Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Westward bound...

We are Seattle bound as we begin a new chapter in life. Details are still TBD so stay tuned or just give us a call.

Before I sign off I just want to say thanks to all those that have been supportive and part of my cheering squad. I appreciate all the help each of you have given me along the way.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Release your inner rock star!

Rock Band 2 has augmented our home entertainment, thanks to the yearly raffle that Sarah won, and unleashed the inner rock star in both of us. So go on indulge yourself or come join us and rock out!


Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Halloween and a new baby - Lyla

Colleen and I have been friends since 5th grade - and it's a friendship that is still going strong!

On Halloween, Brian and I went down to visit the Ladd's. Gwen was a perfect
Raggedy Ann and Colleen let me play along. We went trick-or-treating with Gwen, and it was hysterical. She was more interested in the dogs living at each house than the candy.

We had to get back down to visit the following weekend because Lyla Jane was born on November 3. I have no doubt she'll be as cute as her older sister!

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Classic Egypt - Pyramids and Sphinx

Pyramids of Giza, with our traveling group


Guard on a camel, with the pyramids in the background


Sarah, Brian and a Sphinx that has his nose


Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza


This is one of Sarah's favorite pictures...
A step pyramid (the oldest type of pyramid)
with cobras in the foreground to serve as protection.


This is one of Brian's favorites....

Hieroglyphics

Brian and I have really enjoyed all the travel that we have been able to do. But somehow traveling to Egypt was different. Really different. "Traveling" itself was easy. We traveled in the tourist areas and had Mohammad with us at all times. We always knew where and when we were going, and someone figured out the logistics.

Interesting (and total side note) by Egyptian law, because we were Americans, we were required to have an armed guard (to include semi-automatic weapons) with us at all times. It didn't feel necessary, but it's kind of like getting a free drink while out at the bar: thanks, and why not?!

ANYWAY - Hieroglyphics. They were AMAZING. And everywhere. Once the wall/column was constructed, they would cover it with a plaster, and either "stamp" or carve in the hieroglyphs.

This is documentation of what offerings were made to the god each day. A temple may have been to honor numerous gods, but it was all about keeping them happy.


This is a cartouche:

According to Wikipedia, "a cartouche is an oblong enclosure with a horizontal line at one end, indicating that the text enclosed is a royal name." Because the figures inside are facing the left, you would know to read this from the left to the right. I don't remember exactly who this is for, but the circle represents the sun, pronounced "Ra" and I think it represents Ramses.


Now this one? Not a clue. Brian took the picture and then included it in the post, but it doesn't mean anything particular to me. I can tell you, the symbol in the center is the key of life representing eternity. The bugs? They look cool, though...


Now this one is from Karnak Temple. This is the first spread sheet. Okay, not really, but it looked like it to me. Back to documenting offerings. The symbols across the top were offerings, down the left are days, and where they intersect is how much. Now that's cool!


First Spread Sheet

Besides these pictures, we saw amazing hieroglyphics in the Valley of the Kings and we visited a tomb of a noble that was incredible. We couldn't take pictures inside though, so you'll have to take my word for it.