The Author was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina where he graduated from
Fayetteville High School and later from Davidson College in Davidson, NC
Prior to the graduation his roommate, German Ex...voir plusThe Author was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina where he graduated from
Fayetteville High School and later from Davidson College in Davidson, NC
Prior to the graduation his roommate, German Exchange Student, invited
him to visit his family in Germany at their home in Weiden/Opf. in Bavaria,
not more than 35 km from west of Czech Republic and 100 km east of the city
of Nuernberg. In a document dated 1241 mention is made of settlements going
back to the year 1000. Talk about old towns and cities, Weiden is just one of many
in Germany and all of Europe as well.
What began as a brief stint in Germany ended in a two year stay, affording the
author an opportunity to visit neighboring countries within reach by bicycle
motor scooter, or train. Youth Hostels provided economical overnight
accommodations in the 1950's at the munificent cost of one dollar per night. If the
Hostels provided food that was extra and likewise affordable. Bread is a staple in
Europe and was sufficiently nutritious and appetizing to contribute an
unforgettable ballast to the author's waistline, all at bargain basement prices.
From a very basic knowledge of the German language it was evident that a lack of
improved communication skills would detract from a two year endeavor to orient
oneself in at least in one culture. Accordingly, he enrolled for a two semester course
at the Dolmetscher Institut (Interpreters Institute) operated by the University of
Heidelberg in that city for foreigners whose successful completion of German
courses, together with the studies in the history and culture of that country, would
be awarded a Zertificat which the author received.
Today, back home in the USA, he counts his blessings in the persons of a son
and daughter, three grandchildren, and a wife well-rounded in community affairs
whose expertise in the kitchen can only be restrained by her husband for his own
sake, because he is a well-rounded bottle washer and, of necessity, a professional
calorie counter.
As compared to making a living, the author confesses that writing is more a source
of self satisfaction and spiritual release that it is an enterprise-for-profit. He cites
proof in rejection slips which, if placed end-on-end, would be so numerous as to
entice any paper recycling company to tender bid for a ready supply of raw product.
If reimbursed for postage expended on works mailed out plus reading fees charged,
he could have retired five years earlier. Add re-writes, and the family would be
housed in a modern castle with servants.
In as much as this publication is intended to reverse a bad trend, prospective readers
are encouraged to buy one copy of FILETS for every room in the house.voir moins