This week has been all about getting back into a daily routine again.
The main "core" of my daily routine is my morning walk with the dog. That's where the "magic" happens. That's when I ponder "the meaning of life." That's when I think about "the big picture," so to speak. (As well as actively hunt for Frau Müller's pastry truck.)
Each morning, as we leave the house, we take off in one of two directions: uphill or downhill. (There is also a third direction, which is straight ahead, along a path through a farm field. However, right now it's overgrown and filled with snails and large field spiders--neither of whom I care to step on/confront. Wisely, we wait till winter time to go that direction.)
Yesterday we chose to walk downhill.
This took us through the village, along the main street, past the bank and on to a short portion of the bike trail.
We were not alone. An elderly gentleman, wearing a cap and walking with a cane, suddenly appeared.
And the pursuit began.
One cannot be too obvious when in pursuit of handsome elderly gentlemen with canes.
So I photographed a fern along the trail to look legit when he turned to look at us.
They don't teach you that in school. It's called "street smarts."
While under my close observation, he walked very slowly and methodically, stopping to nudge at something on the path with his cane.
But what?
It's a mystery. Your guess is as good as mine. (That's not true. My guess is always preferable.)
We walked for a few minutes together--yet apart--the elderly gentleman and I. Occasionally, I dawdled a bit to let him gain some ground, though I was "hungry like the wolf."
Then he suddenly disappeared around a bend in the road.
And the pursuit came to an abrupt end.
Game, set, match.
Till we meet again, elderly gentleman.
You were a worthy opponent.
Oh, you are back! Really, truly back! My life just improved!
Posted by: kmkat | September 03, 2009 at 12:42 PM
But I thought the pastry truck came to you?! So happy to have you back! K x
Posted by: kristina | September 03, 2009 at 01:17 PM
So glad to see you are back!!! I will be soon too, just waiting on my new computer (with all of my old pics safely restored!).
Happy start of school to the kids.
Julia@kolo
Posted by: Julia | September 03, 2009 at 03:08 PM
you must disguise the dog.
to be stealth like ninja.
Posted by: robiewankenobie | September 03, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Dog disguise...now I understand the significance of the blue cap.
Posted by: Alice C | September 04, 2009 at 02:16 AM
I really like your blog! You get it, and it not all about you and how perfect your life is! Bravo!
Posted by: ark | September 04, 2009 at 03:39 AM
Frau Mueller USED to go to Eurolush BUT Mr. Lush took advantage of the long absence Mrs. Eurolush took so as to bribe her to DISAPPEAR.
And that is why Eurolush is out on the hunt. With her disguised dog. Following strange men. ANYBODY could lead her to our Sacred Graal AKA Frau Mueller.
Posted by: Paola | September 04, 2009 at 04:32 AM
Frau Mueller is here with me, now, in Decatur.
She says she needs a little time off from you.
Never you mind her.
Posted by: Beth | September 04, 2009 at 08:50 AM
He's hunting mushrooms. I know it.
And I love his hat.
Posted by: Green Girl in Wisconsin | September 04, 2009 at 10:45 AM
I am filled with "jubliation" at your return to Blogland. And am actively seeking an opportunity to tell someone that my guess is preferable to theirs. That'll ROCK. But first, a little road trip to Georgia to stuff myself with German pastries and gossip with your sister. I've missed her, too...
Posted by: Lynn | September 04, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Well played, Gramps.
Posted by: jen | September 04, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Cute! I've missed pictures of your walk with your dog.
Posted by: kaylen | September 05, 2009 at 12:56 AM
I bet he went home and told his Frau that the crazy American with dog chased him up the path...
Posted by: monica | September 05, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Grandfather! Grandfather!
You're like Heidi, chasing after that old man.
(Only you're a real person living in a different country.)
And that old man would probably poke you in the head with his cane rather then embrace you in his grandfatherly arms.
Posted by: Tuli | September 07, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Doens't "I'm Back" imply that you will actually post every once in a while? Just wondering....
Posted by: Mr. Lush | September 10, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Mr. Lush stole my comment.
But I know...I should talk...all right, that's it, I'm going to post something something right now.
I will dedicate it to Mr. Lush.
Posted by: Eleanor | September 11, 2009 at 08:23 AM
O.K.
I just did.
Posted by: Eleanor | September 11, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Hi I just stumbled upon your blog and I think your writing is soooo great and funny!... and your photography happens to be stunning too!! glad to find you, whoever you are :)
Posted by: Erin Sherman | September 16, 2009 at 03:58 PM