IN LOVE WITH HARRIET

- Lake Harriet, that is. And who wouldn't be, especially on a glorious fall day like today? "Balsam auf der Seele" (balm on the soul), as we say in Austria.

WHAT DID SEPTEMBER BRING?

A lo-hoot of books to read,

some pretty colors,


a huuuge and wonderful surprise from Lithuania (guess who),



and two supercute babies: Welcome Ifeoma and Moritz!

IRON? continued

This is the story of Hanna's first triathlon. It was a great experience, and apart from a few side-achey minutes during the run I enjoyed every aspect of it. The cheerful people, the great scenery, the excitement, and of course the exercise. I'm totally doing this again!

Getting familiar with the place and the transition area


Last instructions from the organizers

All athletes lining up in the water - ready, steady, go!

Swimming was awesome! Fast and cold and surprisingly silent. A great experience.

Not my strongest point: biking. The landscape was so beautiful though, I kept forgetting it was a race.

Still happy after 2 miles. The third one was a bitch.

Finally! After about 2 hours (1:55:58 including very long and social transitions) crossing the finishing line feels unreal.

High and exhausted, feeling like a winner (a hungry one!)

Special thanks to Marko, my coach, driver, cheerleader, medic, bike mender, cook, transportation and logistics manager, recovery supervisor ...! You're the best!

IRON?

On a beautiful, beautiful Sunday morning, why would you get up in the middle of the night (5 am), pack all your gear, and drive an hour to a freezing cold lake? Because it's triathlon time!

SOME ASSVICE

Rumor has it that Hanna has been a little homesick lately. Well, I don't know you about you, but I think that is a little strange, given that she lives in a pretty wonderful place. Anyways, here is some ad- ehm assvice from Dr. Donkey on how to cure homesickness.

1. First of all, go to a place you love. Lake Phalen is an example.


See, not so bad, huh?

2. Exercise helps. Well, that's not for me but so I've heard.

3. Surround yourself with people you love.

4. Relax (preferably in the sun).

And soon you will be as good as new!

Any other tips? Please, go ahead and post them.
Sincerely, Dr. Donkey

BEAUTIFUL LATE SUMMER

days call for outdoor action. So Nelson's birthday party at the Minnehaha Park was a great opportunity for a bike trip and a fun play date with the whole Poeschel/Mbangamoh gang. Yay!

Beautiful bike trail along the Mississippi




The Minnehaha Falls



Nelson enjoying all the elements (of the playground)

WOULD YOU RATHER

play the would-you-rather game or go camping to Afton with Jenna and George? Luckily, we didn't have to choose, we got to enjoy both and spent a good old American Labor Day weekend camping by the St. Croix river.

Ready to go ... with way too much stuff.


Our site is secluded in the woods. The perks of that are well worth a hike.



This is it! Our romantic little site in the wood by the river. And this is Marko, telling army stories.


So pretty!! Wisconsin in the sun, Minnesota in the shade. The St. Croix river is the border.



Sunset and ... breakfast! What happened in between remains in the woods of Afton. ;-)

Thank you for a great time!