A haircut has the magical power to transform a boy who cares practically nothing about the care and keeping of his hair into a boy that styles his hair with a whole lot of care.
And as such, it just might get him to take a shower more often.
(Don't tell him I said that!)
In other important news, the entirety of my chocolate fit in the carry on bag with room to spare. And all the people said "amen."
After breakfast, Rachel and I went back to the Ritter Sport factory to buy some more chocolate (Like we need any more!) But thus far I have more room than I anticipated, and as such, I got more of my favorite flavors at the unheard of price of .69€
Schokoshop!
(Schokoshop and Museum, as seen from outside.)
So far, my favorites are the dunkel (dark) with hazelnuts and the Edel Bitter. Those other two I got just because they looked interesting.
We drove back to the mall at Böblingen, where there were three items I was interested in purchasing.
My buying personality for most things is as follows: see item, pick up and inspect item, think about item, go home, consider item more for approx 9.5 days, if still desirous of item, go and buy item.
And I like to think I would make a good German shopper, as they have a similar philosophy as mine. They aren't much for window shopping, from what I have observed, and they tend to be "on a mission" and only go into a store or a mall if they actually need of something there. They are not "touchy," and don't feel and handle things like American shoppers do. A phrase I have had to learn and use frequently is "just looking, thank you." If you are a German store owner and someone comes into your store, you're assuming they are there for a reason, not just looking around for fun.
Today I went in and got my three things- a dress and shirt from H&M, and my brand new German-designed Deuter backpack that I cannot wait to use.
We found the German equivalent of a Claire's accessory store (only better quality here) and spent some time in there.
"You should wear big glamorous things."
....said Aunt Rachel as she tried on some super cool sunglasses. They went so well with her complexion she ended up buying them.
She told me I should get these:
...buf I said they were a leeetle too Rapper-ish for me.
Our errands finished, we picked up Embla and after getting the rest of the crew, drove to Patch for the family portrait with Rachel that was planned. She wanted to get a portrait done of her with all of George's family, and so I stood in the back and snuck candid photos while the professional snapped his.
And now, for something completely different: an Army Retirement Ceremony. We tagged along with George to the retirement party of one of his friends.
There were no photos allowed during the service, but I managed this one before.
The chaplain prayed over the service,
then the USMC Brigadier General David Ottignion gave a speech on behalf of the retiree.
Then the man himself have a speech of thanks, to his co workers, to the Lord for protection through his three tours in Iraq, and most of all, to his wife, who was in attendance along with his two girls. He said a few words of thanks to his girls and his wife before honoring each of them with their own bouquet of flowers.
"Of all the things I have done in life, the best thing I've done was to marry my wife."
The integral part that an army wife plays in her husband's work was wonderfully displayed. The wife was given a special letter and diploma of thanks from the same General that gave her husband his diploma of retirement. It thanked her for being supportive and holding down the home front while her husband served his country well. It reminded me of the Proverbs 31 woman- "the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her."
It also showed the team work required of the different branches of the military, since there were various representatives of the Navy, Marines, Air Force, and of course, the Army that were all present for this retirement ceremony.
All in all, I was very honored to get witness this special ceremony. It might sound appallingly cliche, but it truly did my heart good.
After singing the Army song, the ceremony ended and the reception began. We were able to meet George's co-worker who lives with his wife and three children a half hour away from Patch.
We were also introduced to the boss-man's boss from EUCOM (aka: George's boss) an African American guy.
When he found out I lived on a farm and had my own baking business:
"Girl, no way! You know, you need to bake us something before you leave. That's what they like around here."
Then, this boss-man of George's branch of EUCOM gave me a fist bump. Not too shabby.
With the kids at home with a sitter, Rachel, Arnheidur and I left to go visit Bernie and Fritz at their house in Hotchdorf, near Esslingen, the village where we ate breakfast last Sunday.
After taking a tour of their lovely home, which was no only beautifully crafted inside, but had an amazing view to boot, we rode to nearby village of Reichenbach for a dinner I believe was one of the best I have had here in Germany.
George joined us from work and we spent the evening with Bernie and Fritz. We were in stitches hearing the tales of their life in a small village, and the details of how Bernie and Fritz met and dated.
We had a lovely visit, and didn't want to leave when the time came. Then it was home, and bed. (But not before safely sequestering my newly purchased chocolate in the suitcase.)
;)
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