Garden parties and fireworks

Last weekend, we were invited to a housewarming party at my friend Shailia and her husband Heiko's place. They have a beautiful garden (yard) where they had set up tents. My favorite feature was the little creek that runs behind the house, perfect for keeping the beer cold.

Then this weekend I had to work so Daniel got to see 30 wild boars in Hausen (where his mother lives) without me. Boo hoo.

I did take a little break to meet Tracy for brunch at NYC on Sunday. I had only planned to stay an hour - but NYC had other plans. It took us half an hour to get our menus, which is a little longer than typical, but didn't have us worried. Then at the hour point, Tracy and Daniel got their drinks finally, but I didn't get mine. It showed up at about 1 hr 20 min, right about when Marshall joined us, figuring we'd be done. At this point, Daniel is REALLY hungry and not too keen on waiting any longer (I knew we'd have some wait, so ate a snack before coming). But the (rude) waitress assures us our food will come soon. Meanwhile people who arrived after us are getting their pancakes, eating their pankcakes and leaving part of their pancakes on their plates when they leave. We even discussed eating those leftover pancakes. Finally, nearing the 2 hr point with no food in sight, we asked to speak to the manager. We were told the manager would be there in a while so I said we'd just go eat at the festival going on at the river (just down the street) and we'd be back. We were asked if we were going to pay for our drinks. And I said "I think that is something I will discuss with the manager". Anyway, we got food at the festival and came back. Daniel wanted to practice his confrontational skills, so we let him do the talking. Suffice to say, we did not pay for our drinks nor will be back at NYC anytime soon...at least not until my cravings for a good hamburger overrule my better judgement.

We came back later that evening to go with Tracy and Marshall to the fireworks display at the river that marks the end of the Museumsufer Festival. I hadn't been that close in years (usually we watch from our balcony), so I enjoyed it.

I haven't been reading as many books as I usually do lately, but I have read some. Here's a list:

Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier (a housewarming gift from Jay - and a spooky one at that! It's a classic and well worth the read.)

Little Earthquakes - Jennifer Weimer (So many of my friends have little kids, so thought it might be interesting. Was pretty good.)

Glasshouse - Charles Stross (A sci-fi about a future culture recreating our time period - very interesting!)

Still Life with husband - Lauren Fox (A depressing "chick-lit" book about cheating - did not like, but did finish)

Everyone worth knowing - Lauren Weisberger (The follow-up to Devil Wears Prada. Like a train wreck you can't look away from.)

What the Dead Know - Laura Lippman (Mystery novel about a woman who claims to be one of the sisters kidnapped 30 years before. Excellent!)

and I just finished...

The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory (Historical fiction about Anne's sister Mary and their relationship with Henry the 8th. Very interesting!!)

Got a lot of books that I want to get to soon... and just so bsuy with work right now...