A Vanished Dream

I did it. I fell in love.

With a puppy, that is, but what a cutie she was... Unfortunately this precious little bundle comes with a very hefty price tag of $1700! Alas, I have lost out on love this time. But, for such a price? Upon some deeper research, I have found out that this price is a relatively average price (average!? Who has that kind of money for a dog, albeit sweet and perfect?) for these Cavalier King Charles spaniels, from a reputable breeder. I suppose if one were to breed the dog or show it, it would be an appropriate price. Right now, however, unless this little puppy comes with wheels and can take me to work and haul groceries, I can't spend money on anything for that price unless it has a steering wheel and a set of windshield wipers. But why did she have to be so charming!!?

I haven't written much about my obsession for a canine companion here, but anyone who talks to me everyday (parents, work colleagues and now my visiting grandma and probably even friends I don't talk to everyday) can attest to the fact that I am mildly obsessed, and have been since living in Berlin, with getting a furry, four-legged friend. In Berlin, I restrained myself. I knew that the puppy chow could have easily also become my next meal, too, as I could barely afford meals for even myself. But I watched enviously as people passed me on the sidewalk, with a little doggy trotting happily along next to them. These days I haven't forgotten that dream and every night I wish I could have a little doggy to take for a walk.

I'm actually really not even allowed to get a dog (oh, the joys of living with parents and having rules again), but there's no harm in looking. However, since I don't intend to be here forever, my parents have bended slightly and said they might let me have a dog for the interim, provided I move out soon thereafter! Hmm..homeless but have a dog? Might be worth it - it works for the punks in Germany!

As I mentioned above, my grandma is visiting. She lives with my aunt and cousin in South Dakota, about eight hours away, so she's staying for three weeks. It's nice to see her again. The last time I saw her was in 2004, when I was on a trip from Germany. That Thanksgiving, my parents, sister, brother and I squeezed into our 4-seater Honda Element, and for eight hours I sat on a makeshift extra seat - piece of foam over the cup holders - between my sister and mom in the back seat. Car sick and cranky after the long drive that apparently still quells some aggression, I'm just glad grandma came to us this time...

With Grandma here to visit, some of our cousins came with their families to visit and we spent Sunday lunch catching up with them before rushing off for a day at municipal band.

Here's Grandma and me. Hard to believe she's 81, has 17 grandchildren and 11 1/2 great grandchildren but still has her natural hair color!

My cousin Steve (bald) and his wife next to him. My cousin Kim on the couch, her husband (hat) and kids:

My mom with the chubby baby Samantha. Does it look like she is eagerly awaiting grandkids, too? Would a puppy suffice in the meantime?...