"Victoria's Moving, Lucas turned 30, The school year is starting...

...summer's ending, housewarming" party!! Thank you to all of those people that joined us last night! We had never had more than 2 visitors at a time in our 400sq ft apartment so bringing it up to 20 was quite the accomplishment. :)It really helps to have a garden! We really appreciated all of the wine, champagne, beer, books and housewarming gifts we received - we got through quite a bit of it. :) Some of the people (in the photos) are from Lucas's program - NYC Teaching Fellows and some are my friends, (ranging from Belgium, Serbia, London, Boston) - who now live in NY. As it tends to happen at parties, there was some separation into comfort groups and shop talk, but it was a great time and there are always those bold enough to mingle. :) Of course, now that the apartment really feels like home, it's time to move on! :) Yikes, only 8 days and I'll be on the road!

Kettle of Fish...

Jon and Hal's Girlfriend Erika My friend Hal!



As my good friend Hal embarks on a journey out west, we joined him from his favourite pastime. Drinking. This is a great pub in the Village (near the Duplex) and definitely made me think of the friends and family I'm missing - you know who you are - who would love it there. Plus, they allow dogs in the bar... yeah I do love NY! :)

Little Italy...

Now, most people in NY go to Little Italy in Manhattan (adjacent/in the middle of China Town). That Little Italy is lovely as well...but we went to the REAL Little Italy in the Bronx. It's near the Bronx Zoo and if you really want to see some Italians, this is the place to go. Plus, anytime you want to see dead Rabbits hanging in store windows (butcher shop obviously), fresh cheese and bread and pastries for days...go to the Bronx! There are plenty of nice cars around (hmm all the windows are tinted...thoughts?) and the Italians sit outside and chat, play chess and greet each other. It really did appear that everyone knew each other...and we're pretty sure we saw a couple of deals go down. :) We ate at an amazing restaurant on Arthur St...and for the first time I could just order a "house white" and know that it was a good glass of wine! Ah, it was like being back in Florence or Vienna for that matter. :) I would have taken more pics, but I was a little afraid that my camera would capture some deal and I would have my knees broken...but here are a couple.

Turtle Humping?

My brothers?? :)
My cat Picasso? Yikes, he's bigger...



In reference to the Gorilla...We think he had an eating disorder, because he would bend over completely and put his head between his legs and then come up and regurgitate his food and eat it! Over and over and over again...funny but quite disgusting. :) The Bronx Zoo is definitely worth checking out...it has sections that are very modern and others that are quite "classical"... The Congo section of the Zoo were amazing. It's extra ($3) but your money goes back to organizations in Africa to save these Animals Habitats, protection and Awareness. Sadly we saw no Turtle Humping...in fact I only saw two Turtles....maybe they send them to Austria to do it. :)

We're going to the zoo!

Hi! So, because Lucas has the day off today we're heading to the Bronx Zoo. We thought about going to the Guggenheim (culture) but decided that it was so nice out, we would see if there were Turtles Mating (porn) :) For more info on the turtles, please go to Steve's blog...so more pics will be posted tonight!

My love...

Lucas! :) (and pizza)

Expecting a GIRL!!! :)

My brother Randy and lovely Sis n'law Jenn, are expecting their first child on January 5th, 2005!!! Congratulations! Ich werde eine Tante sein! :) (I'm going to be an Auntie! )

The last weekend in MN...

There are a lot of pictures on my brother's blog from this evening but here's a taste.

Tommy und Veronika visit MN this time...

Steve (my oldest brother), Tommy, Veronika and I spent some of the afternoon canoeing on Lake Calhoun. It was beautiful and we didn't tip over...which is definitely an accomplishment with Steve in the canoe! :)

Die Familie...

The Real Story of Little Red Riding Hood!

I recently directed two short plays with kids aged 5- 13 through the Rymer - Hadley Center for the Arts which was an amazing experience. I've been part of this for the last few years, but this was definitely the best one. The second show was Wizard of Oz...but I didn't have time to take pictures. :(

Congratulations to Sarah and Aleksi on their Wedding!

I know these pictures aren't great, but I was busy chatting away with my long lost friends.

Tommy und Veronika visit NY!

My great Austrian Friends Tommy and Veronika were here visiting. Everyone should be so lucky to have friends like them. Hey a note to all the Austrians...who's next??

Random...

What more could you want?

More to come...

Hello! There are more pictures coming soon! :) Life hasn't stopped since Toronto...not to worry. :)

My visit to Toronto

I loved Toronto! The people were amazing and there was definitely not a lack of things to do. :)