Switzerland 2010

This trip to Switzerland was one of the most special ever. On one hand it was somewhat melancholy because it was the first since the passing of my wonderful mother-in-law, Elisabeth. On the other hand it was the first (in more than 20 years of visits) without a journalism job to be on call for, or to return to, wow!
We spent time in Bern, visited Ascona in the south (snow for the first time in a long time) and spent a couple days at a spa in Vals. We had great food, time with family, wonderful conversations, laughs, quiet times and breathtaking scenery. I had moments of glorious comfort, feelings of freedom, and some moments of panic, which quiet meditation soothed. Though it all was a feeling of gratitude, an awareness that fear can be replaced with peace by being in the present moment.

A dog named Tim

Timu is a big dog, even the dog loving Swiss give him a wide berth, with a heart of gold. His story is sad. My sister-in-law met Tim several years ago when she and Tim's human mom would walk their dogs. Tim's mom was stricken with a brain timor and died a short time later. My sister-in-law told the overwhelmed family that she would help take cate of him so she takes him for walks and company/love on a regular basis. The really sad part for me is that Tim's human dad does not think dog should be in the home so Tim lives in a dog house in the yard, year round. He is a healthy dog but darn, living outside all the time. My husband and I take Timu and or Lisa (my sister-in-laws wonderful dog) for hours-long walks when we are visiting but it is always hard to say goodbye and this year it was heartbreaking when we took him home and he didn't want to leave the car to go back into the yard! The family is thinking of finding a good farm home for Tim this coming year and while I would miss him, I am praying that he finds a place where he can be the energy-packed, cat chasing, barking, sweetheart that he is, with folks to hug him regularly.