Random pictures

Grandma and her latest quilt projects

Ben & Will

Lil A & Calvin helping in the kitchen

Decorating Thanksgiving cookies

Lil A & Macy helping make Monkey Bread

Doug & Calvin

Freddy the Frog from school and cousin frog from Perry, Iowa



Getting ready for Uno



Istanbul Turkey

After the Greece tour we flew to Istanbul for a one week stay there. A fascinating city - 13million population, street traffic is very crowed and congested - one way streets and do not turn signs are ignored. The mosques, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market are just a few of the highlights.

Blue Mosque

 

Inside Blue Mosque - We were allowed to observe a Call to Prayer with an Imam presiding

Entrance to Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace grounds

View of a mosque from the domed rooftop over Han Shops

Turkish coffee - lots of grounds at the bottom of the cup



Thyme tea and mulberry juice



Mary & tour members after a Turkish bath - Notice when the building was built



Blue Mosque



Spice Market

Tea is delivered to merchants in Bazaar & Spice Market

Dinner @ small corner outdoor cafe

Grand Bazaar Fabric shop

Pita bread before the air comes out of it

Turkish pizza



Hagia Sophia



Athens & Greece Tour

After 4 nights at Oia on Santorini Island, we flew back to Athens, the day before our tour started. We toured Athens and the Pelopennese Pennisula for 2 weeks. It was quite impressive to see ruins and items from  2700 to 3000 years ago. Lots of walking and hiking, great scenery, yummy food, and memories for both of us.

Parthenon @ Acroplis in Athens

 

Archelogical Museum - Athens - Awards for wrestling events

Olympia - Home of first Olympic Games



Archelogical Museum - Athens

Changing of the guard - Tomb of Unknown Soldier - Athens

Sardine lunch @ Kardamyli harbor

Looking back to town after 2 hour hike on Monamvasia

Refreshing salad lunch & beer after Monamvasia hike

Lunch on Souvalki Row in Athens

Delphi near site of Oracle

Island of Hydra - No vehicles - Donkeys carried goods up the hills and steps

Iced coffee drinks @ Hydra harbor taverna

Donkeys @ Hydra harbor

Last meal in Athens - Acropolis in background

Santorini Island of Greece





Our first day in Oia Santorini - Great place to fight off jet lag.

  



Traditional Greek breakfast - yogurt and honey - What a view to start the day!!

   





Mary's favorrite roadside stand - homemade tomato paste, canned eggplant, olive oil, olives etc.etc

  





Yogurt with honey & walnuts breakfast - Mary had fruit added to hers. YUM!!



Afternoon break from sightseeing - Mezes and Mythos beer

Two of many great sunsets



One of the most photographed spots on the island



Our tiny balconey was big enough for wine and olives

Authentic Greek food Moussaka - a Greek lasagna type of dish  @ a fun Taverna



Nice dinner with great sunset view