Sickingenstraße 16, Heidelberg, Germany

Sickingenstraße 16, Heidelberg, Germany--that is where I lived in my senior year of school.  Found it on GoogleEarth!  

I lived in the building to the right on the third floor.

I found my high school.  We had Kindergarten through 12th grade in those two buildings connected by a sky way.  Amazing to see it now.  In 2013, the base went back to the Germans.  My dad used to work at the 130th Station Hospital in Heidelberg.  The same hospital where General Patton died on December 21, 1945.  I found it odd that both dad and the General had the same birthdate--December 21.

Heidelberg American High School-My Ala Mater

Dad was the CSM of the hospital and proud of it too.  I used to work at the NCO snack bar right across from the hospital.  Everyone knew me as his daughter.  I either got good tips or guys walking out leaving me with the bill.  I learned a lot about character in that summer.  Most of the time I broke even.

Augsburg American High School
I'm in the top picture with the gingham top first row with short hair.  Monica Kopsack, my best friend is in the bottom picture with the same dress but it was blue and mine was green but in black and white, it looks the same!

In Heidelberg, we walked to school every morning and back in the evening.  It was okay, just a way of life that I got used to and loved in Augsburg.  The movies where in the base cafeteria with the most uncomfortable metal chairs.  

Heidelberg had an army bus that took us out to a teen club of sorts--I hated it but I went with hopes of having a good time.  Before getting onto the bus, my friends and I would go to the Gasthouse and drink.  Since there were 5 girls to 1 guy, the chances of me getting a dance where slim to none.  I went because Mom said it would be fun and I could meet someone.  Mom was the belle of the ball in her time--I was not.

130th Station Hospital

I hated Heidelberg since we just moved from Augsburg, Germany.  I don't remember my address there.  I loved Augsburg--I had friends and guys actually wanted to be seen dancing with me.  I became sociable and loved it.

When dad got orders to Heidelberg, I tried to stay with one of my friends and commute to Heidelberg on weekends--my parents wouldn't approve it.  So, at Heidelberg, I lost myself in my art and distance myself from everyone.

Dad used to get so mad when he saw me paint murals for the dances that no one asked me to go to.  I did endless posters for all the events and never went to any. My posters and murals were hot items--they came off the wall as soon as they were posted.  I took pride in that--it made up for the lack of socializing a little bit.

It is amazing that you can find these addresses up close. Brings back memories.  Good or bad, they are part of my life.  

Looking Back Thanks To Google Earth

It's amazing that I can remember two addresses from my past.  One is when I was in Harrison, Arkansas.  I was twelve years old when my dad left for Korea. We ended up in Harrison. It wasn't too far from Yelville where his mom lived.  You would think this would be to our advantage but it wasn't.  My "grandparents" weren't anything like grandparents should be. We were ignored. My mom was charged for a homemade pie, jam, trips to town and anything else we might need. They didn't want us.  We wanted to visit their farm alot but they wouldn't let us unless Mom was with us.  We were well behaved but it didn't matter. Mom tolerated them.We could have been better on an island alone.

Since Mom was British, we were worse than black in the south.  Mom studied and got her citizenship but that still didn't matter--we were scum to our relatives and the neighbors.

Above are two views of the old house.  It looks better--new siding and roof and a new patio in back.  I had to add a picture of the back since I almost burnt down the house playing with fire on the driveway.  There was an overhang above where my brother and I built a little campfire.  Mom got home early that day--praise God!  She put out the fire before it reached the overhang.  I have had a fear of fire since then.

The house had heaters in the floor--big rectangles with a huge grate ontop.  I remember my little two year sister walking across it too many times when it was hot, burning the bottoms of her feet.  I swear she still has scars.

The other address I remember is on Clover Lane in Columbus, Georgia.  I lived somewhere on Clover Lane when I went to 1st grade.  Don't remember the house number but remember the time that a big black snake made it into my brother's crib.  We had the river behind the house, I suppose the snake wanted a better place to live.  I thought it was cool at the time--mother, however, didn't.  

When I married Dan, my first husband, we moved into 302 Clover Lane.  It was one of a series of shanti shacks.  Well maybe a step up from shacks.  Three rooms--living room, bedroom, kitchen and a closet of a bathroom.  We had to pay extra for an air conditioning window unit--but it was so worth it!

The old house with the red painted auto repair next door.

Next door was a car repair garage (it is still there), a beauty salon, and a German delicatessen.  I could never afford any food from the delicatessen but our cat would lay on the doormat into the store.  He wouldn't move unless he got food.  Too bad he wouldn't bring some of that food home.

My next door neighbors around the corner on the main street.

Things were tough then.  I worked at Burger King and Dan went to school on the GI bill.  I would deliberately mess up a whopper burger or two.  When we messed up, we got to take home the food.  In those days, sometimes the only food we had were those burgers. 

On the corner of the street was a grocery store that I remembered from first grade when my brother and I would walk up to get an ice cream bar and a soda with our allowance. Now it has been replaced with a computer repair store.

I look back and really appreciate where I am now.  The past is the past.  I have learned from it and move on. 

Grace's 6th Birthday Party

Grace and her gal pals

Grace had her party at the pool this year.  I was one of four adults in the pool with 12 kids.  Most of which were not seasoned swimmers.  Yes, they had lessons and that helped ...most of the time.  I did alot of treading water in the deep end to rescue a couple of little girls, Grace being one of them.

Got to have one crazy picture!

My poor knee had one heck of a workout and it was a two Aleve night that night. The party was fun and Alison thanked me for helping in the pool--she had to take care of the party, so, there were three of us in the pool.  We three got a great workout!

Hunter carrying his sister in the shallow end.

Grace was happy with all her buddies.  Hunter even helped hand out pieces of cake and providing "Dolphin Rides" --he took the girls on his back like a dolphin and walked them in the shallow end.

I didn't think that I would swim laps afterwards, but I did.  1075 yards!  Needless to say, after that I was beat!  Happy Birthday, Miss Grace--love you!

This is MY CD player!

Grace and BFF Fynlee

Diego

Diego is a Kindergartner who needs extra help learning his numbers.  Wayne usually volunteers on Wednesdays with both the morning and afternoon Kindergarten.  The morning teacher asked him if he would be willing to come in everyday just to help Diego.  Wayne is there just an hour but it has been a big help to Diego.

Every day, Wayne comes home beaming about Diego's progress.  Diego can forget by the next day but Wayne is his personal teacher and has a knack with him....in fact he has a knack with all of the Kindergartners.

When Diego misses a number, Wayne (aka Gramps) touches the number, rubs it and then touches his lips then his head and says the correct number.  Now, when Diego misses a number, Diego does the same with his finger.

Diego had a big day the week before Christmas break--he was asked to lead the class with counting to 15! He stood there beaming and made it through to 15! Wayne was watching and beaming too.

After two weeks off, Diego is back with his private tutor, relearning his numbers. He slips once in awhile and says it in Spanish.  Wayne corrects him and thanks him for teaching him Spanish and Diego loves it.

It is heartwarming to say the least.  I am so grateful that Alison two years ago suggested Wayne to volunteer at the schools.  It has brought him out of depression and given him unconditional love of so many children.

When we drop off Grace at Kindergarten, often either Grace or several of his classmates ask Wayne, "Are you helping today..please?"  When we go to the store, we always are greeted with "Gramps!" or "Grandpa Wayne!"  And you know my hubby walks on air when he hears those words.

Another Sleepover

My munchkins--love how they cuddle together to watch a movie.  Yes, they are at each other here and there but the bottom line is that they do love each other. They spent the night last night and it was so much fun!  We went out for pizza and I did well--just one piece and salad.

Grace has a 6 year old attitude.  She thinks she knows everything and can be sassy at times.  Most of it I laugh off remembering her mom at that age.

The older that these two become, the closer we get.  Love that since in my past, it was just the opposite.  Grace and I were discussing when she gets older.  I told her that she probably will not want to see Nana and Gramps much then.  With a shocked look on her face, she said, "Never, Nana! I will always want to see you--alot!"  Love that little one.

VolksWalking!

Wayne and I did our first Volkswalk in forever!  Well, it seems like forever.  Since walking was difficult before my knee operation, we stopped doing volkswalking.

Our goal this year is to get back into it.  Canby had a year round walk that started at Cutsforths Thriftway.  We decided to do the 5K not the 10K.  With my little foreign body in my knee, I didn't want to push my luck.

It was great to get back into walking!  I can't believe we took two wrong turns (but quickly got back on the route.)  We didn't get the credit for it--I forgot to bring the $3 to pay for credit.  Besides, we will do this one again and then take credit.

I'm so looking forward to doing another volkswalk!

Buddy's Heartache

Buddy (aka Hunter) and Grace went to Hunter's best friend, Logan's house after school. They like doing things with Logan and his sisters, Morgan and Isabelle. Usually it is without any problem but today was to be different.

I got a call from Logan's mom, Stacey, who asked if she could drop off the kids since there was an attitude problem with Logan.  I was surprised to hear but said to bring them.

When they got here, Hunter was holding back tears. It was obvious he was holding back alot of them.  His face was red.  Stacey apologized to Hunter and his remark full of maturity, was, "It's okay, it is not your fault."  Logan had told Hunter he didn't want to be his friend anymore.

Hunter & Logan

Now I know that this is the first of many lifelong hurts but this one, the first one, cuts the deepest.  I held my Buddy and his sister since she was really concerned about him.  Telling him that it is okay to cry, to just let it all go, didn't get much results.  He was determined not to drop tears.  This worries me--he is alot like me when I was his age and alot like his mom.  All those years of holding back has done it's damage and I don't want the same for my grandchildren.

Hunter said that Logan has done this before and always regrets it.  This time Logan hit his sister which really upset Hunter.  Hunter said to Grace that he might never hit her again no matter how upset she gets him.  Sigh, what a way to learn a lesson but thank goodness it is there.

I told both of them that if they ever needed me or Gramps, just call or have someone call, we would come in a flash.

Logan called later that night and the next day, both times apologizing.  Hunter forgave. Hunter is very forgiving and I love that about him and pray that that never changes.

Maui!

Wayne and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary this year!  To celebrate, we are going to Maui!!  I've wanted to go back to Hawaii since we spent our honeymoon in Honolulu. Love the beaches, flowers and scenery!

So excited!!  Another reason to lose some weight!  We are staying in a condo which has a full kitchen, living room, patio, etc.  Our plan is to eat in for breakfast, eat out for our main meal at lunch and eat light for dinner at the condo, spend a lot of time walking and seeing the sights.  We get 50% off of the price of the condo because Wayne is retired from the military.  Woot! Woot! Love military discounts!

We are saving to fly First Class.  We flew over last time First Class and it was roomy and wonderful. My knee will love that part!  The in-flight meal was delicious and we had snacks and refreshments too.

I am already collecting places to go--found alot of stuff on Pinterest.  We are going in May for a week.  I think I might just get a fake spray on tan--hopefully there will be less skin area to spray by then!

Something To Ponder

"Too often we look around at the talents and abilities of others and wish to be more like someone else. But we have been perfectly designed for the purposes God has for us, and He makes no mistakes.

If we spend our time wishing for talents that do not suit God’s plan, or if we refuse to use the spiritual gifts He’s given us, we waste His effort and our opportunity to serve Him.

The Master is pleased with the way that He has designed our life and the abilities He’s poured into us. To honor the Potter as a vessel should, we must submit to being molded and used as He desires."

-- In Touch Ministries

2015--A New Year, Not A New Diet!

I am glad 2014 is behind me...2015 is here.  I am not going to do resolutions but I will look at my life and see what I need to work on.

Seems every year, I find more pounds on me.  Every year, a new diet.  I'm tired of it.  This year, I am going to be more aware of what I eat.  I want to break my relationship with sugar.  I don't like how I feel minutes after a "sugar splurge".

I am getting older and face it, I don't have the figure I had in my twenties.  That is unattainable and right now not what I need to focus on.  In the past year, I had three cancer scares and two surgeries.  I am older and health is the prize that will benefit me.  By taking care of my sugar addiction, my health will improve.

Another area I want to work on is exercise.  I love swimming, biking, walking, working out at the gym, and hiking.  Wayne and I are working on doing a 5K Volkswalk then back into 10Ks by summer.

I have had a small setback with my knee again but hopefully that will be fixed soon.  2015 will be the year we get back into Volkswalking.  I love walking with my best friend on the various walks while spending quality time together.

I have apps for walking, biking, fitness and a swim watch to track my progress.  My goal is 30-60 minutes a day with one day a week for rest.  I love computerized tracking (part of an aging geek attitude).

One of Grace's pages

Another area I want to focus on is my art.  I have bought a calendar which I draw a zentangle in each day block.  I saw this on Pinterest and it is an excellent way to get into the habit of drawing everyday.

Yesterday, I scanned all of Hunter's drawings and writings and Grace's drawings that I have collected through the years.  I am putting them into a book for each child with their picture on some of the pages.  I'm not giving it to them but holding onto them to give to them when they start a family.

Another year with a couple of areas to focus on: health and art.  I think I can handle that!