Hello from Germany. After walking along the Lahn river the past few days with friends Brigitte and Friedhelm one senses and feels that Spring is on the way. Snow birds are flying back from the South of Europe, pussy willows are budding and it seems that everyone is taking advantage of the mild weather to walk along one of the most beautiful rivers in Germany. At least, it has my vote! It has the feel of a land and history that has withstood the changes of modern civilization. The same tracks of the train make their way along the river as it has done for the past 150 plus years. At least it hasn!t changed in the thirty plus years I have enjoyed it’s beauty.
Tomorrow, it is on the way to Holland new adventures.
HI! As we struggle thru the cold, windy days of January I know that Spring is coming..Baseball start mid February as pitchers and catchers work out their winter kinks in preparation for the upcoming season.
The days are staying lighter longer. I have actually seen some flowers trying to navigate themselves out of the frozen earth.
Three generations of soliders meet at Colleville Sur Mer to celebrate the 66th anniversary of D Day in Normady France.
6th June celebrations in Normandy – June 13, 2010
Army Vet Honored in Normandy, Lowers Flag at D-Day Observance – Cape May County Herald
See more pictures from Normandy
Harry Kulkowitz pays tribute at the 66th anniversary of D Day at Colleville Sur Mer, Normand France along with a member of the United States airforce at the folding of the flag ceremony on June 7th 2010.
All pictures by Mike Forster




The Mad Batter Restaurant and Carroll Villa Hotel have been a leader in the growth of Cape May over the last 25 years and now this historic establishment is leading the way to a “greener” future.
Owners Mark Kulkowitz and his wife, Pam Huber have decided to take a stand in making environmentally sound choices while renovating their property. In 2008, while choosing to update their 125-seat dining space,
The bar countertop is something you won’t normally see, made from recycled glass, shell and concrete from a nearby distributor in Clayton, New Jersey. Earthy American clay was used to construct the ceiling. It goes on like plaster would and there are no VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) in the paint. Upstairs in the rooms adorned with hand selected antique furniture and collectibles, corn carpet can be found covering the floors. Mark and Pam have also installed a new dishwasher that saves 25,000 gallons of water per year and new Energy Star light bulbs throughout the hotel and restaurant.
Even though going green is not as cost efficient as other methods, the owners are committed to doing their part for the environment and hope others will do the same. Guests are encouraged to participate by refraining from
Plans for 2009 include new energy efficient shower heads in all guest rooms. For the restaurant, they are awaiting the delivery of “smart” candles and tabletops that will not require tablecloths – further saving energy on multiple levels.
We’ve gone solar! In 2010, we added 38 solar panels to our roof, estimated to provide 10,293 KWH/year in electrical production. Approximately 7,987 lbs of CO2 will be offset annually which is equivalent to recycling 165,361 cans of soda, not burning 962 gallons of gasoline, and planting 1 acre of trees!
National Historical Landmark Hotel and Restaurant Go Solar: The Mad Batter/Carroll Villa Bring Eco Tourism to the Jersey Shore by Erika Bleiberg.
Cape May historic group says windmills don’t fit town’s Victorian image Press of Atlantic City
Historic Cape May allows newfangled alteration Philadelphia Inquirer
Carroll Villa Bed & Breakfast and the Mad Batter Restaurant
19 Jackson Street - Cape May, NJ 08204 | Hotel 1-877-275-8452 | Restaurant
609-884-5970
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