Karma hitting home...

Yesterday I wrote about Respect, and just treating others the way you would want to also be treated. I don't know how this always seems to happen. But I put it to good use yesterday.

I made it to Wally World earlier than usual for my Friday evening grocery ritual. Mom and dad picked up DD from our house, saving me the trip there. Also I had sent DH to the bank the day before, so did not have to go there.

So I was close to finishing up shopping, and headed to where the fish counter once stood in the store. Walking by was an elderly lady, she looked like she was having a hard time walking. It crossed my mind that if that was here "normal" way of walking, she most likely would have gotten a motorized wheel chair. I watched numerous people walk by her, and stare, not one person asked if she was OK. I walked up to her, and asked a simple question of 3 little words, "Are you OK?" she said no, she needed to sit down. Of course no where to sit in sight. She went down on her knees, I felt so bad for her. Of course people still walking by just staring. I noticed under the donut shelf a small stool they must use for stocking the top shelves. There was a younger (mid 40ish) guy watching us, I said, "Can you help?" He came over without hesitating, and helped me sit the lady on the stool. She than proceeded to tell me she was having a low blood sugar problem. I happened to have juice boxes for DD int he cart, tore the box open, and gave her 2. In the mean time, he slinked off.

Of course, everyone still just walking by and staring. Come on people. Imagine it being your mom. I saw an employee finally, told him the problem, he rushed over to the bakery area, and got her some cookies. By now, she was coming around, and was much more coherent, feeling better. He had also walkie talkied for a manager, she came over. Asked the lady, "Are you OK?" she said yes, so the manager left. WTF is up with that....? The young employee who got the cookies, helped me get this poor lady to her feet. She stated she was better, looked better, and was now making sense when she talked. Big improvement. She went on her way, I gave the employee my opened juice box, he said he would take care of it. I got another box off the shelf, and went on with my shopping. Saw the lady a few more times before check-out, she assured me she was fine.

I felt good inside. I had earned my Angel wings that evening.(Superhero status to follow...)

Than.... #2.... as I was glancing at the meat counter, this poor old man, was talking to me, stated his wife had just passed away, and he did not know what he needed to make hamburgers for him and his dog. I got him situated, and returned back to the meat counter to make my choice. Not so fast... #3.... An elderly couple also looking there, asked if I could help them with picking out steaks for the grill. I suggested some Rib-Eye's for them, explained the marbling, and finally made my pick. I ran into my widowed man 2 more times, and made a few more suggestions for him. He asked me if I was married, when I said yes, he said my DH was a lucky man.

No... I am the lucky one, I walked out of Wally yesterday floating on air. I had done good, I had good KARMA... it cost me nothing, it made me smile. That my friends is what life is about.

The Apple Never Falls Far From The Tree!!

This is a good one... FL legislature wants to grade me as a parent, they want to see how involved I am in my child's education. Fine go ahead. I spend every evening doing homework with my child. We do spelling words every day on the drive to school. She reads everyday ~ 30minutes on the way home from school. I feel with all that, I deserve an A+. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/26/kelli-stargel-teachers-grade-parents_n_814585.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=uopx Ok, so I am fortunate, since I work at the school, my daughter acutally does not attend her districted school. She rides with me, and we spend 30 minutes each way confined to the car. We try to make good use of it. So now my question is, what about those parents that don't spend time with their child doing homework. Not the ones who can't since they are working, they get "excused" from the grading, since they must provide for their child. My question is directed towards the parents who basically don't give a damn. They don't care if their child is getting bad grades. Do you actually think they will care if they get a bad grade. NOT!!! OK, here it comes...these are the parents that also forgot to teach their child a simple little thing like RESPECT. The parent has no respect, so neither does/will the child. I see it every day. It does not take much, a "Thank You", a "Please", come on people. If I behaved the way some of these "adults" do, even as a child, my gosh, you would still be scraping my body off the wall. You can see it everywhere, follow some people into a store where you actually still have to open the door. How many times have you had the door slam in your face? I have done that, accidently, not paying attention, but than it is customary to follow up with an "I'm sorry" But I usually look to see if someone is coming along behind me, if so, I hold the door for them too. It is called "treating others the way you would like to be treated." Think about it people, how would that feel to you?? What exactly are you teaching your child? My DD will hold the door for people just stepping up on the sidewalk. She has been taught respect from an early age. She is a "please" and "thank you" kind of kid. For that I am proud. For that I give myself an A+. As for the Representative... come on lady, not all things are taught from a text book. It takes a village to raise a child. Unfortunately there are also plenty of idiots in the village too.

October 23, 1956

Although we were not even born yet, my sisters' and my life changed forever 54 years ago on October 23, 1956. That is the day the Hungarian Revolution started. It is not only our lives, but countless thousands of others lives which also changed on that unforgettable day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_Revolution_of_1956 If you click on the above website, on the right hand side, you will the statue of Stalin, toppled by the Freedom Fighters. Here is what was left of his boots, as the weary rejoiced. Unbeknownst to them, just a bit to soon, for the worst was yet to come. The other picture depicts Stalin's boots as they look today. Tucked away in a corner of Budapest, where all the statues of the communist era have been placed. In Memento Park, also called Szobor (Statue) Park. http://www.szoborpark.hu/index.php?Lang=en It is kind of a strange sight to see these boots just sitting there so high up and so empty. The statue of Lenin also rests there. It is a very unusual Park, full of the Communist era statues that once graced the streets and parks of Budapest. It should be on any one's list who visits Budapest. A very unusual, one of a kind park. At the first of planning this park, many people were against it. It is a horrific reminder of 40 years of oppression and terror that many have tried to forget. It was eventually built anyway, and I think the people of Budapest have come to accept it. Perhaps it is a good reminder of what can happen if we don't step in to help our fellow man. The reason I say that, is because the HU people asked for help from abroad. From America, and they were denied. What would have become of HU if the US had lended a hand. Wow my life would be so different. Here is brief history of what happened to the Country on October 23, 1956: The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 (Hungarian: 1956-os forradalom) was a spontaneous nationwide revolt against the government of the People's Republic of Hungary and its Soviet-imposed policies, lasting from 23 October until 10 November 1956.

The revolt began as a student demonstration which attracted thousands as it marched through central Budapest to the Parliament building. A student delegation entering the radio building in an attempt to broadcast its demands was detained. When the delegation's release was demanded by the demonstrators outside, they were fired upon by the State Security Police (ÁVH) from within the building. The news spread quickly and disorder and violence erupted throughout the capital... (Wikipedia) Here is brief history of what happened to my family, how we came to live in America, the land of the free, instead of Hungary, the land of oppression. However oppressed, I still love it there, and I have many wonderful memories. First a little background. My parents were not married until 2 years after escaping Hungary. They however had been childhood friends. My dad went to school with my mom's older brother, Pistabacsi. They lived probably a 4 minute walk from each other. Dad has one younger brother, Tibor. Mom comes from a large family, 8 children (4 girls and 4 boys) 2 being from Grandpa's first marriage, they however have just always been called brother and sister, never 1/2. They were both married and I believe they both had families of their own. In this picture taken in 1968 my parents first return to Hungary. Back row is my Grandma Schmidt, Grandma Lorik, Grandpa Lorik, Pirineni, Marika neni (deceased, 1/2 sister) my mom, and Grandpa Schmidt. Front row: Auntie Eva, Cousin Laci (Marikaneni's 2nd son) Me, at at he ripe old age of 51/2, Uncle Karcsi, Cousin Tibi (Pirineni's youngest of 3), his sister Pirko, and my sister at 8 1/2. When my parents left, Auntie Eva was about 3 and Uncle Kracsi was about 10 ish or so. Dad's brother Tibor was also about 10 when Dad left. It was not an easy decision, a lot of thought had been put into this escape. Here is what I have been told: This information is obtained from my mom. She is now 75 years old, and was just 21 years old when this took place. She has gotten a bit forgetful over the years, but this story always stays the same. On my drive home from work this afternoon, I once again asked her about their road to freedom. Again, she gave me the same story, this time, I will make sure it is saved for my daughter, for my cousins, and for more generations to come.

Their story actually starts a few weeks before October 23. My mom had/has cousins that live in the town of Sopron. [This town is about 8 km to the Austrian border. Mom said that you could stand in the cousins backyard and see the flags of the border. ] Grandma and Grandpa had felt the unrest approaching in Budapest. The people were unhappy and tensions were rising. They had taken the family to the cousins' home perhaps for some R&R or perhaps who knows why.

The idea of fleeing had been discussed among the older children. They were ready to go, but than Grandpa had decided against it. He opted to return the family to the house they rented in Budateteny. [This is what the house looked like on a visit about 3 years ago. Not what it looked like when they lived there. It did not have indoor plumbing, only running water coming in, not going out. Hence I remember the fear of the huge hole on the outhouse potty.] When my mom said "Daddy let's go to Vienna", he said darling, "and leave all that we have back in the city. What is to become of all the things we leave behind?" [They lived in a rented house, the 6 kids and the 2 parents. Oh and they only rented the bottom half of the house. It had a small kitchen, a small room, and a large room.] Bless Grandpa's heart. It was however, the neighborhood hangout. I guess since they had so many kids, all their friends in the area hung at their house. Mom told me many times before, of Miki bacsi, one of their friends, who was an only child. During WWII they had enough money to actually buy meat. He however loved to hang at my Gma's house. He always said she made the best soup. (Rations to feed a family of 8, what else could you make?)

So the family headed back to Budapest. A few days later it was October 23, 1956 and all hell broke loose. There were many uncertainties, but living this life is not how my mom and dad had wanted to live. They got their friends, family, siblings, and cousins together and decide to leave Hungary. One of Dad's cousins, Pentz Joszi had a friend who was a truck driver, he had offered to take them to freedom. The plan fell through. As did numerous others.

They had all decided it was time to go. It was going to be mom's older brother Pista bacsi, my mom and dad (not yet married) mom's younger brother, Tibibacsi, (Yes many family members named Tibor and Pista). Some friends were supposed to also go. It had been planned and discussed. It was December 1, 1956. They had been living in fear and hell for over 6 weeks now. Things needed to change. It was decided.... They would meet at mom's house early in the morning, head to the train station and go to Vienna, to freedom . Well of course plans always change. Pista bacsi had decided to stay behind, he said that someone had to take care of their parents, and the little ones, the younger siblings being only 3 and 10ish. I think a few other friends also backed out. Mom, Dad, Tibibacsi (mom's brother), and a few others stuck to their plan, one of those friends, Metkovics Joszi, eventually ended up in Australia. Mom said that Gpa walked them up the stairs, arms around their shoulders, and said, He wished them the best of luck and hoped they succeeded. I don't know what Gma said, but I am sure it was heart felt, and tearful.

They headed over to Kelenfoldi Train Station to purchase tickets to Vienna. (Same place were Sophie, Mom and I arrived home on our last visit to Vienna) They carried minimal items. Mom said only a change of underclothes. In case they were caught, so they did not look suspicious. They purchased tickets and boarded the train. There they unexpectedly met up with one of my dad's cousins (7 sisters in that family) and her husband and daughter. Margitneni, Feribacsi and little Margit (she was about 5 or 6 yo). Sounds to good and to easy to be true, well yes, it was. The ticket collector announced 1/2 way to the border, "Anyone planning on escaping and staying in Vienna, get off now, they are waiting for you at the border." Mom said that 90% of the train emptied out. It was now about 2:00 in the afternoon. Even though it was December 1, there were still plenty of hours of daylight left. Both good and bad. As they exited the train, they headed west. For west was Austria, and that meant freedom.

Of course they had to stay off the main roads, those held the incoming Russian troops, and their compatriots. So they walked through the farmers plowed fields. Mom said that the fields had large clumps of dirt, making walking very difficult. She also said that their feet had been bloodied from the shoes rubbing. (Again, probably not wearing sensible shoes). So their little group of 7 or 8 took turns carrying little Margit, since walking for her with those tiny feet had been even more difficult than for the adults. Numerous times they had to take cover and hide for the incoming troops had sent up missiles, and were scanning the area for people trying to leave from Hungary.

They had been walking for hours. As night fell, they took cover in the enormous hay stacks. They dug small holes and climbed in, this served 2 purposes, protection and warmth. As dawn broke on the following day, someone in the group had awoken early, in turn, rousing the rest of the group when the roar of the incoming trucks had been heard. For they needed better hiding spots. As the sun rose higher on the horizon, they realized that as of some time last night, they had crossed the border and spent their night of slumber in the hay stacks in freedom. Freedom to do as you choose, freedom to work where you would like, freedom to speak your mind, freedom to make your own decisions. They had unknowingly crossed the border in the dark. They had made it, they were finally free.

The incoming trucks had been Austrian Military Vehicles that were picking up the refugees and taking them to camps. Camps where they received food, clothing, shelter and assistance and mom mentioned they also received chocolate. Something mostly unheard of in Hungary since the war. As their little group was collected and taken to the village a great weight had been lifted off their shoulders. They had made it. Now they faced the uncertainty of what was to happen next. At the camp, they had an opportunity to do some work. Dad had helped out by bringing in beds from the Red Cross and getting them set up. While he was on his work duty, the Red Cross came around and said that anyone not wanting to go to America would be moved to another camp. Mom's younger brother Tibibacsi told my mom that they should stay in Europe and go to Belgium, thinking that his way they would still be close enough to the family when the dust over Europe settled. With having made this decision, they were moved to another camp, while the ones going on to America remained where they were. Dad was one of those who was not moved. He had finally obtained a sponsor. Actually all the people coming from Budatetny had been sponsored. This was done my dad's cousins and her husband. Schillinger Gyuszi bacsi and Bozsi neni. (Bozsi neni and Margit neni are sisters). They had to good sense to leave Hungary when WWII first broke out. I remember them fondly, they had an import store in Cleveland when we were kids, and had the best marzipan in the red wrapper. Ahh the store smelled wonderful, I will never forget that smell.

By Christmas time, dad was on a ship headed for America, which had departed from Bremerhaven, Germany. He landed in New York, sometime at the beginning of January 1957. From there he headed to over Cleveland, to his cousin Bozsineni. Mom and Tibibacsi stayed in the Austrian camp until some time in June 1957. From there, they received sponsorship from a classmate of Tibibacsi's in Puerto Rico, his name, Fulop Gyuszibacsi. Once they had realized how bad an idea Belgium was, they had been told by him to only accept either the United States or a Territory of the US. So they headed off to Puerto Rico, there they were welcomed by a super wonderful group of Hungarians. I will never forget Mikibacsi and Maryneni. They have long since passed, but they visited us many times when we were younger. Mikibacsi was also from Hungary, and Maryneni was a native of Puerto Rico. Ohh that lady could cook.

Tibibacsi left Puerto Rico before my mom, he had been working for a company in Puerto Rico that had another facility in either New Jersey or New York. They had asked that he come and work on the mainland. He obliged, for a while anyway. He soon left that position and headed to Cleveland, I would imagine, to be near friends and people he knew. Mom did not leave the Island until a few months later.

Mom and Dad were married on October 4, 1958. It was a quiet ceremony, just a few friends and cousins attended, and of course Tibibacsi, the only immediate family mom had here. A very interesting thing happened on October 4, 1958. My Uncle Pistabasci (mom's older brother) was also married. He married Erzsineni, a great lady, (kind of like my second mom) on the same day. Their son Tomi and are only 3 months apart, almost to the day. We were very close at once. As our lives changed we grew apart a bit, but still reminisce over some great memories when we do see each other.

As my family reached freedom, they realized this freedom came with a price. The cost of this freedom was their family. It took almost 10 years for my parents to have the courage, and the money to return to Hungary. It was their first trip back. And our first trip ever. I was only 5 1/2 at the time, but remember some things like they were yesterday. I returned again in 1971 when Grandpa Schmidt was sick, he passed away whilewe were there. I remember my dad lovingly taking care of him, and shaving him. I again returned in 1974 when Grandpa Lorik was sick. This visit was with my mom, Uncle Tibor and T Jr. He passed away about 6 months later. What I remember most about him, was cooking palinka (moonshine) in Grandma's kitchen. :D I only saw my Grandfathers a few times, when they came to America to see how their children had prospered and when we visited. I spent more time with my Grandmothers, they both died in the 1980's.

I have had the opportunity to visit my parents homeland many times. During the 1980's I went every year, except 1986, Chernobyl rerouted me to Hawaii. I went numerous times during the 90's and eventually moved there in I think 1999.

I remember getting off the plane in 1980, the airport was patrolled by Hungarian soldiers carrying machine guns. I was a mere child of 17. Wow it blew my mind. What did I get my self into? Then in 1989, Hungary opened it's border to Austria. This in turn caused the fall of the iron curtain and communism. It was amazing to see the changes to the country. To see the changes rise out of the oppression, like a flower blooming. There have been many many changes to my parents homeland, some being good, others not. The best is now they too are free.

I sit and wonder what our lives would have been like if my parents had not taken the risk back on that December morning. What would I be, where would I be, who would I be, would I be?

Chilean Miners..... Mission Complete

Yesterday before I left for work, I sat mesmerized in front of the TV watching as the 7th miner was lifted from a 1/2mile beneath the surface of the earth. I sat, tears in my eyes as he hugged his wife and daughter. I listened to CNN as Kiran Chetry fought back tears to continue with her narrative.

While at work,I occasionally took glances at the web checking on the miners status. Once home, I again clicked on CNN to see number 22 lifted from the bowels of the earth. I was amazed, by these people working to rescue the poor trapped men who had been underground for 69 days. It amazed me that each time one was pulled to safety, they amount of enthusiasm was as if he was the first. The way they, and the crowd went crazy with"Chi, Chi, Chi...le, le, le. It was an amazing sight to see, I made sure that Sophie watched, so one day she can remember this fantastic moment.

One man however, stood out the most, the Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. A few things about him really made wonder about our government. First off, he did an interview with Diane Sawyer, were he said something along the lines, it is not the time to place blame, but time to pull together. Wow, we could have used him during the BP oil spill and Katrina. He said that what is most important is to come together and do what needs to be done, what is more important self or rescue? When the interview was finished, he said, "Diane, thank you." They showed this man greeting each and every miner coming up, giving each one the biggest bear hug. At first I thought he was a relative, but later realized other wise. He, however, treated each as if they were his family member. From the first to the last. Oh the last.....

I was lucky enough to see the last man come up. The foreman of the shift. He had volunteered to be last man out. It was for sure a Kleenex moment. Even the President (Chilean) had tears in his eyes. The cheers where the loudest for this man. He also received the longest hug from the President. They conversed, the President told him him shift was finally over. They talked a bit more, sang the Chilean national anthem, hugged again. Talked a bit more. Than he did an amazing thing... he stated "Go and see your daughter Noella" OMG... the President knew the miner's daughters' name. I could not ever see that happening here. He had become one of each miners family. This of course made me cry even more.

Amazing... how he had stood next to the mine shaft were the Phoenix had lifted out each and every man from the center of the earth. He had hugged each man, gave kind words of encouragement, than Thanked each one. WOW, President Obama only visited the Gulf Coast during the BP disaster a few times, for what seemed like basically photo opps. Sad...

OK, so Chile is only a sliver the size of the US, but that does not matter. For the President to know the name of this man's daughter. I bet Pres Obama could not even tell you name of the men who perished in the Sago Mine Disaster, let alone their children. You Rock President Pinera.

One image that keeps coming back in my mind... when they took the shot from inside the capsule, the light at the end of the tunnel. It really looked as if they were going to the heavens. I guess that would be appropriate. The miners stated that there were actually 34 men down there, not 33. The last ones name being God.

Reunion 1980 -- Old Friends

Wow.... so it has been 30 years since we graduated from high school. Where has the time gone? It can not be, it is seems hard to believe that it has been that long. Let me start at the beginning... we moved to Venice in 1978. I started my junior year at Venice High. I was miserable at first, wondering what my parents were thinking of moving us/me at this point in my life. Back up north, OK... Michigan, I had had the same friends since 2nd grade. It was hard, very hard. I later learned (at this reunion) that many of the friends that I made during high school also arrived in their junior year. The weather in FL was definitely much better, as was skipping school hanging out at the beach and Snake Island, the Pier and of course Caspersens. It turned out the be good, and some of the friendships still continue 30 years later. And some were re-kindled here. **(A tidbit of info that most are not aware of.. on my very first day at Venice High School, not knowing a single soul, I hear "Sue, Sue" I turn around and low and behold it is Julie, one of my old classmates from 5-8 grades from our little private school up in Michigan. Her family had headed to the area a few years before we did, and we just ended up landing in the same town. One of my favorite stories ever.)** I remember my 10th year reunion. It seemed that everyone was still stuck in their cliques from back in high school. The 20th I did not make, I was living in Budapest at the time. So this one, I was excited to attend and see the old faces again. The plans had been made. Friday night, I would attend the VHS home football game. Saturday night was going to be at Sharky's Restaurant at the Venice Fishing Pier for an informal dinner. I dropped Sophie at my mom's, actually Friday night is her night with the grandparents, so that all worked out well. I headed over to Lum's parking lot, sight of the tail-gate party. Lum's no longer exists, the empty building is still there, and the parking lot was ours for the taking. This brought back memories, this is where we used to meet up, figure out who was going to stash the bottle of Meyers Dark Rum, that we would eventually spike our Coke's with, and head into the game. This time it was a bit different, as we openly consumed our beers and our wine, chatted and hugged and reminisced and took photos. Of course we had all aged. The girls hiding it better than the guys, thanks to the little bottle of Clairol. Most had put on a few pounds, but the personalities had not changed much. The quiet ones were still a little quiet, the wild ones still wild. What I did notice, the cliques from 20/30 years back had been erased. Everyone chatted with everyone, everyone hugged everyone. It was great. I was actually surprised to find out how many of us still live in the area. Wow. I have only run into about 2 or 3 people that I graduated with in the past 30 years. Here is one of my favorite pics I took that night. We used to cause a lot of trouble together, The South Venice Villains. Eddie, Robbie, Chris, Alan, Rob.... Oh the good old days. They guys have really not changed much. They are great and an amazing group.

After hanging out in the parking lot for a while, we headed in to watch the game. It was a victory for Venice. Yeah... Go Indians!! We left the game a few minutes early to beat the crowd out, (that is what old people do). From there we headed over to what once was called Smitty's Restaurant, now Pineapples. We sat and exchanged stories of our families, our kids, our lives, our occupations. At about midnight, I had to call it quits, and say my goodbyes. It was getting way past my bed time.

The next night we, headed over to Sharky's for a nice dinner with some old friends. In this photo is Bill, Jane, Shelley, Louise, myself, and Larry. Dinner was good, the music great, the atmosphere could not have been any better. The weather held out as well. Nice and cool and breezy, no humidity. Seeing old friends was so good. I had an amazing time. Here is picture of the spectacular sunset that evening. On the right side of the picture, you can see the Pier.

After realizing how many of us are still in the area, we talked about doing this more often. There were many that did not make it. One dear friend who just lives around the corner, another up in Buffalo and one out in Alaska. Maybe they will be able to attend one of these other ones.

I know that life is busy, we are always on the go, running here or running there. Sometimes you need to run into your old friends. To get a hug from a long lost friend is an amazing feeling.

It would be great to see everyone more, to hang with old friends, to share our old memories, and make new ones. Life is too short to take friends for granted. Therefore, I would like to dedicate this page to our friends who are no longer with us. May they forever be watching over and protecting us.

The Ending of the Trip

Well it had to end sooner or later. After spending 3 weeks in BUD, I was ready to return home. It had been a blast. We had a lot of fun. We laughed, we cried, we grew wiser and smarter. We spent quality time with family, and got to know new cousins. We took tons and tons of pictures, explored new places and revisited old ones. We learned how much we care, how much we love each other.

Sophie learned that the river water is cold and dirty. That you always always take time out to smell and LOOK at the flowers.

We learned that not all people are what they seem to be. (This lady has been begging in the city center for many years. I don't believe her to be real, her hands are in better shape than mine, not a wrinkle/dry skin on them)

We learned that things are not always what they seem.(This street performer, stands as a statue until you give a few coins, than he bows to you or if you are a beautiful young girl, he kisses your hand.)

We learned that some things are what you make of them. If you are happy, you make others around happy, if you are miserable, again so. Thank You Sophie for letting me spend this quality time with you, showing you a little more of the world.

Moving Memorial

During one of our photog days, Sophie and I decided to head over the river, (Danube) and take some photo's from there. When my sister and I were in BUD during the last visit. We went to see this memorial. On that day, Sophie did not come with us, but this is something that I wanted her to see.

It is a very unique memorial. It is only shoes. The plaque states that it is for the people shot and thrown into the river by the Arrowcross in 1944-1945. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrow_Cross_Party They were pro nazi and supported the way and beliefs of the nazi's.
It is along of the banks of the river, and on our way there, I tried to prepare the mind of an 8yo. Tried to explain to her the thought of that time. The way people were. I also told her that they were wrong, that they hurt little children, elderly and everyone in between. I said we would not do that, we would help those in need. I held her close and told her I loved her and that I would always do everything in my power to protect her.

I knew she had a lot of questions spinning in her mind, and knew she would ask, if I just give her time. And of course, she did.. She asked if we would have lived during that time, would we have helped these people. I said I am not sure, but if it happened now, we would do all we could to protect those that needed protecting. I told her that some people were good and did help. That some people hid others in their attics, basements, etc. I really don't know what I would have done if I lived than, but I know what I would do now.

She was very moved by this memorial, and became very quiet (something that is very rare). She asked about the little baby shoes, I explained yes, they hurt children too. She did not like that, and hugged me even tighter. She than wandered off, and returned with a little flower that she placed inside the baby shoes. Here is the picture she asked me to take.
She than went off and picked more flowers to place in some of the other shoes. She became sad when she realized that there were not enough flowers for all of them. I explained to her that it was OK, that they know we care.




She asked what happened to all these people, I told her they were in heaven making sure things like this never happen again.

Budapest The City at Night..wow

This section really does not need any words. But here are just a few. Budapest, as most of you know, is my favorite city. I have been there to many times to count.

My favorite is Budapest at night. I remember while I lived there, I would purposly go out of my way and take the other tram so that I could go over the bridge and see this amazing city.

Here is The Var, (the Castle)

Lanc Hid (Chain Bridge) This was actually in a GE commerical once.

Erzsebet Hid (ELizabeth Bridge) with Church next to it.

Sophie and Gyuszi... He is one of our dear friends.

These pictures were all taken from Gellert Hegy (Hill) on a nice summer evening. The view, as you can see, was spectular.

Jeno, Jeno, Jeno

Oh Jenoke.... were do I start. Jeno has been a wonderful family friend for about 25 years now. My sister met him back in the early 80's via my cousin Tomi's wedding, via a friend of Tomis' Bela. Bela who went to wine making school (yes, my cousin Tomi is a wine maker by trade, now at the Torley Champagne Factory) with Tomi who was karate friends with Jeno... Long story, very long...

Anyway, Jeno is one person we make a point to visit every time we are in BUD. He is an amazing person. This guy can tell you the history behind any statue you see in Budapest, and also tell you the history of the guy that made the statue. He is so full of knowledge that sometimes I go into mommy mode, and just say yes, uh huh, yes, OK.... He is an electrical engineer by trade, and will tell you which building he worked on while driving/ walking past. Ahh driving... don't do it, the little man in your head saying "we really should take public transport," listen to him... I am surprised this guy is still alive, one of the worst drivers I know. But I will admit we did get in the car with him this trip... He has been building on to a house in Erd, on the outskirts of Budapest, and went there with him.

He picked us up at our apartment and we headed over to Erd. It used to be a quaint little village town. Now it is a hustling bustling , not really a city, city. It has grown by leaps and bounds. Becoming very modernized.

There is one thing that has for lucks sake, stayed the same. The Minaret. Yes, there are 3 minarets still existing in Hungary. One in Eger, which we visited last time, actually with Jeno (we took the train). This one in Erd, and one in Pecs. The one in Pecs I have not yet been to, but maybe on the next visit. This Minaret really cool. This one was built back in the 16th century. http://hungarystartshere.com/Minaret-Erd

I am fascinated by the fact that way back than, people stepped on the same steps I was standing on. (I know it has been rebuilt, but work with me here.) It is the history that it holds that is so amazing. The Turks ruled in Hungary from 1526-1699. That is along time, and a lot happened during those years.

The Turkish influence can be seen in other parts of Budapest, including the Baths, and numerous buildings.

OK, well back to Jeno... my history buff. It was good to see this site with him. Sharing his knowledge and trying to make it cool and exciting for an 8 yo. After we left here, we headed over to a charming restaurant in Erd and were treated to a scrumptious meal. I got strange looks from the waitress when I ordered a bowl of buttered noodles for Sophie. Gotta love the kid.

We had a great visit, and a good chat. From lunch, Jeno took us back to our apartment. It was again, great seeing him, and I was happy that I didn't have to grab the steering wheel to avoid a collision, as I have done before.

Family.... Live, Love, Laugh

Family ... and lots of it. One of the bad things, but on the other hand good things (that 's the Libra in me, I have to be fair) is having so much family to visit. They are a fun group, especially now that the younger cousins are have gotten older and have kids. The family has really grown. My mom has 7 siblings. 2 have since passed, mom and 1 uncle living in the states, the rest in HU. It equals out to about 2 cousins per family... and now their kids. So it is quite large. Dad on the other hand has only 1 younger brother, and 2 kids there too. But this piece focuses on my mom's family. Sorry Daddy. OK, well how do you visit this many people. We learned a long time ago, that if you visit one, you had better not miss the other one. This goes for the cousins too, however, they have become a bit more lax with the rules. I told mom let's her you younger brother, Karcsi, who has a nice house, with a nice yard, to do a get-together at his house. We worked out the details and all was a go. Mom and I said we would make the food, so his wife Marika would not have to do anything, other than supply the tables and chairs. I made the chicken wings, mom made potato salad and pasta salad. We brought paper plates, plastic ware, cups etc. And we of course supplied the drinks.... Ah the drinks... did I mention the drinks. Wine, red and white, and of course cola, sprite, and club soda. Well while cooking up the chicken wings, I had to sample the red. Not the best, but OK. We bought the wine from a local cellar in Budafok. Famous for it's never ending wine cellars. I told mom we should go to Koenig Pince, but she said no. (Koenig, being my paternal great grandmothers maiden name) I think they might be a distant relation. But of course, mom was dead set on using this place. I don't really do white wine, but that was not all that good either. So we cooked and drank and mixed and packed up all the stuff. My cousin Kis (little) Karcsi came with the car and picked us up. He really is not that little, probably over 6 ft, and weighs about 150 pounds, of course he eats like a piggy. We arrived at Uncles house, got everything set up and the rest of the family started to arrive. We drank, ate, laughed, drank some more and had so much fun. My one Auntie, (mom's oldest sister,) Pirineni, who used to live in the city center at Deak Ter, had numerous years ago moved to the town of Maglod. It is quite quiet there and is a whole day adventure to go and visit. She came with one of my cousins, her grandson Adam. Wow last time I saw this guy, he as probably 8 or 10. Now, he is 18 or so. He amazed me. I am so proud to call him my cousin. He treated my Auntie with such loving kindness and respect, I was thrilled. He is a really great kid. Here is the photo of the family... Of course many are missing, but it was great to get this many. My cousin Brigi moved to Milwaukee, unfortunately she was not visiting when we were. And her little sister Barbi just gave birth to little Lili the day before, well of course she was not there. I know people always say that you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family... well I happy with this family. We get along quite well, we definitely have a great time when we are together, we live, we love and we laugh. That is what we do!!