Random Memories From German Study Abroad: Dedicated to Ratch.

28 Aug 2006: Sunday Rachel and I took a walk along the Alps! Saw a running deer, some cows, sheep, a train, lumber yard...

3 Sept 2006: Rachel says I should go up to Vance, grab his collar and say, "Listen Wancey Pancy! If you are going to call me Saint, it had better be Saint Sas!"

13 Sept 2006: We got on a bus full of kids. The bus driver asked us where we were going and said, "All ist Klar!" Told us to board without paying...I think he was in good humor about the two of us going to Dannenfels--that or felt sorry about us riding a bus packed full of school children...

4 Oct 2006: Tried to make Chocolate Chip Cookies today--not such good luck! The cookies were a flop! But we certainly had a good laugh out of it!

22 Oct 2006: I am suddenly on the S-bahn--going around the "ring." No particular reason, just need to collect my thoughts: and allow Rachel time alone to talk with Dan.

24 Oct 2008: Today began with a call from Jess. "Hallo!," she said, "uhhh...Guten Morgen!" heh heh. Oh, Jess! I love her 'german' accent!

22 Nov 2006: Rachel wrapped her arm around mine tonight. It made me happy.

2? Nov 2006: Received word that Joseph and Tynelle are expecting! They said something about it beeing as small as a grain of rice...it made Rach and I think of Rice Crispy Cereal: and snap, crackle, pop. We dubbed it Snaps. We are pretty sure we need to suggest the name....

Where is Dannenfels?

Europe....

Germany....

Rheinland....

Pfalz....

Donnersbergkreis...

Dannenfels....

Dannenfels, Kircheimbolanden, Bayern, Germany

This fantastic view of Dannenfels was found at http://www.earth.google.com/. Dannenfels is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the Rheinland Palatinate. The mountain is called Donnersberg which when directly translated means, "Thunder Mountain." The name of the mountain is perhaps a little deceiving as it is not prone to receive extreme thunderstorms. Although thunderstorms are not frequent, a light rain is usually a constant during the summer months. [Data retrieved from http://www.dannenfels.de/, under 'Klime,' 17 April 2008].

Grandpa Denzer's Signature.

How Did I Manage To Miss Out?

I like discovering such details about Grandpa Robert Denzer. If you get a chance to view the questions asked for grandpa to be certified as a Master Mechanic in Ice Research (found in the image)--you really should. Also, notice the Grade written nicely in red. Do those things actually exist?! Grandpa took this test in 1946. It is amazing to think about the master minds who put together the aircraft for the benefit of a Nation. If you haven't, I would suggest that you ask dad about grandpa's career. It is quite fascinating. I have a great interest in aviation and aeronautic engineering...and I like to attribute that to his passion. Not to draw attention to me, but did you know I had seriously considered engineering until I about passed out in Calculus 119? Some things just aren't meant to be. I should have liked some of his master skills in this area...but I am content with the simple knowledge that we had a hint of sameness in some manner even if it was fascination in flying objects. And narrowing down to the nitty grity bits of oil on metal. It is fun to contemplate these things. I would encourage you to think of ways you can connect to a man who you never met, because I have a feeling that he is finding ways to connect to you. Think about it.