A Blast from the Past

Today I received, out of the blue, a message about a facebook page set up for those who were stationed at the 294th USAAG in Flensburg Germany. It was fun to see all of the people that I hadn't seen in years. It made me realize that when we move on in different directions as most of us do eventually, those people don't seize to exist. I remember everyone as they were over 18 years ago. I realize that everyone's lives went on and continued in their own direction. It's also interesting to note that as much as they have changed, I have changed probably as much. I just didn't see the changes, as I have lived with myself for the past 18 years.

My memories of Flensburg are good and bad; yet I like to remember the good, fondly. Papa's Imbiss or "Papa's Pitas" as I remember it are the best Gyros' pitas I have ever had. In fact they spoiled me to eating pitas in the states. What was their secret - I would pay good money to know. Then there was the "Rathskeller" and Flensburger Pilsner - if only I could have another. It is like one of those empty longings. Shopping downtown on long Thursdays or Saturday markets. I loved buying fresh flowers at the market. Brotchen mit kasa (I apologize for my German spelling).

But we grow older and we move on.

My sister sent me these directions on diapering a baby - too funny.

Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher's mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again. ~Jimmy Piersal, on how to diaper a baby, 1968

afterthought: I am guessing this is the only way some men would've been able to diaper a baby.

Making Invisible Ink with the Kids

It's a snowy and cold day outside and keeping the kids from going stir-crazy sometimes requires some kitchen science. Today we decided to make invisible ink. I started with a lemon and squeezed for the juice, using a paint brush we wrote some messages on some paper and set them aside to dry. We even wrote one for their father who is at work.

After the juice dried we held the paper up to some light bulbs. The heat changed the dried lemon juice to a brown color and the message appeared. It's amazing how a little science can fascinate and excite the kids. I than asked them what they thought happened to cause the writing to appear. It really is amazing to me how much children really understand the science behind what is happening around them. They just don't understand the full process.

Of course my daughter decided to make invisible bracelets for all her friend.

Other liquids that can be used for invisible ink are apple juice and vinegar