I sit here in my living room, watching the first snow of the season through the window. Yes, that’s right… the ides of October and it’s snowing. It’s averaging 10˚ below average here right now — that’s about 18˚ lower to you and me. So hurrah for an early winter (sigh).At least the apartment is warm. Better built and better heated than the one on Denisstrasse, we also don’t have to worry about the nasty black mold that was on the walls there. Sheridan’s sitting on the couch playing the Wii, Kevin’s getting ready for his regular pub night (he runs an English-language Stammtisch on alternate Thursdays), and I’m gazing sleepily out the window and wondering if the snow will stick. Siggy is as usual sacked out on the floor nearby.

It’s this time of year that I think “well, at least it isn’t as cold as it was in Toledo!” But then in the summer it’s “At least it’s not as hot as Georgia!” It keeps my spirits up… better than Toledo, better than Georgia, it’s the best place to live? Right?

I’ve officially bought plane tickets for me and Sheridan for our Christmas trip to the US — Dec 24 – Jan 4. We’re so excited! Kevin has volunteered to stay here with the dog to save money. Next time, he’ll go alone or with Sheridan and I’ll stay here.

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we’ve no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow….