Monday – Friday Ugh! Greek food is wonderful and rich, but oh how I overindulged this week! My pores are literally oozing ouzo and olive oil. I bet I’ve eaten more this week than I have the previous three combined. I am not being a glutton, mind you. When my aunt and uncle put food on my plate, I can’t say no out of fear I might insult them. Of course it doesn’t help that lunches and dinners in this part of the world go on for hours, and are only separated by a 2-3 hour siesta.
So we are perfectly clear about what a sloth I have been, allow me to give you the daily schedule I’ve kept the last 6 days.
930a – Awake (Cookies or pastries, Greek coffee, followed by the main breakfast, which is not optional.)
11a-1:00p – Beach or pool time (Indulge in another Greek specialty-the coffee frappe.)
1:00p-2:30p – Lunch (Salad, feta, olives, ouzo, eggs, sandwiches, soup, fruit)
2:30-5:00p – Siesta (Everything shuts down for a few hours so people can get sleep. Greeks take this ritual very seriously.)
5:00-7:00p – Beach or pool time (Afternoon cookies and coffee optional.)
8:00-11p –Dinner out in town (Appetizers: Feta, olives, eggplant dip, tzatziki, fried squash, okra, eggplant, bread, ouzo. Main course: Some kind of meat or fish always served with French fries AND rice.)
11:00pm – After dinner drinks, dessert.
I feel like Jabba the Hut, right now. And with my parents in town for almost two weeks, my diet isn’t like to improve as much as it needs to.
However, if I am Jabba, than Max is Luke Skywalker, the chosen one of this trip.
In other words, my big fat Greek family loves the guy. I am happy for this, but also a little surprised. You see, my relatives are Greek Greeks—the kind that really do expect you to marry Greeks in the Orthodox church and produce lots of Greek babies. I wouldn’t have thought these Greeks would have taken to Max quite so well, but they have. Of course, it helps that he speaks Greek and lived her for a dozen years. As far as my family is concerned, he’s an Egyptian Greek and the ouzo toast of the town.
(Funny aside: Instead of Max, my aunt Frosa has taken to calling him “Dodi.” Get it? Dodi and Diana? Believe it or not, she means this as a compliment.)
Showing posts with label what i didn't blog about. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what i didn't blog about. Show all posts
Friday, July 18, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
What I didn’t blog about this week
Saturday – Even though I’ve logged many miles by airplane, I still feel anxious when I fly. However, I have never been more worried than when I took Egypt Air roundtrip from Cairo to Sharm El Sheik. It wasn’t that I doubted the experience of the captains (typically former Egyptian air force pilots) or even the planes (which seemed to be in fair condition). What had me unnerved was the lackadaisical security at the airports. Almost every person set off the metal detectors, but hardly anyone was checked. For example, my sister-in-law carried fluids in her handbag. When the baggage screening caught her error, the officer took it on her word that the liquids were merely water for baby formula. No one opened her bag to make sure. Given the climate in the world, the fact that diplomats from African Union countries were on board both flights, and that Egypt has experienced numerous terrorist bombings, I was very surprised security wasn’t better.
Somewhat interesting side note: Before a flight takes off and after the onboard safety video is played, a Muslim prayer is played over the sound system asking Allah to provide safe passage. Given my fears, I happily accepted any gesture that might help me make it from point a to point b.
Monday – I get all warm and fuzzy inside when my blog life intersects with my real one. This week I met the lovely Charlotte Otter for coffee and delighted in learning more about the woman behind the blog. Truth be told, she is even lovelier than I expected. I hope this is the beginning of many more kaffepauses.
Wednesday At 5:30 am on this day, my parents arrived with their 6-year old “daughter” Skyler. Skyler has been part of our family since she was born. Initially, my mother watched the infant girl as a favor to her mother. Before too long, the baby was spending weeks with my parents without so much as a phone call. Eventually, the mother stopped coming around altogether and gave my parents joint custodianship. Even though her mother would be welcomed and still has legal standing, Skyler hasn’t seen her in years.
Maybe because of their age (late 60s and early 70s) or because they’ve felt sorry for her, my parents have always given in to Skyler’s every whim and have not provided much in the way of discipline. The result is a bright and beautiful girl, with particularly bad manners and a complete lack of respect for authority.
Or, maybe she’s just a typical 6-year old.
Either way, it’s been a bit of a strain. I support my parents decision in taking Skyler in to our family and feel that the little girl is as much my sibling as my other brother and sisters. But sometimes the temper tantrums and the disregard for even the simplest house rules, drives me insane. …And I’ve got three full weeks to go.
So I am wondering if any of you have advice or words of wisdom on how I can deal with this better?
Thursday – My dad’s faulty grasp of English tickles me. Today’s slaughtered expression? Fringe benefits. My father calls it “French benefits.” I’m not sure what those types of benefits would entail, and I’m not sure I want to find out!
Somewhat interesting side note: Before a flight takes off and after the onboard safety video is played, a Muslim prayer is played over the sound system asking Allah to provide safe passage. Given my fears, I happily accepted any gesture that might help me make it from point a to point b.
Monday – I get all warm and fuzzy inside when my blog life intersects with my real one. This week I met the lovely Charlotte Otter for coffee and delighted in learning more about the woman behind the blog. Truth be told, she is even lovelier than I expected. I hope this is the beginning of many more kaffepauses.
Wednesday At 5:30 am on this day, my parents arrived with their 6-year old “daughter” Skyler. Skyler has been part of our family since she was born. Initially, my mother watched the infant girl as a favor to her mother. Before too long, the baby was spending weeks with my parents without so much as a phone call. Eventually, the mother stopped coming around altogether and gave my parents joint custodianship. Even though her mother would be welcomed and still has legal standing, Skyler hasn’t seen her in years.
Maybe because of their age (late 60s and early 70s) or because they’ve felt sorry for her, my parents have always given in to Skyler’s every whim and have not provided much in the way of discipline. The result is a bright and beautiful girl, with particularly bad manners and a complete lack of respect for authority.
Or, maybe she’s just a typical 6-year old.
Either way, it’s been a bit of a strain. I support my parents decision in taking Skyler in to our family and feel that the little girl is as much my sibling as my other brother and sisters. But sometimes the temper tantrums and the disregard for even the simplest house rules, drives me insane. …And I’ve got three full weeks to go.
So I am wondering if any of you have advice or words of wisdom on how I can deal with this better?
Thursday – My dad’s faulty grasp of English tickles me. Today’s slaughtered expression? Fringe benefits. My father calls it “French benefits.” I’m not sure what those types of benefits would entail, and I’m not sure I want to find out!
Friday, July 04, 2008
What I didn’t blog about this week
Saturday - Whenever I come to Egypt, I am always struck by the conflicting images I see—the Arabic music videos, not unlike American ones, featuring scantily clad women writhing around a dance floor in contrast to the modestly dressed and sometimes completely covered women on the streets.
I asked my sister-in-law why there is so much variation in dress. While she respects the practice, she, herself, chooses not wear a head covering. She explained that the Koran advises a woman to dress in a way so as not to attract attention, and that a woman (or a woman together with her family) interpret the passages as it suits her own belief system.
As I am not Muslim, it’s not for me to judge how a woman dresses. (I am more concerned and perplexed by the inequities in other aspects of life, the justice system and social system as it pertains to issues of inheritance, divorce, etc.) But I cannot for the life of me understand how women walk around in the Egyptian sun fully covered. I walk around in long skirts and capris and am ready to die of heat stroke!
Sunday – Today I saw a woman in a burka riding through downtown Cairo on the back of a Harley Davidson. Now that’s something I don’t see every day!
Tuesday – The African Union met in Sharm El Sheikh while we have been vacationing, but I haven’t noticed increased security. This surprises me because Sharm El Sheikh suffered terrorists bombings a few years back. The only time I noticed an increased presence was when Libyan president Momar Khadafi came to Naama Bay by motorcade. Although I do not know for sure, I suspect he might have come to party at the Hard Rock Café or Buddah Lounge, ya think?
Thursday – I am ready to get back to Germany for a host of reasons, but mostly because of the stress family “vacations” puts on poor Max. Everyone has his ear. Family members come to him with all of their problems and it weighs so heavily on his heart. I leave this place grateful that I married for love and am with man who believes I am his equal and treats me with respect.
Friday- Happy 4th of July, my fellow Americans. Please, eat a hot dog and watch some fireworks for me!
I asked my sister-in-law why there is so much variation in dress. While she respects the practice, she, herself, chooses not wear a head covering. She explained that the Koran advises a woman to dress in a way so as not to attract attention, and that a woman (or a woman together with her family) interpret the passages as it suits her own belief system.
As I am not Muslim, it’s not for me to judge how a woman dresses. (I am more concerned and perplexed by the inequities in other aspects of life, the justice system and social system as it pertains to issues of inheritance, divorce, etc.) But I cannot for the life of me understand how women walk around in the Egyptian sun fully covered. I walk around in long skirts and capris and am ready to die of heat stroke!
Sunday – Today I saw a woman in a burka riding through downtown Cairo on the back of a Harley Davidson. Now that’s something I don’t see every day!
Tuesday – The African Union met in Sharm El Sheikh while we have been vacationing, but I haven’t noticed increased security. This surprises me because Sharm El Sheikh suffered terrorists bombings a few years back. The only time I noticed an increased presence was when Libyan president Momar Khadafi came to Naama Bay by motorcade. Although I do not know for sure, I suspect he might have come to party at the Hard Rock Café or Buddah Lounge, ya think?
Thursday – I am ready to get back to Germany for a host of reasons, but mostly because of the stress family “vacations” puts on poor Max. Everyone has his ear. Family members come to him with all of their problems and it weighs so heavily on his heart. I leave this place grateful that I married for love and am with man who believes I am his equal and treats me with respect.
Friday- Happy 4th of July, my fellow Americans. Please, eat a hot dog and watch some fireworks for me!
Friday, June 27, 2008
What I didn’t blog about this week
I bring you this post from Cairo, Egypt.
If you hadn’t picked up on it, life has been a little hectic at the Martini lounge. After surviving the physical drama of having fifty people converge on our house this past weekend, Max and I had to endure another sort of drama.
For months, Max and his sister planned a family vacation beginning this week in Sharm El Sheikh, a resort town along the Red Sea in Egypt. Through out the year, the family resides in the chaos that is the capital city of Cairo, and a break from life is always welcomed—especially during the harsh heat of summer.
Since we only had one week for this vacation, Max and I decide to fly directly from Germany to Sharm El Sheikh rather than stop over in Cairo. The rest of the family would travel from the city by car and meet us at the resort.
Then Tuesday night, just a few days before the start of the trip, everything changed. Max’s father fell suddenly ill--too ill to travel-- or so we were told. Max couldn’t help but be suspicious of the timing of the event. It’s terrible to admit, but his father can be a bit of a dramatist at times, especially if it will suit his advantage or bring him extra attention. Because his father had resisted the idea making the trek to Sharm by car in previous conversations, Max wondered if this might be the true motive behind the illness.
Max called other family to ascertain the nature of the illness. Opinions were divided about whether the family vacation should be cancelled. However, the deciding voice, Max’s mother said she would not travel to the Red Sea without her husband. She was convinced her husband was not well enough to make the journey. And so, Max changed our flights and opted to go directly to Cairo to be with the family. After all, it didn’t matter where we were as long as it was together.
However, two hours after we’d canceled our reservations, Max’s sister called to say that the father agreed to travel to Sharm El Sheikh after all, but only if he were flown there.
Max had three choices. He could ruin the vacation of his entire family and have us stay in Cairo, he could fly only himself, his father, and me to Sharm El Sheikh and have the rest of the family drive as planned, or he could fly everyone down. Max chose the last option. After we arrived in Cairo today, we made our way to an Egypt Air office and waited in line for two hours in order to make reservations for 7 people.
If all goes well, we’ll leave Cairo Sunday morning, salvage the family vacation, and spend the rest of the week by the Red Sea. It seems everyone is happy with the arrangement, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the rest of the week goes smoothly.
Have I mentioned MY PARENTS come three days after we return home to Germany?
If you hadn’t picked up on it, life has been a little hectic at the Martini lounge. After surviving the physical drama of having fifty people converge on our house this past weekend, Max and I had to endure another sort of drama.
For months, Max and his sister planned a family vacation beginning this week in Sharm El Sheikh, a resort town along the Red Sea in Egypt. Through out the year, the family resides in the chaos that is the capital city of Cairo, and a break from life is always welcomed—especially during the harsh heat of summer.
Since we only had one week for this vacation, Max and I decide to fly directly from Germany to Sharm El Sheikh rather than stop over in Cairo. The rest of the family would travel from the city by car and meet us at the resort.
Then Tuesday night, just a few days before the start of the trip, everything changed. Max’s father fell suddenly ill--too ill to travel-- or so we were told. Max couldn’t help but be suspicious of the timing of the event. It’s terrible to admit, but his father can be a bit of a dramatist at times, especially if it will suit his advantage or bring him extra attention. Because his father had resisted the idea making the trek to Sharm by car in previous conversations, Max wondered if this might be the true motive behind the illness.
Max called other family to ascertain the nature of the illness. Opinions were divided about whether the family vacation should be cancelled. However, the deciding voice, Max’s mother said she would not travel to the Red Sea without her husband. She was convinced her husband was not well enough to make the journey. And so, Max changed our flights and opted to go directly to Cairo to be with the family. After all, it didn’t matter where we were as long as it was together.
However, two hours after we’d canceled our reservations, Max’s sister called to say that the father agreed to travel to Sharm El Sheikh after all, but only if he were flown there.
Max had three choices. He could ruin the vacation of his entire family and have us stay in Cairo, he could fly only himself, his father, and me to Sharm El Sheikh and have the rest of the family drive as planned, or he could fly everyone down. Max chose the last option. After we arrived in Cairo today, we made our way to an Egypt Air office and waited in line for two hours in order to make reservations for 7 people.
If all goes well, we’ll leave Cairo Sunday morning, salvage the family vacation, and spend the rest of the week by the Red Sea. It seems everyone is happy with the arrangement, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the rest of the week goes smoothly.
Have I mentioned MY PARENTS come three days after we return home to Germany?
Friday, June 20, 2008
What I didn’t blog about this week
If I’ve seemed preoccupied with party planning, it’s only because I have been. Running around the Stadt, debating menu choices, trying to negotiate food orders in a language I barely understand, certainly doesn’t make for an interesting week. And so, there really isn’t much that I haven’t blogged about this week except for one thing.
You’re Not The Only One: Intimate Tales From The Internet features 100 essays of bloggers from both sides of the pond. The book resulted from the efforts of five women bloggers--Peaches, Ariel, Desperate Sara, Ms. Robinson, and Vi --who gathered, chose, and edited the writings for publication. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book goes to War Child International, a group of organizations working around the globe to assist children affected by war.
I received my copy this week and have enjoyed reading the, sometimes moving, sometimes humorous, but always personal tales. Peaches and her crew have done a marvelous job. I look forward to the sequel!
In case your interested in ordering a copy or learning more about the charity, I’ve included a link in my sidebar to Lulu, the online publishing company producing the book, as well as a link to War Child International.
And if you order the book, be sure to check out the 20th essay, written by one particular martini-obsessed hausfrau, who was very honored to be part of the effort.
You’re Not The Only One: Intimate Tales From The Internet features 100 essays of bloggers from both sides of the pond. The book resulted from the efforts of five women bloggers--Peaches, Ariel, Desperate Sara, Ms. Robinson, and Vi --who gathered, chose, and edited the writings for publication. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book goes to War Child International, a group of organizations working around the globe to assist children affected by war.I received my copy this week and have enjoyed reading the, sometimes moving, sometimes humorous, but always personal tales. Peaches and her crew have done a marvelous job. I look forward to the sequel!
In case your interested in ordering a copy or learning more about the charity, I’ve included a link in my sidebar to Lulu, the online publishing company producing the book, as well as a link to War Child International.
And if you order the book, be sure to check out the 20th essay, written by one particular martini-obsessed hausfrau, who was very honored to be part of the effort.
Friday, June 13, 2008
What I didn’t blog about this week
Monday – Those of you who follow me on Twitter already know that I ran out of milk earlier this week. Maybe in the grand scheme of things—with rising gas prices, encroachment of personal liberties the melting of polar icecaps—this oversight doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it struck me sort of hard. After all, I used to project manage the development of computer software and, years earlier, managed the operations department of a TV station. So now that I am responsibility-free, why can’t I keep my refrigerator stocked?
I shrugged it off and went to the market to buy milk—two bottles, both low fat, and to my surprise because I still don’t know a lot of German and wasn’t paying enough attention…
Soy. I bought two bottles of low-fat, soymilk. Ewww.
All my past work history means nothing. As a hausfrau, I suck.
Tuesday Max and I were watching Switzerland destroy Greece in the Eurocup and heard a knocking coming from the loft of our house. At first, we paid it no mind. We figured it was Rascal, our cat and the only member of our household who visits the space because her litter box and food are kept there.
A little later, with Rascal purring in Max’s lap and Charlie asleep at my feet, we heard the knock again, and a little later, again. We looked around, but could never find a cause for the knock. Two nights have passed, we have heard it a couple of time each evening.
I’m starting to get suspicious we might have a critter.
You see, aside from the cat food, our loft boasts a very unique feature—a large, soaking tub, which sits on rollers so it can be positioned under the skylights. Our landlord, the architect behind the concept and quite the romantic, wanted to be able to watch the stars, alone or with company, while he took a bath. To make this happen, however, he also had to devise a unique was of draining the tub—a free-flowing trough that allows the water to drain out of tub, behind the walls, and into the nether-parts of the house. I can’t help but wonder if those nether-parts don’t house something other than pipes. To be honest, I’m a little freaked out about it.
Max is going out with our landlord to watch more of the Eurocup this weekend (because I’ve had my fill). Maybe we’ll get another explanation for the knock. Keep your fingers crossed that I won’t be blogging about this next week.
I shrugged it off and went to the market to buy milk—two bottles, both low fat, and to my surprise because I still don’t know a lot of German and wasn’t paying enough attention…
Soy. I bought two bottles of low-fat, soymilk. Ewww.
All my past work history means nothing. As a hausfrau, I suck.
Tuesday Max and I were watching Switzerland destroy Greece in the Eurocup and heard a knocking coming from the loft of our house. At first, we paid it no mind. We figured it was Rascal, our cat and the only member of our household who visits the space because her litter box and food are kept there.
A little later, with Rascal purring in Max’s lap and Charlie asleep at my feet, we heard the knock again, and a little later, again. We looked around, but could never find a cause for the knock. Two nights have passed, we have heard it a couple of time each evening.
I’m starting to get suspicious we might have a critter.
You see, aside from the cat food, our loft boasts a very unique feature—a large, soaking tub, which sits on rollers so it can be positioned under the skylights. Our landlord, the architect behind the concept and quite the romantic, wanted to be able to watch the stars, alone or with company, while he took a bath. To make this happen, however, he also had to devise a unique was of draining the tub—a free-flowing trough that allows the water to drain out of tub, behind the walls, and into the nether-parts of the house. I can’t help but wonder if those nether-parts don’t house something other than pipes. To be honest, I’m a little freaked out about it.
Max is going out with our landlord to watch more of the Eurocup this weekend (because I’ve had my fill). Maybe we’ll get another explanation for the knock. Keep your fingers crossed that I won’t be blogging about this next week.
Friday, June 06, 2008
What I didn’t blog about this week
Saturday and Sunday – I learned a few important lessons from babysitting 2-year-old twins this past weekend:
1. Even the pickiest, pint-sized eater will succumb if you put enough ketchup on the plate.
2. Dora the Explorar is the greatest television show in the history of broadcasting.
3. You’re never too young to scam when you want something bad enough.
Side note: I didn’t change a single diaper the entire weekend. Thanks, Max!
Monday – 5lbs!! I finally got my act together and committed to a diet. Already, the progress is noticeable! Of course, I’d like to lose 5 more by the end of June--just in time for our trip to the Red Sea to visit Max’s family. So far, so good!
Friday - By the time you read these words, Max and I will be on our way to the airport to catch a flight to Prague, Czechoslovakia. Saturday marks our one-year wedding anniversary, and we’re off for a romantic weekend.
1. Even the pickiest, pint-sized eater will succumb if you put enough ketchup on the plate.
2. Dora the Explorar is the greatest television show in the history of broadcasting.
3. You’re never too young to scam when you want something bad enough.
Side note: I didn’t change a single diaper the entire weekend. Thanks, Max!
Monday – 5lbs!! I finally got my act together and committed to a diet. Already, the progress is noticeable! Of course, I’d like to lose 5 more by the end of June--just in time for our trip to the Red Sea to visit Max’s family. So far, so good!
Friday - By the time you read these words, Max and I will be on our way to the airport to catch a flight to Prague, Czechoslovakia. Saturday marks our one-year wedding anniversary, and we’re off for a romantic weekend.
Friday, May 30, 2008
What I didn’t blog about this week
Monday - Poor Charlie! When I left him at the doggie hotel for the weekend, I asked the on-site groomer to give him a trim. You guessed it. We’re back at square one. At least, this time around, the weather better suits his new do.
Tuesday – Speaking of weather, it’s almost 90 degrees in my locale. Have I mentioned that my home doesn’t have air conditioning? I’m beginning to worry about how I’ll fair during July and August heat. Think Wicked Witch of the West with fashion sense and tad better disposition. “I’m melting! I’m melting!” If only I had those ruby slippers to take me away from the August heat and humidity.
Friday – Judging from my blogroll, you can guess that I read LOTS of blogs. Often, when I read your words, I am inspired. Sometimes, it’s the story or the quality of the writing. Other times, your photographs blow me away or you’ve offered a perspective I have never before considered.
I want to show you how much I appreciate this.
And so…
I’ve decided, even though the world is already filled with too many tacky awards shows, to offer a Very Martini Toast to one blogger each month. It’s my way of telling you how much I appreciate your efforts and willingness to put it out there.
Look for June’s Toastee on Monday.
Tuesday – Speaking of weather, it’s almost 90 degrees in my locale. Have I mentioned that my home doesn’t have air conditioning? I’m beginning to worry about how I’ll fair during July and August heat. Think Wicked Witch of the West with fashion sense and tad better disposition. “I’m melting! I’m melting!” If only I had those ruby slippers to take me away from the August heat and humidity.
Friday – Judging from my blogroll, you can guess that I read LOTS of blogs. Often, when I read your words, I am inspired. Sometimes, it’s the story or the quality of the writing. Other times, your photographs blow me away or you’ve offered a perspective I have never before considered.
I want to show you how much I appreciate this.
And so…
I’ve decided, even though the world is already filled with too many tacky awards shows, to offer a Very Martini Toast to one blogger each month. It’s my way of telling you how much I appreciate your efforts and willingness to put it out there.
Look for June’s Toastee on Monday.
Friday, May 09, 2008
What I didn't blog about this week
Events in recent weeks kept me from posting this regular Friday feature because I didn’t want to blog about what I hadn’t blogged about. Makes sense, right?
But I am happy report What I Didn’t Blog About, beloved by at least one of you (yeah, I’m taking about YOU, karey) is back with a vengeance.
Friday – Mother Nature prevented Max and I from visiting Strasbourg as planned. I started miscarrying on Thursday, just as Max got back from Brazil. (Welcome home, sweetie!)
You can imagine what a relief it was to have him home. Considering everything, we are doing well and looking forward to trying again in the fall. Thank you for all the kind comments and e-mails. I typically don’t share my Martinis posts with Max (unless it’s a funny post about him), but I shared your words of comfort. We were both so lifted by your kindness and support. Today, I am feeling much, much better and we have decided to take our little getaway to France this weekend.
Monday – I am constantly being surprised by sweet, little kindnesses bestowed upon me by people I hardly know. My landlord’s 80-year-old father surprised me with an herb garden. He went out, bought the herbs, planter, soil and made it up for me. I’ve only met this man, who speaks no English, three times--once when I interviewed for the house, once when I moved in (when he and his wife brought me a welcome bottle of prosecco and flowers), and then Monday. The sweetness gene must run in the family. His son and my landlord, Thomas, a busy architect took an hour out of his Thursday to show me the best places in the Pfalz to buy spargel. Then, he demonstrated how to peel and prepare it. Like the herbs, this was a spontaneous act of kindness. And thanks to the education in German asparagus, I was able to make Max a traditional, German, spargel dinner that very night.
Tuesday – Max and I have made two promises to each other for the summer. First, we are going to start walking more. After dinner each night and with Charlie in tow, we have been taking a 3 kilometer stroll through the local vineyards. It’s a great way for Max to wind down from the stressful day at the office and an even better way for me to build up my activity level. I need to get back in shape, but also I need to start slowly. Our other goal is to spend more time exploring the local town. After our walk, we patron a new café or wine bar for a nightcap. Yes, I know this probably goes against our first objective, but it is oh so good for the soul.
Thursday – I’m busy doing Spring cleaning because next week I have a very special guest visiting from the USA. Germany should be forwarned because JULES is coming to town.
But I am happy report What I Didn’t Blog About, beloved by at least one of you (yeah, I’m taking about YOU, karey) is back with a vengeance.
Friday – Mother Nature prevented Max and I from visiting Strasbourg as planned. I started miscarrying on Thursday, just as Max got back from Brazil. (Welcome home, sweetie!)
You can imagine what a relief it was to have him home. Considering everything, we are doing well and looking forward to trying again in the fall. Thank you for all the kind comments and e-mails. I typically don’t share my Martinis posts with Max (unless it’s a funny post about him), but I shared your words of comfort. We were both so lifted by your kindness and support. Today, I am feeling much, much better and we have decided to take our little getaway to France this weekend.
Monday – I am constantly being surprised by sweet, little kindnesses bestowed upon me by people I hardly know. My landlord’s 80-year-old father surprised me with an herb garden. He went out, bought the herbs, planter, soil and made it up for me. I’ve only met this man, who speaks no English, three times--once when I interviewed for the house, once when I moved in (when he and his wife brought me a welcome bottle of prosecco and flowers), and then Monday. The sweetness gene must run in the family. His son and my landlord, Thomas, a busy architect took an hour out of his Thursday to show me the best places in the Pfalz to buy spargel. Then, he demonstrated how to peel and prepare it. Like the herbs, this was a spontaneous act of kindness. And thanks to the education in German asparagus, I was able to make Max a traditional, German, spargel dinner that very night.
Tuesday – Max and I have made two promises to each other for the summer. First, we are going to start walking more. After dinner each night and with Charlie in tow, we have been taking a 3 kilometer stroll through the local vineyards. It’s a great way for Max to wind down from the stressful day at the office and an even better way for me to build up my activity level. I need to get back in shape, but also I need to start slowly. Our other goal is to spend more time exploring the local town. After our walk, we patron a new café or wine bar for a nightcap. Yes, I know this probably goes against our first objective, but it is oh so good for the soul.
Thursday – I’m busy doing Spring cleaning because next week I have a very special guest visiting from the USA. Germany should be forwarned because JULES is coming to town.
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