Exploring Trier

Earlier today we visted Brian's Omi before we drove to Trier to eat, shop and see some of the Roman ruins. Ich liebe Trier! We ate ice cream and Nord See (Long John Silvers), saw the Porta Negra, Trier Cathedral, ruins of a Roman Bath and Amphitheatre. It was a very long day but worth all the sights and fun!

Scenes In And Around Rüdesheim-Assmannshausen

Today we took a ferry across the Rhein and did a small hike from the town of Rüdesheim to Assmannshausen. Along the way Renee became BFFs with two German hunds (dogs) which followed her along a trail. After a long hike, we took the ferry back to Bingen and had a perfect view of the Mouse Tower (Mäuseturm).

The Fucker Bus Company

On our way to Rüdesheim am Rhein we saw this bus with the word "Fucker" on it. We so looked like the typical Americans taking pictures and laughing at the bus. You got to love it! LOL!

Jumping Water Bowl

One of the interesting things that we saw at the Bingen Garten Schau was this bowl of water that Brian's mom had brought us to. She had told us that we could make the water dance by rubbing the bowl with our hands. Each of us gave it a try but after 5 minutes we gave up. No dancing water! We thought Eugania was pulling our leg but we thought we'd give it another chance. I had all these Germans looking on so the pressure was on to get it to work. So I began and after a few rubs, low and behold, I got the water to jump up and down! It was amazing! Brian gave it another try after me but instead of jumping water he made the bowl create this irritating high pitched awful sound that drove everyone away! The noise coming from the bowl was AWFUL! LOL! Good times!

Bingen Landesgartenschau

Yesterday afternoon we all took a trip to the Bingen Garden Show. Thanks to Eugania for buying us tickets to the show! The number of flowers in bloom was quite amazing! Below are just a few of the pics I took of some of the images I saw in and around the show. You can see more of the pics by clicking here.

Binger Winefest

We have finally arrived in Germany for a long awaited vacation. Still a little jet lagged from our flight on Air India, we were able to take a quick cat nap and then head on out to catch the last part of the Binger Winzerfest in Bingen, Germany. We listened to music and had a few reislings before we headed back to Genie's Haus. Ich liebe wein!

The Weiner Bandit Strikes Again!

Hummingbird

A hummingbird came to dine on the flowers outside our house this morning. I was a bit excited since I've never really seen one up close, let alone in our back patio. I'm no bird expert Renata, but I believe it was a female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird.

Lightning

A major storm rolled into the Chicago area last Monday. We tons of lightning, thunder, heavy rain and a couple of tornadoes. Being the wannabe tornado chaser, I grabbed my camera and ventured upstairs with sirens in full blast. I did not see a tornado but I was able to get a pic of a lightning bolt. :-(

What An International Group!

We had people in from around the world this week for day long meetings. I truly didn't realize the diversity of our group until I saw this picture from one of our dinners. In the above picture we have Russia, China, Mexico, Japan and Iowa that is representin!

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

A Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (thank you Reynalda) came to dine on the flowers in my patio early this afternoon. I thought it was a hummingbird at first but after a closer look I learned that it was actually a moth! The little guy was being very cooperative and it allowed me to take a few pics of it as it dashed between the geraniums in a feeding frenzy. Talk about eat and go! You can see more pics by clicking here.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth flying in to dine on the flowers.

Moth flying to another flower.

Moth sucking up the nectar with its long proboscis.

Close-up of my visitor.

Celebrity Sightings

Captain Morgan was seen at a Costco in the west suburbs of Chicago early this morning. Lui5 snoopers say he was busy shopping but was nice enough to pose for a picture.

Baby Update

I just got word that Amy and Tom have named their baby boy. And the name is (drum role)...

Quinlan Maurice Stripe O'Regan!

Below are a couple more pics of Quinlan and proud parents.

L.A.T.E. Ride 2008

Here are more pics from yesterday's L.A.T.E. Ride. Rodrigo and John joined us for their very first midnight ride. The night wasn't without drama as Rodrigo happened to get a flat tire minutes before our group took off. We were delayed a bit but the good folks at Village Cycle fixed his tire for free and we were on our way! We finished the ride later than normal but this gave us a spectacular view of the sunrise over the lake as we rode to the finish along the lake shore path! Already looking forward to next year!

Late Ride baby! Woot! Here we go!

It's A Boy!

Congrats to Amy and Tom! My BFF had a baby boy last night. He came in at 8lbs 6oz. Name TBD.

Elroy-Sparta Trail

Brian, Roy and I rented bikes and rode the Elroy-Sparta Trail yesterday. We rode 22 long miles! I would say this is one of the most scenic trails I have been on. The trail winds through hills in unglaciated areas of south-central Wisconsin. The trail also has 3 rock tunnels, one of which is just under a mile long! Inside the tunnels were cool and damp which was a relief since it was pretty warm outside. We are hoping to return in the fall again to ride and see the colors on the trees.

Lake Delton, WI

Yesterday we drove up to Wisconsin to meet Paul at his summer home but we made a pit-stop at Lake Delton. The whole lake emptied into the Wisconsin River on June 9th after heavy rains caused its dam to breach. The lake supposedly emptied in 4 hours and washed away quite a few houses and boats! It was an amazing site to see. Below are some pics of things that we saw. You can see the whole set of pictures by clicking here.

Happy 4th of July!

I was invited to my friend John's 4th of July party last night at his 28th floor office which overlooks Millenium Park. This proved to be the ideal spot to watch the fireworks. We got an even better view when we crawled out a window onto the rooftop of the office building! That was a bit scary since everyone was sloppy drunk but rest assured, no one fell off the building. Below are some pics of our view as well as a video of the fireworks. You can see more pics here. Happy 4th ya'll!!!

Chicks N Hens

Thank you TKalsz for the Chicks N Hens. As you can see they are growing quite well in the strawberry pot and one is about to bloom!