Blizzard

Mieka is a force to be reckoned with when it snows, so I decided to join in the fun and enjoy the snow for one last hurrah. In truth, I don't really like being in the snow. I love when it's pure, untouched, and windswept, but I do just fine looking out the window and admiring it. However, I wanted to spend some time with her enjoying something she likes so much. I couldn't stop laughing as she contorted her body and resembled an arctic fox as she jumped around and dug in the snow. Obvious signs of puppy contentment.

I think watching a dog run in the snow is one of my favorite things. She is definitely smiling the entire time.


Leaving a pet behind is very difficult. I can talk to my family on the phone and communicate with them, but watching Mieka's antics and being able to pet her is something that doesn't bridge the distance.

I try to remember all the funny things she does - stealing things to be chased, being OCD enough to recognize when something it out of place, and staring you down when it's time to go on a walk. That usually makes me dog-sick and I go to the parks to watch the dogs frolic about, thinking of her and wishing she could be there to appreciate that. She would undoubtedly be the misbehaved one that doesn't know how to walk off a leash, but maybe she'd return to her European roots, her ancestors are from the Pyrenees after all.



I decided to take a bit of the snow and puppy back to Germany with me by making a DVD.


One thing's for sure - I'm ready to say sayonara to is the snow. It's been real, but I'm ready for spring.

My mother's luck

My mom doesn't have the best luck with vacations. When we were children we'd often go to the Outer Banks and Carolinas - only to be confronted with a hurricane. It really became an expected occurrence.

It's been quite some time since my parents have traveled to Europe, and it's almost comical how history repeats itself. They were even having strong winds, which Stefan translated to be a hurricane, despite the fact water isn't so close.

To make matters worse, not only was the ground crew at the Munich airport striking, it appears as though there is also going to be a strike with the S-Bahns on Monday when we arrive. We'll probably take the S-Bahn from the airport, even though Stefan will drive there to meet us with the car, because we have a fair amount of luggage. Munich has two subways, the S-Bahn and the U-Bahn, so we're not at a complete loss and they usually have things running as smoothly as possible with more delays.



Although the strikes in Europe aren't fun for anyone, they do get things accomplished. I like the pro-active approach even when it affects my schedule. If anything, being a tour guide it gives me the day off, but people seem less concerned and learn to work around it. I like the leisurely pace and understanding during times like that.

I was hoping that the weather in Germany would be at least 50⁄°F / 10°C, especially since we are having a blizzard here. A real blizzard. It's 18°F / -8°C with heavy winds and snow for over 24 hours, so I guess anything is better than this.

I'm spending my day playing with my dog in the snow and packing to prepare to head back home. My bags are already so heavy. I'm bringing over 20 books, for some variety, shoe boxes packed with food, and my little buddha bank. That little chubby face makes me so happy. Isn't he precious?

Now I'm just hoping our flight is able to leave tomorrow!