oh my dog...

before and after...

before you start telling me that i'm a horrible dog mother, let me say there's only a difference of a few pounds from the before photo to the after. rena puts herself in some VERY unflattering positions. she needs to watch "how to look good naked" and take some tips from carson. we've been walking a lot lately. hour plus hikes in the woods (very hilly) most every day, often followed up by another hour long flat walk in the evening. rena, as the middle child, got stuck home with mara a lot while boney got the long walks, and now it's a different story. it's been good for her. her coat is shinier, and she's lost some weight, in spite of the fact that she's actually eating more now that mara's not around for her 1/3 of the wet food they get every night.

okay, so i haven't blogged in a long time. what can is say? did anyone actually miss me?

here's an update.

our neighbors down the hill are crazier than ever. saturday night our downstairs neighbors were up, and sarah and i sat on the front balcony (well, laid on the front balcony so they couldn't see us) and watched the two evil witches literally chase a car up the hill with a 5 foot long, 5 inch thick tree branch. you think i'm kidding? i'm not. i've never heard such yelling. sarah and i ran inside when the older witch decided she was going to walk UP the hill and make sure they were gone. later, when we had smores, i threw a marshmallow in their yard. i'm sure they will have it analyzed, determine it is of american origin, and call the police.

we had a wonderful trip to berlin. our hotel was literally right in front of where the wall used to be, and we were staying in what used to be east berlin. i had great food. ice cream with three toppings (do it yourself with olive oil, black pepper, and a sweetened balsamic vinegar). sounds awful, but was amazing. much like my avocado milkshakes... found a schlotsky's and had a turkey original, no onions no mayo. missed my salt and vinegar chips, but was still satisfied. also had mexican food twice, which was possibly a german record. we saw checkpoint charlie, pieces of the wall still standing and in displays, many historical buildings, and the dogs and i enjoyed an afternoon walking around the huge park (tiergarten). unfortunately they did not allow dogs in the zoo (like the website said) so we were unable to meet knut.

i complain about my neighbors all the time, but i don't often tell you guys how wonderful our downstairs neighbors, sarah and olli are. though we do plan nights to hang out, they often show up after work with beers in hand (becks, of course, they are from bremen). they are absolutely fabulous. i can't imagine being here without them. they are going to cairo on saturday for a week and sarah's parents are coming to stay here. we have invited her folks up to experience their first ever american thanksgiving. they are, evidently, very excited, as are we!

two of our very favorite people (in gereral, AND to travel with) are expecting a baby. congratulations! you know who you are... : ) we couldn't be happier for you both. and if two are too much, we'll take K off your hands...

my parents come in less than a month, and i've got some organizing to do before the big german christmas! i've got most of my christmas presents for family ready to go back with sean in early december. one last shopping trip this friday and hopefully i'll be done! if anyone wants anything from england (bea?) let me know and i'll pick it up when we head out there...

christmas markets begin next week i think, and i can't wait to drink gluwein, eat candied almonds, and go ice skating. oh, and the banana and chocolate crepes. and the bratwurst. and the potato pancakes with applesauce. well, i think we can all see what kind of new year's resolutions i'll be making...

okay, i think that's it for now.

oh yeah, i'm really happy about the election. : )