WOW! I haven't written in a long time. Whoa! Slow down, I can't handle so many questions at once. Yes, I am alive and kicking in the Czech Republic. I have been extremely busy to the point of just wanting to stay in bed for a few days. But alas, no rest for the weary. I will give you a brief update on what has happened in the last month.

Lena and I went to the opening of a Czech Folklorica muesum exhibit with our neighbor, Mr. Zdenek. Mr. Zdenek is 73 years old and is enjoying practicing his English with the two of us. The exhibit was great. There was live traditional Czech music and free wine and snacks. Mr. Zdenek got a little happy after a few glasses of wine and begain to quiz us on our Czech. He decided to see if we knew some of the bad words, too. Needless to say, all three of us were embarassed at one point. He didn't think we would know them.

Ah, yes...my birthday. I had a nice day at school. There was a party for all the teachers whose birthdays were in Sept and Oct. I got roses, chocolates and some nice handmade Czech pottery. But I was too busy planning some offical ESI visits that I was unable to really celebrate. Mr. Zdenek picked some fresh mushrooms from the forest and cooked them for me. He also made a little flowerbox with the mushrooms you can't eat. They look like the red mushrooms that the Smurfs live in. It was very nice of him and I love mushrooms. Mr. Zdenek and I went to a Jazz Concert the next night. The old man kept me out past midnight. I was sooooo tired. It's sad when a 73 year-old can kick it longer than you. But the music was great and I saw some pretty famous Jazz musicans.

Last week was our fall break. Mandy Welch came in and we spent our time in Prague and Vienna. Vienna is so beautiful!!! So much to see and do. It's always a nice day when you can just hang at a palace. Those Hapsburgs sure knew how to live! The weather was gorgeous. Sunny and in the 60's. Couldn't have asked for a better weekend. It is always fun showing people the places I have discovered in Europe. But we had even more fun discovering local places with no tourists. We hung out and made friends and just enjoyed life. It was a good break from my busy schedule and even better to share it with someone from home.

So the election is upon us and there is no decisive winner as of this writting. It seems that the lawyers will get there say in this election, too. Is this what we have come to? The people can't decide on there own? I hope things will be more cut and dry than last time but....we'll see. So let me know what's going on in Texas or where ever you hang your hat. And guess what folks....I'll be home for Christmas. So see y'all in about 6 weeks! Woo Hoo!

Blessings,
Jessica