Monday, February 21, 2011

Devastation in Christchurch

A major earthquake has hit Christchurch New Zealand. As many of you know I have visited there many times deploying to the Ice. The famous cathedral in the main square has been heavily damaged and there have been deaths and many injuries. Please put these folks in your prayers as well as all the Ice folks coming off the summer season that are being accounted for.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Spaso House visit


Last Thursday there was a reception at the Spaso House. This is the residence of the US Ambassador and has been since 1933. This is a grand residence that is located in the Arbat, an ancient area of Moscow. This is off the Embassy Compound and about a 20 minute walk. There are events held here throughout the year including the Marine Ball. Please take the time to Google this place because there is no way I can describe it properly.

We visited for a few moments with Ambassador John Beyrle who seems to be a down to earth guy. We wore our best jeans (it was very cold that night), had a nice time. Renee got a lot of compliments on her fur lapel. We forgot our camera, so thanks Pete for the use of you photos.

Renee's Ice Museum photos posted


Go here to check them out.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

It's cold outside so lets go to the ice sculpture display......


We spent Saturday the 12th with John, Jodi, Pete and Cecille. We took a Metro ride to the NW side of the city and a large park. We were headed to see an indoor ice sculpture display. It was about 8 or 10 degrees F outside and about the same inside. They gave us bright blue overcoats and in we went. There were some very well done carvings and they sure like to freeze things in the ice. Lots of pictures on the picture site.

We stopped at an Italian restaurant and had one of our better meals here. We don't eat out much because of the prices and there is no Sonic near by.