We are off and running!

Before we set off to the USA, we made a weekend trip to Trier with Lutz’s nephew, Thomas, and his family to visit another family member, Volker Löwenburg. Volker is the brother of the late Dieter Löwenburg, Thomas’ father.

We managed to secure hotel rooms at the Berghotel Kockelsburg. This photo is an original picture of the hotel, and it still looks the same today! Click the link to check it out!

We took the city tour on the tourist bus and enjoyed the evening lights in front of the Porta Nigra in downtown Trier. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with Thomas. Pia, Izi, and Yannick! They are my family in Germany. One day, they will follow us to San Diego and meet the rest of my family.

We managed one evening on our balcony before the weather turned cold!

I was a bit lazy with cooking last month, but I got in some amazing carnitas and froze a batch so we would have them when we came back from the USA.

I had a last visit with my good friend Julie and met Maureen and her daughter, Haven, from Uganda, Africa. We have a new member in our international women’s group! A quick hike to the top of the mountain to view the beautiful sky and mountains in the Black Forest.

Time just flew by, and we spent most of it cleaning and bringing in our outdoor furniture so it wouldn’t blow off the balcony while we were gone. Then packing and repacking. We had to pack for warm San Diego and time in Cold Oregon. Then it was off to the airport for San Diego via Canada. Vancouver immigration was super easy!

It was great to land in warm San Diego and see the sea!

First off! Hugs from my three grandchildren, Jessica, Ruby, and Eva! One of the big events while we are here is Jessica’s marriage to Christian! They have rented a theater and are getting married on Halloween night, October 31st!

Jericho and Albert were so gracious and loaned us their camper. We got to park it in one of our old camping spots, Admiral Baker! It’s fifteen minutes from their house and the perfect spot to carry out our annual traditions, pumpkin carving! We have a new addition: Leo, Jessica, and Christian’s little boy!

Opa was at his best assisting this year’s works of art!

I’m loving the message on their pumpkins this year…” I love Oma and Opa, ME 2″

We got to watch Eva in action at her Jiu-Jitsu class. Check it out. She’s walking away the champion! She threw her opponent out of the ring. Next week, we get to watch Ruby at hockey or swim class.

I waited to send this month’s newsletter so I could post some pictures of Jessica and Christian’s wedding. We were so glad to make it in time. We were all put to work making the bouquets and table settings.

Her Grandfather, Enrique, made the cake!

The venue was so great. The old theater on Adams Street was perfect. And everyone wore black while they were dressed in white.

After the wedding, we had cocktails and sushi!

It was so much fun. For the main meal, we had a Mexican food truck with the works and a churro truck. I was in Heaven! It was a great evening, and what an official welcome to the family, Christian (you’ve always been loved and have always fit right in!).

It’s been a quick month, and not much to share since you’re probably not interested in pictures of packing, washing, and cleaning. I’ll be back next month with more news about our camping episodes, trip to Oregon, and more! In the meantime, check out this recipe and resource. Thanks for following, and stay safe!

Fave New Recipe: Cassava Flour Sweet Potato (or Pumpkin) Bread & Goat Cheese Spread

I have posted this before, but this time, try using that leftover pumpkin. It works just like the pureed sweet potato. This bread makes the best breakfast bread, or warmed with a scoop of coconut ice cream, it will make the best sweet treat for your holiday!

Fave Resource: Holiday Gift for Friends, Neighbors, Teachers, and more!

It’s that time of year when you have to start thinking about giving. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Ok, I don’t know about you, but I’m so out of ideas for simple gifts for friends and neighbors. This resource is a super way to give a meaningful, personal gift to those in your world.