Peaking

Woody Burns in Santa Barbara, California

My aunt and uncle’s backyard has been thoroughly renovated and is once again a charming place to sit back in the sun and watch the birds at the new bird feeder and their birdbath. Behind my uncle are two orange trees and a lemon tree. This being winter on the coast, the skies are bright blue, the air crisp, even clean from recent high winds. Originally, the plans were to stay a few days in Santa Barbara and then meander up the coast, but we decided to return to Arizona early and spend a week at home, take in some movies, and catch up on some quality time together.

Snow Dad

Klaus and Katharina last winter in Germany

From last winter, dad and daughter on the sled in the snow. Caroline and I once tried sledding here in the sand but it didn’t work out very well. There are a couple of reasons I really liked this photo, first, Katharina’s cheeks are so rosy red making her oh so cute. The other reason, look behind them on the left, what is that kid doing laying face down with his sled over him?

On The Playground

Katharina on the playground in Germany

This is our niece Katharina on the playground – obviously not in America. I say obviously because if you look, she is running on a spinning wheel, she could hurt herself and sue someone if this were in America. Look at the uneven logs in the background, holes where feet could get trapped, ropes to fall over. It’s a sorry state we have come to that liability insurance, lawsuits, and greed has in part taken some of the fun away from being a child. Fortunately, this little girl is growing up in Germany where she can still skin a knee, run around without a care, and have fun on the playground.