American River

Happy Memorial Day to everyone here in the U.S.!  I am totally enjoying being surrounded by family and friends.  Yesterday was a fantastic day.  My best friend from grade school came up to Auburn and had breakfast and a little hike with my German family and my American family.  It was a beautiful day and the kind that makes my heart happy.  I love being here and can't believe I have less than a week left.  

Where the heart is

I woke up this morning in my childhood bed, in my childhood house with my mommy and my daddy.  As soon as I was up, this big love bug jumped up on my bed to give me slobbery kisses and the best cuddles ever. 

Nothing quite beats the feeling of waking up at home, surrounded by your family.  I am so excited to be here in California, to smell the fresh cut grass and feel the cool dewy air that portends a hot California day.  I am content to spend the morning chatting with my mama and going for hikes behind our house, to go to Target and to have an evening beer with my dad before dinner.  

I probably won't write much over the next to weeks while I am home.  I want to soak every moment up.  Hope you enjoy the last few weeks of May!  

Helsinki

While we were in Finland, we got one evening--one evening only--to check out Helsinki.  It was a really great town, with a big city feel and lots of wide streets, beautiful buildings and super cool people!  

I wish we'd had a bit more time there, but we had fun with the time we had and I learned enough about the city to know that I want to go back.  Here are some pictures in case you are interested...

Family tree

A few weeks ago, I went up to Finland with my in-laws and got a chance to see where Peter's mom is from.  It was a truly special experience and great family time.  One day, we had a chance to see Peter's great-grandparents' house, which was full of history and detail. (You know how much I love detail.)  I could almost feel the presence of his ancestors in all the old paper, matchboxes and rocking chairs.  I could have spent hours there, it felt so comfortable and worn in.  

I hope to have a chance to go back sometime, maybe some summer when Peter and I can sip lemonade as we look out at the lake.  Here are some pictures.  

Food on Friday: Mango, black bean, quinoa salad

This is the perfect weeknight dinner.  It's fresh, summery and delicious.  It takes almost no preparation, no effort.  It's healthy (and let's face it, weeknights are when we try to be healthy).  Cilantro and spice give it the perfect kick.  

Instagram/update

You may have noticed that things have been a little MIA over here the last few months.  I would like to say that it was entirely because of my busy schedule but that wouldn't be completely true.  I mean, I have been busy--I have been working a lot, running all over Bavaria and have been traveling a bit for personal reasons on top of it all.  

But, I think the real reason for my absence here has been a general burnt out feeling and a lack of inspiration.  Between my working hours and the dreary (and never-ending) last days of winter, blah has been the word to describe my mood as of late.  I spent most of the months of March and April wrapped in a blanket on the couch, watching television and eating my weight in comfort foods.  What was there to blog about really?

But, since the sun came out at the beginning of May and the trees finally grew back their summery green coats, I have been feeling muuuuuuuuuuch better and more inspired again.  

For the mothers

I am an awfully long way away from my mom.  Some days all I can think about is having lunch and iced tea with her or having her give me a hug.  Still, every day I feel so, so lucky to have such a wonderful, loving, giving person to call any time of the day or night.  

I can't do much for my mom this year for Mother's Day (and have shamefully even failed at getting a card in the mail on time), but if I could do something for her, this is what I would do...