Dec 31st, 2020 - New Years
The last day of the year was about as uneventful as the previous nine months had been. It's amazing how time flies and here we are. Another year and lots of great things to report for it. Everyone is healthy, happy and in a good place. All of us beat COVID a few months ago and we came out alright. I don't thik we could have asked for more.
Dec 25th, 2020 - Christmas
The big day is finally here and everyone is very excited. Especially Arno was walking on eggshells and really wanted to get to the part with presents quickly, of course. However, we first made billionaire bacon and then proceeded to celebrate. Lots of presents and lots of joy. In the evening we had a nice steak dinner and then everyone settled into their own things to do.
Dec 24th, 2020 - Weihnachten
Here we are. It's Christmas again and we have barely had a year since the last one. As tradition dictates in our home, we celebrated with the German gifts from Oma today and called her to wish her a Merry Christmas. We all miss being in Germany right now. In the afternoon Austin came by to exchange gifts as well and we concluded the evening with a nice dinner.
Dec 11th, 2020 - These Days
These past few weeks have been uneventful, so we decided to create a bit of excitement ourselves. Arno is the dressman of the family and lived up to his reputation while Margo is the one with a big heart for everybody around her.
Nov 25th, 2020 - Thunderstorm and Pizza
Last night we had a thunderstorm warning, sirens were going off and we all assembled in the closet to sit it out. Your biggest worry usually is that one of the trees might fall on the house. It was all good though and we moved on. Tonight we had Italian an Roma, which is a complete hole in the wall with lots of character and food that is sufficiently good to keep going back.
Nov 2nd, 2020 - Couple of Shots
Just a few shots from the past weeks, going to restaurants and hanging out at the house. Margo and I went to lunch at a local diner on Sunday to find time to talk.
Oct 11th, 2020 - Hangover
We were all a bit through the wind today and everyone mostly kept to themselves. Austin came over to say Hi, which was nice. We hadn't seen him in a while.
Oct 10th, 2020 - A Perfect Day
We celebrated Arno's birthday in style. First a stint to Pinstack where we met Freddy, his best friend. Then on to unwrapping presents and a round of games. Arno got lots of presents and we wrapped 40-some books for him as one, which was a big surprise and a lot of fun.
Oct 9th, 2020 - The Night Before
Tomorrow is Arno's birthday and we'll celebrate in style. He is extremely excited, did not go to bed easily and really wanted the night to be over before it had even begun. We had a lovely dinner at Basile and then turned in early. Tomorrow is a big day.
Oct 3rd, 2020 - BBQ Dinner
We had dinner at one of our favorite BBQ joints in town, Lockharts. You get all of your food loosely wrapped in wax paper, take it to your table and then use the wrapping as your plate. It's messy and fun.
Sept 8th, 2020 - Meredith's Birthday Day 3
It's actually a lot more fun for everyone to celebrate over several days. Meredith got presents more than once and we got to enjoy the moment with her. Anyway, she received a lot of hand-painted t-shirts and has choices to make now when she goes for walks early in the morning.
Sept 6th, 2020 - Meredith's Birthday Day 1
We started to celebrate today so that we'd have the weekend and a bit more time. Meredith opened two of her presents while we kept the rest for Tuesday. Arno greatly helped to cook today and is becoming quite a chef.
Sept 5th, 2020 - Birthday Prep
Meredith's birthday is coming up and so we started to prepare. All of us thought about what gifts she might want and then we set out to buy a few. Since her birthday is on a Tuesday and just after Labor Day, we thought we start celebrations early. All of us painted a few t-shirts for her, which was great fun and we got ready to make a few special meals as well.
July 7th, 2020 - Lazy Saturday
After several weeks of non-stop work, I was finally able to spend time with Arno and Margo, jump into the pool and cook a few things. We had our first breakfast together in months and splurged on milk shakes. It's great to let go ...
June 21st, 2020 - Couple of Shots
Just a few shots in the house given that we've been quarantined for a while now. It does lift the mood to carry a camera with you where ever you go.
June 6th, 2020 - First Swim
The temperatures have been summer-ish for a few weeks by now, but never really came around to warming the pool water. So, today was the day. We all jumped in and had lots of water fights. It's good to be back out here in the fresh air and the sun.
May 31th, 2020 - Walk in the Park
I met Massimo in downtown today for a good, long walk. It's been at least two months, so this outing felt really good.
May 24th, 2020 - Summer Break Projects
Given that Margo and Arno are staying home this summer, we have begun to work on projects that keep the mind sharp and the intellect challenged. Both are working four hours a day on assignments. Margo's first project is to read, understand and interpret Huxley's "Brave New World" while Arno works on understanding the differences between electric and petrol-fueled car engines.
May 16th, 2020 - Playing Cards
We made time to play cards after lunch, which is always a highly competitive affair in our house. There were instances of smack talk, a bit of boasting and even the occasional victory lap. Today is my Mom's birthday and we were also thinking about her. I know we all wish we could have been with her in Germany.
May 9th, 2020 - Haircuts
All of us were in dire need of a haircut and Rachel graciously agreed to stop by the house this morning. We all needed to wear masks which made it quite comical. In any case, it feels like we're human beings again.
May 2nd, 2020 - Margo's Birthday
Most parents will likely tell you that their kids are growing up way too fast. To me it never felt that way, possibly because we've always been very close and it just seems natural. Margo turned 14 today and she's not a kid anymore. Over the last year she has matured quite a bit already and the organic process of settling into her own skin has long begun. It is a lot of fun to watch and Arno isn't far behind.
April 20th, 2020 - Couple of Shots
Quarantine has morphed into daily routines. After initial adjustments, all of us now behave as if nobody's watching. Pajamas all day, no problem. Flip-flops and socks, sure thing. Hair down and no gel, that's fine. Five marsh-mellows in one bite, do it again. We have to keep it fun around here and everyone's pitching in.
March 17th, 2020 - Chris and Mario
There are people who bring a tremendous energy where ever they go. They light up a room or get everyone to do things that nobody would have done otherwise. Chris and Mario are a perfect example. It's always fun, always engaging and there are always surprises when they visit. The photos speak for themselves.
February 16th, 2020 - Kirin Court
We had a very delicious lunch at Kirin Court, our favorite Dim-sum place in town today. With temperatures balmy and the sun out, our wait was almost as enjoyable as the food.
February 10th, 2020 - Frankfurt
On my way back to the States. The trip was cut short by a pretty big storm over Germany so that I ended up staying at the airport with plenty of time on my hands.
February 8th, 2020 - Bonn
A quick visit to see Charlotte, Malte and their family in Bonn over a nice dinner. Half of these shots were taken by George, who is a uniquely promising talent behind the camera.
February 6th, 2020 - Gewerbehafen
A few shots from the design district in Duesseldorf. The area morphed from a forlorn industrial park to some hottest real-estate areas in town.
January 20th, 2020 - Glam Shots
We needed to take one good picture, which eventually ended up being 228 tries to choose from. In all fairness, there were a couple of cute ones and we also had a bit of fun manipulating each other to look nice in front of the camera. It certainly did not always work out. Can you guess which one is will be printed and framed?
January 19th, 2020 - Brunch
We met Royd, who arrived just after my camera battery had died, for brunch today. It was a great morning and we thoroughly enjoyed our conversations and his company.
January 4th, 2020 - Basketball
Arno played a game with his school team today. They have gotten substantially better under a new, more competent coach and now play really well together. More than anything, each player performed on a much higher level than before.
