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?????

First the mail lady and then Obama

That small world thing popped up again yesterday. After I sent my last posting I read CNN online and found out that Obama was in Dresden!!! When we were driving into Dresden there were police cars everywhere. We commented that something big must have happened. Guess it did!

I have attached a couple pictures of the farm where we are staying. Hate to move on--it is very comfortable here.

Dresden Train Station

We thought we were going to take the train to Dresden and Berlin. They both are within 160 kilometers from here. But it is too expensive, so we're thinking of driving. Not sure yet. I composed a posting for the blog in Works on my computer hoping I could use it at a cafe. No luck. So, I can't show any pictures at this time. We're more rested and enjoying the farm where we are staying. We've been able to converse with our hosts by gestures and writing on paper. They are about our age. He has completely redone their main buildings by himself(Jim's kind of guy). The farm was built in 1650!!! Our apartment if very nice--even has a dishwasher!! TV is all in German--no CNN International. that's ok. Jim does Sudoko and I read my book. Going to need a good bookstore soon--only have one book left. This part of German is different because it was part of the Eastern Block. The countryside is beautiful, but the towns look worn. I noticed, today that homes don't have window boxes with flowers and there are no shutters. Makes a big difference. Fewer people speak English here, as well. But, they are willing to help us figure things out! More later.

WE BE TIRED

Today is Thursday, June 4th(I think). We are staying in a town outside of Dresden about 40 kilometers. We found a lovely apartment on a farm (doesn't smell!!!) and the people are very nice. Jim and I are tired and have decided to take a few days to just relax. We will be going to Dresden one day and hope to take the train into Prague, Czech Republic one day. The other 3 days will be just relaxing.

Things that I have discovered:
1. Fifi will tell us where information centers are in a town
2. Farms are clustered together to form a town--no farms along the country roads here and there like in the States.
3. White asparagus is big here.
4. No trash anywhere in the towns or along the roads. Super clean country

We had a rather frustrating drive here, yesterday. We were about 25 kilometers from our last place to stay and I realized I'd forgotten my watch, earrings, book, and hearing aids. I was worried about the book--Jim wanted me to get the hearing aids. Go figure. So, we turned around and went back--40 minute delay. And then Fifi got us all messed up. Yup. GPS is not perfect. She had us going South instead of North for about 40 kilometers the wrong way. Jim was not happy. We are here and glad to take it easy.

I think we're a little burned out, as well. We both miss a routine and Buddy. And, of course, our family and friends. Let's hope the next 6 weeks go as fast as the last!! We really have had a good time,but as Jim said, 3 months is a long time. Love to all of you.

Moving On

On Saturday we moved on to Creglingen, part of the Romantic Road. And found out that we were in the middle of the German Holiday. Hotels were full and we stayed at our worst accommadations so far. It was a farm/guesthouse and the cows don't know how to use matches!!! {Phew). Sunday we were able to get an apartment for 3 days, but no stores are open to take advanage of the kitchen. But it is nice to spread out. Yesterday, we went to Rottlingen where they were having a wine fest and garage sale/flea market. There were about 100 stalls in the market square. We thought of Dick Overmeyer and wished he was with us to bargain. We had brats for lunch, came home for a nap and watched the German version of Funniest Videos. Today, we are in Rothenburg for their Medieval Festival. Many dressed in the clothing of those times. Singing, horses and plain old fun. Tomorrow, we're headed to Nuremburg for the day. And on Wednesday we head north towards Dresden. Weather is a little on the cool side--not bad. Saturday marks the halfway point of our trip. Still lot of things to do!! Internet is hard to find for free or otherwise. Will try and keep you all posted!!!