A Georgia Girl in Germany

Yes, yes, we still have boxes in the house. They’re moving out at a much slower pace now, but are still moving out nonetheless. Zachary and MacKenzie decided they wanted to be turtles a few days ago, and tore leg holes out of the boxes so they could crawl around the house. What fun!

Labels: MacKenzie, Zachary

When we moved to Ramstein, we knew we were going to be around more Americans. We also knew it was a more rural area. Both Stuttgart and Kaiserslautern have auto manufacturing, but there’s a big difference even in that industry between the two areas. Stuttgart is home to Mercedes and Porsche, while Kaiserslautern is home to Opel. Yeah, BIG difference there.

We also have a horse for a neighbor. He’s usually in the field caddy-corner from our hose, and we often see him munching on the grass when we drive home during the week. When we awoke Sunday morning, though, we discovered sheep in the field. This photo was taken from Benjamin’s window. Now, how’s that for a bit of country living!?!!

Labels: Germany, Travel

During the weekends and other non-school nights, I will often let one of the kids sleep with me. MacKenzie requests this honor more than the boys, and understands that on “boy nights” she has to be discreet and wait to see if either of them asks first. (We divide days into “girl days” and “boy days” around here. Both boys were born on even-numbered days, and MacKenzie was born on an odd-numbered day, so that’s how we decide who gets to do certain things, from saying the prayer at supper time and having the same colored cup as Mommy to -- you guessed it -- sleeping with me.)

Since they didn’t have school on Friday, we had three eligible nights this weekend...and MacKenzie took advantage of all of them! If you look closely, you can see that she’s trying to take over my bed. She’s lying on her Tinkerbell blanket and has long-time companion, Darby, wrapped in a pink blanket beside her; her reindeer friend, Dasher, by her head; Little Darb, wrapped in the light pink blanket, on the pillow above her, Big Darb curled up inside a make-shift dog bed (a decorated pillow case) on the night stand beside her; her robe at the foot of the bed and her nighttime water bottle in the windowsill. Fortunately, she’s usually a good bed-fellow, and only occasionally takes over my side of the bed or sticks a foot in my side.

Labels: MacKenzie

We wanted to play Parcheesi the other night, but Benjamin also needed a bath. His solution? Take a quick shower. Two months ago, he wouldn’t have let the water run down his face like this. But, thanks to his recent swim lessons, he’s becoming more comfortable in the water. He even let the water trickle down in front of his eyes too. Awesome! This also led to him having the silly giggles during his shower.

He thought he looked like Santa with body wash on his chin, and started reciting “Ho! Ho! Ho!” while I bathed him. More silly giggles.

After he gets out of the shower, he likes imitating different animals. He usually starts with “Quack, quack, waddle, waddle.” He’s recently added “Ruff, ruff, run, run” and “Meow, meow, walk, walk.” It’s cute to see him impersonate different animals like that. Yup, even more silly giggles.

After getting his pajamas on, MacKenzie read a few books to him. I love how she and Zachary take the time to read to him. He really enjoys it, and they’re good at it (plus, it gives me a few extra minutes to work on something else).

Labels: Benjamin, MacKenzie

Benjamin is doing well in Kindergarten, and is beginning to figure out how letters come together to form words. He’s sounding out words when he sees something unfamiliar (though not always correctly yet, but he’ll get there), and reading small books. He has homework almost every night (usually coloring, cutting and gluing, although sometimes it’s tracing letters or numbers). Last week he brought home the first beginner reader books. I’ll regularly find him sitting on the floor, on the couch or even in the laundry basket to read his books.

Labels: Benjamin

Maybe it’s just that I’m getting older (not “old,” mind you) and as a result know many people who are also older (again, not “old”), but I’ve seen and heard too many times about how cancer is affecting my friends and family. Growing up, it was only my Grandpa Q who had cancer. He smoked, so his lung cancer was plausible. He passed away June 6, 1983, just as I completed 6th grade.

My mom had skin cancer, but after years of living on a farm and working outdoors, we knew it was due to sun exposure. My dad recently battled prostate cancer. He had surgery Dec 14, 2005, to remove his prostate and received a clean bill of health shortly afterward. Halleluiah for both of them.

A good friend of mine from high school lost his father to brain and bone cancer in March 2007. Jack was a very kind, generous and funny man (definitely where Jason got his wit from). I know it was difficult for his family to see him suffer, but that they must be relieved to know that he’s no longer in pain.

I was saddened by Emma Jordon’s long battle against Wilm's Tumor that just wouldn’t leave her little body alone. After a year-and-a-half, the cancer won. She passed away in September, just a few days after her 7th birthday. That doesn’t make sense.

After following several links from Emma’s CaringBridge page, I learned of many other children battling the disease. From Baby Will who was diagnosed at 2 months old with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors -- a very aggressive and highly untreatable form of cancer -- in his brain and leg yet is putting up a good fight; Tuesday, who just turned 2 and is battling neuroblastoma; 4-year-old Coleman who’s been battling medulloblastoma (brain cancer) for well over two years now (almost half his life!), relapsing at the one-year point and recently receiving bad news that his cancer is still growing; 8-year-old Kami battling Leukemia; 2-year-old Calla who battled brain cancer and is doing much better a year after her diagnosis; and many others. I’ve also learned of Chloe, Chloe, Matthew, Sammy, and several others who recently earned their angel wings. Cancer is absolutely horrible with how indiscriminate it can be.

I learned last week that a fellow Public Affairs professional, a chief master sergeant who I’d worked with very sporadically over my career, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and had only days to live. Just 82 days after his diagnosis, on Saturday, Joe passed away.

This past weekend I also learned that a dear family friend, Hank, now has prostate cancer and will have surgery in January. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers that they caught it early enough that he’ll be able to make a full recovery. On a positive note, his wife, Barbara, is also a cancer survivor -- breast cancer.

Then, to top it all off, I found out yesterday that a classmate of mine from Air Command and Staff College died last month from an aggressive form of cancer. Tom was a Marine lieutenant colonel who was disheartened with being in school when he could have been in the fight. He came to ACSC from a job where he was responsible for getting reservists ready to deploy. After we graduated, he stayed on the faculty for a year. When he finally made it to Iraq in 2007, doctors found a tumor on his hamstring. By fall, he was in remission and improving, but the cancer eventually returned and moved to his lungs. One article I read epitomizes his fighting spirit: “When hospice came in during the spring, and Tom found out what hospice was, ... [he] kicked them out and said ‘I’m not dying, go away!’” I can so see him doing that! Tom was 40, and leaves behind a wife and two young boys.

Finally, on a non-cancer note, my mom is having heart catheterization and/or a stent placed on Monday to alleviate calcification in one of her arteries. My parents were planning on visiting us for Zachary’s birthday and for Thanksgiving, so this will delay their trip. We’re thankful that they found the blockage when they did, and praying for success on Monday and hoping she’ll be cleared to travel over in time for Thanksgiving.

Please, please, keep my mom in your thoughts and prayers, as well as Hank and the many young victims of this horrible disease, and the families of those who have lost their battles. And, please perform your monthly self-exams. Keep a watchful eye for skin changes. Stop smoking. Be aware of suspicious changes in your body. Listen to your body. Hug your children tightly each night. Tell your family that you love them. And be thankful for every day that you’re given.

Labels: Pam's thoughts

On our return drive to Germany, we stopped in Verona for a late lunch and to see some of the city’s highlights. I visited the city in 2006 when the kids were back in the states, so I knew my way around and was able to navigate the quaint narrow streets to the Villa Capuleti -- the Capuleti house, otherwise known as Juliet’s house (of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet fame).

The balcony behind Zachary and MacKenzie is where Juliet is purported to have made her famous proclamation “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou?”

Yes, we all touched Juliet’s statue for good luck when we stood by it.

I like the Piazza delle Erbe, just around the corner from the Villa Capuleti. The last time I visited, there was a huge market there. Not this time though, which allowed me to see more of the architecture.

Benjamin liked playing on the steps in the middle of the piazza. I don’t think the chains did any good though -- he voluntarily placed his arm in, then easily freed himself.

Benjamin then ran to the back side of the steps and stood atop the fountain (no running water in January though). He even walked around the edge of the fountain area -- it looked like a curb to him.

MacKenzie posed in front of Verona’s Arena. It’s the second largest, and most well-preserved, Roman amphitheater in the world, even after considering the earthquake damage it suffered in 1117.

This was a new display in the Piazza Bra with the arch from the Arena reaching in front of the Palazzo Barbieri -- the Town Hall.

We made it back home late that evening, and the following morning we took Carie to the airport. Her trip was timed perfectly -- it was her last trip before moving to a new job at another base, and she was able to bring home her antique rocking horse that she purchased more than a year earlier and left in my basement. Things always have a way of working out!

Labels: Benjamin, Italy, MacKenzie, Travel, Zachary

The second full day of our Italy excursion, we headed to the nearby town of Soave to peruse the wares at its weekend market. I was surprised to see the city wall surrounded by a moat -- talk about the classic “castle walls” that I used to draw as a kid! But this was not castle, just a centuries-old town with its city wall still intact.

Please excuse the white blur in the middle of these photos -- I bought a pocket camera so I wouldn’t have t lug my SLR around everywhere, but dropped it in some water since it’s so small. It still works, but many photos end up having the white blur in the middle. Grrr.

I loved how the vendors lined up their wares along the streets, complete with striped umbrellas to protect from possible rain (which arrived just as we left).

I found some chandelier pieces and strands of crystal (to use as garland) for my Christmas tree here. There were quite a few unique shapes and designs, and I could have easily picked out more if I had unlimited funds -- but, alas, the pocketbook won out. I still liked the timeless feel of the market, with the “Vino & Vino” building next to one of the main entrances to the city.

Labels: Italy, Travel

The quaint little town of Nové is famous for its ceramics. Legend goes that the beginning of ceramic production in northern Italy dates back to the 400’s thanks to the Venice Republic. Documents state that the art of ceramics was born in Nové and Bassano del Grappa during the 17th century, which started an industry that would impose itself around the world.

The name of the town comes from the antique Italian word “Nové,” which means “new.” The lands where the town is located were considered new because of the lowering level of the Brenta River, which revealed soft lands rich in clay. The first artisans of the area started using the clay to produce pottery. From then the craft grew to become one of the most important trades of the area. Some local companies produce the best high-quality ceramics using precious materials like gold and platinum.

The main purpose of our visit to Nové was to go shopping at La Ceramica. What an amazing store! Carie took a weekend shopping trip there the last time she came to Germany and needed/wanted a few more pieces. I knew several people who raved about shopping in this town, so I jumped at the opportunity to go see the deals for myself.

The main floor was where they kept the unfinished pieces. There were rows and rows of ceramic pieces in various stages of completion. There were even some that I wished had been finished and in the store upstairs -- but I couldn’t find them. Guess those weren’t meant to come home with me.

When we made it upstairs, we found rows of beautifully-colored dishes, serving-ware bowls, pitchers and wall-hangings. The variety was amazing!

It would have been so easy to outfit a beach house with sea-themed dishes.

Zachary really wanted to bring home an artichoke-painted bowl in which to serve artichokes. There was a cornucopia of other vegetable-themed plates and bowls to choose from as well.

MacKenzie helped Carie look through the assortment of ladles.

This was my first experience using a “squat toilet.” Yes, this is a toilet. If you have a “Y” chromosome, it’s not that difficult to use, but for those of us used to sitting, you have to rely on thigh muscles. Kinda reminds me of being a kid and having to go outside when at the farm...

After making our purchases, we headed to the Giuliana Pizzeria Bar for a wonderful lunch of pizza, calzones and spaghetti. The pizza and calzones were cooked in this open-fire oven -- and were absolutely wonderful!

Yes, MacKenzie ate most of her spaghetti. I think she was glad to be back in Italy where she can get what she considers to be the best spaghetti in the world. Granny Mary would be so proud that MacKenzie’s Italian genes are coming out in this way!

That night, we headed to Vicenza... and more spaghetti. Carie ordered mussels, and was kind enough to share a few with Zachary and MacKenzie. They were both hesitant at first, but soon discovered they liked them. They ended up ordering spaghetti with muscles several times at one of our favorite restaurants back home.

While we were there, an elderly man came in with three ladies and sat in the corner table behind Carie and MacKenzie. He looked like he could have been Dad in 10 years! I’m kicking myself for not going up to him and trying to talk to him using Spanish-as-an-approximation-for-Italian since the family resemblance was so strong -- especially since Granny Mary’s family came from this region of Italy, and some are still there. It’s very plausible that he could have been a relative. He may not have understood me, but now it’s an opportunity lost.

Labels: Italy, MacKenzie, Travel, Zachary

Labels: Italy, Travel

Benjamin definitely has a mind of his own! He has a red sweatshirt we got in Edelweiss this past summer that he absolutely loves. It has a hood and a single pocket in front for his hands, which I suppose is part of his attraction to it. He wore it so often (daily, in lieu of a jacket), that I got him two more sweatshirts so I could try to keep at least one of them clean. Neither of them were quite the same -- one was zip-up, so the pockets didn’t connect, and the other was a plain gray sweatshirt. He assured me he’d wear them when he helped me pick them out, but he hasn’t.

Fortunately, Nana also found a sweatshirt for him, and she quickly got it in the mail to him. It also zips up so the pockets don’t connect, but that was OK since this sweatshirt is from Nana. He’s also taken to wearing it backwards...even pulling the hood up over his face. I don’t know why he decided this was fun to do, but he’ll get the silly giggles and call out for us like we can’t see him. He’ll even walk backwards while wearing it, because that means that the sweatshirt is moving forward.

Oh, and he’s also decided he wants to be called either “Benji” or “Little Zach.” He chose Little Zach because he enjoys thinking that he can do anything “Big Zach” can do (plus, I’m always calling him “Zachary” and calling Zachary “Benjamin” -- must be a third kid thing!). His day care provider in Stuttgart used to call him Benji, and he would often tell me he has three names: “Benjamin,” “Ben” and “Benji,” then clarify that only Ms. Lisa called him Benji. Guess he misses being called Benji. We’ll see if it sticks.

Labels: Benjamin

We’ve been blessed with a spectacularly beautiful fall this year. The leaves started changing colors about a month ago, and many of them are still holding on, not quite ready to give in to the brown and dreariness of winter. Here are a few examples of the beauty that’s surrounded us during the past month.



I wasn’t able to get as many photos as I would have liked since we’ve had more rainy days than sunny ones during the past month, but the colors are stunning even through the rain.

Labels: Pam's thoughts

New law allows salutes in civvies during anthem

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October.

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Dr. James B. Peake, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to servicemembers while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform servicemembers during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008. (Courtesy of VA News)

Labels: Pam's thoughts

Zachary and MacKenzie have discovered chess. They’ve been playing it regularly with one of the counselors at the Youth Center, and recently found our chess set. I love that they’ll spend time playing up in the play room, and am impressed at how quickly they seem to have picked up on the game. I’m sure they’ll both hit up Papa to play against them when he visits later this month.

They both entered a tournament at the Youth Center today -- double-elimination. MacKenzie won her first game, then lost a game before playing to a draw that led to a rematch, which she lost. Zachary is currently undefeated. When he goes back on Thursday, he’ll play the winner of the “losers’ bracket” for the championship. He’s feeling pretty confident though since he’s currently undefeated!

Labels: MacKenzie, Zachary

I was very thankful that I had off work on Halloween day, especially since the kids were off from school (end of the quarter, so teachers were working on grades). Plus, Saturday was a holiday in our state (All Saints’ Day), so I had to get all my shopping on the economy done Friday. It made for a long day, cram-packed with several must-do tasks including MacKenzie’s optometry appointment, finding unusual light-bulbs for the den, canceling my dial-up internet service, signing up for wireless internet with another provider, signing the house inventory with the landlord, going to the car dealership to get new bulbs for my dashboard, finding an electronic marten repellent for the van (more on that in a later post), making a last-minute stop to buy candy for trick-or-treaters, and heading home to carve pumpkins and make supper before heading out with my costumed kiddos. Fortunately, the school-age program on base was open, so Benjamin spent most of the day there, which allowed me to get my errands done much more quickly. MacKenzie kept me company during my excursions, and Zachary worked on a book report at home (trying to get a jump on the next quarter). Whew!

OK, so the fun started when all returned home around 4 p.m. and we cut into the pumpkins. All three of them wanted to carve their pumpkins, and quickly dove in. MacKenzie soon realized that the bigger her pumpkin, the more guts she had to remove. Benjamin’s pumpkin was too small to carve, so thankfully he agreed to color his with markers. He eventually made three faces on it since Zachary and MacKenzie were spending more time on theirs.

After a short while, MacKenzie convinced Zachary to trade pumpkins for the gut-removal process. He’s such a good big brother that he agreed. I actually think he had the better end of that agreement since the guts from the big pumpkin were much easier to grab and remove than in his mid-size pumpkin. MacKenzie complained of the cold (after all, they were outside in 40-degree temps for two weeks), but that was true for both of them.

Here are the finished products -- completed just in time to put outside for trick-or-treaters. We ate a quick supper (I actually managed to cook something more substantial than hot dogs), and the kids soon had their costumes on, ready for the evening.

When I dropped him off at the school-age program, Benjamin told me he wanted his face painted brown since he was going to be a bear. Fortunately, they also gave him a black nose and mouth. Just before we headed out, he asked me to wash the paint off his face since he didn’t need two faces, but I was able to distract him and we made it out the door without having to take time to wash his face (although he did ask me to wash some of it off from around his mouth during supper).

Just to clarify, Benjamin was a bear, MacKenzie was a witch and Zachary was “just someone wearing a robe.”

I think it actually worked out well that Benjamin had his face painted, since by the end of the night, he had taken the hood off his costume, going in the headless mode again. This now makes four consecutive years that he's ended the evening wearing a headless costume: 2005 and 2006 were headless Blue years, and 2007 was headless Pooh.

They really enjoyed going trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. There are enough Americans here that we could do so, yet not too many that the kids received an extreme amount of candy -- which I like! There were even a handful of German kids who got in on the action as well -- going door-to-door saying “süsses oder saures” (literally “sweet or sour”) to request candy.

Labels: Benjamin, Germany, MacKenzie, Zachary