Stitches and Skype

I managed to make it 34 years in life with out stitches. That time has ended. In one of my clumsiest moments yet, I dropped a knife onto my finger. I was putting the dishes away and dropped the knife onto my index finger. Surprisingly deep cut resulted but no pain and not much bleeing. I went to the hospital just to see and they gave me 2 stiches.

Also this week, I signed up for skpe so everyone can call me for free!!! Just sign up for skype!

Verona Italy

This week I was in Italy for work. I did manage to get out between meetings to see a bit of the city. Verona is beautiful! I highly recommend it. The people are also very nice. I left my wallet behind in a restaurant bathroom. Someone who worked at the restaurant found it and has mailed it back to me. Hopefully it will be in my hands next week with everything in it (credit cards, cash, drivers license etc....). I must say I am surprised that it was found. I thought for sure it would be gone forever. Gratzi people of Italy Gratzi!!

More hiking photos....

Eva and I and the hound dogs went hiking a few weekends back. It started off really nice and sunny. Then turned to rain and hail. In the end it was sunny again. We celebrated our suvival with a few radlers and a sausage.

Baden Baden

So what does one do on a Sunday afternoon to relax? Go to the bath in Baden Baden of course. It is only a 25 minute drive from Karlsruhe and it is lovely. We took a walk around town and enjoyed the snow before heading into the pool. No pictures from inside the pool as there are naked areas. But after relaxing in the mineral pools we felt great!

The Rhein

As you have seen from previous posts I have become quite a fan of hiking. Last weekend we went hiking along the Rhein. As you may know the Rhein is one of the longest river in Germany and Karlsruhe is next to it. The weather wasn't ideal, it was snowing and raining a bit, we managed to enjoy it. As we do with all hikes, we stopped for lunch along the way. This time we ended up on a boat that was converted to a restaurant. It was like a gentlemans club in there. Dark paneling on the walls, guys smoking pipes....all a bit strange but the food was great! I ate wild boar with spätzle. Tasty!

2010

Glückliches Neu Jahr! Happy New Year everyone! Yes, I know that my post are infrequent. I would like to think that this year I would be better about posting but I know I won't. It isn't on my list of things to improve on in 2010. So what is the plan for 2010 you might be asking....Good question.

1. Improve my german. I have been here 2 years now and while I can speak, it definitely needs work. Being the perfectionist that I am, I won't be entirely happy until I am fluent. This will take many years but I am determined to get there.

2. Find a new apartment. Yes, I know I said I would never move again but life changes and so must I. While I love my apartment (and I do mean I LOVE it!) it isn't big enough for 2 so we are searching for a new one. So far we have seen 6 apartments and none of them are right. I am holidng out for the perfect one.

3. Travel more. I am so excited that my CAH friend from New York is coming for a visit this summer. We are going to go to London, tour around Germany a bit and then go to Turkey. Viel spaß!!

That is it really. I have accomplished much in the 2 years I have been here and still love living here. I just want to relax and enjoy this year. The first 2 have been a bit chaotic so I am looking forward to a peaceful year.

Thanksgiving 2009

Well, this year I hosted Thanksgiving Part II. It went much better than last year as I learned a few lessons along the way. The Irish were still late (next time the paddy doesn't get to go to Ireland before a holiday as he can't be trusted to remember his passport)...long story. I still wasn't able to organize a turkey for the event so we made due with chickens. We had a lovely meal! My friends and I are such good cooks, if I do say so myself. Eva made a beef stew that was served in a pumpkin, Andreas made knödel (german bread dumplings), Judith made rolle (beef rolls stuffed with pickle and cheese)....so much food and it was all delicious! No pictures this year so I will add that to the list of things to get right for next year. 1. Turkey 2. pictures. 2010 will be the best one yet!