Last Blog from this German visit

Montag September 9

First a “very HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to our twins Colin and Owen who are turning 8 today. 

Today we had a relatively “quiet” day. We seem to have adjusted finally to local time and had a very good sleep  the sofa-bed Ute had bought especially for us is perfect. 

After breakfast the three of us played cards again. Funny how we old people can have so much fun with it  

Ute started to worry about “what to have for lunch” so I suggested “curry wurst” (typical German fast food - no German visit should be without it) but we ended up in a Café/Bistro which would have been even in walking-distance if it would not have been for the dark clouds.

The owner was taking care of us, knew Ute and besides very nice lunch we also had conversations about Amerika and Scherlebeck.

For 3 pm we had arranged a visit with Inge and Martina. I know Inge since I was a teenager. Our friendship is one of those which is as thick as a good family connection should be. Unfortunately Inge has now a serious health-condition and could not come to us as it used to be. Ute lent us her car and after ?? I drove once again a car with a stick-shift. Passenger James navigated with my iPhone map and all was good. 

For 2 and a half hours we talked and laughed and had a great time until we needed to leave. 

We had parked in the adjacent parkhouse. We got a printed ticket when we drove in and where now looking where to pay for it so the exit would open. We could not see one and even drove inside s bit around. We drove to the exit again and saw the exit open. Could we just drive through? What was the matter? I was afraid that boom would come down onto the roof of the car. 

A Mercedes driver came through and I asked him. He didn’t know either but advised me not to worry about it and to drive through. He added though „you didn’t hear that from me“.

Courage, Christa! I drove through and … looking into the back mirror I saw that the exit was closed again. 

???

After the drive back we had a very casual evening again … playing cards again of course. We will miss our player Ute. To play the game with 3 or more is different than with 2. We had to laugh a lot again. 

Maren came by for a little while too to say good-bye. She had a good idea for a potential visit to us next year. Something to look forward to would be great. 

And then is was time for „night, night“. Tomorrow morning we have to pack again.