonight. <br /><br />There is so much else I'd like to share with you about my experiences I have been having this week, but I want to be enjoying my short time remaining in Korea. I will write more later. For now, here are some photos:<br /><br />Making doughnuts in Insadong:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbpBdftBwai-ekriQjrXtOXTX-N7QSLRunPRgeO6aVysXO_S05uTB1rpsg-Orfj-t4hkXMmZLKD3gh56SeMikGqw_QMnSA4WF9Lu-cUCTw6DwxTy91h92W_ggqKb8JSflT6tSqa9UWBYI/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbpBdftBwai-ekriQjrXtOXTX-N7QSLRunPRgeO6aVysXO_S05uTB1rpsg-Orfj-t4hkXMmZLKD3gh56SeMikGqw_QMnSA4WF9Lu-cUCTw6DwxTy91h92W_ggqKb8JSflT6tSqa9UWBYI/s200/DSC_0044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465770878736933698" /></a><br /><br />Park in Insadong:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshgfJZnQA7N4Ily7dGzggjIYh1ZcooQhNpN57Ss_KqoeD9PIXf76QoZbANTB5j-BB9dgm2M2sWAukH1rWeU9e-y1JDKvt_BXlx_HC9_g_M0aLt7F1HFPZn9oWgrPp5qfONZhLqIUPtK6B/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshgfJZnQA7N4Ily7dGzggjIYh1ZcooQhNpN57Ss_KqoeD9PIXf76QoZbANTB5j-BB9dgm2M2sWAukH1rWeU9e-y1JDKvt_BXlx_HC9_g_M0aLt7F1HFPZn9oWgrPp5qfONZhLqIUPtK6B/s200/DSC_0070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465771756580822146" /></a>\<br /><br />Suki and her new best friend in Hongdae:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGIV84_CcGjOymxyh9tdUtuewPRP9mbyk78HtR4KbShXqmense-O-QPBcL35GiW-IvrDnUMOljFRqI5ngPUFG_loYtQjxDlZ51hIIdrls8N_N3BzO7Bg3qC0nWe6v_6LtEjdLr5gvbSWu/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGIV84_CcGjOymxyh9tdUtuewPRP9mbyk78HtR4KbShXqmense-O-QPBcL35GiW-IvrDnUMOljFRqI5ngPUFG_loYtQjxDlZ51hIIdrls8N_N3BzO7Bg3qC0nWe6v_6LtEjdLr5gvbSWu/s200/DSC_0114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465772762877103218" /></a>Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-55265003183792007182010-04-28T16:36:00.004-06:002010-04-28T16:49:32.391-06:00Another great day, another early morningI just can't seem to get on Korea time as I wake up early every morning. I had the best day of my trip so far yesterday and it went very late-to about 1:30 a.m. However, despite riding the subway around Seoul, shopping and hitting up some bars and restaurants late at night, I manged only to sleep until 5 a.m.<br /><br />Yesterday will definitely be a day that stands out in my memory. I met with my former student Suki who has been living in Australia for three years but just arrived home for a visit this week. Then she will be moving to Paris to be with her French husband who she met Down Under. We had such a wonderful day catching up and shopping. We had two great meals and a snack together. (I'd post pictures, but I am unable to at the moment.)<br /><br />At night we met Bruce for a seafood barbecue and beer. I was so extremely happy to see them both as they are some of the best friends I have ever met.<br /><br />Today will be more shopping indoors in the morning and then hopefully sight seeing around Seoul in the afternoon and evening with Suki. We will again meet Bruce near his work for dinner. Unfortunately it has rained all day for the first three days of my trip. The rain has really hindered what I have been able to do. It's especially difficult because not only has it been rainy and at times very windy, it has also been only about upper 40s or 50 during the day. I did not pack enough warm clothes for this trip and will probably have to pick up a few more today. The sun is supposed to make a showing starting today. I really hope it does so I can see more of this country before I leave and can take more pictures to show you all back home.<br /><br />There are so many great and silly things to take pictures of. Last night, Suki and I went to dinner at the "Miller" bar. The whole decor was Miller beer and Milwaukee's best. They did have Miller on tap, which was rather impressive for a country that has only three or four poor-quality beers. The bar was also across the street from a restaurant called the Sea Bank and it had the colors and similar logo to Citi Bank. <br /><br />I realize now that it was foolish to feel so nervous about my visit to Korea because I have been having a wonderful time and feel like I am really getting immersed in the culture again. I fear that I am going to be bored when I return to Waukesha. At least it will be summer when there is so much to do and see, but even that pales in comparison to the constant throng of people to watch, the thousands of businesses crammed into a small area and huge subway system connecting a massive city of many neighborhoods. I can certainly hope that next time my separation from South Korea will not be as long as 3.5 years.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-10756469849749648972010-04-27T07:54:00.005-06:002010-04-27T08:25:40.348-06:00Culture learning curveI know that no matter how hard I would try I would never completely fit in in Korea. I think there are many values that I share with the Korean people, but the way their society works is so different from what I am used in the U.S.A. It's hard for me to explain in a short blog entry. A good place to witness those differences is on the subway. I went into Seoul for the first time on this trip today. I took the subway to meet a friend and then to go to a movie. To get a good sampling of Korean society, riding the subway is an excellent way to do that. It can also be a very frustrating experience as people push to get to the train or are completely oblivious to you, your umbrella or bags. The train is often full of young lovebirds who are constantly preening each other. Tonight on my short ride, I saw them fixing each other's clothes, playing with each other's hair and staring at each other's reflection. Sometimes, like tonight, it takes a lot of patience to ride the subway.<br /><br />However, when you get to know Koreans they are very wonderful friends. Some of the best that I have ever had. They make me feel so special because they are always happy to see me, are caring, generous and kind. <br /><br />I was able to meet with several former students today, including some from my "housewives" class. We went out for a really nice lunch and had a good conversation about USA, Korea, our lives and so forth. When the group of six started to speak Korea, I just leaned back and listened. It's fun to listen to Koreans talk because they will throw in a random English word. Some of the random English words today in a stream of Korean were credit card, music video and scientific. <br /><br />Unfortunately, it is really hard to capture Koreans for what they are, but I did take some pictures of office workers playing basketball terribly today in their shiny gray suits (Korean men appear to love very shiny gray suits).<br /><br />I am also trying to get back in the habit of using my few Korean words to communicate thanks and hello. The harder thing to remember is to hand things to people in the polite, proper Korean way, which is with one hand on the other arm's upper portion. The same goes for handshaking and pouring beverages. <br /><br />I have not been able to take as many pictures as I would like to so far because of the horrible weather. It rained rather heavily for most of yesterday.Today, it was sunny in the late morning for about an hour and was rainy, cold and really windy the rest of the day. As I was looking for an office tower in the financial district where my friend works, my umbrella flipped inside out four times! Not exactly photo-taking weather.<br /><br />Starting Thursday, the weather is supposed to get warmer and sunnier. I can't wait because I am anxious to take more photos and not to have my options limited so much by the weather. <br /><br />(Silly thing. I am keeping track of how many white people I see. So far I have seen three of us in two days.)Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-55502497555419672332010-04-26T00:34:00.003-06:002010-04-26T00:47:55.688-06:00Rain, rain go away<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOyGa4rrOLBcCtHuEsJwxuHUyRmiinv_pOG6RJ2_hx0MuSR79bqV-O3ihy5e2Ck-RxYFcgb2ZOtzMu0phzDJCaGtEG7IRiujShqOxlBItVTHh4rzvBlS04RzE03frLmo3iCb1xIR_btEO/s1600/DSC03350.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOyGa4rrOLBcCtHuEsJwxuHUyRmiinv_pOG6RJ2_hx0MuSR79bqV-O3ihy5e2Ck-RxYFcgb2ZOtzMu0phzDJCaGtEG7IRiujShqOxlBItVTHh4rzvBlS04RzE03frLmo3iCb1xIR_btEO/s320/DSC03350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464334009147617378" /></a><br />The good news is I've gotten my lights to work. <br />The bad news is I am trapped inside because of the rain and waiting to hear if my dinner plans are going to fall through. If they do fall through, I have a back up plan of going to see Kick Ass at the theatre. I tried to call out on my motel phone, but failed to be able to call cell phones. I would like to know what I am doing tonight so I can get moving. I am prepared to brave the rain to go buy an umbrella and to get some dinner. I didn't fly all the way to Korea to be trapped in my hotel room.<br /><br />I really realized today how much our society runs on phones. I am fairly easy to reach by e-mail, but it seems that all of my Korean friends want me to call them even though I said I would not have access to a phone while I am here. (sigh)<br /><br />The first half of my day went really well. I was able to revisit some of the places I used to go to a lot when I lived here. Not that much has changed, but some stores have switched locations or gone out of business. I went to my former school and it looked good. I even ate my favorite Korean dish for lunch: cham chi kimbap (tuna kimbap, made of rice, egg, spam, mayo, runa, sesame seeds, pickled radish and all rolled and wrapped in dried seaweed).<br /><br />I came back to my room this afternoon to take a nap, but was unsuccessful. It's been nice just relaxing. Flying and then navigating around a place that is so different from your normal routine takes a lot of energy. I was suprised by how much it felt right to be here in Bucheon again, but also how hard it was to communicate.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-84746342897923947042010-04-25T16:24:00.005-06:002010-04-25T17:00:47.483-06:00The journeyFirst, I'll start off by saying that I arrived safely.<br /><br />The journey was rather relaxing for me after working a long and hectic week. I managed to sleep about 8-9 hours during the 10-11 hour flight from Detroit to Tokyo. It was easy to sleep on the plane with the movement, the sound of the engines and nothing really to do but read. My journey consisted of flying from Milwaukee to Detroit (3.5-hour layover) then to Tokyo (about a 3-hour layover) and then to Incheon (Seoul).<br /> The flight was beautiful at times. I had a window seat and was able to see some of the scenery below because I think we flew lower than normal due to turbulence. <br /> It was amazing to fly over Alaska. We passed over snow-covered mountains that did not look like they could support life. I really felt like I was part of a Discovery Earth episode.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFdxDW_tI8sLeytqJDR-PP4X0ab2RdtFQxUy-WUxqp7W44auZNXsB5ch7ymw3TgI4rXodEOkX_ddMfadRrt9cY9i3DiqJ8o6ZBfMC4RFSjvIh9q4UYHtMi2Sx58NBBFoReskmgMxJualT/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFdxDW_tI8sLeytqJDR-PP4X0ab2RdtFQxUy-WUxqp7W44auZNXsB5ch7ymw3TgI4rXodEOkX_ddMfadRrt9cY9i3DiqJ8o6ZBfMC4RFSjvIh9q4UYHtMi2Sx58NBBFoReskmgMxJualT/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464213362094992546" /></a><br /><br /> As we flew over the Pacific Ocean toward Japan I was hoping that we would be able to see some whales, but alas, that did not happen. I did see many little boats chugging away (fishing boats?).<br /> It was also interesting to compare airports. Detroit's is nice and bright and easy to navigate. But Tokyo's, as you'd imagine, was the coolest. On the walls there were banners that were replicas of ancient screens. There was even a white square sofa lounge area. It's hard to describe except to say it reminded me of something from a posh New York City club. The smoker's room was the coolest I ever saw - it looked like the trendiest of nightclubs. The tourist gift shops are really nice and they had several sushi restaurants.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiHbeK6h9F3MbYhmMkApmj6E1UKc_S4Zaw20acN6Ywh1IoJYlzP0XKivEbF1V3Qlzlv3SmDkfKhVJnipiDAKokLzuVQK8WTvei1BgEpMm0tHIH22CLSZ-5g_66uepnPHYiQ4_X9LFhGU2/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiHbeK6h9F3MbYhmMkApmj6E1UKc_S4Zaw20acN6Ywh1IoJYlzP0XKivEbF1V3Qlzlv3SmDkfKhVJnipiDAKokLzuVQK8WTvei1BgEpMm0tHIH22CLSZ-5g_66uepnPHYiQ4_X9LFhGU2/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464213837506406994" /></a><br /> I was able to eat 3.5 meals on the planes. For the Detroit-Tokyo flight, my main dish consisted of chicken with vegetables and mashed potatoes, shrimp, bread, brownie and salad. Not too bad! They even gave me a whole meal on the 2.5-hour flight from Japan to Korea. <br /> Landing in Korea and getting out of the airport was really easy. No questions at customs, my luggage was some of the first off, no line at the money exchange, etc. The problem was my plane landed 15 minutes after the buses stopped. So, I hailed a cab, which cost more than I would have liked and I think the cabbie may have taken an extra 10 off of me claiming it was more expensive after midnight. Oh well, at least I arrived safely at my hotel and didn't have to spend the night at the airport.<br /> I didn't get to shower like I wanted to when I arrived last night because I cannot figure out how to tun on the lights, TV or computer in the room. Luckily, there was a flashlight. I've tried all of the buttons to no avail. I thought even with everything being written in Korea in the room, I would have figure it out eventually. I really have no idea what I am missing. Thankfully, I brought my laptop and found a slow wireless network to connect to. Even though it is morning now, I am not getting much light into my room because it is right against another building. Also, it may be overcast today-I can't tell.<br /> I will get the light situation figured out tonight after I have dinner with a Korean friend, Willy.<br /> It's a really nice, clean room with everything I could need for this week and it is only costing me about $27 per night. There is a flat screen TV, computer with Internet, eating area, water cooler (hot and cold), coffee and mugs, mini fridge, a huge bath tub and lots of personal products-toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brish, lotion, perfume, hair dryer and condoms.It is in a very compact space of course. Good for a single person, but it would be more difficult for two people. There is an entry area too where you should leave your shoes. <br /> The truth is most of these little hotels in Korea are used by couples who have no privacy at home because they live with their parents. So the hotels are often refered to as love motels.<br /> I did feel like I was in the movie "Lost in Translation" last night as I rolled into town. There was a huge billboard on the side of the road with Pierce Brosnan advertising a casino. <br /> The memories of what makes Korea so quirky also came back to me as I looked out the taxi's windows. There are many churches in Seoul and at night their crosses burn bright. They are these light-up crosses that appear to be red-as if they are on fire.It's really a rather eerie sight. Then as I drove into Bucheon, I could see all of the delivery food drivers on their scooters making deliveries. The streets of Bucheon (where I am staying and used to live) are hideous. They are dirty, smelly and littered. No wonder I panicked the first night I arrived here more than 3 years ago. The city looks nicer during the day, though. And Seoul proper is much nicer looking. It's enough to make a person dizzy, though, with all of the signs. There isn't an inch of space not covered along the street level. It's hard to truly capture with a camera, but I will try this week.<br /> Today, I am off to explore Bucheon. I hope my favorite stores are still here.I may stop by my favorite mom and pop restaurant for lunch to see if they still recognize me. And my corner grocer...I wonder if he is still there? It is all very overhwelming. I would like to take the first day slow and leisurely, but with so little time and so much I need/want to do, I better keep moving.<br /> But since Korea is the land of "morning calm" most places do not open until about 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. so I have a bit of time this morning to make instant coffee and eat granola bars.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-61126204788487423952010-04-22T06:38:00.003-06:002010-04-22T06:51:15.949-06:00Preparing for departure<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPL_abTojFsUUZNQtcEqizA3rWDdPhyphenhyphenjpGYM-HHFEBeX9GqoFoS2nmsJ5d9rYghOlfB8WlK1zx1CsRTV05INkHAYU6jlLwy_FBZEkRmeViZRmlsYv2wtujYIN3HT-adapa-7AJuzetY57/s1600/DSC03345.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPL_abTojFsUUZNQtcEqizA3rWDdPhyphenhyphenjpGYM-HHFEBeX9GqoFoS2nmsJ5d9rYghOlfB8WlK1zx1CsRTV05INkHAYU6jlLwy_FBZEkRmeViZRmlsYv2wtujYIN3HT-adapa-7AJuzetY57/s320/DSC03345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462943562519115522" /></a><br />It's been a long time since I wrote on Kat in Name Only - 2.5 years. But, it's been an even longer time since I lived in Bucheon, South Korea. Now, after a more than three years away from the country I am preparing to return for a whirlwind of a trip. <br /><br />I leave Saturday morning, April 24, and return Sunday, May 2. I'll have six full days on the ground to see about a dozen people, gorge on Korean food and see the old stomping grounds.<br /><br />The process of getting ready for this trip hasn't been as smooth or as easy as I would have liked. I have been putting in long days this week at work with several projects in the hopper. Last night I packed my bags. Tonight I must run to Southridge to get new contacts (cheap) and tomorrow I must hurry home after work to pack up Calypso (my prairie dog) and take her to my parents' house in Oconomowoc for safe keeping while I am gone. Then it's off to the airport shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday.I still have a couple of other loose ends to tie up before I leave, but hopefully it will all get done in time.<br /><br />Preparing for this vacation has been a bit of a trip down memory lane. I found my subway pass and located my Korean phrase book. I looked up how to get from Osan to Bucheon via subway so my American friend can visit me. And there have been many e-mails between me and some of the best people I have ever known. It's amazing that after more than three years, there are this many former Korean students and friends who still want to make time to see me when I am there. It really touches my heart to know that my visit is so important to my Korean students that they are offering to take off from work and help me with arrangements.<br /><br />I am going to be keeping this blog going for the next 10 days in case you want to see and read about the food I am eating, the sights I am seeing and the people I am meeting. While in Korea, I am going to be using a computer located in my hotel room. Well, off to the second to last day of work.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-77925963042902228862008-08-18T09:39:00.005-06:002008-08-18T10:02:04.657-06:00Flea Market Kitsch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h6rfhUOgj9B8ox6Gn-vQyoC7QrerfuNN1B_Big7E90vPYWjTXPPk32busfAatNXpNyXHqCXtEWlGH5NedQdDSBKaSlGn9Y7-WsPcmKy6HfOj5kEfIUoy98d5samJEAoB8aEooglqbAAb/s1600-h/Mukfleamarket2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h6rfhUOgj9B8ox6Gn-vQyoC7QrerfuNN1B_Big7E90vPYWjTXPPk32busfAatNXpNyXHqCXtEWlGH5NedQdDSBKaSlGn9Y7-WsPcmKy6HfOj5kEfIUoy98d5samJEAoB8aEooglqbAAb/s320/Mukfleamarket2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235887147335603906" /></a><br /><br />One of my favorite things to do this summer has been going to rummage sales and flea markets. The thrill of the hunt for something fun, different and preferably old is what keeps me searching. I often go with my friends Kait or Jess around Waukesha or a bit further to church sales that sound promising. Much of what I buy I don't have to have like the 1970s Look magazines, the white bird planter or the Hello Kitty cup. But, there have been some practical items I have bought for my new apartment like the coffee table whose top I refinished, the George Forman grill and the photo album. <br /><br />It's strange what a strong effect rummaging has on me. It can be so exhilarating. It has definitely become one of my favorite things to do. Of course, that's partly due to the success I have been having. <br /><br />There are several people in my life who enjoy rummaging just as much as I do, so it's even more fun when I can go with them.<br /><br />My mom and I went rummaging when I was a young child. She would circle all the good garage sales ads in the paper and make a list on a separate piece of paper in order of which ones sounded the best. As time went by, she acquired a collection of collectible guide books on Depression glass and salt and pepper shakers that she brought with us on our rummaging excursions. We had so much fun in those days as people swarmed on good sales and car accidents were barely avoided as people quickly pulled out of parking spots onto the next promising rummage sale.<br /><br />Things have changed a bit in the garage sale world, I think. It seems that fewer people advertise their sales, except for the sign on the corner, and fewer people go to them. However, the number of rummage sales seems to have increased this year in Waukesha. <br /><br />I hope to get a few more good weeks of rummaging in before the season ends. I still need a VCR. I'm also always on the look out for Vera linens.<br /><br />I went to the Mukwonago Flea Market/Maxwell Street Days on Saturday and had a good time. It's a mix of new cheap items from China and authentic antiques. There are also a wonderful selection of super tacky items. I took a couple of photos of some of those tacky items, but I wish that I would have taken more. Even the people who go there can be a sight to see. One woman actually wore one of those umbrella hats on her head! <br /><br />I can't wait to see what I find this week at rummage sales. I hope there is a huge church rummage sale to go to!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw_pNEpisMNnlSZ_5OCbGt9jTzdcJyWbBTxhHr_wwKt7KRMnynH1c4LIiI0FHdSxz2L9LJAJK-fBH9TuWBjhi2HmqQDJFtujFzM0iAL12D3XLJ03PkSpQgJ9BYXoyoQqa01pvoQjt4QwR/s1600-h/Mukfleamarket1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGw_pNEpisMNnlSZ_5OCbGt9jTzdcJyWbBTxhHr_wwKt7KRMnynH1c4LIiI0FHdSxz2L9LJAJK-fBH9TuWBjhi2HmqQDJFtujFzM0iAL12D3XLJ03PkSpQgJ9BYXoyoQqa01pvoQjt4QwR/s320/Mukfleamarket1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235886813340564114" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />QUOTE:<br /><br />"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island and at the bottom of the Spanish Main... and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life." <br /> --Walt Disney<br /><br />"Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle."<br /> --A Course in MiraclesKat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-21876358623688313512008-08-13T10:10:00.007-06:002008-08-13T10:24:57.796-06:00Animals at Frame Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC60Xp_0uZUr4iGMzK5F2O9BSZyMdSbrGNSuJpfK5DGGdw9TTf9_0BeKkPxIXa20YPijwc7xb_7H5onndS1y-P2Mh7ndD9lKn7KdeQ2QEgNGeuELAq80Dcn3MVHdp8RJZXWZKk1J3Lk_5c/s1600-h/Heron1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC60Xp_0uZUr4iGMzK5F2O9BSZyMdSbrGNSuJpfK5DGGdw9TTf9_0BeKkPxIXa20YPijwc7xb_7H5onndS1y-P2Mh7ndD9lKn7KdeQ2QEgNGeuELAq80Dcn3MVHdp8RJZXWZKk1J3Lk_5c/s320/Heron1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234037504899563474" /></a><br />A walk is Frame Park is always enjoyable. It's a very nice walking and biking path that circles around a portion of the Fox River that runs through downtown Waukesha. Along the path there is a flower garden that I have written about previously. There is also a playground, water fountains, a grassy amphitheater, bike and canoe rentals and a baseball field that may be getting expanded.<br /><br />One of the most enjoyable aspects of walking in Frame Park for me is being able to see a variety of animals, including large fish, great blue heron and many, many ducks. The ducks amuse me to no end. When I walk in the morning, they are still sleeping next to the paths as late as 10 a.m. They are wide awake and quaking loudly at 11 p.m. The ducks are quite tame and will barely crack their eyes open to look at you as you walk pass them in the morning. There is also a variety of ducks, including the traditional mallards and others I can't identify. I was happy to see the duck population rebound after the floods because I saw some baby ducks get swept away in the current.<br /><br />There has also been a resident great blue heron this summer that lives along the river in Frame Park and can often be seen on the piers. He is quite majestic and is always a pleasant surprise to spot as he sits and preens on one of the many piers. <br /><br />Here are some photos from my recent walks in Frame Park.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1izbXBN0l0FO_jtjz4taBOSxvWD9-M9iFSEnGO7K-LW043GHXOTxFfZv-80IFCPNk6eWAGlNllDfMxxS55DU2p1VkqOfWJPawofpMaGvFw1qeD6j2sNyEWyhmlVkzY8AmKIzSrsAtrccG/s1600-h/Heron2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1izbXBN0l0FO_jtjz4taBOSxvWD9-M9iFSEnGO7K-LW043GHXOTxFfZv-80IFCPNk6eWAGlNllDfMxxS55DU2p1VkqOfWJPawofpMaGvFw1qeD6j2sNyEWyhmlVkzY8AmKIzSrsAtrccG/s320/Heron2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234037711659037202" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCJ0wA3D0oveU-pA7-UzNZaiQFAedfuT4tpIFWwQFlZ1AUjEV-ROPNUf2SZZd1Pau8Pj_AKP9LMGxPpJnlvwoiu1MnyfSFck-ughyezIxGZvF345xu5YQ8G4zU1ipkHqUh02yy37X7O7a/s1600-h/DSC02926.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCJ0wA3D0oveU-pA7-UzNZaiQFAedfuT4tpIFWwQFlZ1AUjEV-ROPNUf2SZZd1Pau8Pj_AKP9LMGxPpJnlvwoiu1MnyfSFck-ughyezIxGZvF345xu5YQ8G4zU1ipkHqUh02yy37X7O7a/s320/DSC02926.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234037971756526098" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />QUOTE: "Be yourself. Life is precious as it is. All the elements for your happiness are already here. There is no need to run, strive, search or struggle. Just be."<br /> --Thich Nhat HanhKat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-5162036538891205652008-06-26T11:27:00.005-06:002008-12-13T01:32:14.478-06:00Waukesha flower gardenThere is a beautiful flower garden in Waukesha' Frame Park that I enjoy going to at different times of the year to see what is in bloom. Earlier in the spring, I took photos of the brilliantly beautiful crab apple trees in bloom. This past weekend, I photogrpahed the varities of roses blooming.<br /><br />A garden adds so much to a community, I feel. The garden in Frame Park is very well-maintained. It was created in an Italian sunken garden style with urns, lattice work and benches. It is also quite geometrical. <br /><br />Whenber I go on vacations to a new city, I visit its flower garden. Over the past year, I have gone to the botanical gardens in Seattle and St. Louis. Next weekend, I will visit friends in Charlottesvill, VA and Chapel Hill, NC. My goal is to make a trip to their gardens and take many lovely photos.<br /><br />The roses in Waukesha's Frame Park:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANSIbaLCOUTHBkFOO-uhQbuM_INK7BDwpQC9k-pPbSOIb12QvHKg4JOcFWCyG2mzjZNFWKjt0hQubo3iamazdo0rJVwD9ZFfCePPotPssxac_bi0-cyQ2RSr3lC0Heqixusn_X0nUK7DS/s1600-h/DSC_0007+(2).JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANSIbaLCOUTHBkFOO-uhQbuM_INK7BDwpQC9k-pPbSOIb12QvHKg4JOcFWCyG2mzjZNFWKjt0hQubo3iamazdo0rJVwD9ZFfCePPotPssxac_bi0-cyQ2RSr3lC0Heqixusn_X0nUK7DS/s320/DSC_0007+(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216245189420089362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiBYfeaVUEnJDqHXJIEEOo_SjWY_s8cScUEUeMdlyZsAPo98vt1dLyLtBy7HEUv38R7-J-MMuvOoVuQl38QXetAnx6Y_tJKgGSfMZBtvHnIGr7AX-nGDEUVXl_SU8ZiieqvZP6GTuKaFr/s1600-h/DSC_0012+(1).JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiBYfeaVUEnJDqHXJIEEOo_SjWY_s8cScUEUeMdlyZsAPo98vt1dLyLtBy7HEUv38R7-J-MMuvOoVuQl38QXetAnx6Y_tJKgGSfMZBtvHnIGr7AX-nGDEUVXl_SU8ZiieqvZP6GTuKaFr/s320/DSC_0012+(1).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216249941299793938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m5niVl855giSHBS2pBIKmCxx4mR-umD9p9rb-7M0hZLLGQQGXcWq3V9vHzNL5iVrqM0Df_dumtWGK2l4uhPzCFbGV1CGI1ODF18UKFFg-SQln7iqflq4ZXxQCo6k7m7ihyEUIzHJtZE3/s1600-h/DSC_0011+(1).JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m5niVl855giSHBS2pBIKmCxx4mR-umD9p9rb-7M0hZLLGQQGXcWq3V9vHzNL5iVrqM0Df_dumtWGK2l4uhPzCFbGV1CGI1ODF18UKFFg-SQln7iqflq4ZXxQCo6k7m7ihyEUIzHJtZE3/s320/DSC_0011+(1).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216250969811181730" /></a><br /><br /><br />QUOTE:<br /><br />"Bloom where you are planted."<br /><br />"How beautiful, how buoyant, and glad is the morning."<br /> --L.E. LandonKat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-38670546155887568082008-06-20T11:30:00.013-06:002008-12-13T01:32:15.960-06:00Flood RoundupIt's certainly been a hectic couple of weeks for me due to the flooding in much of Waukesha County. It's finally starting to settle back into the regular routine as most communities are cleaning up. Pewaukee's downtown is open for business again, but the beach is still partly submerged. I know that many people still have flooded basements. FEMA is offering aid to many Wisconsin counties, a third of which have been declared disaster areas.<br /><br />I did enjoy getting to cover the flooding. I felt so bad for the people adversely affected by the high waters, but because of the storms, I was given some exciting photography opportunities and interviews. <br /><br />Through it all, I was very impressed with how neighbors helped neighbors, city staff helped businesses and club members helped communities. Many people used their free time to make sandbags and carry them to where they were needed. Others volunteered time to help keep people safe in the flood areas. It's good to know that in our day and age, people are still out there helping their neighbors in need.<br /><br />Here are some of my better photographs from the flooding and storms.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PXSqG5WyhL5fz8VaKU6Q6_lmW11R9wFeNThFcNM12YnJVv5JJcssLi4OIS_9k3_Bx8GCI55bi7cJNLzKb0Zjs6KpP3rd1xVXTXezzJ22mY_d-tiuhaGJKE78FrjTprMtPiEfcS3VfmXB/s1600-h/flood13.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PXSqG5WyhL5fz8VaKU6Q6_lmW11R9wFeNThFcNM12YnJVv5JJcssLi4OIS_9k3_Bx8GCI55bi7cJNLzKb0Zjs6KpP3rd1xVXTXezzJ22mY_d-tiuhaGJKE78FrjTprMtPiEfcS3VfmXB/s200/flood13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215850660936872738" /></a><br />Left, Eric Clendenning, 10, of Hartland jumps into a flooded Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Pewaukee Tuesday afternoon followed by Katrina Zenda, 7, of Pewaukee and Lucas Clendenning, 8, of Hartland. The children said they were having fun playing in the water.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz0nCLkRV6wyM0EMFr2i9lsngOqQM2Ee8Id-hm7I-kv2MrKdVQx8hs8ajszGHHTfi6yZTAqOaGjObqLHiOKDuyHekI6eHWHITCJVT5IFMhWUA77TNeBGzj8nUmBXCECXdCuANXIkNYcAW/s1600-h/flood6.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz0nCLkRV6wyM0EMFr2i9lsngOqQM2Ee8Id-hm7I-kv2MrKdVQx8hs8ajszGHHTfi6yZTAqOaGjObqLHiOKDuyHekI6eHWHITCJVT5IFMhWUA77TNeBGzj8nUmBXCECXdCuANXIkNYcAW/s200/flood6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215847138878921266" /></a><br />Tim Budda, 18, of Sussex skimboards Tuesday evening along the flooded beach in downtown Pewaukee. Many area residents visited the flooded downtown to take photos.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCuE5iNn1T6-nZJYEgNPlzzogm9MMXOrckagghyphenhyphenCMFghVC6pT_dlvIl-eIx0tFxYjQr7C6bs5b8MDt6s_x7u39KAiljjfKHwUhBF6brYcAbJRuBm3rarZLq9lHDYvZKi9lMmgYwa_QMNB/s1600-h/flood8.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCuE5iNn1T6-nZJYEgNPlzzogm9MMXOrckagghyphenhyphenCMFghVC6pT_dlvIl-eIx0tFxYjQr7C6bs5b8MDt6s_x7u39KAiljjfKHwUhBF6brYcAbJRuBm3rarZLq9lHDYvZKi9lMmgYwa_QMNB/s200/flood8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215847677678230386" /></a><br />Village of Pewaukee staff walk along flooded Wisconsin Avenue near the snow plows and parts used as a water breaker for waves coming off of Pewaukee Lake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKBDXXSKK3Wx4c4UPMxn1w2wIYzlcSSVv8xsaHFwGsNhzjPIuypUfwLRdqnT541a0YfUVs5c0RoWRxlXrjlWQ34bs_dlrGMBBDRZsTcWVfDugOhkEHck4lsODtJhDi9p0NdBAAk-YN3Ck/s1600-h/flood10.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKBDXXSKK3Wx4c4UPMxn1w2wIYzlcSSVv8xsaHFwGsNhzjPIuypUfwLRdqnT541a0YfUVs5c0RoWRxlXrjlWQ34bs_dlrGMBBDRZsTcWVfDugOhkEHck4lsODtJhDi9p0NdBAAk-YN3Ck/s200/flood10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215848466188901906" /></a><br />A mature tree fell Thursday afternoon on a City of Mukwonago house denting<br />the roof and creating a lot of work for Dave. D. Williams, on roof, Greg<br />Wiza, sitting in the middle of the tree and Raul Cervera, with the chain<br />saw. Wiza, who owns Gwiz Tree Service, said it was the first call he<br />received after the storm yesterday, but that the past couple of weeks have<br />been busy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly0I-BzPYcZ_nqVAiyo0ChXhNp7QvBcgU52z7LuID2wqZIo377NnDFWq7I3gpZ86lZ9tVW6kXyCMvWqfsZ-vj41Yp0WYln05CsCnodD4Vnw-UZAw-jVuvE3twsNkDI5VEDhadJivGXPFr/s1600-h/flood11.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly0I-BzPYcZ_nqVAiyo0ChXhNp7QvBcgU52z7LuID2wqZIo377NnDFWq7I3gpZ86lZ9tVW6kXyCMvWqfsZ-vj41Yp0WYln05CsCnodD4Vnw-UZAw-jVuvE3twsNkDI5VEDhadJivGXPFr/s200/flood11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215848944609640818" /></a><br />A boat dock in the City of Pewaukee on Pewaukee Lake is not accessible.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoZS-kiQaEclGEyfYak1-hsrlpMo27C7s4UeZJVioV5vXXtwhzp01xO10-7IZGL_dJLEjKlIIUNUUjd7-yMLBVbKcU4w9-cXANee2QdlgDs7muWJ29VMmh8vRdzhyphenhyphenLXhOiWSq1Mm4K8Br/s1600-h/flood12.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoZS-kiQaEclGEyfYak1-hsrlpMo27C7s4UeZJVioV5vXXtwhzp01xO10-7IZGL_dJLEjKlIIUNUUjd7-yMLBVbKcU4w9-cXANee2QdlgDs7muWJ29VMmh8vRdzhyphenhyphenLXhOiWSq1Mm4K8Br/s200/flood12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215849284091217746" /></a><br />Sand bags protect downtown Pewaukee businesses.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx9hhSLb7StxbYZjrVDT0flajYRMyw8Ho1blnef4Yaqrm-jd0qXWzCLj3lMLM30mtSlZOvyNOAgRUngH_CFBGN5HcbDl2Fz6hftmj6xgE8NkSaaVV2nGmuvPcnA-U03eQjb-wlo4mGI5_/s1600-h/flood14.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx9hhSLb7StxbYZjrVDT0flajYRMyw8Ho1blnef4Yaqrm-jd0qXWzCLj3lMLM30mtSlZOvyNOAgRUngH_CFBGN5HcbDl2Fz6hftmj6xgE8NkSaaVV2nGmuvPcnA-U03eQjb-wlo4mGI5_/s200/flood14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215850944042267826" /></a><br />After hearing that carp had swam through downtown Pewaukee on Tuesday, Marlee Szmanda, 7, of Stone Bank set out to catch some of her own. copyright Waukesha Freeman.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7qRa5Q6DXFshDFn8dwc6o9Q3-l9mOLLo9t_YFsaWeZmJ3LhLV-EaMiewDmyXQHRAdIPnHmafHDinoRrW6yU94qLqiFjQ8rGwan88hKHT0s8GlD8kRCSMr5hYbmQPAPFensbzOztMIYJb/s1600-h/flood15.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7qRa5Q6DXFshDFn8dwc6o9Q3-l9mOLLo9t_YFsaWeZmJ3LhLV-EaMiewDmyXQHRAdIPnHmafHDinoRrW6yU94qLqiFjQ8rGwan88hKHT0s8GlD8kRCSMr5hYbmQPAPFensbzOztMIYJb/s200/flood15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215851235078539602" /></a> <br />Jarrett Ruppenthal guides his daughters, Sydney, 5, left, and Ciara, 3, right, along sandbags placed to protect businesses along Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Pewaukee.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-85896032210322575592008-06-09T11:53:00.004-06:002008-12-13T01:32:16.402-06:00FLOOD!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDERXMd2JhlFo4HBBMJXHEk4-61Nul_TWaH-vtdvTvlHCH690UIdTRje-eywtRemUZ_ePHNUFk8vFePqP4IUx3ag8x8Cx6ByfDnJn662RlKLl4XANRmkQcHEEnotGD9cV0ml8AcWVMZgZ2/s1600-h/flood5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDERXMd2JhlFo4HBBMJXHEk4-61Nul_TWaH-vtdvTvlHCH690UIdTRje-eywtRemUZ_ePHNUFk8vFePqP4IUx3ag8x8Cx6ByfDnJn662RlKLl4XANRmkQcHEEnotGD9cV0ml8AcWVMZgZ2/s320/flood5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209942329527551074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2Zoj63h_2Rsq7OitZQUTxJv-ZMe-hNTBu1Idq6eCSK1r5QQv8iNl4GRniMfqR1p2-4XrjPCGtppKdtv8NCv6WVztoX4GWxkTcq5SXfI5hAM0BrPaq5GUGb6q7FEnKehXCSf_ngNYqWFy/s1600-h/flood4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2Zoj63h_2Rsq7OitZQUTxJv-ZMe-hNTBu1Idq6eCSK1r5QQv8iNl4GRniMfqR1p2-4XrjPCGtppKdtv8NCv6WVztoX4GWxkTcq5SXfI5hAM0BrPaq5GUGb6q7FEnKehXCSf_ngNYqWFy/s320/flood4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209941978441624178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiff6uBnxb4qRVbqwWMef1nW8UC1YyIb2YE4MRKwSsy-QQy5VzvS58viYCf_xN5Yzm0CAFMUhIYLORVb3Qy_p9fMq_Nx0n-7jyPJsmLWRwXytM4yBhqhvIbaFlFWcGF03XcbKwMYXUUMsC/s1600-h/flood3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiff6uBnxb4qRVbqwWMef1nW8UC1YyIb2YE4MRKwSsy-QQy5VzvS58viYCf_xN5Yzm0CAFMUhIYLORVb3Qy_p9fMq_Nx0n-7jyPJsmLWRwXytM4yBhqhvIbaFlFWcGF03XcbKwMYXUUMsC/s320/flood3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209941682255455906" /></a><br />Here are some of my first photos taken early this morning of the flooding of Fox Lake from Frame Park. Much of downtown Waukesha is closed.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-6087880187152160772008-06-02T09:12:00.007-06:002008-12-13T01:32:16.821-06:00sweet summer days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW47TXopVRfYrOoGENpZWZUXcoSVYCCBpzWVTBhwFyr9Bij_KzFoZUhJADKWiS044Q6IVDCzJxsoQ5TFzMpku-GbHk6uwSzGaJMz8bStF3-XUOe7h2L9JBzIXF9PyofoV1XxJRT2avcccI/s1600-h/Skitch+roof.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW47TXopVRfYrOoGENpZWZUXcoSVYCCBpzWVTBhwFyr9Bij_KzFoZUhJADKWiS044Q6IVDCzJxsoQ5TFzMpku-GbHk6uwSzGaJMz8bStF3-XUOe7h2L9JBzIXF9PyofoV1XxJRT2avcccI/s320/Skitch+roof.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207308165577539906" /></a><br />As usual, it looks like Wisconsin has quickly switched from chilly spring days to warm summer days. I am so excited about summer this year, more so than I remember for previous years. Or at least that's how it feels. I think that most Wisconsinites get really excited when summer arrives. This year especially so because of the cold, harsh winter we had. Plus, in Wisconsin we know how to do summerhe the best. There are way too many options each summer weekend of things to do as every little community and Milwaukee has at least some cool summer festival to attend. <br /><br />There are also so many great trails and parks to enjoy. Yesterday afternoon, I hopped on my bike and pedaled over to the Fox River Sanctuary, a place near my apartment that I have never been to before. I was surprised to see so many serious bikers there. I soon figured out that the park was the beginning of the Glacier Drumlim Trail. I followed the path and had a great bike ride. I biked as far as the first farm and then turned around and headed back to my apartment.<br /><br />The ride was wonderful because that part of the trail wanders through the woods and past the Fox River. The blooming honeysuckle made the path smell so sweet and the phlox made the area so pretty, too. I was impressed by the number of bikers on the trail, everyone from serious distance bikers to casual family bikers. It was such a great atmosphere. My aunt Ellen and I are planning to go there one day this week and I hope to again by myself at least one more day. It's such a great feeling knowing that there is a great bike trail like that so close to my apartment.<br /><br />Right now, I am sitting on a small camping chair on the roof of my building with my guinea pig in his cage near me(Ihave wireless Internet to make this possible).<br />He looks happy as he is sniffing the breeze. I am very pleased to be able to sit up here and enjoy the late morning as swallows chirp and fly above my head. There are several trees whose branches extend over the roof. I sat up here last night, as well, as I talked to my friend, Kit. I was able to see the end of the sunset. These are my first times to spend time up on the roof, but I plan to sit up here much more often.<br /><br />I was going to plant tomato and pepper plants in pots, but feared the sun on the roof would be too bright. Observing the light right now, I think it would be fine. I am starting to think again about getting some plants and pots this week. It would be great to have some plants of my own and to get some fresh, delicious vegetables for Skitch and me to enjoy this summer. I also think I will get a couple more camping/lawn chairs to use up here when friends come over so we can watch the sunset or get a light tan. <br /><br />The view is quite nice from here, too. I can look at the Carroll College art center, chapel and athletic field, as well as, many trees. I do get road noise, but the swallows flying over head help to block out the noise from the tucks, motorcycles and buses.<br /><br />I am really starting to get comfortable with the idea that it is summer and am excited about all the new possibilities it holds. I am also looking forward to the traditions, such as Irish Fest, Devil's Lake and laying out in my parents' backyard.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlboOdUkOV008jKpNA2f1Sq435Uq0rRadpRocKA4nhoI_smvTtmcz-BAUEzwdFHgjyr2AvBlgN_YYBBgsE8_osTLMwduUnWiZp927hxDSGXcSqMbAs7rfoQvqk9mXdw0Ykrr0JII7H-8d/s1600-h/roof.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlboOdUkOV008jKpNA2f1Sq435Uq0rRadpRocKA4nhoI_smvTtmcz-BAUEzwdFHgjyr2AvBlgN_YYBBgsE8_osTLMwduUnWiZp927hxDSGXcSqMbAs7rfoQvqk9mXdw0Ykrr0JII7H-8d/s320/roof.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207308341671199058" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhkT6Y6a19jNYNIO2n9l3qpTWWLstJ8jVeiSIMNnrnDC-9-H0THZuixOc1-s4hz6BVhx73xKO1gc7DWKHITdQwnBviZnXmdB_Aa4uBc3nlb86eVr0p6eUveT99zKFNClmQMsIHdCF5bfa/s1600-h/roof2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhkT6Y6a19jNYNIO2n9l3qpTWWLstJ8jVeiSIMNnrnDC-9-H0THZuixOc1-s4hz6BVhx73xKO1gc7DWKHITdQwnBviZnXmdB_Aa4uBc3nlb86eVr0p6eUveT99zKFNClmQMsIHdCF5bfa/s320/roof2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207308560714531170" /></a><br /><br /><br />QUOTE: <br /><br />"Make your ego porous. Will is of little importance, complaining is nothing, fame is nothing. Openness, patience, receptivity, solitude is everything."<br />--Rainer Maria Rilke<br /><br />"Where would the gardener be, if there were no more weeds?" <br />--Chuang TzuKat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-49066671485050993382008-05-30T09:04:00.006-06:002008-12-13T01:32:16.937-06:00the Mourning Dove fiasco<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQsXiCb2pGOxwaYWDcm2kJZJ8Eq-cB_hO33BoQ00_gXwgeTaXc2SGW2cu8RuPBZIloK_OaBzOJAzHspx2BWt6JeKUN5MhiaW5v_O5-raslGwIszhs6xU4NshQBoLpboN7TnxeqTF4EkNc/s1600-h/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQsXiCb2pGOxwaYWDcm2kJZJ8Eq-cB_hO33BoQ00_gXwgeTaXc2SGW2cu8RuPBZIloK_OaBzOJAzHspx2BWt6JeKUN5MhiaW5v_O5-raslGwIszhs6xU4NshQBoLpboN7TnxeqTF4EkNc/s200/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206192401793515826" /></a><br />Ah, spring the time of baby animals, precious flowers, whimsical small leaves and new beginnings. <br /><br />At first, I was slightly upset several weeks ago when I discovered that a mourning dove had made her nest on my window sill. I had wanted to put a screen in that window, next to my desk and on the side of the house. But, I discovered that she had already claimed it as her own. I had left the storm window up the day I had moved in, allowing enough space for a small nest with two little white eggs in it.<br /><br />As the past few weeks have gone by, I have come to enjoy having her there more and more. It's almost like an interactive form of the Discovery Channel. I have watched the mourning dove feed her two young ones and have heard her coo to them. Recently, I began to worry that as the babies grew bigger they may fall out of the window.<br /><br />Yesterday, my fear was partially realized.<br /><br />I was eating breakfast when I heard a loud commotion at the window. I ran over and peeked out. I only saw the mother's feet as she seemed to fall out the window. My first thought was the baby had fallen down and she was trying to catch it. I grabbed a kitchen towel and my keys then dashed outside to search through the overgrown brush for the baby and mom. As I searched, I looked around to see crows hollering in the trees. At that point, I realized the doves were a victim of a crow. After not finding the doves, I banged on a metal garbage can, scaring the fiesty crows away.<br /><br />Back inside my apartment, I realized that both mourning dove babies were safe in the nest, but there was no sign of mom or dad. I waited and hoped. I thought that they would return within an hour. After that amount of time went by without any sign of them, I began to worry so I called the Wildlife in Need Center, where a volunteer told me to give the parents more time. She said once the babies start crying, if the parents don't return at that point, I should consider bringing them in.<br /><br />Although I didn't want the babies to die, I was torn about what to do. I knew that this was all a part of nature and wondered if I should simply let nature take its course. Or should I intervene if need be and help the babies live. I don't think I would have even considered leaving them alone if the baby birds had been squirrels or raccoons. After thinking about it, I knew that I should simply let nature take its course.<br /><br />I am happy to report, however, that the parents did return. The dad came first to feed the babies before leaving them alone. I was still worried that perhaps the mom was injured and would not be back to sit on them and keep them warm during the thunderstorm that was predicted for last night. But, just as I was leaving for work, I heard a loud cooing and there she was! I was ecstatic. <br /><br />I love nature and I get a lot of enjoyment from watching animals of all kinds function, but I also get my share of heartbreak from it as well. Having lived for several years in a house with my parents that borders countryside, I have come face to face with nature. Seeing deer, chipmunks, fox, turtles, ducks, turkeys, etc. go about their lives in my backyard and by the pond across the street has enriched my life, but I have seen so many sad stories too. I have learned a lesson about how all of us, but especially nature, is always living on the edge. It's a good lesson to learn. It certainly makes me appreciate my life and that of animals even more. It also teaches me that sometimes no matter how hard a person tries to accomplish a certain goal, that we often don't have enough control over the circumstances to do that and must accept the situation for what it is.<br /><br /><br />QUOTE:<br /><br />"If you are not living on the edge, you take up too much room."<br /> --Native American saying<br /><br />"Be like the bird, pausing in his flight<br />On limb too slight,<br />Feels it give way, yet sings<br />Knowing he has wings."<br /> --Victor HugoKat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-24143710378442786262008-05-05T11:59:00.004-06:002008-12-13T01:32:17.319-06:00Animal, Vegetable, Miracle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeV-y_W-n1IAgwDii8yBBwTRDhjvVXkwIb_AwHRilevKYPAQc0E0Kw-k-LUV7amqgC1C2Z6DRZjhu1g_a5NhvrSDC-zLIKUMndg8nvVY_IH7ml3EX4G5CQoEjLGqnrbHt-Ubk3FC8C8VQ/s1600-h/book+cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeV-y_W-n1IAgwDii8yBBwTRDhjvVXkwIb_AwHRilevKYPAQc0E0Kw-k-LUV7amqgC1C2Z6DRZjhu1g_a5NhvrSDC-zLIKUMndg8nvVY_IH7ml3EX4G5CQoEjLGqnrbHt-Ubk3FC8C8VQ/s200/book+cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196957180112217058" /></a><br />Over the past several months, I have enjoyed reading books that are about food: food that I eat and food that people in other countries eat. Food and nutrition are vital things in our lives and yet we take them so much for granted. I want to be more aware of not only how the food is made that I eat, but where it comes from and what does to me.<br /><br />Previously, I wrote about a book called the Hungry Planet that was a book of photo essays and written essays about what people around the world consume for nutrition. That book changed how I approached grocery shopping and also made me much more appreciative for the amount of food available to me.<br /><br />Now, I am reading a book called "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver. Kingsolver and her husband and two daughters move from Arizona, where the food and water are shipped in, to a farm on the Appalachian Mountains so the family can raise most of its own food.<br /><br />I just began this book, but I have already begun to learn so much about the state of the American diet and how modified all our foods are. It's amazing how the food we consider to be healthy like vegetables have been manipulated to resist diseases and to look good. In the process, the once-healthy foods have lost a lot of what was good for us. <br /><br />The book also focuses on the amount of oil and work it takes to get foods to consumers. Living in Wisconsin, I appreciate having access to cucumbers and pears in the middle of the winter, but it's clear that it took a lot of resources to get that food to me. Is this what we should be doing? <br /><br />As I read more, I will write more. I am just starting to sort out a lot of the ideas that Kingsolver introduces in her book.<br /><br />I am already planning to grow some tomato and pepper plants on my apartment building roof this summer and to shop as much as possible at farmers' markets over the summer. I am so excited that the Waukesha farmer's market starts Saturday. I know that I won't be able to buy much yet, but I am hoping for some fresh flowers.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-12476373274266027472008-04-28T09:09:00.003-06:002008-04-28T10:04:20.433-06:00Living so close to the edgeEver since I was a child, I have realized to some extent that life is short and we never know what tomorrow brings. It could be wondefully joyous or it could be tragic. I think growing up with health problems makes a person all that much more aware of how precious a good day is and helps you to never take your life for granted. It's really a blessing, I feel, to be able to think that way. <br /><br />Being a journalist also drives that point home. Unfortunately,it is most often under very unfortunate circumstances that you come to that realization. My co-workers and I joke that I have the dead person beat because of the large number of obits, visitations and funerals I have had to write about. I have learned to take it in stride and to admire the human spirit through these stories. The visitations and funerals are never easy to cover and the hardest one has was to cover the death of a Mukwonago High School student who died in a car accident this past winter with two of his friends. Now, I have had to write an even more difficult story. On Friday, there was a horrible car accident in Oconomowoc that we first learned about as we heard over the scanner the emergency vehicles being called. Then they called for two Flight For Life helicopters that were eventually canceled because of the high winds and lightning. Children were in the car accident and one had gone into cardiac arrest.<br /><br />We weren't able to get much informtation in the afternoon and only had photos of the demolished car. Later in the night I worked hard to pull the details together. The Oconomowoc Police Department was taking a while to get the press release together and we needed the information to run with the photos. A rumor started to spread that the person who died on the scene was an associate prinicipal at Oconomowoc High School. Needing to confirm that, I looked up the superintendent's home phone, called and left a message. I was so happy when she called me back. Her news though was not good. She confirmed that an associate high school principal, Jennifer Bukosky, was killed and her two daughters were in the car with her along with a third child. The two children that were taken to Children's Hospital were in critical condition. Adding to the tragedy was that Bukosky was pregnant. And then over the weekend, her daughter died at Children's. <br /><br />The cause of the accident is unknown at this time other than that the driver of an SUV hit the small car belonging to Bonkosky from behind as it sat at a signal that had just turned green. The little car was destroyed beyond recognition. Speed is suspected, but the fact that the driver was taken into police custody leads one to believe that there might be more involved.<br /><br />This story is so extremely tragic. I know that the Oconomowoc School District already started to come together as early as Friday night by meeting and notifying staff, administrators and the school board. Today, extra staff is on hand at the high school. <br /><br />Fortunately for me, I will not have to cover this story further as it is in the Oconowoc Enterprise's area. If I had to follow up and write more stories about it, I know that it would be the hardest one that I would have had to do thus far. <br /><br />It's interesting, though, how a tragedy like this makes you drive differently and think differently for a few days afterwards. I am that much more aware of my own driving and others and how close we are all living to the edge. <br /><br />There is always some good that comes out of situations like this horrible tragedy. People will drive more carefully, friends will hug each other who have not done so for a long time and family will say I love you more often. The positive affects are short-lived and do not in the least equal what was lost, but through it all, the human spirit survives and demonstrates good.<br /><br /><br />QUOTE:<br /><br />"O MY SOUL, DO NOT ASPIRE TO IMMORTAL LIFE, BUT EXHAUST THE LIMITS OF THE POSSIBLE."<br /> --PINDARKat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-40134873805825097952008-04-25T12:03:00.005-06:002008-04-25T12:38:44.520-06:00Paying respects to a fallen heroOpicka remembered by family, friends, veterans<br /><br />LUXEMBURG - From the line of visitors that stretched outside Luxemburg-Casco High School, the many gifted flower arrangements and the tears that were shed and the smiles shared, it was evident Lance Cpl. Dean Opicka touched many lives as family and friends remmebered his life during Wednesday's visitation.<br /><br />That is the beginning of the story that I wrote for Thursday's edition of the Freeman. On Wednesday, I drove to Luxemburg (north of Green Bay) to attend the visitation for Opicka. It was a very difficult story to do, but one that I was also honored to do.<br /><br />Unsure of how the family would react to my presence during the visitation, I waited in the line that stretched outside of the high school. It took me about 45 to 50 minutes to get to the end of the line where the Opicka family was standing. Along the way, I was able to look at many memory boards and mementos on display. Dozens of flower arrangements had been given to the family, along with benches, memorial garden plaques and trees. Opicka's guitars and keyboard were on display next to a scrapbook that his fiancee had created of one of their trips.<br /><br />As I approached the family, I wondered what to say. More often than not when I am doing an obit story, I forgo the hollow words like I am sorry for your loss or please accept my condolences. I know that whatever I say as a reporter will sound insincere. <br /><br />On Wednesday, I said that I had written the story last week for the Freeman and that I had come to pay my respects. I then asked if I could interview people and take some photos. The family was as receptive as could be possible under the circumstances.<br /><br />I was surprised at the emotional and physical toll attending the visitation took on me. The whole time, I felt very self conscious and very self aware. I had to keep building up my nerve to go to talk to people and take photos of them. It was hard not to let myself feel like an intruder in this very personal, emotional time.<br /><br />The hardest part was talking to Opicka's future in-laws, Debby and Jim Bonkoski. Debby told me how their daughter had a wedding countdown calendar in her room and how the couple were planning the wedding even while Dean was stationed in Iraq. While I talked to them, the Bonkoskis fought back tears and I did as well.<br />"It's hard to think about what they could have had and what an awesome life they could have had together," she told me.<br />Jim agreed.<br />"It was like a match made in heaven - truly," he said.<br />Jim Bonkoski saw a lot of potential in Dean.<br />"(There was) so much going for him and he touched so many lives," he said. "He did more in his 29 years than a lot of people do in their entire lives. We were just thrilled to have him as a future son-in-law." <br /><br />What amazed me was that even though I was asking them such difficult questions, the Bonkoskis thanked me for the stories we had published about Dean and thanked me for doing so much. I only wish that I could do more!<br /><br />Throughout the process of writing the stories about Dean, and previously about Staff Sgt. Chrisopher Frost who died in Iraq about a month ago, I try to emotionally distance myself from the soldiers and their families. I think that if I didn't, I couldn't write the stories. <br /><br />I really hope that I don't have to write any more stories about soldiers who have died fighting overseas. It's nor for selfish reasons because doing these stories keep getting easier, but because I truly do care about them and their families. Throughout it all, I worry about my friends who are serving in the Army and all the other young soldiers with so much potential who risk their lives everyday.<br /><br /><br />QOUTE:<br /><br />"HE WAS PROUD TO BE A MARINE, BUT NEVER TOO PROUD TO GIVE HIS AUNT A HUG AND A KISS IN THE CROWD," said Dolores Gano, Dean's aunt.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-3664804023677086832008-04-23T11:17:00.000-06:002008-04-23T11:18:02.151-06:00Hunger around the worldhttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/24259982#24259982" frameborder="0" scrolling="no">Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-62851801425387465632008-04-23T08:52:00.005-06:002008-04-23T09:10:33.106-06:00Highs and LowsSometimes I wonder if every one's life is as filled with highs and lows as mine is. I know a lot of it is the nature of my job and my position. There are days when I am very busy and then there are days when the hours I work prevent me from accomplishing a lot at work. Some days I work on stories that are very rewarding on a personal level, while other days the stories are dry and just something to get done.<br /><br />This week is also full of highs and lows so far. I am always excited to help out with my church's rummage sale. It's a twice yearly sale and I am in charge of the clothes in the boutique section. This week's rummage sale feels like extra work due to different circumstances and because of my busy schedule. But the sale definitely has its rewards. Besides helping raise money for missions, I usually find some very nice things, such as my crystal decanter and shot glasses, my aluminum cake keeper, my white vintage coat and my vintage cashmere sweater. Tomorrow, I will spend a lot of time there sorting, hanging and pricing the clothes.<br /><br />It's hard for me to feel excited about the rummage sale or anything else knowing what I have to do today. I offered last week to go to the funeral for the latest soldier with ties to Waukesha County to be killed in Iraq. I did the story when we first learned that he had been killed. I wanted to cover the funeral for a couple selfish reasons: I could work days and I could get out of the office. Also, I felt a connection to this man and his family, whom I talked with, and I knew that it would be best if the story process continued with me.<br /><br />Now, however, I am dreading covering his visitation today. It's up north near Green Bay, which I knew, but I am not looking forward to driving there and back by myself. Also, I still have to work nights. The biggest obstacle is taking pictures of the event today. People often don't mind talking, but it feels kind of intrusive to be there with my camera taking pictures. The one good thing is that the visitation, military walk-through and military service will be held in the high school's gymnasium, so that makes it more open and less personable than a funeral home. It will definitely be a challenge for me that I hope will have its rewards by helping me become a better reporter and photographer. It also feels good to know that my editors trust me with this much responsibility.<br /><br />I already did one obit story about a longtime New Berlin principal this week, so I hope that after today, I will get a break from the dead beat again. It's ironic though, that the obit stories I write, I get the most positive feedback from. Often, the family will contact me and thank me for doing the story. I never knew that stories like that would touch so many people.<br /><br />So, I just have to get through today and enjoy working at the rummage sale tomorrow during work day, which is when the pot luck lunch is! Yummy.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Quote:</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">"If you don't find God in the next person you meet, it is a waste of time looking for him further."</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"> --Mohandas K. Gandhi</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span>Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-28909222604648210022008-04-20T10:52:00.008-06:002008-12-13T01:32:17.833-06:00A new place to call home<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiSf8OdlLZZDVMUaOYqdnfw9X6YGWWiAYGD1qLFiHEGPs_QGKptdT3un_d5uKdDSHCnr47i101HBV8a55cSph8ivifL9ZVKjtFRsQkuTW2JdNN-m1wLhT7QqE57jHp_oJ2K0LDO_1QvaX/s1600-h/Myapt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191754059670840658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiSf8OdlLZZDVMUaOYqdnfw9X6YGWWiAYGD1qLFiHEGPs_QGKptdT3un_d5uKdDSHCnr47i101HBV8a55cSph8ivifL9ZVKjtFRsQkuTW2JdNN-m1wLhT7QqE57jHp_oJ2K0LDO_1QvaX/s320/Myapt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I am amazed at how quickly my new apartment felt like home. I really lucked out with finding a place that allows me to diplay my things and that complements my personality well. Everything from all the windows and the door leading to the roof, to the large bedroom with its open closet space that displays my clothes so well to the cute built-in and the large black radiator all suit me so well.</div><br /><p>Moving day went smoothly. My dad and I loaded the truck in Oconomowoc and got to Waukesha about 10:15 a.m. I had three friends help to haul the furniture and boxes up the steep stairs to my apartment, which is located above an antique store in a building from 1929. It's a very cute building located pretty much right on the Carroll College campus, which is where I went to school.</p><p>It only took us about 30 minutes to get everything unloaded. I thought I had more stuff! I wish that I would have brought my big sofa instead of the loveseat. I do like the extra space to move around in. </p><div>Within three days, I had my boxes unpacked and had started to hang pictures. My friend, Kaitlin, and I hung all my clothes and organized small details.<br /></div><div>I hope to do some hosting next month. I have had a few friends and family members over, but it would be fun to do something a little bigger. I certainly have enough space for people to hang out here.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>I have found myself anxious to leave work at the end of the day and to return to my apartment. It has been a good adjustment so far.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEVzVZto8IIBN8zUF9cFS21kcnLg6aE-VP9Ez_xp3zQ_gfl8H7zHdABqfmdVvlbY69zyB36cZ-dqjbM_q7TsCQlvXnnEr1k2Qx0obKiWIQwK5YWJcOkTaKGEY3D_zxphwPDv8iRT36TwH/s1600-h/myapt2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191754209994696034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEVzVZto8IIBN8zUF9cFS21kcnLg6aE-VP9Ez_xp3zQ_gfl8H7zHdABqfmdVvlbY69zyB36cZ-dqjbM_q7TsCQlvXnnEr1k2Qx0obKiWIQwK5YWJcOkTaKGEY3D_zxphwPDv8iRT36TwH/s320/myapt2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK11haAD9ja_6-XtqXnla8Tu-udfW2RSrPNT9HME704lK0cVWJhLsHP8begScMm-kzw2VZrKtEztP-J6oJk7vSar-KO1WTCD6rbb6EgLl-9gBnxQRP9MNAvgUBNlelf1r6BGIcL67_HyWw/s1600-h/myapt3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191754407563191666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK11haAD9ja_6-XtqXnla8Tu-udfW2RSrPNT9HME704lK0cVWJhLsHP8begScMm-kzw2VZrKtEztP-J6oJk7vSar-KO1WTCD6rbb6EgLl-9gBnxQRP9MNAvgUBNlelf1r6BGIcL67_HyWw/s320/myapt3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div>Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-86899250903372945382008-04-04T22:57:00.004-06:002008-04-04T22:59:32.446-06:00On the moveSorry for my absence on Kat in Name Only. I have been busy preparing for my big move to Waukesha tomorrow. There has been so much organizing, packing and shopping to do. I plan to post pictures next week,but I will not have internet until next week Thursday.<br /><br />There is so much news: the new apartment, the church exploding in Waukesha, the interesting animals I've seen. I promise to write more again once I get settled.<br /><br />Now it's off to bed so I can wake up ready to haul furniture and boxes.Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546185561142049978.post-6628347027753421802008-03-20T11:23:00.006-06:002008-12-13T01:32:18.097-06:00SwansAs promised, here is the best picture that I took of the swans on Fowler Lake. I hope to continue getting photos of them over the summer and hopefully get some more "romantic" swan pictures. There is something so beautiful and majestic about swans. I drove past a gorgeous hawk today, but when I walked back to get a photo of it, it was gone already. I am so excited that spring is here and the birds who left have returned in full force.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P-JV7xaxDI-dt33bvVm2DZ9KznZlryVclpZ5V7NQF0W0IiDBFKHy7-pXx18nq8d_cwZBrVu9sWNUsN8DY3G-WS9qDC-iu0dYNeHKCOOSkOPMT6uW4B8eOmK5MPWvbgxtXqFTTxN8a2g4/s1600-h/swans1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179876457532522114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P-JV7xaxDI-dt33bvVm2DZ9KznZlryVclpZ5V7NQF0W0IiDBFKHy7-pXx18nq8d_cwZBrVu9sWNUsN8DY3G-WS9qDC-iu0dYNeHKCOOSkOPMT6uW4B8eOmK5MPWvbgxtXqFTTxN8a2g4/s400/swans1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Quote:</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">"Ego: the fallacy whereby a goose thinks he's a swan."</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">--unknown</span>Kat's Scratchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16298405829292795286noreply@blogger.com0