Kryziu Kalnas

This is the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai (pronounced Shoo-lay) Lithuania. I thought this would be one more wonderful religious monnument. I was so wrong. I have never been to such a sacred place. There is no description that can explain what it is like to have so many millions of crosses. These are not a testament to a man-made religion; but to the spirit of man. The Soviets did not let Lithuanians practice religion. Some people put up a few crosses; the Soviets knocked them down, many more put up crosses, they were knocked down & so it continued. Amazing sculptures slipped in the dead of night. It continues to this day.

So, almost 3 years to the day since we physically lost Tom (you are with me always in my heart), we placed a memorial in this very sacred spot to very special people:



To Sabina's father, a patriot who died trying to free Lithuania. We have no knowledge where he is buried, but we know where to honor him.

To Pete's brother Joe, who died fleeing the Soviets. We have no knowledge where he is buried, but we know where to honor him.

To Pete's Mom, Dad & my Dad. Remarkable people we miss & honor always.

To my brother Tom & my nephew Joey, who were taken too early & truly had the spirit symbolized here.

Lithuania, the beginning

Well we made it to Lithuania & we are having a very wonderful time. This is Pete's first step on his homeland since he was a baby. Sorry about cutting off his head

He has found he is part of a large, fun, family & will add pictures as I have time & can figure it out.

The Party's Over....

...but the fun is just beginning. Pete and I can not find words to let you all know how blessed we are having all of you in our lives. This was such a team effort. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

As pictures become available we will post them. We have many. As Liza stated, the Flickr badge on the side & the link in her message will take you to the photographers pictures. I have an account that I am posting pictures the people have sent to me. They are great. I don't know how to do what the kids do, but I will ask them to help connect to my account. I hope this is the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34056963@N00/

Nora also has hers posted on her blog. Tomorrow I will upload some from the ceremony on Friday, June 2nd. I will continue to add as we go along.

So now the question is what to do with this blog next?

We leave for Lithuania on Sunday night. Pete will be seeing his native country for the first time (he left as an infant). He will also be meeting some of his family. We are excited & perhaps we can share the trip?

Also, our Kelly did have a beautiful daughter on Thursday June 8th. Ella Rose is 7lbs. 7ozs, 21 inches. Family is doing well. So we have seven grandchildren to talk about; with #8 expected before the end of the year.

We could also discuss birds and being. Two of our other favorite activites.

All suggestions are welcome.

Say Cheese!

Hi, It's Liza. The professional photographer, Tanda, gave us the pictures digitally, so I've posted them on my Flickr account (Link). You can download them or order prints. Contact me if you have problems.