Monthly Archives: October 2019
Fall Break!
I’m off for a week and spending most of it in Germany. Woo hoo! I sooooooo need this time off to breathe and reflect and enjoy the beauty of living. Joe and I joined some friends for a long but fun drive to Munich where we spent the weekend sipping, strolling and eating. Today, Joe is off to Prague with the friends, and I am off to Hamburg to spend time with family.
I always love being in Germany, and I still hope to one day find myself getting transferred to a school here. It won’t be much closer to most of my family since none of our locations are up north, but Stuttgart is near my niece and sister — so, fingers crossed, one day.
That is not to say I don’t also love Belgium. Germany is just so much easier for me since, well, some of it is in my DNA. I’m more at home here.
We were blessed with beautiful weather yesterday. Munich is ablaze with autumn colors.
But the long, dark, cold, wet days are right around the corner. I’m okay with those too because it means candles, hearty stews and soups (a fat girl’s heaven), and the holiday season — whoop whoop!
My sister Angie and some of her family are visiting from Virginia; we’ll meet up again today. Her first few days here I was so busy with work I didn’t get much chance to enjoy time with them, so the next few days will be all about fun, family time. We head back to Belgium on Halloween where I’m sure more fun will be had, and when they leave Shannan arrives to spend a few weeks with us.
Sooooo, I’ve got plenty of cheer ahead of me.
My only complaint is I won’t get to spend Halloween again with this little guy..
But, isn’t he adorable in the space suit I bought this summer?! Cannot wait to see him in December! He’s hobbling along now, so he’ll be running all over the Christmas markets.
Well, I’ve got to pack up and get myself ready for the train ride to airport. Happy Halloween and Harvest cheers to all of you!
p.s. I’m including this photo only because it’s a rare good one of me (lol I’d make a terrible model with my crazy facial expressions). Thanks to Joe for knowing the right angle to snap his wife at! AND, hello? I’m outside in Munich this time of year without a jacket on — in short sleeves!
Rain & Rainbows
It’s been way too long since I’ve posted, and, of course, a lot has happened since August. Work is super busy, and whenever I try to upload photos to this blog it seems to take me forever no matter what I do. In big part it’s because of my shitty wifi. I love where I live, but it has its issues.
Since I’ve last posted, I’ve had a visit from my Al Ain neighbor Haneefa (back in August), and we had fun on a weekend trip discovering Rotterdam.
Cubed houses and interesting street art just to name a few things to find in that city.
And, we’ve gotten plenty of play time right here in Belgium. Mons had its annual Tanks in Town event, which is always a good time.
Plus, we’ve gone to plenty of fun dinners, concerts, fests on base (including Octoberfest!) and God only knows what other local shenanigans. There’s always something going on; I just wish I took the time to post about them while they were happening.
The weather has been literally rainbows and rain, but the temps are still lovely. Today it’s in the 70s (fahrenheit). It makes for a good metaphor for my life as well. Nothing bad has happened, but it’s that time of year when I’m just so slammed with work stuff. It never seems to end, but it’s all good. Kids are learning, and I’m still energized by them.
Although sometimes it’s a little too much zap because I’m also exhausted!
I do so love this time of year though because you can feel the shift in season. The chill is making its way in, and the days are darker longer. I’m also getting ready for a bunch of visitors and festivities. My sister and part of her family arrive Oct 23, then we’re off to Germany for a bit, then Shannan arrives for a good visit, and whallah we’ve got Thanksgiving and Christmas time upon us. Aaron arrives Dec 16, and Kaylene and her crew arrive Dec 23, sooooo I’m all a jingle with holiday planning.
All of which gave me an excuse to visit Champagne country again. Oh, how I love Epernay and Reims as well.
When there’s so much champagne to sip, water comes in warning bottles.
I’m totally in love with my new champagne bucket/table from the ‘widow.’ Veuve Clicquot champagne is famous thanks to a woman who made the best out of her husband’s passing, so, you know, I’m totally a fan (not that I want to off my husband).
AND for all my visitors, I’m all stocked up on most excellent champagne and wine.
Oh and there’s goodies in my fridge and cave (basement storage room) too. Bring on the good cheer!
Badger is hanging in there, but old age is kicking his hind quarters a bit, so we’ve ordered a doggie sling for him to help when he has to use our stairs. That’s right folks, I’m buying handles, so I can carry my dog like a suitcase. I’ll update his blog in a bit too since we want to get as many shots of him loving life while he is. If the doctor keeps giving him morphine, I imagine he’ll hang in for quite a bit longer. That dog totally digs being stoned.
He’s also a lush because he keeps wanting to go to the bar across the street from Park du Poo.
Well, I’m sorry I’ve not shared too many details this time around on our travels or expat life. Like normal life, sometimes we’ve just gotta hunker down and focus on what pays for all that fun.
It’s all good though when the path we’re on is loaded with colors and cobblestone — and cafe sipping. Good God do I love cafe sipping, even in the rain.
Fingers crossed I’ll post again soon. Cheers to all of you!
bettina without borders 