Hi Everyone,
Just about six weeks ago I joined a blog directory (that is more like a community) called Entrecard. Entrecard is a neat directory you can join for free. You earn EC (Entrecard Credits) by visiting the blogs of fellow Entrecard members. You click on the special widget (please see mine in the sidebar on the right), and you earn one credit per blog visit when you click on the widget. It's also possible to earn credits by making posts to your blog. There are some different things you can do with the credits you've earned. You can purchase advertisements on fellow members' blogs, you can buy things at the Entrecard shop, you can also have contests and use the EC's as rewards! It's a very interesting concept! The Entrecard directory is a great place to meet quality bloggers and find some very interesting and unique blogs. I've enjoyed it very much, and would recommend this program to other bloggers. It's a great way to also earn more traffic to your blog! I've met some great people via Entrecard--and also found some great new blogs to read!
Each month it is customary for Entrecard members to list the ten top "droppers" (the other members who visit their blog and click the widget). So, in keeping with this tradition, I would like to make my first list of the ten top droppers for Czech Off the Beaten Path for the month of February.
1. Bulgarian Slivatree. This is a blog about a British expat who is living in Bulgaria. He tells what life in Bulgaria is like for him and his family. Every day brings a new and interesting tale of Bulgaria, along with insights into culture and society there and in the West!
2. Golden Prague. Golden Prague is also an expat blog by a fellow expat and blogger who is living here in the Czech Republic! This blog tells about life here in Prague, and also has interesting stories about the Czech Republic and offers tourist tips for those who are planning on visiting!
3. Black Holes & Astrostuff. This blog has wonderful pictures and information about the heavens and the universe. The author is an amateur astronomer who shares his pictures and news from the world of astronomy. This is always a great read and a treat for the eyes!
4. Kitchen Retro. Kitchen Retro offers a take on weird ads for retro gadgets of all kinds, along with commentary about old recipes and other things! It is a witty and interesting read each day--and will bring a smile with your morning coffee!
5. Zataki. Zataki writes about China and the world from an economic perspective. This is a very interesting read!
6. Computer Help and Advice. This is a blog that offers just what the title suggest--computer help and advice. You can find all different kinds of advice ranging from how to back up your data to how to safely remove a program.
7. Epicurean Health. Epicurean Health is a blog that takes a look at many different subjects with a witty and fun outlook on the world!
8. Microstock. Microstock is a blog that shares information about buying and selling images (such as digital photos) and offers reviews and recommendations for the best places to use!
9. Internation Musings. Internation Musings is a blog written by several authors who live in places from Istanbul, to Greece, the Netherlands, and the US. They write about everything from politics, to regions and art, to daily life and culture. Each day brings a new and insightful, interesting post!
10. Retro Yakking. Retro Yakking is written to be light and humorous babblings from a compulsive complainer. This blog's topics range from funny and interestingly named Google map locations to lessons on how to use Entrecard's advertising effectively. Always an interesting read--will put a smile on your face!
Thank you all for taking the time to "drop" here!
You all have a great weekend!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Virtual Holiday Work
Hi Everyone,
I've been working during my continued virtual holiday! This virtual holiday/vacation has only been a time away from the "real" world due to doctor enforced quarantine and illness. I've been spending much more time in the virtual realm in the past few weeks...working, rather than taking a vacation! But that's OK...I guess you could say that this has been a working virtual holiday!
One of the goals I set for this time was to start a new blog. I have managed that--my new blog is Life Over the Edge at Today.com. This blog is about how to live life to the fullest in spite of chronic illness. I'm using a more relaxed format, rather than being strictly informational. My plans include adding features to the blog as it goes along. One section I've been working on is for inspiration--quotes and scriptures. These are things that have have inspired and helped me on my own journey with chronic illness. It will be interesting to see how this new blog progresses, but my hope is that it will be a help to others.
Another goal that I've been working on is reading Czech literature and other classics. One book I've just finished is Tales from Two Pockets, by Karel Capek (January 9, 1890-December 25, 1938). Capek is considered to be one of the greatest Czech writers of the 20th century. He was a prolific writer of subjects ranging from science fiction and fairy tales to detective stories and crime. Tales from Two Pockets* is a book of short stories. These tales were actually first printed in a Czech newspaper, and were made into two separate books at a later date--but are now combined into one volume. There are forty-eight stories in all. The tales all revolve around crime and detectives, however the emphasis of these tales is more on the psychology of the people involved. Capek deals with his subjects in a very humorous and kind way, while offering insights into their personalities--and even insights into ourselves. These tales are timeless as human nature has not changed since Capek's time. I have to say that I'm not one for reading murder mysteries and crime novels, but I was entranced by Capek's stories! One of my favorites is about a mysterious set of footprints that leads to nowhere! This book is a "must read" for all who love literature. You will enjoy the stories, but will also learn from looking into the character's psychology and have a better understanding of yourself and the people around you...you will also have insights into our current times, and into Czech culture and society! Phew...there's probably a more graceful way of saying all that, but my brain is currently not getting enough oxygen! :0)
That's all for now...I'm staying busy in this time of virtual holiday...and am hoping to also be back to the "real" world soon! :0)
You all have a great day!
God bless,
Sher :0)
*You can buy a copy of Tales from Two Pockets in my Travel Store--under "Books">"Literature."
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Betaen Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
I've been working during my continued virtual holiday! This virtual holiday/vacation has only been a time away from the "real" world due to doctor enforced quarantine and illness. I've been spending much more time in the virtual realm in the past few weeks...working, rather than taking a vacation! But that's OK...I guess you could say that this has been a working virtual holiday!
One of the goals I set for this time was to start a new blog. I have managed that--my new blog is Life Over the Edge at Today.com. This blog is about how to live life to the fullest in spite of chronic illness. I'm using a more relaxed format, rather than being strictly informational. My plans include adding features to the blog as it goes along. One section I've been working on is for inspiration--quotes and scriptures. These are things that have have inspired and helped me on my own journey with chronic illness. It will be interesting to see how this new blog progresses, but my hope is that it will be a help to others.
Another goal that I've been working on is reading Czech literature and other classics. One book I've just finished is Tales from Two Pockets, by Karel Capek (January 9, 1890-December 25, 1938). Capek is considered to be one of the greatest Czech writers of the 20th century. He was a prolific writer of subjects ranging from science fiction and fairy tales to detective stories and crime. Tales from Two Pockets* is a book of short stories. These tales were actually first printed in a Czech newspaper, and were made into two separate books at a later date--but are now combined into one volume. There are forty-eight stories in all. The tales all revolve around crime and detectives, however the emphasis of these tales is more on the psychology of the people involved. Capek deals with his subjects in a very humorous and kind way, while offering insights into their personalities--and even insights into ourselves. These tales are timeless as human nature has not changed since Capek's time. I have to say that I'm not one for reading murder mysteries and crime novels, but I was entranced by Capek's stories! One of my favorites is about a mysterious set of footprints that leads to nowhere! This book is a "must read" for all who love literature. You will enjoy the stories, but will also learn from looking into the character's psychology and have a better understanding of yourself and the people around you...you will also have insights into our current times, and into Czech culture and society! Phew...there's probably a more graceful way of saying all that, but my brain is currently not getting enough oxygen! :0)
That's all for now...I'm staying busy in this time of virtual holiday...and am hoping to also be back to the "real" world soon! :0)
You all have a great day!
God bless,
Sher :0)
*You can buy a copy of Tales from Two Pockets in my Travel Store--under "Books">"Literature."
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Betaen Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Salubrious Solitude Continues :0)
Hi Everyone,
My salubrious solitude continues! This bronchitis is not leaving and my asthma's pretty messed up. As a result, I'm having to continue staying at home--going out would only make me worse...and I don't want that! It's not so easy, but I'm using the goals I set at the beginning of all of this to try to maintain my sanity!
During this period, you've all been so encouraging--and very helpful! You all had wonderful and very creative responses for finding a positive term for "quarantine," and for helping me find the technical trouble the other day! Thank you so very much!!! And it has been great to get to know you all more through your comments and reading your blogs!
The blogosphere can be so many things, but it is wonderful to see it working like it has been here--with people helping one another, forming acquaintances and friendships. When I first starting blogging, I was very hesitant to get involved with other bloggers. But I have to say that most of my experiences in the blogosphere have been very positive. I've learned a lot from you all, and made some friendships that have also crossed over into the real world!
So, this is a big THANK YOU to you all...it's a pleasure to be in the blogosphere with you!!!!!
That's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
My salubrious solitude continues! This bronchitis is not leaving and my asthma's pretty messed up. As a result, I'm having to continue staying at home--going out would only make me worse...and I don't want that! It's not so easy, but I'm using the goals I set at the beginning of all of this to try to maintain my sanity!
During this period, you've all been so encouraging--and very helpful! You all had wonderful and very creative responses for finding a positive term for "quarantine," and for helping me find the technical trouble the other day! Thank you so very much!!! And it has been great to get to know you all more through your comments and reading your blogs!
The blogosphere can be so many things, but it is wonderful to see it working like it has been here--with people helping one another, forming acquaintances and friendships. When I first starting blogging, I was very hesitant to get involved with other bloggers. But I have to say that most of my experiences in the blogosphere have been very positive. I've learned a lot from you all, and made some friendships that have also crossed over into the real world!
So, this is a big THANK YOU to you all...it's a pleasure to be in the blogosphere with you!!!!!
That's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thank You for the Help!
Hi Everyone,
Thank you all for your comments that something was wrong on the blog...and on what was causing the technical problem! Michael, from Blogging Gelle, found the problem! It was with the post from Valentine's Day--the links at the bottom of the post were somehow messed up. I followed Michael's suggestion and took out those links, and put them back in again. After this, I checked the blog in both Internet Explorer and Firefox browzers, and the blog looked OK in both browzers--at least on my computer. This seems to have fixed the problem! In order to make sure things are fixed, would you mind checking it out for me and leaving comments as to what you find? :0)
Thanks so much for helping with this problem and working with me to get it fixed!!!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Thank you all for your comments that something was wrong on the blog...and on what was causing the technical problem! Michael, from Blogging Gelle, found the problem! It was with the post from Valentine's Day--the links at the bottom of the post were somehow messed up. I followed Michael's suggestion and took out those links, and put them back in again. After this, I checked the blog in both Internet Explorer and Firefox browzers, and the blog looked OK in both browzers--at least on my computer. This seems to have fixed the problem! In order to make sure things are fixed, would you mind checking it out for me and leaving comments as to what you find? :0)
Thanks so much for helping with this problem and working with me to get it fixed!!!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Monday, February 23, 2009
Technical Problem
Hi Everyone,
I've had a couple of readers let me know there are some strange things going on with my blog! So, I looked at my blog in both the Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers. Sure enough, when looking at my blog in Internet Explorer, the posts only go back to Valentine's Day and there is no sidebar--nothing is over there on the right side! However, when looking at the blog in Firefox, everything was normal!
Does anyone know what could be causing this in Internet Explorer? And how to fix it? I've put a message on the Blogger Help Forum, but I don't know what else to do!
God bless,
Sher :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
I've had a couple of readers let me know there are some strange things going on with my blog! So, I looked at my blog in both the Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers. Sure enough, when looking at my blog in Internet Explorer, the posts only go back to Valentine's Day and there is no sidebar--nothing is over there on the right side! However, when looking at the blog in Firefox, everything was normal!
Does anyone know what could be causing this in Internet Explorer? And how to fix it? I've put a message on the Blogger Help Forum, but I don't know what else to do!
God bless,
Sher :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Running Sick Experiments
Hi Everyone,
This blog has usually been devoted to my adventures and experiences here in the Czech Republic. Most of the time, these adventures include trips, my "stupid foreigner" stories (where I'm the stupid foreigner) and what I learn, new insights into the Czechs, etc. Sometimes, though, there are also adventures in areas such as health care and illness when you're new to living overseas. Today, I'll share the story of a new concoction I have made! :0)
Yesterday afternoon I was coughing so much, and everything we tried to help soothe the cough wasn't working (including prescriptions), so I developed a longing for Vicks Vaporub! We use that, in the States, when someone has a cough and is very congested. Vicks ointment is rubbed into the skin on the neck and chest to help ease coughing and congestion. My Mom used this on my brother and I when we were kids, and I continued using Vicks until I moved here two years ago.
I had asked my Czech doctors about Vicks, or any ointment that would be similar, and they didn't know of anything like that here! I also checked with the pharmacist and he didn't know about this stuff, either. So, what to do...At this point, I usually begin to think of making the thing myself! I've had a lot of experience making everything from breads and pies to stews in order to accommodate my food allergies. So, why not make my own vapor rub? I remembered seeing some "recipes" online for making your own vapor rub. Thankfully we had the materials on hand to make some of what I'll call "Sher's Remedy." :0) There are many different versions of this stuff--so you can tailor it for your own needs. These recipes gave me an idea of the process involved in making the ointment. So, I tried it. The only hard part was that I can't taste or smell anything due to the congestion. It was hard to judge if I used enough of the eucalyptus and tea tree oils! It was actually pretty easy to make, and when it was done, I let the jell set up until bedtime.
When I opened the jar...I could smell "Sher's Rememdy" very well! It's pretty strong! I rubbed it on and immediately felt warm...and the vapors really did open my sinuses. Overnight, too, I was able to sleep a little better and didn't cough quite as much. I am sorry for my husband who has to deal with this smell at night, and am sorry for the neighbors as they could probably smell this stuff, too! But it worked!!!
Well, that's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sher :0)
PS If you would like the recipe for Sher's Remedy just send me an email!
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
This blog has usually been devoted to my adventures and experiences here in the Czech Republic. Most of the time, these adventures include trips, my "stupid foreigner" stories (where I'm the stupid foreigner) and what I learn, new insights into the Czechs, etc. Sometimes, though, there are also adventures in areas such as health care and illness when you're new to living overseas. Today, I'll share the story of a new concoction I have made! :0)
Yesterday afternoon I was coughing so much, and everything we tried to help soothe the cough wasn't working (including prescriptions), so I developed a longing for Vicks Vaporub! We use that, in the States, when someone has a cough and is very congested. Vicks ointment is rubbed into the skin on the neck and chest to help ease coughing and congestion. My Mom used this on my brother and I when we were kids, and I continued using Vicks until I moved here two years ago.
I had asked my Czech doctors about Vicks, or any ointment that would be similar, and they didn't know of anything like that here! I also checked with the pharmacist and he didn't know about this stuff, either. So, what to do...At this point, I usually begin to think of making the thing myself! I've had a lot of experience making everything from breads and pies to stews in order to accommodate my food allergies. So, why not make my own vapor rub? I remembered seeing some "recipes" online for making your own vapor rub. Thankfully we had the materials on hand to make some of what I'll call "Sher's Remedy." :0) There are many different versions of this stuff--so you can tailor it for your own needs. These recipes gave me an idea of the process involved in making the ointment. So, I tried it. The only hard part was that I can't taste or smell anything due to the congestion. It was hard to judge if I used enough of the eucalyptus and tea tree oils! It was actually pretty easy to make, and when it was done, I let the jell set up until bedtime.
When I opened the jar...I could smell "Sher's Rememdy" very well! It's pretty strong! I rubbed it on and immediately felt warm...and the vapors really did open my sinuses. Overnight, too, I was able to sleep a little better and didn't cough quite as much. I am sorry for my husband who has to deal with this smell at night, and am sorry for the neighbors as they could probably smell this stuff, too! But it worked!!!
Well, that's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sher :0)
PS If you would like the recipe for Sher's Remedy just send me an email!
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Pretty Sick
Hi Everyone,
This virus has hit me pretty hard and has put me sick in bed the past few days (including today). I saw my GP on Friday as I was feeling so much worse than when I saw the allergist. My regular doctor made sure that this is not bacterial--with a blood test. It seems to be a viral infection, but not the flu. The doctor told me that there's not much he can do for my coughing, except to double the medicine I was already taking! UGH! I've been coughing so badly that I can only manage 2-3 hours of sleep each night, and my poor husband is not getting much sleep, either! He's also still sick. The doctor said this will probably take a few weeks to completely recover, but that I should be at least 50% better by the end of this coming week (next Friday). So, that's something to look forward to!!! I'm ready, right now, to begin feeling better! :0)
This is not the way I wanted to spend my time outside of salubrious solitude!!!! But we have to deal with the reality of our situations! I've got to rest a lot, according to the doctor, and this will do more to get me better than anything else, along with staying hydrated. So, I'm in the for long-haul and am hoping that this coughing will subside...I really need some sleep! I'm very positive about this need! :0)
You all have a great day...and stay healthy!
God bless,
Sher :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
This virus has hit me pretty hard and has put me sick in bed the past few days (including today). I saw my GP on Friday as I was feeling so much worse than when I saw the allergist. My regular doctor made sure that this is not bacterial--with a blood test. It seems to be a viral infection, but not the flu. The doctor told me that there's not much he can do for my coughing, except to double the medicine I was already taking! UGH! I've been coughing so badly that I can only manage 2-3 hours of sleep each night, and my poor husband is not getting much sleep, either! He's also still sick. The doctor said this will probably take a few weeks to completely recover, but that I should be at least 50% better by the end of this coming week (next Friday). So, that's something to look forward to!!! I'm ready, right now, to begin feeling better! :0)
This is not the way I wanted to spend my time outside of salubrious solitude!!!! But we have to deal with the reality of our situations! I've got to rest a lot, according to the doctor, and this will do more to get me better than anything else, along with staying hydrated. So, I'm in the for long-haul and am hoping that this coughing will subside...I really need some sleep! I'm very positive about this need! :0)
You all have a great day...and stay healthy!
God bless,
Sher :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It's Official!
Hi Everyone,
It's official...I'm sick! This morning the chest cold is making itself very felt with the typical aches and pains, coughing, and exhaustion. Also, my voice is very deep today...more than just sultry...I think my voice sounds more like a guy!!! Ach jo! My only concern is for my lungs--my asthma's worse again today. Each day I have to measure my lungs' function with a device called a peak flow meter. I have an electronic (as in gizmo!) peak flow meter. This gizmo is used to measure the maximum speed of expiration (how fast you can blow a breath out) for asthma patients and others who have lung disease. My gizmo is showing that my peak flow is definitely down from yesterday--in fact, my peak flow is down almost 100 points from my normal. This is not life-threatening, but definitely is showing that there is a problem. I'm very happy to be seeing the allergist today!
So, it looks like I will be spending more time in splendid isolation--until I'm over this chest cold! No problem...I've got plans and goals to help me through this extension of my virtual vacation...the main thing, right now, is to get well! :0) You can bet I'll be eating a lot of chicken soup (with freshly grated garlic) for the next few days--and warding off those vampires! :0)
That's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sher :0)
PS I'm back from the doctor and he said I have viral bronchitis! UGH! So, I'm on more powerful asthma meds, cough med, etc. He told me it will take a while to get over this, so I'm definitely back in salubrious solitude for a while! :0)
Image from Microsoft Clip Art Gallery
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Irony of it All!
Hi Everyone,
Things have taken an interesting turn at my house! Jiri's been sick for the past couple of weeks with what we thought was a cold. It may have been a cold, but it turned bad over the weekend. He was sick in bed--and probably should be there today, too! He never gets sick like that, but this virus really got him good. This "cold" is almost like the flu, but there is no fever...just a horrible cough, congestion, and feeling really yucky. Jiri went to work today as he really needed to attend to a few things. I'm hoping and praying he won't get worse. I also asked him to see the doctor today, but I'm pretty sure he will say he didn't have time! Jiri's a bit stubborn in that respect!
The past few days have been very busy for me as I began to come out of my salubrious solitude on Friday. I had to pick up our groceries, and then on Saturday, Jiri was really sick and needed to stay in bed. I was busy with taking care of him and running more errands for things we needed. What a whirlwind! Sunday Karen and I got together--she is the first person I've managed to see outside of my virtual holiday! It was great!! And in the midst of all that I was making huge pots of homemade chicken noodle soup (with gluten/wheat-free noodles, of course!)--with freshly-grated garlic (a lot of garlic), and making sure Jiri was as comfortable as possible. It was a very busy weekend and Monday!
Through all of the past few days, I've been feeling congested--which is a normal part of my allergies and asthma. But I've been so very tired and thought something else was going on. Sure enough, yesterday I began to feel more congested and very tired. A walk to one our of local stores and the pharmacy just completely wore me out. It seems that I've started to come down with what Jiri has! Oh the irony!!! After a doctor mandated splendid isloation--to keep me from catching the flu--I'm now getting sick from my own husband! :0) I don't know how this illness will develop, although it seems to be coming on fast. Maybe I won't get it as hard as my husband has...we can only hope and pray it doesn't get like that for me, too. Fortunately, I have an appointment with my allergist this week, so if my breathing is getting worse, he can give me more medicine to help! Lung disease and chest colds are not very good together!
Anyway, this is a bit frustrating, but I'm well-equipped mentally--so I will continue on with the goals I set during my time of solitude! Physically I may slow down...and if this illness progresses, I will have to really have some down time in order to recover. But even in that down time I will be busy in prayer and Bible study, and reading classics...and resting, of course! Today, my goal is to get the flat cleaned, laundry done, etc...I just have to do these things after someone's sick...even if I don't feel good! I'm not sick enough to avoid getting these things done! :0)
Wednesday I will try to sum up my time of self-imposed solitude from the past few weeks. I meant to do that today, but things have a way of changing sometimes...and we have to go with the flow and stay flexible!
That's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sher :0)
PS I would like to clarify a point, in case anyone might think otherwise...I'm not complaining--I wanted this to be a funny post...and it is ironic, after all! :0) So, please understand that I'm not mad or upset with my husband...this is just normal stuff! I'm also not mad or upset that I'm getting sick...it's just normal for this time of the year...and I'm very susceptible to stuff like this--and it is an ironic situation...:0)
Image from Microsoft Clip Art Gallery
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) by czechoffthebeatenpath
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day! :0)
Hi Everyone,
Happy Valentine's Day! Jiri, my husband and I are at home today--he's sick, so I've been taking care of him! I made a huge pot of chicken noodle soup, with extra garlic (the way Czechs like it), and I've been making sure he has plenty of hot tea with lemon and honey. He's looking better, but still not feeling great! And today is the first official day for me to be out of quarantine (oops--another slip! I need to change this to one of the creative words you all supplied the other day! I would use splendid solitude here)!
Valentine's Day is still a fairly new concept here in the Czech Republic. This holiday was unheard of during the communist regime, but Valentine's Day slowly began to trickle into Czech culture after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Most Czechs view Valentine's Day as nothing more than a western concept that has been too commercialized. Czechs have a similar day for love, but it is celebrated on May 1st, or May Day. They are slowly adapting Valentine's Day. You can find gifts and candy for the love of your life most anywhere in Prague these days. But there is still a resistance to completely adapt this day of love from the West.
My husband and I celebrate both Valentine's Day and May Day--we try to have a blending of our cultures and holidays in our marriage. For me, this is great! One day, Valentine's Day, Jiri takes me out to eat, buys me chocolates (my favorite diet buster!) and then on May Day, he takes me to Petrin and kisses me in front of the Macha statue...and under an apple tree (just for good measure--and to keep me from growing old, according to Czech beliefs)! So, I have the best of both worlds...and I am hoping Jiri feels the same way!
You all have a great and very Happy Valentine's Day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Image from Microsoft Clip Art Gallery
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy Friday!
Hi Everyone,
Happy Friday--the 13th! :0) I'm not sure that's a good thing to say, since many people dread this day and fear that something bad will happen! But for me, today is a happy day--it was the last day of my quarantine!!! I actually should have stayed in today, but I ended up going out to get our weekly groceries. My husband has a bad cold, and since I had only this one day left, thought it would be OK to go out!
It felt kind of strange being out again...someone asked me what it was like...well, it was like being in a foreign country! :0) I am so out of practice with going out...how can just three weeks make such a big difference??!!! Anyway, I got to the grocery store and found it was crowded--the typical Friday afternoon crowd of older people and mothers with young children.
Shopping on a Friday is a harrowing experience, at best. But we needed food...so I got a shopping cart--which I hate to do! Trying to man-handle a shopping cart in those crowds is a horrible job! I was battered by old ladies and their bags, and was also hit with shopping carts, asked to move out of the way...just a typical Friday afternoon affair! There were so many older people there--which is normal. But I had to laugh...some of the older ladies had their husbands in tow. Well, the husbands had the shopping carts, and followed behind their wives...the wives were busy plowing a way through the crowd! It was so funny!!
Anyway, this was my Friday the 13th--I managed OK...it was really a good day! My first day in the outside world once again! I felt like one who has just woken up in a new world! So, please forgive me for wishing you all a very Happy Friday the 13th...it has been a good one for me, and I hope it will be the same for all of you!
That's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Happy Friday--the 13th! :0) I'm not sure that's a good thing to say, since many people dread this day and fear that something bad will happen! But for me, today is a happy day--it was the last day of my quarantine!!! I actually should have stayed in today, but I ended up going out to get our weekly groceries. My husband has a bad cold, and since I had only this one day left, thought it would be OK to go out!
It felt kind of strange being out again...someone asked me what it was like...well, it was like being in a foreign country! :0) I am so out of practice with going out...how can just three weeks make such a big difference??!!! Anyway, I got to the grocery store and found it was crowded--the typical Friday afternoon crowd of older people and mothers with young children.
Shopping on a Friday is a harrowing experience, at best. But we needed food...so I got a shopping cart--which I hate to do! Trying to man-handle a shopping cart in those crowds is a horrible job! I was battered by old ladies and their bags, and was also hit with shopping carts, asked to move out of the way...just a typical Friday afternoon affair! There were so many older people there--which is normal. But I had to laugh...some of the older ladies had their husbands in tow. Well, the husbands had the shopping carts, and followed behind their wives...the wives were busy plowing a way through the crowd! It was so funny!!
Anyway, this was my Friday the 13th--I managed OK...it was really a good day! My first day in the outside world once again! I felt like one who has just woken up in a new world! So, please forgive me for wishing you all a very Happy Friday the 13th...it has been a good one for me, and I hope it will be the same for all of you!
That's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Game of Tag in the Blogosphere!
Hi Everyone,
I've seen a game of tag on other blogs and they are interesting to read! The game usually involves "tagging" someone and then the one tagged needs to share some information about themselves in a blog post on their own blog. They, in turn, will have to tag a requisite number of people, and so on! I never thought I would be tagged! Well...that changed as of last night!
Thank you, Golden Prague, for tagging me and including a blurb about my blog in your tag post! The rules for this game of tag are to share seven things about myself (yourself, if I tag you!) and why I (you) love to travel and blog! So, here goes!
1. I'm an empty-nest mother of two kids. Not sure that's very interesting, but I did find a cure for my empty-nest syndrome--moving to the Czech Republic!
2. I've lived in Minnesota, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, and now the Czech Republic.
3. Outside of the US, I have traveled to Japan (twice), Spain (twice), Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic. I'm not bragging, but I never thought I would ever travel, let alone live, outside of the US! So, it is amazing to me that I've been able to see these places--also amazing considering my allergies and asthma!
4. I most always carry my digital camera along on outings. If I don't have that along, my cell phone has a decent camera and I use that!
5. I absolutely adore animals--and vice versa...I seem to be an animal magnet! When I'm out walking, it almost always happens that I will attract a dog or cat...whom I then have to stop and talk to and pet! I'm allergic to animals, but do have a dog, Pal, back in the States. He's living with my parents in New Mexico! And I have 2 boy gerbils here...they are funny little guys--Pepa and Ota.
6. I'm a voracious reader, but like to stick to quality reads (I'm a snob that way, I guess!) such as the Bible, War and Peace, some great Czech authors I've become acquainted with--Hrabal, Capek and others! I also enjoy reading National Geographic and Scientific American!
7. I also LOVE gizmos! I blame this on my Dad, who is an engineer, and Star Trek! I have a few gizmos I use on a regular basis: my cell phone that does a lot of other things--kind of like having a Swiss Army knife; my PDA, with a a bluetooth keyboard--this goes with when I travel--I keep e-books on it, but can also use it like a small laptop; my digital camera; my laptop, of course; and even an electronic peak flow meter to use in monitoring my asthma!
OK...now I have to tag seven other blogs!
1. Freaky Frugalite: a blog which emphasizes the frugal and the freaky, all in one blow!
2. Life in Australia: a blog about a British expat who is living in Australia--with snapshots of daily life there.
3. Culture Shock: a blog about an expat from California who is now living in Oslo, Norway--and about her travels around the world.
4. Hot in Singapore: a blog about a Malaysian woman who has lived in Switzerland and is now living in Singapore.
5. Bulgarian Slivatree: a blog about the life of a British expat and his experiences living in Bulgaria.
6. Green Not Mean: an environmental blog about living green, saving the planet, and green gadgets.
7. Margie and Edna's Basement: a blog about two fictional elderly sisters who are cranky, funny, and share their opinons about everything!
OK...consider yourselves tagged! :0) Also, I forgot two things that I was supposed to share--why I love to blog and travel! Well, this blog started out as a way to maintain my sanity when I was going through a time of homesickness. It helped me to focus on my new life and new place! This enabled me to become excited about where I am now living--and opened my eyes to the adventure of living in a new country! So, this blog is for my own therapy! :0) While that's true, it has also been a fun way to meet you all and develop some friendships in the virtual realm, with some crossing over into the real world! As for why I love to travel...for the adventure, and to see places I've only read or studied about! I love history and seeing these places makes history come alive for me! And when you travel, you can't help but learn more about yourself, too, from all that you encounter on a trip--every experience will help you to learn about yourself and the world at large!
Well, that's all for today...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
I've seen a game of tag on other blogs and they are interesting to read! The game usually involves "tagging" someone and then the one tagged needs to share some information about themselves in a blog post on their own blog. They, in turn, will have to tag a requisite number of people, and so on! I never thought I would be tagged! Well...that changed as of last night!
Thank you, Golden Prague, for tagging me and including a blurb about my blog in your tag post! The rules for this game of tag are to share seven things about myself (yourself, if I tag you!) and why I (you) love to travel and blog! So, here goes!
1. I'm an empty-nest mother of two kids. Not sure that's very interesting, but I did find a cure for my empty-nest syndrome--moving to the Czech Republic!
2. I've lived in Minnesota, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, and now the Czech Republic.
3. Outside of the US, I have traveled to Japan (twice), Spain (twice), Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic. I'm not bragging, but I never thought I would ever travel, let alone live, outside of the US! So, it is amazing to me that I've been able to see these places--also amazing considering my allergies and asthma!
4. I most always carry my digital camera along on outings. If I don't have that along, my cell phone has a decent camera and I use that!
5. I absolutely adore animals--and vice versa...I seem to be an animal magnet! When I'm out walking, it almost always happens that I will attract a dog or cat...whom I then have to stop and talk to and pet! I'm allergic to animals, but do have a dog, Pal, back in the States. He's living with my parents in New Mexico! And I have 2 boy gerbils here...they are funny little guys--Pepa and Ota.
6. I'm a voracious reader, but like to stick to quality reads (I'm a snob that way, I guess!) such as the Bible, War and Peace, some great Czech authors I've become acquainted with--Hrabal, Capek and others! I also enjoy reading National Geographic and Scientific American!
7. I also LOVE gizmos! I blame this on my Dad, who is an engineer, and Star Trek! I have a few gizmos I use on a regular basis: my cell phone that does a lot of other things--kind of like having a Swiss Army knife; my PDA, with a a bluetooth keyboard--this goes with when I travel--I keep e-books on it, but can also use it like a small laptop; my digital camera; my laptop, of course; and even an electronic peak flow meter to use in monitoring my asthma!
OK...now I have to tag seven other blogs!
1. Freaky Frugalite: a blog which emphasizes the frugal and the freaky, all in one blow!
2. Life in Australia: a blog about a British expat who is living in Australia--with snapshots of daily life there.
3. Culture Shock: a blog about an expat from California who is now living in Oslo, Norway--and about her travels around the world.
4. Hot in Singapore: a blog about a Malaysian woman who has lived in Switzerland and is now living in Singapore.
5. Bulgarian Slivatree: a blog about the life of a British expat and his experiences living in Bulgaria.
6. Green Not Mean: an environmental blog about living green, saving the planet, and green gadgets.
7. Margie and Edna's Basement: a blog about two fictional elderly sisters who are cranky, funny, and share their opinons about everything!
OK...consider yourselves tagged! :0) Also, I forgot two things that I was supposed to share--why I love to blog and travel! Well, this blog started out as a way to maintain my sanity when I was going through a time of homesickness. It helped me to focus on my new life and new place! This enabled me to become excited about where I am now living--and opened my eyes to the adventure of living in a new country! So, this blog is for my own therapy! :0) While that's true, it has also been a fun way to meet you all and develop some friendships in the virtual realm, with some crossing over into the real world! As for why I love to travel...for the adventure, and to see places I've only read or studied about! I love history and seeing these places makes history come alive for me! And when you travel, you can't help but learn more about yourself, too, from all that you encounter on a trip--every experience will help you to learn about yourself and the world at large!
Well, that's all for today...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Positive Terms for Quarantine!
Hi Everyone,I've received several suggestions for positive terms to replace the word "quarantine!" The responses are all very creative--I was surprised that you were able to come up with so many ways to say "quarantine!" And it's interesting to note that all of the responses were different, but each term covers some aspect of my experience of staying inside, away from people, for the past three weeks.
So, here are the replies of terms to replace "quarantine":
Golden Prague suggested: virtual holidays/vacation. This one is very applicable to my current situation as, as she points out--I am on a virtual vacation from my real life! I have definitely been living more of life, in recent weeks, in the virtual realm--it's been a fun visit, that's for sure!
Lori, from Strain Your Brain and Whittam Whims, raised this suggestion: salubrious solitude. Now, I'm pretty good with English, but I will confess that I had to look up the word "salubrious." Here's the definition from Webster's online dictionary: "favorable to or promoting health or well being." So, the term salubrious solitude definitely applies to my current "time out" in that these three weeks have certainly been for my health!
Chaplain suggested more spiritual terms for "quarantine": a retreat, in my cloister, hermitage, my place of seclusion, place of solitude. These definitely apply as there has been a certain aspect of this time that has been spent in more spiritual activities such as prayer and Bible study. It's been a time of spiritual reviving for me--and this is an integral part of the healing process. We need to have a healthy spirit and mind in order to have a healthy body! This is truly important when you have to deal with any chronic illness.
Rozandrews, from Life in Australia, suggested the term "splendid isolation." She was concerned that maybe "isolation" might have a negative connotation, but I believe in my situation that it has been a splendid isolation! I've had a good time away from the real world, and had a chance to meet some of you online--so how could this isolation be anything but splendid?!
Martin, from Bulgarian Slivatree, suggested the term "self-imposed isolation." This has been a self-imposed "time out" since I decided to follow the doctor's orders! Again, even though I've been isolated from the real world, I've been enjoying an interesting and fun time in the virtual online world--meeting you all and having a chance to interact a bit!
Thank you all for these suggestions! It is great to see how each suggested term really does apply to a different aspect of my situation! And more, I would like to thank you all for your support and encouragement in the comments and emails you've left! This has been a tremendous help for me--it's not so easy to be tucked away from the rest of the world--it can be very lonely--even with a husband and two little gerbils here at home!
The time for this splendid isolation, hermitage, virtual vacation, salubrious solitude and self-imposed isolation is running down...I have the rest of today, and the next three days...then I'm out!!! :0) But till then, I will remain busy here...I've been working on a new blog that I'll tell you about in a few days, and working on my other goals. I'll try to sum all of this up next week!
For now, you all have a great day...and thanks again for your help and encouragement!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) by czechoffthebeatenpath
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A More Positive Name for Quarantine
Hi Everyone,
Here's the question: What could I creatively call this time of "confinement" or "quarantine"--some term or word that would be more positive than these words? Please be sure to leave your comments (things that I can share in public) and I'll share them on here in the next day or so!
I hope you're all having a great weekend! My husband and I are having a nice day in together...getting ready to watch a movie in a bit!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Friday, February 6, 2009
One More Week Left!
Hi Everyone,
Well...I've got one more week left...and then I'm free!!!! To have survived relatively intact thus far...hopefully I will make it in pretty good shape by the end of this quarantine!!! Everything's been moving forward...slowly...but I've been making progress on the goals I set, nonetheless! That's a very good feeling!
That's all for now...I'm counting down the days...and looking forward to being out a week from Saturday!!!!
You all have a great weekend!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Well...I've got one more week left...and then I'm free!!!! To have survived relatively intact thus far...hopefully I will make it in pretty good shape by the end of this quarantine!!! Everything's been moving forward...slowly...but I've been making progress on the goals I set, nonetheless! That's a very good feeling!
That's all for now...I'm counting down the days...and looking forward to being out a week from Saturday!!!!
You all have a great weekend!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Alfons Mucha--Czech Patriot and Artist
Reverie by Alfons MuchaHi Everyone,
A few weeks ago, my friend Karen and I went to visit the Mucha Museum. This museum is dedicated to the Czech artist Alfons Mucha and some of his works. You can find Karen's blog post here about our visit to the museum. Karen included a great quote from Mucha in her post which really sums up Mucha's spirit--bringing light to the world. The Mucha Museum is tucked away on a very small side street in Prague 1. This place is a must-see if you love art and especially Art Nouveu. You can find some of Mucha's famous prints of Sarah Bernhardt, drawings and paintings that he did, and also see an excellent video biography of Mucha's life.
Having lived here for just over two years, I've encountered some of Mucha's work here, in Prague, but I hadn't really been exposed to his life or his major works. I had no idea what a great man Mucha really was until the visit to the Mucha Muzeum. First, Mucha was a great and very prolific artist. Mucha's works are filled with spiritual and symbolic meanings. This is obvious when you see his art in person. One can easily appreciate the beauty of one of his drawings or paintings, but there is so much more to observe and take away from Mucha! The lines and colors, symbols--all come together in beautiful cohesion and symetry--and become a real feast for the eyes, heart and soul. Mucha's work hit me as hard as Antonin Gaudi's work did when we visited La Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, Spain. There is such a depth of meaning to Mucha's art! He really hit me between the eyes--and very hard!
Another side of Mucha is that he was a great patriot of the Slavs--and the Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia). One of Mucha's great works is entitled the Slav Epic. This is a series of twenty paintings that depicts the history of the Slavs. Mucha believed this was his greatest work of art and wanted to share it with the Czech and Slovak people. The paintings were given to Prague in 1928, but were later moved to Moravsky Krumlov as there was no place large enough in Prague to exhibit this wonderful work. The Slav Epic resides in Moravsky Krumlov to this day. Mucha also dedicated his talents to the newly created government of Czechoslovakia after it achieved independence just at the end of World War I. He created all the stamps, banknotes, and other documents for the newly formed government. Some examples of these are on display at the Mucha Museum. They are so beautiful it's hard to believe these were really used in daily life for money and postage! Along with such every day items as postage stamps and banknotes, Mucha was also involved in creating beautiful Art Nouveau jewelry and even furniture!
Mucha gave his life for his country when the Germans invaded Czechoslovakia in 1939. He was one of the first to be rounded up and held for interrogation. He was held for some time and then finally released, but his health was broken and he died of a lung infection in the summer of 1939.
Czechs are not very proud of their country, history or accomplishments, which is hard to understand. This is most likely due to their long history as a subjucated people from the time of the Habsburgs to the end of the Communist era. Even so, Czechs are very prolific creators in the arts and sciences (as well as many other areas), and have some wonderful patriots in their history! There is a lot of be proud of here...and Mucha is one they should really lift up as an example of a good Czech (no pun intended!). Mucha is a man who has inspired many with his art and his love of the Czech & Slovak people.
You can view more of Mucha's works at the following links:
Mucha Foundation Gallery
Mucha Muzeum
The Slav Epic
That's all for today...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Painting credits: Museum Syndicate
Painting by Alfons Mucha
You can find information about the museum's schedule and the price of tickets at the link above for the Mucha Museum.
Czech Off the Beaten Path Website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Half Way There!
Hi Everyone,
Hello from my bubble in Prague! I'm working on getting well...and have made some good progress the last few days. My breathing is about back to normal and I'm feeling better, except for feeling so tired. This past weekend and Monday and Tuesday I was not feeling good, but this was probably due to coming off the prednisone. The work on my goals is still going forward, too...in fact, today I have been busy cleaning off my hard drive and backing things up to an external memory! That's a great feeling!
Today is also the half way point of my quarantine!!!!! Yay!!!!! I've managed to survive this long...now I just have another week and a half...then I'll be out and able to see everyone again!
I included the picture of the astronaut today because everyone is always telling me I need to have a space suit to keep me away from the environment in order to stay well! It would be great to have one of these when I emerge from my bubble in a week and a half!
Well, that's all for today...I hope you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Clip art: Microsoft Clip Art
Czech Off the Beaten Path website
Czech Off the Beaten Path Travel Store
Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More
(c) 2009 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
