NEW BOOK

I now have a week to finish my fourth book. I'm counting from arriving in Jena, and not arriving in Germany. I started 'Cast of Shadows' on Nates recommendation, yesterday. I have only read 12% which means I'm at least sleeping on a regular basis.
Yesterday afternoon Tara and I made banana bread, well I did and Tara played with rice on the floor (much easier to clean up than flour). It came out a bit powdery, probably b/c I used an extra teaspoon of the mixture known as backpulver. Better than not rising at all I suppose. I'm now on the hunt for shortening, I've never like to use all butter in my recipes.
Our morning excursion was to the library where we were unable to get a card because I did not bring a proof of address. At least that is what I think she said. She only spoke German, but said NO reisepass/passport, and pointed at my address and said something like residency. So tomorrow Tara and I will try again. This time I will bring all of our paperwork, birth certificates, insurance, bank statements...then I will not have to leave empty handed again. We did spend an hour in the childrens section. It has two toddler sized tables, three for bigger kids, a three step up landing with beanbag chairs and pillows and stuffed animals. Puzzles and games line two walls and we found a train set, an abbacus and a dog pull toy to entertain us today, most of which you can check out! All in all, a great library! I was thinking I'd get a few games and make Nate play scrabble or some such other evening entertainment.
I was walking to the bus stop when I saw a storefront with kids clothes in it. I finally found a second hand shop! They have a table and bench I'd love to purchase when we move into our apt upon Nates return. There were trikes and push toys and lots of clothes. Now I just don't want to wait two weeks, but it'd be silly to buy the stuff, get on a bus, move it to MPI, just to put it back on the bus to move down the avenue.
Our evening walk entailed me wrapping Nates sweatshirt around Taras middle and tying her to my back, she held on well, and went up the hill to pick blackberries. Yesterday I put her on my shoulder and held her, that is when, score, we found two blackberry bushes! This did not seem feasable again since by back has been hurting all day. I wanted to take a dish and collect all the ripe ones so I could share them with everyone who lives here. It was quite fun. Tara insisted on carrying the bowl, she did a remarkable job. With only two instances of tripping, involving the loss of only two berries, which she immediately picked up and put in her mouth, and one short rest period. I tried to take the pan, but she would have none of it. We managed to get home with enough berries to share :)
That was my evening.
Love to all,
K