The Schellenbergs.com

A cow is a completely automated milk-manufacturing machine. It is encased in untanned leather and mounted on four vertical, movable supports, one at each corner. The front end of the machine, or input, contains the cutting and grinding mechanism, utilizing a unique feedback device. Here also are the headlights, air inlet and exhaust, a bumper and a foghorn.

At the rear, the machine carries the milk-dispensing equipment as well as a built-in flyswatter and insect repeller. The central portion houses a hydro- chemical-conversion unit. Briefly, this consists of four fermentation and storage tanks connected in series by an intricate network of flexible plumbing. This assembly also contains the central heating plant complete with automatic temperature controls, pumping station and main ventilating system. The waste disposal apparatus is located to the rear of this central section.

Cows are available fully assembled in an assortment of sizes and colors. Production output ranges from 2 to 20 tons of milk per year. In brief, the main external visible features of the cow are: two lookers, two hookers, four stander-uppers, four hanger-downers, and a swishy-wishy.

I already wrote about the sinkhole. The Schellenberg troop finished off that day with a little side trip to see some camels.

First we were playing around in the bushes

Then we dared venture towards the animals.

Thomas, as you can see, was a little afraid. Ryan was NOT

Come on… He’s cute.

Ryan didn’t actually loose his arm.

Daniel takes a turn

And the baby… cause babies are cute.

It was a great afternoon. Thanks to Cam for showing us the way, and Doug for a few extra kids and some great geeky conversation!

Went to the sink hole on the weekend… I had no idea what to expect… turns out. from the top.

Not much.

But from the bottom

and as you descend …

The boys were making sand angels.

Isn’t Jen Purdy?

it’s pretty cool!

December 18 is celebrated at Qatar national Day. From ndqatar.com:

On the 18th December every year, we celebrate our National Day to commemorate that historical day in 1878 when Shaikh Jasim, the founder of the state, succeeded his father Sheikh Mohammed Bin Thani in leading the country towards unity and foundation.
Born in 1242 h (1826 c), Sheikh Jasim was raised in Fowayret, north Qatar within the confines of his famous father Shaikh Mohammed Bin Thani. He was educated by religious clerks, learning the Qura’an, Shariaa and jurisprudence, along with equestrian, hunting and literature. Shaikh Jasim also shared his father in ruling the country.

Qatar had a huge number of events scheduled for it’s national holiday. We opted to attend the parade, and the fireworks show.

The parade was super crowded and was largely a military affair. Lots of trucks, tanks, fire trucks, quad bikes, a selection of navy craft, jets helicopters, troop carriers etc. Getting to the parade proved challenging – Traffic. what is normally a 15 minute drive took us just under an hour, and we had to walk the last half…

You can tell from the photograps below that we didn’t have the best vantage point.

The boys enjoyed rolling down the hill more than the parade…

Music was cool, dancing – even better.

Thomas did at least see some of the parade…

Just a cute kid.

The airshow was by far the schellenberg boy favourite. Jen liked the creative uses of the Qatari flag used in a lot of the kids garments…

The other event we attended was the fireworks show. We took lots of time, and planned to have dinner on the corniche (where the event was to happen) We arrived in the area at 5, for an 8pm show. We ate supper at fudruckers, then walked across the (crazy) traffic and to the water.  

We found a seat where we would have a good view of the show and sat and waited… 7:30, we were ready.

Qatar doesn’t have a good history of being all that punctual. I swear it was 8:01 when the fireworks started, and start they did.

First it was subtle, lighting what looked like small flares and encircling the various “stages” with fire. Then about a minute later, the music wa splaying and the show started.

I can’t explain what a few million dollars fo fire works looks like. but for about 18 minutes, this is what it looked like:

It was a great show. Thanks to the organizing committee, you outdid yourselves.

Thomas is a dancing Machine

Forgot to mention it, but we had a friend from Reno pop over to visit up about 2 weeks ago. Scot used to live beside us in Newmarket many moons ago and was in town. We got together and spent a day walking around Doha, taking in all the sights. We caught a few pictures of some of the more interesting parts of Doha.

Here we are just entering the old Souk area

We got there early on a friday, time to look around and not get trampled… We were returning for dinner later that evening, so there was time to see the crowds too

We actually ended up eating here. I forget the name of the restaurant. I’ll update it later when I remember it. It was the arabic one.

Not the best picture of Thomas. Still cool seeing John Deere in Doha

They renovated the souks a number of years ago to make them look more authentic. With the exception of the HaagenDaz sign, I think they did an awesome job.

Here’s Scot and Jen Talking about something to their left, your right. And yes, Jen loves her geek.

Carved wooden camel… Thought it looked cool.

I a pretty sure this is when Scot put his sales man hat on and was trying to convince Jen that the schellenbergs needed the new nikon d3.

The boys weren’t quite sure what those Orange diver submarine transport things are… Scot to the rescue!

Window Shopping

Carnagee Melon university in Doha

Scot and Casey were fascinated that Filtrine were installed here… That guy knows A LOT about water fountains. Remarkable what you take for granted.

The green spine. Trying a group decision on  a wood or an iron.

We went to the England vs Brazil game on the 14 of November. Jen and I went with Belle, Curt and we met chris down there for dinner… then we went to the game and sat with a whole wack of guys.

Here’s pics.

Brazil Kickin the ball(they won 1-0)

England stoping the ball…(They lost)

Jen gave Richard  a Britain flag on his head… didn’t turn out too well though.