This, that and the other

This:

So far, this fall has been simply lovely. We were so lucky to have dear family and friends come for a quick visit last weekend. It is always an interesting and enjoyable experience to show them around our little life in Germany, but more importantly, to remind us of all our loved ones back home. No matter how grumpy I can get towards everything German, my people are always there to pick up the pieces. We had a wonderful time, highlighted by long meals and interesting conversations. I hope they all come and visit us again soon.

That:

 We also enjoyed a lovely "German Unity Day" (Zach got the day off)...in Belgium. Hiking with the dogs on the weekends here is always a highlight, there are endless places to discover. This weekend it was a Belgian castle, winding creeks and autumn leaves. In other words, it was perfect.

Other:

Other news around our area included the discovery of an unexploded WW2 bomb under a bridge near Cologne, needless to say, everything in the area is closed down until the bomb is retrieved, and anytime one of the very few bridges is closed across the Rhine, the traffic gets a bit hairy.