Sonnenschein Für Immer

I joined friends in the Schwetzingen gardens for a picnic today. After munching, I wandered around, using my camera's macro mode (which I only just discovered--good reason to read instructions when the camera arrives in the mail). Shot lots of closeups of flowers and other autumn-looking vegetation. Just can't believe I waited all this time to figure out a few buttons on my camera. You'd think the tulip symbol on top of the dial might have given me a small clue...

At Least It's Not The Plague

I'm the designated "nurse" today--Anna caught a flu bug or something, and keeps a stainless steel bowl ready beside the couch for her next stomach upheaval. No fun, for her. I have to make sure the dog doesn't jump on her in his exuberance. He doesn't seem to understand the concept of sickness or being quiet.

Today, I remembered what Mom used to do when I was sick. She'd toast a piece of white bread, butter it, and float it in warm milk. Then she served me "milk toast," guaranteed to warm the body and spirit.

Wonder if that's where the phrase "milque-toast" originated. Must google it. Hmmm...this sounds like the same dish, but not with such fond memories.

Think About It

Last week, we had visitors from Oregon--Ashley, who lived up the cul-de-sac from us in Aloha, and her friend Andrea. Fun times. I showed them around Heidelberg and they washed clothes in between outings. Ashley and Andrea had just come from Italy and kept saying va bene (it goes well). After two days here, they boarded the train for Paris.

I love it when friends visit. So, I wanted to extend an invitation to any readers: if you visit Germany while I'm living here, email me. I'll pick you up at the Heidelberg train station or Frankfurt airport and give you the tour! And if we have room, you can stay a few nights at our house. Just think about it.

Thoughts On Hebrews Eleven

I've been mulling over Hebrews 11 lately. Recently, I submitted a poetry collection entitled "A Stranger On Earth" to a children's publishing house and I'm waiting for their reply. The poems are about the country of Burundi and its people, and about my experiences growing up there. Here's where the title of my collection comes from:

11By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
--Hebrews 11: 11-14

I think part of the reason this passage speaks so strongly to me is due to my upbringing as a "Third Culture Kid." Home is important to me--but where's my real home? In Africa, where I spent most of my first ten years, a year in high school, and a summer in college ? Or in Oregon, where we moved next? It took quite a long time (into my thirties) for me to begin to feel truly American. At the core, I was still a mix. Anyway, you get the picture.

Now, we're in Germany, and Oregon feels like home. What a crazy mixed-up world...

More Signs

Once again, I had to post a few signs from around Germany. I particularly like the one below:
which leads me to ask, are you a "friend of weasels" too?

My Saturday Entertainment

I took part in my first Volksmarch on Saturday -- we started in Heidelberg, walking 10 kilometers up into the hills above the city and then back down. Quite an idyllic view up top. Reminded me of Switzerland, with cows grazing and green pastures.

I also made a sidetrip into the World War One cemetery (with Kelly, who likes taking pictures too). Sobering, seeing the names engraved on grave markers. So many fallen soldiers, so many stone crosses.

After the Volksmarch, I claimed my prize for finishing: a large beer stein with a picture of Heidelberg's Königstuhl. I enjoy a few sips of beer, but that's all. Guess I'll have to use it for Orangina ... I know, sacrilege for those true beer fans.

Around Town

What do you think of this sign?

I'm not so sure I'd want my children watching "Cinderella Meets Dirty Old Drunk Guy..."

Maybe I missed something in translation.

In Alsace

David flew out yesterday to return to college -- before he left, we took a whirlwind trip to Colmar, France.

Stayed overnight at Chez Leslie, a bed & breakfast within walking distance of the old town.



















After breakfasting on the best croissants in town, we cycled through cornfields and vineyards to the tiny town of Eguisheim. As we passed one farmyard, a little white mutt with a distinct resemblance to Snowy chased David, nipping at his heels and spurring him to cycle even faster.

That afternoon, we took in the Musee d'Unterlinden: spent a long time pondering the Isenheim Altarpiece and moved on to Picasso afterwards.

A Few Snaps

A few snapshots of my time in Oregon for Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary -- this first picture shows our folks with Beth, Dan, myself, and Susan -- the four siblings.

All the cousins (except for David & Anna, back in Germany). My oldest daughter, Danielle, stands top left. Then, moving clockwise, Aaron, Josiah, Gabrielle, Andrew, Hannah, Benjamin, and Austin. A great group, and I'd still say that if I weren't the "auntie."

Bubble Tea Recipes

JW asked for bubble tea recipes -- here are a few:

* Bubble tea history and recipe -- "The drink originally started as a childhood treat in Taiwan in the late 1980's at small tea stands in front of the schoolhouses."

* Another bubble tea recipe

I've never tried to make my own bubble tea, but it doesn't look too hard. Just need to hunt down a store that sells large tapioca pearls...they must be sold somewhere in Germany.