More pics

These pictues are from the Abbey. They have an amazing greenhouse where they sell plants to the public. I took a picture of the orchids for Sarah--hope she sees this.

Simple pleasures in life!!

I'm on my own computer!!! Yea!!! Being without the Internet really cramps my style. I have used the Internet for 17 years and to be without it for days at a time really bothers me. We are in the new apartment in a village called Greimersberg on the western side of Germany. I wrote before about meeting Henk and Corry from Holland. They were just great this week. We had dinner with them everynight at a small Gasthaus that serves wonderful German food extremely reasonably. We may go visit Henk and Corry when we are near Brugge in Belgium--not sure yet.

Yesterday, we took a ride to an abbey called Maria Laach, a Benedictine Monastery built in the 11th century. Enjoyed the tour very much. Then, we drove to Berg Elz about 20 km away. Took that tour also. The castle was built in the 1300's and is still owned by the same family. Most of the castles in Europe are built up on top of a mountain, but not this one. Way down in the valley--we walked down and took the shuttle back up.

Out apartment is lovely--has a dishwasher, tv(only CNN in English), two bedrooms(come on over!), sauna, freezer, private garden, etc. Very nice. We're here until next Sunday and then will head for Belgium. Any more tips Maggie and Roland? Until then, we'll be taking day trips from here. Lots to see in the area. Hope to attend the local church tomorrow. Service will be in German. Should be interesting!!

I've attached some pictures from the tractor ride and the castle.

Relaxing!!!

We are taking it easy. Found the right place to stay. Met a wonderful Dutch couple, Henk and Corry, who have taken us under their wing. Actually, we are going to move to their apartment when they leave on Saturday. We have a nice apartment, but the next one is better. Has Internet (Thank you, Lord!), a dishwasher, and lots of other extras. People are wonderful--guess I#ve said that before, but they really are. Antoher new aquaintance is, Barbara. Her husband, too. They own a restaurant in Greimersberg--we are eating there tonight.

We went on a ride yesterday in a wagon pulled behind a tractor. The ride took us over meadows and down a mountain on a one lane scary road!! We were with 6 other people and it was great!! At the end of the road was an old mill that is now a restaurant. Amazing. In the middle of nowhere!! We had the best time!!! Today is another holiday--they have them a lot here--so we are just kicking back. I'll post more pics on Sat. Miss you all!! And we are having a great Time!!

Jim's four cents--in Germany

1. the number of small towns equals a lot
2. there is no straight road between town a and town b
3 four lefts or four rights never take you around the block
4 Unleitung is not a city that Fifi (GPS) doesn't know about. It is a detour
5 A coke may come in a 7 oz bottle
6 The cost per ounce of coke increases exponentially as you get closer to the towns main tourist attraction.
7 Beer is cheaper than coke(also water)
8 Most public restrooms cost .50€
9 you can save .50€ if you and your wife go in together
10 and finally----the excitement of adventure is inversely proprotional to the length of time on the road--Jerry and I are tired --- have been taking a break in an apartment on a farm in the village of Leubsdorf. Its been great. We have moved on and have knocked off come of the cities on our to do list---we miss our kids, grandkids, church, Buddy, friends, routine, newspapers, English tv and Wal-Mart!!!!!!! I hope we don't run into a sale on ruby red shoes. Jim

Moseing along

We are now on the western side of Germany--didn't go to Berlin or Prague. Burnout big time. So, we drove yesterday across the country. We are now near Co-Chem on the Mosel River. We are renting an apartment for 4 nights and then moving to a nicer one for a week. We'll use this area for
short trips out to other areas. Countryside is beautiful. We had such a good time in Leubsdorf with the Jensch family. We've realized that people mean more to us than museums, churchs etc. We' enjoy the other things, but will remember the people the most. For example, the place we are moving to this weekend is booked for this week. The woman who owns the apartment had us in for coffee, had us meet the people who are renting the apartment(from Holland and speak English), she then called around to find us a place to stay for the next 4 nights and then drove us to that location!! She doesn't even know us. The people here are just so friendly and helpful.

I'm using an Internet Cafe right now--this weekend I'll be able to use my wireless connection at the new apartment. Then, I can post pictures.

We just went to the grocery store to stock up on food. Guess that means I have to cook. Or Jim does! we do have tv--one station in English. It#s CNN International--rest are in German. I need to find a bookstore with English books soon. Have one more left. Jim is running out of Sudoko, too. What will we do?????