Meet Rex!

Rex is my parent's newest addition.

After I left for college in 2007, my parents were faced with a big house with only one small dog and 2 cats to fill it (a tragic case of empty-nest syndrome that I diagnosed them with) and they got another dog to fill the void.

Luca and me breaking the rules

Luca was the most intelligent and loving German Shepherd my parents have ever had. His ability to understand us was unmatched by any other dog. He doted on Dolly, my parent's Boston Terrier, and his lady, Sela. He loved nothing more than to be with you. I remember once I was cleaning the cabinets in the kitchen and all he wanted to do was sit on my lap and get attention. Where ever you were, he was there. Luca was fearless, unfazed by loud noises and strange people. He didn't like other dogs but he loved people. And he was so protective of everyone around him. Once I was on the dock with just the dogs in the middle of the day, laying out, enjoying the sun, when a strange boat pulled up. Luca could sense my apprehension of the strangers and immediately came next to me, hackles raised. With his scary presence by my side, I was able to get those strange men to leave me alone.

Unfortunately, we were only able to spend 4 short years with him. He left us to go join Dolly and Abagail in pet heaven, where we will see them again.

Luca, Dolly and Abagail

Now we have a new puppy to love on.

We'll always remember Luca, Dolly, Abagail, Duke, Queenie, Liesel, Lady, Barron, Bodo and those that came before.

Sunshine and Ice Cream!

St Patrick's Day was a beautiful, warm, early Spring day. Tonje and I celebrated by walking to the center to get some ice cream.

Blackberry and Mango Sorbet

Brno Lake

Then we joined some friends out at Brno Lake. A nice afternoon of laying in the sun, snacking on fruit and reading out of magazines. I can't wait for more beautiful Spring days!

Spring has come to Brno!

Such a difference a couple of weeks make!

Beginning of March in the Botanical Gardens

Yesterday.

Spring is here and bringing with it Sunshine and Warmth!

Looks like I'm going to have a new "hobby" aka "thing I'll force myself to do until I like it".

I've been looking for something new to do, outside of school, and swimming fits the bill. This way I can get some serious exercise without hurting my feet any more.

Brno has 3 very nice swimming facilities and lane rental is very cheap.

So here is to a new hobby and whatever else it might bring!

The Student in her Natural Habitat

Lots of stuff to read, very little motivation.

Vienna!

Scott and Jen surprised me about 2 weeks ago with an announcement that they were coming to visit! It would have been too hard for them to make it to Brno, so I just hopped on a train to Vienna and met them at the airport! We stayed in a hostel that some friends of mine had recommended to me.

Saturday was spent walking around the city and seeing all of the beautiful buildings. We then ran into some other friends of mine who told us we had to go have the original Sacher Tort in Hotel Sacher. Nothing like a cappuccino and chocolate cake for a snack!

We had a great time together and I can't wait for my next visitors! (Hint, hint)