A Piece of Me

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Beatrix Ost. A Piece of Me

Introduction

Part One

Letters

HEMMINGEN CASTLE

AFRICA

GOLDACHHOF

Voyage

Part Two

Breath of a House

BREITREITER

Hunger

HYACINTH

OLGA

THE GLEANERS

THE TAFELMEIERS

FATHER’S GARDEN

Grandfather’s Extravagances

Screaming from on High

Anita’s Love

More on the Königs

HAPPY DAY

Coffee and Elegance

UNCLE ERWIN

ANTON

Sepp—A True Fairy Tale

Bavarian Blues

Jitterbug

Secrets

NEGROES

HOT CIGAR

Heaven and Hell

The Taste of Salt

SAUSAGES

PRIVILEGE

HORSEFLIES

I Bit My Tongue

THE TOAD

Intelligence and Tenderness

SCENT

MY GARDEN

VIIP

Step rrRight Up

God

KRAMPUS

VICAR MOSER

ORANGES

Goddesses

ESTHER AND GITTA

A Parcel of Land

Part Three

Espionage

Tales of Parting

Predictions

A Long Walk

THE BARITONE

BELLS

Acknowledgments

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For Adi and Fritz

For my grandchildren

.....

You know well how disgusting I can be when something goes that hard against my grain. Well, my mood stinks, especially when I think of you all alone in our little bed. Oh, Adile, it is dreadful. How long must we go on separated from one another, taking in our love only in little doses? Be glad you are sitting in H. Rumor has it that life in the big cities is less than delightful in every respect.

Now for some glad tidings: starting April 1st, reserve officers are to draw the pay appropriate to our rank, in my case about 450. Now if the estates just go on paying my salary (500)—and I assume they will—then please order coal for the winter, and given the auspicious financial constellation you can keep the nanny as long as you like. I will also “organize” a “Viennese” summer dress for you after Easter. The latest models are rolling in. I will push aside your leftover shopping inhibitions from 1939, because I want you young and pretty and fresh and slender (so I do not get any silly ideas!). This does not mean we have to become spendthrifts; we want to set something aside even so. I am delighted about this financial change. Did I not show a good nose for money when I refused public support? This purely private and voluntary income is no one’s business, off the books. All in all it is just a fair solution, since we reserve uncles in professional life were badly damaged; everyone complained they would not be able to make ends meet. Now all that should come to an end. But say nothing to anyone. The envy is too great. Are you happy about all this?

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