Olympic Energy, Hearts Swelling

Yes, it is the energy, the "chi" that comes from hearts swelling
in the midst of this "oneness of humanity" that also deserves a gold.

Quick comments:

The party kept growing, Vancouver explodes with "Olympicmania"

Shane's poem = We are more...please, thank you...zed not zero...

Aboriginal artistry excellence from the four nations

Canadian humor and the three legged cauldron

Hearts swelling

New Canadian heroes

Sid the kid

The luxury of Swiss House Fondue while watching the hockey game

USA Miller MVP even though "Canada IS Hockey"

Closing explosion and the beaver returns

Closing Ceremonies right back where I started with broadcasters!

Basking in the afterglow

Vancouver 2010 Closing Ceremony

Briefly, here's what happened. After waiting around for a possible ticket on Denman Street, met my family, Michael, Joan, Gian, Marissa, Isa, and Benicio, all ticketless, at Granville Island inside the upper dining room of The Swiss House, which was a comfy great spot to watch the exciting USA-Canada Hockey Game. Then we all took the Aquabus and made our way back to the downtown area and was surprised to get close to the entry of BC Place without hearing, "You can't go further without a ticket". Then got my sign-making kit out. (a few others borrowed my big MAGIC marker, : ). Michael and Joan went to rest from the walk and watch Isa, and then after of few minutes of nothing much, reminded those around me to Think of the Olympic Spirit and...Opaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Spectacular Closing Ceremony at BC Place

Can you believe how BIG the Olympic Spirit must be...it got all of us...Michael, Joan, Gian, Marissa, Isa, Benicio and me into BC Place for a spectacular Closing Ceremony!!! (Just returned, it took hours to walk 9 blocks to my home away from home because of so many incredible spontaneous street celebrations!!!) Opaaaaaaaaaa!

Cocktails, Cowbells, Coins at Vancouver Olympic Games

Am listing now, will add details of most of these topics later:

Heineken Holland House again wins gold medal for fun, music and spirit

Alarm set for 2:30 A.M!

Computer Software "crowd-ware"

Huge projections on building walls

Aboriginal Pavillion and Homes of the Future

O-Zone with more aboriginal art

Street entertainment, music and canadian flags everywhere

Robson Square and the zip line

Cost = millions, Canadian pride will continue to be worth billions

Hudson Bay online = no waiting IN line

Ste'en and the snowboarding judges

Patriotism blooming like the magnolias

Smitten with mitten decoration...Lions and Inukshuk wears'm as well!

Fun food = from lamb popsicles to japadogs and jamaican paddies at Yaletown

From the main P.O. for coins and Olympic cancelation and stamps to the hockey game

Canada VS USA comin' up

Headin' for only short lines when drizzling

Hot Chocolate on the streets, and Catholic Charity Hospitality near BC Place

Pin trading, yes!

New Canada Line, Sky Train, Aqua bus, Sea Train and local bus drivers!

Ziggy created hundreds of Inukshuks at the wastelands across from Olympic Village

Raquelette, Udon and Ukrainian Specialties

Shirley and Gian also make it to Canada, O Canada

Evan, Patrick, Joannie, Shaun...

Ohhh Ca-na-dahhh

Glorious, all of it:

Stanley Park Torch Run

Inukshuk Torch Ceremony at English Bay

Paddlers carrying the flame

Curling Events

German House

Italy House

The People's Place, Granville Island

Yaletown

Grouse Mountain Today Show

Cambie Street Lights

Caldron with Flame, Thurlow and water

BC Pavillion at Robson Square

Art Museum

The Mint

Favorite sign today, "Get your photo taken with a Canadian Free”

Hydrogen Highway, high powered, Chevy Equinox with zero emission

Catching a Few ZZZ's Prior to Snowboarding Event at Cypress Mountain

In a few hours I'll be off to the Cypress Mountain Venue!

Had a grand mini family reunion, this time with Ste'en Webster, my nephew, and his mates, a global team of Snowboarding Officials from Norway, Japan, Spain, Sweden and yes, "but of course...New Zealand!"

Here is part of the result of yesterday's interview that was taken while we made a pit stop so my lovely niece, Marissa could nurse our presioso Benicio.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/olympicoutsiders/2011070047_video_olympic_profile_patches.html

The Excitement of Vancouver...

The excitement in Vancouver keeps me from writing for now, will catch up later because...the sun is shining. And yes, it is V Day...Victory Day, Vancouver Day, Valentine's Day!

Met m'wonderful family yesterday and strolled in the decorated streets of Vancouver. There was Joan, Michael, Marissa (a super mom), Seth (a super dad), Isa, Nicio (their babes), birthday Joe, and Mikey. We somehow were able to stick together from Hudson Bay, to Waterfront, to Steamers Bar, to the Olympic Flame (all protected and fenced in right now) and then Robson Square. What good sports, the weather stops noone!

Was interviewed by Seattle Times with my vest of patches from many former Olympic Games.

Am off to my favorite Ukrainian Restaurant for a bite and then to Lonsdale Quay to meet my nephew, Ste'en Webster, who is an official at Cypress Mountain at the Snowboarding event.

Celebration amped up here for Chinese New Year, so...Gung Hei Fat Choi everyone!

Saw Opening Ceremony Rehearsal with a Glowing Heart!

With a glowing heart, sitting among the best of the best, there I was, wishing the rest of the world could be "seeing the world from where I was".

What fun is it...to open a present when you already know what is inside? So of course, no need to write and spoil any surprises! Oh Canada!

Preparation for Vancouver

One of my ongoing goals in life is to do things that I have never done.

THIS is my first home swap!

Spring cleaning early, must clear table tops and make some space in the closets of our small home. First phase was shuffling things around. Progress was slow. Had to read my preferred articles prior to tossing magazines, had to repair useful broken items, wash almost everything, consume older pantry items and finish "too much" paper work.

According to the hobbits, "mathoms" are things we don't really need but cannot bare to throw away. Had to sift through many mathoms that I had squirrled away. Found some things to pass along, and some things that were third-hand and were too old for the good will.

Am beginning to think house swapping might be good, even for the soul. (except I haven't had enough time for my ocean dips and sunset walks!)

There is no doubt it will lower my CO2 footprint!

House Swapping for Vancouver 2010

Was fortunate enough to find a small home to swap on the West End in the downtown area. On January 20th (m'dad's feast day), one of my lucky days, found a reward seat for a flight to Vancouver! "To go or not to go", is no longer a question!!! (Happy b'day MomMom.)

The End of the Noughts

Happy New Year! - bonne année! - Feliz Ano Novo! - Feliz año nuevo! - 新年快乐！ - Szczęśliwego - Nowego Roku! - Boldog új évet! - Gelukkig nieuwjaar! - La Mulţi Ani! - İyi seneler! - Gott Nytt År! - Buon anno! - Onnellista uutta vuotta! - Godt nytt år! - Štastný nový rok - Sretna Nova godina! - Ευτυχισμένος ο καινούργιος χ...ρόνος - Godt nytår! - Feliĉan novjaron! - Srečno novo leto - Feliç Any Nou!

From San Francisco with love.

To Go or Not to Go, That is the Question

Will be checking out websites, bulletins and emails to learn about the pros and cons of heading toward the Vancouver Olympics of 2010.

Negative Vancouver is cold.

Positive Vancouver is very close to our new family baby.

Negative Vancouver is not nearly as inexpensive as Beijing!

Positive Vancouver is not nearly as far away as Beijing!

Vancouver 2010

Teaching from September to June enabled me to have free summers for the Summer games. Salt Lake City, Utah was only a ten hour drive from my home in California. Stayed in Park City in 2001 to attend the Sundance Film Festival and during that time I scouted a bit for 2002. Knew a year prior to the Olympics that it was a good possibility.

I took my children to the World Expo in 1984, it was mid-summer, warm and delightful. Hmmm Vancouver is cold in February.

To go or not to go, that is the question!

A Spectacular Day in Berlin Today

Although this is not an Olympic post, because Berlin is very much a part of the Olympic History, must express my excitement for the ceremonialism that is going on there now.

Today, November 9th 2009, is the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall and my 1964 memories have become crystal clear. My bus trip through Check-Point-Charlie, the barbed wire, the watch towers, fear filled eyes of others on the bus who shared tearful stories. An elderly Catholic priest who was part of a divided family sat next to me. His voice very quiet but his serious searching eyes were not.

On November 9, 1989, thousands rushed through the ruins of the Berlin Wall, celebrating the unity of East and West. Twenty years later, millions across the world watched as one thousand seven-and-a-half foot tall dominoes fell marking the occasion and as U2 sang for this huge celebration.

About six months ago, those styrofoam dominoes were sent all around to world and were painted by artists, young and old. Today there was a line of these dominoes, which had been sent back to Berlin, almost a mile long where the Berlin Wall once stood. The crowds cheered as they symbolically fell. Not sure why I love public ceremonialism so much, but I do when it has such a meaning, a real purpose.

As Robert Frost said, ""Something there is, that doesn't love a wall."

(The joy of the Berlin Wall falling was part of our family Christmas Card Poem in 1989)

The "Queens" of the 1976 Olympics in Montreal

Although Queen Elizabeth ll, as head of state of Canada, opened the games, and Nadia Comaneci was the queen of the Athletes, there was another queenly looking figure who was everywhere something exciting was happening in Montreal that summer. Dressed in her navy blue olympic blazer was "Queen Marion", my royal mom!

Yes, Marion Wimberg made it to Montreal and I was thrilled. Everyone who met her was thrilled to meet her as well. People from all over the world were attracted to her and she simply beamed with joy and reflected their admiration! We had to turn down invitations to special formal receptions and informal parties because we couldn't fit them all into our schedule. She would be ushered into prime seating locations whether we were at a venue or at a delegation banquet. Every Olympic day got more exciting then the previous day. She was especially a hit with the Russians. I still wonder whether it was her graciousness or because she had so many pins to trade. Probably a bit of both!

Montreal Olympics

The area of Montreal that was once a "walled city" is now known as Old Montreal. I headed for Place Jacques-Cartier in the old historic city with so much to see, to learn and to do. First just strolled through the narrow streets where the city was founded in 1642. With remarkable architecture in the background and street performers in the foreground, my focus switched from the olympics to history for the first few days.

Finding my mom a reasonable place was one of my first goals because I knew if I found something she would definitely fly north and therefore I could give her an assist in helping fulfill another one of those many dreams she had, and she did have many. (Her excitement and sense of awe about people and the world her was continuous.) I was in a long line at the Olympic Center in front of an owner of a local home who mentioned that he thought his basement apartment would not be fancy enough for guests but it was well located. That good old olympic spirit must have been in line as well! When he knew that I was interested even though it was not classy, he told me more about it hoping that it would not go to waste. So by now, you know that my mom and I (and a few others), had a good home base during the exciting Montreal Olympic Games!

Congratulations Rio de Janeiro

Oley, Oleyyyy to my former home town, Rio de Janeiro and to the entire continent of South America!!! Your 1st olympics! I am thrilled for ALL of you!

The Years Prior to Montreal 1976

During the years prior to Montreal I worked in our family business in NJ and after that the islands of Kauai and Oahu became home. (This year, my daughter, who attends the U. of Hawai'i, was awarded a fellowship at the East West Center.)

I worked for film agent, Gregg Kendall, taught English and attended the University of Hawai'i. Went out to the island of Kauai to assist a film company from California and later, with Mr. Harris, started the first Hawai'i State Film Bureau. My Oceanography class was taught by John Craven and my Cinematography class was taught by Jackie Paul. Both classes led to interesting adventures. The Importance of the Sea project enabled me to attend the Law of the Sea Conferences at the United Nations in New York. And because of the cinematography class, Jackie Paul, Shauna Uperesa and I started the first Public Access Station in the state of Hawai'i at Oceanic Television. Later, that led me to CBS.

As the years approached the '76 games I knew that I must do my best to somehow find a way for my mom to experience the Olympics. She came to Hawai'i and any time we spoke of the olympics her eyes would light up. She had an incredible sense of awe about most of life and she knew by this time she was ready to experience the olympic games, "at least one time".

I returned to the mainland and drove across our 200 year old country during that festive year of 1976. Visited family and friends at the Jersey Shore then headed to Old Town Montreal in Canada early to scout and prepare...

...this time for others.

The Spirit of Holy Spirit High Lives On

In this fragile world of ours I sometimes wondered where all the good, honest, ethical folks had gone during the months following my summer in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics...greedy hedge fund managers, the huge appetite globally and locally for mortgage backed securities and naughty banks. The charts and grafs looked like the cliffs of Dana Point! I was beginning to wonder about humanity. Then came 2009. The summer of many reunions brought balance into my life.

One of the many things I did last month during my high school reunion at a country club in South Jersey was to stop, step back and just feel the great vibrations from being in a large room filled with good people.

We grew up together. We went to a school where we had to do the best that we could with what we had. We laughed, learned and sweat it out together. We had a good sense of belonging and we learned how to create our own fun. And now so many are joyfully giving back to society!

What an incredibly reassuring feeling it was! Yup, the spirit from Holy Spirit High School does live on.

Fifty Four Years...and then reunited at the Green House for a few beers!

Will focus on reunions and “slices of life of the summer of 2009”. The "oneness of humanity" which is so much a part of the many summers at the olympics AND which was also part of this past summer...old reuniting classmates!!

Have you ever entertained the thought of gathering your elementary or grammar school classmates together? For our class, it was surprisingly easy. Here’s how it happened.

A place was chosen and a date was set, August 20, 2009. Emails were sent and several phone calls were made beforehand. The place that was chosen was easy to remember and easy to find. Twenty two of us gathered at the Green House in Margate City, next to Lucy the Elephant close to the beach. (Lucy is a six story building built in 1881. I worked to help save Lucy with Jo Harron and her team in the early seventies.)

Our grammar school, St James School was located in Ventnor City, next to Margate NJ. Our lives did grow in different directions but because we shared, for the most part, eight years together as kids, everyone who was contacted said that they wanted to come. There were twenty nine in our class and naturally there were a few who we couldn't find.

Pat Godfrey Johnston and Tish Barton Burns and I arrived early at the Green House, around 3:45 PM. We were engrossed in conversation because the three of us had recently been to China. The others gathered near the entrance of the large porch, waiting for us to arrive! A few looked for the multi-colored flag, which, oops, was still in my purse! There they were, 4:00 PM sharp! Art DiNick and his wife Maureen from Texas, Bob Duffy and his wife from the Boston area, Sissy Hayes and her husband John Fetter from Ventnor were there along with Gladys McAdam and Sue Mahoney from offshore in Northfield. Sue, whose father was part of Margate's history brought old photos and flowers to add to the celebration! Then John Daoud and Chick Contini and his wife Florie arrived. The Green House staff made sure we had one long table that grew as others arrived. Ellen Brett and her husband David from Florida arrived along with Sue Knapp Symington from PA, who had been out fishing all day. Alice Baum and her husband Mike Heaney arrived from New York, then Ron Kashon finally made it after work. One of our classmates, Jerry Dearborn wanted to come, but couldn’t so he sent his “delegation” for representation, his daughter, her husband a Ventnor fireman and his mom! Was there incredible excitement in the air? There are not enough superlatives to describe it. Several had not seen each other since graduation, fifty four years ago!

There we were, on August 12, 2009, in Margate by the beach, reunited in cloud of heartwarming giggles that lasted for six hours!

One of the Six August Reunions of the Summer of 2009

I was able to make up for missing our summer of 2008 Chestnut Hill College Reunion thanks to a classmate of mine, Joan Willey Thirion, who posted the following message to my classmates for an Impromptu mini reunion:

Dear Classmates,

Carole Wimberg will be returning to Ventnor, NJ Aug 5 to Aug 25 for elementary, high school and a family reunion. She really missed being with us last year and has gathered with Trudy Carlin Rutledge and Peg Atanasio Colucci recently on the West Coast.

We invite you to join us for lunch at noon
at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City
in the Ri Ra Pub (see below)
on Wed, August 12
for an impromptu celebration and fun.

RSVP to me
Sincerely,
Joan Willey Thirion

Ri Ra Irish Pub
For its seventh location, Rí~Rá chose The Quarter, its first foray into the Mid-Atlantic states. Rí~Rá is famous for meticulously recreating the true Irish Pub experience by exclusively importing authentic pubs from Ireland and carefully reassembling them in the US, board by board, pint glass by pint glass. They offer exceptional food that is authentically Irish and exceptional in taste. Rí~Rá pubs have received numerous local market awards and have been instant hits wherever they have opened.

Rí~Rá comes from the Irish phrase "Ri Ra agus Ruaile Buaile”, which translates roughly as celebration and fun. At Rí~Rá, you truly experience the Real Flavor of Ireland – from original Irish pub surroundings in which we serve outstanding Irish Bistro food & pour the best pint West of Shannon to our authentic Irish staff and a typically Irish sense of fun and entertainment. Rí~Rá is much more than a pub as reflected in our listing in Tim Horan’s Top 10 Best Irish Pubs in the US (3 years running) – we are an East Coast institution! Throw in our entertainment schedule (live music 7 nights a week) and you have your Home from Home whatever the occasion whenever you visit Atlantic City. Slainte!


The RiRa Room became 'CHCville' at mid-day! How wonderful it was to be with Alison Kelly, Sue Berkey, Terry McFadden, Dolly Porecca Johnson, Connie Goggin Stark and Adreanna Delasandro at the Jersey Shore! Such a delight, every one of them! All are working on social justice in some capacity and all are helping to make this fragile world of ours better place. Ah, the sisters of Saint Joseph would be proud. Three catch-up conversations were going on at one time and then once in a while we would quiet to hear a "feature story". (haha, I was reminded of the chinese character for "noisy", a picture of three old women!) What fun! Our three hour luncheon time flew by but our friendship was clearly rekindled for a long time to come.

Wimbergs and the Olympics

The grand Wimberg Family Reunion was held Aug 16, 2009 in the large tented Egg Harbor NJ back yard of the Petrosh Family. Joyce Wimberg Petrosh, Carol Wimberg Kienzle and Henry Wimberg hosted a spectacular event for over 120 offspring of Henry Wimberg who was born in NJ in 1881. He and Anna Beck Wimberg had ten children, Carrie, George, Larry, Albert, Henry, Joseph, Chester, Charlie, Elaine and Anna May. Older Wimbergs were reuniting and sharing family history while the younger offspring, first, second and third cousins, were busy getting to know each other and playing on the water slides, dunk tank, and in the swimming pool. My godfather, Uncle Chester's wife, Aunt Elaine Keiser Wimberg, was the matriarch of the "wimberg festival". She had several younger Wimbergs by her side throughout the event who were asking questions and listening to her crystal clear first hand memories of The Wimbergs of Egg Harbor 'back in the day'.

Uncle Joe's son Chris Wimberg and and Aunt Anna May's daughter, Sue Gerstlauer were there. They not only made it to the Atlanta Olympics 1996, they made it to the Opening Ceremonies and sat near President Carter. Their story was documented on the front page of NJ's, Egg Harbor News. Because of my very long hours inside the IBC I had NO extra time for partying while my cousins Sue and Chris were in Georgia durring that exciting summer. I had signed a contract for the with the AOB, Atlanta Olympic Broadcasting, and whenever any of my girls in communications could not make it to work because of tough transportaion issues, there were not many alternatives and naturally we could bring in ONLY subs who had previously been credentialed.

Anyone...ANYONE who has ever been lucky enough to make it to opening ceremonies needs an indepth interview directly. How they got their ticket...what it was like getting to the stadium and words...are there enough words in ANY language that can capture THAT experience?

After Munich Olympics 1972 to 1976

It has been a lovely but busy July therefore will add more posts during the month of August. Many reunions coming up and am on a few committees...Elementary School, High School, College, and YUP...a Wimberg Family Reunion where I will connect with the other Olympic Wimbergs...

The Olympic Park and Awesome Revolutionary Stadium

The massive tent-like canopies kept us comfortable, allowing a pleasant filtered light as we watched the games. The metal ropes held these huge sheets of acrylic glass. Revolutionary thinking, planning and executing for 1972! Frei Otto was a master planner and Gunther Behnisch was a master architect of the Olympic swimming hall, the multipurpose venues and the Olympic Stadium.

Because of the magnificent beauty of the park I found myself wanting the largest longest poster that was printed, which for me was quite unusual. Managed to find one...almost six feet long! I remember thinking that it would be impossible for any future olympic stadium or park to be better than Munich's. No way, no way at all could anything be better!

Early Morning on the 10th Day of the Munich Games

The awesomeness of these festive, peaceful, well-planned games multiplied with every day that passed. Munich was radiant. Totally RADIANT. As usual, at times like this, I was wishing that my family and friends could experience this incredibly beautiful dream!

Then, very early on the tenth morning members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage inside the village. Because of my "beginners-only-German", I could not understand the rapid flow of news. Besides, that Tuesday morning I left Wilhelmstrasse very early and headed for the Olympic Park. The sidewalks gradually tapered and as you approached the magnificent stadium they gradually widened.

On the way to the Olympic Stadium, a masterpiece, the path went very near the Village where the athletes lived. At that time, I did not know that the Israeli team lived in the section of the village that was so close to the path. Those who were walking on the path were most likely all foreigners like me and could not understand German. Therefore we all were not yet aware of the news that the Isaraeli team had been taken hostage. The grass near the fence between the path and the village became a stopping spot for everyone. What is a masked man with a rifle doing in the village? He walked back and forth. What is this, a prank? Amazingly, we were not told to leave and there were no police around that I can remember. The security and some police wore light blue and white caps. I remember looking for them but no doubt they were all being briefed on the unfolding tradgedy. When I felt the bad energy in the air matched the vision of this masked man, I headed home. To say that Mama Graf, Mrs.Munich Olympics, was upset, is indeed, an understatement. As we listened to the news about this historic event, news that you all have heard about..."the Israeli team was eventually murdered by Black September, an Arab militant group", we grieved...big time.

Theatrestrasse at the Munich Olympics

Near the olympic stadium there was one area near a small mountain for kids of all ages. The mountain looked huge from a distance and beneath it was old WWII rubble. Many suffered greatly in WWII and this was a symbol that we should do away with war, end all war. Lovely green grass grew upon it and not far from it was Theatrestrasse. Many large hanging metal pieces were hung. As everyone passed by, they could and would make music as they passed. Strangers giggled together as they composed harmonic sounds. It was, naturally, one of my favorite places and became a pleasant meeting place for me and my new olympic friends.

Beautiful Bayrischzell and the Stammtisch

There were several side trips that I made south by train from Munich. Bayrischzell, which is in an incredibly beautiful valley, was my destination. Cafe Thanner's owner was a woman with great stories and her daughter Trudy spoke English as well as I did. The Thanner Cafe became a hangout for me. Most people who were the regulars there, got to know me and am not sure whether they enjoyed my conversation as much as I enjoyed their conversation. On my second return visit i was invited to sit at the stammtisch, where usually only the village men, the "elders" sat. Like most stammtisches in the 1970's they were for men only. They asked me so many questions about the olympic games. They laughed and sometimes sang or read poetry. I pleaded with some of them to head north and visit Munich and attend the games during that time but they preferred not. They were not going to be a part of such crowds! I would let them know that I usually did not like crowds as well. But to no avail. Somehow the olympic crowds are much more pleasing to me than just any crowded place. Such a variety of sounds and visions, threads that gave more texture and indepth beauty of the "olympic tapestry of mankind".

Munich '72 Olympic

Olga from Russia was "the queen" of gymnastics. An incredibly talented athlete who was falling in love with the world and the world was falling in love with her. The Press got her right. Every time I was close to her she bounced and bubbled with excitement whether she was at a venue or in the athlete's village. Although many spectators cheered for their own country, she belonged to everyone in 1972.

Mark Spitz "the king" of swimming was also admired by all. Everyone who I spoke with in Munich would express how amazed they were of his swimming ability. And after he won his seventh gold medal I was one of the few people in the athlete's village who was able to speak with him before his rapid departure from the village to the Munich Airport because they feared for his life after Black Tuesday.

One of the most impressive spiritual events that I have ever attended is the Memorial Service at the main olympic stadium after Black Tuesday. Mama Graf warned me not to go because she was worried about my safety. Afterwards I was sorry I did not insist that she go with me. I felt that the whole world was grieving.

Letter from Munich, the Grandaughter of MaMa Graf, Verena von Berg

Can you imagine how delightful it was to find the following letter in my mail box?

March 30, 2005

Dear Carole,

I don't know if you are the right Carole. Today I found once again old letters from you, which you once sent to my grandma Elisabeth Graf in Munich. My name is Verena, I'm the daughter of Gunther and Dorothy, which you met before 1980 - I found this in one of your letters.

Do you remember my Grandmother, my father and mother, Munich, Germany??? And what about your son? I found a Birthcard between the letters, he is now 26 years old. Five years younger than me.

My family still lives in Munich. My father is today 71, retired since 5 years, my Mom is 68 and also retired but both are still very active. I got married this year, therefore the new name "von Berg", and I'm working as a journaist in Munich. My younger brother Philipp (Born 1975) lives in Berlin. My Grandma died years before, she got a heart attack and was never like before. A long time ago...

What can I say...I hope to hear from you, perhaps in some german words :-). I already told my father of this letter and he was very happy that I found out your address. I tried to email you, but without success. Could we reach you per Email? I want to send you some photos of my family.

Greetings from a cold Munich to warmer California,

Verena von Berg

(And, YES, I have been in touch with this great family and continue to invite them to our home in CA, so some day...they just might make it to our beautiful coast.  Verena, thank you, thank you.)

The Graf Residence on Wilhelmstrasse

I realized at the Mexico City Olympics that the excitement of the games was not only the excitement of sports. A warm wonderful blanket covers every host city and magical events unfold. There I was, walking up a wide well built "magical" wooden staircIase which led to a very large beautiful home. It was the home of Elizabeth Graf who soon, for me, became MaMa Graf. I say magical steps because every time I went up those steps another olympic adventure awaited me. MaMa Graf's home became an international house. There were guests from different countries; Chile, Taiwan, Japan, China and the USA. We would take Mama to the games which she loved. She also loved having tea and chatting. She had visitors and would want me to meet them. There was one very old interesting man from the forest who sort of sang his words when he spoke and he was incredibly great at, (my favorite), yodling! I think of that very interesting old man often and made an audio tape of him. Years later, although I could understand almost nothing, it was so relaxing to play, just to listen to his sounds, his poetry, his nature.

More than thirty years later a very interesting letter arrived at my school in Capistrano. The post mark was Germany. Hmmm.