My name is Heidemarie Stephan and I was born on 17 Janury 1941 in Ulm, which is the city with the highest church steeple of the world. It is embraced by three rivers, Danube, Iller and Blau. I still remember the sand box in the yard of our apartment house, where I used to play with two other children my age.

I spent my childhood and adolescence in Ulm, fled from the bombed-out city to small Bavarian village in the south and then went back to New Ulm, where I attended school. During summertime I could often be found on the river banks or the public pools at the Danube. I spent my winters tobogganing and skiing down the slopes at the edge of the city on wooden skis. I went to vocational college in Stuttgart to train for my job as an administrative official.

Later I graduated, earning the equivalent of a master's in public administration. I worked for a leading telecommunication company as a human resources coordinator. I also directed a telecommunications call center and did finances and controlling. During my professional career, I enjoyed interesting contacts with French and British partner companies and frequently participated in an exchange of business leaders with Caen, Normandy.

What's more I did volunteer legal work as a jury member in several courts and served in different positions as a union official.

Having become aware of "ODE" while working together ZAWiW, a university affiliated study program, I welcomed this opportunity to expand my own horizons as a senior citizen and to foster European contacts, even friendships. This made me want to become a member of "Vile," as well. while working together ZAWiW, a university affiliated study program, I welcomed this opportunity to expand my own horizons as a senior citizen and to foster European contacts, even friendships. This made me want to become a member of "Vile," as well.

Guests are welcome. They should know that we like warm meals at lunchtime and usually have cold suppers with sandwiches in the evening. During our meals we love sitting together and enjoy "Gemütlichkeit" - the comfort of homely German hospitality. Small families though we mostly are, we cherish nice and long conversations anytime over an extended meal with a nice glass of wine.