Agata and the Volcano

I am wondering if Agata is doing okay and if she could give us an eye-witness report of the volcanic ash falling from the sky? (Eye-witness is one of those words we should use in the Polish/American slang game). I also would like to hear an overview of her research goals in France.

Hope you are doing well. Was it hard to get a bus ticket to go to Poland?

Fall Backpack?

Well, there's been a lot of confusion around about my summer plans, so let me state for the record that I do NOT have secret plans to go to Thailand with Brynna (although I'm sure she's a wonderful person :).

Instead, I'll be in Europe, first in Paris for a few weeks (starting June 7th) with Agata and then most likely in Berlin for 6 weeks, from the first week of July until mid-August. Then I'll hang out in Poland for a bit before flying home around the 1st of September.

After that I have 13 days until Agata flies into Seattle, and I think it would be really fun to do a backpacking trip with my brohas and pappy and anyone else who could. The earliest I could come back would be the last few days of August, and I'd have to head back up to Seattle a day or two before the 13th; I'm willing to do anything, a long hike or just an extended weekender (I think that's Labor Day weekend, now?) within that period. I don't know what the weather is like and what places would be good to go to, but I bet we could find something fun.

Anywho, let me know what y'all think and if you'll have time. I'm going to buy my ticket in the next week or so, and will probably get it for Sept 1st unless there's a reason to come a few days earlier. I know everybody's busy (me included); Dad, if all else can't, would you be up to trouncing around in the woods just the two of us?

At any rate, I'm very determined to do something, as I don't really know where I'll be in the coming summers and when will be the next time I'll be able to enjoy a romp in the Rugged West.

So much news...

We keep reading the news about Poland. I remember (everyone in my generation does) when John F. Kennedy was shot. We were all devastated. I realize now that we lost our President. But we lost one leader. This is an incomprehensible blow to a country, to lose elected leaders, military officials, financial leaders in one blow. We are very concerned and hope that the regrouping can be orderly and inspired. We especially hope and pray that Agata and Barbara can be blessed and comforted at this time.

We are having a wedding in three weeks, give or take a few days. Ready or not....We're sort of ready. I look forward to seeing all of you.

Mike and Meri have moved. They are staying in an extended stay motel in Bellevue. Aunt Meri cried for a week. But their new home looks beautiful. Check it out: 1817 SE 8th Place, Renton.
She doesn't have much good to say about the area. I think I would have liked a small home in a funner area, but I don't think they wanted to cross the lake. (is it necessary? I don't know...)

Agata leaves tomorrow for Poland and Paris. I hope her research is exciting and successful. Travis and Brynna (yup. Brynna is going to Thailand) leave the night of the wedding for Thailand.

Take care all of you.

Love, Mom

Sneak peak of new apartment!

Here is a sneak peak of our new apartment, plus the table and chairs we bought.