YUMMY!!!! A patient of mine brought in a cake last week--I have the best patients. It was so delicious, I asked for the recipe.
1 box devils food cake
3 1/2 ox instant vanilla or Chocolate pudding mix
3 eggs
1c Kaluha
2/3 c oil
1 c sour cream
6 oz (or more if you want) chocolate chips
Sifted powdered sugar
Mix together first 6 ingredients and beat for 3 minutes until well blended. Stir in Chocolate chips. Pour into greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 F for 55 minutes (check at 45 minutes for some reason top likes to burn) Loosen from pan and flip onto plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
I am making it right now for a Hawaiian theme cook out. Enjoy!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Dobry den Praha (Hello from Prague--in Czech)
We just returned from an extremely memorable trip to Prague! So much more captivating than I anticipated...strong Christian influences, amazing churches, excellent food, rich in history (some relics dated from BC era!!!)--not to mention most buildings were established well before Columbus discovered America, We walked over tombs of Saints and Bishops, mets some friendly locals at various establishments while we enjoyed Czech pivo (beer). So, be prepared for a bombardment of photos. I may have to do this in stages....
Day 1... We arrived early in the morning...Thanks to my husband booking a 6 am flight at an airport 1 hour away...Love ya hun! We dropped off our luggage at Hotel Waldenstein in the Little Quarter (Prague is organized into 5 areas and Little quarter is the most central). We walked over the Charles Bridge into Old Quarter. The Charles bridge crosses over the Vlatava and is lined with several statues. Here is a photo of Peggy and I halfway across the 520 meter bridge that was built in 1357. In the background is the Prague Castle with the St. Vitus Cathedral.
Here is a view looking back to Little Quarter. you can see several of the statues.
Aaron and I in front of St. John Nepomuk, who was tortured and thrown off the bridge in the late 1300's. The reliefs on the statue depict the martyrdom of the saint. They are polished bright from people rubbing it for good luck.
Aaron and Peggy in the Old Quarter overlooking the Vltava and Little Quarter, with the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral in the background.
Aaron and I goofing off in front of the US Embassy
Our quaint hotel room...no, all three of us did not have to sleep in two twin beds. There was an additional bedroom off of this one.
Day 2. We walked up to the Prague castle. This was taken at a scenic overlook
The next few are of the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Castle. We rented audiophones that explained the Gothic architecture of the grounds and the religious artifacts. Several Bishops are buried here.
It was nice to have the Audiotours because it explained the significance of the various Popes and Bishops to the Czech church and the meaning of the frescos, stained glass, and the various chapels off the High Alter.
We climbed 287 steps of the Great South Tower of the St. Vitus Cathedral. It was a spiral staircase that was filled with the odor of the Europeans and became very interesting when meeting oncoming "traffic". But, the view was worth it!
We took a break at a pub on the way back to our hotel. A typical Prague street in the background
Day 3...We visited the Church of St. Nicholas. It is interesting that these Churches sat empty during the Communist Rule (from approx 1948-1989) because of a ban on organized religion
The dome frescoes were incredible!!!
Yeah!!! Starbucks!!! Although it was about 7 dollars for my Venti Caramel Macchiato. Prague is going to the Euro next year and are currently using the Czech Koruna. There are approximately 16 Koruna in 1 US Dollar...made for some interesting math. Next time...bring a calculator.
Next, we toured the Wallenstein Palace and Gardens, home of the Czech Senate. Here is a pic of Aaron and I in front of a pond with a Statue of Hercules (you can see the Church of St. Nicholas in the background)
Aaron and Peggy in one of several gardens on the property. In the back left corner is what is called the Grotesquery...it looked like carvings of people scaling a wall in the distance, but is a imitation of the walls of a limestone cave, covered in stalactites.
Have you ever seen an albino peacock? There were several peacocks "chirping" away in the gardens. What can I say...I have sympathy for this one...its not easy being pale complected.
At one of our favorite restaurants...St. Nicholas Cafe.
Aaron in front of the US Embassy. He was able to go inside and speak with one of the Ambassadors. Had we been in town for a bit longer, he offered to give us a tour of the City. He stated that the US Embassy in Prague is one of the softest targets because there is not a 100 yard perimeter around the building. But, they do check all cars driving past the Embassy and will not allow cars to stop in front.
This is Old Town Square with a huge astronomical clock and more beautiful Churches and sculptures.
Aaron was extremely patient with Peggy and I while we shopped for crystal and various Souvenirs, so Aaron's one request was to find U Flexu. A brewery that was established in 1499. It was a lot of fun. We sat at a long table, a waiter brought us all a beer and convinced us to try some shot of the nastiest tasting alcohol. And, when you were finished with your beer, you received another...like it or not. These really cute old guys were playing mostly German music (our table was filled with crazy Germans...I can say that since I am part German). It was quite the lively atmosphere...a good, mild preparation for our trip to Munich in October.
Prague at night, on our way back to the hotel
Day 4...our last day. We have logged quite a few miles of walking throughout Prague (to help burn off the Czech Goulash and Potato Dumplings, Beer, and Pizza we have consumed). We never utilized public transportation (although, their Trams appeared to be very clean and easy to use)..our hotel was in such a central location. Today, we took our time checking out of our hotel, shopping for the last minute souvenirs we wanted to buy, and trekked up a large hill to the Strahov Monastery (founded in 1140). It provided for some beautiful last views of the city before we flew out.
Hope you enjoyed these photos...it took FOREVER (2 hours) to post them all.
Oh, and while we were enjoying ourselves in Prague, someone in California was enjoying a shopping spree with my Bank Card!!! Luckily, my bank froze my card (the thieves managed to spend over $700.00 and it could have been worse) and the case is going to the Fraud Investigation Dept...gotta love ID theft! Hopefully it gets resolved before our cruise. Intersting...my card is in my wallet and they must have made a duplicate card...
Day 1... We arrived early in the morning...Thanks to my husband booking a 6 am flight at an airport 1 hour away...Love ya hun! We dropped off our luggage at Hotel Waldenstein in the Little Quarter (Prague is organized into 5 areas and Little quarter is the most central). We walked over the Charles Bridge into Old Quarter. The Charles bridge crosses over the Vlatava and is lined with several statues. Here is a photo of Peggy and I halfway across the 520 meter bridge that was built in 1357. In the background is the Prague Castle with the St. Vitus Cathedral.
Here is a view looking back to Little Quarter. you can see several of the statues.
Aaron and I in front of St. John Nepomuk, who was tortured and thrown off the bridge in the late 1300's. The reliefs on the statue depict the martyrdom of the saint. They are polished bright from people rubbing it for good luck.
Aaron and Peggy in the Old Quarter overlooking the Vltava and Little Quarter, with the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral in the background.
Aaron and I goofing off in front of the US Embassy
Our quaint hotel room...no, all three of us did not have to sleep in two twin beds. There was an additional bedroom off of this one.
Day 2. We walked up to the Prague castle. This was taken at a scenic overlook
The next few are of the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Castle. We rented audiophones that explained the Gothic architecture of the grounds and the religious artifacts. Several Bishops are buried here.
It was nice to have the Audiotours because it explained the significance of the various Popes and Bishops to the Czech church and the meaning of the frescos, stained glass, and the various chapels off the High Alter.
We climbed 287 steps of the Great South Tower of the St. Vitus Cathedral. It was a spiral staircase that was filled with the odor of the Europeans and became very interesting when meeting oncoming "traffic". But, the view was worth it!
We took a break at a pub on the way back to our hotel. A typical Prague street in the background
Day 3...We visited the Church of St. Nicholas. It is interesting that these Churches sat empty during the Communist Rule (from approx 1948-1989) because of a ban on organized religion
The dome frescoes were incredible!!!
Yeah!!! Starbucks!!! Although it was about 7 dollars for my Venti Caramel Macchiato. Prague is going to the Euro next year and are currently using the Czech Koruna. There are approximately 16 Koruna in 1 US Dollar...made for some interesting math. Next time...bring a calculator.
Next, we toured the Wallenstein Palace and Gardens, home of the Czech Senate. Here is a pic of Aaron and I in front of a pond with a Statue of Hercules (you can see the Church of St. Nicholas in the background)
Aaron and Peggy in one of several gardens on the property. In the back left corner is what is called the Grotesquery...it looked like carvings of people scaling a wall in the distance, but is a imitation of the walls of a limestone cave, covered in stalactites.
Have you ever seen an albino peacock? There were several peacocks "chirping" away in the gardens. What can I say...I have sympathy for this one...its not easy being pale complected.
At one of our favorite restaurants...St. Nicholas Cafe.
Aaron in front of the US Embassy. He was able to go inside and speak with one of the Ambassadors. Had we been in town for a bit longer, he offered to give us a tour of the City. He stated that the US Embassy in Prague is one of the softest targets because there is not a 100 yard perimeter around the building. But, they do check all cars driving past the Embassy and will not allow cars to stop in front.
This is Old Town Square with a huge astronomical clock and more beautiful Churches and sculptures.
Aaron was extremely patient with Peggy and I while we shopped for crystal and various Souvenirs, so Aaron's one request was to find U Flexu. A brewery that was established in 1499. It was a lot of fun. We sat at a long table, a waiter brought us all a beer and convinced us to try some shot of the nastiest tasting alcohol. And, when you were finished with your beer, you received another...like it or not. These really cute old guys were playing mostly German music (our table was filled with crazy Germans...I can say that since I am part German). It was quite the lively atmosphere...a good, mild preparation for our trip to Munich in October.
Prague at night, on our way back to the hotel
Day 4...our last day. We have logged quite a few miles of walking throughout Prague (to help burn off the Czech Goulash and Potato Dumplings, Beer, and Pizza we have consumed). We never utilized public transportation (although, their Trams appeared to be very clean and easy to use)..our hotel was in such a central location. Today, we took our time checking out of our hotel, shopping for the last minute souvenirs we wanted to buy, and trekked up a large hill to the Strahov Monastery (founded in 1140). It provided for some beautiful last views of the city before we flew out.
Hope you enjoyed these photos...it took FOREVER (2 hours) to post them all.
Oh, and while we were enjoying ourselves in Prague, someone in California was enjoying a shopping spree with my Bank Card!!! Luckily, my bank froze my card (the thieves managed to spend over $700.00 and it could have been worse) and the case is going to the Fraud Investigation Dept...gotta love ID theft! Hopefully it gets resolved before our cruise. Intersting...my card is in my wallet and they must have made a duplicate card...
Monday, May 12, 2008
Local scenes
We are excited to have Peggy (Aaron's mom) visiting us for 10 days. She flew in Mother's Day, we were able to celebrate with her. She was able to sleep a lot on the plane, so we decided to visit Cambridge and go out for Sushi
Here is Aaron and Peggy in front of Kings College (one of 31 colleges within Cambridge University)
Then, just down the street, we visited Trinity College. It has the largest enclosed green of any campus in Europe.
And, a trip to Cambridge, isn't complete without Punting...especially on a beautiful day (we have been blessed with 75+ temps and sun for the past week....a rare find in England)
Today...I had to work while Aaron and Peggy got to play--not FAIR!!! Here is a pic of me in my new uniform with my major rank. Check out those boots...they can do some real damage!
They went to the Ely Cathedral which is a Church of England. The church was built in the 1100s. We went to mass here for the Easter Vigil and it is based in Catholicism. However, it separated from the Catholic Church in the 16th century because Henry the VIII wanted to divorce his wife (after he apparently beheaded 6 other wives because they couldn't bear him a son) and the Catholic Church wouldn't let him. It is incredible to think that this church was established well before America was discovered.
They did a tour that takes you up through windy staircases onto the roof of the Octagon Tower with views of the English Countryside and allows you to look down into the church.
And, here are some photos of some of our friends that we had over for a BBQ on Friday night.
The first is of me and Marissa. She is married to Chris, who I work with, and she is an Active Duty Emergency Room Nurse.
Here is a photo of Aaron, Travis (seated), and Chris--what a bunch of great looking guys (especially the one on the left)
Please say a prayer for several of our friends that recently left for deployment. Steve (our neighbor) is in Afghanistan for 5 months, Brian (one of the swimming parents) is in Qatar for 5 months, and Travis (Aaron's main golfing buddy) is in a classified location for at least two months. I know that they would all appreciate your prayers and support!
That is all for now. We will post again when we return from Prague!
Here is Aaron and Peggy in front of Kings College (one of 31 colleges within Cambridge University)
Then, just down the street, we visited Trinity College. It has the largest enclosed green of any campus in Europe.
And, a trip to Cambridge, isn't complete without Punting...especially on a beautiful day (we have been blessed with 75+ temps and sun for the past week....a rare find in England)
Today...I had to work while Aaron and Peggy got to play--not FAIR!!! Here is a pic of me in my new uniform with my major rank. Check out those boots...they can do some real damage!
They went to the Ely Cathedral which is a Church of England. The church was built in the 1100s. We went to mass here for the Easter Vigil and it is based in Catholicism. However, it separated from the Catholic Church in the 16th century because Henry the VIII wanted to divorce his wife (after he apparently beheaded 6 other wives because they couldn't bear him a son) and the Catholic Church wouldn't let him. It is incredible to think that this church was established well before America was discovered.
They did a tour that takes you up through windy staircases onto the roof of the Octagon Tower with views of the English Countryside and allows you to look down into the church.
And, here are some photos of some of our friends that we had over for a BBQ on Friday night.
The first is of me and Marissa. She is married to Chris, who I work with, and she is an Active Duty Emergency Room Nurse.
Here is a photo of Aaron, Travis (seated), and Chris--what a bunch of great looking guys (especially the one on the left)
Please say a prayer for several of our friends that recently left for deployment. Steve (our neighbor) is in Afghanistan for 5 months, Brian (one of the swimming parents) is in Qatar for 5 months, and Travis (Aaron's main golfing buddy) is in a classified location for at least two months. I know that they would all appreciate your prayers and support!
That is all for now. We will post again when we return from Prague!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Feel Like a Resident Again
Well, the past week has been crazy!!! I have been on call and have been in the OR three times after hours, had a patient in the Intensive Care Unit and spent way too many hours in the hospital--and, it wasn't even trauma call! I think I averaged three-four hours of sleep/night. And, to top it off we had a mock mass casualty exercise at the hospital Monday so we played "war games" which lasted from our recall at 4 am until dinner. So, I am very much looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I haven't had a week like this since residency. Still nothing like the 100 + hours/week of residency...which my friend Shannon (seen here) is still enjoying. I am really hoping she comes here next year. Watch out "Team Estrogen" (we were the only two females of 12 residents). 
I also was promoted to the rank of Major this past week and can formally wear the new rank/uniform on Monday...
Here are a few pics from my promotion ceremony. It is a formal military event and I am wearing my Service Dress. Col McDonnel, our med group commander is on the left, and Col Wilson, the dental squadron commander is on the right.
Then, after the formal battery of "Take-Shake-Salutes", Aaron and Brad (the other surgeon with me) "pinned" me (took off my Captain Bars, and pinned the Major Rank on)
Here is a pic of Aaron and I after the ceremony.
Friday, I sponsored a tab at the Officers Club for the other docs I work with and some of the parents from the Swim Team. It was a bit too much fun...definitely felt it the next day.
Here is a pic of me, Jess, and Heather...we decided to "help ourselves" behind the bar.
We are gearing up for a busy few weeks. Peggy is coming to visit on Sunday for 10 days and we will be going to Prague next week. Then, about two weeks after she leaves, Aaron and I go on our 14 day cruise in the Mediterranean! Other upcoming trips: British Open in July, Normandy with my parents and uncle Dave in August, and Munich for Octoberfest...for all of you that are jealous...get your butts on over here and visit us! We don't want to hear the excuse about how the Dollar is weak against the Pound and Euro...you get a free place to crash, chauffeur, and some great entertainment...what more can you ask for!
I also was promoted to the rank of Major this past week and can formally wear the new rank/uniform on Monday...
Here are a few pics from my promotion ceremony. It is a formal military event and I am wearing my Service Dress. Col McDonnel, our med group commander is on the left, and Col Wilson, the dental squadron commander is on the right.
Then, after the formal battery of "Take-Shake-Salutes", Aaron and Brad (the other surgeon with me) "pinned" me (took off my Captain Bars, and pinned the Major Rank on)
Here is a pic of Aaron and I after the ceremony.
Friday, I sponsored a tab at the Officers Club for the other docs I work with and some of the parents from the Swim Team. It was a bit too much fun...definitely felt it the next day.Here is a pic of me, Jess, and Heather...we decided to "help ourselves" behind the bar.
We are gearing up for a busy few weeks. Peggy is coming to visit on Sunday for 10 days and we will be going to Prague next week. Then, about two weeks after she leaves, Aaron and I go on our 14 day cruise in the Mediterranean! Other upcoming trips: British Open in July, Normandy with my parents and uncle Dave in August, and Munich for Octoberfest...for all of you that are jealous...get your butts on over here and visit us! We don't want to hear the excuse about how the Dollar is weak against the Pound and Euro...you get a free place to crash, chauffeur, and some great entertainment...what more can you ask for!
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