Hello -

Isaac’s trip log inspired me to post a few pictures from Berlin. -mandi.

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We’re back from our trip to Germany so I thought I’d share some photos and thoughts. I never thought I’d go to Berlin, but Mandi got tricked into doing a school project there, so I tagged along for the second week of her stay. I very nearly decided to not go, but I found some super inexpensive tickets so really had no excuse.

Our friend Silke, who stayed with Mandi’s parents as an exchange student a few years ago, came from Aachen (in Northwestern Germany) to meet us with her baby boy Loris for a couple of days. She took us on a walking tour, helping us find the Wall remnant below. You see more of the Wall in little baggies in tourist shops now - there’s only a little bit left standing due to peoples’ insatiable appetite for little pieces of it. There also doesn’t seem to be much interest in preserving any parts of it. There’s supposed to be a decent stretch somewhere around, but I didn’t make it there (or it’s been torn down and replaced with some apartments).

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Just wanted to offer condolences to Jon on the Patriots’ loss to the Colts this afternoon. Sam and I were pulling for the Patriots, and thought that a 21-3 lead (and Peyton Manning’s dark history in the playoffs) made the Patriots bulletproof in their quest to return to the Superbowl. Anyhow, it was a thrilling comeback, and one of the all-time best playoff games ever (plus, an NFL conference championship record comeback). Bears and Colts should make for a VERY competitive Superbowl, at least on paper. I think we’re 4×4 the Colts here on Lake Park. A great week to all! l,j/d/gp (thought this pic of cards from Jean would brighten Jon’s spirits…these are Cheri’s favorites among the ones Jean sent)

Hello -

We are having a great time in Germany. Isaac is touristing and visiting all of the wonderful sites of Berlin while I am participating in an international real estate case study competition. Students from as far East as Warsaw School of Economics and as far West as Johns Hopkins University are assigned to international teams and given a city in which they are to locate a building which best suits the needs of an international financial services firm.

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Thank goodness for time zones (and Debra’s timely reminder). Since today is January 9th (in Berlin), it’s not too late to get a Happy Birthday posted for Mandi, one of the org’s favorite contributors. Perhaps you could do a group Happy BD from there so we’re not late on the other January BD’s we (almost) missed. Hope you guys are having a great time…be great to see some pics! Your continental adventures always give the org some welcome international appeal. auf Wiedersehen (dot org)! l,j

Hey, Here’s the photo that went with Debra’s B-Day post….I was having trouble with iPhoto, not the upload, but your directions through the Preview did help. Also, am including a shot of the “Madeline” which is done and ready for delivery. Hope the Eagle River Wedins are having a blast on Maui. All for now. Pete

Good Morning: Belated org Birthday Wishes to Debra! Best intentions yesterday, but had to work, then scramble to get a card, flowers, and wrapping before the birthday girl got home from work. In the end, I think it turned out well and we were invited to a friends house for king crab and shrimp. Topped that off with a slice each of white king. Anyhow, had a nice photo that I worked up, but alas, it is hostage in iPhoto, some “Ican’tphoto”! Anyhow, Debra was cute as ever and kept saying “55 and still alive”. Hope you are all having a good week. Looks like I can go fishing maybe on Wednesday. Love, Pete PS: That photo will be forthcoming when I can get some help!

just talked to becca mae…she and lisa were out at kincaid at a birthday sledding party (great day for it!). anyhow, becca announced that she passed the tests and got her alaska license. pretty cool and no easy feat this time of year (not sure i could pass a road test right now). anyhow, congratulations to bec! also, just heard it’s snowing in seattle…seems like the perfect time for a post and pics! priss? anyone? we’re watching playoffs and heading for tonight’s aces game in a few hours. seahawks play the bears in the morning…tough sledding for the hawks (and snow IS possible in chicago), but we’ll be doing our part here on lake park. more soon…happy saturday to all. hope the julia lynn survived the 5″ tsunami and that pete got out and into the kings today! l, j/d/gp