Finally, we are enjoying our home for the first time this summer. Usually, we are on our boat or traveling with our camper. However, we have sold them both to experience new ways to see the world. No plans, but spontaneity is the keyword. When the sun is out, we’re like lizards on a rock. Our patio Jacuzzi was perfect.
When it decides to rain, we go and curl up with a book and take a nap. I can’t remember the last time I took a nap. Seriously, I usually rest and read! This life is a good one, and I’m ready for more. I read the best book. It was fascinating since it was based on traditions and cultural norms during the life of Christ. Ever thought he might have been married? This book made you think he might have been.
If we weren’t out on our balcony or reading, I was cooking. I made some delicious gluten-free bread made from grains and seeds!
Additionally, I prepared a savory Italian Sausage and Bean dish. It was incredibly delicious and easy to prepare. Plus, the leftovers were just as good with intense flavors.
I whipped up an Asian Noodle Salad using gluten-free noodles made from Purple Carrot. It’s in the post below. I used the whole box and ended up with tons left over. It was still tasty for three days in the fridge.
We are also keeping up with our exercise! At least four to five days a week. I gave away my stepper due to my bum knee and now have a sit-down bike, which is great for my back and my knees! Plus, adjusting Lutz’s bike is a hassle, as you can see.
My International friends had a super clothes exchange last month. I got rid of a lot of items. I have collections from both the boat and the camp. Now I have room in my closet for something new…
Lutz took off for a weekend with his son, Phillip, for a bike tour in Bavaria. I got to have a girls’ weekend with my longtime friend, Christiane! We worked together in Giessen at the same school. She was the German language teacher. We took advantage of the sun!
And I took her to my favorite spots for a nice meal. The Bistro Café Flösserpark is situated right on the Kinzig River and serves Greek dishes, flammkuchen, and hamburgers.
The next day was girls’ shopping day, and we headed to Hauslach in my Miata. After spending all our money (remember, I needed to replace the ones I gave away), we indulged in an early meal of sushi! The Kanone Asiatische Fusion & Sushi is the perfect place to go for a variety of Asian meals. From sushi to curries, you will not be disappointed. But the best part about the visit was catching up with each other after 15 years! Oh, yes, and binge-watching movies at night.
Lutz came home, and Christiane left, and we started to get the itch to travel. So one morning after a couple of days of rain and book reading, we took off in Fritz, my Miata, to visit some small towns along the French border in the area of Alsace. We prayed our 30-year-old Fritz would make it!
After two hours, we arrived in the small village of Ribeauvillé with a huge crowd! It was Saturday, so the tourist buses were in full swing. Check out the Castle on the hill in the background.
It was a quaint old village with such cool shops and interesting houses.
The street was a pedestrian-only street, so no dodging cars. But the crowd made it difficult to get around. I bet a weekday would have been much better!
The next small village we visited was Berheim. This little town was not as populated. It is a walled city, and I think it is a bit more interesting than our first stop.
I’ll show you what I mean. First off, a “dump” of pictures showing the nooks and crannies of this super cute place:
Cool dining options:
The main street featured beautiful, well-maintained homes with shops of all kinds below.
Of course, we had to hit up this shop for Lutz!
The inside was so cool. Mustard anyone?
The bakery windows were like showcases of art!
We thought we would have snails and a flammkuchen and make it home before dark, but we didn’t want to take the chance or spend the money, so Lutz came up with a great idea. We stopped at the Super U store (these are pictures of the inside). If you have never been in one of these shops in France, you are really missing something wonderful. It has it all and is so creatively displayed. It is fancier than Costco, folks!
I think we lucked out. We had the best dinner for half the price, sitting on our balcony and enjoying a delicious French meal, all while taking in the sunset like two lizards basking in the sun! Warm and content!
Next month is another quiet month for us. No travel plans as of yet, but spontaneity is our motto, and it seems to be working just great for us, for now, that is. Join me again next month to discover more places to visit on this side of the pond and for super-easy gluten-free recipes!
Fave Recipe: Asain Noodle Salad
Easy, delicious, and the peanut or sunflower butter sauce really makes it a hit. This recipe makes enough for a family barbecue with friends, plus some leftovers that will keep for up to three days in the fridge.
Fave Resource: Made With Happy:
This is the coolest site. Not only do I know Alli as a friend and a supermom, but she is also creative, dedicated, and totally into providing fun educational activities for her family and you! Her site is wonderful for parents, teachers, and, like me, grandparents. Check out her Back-to-School themed activities. Click here for more.
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.