Tollpatsch

"He has my eyes." That is what Sabine said to me on the phone, just before assuring me he had no fleas. Well, I just "had" to take him since she was moving to Germany and could not adopt him herself.
So she brought him, covered in fleas. Several hours later, he was drenched and furious and so were we. But look how cute he turned out to be.

A Vienna memory

Wings of Desire

Trying to figure out what two years from now will bring. I love it here in Regensburg but also can tell I am becoming eager to get on with something new and interesting. The lure of this place can cause me nearly to forget that. At the same time, I am becoming a little hesitant about what I want and how capable I am. That may also be a sign that my confidence is atrophying. Hopefully I will do ok with this class I am designing and thus build it up a little. ... a little concerned about how that will turn out. Well, I suppose I will just hang on to the ride and hope it is fun.

UMN frozen tree

Mike and I had a great time in England. While there I got the idea of adding photos to my blogs from some of his friends that hosted us(such nice people!!!). Well, I guess this is more for me than anything as only a few people know I have a blog and they gave up reading it back when I started and stopped using it in November.
This was taken last March on the University of Minnesota campus while I was visiting Mike. That was right after I bought my Nikon. I am still having fun playing with it but really want to learn more about using it. Maybe if I scan and post pictures, I will feel like I am doing something with them and then push myself a little more. Who knows. I'm tired.

NeupfarrCam

Some of the sights of the Christmas market on Neupfarrplatz can be viewed from above at: http://neupfarrcam.r-kom.de/
Of course, this captures a very fuzzy and unenchanting sight. If you can, try to picture yourself below browsing through ornaments, candles, woodworkings and clothing materials while the sweet smells of Christmas time lure you along to the next little hut for a warm treat.

Fog sets in

Fog has set into the city but not too low to the ground. It hovers just above us enveloping the tips of the cathedral spires and stone towers in a soft white mist, enclosing the small town in a safe and pleasant cocoon.
Below, the hustle and bustle of the approaching Christmas season has begun. Lights, decorations and pine branches are hung here and there, music wafts from the stands at the elaborate Christmas markets on the squares. Children are bundled beyond the ability to move and pulled or pushed about by adults who are also covered from head to toe in fluffy, soft sweaters, scarves and other warm clothes. It is perfect. It is charming. Waffles and bratwursts, spiced wine and roasting nuts...The sights, sounds and smells mix and it is home. Just the air, the feelings - atmosphere.
Yet, the homeless young boy still sits on his knees on the ice cold, stone ground with a dirty, battered paper cup in hand - hoping for a bit of kindness from this contented crowd. His knees must ache by now.
A little later the sun fades even more and the gray becomes dark and the lights and decorations and music are even more prevalent. Church bells chime and echo from several directions.
It's the season we have all been waiting for. (?)