I like big streets and I cannot lie...

I spotted this sign on a street near the harbor. Translated it's "Butt Street". Ironically it's just around the corner from "Wee Wee Way".

The Wind Whispers Daphne
A typical cold and rainy spring here in Hamburg gave way last week for our wedding. Five days of high temps in the low 60's, clear skies with nary a raindrop. The morning of the wedding went perfectly. We got up on time, took care of our daily routine and got to the photographers. Of the 30 or so pictures he took there were a total of 4 where we were both smiling, both had out eyes open and I appeared to have only one chin. Having four was fine as I was only hoping for one. We returned back home so Frank's friend Suzanne from college could get ready and we got to the office for the wedding on time. Frank's friend Jan who was our official English translator thought he might not make it on time because of a last minute meeting but he was only a few minutes late. In the evening a group of about 20 friends went with us to a beautiful restaurant in a near by neighborhood. We had a wonderful meal and lots of fun, upbeat conversation. Afterward most of them came back to our house for cocktails in continuation of the party. I had my typical stress and paranoia about the day but everything worked out perfectly. Well...not everything.

If you've been following the blog you know that our dog Daphne had a skin problem that developed in the fall. The regular vet near Frank's mothers house tried a few different meds since December but none seemed effective. Finally after moving to Hamburg we got a recommendation to a dermatological veterinarian (say that 10 times fast) here in Hamburg. After some tests and a few days waiting she determined that it was an auto-immune disorder that is genetic and easily treatable with meds. We started the meds in the beginning of March and they have worked beautifully. It's not a continuing therapy, just for 40 days and then we have to watch to make sure if it returns in the future we act quickly. The large pills cost about 10 euro a day but it's a small price to pay to have her healthy. The doctor mentioned when we began that the pills might have side effects, like nausea and vomiting, etc., but Daphne had none of these...until last week of course. Nausea...no. Vomiting...no. Diarrhea and room clearing gas...YES!

We were worried when it first started, but a call to the doctor assured us it was a side effect of the meds and quelled our concerns. She only had about 10 days of medication left and at a reduced dosage so we hoped it would be better by the end of the week. She doesn't get any table scraps and dog food won’t do it to her so generally she doesn't have gas. Her audible flatulence was even shocking to her. She'd pass gas and then look at her own butt with surprise like, "What was that?" It got to the point of being funny when we were sitting at the kitchen table eating dinner and a lull in the conversation was interrupted by her from across the room. I hate fart and poop humor but I have to admit this was pretty funny. It started on Monday and all week I was hoping that by the time our visitors arrived that it would have subsided. It didn’t. Compounding the problem is the fact that she’s a “people dog” who gravitates to anyone in reach. Her affectionate nature was quickly discounted by her pungent odor. The funniest example was when we returned to the house with our guests on Friday night after the dinner. She had snuggled in between three of his friends on the floor in front of the couch. Frank was in the kitchen and I was out on the terrace with some of the other people. When Frank came in the room he realized that she had cut one and offered his apologies. The revelation was greeted with roaring laughter amongst all in the living room who secretly suspected each other for causing the unpleasant smell.

While it was bad at the time we laugh about it now. It did little to damper our special day. And now when people ask, “How was your wedding?” I say, “It was a gas!”

Finally Pictures

I finally got my act together and got the pictures posted. Click here. Lots to tell but still no time. Should be back on the usual schedule tomorrow so check back.