Learning English in Vermont

Thank you

2010-08-31T04:07:00.001-07:00

I would like to thank all my students this summer for making this a memorable summer. It was great. Christine, Kathrin, Lydia and Ruth wrote the first part of our blog this summer and Christian wrote the rest of the blog from July 23-August 12. Thank you for all the hard work.

I look forward to having more fun this fall.
Rose

2010-08-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

11. August
Today we had a healthy lunch, salad fresh from the garden, and raspberry pie. And in the afternoon I went to Woodstock for a little walk, visit at the farmersmarket and nuturally an ice cream, perhaps the last of this year in Woodstock. Tomorrow is the last day in Bridgewater, that will mean also the last English lesson in the morning, last sandwiches lunchtime and so on. I hope it was not my last time in Bridgewater. My stay here was three weeks. I learnt a lot about the livestyle in USA. The Englisch lessons with Rose were always interesting and helpful, I hope that I can remember most of the things. Our visits to every place gave me a lot of impressions. My home for these three weeks was comfortable and pleasant. My feeling in Bridgewater was the whole time nearly te same as at home. Thank you Rose and Ernst for this great time. I hope I see you soon in Switzerland.

On Friday morning we are leaving Bridgewater and driving to Bosten for another visit before our flight to Switzerland. I'm looking forward to see Cornelia!

2010-08-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

9. August
It is the first day of my last week in Bridgewater. The first part of my lesson was to explain about our activities yesterday. Today we had a special lunch "Chefs salad". After lunch I moved one part of the lawn. I think the same lawnmover could be the next model for Ottigenbühlring. Today it is warm and humid, the right weather for go swimming at Echo Lake. One hour later it began to rain and I went home.

10. August
11.00 a m we went for a visit to a fair in New Haven. That is an Agricultural Fair with Farm Products, 4 H Shows, Demolition Derbis, Art & crafts, Livestock, Rides and Games. It was very interesting to compare the older machinery with the new ones. The fair schowed all animals that lived on a farm. My favorit thing was the Donkyshow. We saw mower pulling and the biggest Trucks. It was explained the way to make milk to cheese, honey production, Maplesirup production and so on. 4 H is an abbreviation for Head, Hert, Hands and Healthy, thats for children to learn about animals and nature. The rides are for younger people and we enjoyed the special food, ice cream and drinks.

2010-08-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

6. August
I learne a new abbreviation TGFI (thank goodness it's Friday). After lunch easy going and so on. Then food shopping in Rutland, a little homwork and listening. In the evening dinner with Heidi, Rose and Enst Mexicain food autdoors and a lesson about tortillas.

7. August
Trip to Dedication and Grand Opening of the President Calvin Coolidge Museum and Education Center. It was a really interesting event with a lot of activities for everybody. The place with historic barns, cheesefactory, school, general store classic cars and houses surrounded by the open countryside. In the afternon a schort visit to Killington with concert. And our dinner today was Spaghetti Carbonara. 8. August
In the morning Ernst and I visited the Billings Farm and Museum. Thefarm is near Woodstock it is a big area with different barns, farm house and a verry interesting Museum about Vermont Farm Life Exhibits. Today there was a special progam with a lot of activitiesfor children and adults. There was alsoa parade of Antique Tractors. In the afternoon we went to Lebanon with stops in queechee. We had a delicious seefood and lobster dinner at the Weathervane in West Leabanon.

2010-08-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

4. August
After Englisch Lesson and Lunch Ivisited a farmer marked in Woodstock. It was really hot und humid, weather to go swimming at Echo Lake. Before dinner Ernst and I moved dresser at Pattys and talked with Patty. The dinner today was my part, I cooked easy food Aelpler Maccaronen. After dinner my daly private enjyment. To sit on the bacony with my cigarette, enjoy the view, motorbikes and the trucks on the road.

5. August
After lunch Ivisited some shops, a galery and the post office in Woodstock. 3.30 pm back to Bridgewater for the first part of my homework. 5.00 pm we went for a visit to a verry nice place for dinner. Our dinner was flatbroth an american speciality with hard cider and musik.

2010-08-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

2. August
Breakfast, English Lesson daily a new challenge for Rose, as usual no problem! After English Lesson lunchtime with goog sandwiches and talk with Ernst. 2.00 pm I had to go to the postoffice to buy stamps for a lot of postcards to Germany and Switzerland. And then homwork and ashort visit to Killingten. In the evening a big steak from the grill, it was absolutly tender. At 9.00 o'clock it is dark in Bridgewater.

3. August
The same procedure every morning. After lunch Idid one part of my homwork. And then 3.00 o'clock Iwent on a trip to Hanover. The first stop at Woodstock..........? The second stop at Lebanon there is a big Harley dealer I used the new words for a talk with my "brothers and sisters". The thirt stop was Hanover it is a beautiful town with a lot yunger fit people. At Hanover is that Dartmouth College, an University. 8.00 o'clock I was back at Bridgewater without GPS.

2010-08-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

30. July
In the morning English Lessen and information for our trip tomorrow. And made mealplans for the next week. 11.00 clock Rose andI visited anauction of a three-generation farm with a lot of interesting things. Inthe afternoon I wrot postcards, did homwork and went swimming.

31. July
Breakfast with two new guests. 9.00 clock the first trip for me with convertible the driver was Rose and I was the bad GPS. Our first stop was a modular house, the seconda maplesirup museum with tasting. The main goal was in Middlebury the Justin Morgan horse farm it is on part of the University of Vermont. Morgan horses ar en over two-hundred-year traditon and one of the most fames breed in USA. The conchusion of this very interesting trip was dinner in Bridgewater with Rose and Ernst in the garden with wine!

1. August
To day was Breakfast with a great Birchermüesli. And then shopping in Ruthland. In the evening we were invited for dinner and a discussion with Senator Bernie Sanders. The Dinner was good and the discussion very interesting. Yesterday I touched the foels at the horse farm today after the discussion Senator Sanders. I'm wondering waht I can touch tomorrow?

2010-07-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

27. July

Second Englisch Lesson. After lunch my first after-noon at Echo Lake; it is a beautifoul area with big old trees and everything. And then drove my car nearly automatically to Woodstock for an ice-cream. Back in Bridgewater talk and dinner with Rose and Ernst. Homwork and sleeping.

28. July

6.30 get up, schower and so on. 7.00 breakfast and prepare for my lesson. 12.15 lunch and after lunchworking with several books and other things.

29. July

Breakfast in a restaurant with fantastic coffe, pancakes, link sausages, over easy eggs, bluberrys and maple sirup. 12.00 we went to a concert with Cajun music and picnic at Woodstock. And then a historical guided tour by Rose through Woodstock.
Everyday-beautiful weather!

2010-07-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

23. July

I arrived at Bridgewater at 3.00 pm thank to the GPS. It was one day earlier than arranged. In the evening we went for a pizza in a restaurant in Bridgewater. After that I met the three Ladies from Switzerland, It was their last evening here.

24. July

After my first night in a comftable room and breakfast in the morning we went shopping in West Lebanon. It was interesting to compare every thing from USA and Switzerland. Most food is bigger and cheaper. After lunch I went swimming in one of the many laks.

25. July

Early in the morning we went on a trip to Moss Glen Falls, the best ice-cream factory in the USA Ben and Jerrys, a cheese shop, a Ski Museum and a verry expensiv resort- Trapp Family. After the interesting day we had dinner Porterhouse steak made by Ernst and Rose.

26. July

I had my first English leson in Bridgewater. Rose is very patient with me. After lunch I had to study for tomorrow.

July 24, 2010 Sat.

2010-07-24T05:21:00.002-07:00

This morning at 7:30 AM Lydia, Christine and Ruth were all packed and ready to go.
Last night we had a farewell drink by the campfire after a few golden-brown roasted marshmallows. S'mores were the highlight!
We also welcomed Chris to the start of his 3-week vacation in Vermont.

Thank you, Ladies, and a safe journey back to Switzerland! Thank you for all the kind words and best of all thank you for the great times in the classroom and the great memories we made.
The blog looks so good with all the lovely photos and all the great reports. You did a great job.
Rose

July 23, 2010 Friday

2010-07-24T05:21:00.001-07:00

Before school we began to pack our luggage.
In the lesson Rose supported us to do some phone calls. Lydia had our flight confirmed and Ruth ordered a taxi we needed on Saturday morning to move from the car rental to the Dartmouth Coach Station.
In the last lesson we played a funny game which Lydia won.
Our meal consisted of leftovers and a glass of wine.

In our minds we were thinking about the past four weeks we spent at this nice place.

We want to say a big thank you to our hosts, Rose and Ernst and to our cook Andrea and her fiancé Lukas!
It was a great pleasure to be here and we always felt comfortable and very happy.

Thanks and have a good time!

Lydia, Christine and Ruth

July 22, 2010 Thursday

2010-07-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

This morning the lesson was very instructive. We learned a lot of New England’s culture.
What about the greeting? Don’t shake hands! That was the first important advice. The second advice was: show your interest by making many noises, when somebody is talking to you, otherwise he will feel uncomfortable.
The last big difference was: Vermonter people aren’t afraid of the idea of contact with ghosts. If you want to sell your house it’s a law to tell, there is a ghost living in.
You have possibilities to keep ghosts away: for example with a rounded wall or staircase, or with white lilac planted in front of the kitchen.
When in Rome, do as the Romans!
In the afternoon we strolled through Woodstock for a last time to say good-by. We had a nice chat with Sally, the owner of a funny vintage clothes shop called “Who is Sylvia?”.
In the evening we went to an organic farm for eating a Pizza. these people there reminded us of our youth. Their motto was: feel free, don’t worry and be happy. Lydia

July 21, 2010 Weds.

2010-07-22T11:13:00.002-07:00

The lesson started with preparing for our flight home including several different situations at the airport.

During lunchtime Katrin’s husband Peter was repairing Rose’s sewing machine. It was a challenge for him, because it was her mother’s sewing machine approximately 60 years old.
Then Katrin and her family left us definitely.
After lunch we got ready to go shopping in Manchester, but it wasn’t the highlight of this day…
Rose showed us the mansion from Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert. It was such an impressive, but at the same time a modest building with a beautiful quiet garden and with a breathtaking view of the valley. What a treasure this place!

On our way home we were listening attentively about a tradition. We saw a house full of yellow ribbons and that means: a soldier was coming home, happy family.

Later on our way, Rose showed us her mother’s house, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible to go there because of a thunderstorm. It was following us for a long distance. It was dangerous to drive, because many trees were lying across the road.
In the end we arrived safely at home in a good mood and with many different impressions.

Each excursion accompanied by Rose was informative, meaningful, exciting and even funny.
A big Thank-You for Rose!
Lydia

July 20, 2010 Tuesday

2010-07-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

Lessons like every morning. Dinner like every Tuesday. In the afternoon we went on a trip to Chittenden.
A wonderful place to go to stroll to a lonely lake. We were sitting in the shade watching the flying clouds and we were talking.
In the evening there was dinner in Woodstock. christine

July 19, 2010 Monday

2010-07-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Monday our last week begins.
It was a little strange to come into the schoolroom with only three chairs. The lessons started with telling about the weekend and the stories we read. Rose also told us that one night it must have been a bear which rummaged the trash of our neighbor .
In the afternoon we visited the reception of injured birds. Injured birds of prey were brought there and cared for.
Many of these birds have to stay for the rest of their life in these cages. To know how majestically a bird of prey is and to see how it has to live now made us sad…
In the evening Katrin came back with her family. It was a delight to have her back. Her story of her trip to Boston was a thriller. All together we talked until late.
Christine

July 18, 2010 Sunday

2010-07-20T10:53:00.002-07:00

Everybody knew that we could sleep in, but we couldn`t because of our routine. So we prepared breakfast and following we hatched plans for this day.
Last week Lydia and Katrin drove to Weston to the country store. Their story about the store and the things they had tried out, Christine and I became more and more interested to go there. Fortunately Lydia didn`t disliked doing the same trip again.
So she drove like a local without using a map and we arrived before noon on this nice place. We spent a lot of time in these stores. The funniest thing we discovered were all these different masks which we all tried on. All of them fit in a way to the real face and we almost couldn`t recover from laughing. In addition there was a laughing sound from a plush toy dog in the background and we couldn`t stop laughing.
Content with all the shopping and the experiences we went the same way back.
After supper on the porch we were invited to a dessert by our hosts at the pergola. We met Rose`s two brothers and her sister in law. A stimulating talk with them concluded that cheerful day.
Ruth

July 17, 2010 Sat.

2010-07-20T10:53:00.001-07:00

Saturday began earlier than a normal school day because Katrin left. In anticipation of her family she was torn between joy and pain of parting. After a hearty and balanced breakfast she tied up some loose ends. Short after 8 o`clock we started direction Lebanon coach station. The farewell was brief but painful after our three week-life together where we had such lots of fun!
We left her to her fate on her trip to Boston where she had rented a motor home. She had to pick up her family at the airport in the evening with this vehicle.

We three went back and had a coffee in Woodstock, did some shopping before we – once more- drove to the familiar Echo Lake. The beach was really crowded but nevertheless we found a shady place…
Our minds we spent the whole day with Katrin and her big challenges until we got a short text message that she had arrived at the airport with the motor home safe and happy.
We enjoyed our dinner on the porch knowing that our friend had mastered all hurdles of the day.
Well done Katrin, we pay a big tribute!
Ruth

July 16, 2010 Friday

2010-07-19T11:41:00.001-07:00

Our last “four- woman –house-day” started with answering all these questions that Katrin still had. Then Rose prepared us for the special words that we have to know about a brewery.

In the afternoon our ways separated. For Katrin it was a big request to go horseback riding once more and on the way she unloaded us in Woodstock. We found some presents for our friends at home. It was a challenge to order a really yummy coffee in this town but we were successful. We were sitting over this cup of coffee when Katrin returned and she looked so happy like a cowgirl. She parked the car in front of the coffee shop and we couldn’t believe it: she didn’t park two minutes when a policeman was writing a parking ticket. But he was very kind. He proposed us: if you put a quarter in the parking meter, I will tear the parking ticket. Kudos officer!

In the late afternoon we went to the brewery in Bridgewater. We could taste a sampler of their own beer and we enjoyed a last supper all together.

After a short walk along the river, we concluded this eventful day with a pleasant chat on the cozy porch.
Lydia

July 15, 2010

2010-07-17T09:20:00.002-07:00

This is my last blog before I leave Bridgewater, my friends, Rose and Ernst.

I enjoyed being here. Also on my second last day I absorbed everything even when it was only that little.

The morning was almost as usual. In addition we had a little test about when to use “make” and when to use “do”. We also tied up some loose ends. Because I know that the two days are my last ones at school I am filled up with questions. Rose answered each with the patience she always has. I loved to be a part of her class! Thanks a lot to Rose and Ernst for having the chance to be at this very special place!

For me it was also the last dinner again deliciously cooked by Andrea and Lukas. I was invited to choose from two menus and decided on Mexican food. I was very happy with my choice. Many thanks to the young couple. I appreciate their work so much and will always remember their unforgettable meals!

For the first time we had a separate program in the afternoon. Christine and Ruth went to Echo lake to swim and relax and Lydia and I drove to Weston to visit the old Vermont Country Store, the General store and the very nice Christmas Shop. We liked strolling through these unusal stores with lots of things to look at. That's why we almost forgot that our two friends were waiting at Echo Lake.

On our way home we enjoyed the lovely environment in the light of the setting sun.

Bridgewater Vermont is a real good place to be! Good bye! Hope to be here again! Katrin

July 14, 2010

2010-07-17T09:20:00.001-07:00

The weather forecast said it would be a sunny day.
It was 7 o’clock and it was raining again. So we had to change our plans. One possibility was: Ruth would go swimming and the others could make a visit to the Sugarbush Farm do the shopping and strolling through Woodstock.
At Sugarbush Farm far away and surrounded by pastures we found a working farm. We hoped to learn more about harvesting the maple sap.
A little path led us through the maple woods. Actually it showed how the maple trees are connected to each other with pipelines. So the farmers don’t have to carry all these buckets.
Sugarbush Farm also produces cheese. After a short visit at the shop we left this place and returned back to Woodstock where we picked up Ruth and went home. christine

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

2010-07-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

The day began with a refreshing rain and continued with pleasant temperatures and cloudy skies. The lesson started as usual and then we learnt that the 30th President of the United States was born in the state of Vermont.
This was Calvin Coolidge, born on the 4th of July 1872 in Plymouth Notch.

He grew up as a farmer`s son in modest circumstances.

Educated as a lawyer he became a politician. Later (1921-1923) he was the Vice President and when President Harding (the acting President) died he became the US President and was sworn in by his own father. He quickly rose to be the most popular President of the United States (1923-1929).

In the afternoon we had the honor to visit the birthplace and the grave in Plymouth Notch, not far away from Bridgewater. We were allowed to go in the houses and to have a look at the original rooms.

There was laid down a wreath in front of the simple gravestone. Impressed by this plain burial place we left with many thoughts in our brains.

Ruth

Monday, July 12, 2010

2010-07-14T05:25:00.001-07:00

Today is the best time to appreciate two things:
Our English lessons: we become acquainted with the American culture, for example this morning: in Rose’s kitchen is a painting by Grant Wood, portraying a pitchfork-holding farmer with his daughter. The painter shows us the traditional roles of men and women: hard working without fun, the face grim and hard in front of a farmhouse. Mr. Wood entered this painting in a competition, but the judges deemed it as a comic. And from this time the painting is getting more and more parodies for advertising.

Our dinner: it’s worth describing our dinner, made by our cook Andrea. We can enjoy these meals like in a first class restaurant. We always start with a marvelous soup cold or warm, followed by a fresh salad, vegetables prepared with fresh herbs or sauce. The main course is a pleasure. Delicate meat surrounded by several side dishes.
And last but not least, the dessert. I say only: a poem.
All this delicacies are served in a wonderful way.
Thank you, Andrea and Lukas. The meals are fit for a king!
Lydia

Sunday, July 11, 2010

2010-07-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

A grey and foggy morning. We postponed our trip to Lake George. During breakfast we planned an excursion to Mt. Killington.
Killington Resort is well-known in winter time for skiing and snowboarding. In summer time it is great for hiking, biking and for golf.
The weather is cloudy and not too hot, perfect for hiking. Leaving the car at the gondola station it was hot and sunny. First we decided to go to the top with the gondola and hike down. The clerk at the bike rental recommended the opposite. At 12.10 under a blazing sun , we started to hike uphill (like tourists in Switzerland whom we smile at). After one and a half hour we reached the top. The wonderful view over the gentle hills rewarded us for the tiring way up in the heat. After lunch the gondola brought us back to the parking lot. At Farmer Market we did our shopping, we bought fruit for supper to make a Birchermüesli.
Now at home everybody is writing a report, reading, washing or preparing supper. christine

Saturday, July 10, 2010

2010-07-13T10:35:00.002-07:00

Time flies. 14 days have gone by, since we left our hometown.

After a week with hot and sunny weather we were woken up this morning by heavy raindrops. They didn’t fit our weekend program. But anyway. The four of us aren’t complicated at all and so we enjoyed staying in bed a little longer.
While we were having breakfast we decided to go shopping instead of visiting Lake George. It was a good idea.

We didn’t get far. Our first stop was already in Woodstock. What a pleasure. Unfortunately I can’t see the little words in my dictionary anymore during our lessons with Rose. Should I maybe look less in this book? Anyway, that’s why we were looking for my first glasses. Christine and Lydia gave advice while Ruth took pictures of our purchase. Even if I don’t like having glasses these will become a nice souvenir from Woodstock VT. The cosy old general store and the special bookstore were our next destination.
But now we had to go further on. Otherwise we wouldn’t reach our planned stores.

Our second stop was to visit “King Arthur Flour Bakery” close to Norwich. A very nice place to buy everything to help in the kitchen and with products to bake at home. We tried four different kinds of tea and four various cakes to share. It was a “sweet” break.

“Farm Way” in Bradford was our last store today. But it was also the one in which we stayed at least two hours. The wide range of this shop is huge. Nobody can imagine what different things they have in stock. Unfortunately I didn’t buy the cowboy boots. At least, I’m thinking about going back to this very special place. By the way, the staff had to kick us out after closing time.

Driving home on an interstate in the U.S. is a pleasure. So we reached Bridgewater safely.

To finish this day we went to Bentleys Restaurant in Woodstock. We enjoyed this
special location and also the food was delicious. Many thanks to Rose. She gave us this very nice recommendation to eat at this place.

Friday, July 9, 2010

2010-07-13T10:35:00.001-07:00

Our second school-week ended with easy-going lessons. Knowing that we will visit a winery that evening, Rose taught us special expressions about wine tasting.
In the afternoon we started direction northwest where our first goal was a small maple museum in Pittsford. In anticipation we entered when a weird voice began to speak. Rose was the first in line and she was so frightened about the speaking doll that she jumped and gave a scream. We split our sides laughing and when we walked through the museum it became hotter and hotter and there was not really interesting information about producing maple syrup.
So we continued on our way direction Lincoln Peak Winery. The landscape we drove through was flat and different to the area from Bridgewater, when we finally arrived at this nice place. First we tasted some kinds of white wines and one red wine.(Thank God Katrin doesn`t like drinking wine so we would have a sober driver the way back!).
Sitting on the cozy porch we enjoyed a glass of wine attended by a two-man music band which was playing inside.

The most exciting experience we had when Rose invited us to a root beer at an A&W.

First we didn`t believe what we saw. Everybody drove in front of this shop and waited inside the car to order. The dishes were served on trays which were fixed on the half lowered car window.

Our root beer was served in the car, where we were forced to drink it, laughing and squeezed between the seats.

On the way back we suddenly saw a deer with its baby on the road. Katrin`s good reaction avoided a crash with them!
We arrived at home late but safe… Ruth

Thursday, July 8, 2010

2010-07-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

This morning didn’t start so well. When I opened the curtains of my bedroom, I saw Christine laying on the porch. She felt sick and ill.
Yesterday I read in an article in the newspaper about the heat wave and we thought that must be in connection with this muggy heat.
A little part of our English lesson was, how the American people order and make their special delicious deli sandwiches.
In the afternoon our ways separated.

Christine stayed at home, Ruth and I went swimming in Woodstock, it was beautiful, and Katrin was in the village for doing her errands.

On our way home fortunately the Farmer Market was open. What a wonderful store. The employees work there with such dedication. We`ll return for sure.
Lydia

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

2010-07-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

We always eat breakfast on the porch. A nice habit to start a new day. So we did also today before we walked down to Rose’s house.

During our English lesson we were prepared for a special afternoon. Rose told us something about an important time in the past of Woodstock. Actually we were planning to visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. As a special challenge, Ruth was asked to make a phone call to make a reservation for the three o’clock guided tour.
After lunch, which we had to prepare ourselves today, we drove to Woodstock to have a look at the film about the story of the Marsh, the Billings and the Rockefeller families in this special period between 1801 and the 20th century.
It’s rather difficult to tell their story in a short way. But the main thing is that they were all savers and observers of nature. It’s the story of conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in America. By this time, in the beginning of 19th century, the forest took up only 20 % of Vermont’s landscape because there was huge deforestation during this time. (It’s unbelievable, today Vermont is grown over with woods 80 to 90 %).
When George Perkins Marsh whiled in Europe he wrote an analysis and a book about his experiences of what he could see there. Especially about how human hand had “brought the earth to a desolation almost as complete as that of the moon”. So he wrote a classic book named “Man and Nature” to help his country recover.
If you would like to be more informed about the story of G.P. Marsh and his successors please contact www.nps.gov/mabi or visit this very interesting place close to Woodstock VT.

In the evening we were invited by Rose and Ernst to a very nice BBQ in their garden under the pergola. Thanks to them for their hospitality.
Katrin

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

2010-07-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

After our delicious lunch I did an errand to the post office to buy some stamps and to stick them to the postcards. I always meet nice people there who like talking with a foreigner in this rural place.

It`s hotter and hotter and it`s hard to do some homework in these muggy afternoons.
About 3 o`clock we decided, like the day before, to go to a nice lake. After driving about 30 minutes we arrived at Echo Lake. Katrin isn`t really a water rat, but Lydia, Christine and I took a refreshing bath. It was also a good experience to swim in a lake, with almost no view under water.
Nevertheless I swam for about half an hour.
In the meantime my friends did some homework and - what a shame-I did almost nothing! When I was strolling on the beach I listened to the local peoples` conversations. (It reduced my guilty conscience because of the homework I didn`t do!).

On Tuesday evenings we like to go to the pizzeria in Bridgewater where a music band plays. After dinner it`s always a pleasure to sit in the bar for a moment and listen to the music, reveling in memories and expectations for the next few days.
Ruth

Monday, July 5, 2010

2010-07-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

The day began clear and fresh. We enjoyed the English lesson after two days off.
At noon it was hot outdoors. Till 3 o’clock we relaxed, did homework and read in the shade.
The weather was perfect to go to a lake to swim. We went north to Silver Lake. This very nice
Lake between the woods invited us to swim. Eager to learn as we are, we were sitting in the shade doing our homework, reading the newspaper and eavesdropping.
At home we shared the housework and ate a delicious supper.
By candlelight we enjoyed chatting. christine

Sunday, Happy 4th of July, 2010

2010-07-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th!
It was so necessary to sleep in this morning. Our brains were a little confused with all these new impressions from our first week.

We had a rich breakfast and an interesting conversation. Christine and Ruth told us about there childhood, and I think, when you know the childhood from somebody you can understand them better.

During noon we tried to skype with Laura. But it didn’t work completely. After that Katrin wrote her diary in a detailled description , we read and we ate salad. It was very pleasant.

At 7 pm we set out for the Happy 4th in Woodstock. There were a lot of people. While the music was playing jazz, we were eating brats. Later a gospel choir, we thought from Woodstock, sang several songs.

It was great to see what the people were wearing. The children with beautiful skirts printed with American flags and other people with T-shirts, and trousers all in American style. In the end there were fireworks longer, louder and brighter than we had ever seen.
Lydia

Saturday July 3, 2010

2010-07-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

Friday evening, Katrin and Lydia planned the route to the ice cream factory: Ben & Jerry's at Waterbury.
Saturday morning our way led us from Bridgewater - Woodstock to - Montpelier: the smallest capitol of all of U.S. states.
From far the visitor is welcomed from the beautiful historic State House with its golden dome. The capitol is built as we Europeans think American cities have to be. There is the Saturday market: beautifully colored stalls with delicious cakes, jam, cheese, yogurt all to taste.
Stalls with fresh organic vegetables... A very nice city which invites to stroll and to shop.
The area of Waterbury: great taste of Cabot cheese, delicious fudge, chocolate, mango ice cream...!
At Ben & Jerry's we made only a short stop. It's Saturday July 3rd, the day before July 4th the national holiday.
Ben & Jerry, two former hippies founded this factory with new social mind: every employee has to share and also ingredients have to be taken from the area.
On state route 100 we traveled through a lovely landscape.

The highlight this day: Rodeo at the Pond Hill Ranch. Just in time for the national anthem we arrived at that event. We enjoyed the riding, the calf roping, barrel racing... and all this while the sun set in beautiful colors.

Arriving at home: we started with a midnight snack. Christine

Friday, July 2, 2010

2010-07-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

This morning we were invited by our hosts to an American breakfast in Shari`s restaurant in Bridgewater.
We had chosen different food to taste from each other. When I was enjoying my pancacke with rasperry I immediately felt that a piece of my tooth had broken off! Incredible!
Rose contacted the emergency health center in Woodstock and I got an appointment in the afternoon by Dr. V. The dentist filed my tooth softly and took away its sharpness. When I asked him how much I owed him he said it was free of charge! (But I gave him some bucks anyway).
Then the next adventure followed after some miles driven by car. The horse riding in Kedron`s stable was reserved in the morning by Kathrin. We, Katrin and I, enjoyed the guided trip on small paths through the woods. (My horse`s name was Dancer!) Christine and Lydia prefered to eat an ice cream in the meantime.
Driving among small lakes and gorgeous landscapes we arrived in Jackson`s Gore where a country concert took place. (Jackson`s Gore is a nice place for skiing).
The mosquitos had a great dinner that evening and the spectactors were scratching their limbs more and more.
After our return we enjoyed a very late dinner and we discussed all the impressive experiences from that exciting day.
Ruth

Thursday, July 1, 2010

2010-07-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

After school in the morning, we did homework all afternoon. I also went to the post-office where I met Anne, the postal clerk. We had a nice small talk about Switzerland and Europe in general.
On the way back I had a small talk (about 45 minutes!) with our cook Andrea, who grew up in Brazil. So we had lot of interesting things to discuss like food, climate, languages and several other topics.
Later in the afternoon we went out together with Rose and stopped near Rutland for a small dinner in Applesbee`s. The blues concert we expected in town didn`t take place, but we didn`t know why (there was no information…(?)).
Our disappointement was not too big because in Rutland are lots of opportunities for shopping.
Finally we had so much fun in the store. Katrin bought a computer stick und I a nice red shirt.
Guided by our „special navigation system“ we found the way home easily.
Ruth

Weds. June 30, 2010

2010-07-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Time goes by so fast, that I was very busy so far. But now, half a week later, I would like to tell something about last Wednesday.
After our normal class, we were driven by Rose and Ernst to White River Jct. to rent a car, which we had already reserved in Switzerland.
Joined by Rose luckily, we had lots of discussions about fixing an insurance.
At the end, I think, we decided on a much too expensive one, but anyway, our car is a great new Jeep and we love to drive with it through Vermont.
Rose, Christina and Ruth left us to do some shopping in Lebanon while Lydia and I made a first inspection of our new wagon. We were discussing how to fix the cruise control, how to switch on lights and all these other things when Philip, the rental clerk, came to have a look at what we were still doing in the parking lot. When we told him, that I haven’t driven an automatic car the last several years and Lydia never has driven one so far, he threw his hands up, said “oh god” and hurried back to his office not before having advised us to make a trial drive in the area. We were so amused and had to laugh so hard.
But then we were ready to drive to Lebanon, where we intended to join a Jazzercise lesson because Lydia and I are a part of this kind of gymnastics in Switzerland for years. I already wrote to the instructor from home, that we would like to have a look during our stay in Bridgewater because Jazzercise’s birthplace is actually in the States. We found the building immediately where the lesson would take place and we felt at home from the first minute.
We got a very warm welcome and it was really like in Switzerland. Music, excercises, the whole procedure was the same as we are used to.
It was a very nice experience for the two of us. But because it’s rather far from our home in Vermont we think that it was a golden opportunity.
After our return, we were served by our friends with a nice snack on the porch.

katrin

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

2010-07-03T06:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday afternoon we visited Woodstock. Ruth was going to have a swim and the rest of us went shopping. I bought new jogging shoes.

Woodstock is a pretty, small town with many little shops. Unfortunately we had no time to have a coffee or a tea.
In the evening we were all together in the Pizzeria in Bridgewater. it was a very amusing evening. We were so surprised about the good mood in this place. The pizza was the best that we ever had. The cheesecake that Katrin and I shared was delicious as well.
The biggest surprise were the musicians. They played Country music and Blues. The mood in this place was so relaxed and funny We went to bed with a bad garlic breath, but in a good mood.Thank you Rose and Ernst for this good idea.

Wednesday morning we had our English lesson like every morning, but the hardest difference was: no delicious dinner.
Lydia

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

2010-07-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

After a first sight-seeing in Bridgewater, which is a very small village in Vermont, Rose drove Ruth and me to Woodstock for a little food-shopping. I like Woodstock, because we had already been here in 2006. Lots of memories came up. I e.g. bought my funny apron in a small kitchen-shop in town.
But now is 2010 and we had to go home to do our homework. The older we get, the more difficult it is, to keep words in mind. We also had to make a report out of the Rutland Herald and to do a little exercise. Because we got an explanation about baseball from Rose in the morning, Christine, Lydia and I decided to walk down the street to visit a baseball practice. We were welcomed very friendly and a man told us, that he had seen us at 3.30 pm walking along the street of Bridgewater. I think it must have been very strange, that he had remembered us.
A small supper on the porch with a pleasant get-together finished the day. I slept through the short TV-break afterwards.
Katrin

Monday, June 28, 2010

2010-07-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

Monday, our first day in Bridgewater.

Just on time at nine o`clock, we started our English lesson.
Till 11.45 we learnt a lot of everyday English: read the weather report, the horoscope, how to pay, how much tip it needs (15 %) and all about American money.

Andrea, our cook, spoilt us with a delicious meal.

In the afternoon we made a little tour with Rose through Bridgewater.

Now we will start our homework.

Christine

Sunday, June 27th 2010

2010-07-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

It`s the day we had just arrived in Vermont. We had travelled by coach from Boston to Lebanon in the late morning where we were picked up by our hosts, Rose and Ernst.
Our journey continued by car (in Rose's convertible!) and we did some sightseeing and the first shopping (to survive the very first days), when we finally arrived in this georgous cottage.
First of all we got some usefull instructions from Ernst and Rose and then after we had settled down for a moment we enjoyed a very delicious „welcome-dinner“.
Because of the rain, we moved to our balcony for the dessert. With lots of impressions from our first day we went to bed early and fell asleep immediately...
Ruth

Niagara Falls

2009-08-11T04:55:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend I took a trip to Niagara Falls with my wife. This trip was really wonderful and an unforgettable experience. The Niagara Falls belongs to the most famous natural sights in North America. Yearly over twelve million visitors come to Niagara Falls. There are two falls. The American and the Canadian. Both connect Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. A must is the boat ride with the “Maid of the Mist” to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Everbody gets a blue cape for water protection. Each evening the falls are illuminated with colored lights and three times a week there are fireworks. I hope everybody has the opportunity to see this natural wonder once in their lifetime.

Tennis and the Sheriff

2009-08-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

Monday, 26th of July in 2009
Today we had to rise and shine early. Already at 8 o’clock we headed for Rutland, equipped with our sports equipment.
At 9 o’clock the tennis-kids camp began. All kids were subdivided into three groups. In each group there were about six kids and two teachers. In the first part they warmed up and learned some technical strokes. In the second part they played some games and at the end, they had a “one-point-championship“. In the meantime Evelyne attended her lesson in ’pilates’ and Patrik his first tennis lesson with Dan.

Hungry we headed for the next supermarket after the end of the lessons at twelve. We had a lot of things to buy. Half starved we drove to a MacDonald’s afterwards; not healthy food, that may be true, but it’s fast and good - after all we burnt enough calories before!
Then we really had to go home, because at 2 o’clock our English lessons began.

Just before Bridgewater we saw the famous, feared sheriff parked along side the highway. In a newspaper article we read, we learned that he really catches many drivers who are driving too fast. Last year he distributed speeding tickets for $ 243,000!! We glanced at our speedometer and - for goodness sake - it showed a bit more than the allowed speed limit. We looked at the rearview mirror and what happened: the sheriff started his car, put on the blinkers and followed us! Our legs were like jelly and the pulse elevated, so we prepared ourselves for our first ticket in the USA. We drove on and waited, until the sheriff signaled for us to stop. There was only one car between us and the sheriff’s car and then, what happened? The sheriff caught the car behind us - sigh of relief!!

After the English lesson we spent a quiet evening on the porch. We did the homework, played together “Hornochse” and went to bed tired and content.
Written by Patrik

Golf

2009-07-28T04:51:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 18, 2009
I had a good flight from Zurich to Boston.
Sat. July 19, 2009
The bus ride was quiet and short. The majority of the passengers were sleeping and the rest were reading a book or eating something. When I arrived in White River I went straight to Thrifty, a little car rental company. For nothing. I couldn’t rent a car. So I called Rose for help. With success. Forty minutes later Ernst came.
Sunday, July 20, 2009
Weather and jet lag made me tired. So I think I had the essential calmness to play golf. Yes, the golf lesson was quite good. A pleasing start for the next four weeks.
Written by Chris

Trip to America

2009-07-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

It was a long period of preparation and at the end we really had a lot to do and to finish. But we finally made it to the airport in Zurich. We had a very pleasant flight to Boston where we picked up our car and spent the night in the La Quinta Inn. We woke up early because of the time difference. In Downtown Boston we spent a wonderful morning.

After that we continued on our way to Bridgewater where Rose and Ernst gave us a friendly welcome. As we were tired, we went to bed quite early. Sunday we used for lazing about. We also tried Patrik’s laptop, but we only had a blue screen…

On Monday we started with our daily English lessons. Right after that we went to West Lebanon for shopping, but not without a short stop for our first tacos. Of course first of all we had to see if there was a way to make the laptop run again. But we were disappointed and finally decided to buy a new one. We got a really good offer and came home with a new American laptop. So then it was time to think about food. We inspected the whole grocery store and spent a long time in there because it was so interesting to see all the new things.
The following days we spent here as well by exploring the surroundings. The kids also love to play tennis on the court across the street. So we’re there at least once a day.

For the weekend we planned a trip to the sea for whale watching. Even if it was a long trip to Rye Beach and out with the boat, we wouldn’t have missed the experience. It was amazing seeing whales in their natural habitat.
It’s hard to believe but one week in Bridgewater has already passed. But we still love it here and we learned a lot with Rose.
Written by Evelyne