Just back from a quick trip to Germany to visit family and friends. It was good to see that everybody is doing OK. Haven't been in Europe in early summer for quite some time and one big plus of a trip this time of the year: its asparagus harvest time. For some unfathomable reasons white asparagus is not very popular in Canada. But I like it and had lots of it during my visit. Also got my fill on classical culture: an open air concert of Beethoven's 9th. Impressive views of the Canadian North on the flight back... Big Slave Lake, Slave River, remote and still snow-covered country.