Armistice Day

First I want to start with a Happy Veteran's Day! Not only is my husband is a member serving our country, but both my Grandfathers served in WWII and my Father was a member of the United States Navy as a Seabee. It is important to me to recognize this day.

Now for a little history lesson on Veteran's Day. Originally, this day was called Armistice Day falling on November 11th because World War I was formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. This is a little tidbit of information that my husband shared with me this week. So Happy Armistice Day!

This Veteran's Day I seem to have a greater sense of Patriotism. This may be because I am now married to the military myself, or because I am living in a foreign country, but I believe that the main factor is the recent incident at Fort Hood. These victims of this attack are all in my hearts on this day and will forever be. The attack at Fort Hood was a horrific and terrifying event and it is so sad to think that these people died on their own home turf, and for what reason? How are we to say that this couldn't happen anywhere? It is hard to believe that 13 people died, 14 if you count a woman's unborn child. These victims ranged from the ages 19-65. Yet, they were not the only victims; there are now 19 children who have one less parents, and all the other family members and friends missing them. Not only has the whole Fort Hood community been deeply affected, but the whole military community has as well. That is why this Veteran's Day I am especially thinking of the men and women who died in this Fort Hood incident, because they are veterans who gave their life in combat, just not on enemy soil. General George Casey Jr said during the Fort Hood Memorial yesterday "Grieve with us, not for us" and I am grieving with you all on this Veteran's Day and always.

Colors Surround You

The vivid colors of Autumn that is. I absolutely love Fall for the following reasons, in no particular order:
1. I can start wearing warm comfy clothes.
2. I can have my Chai Tea Latte and it's never too hot to drink it.
3. Everywhere you look the landscape is breathtaking.
4. Colors are all around you, and it's those nice, deep, earth-tone colors....my fave!
5. You start to smell crisp wood-burning fires in the air.
6. Halloween and Thanksgiving are in fall!
7. It is the only season that has two names; Fall & Autumn.
8. It is often (usually!) the beginning of skiing season!
9. And it produces pictures like this:





The first one I took here in Germany. I love colors like that. The second one I wish I could take credit for, but I can't. A friend took it in Rochester, New York, my hometown. It is a view of Durand Eastman Park.


Tell me, do you like Autumn? If so, why do you like it so much?

It's Not Dejavu

I have a new kitten. Ok, maybe I should say that I have another new kitten. As you all know, my kitten Mifflin was a present from my husband. He got her from a friend who's cat had kittens, but she had also rescued another male kitten the week before we went to pick up Mifflin. I knew she was going to be looking for a new home for him, and entertained the idea of taking him but didn't follow through. I figured she would find a good home for him. Rob and I also were not sure if we were planning to get a dog while in Germany at some point and you are only allowed to own 2 animals while in military housing. So the idea was dead for a long time, but the other day Misti (our friend who owns the cats) said she couldn't find a good home for him. Rob and I have already decided not to get a dog because of the responsibility, the cost of shipping them back to the states and not knowing the size of our future apartment. Needless to say we took the cute kitten off of Misti's hands, and we have a new member of the family. Here he is!

A Kodak Day

I feel like every moment now is a Kodak moment. I've always enjoyed photography, but I swear that I have been bitten by a new bug since I have been here in Germany. I always want to take pictures to remember the moments, or to scrap the pictures. Now I feel like I am taking pictures to share these amazing moments with the world. So many of my family and friends ask about my daily life here. I feel that the best way to share them is to share pictures.

I must say I have been very intimidated by being in a foreign country. I have taken 3 years of German and I feel like I know diddly-squat! I HAVE to practice..... Today I finally sucked it up, and took a trip on my own to down to the Netto. There are Nettos all over.....kind of like Wegmans in Rochester. Unfortunately, a Netto is not nearly as big! I bought some milk, some hot chocolate, and of course I couldn't walk out of there without buying some German chocolate! I had a great walk to the Netto, and a great experience there. I cannot wait to go buy some German wine though :) I learned today that I can get by on my own, with no car, and without speaking the language. Let's just say I had a great day! Hope you all have had days that feel this way.....like you are overcoming an obstacle.