* * * Short(er) version of this available here. * * *

My Unofficial, or Alternative Birthday. Meaning what? Well, that this is the day I call my birthday when it should be more convenient. (Such as when I have annoyed colleagues asking why I didn't inform them that it was my birthday: "Because, actually, technically, it's tomorrow. That's why!") And how does this work??? I'm so glad you asked!!!

It's because at the exact minute that I was born, Here in Western Europe, it was June 15th, 6:50 AM. Even in Eastern Canada, it was June 15th, at 12:50 AM. Only West of that, was it still the evening of the 14th. And west of that is where I was born. And I always felt odd when I thought that I was born on the 14th. At what time? Well, early morning after. So, here in Europe, I pick whichever birthday suits me better.

And this June 15th was a very Nice day to have a birthday on.

Pamela my love was still there, and my best friend from Detmold. I had to go early to Ballet training, but that didn't take too long, and we were soon afterwards all sitting having a relaxed breakfast. When it ended, we got ourselves together, and set off for a drive, and a look at some towns near by. The drive part was wonderful, if a little hot, but the first place we went to was, at least in it's self, a disappointment; It's the Castle at Bleckede. But it looks like no more than a manor house, with one large tower. -From the outside. The little we saw of the inside, however, was modern, white, and plastic. Not exactly what we had in mind as a "Castle." There were other things in Bleckede that Were nice, however...

The parking place near the castle had a circus setting up, so we got to have a look at the Giraffes, Llamas, and camels, standing around there beside us. Also, the gardens around the castle had some fine points... as well as some ghastly attempts at being artistic. But I don't feel any great need to think back over those. Some things would better be forgotten. Also, we got to go and take a look at the Elbe. (The Huge River, which runs from Dresden or somewhere there through to Hamburg.) Oh, and the buildings of Bleckede it's self were also very nice. They have a special character to them, which is a mix of North Germany and Hamburg.

Our next stop, was a short way along the river, and on the other side. The town of Lauenburg is squeezed between the Elbe, and the hill that rises out of the river. So the whole town is only two or three houses wide. -Although they ended up building much more on top of the hill, there are only steep steps connecting the two, or roads that curve off far to one side or the other. It was a rather cute little old town, though noticeabley Touristy: All the shops were either for Souvenirs, Objects de Art, or places to eat. Still it had some nice character to it.

And our last destination of the day was just on the outskirts of Hamburg. It's the largest Italian Importer in Germany. -Oh, I'm talking about food by the way. This is the place that supplies the majority of the Italian Restaurants in this country with their particular ingredients. And I can say that my friend and I were in Heaven. (More than 100 kinds of Pasta, easily. And the Cheeses, and the deserts, and the condiments, and the Wines.) Hmmm... we spent a little more time there than was necessary, perhaps. But it was worth it.

It did mean, however, that when we got back to Lüneburg, Pamela and my friend had to leave nearly immediately. So I gave them many thanks, and wished them a safe journey. And then... I didn't do very much with my evening. One of the only things I can remember now, is the witting about the first two parts of my birthday. And reflecting what a lovely time it had all been. Sigh. Happy me. (As I finish this, my birthday is four days past.)