Blustery Monday Morning

Guten Morgen!
Len's new clock says that it is 70 degrees F in the apartment this morning. As I sit by the kitchen window I see the plants on the wall across from me struggling to maintain their hold on the brick in the wind. The pavement outside is wet from the overnight rain and the sky is gray and cloud-covered. People are still out and about but they are all wearing long pants and jackets and have their hands stuffed into their pockets. I see a man and a woman pushing a baby buggy along the lower path near the river.

Yesterday Len and I took a long walk down the river. We were comfortable in our jackets but I did see a woman biking with a headband over her ears and gloves on her hands. I keep reminding myself that it is July! When Len and I were ready to return we ventured into some of the streets through the neighborhoods. We gave thanks for our huge yard at home. Most of these people's yards are the size of our front porch. They have beautiful plants growing there and Len took a picture of me by a purple Rose of Sharon (Althea) bush. We watched an older couple enter their apartment. We grieved for them at all of the graffiti on the wall surrounding their door. I would find it humiliating to have all of that right next to my front door. On our walk, we even saw potted palm trees along one street. They say they do not get a harsh winter here but it certainly seemed like a strange sight to us!

We have been emailing with a woman from back home. It looks like we will again have the privilege of having an exchange student for the Fall semester. There is a small chance that we will have 2 students but she is exploring another option yet for one of them. Perhaps Ali will be able to bring us some information about the student when she comes. I guess this is the answer we have for now about not wanting an empty nest too soon! At least we will feel more compassion for someone who does not understand the language after being in Europe all summer!

If I sit at the kitchen table and look to the Kleine Weser River, there are 2 benches which overlook the river. There is also a gate with steps down to the river. I just noticed the gate yesterday and within minutes of noticing it, saw several people come up the steps. Michael checked it out and said it goes to a path along the river. Maybe we will have to go down and see if we can get close to the waterfall today. Each day, a group of older men come on their bikes and sit on the benches and talk. Every time I see them I think I should get a picture but I haven't yet. I wonder if they will come today if the weather stays so dreary. I certainly do not relish the thought of going out in this although I do need to go to the market for some kielbasa-type meat for dinner. I also want to get a baguette of bread. We have been eating a whole baguette at each dinner. It is so good when dipped in a bowl of oil with Italian seasoning and garlic salt in it. YUM!