When Calvin Met Hobbs

Finding new friends when you move is like finding a new job. You make a few calls, set up a meeting, discuss topics applicable to both parties, then assess the rendezvous once it's complete. In some circumstances, a call back is in order. In others, no further communication is necessary. For us, last night was our first official "interview" in Munich. And, from our perspective, it went very well.

Eric and Filippo were friends of friends of friends. And as I've noted in the past, the gay community is very welcoming of those in social distress. So a few weeks back, Eric invited us to dinner (after meeting us initially the first week of May). It was very nice of him to initiate - especially considering his family had just departed after a long stay.

Dinner was good. Conversation was great (and that's not because Eric and Filippo may be reading this as I gave them the blog address). Our make believe kids, Calvin and Hobbs, even got along as they played for hours in Eric and Filippo's back yard while we enjoyed our steak, zuchini risotto and fruit salad.

Like any good interview, we made plans to meet again. But with Filippo away in Dallas every other week, Eric out and about promoting America, and Chris further developing Ronald's menu, it's a bit tricky. But with a little planning, we'll make it happen. Calvin, after all, needs a play mate.