Teri Parris Ford's Blog

Week in Cologne

The day after Xmas Jim took me to Germany for the holidays. He loves all things German at this time of year. I've often wondered how nice it might have been if he'd studied Italian or Greek history instead of German?? I do admit that our German visits are very nice so I'm not complaining. We've been living on pretzels, brats, salami, cheese and coffee, wondering cobblestone streets and visiting museums, Christmas markets and cathedrals. We took a bus from Madison to Chicago and flew to Frankfurt. We made it to Cologne the next morning by train. This is both of our first trips to this part of the country. Cologne is an amazing city and a great place to party in the new year. The fireworks started at 8pm and went on until nearly 2am. The train station is right across from the large gothic cathedral which wasn't actually finished until 1880. There are a dozen Roman churches, all rebuilt after WW2, around the city as well. We visited a modern art museum, chocolate museum and the first cologne shop as well as daily trips the Christmas markets. The weather has been so mild with bouts of rain occasionally. 

We are currently on the train to Berlin where we will take a second week of shopping and wondering. Jim has been to Berlin several times, and my second time. We both have a list of things to do. But throughout this trip I've gotten more sleep than I have in months along with plenty of exercise. It's the vacation I needed!! 

Summer Vacation Week #2

I spent my 2nd week of summer vacation in Norfolk enjoying quite a bit of leisure. I was hired to help as a consultant for summer school, so I did spend quite a bit of time this week working on an art class curriculum. I really did not do a lot of work at Jessi's house and felt very much like I was staying at a vacation home. I was so well taken care of by Jessi's housemate and husband, it felt like quite the luxurious week away!

I spent my Sunday driving home with pleasant weather and no traffic. I realized that next time I drive out east or west that doing so on weekends will make a big difference on timing. Weekday traffic in big cities really bog down a drive. I spent a whopping $602 in gasoline! That is more than double what I spent the last time I drove out. I could have flown first class for that much but could not have taken Balt with me. I am reluctant to buy another gas guzzler if gas prices stay this high. Hopefully electric SUVs happen in the future!

We heard from Jessi!

Jessi made it to Norway this past week and had a couple of days to explore Tromso. She reported it was cold and spent most of her free time hiking and was most impressed with the Northern Lights, not the food. We got several snaps and texts as well as an email report.

Summer Project 7 (week 7) in Northern Michigan

I drove back up to Song of the Morning Yoga Retreat Center in Northern Michigan with Erika this time to help out Monika with their big Yoga Festival at the end of the week. We are officially volunteering. Erika is teaching her first in person "live" yoga class as well as working in the gift shop while I am the official photographer for the festival. Monika is the festival coordinator and doing an amazing job with the organization of things-- the photo below is of her organizing all the volunteers this morning. The community here really loves Monika and she is remarkably gifted at putting a large event together. I have tried to be as helpful as possible but boy, my feet and back can only do so much. Erika is a light weight as well which at times has frustrated Monika who is just such a hard worker! I am very excited to be here for the week and will hopefully get a lot of participation in the yoga events as well. 

 

Summer Project 6 (week 6) in Virginia

 

As my second week in Norfolk comes to end, I am gearing up for a few busy weeks coming up. I finished up the HVAC cover project (see below) this week and did a bit of patching and painting around her fireplace. While every visit I have in Virginia is very much like a vacation since I make sure to spend time on the beach, Jessi also makes sure to give me a list of things to do around the house, which is very much a labor of love. The HVAC project kept me problem solving as I wanted to avoid using lumber since it was expensive and in short supply at Home Depot. The white vinyl was a bit too floppy so I ended up using PVC piping to prop up the back end of the box. I'm hoping it's good enough. Jessi likes it and that's what matters most. 

I drive home on Friday (7/23), spend a weekend at home catching up on swimming and doing hot yoga and then it is back to Michigan for week 7 and up to Minnesota for week 8. 

 

Summer Project 5 (week 5) in Virginia

The end of week 5 means it's half way thru my summer! I spent the week in Norfolk with Jessi. She's working everyday but I've been helping with her yard most of the week. I purchased some white plastic lattice to make a cover for HVac but it has been so hot and muggy (90's with a heat index into the 100's), I haven't wanted to start the project, opting for other minor projects on her list. I'll be here next week as well, so I have plenty of time! So far, I have walked on the beach most days, added 8 bags of mulch, weeded, added 4 black eyed susan flower bunches, replaced her ferns, trimmed around cement and blocks, added a brick decorative trim to her side area and painted a water proof masonry coating on her brick on the side of her garage as well as make her a big chicken dinner one night (she was craving potatoes). It is gratifying to work on her yard, but I have to admit to always stopping work around noon and showering for the afternoon and spending time with my feet up reading. After all, I'm still on vacation!

4th Of July Weekend in Michigan

Jim and I went up to visit Monika in Northern Michigan for the 4th of July weekend and had a grand time! We left on Saturday and the drive was quite pleasant -- about 7 hours. The yoga retreat center she works at is in the woods and has the Pigeon River passing right through. We went for fireworks on Sunday night and had fun kayaking on Monday with a big BBQ with her friends. It was a very restful time with of a bit too much eating but I think we kept a vegan diet since we were with Monika the whole time. I'd been there 4 or 5 years ago for the same holiday weekend and some folks remembered me. I will return with Erika at the end of the month to help Monika with YogaFest and I'm looking forward to it!

California Summer Day 33

3 nights and 4 days camping at the beach was everything I wanted it to be. I really enjoyed my time with Jim, just sitting while he read or playing with Balt while he made a fire. I did not take my computer and did not do any work other than wash dishes once a day. We had lots of time to sit and talk, think, walk, relax and just enjoy the ocean. There is something so incredibly therapeutic about looking at and listening to the waves roll in and out. We saw seals and dolphins and Jim made a bird friend who kept coming back for more bread Jim tossed at him every so often. We left this morning and came back to the heat of dessert at my mom's. I spent most of the day cleaning up. My cousin came by to visit late in the afternoon with her daughter and I took her swimming and made her dinner. It was a pleasant day.

California Summer Day 32: Perfection

This time Jim and I have at the beach has been utter perfection.

California Summer Day 31: Emma Wood

We had a high temp of 69- sunny but kind of cool. We made a morning fire and enjoyed coffee out in the gloomy clouds before they burnt off by 10 am. I walked over to the group sites hoping to get a shower in but the water was turned off since the group sites are closed which was bummer but the rest of the day was perfect. 

California Summer Day 30: beach

My brother took a couple days off so I could go to the beach. It’s just me, Jim and Balt. 

The Drive

I left Madison on Friday at 5:30am Central Time and arrived on Saturday at 3:30pm Pacific Time. I drove for 30 hours, slept 6 hours in Colorado at a rest stop and only stopped for gas 5 or 6 times. I paid $1.99 per gallon of gas in the Midwest but a whopping $4.09 per gallon outside of Las Vegas. The total cost for gas one way, $226.66. I purchased a round-trip ticket for Erika to spend three weeks in Wisconsin for about $200. When figuring out how to travel, it’s all about risk these days. Erika thought flying would be too risky even if it was cheaper. I’m not sure.

On the Road Again

I left at 5:30am and arrived in Madison around 8:30pm. I only stopped 4 times for gas and restrooms and did not buy any food or drink in order to avoid interactions. It was pretty non-eventful which I guess, is good. Virginia and Pennsylvania were beautiful. Ohio isn't bad, but not as pretty and Gary, Indiana always makes me think of the Musicman. I rolled into a huge storm that made me slow down to 30mph. Lots of folks pulled over but I figured I'd keep going at a safe pace. I passed by several accidents. I hit traffic in Chicago but not for too long. 

Road trip East

Yesterday, I spent making sure my gradebook and Google classrooms were in order and packing. Jim and I had a nice walk. I picked up some meds for Balt at the vet and packed the truck. I made a very nice lunch for Jim and I as it would be our last for a few weeks. I tried to get to bed early but tossed and turned, nervous for my trip.

With stay at home orders in both Wisconsin and Virginia, traveling is not not encouraged, but not quite prohibited. I left before 6am and drove straight to Norfolk with only stops for gas. I wore rubber gloves at gas and toll stops. I did not buy any food but had plenty of snacks on my way (too many). I rolled into Jessi's at 11:30pm. 

Travel Day

I got up around 2am, said hello to Erika, finished packing and got to the flyaway by 3am for a 5am flight out of LAX to Milwaukee.I got home by 4pm with plenty of time to do some clean up (not that the house needed much), unpack, do laundry, take Balt out and watch 60 Minutes. I came home with a sore throat, noticing lots of travelers with face masks.I washed my hands every chance I could. 

Travel Day back to US

We had a pleasant morning to catch an 11am flight. Traveling with Jim means always walking or using public transportation which I've learned is not bad as long as you know the routes, which he does. I'm always quite impressed with is ability to remember all the routes. We had no issues traveling. I watched several movies during the ride but passed out on the last leg-- the bus ride from Chicago to Madison. Jessi was waiting for us and Balt was very happy to see me.

Here's the Google Photo Album to all my photos.

New Years at Potsdam

We took a train this morning out, south west of a Berlin  to Potsdam to tour Fredrick the Greats palace & grounds. It was a wonderful way to bring in the new decade. I spent some time looking back over the decade, realizing we spent New Years ten years ago in Istanbul together. So much happened over the past ten years and yet, Jim & I ended the last decade traveling together and I’m happy we’re still traveling together. 

The last day of a decade

As I type the pops and cracks of fireworks are going off in the background of the city, here in Berlin. We spent the day, after sleeping in, shopping and walking, but I asked Jim if we could use the train more today as my legs were still in a lot of pain— so we only walked 7 1/2 miles. We visited the East side of Berlin and walked thru the wall gallery where the wall is stil up and now used as a graffiti gallery for international artists. Most stores closed by 2pm so we had to cut our shopping short but I found a Nivea store I loved w nothing but Nivea products. While Jim was at a bookstore I went to a Birkenstock’s store and got a new pair of sandals for cheaper than I can get them in the states. We had an early dinner taking out Turkish Doner Kabops and French fries back to our hotel room. We enjoyed some chocolate and mineral water for desert and got foot rubs with my Nivea creme. 

Train ride to Wittenberg

We left early for a train it to Wittenberg, where Luther posted his thesis on castle church door. I must say it is pretty nice traveling with a historian, as Jim knows almost every thing about German history.  He makes a wonderful tour guide. I really enjoy having him guide me to all the hot spots. We stopped at the grocery store on the way back for more water and then went out for Italian for dinner. The place we went was very good and the waiter was from Sicily. We then went to the Christmas market for treats before getting back to our hotel in the evening. Today was warmer —mid forties— making it more comfortable. i slept better last night. We only walked 9 miles today But I’m still dealing with shin splints. 

Sunday in Berlin

Jim and I both seem to get up around the same time in the middle of the night. By the time we get acclimated to the schedule here it’ll be time to go home. Oh well. I set my alarm for 7am as we had an appointment to tour at the Reichstag which is Germany’s capital building (bottom right picture). At the top there was a glass dome with amazing views of the city but boy, it was cold (bottom left photo). The whole day was a lot colder but we broke it up with stops inside coffee shops, stores or trains. We went to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and walked are the area. We got in over 10 miles of walking today— including Humbolt University (top photo), some old churches and the Sony Center (where we considered watching Star Wars again but it was playing in English so Jim wasn’t as tempted— had been dubbed in German, we’d have watched it for sure).  I’m dealing with sore shins, while Jim says his calves are sore. We went back to our hotel to rest a bit before dinner and splurged on Hard Rock Cafe Berlin — good ol’ American hamburger and French Fries (or onion rings for me). We walked around the Christmas market after but I was eager to get back to the hotel to put my feet up. 

 

Exploring Berlin

We had a hard time sleeping last night; being 7 hours ahead of Madison meant I was wide awake at 10pm feeling it was 5am and then getting up up every hour wondering what time it until I finally gave in after 3am and slept in until after 8am somehow. We made our way to a couple of coffee shops because one up of coffee wasn’t enough and why not visit two shops? We then went to Bikini Berlin mall next to the zoo. We to Potsdamer Platz and checked out the Mall of Berlin. We saw where Hitlers bunker was and then visited the Memorial Monument for the Murdered Jews of Europe (bottom photo). We walked to the Brandenburg Gate which was closed off for News Years celebrations to come (left picture). We walked up the Unter den Linden Blvd until we got to Frederick Stz which is in the Mitte district of Berlin and visited the Ritter Sport and bought chocolate and enjoyed their coffee shop (3rd one for the day). We went to the Galleria Lafayette (another mall). We then walked to Checkpoint Charlie where the wall (right photo) used to be and went to Nazi Documentation Center which is next to The Topography of Terror which is just where the ruins of the old SS bunkers are. We went to dinner in the Winter garden in the KaDaWe which is a hung mall across from the Christmas market. The weather was cold but not bad- no rain or snow makes the walking pretty comfortable. I walked about 9 miles today but had 3 lattes!

It’s still Christmas in Berlin

Jim and I took a bus to Chicago at 11am to catch a 6pm flight. We were very early and our flight was delayed. We flew threw Munich and landed around noon on Friday— so we lost a day in transit. We got a bus to our hotel and then got out to sightsee the Turkish market and the main Christmas market at the Gedachtnichtniskirche. We went out for dinner at a Turkish Grill. 

Travel Day

I enjoyed some time with Jim this morning, sipping coffee and working on grades while he read. The girls and Cody made us breakfast and then Jim and I took Jessi grocery shopping before we were dropped off at the airport. Jim and I traveled together to Houston, TX and then took separate flights back home-- he to LA and me to Wisconsin. He will spend Thanksgiving with his mom. Monika stayed with Jessi and will come home for Thanksgiving in a couple of days. I got in at 9pm with Balt eager to see me. I went through the mail, unpacked and got straight into bed. I think I have more parent teacher conferences tomorrow, which does not make me happy.

Florida Fun

Jim and I enjoyed some time at a coffee shop this morning after a mile walk. The girls messaged us once they were up making breakfast. They were all out partying late downtown. Jim and I spent some time at the party but had to get back before midnight so we would not turn into pumpkins (or just grouchy oldies). 

It rained for a bit late morning but once it cleared up, we went to the beach and then out for an early dinner. It was a great day of fun.

Road Trip 2019 Complete

I traveled over 3,400 miles, leaving on July 2nd for California and arriving August 5th from El Paso, TX yesterday. I stayed the night in Vale, CO my first night and in Wichita, KS last night. I purchased close to 300 gallons of gas and got about 18 mpg on my Yukon. I pulled my first trailer to the beach. For the first time ever on a road trip, I never turned on the radio because my Yukon has Apple Play with Waze (a GPS navigation program). I listened to two books, about a dozen podcasts and a lot of music on my playlists. Balt enjoyed a lot of space in the back, although a lot more going to California then on the return. I came home with 3 bins and several bags of stuff from my mom's, baskets and a shelf, as well as 2 big bins of Jim's stuff. 

I actually slept in this morning. Balt never woke me up, which was surprising since he sleeps the whole time in the car. I didn't get out in the road until after 7am. I spent a good chunk of time on the Kansas turnpike and stopped  every 1/2 tank for gas and ice. I treated myself to a large Dunkin latte on ice for breakfast and a Diet Dr. Pepper for lunch. I did not stop for food but had plenty of snacks in the car to hold me over. While I haven't weighed myself, I'm pretty sure I'm coming home a bit lighter than when I left. Overall I feel like I accomplished a lot for the month I was away. 

Back to the Heat

Yesterday's Ventura high was in the mid 70's with an overcast morning. The sunshine didn't come out until almost 4pm which made for a cool day but so pleasant. Today was set to be a much warmer day but we had to check out by noon. We rolled into 100 degree temps at my mom's an hour later.

My cousin and I had a wonderful time and hope to make it an annual outing. Her husband loves camping but had never camped at the beach before. They all fell in love with something I have loved for so long. Of course camping at the beach always makes me think of my dad since he was the one to first take me camping to the beach. As I got older I loved taking my girls along too, but he was always in charge. Last year my brother took me, so I guess he was in charge of everything. This was the first time, I was in charge!! I pulled the trailer, set it up and had to hitch it all back together and then clean it all out once back home. Having my cousin's family there to support me made it easy (they did all the cooking). I'm ready to do it all again next year! 

Beach life

Life’s a beach

We enjoyed a leisurely day walking on the beach reading, eating, sunning, talking and napping. Amazing!

It’s in the blood!

 I drove my brother’s trailer all by self to the beach today. I hitched it all together and prepped for a trip that I thought might be all by self but my cousin’s family came too. We got in late afternoon but the temps went from 103 in the valley to 73 at the beach which was wonderful. 

Tuesday Sunshine

We had a beautiful day getting a little of this and that done. I'm getting into a good schedule of working on my computer after my walk in the morning when I'm fresh. Either once the laptop battery dies or I'm dying, I stop and start working in the garage until I'm too hot or too hungry. Lunch and then swim and I pretty much call it a day. My mom and I watch the news and Jeopardy. She likes Wheel of Fortune but me, not so much. I usually end the day up in my room with something on HBO that's too naughty for my mom to watch.