Anyone reading this almost certainly knows we lost our baby boy, Dempsey, March 13th around 12:15. How can I remember this so accurately? I have my German class until 11:45 on that day and it happened within a few minutes of me arriving home. I was in the bathroom changing when I heard him fall. I thought it was another seizure but, something told me it wasn't. In fact, I had doubted the epilepsy from Day 1 but, there was only one other explanation --one I knew about, one I had considered, but one that had a certain fate so I chose to believe and/or hope it was in fact, epilepsy. It wasn't. The vets confirmed it was heart failure which leads me to believe the seizures he was having weren't seizures, but easily mistaken for seizures. I now believe those episodes were syncopes. I won't go into detail but, syncopes are indicative of a heart condition common in boxers.
I held him when he died. Just for those who wonder but would never ask, it happened very quickly.. There was no pain for him.. That much I know. That much I am thankful for.
Dempsey was the best dog we have ever owned. He had such a unique personality and an incredible sweetness. Dempsey came to us via' Canada in January of 2006. I remember showing Mike the picture the breeder sent and Mike said "No! That puppy looks sad!" We see who won that one. :) We drove to Atlanta to pick him up from the airport. He was just shy of 10 weeks old and a chunk butt already. That first night home, he jumped in the pool. (We still lived in Pensacola) Dempsey loved the water. We would look outside and see him sitting in the water, on the steps into the pool. By himself. I have pictures of this... I'll find and post them sometime. Most puppies, especially boxers, are hard to train and destructive. I remember when Ali was a puppy, coming home to a demolished chaise lounge. She destroyed a lot but, she really outdid herself with that chaise lounge. Dempsey, nothing. Never destroyed anything--I swear he potty trained himself. He was just an angel. And hysterical. I had never seen anything like it before. I could go on and on about him, but I won't. Many of you knew him and loved him too. He was easy to love and will be impossible to forget.
Beautiful flowers my sweet, sweet, friend Jessica sent to us the day after. A few of things about these flowers.. First, they are still alive and gorgeous. Secondly, Mike had taken the following day to stay home with Ali and I. For lunch, the three of us walked down to our little pizza place and sat outside in the sun. We were gone an hour or so and returned to these on our porch. #3, Notice our names... Jessica ordered the flowers but couldn't get down the the shop. No worries, just come and pay for them Friday. I love that. They didn't know her but, trusted her to come pay when she could...
We weren't the only ones hurting.. Our sweet Ali didn't eat for several days. She wouldn't even get out of the bed - And, I get that. I didn't want to either. She is better now.. The worst was one of my sweet, older neighbors across the street.. She asked where Dempsey was. I told her ..and she kept petting Ali while whispering "Ohhh, Ihr Freund, Ihr Freund" "Your friend. Your friend."
Must. Move. Forward.
to....
Strasbourg, France
Training days are a new fun thing I've grown to love about being here overseas. Mike calls it "Self-paced" training but the reality is, there is no training. It's just an extra lovely day off each month. I like whoever implemented these European training days. We decided to self-pace train ourselves in Strasbourg France this month. I just pinched myself because, who just goes to France for the day? Who does that? We do!! Strasbourg was an easy 1.5 hour drive. It's not deep in France, but a border town--and very beautiful! There was an amazing cathedral where we sat outside and enjoyed 2nd breakfast with champagne, meats, cheeses, OJ, coffee, and yogurt. The black cloud of that week still loomed so I am not going to lie and tell you it was the "Greatest day ever!" because it wasn't... But, we had a nice time walking around the beautiful cobblestone streets, down the canal, and past the gelato and bakery shops; just people watching. And, there were a lot of people! But, not obnoxious.. People riding bicycles, walking their dogs, enjoying cappuccinos and beer.. I told Mike it looks like a movie. I've said that a few times but, sometimes it's difficult for me to fathom that I actually am in those places movies are filmed. It's surreal and I love it. I am still grateful and thankful and appreciative and all of those words over and over and over and over again, to be here.
I love street people! They make things so lively and fun! Absolutely worth a few Euro here and there..
I convinced Mike this was the only thing that would make me feel better! I begged...I threatened to cry again. He caved... :)
The Cathedral of our Lady of Strasbourg is the 6th tallest church in the world! It really was a stunner!
Interesting background information of the cathedral: http://www.strasbourg.info/cathedral/
Daily life
I remember the first week we moved into our house here.. We had no kitchen- The old one had been ripped out and we were waiting for a new one to arrive. And then I heard it... for the first time ...the bell of the Meat Man. I remember peeking outside trying to figure out what was this truck doing? I admit, I was very hesitant of things when we first moved in the house but, my curiosity always wins so I walked down and found this magnificent site! It's a local farm truck that parks in certain areas (just so happens to be our backyard) for just a few minutes, beeps his bell, lowers his awning, and opens for business! It's all fresh meats, cheeses, breads, eggs, etc.. No kitchen meant nothing that day but fortunately for us, he comes by our house every Thursday at 4:00ish. It's one of those things you would never see in the States but, it's very common in Europe--and I love it! It's the perfect day too- Right when either A. We're running out of food or B. We've been eating healthy all week and just want a fat T-bone and a loaf of bread!
Such a nice guy to pose for my picture! I explained this was something you would never see in the States -and that it was very cool so I needed a picture to share with my friends!
Coming to you direct, live, and right now from Oberammergau, Germany...
Weeks like these are the fervent reminders of why I probably will never work out here.. Aside from the obvious difficulties of competing against many other competent and very educated women for the very few but, predominately low paying jobs, there are opportunities like this week! Mike is attending a NATO class this week here in beautiful Bavaria-land! It seems silly not to take advantage of these paid trips. We rented a wonderful apartment- Mike said, "This is a house!" And yeah, it kindof is. There are only three or four apartments in this building and it's really more like a house. There is a fenced yard for Ali--A yard that faces the Alps. Of course pets are allowed! There are two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a large living room, kitchen, and dining room. 89E a night. Really?!? 89E? The owner, Petra, is very helpful and super sweet! She, her husband, and cute little boy Mark were leaving today for Orlando- Going to see Mickey! She was excited to practice her English (which was already really good) with me right before they left today for their flight out of Munich. I will certainly be recommending this place!
Front of the apartment
part of the backyard..
living room
so traditional and charming
kitchen with everything!
dining area
entrance - Walk up the steps to the road and there is a cute little bridge over a pretty stream over rocks. Ali and I took four walks around town today to explore!
The best soup we've ever tasted. Really. Unreal. We found this at a lovely local restaurant last night. Our waitress wore a dirndl and was just as jolly and friendly as you could ever imagine! Excellent dinner!
Umm....This was a chore for Mike to eat!
