Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Afton---The Fun Continues

Life with our neighbors continued. Much the same way it began. Heidi and Cleve would get in major knock down, drag out fights. The German Police and MPs would arrive. They'd smile and hand us little Santa Maria.

By New Year's Eve,2 weeks since our arrival, we had long been on a first name basis with most of the MPs who came out to our little village, our little drama; and they came to spend that holiday with us. Well, so we thought. They seemed to find time to spend downstairs at the disco with the German movers and shakers(likely Frederika and Eve, the barmaids---and ladies of many talents, our second floor tenants). Of course, that night we had custody of your almost sister by then, and took some photos of you two wearing some improvised New Year sashes. We listened to fireworks throughout the night, and wondered where in the world we were.

We had custody of Santa Maria so often, it just seemed natural. One day, Heidi excitedly called me down to her apartment. Cleve had just bought a new suit. She was thrilled to show me that she had cut it to shreds while he was on duty at the base. I nodded and waited to take the baby upstairs later.

This pattern continued for several months. One Saturday we had driven to the PX with you and Santa Maria(with our usual custody arrangement)to do some shopping. We were leaving base as evening was approaching. Reality was approaching as well, when we noticed Heidi & Cleve standing in line---together!---outside the little movie theater. What?

Guess that worked for them. As it turned out, Heidi had 2 other children by other GIs that were being cared for in the social system there. She sure knew how to work a system. And I felt like a milked cow. Moo!

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