Hegwein Family Blog

Oma Hits 75!

Oma hits the big 75!!!

Happy birthday!

The entire Hegwein clan wishes you a very happy birthday, continued good health and spirits, and a long stay on earth to serve as inspiration for all of us!

Honoring Oma: The daily routine

1. Dusting and waxing of select furniture, conducted religiously and meticulously almost every day. Floor mopping accomplished every Friday. 5%
2. Laundry and bed-making a daily must. During our marriage, Ann made the bed 18,755 times. 5%
3. Decorating is an ongoing task, rotating through myriad assorted figurines, floral arrangements and photos. 5%
4. Bookkeeping whereby Bello maintains all financial records since our days in Stockholm. Oma never misses even one cent! 15%
5. Shopping. Ann likes shopping excursions for food and antiques. Dollar availability governs some purchases. 10%
6. Cooking. Bello jealously protects the kitchen; positively no trespassing while another culinary masterpiece is being prepared, worthy of a listing in Larousse Gastronomique Francaise. 25%
7. Pro Bono. Renders untiringly (and unsolicited sage advise to all family members on just about any subject, comparable to Wikipedia. 20%
8. TV-viewing. Loves to watch from the Blue Couch happenings on the tube. As a result, knows everything politic from around the globe, as well as the latest in cooking and decorating. 10%
9. Puzzles. Alternates between puzzle solving and reading old magazines or an occasional book. 5%
10. Tribute. Although Oma retired some years ago from the culinary arts and retail sales, she still works in excess of 100%. When men retire, they just sit around, watch TV, or sleep. Wives go on cooking, washing, cleaning, and gardening.

Therefore, a toast to Ann, Oma, Bello is in order...NOW!

Samantha Tops Her Class!

After some summertime trials and tribulations, it looks like Samantha has made great strides in her life. She was recently lauded as the "Student of the Quarter" at Westfield High School, earning all A's and one B! Additionally, she is working after school at the Leader Store in downtown Westfield. We congratulate her and look forward to more accolades as she works her way to Senior graduation Day!

Results and Video From the 2007 SYS Turkey Meet

It has been quite some time since the last blog entry, mainly because we have been very busy with Cindy's new job (had to create new office in Karl's room; new computer), swimming (natch), and management-created busywork that will have no appreciable impact on my job performance...

Enough of that; on to the 2007 SYS Turkey Meet!

This was to be the first time both Karl and Natalie would swim the dreaded 1000 yd free...and to take place after swimming the grueling 400 IM! you can see all the times and results here. The weather was very chilly on "distance Friday," but warmed up nicely for Saturday and Sunday. You can see videos of the kids' swims here (Natalie) and here (Karl). Now the kids are getting ready for the Gator Holiday Classic, and extremely fast meet at the University of Florida Natatorium with over 1100 swimmers entered. Karl should do very well, and Natalie will try her best to break into the top 20; it is hard being a newby 11-12 yo!

Dear Henry!

Customarily browsing on son # 2, Thomas' computer at around 5.00 a.m., I was pleasantly surprised to see two lovely pictures of Sarah and Emma in action. As a faithful and properly registered Hegwein family Blog reader and occasional contributor, I want to thank you for your message, expressed in pictures. "Unbekannterweise" (a total stranger to you) I take the liberty to congratulate you for these two very nice shots.

Sarah is a real eye-catching beauty, a facsimile of Jacquie. Sarah should concentrate solely on the breaststroke to enable onlookers to see her charming face out of the cold pool water! Emma's picture is a study in "Grace in Action," so well demonstrated by her outstretched arms and contrasting superbly with the totally paralyzed face of the goalie. Did Emma also get a motivational call from Uncle Peter in regard to result-producing goal attack techniques?

It was refreshing and encouraging to hear from your neck of the shrinking globe. You brought some fresh wind into the Hegwein Blog. As you undoubtedly know, I was the "Third Voice" at Peter and Cynthia's wedding some 15 years ago. Deb, Jacquie and I delivered at the ceremony an appropriate message, written by Kahlil Gibrand. My guttural Bavarian-English accent blended melodiously with the clear and soft English version delivered by the ladies. We "Southerners" in the deep, deep Florida jungle hope to see you participating in the Hegwein Blog again soon!

With the kindest regards to Jacquie, Sarah and Emma,

Alfred Fritz Hegwein [Opa among family members].

PS: Is I-285 still as crowded as in 1982-83?

And here is the proof!!!

On Saturday the 6th, Sarah competed in another swim meet, and Mom reports that "Sarah had her first developmental meet of the season, the Fall Fest, on Saturday afternoon. Not only did she swim fantastic but she brought her times down an amazing 4 seconds in 50 Fly; almost 3 seconds in 50 Free; and more than 1.5 seconds in 50 Back. With this being Sarah's 1st ever competitive swim meet we are amazed with her effort and progress! (This could, in part, be to the psych up call she got from Uncle Peter prior to the meet on Saturday!).

Yes, I called to give her a pep-talk, to think and swim like a fish, and to win one for the Gipper...

A well-deserved rest between events!

Not to be outdone, Emma is tearing up the soccer field, creating havoc for opposing teams that dare attempt to stop her cross-over dribble! For example, study the picture below. See the absolute fear in the goalie's (closed) eyes? That's intimidation. Way to go, Emma!

Emma demonstrating the "Beckenbauer" attack technique!

Thanks to photographer Henry for these shots. Keep 'em coming!

Another swimmer amongst us!!!

While checking out the massive Swim Atlanta web site, a familiar name caught my eye; Sarah participated in her first swim meet! She swam all 4 strokes (50 yds each) during the SwimAtlanta Fall Time Trials, garnering, I'm sure, much praise from Mom and Dad! Perhaps there will be a future showdown at the 2016 Olympic Trials between Natalie and Sarah...or maybe they both make it!

Congratulations Sarah!!

Total Team Wares Fall Invitational

The first Short Course meet of the season was held this past weekend, and by all measures, was a smashing success for Karl and Natalie! Rather than type out all the results, I have compiled them into this pdf file. Natalie, by winning 6 of 10 events, took home the coveted High Point trophy; as this was her last competition as a 10 & U, she will undoubtedly have fond memories of racing Sydney Pickrem, Hannah Burge, Mackenzie Hubbard, and Morgan Perrotti. The uber competitive 11-12 girls awaits, with Taylor Katz, Summer Finke, Merrill Wilson, and Bailey Bowden ready to welcome Nat with open arms...

Karl took a big step forward with some very nice swims, especially the 29 second drop in the 500 free. We think he will make some serious noise at the big Gator Invitiational this December, as well as the Y-States Championships later in February 2008.

Before I even had a chance to write this meet up, Fritz chimed in with this:

Senor Karl & Senorita Natalie! Buenos Dias!

The three of us are flabbergasted about your performances in St. Pete. An extra pat on the shoulders goes to Natalie who garnered SIX impressive FIRSTS. Special accomplishments are always heralded and Natalie deserves this mention. You both must have worked very hard to achieve these formidable results in a crowded field of participants. My time to kick through 100 meter breast would have been about 4 minutes, give and take a minute. As pointed out in previous Blogs, your tenacity in achieving these results will be rewarded also in other fields and your life will be better for it.

Keep on kicking! So, the heartiest congratulations from the three of us: Oma, Opa and Thomas.

Congratulations indeed! Here are 2 pics from the meet!

Look What Washed Up On Shore!

A Sea Vixen! Cindy in her new bikini, in celebration of my birthday!

Video from the Junior Olympics

Here are two short videos of Karl and Natalie from the 2007 Florida Long Course Junior Olympics. Click Here for Karl and Here for Natalie. The video of Natalie is interesting to watch; can you see the false start at the beginning of the race by the swimmer in lane 4? That was the girl that tied with Nat, and should have been DQ'ed...

Sharks Do It Again! Win 4th Consecutive Junior Olympics!

The Sarasota YMCA Sharks have done it once again; winning the Florida Long Course Summer Junior Olympics, their 4th title in a row!

The post-meet celebration! Natalie is 3rd row, 3rd from the left, and Karl is 5th row, 2nd from the left!

Now for the particulars: Natalie had the best meet of her short career, placing 3rd overall in the 10 & U Individual High Point standings. On Friday, she tied Sydney Pickrem (Clearwater Aquatics) for the Gold medal in the 100m breaststroke, going 1:28.90 in perhaps the most exciting race of the meet! Later that day, she swam leadoff on the 200m free relay, clocking a 31.61 (new individual record) that paced her teammates to a new team record of 2:11.26 and the Gold medal. Before the end of the day, she swam the 50 backstroke, finishing in 2nd in a time of 37.00 (-1.08).

Karl started his JO's in the 100m breast as well, making the top 16 and the evening finals. He swam on the "B" 200m free relay team that claimed 6th place among 22. Later, he swam the 50m fly, but did not make finals. That evening, he ripped off a new personal best time of 1:27.00, almost 2 seconds off his previous mark, and took 11th place, moving up 1 spot! He had to swim it again 30 minutes later on the "A" 400 Medley relay squad, finishing in 2nd place behind their "B" teammates (coach split the eight 11-12 boys into 2 balanced teams to maximize points).

On Saturday, Natalie had only the 50m breast, which she swam in 41.40, good for 3rd. Natalie repeated that effort on the 10 & U 200m Medley relay, coming in a close 2nd to Clearwater (CAT). Karl had only the 50m free, but swam nowhere near his potential, going 32.96. Earlier, he was part of the 2nd place 200m Medley relay team. That evening, he swam on the "B" 400m free relay, taking 5th place.

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, but not for the Sharks...Natalie got the day started with a superb effort in the 200m IM, dropping almost 4 seconds to finish 2nd in a blistering 2:50.82! After a brief rest, she tackled the 100m fly, her least favorite event. Alas, the good times came to an end when she struggled at the end to finish in 8th place (out of 57). Nonplussed she focused on her last and best event; the 100m backstroke. Racing the unbeaten Summer Finke (St. Pete Aquatics), Natalie gave chase, touching the wall in 1:18.82, a new personal best and Sharks team record!

Karl's Sunday began with 200m IM as well, but he faded to finish 28th. He ended the morning session with a perfunctory 50m breaststroke that had him upset and ready to quit. He did make the finals, so another chance awaited. That evening, he swam his heart out, posting a new personal best of 40.41 to again take 11th! His coach was very happy and gave him several high-five's! I don't think his is going to quit now!

We are now in the midst of the Summer break; the training pool is being drained for maintenance, the Seniors are going to Summer Nationals, and all the "B" level swimmers are off to the Area 3/5 Championships. Both Karl and Natalie have now completed their first year of swimming, and it is apparent that both have the "feel" for the water. As soon as Karl goes through puberty, his stock on the team is destined to soar! Natalie is getting ready to make the transition to 11-12 girls, where the competition is quite stiff; she is ready (or so she says...).

Fritz Hits 81!

Yesterday, we celebrated Fritz's 81st birthday at the usual place; Ann's Abode! Arriving a bit early to sample the hors d oevres and check out the new FIOS (fiber optic internet/TV/phone), we were greeted at the door by Fritz in his trademark blue "comfort" shirt!

The dinner was expertly prepared, including a surprise offering from Jennifer and Bobby of Carrabas' Calamari! As usual, Ann made more than enough food, a whole bowl of cooked red potatoes destined to be remade into potato salad! Thomas spent 15 minutes arranging a limited supply of birthday candles on the birthday cake; a chocolate-drizzled chocolate cake with a layer of tart Bing cherries. Fritz was up to the task of extinguishing the inferno, a single puff, mind you. This delighted the youngest attendee, Hunter, who then banged away on his toy drum (Keith Moon?).

During our stay while our house was being tented, we noticed a total lack of reading material (current) at Ann's. I knew Fritz was craving the written word, so off to Barnes & Noble for an assortment of magazines and two new books, guaranteed to irritate the non-bibliophile!

Happy Birthday, Fritz! May you survive the 80's!!

2007 Sarasota "Y" Sharks Open: Results and Discussion

On second thought; I'll leave out the minutiae and simply describe the best long course swim meet in many a year (according to long-time parents on the team). With picture-perfect weather, water clear as Boodles, and teams from Atlanta, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, the 2007 Sharks Open was an experience the kids will not soon forget, especially Natalie. Why? She won her first High Point Trophy!! After missing out at the last meet by 2 points, she swam away from the rest of the 10 & U girls, winning by 7. She lowered her times in 3 of 7 events, and led off the 200 free relay, spotting the rest of the team an insurmountable lead.

Karl also shed time in 3 of 7 events, but was a victim of the grueling Gold Team practices. He felt tired, but rebounded on Sunday to take 3rd in the 100 Breaststroke! He also inched ever closer to the magic "30" in the 50 meter Free, important for placement on relays. As it stands, Karl is on the "B" relays for the JO's, beating out 5 other 11-12 y.o. boys!

Karl chilling (?) out in between races.

Natalie with her trophy. It is sitting next to a pile of underwear on her dresser...

If It's Florida, It Must Be Termites!

After having lived in Florida for the better part of 40 years, we have never had to deal with Termites...until today! Over the weekend, we had the house tented and fumigated with Vikane, a deadly gas that will kill anything living, even plants.

We had to prepare by bagging all our food, medicine and personal items, using special non-permeable plastic bags. We took this opportunity to throw out quite a bit of unused, old and out of date material. The house feels lighter, that's for sure!

No, it's not the Ringling Circus!!

Karl ignores the "Danger" sign. I had to pull back the pool cage screen to allow for the canvas.

We left on Friday morning, and got back in late Sunday afternoon. There was still some residual cynopicrin, which burns the eyes a bit (its similar to tear gas), but after opening the house up for a few hours (during which the temperature inside soared to 85 F...), all was returned to normal.

We hope this is the end of all things Termite!

2007 GCST Summer Long Course Invitational

Long considered the most miserable of swim meets due to the heat, humidity and threatening rain/lightning, the 2007 GCST (Gulf Coast Swim Team) Summer Invitational is in the books, totally re-written by many Sharks, including Natalie!

As the kids don't swim the 800 and 1500 (yet), we didn't have to arrive until 11:00AM on Friday. This meet is a prelims/finals setup, even for 10 & U, so Natalie went to work first, trashing the competition in the 100 back! Karl started out slowly, adding some time in the 100 back and 200 free, but got into the finals in the 50 breast. Natalie then swam a pedestrian 50 breast but ran away from the field in the 50 free. Later that evening, she set new meet records in the 100 back (1:20.80) and 50 free (32.67) winning both and finished 4th in the 50 breast. Not to be outdone, Karl moved up from his seed spot (6th) to take 2nd place in the 50 breast!

On Saturday, Karl swam a decent 100 free, dropping .37 from his previous best, but didn't make the finals. His next event, the 100 breast was a different story. Natalie, meanwhile, was attacking the 100 free, 100 breast and 200IM, making finals in all 3. That evening, Karl again moved up from his seed spot (5th) to take 3rd in the 100 breast (1:29.37, -.02). Natalie again set a new meet record on the way to victory in the 100 free (1:11.72). She also out-touched her teammate to take the 100 breast (1:32.11) and finished 2nd in the 200IM in 2:54.91, a drop of 4.12 from her previous best. Almost an afterthought, the girls 10 & U Medley relay took first in another new meet record...

Karl in the 100 breaststroke preliminaries

Sunday. Normally a day of rest; but not for us waterlogged types! Karl vowed to turn his meet performance around, and boy, did he! In the 11-12 boys 200IM, he dropped nearly 6 seconds to make the finals as the 7th seed. He then swam the 50 free and 100 fly, but didn't make finals in those events. He did drop another 2.82 seconds in the fly, putting him within 2 seconds of the JO cut. Natalie swam the 100 fly, 50 back, and the grueling 400 free, taking 6th in that timed-final event (no evening swim). As the sun began to set, Karl set out to show everyone that he can challenge the other 11-12 boys; he dropped another 9 seconds off his morning swim in the 200IM, a whopping 15.50 seconds in total, and took 4th! Oh, and that happens to be another JO cut for him as well! Natalie ended her day as she started, taking the 50 back in another new meet record (38.19), and finishing 2nd in the 100 fly (1:23.47), shedding 5.44 seconds. Again, the girls 10 & U freestyle relay set a new meet record.

Natalie in the 100 Freestyle

We hung around late Sunday to see if Natalie won the High Point trophy for her age group. Alas, it was not to be; her teammate, Nancy Hu won by only 2 points! It seems the 6th place finish in the 400 free doomed Natalie...Oh well, there is the Shark Open next week!

Atlanta Relatives Arrive in Force; Demand Beach Access

This Memorial Day weekend, we played host (and hostess) to Jacquie, Sarah and Emma from Atlanta. #1 destination? The beach, of course!

New Boogieboards for the girls. The wave action was less than desirable, according to Sarah...

On Sunday, we got together with Chip and Ann from Naples. After considerable wine consumption and properly cooked burgers and dogs, the topic of conversation was...Family. Everyone agreed to stay in touch more often and let bygones be bygones!

With Henry a distant memory, Jacquie soaks in the UV rays.

Funny how the Nichols girls always seem to have the same hair colour...

More pictures to come, and analysis...

Karl goes to Camp

Today, Saturday, Karl went to his first sleep-over camp, the prestigious University of Florida Gators Swim Camp. After a 3 hour car ride, complete with speeding ticket for yours truly ($157.50), we arrived and checked in, found the dorm room, and settled in. 15 minutes later, we were moving again, as Karl's roommate, John Pelton arrived...with his now-staying brother, Mathew! Resettled and none the worse for wear (except for me; 4 flights of stairs...), Karl headed to the indoor pool for a nice afternoon workout. He appeared cool as a Cucumber, but I detected some anxiety as I kissed him goodbye and headed out the door.

Karl and friend Hayden comparing dorm keys

The bed is made and I'm satisfied!

On second thought; look at this thing!

He will be staying until Saturday, June 2nd. He promised to call and update us on all the activities. Let's see how long it takes for him to forget!!

SYS Sharks Memorial Meet

Last weekend, the kids swam in the annual Kent B. Holdren Memorial Meet held at the Selby Aquatic Center. The results were notable, not for the usual best times posted by Karl and Natalie, but for 2 milestones reached; Karl swam the 400 meter IM, a grueling race that balances endurance, strength and speed over 8 laps using all 4 strokes. He posted a 6:26.07, just shy of the JO cut by 2 seconds! Natalie had an outstanding meet, winning the 100 meter backstroke in 1:22.93, and placing in the top 6 in every event. For her efforts, she won the runner-up High Point trophy, but the best moment came in the 10 & U girls 200 meter Medley Relay. Along with teammates Bethany Leap (breaststroke), Nancy Hu (fly), and Spence Atkins (free), Natalie lead off the team (backstroke) to a new Sharks team record of 2:30.01!

Natalie on her way to a AAA 35.83 in the 50 meter fly.

Other notable swims include Karl's 1:29.39 in the 100 meter breaststroke, a AA time. He also had to endure the 400 meter free (5:48.15) only 45 minutes after the 400 IM!

Karl in the 100 meter free

Both kids are now qualified for the Florida Summer Long Course Junior Olympics, to be held July 19-22nd in Gainesville. Natalie could be the top seed in both backstroke events and among the top 3 overall. Karl will challenge for the elite 8 in both breaststroke events and the 50 fly; he's working on adding the 100! There are only 3 meets left until then, sooooo....back into the pool!!!

The Cost of Medical Care and How Do the Rich Eat?

A Short Hospital Stay and a Large Bill!

My Thursday through Sunday stay at the Doctors Hospital in April for elevated blood pressure amounted to the impressive sum of $4,350. This was only the room charge! I also was charged for my two hour visit in the crowded emergency for some $1,374. Assorted other items (pills, usage of various testing machines, etc.) amounted to $6,488. So the whole hospital excursion came to $12,212.00 I have not received a wake-up bill from my new doctors, Padmini Rajan and Arthur McMullen.

But wait, I have another short story which is a cultural MUST know. Here you gain insight to the recent Gala Dinner our president and Laura gave in honor of Queen Elizabeth (*4-21-1926) II. My source of the info is of course impeccable. Here is the menu:

Spring Pea Soup with Fernleaf Lavender

Dover Sole Almondine

Saddle of Spring Lamb

Chanterelle Sauce

Fricassee of Baby Vegetables

Aragula, Savannah Mustard

Rose Blossoms

The Chef, Chris Comerford (female) designed the festive menu! I copied it exactly as shown. I was unable to record appropriate wines due to the lousy quality of my copy, written in Vladimir Script # 8. These two short stories will enable you to entertain acquaintances and dear friends at your leisure. It is always interesting to know how other people spend their money and what the rich and royalty eat!

How John Coltrane Got Started!

Last night, we witnessed the beginning of what could be a long career in music; Karl performed on the Alto Saxophone with the 6th grade band from Brookside Middle School! Dressed in black pants, white shirt, and sporting a deep tan with tousled blond hair (courtesy swim practice), he impressed all in attendance with his tone, volume, and eloquent phrasing.

The band played Aura Lee, an old American folk tune, followed by the classic Frere Jacques. They then played a rousing Eagle Summit March by John O'Reilly, and ended the program with a sultry Blues Adventure. It was fun for me to watch Karl play, bringing back fond memories of my first year of band...at the same school! The band director reminded the students to keep playing over the Summer; I don't think that will be an issue at our house! Bravo!!

The Medical and The Spiritual

Good Morning All!

Since "Family News" comes from this corner rather sparingly, today we have reasons to break this situation. We would like to express our deepest sympathies in regard to the passing of Cindy's mother. From my view of almost 81 accumulated years, I would assume Trudy felt she lived a long and prosperous life, and she could finally rest in eternal peace, content with her accomplishments.

Although the Hegwein Family Blog already has many accolades about Karl and Natalie's swimming activities, we admire their commitment and marvel at their tenacity to master both school obligations and the rather demanding sport. When Oma was their age, she most likely herded plump East Prussian geese through the very picturesque landscape. At that time, I was a H-J "Pimpf," marching through Munich and encouraging my troop of 12 Pimpfe to sing louder to wake up the sleepy neighborhood.

My stay at the Doctors Hospital (4/5 to 4/8) was made interesting due to meeting several very dedicated nurses who had absolutely no scruples whatsoever to taking my blood pressure at 1 am in the morning, followed by a return visit at 3.00 a.m. to siphon off pints of my precious blood. Among the many efficient nurses, one cool blonde Russian lady, Oksana Katyushka from Prokovskoe (near Alexandrovna) in the Tyumen Oblast in Central Siberia, was very adept drawing blood and told me that she did not like Boris Yeltsin. For easier recall of these fascinating news, Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin (1869-1916) was also born in this city of some 400,000. I thought you should know all these details.

On April 20 I had my first Echocardiogram Test which I mastered brilliantly. Occasionally, the nurse let me listen to the sound of my heart, eerily similar to that of a flushing old-fashioned toilet. Immediately after this test I was to undergo a Stress Test. After I was properly wired up and blood pressure taken, I was told that this test was a No for me; pressure much too high. On Friday, April 27, Thomas drove me (to arrive at a low-level stress level!) to my new family doctor, a Lakshaman Nagala, for a previously scheduled visit and also to finish my annual check-up which was started on April 5. A not too amiable nurse informed me that the good doctor Nagala was no longer here, but a Padmini R. Rajan, M.D. (probably from either Rawalpindi or Hyderabad) would take care of my problems. Three blood pressure readings by "Pady" in short succession produced some alarming number: 210/110. Immediately, a repeat hospital visit was mentioned, along with the need for a pace maker.

At Quest I have now a "standing order" to have my blood extracted every Monday for the immediate future. Another Stress Test is scheduled for June 2. I am now on a strict Cardiac Diet, and consuming Cartia, Digoxin and Warfarin pills, besides my old Flomax. I take my pulse thrice daily and weigh myself every morning. Ann is under tremendous pressure because she is suddenly forced to cut out salt in cooking. My new diet eliminated automatically all beer and coffee consumption. The enormous savings realized will allow us to purchase a few plants for the backyard. So, unable to report any worthy news about school and/or swimming as normally done, we were able to "entertain" you with a new line of news. In the future there most likely will more of the same reports about our miraculously functioning bodies and occasional stops for repairs. This will enable you to plan accordingly.