Summer Plans.

A little different then we thought they would be.

So... we kind of had to cut our time in Switzerland short....As I mentioned last time the boys grass pollen allergies acted up while we were there. And while they would get better every now and then (like, when it would rain) they didn't really go completely away. But it was not easy to decide what to do. Like, they would be in bad moods, obviously - itchy, runny, stuffed noses, itchy eyes and throats are annoying as heck - but then the next day it would be better and we would think, oh, maybe we can stay. In the end we went back and fourth a couple times but only stayed about three weeks in total.

Working in the garden, painting and a compost toilet

We then talked with our friends we had stayed with in Germany and they were totally open to us coming back to their place.

So we stayed just long enough in Switzerland to enjoy the beautiful community and garden we wanted to check out and learn about, and didn't head -after that- to a different one we had wanted to go to as well. Instead, heading then straight back to Germany.

Even though it was our shortest stay so far at a host, it was really really nice. We could have imagined staying longer. But after all the back and fourth it felt good to make a decision that would hopefully give us some time to kind of re-group in Germany. Without annoying allergies putting 3 of us in a bad mood.

The community we stayed at had about 6 permanent members and a couple others that were there half of the time. They established the community about 7 years ago so I was asking them questions about how they started out and what it's been like. Who knows, maybe if/when we settle down again it would be with another family or two together. That was something that was always an option for my husband and I, but the right opportunity never really came up. We have experienced communities large and small during our travels and always were open to live in one to try it out.

Then there was the permaculture garden. I was really curious about that. They don't produce food for anyone else or for sale outside of the community- so how do they do it? Do they produce enough to live off of year round? What have they learned over the past 7 years about permaculture? How has the garden evolved? How do they handle the snails eating their lettuce, etc, etc?!

They were all lovely people, thoughtful, nice, accommodating and eager to answer our questions. We had some great conversations with them and they would help us to find a nice picnic spot when we went on a little day trip- just being super kind and helpful.

Memories at the house, playing and chillin'

We've now been back here for about two weeks and we are kind of thinking of just using this time to take care of a few things. Like, maybe we go to the dentist? The kids can meet up with friends (it's summer break here)... My husband can make a little bit of money working on some projects around here....and in general we can slowly start to think about how this is all going to work moving forward.

A small bike tour to town...

Plus, in a way, we're kind of trying out what it would be like to live in a community. We're on the farm of our friends- they also have three kids- and eat meals together sometimes, the guys work together, I help out with their toddler, the kids are constantly playing together.... Without even setting out the intention to do so, we are, in a way, trying out what it would be like to live with them/one anther family in a community. Who cooks? When do we do things together and when do we need time as a family? It's been a really good experience and we're very appreciative for the opportunity to work and live together with them.

After almost a year of being nomads and traveling using work in exchange for room and board, we kind of need a little break. Maybe a month to have off and re-group. I've been, since we were in Spain (about 3 months ago), developing an online course I could offer in combination with my HeartMath coaching. But with working 4-5 hours a day, I just don't have the time and energy to really dive into it and get all the details done and planned out. If we had a little break I could finish that up - I'll then be looking for people to participate in the pilot group (wink-wink).

And anyway- what about after that? After summer break here working and taking care of some appointments... maybe getting a little time off after that... then what?

Baby cats!! The cutest things I've ever seen in my entire life!

Remember last time? I mentioned it could be two months or two years? How do you plan for that!? I'm kinda thinking we don't. We just re-group for a bit, and then maybe try something different. What will that be exactly? I donno. I can't imagine going back to the life we had. We would love to continue traveling. And while there's a few places in Europe we'd still like to go to, the sky is the limit. We could go somewhere else altogether. Well, except for the States. We can't go there. Not until everything's been processed. I mean, I could go there. And the kids. But we wouldn't-- not until we can go all together. SO that's out of the question, for the moment at least.

I hope everybody out there is having an amazing summer. Sending our love to you all!