Happenings

So much to catch up on!

Friday, November 11, was the start of Karneval in Köln. It was madness with beer and music and costumes everywhere...I hear it was 50,000 strong.

The time between now and then, I've been to the doctor a couple of times for a cough/cold mess, my phone got stolen in a restaurant, and my parents have gotten their immigration cards!

Tomorrow morning we check out of the hotel, after 9 weeks in the Pullman in Köln. The flat in Bonn feels HUGE in comparison! It's a new day, and a start to learning everything over again about a new town.

The most exciting thing on the horizon is a family friend coming to stay at our apt next weekend!

I'm really over-doing the exclamation points. And leaving a lot out, but I can't quite remember some of the details I planned on sharing. Sadly, going forward there will be fewer pictures without the convenience of an iPhone, but I'll do my best to give some visuals. Maybe I'll start using the big camera.

Christmas markets are starting up this Friday, and they've been building them the last few weeks. It's amazing!! There are 6 or 7 all around Köln, and it's like a wonderland. All wooden cottages with tons and tons of greenery and trees...one we passed by yesterday had strung big stars all over the trees in the platz...it is magical.

Of course I love and miss all my friends and family dearly, but lately, I have really been missing food in America! I fantasize about BBQ and chocolate chip pancakes and Thanksgiving stuffing and Chickfila. BUT. I know I'll miss the delicious things exclusive to Germany once home.
Oh to be grateful all the time! It's been on my mind quite a bit that the things we complain about are always because of a blessing, something we've been granted in the first place. A job, a possession, a place to live, food, a relationship and so on. So here's to the spirit of a grateful heart, where I always want to rest.