Exploring the USA and Europe

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving, a special holiday in the United States, observed by people of all backgrounds, regardless of religion or heritage. For my family and me, this day is closely tied to a moment of reflection: pausing, looking back, and giving thanks. Our own story in this country began 35 years ago, when we moved from Germany to Minnesota. I still remember our first Thanksgiving vividly. At that time of year, I was used to preparing for Advent: candles, quiet moments, and the gentle anticipation of Christmas. And suddenly, there was a major holiday right in the midst of it. A feast that felt almost like Christmas. It seemed strange and confusing to me then. But shortly after arriving in the United States, we were invited to a Thanksgiving dinner. It was warm, welcoming, and festive. My husband, our two small children, and I were received with open arms. That feeling of hospitality has stayed with us throughout all these years and has never faded. Each member of our family ...

I started playing tennis on my first retirement day in 2018. Eager to stay physically active and challenge myself mentally, I walked onto the court and asked the coach to teach me how to play. At the time, I had only an ambiguous idea of what the game required—an exciting mix of physicality and strategic thinking—but no real sense of the effort and commitment it would take to learn even the basics.   In my enthusiasm, I decided to compete in leagues during my first year—a bold and perhaps overly ambitious goal for a complete beginner. Looking back, it was a steep challenge that tested my determination and strength. Along the way, I experienced the highs of small victories and the lows of tough defeats, each moment teaching me valuable lessons about persistence and adaptability.   Now, I want to share my journey with you—the challenges, the triumphs, and the insights I’ve gained over the past four years, starting as a complete beginner. Whether you’re a fellow tennis enthusiast...

I enjoyed visiting the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral during my recent trip to New York City. This iconic Roman Catholic church is in the heart of Manhattan.  Location and Surroundings St. Patrick's Cathedral is located where Fifth Avenue and 50th Street intersect. It is a majestic landmark amidst the modern skyscrapers surrounding it, including the towering glass buildings of the nearby business district. This contrast of old and new highlights the cathedral's historical and architectural significance in one of the world's busiest urban areas.      Just steps from the cathedral, visitors can find other famous landmarks, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the shops on Fifth Avenue.    The Rockefeller Center, with its iconic ice-skating rink and the towering Rockefeller Plaza, is directly opposite the cathedral, making it a convenient and central point for tourists exploring Midtown Manhattan. History and Community Effort In the mid-19th c...

We've been eagerly planning our first trip of the year to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. We've known where to go to see it best for a while, but we've been worried about the weather. We needed clear skies to see the total eclipse properly. We were well-prepared for this second eclipse event. We had planned where to go, how to get ready for the trip, what to look out for, and how to avoid heavy traffic afterward. The first eclipse we experienced was just a few years ago, on August 21, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The total eclipse lasted only 1 minute and 24 seconds, but it left us deeply impressed. Right then and there, we knew we wanted to experience another one. NASA published the path of the eclipse which continued from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan would also e...