A CarNUNdrum--Zoom, Zoom!

Love the Karmann Ghia!

Dear MikChiks,

I've not been shopping for a vehicle for fun in a while, but it looks like the day is coming--really soon--when I get to search for that perfect car. I need something good on gas, nice looking, dependable (but not for old people if you know what I mean). NO MORE MINIVAN, preferably not older than 5 years old, and economical (did I say that already?).  It will mainly be my car, but it should be able to fit four.

Anyway, I don't suppose this is a coNUNdrum, but I would like some ideas on what chariots people are liking out there.

Girl Who's Almost in the Market

Dear Auto Girl!

Are you kidding?—you've brought us our first carnundrum! Zoom! Zoom! Seriously, there are some nifty choices on lots these days.  Because you said  you wanted something "fun," we're not looking at American vs. Foreign, or Other Practical Matters besides Gas Mileage.  We also aren't going off the Deep End with something like a Porshe--which we imagine would be fun.  Really Fun.  And we can't wait to see what the Driving Readers out there consider to be fun, either.

So here is what Madeline considers fun.

Unfortunately, the VW Cabriolet isn't made anymore.  But, no need to cry--Lexus (and Audi) makes them!  Cabriolet, interestingly enough, means "chariot".  Coincidence?  Probably.  Especially since we just realized that Cabriolet means "carriage" and not "chariot".  We feel side-swiped.  Anyhoo--here is the Lexus Cabriolet.  Nice, eh?

And here is a car Lisa considers fun.

The Kia Soul gets about 30 mpg, though the hybrid that is due to come out soon will get 48! The car is reasonably priced $13,000-$17,000, but you won't find a 5-year-old one—they haven't been around that long.

We realize that in all likelihood, we have been of no real help, and for that we apologize.  On the other hand, we have come up with an idea that hearkens back to the Purse-onality Quiz--The Car Quiz!  

*Woot* or perhaps *Toot* would be more appropriate!!!!

Send us a picture of the car you drive.  Then we'll do a matching game next week—to see if we (as in everyone) can guess/figure out who drives what car.  Prizes will be awarded!

As for Auto Girl, she needs your help, Readers!  What kind of Fun Car that meets her other requirements do you recommend? 

Seriously.

Waiting to Hear,
Lisa and Maddie

Accountability Partnering: To Tread or To Tromp?

Dear MikChiks,

I was approached a year ago or so to be an 'accountability partner' to someone in our small group who has had some ongoing issues.  At the time I didn't know what an accountability partner was supposed to do, but I agreed to serve in that function anyway. 

As I've discovered, the AP is privy to all issues with their partner, and is expected to listen and provide feedback when issues come up, and also check in with the AP from time to time on those issues and how they're dealing with them.

The coNUNdrum: how much AP is too much?  Do I wait for them to approach me, do I regularly check in and risk being seen as too nosy or intrusive?  DO I make dates with the AP to see how they're doing with life?  I just don't know, and would like to step up my service in this area because a 1-on-1 meeting with the AP a couple of weeks ago indicated the AP is still struggling.

If you have any experience in these matters, or similar, I'd appreciate your feedback on how to be a good partner for someone in need.

Thanks!

AP1

Dear AP1,

First we applaud you for not knowing what the heck an AP was yet jumping in anyway.  We love that kind of blind faith that everything will work out in spite of ignorance.

Second, there was a moment when one of us, who shall (not) remain nameless (Lisa) thought you were talking about her, as she had asked you for some writing accountability a while back.  And whereas some people have every illness someone else describes, Lisa's prone to imagine that she's guilty of every shortcoming ever mentioned. 

In the end, though, we've decided that you were not talking about Lisa.

On to the coNUNdrum—as you so lovingly spelled it.  Different people have different needs when it comes to an AP.  Some need the "Jillian Michaels/Biggest Loser" approach, others need a softer touch.  And notice we said "need" and not "want." 

Sometimes what we need is not what we want.

Our suggestion is to meet with your AP (now that you've been in the position for a while), and review.  We like the military's AAR—After Action Review.  It asks three basic questions.

1.     What's going right? (with the way I'm being an AP to you)

2.    What's going wrong?

3.    What can I/we change to be more effective?

Conversate about past issues to ascertain the kind of support that has and hasn't helped AP2 before you came along.  Incorporate some of that, but don't be afraid to veer into new/creative territory.  Most people would not be upset by someone who is making a genuine effort on their behalf.  More APs probably err on the side of not doing enough, than of doing too much.

You can rest assured that if you accidentally step on AP2s toes (say that five times fast), that you will know it—and can then back off. 

Though sometimes it's in the toe-stepping where real progress happens. 

This is a coNUNdrum where prayer for Guidance NEVER hurts.

What Say Ye, Conversating Readers???

Mucho Amor,

Maddie and Lisa

A Tale of Two Crazy Sisters!

Dear Stuffed Readers,

Today we have a conundrum for you. It's a valid conundrum, but it's a long one. A really long one. So we made an Executive Decision to give you the Cliff Notes. But if you'd like the whole schmear, click here.

If you'd like to save an hour of life that you can never get back, read here:

-"Sally's" Mom and Aunt have never gotten along well. Mom is a type A personality who borders on the unforgiving side. Aunt is a free spirit who borders on the flaky side. Both are good people. Neither of them have been able to make it work between themselves.

-Christmas was the only time everybody got along, because they went to Grandma's. Gmom's house was a magical place where nobody fought. (Everyone should have such a place.)

-Gmom checked out and moved into the Perfect Home--another place where nobody fights.

-It's not looking like the two sister-sides of the family are getting together for Christmas.

-Sally has asked Aunt if there's an afternoon where she can come and visit, but this hardly seems like enough.

-Should Sally do more to round everybody up and keep tradition alive? Or should she leave things alone?

Dear Sally,

This is a tough one. There's a lot outside of your control. You're a third party between sisters. Awkward and not good.

It's great that you've made the first step in having a hangout date with Aunt. Hopefully this can happen before Christmas, and you can get an idea of where her head's at.

Overall, think long term, not short. Don't get hung up on this Christmas, but look ahead to Christmases maybe three years down the line. Baby steps. Maybe Mom and Aunt need to see what it's like to have separate holidays to make them nostalgic.

Then because we're gluttons for punishment, even as we're looking through our rosy glasses, believing in the possibility of family harmony, we'd have to try at least once (or twice. . .) to gather all the crazies together—on neutral ground—if possible.

In the meantime, remain in contact with Aunt. Keep up on general current events in her life, and let her know you're thinking of her. Your gentle presence and communication will reassure her that she has someone who really likes her in your Mom's camp.

When you talk with Mom, don't be heavy-handed in your agenda to reunite the family. Type A personalities usually have a strong sense of justice, and if she feels that you are just trying to give Aunt a freebie on past offenses for the sake of Christmas, she'll only dig her heels in more. Just tell her you were talking to Aunt the other day and things are going well for her, yadda, yadda, yadda.

You can't force Aunt and Mom to be buddies and hang out, but you can slowly develop yourself into the new bridge that binds them.

And that's beautiful.

*sniff, sniff*

What's your take, oh Wise and Experienced Readers?

xoxo

Lisa and Maddie

A Different Thanksgiving

Dear Readers,

Our Thanksgiving Greetings may seem dark amongst family joy and gatherings and abundant love, but our intent is not to depress—only convey the grief we feel for those who hurt, and the profound gratitude we feel for the One who saves.

The song "Hurt" was written by Nine Inch Nails in 1994.  In 2002, Johnny Cash took those words, and retold the story through this video which points to the hope that is in Christ.  Cash also showed a sympathetic understanding of man's ability to fight against that hope.  We see that in the "cowboy scene"—where he turns his face toward heaven and says, "Stay away from me."

Johnny knew his wife, June was dying of cancer when he made the video, and he allowed us to see a broken man filled with regrets.  And though the regrets likely remained until his death, we can't help but feel that it was in that state of brokenness that God was able to work.

This Thanksgiving we pray for the lost and searching to find the God of Love and Hope.

That He exists is what we are grateful for this Thanksgiving.   

May You all Feel Blessed and Hopeful,

Maddie and Lisa

Vacations AND Extended Family...need we say more?

Dear Mik Chicks,
Family vacations are quite the big deal in our house. Members of the extended family are often invited and quite a few vacations have been enjoyed with in-laws, grandparents, siblings, etc. But now a major vacation is being planned. Like an overseas, potentially-once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Here is the conundrum. Certain family members have been involved in the planning. The destination was chosen based on the needs and desires of extended family. Now it seems that other family members are asking if they can come.

How many is too many? How do we close the door on tag-alongs without hurt feelings? Should family members really vacation together? Or will we end up playing out the plot of a Ben Stiller movie? Help,
Nervous

Dear Nervous,

We feel for you. Family vacation planning is always complicated. If you don’t tread lightly, they can be the breeding grounds for future grudges and gripes.  And sometimes all it takes is ONE uncooperative person.

Case in Point (which you may skip if you don't want anecdotal Heidenstecker background info) (and who really does?) (Real Advice is below):  in 2006 when Lisa and I (Maddie) made the trek to visit the recently-mentioned German family, there dwelled Vacation Hot Water and we dove in—head first.  We landed in Dusseldorf (exhausted), and were taken to a Certain Tante's house where she had a delicious meal waiting for us. As we sat down, we couldn’t help but notice the nervous twitch in this Tante's eye. But we ignored it, as we were pretty hungry.  (And exhausted.)

I (Maddie) sat, stuffing my face mit Kartoffels as Mom and Tante chatted it up. My German is horribly, horribly broken, so I was mostly going off body language and inflection. Soon this Tante was sitting rigid as a board and zeroing in on Lisa with laser-grade intensity.

Mom's body language consisted of bursting into tears and bolting for the Badezimmer.

This Tante shrugged and smiled at me. “Mochtest du mehr Kartoffeln?”

Onkel  P. (Did I mention he was there? No? Probably because he didn’t say much or do much—just passed me the Kartoffeln whether I Mochtested them or not.) made dull eye contact with me for five solid seconds. No words. We didn’t need them. It was some hardcore familial bonding that transcended time and language.

Apparently, the Tante in Question was irritated because we did not have a clear enough plan as to what days we’d be staying with what relatives. Lisa had neglected to plan the trip Germanly enough.

In the end all was good, but we learned this lesson when it comes to extended family:

Plan those vacations. Plan them up right. (some extended family may be optional)

Now for the Real Advice…

We at Connecting Now tend to be inclusive rather than exclusive.  We hate to put an arbitrary number on how many is too many.   . . . and some crowds are Just Splendid!  But again, some family may be optional . . . So, Nervous, with that in mind:

Tell your extraneous extended fam that you’ve already set up an itinerary. Give them your flight and hotel information and tell them that if they want to get on board, they’re welcome to. Be polite but clear that you have a definite plan in place, and while you’re not stopping them from coming, you’re also not going to change your trip on their behalf.

If they are willing to do the legwork and not force you to be the team captain for the entire crew, then only the people who really want to go will end up doing so, and nobody can say that you didn’t invite them. Chances are that if each extra person is in charge of planning, booking and financing everything for themselves, your numbers are going to be fairly low—and hopefully it will be the right relatives—the ones who are easy-going enough so you can actually enjoy the Adventures of a Lifetime—even if it resembles a Ben Stiller movie.

Because that's what we hope for you!

Vacationing Readers!
How do you avoid family vacation disasters?  What would you suggest to Nervous?
Anxiously Awaiting Your Replies,
Maddie and Lisa

Photo Credit

Update & Christmas Specials Announced!

Good Saturday-before-Thanksgiving-Day Greetings!

This may be the last truly sane Saturday before January hits. So today we figured was as good as any day to present our Christmas Specials.  But First, an update from Stressed-Out Melt-Down Supervisor.

Dear MikChiks,

Thanks for all the advice from you and your readers.  I did briefly speak with my supervisor before going off on my week-long vacation.

I told him I was looking for another job because I'm overwhelmed with all the responsibility and garbage that I must deal with due to staffing problems and other issues that have been going on for the last year. He seemed concerned, and said we'll talk when I get back.

That has yet to happen, but we've both been extremely busy. I believe he cares, but he is caught up in between corporate and us. He is very aware, however, that lately, I cringe every time he calls me! (Waiting for the blow) Maybe next week will be calmer, and I can get an opportunity to speak with him.

In the meantime, I'm finding that other jobs are very difficult to find. I am putting out the word to people I come across so they know what I'm looking for in a job.

Actually, I'm sleeping a lot better now so feel more able to deal with the battles. (Started taking melatonin at bedtime-it works!)

Perhaps it will be okay. Thanks for asking!

Not Quite As Stressed Out

Readers, why did none of us think to suggest melatonin???  Next time we'll know better.  Our prayers, however, continue to be with Stressed Out, and also for Edmond, who commented on Stressed-Out's post that he had lost his job.  May the right doors open for both of you.

After those thoughts, it feels like there's no graceful way to segue into Christmas Specials—and for that we apologize.

Forgive us our ineptitude, but here they are.

The Big One:  While it's impossible to compete with all the Black Shopping Days/Weeks ahead, we can't help but try.  For every three copies of Her Safari that are purchased, we will add a Free One.  That helps make for personal and affordable gifts for many of the women on your list.  Also if you go through the publisher, 30% of the profits will go to Heart of God International Ministries.  Just click the HGIM button at DemmeHouse . HGIM could really use the support right now.  So your purchase would serve as a Christmas Gift, as well as support an incredible ministry.  

The Second Special has to do with the closet full of Avon and Mark "stuff" acquired when the MikChiks sold "powder and paint to make you look what you aint" as a certain Grandfather used to say.  We've got goop/lotions, perfumes, make-up, jewelry, etc.

We thought we'd assemble variety packages to give away.  And in the spirit of that giving, we don't want to attach a requirement to it.  (If on your own, you wanted to send us a New Reader or a conundrum, who would we be to turn that down?)  Mainly, though, if you or a woman you know could use a few girly/makeupy items, just say so in the comments section, or email us.  We've got a closet full!

Okay—we think that's it.  May the season that begins on Thursday be a sane and Spirit-filled/centered one for you and yours. 

As for us, we're holding on to the seat of our pants!

All in Goodwill,

Lisa and Maddie

Finding the Perfect Recliner the Rump-Springa Way!

Motorized Recliner--Zoom, Zoom!

Dear MikChiks,

 I have been in the market for a recliner, and I visited a showroom, where I sat in a lot and liked one pretty well. Didn't buy it. But the saleslady made a note of which one I liked. When I came back, it was gone, and the saleslady couldn't find her note. We ordered from a catalog, which I was a little nervous about doing. Quite a bit later than expected, my chair arrived and it's beautiful, but it's not the same as I remember.

It's comfortable in a lot of ways, but the back isn't tall enough, which is sort of critical for me. A few other minor things, too, don't quite fit. But I didn't like any of the other chairs at all, and I still like this one ok. It works if I put a pillow on it. But I'm not sure I like it as much as the price I paid. The sales floor is willing to take it back and order me a different one, but they don't have the model on the floor that I think looks like the chair I thought was the one I liked. The sales lady says she found her note and she still thinks the chair I have--the one that isn't tall enough--is the one I sat in before and liked pretty well. I get confused sometimes, so that could be.

But I still have a chair that almost, not quite, works--in my choice of fabric. And I'm still not sure any other chair would be better. Is it worth the hassle to order another (worth it to me and to the store)? Fair to shop at a different store? Or should I content myself with my pretty recliner that almost works?

Best Regards,

Confused

Dear Recliner Challenged,

We so get this conundrum.  We've been through it in the Mikitarian Household repeatedly—but with sofas.  If we were a sit-com, it would have been e a running gag.  All we wanted was a sofa that looked great, felt great, and would hold up.  We at Connecting Now wanted form and function.  You'd think we were asking for the world!

Our experience, Recliner Challenged,  tells us that you won't have peace until you sow some oats and see what else is out there.  Sort of like the Amish and their "Rumspringa"--which means "jumping around" which is what their young people are given license to do before committing to the Amish faith—we think you should take a few days, and do a "Rump-Springa."  Sit your behind into every springy recliner possible—regardless of store.  Go the gamut of prices and styles—don't have preconceived notions of what you think will be right.  Go Wild!   

Compare each to what you have waiting at home.  If you find something that is truly better, go back to the original store and tell them what you've found, and how essential the support/fit of this other recliner is for you.   If it comes from a manufacturer they deal with, give them the opportunity to order it for you.  If they can't, tell them how sorry you are, but that you'll have to return their recliner, yet won't be reordering through them.  After all, there was a question about whether their chair was the one you had originally ordered, and though, like you, we feel like it could have been the same one, (was probably the same one) it's not definite.  And though it's a pain in the rear  (pun intended) for everyone, you aren't doing anything illegal, dishonest, or sketchy.

 If in your search, you don't find anything better than the one you have, go home to the chair in question and apologize that you ever doubted its fit in your life.  Commit without reserve.  As an aside, lots of us use pillows to make a great piece of furniture a skosh  more comfortable.  As another aside, we don't recommend this course of action when it comes to dealing with spouses.  Once you bring a person home to be a spouse, never go looking for something better.

That's just plain dumb.

So what do you think, Chair-Owning Readers?  Any experiences/advice you have to impart in this SIT-uation?  We'd love to hear from you!

All in Goodwill,

Maddie and Lisa

Don't Let Maddie Get Wind of This!

Dear Lisa and Madi,

I have a conundrum. I always hoped against hope that this wouldn’t happen to me, but, not surprisingly it did. My husband is having an affair. He hasn’t admitted it, but all the signs point to it. Besides, all men cheat, we know that. It was just a matter of time. Now, here I am. Forty years old with my freezer full of Edy Dibs for comfort and a failed marriage. I just don’t know what to do. I need help.

Miserable Madi from Michigan

P.S. I noticed your name is spelled the same as mine. I just hope your life doesn’t play out like mine.

Dear Miserable Madi,

Um…Lisa here.  I'm not sure where you saw Maddie's name spelled "Madi," but hopefully Maddie/Madeline won't read this blog.  She hasn't spelled her name "Madi" since she was eleven and was going through a Jaci Valasquez phase.  Any reminder of those 12 months of her life, causes her to be irritable—usually with her mother/me.

But let's get back to you, Madi.  It just so happens that I'm reading a book with the EXACT premise of which your conundrum is made!  What are the odds???  This stellar novel is called, Mind Over Maddie, and was written (in a stellarly fashion) by a good friend of mine—Lynda Lee Schab.  In the book, Madi (not to be confused with my Maddie) suspects her husband of cheating, and goes to a therapist for PROFESSIONAL help—something you won't find around here!  In the novel's pages, you will find the help you need regarding your insecurities and suspicions—and maybe even your spelling.  And besides getting answers to your questions, you will be entertained.  The writing is sharp, witty, engaging and FAST-paced.  

 No moss will be growing on your trees!   

That sounds stranger than I intended—but you get the picture.

My Buddy Linda Lynda:)

Actually, I recommend Mind Over Maddie to anyone who wants an insightful yet humorous look into flawed and faith-filled womanhood!  And Christmas is just around the corner!

So what do you think, Readers? Any other advice for our conundrum writer?

We hope you all get a copy of Lynda's book.  You can order HERE, at Lynda's cool website, or go to Amazon.com.  You'll be supporting a talented author in her debut-novel endeavors—and what could be better than that?  Nada!

With Much and Mucho Love,

Lisa and Madi Maddie

P.S.  If this conundrum feels more like a book review, then you just might be an Astute Reader!

Do Something Awesome With Your Used Books!

Veteran's Day and 11-11-11 Greetings!

We at Connecting Now give thanks and gratitude to all who have served our country and thereby served our freedom.  It's ironic then that today we would ask for your support for those whose actions have caused them to lose their freedom.   

Prisoners.   

In one of those instances of "way leading to way," we met Ashunda Norris from "Books to Prisons" —a  DC-based ministry that collects and sends used (and new) paperbacks to prisons across the country.  

But why should we care about prisoners (besides the fact that they're fellow human beings)?

Jesus on the final judgment:  Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Matthew 25:34-36 ESV (bold print ours)

Most of us will never enter a prison, and yet we can reach out to prisoners through words.  We've got plenty of them here!!!  Do you have any lounging around your home?  The program is currently in need of paperbacks in the following categories:

How to books (woodworking, plumbing, gardening, car mechanics, small motor repair, etc.)
GED prep

Drawing or art
Science
Personal finance or starting a business

Dictionaries (English, Spanish-English)
Spanish textbooks
Atlases and almanacs
American Indians, Mayans, Aztecs
African-American, Latin American or classical (Roman, Greek) history
Fiction

If you have even one book to donate, Ashunda said they'd be grateful for it.  Paperbacks can be sent directly to her; she'll gather them and get them where they need to go. Please make sure to remove/cover all identifying  information.

Her address is:

Ashunda Norris

3506 Heidi Lane

Springdale, MD 20774

She'd also be grateful if you helped spread the word—no pun intended! (bold again ours)

Well, Dear Readers, that's it for another week.   

For all of you who have served or are serving our country, we thank you.   

And may we never forget from Whom our freedom comes.

Patrioticlly Yours,

Lisa and Maddie

On the Brink of a MELT-DOWN!

Dear MikChiks,

I used to love my paying job, but now, it's no longer enjoyable. I've lowered my own expectations of my work just because it's impossible to do everything that I'm suppose to do. I've turned into a cranky person with little patience. It seems I'm always getting myself into trouble with the boss, though not intentionally. I want to quit this type of work because I'm a poor example of a supervisor.

My conundrum is that my age is a big factor, as well as my level of experience in certain areas. I've looked online for jobs but nothing seems a good fit. Of course, I'm praying about it—even begging God to get me out of this nightmare.

On the other hand, I like the people I work with, and there are a few good perks, but the stress is going to do me in. I won't go postal, but one of these days, I just may have a public melt-down. Not a pleasant thought.

Any ideas of what I can do? I've not been able to talk to the boss—he's too busy and overwhelmed himself.

Totally Stressed-Out Supervisor

Dear Stressed Out,

Oh, do our hearts go out to you!  We've had jobs that felt like nooses around our necks--where we were only one fry short of a melt-down ourselves. So here's the best advice we have from what's left of those over-taxed brains.

First, no matter if you stay or if you go, you HAVE to talk with your boss.  You owe it to him and to yourself.  Think about how much more overwhelmed he'll be if you have a public melt-down, or if you decide to run away screaming.  But it's always good to come to a meeting like this with some possible solutions.  You could say to him:

Boss, I'm not getting any younger, and this job is getting more stressful.  With every year, it seems there are fewer people to do an ever increasing amount of work (an assumption, but it sounds plausible).  Something HAS TO GIVE.  It's physically impossible to get everything done that's now part of my job description—and I don't think it has anything to do with my age.  But it makes me feel guilty, and has turned this job from something that used to be rewarding into something that makes me want to pull my hair out.  Maybe the solution is writing a realistic job description.  Maybe the solution is hiring an assistant, or assigning someone else duties that don't necessarily need to be done by a supervisor.

Maybe the only solution is for me to find another job.

Stressed Out, you get the idea.  We beseech you—talk to your boss.  He might have ideas you haven't thought of.  And look at his job—is there anything you could do to make it easier?  A little restructuring could help EVERYONE—because chances are that those working under you are also overwhelmed.

But if you decide to look for another job, analyze your work experience carefully—and not only in a straightforward manner.  For example, a waitress has food service experience, but she also has valuable customer service experience that can translate into many fields.  Perhaps your supervisory acumen would make you an excellent trainer in something not directly associated with what you've been doing. 

Don't be afraid to try something completely different.

What do you think, Readers?  Have you been in this situation before?  What have you done?  Any suggestions for our letter writer?

And please let us know what you decide, Stressed Out.  You have our prayers!

With Much Love,

Maddie and Lisa

Today's Conundrum. . .

. . .was a casualty of a computer malfunction.

We had a great question and gave it a good answer.

And then dropped the laptop on the floor.

"Pop!" went the battery.

"Kaput!" went the blog.

Our spirits, they were dampened to the point of no return.

So.

We ask you:

How do you pick yourselves up when you've been foiled?

Affectionately,

Lisa and Maddie

photooooo

It's Good to Have Family. . .

Marion!

American Greetings, Readers!

I've caught up on the blog with Madeline's superior answers (though would a hang-up or two kill her?), and your equally fabulous comments.  As usual many of them made me laugh . . . or shake my head (Cat!). 

The trip back to the Mother Land went splendidly—had the chance to see (and exchange scarves with) most of the family.  And I was able to spend extended  time with several of them!  Though I never adjusted to the time difference—they were on vacation and wound up accommodating my internal clock.  We only got to bed before one in the morning twice (that's selfless love). 

Four to five was the norm.

Britta!

Susanne!

Long walks, an array of conversation, a ton of laughter, a few tears, a smorgasbord of food, day trips, lounging, castles, museums, rivers, seas, music, parties, dancing, and shopping. 

Jens!

*Whew*

Doesn't that look good on Sam???

Speaking of shopping, I made my first and biggest purchase just over the Atlantic Ocean (before I even hit Deutsch ground) when I spotted a beautiful (and reasonably-priced) Skaagen Men's Watch  in the Duty Free Magazine.  Samson's needed a dress watch for a year—and this was an exclusive.  For anyone who's ever wondered if these duty-free deals are really deals, I can say, "YES!"  We went into a Skaagen's Store in Germany, and the SAME watch was twice as much.  

No conundrum there!

And I think Sam likes it—after all—I saved him so much money.

And though The Fam hardly let me pay for anything, monopoly-like Euros flew out of my American hands—EVERYTHING was SO expensive.  We pronounce it Your-Ro, btw, and they pronounce it Oy-Ro—which is what I thought every time I bought something.

Important Note:  Verna, who won the Mystery Gift during our last contest, will be receiving Tulip Bulbs from Holland—that I picked up on my trip to Zandvoort with Tante Helga.  And today, coincidentally, is Verna's Birthday!  Happy Birthday, Verna!  We wish Verna (a Rusty Copper Member of the Connecting Now Family) the very best of days!!!!

Family—whether Biological, Friend, Church, Connecting Now, Beloved Pet, Facebook, Work, Hobby, or Human Race—it's good to be part of it. 

May you enjoy the company and love of family this weekend.  

And may it be inexpensive!

The Rhine--a place Oma Heidenstecker took me to often.

With Much Much Love,

Lisa (and Maddie, who I missed terribly!!!!)

P.S.  Here's the LAST stop on Rita's Her Safari Blog Tour.  Miss Barbie gives a great summation of the gas-guzzling tour and offers a surprise giveaway!