Drinking beer

Our day started with a walk to the Offenbach market, where we got peppers for the fajita dinner we will prepare on Sunday. The markets, grocery stores and shops are all closed on Sunday, so you have to think ahead. A new concept for those of us from the "open 24-hour" world. Stefan and Sina are making the tortillas from scratch (impressive), I will make Grandma Rachel's Spanish rice and Gene will do the vegi's and beef. We are eating meat from "happy animals" (not that any animal is particularly happy about being in our meal. But looking out for the humane treatment of animals is something Sina, Stefan, and many of you back home are concerned about). We are also careful to select "happy cocoa beans", made even happier with a shot of rum.

And had lunch at a Mc Donald's (only things we could find), where they serve Vegi Burgers, the ultimate in the "happy animal meal". Due to the Mc Donald's commitment to ensuring marginal nutrition with all of their meals, this whole wheat bun, vegi burger and tomato delight is simply smothered, inches deep in mayonnaise and catsup. Smothered....




After dropping Sina off for Laney's play date, (Chihuahuas would be crushed if they try to play with a normal sized dog, hence the Chihuahua play clubs) we drove to the highest peak in these parts and stopped for a different kind of "Happy meal". Apple strudel and cocoa with rum. Along with the cold temperatures and drizzly gray day, we got a taste of alpine wonder.

Side note on Laney: What a easy little creature. She goes with us practically everywhere, has little carrying cases, car seat, and lavender harnesses to keep her safe. She is just a trouper during our long walks. She has been allowed in almost everywhere us humans like to go, except the top of the sky scraper:( Don't understand it, but what is to understand when it comes to Chihuahua rights.

I am learning a lot about drinking beer. First, the dark, half liters can put you under the table quite easily. The light, quarter liters are small enough to drink before they get warm and provide a nice sleepy evening. My new favorite is the half beer-half grapefruit juice combination. At 2.5% alcohol you can drink them like water and still carry on a conversation, play settlers and do silly magic tricks without a worry. So, after 4 days of the "100 Beer" challenge, Gene is gallantly carrying the torch for this team with new beers at every turn, but I am settling in on my light-weight, delicious grapefruit friend. I have decided that counting castles is a little more my style.

Castle # 1- On our drive home from the mountain top, we took the scenic route and high above the little town saw this beauty. Mostly in ruins, it stands like a little history lesson above the otherwise contemporary town.



Castle # 2- Large and more complete than the first. This beauty was just a few miles from the first, no doubt they were friendly neighbors back 500 years ago. Note how the wall is just incorporated right into the playground and town building. You can see the layers of living from castle to split- rail to stucco. Really beautiful little winding roads and very elegant homes. When Sina wins the lottery, this will be where she buys a home:)

Must run, Uncle Vic is on his way for Stefan's birthday brunch and there is Spanish rice to cook and laundry to be done.

Cheers,

Carol