The Lake

We had such a great day today at Schlachtensee.  I'm sad that Josie can't join us anymore on our daily adventures but someone in the family has to go to school.  Today is probably one of the last upper 80 degree days here as the forecast already says upper 70's tomorrow and then down to a mere 60 on Friday.  There is a chill in the air both in the mornings and at night. Boo!  I HATE, despise, loathe the end of summer.  Even before (and since) having the teacher lifestyle when summer meant a whole lot more than just nice weather, I have despised this transition from summer to fall more than any other.  But, every year it happens and every year I survive.  Also, it seems, every year I think it is the last "upper 80 degree day" and then inevitably, another one comes.  But just in case this really is our last warm, summer day we made the most of it.

After catching up on laundry we head for the Sbahn.  We just have to ride 2 stops and the train lets us right off within steps of this beautiful lake.  Benjamin begs for us to rent a boat again. We give in because it was so fun last time.  This time, however, I brought my swimsuit!!  And we had SO much fun swimming around and jumping off the end of the boat all the while Marty, our boat captain, would paddle the boat to us if we wanted. Mostly we just wanted to swim.  I have missed my daily swims more than just about anything else!  Aside from family and friends I probably do miss swimming the most.

In Seattle I probably swam 7-9 miles per week.  It was part of my daily routine and I'm so thankful that it is good for me because I would probably do it whether it was or not.  It is my release, mentally, physically and emotionally.  I can really think through and process life's ups and downs while swimming.  Some of my best ideas have come during my time in the pool.  That consistent breathing in and breathing out in perfect rhythm and the muted noise that comes from swimming does my body and soul good.  I know I will start again sometime soon once Benjamin is up and running at school but not being able to swim for the past 5ish weeks has taken a toll.  Today in the lake was GOOD.  Very, very good.

Julie met up with us just about when we were ready to take the boat back.  Marty had to leave to go do the radio show and Benjamin, Julie and I went back in for another swim.  Soaking it all in...who knows when we will get another day like this!  Then Benjamin walked/ran/strolled with Frida back to the train station.  A boy and his dog.  So cute.

We arrive back in Zehlendorf just about 10 minutes before Josie is dismissed from school.

Feeling a bit badly because she misses all of our daily adventures and because it is probably the last hot, summer day Benjamin and I decided to meet Josie at her bike and surprise her with a trip to get ice cream.  She comes bounding out with a huge smile.  Surprises like this can go either way with her these days.  #preteen
She happily agrees and we walk down the ramp to the city bus.
 Take the bus one stop and hop off and walk to get ice cream.  Then we ride the bus back, Josie hops off at the stop in front of the school and Benjamin and I stay on until our stop.  Josie arrives just a minute or two after us.  A very, very good end of summer day.
Oh and here are all the bikes at JFK at pick up time.   And there are a couple more bike rack areas.