Ending September

Greetings all!

As of today, we are still limping along with partial internet hookup. (Hence the long delay since my last entry...) But all in all, we are fine and have been enjoying gorgeous weather for the past few weeks - lots of bike riding, swimming (we actually have a city pass for the pools now!), and taking care of our daily business. Much of my time is spent grocery shopping these days - most families shop just about everyday here. Part of the reason for this is that we don't have a car, so the giant trips I made every week in the US are impossible here. But, I actually enjoy this. Steve and I have been comparing our personalities, and mine is much more suited for these here today-gone tomorrow tasks (groceries, laundry, etc.) I sort of live for today and can plan my whole day around a grocery trip to the discount store here. (Gee, there's this great coffee place just around the corner! Latte Macchiato - YUM.)

Steve is working very hard finishing his book. He's basically done with the writing part of it, and now has to work on the tedious reference part of book writing. (Torture, according to Steve.) The kids are doing fine although you can keep Harrison in your prayers - he's having some bullying problems here in the neighborhood. We're actually quite shocked about it - none of the rest of us have had any problems. I think it's a boy/testosterone thing. But other than that, they are all ready for their first big break from school. Starting Friday, they have two whole weeks off! We are planning a short vacation as a family to the Rhine/Mosel valleys. And I suppose that will be one of my next entries.

I am translating famous German hymns. Sound boring? Quite the contrary! It really helps my German, and prepares me for the research I'll be doing in German hymnody this next year. (Not to mention the vocabulary boost for church!!) Here's what I learned today - Not = need, Sinn = sense or feeling.

Anyway, the kids need to go to bed, so that's all for now! (they are currently watching "Kim Possible" in German.)

Until next time,