Journal

Here is a link to the trip report for our vacation in Germany and the Czech Republic.

What a fun and busy week in Austin. Jonathan and Kayleigh are so interesting to be with; I get a real kick out of some of the things they say and do. Jonathan and I had an ongoing Monopoly game which he eventually won on Tuesday evening. We also had interesting early morning conversations when he would come in and cuddle. I went with Kayleigh as she rode her bike to the tot lot; she did a great job. We three went to Amy's for ice cream to celebrate Kayleigh's "big girl bedtime" routine. Kayleigh and I read lots of books; she is on the verge of learning to read.
Elizabeth presented me with two lovely handmade books - one is a leather bound travel diary and the other an emerald green journal. I'm looking forward to using both of them.
Friday aft. Matthew Scott dropped by Elizabeth's and it was great to see him for a little while. Dale got home early enough so Elizabeth and I could go for cocktails and appetizers and then to hear a "Saint Cecilia Music Series" concert which was excellent - combined choirs from two churches and a baroque orchestra performed early 18th century music. Sunday, the Rihas came over and we had a wonderful meal al fresco - salad, steak, potatoes, corn on the cob and good wine. Good company and good conversation. I had just finished reading a biography of "Churchill" which I had borrowed from Dale and we compared notes on the book. Monday we went to "Jerry's Artarama" which has so much neat stuff some of which I bought. We had just enough time to drop in to Williams Sonoma before picking up Kayleigh and I found some appetizer plates that I had been looking for. Under Elizabeth's direction, I made a bookmark with stamps, colored pencils and chalk - it looks quite nice and I'm using it now. The day I left, Elizabeth and I treated ourselves to a foot pedicure which felt great and looked great. Thanks to Elizabeth and Dale for a lovely week.

I bet your newspaper doesn't have exciting headlines like this!
"Man accused of stabbing stepfather with broken toilet plunger..."