Bill got home from his latest business trip at about 3:30 PM. Because he was home early, we decided to go to the weekly market in our Dorfplatz. It was pretty quiet when we got there, as it was still kind of early. A couple of the usual vendors weren’t there. They were probably taking an Urlaub (vacation).

We decided to have some wine, so Bill got us a couple of glasses. When a table opened up, we claimed it. About ten minutes later, two women showed up and asked if they could sit with us. We said yes. One of them brought a beer with her and it slipped out of her hands. Fortunately, she caught it before it hit the ground.

Two minutes later, she lit up her first cigarette. Her friend joined her. Naturally, the wind was blowing my way, so her smoke was in my face. I said nothing and tried to keep my face passive as I secretly fumed. I fantasized about showing up at the next market with an oxygen tank.

Soon, a man in bright colored clothing sat down with us. He, too, lit up a cigarette. It was like they were trying to smoke us off the table. Another woman showed up. She started vaping. As I sat there, calmly drinking Riesling, then Cabernet Franc, breathing in the putrid smoke, I thought to myself… these are the people who look down on Americans for being fat, unhealthy, and obnoxious. But Americans don’t corner the market on rude, unhealthy, and obnoxious behavior. 😉

Never mind, though. While we sat there, Bill booked us another table at the fabulous Pizarro Fine Dining in Groß-Gerau. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you might remember we went there the day before St. Patrick’s Day this year. It was a very expensive, but incredibly amazing, dinner for us. I am looking forward to another delightful evening of flavors that blow my mind… even if the menu is the same as it was last time (and I don’t think it is.)

While he was in Stuttgart, Bill managed to call our Hundepension. He left a message, and Natasha, Noyzi’s favorite babysitter, called back immediately. Bill explained that he’d been trying to get in touch. She said they hadn’t gotten his emails… and I’m assuming he had called, but never got voice mail. But, anyway, we were able to book Noyzi for June 7-11, so we can take a short trip. And we booked the first week of September, so now we can go to Iceland. That is, provided whatever is ailing me doesn’t cause a problem… I doubt it will, but you never know.

Bill said while he was in Stuttgart, the folks said they wanted him to come back June 11-13. He had to tell them he couldn’t, because he had “family business”. Part of that is wherever we’re going, and the other part is him dragging me to the doctor after 14 years. He really has to be here for it, because otherwise, I won’t be going. I know that sounds crazy… and if we were in the US, it would be less of an issue. But he’s already had to reschedule this appointment, which was originally scheduled for today. So he begged off on another TDY.

I still don’t want to see the doctor, but I’m somewhat less stressed about it right now. That will probably last until the day of the appointment. I have a feeling on June 13th, one week before my birthday, I will be freaking out a lot.

I actually do have a good feeling about it, though. I expect this doctor will be a decent one. He’s supposedly the chief of staff. And I expect whatever is wrong with me can and will be fixed. However, I also have a feeling that surgery might possibly be involved, which could really fuck up our plans. But maybe it won’t. Maybe I’ll just get some medications and a brief lecture with requisite German sternness. Or maybe the doctor will be the medical equivalent of Jimmy Buffett and just put a smile on my face. One can only hope, right?

If anything, I can write about it. People will read it, too. That’s one of those topics people are interested in… like wife spanking and nude spas. Don’t ask me how I know.

BWAHAHAHHAHA….