MARLENE BLOECHLIGER

Marlene arrived in Seattle on August 8, 1997 from her hometown of Rickenbach, Switzerland located in the German speaking part near Olten. To Nancy's delight, she is a vegetarian (though she eats milk products and fish also) and our family consumption of meat has dropped considerably.

Marlene attends Renton High School. In addition to heavy academic subjects of Math Analysis, World Literature (sometimes 100 pages of reading in English per night) and CLOSE-UP U.S. Government Class, and French, she is involved in the school theater production and plans to do a Spring after school sport (maybe Tennis) to experience another phase of American High School. She is also continuing her interest with private Ballet classes on Thursdays.

Marlene's parents will visit Seattle in April '98. Dale, Ricky, and Nancy will have an opportunity to visit with her family in Switzerland in July '98 and again October '98 when Nancy is scheduled to do teaching in Basel.

Marlene vocational plans are to be a PILOT.

July 1, 1999

In summer, 1998 we traveled with Marlene to visit Mette, Ulrike, and Marlene's family in Olten as her YFU year came to an end in a rather unique way. She studied very hard and passed the examination to Pilot's University study in Switzerland. This is a very rigorous process and we are so proud of her continued persistence. We also has an opportunity to spend an additional week in October at her Grandmother's chalet in the Walliser Alps. It was a great visit, but as always, sad to say "goodbye".

March 1, 2001

Marlene is now studying Pharmacy at the University in Basel. She came for a one month visit home to Seattle last September. She was joined by her good friend, Claudia, for the last two weeks. She was able to meet Sarah and Eve and also connect with several schoolmates from Renton High while here. Nancy was again able to visit her, her family and her boyfriend in November, 2000 while teaching in Bern.

July, 2004		Marlene and Alex spent July & August with us this Summer. Alex did lab work for the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason as part of his University studies. Marlene spent most of her time studying for her future pharmacy exams. We really enjoyed having them here with us.
March, 2005	During November, 2004 we were able to visit with Marlene & Alex along with both families in Switzerland on our way to Reggio Emelia, Italy where Nancy gave a presentation at a conference. Marlene was "full with child" at that time. A month later their son, Enea Laurin, was born on December 18th.