Date.

Yesterday we thought that we had a date with the Internet to attend the Memorial Service our my dear brother's wifes sister. Wendy. Somehow we got the date and day mixed up and the ceremony was today.

After the obligatory coffee and planning session we got into our chariot Jord and drive to Friedrichshafen which is a town a little further down the Bodensee/Lake Constance. It must be a pretty well supported wine region as there were vinyards stretching for kilometers on the hills facing Lake Constance. Friedrichshafen's primary claim to fame is its significant role in the history of aviation, particularly as the birthplace of the Zeppelin airship. The city was home to the Luftschiffbau Zeppelin company, which designed and built these iconic airships. 2 plus 2 = 4. That is why we saw the blimp flying over Lake Constance the other day... Probably a Zepplin.

We are now also seasoned travellers in the heat and drove to the town in our slops and changed into walking shoes in the car park. Cool feet on the way home. The town was also awakening and there was a market with local produce. Quite different in size and colour of most things compared to what we can get in the supermarkets in Holland.

We strolled through the city which was actually very quaint and then it was onto the boulevard for an amble to nowhere in particular. On our way back we stopped at a little Cafe for coffee and a Bretzel (is a large pretzel, but not hard and crunchy, but light and chewy). The waiters here are odd. Only once you have paid the bill do they try to strike up a converstation of sorts. before that all business like. My wife has unlearned to shop and will occassionally be drawn into a shop and will nowdays generally return empty handed. Bo has taught her about second hand stores and one really can pick up the nicest brand name clothes for little to nothing. This time the 2nd hand shop was closed.

Back at Jord we changed footwear and drove back toward home to Ublingen for another walk and lunch overlooking the Lake. The weather still is kind and it is practically windstill and about 30 deg C. Perfect. Nowdays we look at the menu before we sit down. Adventure partner has special tastes and we have to cater to the Grazer otherwise she pays the price with inflammed and sore joints the next day. One would not think of a Greek restaurant having a Grazer friendly option, but this one did and we sat under the shade of an 'umbrella' tree and ordered. Last day, so Ingrid ordered a Rose and I took the beer option. Mixed grill for me and Ingrid had the Grazer special.

Whilst we were eating Ingrid said that we would not make the Date with Youtube and I said that even if we left now, we would not make it home in time. Time Justin got away with us a bit. After our meal I moved on over to sit next to Ingrid and she set up her phone on the table so that we could be a part of the ceremony Celebrating Wendy's Life! I have to commend all speakers as they held it all together as one by one they proclaimed to have had a friend and ally in Wendy! 

Both Ingrid and I gained some insights into Wendy and I suppose the preacher put it best. One does not need to be the big earner, MVP of the team, CEO of a company and so on to make a real difference in peoples lives. Living with your heart is what all of us need to do. Wendy did that. She was a fierce fighter for justice to those around her and a  bloody fine Mother to her kids. She gave solace to all and made people feel good! Well done Wendy! Perhaps now she knows the impact that she has had on so many people. These people will radiate that energy and truth to the people around them and the world will be a better place for it!

Ingrid said afterwards that we had found the perfect place to share this moment. The wonderful weather in a beautiful setting, under a tree which held it's braches over us to protect us. We felt partically as if the tree was Wendy over us like a Mother hen. Funny that the restaurant emptied somewhat in that time and the waiters just sort of left us alone to our screen and tiny world to be part of something meaningful. Maybe they got a hint as I was batlling with ,  ehem,  'Hayfever'. HeeHee. Ingrid was stuggling to keep it dry too ( I think she is coming down with 'flu'). HeeHee. Fair travels young Maiden!

Back home we took to the grass around the pool and i had a bit of a dip and Ingrid was dancing around the tree at one point. 'I am not a flower. I am not a flower", she was chanting as she danced. It took a while before the cogs found the right gear and I realised she had a bee on her or in the near vicitiny.  It was hilarious! Wine and beer in the sun with a few snacks and we lucky as Larry.

Other kitty cat comes walking up with a Meow or two and stops just next to my feet. I grabbed the camera as he had a dead little field mouse in it's mouth and he then presented it to me with a Meow. I dunno what to say. "Good Cat"! Kitty picks up the dead mouse and crack, crack, crack chews the little thing and gone is little mouse. Auf Wiedersehen. About ten minutes later Kitty comes and puts it forelegs up on my thighs so I picked him up and put him on my lap. Kitty then proceeded to climb all over me, onto my neck and back down my chest to my lap. After a few minutes of petting he upped and left.

Now we sit in our apprtment for the last time. Last supper, last backgammon game and last sleep in this magnetic bed. Tomorrow we head on back to family and home. Auf Wiedersehen Goodnight!