September Snippets

October 24th, 2016

I’m still playing catchup here on the Blog! My goal is to be current again before we reach our one year mark on November 17th. Can you believe that??!!! Here are a few snippets of our lives here in Germany this past September…

Laundry Day…this is what I found in the boys’ pockets on one particular laundry day. Good thing I checked BEFORE I put the clothes in!

Our Feisty Feline…Adi is nice company for me while the boys are at school. She still enjoys being near when they are around too as long as she isn’t “loved” on too much!

German Lessons…we started private lessons with one of Mein Mann’s co-workers, Mo, who is a German National. In exchange, we provide dinner, lots of entertainment as we attempt to pronounce words in German and love from two little boys who quickly made their way into her heart. Mo has become their German Oma (Grandma) and even spoils them with candy if they eat all their dinner. It’s sweet to see how much the three enjoy each other!

Village Weddings…A horse-drawn carriage rode through our village one Saturday afternoon and parked in front of the church. I walked over and watched a newly wed couple, surrounded by their loved-ones, exit the church. The carriage awaited them. I love how these common aspects of life are lived out all across the globe! They are little glimpses into our shared humanity.

Clothes Shopping…two Saturdays in September, I went to a Kinderbasar to look for clothing items for the boys. I joined my friend, Amy, for the first one. She walked me through what to expect. At the first bazaar, women had individual tables set up with the clothing items they were selling. The second week, long tables were covered with clothes sorted by sizes. It felt more like a free-for-all as I edged my way in to search through the piles. Most of the clothing was gently used. However, I found a few items that were brand new, including shoes. I left with two bags STUFFED with clothes both times! I also learned how to say, “How much?” in German. “Wie Viel?” I used it repeatedly! I also did a little bargaining. I brought down the price on one shirt simply because I didn’t understand German. I also learned to get there early as these events are popular. When the doors open, the masses make their way in and get down to business!

Local Beverages…’Tis the season for New Wine! Our landlords told us to be on the lookout for this tasty treat and gave us a little tutorial about its unique properties. “Neuer Wein,” as it is written in German, is like taking home a science experiment. When you purchase the wine, the yeast has already been added to the grapes and the alcohol content is at least four percent. However, it’s still actively fermenting (sugar contained in the grapes is broken down into alcohol and carbon dioxide) and thus changes properties within a few days of purchasing. The color switches from a light yellow to a dark amber/brown, the alcohol content continues to increase and the taste changes from sweet to bitter. It is stored in the fridge with the cap barely twisted on so it doesn’t explode. You are encouraged to drink it the first couple of days after you bring it home when it’s at its peak. It can be compared to a refreshing grape soda or a sweet, sparkling wine. Our landlords did warn us, however, to not consume too much at a time as it can give you a bloated sensation in your stomach. When they described it to us, they sat back in their seats and patted their tummies while making funny faces! Got it!! =)

Lunch dates…with our newly-minted Kindergartener. Our school encourages parents to join their kiddos at lunch and meet their classmates. I started doing this last year with E. Now I get to see both of our boys. This was my first “date” with our youngest!

Sunflowers…E and I enjoyed a bike ride together one Friday afternoon when S was at his soccer practice with his Daddy. On the edge of one of the farm fields was a few rows of sunflowers. We love these bright, cheery flowers!

A Compliment to Condiments…making sandwiches is super-easy when you squeeze your mayonnaise and mustard out of tubes!

German Dinner…Amy shared with me awhile back how she enjoys the ease of German Dinner at her house. Sometimes, Germans eat heavier meals earlier in the day and dine on something a little lighter at dinner. She explained how she buys some bread from the bakery and then adds cheese, meat, veggies, fruit, spread and condiments. We have instituted this at our house as well. Viola! Dinner is Served!

A Common Site…though it still surprises me a bit when I see dogs in coffee houses, restaurants and retail stores.

I LOVE having little boys that enjoy playing dress up…I never know when I’ll be greeted by an astronaut, superhero, fireman or a pterodactyl!

Der Hühner Fred…brings “die besten Hähnchen” (the best chicken) to our village every Tuesday. We call him “The Chicken Man.” Rotisserie chicken is always a backup option for dinner that night. On the weeks we take advantage of it, dinner is done in a snap! I simply walk down to our village square, put in our order and stroll back home with bags full of hot deliciousness. On nice weather days, it’s even better!

Day Dates…since Mein Mann works about fifteen minutes away from our village, a lunch date is now a lovely option with both boys in school. At the beginning of Fall, I packed us a picnic lunch and we hiked into the nearby woods on a trail Mein Mann runs on. We were quickly rewarded with a beautiful view of the city.