Catching up...again.

Sooo....another week is just about over, and I'm playing catch up again.

Monday was mostly spent getting ready for Gundar and Kathy's arrival.
Tuesday Elizabeth and I went to the market in Riga, then to the airport to wait
for Gundar and Kathy's arrival. They had a long, difficult trip as they had some
difficulty with a delayed flight, then missed their next plane. They had to wait for
another plane that would bring them to Riga. Originally scheduled to arrive at
11:00 in the morning, they didn't arrive until after 4:00. Elizabeth and I did lunch,
browsed magazines, had coffee, and visited all in the airport while we waited. It
was truly a pleasure to see Gundar and Kathy arrive safely!
Wednesday Kathy, Elizabeth, Rachel, Ariana and I did some more serious
shopping at some malls in Riga. I was worn out. I actually tired of shopping
that day!
Thursday the family and I went out to eat for Gundar and Kathy's 39th
wedding anniversary.
Friday (today) I wandered into Ogre with Rachel to a coupla large shopping centers,
came back and chilled here at the house.
Tomorrow looks like we're going to have some family cousins come to visit, then
*may* head back to Riga for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Have a good day everyone!

To the Cave

Whee!

One of the several extremely long sets of stairs that I have encountered in Latvia.

Neat little bridge leading to the cave.

Just a sample of the many engravings that we saw.

A memorial, perhaps???

Rachel getting a close-up.

Matthew found his wading experience delightful.

Turaida Castle Pt. 1

Elizabeth and I were the ones to trek into this castle after Matthew, Rachel, and I had done the rope course.
Sorry, I don't have any pictures of that particular venture at the moment...but let's just say that those who
know Rachel can see pictures on her Facebook. You'll see just what a daredevil I was.:p Matthew and
Rachel were the most daring and conquered the 3rd level while I backed down. The first 2 levels were
enough for me. I had a blast and would actually dare to at least do the first 2 levels over again.

Anyway...here're pictures of the castle, me, and Elizabeth.:)

I'm wonder woman! Wait...it's attached to the wall.

The original in-floor heating.

I thought of my dad when I observed all of this.

Cesis Castle Pt.2

This part looks like the remains of a fortress outside of the castle...either that or a courtyard.



This is from the same room as that awesome ceiling, I believe. I love how soft and glowy it looks.



I took this picture looking out of a window.

Matthew said that these stairs look like they need to be swept. I have to agree with him. For some reason this tickled my funny bone.:)

Cesis Castle Pt. 1

Matthew and I were given the go-ahead as Rachel and Elizabeth had already seen the castle.

Matthew brandishing our lantern.

Front view.

According to all appearance and pictures, I assume that this is an outdoor oven. Pretty sweet. I wouldn't mind having some smoked meat from there, or a loaf of bread for that matter.:)

A place to vent. :p

I thought this swing was cool.

More castle ruins.

A tent with a spread of chairs. Looks to me like someone is ready either for a concert, a speech, or a reception.

Matthew looking epic as he dares to traverse the unknown.

Me looking not-so-epic...but I still think all of this is cool!

I found it interesting that this had wood and stone combined.

So interesting...a glowing passage. This looks like something you would imagine from a novel.

This ceiling made me exclaim in awe.

More soon!

Girls' Night

A bunch of young ladies came over last night. We made p'zones and chocolate dunkers (without the
sauce to dunk them in, but that's all I know to call them). I felt rather out of place for awhile. Elizabeth
said that I looked skeptical. I have to agree with her, as that is exactly how I felt.

We had a lovely picnic outside, followed by a game and testimonies. Rachel gave a very detailed testimony that had me on the verge of tears. I had no idea just how much she's gone through, so it was very eye-opening to me. After hers the girls wanted to know about me, so I gave a very brief summary of a testimony. After that we went around the table, and the girls gave me an idea of what they enjoy doing, and where they are in their lives. I came away blessed. At the end of the evening one of the girls impulsively gave me a hug. This touched my heart. Praise the Lord for his hand in this evening! I'm so glad I could be a part of it.

Of Forests, Pomp, and Circumstance

Soooo...here are the pictures as I promised. These ones will be from my outings on Wednesday.

Elizabeth

Daniel

Rachel and Ariana.

Amazing trees!

Smile! Oops...sorry. I pressed the button a little late, Matthew.

I love this butterfly! So gorgeous.

Matthew and I filled this bowl with blueberries.



From left to right: Me, Rachel and Matthew all dressed up for the ballet. Matthew's in his "Nutcracker" stance.