It has been awhile since I have last written, so I thought it was time to fill everyone in on the happenings here in Switzerland. First I must say that we are all concerned and saddened by the World Events unfolding. Even though we are quite safe here we are still affected by the looming threat and increasing Anti-American sentiment. It seems the French-Swiss are much more tolerant because most of the flurries are in the Northern part of Switzerland where the German-Swiss predominate. They are just a grumpy bunch of people. In my observation, the French-Swiss are way to busy having fun to start picking on you just because your American. If they have any political opinion they keep it to themselves, where it should be, and pour another glass of wine, a much more productive use of their time, in my opinion! LOL. Just remember you are all in our prayers and hey, if it ever gets too dicey in the US you always have a safe house here in Switzerland, remember they pride themselves on neutrality, HAHAHA

So, on with the show! Speaking of visits, we are gearing up for a BIG visit from Aunt Jerri and Uncle Tom and Pete Sr. and Donna in April!! Everyone is happily anticipating seeing faces from home. We hope to do a little traveling with them all and some one on one time too. It is a massive coordination effort trying to get all the schedules to mesh. We can�t wait it should be fun!!!!

We are heading off for Paris in a week to see the sights and visit some friends. Our goal is to take a trip to a different country every month, at least. In March we are going to Austria to do some skiing with a group I started called, Ski Bums in Europe. It is a group of people obsessed with the idea of skiing as much of Europe as possible before the Season ends. The funny thing is most of them are in their mid to early 20�s, Peter and I feel like the chaperones, LOL. This will be our first big trip with the group so planning is tricky. I�m starting to feel my age when looking for accommodation. The 20 something crowd thinks staying at a working farm sounds �really cool� and cost effective. Where us old folk, are looking at the renovated whimsical hotel in town with modern amenities and a restaurant, LOL. I think we will take comfortable over adventure when it comes to sleeping, I�ll leave my adventure on the slopes.

Speaking of slopes, we are all attacking the slopes with a vengeance. I have now discovered that your skis really do make a difference in your performance and ability, go figure. We met a friend that owns a ski shop and use to be on the Swiss Olympic Ski team, Jacque Lutry (sp?). He has set us all up with new equipment after looking at Peter and my skis, which he politely said, �Where just not right.� Heck, he told me mine were dangerous, LOL. I love my new skis, boy what a difference! In Switzerland you can rent skis for a full season and then bring them back and following season get the next model. Very cool. Peter is going to take advantage of this idea to try out as many types as possible. I may stick with a good thing and keep mine since he rented me a new pair and I got to choose my binding � Anything that lets me ski pain free with my knees is worth it�s weight. And Jacque is a pro when it comes to picking out skis for all occasions.

The boys are doing well in school, starting to settle in. Davis changed French teachers and it has made all the difference in the world. Now all we have to do is get Peter and I into lessons. The boys are starting to make friends in school and out. They play with the local children who only speak French and this really helps them with learning the language.

Peter is having fun at work. Still has longish hours but, hey, they all go skiing during the week and take long lunches so.. I�m starting to do a little writing hoping to finish some projects and make myself feel productive. I�m not complaining about the vacation from working, hehehe� But a person can only clean, shop and go out to lunch so much�LOL