Another low key Saturday...

Today we woke up with a mission to buy a washer and dryer. Yes, we're living on the edge.

We bought a front loading Siemens washer and dryer, each of which is supposed to handle 6 kilos of clothing at a time. Being unaccustomed to this metric thing, we're hoping that's more than a couple pairs of socks.

Funny thing about dryers here is that since most buildings don't have vents to the outdoors, the evaporated water collects in a large plastic container you must empty after each load (and it's seems like about a gallon or more). Who knew wet clothes packed so much water? Anyway, aside from parting with the Euros, it was a relatively painless experience.

On the way to the MediaMarkt (the German Best Buy), we passed the apartment we'll move into in March. We went there on Friday to sign the lease and to our untrained eye the place still looked like there was a couple of months of work to be done. The owner assures us that all (except the blinds) will be ready by our move-in date. We like it more every time we see it. They've put in the wood floors and had filled a large bathtub with water (to check for leaks?).

After taking care of hour home appliance needs, we went to downtown Leimen to check out the town square. It was nice although today was a bit cold (but sunny at least). We ended up having lunch at a brauhaus. I had penne with Gorgonzola which was ok. B asked the waitress to recommend something and did very well for herself. She ate some kind of onion-topped meat with German noodles. The girls split a plate of spaghetti and Robert had cheese sticks and fries. While his limited diet doesn't seem to be stunting his growth, I'm hoping his digestive system doesn't go into arrest the first time he eats a vegetable (I'm kidding {kind of }).

As a quick aside, we reached an important milestone in our assimilation into German culture: Emily drank her beer at lunch without having to be reminded. Congratulations Emily!
The previous paragraph was a joke. No minors consumed alcohol, smoked cigarettes or were harmed in the creation of this joke.
It looks like some businesses will be closed on Monday and Tuesday for Carnival. I've got an important presentation Monday and then Tuesday I'm off to California for 10 days or so for some meetings and to attend a conference. I'm looking forward to visiting San Diego. I think it will be strange to be back in the States.

The day I get back is the day our stuff arrives at our new apartment. Looks like B will have to direct traffic without me. My first couple of flights this year will be in the rear with the gear (coach) so I'm assuming I'll get back here more zombie than not.