Journey to Visit Family ~Travel Day ~You Know You are Far From Home When...

...This is where you stop for a quick errand on your way home.

That’s right, I traveled to the other side of the world to visit family.

For an international flight, 

it is recommended to check in 2 hours early.

This was the line at Fargo Hector Airport at 4:30 a.m.

It was a beautiful day at home...

the sun was shining, 

the birds were chirping, 

and the trees were budding.

I finished the tasks on my to-do list, 

and zipped my suitcase closed.

Hubby and I went the night before since it was an early flight.

We enjoyed a beverage and appetizers at Porter Creek.

Hubby ordered his favorite, The Mussels.

And I tried something new...

Breaded and Fried Goat Cheese,

Roasted Beets, and Arugula Salad.

First stop was in Denver.

The passengers all got off the plane,

Then less than an hour later, we boarded at the same gate, 

Got on the same plane, just with a different crew.

Next stop, San Jose.

Because I was now switching to a different airline, 

I needed to check in here to get a seat assignment 

and boarding passes.

However, there were technology issues and 

their computers were not working.

After several phone conversations with the Airport IT folks,

The problems were solved.

So how does someone spend a 

couple extra hours during a layover?

Naturally one orders a beverage 

and answer emails and messages.

I found a perch at this place, right across from my gate, 

with a clear view of the gate counter to observe their activity.

I was quite relieved to finally have boarding passes in hand 

and with 10 minutes to spare!

This was my “ride” across the ocean.

The ANA personnel were so courteous and accommodating.

Shorty after take off, beverages and lunch was served.

After that five course meal, 

we each got our own carton of ice cream for dessert.

If you have traveled internationally, 

you are familiar with the routine.

Immigration, collect luggage, customs, re-check luggage, 

pass through TSA again, and find your next gate.

I wasn’t the only weary traveler in Tokyo.

And then all that tiredness melted away when 

I saw our daughter waiting on the other side of the glass doors...

And again when we got up the next morning 

to hug this happy boy.

We are blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Introducing Miss Ottenbacher

Meet Miss Ottenbacher,

Central High School's newest Family & Consumer Science Teacher.

Here she is with her new school computer.

I was privileged to spend the afternoon with her on Friday.

She is smart and well prepared. 

She had a list carefully thought out questions.

We visited about the curriculum.

She will teach all foods classes, so

we talked about what has been done in the past...

and she will bring creativity and fresh new ideas to the program.

We also talked about student concerns.

Miss Ottenbacher has a kind and caring spirit,

wanting to consider the needs of others.

I am so excited for her, 

and I can't wait to see how she makes this classroom her own.

I couldn't be more confident to turn the reins over

to this young, energetic teacher.

Congratulations, Miss Ottenbacher.

You are going to be a great teacher!

Take care,

~Natalie

Happy Weekend ~Where the Week Went

It was a short work week for us...

however, it was packed full, and it was exhausting!

It started with one of my favorite holiday traditions...

watching the Rose Parade.

The Air Force band was quite impressive.

Since Monday was the last day of vacation,

I took the opportunity to relax with my favorite quilt,

a Hallmark movie, and Lucy.

(yes, we have an ironing board set up in our bedroom...

hubby and I press our clothing every single morning)

Tuesday was Back to School with Inservice Day.

Large Group Sessions.

Small Group Break-out Sessions.

So much to do...so little time.

We were happy to hear that the Christmas gifts 

that we sent across the pond

finally reached their destination.

Grades were due.

Who else remembers when report cards were written out by hand?

Yes, when I first started teaching, we teachers would make time before school, after school, and during our planning period to go to the office conference room and sort through the file box to write each student's grade on their report card.

Imagine how time consuming that was?!

Now, in our on-line gradebook, 

we just need to hit "POST GRADES".

With the beginning of a new term,

I met 113 new students.

Of course, there will be some challenges,

but I think I am going to like this group.

Hubby and I enjoyed our Friday night out with friends.

Yes, I ordered the shrimp!

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Mania ~A New School Year & A Fresh Start ~~A Teacher's Work is Never Done

My 38th year teaching and another teaching assignment.

This one promises to be one of the best yet!

We teachers have been preparing classrooms,

preparing lessons, reviewing policies,

attending meetings, cleaning files, 

organizing curriculum materials,

dealing with technology,

creating displays, 

and much more!

I can't wait to show you my classroom.

Stay tuned!

Take care,

~Natalie

Dream Vacation ~At Home with Amy & Nick ~~The Complete House Tour ~~~and Just an Old Fashioned Love Story

The absolute best part of being an empty nester, 

is visiting our adult children in their own homes.

We have had the priviledge of doing so in

Lincoln, NE

Fargo, ND

Rochester, MN

Boston, MA

and now, in the UK.

It is joyous to experience the environment that they have created...

not only their style of decor, 

but also the warm, comfortable, safe atmosphere that is their

Home Sweet Home.

The Foyer

While the foyer is the smallest room in the house,

it is one of the most important. It is the introduction to your home...

where guests form a first impression of your style.

And here, everything was perfect!

Their foyer was functional

(complete with basket for keys and sunglasses)

and so very charming.

Across from the foyer, was the half-bath.

Amy had everything so sparkling clean and neat...

"Today i choose Joy"

I love this!

The Guest Room

Nick had to check in at work...

Amy was busy preparing homemade pizza crust dough...

so I got settled into my room for the week.

There were empty drawers in the dresser,

empty hangers in the closet,

and you can see the guest bathroom across the hallway.

It was so welcoming...

Thank you for making me feel at home.

The Living Room

A perfect setting for relaxation...

I've seen this comfy spot over facetime,

and now, I was actually here!

We also caught up on a couple episodes of our favorite shows.

The Dining Room

I enjoyed having dinner here with Amy and Nick.

Homemade Pizza, 

Grilled Chicken, Couscous, Asparagus,

Grilled Salmon, Rice, Broccoli

Good Food...

Great Company.

Thank you!

Also in the dining room, this impressive piece...

A Vintage Wine Rack, 

it is from France and they found it at a local bazaar.

The Kitchen

After dinner, the dishes are drip drying...

Amy and her hubby are a team, preparing dinner

and tackling the clean up together!

The kitchen is my favorite room in a house.

It is a the heart of the home.

We toured so many fabulous places,

however, visiting Amy and Nick in their home 

ranks right up there with my favorites.

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. Today is my Mom and Dad's Anniversary.

They were married 70 years ago.

Today they celebrate together in heaven.

Here is a link to my blog post from 5 years ago.