The continuing saga of the Munich Munchkin

Word from the Steinikes that all went as planned and Franz and Carmen got to ride the JBS Monday. Leonie stayed on shore and accompanied Steinikes and their grandchildren to various playgrounds and zoos in LaCrosse. Apparently the whoosh/whoosh from the JBS' scape pipes affected Franz as much as did the Belle's the first time he set foot on board her! What a photo album we should be seeing once they get back to Munich = more backroads and sights than most of us US natives have seen!

Being watched

In a happy, serendipidous occurrence, Franz and Carmen were looking over my shoulder when I read Judy's post and got a kick out the term "Munich Muchkins"

Paul

Wisdom from the Rabbit Hash Library

Everyone surely knows that the term "Munich Munchkin" refers to Franz and Carmen's delightful daughter, Cap'n Leonie, but according to Mable Swaggert, Senior Librarian at the Rabbit Hash Library, back behind the RH General Store, the origin of the word munchkin may, in deed, have its origin in the hometown of our website hosts. To wit:

Munchkins are the natives of the fictional Munchkin Country in the Oz books by L. Frank Baum. They first appeared in the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, in which they are described as being somewhat short of stature and wear only blue. Baum never explained where the term came from, but Baum researcher Brian Attebery has hypothesized that there might be a connection to the emblem of the Bavarian city of Munich, known as the Münchner Kindl (Munich Child). The symbol was originally a 13th century statue of a monk, looking down from the town hall in Munich. Over the years the image was reproduced many times, for instance as a figure on Beer steins, and eventually evolved into a child wearing a pointed hood. Baum's family had German origins: Baum could have seen one such reproduction in his childhood, and woven his story around it.

But, of course, Judy already knew that.

Yeah, right... I just picked an alliterative phrase, dumb luck! Here I thought it would be safe to talk about them while they're afloat and computerless. I should have known better! Paul just happened to be a deck below them when they locked through here. Hopefully that picture will turn out(I'm still a film-user). After their MQ trip, they are spending, literally spending, time in the Twin Cities at some outlet malls and probably the Mall of America again before flying home this weekend. Of course, they'll look up the new excursion boat in town too, can't go boatless for a day in the USA!

OK I will have to post the picture of Aloisius, "ein Munichner im Himmel". When I visited with Franz and Carmen in May, I bought an Aloisius doll or puppet after Carmen explained the story of this Munich Mascot. While not nearly as cute and charming as the Munchkins of Oz fame, Aloisius is a funny story about a very lazy train porter. He dies and goes to heaven but he hates it there with all that singing and harp playing. Finally, the good lord sends him back to Munich with a message but he just heads for the local pub and that is where is he is today- drinking beer and telling tall tales at the local pub in Munich.

If I can figure it out, I will post the picture.

Cheers
Elaine

David Tschiggfrie suggested we let all of you know how the day with Franz, Carmen and Leonie went, so here goes..

On late Sunday night things were not looking very optimistic. We were predicting a 10:00 to 10:15 A.M. arrival of the Mississippi Queen at Lock 8 which is three miles south of our home but a half hour to the JBS dock for an 11:00 cruise. By early Monday morning things were looking much better and the estimated time of arrival moved closer to 9 A.M. or shortly thereafter. The boat entered the lock chamber right on schedule and there they were, standing at the top of the stairs all decked out in orange work vests. The water level was changed. They came down to the bow. The milk crate (I think to be used as the first step) was placed next to the lock wall ladder and up they all came.

The Lock Master was on the wall to handle lines and after the boat was let loose he invited all of us into the lock house for a brief tour. He showed photos of when the original lock was built and explained the system. Then it was on to a quick stop at our home. We were joined by our daughter and her two children who were eager to see Leonie again. It is amazing to watch kids who do not have a common language interact and seem to understand each other.

We got to the Julia Belle Swain about 20 minutes before departure and made the introductions. Carl Henry, the former JBS pilot who went on to become the head mate on River Barge and now is the captain on the m/v Dennis Collins, joined us. Franz and Carmen had only visited briefly with Carl in New Orleans. As the boat prepared for departure, our daughter Heidi, grandson Michael, granddaughter Kate, Leonie, Bill and I left the boat. Leonie got a little teary-eyed. The boat pulled away and the six of us headed for the park.

We were back at the landing as the JBS approached with Franz and Carmen in the pilot house . When they got off the boat, Franz’s first words were, “I got to steer.” He talked about how the boat handled and how it felt to have his hands of the wheel. He was a pretty happy guy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then we all walked back to the Mississippi Queen. Carl joined us again. Most of us headed to the pilot house to visit with Jim Davis. I’m not sure if many of you have had the opportunity to meet him. He is quite the character….lots of fun and a little crazy……also a well respected and very capable pilot. He entertained us for well over an hour. Franz blew the departure whistle and was invited to join Jim at 11:00 that night to ride in the pilot house. I’ll bet Franz did some steering on that boat also…..at least I hope so!!!!!

Our time together was nearing the end. We all agreed we could not have planned a more perfect day. The ski was blue, the winds were light and to use a line from an old song, “who could ask for anything more…..”

Bobbi