March - Brett, Kasey and Cecilia visit

We are thrilled that Brett, Kasey and 8-month-old Cecilia were able to come for a visit. Of course we visited some favorite places in Germany with them. Easter decorations were abundant as seen here in Lindenfels, Germany. They also took a trip to Spain, investigating Celtic ruins. Since we are going to be renting their place in Washington state there were lots of decisions on furniture shipments discussed. Brett and Kasey had just accepted jobs in Portland, Oregon and will be moving there during the summer.

February - Lots of decisions

Nancy and I are kept busy planning and sorting for our move. Of course normal work at school continues and preparations for guests are also in the works. There are lots of decisions to be made, like when to sell and ship cars, what furniture needs to be shipped and where. Of course decisions on what needs to be sold, donated or given away to keep under our weight allowance also become issues to be discussed. Bill Schmitz detailed and prepared our little Geo Metro for sale. We miss that little 3 cylinder hummer.

January - Retirement announced

We knew it would be a cold day when we decided to retire and so we picked January to officially announce our retirement date for June of 2008. That means it is time to start working on last minute trips, sorting and getting ready to leave Germany. Pictured here are a couple of our favorite places to visit, Switzerland and the Berschesgaden area of Germany. With a retirement date set the end of school, pressures are double the normal stress. We have to complete the school year as well as pack out, clear post, clear DoDDS and prepare to move. In the States it is normal for a retiree to work the last day and go home to start retirement. In DoDDS retirement means moving out of your house, leaving the community and starting all over somewhere else.