Training

Training Training Training. It seems like that is all I am doing lately. Training children, training a teenager, training puppies.... It is so hard sometimes to feel like all I am doing is holding the line, disciplining, sticking to my guns, administering consequences. Bleck!
I think that's why the Germany trip stands out in my mind so much. It was a completely self indulgent time. I loved it! I drank and ate what I wanted to while it was still hot and cold, I was inundated with so much beauty without one interuption of my taking it in, I had long and thoughtful conversations with some of the people I love the best, I was touched by God's lovingness during train rides, in castles, on city streets, in one of the coolest apartments I have ever stepped foot in. It was just awesome, Which brings me to my last day: shopping in the more modern sections of Munich and the opera. I really liked the stores we went into- there was a very graphic and fresh feel. I found a mirror that fit exactly into my "bavarian deer acorns and oak leaf" desires. Despite the handle breaking and it tumbling end over end when I was running to catch a bus, it arrived home safe and sound.
The opera was something else entirely! It was a good thing Matthew looked up the story line ahead of time because it was all in German, but the voices, oh the voices... I have been to one ballet and while it was very cool, I think I am more of an opera type girl! The music literally filled the entire building. Amazing.

So that was basically the nutshell of the trip.

Jane Austen's Anne says: "My idea of good company, Mr. Elliot, is the company of clever, well informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company."
"You are mistaken,' he said gently,"that is not good company, that is the best."

How fortunate that I was able to share my Germany experience with the best company I know, my family. And now I have the summer to look forward to!