Old Friends -New Friends - Good Friends

axel stephen katie1
Originally uploaded by BeneathOurFeet.

As we are rapidly approaching the first anniversary of the start of this journey, I am truly loving our friends.

Our old friends, who we miss so intensely... We have been so immersed in our life here. We have been really bad at keeping regular updates going or making contact. Its hard. But never mistake our lack of communication to mean that you are not in our hearts and minds. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every day there is a moment that I think of a dear friend 'back home' and wish that I could share that moment with them.

Our new friends. Among the many people from all over the world who we have met this past year, there have been a small few who have become to also have in our hearts. People I have no doubt it was a matter of providence that we have become a part of each other's lives. Exactly how has yet to fully be seen, but if the past year has been any indicator - its gonna be a good ride.

A few weeks ago we said a temporary good-bye to our new dear friend Stephen. We had a wonderful weekend of celebration, revelry, hugs, and tears. It was also Stephen's birthday. Thirtysomething for the last time. A perfect send off. We miss you so much and are counting the days until we come visit you in Italy this summer. If we time it right, we can celebrate my turning thirtysomething for the last time together! Woot!

This past weekend Simone graduated from her program. Yesterday she left for a three week job, after which she could choose one of three paths. One would have her staying here in Forest Row, which I am hoping for. There arereasons too that have a gut feeling about, but I know that there is also a bit of selfishness in my wishes. She is my new sister and I don't want to say good bye just yet. There's more to come, I know it.

So... take a look around the flickr pictures. There are new ones of our friends and bits of our lives over the past few weeks. A glimpse into just a few of the times that we want to share with our good friends.

Anja and The Buhrgers of Calais

Calais 23 Apr 06 5
Originally uploaded by BeneathOurFeet.

It took awhile, but we finally bought a car!

Our maiden road trip was to Dover, where we hopped the ferry to Calais, France for a little day trip. Its a bit strange to wrap my brain around being closer to France than I used to live to Seattle.
It was Sunday and the shops were closed, but thankfully the wine stores (and the bargain basement prices on great french wines) are open 7 days a week. Priorties being what they are.

After we bought a nice little wine selection we did a little sight seeing. It was a cloudy, hazy day so the photo ops were not so great. I got to see Rodin's Buhrgers of Calais, which is just plain cool. From Calais we went down to Boulogne sur Mer. We had a late lunch and then it started raining so we drove over to St. Omer and then back up to Calais. We didn't do much walking around because of the crappy weather, but it was fun and we saw plenty of things to return to when it is a bit nicer out.

Hopefully this is the first of many road trips!

Still here

eggs on patio
Originally uploaded by BeneathOurFeet.

Yes - we are still here. Sorry for not updating more often. We definately need to work on that.

Easter was low key around here. We don't celebrate it religiously. Heck, we barely do a secular thing. But everyone loves a good egg hunt, and I will take any excuse that comes along to play with dye. Axel bought brown eggs so we were a bit concerned about how they would turn out, but we were pleasantly surprised. These were made with regular old food coloring. Anja and I had a blast making them. Her favorite is the puke colored ones. Thats our girl!

Warming The House

HWP4
Originally uploaded by BeneathOurFeet.

It is cold outside, but our house is warm.

Our Housewarming party was a great success. Friends who have come together from all over the world and who's paths are crossing in Forest Row.

Germany,Holland,Namibia,Italy,Brazil,South Africa, America, Venezuela, France,Sweden, a few other places I am sure. Oh, and yes - a few from England. Though they were definately in the minority.

Axel will have to help me with putting names to faces in the pictures, however since our schedules are both so tight and busy I am not sure when that will be. So enjoy the pictures and welcome to our new home!