Leavenworth, WA
October 17, 2002

Blog entry:
Wow... so I haven't even told you about the super sweet most terrific thing to happen today! So much good news! Not only did the higher ups in the national office decide to give me an extra paycheck (amazing!!), but also Dieter decided to surprise me this morning with a mystery road trip! Wow!! I never would have guessed my Thursday would be this happening! Well, this morning Dieter tells me to pack a lunch and a snack and be ready to go in less than an hour. I don't question him and off we go in his car on a beautiful drive through the mountains with all of the leaves looking amazing with in fall colors! He took me out to Leavenworth (apparently he took heed of my recently recognized need to see new places) and we had a great day wandering around the little Bavarian tourist town, checking out the shops, snacking, and taking pictures here and there. Again, wow! Couldn't have asked for a better gift if I'd had week to put together a wish list. There was a fabulous shop with tons of gnomes! There was a place with sugar free ice cream (I had a yummy black cherry flavor... the first ice cream I've eaten in three months)! There were cheese shops, wine cellars, walk up bratwurst stands, and lots of small town touristy charm. :) It was a fantastic surprise, we had the best weather imaginable, and I had the best tour guide ever! Thanks Dieter!!!!!!

Welcome to our Bavarian tourist trap!