Confessions from Quarantine!

Hi Everyone,
My first week of quarantine has passed...it's hard to believe! Most of this past week has been pretty good--with a couple of down times, but I've survived so far!

I've made some progress on the goals I set last week. I was able to drop another pound in weight; I made some progress in researching information for those new blogs, such as where to write and different ways to make money from them; I had a proofreading project come through; and have begun making notes and putting down points for the e-books I'll start soon. There are a couple of areas where I must confess that I've not made progress. These are in studying Czech and in updating my website. Well, the good news is there are still two weeks of quarantine left in which to get to work on these, too! My energy levels have not returned to normal yet...so it's been hard to focus on studying Czech...Ach jo (UGH)!!!

One of the best things that has helped me this week is having those goals to work on! That has kept me going...kept me focused...and kept my sanity somewhat intact! And friends--both online and real life--have been sending encouraging emails, or called...that has been very uplifting, too! My husband has been great and very helpful during this time. He's been running errands for groceries and other supplies. I made a long grocery list earlier this week, hoping to save Jiri time and trouble by getting everything at the same place--and to keep him from having to run out again. Shopping is such torture for him! Jiri managed it all in about 2 hours of shopping. That was shopping in one grocery store...He's not used to doing that and wasn't able to find everything right away! But he did it...and I let him know how much I appreciated his help!

Overall, everything is staying on target with my quarantine time. I'm hoping to be feeling better next week and get more done! I'm also counting down the days...and can't wait to get out! My biggest quarantine confession is that I've had a terrible craving for a McDonald's cheeseburger (no bread, of course) and some fries! That wouldn't help my weight loss...but it would sure be a nice treat during this quarantine!

That's all for today! Thank you for stopping by...and I hope you all have a great day and a great weekend!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

PS This is being written about 10 PM Prague time--guess what my husband brought home for my supper???!!!!! He's great! :0)

Photo credit: Freerange
Artist: Lynn Davis

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Wizz Air--New Hungarian Airline in Prague

Hi Everyone,
This is day 6 of my quarantine--and things are coming along with my allergy/asthma attack and the goals I've set! I've begun to come down on the prednisone dose--that's always good news! And I've lost another pound--so that's 5 gone, so far--even while taking prednisone! (I usually gain weight on that stuff!!) I'm also working on the other goals--a step-at-a-time...so I'm happy with how things are coming along!

Today I've been looking at some of the Czech news online--in English, and I came across this story: SkyEurope Fleet Shrinks As New Airline Hits Prague, from The Prague Post. This is an interesting story about SkyEurope, based in Bratislava, Slovakia, and a new Hungarian airline, Wizz Air, that has come to Prague. Wizz Air is set to become a new player here in Prague. This airline is expanding into a much-needed niche, and will be very appealing to budget minded-travelers. So, I see this as a good thing! But...

The name of this Hungarian airline struck me so funny! You read that correctly...the new Hungarian airline is called *Wizz Air! I couldn't believe it at first...so checked it out online--they have their own website and a Wikipedia entry! Those of you who speak American English will understand why this name struck me so funny. We have the word "whiz" that is slang for a certain bodily funciton. I won't go into details here, but you can find the slang definition of "whiz" here! Be sure to read definition #3 just under the first entry on that page--and you will understand why this is funny--well, maybe...some types of humor don't cross cultural barriers...but it helped me with the goal of maintaining a positive attitude--by making me laugh!

Anyway, that's all for now...I hope you all have a great day...and a laugh!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

*I'm not making fun of the airline, Wizz Air, but it's just that the name struck me very funny! It must be the prednisone working on me! Anyway, I am always happy to see ways to help travelers save money--so wanted to share the news (of this new airline) with those who might be interested in visiting Prague and other places in Europe!

Photo is from Wikipedia, provided by Arpingstone

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Setting Goals for Sanity Maintenance

Hi Everyone,
Today is day 4 of quarantine--and so far so good! It's been a good, productive and busy day! I told you, in my last post, that I was working on some goals to work on during this three weeks of quarantine. Well, finally, I have my list ready! But before sharing that, I would like to thank everyone who has left encouraging comments on my blog or in email! Thank you very much--it really helps knowing people care and are routing for me! That's one great thing about the Internet--it allows for people to reach out to one another--from all over the world! That's why I chose to use that clip art today...we each stand on our gizmos and reach out to one another..and help one another to accomplish our goals! Thank you!!!

Now, here is my list--it's not very long, but I have more things in mind...I just haven't completely formulated them yet:

1. Maintain a positive attitude! Every day--every day--every day! See my previous post for some easy ideas for anyone to use to help maintain a more positive outlook in trying times.

2. Lose some weight! Yes...it's possible to even accomplish this when in quarantine! I'm planning (and had already begun) to do this in an easy way--that is by cutting down on portion sizes, eating slower, cutting down on high calorie snacks and drinks. Already, I've lost about 4 pounds--that's not so much, but it is a start in the right direction! I actually started this process before getting sick. Of course, getting sick has helped this...but by consciously applying these easy steps--every day--it will possible to lose a little weight. I can also do some exercises to help the process!

3. Work on a couple of ideas for e-books! This is an entirely new plan, but I do have a couple of ideas in mind. I've never done this in my life...but why not start to try now?

4. Starting another blog or two and update my website! These ideas have been on my mind for a while, too, but I just hadn't gotten around to working seriously on them yet. Now, however, with all this time on my hands, I will be able to devote both more time and energy into developing the ideas I have!

5. Reading some classics (either Czech or other), and reading more non-fiction--probably about the Czech Republic...or maybe some other interesting topic! Down-times like this quarantine are a great time to expand your horizons in all ways--including learning new things!

6. Continue studying Czech. This quarantine is effecting my Czech class--I can't go! So, my teacher will be sending me the homework each week. I'll work on it on my own, but also with my live-in teacher--Jiri (my husband). There's no need to stop learning just because I have to stay home for a while!

7. Try to help others with my down-time! One person, SY from Golden Prague, wrote and suggested visiting this site on Squidoo. They said this site gives information on how to help others from your computer at home! So, I'm going to check this out and see what I can do! Might as well be reaching out to help others--this is another way to stay positive--and help others to accomplish their dreams and goals from my computer to theirs!

8. Work on trying to find and use some new recipes! This doesn't sound like much of a goal until you understand why I'm including it. I have many food allergies, including wheat, barley, oats and many other things. This really makes cooking and eating quite an interesting process! It helps to relieve the tedium of a restricted diet when you try new recipes. The Internet is full of so many great places to find free recipes for people like me! But, I will keep in my mind goal number two...and not eat too many or too much of these new goodies!

9. Clean out my computer--move a bunch of things to external storage! What a great time to get some cleaning and reorganizing done on my computer! A clean and organized computer will lend itself to helping with my other goals!

10. Cleaning out cabinets, closet, etc! Another good thing to do once I'm feeling better! It will be an early spring cleaning!

So, these are a few of my main goals. They don't seem too daunting...and I will work on them all a little bit every day. That way they will seem more attainable--just by working one step at a time! All of this will help to chip away at the days in quarantine--and help me to maintain a positive attitude. I'll be able to look at this time and see that it was still possible to keep moving forward and accomplish something during three weeks of complete quarantine!

You all have a great day...and thanks again for your words of encouragement and ideas of how to pass the time!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

Clip art is from Microsoft Clip Art Gallery online.

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Quarantine--Staying Positive and Busy

Hi Everyone,
Today is day three of my mandatory quarantine--doctor's orders--to keep me from catching the flu. Right now, I'm having a lot of allergy and asthma trouble which has left my lungs very susceptible to germs, allergens, etc. The doctor is trying to keep me safe as he explained it would be a very bad time for me to catch the flu. The flu is now epidemic in the Czech Republic...UGH!

This news hit me pretty hard the other day. It was such a shock to have to be made to stay home like this for three whole weeks! Normally, I live and work at home most of the time since my allergies and asthma are severe. Staying at home most of the time helps to keep my system from being overwhelmed by allergens and pollution--which keeps me more healthy. It is like living in a bubble, but this bubble is a controlled environment which allows me to get out almost like a normal person. I can run errands, visit church, friends, travel, etc. I just have to be very careful--and have a "bubble" to go back to so my system can get a break. My bubble will be my world for the next three weeks--I can't see anyone or go anywhere! We have a pretty small bubble...pleasant...but small...UGH!!!!

I called my friend Karen, from Empty-Nest-Expat, and we talked about my current situation. Talking to Karen really helped...I was in a state of shock that day to be ordered to stay in! Karen suggested it might help to set some goals to accomplish during this mandatory quarantine. She said it might help to have some good books to read--I need to download some as I'm about out...but that's a doable thing! Karen suggested some other things, too. I was very happy for Karen's suggestions--she really got me started thinking about how to deal with this being homebound for three weeks in a positive and constructive way...rather than just passing the time...waiting in a "I can't wait for this torture to be over" way! Thank you, Karen!

As a result, I've been working on a list of goals to accomplish during my quarantine. The list is not complete yet--I'll share it here as soon as I have it done. Just having some goals to work through will make this three week period one that is more positive and productive for me. I can actually choose to handle this situation in a positive way--which is not easy when you struggle daily with chronic illness! In fact, this is my first goal--to maintain a positive outlook!

You really have to work hard to maintain a positive outlook when you're faced with a difficult situation. Chronic illness is very hard psychologically. You really have to work every day to grow and maintain a positive outlook. Some days it's almost impossible. But it can be done...you just have to look for one positive thing in that day--even if it's just seeing a butterfly--seeing the sun outside--whatever--just look for some positive. If you look hard enough, you will find something! I'm not saying it's easy, but if you choose to do this exercise every day, it will save you...and keep you going day, after day, after day when you're suffering and don't really feel you can deal with another thing in your life or in the midst of your chronic illness.

Another helpful attitude to develop--that is positive--is to keep your perspective. This is also pretty hard to accomplish when you feel like the world is dumping on you! But it's very important to develop a healthy perspective. You have to remember that things could always be worse...so see the bright side...be grateful...and remember that there are people facing much worse situations. In my current situation, the positive is that the doctor is trying to keep me safe from the flu--which could lead to worse complications for me. How many people would give anything to have three weeks of "house arrest"! I can think of quite a few! So, I have to realize that, and remember that things could be worse--like catching the flu and ending up in the hospital with pneumonia or something! Plus, I've been given some "time out" to use--it's a challenge...and I can choose to be negative...or positive...I'm choosing to use this time in a positive and productive way!

That's all for today...I sure hope you all have a great day! I'll share my goals as soon as the list is complete--you know the first one--maintaining a positive outlook for my three weeks of quarantine!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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Home for Three Weeks!!!!!!

Hi Everyone,
Today I paid my doctor a visit--I've not been feeling so good lately, and wasn't sure if I was sick with a virus or have been having an allergy/asthma attack. I've had allergies and asthma for several years and can usually determine what's going on and how to take care of it. I have all the necessary meds at home--including a nebulizer and prednisone, etc. But this time, I didn't really know for sure what was going on with me. I've been having trouble off and on since Christmas. Allergy and asthma attacks can go on for days and weeks. Sometimes you can definitely tell what's going on, but other times it is a mystery. So, the doctor confirmed that it is an allergy/asthma attack, and has me on prednisone for a week or so, in addition to all my other meds. Ach jo (as they say here--it is a sigh of frustration similar to our "UGH!!!!"). We aren't sure what set off this current attack, but it might be due to the temperature inversion we've been having for a while. That always makes me sick.

In addition to this, the doctor gave me orders that I'm not to go into public places--no buses, metros, my Czech class, church, shopping, etc. I have to stay home as there is a flu epidemic currently going on in the Czech Republic. Oh joy!!!!! (I'm being very sarcastic). I wasn't able to get my flu shot earlier as I've been sick and/or having allergy/asthma trouble since it turned cold. So, now I'm sick...and I have to live the next three weeks without any contact with others, except my husband!

I know I can go for walks...I just have to avoid people...at least I can go out for fresh air. So, this will be a really interesting next few weeks...how to deal with that, I'm not sure...we live in a small flat...so I will probably have cabin fever by the end of this time! Well, at least there's the Internet...that helps. But still...!!!!! I also love to read...I work at home due to my allergies and asthma...but not seeing anyone for that long...it's not so easy!

My poor husband will have to do all the errands that I normally take care of, in addition to his work...and have to live with a cabin fevered wife! Well, I will have to make sure I don't make him crazy, too!!!

There are much worse things...so I shouldn't be complaining. It is just frustrating...and this will pass eventually--and become just a blip on the map of my life. It is very interesting that doctors do such things here--as quarantine to keep someone from getting the flu. Back in the States, I don't think my doctor would have prescribed staying at home for weeks to avoid catching the flu! He would have just told me to be really careful and only go out as necessary. My doctor here even wrote a note for my Czech teacher--so she and the administrators at school will know what's going on and why I can't come to classes!

Anyway, that's all for now...I just needed to write this down and share it...how would you handle having to live in what amounts to quarantine? Please share any thoughts you might have...but only those that can be printed and shared in public, please!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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Historical Inauguration Day 2009

President Barack Obama Inauguration Day 2009

Hi Everyone,
Yesterday the United States celebrated a very historical moment with the inauguration of President Barack Obama--the first African American to become president of the US. It was a very emotional day for many--even on this side of the world. Many Americans gathered together in Prague to celebrate! I was not able to join these expat gatherings, but I was able to watch from home via the Slingbox! I was talking to my dad, grandma and eldest daughter (via Gtalk) during the ceremonies and so felt a part of this very historical moment!

I would like to extend my best wishes to President and Mrs. Bush and thank them for their service to our country, and congratulations to President and Mrs. Obama and wish them well on their presidential journey in the White House!

Please see my first post of today (just below this post)--Good News--Natural Gas is Flowing!--for an update on the Russia Ukraine natural gas feud.

You all have a great day!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

Picture from Reuters by Jason Reed

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Good News--Natural Gas is Flowing

Hi Everyone,
We have some very good news today! It seems that Russia did indeed start the flow of natural gas to the Ukraine yesterday morning--and the gas is reportedly coming in to Europe now as I type!

Even so, Europe has been devastated by the gas feud between Russia and the Ukraine. Several countries were hit very hard by this feud and were forced to take drastic and harsh measures: companies had to either limit their operations or completely close; people and homes were freezing from the lack of natural gas for heat. This has caused such hardship for people and the economies of the hardest hit countries. As a result, most of Europe is now even more wary of Russia and the Ukraine as reputable and dependable suppliers of energy. There is fear that this type of situation could arise again in the future. There are many in Europe who are calling for development of alternative sources of energy--and even a new pipeline to circumvent the Ukraine for natural gas supplies. It will take Russia and the Ukraine a very long time to regain Europe's confidence after this episode.

In the mean time, we are all relieved that for now the natural gas is flowing once again, and lives can eventually return to normal--factories will reopen and the suffering of those without heat will finally end.

You can read more about this issue here:

Yahoo Associated Press

BBC

Reuters

You all have a great day!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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Update on Russia and Ukraine Gas Feud

Hi Everyone,
It looks like things might be moving forward in the gas dispute between Russia and the Ukraine. Russian prime minister Putin and Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko held talks over the weekend and have signed an agreement that would allow the gas to flow again into the Ukraine and the rest of Europe. These two leaders have told their respective gas companies, Gazprom and Naftogaz, to have new papers for this deal ready to sign today. Putin has said the natural gas flow could be restored as early as Tuesday.

People here are very skeptical about this entire process...they will not believe the gas flow is being restored until they actually see the gas flowing again! This whole process has been going on for nineteen days now, effecting some eighteen countries here in Europe. Leaving hundreds of thousands or more suffering in the frigid temperatures of the last days.

It has been highly frustrating realizing that not many people around the world even know what is going on here. The tragedy of the Israeli and Gaza conflict has been attracting the most attention, along with preparations for the inauguration of our new president, Barack Obama, on Tuesday. There are so many terrible things happening around the world today...it is hard to know where to focus the news at times.

I had one comment on my previous post that said there is no news of this on the international media outlets. The news is getting out, but trying to find the news stories (online) you really have to dig down deep on some of the websites! You can visit places like Reuters, BBC, etc. and do a search for Russia Ukraine natural gas--and this will take you to the news stories.

Here is a list of links to the current situation in the gas dispute:

Yahoo News--AFT newswire

BBC

Reuters

CNN

Fox News

ABC

NBC

Radio Free Europe


I'm including a link to the Washingpost, too. I did a search on their website and found a listing of all the stories they've run about this natural gas dispute. This will allow you to see the developments of this story over time:

Washington Post--list of articles (by date) showing the history of the development of natural gas feud up to today. The first stories listed are the most recent.

I'm sure if you did a similar search on some of the major newswire websites, you would find similar lists to all of their stories about this dispute. It seems that most people around world find it hard to believe that a dispute of this nature could happen in Europe in the 21st century! It is truly astounding, but nonetheless it is true.

We are still in good shape here in the Czech Republic. Our daily lives are going on as usual. People seem to be concerned, but are hopeful that this situation will be resolved before our gas reserves are depleted.

I will keep updating you about this story as we have new information. I'm probably one of the only bloggers here writing about this situation. I just feel so for those who have not been so fortunate and who are living without necessary heat, hot water, etc. in the middle of winter. I am compelled to tell this story until there is some good news--that the gas is flowing once again!

You all have a great day!

God bless,
Sherry

PS My heart is really full for all who are suffering world-wide...I keep all of this very much in my prayers. But since I am experiencing this gas dispute firsthand, I am focusing on this issue.

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Like a Repeating Record

Hi Everyone,
There is still no gas flowing from Russia or the Ukraine. There are accusations on both sides...everyone is getting really fed up with this power/political play and watching the suffering of hundreds of thousands as the game continues. Here we still have gas, but people are starting to become worried about how long it will last with the current deep freeze temperatures we are experiencing.

Truly, this story is sounding more like a repeating record--nothing seems to be moving forward in this gas feud...the same thing is being said day after day. The Russians are mad and making accusations about the Ukrainians...the Ukrainians are saying it's the problem of the Russians, etc. It would be wonderful if they could finally get this all settled out and help the poor people who are freezing in their homes.

I found an interesting story in the news...you can read it here. It explains some more of the background of this gas feud. My family back in the US has hardly heard anything about this story! They are so shocked to hear about what is happening in Europe! The world is focused on the other big story in the Middle East. That is a tragedy for sure, but we are also experiencing one here...and the world needs to hear this story, too...and demand that something be done to help those who are suffering.

There are so many hurting places in the world right now--filled with tragedy and horror...I truly pray for help for these people and situations, too.

I'm not so much of an activist, but I have felt compelled to share this story on my blog...and hope others will hear about the situation here in Europe. We're all hoping for some better news soon!

You all have a great day--stay warm!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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Natural Gas Feud Still On, Gas Still Off

Hi Everyone,
Today, Russian natural gas company, Gazprom, said that it would begin pumping natural gas to Europe. Reports were that there was a trickle of gas in the lines, but then it stopped. Gazprom is blaming the Ukraine for blocking the flow of gas, the Ukraine is denying the accusation. It appears that the gas feud between Russia and the Ukraine is still on, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without heat. I feel for these poor people...and wonder how much longer they can last in the frigid temperatures we've been having in this part of Europe for the past 10 days.

You can find updates in the news here:

BBC

Reuters

Associated Press on Yahoo

You all have a great day--stay warm!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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Russia-Ukraine Gas Feud Update

Hi Everyone,
Today it looks like the natural gas feud between Russia and the Ukraine will have some kind of resolution--at least for the rest of Europe. Both sides have signed an agreement that will start the gas flowing possibly as early as tomorrow morning, although it will take about 20-30 hours for gas to reach the parts of Europe that are without heat. This will not be too soon for those who are experiencing freezing homes, but at least there is some light of hope and warmth for these people.

Here are the latest news updates for this story:

Reuters

Associated Press on Yahoo

BBC News

You all have a great day!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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Fear of Freezing

Hi Everyone,

Parts of Central and Eastern Europe are in the deepfreeze this week as temperatures dip to – 4 C (24 F) as daytime highs, and nighttime temperatures hovering near -11 C (12 F). This has been one of the coldest winters I have experienced since moving here in 2006. Everything outside—the trees, bushes and shrubs--are covered in a light coat of mist that has frozen. This coat of frost is beautiful, but along with this beauty there is a human tragedy that is also taking place.

Last week (January 2) the Russian natural gas company, Gazprom, turned off the flow of natural gas to Europe via the Ukraine. Gazprom is accusing the Ukrainian company, Naftogaz, of siphoning off natural gas and not paying for it. Along with this problem, Gazprom says that the Ukraine company has long been paying below-market prices for the natural gas it receives from Russia. Gazprom has been trying to get the Ukraine to pay the same price as the rest of Europe. When the Ukraine didn’t agree, Gazprom levied penalties and increased the prices to the point where they say the Ukraine owes them over $3 billion USD. The Ukraine denies siphoning of natural gas and has refused to pay the fines and prices demanded by Gazprom.

As a result, Gazprom turned off the flow of natural gas to the Ukraine, and cannot the send gas supplies to much of Europe which is dependent on this natural gas from Russia. The Ukraine is the main conduit of natural gas for much of Central and Eastern Europe, and also France and Germany. The Czech Republic receives about 80% of its natural gas supply from Russia via the Ukraine. For now, the Czech Republic has about 40 days of natural gas in reserve, and has negotiated a small supply from Norway, but other countries are not so well set.

The European Union has sent representatives to try to negotiate a deal between Russia and the Ukraine, but so far, all deals have fallen apart as Russia waits for compliance from the Ukraine. One of the stipulations to any deal is that Russian and European monitors will come to watch over the pipeline between the Ukraine and Europe—to keep any further siphoning from occurring. For now, negotiations are moving forward and the hope is that at least the Russians will send natural gas for the rest of Europe where people are literally freezing.

Supplies to 18 countries have been disrupted due to the energy feud, and many of these countries are either using alternative energy sources or businesses and schools are being forced to close, and homes are freezing. You can read some interviews of people who are suffering as a result of the gas cutoff. People are literally freezing in their homes...hospitals have also lost heat, with some even having to close their doors. The Balkans and Bulgaria are some of the hardest hit places, along with Hungary and Greece. The main source of heat in these areas is from natural gas. Our nearest neighbor, Slovakia, is also caught up in these midst of this emergency, and the Czech Republic is sending some of its own reserves to help.

We are hoping that here, in the Czech Republic, the energy feud will be solved before our natural gas reserves are used up. We’re also hoping those who are suffering in neighboring countries will receive natural gas to save themselves and their families from freezing.

That's all for now. This is a simplified version of the problem between Russia and the Ukraine. It is a very intricate and involved problem involving politics, money, and power. Hopefully they can get this all sorted out very soon and give help to those who are suffering in the freezing temperatures. I'll keep you updated!

God bless,

Sherry :0)

Here are some links to news stories and background information about this natural gas conflict:

Washington Post

BBC

Council on Foreign Relations

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Snowy Prague

Hi Everyone,
We're having snow today in Prague. I'm not sure how many inches we've had, but probably around 3-4 or a little more. I was running errands in Prague this afternoon and luckily had my camera along! I stopped by Mala Strana and the Charles Bridge, and took some pictures--this is one of the first times I've seen this kind of snow in Prague! It's still snowing outside...and I am frozen from my trek taking pictures! Right now, as I type, I'm sipping Griotka (cherry liqueur) and warming up nicely!

You all have a great day...and stay warm!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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Vesele Vanoce a Stastny Novy Rok! (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)

Hi Everyone,
The past few days have been very busy for us all with celebrating Christmas and New Year's! So, today I would like to tell you about some of the Czech traditions associated with these holidays.

Czechs and many Americans (of European descent) share many of the same holiday traditions, such as the Christmas tree, Advent wreath, baking special sweets and cookies, Advent calendars, singing carols, and Nativity scenes. Some of the "new" traditions for me to learn have been that Christmas Eve is the day when everything happens. This is the day when everyone has their big dinner, opens presents and goes to church. On this day most people put up their Christmas tree and decorate their homes with Nativity scenes and other decorations. Families will gather for dinner and then will open Christmas gifts in the evening, and this is sometimes followed with carol singing. If there are young children in the family, they wait for Jezisek (Baby Jesus), rather than Santa Claus, to deliver their presents under the tree. The kids have to listen for the ringing of a bell...this signals that they may come to see gifts left under the tree by Jezisek.

Another Christmas Eve tradition is to go to a concert and listen to Jakub Jan Ryba's Christmas mass. This mass is celebrated all throughout the Czech Republic at churches and concert halls. This mass is a based on the birth of Jesus--completel with shepherds and angels. It is beautiful--and is a new Christmas tradition for me to add to our family Christmas traditions back home. You can hear part of the mass here.

The traditional Czech Christmas Eve dinner is carp. The carp are sold live outside on the sidewalk in huge tubs of water. You can go up to the vender and choose the carp you want, and then have it dressed on the spot. The first time I saw these venders and the carp being cleaned right there on the sidewalk I was horrified. I still don't like this sight, but it is traditional here. People like to cook the carp after it has been covered in breadcrumbs and fry it in oil, or sometimes it is baked and covered with black sauce (I don't know what the black sauce is made of, but click the link for a Czech recipe for carp with black sauce!). There is a tradition of keeping a scale from the carp in your wallet. If you do so, it will make you prosperous all year long! This year, my mother-in-law asked me to make the Christmas dinner, so I made a more traditional American dinner. My mother-in-law seemed to be OK with that!

Another Czech Christmas tradition is cutting an apple in half, cross-wise--this will tell what your health will be during the year. If there is a 5-point star in the center of the cut apple, you will have a very healthy and happy year. If there is 4-point star, then it means you will be sick or worse in the new year. Another similar tradition is to cut open 4 walnuts. If they all have healthy cores, then you will be healthy and happy all year long! Yet another way of forecasting what lies ahead is to melt lead and then pour it into water. It is said that one can determine the future by "reading" the way the lead has formed in the water. I have seen the apple and walnut predictions done, but have never seen the melting of the lead! That would be really interesting!

After Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day and the following day, many families and friends will go to visit one another. This is another time for lots of food, drink, and presents! Also on Christmas Day, it is traditional to attend church in the morning, and sometimes again in the evening.

New Year's Eve in the Czech Republic is celebrated about the same as it is in the US. People have parties, or go out to eat at nice restaurants, and then visit another place for drinks and party. Jiri and I were invited to the home of some friends, and they had some neighbors and other friends there, too. Their table was spread with so much food! They don't have chips and things as we do back home, but they had plates of smoked meats, cheese of many different kinds, fresh fruits, salads, etc. They also had plenty to drink--about the same as we have back home.

Another part of the New Year's celebration was all the fireworks! Many of the cities and villages have great fireworks shows. We could see huge displays outside just after midnight! Along with these public displays, many people have their own private displays! This is not legal in most places in the US any longer. So, it was quite a shock to see so many fireworks in our friends' neighborhood! Prague has a huge display at Wenceslas Square--the square is packed full of people...and fireworks (huge displays, as well as private displays) are being shot directly over people's heads and over the old buildings! I was there first year I moved here...and it was like being in a war zone, but it was fantastic! You can see a bit of this year's display in the video at the beginning of this post. All those fireworks were so beautiful and fun to watch! After the fireworks, we all went back inside the house and celebrated some more! This party was fun...everyone stayed until 4AM, but I was asleep by 2:30AM!

The last part of the Christmas season will be on January 6th--the Three Kings Day. This is a day when boys dress up as the three kings (the three Magi who visited Jesus after his birth) and wander the cities and villages singing carols and wishing everyone well. This day is traditionally the end of the Christmas season, and is the time when most people take down their Christmas trees and holiday decorations.

That's all for today...I would like to thank you all for reading this blog throughout the year, and I hope you all have a very Happy New Year--filled with health, peace, prosperity and happiness!

God bless,
Sherry :0)

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