learn a little German

a shot of him with a couple of friends at the Bier Stube, which he also loved. Spoke to Dieter, the German who owns the place, for quite a while.

is Dr. Z in a piece of John Deere equipment when we took him to the Deere world headquarters building, which he loved.

of Dr. Z was a success! Here is the group from Germany

is here with us! When I whipped out the ol’ “Wie geht es ihnen” when we met, his eyes got big and he said “sprechen sie Deutsch?” at which point I had to, of course, admit I did not. But I think he was touched that the visit was important enough to me to learn a teensy bit.

We met for a “dinner” at the local Ryan’s Steakhouse, which is really a buffet place I hope I never have to darken the door of again. I was mortified that someone in the group had suggested it, as the enormous room full of food was tepid and basically nondescript, cost about $12/person, and the place was chock full of cheap laminate tables and the type of people who have earned us the “ugly Americans” tag. I know I sound like a snob, which I swear I’m not, but to bring an honored group of foreign guests to such a place was unimaginable to me. The golden arches would have been preferable.

Dr. Z is showing up tomorrow (they moved the visit up a whole month). I don’t suppose anyone out there knows how to say something like, “we hope you enjoy your stay with us”? If I have time, I want to make a little card welcoming him.

Guten Morgen – good morning
Guten Abend – good evening

I already knew these, but haven’t had time to find a new website, since I’ve kinda learned what I can from the one bookmarked …

so now I have only till early April to prepare. And I’d really like to re-paint our upstairs bathroom prior to then – yikes!

Vielen Dank! (Thanks a lot!)
Bitte Schon! (You’re welcome!)

Emily Post would be so proud of me!

“Was mochten sie?” – What would you like?

I’ve learned my first phrase: “Guten abend – wie geht es ihnen?” which means Good evening – how are you? Dropped it on my husband when he came home last night and he really didn’t even notice. All that effort for nothing! :)

I’ll try to learn at least 1 new phrase every week, at least until the visiting Germans arrive.