Spring ahead

April 13, 2008

Spring appears to have arrived in Switzerland.  At least that is our hope.  Tomorrow night it is Sechaulauten.  That is the day here that officially buries winter and welcomes in spring.  They mark the occasion by lighting a "snowman" in the square downtown. 

He is filled with fireworks and summer will be here quickly and stay longer, depending upon the time it takes for the snowman to explode. 

Of course everyone takes the occasion to dress up in their guild costumes and with their bands, march around the snowman.  As this comes close to the other spring celebration, May Day, there is some rivalry between the workers party and the guilds.  The snowman is locked in the vault of one of the banks near the Opera House until the appointed time.    

It is one year ago this month that the three of us headed to Switzerland on a holiday, at least a holiday for Tara and me.  While we spoke of how it might be to live here permanently, we did not imagine that it would come to pass.  We can say without reservation, that the last few months has been a wonderful adventure. 

Not all changes turn out as you expect them, in fact, they never do.  I think perhaps when we fear change or resist it, we miss opportunities, walk past the good things change brings us along with those not so good moments. 

Maybe when we look for happiness, beauty, and good fortune in the moments of change, we stumble upon them.        

I understand from some of my friends with whom I worked in the US, some for thirty years, that they are going through some changes.  A number are no longer with the firm and others are in new roles or reporting to new managers. 

Those who remain are deeply concerned and worried about their futures.

I am certain I would have the same concerns, were I in their shoes today.  The difference for me in the past few years is that I now look for change and more, I chase it.  

This is nothing really new for Teri, but for me it is a wholly radical and life altering.  If one can stay on the edge of change then nothing unexpected can be unwelcome.  Moreover, if one can initiate the change themselves, they exert more control over their lives than those who react to the change that comes their way.        

Tara changes daily, growing so much in the past few months.  She is quite an interesting person now, with her own interests and ideas.  We travel together to her school each day by train and have a nice chat about all things that come to mind.        

We are all looking forward to seeing Justin come here for the summer.  We will take the opportunity to explore beyond the Canton of Zurich.  We have a list of places we must see and explore over the next few years, and with Justin here, we will get to a number of them.

Next weekend, Teri is taking us to Luzern.  She has a meeting there so Tara and I are tagging along.  Tara has a movie camp during her spring break the following week so we will head back by train that Sunday.  Teri comes back Tuesday but is off again Wednesday to Copenhagen for a night.  Of course, the week after we all fly back to Kansas for a short visit.   

I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.  We will get is some Bingo and some shopping for those things we miss here.  Of course, we will also get our fill of BBQ and other local fare.     

Duchess and Coco are staying with Gabriella while we are gone.  She of course is our dog walker so the girls will have

an easier time of it.  

We saw the good new about KU.  While you might expect that there is little conversation about things happening in the US (other that the election buzz), we are weekly finding connections here to places and people back there.  Just the other day, Teri was having lunch with someone from who mentioned that they attended my high school in Pennsylvania.  I met someone just last week who lived for a time in Olathe.    

I hope this note finds everyone well and happy.  I know each of you face changes in your lives today.  Some are difficult and will not bring you what you hoped for.  Other changes will take you places you could never have dreamed.  My wish is that you find the good in both paths of change.     

Bob