Easy on Sunday afternoon

Today we took a little day-trip to Oberaegeri, in the Canton of Zug. It was a beautiful sunny day and we hadn’t been on a long walk with Lucky since before I left for the States last November – so we seized the day, as it were. Since Zug is only about 25 kilometers from Zurich, it wasn’t long before we were on the bus winding our way up to Oberaegeri. After walking a bit along the Aegerisee (the Lake of Aegeri), we found the Wanderweg and wandered on up – until we reached some wonderful views. Lucky held up better than I did. I was happy to have him pull me up the steeper parts of the path. The tricky part is when he is later, on the way down – when he is trying to pull me down the steep trails. Thankfully Jesse brought along my trekking poles, and I was happy to use one to keep myself upright. It was a great way to spend the afternoon, and I hope you enjoy the photos below.

Arosa, Switzerland February 2008

“She’s got diamonds on the soles of her shoes” – Paul Simon

Jesse had to leave Susan and Lucky behind and head to South Africa on business for ten days. This is the beginning of a monthly shuttle between Switzerland and South Africa. Maybe Susan can get some South African diamonds for her shoes. Below are photos of temporary home away from home for the next six months.

"Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a washing machine." W. Goldberg

We’re back to “normal” here in Zurich. Or as I often refer to it … “my other normal”. After being back in the States for two months, enjoying the luxury of much time spent with family and long-time friends, I wondered how it was going to feel to be back in Switzerland. Well, I miss the folks back home very much, but I am happy to be here, enjoying this unique time in our lives, and all the pleasures it affords. And I think Lucky is too! He missed the long walks we enjoy together here; yet he made himself right at home on his old couch in South Elgin. Jesse joined us in mid-December, and spent as much time as possible in his darkroom, naturally. Below you’ll find a few snapshots of Anchorage, Alaska (my original home) and my family there; as well as photos from Illinois and our immediate family. Which is growing, by the way! Toby and Melissa shared the happy news with us that our first grandbaby is coming in June! Thanks for looking at our blog, and Happy New Year.

Pizza before Susan returns to Switzerland

Susan and Luck shovel the snow in Illinois
Allison and her rice paper painting. Jesse brought it back from Hong Kong.

The entire family in the same place at the same time.

Amberly and Nate love "The Office"

Melissa, Toby and baby on the way

View from Jesse's office, Zug Switzerland

Nancy and daughter Katelin, Bellingham Washington

Susan and Katelin, Bellingham Washington

Katelin's dog, Bellingham Washington

Moose playing in the snow, Anchorage Alaska

Susan, Amberly and Allison playing in the snow, Anchorage Alaska

Mt. Susitna across the Cook Inlet, Anchorage Alaska

Alaska's equivalent to squirrels

Nate getting a shot of a moose, Anchorage Alaska

Susan's parents, Dick and Carol, at the Arctic Roadrunner Restaurant, Anchorage Alaska

Famous Alaska Banquet Burger from the Arctic Roadrunner

Now that is a regular customer
Just a light snack of tree, Anchorage Alaska

"Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet..." Rudyard Kipling

Susan and Lucky headed west to Chicago November 1. Susan, then went to Alaska to spend Thanksgiving with her family. Jesse headed east to Hong Kong on business.


Hong Kong is a nice place, however, the air has been spoiled by the factories and power plants in southern China. The food is excellent and varied.



Below are a few photos, taken into between business engagements.

"Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet..." Rudyard Kipling

Susan and Lucky headed west to Chicago November 1. Susan, then went to Alaska to spend Thanksgiving with her family. Jesse headed east to Hong Kong on business. Meanwhile, Toby split the difference and went to Egypt.

Hong Kong is a nice place, however, the air has been spoiled by the factories and power plants in southern China. The food is excellent and varied.

Below are a few photos from Hong Kong, taken into between business engagements.

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”John Muir

What have we been doing in the past month or so? Spending as much time as possible in the mountains! Including …staying a few nights, at the end of September, in Zermatt and getting great views of the Matterhorn; taking the mountain train up Rigi in October, with it’s spectacular circular view; staying overnight in Muerren and waking up to see the mountains from our balcony; not to mention taking a boat ride on Lake Luzern surrounded by too many mountains to list. In the midst of all these wanderings, my friend Karen came from St. Charles to soak-up some mountain beauty for herself. I will try to encourage Jesse not to post too many photos below, but it’s probably a waste of time! Thanks for viewing.

Lord Lucky looks over his realm, Bellizona Switzerland

Grand Castle of Bellinzona Switzerland

Coffee with a Castle

Moonrise over Lake Lugano, Lugano Switzerland

Susan and Lucky enjoying the sun in Lugano Switzerland

View of Lake Lugano from San Salvatore, Lugano Switzerland

Outside our hotel, Lugano Switzerland

Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau mountains from Muerren Switzerland

Jesse and Karen photograph the Eiger, Muerren Switzerland
Sunrise over the Eiger, Muerren Switzerland

Karen at Schilthorn
Alphorn player atop Schilthorn

Susan and Karen visited Appenzell on the Susan MaySwitzerland Tour

Luzern, Another stop on the Susan May Switzerland Tour

Ready to launch

Mountain high
Karen and Susan on top of Rigi