I just lit the water heater!
I was doing some dishes and noticed that the water was just not getting warm. So, my first thought was "oh, shit, now what", then I thought "oh nevermind, it'll fix its self" and then I was like "OH NO YOU DIDN"T" and I went to the basement to investigate.
First I checked the gas gauge, to see if it was moving - it wasn't (Humm...did we pay our gas bill). Then as I was fiddling w/ gas levers to see if it would change anything, the furnace kicked on - OK, we paid our gas bill! Well, since that was burning, I decided to turn off the lights and see if I could see a pilot light on the water heater. Low and behold, there wasn't one. So I grabbed a screw driver, opened the access panel and stared blankly at the guts.
I've never seen a water heater's insides before.this just isn't a common sense skill for me. So I naturally turned to the directions posted directly above the access panel - Damn it! They’re in German...and not just "Hallo, wie geht's" German. No, it's technical, mechanical; don't blow yourself up, German. UGH! I must have missed that day in German class.
Well, I read what I can (mostly conjunctions and pronouns - not very helpful) and I try to follow the 1, 2, 3 instructions.....
Now, I’m not sure if these are the 1, 2, 3 instructions on how to light the pilot or how to initiate E.T. first contact.
I lucked out! I turned knobs, I pushed buttons, and I didn't end up w/ 2nd degree burns on my arms or ankles! Now I should have hot water in 20 min. or so.
The mystery remains thought, how'd it go out in the first place?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Day Off
I TOTALLY took a day off today! I'm so happy I did. Work has a way of getting to you somtimes so I decided to take the day off, burn some of that precious and hard to come by leave/vacation time.
What did I do today? Well, first I did some paperwork (that took me till 1130) then I had lunch with my husband. After that, I headed out to the "Walmart" type store in our area and, NO LIE, bought over $200 in wine!!! Oh, it was FUN. Stephen and I have a wine cellar in our house, so at every opportunity, we buy wine to fill it up (and of course to taste).
After the wine, I bought SHOES! Yes, my knees are shaking, it's been a AWERSOME day.
I think it was an excellent use of vacation time. Now...if I can just get my husband to take me out for dinner.
What did I do today? Well, first I did some paperwork (that took me till 1130) then I had lunch with my husband. After that, I headed out to the "Walmart" type store in our area and, NO LIE, bought over $200 in wine!!! Oh, it was FUN. Stephen and I have a wine cellar in our house, so at every opportunity, we buy wine to fill it up (and of course to taste).
After the wine, I bought SHOES! Yes, my knees are shaking, it's been a AWERSOME day.
I think it was an excellent use of vacation time. Now...if I can just get my husband to take me out for dinner.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thankful Christmas
As many of you know, Stephen and I headed back to Wautoma, Wisconsin recently to celebrate a Thankful Christmas (Thanksgiving dinner meets Christmas presents - yay!!).
We had the pleasure of seeing lots of family and even a few friends. I must take this moment now to apologize to Chrissie and Karla - Ladies, I'm so sorry that we couldn't make it down to Milwaukee. Believe me, I realize what a sh***y friend I am that I didn't even call. Please forgive me!.
Stephen and I made out like bandits! Mom and Dad were so generous! I also have to thank Stephen for loosening the purse strings as we did a TON of shopping...oddly it was really basic stuff (bras, undies, teeshirts). We arrived with one suitcase and left with two!
In addition to Thankful Christmas, we got a chance to visit with my youth pastor, Soozung who was in the area very temporarily - it was fate! Soozung was the youth pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Wautoma when I was in Jr./High School. She recently had her first baby, Robert. He was 8 weeks old the day we met them. SO cute, very good baby. We all took turns holding him - you MUST see the pictures.
I rounded out my trip to Wisconsin by visiting my very good friend Becky, her husband Steve and baby Ian (who will be 1 year old in Feb.). I must say, he is the coolest kid I've ever met!!! Becky is an awesome mom. I hope I can be as cool as she is when the time comes. Again, you must see the pics (when they finally get posted)!
All-in-all we REALLY enjoyed our visit. The weather cooperated (f**king cold and snowing - but to be expected) and we got a chance to visit all the hot spots in Wautoma ("hot spots" - ta hee!). Thank you to everyone who spent time with us and a HUGE thank you to my parents - your hospitality and generosity can not be matched!
We had the pleasure of seeing lots of family and even a few friends. I must take this moment now to apologize to Chrissie and Karla - Ladies, I'm so sorry that we couldn't make it down to Milwaukee. Believe me, I realize what a sh***y friend I am that I didn't even call. Please forgive me!.
Stephen and I made out like bandits! Mom and Dad were so generous! I also have to thank Stephen for loosening the purse strings as we did a TON of shopping...oddly it was really basic stuff (bras, undies, teeshirts). We arrived with one suitcase and left with two!
In addition to Thankful Christmas, we got a chance to visit with my youth pastor, Soozung who was in the area very temporarily - it was fate! Soozung was the youth pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Wautoma when I was in Jr./High School. She recently had her first baby, Robert. He was 8 weeks old the day we met them. SO cute, very good baby. We all took turns holding him - you MUST see the pictures.
I rounded out my trip to Wisconsin by visiting my very good friend Becky, her husband Steve and baby Ian (who will be 1 year old in Feb.). I must say, he is the coolest kid I've ever met!!! Becky is an awesome mom. I hope I can be as cool as she is when the time comes. Again, you must see the pics (when they finally get posted)!
All-in-all we REALLY enjoyed our visit. The weather cooperated (f**king cold and snowing - but to be expected) and we got a chance to visit all the hot spots in Wautoma ("hot spots" - ta hee!). Thank you to everyone who spent time with us and a HUGE thank you to my parents - your hospitality and generosity can not be matched!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
First Snow and Thanksgiving count down
Hello everyone!
We enjoyed our first snowfall this weekend. It's simply beautiful! It started on Friday with just a few inches of accumulation late in the evening, it melted away by Saturday afternoon and snowed a few more inches Sat. evening.
We're supposed to get snow for the next few days so we may be enjoying a white Thanksgiving.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I am excited to be hosting Thanksgiving again this year! Stephen's parents arrived last Wed. and will come to our house for dinner. Additionally, my mom's eldest brother, Bud, has also recently moved here and he and his wife will be joining us for dinner as well!
Watch out! 2 worlds will collide - The Watsons and The Rasmussens. Don't worry, there'll be pleanty of wine to keep everyone relaxed and festive :)
So I bought my Turkey yesterday (15.9 lbs) and I got the potatoes (1 metric ton - mashed potatoes are pretty much the only reason Stephen wakes up on Thanksgiving...though he's not opposed to the delicious bird and pies!) and I've got makings for green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole (compliments of Ellen). My "Beth's Holiday Relish" is chilling in the fridge already and the pies are slated to be baked today or tomorrow - Thank you MIL!! We will have a feast for sure.
Isn't it interesting how traditions develop? Let's take, for example, my Thanksgiving dinner:
Turkey - the bird will be grilled, yes, grilled. This is the way that Stephen's family has done it for years. It's super easy and it frees up the oven for other yummy dishes. Stephen's Dad does the grilling which frees me up to make other things.
Potatoes - ok, nothing special here, they're just same old mashed potatoes that have been made for generations: potatoes, milk, butter, mash.
Green Bean Casserole - I'm certain this tradition started from the back of a package of French Onions but I'm happy to continue it!
Sweet Potato Casserole - this is new this year...sort of. My family has always had sweet potatos as a part of the Feast...The Watson's haven't. I introduced them last year, but they didn't get the warm welcome that I expected. So this year, I'm trying a different approach, a small casserole rather than a few whole potatoes. Additionally, this dish is being contributed by my friend and colleage, Ellen.
Holiday Relish - perhaps the most delicious side dish on the table, the Holiday Relish recipe was given to me by a good friend from Augusta, Beth. I first brought this along with me when I attend my first Watson Family Thanksgiving to make them fall in love with me...it seems to have worked because it is now requested each year. No lie, i've got 4 quarts of the stuff chilling in my fridge right now and that may give us leftovers for just a day or so.
(M.I.A) Ribbon Jello - anyone who has ever attended the Rasmussen Thanksgiving (my Mom's family) is well acquainted with the Ribbon Jello. This dish is a masterful piece of art! It takes about 2 days to prepare this jello. It is layer upon layer of jello flavors topped with whipped cream. Absolutely delightful - way to much work! I made my first one last year, and much like the sweet potatoes, people didn't warm up to it like I had hoped. So this year, no ribbon jello...at least at my Thanksgiving.
Pies - a delightful finish to an increadible feast and provided by Scootie, Stephen's mom. I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for a bit of Pecan Pie...probably since last Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving may just be the answer to everyone's problems. It shows us how to work together as a team while making choices to please everyone - and in the end you either have an increadible meal or a good story...perhaps both.
We enjoyed our first snowfall this weekend. It's simply beautiful! It started on Friday with just a few inches of accumulation late in the evening, it melted away by Saturday afternoon and snowed a few more inches Sat. evening.
We're supposed to get snow for the next few days so we may be enjoying a white Thanksgiving.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I am excited to be hosting Thanksgiving again this year! Stephen's parents arrived last Wed. and will come to our house for dinner. Additionally, my mom's eldest brother, Bud, has also recently moved here and he and his wife will be joining us for dinner as well!
Watch out! 2 worlds will collide - The Watsons and The Rasmussens. Don't worry, there'll be pleanty of wine to keep everyone relaxed and festive :)
So I bought my Turkey yesterday (15.9 lbs) and I got the potatoes (1 metric ton - mashed potatoes are pretty much the only reason Stephen wakes up on Thanksgiving...though he's not opposed to the delicious bird and pies!) and I've got makings for green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole (compliments of Ellen). My "Beth's Holiday Relish" is chilling in the fridge already and the pies are slated to be baked today or tomorrow - Thank you MIL!! We will have a feast for sure.
Isn't it interesting how traditions develop? Let's take, for example, my Thanksgiving dinner:
Turkey - the bird will be grilled, yes, grilled. This is the way that Stephen's family has done it for years. It's super easy and it frees up the oven for other yummy dishes. Stephen's Dad does the grilling which frees me up to make other things.
Potatoes - ok, nothing special here, they're just same old mashed potatoes that have been made for generations: potatoes, milk, butter, mash.
Green Bean Casserole - I'm certain this tradition started from the back of a package of French Onions but I'm happy to continue it!
Sweet Potato Casserole - this is new this year...sort of. My family has always had sweet potatos as a part of the Feast...The Watson's haven't. I introduced them last year, but they didn't get the warm welcome that I expected. So this year, I'm trying a different approach, a small casserole rather than a few whole potatoes. Additionally, this dish is being contributed by my friend and colleage, Ellen.
Holiday Relish - perhaps the most delicious side dish on the table, the Holiday Relish recipe was given to me by a good friend from Augusta, Beth. I first brought this along with me when I attend my first Watson Family Thanksgiving to make them fall in love with me...it seems to have worked because it is now requested each year. No lie, i've got 4 quarts of the stuff chilling in my fridge right now and that may give us leftovers for just a day or so.
(M.I.A) Ribbon Jello - anyone who has ever attended the Rasmussen Thanksgiving (my Mom's family) is well acquainted with the Ribbon Jello. This dish is a masterful piece of art! It takes about 2 days to prepare this jello. It is layer upon layer of jello flavors topped with whipped cream. Absolutely delightful - way to much work! I made my first one last year, and much like the sweet potatoes, people didn't warm up to it like I had hoped. So this year, no ribbon jello...at least at my Thanksgiving.
Pies - a delightful finish to an increadible feast and provided by Scootie, Stephen's mom. I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for a bit of Pecan Pie...probably since last Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving may just be the answer to everyone's problems. It shows us how to work together as a team while making choices to please everyone - and in the end you either have an increadible meal or a good story...perhaps both.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Trick or Treat?!
It's been a while since I've written, so I just wanted to give you all a mini-update.
NOTHING's GOING ON...
Stephen and I haven't really gone on any advetures lately. Fall has brought us some BEAUTIFUL autumn color, but the weather turns a bit grey, rainy and dreary in late fall.
On a personal note, I have now lost 45 lbs. I'm steaming full force ahead at my first major goal of 50 lbs. I've been working with a personal trainer for the last 2 months and have been loving it! He kicks my ass every week, and I pay him for it.
Last night was Halloween. Sadly, Halloween isn't very popular in Germany - so we thought. So in order to not stand out, Stephen and I didn't make any party plans, didn't carve pumpkins and only bought candy for our own consumption. Additionally, I was working that evening at a special event. So no real reason to make any effort.
Well I ended up getting off early, and was home at about 6:30 pm. On my way in, i accidentally hit the porch light and it didn't take too long for the first kids to show up at our door to scream "Suss oder Sauer!" (Trick or Treat in German). I was VERY suprised. Halloween and Trick or Treating is really an American tradition.
Luckily we had some candy and there were only 2 of them. So I passed out the candy, closed the door, and turned off the light.
Turns out - the light has nothing to do w/ it. Every kid, rings every door bell! So, we closed the shutters (to protect from flying eggs), kept the TV low and ignored the bell. I know, we're a bunch of party poopers, but I was just unprepared to spend the evening passing out candy.
NOTHING's GOING ON...
Stephen and I haven't really gone on any advetures lately. Fall has brought us some BEAUTIFUL autumn color, but the weather turns a bit grey, rainy and dreary in late fall.
On a personal note, I have now lost 45 lbs. I'm steaming full force ahead at my first major goal of 50 lbs. I've been working with a personal trainer for the last 2 months and have been loving it! He kicks my ass every week, and I pay him for it.
Last night was Halloween. Sadly, Halloween isn't very popular in Germany - so we thought. So in order to not stand out, Stephen and I didn't make any party plans, didn't carve pumpkins and only bought candy for our own consumption. Additionally, I was working that evening at a special event. So no real reason to make any effort.
Well I ended up getting off early, and was home at about 6:30 pm. On my way in, i accidentally hit the porch light and it didn't take too long for the first kids to show up at our door to scream "Suss oder Sauer!" (Trick or Treat in German). I was VERY suprised. Halloween and Trick or Treating is really an American tradition.
Luckily we had some candy and there were only 2 of them. So I passed out the candy, closed the door, and turned off the light.
Turns out - the light has nothing to do w/ it. Every kid, rings every door bell! So, we closed the shutters (to protect from flying eggs), kept the TV low and ignored the bell. I know, we're a bunch of party poopers, but I was just unprepared to spend the evening passing out candy.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Relax and unwind
Ahhhhhh....a sigh of relief. My wonderful husband treated me to a day of spa luxury!
Stephen and I took the afternoon yesterday (Sat. Sept. 27) and drove to Wiesbaden (about 1.25 hrs. from where we live) to spend the evening in the sauna/spa.
Oh, it was so relaxing. I was very sick this week with a textbook case of a severe cold, so sitting in the saunas-breathing in the infused steam and relaxing in the swirling pools of mineral water really rejuvenated my body and soul.
After our spa day, Stephen took me to his favorite restaurant in Mainz - where he commutes to for work 2 to 3 times a week. This Turkish restaurant treated me to what may have been the best meal I've ever had. I literally have no idea what it was, but I think it was pork. It was covered in a fragrant red sauce and came with a garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. AMAZING. I spent the entire meal nibbling and shaking my head in disbelief! That experience comes too infrequently!
Scrubbed clean by steam and filled to the brim with incredible eats, we drove home and fell into bed where I got my most fitful night of sleep in ages. Unfortunately, now it's 5am and I don't know what to do with myself so early in the morning on a weekend! :) Oh well, I could have much worse problems.
Stephen and I took the afternoon yesterday (Sat. Sept. 27) and drove to Wiesbaden (about 1.25 hrs. from where we live) to spend the evening in the sauna/spa.
Oh, it was so relaxing. I was very sick this week with a textbook case of a severe cold, so sitting in the saunas-breathing in the infused steam and relaxing in the swirling pools of mineral water really rejuvenated my body and soul.
After our spa day, Stephen took me to his favorite restaurant in Mainz - where he commutes to for work 2 to 3 times a week. This Turkish restaurant treated me to what may have been the best meal I've ever had. I literally have no idea what it was, but I think it was pork. It was covered in a fragrant red sauce and came with a garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. AMAZING. I spent the entire meal nibbling and shaking my head in disbelief! That experience comes too infrequently!
Scrubbed clean by steam and filled to the brim with incredible eats, we drove home and fell into bed where I got my most fitful night of sleep in ages. Unfortunately, now it's 5am and I don't know what to do with myself so early in the morning on a weekend! :) Oh well, I could have much worse problems.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Bad Durkheim Weinfest
Well...actually, it's called a "Wurstmarkt" (literally a sausage market) but Bad Durkheim is the city which brings us the world's largest Wine festival.
Stephen, Patty and I hopped a train on Saturday evening and trekked out to the beautiful city. The weather was terrible, cold and rainy - typically German, but the ride was very nice. Beautiful scenery whisked us east thru the wooded land and into the main vineyards or the Pfalz region.
When we arrived, we jumped off the train and followed the droves of people headed to the fest where we were greeted by the sights and sounds that can only be equal to that of the State Fair. Meat on sticks, in buns, on plates. Candy in bags, boxes and of course on sticks. Beer, Wine and liquor flowed freely. It certainly was a party!
I can't even begin to tell you the number of food stands there were. Offering everything from sausages to cuts of meat cooked over spits. There were delicious, fresh, beautiful offerings from several regions of Germany as well as from around the world.
But, all-in-all, this is a wine fest! And therefore, the wine is served in 1/2 liter glasses (1 bottle of wine is usually .75-1.5 liters). There, again, were a hundred tents set up from all different clubs, organizations and vintners selling glasses of wine from their favorite vineyards (or their own vineyard). Hundreds of people huddled under the tents guzzling the wine and laughing and singing.
Despite the chaos of the people, rides, food, shopping, etc,etc, etc., the whole thing was quite an experience. Be sure you set aside some time if you're ever here the middle of September to visit Bad Durkheim to experience your version of the Wurstmarkt.
Stephen, Patty and I hopped a train on Saturday evening and trekked out to the beautiful city. The weather was terrible, cold and rainy - typically German, but the ride was very nice. Beautiful scenery whisked us east thru the wooded land and into the main vineyards or the Pfalz region.
When we arrived, we jumped off the train and followed the droves of people headed to the fest where we were greeted by the sights and sounds that can only be equal to that of the State Fair. Meat on sticks, in buns, on plates. Candy in bags, boxes and of course on sticks. Beer, Wine and liquor flowed freely. It certainly was a party!
I can't even begin to tell you the number of food stands there were. Offering everything from sausages to cuts of meat cooked over spits. There were delicious, fresh, beautiful offerings from several regions of Germany as well as from around the world.
But, all-in-all, this is a wine fest! And therefore, the wine is served in 1/2 liter glasses (1 bottle of wine is usually .75-1.5 liters). There, again, were a hundred tents set up from all different clubs, organizations and vintners selling glasses of wine from their favorite vineyards (or their own vineyard). Hundreds of people huddled under the tents guzzling the wine and laughing and singing.
Despite the chaos of the people, rides, food, shopping, etc,etc, etc., the whole thing was quite an experience. Be sure you set aside some time if you're ever here the middle of September to visit Bad Durkheim to experience your version of the Wurstmarkt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)