Ian, Patrice, John, and Ashley Randall
2906 Ambleside Lane
Richardson, TEXAS 75082
After two wonderful years of supporting the European Economy, making many friends, and consuming vast quantities of Belgian Beer and Chocolate, the Randalls have returned to Texas, the land of chips, DSP, Nachos, DRAM(not), oil and Cows. We enjoyed the stay but are happy to come home.
Happy Trails: The Randalls were not content to sit in the center of Europe and soak up culture. They travelled promiscuously about the continent and visited a number of islands as well. 1997 was ended in the Koln Germany and Champaigne region of France and returned with gifts and bubbly. In January we were all sick as dogs and didn't go anywhere. In Feburary we drove through France down into Spain and returned with Spanish Treasure. In April we went to Vienna Austria where we dined with Hans Loeschner; and London where we saw Starlight Express; and Cambridge where Prof. Ahmed showed us some the ancient rituals of Corpus Christi College; and Holland to see the height of the Tulip frenzy. In May, Ashley went on a school trip to Brittany in the North of France, John and Ian went camping in Southern Belgium, and the whole family went to marvel at the mideval splendor of Mont. San Michelle on the Northern Coast of France. In June we took short trips to Germany and Holland where John narrowly avoided being caught by the border patrol without his passport. In July we flew (yes we flew) to Athens and then took a 4 day cruise that hit 5 Greek Islands with a short stop in Turkey. See how happy we look on the Greek Cruise ship Triton in the photo at the bottom. On the return trip the entire family flirted with serious injury in attempting to carry 700lbs of greek pottery back home. In August we only managed a few days on the Belgian Coast. In Sept Patrice had to stay home with the kids while John went to Tyrol Austria and Vienna. In Oct we couldn't resist going back to London one last time, and spent 3 days in Disneyland Paris. In November we travelled to Florence Italy and returned with leather, art, leather, Tuscan pottery, and more leather. In December we started a long trip to the US.
Pet Report: We are sad to report that our cat Isis is no longer with us. After being part of our family for 16 years she is now chasing mice in Kitty Heaven (mouse hell). Max our Belgian Tervueren Puppy is now 3 years old. He has mellowed a little and thanks to constant efforts on our part can now sit, stay, stand, lie down, shake hands, roll over, and blow bubbles in his water bowl while fishing for cheese.
Foriegners: The Randalls had a number of visitors this year who put up with us in order to have a cheap place to stay while visiting Europe. John's sister Cindy came with her girls Shelley and Kelsey. We made them go with us to Ghent and Paris. Patrice's Brother Nigel with wife Rhonda and kids Caitlin and Kyle were the next to "drop by". We sent them to London, dragged them to Holland, and forced them to come with us to Germany. They won't be back. Leigh Ann Files took time out from hawking TI products to visit us a couple of days and consume several Belgian Beers. Patrice's former Boss from our Lincoln Laboratory Days, Larry Taff and wife Lois came visited and were forced to support the Belgian Economy by shopping in and dining in Brussels.
Ian Info: Ian is now 9 and was attending 3rd grade at the International School of Brussels. Ian continued his soccer career with another excellent team, the "Amsterdam Ajax" which took second in their league. Ian has also kept busy with schoolwork, Action Men, and YoYos. Ian has continued with Scouting and earned his Wolf badge and made some good friends. In Pack 194 there are Scouts from over 15 different countries. In Ian's (and John's) den the scouts have come from Korea, Isreal, Belgium, England, Oman, and the US. In May of 98, Ian was chosen to represent the entire Pack and made a speech to the US Ambassador to Belgium. His parents were more than a little proud.
Ashley: No longer a little girl, Ashley is becoming a young woman. John has grey hairs to prove it. Ashley is now 14 and was attending 8th Grade at ISB and is at Bowman Middle School in Dallas/Richardson/Plano. Ashley's 14th Birthday (unlike her 13th)did not result in a rare alignment of planets, but to Ashley's delight was coincidental with a significant amount of snow falling on Belgium. Ashley contiues to play the flute and has played in the ISB Band at numerous school functions. Ashley played once again on the Varsity Girls Field Hockey Team and this year was old enough to join the team for the international tournament in Paris where the ISB team won the "Fair Players" Trophy for their spirited performance. Ashley has taken her field hockey very seriously, consistently refusing sips of wine offered to her because she was in training.
Patrice: Patrice has had her hands more than a little full keeping her 3 children (Ian, Ashley, and Max) prepared for life in Belgium and out of trouble. Patrice has continued her study of the French Language and can now order Belgian Waffels anywhere in the country. Patrice stayed in shape working out at a fitness club and with frequent walks with Max and friend and neighbor Gayle Paljieg. Patrice has collected many European treasures that she is now struggling to figure out how to arrange in our Texas house. Right now the dining room has a Belgian/Chezc/Italian look while the living room has sort of a Mideval/French/Greek feel.
John: The reasons that TI sent John to Europe were at first unclear. In retrospect however, it should be pointed out that with John out of the country, TI's Stock price more than doubled. What was John doing at IMEC (the Belgian Research Institute where John was assigned to work)? Besides being concerned with ways to print really small transistor wires (we are talking smaller than 1/100th of the width of a human hair), what he mainly did was run. Nathalie Van Turnhout, a serious Tri-athelete, forced John to run many kilometers per week. She also made John run in a 10 mile race in Antwerp. John finished the race dead (but not last) in 1,151st place and has documents to prove it.
Tips for Traveling Texans: Guessing at what's on the menu can be fun, but is not for the faint of tummy. Cute butts are likely to be pinched in Italy. When driving in Europe, keep in mind that a short trip can take you through several countries(bring your passport). When visiting London, DON'T fail to go to a theater and DO look right before crossing the street. In most restaurants in Europe, a "no smoking" sign only means that you are not supposed to set fire to the table. In Italy, a signal indicating that it is safe to cross the street only means that you are slightly less likely to be run over. In Belgium and France you CAN take your dog into restaurants. The largest culture shock we received was at the petrol(Gas) pump: 38BF/Liter = 4$/Gallon. Paris can not be done in one day. Not everyone speaks English, and a few words are frequently misleading. We offer the following example: "Hey buddy, do you speak English?" "Yes, I can." "Great! Can you tell me how to get to the train station?" "Yes, I can." "OK, can I take the subway, and how long will it take to get there?" "Um . . . Yes, I can."
To all of our Belgian friends: We will miss you all terribly. To all
of our Texas friends: We're BAACK!