Exploring

The newlyweds had attended to their parental duty. They now paused at the doorway of the master suite.

"Just think, Georg. It hasn't been even two weeks since you found me and look where we are."

"I know, Maria. It is hard to comprehend. Right now it's our special time."

Georg closed the door. Maria smiled as Georg began to undo the buttons of her dress. She did the same to the buttons of his shirt. Their kisses were passionate and led to so much more; afterwards they sleep soundly.

In the morning, they were awakened by Sidney's voice.

"Children, you can go downstairs with me. I'm sure Katia has breakfast beverages ready for us."

"Maria, I knew they would be awake before the sun had barely risen."

"They must be anxious to explore our neighborhood. I suppose we should get dressed and join them."

Reluctantly, the newly married couple did get dressed and joined everyone downstairs. In the kitchen, Katia was frying bacon and Isabel was making a batter for pancakes. Liesl and Louisa were setting the dining room table. Brigitta was reading to Marta and Gretl. The men had taken their coffee outside to ponder how best to use the garden space. Maria and Georg joined them with their cup of coffee.

"What are you men contemplating?"

"After we explore the neighborhood, Phillip and I need to pick the ripe peaches before they drop off the tree and begin to rot. Maybe Katia can make peach pie with the ripest ones."

Just then they heard her voice. "Breakfast is ready."

After everyone took their places around the table, Sidney once again offered the blessing. And Maria noticed the children began to eat as soon as they said Amen.

"Are you children in a hurry this morning? I can't remember ever seeing you eat so quickly and silently."

"Mother, we're in a hurry to go exploring."

"And what are you so anxious to find Kurt?"

"I want to be sure there's a place to buy more food. I wouldn't want Katia to run out of food to cook."

"I see." Said his father as he and Maria could hardly contain their giggles. Georg continued. "I suppose everyone has a place the wish to find."

"Yes, Father. Louisa and I want to look at American clothes."

"I'm sure we will find clothes stores. What else children?"

"I want to know if there's a library nearby."

"Why doesn't that surprise me, Brigitta." She smiled at her mother.

"Friedrich, are looking for something special?"

"Oh yes Father, I am. I want to find a school where I can continue all my science subjects."

Maria answered him. "I'm sure there is a school nearby for all of you?"

"Are me and Gretl going to attend a real school too?"

"Do you want to attend a real school?"

"I think so Father. I want to make new friends and I'm sure Gretl does too." She nodded.

"You know it pleases me and your mother that you want to go to school. As soon as the dishes are washed and put away, we can head out to start looking for all those things you spoke about."

The older girls helped with the dishes. Soon everyone was standing near the front door, eager to leave.

"Sidney, why don't you take the lead? You have a good sense of direction."

"All right, let's begin by walking away from the Academy down this street with all the houses on it."

After passing many homes, Katia spoke. "There must be a place where all these families shop. It can't be very far away. Let's keep walking."

Sidney may have been in the lead but Louisa and Kurt were both slightly ahead of him. Georg and Maria were slowed by the little girls. Neither heard Louisa. She and Kurt were at an intersection.

"Uncle Sidney, we found all the shops. Come see."

Sidney didn't run but his big steps had him to where they were standing in a matter of seconds. Kurt was looking up at a rather large building. He was studying the sign on the front of it, which was: Safeway Grocery Store

Although he spoke English, he didn't read English very well. He asked his uncle if he knew the meaning of the word grocery which he pronounced as best he could.

Sidney admitted he didn't know either. By now Georg and all the others were standing there too. Georg had no answer for Kurt either. "Sidney, the only way to know what's inside is to go in."

Everyone watched them enter. Immediately they were greeted. "Welcome to Safeway where shopping for food has been made easy. It's the first store of its kind in all of Maryland. Everything you need to feed your family is all under one roof."

The gentleman paused; then added. "Did the lady of the house come with you?"

"Yes, my wife, our cook and our housekeeper along with my seven children and three other men who work for me are all waiting outside."

"Then please go out and invited all of them inside."

Georg spoke to everyone. "This is where we buy our food. The manager has invited everyone to come inside and have a look around."

Once everyone was there, the manager introduced himself. "I'm Charlie Madison the store's manager. Are you sir the new professor at the Academy?

"Yes, I'm Captain von Trapp and with me is another new professor for the school, Captain Sidney Shriver."

"Welcome to you both. I'm sure by now your cook has fixed a meal at your home."

"I'm the cook sir; I was so surprised to find the kitchen stocked with food."

"The Admiral asked me to stock it for you; he told me you would be arriving in America after a rather long journey."

"I'll ask Georg to thank him personally but I offer you my sincere thanks. The family thanks you too."

"You're very welcome. Now let me show you around. When you come in the store, you will probably need to use a cart with wheels for all your purchases. This is a new concept store. You select what you want to purchase right from the shelves."

He heard Katia tell Isabel. "I can't believe how many foods are already packaged; this is so different from Austria."

"I see. There's also an abundance of everything."

Charlie responded this way. "This country had shortages too, during the Great Depression. The people have worked really hard to now have an abundance of most things."

Their walk around the store took them by a bakery, a produce department and a butcher shop. They were now back at the front door.

Charlie told them one more thing. "If you have only a few things to buy, you can use the cart to take them home: just bring it back the next time you come. If you have a large order, we can deliver it free of charge."

Georg extended his hand. They two men shook hands. "Thank you for your time. Are there clothing stores on this street?"

"Yes, as well as a hardware store; the library is near the end of the street where you will also find the elementary school and high school."

"Thank you, we'll head in that direction now."."

Charlie watched them walk away, thinking. What a lovely group of people, they really are a family.

The men didn't enter the hardware store nor did the family enter any of the clothes stores. There were separate stores for men, women and children. They did pause and look at the window displays.

"Mother, the dresses are rather plain and simple."

"Maybe that occurred during the depression, Liesl and fabric was limited. Later we can come back and purchase them. I know it's important to wear what others wear; you don't want to stand out. Maybe in time, you can wear one of your Austrian dresses and teach everyone about the Austrian people. Maybe even sing Edelweiss for them."

"That's a wonderful idea, Mother."

The group continued their walk; this time Brigitta was in the lead. Suddenly, she stopped and exclaimed. "Mother, I found our schools and the library."

In front of her were three very large buildings, all constructed of red brick. One was the library and the other two were identified, with a name of a person, as the elementary school and the high school.

Everyone hurried there. And Georg noticed his children were quiet. He knew their size frightened them.

"I know they're very large buildings. I'm sure they are very warm and accommodating schools. You don't judge a book by its cover; you shouldn't judge a school by its size."

"Your father's right. We'll visit them both days before the school year begins. I'm disappointed there isn't a church in this area. I was so hoping one would be within walking distance of our home."

"Maybe we should investigate the chapel at the academy."

"Yes, we should."

"Sidney, please lead us back to the academy."

"Alright, we need to do an about face."

The group turned around and Sidney walked to the front of the line. They walked past all the shops and the houses. And very soon they were entering the grounds of the Academy. Everyone saw the sign with the arrow.

Chapel
Statute of John Paul Jones
Crypt of John Paul Jones

"Father, who is John Paul Jones?"

"Brigitta, I don't know."

"And what is a crypt?"

"It's where someone is buried, Friedrich. This person must be famous; maybe for something related to the navy. Let's walk the way the arrow is pointing."

This group was all alone on the path walking towards the chapel. Although the midshipmen were gone, a guard always stood outside the chapel. He was watching them approach.

He saw them stop suddenly and heard. "Georg, this is huge. I was hoping for a chapel like the one at the Abbey."

"Maybe that guard could help us."

They walked towards him. As soon as they were close, he asked them.

"Are you visitors to Annapolis?"

"No sir, I'm Captain von Trapp. I'm a recent addition to your faculty. We're living in military housing just outside of the entrance to the academy. My wife and I need to find a church for the family."

"You've come to the right place. I know the building looks intimidating but inside there is a smaller chapel. Allow me to show you."

"Thank you, my family is also interested in knowing about John Paul Jones."

"Follow me, please."

The group with Georg and Maria in the lead soon encountered a massive structure just inside the door of the chapel. All of them stopped and stared at it.

"Under this monument is the body of John Paul Jones. He was a French hero who helped the United States during its revolutionary war with Great Britain. His body was found and relocated here. He is considered the founder of our navy. The monument itself was built from twenty-one tons of black and white marble. The receptacle which normally contains the body is supported by bronze dolphins and is embellished with garlands of bronze sea plants."

He paused for a moment. The group had continued to stare at the structure.

"I see the same looks from everyone when they first see it. It is quite unusual. The children will learn all about him in school. And may make a field trip here and go see the actual crypt underneath this structure where his body lies and there is memorabilia about his life,

"Sounds spooky, Mother."

"I agree, Marta. Maybe the trip is only for your older brother and sisters."

The guard led them into the main chapel; which was very large. The guard explained. "This worship space is used by the midshipmen. The midshipmen are of many faiths but the academy recognizes they all pray to the same God. Their chapel services are always ecumenical.

"Let me show you the St. Andrew Chapel which is shared by different faith communities."

The guard led them to a chapel in the basement. Maria exclaimed. "This is perfect, Georg. There are even small stained glass windows."

"Sir, when are Sunday Mass times?"

"Remember, you're always welcome to join the midshipmen at the nine o'clock Mass in the main church. The Mass time for the chapel is ten thirty on Sunday. Father Gabe says daily Mass there at seven-thirty each morning."

"Georg, I really like it. I think we should all come this Sunday at ten thirty."

"We will Maria."

The guard smiled. He knew very well Maria wasn't the mother of the children but he saw a family. He saw the love which was mutual between Maria and the children as well as the love she and the captain had.

The guard led them back to the front entrance where he watched them walk away. Again he smiled as Maria hooked her arm under her husband's and heard the children chatter about the church.

The morning had passed. They went home where Katia and Isabel prepared lunch. The couple spent the remainder of the day playing with the children.

Over the next few days everyone would make at least one trip back the stores. First was Katia and Isabel; Franz accompanied them back to the grocery store. The main item they needed was milk; seven children consumed a lot of it every day.

Next it was Brigitta who asked to go to the library. Georg and Maria took her and the other six there. They were first given library cards and then the librarian showed them where to find books appropriate for their ages. Maria was proud that each left with at least two books.

Stefan and Phillip went back to the hardware store which also sold seeds. They purchased seeds for salad greens. Later Louisa, Friedrich and Kurt would help prepare the soil and learn how to plant the seeds.

The last trip that week was for Georg. He had assessed his suits; he felt they looked too Austrian. He and Maria made that trip alone. At the men's store, a very knowledgeable clerk helped him find suits which were like those which many of the professors had recently bought. Georg left the store carrying his two suits; which were on their hangers and had been covered with a large white paper bag covering. Maria had his two new shirts and ties in another bag.

On the way home she asked. "Are you at all apprehensive?"

"Not really, I'm sure Sidney and I will have several days to look over the curriculum and prepare our lesson plans. I gave a few lectures at one of the universities in Vienna. I'm sure these men will be very attentive; it's a real privilege to attend the Academy."

Upon entering the house, they immediately walked upstairs to their room to hang Georg's suits in the closet. Maria would ask Isabel later to help her press the wrinkles out of his shirts. Then they sought out the children who were eager to have them play with them.

Sunday had arrived. Everyone was anxious to attend the church service. By ten o'clock they were leaving the house. As they entered the grounds of the Academy, several other families could be seen on the path ahead.

Everyone entered the main church; they took a set of stairs to the basement. The choir was completing their practice session. Soon the organist began the prelude. Everyone entered quietly.

The pews weren't very long. This family of fourteen filled three of them. Maria and Georg sat on the end of one which included Brigitta and the two little girls. Everyone else sat behind them.

They watched the altar boys light the candles and then heard the entrance hymn begin. As was the custom in the Catholic Church, all the prayers were in Latin. The readings from the Bible were in English as was Father Gabe's homily. After he gave the benediction from the back of the church, he spoke.

"I see we have a lot more worshipers this morning. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. I expect the remainder to be back next Sunday. The midshipmen will have also returned. Our church will be filled with families who have returned with them."

The organist played a recessional hymn as everyone exited. When Father Gabe saw new faces, he asked Georg

"Are you visitors?"

"No sir, I'm a new faculty member. This gracious nation offered me and my family passage out of Austria. You see I was a captain in the Austrio-Hungry Navy. This new German leader already has sympathizers in Austria. One lived in my hometown; I knew he had his sights set on capturing me. All of us are extremely grateful to your government."

"I've heard all this before; it's extremely sad. I find it difficult to believe all the terrible things I am hearing. Who is this beautiful woman with you?"

"Please meet my wife, Maria. We married while we were in Switzerland. I'd been a widower for almost four years. In time Maria and I would like to have our marriage blessed."

"I'd be more than happy to." He now spoke loud enough for all the others to hear. "Welcome to St Andrew Chapel. Please tell me your names as you leave."

As they were the last to leave, Father Gabe spoke to each and every one. He couldn't help but notice what everyone notices; this was a real family. He knew there weren't any stepmother issues. He heard them as they joyfully walked away.

They went home to spend the last full day with their father. Tomorrow was the day Georg and Sidney would begin their roles as professors.

Georg was up bright and early in the morning. He dressed in one of his new suits. "My, aren't you a handsome professor. It's a good thing you're going to be around men all day, otherwise I might have cause to worry."

"Even if that wasn't true; you would have no cause for worry. I sometimes feel my heart might explode with all the love I feel for you."

"Mine feels the same, darling. We better go eat breakfast."

"We have time. Our escort won't be here until nine o'clock."

The children oohed and aahed over his suit. They all stood on the porch and watched Georg and Sidney walk away with their escort, Lieutenant Kelly.

Over the next couple of days, Maria and Isabel were busy making sure they each had an outfit to wear on the first day of school. As Maria had told Liesl, they returned to the clothes shop to purchase an American dress to wear on the first day.

On Thursday, Franz walked with them to their schools. Maria and Isabel found that the process of enrolling them in school was simple. And that afternoon Maria received the first piece of mail delivered to the house.

Franz recognized the name on the return address. He hurried to find her. She was sitting by a big window letting down the hem in one of Louisa's favorite dresses.

She looked up when she heard footsteps. "You have a letter, Maria."

She immediately stood. "Who from?"

"The Kellers, and it has a US postmark."

"Does it really?"

"Here, see for yourself."

Maria barely looked at it; she was in a hurry to read it. She scanned it when she took it from the envelope.

"Franz, they really are here in America. They're on a farm in New Jersey. They were given Visas to join a group of other Europeans who came there after the Great War. I can't wait to tell Georg."

"That's wonderful news. Now we need to hear from Max."

"Yes, we do."

Georg was equally as excited and suggested that Maria write to them and invite them to visit before school started. Their schools didn't begin until after a long three day weekend which celebrated a holiday which was new to everyone. It was called Labor Day. They would learn it celebrated all the workers who had made America great.

Maria did write to them and included their telephone number. It was two days later when Franz heard their phone ring and hurried to answer it.

"Yes Harold, I tell Georg and Maria to expect you on Saturday."

And then he hurried to find Maria. And Maria told the children.

"Now you'll be able to meet the family I helped for a few weeks. I know you will enjoy the children."

They were now equally excited for Saturday to arrive. Liesl, Louisa and Maria helped Isabel prepare bedrooms for them.

Maria expected Harold to leave their farm early in the morning. She remembered from their trip to Annapolis that southern New Jersey wasn't very far away. And so when they arrived in the middle of the morning, she had everyone outside to greet them.

The children Sarah, Rebecca, Joseph and Michael ran off with the von Trapp children to play in their large backyard. The adults were left to talk together. They sat on the porch to do so.

After Georg had told Harold and Claire about their travel on their cruise ship, Harold told their story.

"We traveled on the SS Normandie. We had battleship escorts; first it was British vessels. Halfway across the Atlantic Ocean the US Navy began to supply our escort. It was very crowded but we were able to entertain the children by playing games with them and watching movies.

"We had to give away our animals, including our cat and her kittens. The children were not happy. I had told them I was almost certain there would be dogs and cats on our new farm."

"I'm sure they're no longer sad."

"You're right, Maria. This farm not only had kittens; it also had puppies."

"Gretl had her opportunity to see kittens and pet one when we were in Chur."

"Maria, Georg, you both look like married life agrees with you."

"It does, Claire. We recently had our marriage blessed by our priest. He even acknowledged how much our love shows."

"Why don't we go inside and I'll show you the house."

"And Harold, I'll show you the land we have."

These two families had a wonderful weekend. Georg hoped they could one day visit their farm.

For the first week, Isabel and Maria walked with the children to their schools. They soon found it wasn't necessary. They would walk with them to the intersection of the street with their schools at the end. They were joined by many other children.

They had found their schools to be warm and accommodating as their father had told them they would be. And all of them made friends who would come to their house on Saturdays to play in their large backyard.

At the end of the first six weeks of school, they each received high marks on their report cards. Maria and Georg were extremely pleased.