My apartment is so quiet. I had a visitor the last few days, a friend from OK, Jack Clancy. It was so nice really, coming into the apartment after a day of work, saying loudly "honey, I"m home!" and to be greeted with an enthusiastic kiss on the forehead. I love Jack. Jack is 75 years old, has never married, is a retired American Airline engineer, absolutely brilliant and enigmatic, a world traveler and a friend. He spent quite a bit of time trying to teach me how to convert celcius to farenheit but his formula had 8 or 9 steps and I just couldn't retain all that information. I need maybe a 3 step process. I knew one once, Larry taught me, but now I can't remember it. Jack and I enjoyed his world famous marg'retas on the balcony and watched people with their dogs, my well known salmon on the grill, conversation and quiet. You know you are with a friend when quiet is peaceful.
I drove Jack to Frankfurt airport yesterday morning and stopped by the city Meinz which is on the Rhine river. I had a nice long walk along the river and marveled at the width and beauty of the Rhine, had coffee on the sidewalk and thought of friendship. I reached in my pocket of a jacket I hadn't worn for a while and felt my HopeStone. A gift from a friend with glioblastoma, Joyce.
I carry that stone with me, and I carry friends with me. I feel so fortunate to have lived in Oklahoma the last 5 years because that is where I met Jack, and Joyce, and many others I have with me in Germany. And I'm glad I lived in Seattle where I met Carol and Patty and a few others. My sister once told me I have no hobby except people. I'm also glad I was born to Paul and Lorene McAlister because that gave me Connie as a sister.
Life is an interesting journey. I'm loving it. But I think I should try and develop another hobby in addition to my people one. I start German classes in 2 weeks, a have a box of broken dishes that I may try to turn into art, and I will start reading again. I need to take a computer class and learn how to transfer my photos to my blog! There is so much I need to do.....and I want all of you to come along with me.
Choos!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I'm Back!
Goodness gracious, I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've written, or slept in a real bed for that matter. I moved into the apartment June 15th, surrounded by 28 boxes received from Oklahoma and even tho' there are precious memories in those boxes, there was no furniture. My rugs arrived a week later, and my oil painting, but boy do I wish I had those leather chairs.
I've been on the hunt for "stuff" mostly searching on Ramstein Yardsales.com, a virtual garage sale sort of like Craigs List, and things are beginning to take shape but I still sleep on a twin blow-up bed. I fell out of bed my first night here and landed hard on the cement/tile floor, giving myself a blackened eye and sore L. knee. I have since learned not to turn over in the middle of the night.
I perseverated on getting a grill for the balcony almost to the point of insanity, knowing I didn't have a place to eat, drink or sleep, but somehow a grill meant home and I was needing comfort. I succeeded! and celebrated with the most delicious club steak I have ever had in my life.
I don't like living in chaos and I dislike even more being without internet service for a month but today the boxes are empty and I'm wired! Many thoughts have transpired over the last month, and I even uttered the most dreaded phrase "I wonder if I made a mistake." And when my son's computer was stolen and he sounded so sad and disheartened, I was terribly homesick for him. I wanted to be close and comfort him, I wanted to be close and be comforted. Austen hasn't recovered his computer but he recovered emotionally and he did it without his mom. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I still need a hug.
Monday is my birthday. I'm having a pre-birthday celebration with my friend Cindy tonight, going to the musical HAIR in KaiserSlautern. By tomorrow I may be singing Age of Aquarius in german...or not. But I'm thinking it will be a good night.
Ciao for now good friends.
I've been on the hunt for "stuff" mostly searching on Ramstein Yardsales.com, a virtual garage sale sort of like Craigs List, and things are beginning to take shape but I still sleep on a twin blow-up bed. I fell out of bed my first night here and landed hard on the cement/tile floor, giving myself a blackened eye and sore L. knee. I have since learned not to turn over in the middle of the night.
I perseverated on getting a grill for the balcony almost to the point of insanity, knowing I didn't have a place to eat, drink or sleep, but somehow a grill meant home and I was needing comfort. I succeeded! and celebrated with the most delicious club steak I have ever had in my life.
I don't like living in chaos and I dislike even more being without internet service for a month but today the boxes are empty and I'm wired! Many thoughts have transpired over the last month, and I even uttered the most dreaded phrase "I wonder if I made a mistake." And when my son's computer was stolen and he sounded so sad and disheartened, I was terribly homesick for him. I wanted to be close and comfort him, I wanted to be close and be comforted. Austen hasn't recovered his computer but he recovered emotionally and he did it without his mom. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I still need a hug.
Monday is my birthday. I'm having a pre-birthday celebration with my friend Cindy tonight, going to the musical HAIR in KaiserSlautern. By tomorrow I may be singing Age of Aquarius in german...or not. But I'm thinking it will be a good night.
Ciao for now good friends.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Goodbye Hotel Europa, hello Seewoog
My bags are packed I'm ready to go, the Mini is loaded to the Max with suitcases and bags of dirty clothes. The computer will stay with me this last night, as will tomorrow's work clothes, then its one last beautiful breakfast and I check out.
I've never lived in a Hotel before, in fact I don't know that I ever stayed in a Hotel for more than maybe 5 days. I think it was Larry's Great Grandfather (?) who chose to live in a Hotel where he could gamble, smoke cigars and have his laundry done. I used to think that was weird But, I think I'm understanding a bit more now.
Room 306 has been my home for 34 days. It's a nice size room with a small refrigerator, a microwave, a round table with 2 chairs, a small desk and a large comfortable bed that has 2 mattresses and a space between them. The large shrunck comfortably housed my clothes, and the water pressure in the shower was divine. It surprises and delights me that I never felt I needed more.
The people I have come to "know" are perhaps the biggest asset to living in a Hotel. Many are here for an extended length of time and may or may not have their families with them, most are Military but there are some independent contractors like myself and Hotel Europa is a dog friendly place. I have many 4 legged friends of all varieties, from bull dogs, to labs, to corkies, to schnauzers. I have witnessed teenagers who despise their parents for uprooting them, to toddlers who delight in everything, to pre-adolescents who cannot believe there is cake served at breakfast. And then they disappear. Many resurface on base, at the bank or the immunization clinic, or in the housing office, and it's always good to see a familiar face.
No, in my stay here, I never felt I needed more. Until now. I can't wait to go to the hardware store to buy window boxes for my balcony and plant some flowers, to get a BBQ grill and cook dinner, to make my own ice, and who knows. Maybe I'll meet some people who don't disappear.
And even tho' I'm not leaving on a jet plane (thanks be to God), my bags are packed and I'm ready to go.
I've never lived in a Hotel before, in fact I don't know that I ever stayed in a Hotel for more than maybe 5 days. I think it was Larry's Great Grandfather (?) who chose to live in a Hotel where he could gamble, smoke cigars and have his laundry done. I used to think that was weird But, I think I'm understanding a bit more now.
Room 306 has been my home for 34 days. It's a nice size room with a small refrigerator, a microwave, a round table with 2 chairs, a small desk and a large comfortable bed that has 2 mattresses and a space between them. The large shrunck comfortably housed my clothes, and the water pressure in the shower was divine. It surprises and delights me that I never felt I needed more.
The people I have come to "know" are perhaps the biggest asset to living in a Hotel. Many are here for an extended length of time and may or may not have their families with them, most are Military but there are some independent contractors like myself and Hotel Europa is a dog friendly place. I have many 4 legged friends of all varieties, from bull dogs, to labs, to corkies, to schnauzers. I have witnessed teenagers who despise their parents for uprooting them, to toddlers who delight in everything, to pre-adolescents who cannot believe there is cake served at breakfast. And then they disappear. Many resurface on base, at the bank or the immunization clinic, or in the housing office, and it's always good to see a familiar face.
No, in my stay here, I never felt I needed more. Until now. I can't wait to go to the hardware store to buy window boxes for my balcony and plant some flowers, to get a BBQ grill and cook dinner, to make my own ice, and who knows. Maybe I'll meet some people who don't disappear.
And even tho' I'm not leaving on a jet plane (thanks be to God), my bags are packed and I'm ready to go.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wholesale, retail, yardsale...
Yes, the decision was made to rent the house on Lake Seewoog, and the decision was made to buy the Mini. So, why am I still living in a Hotel, depending on the mercy of others to provide me transportation to work and to hunt for treasures in out of the way places, living much as a teenager with definite wants but needing the parents to complete the picture. Sometimes it can be absolutely maddening. Emancipation is a difficult process even at the age of 58.
I have the apartment and I even have the key but what is lacking is a bed, a couch and the contract for utilities from the German council. It's all very difficult to explain and I don't know that one would find it of interest, but being an American citizen, exempt from the mandatory 19% tax, simply creates a lot of paper work. It is a "step" that I am willing to take, no matter how laborious, given that in the long run it saves me a sizable amount of money. So yes, I have the key AND I have 28 boxes that have arrived from America, sitting in the living room with no couch.
Getting money for the Mini was almost as easy as it was for those poor yokels getting a mortgage loan without a job. Sign here. Done. Clean and dirty. Yes, I bought the Mini, and I even struggled for 2 days with someone who spoke as much English as I do German making sure I had adequate insurance. And I have my receipt for insurance and the bill of sale for the car, BUT no key. The kink is in the paper work, somewhere in the German system waiting for customs clearance.
And, it's hard to look for furniture without a car, a GPS, not knowing when or how I could arrange for delivery. Stores per sey don't attract me, never really have. I like the adventure and the thrill of finding something unique, cheap (or at least a good buy) and most importantly, the experiences along the way. Having to depend on someone you hardly know who wants to share in the adventure can be an an experience in and of itself. At least there is no paper work.
I responded to an Ad in the RamsteinYardsale.com for a "shrunck"..a german word for closet or wardrobe. None of the houses here have built in closets so one has to depend on shruncks. The response was from an elderly couple who live in a renovated 1459 Mill about an hour from Ramstein, saying they had a shrunck and lived in a mill. 2 men whom I have met at the hotel and work in the milling industry, were intrigued enough to agree to drive me. This was an experience to remember. The couple is very eccentric and deem themselves to be "collectors." He has a collection of over 8,000 coffee pots and She has over 3,000 dolls. They have collections of irons, doll house furniture, shruncks that you wouldn't believe and a wonderful Great Dane named Jake. Long story short, I bought a shrunck I found in the attic (Jake helped me pick it out) and He printed off a copy of his book that he recently finished about the history of the Mill. I love it. He punched 2 holes in the side and took a shoestring from his wife's boot in order to "bind it properly." When I go back next weekend to help disassemble the shrunck, he promised he would he would have a hard bound copy of the book for me.
How can Storehouse, Crate and Barrel, and Pottery Barn compete with the richness of shopping in a renovated Mill with 2 wonderful people who have such passion for their life and a willingness to share so openly? And, when is the last time you shopped along side a 230# great dane named Jake? Wholesale...pppfffttt retail..pppfffttt
Ramstein Yard Sale.com yyyyeeeeeaaaaa. and, NO PAPER WORK!!!
I have the apartment and I even have the key but what is lacking is a bed, a couch and the contract for utilities from the German council. It's all very difficult to explain and I don't know that one would find it of interest, but being an American citizen, exempt from the mandatory 19% tax, simply creates a lot of paper work. It is a "step" that I am willing to take, no matter how laborious, given that in the long run it saves me a sizable amount of money. So yes, I have the key AND I have 28 boxes that have arrived from America, sitting in the living room with no couch.
Getting money for the Mini was almost as easy as it was for those poor yokels getting a mortgage loan without a job. Sign here. Done. Clean and dirty. Yes, I bought the Mini, and I even struggled for 2 days with someone who spoke as much English as I do German making sure I had adequate insurance. And I have my receipt for insurance and the bill of sale for the car, BUT no key. The kink is in the paper work, somewhere in the German system waiting for customs clearance.
And, it's hard to look for furniture without a car, a GPS, not knowing when or how I could arrange for delivery. Stores per sey don't attract me, never really have. I like the adventure and the thrill of finding something unique, cheap (or at least a good buy) and most importantly, the experiences along the way. Having to depend on someone you hardly know who wants to share in the adventure can be an an experience in and of itself. At least there is no paper work.
I responded to an Ad in the RamsteinYardsale.com for a "shrunck"..a german word for closet or wardrobe. None of the houses here have built in closets so one has to depend on shruncks. The response was from an elderly couple who live in a renovated 1459 Mill about an hour from Ramstein, saying they had a shrunck and lived in a mill. 2 men whom I have met at the hotel and work in the milling industry, were intrigued enough to agree to drive me. This was an experience to remember. The couple is very eccentric and deem themselves to be "collectors." He has a collection of over 8,000 coffee pots and She has over 3,000 dolls. They have collections of irons, doll house furniture, shruncks that you wouldn't believe and a wonderful Great Dane named Jake. Long story short, I bought a shrunck I found in the attic (Jake helped me pick it out) and He printed off a copy of his book that he recently finished about the history of the Mill. I love it. He punched 2 holes in the side and took a shoestring from his wife's boot in order to "bind it properly." When I go back next weekend to help disassemble the shrunck, he promised he would he would have a hard bound copy of the book for me.
How can Storehouse, Crate and Barrel, and Pottery Barn compete with the richness of shopping in a renovated Mill with 2 wonderful people who have such passion for their life and a willingness to share so openly? And, when is the last time you shopped along side a 230# great dane named Jake? Wholesale...pppfffttt retail..pppfffttt
Ramstein Yard Sale.com yyyyeeeeeaaaaa. and, NO PAPER WORK!!!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Settle...
I marveled at the thirsty patrons when I was in Ireland, admiring their patience as the bartender poured the Guinness. Slowly and methodically he would spin the glass until it was not quite half full then he would set it on a special mat and give it time to settle. This would take easily 5-7 minutes before he would then top it off and let it settle once again. The end result was always perfect with just the right amount of head and a silent nod from the publican indicated it was now time to enjoy.
I found myself trying to rush some very important decisions ( an apartment, a car ) and then I remembered the pouring of Guinness. Some things just take time. I did go for my long walk last Sunday and discovered tables with linen cloths on the walking trail that surrounds Lake Seewoog. There were locals standing at a high bar in the woods having their morning bier, other locals sitting at the tables drinking coffee while the dog laid obediently beside the master, and I took the time to sit and have a cappacino. I gave myself time to "settle." And I observed a 5 year old boy riding bikes with his Opa, and I saw black ducks with white faces, and I saw empty picnic tables waiting for a party. I saw a red haired woman walking a golden retriever and other locals playing fetch with large dogs, and after I had given myself time to settle I knew this was where I wanted to live.
With one thing resolved, I started test driving autos from the Ramstein Lemon Lot. BMW's, 300 series, 500 series, VW polo series. As hard as I wanted it to be, nothing fit. I argued with myself, $$$, miles miles miles, expected time of service, color vs performance. It was time to "settle." Put me on that special mat and just let me be. It would all come to fruition if I didn't force it. It just takes time.
I bought my dream car of 7 years. A Mini Cooper. 2009, pepper white with black leather interior, sky roof and in-put for my I-pod. I drove that baby and thought
" should never have driven this car. It fits like a glove and I'm not even afraid of the traffic circles." No! I SHOULD drive this car. It fits like a glove and I'm not afraid of traffic circles!
Dreams. Wants and desires. Fears and thoughts of selfishness. Romance and practicality: all of these things need time to settle and come together in a cohesive manner. I have a place to live; I have a car to drive; I have reconciled my internal gas bubbles. For right now, I am settled enough. The publican has nodded. Cheers!
I found myself trying to rush some very important decisions ( an apartment, a car ) and then I remembered the pouring of Guinness. Some things just take time. I did go for my long walk last Sunday and discovered tables with linen cloths on the walking trail that surrounds Lake Seewoog. There were locals standing at a high bar in the woods having their morning bier, other locals sitting at the tables drinking coffee while the dog laid obediently beside the master, and I took the time to sit and have a cappacino. I gave myself time to "settle." And I observed a 5 year old boy riding bikes with his Opa, and I saw black ducks with white faces, and I saw empty picnic tables waiting for a party. I saw a red haired woman walking a golden retriever and other locals playing fetch with large dogs, and after I had given myself time to settle I knew this was where I wanted to live.
With one thing resolved, I started test driving autos from the Ramstein Lemon Lot. BMW's, 300 series, 500 series, VW polo series. As hard as I wanted it to be, nothing fit. I argued with myself, $$$, miles miles miles, expected time of service, color vs performance. It was time to "settle." Put me on that special mat and just let me be. It would all come to fruition if I didn't force it. It just takes time.
I bought my dream car of 7 years. A Mini Cooper. 2009, pepper white with black leather interior, sky roof and in-put for my I-pod. I drove that baby and thought
" should never have driven this car. It fits like a glove and I'm not even afraid of the traffic circles." No! I SHOULD drive this car. It fits like a glove and I'm not afraid of traffic circles!
Dreams. Wants and desires. Fears and thoughts of selfishness. Romance and practicality: all of these things need time to settle and come together in a cohesive manner. I have a place to live; I have a car to drive; I have reconciled my internal gas bubbles. For right now, I am settled enough. The publican has nodded. Cheers!
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