I’m back in Münich! I had a wunderbar time in Dettelbach at my friend Angelika’s childhood home. She and her parents were so good to me in every way–treating me as if I were the prodigal daughter finally returning. They speak more English than I do German but there was a lot of looking up key words in the German-English dictionary when Angelika wasn’t around to translate. I felt like a 2 year old again listening so carefully to try and pick up words here and there. I’d catch myself parroting aloud what I heard and then practicing it under my breath until I got a chance to use it and surprise everyone. So fun! Her parents really reminded me of my German-American grandparents, their mannerisms, their gentleness and incredible good-nature. And the food took me right back to those glorious days of sitting down to eat at Grandma’s table: fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, great bread, and 20 different kinds of sausages and cold cuts–I kid you not! You know me, I could spend the whole blog talking about the food, but I’ll show a little more discipline here than I did during the meals there! (Please don’t tell Herr Doctor Kübler that I blew-off my special diet. I just figured, when am I gonna’ get a chance like that again? And I’m sated now and back to the protocol.) Besides eating, we spent time in their paradisical garden. I talked big about helping but mostly we sat and admired all the flowers, trees, and bird song, sipping the local wine mixed with sparkling mineral water: weinshcoller (not sure if I got the spelling right). Angelika also took me on some wonderful walking tours of the town and we spent one afternoon driving through the green, greeen, GREEN rolling hills and farmland visiting other towns. Another day, we went to the nearest city, Würzberg, and spent the afternoon walking through the palace, turned museum, and its gorgeous gardens. We did spend one afternoon with some of Angelika’s friends hanging-out at a couple of the wineries, trying the wine that is only grown in that region of the world, and which pretty much just gets sold only there. Unfortunately, everyone wanted to be able to converse, so I didn’t get a real dose of Polka music. Guess I gotta’ go back next year…
So, second treatment was on Wednesday and I was all geared-up to get really sick again. Didn’t happen! I felt fine all afternoon and evening. But, they are warning me that next week I get my first flu shot vaccinations (2) and I most likely will get similar symptoms as I did last week. Good news is: the symptoms should only last a few hours. As long as I know that feeling awful is a sign that the medicine is working, hunting down and killing those evil cancer cells (Pac Man style), than I think I can handle it. It’s those “mysterious” sicknesses that put me a bit on edge, if you know what I mean.
I hear it’s been uncharicteristically HOT in Santa Cruz. Sounds kinda’ good. It’s been overcast and rainy here. Feels like fall. Luckily, it’s not too cold. I’m riding my bike through the park, swimming at the indoor pool in the mornings, and this afternoon I discovered where the HUGE outdoor market is downtown. Chanterelle mushrooms are in season so there are these great pyramids of golden fungi everywhere. Of course, I got some. Actually, they had everything under the sun. I enjoyed just walking around and checking-it all out. What really caught my eye were these little hedgehogs made out of some kind of dried plant material. Sooo cute. The question is: how am I gonna’ get a bunch home as gifts for y’all?
I know school started at DeLaveaga on Wednesday. All morning, I kept imagining all the kids and families arriving, finding their new classes. I could feel that totally contagious excitement that’s in the air in those first days. Last night, I dreamed about teaching and woke up feeling a little lost. I miss my Dos Alas and DeLaveaga community but know that I’m thinking of you all and wishing you a great start to the school year. I’ll come and visit as soon as I get back.
I think it’s time to pureé the sweet potato soup I’ve got simmering on the stove, so I’ll sign off for now with a big hug!
Lots of love,
Kathleen
PS: I just can’t go without thanking everyone for their thoughts, prayers, notes and interest in my healing adventure. I am strengthened by your love and care. I also want to send a special thank you to the Carmelite Sisters who are following my progress and praying for me even though we’ve never met! Bless you!

kathleen Other