Be aware of Wild Pigs in Germany

Recently, I was out walking Jack the Husky and we came across a rather large carcass of a dead pig. The poor creature had tried to run across the train tracks, and didn’t make it in time. I am aware that there are many wild pigs living all around us here in Germany, but seeing […]

What I Did on my Summer Vacation…I mean Global Pandemic Lock Down.

The kids are starting back to school here as the lock down measures are being lifted in Germany. I’ve been wondering if they will be given writing assignments like the ones we used to get in the States? The assignments we would have in the Fall, after the summer break? The “What I Did on […]

Holidays Abroad and Turkeys in the Bathtub

Here we are, it’s almost Thanksgiving time again. This will be our third Turkey Day spent here in Deutschland. I have finally figured out how to obtain nearly all my needed ingredients without having to sell a kidney to afford them. But, we have decided to do this year a little differently. Turkey Day will […]

Monday Memories: Grandpa Leatherman and the “Accidental” Electrocution.

My cousins and I all believe that my Grandpa Leatherman was some kind of super hero. With feats like these how could we think otherwise? He worked as a cowboy in Montana, he was a Bell Diver for the local electric company and laid under water lines, he was in the Navy during WWII, and […]

Our Plans for the Holidays, New Traditions

The holiday seasons are beginning! People all over the world will begin to celebrate their various traditions. There are so many different holidays that are celebrated this time of year. In Brühl, The Christmas Market stands are already being set up. This year, most of the Christmas Markets in Germany will begin on November 22. […]

One Step Forward, and Two Steps Back: The Struggles of Learning German

Maybe this should be titled, One Step Forward, and Two Steps Back: The Struggles of Speaking German instead. This is a story that Cheyenne has given me permission to share, although she stills feels like she may die of shame and embarrassment after her adventures in Deutschland today. Cheyenne has been busy taking German lessons […]

Cheyenne Goes to the Hospital: An American’s Experience in a German Hospital

This past week has been rather unusual here at the McKay Horst & Rackley household. Normally, we are a family with a pretty regular routine. When that routine is changed, everyone feels a bit out of sorts. Cheyenne decided to spend the week at the local hospital, and she may never be the same. Cheyenne […]

A Traditional German Breakfast and the Mystery Smell in our Fridge

During the week, Dirk and I usually eat a very traditional German breakfast, or Früstuck each morning. This includes the ever important Brötchen, a wide variety of sliced meats (for Dirk), sliced cheeses and soft, spreadable cheeses, marmalade (I like Strawberry or Black Cherry, thank you very much), sliced tomatoes, and coffee. Dirk is also […]

Living on the Surface of the Sun: A Heatwave in Germany

Well, summer has arrived full force here in Western Germany. Temps are expected to come close to 100 F all this week. Now I am the first person to tell you that I LOVE it hot. Summer is my jam. Sun, water, and lounging is my kind of life. Bring it all on! However, as […]

More of my Life in Germany: A Quest for Iced tea

I grew up in a home that always had a jug of Iced Tea in the fridge. Always. Year round, no matter the weather. It could be 20 below zero, snow up to the roof, and you would still be able to find a nice, refreshing glass of Iced Tea awaiting you at my home. […]